Monday, December 30, 2013

And It Came to Pass...

(Read Luke 1:26-38)

An angel of the Lord spoke a word to Mary in a season.  

Then, there was some waiting on her part. 

(Read Luke 2:1-7)

"And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered."  (Luke 2:1, NKJV)

Did you notice?  "And it came to pass..." [emphasis mine]

(Read Luke 2:15-20)

So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.”  (Luke 2:15, NKJV)

How about this part?  "...see this thing that has come to pass..." [emphasis mine]


What you are you waiting for God to bring to pass for you?

Know that when God speaks a word to you in a particular season, it will come to pass.  It probably won't happen overnight.  It may be days, weeks, months, or even years.  Be patient though. 

In just the right way and at just the right time, God will bring it to pass in your life.  Remember, He is no respecter of persons.  What He does for one person, He will do for another person.  He also keeps His promises.   

"For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us."  (2 Corinthians 1:20, NKJV)

Neither does He lie.  It's not part of His true character.  He blesses His children. 

"God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent.  Has He said, and will He not do?  Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?  Behold, I have received a command to bless; He has blessed, and I cannot reverse it."  (Numbers 23:19-20, NKJV)



Copyright 2013 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.











Sunday, December 29, 2013

Let Jesus Out!

I have observed members of the body of Jesus Christ quenching the Spirit of God in their lives.  (1 Thessalonians 5:19)  I have also experienced the effects of it myself because of others' poor choices.  Perhaps, you also have observed it and experienced it yourself.  After all, we each affect one another when we are a part of the body of Christ.  (1 Corinthians 12:26)

Because believers do not obey God's word, they are not exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit.  (Galatians 5:22-23)  They are not becoming more like Jesus Christ.  Unfortunately, some Christians are becoming less like Him.

They choose to give into the flesh or the old sinful nature.  It's a shame.  It's disturbing.  It's sad.  Perhaps, they don't realize that they are a new creation.  (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Most of all, it's disobedient to God and His word.  It dishonors Him and does not glorify Him at all.  One of the main purposes is for His children to honor and glorify Him.  (1 Corinthians 6:20; 1 Timothy 1:17)

I want to say to those people within the body, "Let Jesus Out!"  Let Him live in and through you.  (Romans 6:1-14)  Allow Him to change you from the inside out.

Of course, it takes a daily renewal of the mind for all believers to experience the transformation.  (Romans 12:2)  We cannot be slack about being true followers and disciples of Jesus Christ.  It takes time, effort, communication, and an on-going relationship with Him. 

The more we spend time with Him---communing with Him---the more we will look and act like Him.  Make sure that you have let Jesus into your heart and life.  (Romans 10:9-10)  Then, you can definitely "Let Jesus Out!"



Copyright 2013 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Saturday, October 26, 2013

Bearing Fruit

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."   (Galatians 5:22-23, NIV)  Once we have been born again, we already have the fruit of the Spirit.  It has to be used and developed by us though in order for the fruit to be shown in our lives.

As Jesus' disciples and Christ-followers, we need to bear fruit.  However, we cannot and will not bear fruit without remaining in a continuous relationship with Jesus.   “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.  (John 15:5, NIV)  

Jesus is the true vine.  Therefore, we must stay connected to Him.  "Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me."  (John 15:4, NIV)  Jesus' Father and ours is the gardener who cuts off every branch in us that doesn't bear fruit.  Every branch that does bear fruit, our Father prunes so that we will be even more fruitful.  (John 15:1-2

We don't need to just bear fruit, but we need to produce a lot of fruit in our lives.  "This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."  (John 15:8)

In addition, it isn't just any kind of fruit that we want and need to display either.  It's the good kind of fruit.  In order to bear good fruit, we have to be good disciples and followers of Jesus Christ.  He is the only one who can make us truly good.  “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit.  (Matthew 12:33)

We will truly be known by the fruit that we bear in our lives.  "By their fruit you will recognize them.  Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?  Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.  Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them."  (Matthew 7:16-20)
  
Jesus wants us to produce fruit that doesn't end.   "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.(John 15:16)

The Apostle Paul encourages us to live as children of the light.  He tells us that the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth.  (Ephesians 5:8-9)

Let's choose to bear fruit but not just any fruit.  Choose to produce lots of good fruit in your life.  Decide to be a true disciple and follower of Jesus Christ by staying in relationship with Him.  Then, we will truly be Children of the Light as He is in the Light.  (1 Thessalonians 5:15)


Copyright 2013 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.     

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Abiding in Jesus

"Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me." (John 15:4, NKJV)

Jesus tells us that He is the true vine, and His Father is the vinedresser.  (John 15:1)  He also says that we are the branches.  (John 15:5)

Are you abiding in Jesus?

According to Dictionary.com, the word 'abide' is defined as 'to remain, continue, stay'.  If we are abiding in Jesus, we are remaining with Him. We continue with Him. We stay with Him.   It also means 'to continue in a particular condition, attitude, relationship; last'.  Therefore, we continue in our individual and personal relationships with Him.  

How do we do it?

We stay in God's word.  We continue seeking Him.  We keep spending time with Him. 

There are benefits for remaining in constant communication with Him.  For one, we bear much fruit which means we are productive within the Kingdom of God.  (John 15:5)  "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.  By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples."  (John 15:7-8, NKJV)

There are also consequences for not staying in relationship with Jesus.  "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away..."  (John 15:2aWe cannot and will not do anything really worthwhile without Him.  (John 15:5)  "If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned."  (John 15:6, NKJV)

When we abide in Jesus, we also abide in His love.  (John 15:9)  The only way we can truly abide in His love is by keeping His commandments.  And, the only way we can really keep His commandments is by abiding in Him and staying in His word.  (John 15:10)


Copyright 2013 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Acceptance by God

Anyone who has lived in this world for any length of time has experienced rejection at one time or another.  It is an inevitable part of life.  Rejection is even more a part of a Christian's life in this world.  [Note: I am not trying to scare away those people who may not have already accepted Jesus into their hearts and lives.  The Christian life isn't easy.  However, it is still very much worth it!]

Since Jesus Christ experienced rejection, we can also expect to suffer rejection from others.  "He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces He was despised, and we held him in low esteem."  (Isaiah 53:3, NIV)  He suffered much for us.  Likewise, we will also suffer persecution and rejection.  

The disciple Luke affirms the rejection in the life of a true follower of Jesus Christ.  "Truly I tell you,” he continued, “no prophet is accepted in his hometown."  (Luke 4:24, NIV)  As a matter of fact, we are told that we will have trouble in this world.  (John 16:33)  However, we are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us.  (Romans 8:37)

Little Shepherd boy, David, was initially rejected by both his father, Jesse, and Samuel.  But the Lord told Samuel, "...The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."  (1 Samuel 16:7b, NIV)  David went on to become a king and ruled a country.

Therefore, it does matter what people think or say about us.  We are not to allow people's opinions of us to affect us in a negative way.  We are also not to allow the rejection by people to adversely affect us.  It only matters what our Father thinks and says about us.  His opinion is the only one which really makes a difference.  He accepts all of His children.  (Romans 14:3; Hebrews 12:6


Our Father sees and knows us like no other person can or will ever know us.  "God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us."  (Acts 15:8, NIV)


The beloved disciple, John, talks more about our acceptance by God and others.  "Very truly I tell you, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me."  (John 13:20, NIV)  Therefore, we can expect to be accepted by those who accept Him.  

In addition, the Apostle Paul tells us to honor God by our acceptance of others.  "Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God."  (Romans 15:7, NIV)

No matter what happens in this world---we who are God's children are accepted by Him.  We can rest in that assurance.  We can also rest just knowing that when others don't accept us our Father will always accept us.  It makes a huge difference. 


Copyright 2013 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Friday, September 27, 2013

God's Plans

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.  (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)

God's plans are always good.  They are filled with hope, prosperity, and a future.

I hear and read almost on a daily basis these days people say something like..."Well, God had other plans."  "God changed His plans."  "God had different plans."  Those "other plans" or "different plans" never include anything that is really good, hopeful, or prosperous.  They usually include being sick, ill, dying too soon---basically anything you can think of that is destructive or tragic.

God never has "other plans" or "different plans" though.  His plans are always to prosper us.  His plans are always hopeful.  His plans are always good.  His plans are always to give us a future.  (Jeremiah 29:11)

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy..."  (John 10:10b, NIV)  The devil is the only one whose plans are to hurt us or harm us.  The father of lies is the only one whose plans are to destroy us or kill us.  (John 8:44)

God never never changes His plans.  He allows everyone to choose life or death.  He allows everyone to choose blessings or curses.  (Deuteronomy 30:15, 19)  He allows everyone to choose Him or the devil.  (James 4:7)

Unfortunately, when people give the devil a foothold into them, then the enemy is able to work his plans into their lives.  (Ephesians 4:26-27)  A stronghold is formed in people when they continue sinning without repenting of it.  True repentance means that a person stops sinning and turns toward God.  (2 Corinthians 7:10; Matthew 3:8)

One of the best ways to turn towards God is to read His word on a daily basis.  (Romans 12:2)  Then, people will be able to better understand and know God's true nature.  [*Note: Read my blog post, The True Nature of God]  Only when everyone truly gets to know God and His true nature will they be able to know the difference between God's ways and the ways of the enemy.  (Hebrews 5:14)

God's ways are always higher, better, positive, encouraging, good, and hopeful.  (Isaiah 55:8-9)  Therefore, God's plans are always in line with His ways, His true nature, and His word.  


Copyright 2013 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Jesus is More Than Enough

Jesus is more than enough!  He is more than enough for your healing!  He is more than enough for your provision!  He is more than enough for your blessings!  He is more than enough!

What are you needing right now?  Do you need healing?  Do you need provision?  Do you need blessings?

Well, then get ready!  Get ready to receive all that Jesus died to give you!  He died to give you more than what you may be experiencing right now in your life.  He died to give you the abundant life here and now!  (John 10:10b)

Jesus died for you for more than just forgiveness of sins---more than just existing, surviving, or living in this physical, natural world.  He also died to give you many spiritual blessings which includes divine health, healing, and more.  (Psalm 103:1-5)  I am not just talking about physical healing either.  I mean every possible type of healing you may need in every part of your body and in every area of your life. 

Do you need emotional healing?  Jesus is more than enough!  Do you need mental healing?  Jesus is more than enough?  Do you need relational healing?  Jesus is more than enough!  Do you need financial healing?  Jesus is more than enough!  I am sure that you get the "picture" now.

If you aren't experiencing the 'abundant life' at this very moment, then there is a reason.  Perhaps, you don't know God's word---His truth.  God's children are "destroyed from lack of knowledge".  (Hosea 4:6)  Maybe, you don't believe the truth.  Either way, for whatever reason, know that God's word is spirit and truth.  (John 6:63)  His word gives life.  His spirit gives life.

Get in God's word!  Meditate on it!  (Joshua 1:8)  Keep renewing your mind!  (Romans 12:2)  Pray continually!  (1 Thessalonians 5:17)  Believe and receive everything Jesus died to give you!  (Mark 11:22:24)

You owe it to yourself!  Most of all, you owe it to Jesus!  Do not let His death be in vain!  He died to give you the abundant life!

 Jesus is more than enough!


Copyright 2013 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Friday, August 30, 2013

Married to Jesus

I received one of the best compliments from a stranger a few years ago.  A man told me as I walked past him that he could tell who I was married to.  I had to stop, turn around, and ask him what he had previously said to me.  I wasn't married to anyone.  Therefore, I didn't know what he was talking about then. However, it occurred to me that this man who I didn't know at all. A man that I had never seen before knew who I had been spending time with in those previous days.  The man knew that I was married to Jesus. 

To be married to someone doesn't come by accident.  It is intentional.  It is on purpose.  It takes effort.  You have to make the time.  You have to take the time.  You have to spend time with the person.  You have to communicate with the person.

When you spend time with someone, you begin to resemble that particular person.  In the same way, when you spend time with Jesus, you start looking and acting like Him.  I want people to know who I have been spending time with always.  I want to look and act more like Jesus.  I want people to know that I am married to Jesus.

How about you?  Who do you spend time with the most?  Who do you resemble now?  Who are you "married" to at the moment?  Is it Jesus?


(Scripture references:  John 15:1-17; Romans 12:1-2; Joshua 1:8)



Copyright 2013 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.


Sunday, August 18, 2013

God's Way




You just listened to the song, My Way, originally made famous by the old crooner, Frank Sinatra.  In the above song, the artist sings about doing things his way and having regrets but still doing it his way.

The world would have you believe that it is best to do it our own way.  They would have you to think that you don't need anyone.  You don't need anyone's help.  You don't need anyone's advice or godly counsel.  You will be fine just doing it your way.

However, our Father God says differently in His word known as the Bible.  Our Father clearly says that when we do things His way we will have the abundant life.  We will have a rich and satisfying life.  (John 10:10b)  We will have blessings which overtake us.  (Deuteronomy 28:1-14)

God says, "See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction.  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; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess."  (Deuteronomy 30:15-16, NIV)

Our Father loves us.  He wants to help us.  He wants us to choose His way.  He encourages us to go His way. 

He tells us what we can expect if we do not go His way.  "But if your heart turns away and you are not obedient, and if you are drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them,  I declare to you this day that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess."  (Deuteronomy 30:17-18, NIV)

When we obey Him and go His way though, we can expect so much more from Him.  "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 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 he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob."  (Deuteronomy 30:19-20, NIV)

Whose way are you going today?  Are you going your own way?  Or...are you going God's way?  His way is the best.  However, He leaves the decision up to you.  If you want / need His help though, He is always willing and available.  Just go to Him!  Ask Him to help you to go His way!  You will be blessed abundantly.



Copyright 2013 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Monday, July 29, 2013

Taking the Limits Off God

God is infinite.  He is all-powerful.  He is all-knowing.  He is always present.  He is limitless.  However, people tend to limit God.  They try to limit Him anyway.  His character never changes, and He doesn't change His mind.  (Numbers 23:19)  Therefore, it is only people's perception that changes Him or their personal experience with Him. 

I came to realize awhile back that I had previously been limiting my Father God and my experience with Him for a few years in my own life.  I didn't intentionally set out or plan to do it either.  It just happened because I had already made up my mind.  I  had pre-conceived thoughts and ideas of exactly how and when I would enter my "Promised Land", the land flowing with milk and honey.  (Deuteronomy 27:3)  I expected to enter it over three years ago.  When it didn't happen then, I thought that it had just been delayed for the time being.  Then, early last year, I expected to enter my "Promised Land" going a different way and another route.  However, it didn't happen then either.  I came to realize even more that I had been limiting my Father God and my personal experience of Him. 

Therefore, I decided to take the limits off my Father God.  I don't know exactly how and when I will enter my "Promised Land", but I know that I will enter it at just the right time and in just the right way with the help of my Father God.  I may still have some thoughts or ideas of how I would like it to happen.  However, I decided that I am not going to limit my Father God with those kind of thoughts or ideas. 

I have moved on with my life as well as my relationship with my Father God.  I am sure that He knows exactly how and when it will happen.  He also knows when I am ready to enter my "Promised Land".  Until then, I am taking the limits off Him and myself.  I am trusting Him with His plans for me.  I know that He is good, and His plans for me are good.  (Jeremiah 29:11)


Copyright 2013 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Counting Your Blessings

Count Your Blessings is an old hymn that is sung in many churches around the world.  I grew up singing the song in church.  I am sure that many others who grew up in church also are familiar with the song.  Have you ever really listened to the words of the song?  Just listen here and now...

 


"Count your blessings...Name them one by one...Count your blessings...See what God has done..."

Those are just a few of the words to the old hymn, Count Your Blessings.  Sometimes, it is easier said than done though.  There may be times when you get down or discouraged about a situation in life.  It is just easier to see the negative and natural circumstances sometimes.  However, our Father God wants us to praise Him in all circumstances.  David who went through a lot of difficulty in his life knew that he needed to praise His Lord at all times.   

"I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips."  (Psalm 34:1, NIV)

The Psalmist in 119 also knew that he needed to praise God.

"Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws."  (Psalm 119:164, NIV)

God our Father wants us to truly know Him.  He wants us to see and know His goodness, His love, and His faithfulness in every circumstance in our lives.  He definitely wants us to praise Him.

How do we do it?  We get our eyes off of our natural circumstances and put our eyes on Him.  (Hebrews 12:1-3)  Then, we praise Him for what He has already done for us in our lives.  We praise Him for what He is doing 'behind the scenes' in our lives.  We praise Him for what He will do for us in our future. 

Start praising Him right now where you are...I am sure that you can think of something to praise Him and thank Him for in your life.  Begin with some of the basics like your home, your family, your food, your clothing, and whatever else.  If you need to go back to the above song, there are some hints and reminders in it.  All of your blessings come from God the Father!  (James 1:17)  Therefore, count your blessings!  Then, see what God has done!


Copyright 2013 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Exalting God's Word

I have often wondered the reason believers exalt natural circumstances over God and His word.  God is so much bigger and more powerful than any natural circumstance.  After all, God is a supernatural being which means He is over the natural.  He created the world and everything in it into existence.  (Genesis 1) God's word is also very important and powerful.

"For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."  (Hebrews 4:12, NIV)

What if Jesus while on this earth exalted natural circumstances over His Father and His word to Him?  What if He told His Father, "I know what you say but..."?  Then, Jesus would not have healed the sick.  He would not have made the lame walk, set the captives fee, taught the parables, discipled His followers, and so on.  He would not have done the work and the will of His Father.  There would not have been signs, wonders, and miracles.

We, as believers in Jesus Christ and children of God, have Jesus' spirit.  We are created in the image of God.  (Genesis 1:27)  We also have God's word.  In His word, He tells us that we are to be just like Jesus in this world.  (1 John 4:17b, KJV)  According to His word, we are able to do even greater works than Jesus did while He was here in this world.  Jesus had to leave this world to be with His Father in Heaven.  (John 14:12-14)  All of us who have Jesus' spirit living within us now are more than the one man named Jesus.  His spirit has been deposited inside of every believer in Jesus Christ.  Therefore, we should be doing even more of our Father's work and will in this world.  There should be many more signs, wonders, and miracles now than back in Jesus' day and time.  

First, we have to realize that we cannot do anything without Him.  He is the true vine, and we are the branches.  (John 15:5We can only be fruitful when we abide in Him and Him in us.  (John 15:4)  We also have to stop exalting natural circumstances over God and His word.  We have to believe God and take Him at His word.  Then, we will be seeing and performing many more signs, wonders, and miracles in this world.  Many more people will be healed, set free, and preached the Gospel all in the name of Jesus.  All glory, honor, and praise will go to our Father.  


Copyright 2013 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Outward Appearances


Scripture Reference:

"The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7b, NIV)

Almost two years ago, I attended a holiday dinner at a couple's house where there was only one other invited guest. Throughout the evening, I was questioned about my living situation among other related personal questions. The stranger who also had been invited came across as very abrasive, intrusive, and offensive. Right off the bat, she seemed to think that it was her prerogative to ask me very personal questions about myself and my life. I felt very put on the spot and put upon especially by this woman. It felt like I had been invited to an inquisition and not informed of the real purpose up front. I did not realize it was going to be that kind of an evening for me. Otherwise, I probably would not have attended this dinner but I digress a little.

After the special event was over, I was thinking back over the unforgettable evening and the very rude woman. It made me more upset with her and myself. For one, I felt that she had violated me and my privacy. Looking back, I should have set boundaries with her up front. However, on the other hand, she should have known the unwritten rules. She did not seem to have the social etiquette that you would expect from most people though.

Unfortunately, that awful evening was just a reminder of the way people judge other people. I do not know whether her friend who invited me had told her a little about me. Based on the line of questioning, both of them had misjudged me. They based their judgments by outward appearances...things in the natural or physical world.

It was just another reminder how very important it is to renew our minds in God's word. (Romans 12:2) When we seek God and renew our mind in His word, He tells us and shows us what we need to know about a person or a situation. (Matthew 6:33) He gives us wisdom, knowledge, and discernment among other spiritual gifts. (1 Corinthians 12:8-10) Additionally, when we ask God for wisdom, He gives it to us. (James 1:5)

If those people had been seeking the Lord and studying His word, perhaps they would not have misjudged me. Then, I would not have had to endure an unnecessary inquisition at the couple's house.

Remember:

"The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7b, NIV)

Life Application:

People should not judge others by the outward appearance of people and their lives. People do not know how God is working in and through people and the temporary situations in their lives.


Copyright 2013 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Thursday, June 13, 2013

The Ultimate Rewards Program

There are so many rewards programs in this world.  You join, register, or sign up in order to be a part of different rewards programs.  There are rewards programs for groceries, restaurants, pet shops, bookstores, movie theaters, and the list goes on.

Sometimes, you can get disappointed in the rewards programs of this world.  You have to go so many times somewhere before you begin collecting the rewards points.  You have to buy so much before you can actually get a reward from the program.

However, there is a rewards program in God's kingdom which is like no other in this world.  It is God's ultimate rewards program.  It will not disappoint you, because God will not ever let you down.  Let's take a look at His ultimate rewards program.

"Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all His benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.  The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed."  (Psalm 103:2-6, NIV)

Now, please tell me...Isn't that the ultimate rewards program?!?!  What can do any better?  Who can do any better than Him?  Nobody!


Copyright 2013 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Sunday, June 2, 2013

Sharing God's Love


"I know that I am supposed to, but I don't like to share."

That is what one of my younger cousins said many years ago when she was told to share with others.  At the time, she was a very young child when she was told to share something with somebody else. 

However, I believe that the same is true of adults, at times, when it comes to sharing with others.  Why is it so hard for us to share?  For one, it is a part of human nature which finds it hard to share with others. 

It is the flesh or the old sinful nature that does not like to share with others.  Perhaps, we think that if we share with others we will not get a fair share.  Maybe, we just want to have it all to ourselves.  Other times, we only want to keep it all for ourselves.

In God's word though, we are told to share with others whether it be material possessions, the Gospel, or God's love.  

"Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality (Romans 12:13, NIV)."  

When you love someone, you want to share with them.  You want to help people when you love them. 

"Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well (1 Thessalonians 2:8, NIV)."   

John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same (Luke 3:11, NIV).”  

Most importantly, when you love God as the very first commandment (Matthew 22:36-38) says to do, you will want to share His love with others.  You share God's love with people by showing them in tangible and practical ways.  Feeding the hungry.  Clothing the naked.  Sheltering the homeless.  Visiting the sick and those in prison (See Matthew 25:35-40).

Your flesh or old sinful nature may try to rise up every once in awhile.  You may think or say something similar to my much younger cousin did years ago.  However, see it and know it for what it is right then and there.  

 "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5, NIV)."  

Once you know God, His thoughts, and His ways; you will know what to do and what not to do (See Isaiah 55:8-9).  

You will know not to give into the flesh, the old sinful nature, but will live by the Spirit.  When you live by the Spirit, you give by the Spirit (See Romans 8:12-14; Galatians 5:24-25).   You give to others.  You love others.  You share with others.  Most of all, you share God's love.


Copyright 2013 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.