U. B. Shackleless!

Whoo!
It sure is hot out here
Ya know?
I don't mind thought
Just glad to be free
Know what I'm saying, uh!

Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance
I just wanna praise you
(What'cha wanna do?)
I just wanna praise you
(Yeah, yeah)
You broke the chains now I can lift my hands
(Uh feel me?)
And I'm gonna praise you
(What'cha gon do?)
I'm gonna praise you

In the corners of mind
I just can't seem to find a reason to believe
That I can break free
Cause you see I have been down for so long
Feel like the hope is gone
But as I lift my hands, I understand
That I should praise you through my circumstance

Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance
I just wanna praise you
I just wanna praise you
You broke the chains now I can lift my hands
And I'm gonna praise you
I'm gonna praise you

Everything that could go wrong
All went wrong at one time
So much pressure fell on me
I thought I was gon lose my mind
But I know you wanna see
If I will hold on through these trials
But I need you to lift this load
Cause I can't take it anymore

Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance
I just wanna praise you
I just wanna praise you
You broke the chains now I can lift my hands
And I'm gonna praise you
I'm gonna praise you

Been through the fire and the rain
Bound in every kind of way
But God has broken every chain
So let me go right now

Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance
I just wanna praise you
I just wanna praise you
You broke the chains now I can lift my hands
And I'm gonna praise you
I'm gonna praise you
[repeat x3]

Take them off
What'cha gonna do, yeah

Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance
I just wanna praise you
I just wanna praise you
You broke the chains now I can lift my hands
And I'm gonna praise you
I'm gonna praise you 

Acts 16:25-26 states:

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. 

During the past week, many people have been relating stories to me about how they feel loaded down with so many cares and concerns recently. As I thought about ALL the distractions as well as all the everyday necessary tasks of life, I thought about Paul and Silas in prison. Both men had been beaten, reviled, falsely accused, imprisoned, and chained for simply casting out an evil spirit out of a young woman. She was set free by the power of the Holy Spirit, and Paul and Silas were "imprisoned" - or so it seemed - by the servants of darkness. Although they were in a miserable physical condition, they were elevated spiritually through their praying and singing of hymns! What a valuable lesson for all of us when we find ourselves overwhelmed, oppressed, and wanting to give up. Take those opportunities to lift your voice in prayer and song and focus on what God has done for you. No matter the situations we find ourselves in, God should be praised and glorified.  

As the week continues, anticipate the corporate gathering together of the church body on Sunday for praise and worship. Prepare yourself NOW by getting prayed up and singing songs of praise and adoration with thanksgiving. Don't wait until Sunday to break free of those shackles that bind you. Be like Paul and Silas - shackleless and free. Then U. B. Shackleless!    

Stay Holy, My Friends,

 

Pastor Don