Saturday, December 17, 2011

Handling the Truth

 


This video clip you just viewed was part of the famous scene from 1992's movie "A Few Good Men" where the character, Colonel Jessup, played by Jack Nicholson stated to Tom Cruise's character, "You can't handle the truth!"

I believe that a lot of people can't handle the truth. In this movie, they were talking about the truth of a particular situation. However, I am talking about the truth of God’s word.

There was a significant time in my life when I couldn't handle the truth. In fact, a few years ago, I had received so much truth from God’s word that it was too much for me to handle at the time.

I had gotten a lot of revelation knowledge from my Father during this particular season of my life. All of this truth was too overwhelming for me. It was too much at once for me to take in then. I didn't know how to handle all of the knowledge of this specific truth that had been revealed to me from my Father.

You see, the truth that my Father revealed to me was concerning part of His purposes and plans for me. (Jeremiah 29:11-13) He showed me bits and pieces of it through visions and dreams that He had given me. He had also spoken to me about part of His plans for me.

At the time, I compared it in my mind to the story of Mary, Jesus’ mother. God had a purpose and plan for Mary. [*Side Note: I am not saying that His purpose and plan for me is that huge. However, it was way more than I could comprehend at the time.] An angel of the Lord came to Mary and told her about God’s purpose and plan for her. I am sure that it was too much information for Mary to handle at the time. Can you imagine being told that you, a virgin, were going to give birth to a Son and His name would be Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the Savior of the world? For anyone, I think that would be so overwhelming to receive that kind of knowledge of the truth. (Luke 1:26-38) The same was true for me. I received so much revelation knowledge that I could not take it all in at once.

Perhaps, there has been a time in your life when you couldn't handle the truth. What was it? When was it?

There have also been a few different times in my life so far where I have tried to speak the truth to people regarding a particular situation or a person in their life at the time. However, they couldn't take the truth! Or...perhaps, they weren't ready to receive the truth yet!

Nevertheless, our Father God wants us to speak the truth to people in order to help them. He uses the spoken truth to mature people. (Ephesians 4:15) That way, they become the people He created them to be for His purposes and plans. (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

Therefore, continue to speak the truth to people. There may be some growing pains along the way for you and for them. There may be times when you can’t handle the truth or others can’t handle the truth. Still, God will use it for everyone’s benefit as well as for His purposes and plans. (Romans 8:28, Jeremiah 29:11-13)


*More on my Faith Journey and Testimony will be shared at a later time and a different place or venue.



Copyright 2011 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Mask-wearing People

Have you ever met, spoken, or known people who wear masks? I know that I have before. Perhaps, you have as well. You may think of that person right now. Maybe, that person is even you!

When you speak to the mask-wearing people, you will know it. There are pretenses underneath or behind their conversation. You just know it when you talk with them. They are saying one thing but you know that there is an underlying motive or intention. They smile while they talk with you. However, you can tell that they are thinking something else when they are speaking with you. Perhaps, there may be insincerity in what they are saying to you. Maybe, there is a superficiality or fakeness in the people. Or...they say one thing but you can tell they are thinking something totally opposite...something contradictory.

In God's word, He mentions that people love falsehood over truthfulness, "You love evil rather than good, falsehood rather than speaking the truth." (Psalm 52:3, NIV)

Our Father God wants all people to be real, sincere, honest, and truthful with one another.

He instructs us, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body." (Ephesians 4:25, NIV)

In addition, a conversation between Joshua and Achan confirms this truth.

Then Joshua said to Achan, "My son, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, and honor him. Tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me."

Achan replied, "It is true! I have sinned against the LORD, the God of Israel. This is what I have done: When I saw in the plunder a beautiful robe from Babylonia, two hundred shekels of silver and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath." (Joshua 7:19-21, NIV)

The next time you encounter one of the mask-wearing people open up and speak the truth to them. (Ephesians 4:15) Hope and pray that they also do the same with you. (1 Thessalonians 5:17) Then, little by little, it will be easier for everyone to take off the masks and be truthful with each other every time.

Prayer:

Father, remove anything from us that is not of you. Mold us and make us more into the image of your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to cooperate with you and your completed work through your word and your spirit. We want to be the people you created us to be for your purpose and plans. (Jeremiah 29:11-13) Thanks you for loving us unconditionally and helping us each and every step of the way. In Jesus' name. Amen!


Copyright 2011 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Wearing Masks

Masks are normally worn on people's faces either on special occasions or around holidays such as Halloween or New Year's Eve.

However, there are other times people wear masks. There are also other reasons people wear masks.

Some of the places that people wear masks are in our society, in the corporate world, and in our churches.

Why do people wear so-called masks?

For one, they may be afraid of being real or "transparent". Normally, either they are afraid of being real with themselves or others.

In God's word, there were times when people were fearful of being honest with others. An exchange between Joshua and Achan was one of those times. Achan was afraid of being truthful with Joshua. Joshua confronted him about it.

Then Joshua said to Achan, "My son, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, and honor him. Tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me."

Achan replied, "It is true! I have sinned against the LORD, the God of Israel. This is what I have done: When I saw in the plunder a beautiful robe from Babylonia, two hundred shekels of silver and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath." (Joshua 7:19-21, NIV)

There are different reasons for being fearful. Rejection, judgment, condemnation, and criticism are just a some of the usual reasons. However, fear of the unknown may also be one reason with an underlying cause which can be fear of the truth coming out. Normally, there are a couple of separate reasons for being afraid of the truth coming out. Perhaps, the people are not ready to deal with it themselves. On the other hand, they think others may not be able to accept it yet.

Ultimately, Jesus always knows the truth. When He met and spoke with the Samaritan woman at the well, He already knew the truth and spoke to her about it.

He told her, "Go, call your husband and come back."

"I have no husband," she replied.

Jesus said to her, "You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true." (John 4:16-18, NIV)

He plainly spoke the truth to her, and she could not deny it. He did not reject, condemn, criticize, or judge her. Consequently, she was able to open up and be honest with Him. She felt free to share with Him.

That is the way it should be too, not only with Jesus but also with us and others. It is very important to be open and honest. It is so nice and refreshing when we feel confident enough to do it too.

What do you need to do to begin this process?

First, be real with yourself. If you are not honest with yourself, you cannot be truthful with anyone.

Next, be honest with Jesus. He already knows about it. He wants you to come to Him with anything that is on your heart and mind. Just like with the Samaritan woman, Jesus will not reject, criticize, judge, or condemn you. Therefore, open up and share with Him.

Lastly, be sincere with other people. This one may take a little more time depending on the person or the situation. However, with Jesus’ help, it is very possible. (Matt 19:26, Philippians 4:13)

Step by step, all of the masks will come off in time. Then, there will be no more pretenses, superficiality, fakeness, or insincerity with yourself, Jesus, or others. You will be real. You will be "transparent". That is what everybody needs in this world...no matter the time or the place.


Copyright 2011 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Names

Has anyone tried to give you a new or different name?

There was an incident awhile back now with my local bank. My name was incorrect on my bank card, so I mentioned it to one of the tellers. Well, this particular person did not seem to care about it. On other occasions, I proceeded to share it with other staff or tellers at the bank. I spoke to an assistant manager who re-ordered the card for me. However, after I received it in the mail, it was still incorrect. I spoke to a teller who re-ordered the card for me and cancelled my existing card leaving me without access to money through the ATM for over a week. Lastly, I spoke to the same teller a second time about receiving my card in the mail with the incorrect name on the card again.

After re-ordering my bank card for me, at least on these three separate occasions, and still not getting it correct on the card, I was about ready to give up on it. However, a customer service representative from their back-office called me up one day to see whether the issue had been resolved yet. I told him that it had not been taken care of and shared with him some of the lengthy ordeal. He assured me that he would talk with the staff and employees at my local branch so they would know how to correct it properly in the future. After, a local bank teller ordered it the fourth and final time; it came back to me correctly.

You may say, "What is so important about a name...specifically your name in this case?"

A name is very important. It is also very personal.

In God's word, He talks about calling people by their names.

"He calls his own sheep by name..." (John 10:3, NIV)

In addition, it was normally only God who gave people new or different names. There are three separate occasions which currently stand out in scripture when God changed people's names.

First of all, God changed Abram's name to Abraham.

"You are the LORD God, who chose Abram and brought him out of Ur of the Chaldeans and named him Abraham." (Neh 9:7, NIV)

He told Abraham that He was also giving his wife, Sarai, a new name.

"God also said to Abraham, 'As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah.'" (Gen 17:15, NIV)

Lastly, God changed Jacob's name as well.

"God said to him, 'Your name is Jacob, but you will no longer be called Jacob; your name will be Israel.” So he named him Israel.'" (Gen 35:10, NIV)

These are just a few instances of God giving people new or different names.

God is the only one who should ever give people new or different names. He is also the only one who should ever have the right to change people's names. Afterall, He created you and knew you before you were even in your mother's womb. (Psalm 139:13, 71:6) Therefore, the next time, someone other than your Creator tries to change your name or give you a different name. Do not allow it! Speak up and out!


Copyright 2011 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Labels

Labels. When a person normally thinks of labels, they think of labels found in clothing or, perhaps, even on medicine containers. Name brand labels. Generic labels.

However, have you ever thought about the labels on people? What kind of labels does society as a whole try to place on different types of people? What kind of labels do people in the medical field try to place on different types of people? What kind of labels do people in the church try to place on different people?

Short. Tall. Fat. Skinny. Unattractive. Ugly. Bad. Dumb. Unhealthy. Sick. Poor. Needy. Wounded. Injured. Disabled. Self-Sufficient. Independent. Worthless. Sad. Depressed. Crazy. Delusional. Mentally Ill. Bi-Polar. Manic-Depressive.

What kind of labels are you trying to place on people? What kind of labels are you living with now? Are they a result of what others have labeled you? Are they a result of what you have labeled yourself?

Well, God has other labels for people. They are found in His word.

Beautiful. Wonderful. Loved. Favored. Chosen. Holy. Pure. Blameless. Righteous. Sanctified. Justified. Called. Healed. Protected. Worthy. Promoted. Humbled. Rich. Blessed. Wealthy. Healthy. (Psalm 139:14, Rom 10:15, Jer 31:3, Psalm 30:7, Matt 22:14, Eph 5:25-27, Heb 7:26, Matt 25:46, 1 Cor 1:2, Rom 5:1-2, Rom 8:30, 1 Peter 2:24, Job 5:21, Eph 4:1, Dan 5:19, Matt 23:12, 2 Cor 8:9, Rev 2:9, Deut 28:3, Psalm 118:26, Gen 24:35, 1 Peter 3:14 & 4:14, Matt 6:22)

So, whose labels do you believe? Whose labels will you receive into your heart and into your life?


Copyright 2011 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Weighty Baggage

Baggage can weigh you down. I know it all too well.

There are different types of baggage...physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.

What kind of baggage are you carrying around right now? Is it heavy? Is it weighing you down?

Does it make you tired? Physically? Mentally? Emotionally? Spiritually? Does it just drain you? I know that it does with me.

Of course, most of us, know about physical baggage which weighs us down. I was personally carrying around a couple of bags with me for awhile…one in particular was heavy. I also know one man who carries around many different bags with him which weighs him down. I have asked him before the reason for toting all of those bags with him. Basically, he does not want to part with the items in the bags. He thinks that he may need something from one of the bags sometime. I know that the same has been true of me. However, I came to a point where I was really tired of carrying around the extra heavy bag. Therefore, I decided that I would stop carrying the extra bag around with me. Now, I just get out a few items from the bag and leave the rest of the items in the big bag elsewhere.

The same is true with other types of baggage whether mental, emotional, or spiritual.

When we get tired of carrying it around, we will decide to put it down whether figuratively or literally. We will choose to leave it elsewhere...where it belongs...where it will not weigh us down anymore.


Copyright 2011 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Speaking Our Faith

Do you know that you have creative power within you? We as believers have the same power within us that raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now, that is power!

"By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible." (Hebrews 11:3)

As God's children, we can also speak our world into existence by our faith. We can make our own reality. Therefore, it is very important to choose our words wisely.

"He [Abraham] is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not." (Romans 4:17)

Abraham was a true man of faith. For one, he fathered children late in his life. As his descendants, we are also people of faith.

Jesus tells us to, “Have faith in God.” (Mark 11:22)

When we do, we have the power and authority to speak to the mountains in our lives. The so-called mountains can be any obstacles, problems, issues, or hindrances in our natural circumstances. They will obey and move out of the way.

“….if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.” (Mark 11:23)

Literally, we can have that same kind of faith. We are joint heirs with God and co-heirs with Jesus Christ. (Romans 8:17)

Therefore…“If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.” (Luke 17:6)

And…“…if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20)

Jesus told the blind while restoring their sight, “According to your faith let it be done to you”. (Matthew 9:29) In the same way, when we have that kind of faith, miracles also happen for us.

First, we have to believe in the one and only God. When we diligently seek Him, He will reward us. (Hebrews 11:6) We also must line up our words with our faith. Therefore, whatever we believe Him for at the time, that is what we need to speak out loud. And...speak it out consistently until those mountains move out of the way.


Copyright 2011 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Show Me the Love

“Show Me the Love!”

Does it sound familiar?

If you have ever seen the movie, "Jerry MaGuire", I am sure that you have heard the famous quote from it.

"Show Me the Money!"

That is what the main character, portrayed by Tom Cruise, said to his friend, played by Cuba Gooding, Jr. in the 1996 movie.

However, I say..."Show Me the Love!"

By that, I mean...Show me the love of Jesus Christ! I am sure that I am not alone in my thoughts and feelings.

Have you ever needed people to show you the love of Jesus Christ?

Not just in words, but in deeds and in truth...(1 John 3:18)

How do you do that?

Well, for one, you can give a person a ride to church. Another way....Invite a person over to your house for a meal. Reach out to a brother or sister who is in need. Feed the hungry. Clothe the naked. Give to the poor. Shelter the homeless. Visit the sick, the jailed, and the imprisoned. Share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (Matt 25:35-40)

There are many different ways to show a person the love of Jesus Christ. Find out what the person may need physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Then, meet the person at that particular place.

That is what Jesus Christ did for people when He walked on the earth. He met people where they were at the time.

We are to be just like Him here on earth. We are to be His eyes, His ears, His hands, and His feet. Whatever a person is in need of at the time, that is what we are to do for them and for Him.

So, the next time that a person is in need...What will you say? What will you do? Will you show the person the love of Jesus Christ?


Copyright 2011 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Friday, May 20, 2011

Becoming an unLazy Christian

What makes me a little lazy Christian? What is my main pitfall now? What are hindrances and/or distractions for me in my faith walk? How am I working on becoming an unLazy Christian?

I have become a little lazy Christian in some of my disciplines. However, I also think some of it is due to my current temporary circumstances and living situation. Not an excuse! Just a little reason. In part, anyway.

By 'disciplines', I mean spending time in the Bible reading God's word and praying to God. I previously had more time to spend alone really reading and studying my Father's word as well as praying to Him. I would spend so much time alone with Him in my own bedroom meditating on His word to me. During that time, I also received so much revelation from Him.

As of now, I am staying temporarily with three other ladies in a dorm-like room. Unfortunately, I do not have as much alone time with Him. There seems to be much more hindrances and distractions for me at this time.

I now have to squeeze in the time between the little hindrances and distractions. I have to purposefully make the time to read the Bible wherever I am lately. Therefore, I take my Bible and my two devotional books with me to read on throughout the day. While I am waiting at a bus stop, I take each devotional book out one at a time and read each one. I also read my Bible with one of the devotional books. Throughout the day, I periodically look up scripture on-line to go along with some of my emailed devotionals that I get normally on a regular basis. Anytime that I can get or make time throughout the day is what I have to purposefully do for now.

Oh, as for prayer, I am actually finding more time throughout the day to pray. Wherever I am and whatever I am doing, I pray to my Father. When a girl behaves poorly to me on the bus, I pray for her. I also pray to my Father when I need something physically, emotionally, or spiritually. When a lady needs prayer at a bus stop, I purposefully stop and pray with her.

I am becoming more of an unLazy Christian, because I purposefully make the time and put forth the effort. In addition, I am confessing His word a lot more now. Perhaps, this temporary living situation has actually helped me to become more of an unLazy Christian in many respects. I am now much more diligent in my faith walk.


Copyright 2011 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Hear No Evil, See No Evil, and Speak No Evil

I remember, awhile back, the phrase that says Hear No Evil, See No Evil, and Speak No Evil. However, I recently had more of a revelation of what the phrase really means according to my Father's word.

As a result, I have been reminded how very important it is to renew our minds in God's word. (Romans 12:2) It is more important than I think many people know or realize in their everyday lives. The reason for my conclusion is due in part to recent personal observation and experience. I also think that it is three-fold. The phrase pretty much speaks for itself, but please allow me to explain more in detail.

We need to be on guard and very protective in what we take in now days in this world...in many ways. I can specifically think of three ways at this moment.

Take the first part of this particular phrase. Hear no evil. First, let me define the word 'evil'. According to Dictionary.com, evil is defined as 'morally wrong or bad; immoral; wicked' or 'harmful; injurious'.

Therefore, it is important to keep our ears protected from anything harmful or injurious to us. How do you know what may harm or injure you? One very important way is to renew your mind in God's word. (Romans 12:2) That way, you will find out what He says is evil, wicked, immoral, morally wrong or bad.

Many things in society are harmful to us. It is so important to guard our ears, eyes, and ultimately our mouths.

First, we need to protect our ears from hearing things that are contradictory to His word. A couple of examples would be some of the secular music as well as negative or critical people who may be around us.

The next part of the phrase is See No Evil. It is equally important to be aware and careful of what our eyes view or see in this world. When we renew our minds in His word, we are able to see more fully the part that society plays in people's lives. (Romans 12:2) Two examples of harmful material to our eyes are some of the secular magazine print advertisements as well as pornographic material found either in print or on the internet.

The last part of the phrase is Speak No Evil. It is normally a result of being careful of what our ears hear and what our eyes see in this world. Therefore, when we protect our ears from hearing negative or critical people, then we are doing well. In addition, when we guard our eyes from seeing suggestive provocative print advertisements or nasty graphic pornography, then we are also doing well. Then, nothing that is filthy or vulgar will come out of our mouths. We will only speak that which is pure, holy, and godly. God's word and His spirit together will help us to speak only what He wants us to say.

In conclusion, renewing our minds on God's word will help us in many ways. However, three of the ways are as follows...Hear No Evil, See No Evil, and Speak No Evil. With His help, we will be able to be more knowledgeable, on guard, and protective about what we take in with our ears and eyes as well as what we say with our mouths. These are ways to help us to honor Him and others as well as ourselves, because our bodies are His temples. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) Therefore, let us choose to honor Him in everything we hear, see, and speak in this world.


Copyright 2011 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Monday, February 14, 2011

The Greatest Love Story

You may think that you have already heard about the greatest love story. Most likely, you have not heard about it on your local radio station. You have not necessarily seen it on television or on the big movie screen. You probably have not read about it in the local newspaper or in a magazine.

“The Greatest Love Story” began over 2000 years ago. It was not widely known at the time. The usual ways of communicating today were not the same ways back then. Most of the news was found out about through other people. It was primarily done by word of mouth.

Now, it is my turn to share it with you on here. With this being the celebrated Valentine’s Day, it seemed more important to tell you now about “The Greatest Love Story” of all time.

A Father loved His one and only Son very much. He asked His Son to do something that most fathers today would not ask of anyone. However, this Father was not the usual father. The Son definitely was not the normal kind of son. That is where this story begins now.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

My Father God loved you sooo much that He gave up His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, to die for you.

Why did He do it?

He did it to show His unconditional love for you. He also wanted to give you everlasting life.

What does that mean?

When you accept or receive His Son, Jesus, into your heart, you can have life not only now but afterwards.

How do you accept Him?

Just ask Him to come into your heart and life. After asking Him, believe that you have received Him into your heart. (Matt 21:22, Mark 11:24) Then, confess Him as your Lord and Savior.

God’s Son, Jesus Christ, accepted His Father's will for Him. He did not have to do it, but He chose to follow His Father's instructions. He loved His Father very much, so He was obedient to Him.

Therefore, He laid down His life for you. (1 John 3:16)

Would you do the same? Would you lay down your life for someone you did not even know yet?

He had not met you in a personal interview. He had not talked to you on the phone. He had not even run into you on the street. However before even seeing you, talking to you, or meeting you face-to-face, He paid the ultimate price for you. He laid down His life for you. (1 John 3:16)

He let people torture Him. He allowed them to beat Him. He submitted to nails being pierced in His sides, a thorn crown being placed on His head, and His body being hung on a cross.

Would you do the same? Would you die for someone else so that he or she may live? More specifically, would you die so he or she may live for an eternity?

Therefore, the next time that you tell someone those three little words…I love you. First, ask yourself this question. Would I lay down my life for this person? If so, then that is closer to the kind of love, which makes for a great love story.

However, this one is “The Greatest Love Story” of all time.


Copyright 2011 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

The Dwelling Place

What are you thinking about at this moment? What are you dwelling on right now?

Have you ever thought about this…?

Whatever you think about…whatever you dwell on…becomes bigger or larger to you.

For instance, when you look through the eye of a microscope at a tiny little piece of sand, it gets bigger. When you use a magnifying glass to look at a coin such as a penny, it also gets larger.

Therefore, what are you focusing on now? What are you looking at in your life? What is grabbing your attention during this time? It could be your current living situation. Perhaps, there are problems at your workplace. Maybe, the people around you are a distraction.

Whatever it is, it can be catching your attention or hindering you in your life.

Natural circumstances can temporarily steal your comfort, peace, and happiness in this world when you focus on them. Sometimes, you can give them the power to do so.

What is your dwelling place? Who is your refuge? Who is your dwelling place?

The same way we look at things in this natural world is the same way we should see things in the spiritual world at times.

Let us look at God’s word, and see what He has to say about this subject.

“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” (Joshua 1:8)

Notice what our Father says, “…meditate on it day and night.” By meditating on His word, we will be successful.

What are you meditating on now? What are you dwelling on at this moment? What is your dwelling place?

It should be God’s word and God Himself.

When we do what our Father tells us, He and His word will become bigger. Just like when we focus on natural circumstances, it becomes larger than life. All of the little things in life will actually appear much smaller when we take Him at His word and meditate on His word. Both He and His word will then become huge. By comparison, everything else will fade into the background.

God’s word puts issues, concerns, or problems into perspective. By looking at His word more carefully and closely on a daily basis, God takes His rightful place and everything else falls into its rightful place behind Him. Therefore, let us magnify God because He is the solution to every minor issue in this life.



Copyright 2011 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Speaking Life

Have you ever thought about your words? Do you know that your words affect you? Do you know that your words also affect other people? Actually, your words affect your own world or your reality.

"The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit." (Proverbs 18:21)

We have two choices. First, we can choose good and positive words that bring life to us. By life, I mean good and positive results in our lives.

On the other hand, we also have the choice of using poor and negative words that ultimately bring death to us. In this case, I mean bad and negative results in our lives.

"This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live..." (Deut 30:19)

Our Father tells us to choose life, because He wants the best for us. He also means in our choices of words.

In the book of James, we read about taming the tongue or guarding our mouths.

"We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check." (James 3:2)

James compares our mouths to that of animals specifically horses.

"When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal." (James 3:3)

In just the next verse, ships are compared to our bodies.

"Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go." (James 3:4)

We need to be careful when choosing our words because of their effect on our path in life as well as on ourselves.

"Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell." (James 3:5-6)

Our Father tells us that we cannot "tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison." (James 3:8)

It is only with Him that we are able to do anything, which includes taming our tongues. (John 15:5) By that, He means training our mouths to say what He wants us to say. He does not want us to say anything that is not of Him. However, we must submit our entire bodies to Him. That includes our mouths and our choice of words.

He also talks about the contradictory behavior of praising and cursing people with our mouths.

"With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be." (James 3:9-10)

Therefore, let us watch what we say and how we say it about our circumstances, our individual lives, and ourselves. Let us honor our Father with our mouths. Be careful in the words we choose to speak to other people as well.

Afterall, life and death are in the power of the tongue and those who love it will eat its fruit. (Proverbs 18:21)


Copyright 2011 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Monday, January 31, 2011

God's Love

“Who will love me for me not for what I have done or what I will become…who will love me for me because nobody has shown me what love…what love really means…”

Those are just a few of the words to JJ Heller’s Christian music song, “What Love Really Means”. I really enjoy hearing and singing that song on occasion. The words just ring true to my heart…to the very depths of my soul and spirit. That is what love really means…God’s love.

I am sure that you have heard or read 1 Corinthians 13, known as the love chapter, in the Bible. Just in case, you have not or not in awhile, let me share a few verses with you now.

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

Now, how great is that passage in God’s word describing Him and His love. God is love, and His love is pure, perfect, and complete. (1 John 4:16-18)

I have found myself comparing man’s love to God’s love more over the last couple of years. Unfortunately, man’s love or human love falls short much of the time. So much so that I came to a point in my life where I did not want anyone to tell me that they loved me especially certain people. To me, it was just words. There was not any real meaning behind those words, because I knew that their love was imperfect. I knew that they and their love would disappoint me as it had so many times before. That is only one reason that I now say…human love definitely pales in comparison to God’s love.

Oh…to love as God loves! Oh…to receive God’s kind of love from humans more often! How great would that be?

First, in order to give that kind of love, we need to “know and rely on the love God has for us.” (1 John 4:16) As His word tells us, “We love because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)

So, when we recognize and receive His love, we are more willing and able to give His love to others. “Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. This is how love is made complete…” (1 John 4:16b-17a)

John goes on to say that, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18)

Remember that ‘God is love.’ Where God is, there is no fear…only love…God’s love. His love is pure, perfect, and complete.

Therefore, let us choose and strive to give God’s love to others more often. We have already received His love, when He gave His one and only Son. (John 3:16a) In addition, His spirit and His love lives on the inside of us. We have the ability to reach deep down inside and love, as He loves us.

I know that it may be hard at times. There are people who make it difficult for one reason or another. Perhaps also, we have not received His kind of love from humans as often as we would like or need to up until now. However, with His help, we can do anything.

In God’s word, it says that we cannot love Him without loving other humans. That includes our brothers and sisters. (1 John 4:20-21) As we choose to give His kind of love away, we will receive that kind of love back from others.

We have first received His love, so we need to give His love away as well.



Copyright 2011 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Friday, January 28, 2011

Who is Your Neighbor?

Who is your neighbor?

Have you ever been asked that question before? Have you ever thought about that question? Alternatively, have you ever thought about the answer?

Normally, we think of our neighbors as the people who live next door to us. They are the people who live down the street from us. They are even the people who live in our neighborhood or subdivision of our city or town. Having any other thinking on the subject is considered unusual or out of the norm.

However, when a lawyer asked Jesus this question…“And who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29)

What do you think His response was to this question? It was not a normal or quick answer either.

Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ (Luke 10:30-35)

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” (Luke 10:36)

Finally, the lawyer got it! He replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”

Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:37)

What can we learn from this parable?

Our neighbor is not necessarily the one who we think it may be. He or she is not the one that we either are physically close to in relationship or distance at any given time. It may not even be convenient for us. We may be in a different location. We may even be in a different city, state, or country.

However, wherever our neighbor is…that is where the Lord wants us. He desires for us to go where He wants us to go, be where He wants us to be, and do what He wants us to do for all of our neighbors.

It should not matter to us the cost, distance, or anything else involved…only the obedience to our Lord. When we are listening to Him and obeying Him, He will provide for our every need. (Matthew 6:25-33) He will make a way when there seems to be no way in this natural world. (Isaiah 43:19)

Afterall, He instructs us to ‘Love the Lord our God with all our hearts and with all our souls and with all our strength and with all our minds; and, Love our neighbors as ourselves.’ (Luke 10:27)

When we do this, then we will really live. (Luke 10:28)


Copyright 2011 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Monday, January 10, 2011

Identity Crisis

Hold on! Wait a minute! I am on the scene of a crime.

It appears that there is an identity crisis in the body of Christ. It seems that members of the body do not know who they are in Him. As a result, the enemy is taking what is rightfully theirs. Their provision! Their blessings! Their inheritance! (Ephesians 1:18)

The enemy's mode of operation is to, first, lie to them about who they are...telling them they are unworthy...helping to lower their self-esteem...and basically beating them up.

Unfortunately, the members begin to believe the enemy's lies. Over the course of time, if they are not strong enough in their walk of faith, they totally give into the lies.

From this reporter's perspective, part of it is due to their lowered self-esteem. However, their lack of knowledge also plays into it.

Their Heavenly Father tells them that, "my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." He goes on to say, "because you have rejected knowledge...because you have forgotten the law of your God..." (Hosea 4:6)

Therefore, not only do they not have the knowledge, they also reject the little knowledge that they may have and forget His law.

Then, the enemy is able to take what rightfully belongs to them. Their provision! Their blessings! Their inheritance!

Their Father also says that, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy..." (John 10:10)

However, when they are strong in His Word and in their faith, they believe what their Father tells them and what His Son, Jesus Christ, has done for them.

Their Father tells them what His Son has already done for them in His Word. "...I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10)

Reporting from the scene...within the body of Christ...

Prayer:

"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in His holy people, and His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength He exerted when He raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed Him to be head over everything for the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way." (Ephesians 1:17-23)


Copyright 2011 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Sleeping with the Enemy

Sleeping with the Enemy was a movie back in the early 90's which starred Julia Roberts as the leading lady and Patrick Bergin as the leading man. In the movie, Roberts played the character of Laura who was the wife of Bergin's character Martin. Laura's husband, Martin, was a very controlling and abusive man. He was a very evil, wicked, and deceptive man.

The enemy is very evil, wicked, and deceptive in this world. He uses people and tells them lies about themselves and others. The devil deceives people into thinking they are still old creatures and belong with their old man’s spouse. In addition, Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. (2 Corinthians 11:14)

By outside appearances, a couple may appear to belong together in this world. However, that is not always the case. In this movie, it certainly was not the case either. Sometimes, the enemy’s work keeps people together even when they do not belong with one another.

It is so very important to renew our mind in God's word! (Romans 12:2) That way, we find out what He says about us and to us. It is the best way to find out who you are in Christ Jesus, which is also very important. Equally important to know...is whose you are in Christ Jesus.

Whose child are you? Whose spouse are you? Whom do you belong with in this world?

Jesus Christ died to give us so very much in this life. Not only did He die for our sins, but He also died for our healing whether emotional, mental, or physical. Additionally, Christ died for us to have an inheritance, provision, and spiritual blessings.

What is your inheritance? What is your blessing? What is your provision? Do you know? Do you care? Our Father God cares! His Son, Jesus, cares! He wants the best for you!

"When you believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of His glory." (Ephesians 1:13-14)

We have a guarantee by our Father God of our inheritance. That is huge! And...it is all for God's glory!

"God is not human, that He should lie, not a human being, that He should change his mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?" (Numbers 23:19)

Absolutely not! Our Father God is faithful! He is trustworthy!

There came a point in the movie where Roberts' character, Laura, made a plan of escape. She finally got out of the clutches of the mean, bad, and abusive husband. As a result, she was no longer sleeping with the enemy.

Are you sleeping with the enemy? In other words, are you in a carnal or fleshy relationship...one that is a result of the devil's lies?  It can be a married, courting, or dating relationship.  Or...are you in a relationship with the one that Jesus died to give you?

If not, have you made your plan of escape yet? Are you listening to the Lord? He has great plans for you! He also knows the right strategy…the best strategy!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity." (Jeremiah 29:11-14)

He wants to help you get out of the clutches of the enemy. Please seek Him, listen to Him, and obey Him! (Matt 6:33)

"...your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven..." (Matt 6:10) Our Father wants His will to be done here in this world…just like in heaven. It can be heaven on earth.

However, He commands that we first "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind", and then, "Love your neighbor as yourself." (Luke 10:27) Are you really loving the Lord, your neighbor, and yourself?

Prayer:

"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His holy people, and His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength He exerted when He raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under His feet and appointed Him to be head over everything for the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way." (Ephesians 1:17-23)

"I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen." (Ephesians 3:16-21)


Copyright 2011 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.