Monday, February 28, 2022

Reading The Holy Bible

I encourage every member within the body of Christ to read The Holy Bible also known as The Word of God on a daily basis. Without regularly reading it, people revert back to their old or former selves. It becomes evident in the way people think, talk, and act in life.

God's word is meant to help people to actually live the Christian life; learn and grow in a personal relationship; walk by faith and not by sight; learn and grow in new identity; learn and know specific purpose; gain knowledge about the Kingdom; receive personal revelation; and so much more.

There are a variety of options in the goal to reading the Bible whether through personal devotionals, a Bible reading plan, Bible studies, and/or a combination of the different options. Every person needs to intentionally read God's word for your mind, your health, your life. Choose to learn and grow spiritually and otherwise. As a result, you will reap the benefits and be the best person that God has created, called, chosen you to be for His purpose and plan.

(See Joshua 1:8; Isaiah 53; Jeremiah 29:11-13; Psalm 103:1-5; Matthew 4:4; John 19; Acts 1:8, 17:24-28; Romans 12:1-2; 3 John 2)


Copyright 2022 by Dawn Freeman. All Rights Reserved.

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

Pray Without Ceasing

"pray without ceasing," (1 Thessalonians 5:17, NKJV)

Pray throughout the day every day for...

The World
The Nation
The Church
The Persecuted
The Lost
The Sick
The Poor
The Homeless
The Unemployed
The Dying
The Deceived
The Enemy (of people's souls)
The Family

Individuals
Relatives
Friends
Colleagues
Co-workers
Neighbors

Ourselves

The point is --- there is always someone and/or something to pray about and for on a regular basis throughout every day.

"pray without ceasing," (1 Thessalonians 5:17, NKJV)


Copyright 2022 by Dawn Freeman. All Rights Reserved.

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Need Healing?

Are you seriously sick or ill?

Decree and declare this word from the Lord God to yourself and/or over yourself...

"I shall not die, but live, And declare the works of the Lord." (Psalm 118:17, NKJV)

Or, you know a person who is seriously sick or ill...

Decree and declare this truth to the person and/or over the person...

You will live and not die and proclaim the glory of the Lord.

(the name of the person) will not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.


Copyright 2022 by Dawn Freeman. All Rights Reserved.

 

Tuesday, January 25, 2022

Love God

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28, NKJV)


What stood out for you?


Read it again if necessary.


"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28, NKJV)


Do you know what stood out to me?


"to those who love God"


So, does that mean... for those who do not know God and love Him... things will not work together for their good...? (pause)


Sure makes me think...


How about you?




Copyright 2022 by Dawn Freeman. All Rights Reserved.


Saturday, June 5, 2021

Being Released From Quarantine


[Photo credit: Sa Ka miezekieze on Pixabay]

Is it safe to come out now?

A lot of us have been in quarantine for over a year until the last couple of months when restrictions have been lifted off more in certain parts of the country. Unfortunately with those restrictions being lifted off in some states; there have been more incidences of destruction, violence, and deaths which are all works of the devil and his demons. (See John 10:10) Sad to say, but it's true, that some people should have never been allowed out of quarantine at all.

I personally have been enjoying my time inside more, especially over the last few months. There's a lot less stress and more peace. Plus, I have had more time with my Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit to learn and grow more spiritually and otherwise. I have learned to cook and bake more often using a couple of home delivery services which include the recipes for the meals. One of the services even sends all of the ingredients including the seasonings, spices, condiments. It's a great way to be more creative in the kitchen as well as eat more healthy at times.

Now, I am wondering... Is it really safe for people to resume some of their normal activities in this dark world? Some of the places have been in some everyday establishments, businesses, companies where people have experienced violence, destruction, and death.

Father God, help us! Help us to be salt and light whenever and wherever we go out in this world. Put a hedge of protection over and around us always. Help us to love as you love, forgive as you forgive, and heal as you heal... In Jesus' name. Amen!



Copyright 2021 by Dawn Freeman. All Rights Reserved.

Monday, March 15, 2021

Relationship With God

God desires to have a relationship with all people. We are already made in His image. He wants all of us to personally know Him and love Him though. (Read Genesis 1:26-27)

If you haven't first believed in Jesus Christ for your eternal salvation, then repent of all your sin. Ask God to forgive you of all sin once and for all. Then, believe and receive the free gift of salvation that Jesus paid for you on the cross over 2000 years ago. (Read Isaiah 53; John 3:16; Romans 3:23, 6:23, 10:8-10)

For those who are already His children, He desires us to really come to know Him in a deeper and more intimate relationship. He knows us and our hearts. We can share our innermost thoughts and feelings with Him. He already knows us and them. We can be completely open and honest with Him. It doesn't change Him nor His nature. However, it can change our personal relationship with Him for the better. (See 1 Samuel 16:7; James 4:8a)

By daily spending time with Him, we become more like His only begotten Son, Jesus. That time includes seeking Him, His face, His kingdom, His righteousness. We can learn more about Him not only in His word but through experience with Him in life. Plus, by praying with Him, we not only communicate with Him but agree with Him and His will. (See Matthew 6:33, 18:19; Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18; James 1:2-5; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; 1 John 5:14-15)

Ultimately, He is the only one who informs us about our physical and spiritual identity as well as our specific purpose in His overall plan.

Copyright 2021 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Friday, March 5, 2021

Doing Good

When Jesus found out about His cousin, John the Baptist, being beheaded from His disciples; He left from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. However, the multitudes heard and followed Him on foot from their cities. When Jesus saw a great multitude, He was moved with compassion for them. He healed their sick! 

The disciples told Jesus they needed to send them away to get some food since it was late at their deserted place. Jesus said otherwise though. He told them the multitudes didn't need to go away and told the disciples to give them some food. 

The disciples told Him they only had five loaves and two fish there. Jesus told them to bring the existing food to Him though. He also told the multitudes to sit down in the grass. He took the loaves and fish while looking up to heaven, blessed, broke the loaves. Then, Jesus gave them to the disciples who distributed the loaves to the multitudes. 

They all ate and filled up. Afterward, they took up 12 baskets full of fragments left. They fed more than 5,000 including women and children that day.

When Jesus received bad news about His cousin, He went off by Himself. It didn't last long though. He discovered people who needed Him. Consequently, He was able to meet their needs including feeding the multitudes and healing their sick. He did good!

When something bad happens in our lives and/or in this world, we can also find people in our path who need us to do good for them.

I have had the opportunity to speak the truth in love to people and pray for people on a couple of occasions while at a local hospital in recent months.  We can all take the opportunity to help, support, encourage, minister to other people during this difficult time in the world.  (See Matthew 18:19; Ephesians 4:15)


Additionally, read Matthew 14:1-21.


Copyright 2021 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Sunday, November 1, 2020

The Narrow Way

When we originally receive the free gift of salvation, we begin the journey of faith.  It also begins us on the narrow way.  (See John 3:16-17Romans 3:23, 6:23, 10:8-10)

"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and 
there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." (Matthew 7:13-14, NKJV)

As a believer and follower of Jesus, I have been learning more about the narrow way in my own walk with Him.  

The longer we are on our faith journeys, the more narrow becomes the path.

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."  (Romans 12:2, NKJV)

"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord."  (2 Corinthians 3:18, NKJV)

We become more holy in our behavior.  We become more obedient to our Father.  (See 1 Peter 1:13-16)

Ultimately, we become more like Him in every way.  As He is, so are we in this world.  (See 1 John 4:17)

Jesus is the way, the truth, the life.  (See John 14:6)


Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, October 20, 2020

The Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit never gives people instructions that do not line up with Jesus' atonement for us on the cross. "It is finished!" (See John 19:30)

Jesus left the Holy Spirit with us before He went to be with His Father in heaven. He comforts us, teaches us, reminds us of all Jesus told us. (See John 14:25-27)
The Holy Spirit also leads, guides, directs us into all truth and righteousness. (See John 14:16-17; Ephesians 5:8-10)
Never believe people who give you their prescription of things you need to do in order to participate in a program, ministry, church, or whatever else. It is all their own opinions, perspectives, assumptions. Never the Holy Spirit. (See Colossians 2 & 3:1-11)


Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All Rights Reserved.



Saturday, October 17, 2020

Life or Death

I am not a political person but a biblical person. The upcoming Presidential election is very important to the health, life, and well-being of the United States of America. One candidate represents life, and the other candidate represents death.
I am reminded of God's word to all people.
“See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil, in that I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply; and the Lord your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess. But if your heart turns away so that you do not hear, and are drawn away, and worship other gods and serve them, I announce to you today that you shall surely perish; you shall not prolong your days in the land which you cross over the Jordan to go in and possess. I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the Lord your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.”
(Deuteronomy 30:15-20, NKJV)

I encourage you to choose life not just in this Presidential election but always in every area of life.


Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All Rights Reserved.


Tuesday, September 29, 2020

The Atonement

It's never God's will for people to be sick and die from illness, disease, or sickness. He provided Jesus as an atonement for all sin including those ailments. Jesus took all of it on Himself, so we wouldn't need to take it on ourselves.

Yet, some of us have really not understood all that He died to give us on the cross over 2000 years ago. He paid the ultimate penalty for us. It's not just partially paid for by Him either. It's all paid for us. Therefore, it was all taken care of us.

We don't have to receive anything that the devil tries to put on us. He put the devil under His feet. The devil is also under our feet as blood-bought Children of God.

Jesus is in us, and we are in Him. So, the devil is a defeated foe. Don't believe any of his lies.

There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Cast down all of those imaginations against the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Receive all that Jesus died to give you. Forgiveness of sins, divine healing and health, wholeness, abundant life, and more. It's all bought for us, so it is truly ours in Christ.

Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All Rights Reserved.

Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Like Jesus in the Wilderness

While Jesus was in the wilderness, He was not considered a wilderness man nor a man of the wilderness. He was not defined by His physical circumstances. He was still the Son of God. He still had a relationship with His Father.

Likewise, when God's children are in a so-called wilderness, they are not wilderness people nor people of the wilderness. They are not defined by their physical circumstances. They are still Children of God. They still have a relationship with their Father.


Like Jesus, they are only being prepared and trained for their specific calling and purpose in their Father's plan. When they come out of the wilderness, they also will move directly into their calling and purpose.


(Read Matthew 4:1-11)



Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All Rights Reserved.


Wednesday, July 15, 2020

Eternal Salvation

Actress Naya Rivera who portrayed a high school character in the television program, Glee, recently drowned in Lake Piru physically located in Southern California.  According to an investigation report, she and her very young son had been swimming in the lake earlier in the afternoon.  They swam back to the pontoon boat rental, when they were done for the day.  Naya helped her son get back onto the deck of the boat.  Then, she disappeared under the water.  Her adult-size life vest was later found on the boat.

The life vest had been available to her all day.  However, she chose to go without it.  Perhaps, she thought it was unnecessary and cumbersome.  Maybe, she was an excellent swimmer.  Therefore, she didn't think of the possibility of getting too physically tired to make it into the boat later.  After all, she had probably been relying on her own self and ability in the lake.  And, she had done just fine earlier.

God has made eternal salvation available to every person in this world.  Yet, numerous people choose to go without it every day of their lives.  Maybe, they too think it is unnecessary like Naya thought of the life vest.  Perhaps, they think they are doing fine in life on their own.  They do not realize they are going to get tired of doing everything for themselves in their own limited strength.  They will come to a point in life where they know they need an eternal Savior.

I am sure that was the case with Naya when she did not have the energy or strength to pull herself up into the boat after helping her young son get into the boat.  There are always days and times when we in our own limited strength do not have the energy and strength to pull ourselves up by the boot straps so to speak whether into a boat, out of a pit, out of a fiery furnace, or out of the wilderness (Read Genesis 37:18-24; Exodus 13:14, 16-18; Daniel 3; Matthew 4:1-11).  We all come to a point in our lives where we know we need Almighty, all-powerful God to eternally save us from the enemy of our souls. 

It is too bad that Naya did not know and understand that specific principle before reaching the point of no return.  Unfortunately, we do not know whether she reached out to Jesus before drowning in the lake.  She may have made that decision at the last minute like the thief on the cross who Jesus accepted into Paradise with Him.  That choice was between her and Him then. 

Will you make the same decision though?  Will you wait too long --- until the very last minute of your life?  Or, will you choose to put your faith and trust in Jesus now? 

(Read Isaiah 53; John 3:16-17; John 19; Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Romans 10:8-10)



Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All Rights Reserved.

Monday, July 13, 2020

Thy Will Be Done


Source: YouTube


When we attempt to do God's will, it will not always be easy.  We will not always be liked by people.  We will not always experience smooth sailing in the midst of pursuing His perfect will. 

There may be times and days where we experience more challenges, trials, and hardships than other times and days (See James 1:2-4).  We may be ridiculed by people.  We may experience opposition.  We may have persecution.  We may be falsely accused; wrongly charged and convicted; and be thrown in jail.  (See John 15:18-25)

Jesus did not have an easy time doing His Father's perfect will.  He experienced more than any of us ever will face in this world.  

So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him.  And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe.  Then they said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they struck Him with their hands.  (John 19:1-3, NKJV)
He was mocked.  He was tortured.  He was whipped.  He took thirty-nine lashes on His physical body.
They crucified Him upon a cross, and a title was put on there.  
"JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS."  (John 19:19, NKJV)
Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to each soldier a part, and also the tunic. Now the tunic was without seam, woven from the top in one piece.  They said therefore among themselves, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be,” that the Scripture might be fulfilled which says:
“They divided My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots.”

Therefore the soldiers did these things.  (John 19:23-24, NKJV)

After... Jesus received the sour wine,  He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.  (John 19:30, NKJV)

But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.  (John 19:34, NKJV)



Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All Rights Reserved.

Monday, July 6, 2020

A Good Father

I recently asked a housekeeper at a hotel for a couple of extra hand towels, since there was a leak in the bathroom near the front of the bathtub.  At first, he brought me a large blue towel and asked me if it would work for me.  I told him, "No!"  I asked him to get a couple of dish towels if he couldn't find hand towels.  When he came back to my door, he passed me through the cracked door what appeared to be a blue hand towel.  However, after he left my doorway, I realized that he brought me three blue hand rags which he had been holding all folded up together.




God tells us in His word what it means when you ask for one item and you get another item instead.

"If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" (Luke 11:11-13, NKJV)

Some people are wrong in their head and heart.  This particular incident reminded me though that God is not like those people at all.  He brought the above scripture to my mind then.

He calls people who give or bring us different items than what we ask for --- evil.  He goes on to say how a good father gives good gifts to his children.  Then, how much more would He give good gifts to the ones who ask Him?

"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" (Luke 11:13, NKJV)

God is a good Father who knows how to give good gifts to His children!

Later the next day, another staff member not only brought me extra hand towels as I had originally asked but also extra hand rags.  My Father is really good!  He gives abundantly more than we ask and imagine according to His power within us (See Ephesians 3:20).





Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All Rights Reserved.

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Life of Legacy

International minister, evangelist, apologist --- Ravi Zacharias --- touched so many people and their lives including me and my life.  He passed away last month after a brief battle with a form of cancer.  He was just 74 years old.

I took one of his Apologetics' courses in a church while in Tennessee several years ago.  Ravi shared about faith and other topics through videos.  There were other people who were interviewed in the videos.  People from other church denominations such as a woman who attended and believed in universalism.  Just a couple of years ago, I personally saw and heard Ravi speak and preach at a church here in Greensboro, North Carolina.  He didn't stay long afterwards.  He said he had been on the road for awhile and wanted to get back to his wife.  I am grateful for those two separate experiences in my life.  

Billy Graham was an international minister and evangelist who traveled and preached all over the world.  Growing up, I watched him on television at a crusade on occasion.  I also remember personally going to, at least, two of his crusades.  One when I was growing up with my immediate family in the south.  Another time when I took my paternal grandmother to go see him towards the end of his crusade ministry.  Additionally, I remember watching an interview of him near the end of his life.  The interviewer asked him a question about his global ministry.  He answered with he was always praying even right then while talking with the man who interviewed him.  Mr. Graham lived nearly one hundred years and passed away only a couple of years ago.

When I was in seminary a few years ago, part of the program included a theological course.  R.C. Sproul, an American Theologian, was only one person in a video in that specific on-line course.  However, he was good writing out notes on the chalkboard.  He and his biblical teaching made quite an impression on me at the time.  He passed away just in the last few years at the age of 78.


What do all three of these older men have in common?  Besides being gone now...?  They all made a mark in this world.  Perhaps, they positively affected you and your life.  I know they all had a portion to play in my own faith journey.  They all made a difference in my life.  

They all lived a life where they left a legacy.  Just watch and listen to this song, Legacy...

                                                                            

                                                                       Source:  YouTube


I want to leave a legacy.  How about you?


                          Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

Proclaiming God's Word

Proclaim God's word --- His truth --- instead of claiming the devil's lies.
When people are physically sick, I often hear them say, "...my {disease, illness, sickness, ailment}..." I don't think they truly realize what they are saying though. They are claiming the devil's lies. They are speaking death over themselves.
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit." (Proverbs 18:21, NKJV)
For those who have already accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior; sickness, disease, illness, ailments are not ours anymore. They belong to Jesus, because He took care of all of them for us on the cross. He took the punishment, pain, sorrow, grief, and so much more for us. Therefore, don't take what is not yours. Jesus paid it all! He became the perfect sacrifice for all of us that specific day over 2000 years ago. It's all taken care of for us. So, know and remember that truth. (Read Isaiah 53; 1 Peter 2:24)
When you have physical symptoms, don't focus on those lies from the enemy. Stand firm on God's word! Proclaim, "...And by His stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5, NKJV)
"I shall not die, but live, And declare the works of the Lord." (Psalm 118:17, NKJV)
God always wants all of His children to honor and glorify Him. He also desires that all of us prosper in every area of our lives including our health.
"Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers." (3 John 2, NKJV)
Choose to believe Him and His word over the lies of the enemy of your soul. (See Mark 11:22-24; John 8:44, 10:10)


Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.