Lately, you can't hardly watch the local news without hearing of another convicted felon being exonerated through new DNA evidence. To date, nineteen men have been cleared of charges and released from prison through this DNA testing. The Dallas District Attorney, Craig Watkins, has been the subject of a great deal of media coverage, including a documentary and talk of a reality show. Watkins is so passionate about this cause that he desires to re-examine every pending death row case through this DNA testing process.

The latest case of a falsely accused man being freed from prison is Johnnie Earl Lindsey, currently age fifty-six. He spent twenty-six years behind bars for a crime he did not commit. He has always maintained his innocence. Last week, he finally walked out a free man. The dramatic news coverage included video of a twenty-seven year old son whom Lindsey had never known. It is mind boggling to consider all that this man has lost and can never regain. He lost being a dad to a little boy, and all the childhood joys of watching your son learn to walk, play ball, and graduate from high school. He lost years of potential and dreams, hopes and aspirations. It is truly amazing--particularly when you read the details of story after story of innocent men whose lives were stolen.

YOU are not unlike them. The Bible is clear in John 10:10 that Satan came to kill, steal, and destroy. He is the expert at falsely accusing you, and he loves to imprison you in the lies. He wants to steal your joy, kill your hopes, and destroy your life. Perhaps you are like Johnnie Earl Lindsey was just a few weeks ago. Maybe you are imprisoned by past pain, locked up in perfectionism, bound by seeking man's approval.

I have good news for you, my friend. Just as Lindsey was freed through the determination of the Dallas D.A.--you, too, have been freed through the determination of your savior. Jesus came to give not just life, but life to the FULL (John 10:10). You sat on death row yourself (or maybe you still do) before you accepted Christ's ultimate sacrifice for your eternal freedom. Yet, even those who walk with Lord wrestle with shackles. But, you see--Christ has DNA evidence that can ultimately and completely free you, and it came through his blood. Isaiah 53:5 says that, "the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed."

Even if you have lost years of your life and experienced estranged relationships--even if your potential has been stalled as you have been bound up--it's never too late. Quit wasting the years of abundant living that the Lord wants to give you. Spend time daily asking him to release you, basking in his presence because "where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom" (2 Corinthians 3:17). TODAY, walk out a free man, start anew, and let your very soul shout out "FREEDOM!"

A year ago, I stepped out on a new journey. It was a time of obedience to God's call...and I was naive and trusting enough to take the plunge. God made it clear that I was to continue to work on a writing project, developing a thirty minute talk into a 10 week Bible study. Easy enough. I dove in enthusiastically.

My game plan was simple. I spent every Sunday afternoon, Tuesday, and Thursday with my Bible, lap top, Bible reference materials, and note pads flung all over my bed. I usually began each session with a rough outline of where I thought I was headed. Just about the time that I began to realize how vast this task was, I also began to realize that every single writing session was an amazing adventure, and God always took me in a direction I'd never fathomed. I began to trust that no matter what I thought I was going to write about, God would supply fresh revelations, and I'd type feverishly. I never could wait to finish and read for myself what on earth I had just been taught.

In hindsight, this was a mountaintop experience. I felt like Moses in the desert, whose face would shine so brightly after being in God's presence that he had to wear a veil. I was deliberate and intentional to clear my schedule and spend time with God. And, my, the impact it had. I experienced profound joy and peace.

When the last Bible study was written and taught, I came down the mountain. I was tired, and thought I needed some rest time. I've found that I miss it... I'm back in a "real" world pattern. I swore I would never again be complacent about my time with Him now that I had been changed so drastically by this marvelous season.... but it didn't take long for life to creep in.

Here I am. Another fall begins. I run at the speed of life. Complacency rules. And, I feel as though someone has hit the dimmer switch. The glow is gone. In its place is self-reliance, and it ain't pretty. I need to find that map to the mountain, and take the long hike up. It takes discipline and persistence... but, oh, the Son shine I will discover there....