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.

Faith vs. Fear

We have been in the midst of a health-related crisis which has affected thousands of people, many relationships, numerous lives, hundreds of businesses, and the economy in this country.  We have been in isolation, doing social distancing, and basically in quarantine for over a month now.  Many people wear masks when going out to run personal errands and going to medical appointments.

We as God's children don't have to fear catching the global virus, because of Jesus' sacrifice and atonement on the cross.  He was punished for all sin once and for all time (See Isaiah 53:4-5).  We are protected from all sickness, disease, illness by the blood of the Lamb.  Therefore, we already have divine health in this life. 

 

The world wants people to be afraid, because they live in the physical and the natural.  That includes the five senses of seeing, hearing, tasting, touching, and feeling.  There is nothing and no one chasing after any person in this world, but there are people who are afraid and run for cover like they are fearful of getting the virus.  

"Fear of man will prove to be a snare..."  (Proverbs 29:25a, NIV)



"The wicked flee when no one pursues... " (Proverbs 28:1a, NKJV)

God wants us to put our complete faith in Him.  The kingdom of God is supernatural.  We walk by faith and not by sight (See 2 Corinthians 5:7).  We live by the Spirit of God within us.  We are in this world but not of this world (See Romans 12:2).  

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."  (2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV)

God tell us hundreds of times in His word, "Do not fear... Do not be afraid..."  (See Deuteronomy 31:6, 8)  We can believe Him and trust Him.  He is trustworthy and faithful.

"...but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe."  (Proverbs 29:25b, NIV)

"...But the righteous are bold as a lion." (Proverbs 28:1b, NKJV)

However, we use wisdom and walk in love towards other people which includes those who are weak in faith (See Romans 14; James 1:5).  Therefore, we wear masks when we are out and about in order to love ourselves and others in the world (See Matthew 22:37-40; Luke 6:31).  We keep our distance from others.  We isolate ourselves from other people.

But, ultimately we believe and know that God is our protector (See Psalm 91).

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe." (Proverbs 18:10, NKJV)

Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Listening to Godly Counsel

God prepares and trains many different people along their unique paths for His specific purpose and plan.  Unfortunately, He normally raises them up through various hardships, trials, challenges, obstacles, and more (See James 1:2-4).  David and Joseph are only a couple of examples of the way God promoted and increased them over their lifetime (Read Genesis 37-50; 1 Samuel 16-17).

It does not necessarily have to be that way though.  People do not have to learn everything for themselves the hard way.  

Once Jesus was released into His full-time ministry, He was usually only able to help those people who either personally asked for His assistance and/or personally came to Him for assistance.  Of course, there was the instance of the woman at the well but she was a rare exception (See John 4:1-26, 39-42).  She did not ask Him and/or personally come to Him at first.  Nine times out of ten people normally sought Him out and asked for His help.   

That goes without saying for all of God's children.  We are only able to truly help those who are receptive to us whom God has placed in our paths.  They either need to personally ask for our help and/or personally come to us.

There have been more people than I care to think about or count on my hands that have not been receptive to me for one reason or another.  I have come to realize it more over the last several years that it is their problem and not mine though.  I cannot make people believe and receive the truth when I speak the truth in love to them (See Ephesians 4:15).  I cannot force them to make righteous choices---choices that line up with God's word, His ways, His perfect will, and His spirit within them (See Isaiah 55:8-9; Matthew 4:4; Romans 12:2).

It is really a shame that so many people prefer to learn for themselves the hard way instead of being receptive and learning from people like me who have already gained the wisdom, knowledge, insight, clarity through their own life experiences and faith journeys.

However, I have been reminded that "...fools despise wisdom and instruction (Proverbs 1:7, NIV)."

"Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed."  (Proverbs 15:22, NIV)

Therefore, it behooves people to not only seek out Godly counsel but actually listen and heed the wise counsel.   

Special Note:  Now offering coaching and mentoring services through my worldwide public ministry.  Go to my ministry website (http://www.dawnfreeman.org/coaching_mentoring/) and briefly fill out a form when you are interested in those type of services.


Copyright 2016 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

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.

Yesterday, Today, and Forever

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."  (Hebrews 13:8, NIV)

In the same way, God's children should be the same every day.  There shouldn't be any mood swings in us.  We shouldn't go by our feelings which are ever changing from one moment to the next.  We shouldn't have any wrong mindsets, negative thoughts, or as Joyce Meyer would say---any 'stinking thinking'.  We shouldn't be hot one day, and then cold the next day towards people.  After all, we are not like the weather which changes often. 

We are made in the image of God.  (Genesis 1:26-27)  He doesn't change.  "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."  (James 1:17, NIV)

Neither does He change His mind.  "God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind."  (Numbers 23:19a, NIV)

We shouldn't change.  Neither should we change our minds.  As God's children, we should be the same every day.

God's thoughts and ways are always higher and better than a human's thoughts and ways.  (Isaiah 55:8-9)  We should forgive as He forgave us.  (Colossians 3:13b)  We should exhibit the fruit of the Spirit.  (Galatians 5:22-23)  We should 'walk in love'.  (2 John 1:6)

"Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."  (Ephesians 5:1-2, NIV)

But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”  (1 Peter 1:15-16, NIV)  

"Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."  (Matthew 5:48, NIV)


Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Safe in His Arms

Recently, I held a 15-month-old boy in my arms as I was rocking him to sleep for his nap time. As I was holding him and rocking him, I thought to myself that this very young little boy was safe in my arms. In the same way, as God's children, we are safe in His arms. 

We may not feel very safe in this world at times.  There may be times when this world with all of the chaos, confusion, drama, and turbulence kind of rocks our very beings or our lives.  

For instance, many people in this world did not feel safe after the recent bombings in Boston especially those who lived or worked in that local area.  They were shaken up.  They felt unsafe.  They were in fear for lives.  They were told to stay inside their homes for an entire day, because one of the bombers was still on the loose.

However, none of us has to stay in that uncertain or unsafe place in our minds or in our lives.  We do not have to allow natural circumstances to dictate our thoughts, feelings, our very beings, or our lives.

"Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe."  (Proverbs 29:25, NIV)

We can go to the One who sees and knows the end at the beginning.  (Revelation 22:13)  He is the Great I Am!  He meets us where we are emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and even physically.  He meets all of our needs.  He fills in the gaps in us, in our hearts, in our minds, or in our lives.

With Him, we can know that no matter what...we will be alright.  It may not happen overnight.  It will happen though.  When we keep our eyes on Him, everything else fades away.  (Hebrews 12:2)

We can truly know the One to go to in the midst of this world's chaos, confusion, drama, or turbulence.  We can find His peace, comfort, and rest by going to Him...depending on Him...and trusting Him.  

Then, we can really know that we are safe in His arms.

Copyright 2013 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Waiting on God's Promises

Are you waiting on God’s promises to come true in your life?

Many believers hope and pray for God's promises to come to pass in their lives. Are you one who is actively pursuing the promises of God? Are you one who is waiting for the promises of God?  I am currently waiting for some of the promises of God to come true in my own life.

Hebrews 11 which is known as the faith chapter tells about many people in the Bible who faithfully obeyed God and saw the promises of God come to pass in their lives. Of course, it also tells about many others who did not see the promises of God come to fulfillment in their lives.

I, for one, want to be one of God's children who see and experience all of the promises of God come to fruition in my life. I hope you also desire to be one of the believers who see and experience the promises of God in your own life. What sets us apart from the ones who do not receive the promises of God?

For one, we have to believe God. We have to believe Him and His word. We must stand firm in our faith in God.

"But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not ‘Yes’ and ‘No’. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me and Silas and Timothy—was not ‘Yes’ and ‘No’, but in Him it has always been ‘Yes’. For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through Him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God. Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come." (2 Corinthians 1:18-22, NIV)

We must know that God is faithful to His word. He does not change His mind. He does not make a promise and not fulfill it. (Numbers 23:19)

Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. As it is written: "I have made you a father of many nations." (Romans 4:16-17, NIV)

God's promises to us, His children, come to us by grace. Grace is fully manifested in the person of Jesus Christ. Therefore, we must be believers in Jesus Christ as well as Children of the living God in order to receive the promises of God.

Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be." Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness." (Romans 4:18-22, NIV)

Abraham who is considered the father of all nations believed God. He had great faith in Him. He did not doubt God or His promise to him. Sarah also believed God.  As a result, she received God's promise of a son in her old age.

"Now the LORD was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what he had promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him. Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore him. When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God commanded him. Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him." (Genesis 21:1-5, NIV)

Both Abraham and Sarah received the promises of God in their lives. They trusted God with the unknown. They did not worry about any of the details. They had faith in God.

Sarah said, "God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me." And she added, "Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age." (Genesis 21:6-7, NIV)

Whatever God has promised you, keep persevering like Abraham. No matter how long it may take for the promises of God to come to pass in your life, do not give up. Continue running your race of faith...the one that God has prepared and planned for you. In the meantime, keep your eyes on Jesus who is the author and finisher of your faith. (Hebrews 12:1-2)


Copyright 2013 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Showing Mercy

The previous scene that you just saw is from 1984's Karate Kid.  In this particular part of the movie, the main character named Daniel (played by Ralph Macchio) visits a Karate Do Jo.  The Karate instructor tells his students to strike first, strike hard, and show no mercy to their opponents.  It is much like the world.  The world tells people to not show mercy to people.  After all, they do not deserve it...whoever they may be in the world's eyes.

In this scene, there is a group of guys chasing Daniel who is the Karate Kid.  The leader of the group, named Johnny, tells the group that, "An enemy deserves no mercy."  He has been taught that by his Karate instructor in the scene above.  It is human nature not to show someone mercy.  It is the flesh or the old sinful nature that does not want to show mercy to people.  It is also the world's way to do the human thing and kick someone when he is down or turn your back on someone when he is in need.

Did you notice though...later in this same scene that Daniel's friend, Mr. Miyagi, comes to his rescue?  Mr. Miyagi had compassion on Daniel.  He showed him mercy whether Daniel deserved it.  Mr. Miyagi came and picked up Daniel.  Then, he carried Daniel away from all of the trouble and the trouble makers.

That is a great picture of our Father God.  He is compassionate.  He shows mercy whether we deserve it.  He comes and picks us up out of the messes.  He carries us away from all of the problems and the people who cause problems for us. 

The Psalmist writes, "But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness."  (Psalm 86:15, NIV)

He also says that, "The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion."  (Psalm 116:5, NIV)

Later, the Psalmist says that, "The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made."  (Psalm 145:9, NIV)

Therefore, shouldn't we as God's Children want to be like our Father God? His way is the right way. Throughout His word, our Father tells us to show mercy and have compassion on people. He does not say to only do it if we feel like it. He does not say to only do it if we think they deserve it. No! He commands us to have compassion and show mercy to people. There are no if's, and's, or but's about it. He loves us. He wants the best for us. He also wants us to be just like Him. 

Luke tells us to, "Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."  (Luke 6:36, NIV)

It really is not our place to judge or withhold mercy from someone...anyone.  If it had not been for us initially receiving mercy when Jesus died on the cross for us, we would not have been saved by grace through faith in Him.  (Ephesians 2:8)  We would not be Children of the Almighty God at this time.  We also would not be the people God had created us to be right now. 

Matthew says that, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."  (Matthew 5:7, NIV)

God's ways are just the opposite of the world's ways.  God will bless people who show mercy to others.  He will have compassion on people who also have compassion on other people.

The Apostle Paul instructs us to, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."  (Ephesians 4:32, NIV)

Therefore, when you see or know of someone in need, help that person.  Have compassion!  Show mercy!  You will be blessed in more than one way by God the Father.

Who knows?!?!  You may be that person who is in need some day.  You may need someone to have compassion and show mercy to you one day.  So, be aware.  Be compassionate.  Show mercy.  Be the great caring person God created you to be for His purpose.


Copyright 2012 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Where is Your Treasure?

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21, NKJV)

Where is your treasure? Where is your heart?

Are you more interested in people or possessions? Are you available for people in their time of need? Are you living superficially in this life? Do you want to have and keep all of the material things of this world? Which means more to you...people or things?

"but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." (Matthew 6:20, NKJV)

“...For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18, NKJV)

First, God desires for us to love Him! (See Mark 12:30) Then, love one another! (See John 13:34-35) Do you love people? Are you showing love to them?

How do you love others? How do you show love to them? Well, one way is to imitate the Father (See Ephesians 5:1). Also, walk in love as Jesus Christ did and gave Himself for us (See Ephesians 5:2).

Are you walking in love? Are you imitating Jesus Christ? Jesus gave of Himself! He gave people His time and other resources. He taught them lessons. He listened to them. He shared with them. He endured hardships! He suffered for righteousness' sake! Ultimately, He laid down His life for everyone (See 1 John 3:16)!

Which means more to you...people or material possessions like money?

"No one can serve two masters.  Either you will hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." (Matthew 6:24, NIV)

If you had a choice of helping a person financially or otherwise, what would you do? Would you keep the money or other material possessions for yourself? Would you help the person? Which is more important to you? Which do you really love?

God does not bless people with His resources in order to be selfish, self-centered, greedy, or hoarders. He has freely given, so we should freely give too (See Proverbs 11:24). He also loves a cheerful giver (See 2 Corinthians 9:7).

Our Father asks us, "If anyone has this world's goods and sees his brother in need but shuts off his compassion from him—how can God's love reside in him?" (1 John 3:17, HCSB)

Later, His instruction, "Little children, we must not love in word or speech, but in deed and truth; that is how we will know we are of the truth, and will convince our hearts in His presence, because if our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts and knows all things." (1 John 3:18-20, HCSB)

What will you do the next time someone needs a helping hand? Will you deny their request? Will you walk away? On the other hand, will you show the love of the Father? Will you show the love of Jesus Christ?

Afterall, the righteous are never forsaken and God's children are never begging for bread. (See Psalm 37:25) For God feeds, clothes, and provides for all of our needs. (See Matthew 6:25-33) Therefore, should not we do the same? If we are really imitating Him, should not we also do for others? Let us actually show His love to others in obedience to Him and from our hearts.


Copyright 2010 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.