My Chains Are Gone!: His Mercy Reigns

By Christianne Ashton Henderson

My Chains Are Gone is a book about the author's fall and how many of Chris Tomlin's songs helped her remain close to the Lord during the crisis, maintaining her faith and trusting in His healing power.

• Language: English
• Publisher: URLink Print & Media, LLC
• Release date: Jul 19, 2022
• ISBN: 9781684862214

Christianne Ashton Henderson

Christianne Henderson was a special education specialist, having served more than thirty years in Montgomery Public Schools. She was the principal of a special school for students who have severe disabilities and are medically fragile. In February, 2007, Christianne was awarded the Alpha Brown CEC award as Special Educator for the state of Alabama. Her heart is dedicated to the special students.She and her husband, Lester, Jr., were married for 58 years before he went home to the Lord. They have four children and eight grandchildren. She is an active member of their church, St. James Church, Alabama. She has been working with Celebrate Recovery for 14 years and continues to work with communion. She has been writing spiritual poetry for several years and has begun writing devotional material in response to the Lord's calling.

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Title Page

My Chains are Gone!

Copyright © 2022 by Christianne Ashton Henderson. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any way by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the author except as provided by USA copyright law.

The opinions expressed by the author are not necessarily those of URLink Print and Media.

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Published in the United States of America

Library of Congress Control Number: 2022912552

ISBN 978-1-68486-220-7 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-68486-221-4 (Digital)

24.05.22

DEDICATION

My Chains Are Gone! His Mercy Reigns is lovingly dedicated to Chris Tomlin, whose inspiring contemporary Christian songs have deeply touched my heart and soul, and kept me from abandoning my faith and my love of Jesus Christ during a very traumatic time in my life. I had been singing " Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) " almost every minute for a week before an accident that caused a serious problem for me. The words, the music, the worshipful voice led me to depend on my Father and not give up during my crisis. I encourage all Christians (and those who are non-believers, too) to listen to the songs and worship our Lord and Savior as we live each moment of our lives.

Each song has a special message that brings us closer to Jesus and helps us understand His Word and His plans for each of our lives. Simply hearing, reading, memorizing, singing, or meditating on His Word does not change us in and of itself. The secret to change is our obedience to His word. Living our lives according to the model that He has given each of us will not only bless us, but we will able to bless others. Chris Tomlin is a prime example of a Christian who is an example for all of us. Let us allow God’s amazing grace to work in us! Living the songs in this book and His words will lead us to become real Christians and help us lead others to Christ.

My Chains Are Gone! His Mercy Reigns is also dedicated to our wonderful pastors at St. James Church in Montgomery, Alabama: Walter Albritton, Allen Newton, Browning Wood and our former Pastor of Worship and Design, Vaughn Stafford. I want to thank my husband, Lester Henderson, for his love and support for our fifty-eight years together. We really enjoyed our trip to Israel in 2012. I also want to dedicate My Chains Are Gone! His Mercy Reigns to the wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ with whom we traveled to Israel. Thank you: Vaughn Stafford, Ray and Pamela Pruitt, Leigh Ann and Russ Phipps, Gary and Kimberly King, and Madison Fail for your loving care and friendship as we came closer to Jesus.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues it— not forgetting what they heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. (James 1:22–25)

CONTENTS

Preface

Chapter 1: God’s Grace

Chapter 2: Mercy

Chapter 3: Hope and Healing

Chapter 4: Faith

Chapter 5: Prayer

Chapter 6: His Holy Land

Chapter 7: Jesus’ Crucifixion and Resurrection

Chapter 8: Serving

Chapter 9: The End

Footnotes

PREFACE

Praise the Lord. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to please Him. (Psalms 147:1)

The inspiration for My Chains Are Gone! His Mercy Reigns is a strong contemporary Christian song entitled Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone). This Chris Tomlin song inspired me as I sang it in my mind before, during, and after a serious accident. The wonderful words and the spiritually moving voice helped me to remarkably maintain my faith in our Lord and Savior. I was able to receive His mercy and grace, worshiping and praising Him during my time of trials, so that I did not give up.

Continuing to praise our Father with even more songs, I have increased my communication and relationship with Him, also increasing my daily praise to Him. My growth continues every day as I hear the wonderful songs I have loved for years and the new songs that touch my heart every day. Walking through His Holy Land almost immediately as my recovery began and being inspired to live the rest of my life focused on Him also made a serious impact on my daily praising the Lord.

The songs quoted in each chapter are words that comfort and encourage us, helping us to worship and praise Him and not wander from His grace. The words of Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) also help us recognize His grace and prevent our denying it. This book could be called a book of psalms (many verses are quoted in each chapter), based on contemporary worship songs, primarily those sung by Chris Tomlin. They greatly inspired me during my problem with my back and continued to do so as I recovered and trusted in the Lord. Every song led me closer to Jesus than I had been in a long time and continues to encourage me to truly try to follow the amazing words of the songs in my daily life. In many quotations, repetition of verses and choruses are not included once they are presented. It is wonderful to hear the verses over again, but space is a problem in the book.

I am enthralled and inspired by the songs that Chris Tomlin sings, and I also quote a few songs by others that speak to me. As I began to listen to contemporary worship songs, I did not even notice who was singing. I listened to the music on the television contemporary Christian channel, CDs, at church, and on the radio. When I became attentive to the particular songs that I loved, I realized that Chris Tomlin sang the majority of them. The songs allowed me to worship our Father simply by listening, singing out loud, singing them in my mind, or meditating on the words. They definitely helped me through my trials and pains, because I was able to worship the Lord with the songs and be lifted up.

I do not own any of the songs or the words of the songs, and I sincerely hope that I have quoted the words accurately. I definitely wrote them because they speak to my soul, following the words of the Chris Tomlin songs in the CD sleeves and quotations on Youtube. The words I have quoted like poems are actually words that I believe I would want to speak or write when communicating with our Father. When I journal, I write many poems based on the scripture I am reading at the moment. Many of the poems are related to things about which I am concerned or am dealing with in the world today. I have actually started a book of poems about my walk with Jesus and want to complete it as soon as possible. It is awesome and astounding to me that I also hear or read the exact words that I know God is speaking to me to comfort and lift me up. Whatever my needs and problems might be, a song arises that speaks exactly what I need to hear to encourage me and help me through the difficulties.

Focusing on God almost every moment of the day, verbally, silently, in all things that we do, definitely increases our intimate relationship with Him. I am reminded that He is always with us, and He knows what is going on with us at all times. The songs I have quoted, to which I listen and sing every day, remind me of what Paul said to the Philippians in Philippians 4:8: Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. If we are able to do this, the result is, And the God of peace will be with you (Philippians 4:9). These verses from the Bible, like the verses from the songs, help me to stay focused. Again, singing, whistling, or repeating in my mind and heart the words of the songs keep me going through each day, every day, even during the recovery from my problem. I know that I can keep going because of these words: I can do everything through Him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13). Amen!

The words in the Chris Tomlin songs are definitely spiritually based. In most songs we will recognize or be led to the scriptures that inspire the words and tunes. I am very impressed by how many songs Chris Tomlin has written. You can hear his belief, praise, and worship in his voice in all of his songs. We can actually hear him speaking to our Lord and Savior, thanking God in reality, worshiping Him in a wonderful voice, praising Him, and celebrating what He has done for us. Verses and tunes are a serious message from our Father and to our Father.

The introductory music, accompanying music, and wrap-up music also give us a true picture of the message that is being sung. It is wonderful to be able to recognize the song at the beginning of each one, worshiping our Father by listening to the music, and preparing to worship Him with the words. It certainly inspires us to hear the purpose of the song and enjoy it even more. The closure of each song helps me to continue to meditate on the message of the song and keep it in my mind and my heart. Hearing Chris Tomlin closing songs by singing with little instrumental music and a worshipful voice is the most inspiring moment in many songs. I can sing the words of every Chris Tomlin song without assistance because I have listened to them repeatedly. I also know the exact tone of each note. I can sing it even with my poor voice and not miss a note. I can also sing the beginning, the word music, and the final music, knowing exactly how it sounds; for example, the music at the end of I Will Rise, right before Chris Tomlin finishes the beautiful song in an extremely inspiring voice, I will rise when He calls my name, no more sorrow no more pain.

It is a joy for me to listen to the songs with accompanying lyrics and great videos on YouTube and on the Internet. And it is even more joyful when I see the videos of Chris Tomlin actually singing. His facial expressions definitely match the worshipful word and tones, revealing his wonderful closeness to God our Father and the sincerity of each song. The videos from Passion 2013 and Burning Lights are very exciting and worshipful! The songs that I quote are the words that have touched my heart and soul. My greatest desire is that many readers will see the words of the songs, meditate on them, and come closer and closer to our Jesus Christ, reaching for the music that helps us maintain our faith and our peace.

And the songs that are more excited also bring a clear message to me about Chris Tomlin’s belief and his call to others. I am really cheered up and become thankful for our Father when I hear these songs. The words that are quoted in the final chapter of this book will bring us peace and encouragement to expect and await the return of Jesus Christ to our world. These songs have walked me through preparations that I definitely needed and continue to need for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. I hope that the words will inspire others to look at their lives and follow Him now and to eternal life.

The music, the words, and the voices sustain our beliefs in our Savior and show how great He is and how much He loves us. Communicating with our Father with these songs turns me away from the things of the world and helps me focus on Him. Each song, as I said earlier, is always what I need to hear. I am literally inspired and encouraged by the words and the tunes of every contemporary Christian song, but especially the ones that Chris Tomlin sings. All of the songs continue to keep me focused on Jesus when things are going well and when I am in the miry pit.

The words amazing, grace, reign, mercy, love, great, awesome, faithful, glorious, king, ransomed, chains, freedom, forever, and others that help us to know Him, look for Him, worship Him, and serve Him, appear in many of the songs Chris Tomlin has written. Praising our Lord with these songs confirmed my faith and helped me depend on Him and accept His grace and mercy in the traumatic time of my life. One song really inspires me to continue to worship and praise God with songs. Chris Tomlin sings How Can I Keep From Singing to my heart and to my soul. These words are very encouraging and inspire me to always worship our Father:

"There is an endless song, echoes in my soul,

I hear the music ring. And though the storms may come, I am holding on, to the rock I cling.

How can I keep from singing Your praise?

How can I ever say enough? How amazing is Your love.

How can I keep from shouting Your name?

I know I am loved by the King,

And it makes my heart want to sing."

Yes, the music that praises our Father absolutely echoes in my soul. The words continue to comfort me. Knowing that God loves us at all times in our lives makes my heart want to sing. We all need to think about His amazing love at all times! The words of the next verse of this song will really open our hearts:

"I will lift my eyes in the darkest night, for I know my Savior lives.

And I will walk with You, knowing You’ll see me through, And sing the songs You give.

How can I keep from singing Your praise?

How can I ever say enough? How amazing is Your love.

How can I keep from shouting Your name?

I know I am loved by the king and it makes my heart want to sing."

We may never have thought about the songs that You give, but I am seriously certain that the songs that touch our hearts, the songs that are quoted in this book, are songs that come from our Father. The words and the music are prepared by Him and inspire our musicians and singers to give us His message. It is awesome to me to know that He will walk with us, see us through all of our problems, and that we will be singing the songs that He gives through His inspiration!

"I can sing in the troubled times, sing when I win.

I can sing when I lose my step, and fall down again.

I can sing ’cause You pick me up, sing ’cause You’re there.

I can sing ’cause You hear me, Lord, when I call to You in prayer.

How can I keep from singing Your praise?

How can I ever say enough? How amazing is Your love.

How can I keep from shouting Your name?

I know I am loved by the King and it makes my heart want to sing."

Yes, we can sing when we are winning and when we are losing. I am very exhilarated by these words. Psalm 145:14 says: The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. Sometimes we need to be reminded and encouraged to know that He is always there and that He hears our prayers. We might think that our prayers are not answered when we expect certain responses at specific times, sometimes confuse the word no with the word wait. But it is important for us to remember that when we call to Him in prayer, He hears us. Always! The last verse will be with us for a long time, until the time comes:

"I can sing with my last breath, sing for I know,

That I’ll sing with the angels and the saints around the throne.

How can keep from singing Your praise? How amazing in Your love.

How can I keep from shouting Your name?

I know I am loved by the King, and it makes my heart want to sing.

I am loved by the King and it makes my heart want to sing."

I hope that I will be singing with my last breath, knowing that our Savior lives and loves us. It is extremely exciting to realize that we will sing with the angels and the saints around the throne. As we sing with our last breath with the angels and the saints, we will be thrilled, knowing that we are going to see the King! Sing, Sing, Sing, another Chris Tomlin song about worshiping the Lord, touched my heart and continues to encourage me to sing praise to Him:

"Sing, sing, sing, and make music with the heavens.

We will sing, sing, sing, grateful that You hear us, When we shout Your praise, lift high the name of Jesus.

What’s not to love about You? Heaven and earth adore You.

Kings and kingdoms bow down.

Son of God, You are the one, You are the one we’re living for.

You are the love that frees us. You are the light that leads us, Like a fire burning, Son of God, You are the one.

You are the one we’re living for."

These words lift Him up in praise, and they also lift us up from the pain and sorrow we might be feeling. The cheerful tune and the worshipful and happy voice remind us that Jesus is our light, our love, and the Son of God. I find that the repetition of these verses really can cheer us up! If we are not singing these words, we can read the verses aloud as a beautiful poem (or psalm) that praises Him. Paul says in Ephesians 5:18-20 Instead be filled with the Spirit, speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We can really worship our Lord when we are listening to or singing this song, and we can feel His Spirit with us during this song.

My Chains Are Gone! His Mercy Reigns is actually the story of how I fell down and hurt my back a week after listening to Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone), and how God graciously healed me as I continued to sing it every day. I write about what I actually experienced (not an autobiography, I hope) during this traumatic time in my life and how I related to each song. Many positive changes happened as I learned more about our Father and His gracious love and mercy. I came closer to Him than I have been in a long time, probably in my lifetime, as I continued to sing the songs every day and read the