Caged or free…

A band called ‘We The Kingdom’ sing a song called ‘Cages’. Click here to listen.

Any one of us could be stuck in a cage. It could be a fear of something, an addiction, maybe lies that we’ve believed about ourselves, or other circumstances that make us feel trapped.

Every day the devil seeks to steal, kill and destroy, but Jesus said he came to earth so that we may have life, and have it to the full (found in John 10:10). He is talking about a rich, satisfying life; one of abundance – life in all its fulness. The Greek word is ‘Zoë’ and, according to Google, it means life that is real and genuine, active and vigorous, devoted to God, life that comes directly from God.

One of the lines from the song that I find poignant is “What I wouldn’t give to be known”. We were made for relationship and for community. No matter how introverted we are, or how much of a hermit we can be, I reckon every human being wants to be known, deep down. Not just known though – loved also. 

The type of discipleship groups that we encourage people to try out are life-changing. It’s really powerful to know that people are becoming known and knowing that they are loved too. As the song says, “What if I took my mask off? What if I took a risk?” Of course, this needs to happen with safe people and in appropriate ways, but the risk / step of faith can reap incredible and life-changing rewards.

God doesn’t want us to live in cages, and in Jesus he has given us the keys to live in freedom, to take our lives back so we can live them for him. Why not get in touch with us to find out more about small discipleship groups? Let’s open up the cages and see what God wants to do!

Soul on fire

There are a number of songs that describe what Embers is about, and what we are aiming for when we work with people. We haven’t written any of the songs so we don’t own the copyright, but we’ll mention some of them from time to time and put a link in if you’d like to hear them.

One that I can’t stop listening to at the moment is ‘Soul On Fire’ by Third Day. Click the button below to listen to the song on YouTube.

The lyrics, some of which are below, speak of someone longing for God, not just a vague fancying but a deep desire which is pushing them to run. This isn’t a gently jog, or a slow meander but running, full throttle, for God.

God, I’m running for Your heart
I’m running for Your heart
Till I am a soul on fire
Lord, I’m longing for Your ways
I’m waiting for the day
When I am a soul on fire
Till I am a soul on fire

Lord, let me burn for You again
Let me return to You again
And Lord, let me burn for You again
And let me return to You again

What would I mean for you to be a ‘soul on fire’ for God?

We would love to hear your thoughts, and to help fan that flame in you!