182. Colby Harries // Freedom from Shame and Religion

Colby Harries has sought after and walked closely with the Lord since being healed of cancer near the end of his college studies. Colby left his family, their farm operations, and his home state to move to Dallas where he soon met Caroline, his wife of 12 years. While his background is in accounting and he served in the criminal investigation division of law enforcement for 10 years, Colby now serves in full-time ministry in support of Caroline’s leadership of Moms in the Making, and his leading the newly established Dads in the Making. Colby has a passion for seeing people set free from addiction, financial bondage, and empty religious tradition. He loves seeing others find identity in our living, powerful, miracle-working God! He enjoys travel and all kinds of outdoor and fitness activities with his sweetheart.

Tune into this episode to hear more of Colby’s story including how he met Jesus, how he found freedom from shame and religion and more!

Bible Verses:

James 1:2-4 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Revelation 19:10 “At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers and sisters who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For it is the Spirit of prophecy who bears testimony to Jesus.”

Luke 9:62 “Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”

Matthew 6:33 “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Acts 10:34 “Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism”

Isaiah 54:17 “no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me, “declares the Lord.

Topics Discussed:

How Colby Met Jesus

Colby was raised in a Christian home. He met Jesus at a very young age.
Colby gave his life to Jesus and began fully serving Him in his twenties.
After surrendering his life to Jesus, Colby wanted to serve Him, and he began praying for big things.
God answered Colby’s prayers and provided Colby with new job opportunities, a new church, and his amazing wife Caroline!

Meeting the Holy Spirit

Shortly after they got married, Colby and Caroline were diagnosed with infertility.
They needed miracles from God, so they found a new church that was Holy Spirit filled.
Colby was baptized in the Holy Spirit at this new church.
It was their desperation that led them to the Holy Spirit.
Colby and Caroline may have never met the Holy Spirit if they didn’t walk through infertility.

Going From Religion to Relationship

Colby grew up in a Lutheran church very similar to the Catholic church.
In religion, worship was somber, and prayers were memorized and written down. It was not a relational conversation with the Lord.
In religion, time with God was limited to Sunday. In relationship, time with God happens every day.
In religion, only the pastors could partake in communion. In relationship, we take communion individually or as a family to give thanks to the Lord.
Relationship happens when you get into God’s Word and realize how much God loves you and how much He has done for you.
It’s important to read the Word to see what God says about you and realizing your true identity in Christ.
Uproot the lies that you have believed.
Put yourself in a setting where others hunger and passion for more of the Lord (through worship, ministry, prayer, etc.)
You can’t do anything to change God’s love for you.

Freedom from Shame

Jesus took our shame, guilt and sin.
If Jesus took those things, we can’t hold onto it. We have to give it to Him.
Jesus died on the cross so you could be free from shame, guilt and sin. Take time in God’s Word for that truth to sink in!
It’s a process.
God forgave you, now you need to forgive yourself.

Spending Time in God’s Word

It’s a commitment.
Make it the highest and first priority.
God’s Word gives you clarity.
God’s Word is your guide and blueprint for your life.
God’s Word gives you hope no matter the circumstances.
Read God’s Word in order to be obedient, but also with the desire to grow spiritually.

Taking a Leap of Faith

Colby quit his dream job to be obedient to the Lord and go into ministry.
Colby chose to be obedient to the Lord even when it did not make sense in the natural.
Ministry is the highest calling and the greatest work you can do.
You have to get over the fear of man and what other people think.
Having faith that God will equip and provide for this new season of life.
We won’t serve God at a loss. He’ll bless us more.
Colby felt 100% peace about his decision to quit his job.
Colby now leads Dads in the Making.

Encouragement for Men