Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Struggling with Forgiveness?

Forgiveness has been a struggle for me personally. The most significant and more recent one was due to the deep hurt and pain caused by another person. I am sure that I am not the only one who has had some difficulty with forgiveness.

It does not matter whether the other person intentionally caused the hurt or pain. It is still there until it is not. It does not go away immediately as much as you may want it to do so.

In Shakespeare’s production, “The Merchant of Venice”, the character of Shylock asked this question, "If you prick us, do we not bleed?" in Act 3 and Scene 1.

It is the same principle with us.  If someone cut your finger with a knife, does it not bleed and hurt for a little bit?

In God’s word, He talks about different members being different parts of the body of Christ. He tells us that “…if one member of the body of Christ suffers…we all suffer.” (1 Corinthians 12:26)

If someone hurts us, do we not hurt?

Well then, if someone physically shot you in the heart, you would also hurt for awhile. However, the pain would be much more severe and take much more time to heal from the offense.

The perceived wrongdoing also depends on each person…the offender and the defender in this case. Normally, it is only those people closest to us or nearest and dearest to our hearts that can cause deep pain.

Additionally, know that when painful memories come up as they often do, it may take even more time to heal the wound. Say again, someone cut your finger with a knife. If they keep cutting the same place on your finger each time, it will not heal for some time.

The same is true with pain or hurt inflicted by another person. If you are reminded of the offense, then you will not be able to get over it as fast. As long as the painful memories are there, so will be the pain from the infliction.

With that said, healing is a process that takes time. God heals the hurt and the pain in His way and in His timing.

God is the one who forgives us. (Psalm 103:3) He helps us to forgive others just as He does with us.

"...as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us." (Psalm 103:12)

It cannot be done in our own way or in our timing. It is only with Him through His unconditional love, grace, mercy, strength, and power that we are healed from any lasting hurt and pain. We also have to allow Him to work in and through us to help us to forgive and forget the painful offenses against us.

"For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more." (Hebrews 8:12)

When the hurt and pain has gone down deep into your heart, it takes much more time. As I have heard before, ‘time heals all wounds’. That is a true statement. However, a more truthful statement would be that God heals all wounds in His timing. (Job 5:18)

Therefore, give God the time that it takes to help you forgive the person. Also, allow Him the time to heal you from the inside out. With Him, all things are possible! (Matt 19:26) He will help you forgive and forget! He will also help you receive your healing! (1 Peter 2:24) Be patient with yourself and with Him! It is well worth the time!


Copyright 2010 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Choices

Have you ever thought about your choices? God has given us free will to make choices. There are good choices and bad choices, right choices and wrong choices, and life and death choices.

Throughout God's word, our Father instructs us on making choices.

First, our choices begin with our thoughts in our minds. Before making any decisions, please make sure your thoughts line up with His word to you.

"The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace." (Romans 8:6)

Do your thoughts bring you comfort and peace? Does your current decision bring you life? A "life" decision will give you peace. If a decision does not give you peace, then it is the wrong choice for you. It is also considered a "death" decision. It is the exact opposite of a "life" decision. You will not experience peace with a "death" decision. There will be discomfort, unrest, or uneasiness about your decision.

Which choice are you thinking about now? What decision are you getting ready to make soon?

Our Father reminds us that He has "...set before you [us] today life and prosperity, death and destruction." (Deut 30:15)

Even though, our Father has given us free will to make our own decisions. He does want to help us with them. We have to cooperate with Him though.

"For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws..." (Deut 30:16a)

We have to make the decision to love and obey Him. He tells us "...then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land...." (Deut 30:16b)

In His word, our Father often talks about life and death. He says "...that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses." (Deut 30:19a)

He encourages us to, "...choose life, so that you and your children may live..." (Deut 30:19b)

As any earthly Dad wants from their children, our Heavenly Father wants us to love Him. However, that is also a choice.

"...and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and He will give you many years in the land...." (Deut 30:20)

Our Father loves us so much! He only wants the best for us. He wants to help us make the right decisions for our lives, but it is still our choice. However, He does give us these same two choices in every decision every day of our lives.

"This is what the LORD says: See, I am setting before you the way of life and the way of death." (Jeremiah 21:8)

He encourages us to "Choose life and not death!" (2 Kings 18:32)

His word also tells us, "Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to Him as an instrument of righteousness." (Romans 6:13) It is also a choice though.

In addition, our Father wants us to choose to help our brothers and sisters in Christ. Afterall, we each have special gifts from our Father to work together for His purpose. He sometimes gives us wisdom or knowledge to know something in order to lovingly speak the truth to them or forewarn them about something.

“If you see any brother or sister commit a sin that does not lead to death, you should pray and God will give them life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that you should pray about that. All wrongdoing is sin, and there is sin that does not lead to death.” (1 John 5:16-17)

Be on guard at all times for the enemy. (Ephesians 6:11) Be prepared to speak the truth in love to anyone at any time. (Ephesians 4:15) Pray without ceasing for yourself and others. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

With each decision you make, it is either one of life or one of death. Please think and pray about each decision ahead of time. In addition, choose wisely. If you need wisdom to make a decision, our Father will help you. Just ask Him for the wisdom to make the right decision for you. (James 1:5)

Special note:

The most important decision is one for eternity. Choose today whom you will serve whether it is the devil or God. With the prince of darkness, there is physical and spiritual death. (Hebrews 2:14) With God, there is life and peace here and forevermore. (John 3:16, 3:36, 6:33, 17:3; Romans 6:23, 1 John 5:12) Please make the right decision and choose life for yourself. It really is a matter of life and death!



Copyright 2010 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

To Forgive or Not to Forgive...

In Shakespeare's production of Hamlet, the main character Hamlet was struggling with a question about life. He was thinking, pondering, and questioning his own existence after going through a lot. In Act 3 and Scene 1, he began the monologue with this famous line..."To be, or not to be: that is the question..."

However, I believe that ‘To forgive or not to forgive...that is the most truthful question!’ It does not take a lot of consideration to come up with this answer.

When we go to God's word, we find the most truthful answer. Of course, that is to forgive!

"For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." (Matt 6:14-15)

Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." (Luke 7:48)

Just as Jesus chose to forgive the sinful woman of her sins, we are to choose to forgive someone for any perceived wrongdoing against us. At first, you may not feel like forgiving the person. However, as they said in the old Nike commercial, “Just Do It!”

Often, it is a daily choice too especially if the pain went down deep into your heart. Keep choosing to forgive the person. With the Lord’s help, eventually, you will actually feel it as well.

"Who is this who even forgives sins?" (Luke 7:49)

Jesus! He is the only one who can really help us to forgive people. Please allow Him to work in and through you. With His help in time, you will forgive as the Lord has also forgiven you.


Copyright 2010 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Into the Fire: A Short Study

Thousands of years ago, there were four men from Judah named Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. (Daniel 1:6)

“…They were to be trained for three years, and after that they were to enter the king’s service.” (Daniel 1:5)

During their training period, the chief official gave them new names. Daniel became Belteshazzar; Hananiah to Shadrach; Mishael to Meshach; and Azariah to Abednego. (Daniel 1:7)

At the end of that time, the chief official presented them to King Nebuchadnezzar. (Daniel 1:18)

The king spoke with the four men, and he found that they were far superior to other men. Therefore, they entered the king’s service. (Daniel 1:19)

Nebuchadnezzar appointed Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego administrators over the province of Babylon at Daniel's request. However, Daniel remained at the royal court. (Daniel 2:49)

Later, the king learned that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did not pay attention to him when it came to serving other gods or worshiping the golden statue that he had set up. (Daniel 3:12)

Least to say, Nebuchadnezzar was very upset. The king summoned Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and had them brought before him. Nebuchadnezzar asked them if it was true that they did not serve his gods or worship the golden statue that he had set up. (Daniel 3:13-14)

He went on to say, "Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?" (Daniel 3:15)

Has anyone ever challenged you on your belief in God?



Who challenged your belief?



How did you respond to the person?



Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." (Daniel 3:16-18)

If you were thrown into a hot fire, would you be as trusting of God?



Would you continue to serve God even if He did not rescue you from the fire?


Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. The king's command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace. (Daniel 19-23)

Have you ever felt like someone threw you into a blazing furnace?



Who was it?



What was the result of it?


Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, "Weren't there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?"

They replied, "Certainly, O king." (Daniel 3:24)

He said, "Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods." (Daniel 3:25)

Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!" (Daniel 3:26)

So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out of the fire, and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them. (Daniel 3:27)

Often, we too come out unscathed by the fire. However, sometimes, we may not feel like it while going through the actual test.

Then Nebuchadnezzar said, "Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore, I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way." (Daniel 3:28-29)

When we trust in the one and true God, we only experience a minor and temporary circumstance.  Our God also rescues us from the fire.

Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the province of Babylon. (Daniel 3:30)

It is only after we have gone through the fire that we are promoted to a higher level of trust and faith in our Father God.

We, as believers, often go through trials that we do not necessarily like or understand at the time. When we trust our Father and do not rely on our own understanding, He will direct us in His ways onto the right paths for us. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

It is during the fire that our Father God is refining us and making us more in the image of His son, Jesus Christ. The temporary circumstances are transforming us. As our Father says, these momentary light afflictions are nothing in comparison to the eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:17)

In addition, like the three men who went into the blazing furnace, we learn to trust and depend on our Father God and only Him during the fiery times!


Copyright 2010 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Get Out of the Boat!

"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."

"Come," he said. (Matt 14:28-29)

How many times have we done the same thing as Jesus' disciple, Peter? How many times have we asked Jesus to help us? How many times have we, like Peter, been afraid to step out by faith?

"Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus." (Matt 14:29)

After Peter got out of the boat, he was fine as long as he kept his eyes on Jesus!

But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" (Matt 14:30)

Only when he began looking at the natural circumstances did he become fearful and start to sink into the water. In Peter's moment of desperation though, he cried out to the Lord for His help.

Isn't that how it is with us too? We only begin to sink when we look at our natural circumstances. When we take our eyes off Jesus, we begin to sink into fear, discouragement, doubt, unbelief, or depression. Sometimes, it is only during those desperate times in our lives that we cry out to Jesus for His help.

Immediately, Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" (Matt 14:31)

However, just like Peter, Jesus is always there for us! He is reaching out his hand to catch us! When we feel like we are falling into the clutches of the enemy, Jesus is also saying to us..."why did you doubt?"

In addition, when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."

In all circumstances, let us always remember to keep our eyes focused on Jesus! (Heb 12:2) Also, let us not forget that He is always with us! He will never leave us or forsake us! (Deut 31:8) Remember, He really is the Son of the living God! (Matt 16:16)


Copyright 2010 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Friday, September 24, 2010

"Father Knows Best"

Have you ever watched the old television program, "Father Knows Best"? The black and white TV syndicated show from the 50's centers on the father in a family of five. The ensemble cast starred Robert Young as the father, Jane Wyatt as the mother, Elinor Donahue as the oldest daughter, Billy Gray as the son, and Lauren Chapin as the youngest daughter. Anyway, in the show, there were always lessons to be learned from the father.  He normally taught all of his children life lessons at one point or another and not necessarily at the same times either.

The same is true today! Our Father teaches us, His children, lessons in life. There are always lessons to be learned from Him. During our journey, He teaches us things we need to know for our individual lives. Some lessons are easier to learn than others. Then, there are those lessons that we may need to learn repeatedly until it sinks in.  Sometimes, we may be too strong-willed or independent... trying to do things on our own in our own way and in our own timing.  Other times, we may be just too hard-headed or hard-hearted to get it the first time around.  Therefore, we have to repeat the lesson for us to get it.  However, many times it takes us to get it; it will be re-taught to us.

One instance is when the children wandered around the wilderness for 40 years.  (Numbers 14:33-35)  Another example is when Jesus was in the wilderness for 40 days.  The devil tempted Him during that time. Jesus went through a time of tests then. He also learned some lessons. However, He listened and learned what He needed to know and got out of there as soon as possible.  (Matthew 4:1-11)

A few of those lessons…

Jesus was obedient to His Father during this time of testing.  He was loyal and faithful to His Father's word.  Jesus used His authority and spoke to the devil at every turn.  

Through the times of trials and testing, we learn and grow more in Christ.  (James 1:2-4) We become more like Jesus in every way.  That is what our Father desires for us in order for us to fulfill our purpose in His plan.  (Jeremiah  29:11-13)  Our Father is strengthening and equipping us in these times.  Jesus is increasing, so we must decrease.  (John 3:30)


Therefore, let us listen to our Father.  Learn the lessons we need for our lives.  Allow Him to teach us our lessons.  Then, we can move on too.  That way, we can accomplish what our Father has for us in our lives.  In addition, it will be so much easier and better for us afterwards.  Afterall, our Father knows everything!  So, He definitely knows best!  

Prayer:

Father, help us to be more like Jesus in every way. Teach us our individual lessons and help us to be receptive to all of them. We do not want to be like the children who wandered around the wilderness for 40 years. Please help us to learn all of the lessons necessary for us to get out of our wildernesses, so we can be more like Jesus and also do our Father’s will for our lives. Thank you, Father, for teaching us and helping us all for your honor and glory. In Jesus’ name! Amen!



Copyright 2010 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Where is Your Treasure?

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21, NKJV)

Where is your treasure? Where is your heart?

Are you more interested in people or possessions? Are you available for people in their time of need? Are you living superficially in this life? Do you want to have and keep all of the material things of this world? Which means more to you...people or things?

"but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." (Matthew 6:20, NKJV)

“...For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18, NKJV)

First, God desires for us to love Him! (See Mark 12:30) Then, love one another! (See John 13:34-35) Do you love people? Are you showing love to them?

How do you love others? How do you show love to them? Well, one way is to imitate the Father (See Ephesians 5:1). Also, walk in love as Jesus Christ did and gave Himself for us (See Ephesians 5:2).

Are you walking in love? Are you imitating Jesus Christ? Jesus gave of Himself! He gave people His time and other resources. He taught them lessons. He listened to them. He shared with them. He endured hardships! He suffered for righteousness' sake! Ultimately, He laid down His life for everyone (See 1 John 3:16)!

Which means more to you...people or material possessions like money?

"No one can serve two masters.  Either you will hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." (Matthew 6:24, NIV)

If you had a choice of helping a person financially or otherwise, what would you do? Would you keep the money or other material possessions for yourself? Would you help the person? Which is more important to you? Which do you really love?

God does not bless people with His resources in order to be selfish, self-centered, greedy, or hoarders. He has freely given, so we should freely give too (See Proverbs 11:24). He also loves a cheerful giver (See 2 Corinthians 9:7).

Our Father asks us, "If anyone has this world's goods and sees his brother in need but shuts off his compassion from him—how can God's love reside in him?" (1 John 3:17, HCSB)

Later, His instruction, "Little children, we must not love in word or speech, but in deed and truth; that is how we will know we are of the truth, and will convince our hearts in His presence, because if our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts and knows all things." (1 John 3:18-20, HCSB)

What will you do the next time someone needs a helping hand? Will you deny their request? Will you walk away? On the other hand, will you show the love of the Father? Will you show the love of Jesus Christ?

Afterall, the righteous are never forsaken and God's children are never begging for bread. (See Psalm 37:25) For God feeds, clothes, and provides for all of our needs. (See Matthew 6:25-33) Therefore, should not we do the same? If we are really imitating Him, should not we also do for others? Let us actually show His love to others in obedience to Him and from our hearts.


Copyright 2010 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Are you like Martha or Mary?

Have you ever thought about this question before…

...are you like Martha or Mary?

Martha was busy getting ready and doing many preparations for Jesus' visit. Even when He got there, she was still busy. She was too busy to sit down and visit with Jesus.

On the other hand, Mary was just the opposite. She did not care to be involved in all of the preparations. She wanted to sit down at Jesus' feet and spend time with Him. She just wanted to be in His presence.

Which of these two women are you most like?  Are you like Martha?  Are you busy being busy?  Are you like Mary?  Do you take the time for others?  Most importantly, do you take the time for Jesus?

You may think or say...Oh, of course, I am like Mary! I spend time with Jesus! I want to be with Him!

How much of that is true though? Do you make the time to spend it with Him? Do you set time aside each day just for Him? Do you spend time in His presence?  Do you read the Bible…God’s word? Do you spend time in prayer?

Our Father God knows our heart! In fact, He looks at our heart while man looks at our outward appearance. (1 Samuel 16:7)

In addition, according to God's word, our mouths speak from the overflow of our hearts! (Luke 6:45) Our actions follow our hearts’ desire!

When you love another person, you want to spend time with that person. You specifically set aside time for that special person. You look forward to the time when you can get together. You make it a priority, because it is important to you and the other person.

The same is true of Jesus. When we love Him, we want to spend time with Him. We make it a priority to be in His presence. The special time alone with Jesus is precious.

Jesus told Martha, "Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:42)

Our Father God does not want us to compare ourselves to other people. However, by just looking at these two women in the Bible, it does show some of the characteristics He desires of His daughters. Therefore, do not try to be like someone else, but do strive to take on the traits of Godly women...women who are spending more time with Him and becoming who He desires for us. Afterall, He only wants the best for us! We should also want the best for ourselves! By spending more time in His presence, we will become the best for Him and for us!


Copyright 2010 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

"Train a child..."

I have heard the old proverb..."Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." (Proverbs 22:6, NKJV)

However, I was recently reminded, the extreme importance of this proverb.

When I was sitting outside and finishing my lunch in a shopping center area, I saw the mother of a little girl wanting to take a photo of her young daughter by a huge water fountain nearby. In and of itself, it seemed harmless.

Then, I got to thinking that the mother was exploiting her own daughter. As I watched them together, it made me feel sick. The mother, perhaps unknowingly or unintentionally, was training her child to "look pretty for the camera". It reminded me of this world's ways. This world views females as the weaker sex and exploits them in the media and advertising…treating them like a piece of flesh. Instead of thinking what it could be doing to her daughter, the mother was just thinking of what she wanted at the time.  It was not something good for the little girl and her overall well-being either.

I continued to watch the mother and young daughter together. The little girl appeared to begin getting into the short “photo shoot”. All of a sudden, she seemingly appeared to hike up her foot and knee in a model-type pose. I could not believe it! She looked like that she was only about 5 years old!

It somewhat reminded me of little Jon Benet Ramsay who was thrust into the media spotlight after her tragic death many years ago now. After her death, photos and video portrayed made-up little Jon Benet to look like a little woman. However, she was only a little girl in a lot of make-up modeling in beauty pageants.

What had this little girl in front of the large water fountain been taught? What had she been learning? Where did she learn it?

My guess is that she learned that type of behavior or pose from society...from this world's view of females...even at a very young age! With all of the suggestive-type marketing and advertising in magazines and on television, unfortunately, all girls...especially young impressionable ones...become accustomed to seeing it. They begin to think that kind of behavior is acceptable. They, in turn, learn to mimic the same type of behavior that they see as well.

Here is an example...

Have you ever played with a baby or a small toddler? What do they do? Every time, you say or do something, they try to say or do it too. At the time, you may think that it is cute or funny. However, every time you laugh at it, you are just perpetuating it. In turn, they learn to think that it is cute or funny. If there are no consequences for their behavior, they start believing that it is acceptable behavior...whether it is or is not.

It is very important to "Train a child in the way he should go..." (Proverbs 22:6, NKJV) Take it one step further, and train up a child in the way she should not go as well! Condemn the action, behavior, or sin that is not in-line with God's view of your daughter. Make sure that you do not condemn the child but the behavior. There is a difference.

You want your child to know God’s love and your love for her. At the same time, you want her to know the acceptable behavior as well. You do this by teaching your child God's view of her and His ways...not this world's view and its ways.

Get in God's word! Renew your mind! (See Romans 12:2) Learn His ways and His views of you and your daughter! Then train your child in the way she should go, and when she is old she will not turn from it. (See Proverbs 22:6)


Copyright 2010 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

“Who do you say I am?"

"Who do the crowds say I am?"  (See Luke 9:18)

‎"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"  (See Luke 9:20)

Jesus posed a few questions that day to his disciples. One particular question stands out though. He asked his disciple, Peter…

"Who do you say I am?"

It is a very important question too! Have you ever thought about it?

"Who do you say I am?"

Just think, consider, and ponder that question for a minute.

Who do others say you are? Who do you say you are? Who does Jesus Christ say you are? Most importantly, who does your Heavenly Father say you are?

You may say…Who cares what other people say? Correct? Well, that is the way it should be in this world. However, that is not always the case.

Many people care what other people think or say. It is human nature. However, God wants us to care less about what people in this world think or say and care more about what He thinks and says about us.

Admittedly, it is hard though, when you are bombarded with all kinds of audio and video in this world that sends out messages to the contrary. All of the media with its advertisements of what you should look like physically, what you should wear, what you should think, what you should say…

Unfortunately, society plays a huge part in us and in our lives. However, God wants us as believers to be in this world but not of this world (See John 15:19, 17:16; 1 John 2:15). That in itself is difficult at times unless you totally isolate yourself from the world. That, of course, is not very possible.

Even if it was possible, it is not good to be isolated from one another for very long. After all, God tells us not to forsake the assembling as some do.  We, as His children, need each other. We are not made to be separate from each other. We are all part of the body of Christ. In order to properly work together, we are dependent on one another (See 1 Corinthians 12:12-27).

That is only one reason that it is so important to renew your mind is God’s word (See Romans 12:2).

Who do you say you are? Who does your Heavenly Father say you are? Who does Jesus Christ say you are?

‎"But what about you?" He asked. "Who do you say I am?"

Peter answered, "The Christ of God." (See Luke 9:20)

Most importantly, who does Jesus Christ say you are?  After all, He is the Son of God!


Copyright 2010 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Saturday, September 4, 2010

"Where are you?"

But the LORD God called to the man, "Where are you?"  (Genesis 3:9)

God asked this question of the first man, Adam.  Of course, He already knew the answer to the question.  For God, it really was a rhetorical question.  Afterall, God is all-knowing! 

However, He asked Adam this question in order for him to think about the answer.  It was to help Adam to acknowledge his physical location.  It was also to assist Adam in seeing and knowing his sin.

He [Adam] answered, "I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid."

And He [God] said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?"

Since the beginning of time, man has pointed the finger or blamed another person for his predicament.

The man said, "The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it."

Then the LORD God said to the woman, "What is this you have done?"

The woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate."  (Genesis 3:10-13)

God has given every man his own will to make his own choices whether good or bad. Of course, also since the creation of humankind, there have been consequences of making our own choices without God’s leadership and guidance.   

"For whatever a man sows he will also reap, because the one who sows to his flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit."  (Galatians 6:7-8)

Therefore, the next time that God asks you this question, “Where are you?” Just be honest with Him and yourself! Acknowledge your location whether physical, spiritual, emotional, mental, or otherwise.  Realize that He loves you, and He wants to help you! Please allow Him to assist you in whatever way and in whatever area of your life!  He really does love you, and He wants the best for you!


Copyright 2010 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.