Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Confessing God's Word

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

Whatever you are confessing with your mouth will produce either life or death in your life.  You will either experience life, health, peace, so on or so forth.  Or...you will experience death, disease, destruction, and the like.

We have been given word power by God.  In the same way, He created the universe with His words.  (See Genesis 1.)  We create our world with our words.  Therefore, it's very important that we use our words carefully and wisely. 

What are you confessing?  What are you speaking by faith?

When we confess God's word, it helps all of us---believers in Jesus Christ---to get into agreement and alignment with Him and His word.  

According to Dictionary.com; confess is defined as "to own or admit as true; to acknowledge one's belief or faith in; declare adherence to; to declare or acknowledge"...Confession is defined as "acknowledgment; avowal; admission; acknowledgment or disclosure of sin or sinfulness, especially to a priest to obtain absolution...Also called confession of faith. A formal profession of belief and acceptance of doctrines, as before being admitted to church membership."

Therefore, confessing God's word is basically confessing or declaring your faith. 

If you aren't already confessing His word, you can begin now.  It's never too late to start developing a new spiritual discipline or practice.  Confessing God's word is only one of the spiritual practices in the life of a believer.  (See Spiritual Disciplines.)
You can begin confessing His word in a specific area of your life.  For instance, perhaps, you need divine health and healing in your body. 

Well, then, go to the word and find scripture verses to back it up.  To give you an example, see 3 John 1:2.  "Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers."  (NKJV)

Another scripture reference for healing and health would be 1 Peter 2:24.  “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” (NIV)

You also can do that kind of topical search in the Bible for other specific areas in your life.  Finances.  Relationships.  Jobs.  Family.  Children.  Grandchildren.

Of course, you can confess God's word for all areas of your life as well.  In general or overall.
What are you confessing for the New Year?  What will you confess during 2015?

Check out my ministry website for a list of confessions from God's word. 

 
Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Monday, December 29, 2014

Breaking All the Rules

Let's break all the rules!

You may be thinking...What? Have you lost it?
Yes! To an extent, I have lost it. The Lord has opened my spiritual eyes of understanding and enlightened me even more in recent months. (See Ephesians1:16-23) I have lost religion, tradition, legalism, and everything else that comes with trying to keep the old covenant of the law---more so, anyway.

First, let me share a little background with you about myself.
I grew up in a Christian home with Christian parents. We all went to church together every Sunday. I was a good Christian girl. I always did what was expected of me. That is, until I was in college...

I was working a seasonal job at an amusement park on a big rollercoaster one summer. I was asked to work Sundays. Normally, it was one of my requested days off from work. However, this particular summer, I decided that I wanted to work on Sundays.
When I talked to my mom about it, she was against me doing it. She eventually gave in and allowed me to work Sundays that summer. 

There have been more recent instances with other believers within the body of Christ where God has personally revealed more to me. Many believers are still trying to keep the old covenant of the law. It's all about their works or my works or someone else's works.
However, that is not true. That is not the case. If you break one point of 'the law', you have broken all of the law. (James 2:9-11) Jesus came to fulfill the law. (Matthew 5:17-18) He is the only one who has ever perfectly kept the law. Therefore, He is the fulfillment of the law.

The only way we can ever hope to perfectly keep 'the law' is to rely on Him to do the work in and through us by His spirit. We no longer approach Him by way of 'the law' though. We approach Him by the new covenant of grace through faith in Him.
Whenever, somebody tries to put you under 'the law', resist it. Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (James 4:7) Speak the truth in love to them. (Ephesians 4:15)

I have come to realize there is a lot more tradition out in the world. It has nothing to do with Jesus Christ. A lot of the tradition comes from the church as a whole. There's a lot of tradition in religion. However, Jesus didn't die on the cross for believers to have a religion. He died on the cross for all of us to have a relationship with Him---not just any relationship, but a personal and intimate relationship with Him---the Son of God.
The more we come to personally know Him, the more we will know what is of Him and not from Him.

The Apostle Paul and his spiritual brother, Timothy, wrote to the people in the church at Colossae and explained more about the fullness of Jesus Christ.
"See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority." (Colossians 2:8-10, NIV)

Paul and Timothy continue speaking about all of the human rules and regulations in the world. They wanted to make sure the believers knew of their freedom in Christ.
"Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence." (Colossians 2:20- 23, NIV)

Lastly, Matthew wrote of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law coming to Jesus and asking Him about breaking tradition. Jesus had asked them for the reason they had broken God's command for the sake of tradition. He told them they nullified God's word for the sake of tradition. Jesus also mentioned that Isaiah was right when he prophesied about them.
"‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules." (Matthew 15:8-9, NIV)

So, are there human rules that you are keeping?  Are there traditions that you honor?
Looking back now, I am glad my mom gave into my request. It worked out for my good. It allowed me to see for myself the importance of regularly attending church.

At the time, I was just going through the motions of going to church.  It had become a habit.  A routine.  A tradition.  It didn’t really mean anything to me.  It was part of my religion then. 
That specific break in tradition, however, allowed me to better understand and know for myself the good of attending church on a regular basis.  The right motivation behind going to church had previously been missing for me. 

Now, it has become part of having a personal relationship with Jesus for me. It's a way that I can personally come to know more of Him and love Him. It's a time of fellowshipping with other believers, learning more about them, and loving them as well.  It’s an outward expression of inward worship.


Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

A New Creation

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"  (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV)

Do you realize that you are a new creation?  That is, if you have accepted Jesus into your heart and made Him your Lord, then you are a new creation.  "...The old has gone, the new is here!"

It truly means you are no longer your old self---the old, fleshy, sinful person you were previously.  You are now a new creation.  You have been born again spiritually.  You are a totally new person. 

In one of His letters to the Corinth church, the Apostle Paul spoke about God giving us the ministry of reconciliation.  He wanted all the believers there to know that God had reconciled us to Himself through Christ.  In addition, God was reconciling the entire world to Himself...not counting people's sins against them.  

God gave all believers this ministry---the ministry of reconciliation.  Paul continued on about all believers being Christ's ambassadors and being committed to the message of reconciliation. 

Our Father God no longer sees us as our old or former selves.  Neither should we view ourselves in that way.  He sees us, His children, just like He sees His Son, Jesus. 

Pure.  Blameless.  (Philippians 2:14-16)  Holy.  (1Peter 1:15-16)  Righteous.  (2 Corinthians 5:21)   Above Reproach.  Perfect.  (Matthew 5:48)  Complete. 

We should also view ourselves the way our Father views us.  In light of what Jesus did for us on the cross.  (See Isaiah 53)

To think and/or say otherwise is to say that you don't believe what Jesus did for you.  Or...you don't believe He did enough.  Or...perhaps, you think you have to work for it.  Whatever the reason, it is enough.  It was enough.  You don't have to work for it.  It is finished!  (John 19:30)  Believe it!

When we are in Christ, we are new people.  We are in Christ, and He is in us.  As one Bible teacher has previously said…We are spiritual beings living in a body with a soul.  We are viewed by God as new creations.  We are new creations.  The old has passed away.  The new has come.

 

Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Sunday, December 7, 2014

Loved by God

Many people in the world do not know that they are loved by God.  Believe it or not...There are many believers today within the body of Christ that do not truly know that they are loved by God.

Not too long ago, I completed a Bible study with a group of ladies at my local church.  In one of the video lessons, the Bible teacher wanted everyone to know that they were loved by God.  In fact, she had us to do an exercise where we would tell each other in our small group..."You are loved by God."

The Apostle Paul was one of the most bold, courageous believers in Biblical times.  In some of his letters to different churches, he wrote and spoke about being loved by God.  He also encouraged other believers to know that they were loved by God.

Let's take a look at specific portions of some of those letters to other believers in a few of the churches back then.

“For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God.  I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.  (Galatians 2:19-20, NIV)

Paul understood that God not only loved him but gave Himself up for him.  Because of that revelation, this apostle knew that he wasn't his own.  He put his faith in Jesus and lived for God.

In his letter to the church at Rome, Paul spoke about the Father's love for them.

"To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be His holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ."  (Romans 1:7, NIV)

Paul, Silas, and Timothy traveled together throughout the region of Thessalonica.
In their letters to fellow believers, they also spoke about God's love for them. 

"For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that He has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. (1 Thessalonians 1:4-5, NIV) 

"But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.  He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ."  (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14, NIV) 

"May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word."  (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, NIV)


Do you know that you are loved by God?  Believe and receive the Father's love for you.  You are loved by God!

Repeat after me, "I am loved by God."


Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Jesus is Our Righteousness

Some people within the body of Christ try to establish their own righteousness. It’s called self-righteousness which comes from the law---the old covenant. We don't have to try to establish our own righteousness though. It's already been established for us---through God’s son, Jesus Christ.

The prophet, Isaiah, spoke about our own righteous acts.

"All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away." (Isaiah 64:6, NIV)

I previously had been blind to some truth regarding our righteousness. Fortunately, the Lord has revealed more to me regarding our righteousness in recent months though.

It definitely helps us to become more rooted and grounded in the word of God but also in our relationship with Him and His love for us. (Colossians 2:6-7; Ephesians 3:16-19) We gain better understanding and insight into our righteousness which comes from God which is based on our faith in Jesus Christ.

In the Apostle Paul's letter to the people in Philippi, he spoke about knowing the Lord and our righteousness in Christ.

"What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith." (Philippians 3:8-9, NIV)

Paul told them that he didn't want to have a righteousness of his own which comes from the law but a righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ. He considered his relationship with the Lord of the utmost importance compared to anything else. He said everything else was worthless or 'garbage'. It is so true. Nothing is more important. Nothing compares to having a close, intimate relationship with Jesus.

He not only wanted to participate in Jesus' sufferings but also attain and know the power of the resurrection from the dead.

"...I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of His resurrection and participation in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. (Philippians 3:10-11, NIV)

Can you say the same? Do you want to know Jesus so much that you are willing to participate in His suffering? How about becoming like Him in His death? Lastly, do you want to attain and know the power of the resurrection?

In Paul's letter to Rome, he talked about our righteousness in Christ and the law.

"Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin." (Romans 3:20, NIV)

He also spoke about those who are righteous through faith and the promise of God.

"It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless, because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression." (Romans 4:13-15, NIV)

Our righteousness comes by faith in Christ. Jesus is our righteousness.


Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Redeemed From the Curse

The very first man, Adam, and the very first woman, Eve, received the curse from God. They both sinned, because they disobeyed Him in the Garden of Eden. Therefore, He cursed them because of their sin. (Genesis 3)

Many Christians today believe that they are still under the curse. However, that is not true.

Once Jesus Christ came and took our place on the cross, we are no longer under the curse. In fact, He became the curse for us. He redeemed us from the curse of the law. (Galatians 3:13-14) We are now under the new covenant of grace.

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9, NIV)

The old covenant of the law was based on works or a person's performance. There are some still trying to live like they are under the law. For those believers, they are still under the curse because they are still trying to rely on the law.

For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” (Galatians 3:10, NIV) 

The Apostle Paul tells us that the righteous live by faith. "Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God..." (Galatians 3:11, NIV) We aren't made right with God by the law. We are made righteous with God by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.  (Philippians 3:8-9

The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, it says, “The person who does these things will live by them.” (Galatians 3:12, NIV) 

Therefore, we must live by faith in the Son of God. (Galatians 2:20) Then, know and remember we are not under the curse. We are redeemed from the curse.


Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Agreeing With God

Agreeing with God is powerful.

What has God said to you? What has He said about you?

We get God’s results, when we get into agreement with Him and His Word.

When we trust Him and put our faith in Him, He is faithful. Whatever the situation may be at the time...if you need deliverance from a particular situation...if you need provision...if you need blessings...whatever the case may be...God has already done it. (Isaiah 53) All of your needs have been met according to His riches in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19) Everything you need has already been provided for. It was accomplished at the cross when Jesus took everything upon Himself. He paid for all of it.

Salvation...Forgiveness...Health...Healing...Deliverance...Provision...Blessing...Inheritance. (Psalm 103; Isaiah 53:5; Ephesians 1; 1 Peter 2:24)

How do we get into agreement with God and His word?

First, we renew our minds in His word. (Romans 12:2) Then, we meditate on His word so it will sink down into our hearts. (Joshua 1:8) We also speak out God's word in faith.

When we truly believe God's word, we speak it out. Additionally, we walk it out. We aren't just hearers of the word but doers of the word. (James 1:22-25) We live out God's word in this world.

 

Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Jesus is Our Light

What do you do when you are in the dark?  You turn on the light.  If you are entering a dark room, a dark house, or a dark building; then, you turn on a light.

The same is true in our spiritual lives.  If you are in the dark about an issue or situation in your life, you turn on the light---the light of God's word. 

Jesus was in the temple courts teaching a group of people.  The Pharisees and the teachers of the law brought in a woman who had been caught in adultery and placed her before the group.  They told Jesus and asked Him, "...Now what do you say?"  (John 8:5b, NIV)  He calmly responded to their accusation.  "Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her."  (John 8:7b, NIV)  Each of the woman's accusers left one by one until only Jesus and the woman were left standing there.  Then, He turns to the woman and asks her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"  (John 8:10b, NIV)  "No one, sir," she said.  "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."  (John 8:11, NIV)

When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  (John 8:12, NIV)

Another time, Jesus predicted His death before a crowd of people.  He was referring to Himself as the light.

 Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going.  Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” When He had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid Himself from them.  (John 12:35-36, NIV)

John spoke about God being light. 

"This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all.  If we claim to have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.  But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin.  (1 John 5-7, NIV)

In Matthew's account, he talked about the believers in Jesus being the light. 

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16, NIV)

When we spend time in God's word (in the presence of Jesus), we are able to shed more light on matters in our lives.  Jesus is our light.  When we spend time with Him, we have more light in ourselves as well as in our lives.  Then, we can truly be light in this dark world. 


Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Meditating on God's Word

"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, NIV)

Meditating on God's word may not be something that you are familiar with in your spiritual walk.

The word 'meditate' is defined as to consider, think, ponder, contemplate, reflect.
Meditation on God's word is a spiritual discipline. It is a recommended part of every believer's spiritual development and growth.

Most importantly, it is commanded by God our Father in His word.
Our Father God not only told us in the book of Joshua to meditate on His word but to meditate on it all the time so we can obey everything in it.

How do we meditate on it all the time?
For one, we consider or think on a particular scripture verse. For example, "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19, NIV)

We keep thinking about the same scripture verse for a period of time. "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19, NIV)
We contemplate and reflect on it until it truly sinks into our heart---until we get a revelation about that specific verse. "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19, NIV)

Perhaps, we even begin confessing out loud. Make it personal. "And my God will meet all of my needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus." My God will meet all of my needs. All means all. He didn't say some. He said all. It's not according to my own riches. It's according to His riches in glory. I am in Christ. Therefore, I have His riches.
That's only one example from scripture in order to get you started with meditating on God's word. Please feel free to also use other scripture verses. Do it frequently throughout the day.  Every day.

In the next part of Joshua 1:8, God then tells us that we will be prosperous and successful.
It's very important to observe this command from God. We cannot be truly prosperous and successful in our lives.

The prosperity and success that is spoken of in the book of Joshua isn't necessarily the kind that you may think of at the moment. It certainly isn't the kind that the world talks about much of the time. However, it is the kind that God wants for us.
He wants us to be prosperous and successful because it honors and glorifies Him. Plus, He is a good God! A loving father who wants to bless His children. What good, loving father would ever want or do anything else? (Matthew 7:9-11) Do you want to be blessed? I know that I sure do.

 
Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Saturday, September 6, 2014

The Kingdom of Heaven

Jesus often spoke to people in parables. Once, the disciples asked Him the reason for it. He gave a lengthy answer to their question.

He replied, “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. This is why I speak to them in parables:

“Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: “‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’ But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it. (Matthew 13:11-17, NIV)

In Matthew's account, there are several of Jesus' parables regarding the kingdom of heaven.

A former minister at my local church described the kingdom of heaven as a different reality which is true. It definitely is a different reality. Once you see something new and different, you cannot unsee it. It's like trying to describe an old black and white television program in color to someone who has never seen the color version of that particular program. It cannot be done very well.

However, we can tell people what we see and know ourselves. We can share our own personal experiences, insights, and knowledge. We can also hope and pray that the Holy Spirit will open their spiritual eyes---give them eyes to see, ears to hear, and a mind and heart that's open and receptive to Him and His truth.

Here's a great example of His truth.

Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?”
“Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” “Which ones?” he inquired.
Jesus replied, “‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’
“All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?”
Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, “Who then can be saved?”
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?”
Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first. (Matthew 19:16-30, NIV)

To much of the world, the kingdom of heaven may sound like an upside down reality. However, in truth, it is a right side up reality.

"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33, NIV)

When we first seek God, His truth, His ways [of doing and being right]; everything else will also be given to us.

In essence, that is heaven on earth.  (Matthew 6:10)



Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Sunday, August 31, 2014

Made in His Image

“So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.” (Genesis 1:27, NIV)
 
We are made in the image of God. Have you thought about it? You are made in the image of God. I am made in the image of God. The God of the universe. The God that created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1)
Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” (Genesis 1:26, NIV)
Not only did God make us in His image, but He also gave us power and dominion over everything in the land. In addition, God gave us a general purpose. He also gave us individual specific purposes.
God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” (Genesis 1:22, NIV)
God realized that we not only needed Him but we needed each other. We were created for companionship and relationship.
The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” (Genesis 2:18, NIV)
It's in the relationship and companionship of marriage between a man and a woman that we learn about the true meaning of love, more about ourselves, as well as more about God and our covenant relationship with Him.
God created a good helpmate for the very first man. She was taken from his side. She was created to compliment him and help him in God's purpose and plan.
The same is true for most of God's children today. Most of us have a suitable helpmate who compliments us and was created for us in order to help fulfill God's purpose and plan for us.
"But for Adam no suitable helper was found. So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, He took one of the man’s ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib He had taken out of the man, and He brought her to the man." (Genesis 2:20b-22, NIV)
Bottom line: We are all made in His image. We have power and dominion in Jesus Christ. We have a general purpose. We have individual purposes in God's plan and sometimes also with a suitable helpmate.

 
Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.


Sunday, August 24, 2014

Renewing Our Minds

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."  (Romans 12:2, NIV) 

Renewing our minds is very important to the transformation process of all believers in Jesus Christ.  It helps us to not conform to the pattern (i.e. design, style, model, form) of this world but it also helps us to know God's good, pleasing and perfect will for us.  

'Renewing our minds' simply means restoring, recovering, or reviving our minds. 

The Apostle Paul spoke about the wise person with the Spirit who knows the mind of the Lord.

 "...But we have the mind of Christ."  (1 Corinthians 2:16, NIV)

He also talked about believers becoming the new creation in Christ. 

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"  (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV) 

It takes us continually renewing our minds to keep on becoming the new creation in Jesus Christ. 

How do we renew our minds? 

First, we purposefully read and study the Bible (God's word).  We schedule time on our daily calendar or set aside time amongst our daily activities. 

Perhaps, we also participate in other Biblically-based opportunities whether at home, church, or elsewhere.  It could be a small group Bible study.  Watch and listen to a strong, Biblical teaching on television.  Listen to a Biblical message on the radio.  Maybe, listen to the Bible on a CD. 

What are some other ways you can personally renew your mind? 


Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Thursday, August 21, 2014

By Faith...

Have you ever read and paid close attention to the faith chapter in the Bible?

Let's start in v3 of Hebrews 11. 

"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, NIV)

Now, let's look at v4.

"By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead."  (Hebrews 11:4, NIV)

Next, check out v5.

"By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God."  (Hebrews 11:5, NIV)

Let's skip down to v7.

"By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith."  (Hebrews 11:7, NIV)

Then, pick up with v8-10.

"By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.  By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise.  For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God."  (Hebrews 11:8-10, NIV)

Lastly, look at v11-12.

"And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise.   And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore."  (Hebrews 11:11-12, NIV)

Let's recap.  So far in this chapter---we understand that the universe was formed at God's command by faith; Abel brought God a better sacrifice and was commended for it by faith; Enoch was commended, didn't experience death, and was taken from this life by faith; Noah built an ark, saved his family, and condemned the world by faith; Abraham went to a strange land, lived in tents, and made his home in the promised land by faith; and Sarah was enabled to bear children past childbearing age by faith.

You can finish reading the rest of this chapter on your own---picking up in v17-31.

Did you notice...?  Everything in God's kingdom is accomplished 'by faith'.  What are you now doing by faith?

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."  (Hebrews 11:1, NIV)

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him."  (Hebrews 11:6, NIV)



Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Freed From the Law

I don't know about you, but I am really tired of the law.  Looking back over the last few years, I have come to realize the numerous times that people have tried to put me 'under the law'.  I have also realized some of the times that I have put myself 'under the law'.

Unfortunately, when we lack knowledge, it can be to the detriment of ourselves and others.  "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge..."  (Hosea 4:6a, NKJV)

Thankfully, my Father God, has opened my spiritual eyes of understanding and enlightened me even more recently with more knowledge and revelation.  (Ephesians 1:17-23)

Once you have accepted Jesus into your heart and made Him Lord of your life, you have the fullness of Him living on the inside of you.  You don't need anyone giving you rules and regulations nor telling you what to do and not do.  (Colossians 2:6-12, 20-23

God has made us dead to sin and alive with Christ.  (Romans 6; Ephesians 2:1-10; Colossians 2:13)  Baptism by water immersion is a great picture of us being buried with Christ and raised to new life---His life. 

"Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed.  So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith.  Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian."  (Galatians 3:23-25, NIV)

Too many times, members of the body of Christ are still living like they are 'under the law'.  Perhaps, unbeknownst to them.  However, they are in bondage. 

Jesus freed us from the written code of the law.  "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."  (John 8:36, NIV)  We are redeemed from the law.  Jesus is the fulfillment of the law.  (Matthew 5:17)  We are under grace.  The life we now live, we live by faith in the Son---Jesus.  (Galatians 3:11-14)



Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Sitting at Jesus' Feet

Are you familiar with the story about Mary and Martha?

Most people within the body of Christ have heard it at one time or another.  Here it is again.

As Jesus and His disciples were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him.  She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to Him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”  “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”  (Luke 10:38-42, NIV)

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

Did you catch that part?  What Mary chose was better.  It won't be taken away from her. 

There's more of a tendency in this world to rush around like Martha---always going, going, going and/or doing, doing, doing. 

However, God tells us in His word in this account from Luke that it's contrary to His thoughts and His ways.

The prophet Isaiah spoke about God's thoughts and ways. 

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord.  "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."  (Isaiah 55:8-9, NIV)

I have learned more about sitting at Jesus' feet over the years.  At times, I have had to discipline myself to do it.  Other times, it comes more natural.  I have also learned that the more I do it---the more I enjoy doing it and find myself doing it more often.

That time is precious.  The time sitting in His presence cannot be rushed.  It must be savored and cherished.  It's in those sweet times with our Lord and Savior that we come more into a place of peace, calmness, and rest---no matter what's going on around us. 

The rest of the world may be rushing around like Martha was rushing around the house, being busy, making all the preparations she thought she had to make for Jesus.  However, the more we discipline ourselves and just choose to sit at Jesus' feet---the better off we are spiritually and otherwise. 

For I am reminded that Mary chose what was better, and it wasn't taken away from her.  Neither will it be taken away from us when we choose what is better---sitting at Jesus' feet.



Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

And God said...

Have you really read and observed the very beginning of this world in God's word?

God who is the ultimate, superior, spirit being in the universe created this world. He has been around longer than anything or anyone else. He will continue to exist after everyone and everything is gone. (Revelation 22:13)

What really intrigues me though is the creation of the world---the way God created it---found in Genesis 1.

Please read along with me either on-line or in your Bible.

Let's pick up in v 3.

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. (v 3)

Did you notice the way God first created light? He first spoke it. Then, what He spoke came into existence. It became reality.

Let's take a look back later in the same chapter and pick up with v 6-7.

And God said, “Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water.” So God made the vault and separated the water under the vault from the water above it. And it was so. (v 6-7)

He spoke it out first. Time passed. And, then what He spoke became reality.

Now, let's look at v 9.

And God said, “Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.” And it was so. (v 9)

The Creator spoke. Then, it happened.

You can do this with the rest of this chapter picking up in v 14-15.

And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light on the earth.” And it was so. (v 14-15)

Isn't that great?!?! Those three words---And God said---are powerful. When we receive revelation or heart knowledge, it makes a difference.

We are made in the image of God. (Genesis 1:26-27) He is the ultimate Creator. However, we also are creators.

God was speaking His faith. He was calling those things that were not into being. (Romans 4:17) Then, they manifested in the physical world.

In the same way, we speak our faith. Whether we realize it or not, we create our own world---our own reality.

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

That's the reason it's very important to guard our mouths. (Psalm 141:3) Be careful what you say and don't say with your mouth. We speak those things into their existence.

We certainly do not want to call those things that are as they are. We don't want to agree with this world's view of us. We don't need to agree with anybody else's view of us, our temporary circumstances, or our lives.

We need to only say what God says about us. Therefore, begin speaking those things that are not as though they were. (Romans 4:17) Start calling forth all of the hopes, dreams, purposes, and plans that God has for you. (Jeremiah 29:11-13) It will make all the difference---not only to you, but to others, and ultimately to this world.

 
Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Monday, June 30, 2014

Jesus is Our Peace

At times in my life, I haven't had peace. I have also heard people say that they don't have any peace. They can't get any peace.  Why?

Let me share a story with you...

Jesus had just finished teaching a crowd by the lake.  Afterwards, He said to His disciples...“Let us go over to the other side.”  He left the crowd behind.  His disciples took him into the boat.  A huge storm came.  The waves beat up over the boat where it was nearly swamped.  Jesus was in the back of the boat, sleeping on a cushion.  The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”  Jesus calmly got up.  He told the wind, "Stop!"  The wind stopped.  Then, He said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!”  The wave became completely calm.  He turned to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”  They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”  (Mark 4:35-41)

Jesus' disciples were so afraid during the storm even with Jesus right there in their midst.  Jesus wasn't afraid though.  Even in the midst of those turbulent circumstances, Jesus was at rest.  He was calm and peaceful.  He literally calmed down those natural, physical cirumstances for them.

There are many lessons for us to learn from this story. 

First of all---when we are afraid during specific situations in our lives---we can rest assured that Jesus is right there with us. 

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

Jesus was in the boat with His disciples then.  He is in our 'boat' with us now.

Next, He wasn't afraid during that physical storm.  When we depend on Jesus, we don't need to be fearful either.  We can put our hope and trust in Him.

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. (Isaiah 26:3, NIV)

Thirdly, Jesus was calm and restful.  He was at peace in the midst of the violent storm. 

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7, NIV)

We also can experience the calm even during natural circumstances.  When we depend on Jesus, He will help us to be at peace and rest---no matter what's going on around us.

Finally, we can know that we will have problems or hardships in this world. 

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  (John 16:33, NIV)

However, Jesus overcame all of the troubles that the world threw at Him.  We can also remember that we are overcomers when we rely on Him. 

Most of all, know that Jesus is our peace in the midst of every so-called storm in our lives.  He is the only one to go to whenever and wherever we are located physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually.  He calms us.  He also calms down any physical circumstances around us.  We can only be at rest and peace with Him.


Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.