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.

(See Isaiah 53; John 8:44, 10:10; Romans 8:1; 2 Corinthians 10:4-6)

Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All Rights Reserved.

No Condemnation

"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit." (Romans 8:1, NKJV)

There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus... Depending on the version of the Bible, that's basically all that verse says. And, some people just stop there with that part of the scripture verse whether they have read another version. However, when we look at the NKJV, there is a lot more to that scripture verse. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus who don't walk according to the flesh [which is the old, sinful nature] but according to the spirit [which is the new, born-again nature]. There are people within the body of Christ who unfortunately still walk according to their old, carnal, fleshly ways. Partly due to spiritual immaturity. Partly due to lack of spiritual knowledge (See Hosea 4:6a). Basically, due to not daily renewing the mind on God's word though (See Romans 12:2).

Make sure to read this entire scripture verse in a good translation, so you will really know and understand what the author means and wants the reader to see with their spiritual eyes of faith.

There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus [new spiritual identity] who do not walk [live] according to the flesh [the old, carnal nature] but according to the spirit [the new nature].

For all of those who are in Christ Jesus, there is no condemnation. The Holy Spirit never brings condemnation but only conviction---conviction of the righteousness which comes through faith in Jesus. The Son of God traded His righteousness for all people’s original unrighteousness on the cross. He became the propitiation for all people’s sins in the world. The conviction of righteousness means that all believers in Jesus Christ spiritually know, understand, and discern that they need to do better, because they now know better by the spirit of God.


Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Looking Back

What are you looking back at now?  What is holding you back?  What is hindering you?  What is distracting you?

Whatever it is that is "catching your eye" at the moment, release it.  Please let it go!  Lay it down at the feet of Jesus!

So many times in life, we are like Lot's wife.  "But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt." (Genesis 19:26, NIV)  She turned into a pillar of salt, because she did not obey God.  He had previously told her and her family not to look back.  God had told all of them to keep going...keep moving forward.  She was the only one who looked back.  She was the one who disobeyed God.  As a result, she disintegrated into a pillar of salt. 

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." (Isaiah 43:18-19, NIV)

"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philppians 3:13-14, NIV)

Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62, NIV)

Do not allow anything to hinder or distract you from doing God's work and reaching your destiny.


Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Judging Other People

What people see in others also exists in them. Yet, so many times, people are too eager to point their hypocritical fingers at others instead of realizing there is another finger on their hand pointing back at them.

"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?

Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye." (Matthew 7:1-5, NKJV)

In this particular passage from Matthew, God tells us that with the measure you use for others...it will be measured back to you. It is also evident when the judgment comes back on the people who are originally pointing their fingers at others. Therefore, look at yourself and judge yourself before even attempting to point out what you think you see in other people. Know and remember that the condemnation you receive from the judgment only comes for the devil---the accuser of the brethren---and not from our heavenly Father.

"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit." (Romans 8:1, NKJV)

Our Father never points out our weaknesses, imperfections, flaws, struggles because He already took care of all of it on the cross for us. He lovingly convicts us of knowing better and doing better because of our righteousness in Christ. He already sees us as He sees His son, Jesus. Pure. Blameless. Above reproach. Righteous. Holy. Complete. Perfect.

So, don't believe nor receive the lies from the enemy of people's souls. Only believe and receive the truth from God and His word. It is absolute and eternal. And, the only word that truly matters at all.

(See Isaiah 53; Matthew 5:48; John 8:44; Romans 3:21-26; Colossians 2:9-10; Philippians 2:14-16; 1 Peter 1:13-16; 1 John 3:2-3)


Copyright 2019 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Always Giving Thanks

Source: YouTube

The above song, Give Thanks by Don Moen, resonates with me. How about you? This particular song has been on my heart and in my spirit for some time---even before the actual holiday of Thanksgiving, which we recently celebrated here in America.

Though we only celebrate this specific holiday once a year here in the USA, it needs to be a daily mindset and attitude everywhere in the world. We should always have an attitude of gratitude. We need to always give thanks for everything that God has provided for us.

In God's word, He actually tells all of us the truth regarding our thanksgiving.

"give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV)

Did you know that beforehand? Had you read it or heard it before?

It is God's will for us to give thanks in all circumstances. Therefore, that means God desires for us to always give thanks in everything at all times.

Of course, circumstances are not always comfortable. They are not always favorable to us. Sometimes, we endure difficult circumstances in this world. However, it does not mean that we cannot still give thanks during those hard but temporary circumstances. We can still look for something to be grateful for even in the midst of those circumstances. Additionally, it is God's will for us.

[Note: See another related posting, Giving Thanks.]


Copyright 2016 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Leaving the Past Behind

Please first read Genesis 19:14-26.

"But his wife looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt."  (Genesis 19:26, NKJV)

Lot received word from some men that the Lord was going to destroy the city.  He was told to take all of his family and get out of the the region immediately.

They all obeyed the orders they received from the Lord.  He destroyed the cities where they had left earlier.  Everyone and everything was destroyed there.

Then, Lot's wife looked back behind and she became a pillar of salt.  She was destroyed for looking back.

Lot's wife looked back and was destroyed for doing so.

What can we learn from this part of scripture?

For one, we need to obey the Lord because He has our best interest at heart.  Also, it does not do us any good to look back behind us.  If anything, it can have tragic consequences for us and our loved ones.

There are also plenty of other lessons to learn from that particular passage.

However, in the Apostle Paul's letter to the church at Philippi, he talks about forgetting those things behind.

"Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."  (Philippians 3:13-14, NKJV)  

Like Paul, he encouraged the believers there to press toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call in Jesus Christ.  He did not want them stay stuck in the past but to forget everything behind them.

In the same way, God does not want His children to be stuck in the past.  He desires all of them to forget everything behind them and move forward into the future.  He wants them to move further into their God-given purpose and plan.  Be who He has created them and called them to be for His perfect will.  Then, and only then, will God truly be honored and glorified in and through them.


Copyright 2015 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

None by Comparison

There is a tendency to compare ourselves with others in today's society. Whether it's done intentionally or not, it's difficult not to do so at times. The world tries to pressure us by putting all kinds of images and stereotypes out there. They try to tell us you have to look a certain way, act a particular way, do this, do that, or whatever else.

As difficult as it may be at times, there is a better way. It's God's way. He doesn't want us to compare ourselves with others.

He made us all unique and special. We all have different spiritual gifts. First of all, we each have a general purpose but we were also created with individual specific purposes. (See 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 27-30)

In the Apostle Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus, he talked about being made alive in Christ. He mentioned our individuality and overall purpose.

"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:10, NIV)

Paul wrote another letter to the churches in Galatia and encouraged them to do good. He wanted to make sure that they weren't deceived when helping each other though.

"Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else..." (Galatians 6:4, NIV)

In a letter to the church at Corinth, Paul defends his ministry. He spoke about his letters being “weighty and forceful.” (2 Corinthians 10:10)

He wanted the people to know that he was the same whether through his writing or in person. Also, Paul was not like others.

"We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise." (2 Corinthians 10:12, NIV)

Within the body of Christ, sometimes there is a tendency for us to compare ourselves with others who have similar spiritual gifts, ministries, or the like. However, this part of the Apostle Paul's letter to the church at Corinth serves as a great reminder for us not to do so.

He continues, "We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the sphere of service God himself has assigned to us, a sphere that also includes you. We are not going too far in our boasting, as would be the case if we had not come to you, for we did get as far as you with the gospel of Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:13-14, NIV)

We need to remember that we have a certain sphere of service God has specifically assigned to us individually. Therefore, we need to keep our focus on our particular sphere and not anyone else’s area.

And when we do work, we need to do it wholeheartedly as well as do it unto the Lord and not people. (See Colossians 3:23-24)

In addition, the Apostle Paul talks about the sphere of activity within his ministry. It can also be applied to our own sphere of activity in our ministries and work for the Lord.

"Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting of work done by others. Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our sphere of activity among you will greatly expand in the regions beyond you. For we do not want to boast about work already done in someone else’s territory. (2 Corinthians 10:15-16, NIV)

We do not need to go beyond our assigned territory and limits God has given us. Of course, we can hope that our regions will greatly be expanded as our faith increases just like the Apostle Paul. He goes on to talk about boasting in the Lord.

But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. (2 Corinthians 10:17-18, NIV)

Knowing that it is the Lord who commends us and no one else will help us work much harder for Him and rest much easier in Him. We do not need to compare ourselves, our journeys, our paths, or ministries to anyone else or anything of theirs. There is none by comparison.

We can trust God with our ministries, our purposes, our callings, our assignments, and anything else He has for us. For God who has called each of us is faithful, and He will complete that which He has started in us individually. (See 1 Corinthians 1:9; Philippians 2:12-13)


Copyright 2015 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

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.

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.

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.

Seeking God's Kingdom

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

Over the last few months, I have come to realize even more so the importance of this scripture verse from God's word.  At the same time, I also realize how many people in this world do just the opposite.  As a matter of fact, I was one of those people at one time.

Many people seek after the 'things' instead of God's kingdom and His righteousness.  They seek after material things, superficial things, temporary things...things in this world.  They also seek after people.  Whether it is 'things' or other people, many people are trying to fill a need or a void in themselves or in their lives.

However, God specifically tells us in His word to 'seek first His kingdom and His righteousness'.  Then, 'all these things will be given to you as well'.  Our Father God does not tell us to first seek 'things'.  He does not tell us to first seek people.  No, He is very specific.  He says to first seek 'His kingdom and His righteousness'.

It is only after or while seeking God that it will become more clear to us what is really important.  Everything will come into better alignment with us and God.  It puts the 'things' in their proper perspective as well as their proper place.  God promises that He will give us everything we need in this life as long as we put Him first.  He is a man of His word.  He keeps His promises.  (Numbers 23:19)  All of our needs will be met according to His riches in Christ Jesus.  (Philippians 4:19, NIV)  God provides for all of our needs whether materially, physically, financially, or otherwise.  We must stand on His word.  We must also believe Him and His word.  Additionally, we must put Him first.  God will bless us abundantly more than we can ever ask or think according to His power within us.  (Ephesians 3:20, NIV)  Therefore, 'seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.'


Copyright 2013 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Giving Thanks

 

 

"...give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."  (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV)

No matter where we are or what we may be going through at the time, it is very important to have an attitude of thankfulness.  If you do not have it now, you can develop it with the help of the Holy Spirit and God's word.

David was one man known for thanking and praising God in the midst of his circumstances.  He wrote much of the book of Psalms.  Despite his circumstances, he still knew to look in the right direction.  That direction was toward the Lord God. 

We can also know to look to the Lord.  In the midst of our circumstances, we can develop a heart of thanksgiving.  Even if we just begin thanking God for the simple things in our lives, it is a great start.  Eventually, our eyes will become more open to the larger things in our lives that are due to God's goodness.

In Psalm 100, the author praises God for His goodness and love.  We should do the same in the midst of our circumstances.  The truth always remains the same despite our circumstances.  God is always good and loving! 

"Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name."  (Psalm 100:4, NIV)

Let's challenge ourselves to live above our cirumstances.  In spite of our circumstances, let's thank God!  Thank Him for His provision!  Thank Him for His blessings!  Thank Him for His favor!  Thank Him for His goodness!  Thank Him for His love!  Thank Him for His mercy!  Thank Him for His grace!

Whether we feel like it, let's say what David said in Psalm 69.  "I will praise God’s name in song and glorify Him with thanksgiving."  (Psalm 69:30, NIV)  Then, wait for our feelings to catch up.  When we continue to be obedient to God's word over time, it will be easier to praise Him and thank Him in the midst of our circumstances.  Before too long, we will be able to rise above our cirumstances. 

Finally, we will be able to always do as the Apostle Paul instructed the people in Thessalonica.  "...give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:18, NIV)


Copyright 2013 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.