Jesus in the Wilderness - Part 2

[Note: This post is Part 2 of the biblical lesson...Jesus in the Wilderness. Please see the previous post of Part 1 before reading this post.]


Jesus was initially led into the wilderness by the Spirit of God Himself in order to be tested in the wilderness. During Jesus’ wilderness experience though, He fasted the whole time. Though I have never personally fasted for 40 days and 40 nights myself, I know that the spiritual discipline of fasting strengthens every believer in Jesus Christ and every Child of God in their innermost being---their spirit man. Therefore, Jesus though He was physically hungry due to the 40-day fast, He had strengthened Himself in His spirit during that time of fasting. He was built up in His innermost being. His spirit man was heightened as a result. He was also more in tune with His Father’s voice during this time. He was more keenly and acutely aware of His Father’s purpose and plan as well as His Father’s perfect will for Him. As a result of Jesus’ fasting, He was also able to listen more closely to His Father and obey Him very well.

Jesus was already close to His Father beforehand. However, this wilderness experience drew Him even closer to His Father. As a result, Jesus learned to depend on His Father more during this experience but also afterwards.

Anytime, we go through so-called wilderness experiences, we also draw closer to our Father.

As we draw closer to God, He draws closer to us. We learn to depend on God even more but afterwards as well.

What are some of the take-aways from Jesus’ wilderness experience that can also help us in our own so-called wilderness experiences?

For one, Jesus was rooted and grounded in His true identity. He received His true identity from His Father and His relationship with Him. We also receive our true identity in Christ from our Father, His word, and our relationships with our Father. We also need to be truly rooted and grounded in our true identity in Christ.

Next, Jesus not only knew who He was---His true identity, but He also knew whose He was… Jesus knew that He was His Father’s Son. He was rooted and grounded in His relationship with His Father. We also need to be truly rooted and grounded in our relationships with our Father. We need to know that we are our Father’s sons and daughters.

Also, Jesus’ obedience came out of the love relationship with His Father. Jesus knew that He was truly loved by His Father. He knew that God wanted the best for Him. We also need to know that we are truly loved by our Father, and He only wants the best for us. Our obedience will also come out of the true love relationships with our Father.

We must know and remember that we are in Christ and He is in us.

As He is, so are we in this world.

Therefore, we can also be strong and firm in our true identity in Christ. We can be firmly and deeply rooted and grounded in our relationships with our Father. Our obedience and submission comes out of our love relationships with our Father who truly loves us just like He does His Son, Jesus. Our Father only wants the very best for us.

Knowing and remembering all of that together will help us to come out of our so-called wildernesses in a matter of days instead of not coming out at all or taking years to come out of our so-called wildernesses.

Let’s choose to come out of the wilderness and into our promised land---“a land flowing with milk and honey.”


Copyright 2017 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Jesus in the Wilderness - Part 1

We do not want to be like the children of Israel who wandered around the wilderness for 40 years. What should have taken them only days took them way too many years! They also ended up dying in the wilderness, so they still did not come out of the wilderness after all of those years. (See Exodus 13:17-22; Joshua 5:6)

Whereas it took the children of Israel wandering around the wilderness for 40 years and they still did not come out of the wilderness…It only took Jesus 40 days and 40 nights to come out of the wilderness.

In this world we are like Jesus. (1 John 4:17, NIV)

Therefore, let’s now take a look at Jesus’ wilderness experience in God’s word.

Looking back in verse 3…when the devil spoke with Jesus…he said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

Then in verse 6, the devil said to Jesus, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down.”

Notice the way the devil said, “If…” in both of those previous verses. “If…” is not a concrete word. When someone uses the word ‘If…’ that person does not believe part or all of their own statement. That particular person doubts and does not believe that their statement is true. So is the case with the devil, he doubted and did not believe that Jesus was the Son of God. The devil also tried to make Jesus doubt His own true identity. Satan questioned Jesus’ identity by saying…”If you are the Son of God…” before each of the previous statements.

Jesus knew who He was though. He was the Son of God. Jesus also knew whose He was. He was His Father’s Son. Jesus was strong and firm in His true identity. Therefore, He did not waver in His faith during any of the devil’s temptations.

Jesus answered Satan the first time with “It is written: ‘Man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (v 4)

The next time, Jesus said, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ “ (v 7)

With each of these two answers from Jesus, He told the devil what His Father had told Him to tell the devil. He listened to His Father and obeyed His Father. Jesus’ obedience came from His close relationship with His Father.

With the very last temptation, the devil offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world and the splendor. He told Jesus that He could have it all if He bowed down and worshiped him. (v 8-9)

However, Jesus resisted the devil and told him, “Away from Me, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only.” (v 10)

Then, the devil left Jesus and the angels came and took care of Jesus. (v 11)

Did you notice with each temptation from the devil that Jesus resisted the devil and the temptation?

At every single temptation, Jesus resisted the devil. Jesus submitted to His Father and resisted the devil each and every time.

Jesus submitted to God and resisted the devil. Submitted to God and resisted the devil. Submitted to God. Resisted the devil.

[Note: This post is only Part 1.  Please see Part 2 for the continuation of this biblical lesson...Jesus in the Wilderness]


Copyright 2017 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Jesus Paid It All!

I recently spoke with a man about him having to pay out-of-pocket his parole officer in order to remain out of prison for the next 5 months. I personally thought that idea was ridiculous. I asked the Christian man whether he realized that Jesus paid it all on the cross for him. He seemed to think that his parole officer wouldn't care about it though. However, I sang a few words of the song, "Jesus paid it all...All to Him, I owe..." before leaving and telling him "Good night!"

That man does not owe a parole officer money. Unfortunately, he wasn't receptive to the truth of God's word at that moment though. He owes everything to Jesus! Now, I am praying for him and others who find themselves in similar situations to get a true revelation of what Jesus actually did on the cross for them. We don't owe people anything but the love of Jesus. However, we owe Jesus everything---our minds, our hearts, our whole beings, our very lives.

You know...Everyone has the opportunity to tell people about Jesus. Every situation that people temporarily experience in life is to not only share our stories with others but to share His story with others.

Don't miss the opportunity to tell and share with others. It may also be exactly the way God delivers you from some or possibly all of the situations in your life. I cannot help but think that is what God wants to accomplish in this particular man, his specific situation, and his life.

Those type of natural circumstances are not only to draw closer to God but to also learn and grow more spiritually. He uses those temporary circumstances to develop more of His character in us, more of our faith, more patience, more endurance, etc. It is all for our good, His purpose, and His glory.

(See Genesis 50:20; Isaiah 53; Romans 8:28, 13:8; James 1:2-4)

Copyright 2017 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

God's Girl

"That's God's girl!" said a young man as I came up towards a door on crutches. I turned around and looked at him. I didn't recognize him. I didn't even know his name. Evidently, he had seen me around in the local community though. He asked about my injury. He apparently had heard through the grapevine about it. I mentioned that I was in some pain. Then, he offered to give me some medication to which I declined since I didn't personally know him. Plus, I already had some over-the-counter medication that I was using temporarily. I thanked him. He opened the door for me, and I went on my way into the lobby of a local community agency.

I was really surprised by this recent, brief encounter with a stranger near downtown in my local city. As I have had a little time to reflect back though, it occurred to me. There are people who are always watching us. They watch the way we talk to others. They watch the way we act towards others. They watch the way we interact with others. They watch us the way we live out in our local community. They watch the way we live out in this world.

Does your speech say that you are a child of God? Do your interactions with others show that you are a daughter of the King? Does your life reflect the very life of Jesus Christ?

"For we are to God the fragrance of Christ among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing." (2 Corinthians 2:15, NKJV)

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." (Galatians 2:20, NKJV)


Copyright 2017 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Praying the Psalms

Little shepherd boy, David, was out in the field when Samuel requested his father, Jesse, to send for his youngest son.  

Samuel had received word from the Lord that David was the one He had chosen to be the next King over Israel (See 1 Samuel 16).  Out of all of his older brothers, young David was probably the least likely in the eyes of the people.  He wasn't the people's choice, but He was the Lord's choice.  However, he was the most likely in the eyes of the Lord.  That was truly all which mattered then.

David wasn't without opposition, obstacles, hardships, and trials in his life though.  As most people, he endured all of it.  Yet, he didn't let that stop him from being who Almighty God had created him and called him to be for His purpose and plan (See Jeremiah 29:11).

As David is the author of most of the Psalms, we get to know more about him through his inspired words to the Lord.  He actually pours out his heart to the One who made his heart during his challenges, hardships, and trials in his life which are captured in this particular book of the Bible.  God knew David, and he knew his God.  He was known as a man after God's own heart due to both his repentance and obedience to the Lord (See Acts 13:22).  

No matter what we go through in our own lives, we too can pour out our hearts to the only One who also made our hearts.  The 30-Day Prayer Journal: Praying the Psalms allows us to do that through our own written words to God.

Whether you are just beginning or continuing your prayer journey, this monthly prayer journal is available on both CreateSpace and Amazon.

30-Day Prayer Journal: Praying the Psalms


Copyright 2017 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Praying Without Ceasing

The older I get physically as well as the more mature and wise I become spiritually, the more people I have on my prayer list.  How about you?  My personal and private list seems to get longer as I add more people almost on a daily basis.  My prayer list consists of family members, biological relatives, spiritual family, friends, acquaintances, and others.

Whether its people who have done us wrong or whatever else, we can trust that God will take care of all of the people involved and all of the situations in our lives.  The prayers of the righteous are both powerful and effective (See James 5:15-17).  They help all of us truly accomplish God's purpose and plan (See Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 8:28).

God tells all of us to "pray without ceasing" in His word (See 1 Thessalonians 5:17).

To assist you in your prayer life, two annual prayer journals are both available through CreateSpace and Amazon.

365-Day Prayer Journal: Praying Without Ceasing

366-Day Prayer Journal: Praying Without Ceasing


Copyright 2017 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Father, Forgive Them

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”  (Luke 23:34, NIV)

These words that Jesus spoke to His Father have become more my own over recent months.  I know more about what the Son of God was thinking and praying for His enemies---those who had done Him wrong towards the end of His 33-year life on this earth.  (See Luke 6:27-28)

It saddens me now to think about it.  To not only think about the way people have mistreated me, abused me, hurt me, rejected me, and disappointed me but to also remember the way people mocked Jesus, persecuted Him, tortured Him, and crucified Him over 2000 years ago.  I definitely can identify more with Him, His pain, His sorrow, and His sufferings in this world.  (See Isaiah 53; John 15:18-25, 19)

"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 2:20, NIV - emphasis added mine)

I am not always comfortable with the physical locations He allows me to enter into in this world.  And, I don't always like receiving the harsh treatment, persecution, or whatever else.  I am doing what my Father would have me to do in this world though.  I am shining His light ever more sooo brightly.  I am speaking the truth in love.  I am preaching in and out of season.  And, whatever else He desires of me.  (See Matthew 5:13-16; Ephesians 4:15; 2 Timothy 4:2)

Consequently, I can expect opposition.  [I will use an analogy in my own words that a pastor of mine used during one of his sermons a couple of years ago.]  When a fish is going downstream with the current and the other fish, there isn't anything really getting in its' way.  Sure, there may be some debris floating by in the water.  There may be some leaves and branches from the trees that have fallen into the river.  There may even be some dead fish floating in the water as you pass them by downstream.  However, there truly isn't any real opposition because they are going the same way as everything else.  When you repent and turn away from the world's systems---their mindsets, their ways, their processes, their behaviors---you will be totally going the opposite way.  You will be going against the current of the river or the world in this case.  You will experience a lot more resistance.  A lot more opposition.  You will be going upstream now.  You will be going God's way.  Doing His work and His will.  There will be debris passing you by going the opposite way.  There may be some leaves and branches from the trees overlooking the river.  You may also see some of the dead fish floating downstream as you are going upstream.  However, there will be a lot more fish coming up against you as well.  They may try to bite you.  They may attempt to drown you.  There may even be other obstacles in your way.  You keep moving forward though.  You keep persevering against the current of the river.  Knowing that on the other side---the end of that part of the journey---there will be a beautiful place for you.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."  (Hebrews 12:1-3, NIV - emphasis added mine)

Before Jesus left this world, He specifically told us we would have problems and trouble in this world.  However, He also left all of us with this reminder.

“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)

Copyright 2017 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

What God Has Joined...

"Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." (Mark 10:9, NIV)

Those are usually some of the words in wedding vows, when two people get married in this world. Many people including some Christians who attend wedding ceremonies assume, think, and/or believe that God must have been a part of the couple's dating and/or courtship beforehand. He must have placed the couples together. He must have joined them in holy matrimony. However, that is not always the case.

“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 - emphasis added mine)

God only joins one man and one woman together in holy matrimony.

Let’s look again at Genesis 1.

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 1:28, NIV)

The first man, Adam, was all alone in the Garden of Eden. That was an issue or problem though.

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)

God’s plans included making a specific woman for him.

“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 2:21-22, NIV - emphasis added mine)

Notice the way that God made the first woman, Eve, and brought her to Adam for His specific purpose.

The same is true today. God's plans normally include making specific, individual women for every man in this world. Additionally, He desires for them to be spiritually and physically brought together as one for His specific purpose and plan. (See Jeremiah 29:11-13; Matthew 19:4-6)


Copyright 2017 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Que Sera Sera

"...Que Sera, Sera,
Whatever will be, will be
The future's not ours, to see
Que Sera, Sera
What will be, will be..."

Source: YouTube

There are many people in this world even within the body of Christ today that actually believe those particular lyrics from the old song, Que Sera Sera, which was originally sang by Doris Day in 1956.

What if I told you that those specific song lyrics and those kinds of attitudes and outlooks are not biblical nor scriptural?

Those type of perspectives are partly to blame for the passivity and defeated mindsets of people including some unknowledgeable and unpowerful Christians. As a result, they do not live the abundant life that Jesus Christ died to give them here and now in this world.

Not only can we know God's will for us as His children, but we can also actively participate in His purpose, plan, and will for us. We can take captive those thoughts which are disobedient to the knowledge of Jesus Christ. We can intentionally fight the good fight of faith. And, we can proactively win battles along the way in our individual races.

(See Jeremiah 29:11-13; John 10:10; Ephesians 6:10-18; Hebrews 12:1-2; 1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 4:7)

Copyright 2017 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Dear Younger Me

                                                                                         Source: YouTube

The above music video entitled Dear Younger Me is performed by the Christian artist group, MercyMe.  In the video, the artist sings about writing a letter to his younger self.  This contemporary Christian song is one of my favorites in the last several months.  I have been thinking about the letter that I would write to my younger self.  I am wondering whether there are others out there who may ponder the same about themselves.

What would I say to my younger self?  What would you say to your younger self?

This particular artist begins his letter in the song lyrics like this... "Dear Younger Me...Where do I start...If I could tell you everything that I have learned so far...Then, you could be...One step ahead...Of all the painful memories still running through my head...I wonder how much different things would be...Dear Younger Me..."

Those lyrics are probably the way many of us would start a similar letter to our younger selves.  We may not know exactly the way to begin the letter, but there would be a lot to include in it.  Perhaps, we could have spared our younger selves a lot of unnecessary heartache, pain, regret, hardships, challenges, trials, and more.  That is, if we could go back in time and share that much gained knowledge, wisdom, discernment, clarity, and more with our younger selves.

Would we do anything differently with all of that gained knowledge, wisdom, insight, experience?  I definitely would do some things in a different way---a better way.  For one, I would tell my younger self to daily read the Bible---God's word.

I have learned since then that an unrenewed mind hinders us in life.  There were many years where I was not renewing my mind on God's word---His truth (See Romans 12:2).  As a result, I really didn't know my specific purpose in God's plan nor that it was a good plan for me.  Only as I disciplined myself to read and study His word did I not only came to personally know my Father in a more intimate way but also the plans He had for me---plans to give me a hope and a future (See Jeremiah 29:11).

How about you?  What have you learned?  What would you do differently?


Copyright 2017 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Tell Me the Story of Jesus

Tell Me the Story of Jesus

Source: YouTube

"...Tell me the story of Jesus...Write on my heart every word...Tell me the story most precious...Sweetest that ever was heard..."

The above song lyrics of the old hymn, Tell Me the Story of Jesus, has been on my heart and mind for some time now. It has really been resonating with me lately.

I have been reminded that everybody in this world has a story to tell others. Most importantly, every believer of Jesus Christ has a story to tell other people in this world. What is the reason?

Everybody has been through challenges, obstacles, hardships, and trials in life. (See James 1:2-4) What is most important though is this... Who got them through those difficulties? What brought them out on the other side of those downfalls? How did they come out of those so-called pits in life?

Whether a person has yet accepted Him into their hearts and lives or not, it was Jesus---the name above all names. (See Romans 10:9-10) He is the author and finisher of our faith. (See Hebrews 12:1-2) He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end---who is, who was, and who is to come. (See Revelation 1:8, 22:13)

Jesus has a story. Briefly, His story is the true Gospel---His death, burial, and resurrection. (See Isaiah 53; Matthew 26-28; John 3:16-17, 19:30; Romans 10:9-10) Everyone has a story. He wants all of us to share our stories with others. Most importantly, He desires that we tell His story.

What is His story in your life? How has He loved you? What has He done for you? How has He changed you? Additionally, the list goes on... Therefore, I encourage you and challenge you today and every day thereafter. Share your story and tell people the story of Jesus.


Copyright 2017 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Love is Not Rude

Have you ever seen ABC's Full House? It was a half-hour sitcom in the 1990's. There was this one young character, Stephanie Tanner, who had a two-word phrase that she used often when referring to other people.

Just click on the web link below.  Then, briefly watch and listen.

Stephanie Tanner

Source: YouTube

I have been thinking, observing, and experiencing the rudeness of other people in my path as well as in my life lately. Maybe, I should begin saying to them, "How Rude!" Do you think they would get the point? Perhaps. Probably not though.

Anyway, I remember a specific part in scripture where it mentions that kind of inappropriate and unrighteous behavior.

Let's pick up with this scripture reference now.

"Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails." (1 Corinthians 13:4-8, NKJV)

Did you specifically notice verse 5 of that part of scripture? "does not behave rudely..." (v5)

Love does not behave rudely. It is not rude.

There are many people in this world who are downright rude and inconsiderate of other people. They only think of themselves. They are just selfish and self-centered people. They are not loving people.

However, God tells us in His word---The Holy Bible---the way we should think of others. He talks about the appropriate and righteous behavior of His legitimate children.

"Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4, NKJV)

We are not supposed to look and act like the rest of the world. We are to think of others which means not being selfish, self-centered, nor ultimately rude or inconsiderate of other people.

When people begin getting their minds off of themselves and onto other people, then it will be a much better world. It also helps out the individuals.

Jesus is the ultimate example for all of us. He thought of others. He considered people. He helped them. He didn't hurt them by being rude, selfish, self-centered, nor inconsiderate of them. He loved them. He spoke the truth to people. (See John 8:2-11)

How can we be more like Jesus? How can we help other people? What is one task we can do for someone else?


Copyright 2017 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.