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.

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.

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.

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.

Counting the Cost

Have you truly counted the cost of your decisions?  

For yourself?  For others?

We all suffer and endure at the expense of not only our decisions but also other people's decisions within the body of Christ.  Why?  We are all connected both spiritually, physically, and/or otherwise.  We are ultimately affected as a part of the spiritual body though.

"And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it."  (1 Corinthians 12:26, NKJV)

However, there is another way.

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me."  (Matthew 16:24, NKJV)

'The world' would have you to think and believe that you are just on your own here.  You have to do it all by yourself.  Just pick yourself up by your boot straps so to speak.  You are old enough, educated enough, pretty enough, etc.  After all, it's all about you and your own selfish thoughts and ways.  You should be self-sufficient.  Just do it as the Nike commercial said many years ago.

Well, that kind of thinking is contrary to God and His word.  

"For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ."  (1 Corinthians 12:12, NKJV)

"For in fact the body is not one member but many."  (1 Corinthians 12:14, NKJV)

But now indeed there are many members, yet one body.  And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”  No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.  And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty,  but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.  (1 Corinthians 12:20-25, NKJV)

"Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.  And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.  Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?  Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?"  (1 Corinthians 12:27-30, NKJV)

We all need not only God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.  We all need each other spiritually, physically, and/or otherwise.  

The Apostle Paul not only recognized his weaknesses but he boasted about them.  That is usually contrary to the world's view which doesn't want you to know your weakness, show your weakness, or talk about your weakness.  He knew that it wasn't about him but about Jesus Christ though.  

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.  (2 Corinthians 12:9-10, NKJV)

I too like the Apostle Paul recognize my weaknesses.  Therefore, I know my absolute need for my Savior on a daily basis.  It's through His Grace that He strengthens me, empowers me, and more.  

What is Grace?  For one, Grace is the person of Jesus Christ.  Grace is also a gift which cannot be earned nor worked for either.  We are not only saved by Grace through faith in Jesus, but we also live by Grace through faith in Jesus.  (See Romans 5:1-2; Ephesians 2:8-9)  

We are not only made in God's image, but we are His children which is all by Grace through faith in Jesus.  He loves all of us unconditionally.  (See Genesis 1:26-27; Romans 8:31-39)  He not only modeled His love for us but tells us about His love for us.  (See Isaiah 53; John 3:16-17; 1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

"By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren."  (1 John 3:16, NKJV)

What does that look like?

"My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth."  (1 John 3:18, NKJV)

What is the truth?

God's word.  It is the absolute and eternal truth.

"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”  (John 8:32, NKJV)

That freedom is not to indulge the flesh --- the old, sinful nature --- but to serve one another in love --- His perfect love.  (See Galatians 5:13-14, 16)

Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All Rights Reserved.

Write the Vision

Then the Lord answered me and said:

"Write the vision
And make it plain on tablets,
That he may run who reads it.
For the vision is yet for an appointed time;
But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.
Though it tarries, wait for it;
Because it will surely come,
It will not tarry."

(Habakkuk 2:2-3, NKJV)

What's the vision God has given you?

My vision consists of making disciples of all nations; preaching the Gospel; proclaiming the Good News to the poor; setting the captives free.

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20, NKJV)

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me,
Because the Lord has anointed Me
To preach good tidings to the poor;
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to the captives,
And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord,
And the day of vengeance of our God;
To comfort all who mourn,
To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”

(See Isaiah 61:1-3, NKJV)

What exactly does it involve for you?

It involves speaking, teaching, preaching God's word all over the world whether in person and/or on-line via social media pages, blogs, podcasts, and other media. You can listen to a couple of my biblical messages on the Church for Entrepreneurs' website --- The Believers True Identity in Christ and Jesus in the Wilderness.

I have so far written and published 3 prayer journals which are located both on Amazon and CreateSpace eStore. I also have 3 digital versions of the prayer journals available through my Etsy shop and PayHip. I have written numerous articles, notes, blog posts which are available through LinkedIn's Pulse, Facebook's Notes, this In Spirit and In Truth blog, and the Clothed in His Righteousness blog.

I am available for speaking engagements at conferences, seminars, churches, retreats, luncheons. I am also available for leading, facilitating, teaching Bible studies at your church or in your home. Additionally, I am available for writing opportunities whether as a contributor, author, blogger.


Copyright 2019 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Greater Works

Jesus never became friends with the devil. However, within the body of Christ, it seems that some members think and believe that we are to just tolerate sin and passively accept the works of the devil in the world. Too many Christians seem to believe that it's alright for men to think, dress, and act like women; women to think, dress, and act like men; for both men and women to have operations and procedures which change their God-created physical bodies; and so much more. It is not alright. Nowhere in God's word does it say that is alright with Almighty God either. Therefore, it should not be alright with any true believer within the body of Jesus Christ.

One of the reasons I have brought this up is due to a ministry meeting I attended a couple of months ago. This particular ministry hosts support groups for both men and women at different agencies within the community. Now, they are allowing men who identify as women to attend women support groups which not only bothers me but concerns me for the actual women within the groups who may want and need to talk confidentially about their past, their relationships, the men in their lives; and more. With so-called women now identifying themselves as women instead of actually men, it can be even more of crossed boundary lines within the support groups. As a minister, I found the whole topic of self-identified women who are still physically men allowed in women support groups to be very disturbing to me.

For those who are truly blood-bought children of God, we are in the world but not of the world. It is so very important for us to set an example as Jesus Christ was the example for us. He never condoned sin even in unbelievers such as the adulteress woman. He didn't condemn her either. However, He did tell her to go and sin no more. With the demon-possessed man, Jesus rebuked the evil spirit within the man as well as commanded him to come out and go into the swine. He didn't just accept the demonic man as he was at the time. There are also plenty of other instances in God's word where Jesus didn't tolerate the sin nor placate the sinner.

"...as He is, so are we in this world..." (1 John 4:17, NKJV - emphasis added mine)

Jesus not only tells us the works we are to do here, but He also shows us the works we are to do in God's word. Before He left this world, He told all of God's legitimate children that we do greater works than He did while He was here. (See John 14:12-14) Consequently, I not only encourage you but also strongly urge you to do all of His work in this world.

"The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn..." (Isaiah 61:1-2, NIV)

Who will seriously join me?  I am looking for people to partner with me in ministry.

(See Genesis 1 - 2; Isaiah 53; Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 5:1-20; John 8:1-11; Romans 12:1-2)

Copyright 2018 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.

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.

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.

This will be a Sign to You...

I love the story of the birth of Jesus for many reasons.  We can learn so much from this story in God's word.

I have been thinking and meditating on one specific part of His birth story though. 

"This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."  (Luke 2:12, NIV - emphasis added mine)

Before that scripture verse, there is a lot to read and understand---much depth.  We can gain knowledge, insight, and wisdom from this particular passage. 

Let's pick up with this story, starting in v8.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”  (Luke 2:8-15, NIV - emphasis added mine)

An angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds, and they were terrified.  Does that remind you of anyone else in the Bible? 

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins."  (Matthew 1:20-21, NIV - emphasis added mine)

An angel of the Lord also appeared to Joseph in a dream.  This angel also told Joseph to not be afraid.  However, in this case, the word was spoken to Joseph to take Mary home to be his wife.  This prophecy was given by the angel to Joseph about his future with his wife, Mary.   

The previous passage in Luke was also a prophecy from the angel foretelling future events regarding the birth of Jesus.  However, in this specific part, the angel spoke to the shepherds about the expected environment surrounding Jesus' birth.   

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.  Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.  This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved----and that by God.  For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have."  (Philippians 1:27-30, NIV - emphasis added mine)

Paul wrote this letter to the believers in the church at Philippi.  He was encouraging them to live worthy of the Gospel.  He wanted to make sure that they knew to stand firm in the spirit and strive together in the faith.  He told them that it would be a sign to them.  Their opponents would be destroyed, but they would be saved by God. 

We are not to live by signs in this natural and physical world.  However, God does speak to us as His children.  Often throughout scripture, He uses phrases such as "This will be a sign to you."  God prophesies through other people.  He spoke through the angel to the shepherds regarding Jesus' birth.  He also spoke through an angel to Joseph in a dream.  In addition, He spoke through the Apostle Paul and foretold what the Lord had told him to the people in Philippi.  God tells us, His children, what is to come regarding His purpose and plan for us. 

Some people need signs in this natural world, before they will actually believe God and His promise to them.  However, God does not want us to live that way.  Neither does Jesus as He spoke about signs and wonders in John's account. 

"Unless you people see signs and wonders," Jesus told him, "you will never believe."  (John 4:48, NIV)

Jesus had said this to a royal official before the man's son had actually received his physical healing from Him.  He seemed somewhat 'put off' or irritated by the man's doubt and unbelief beforehand.  He wants all of us to trust and believe Him.  We just need to take Him at His word.  Additionally, we need to know that He first reveals things to us by His Spirit before they manifest in this world.

"...What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived"---the things God has prepared for those who love Him---these are the things God has revealed to us by His Spirit.  The Spirit searches all things even the deep things of God.  (1 Corinthians 2:9-10, NIV - emphasis added mine)


Copyright 2015 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved. 

Confessing God's Word

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you aren't already confessing His word, you can begin now.  It's never too late to start developing a new spiritual discipline or practice.  Confessing God's word is only one of the spiritual practices in the life of a believer.  (See Spiritual Disciplines.)

You can begin confessing His word in a specific area of your life.  For instance, perhaps, you need divine health and healing in your body. 

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

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

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

Of course, you can confess God's word for all areas of your life as well.  In general or overall.

What are you confessing for the New Year?  What will you confess during 2015?

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

 

Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Breaking All the Rules

Let's break all the rules!

You may be thinking...What? Have you lost it?

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

First, let me share a little background with you about myself.

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

I was working a seasonal job at an amusement park on a big rollercoaster one summer. I was asked to work Sundays. Normally, it was one of my requested days off from work. However, this particular summer, I decided that I wanted to work on Sundays.

When I talked to my mom about it, she was against me doing it. She eventually gave in and allowed me to work Sundays that summer. 

There have been more recent instances with other believers within the body of Christ where God has personally revealed more to me. Many believers are still trying to keep the old covenant of the law. It's all about their works or my works or someone else's works.

However, that is not true. That is not the case. If you break one point of 'the law', you have broken all of the law. (James 2:9-11) Jesus came to fulfill the law. (Matthew 5:17-18) He is the only one who has ever perfectly kept the law. Therefore, He is the fulfillment of the law.

The only way we can ever hope to perfectly keep 'the law' is to rely on Him to do the work in and through us by His spirit. We no longer approach Him by way of 'the law' though. We approach Him by the new covenant of grace through faith in Him.

Whenever, somebody tries to put you under 'the law', resist it. Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (James 4:7) Speak the truth in love to them. (Ephesians 4:15)

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

The more we come to personally know Him, the more we will know what is of Him and not from Him.

The Apostle Paul and his spiritual brother, Timothy, wrote to the people in the church at Colossae and explained more about the fullness of Jesus Christ.

"See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority." (Colossians 2:8-10, NIV)

Paul and Timothy continue speaking about all of the human rules and regulations in the world. They wanted to make sure the believers knew of their freedom in Christ.

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

Lastly, Matthew wrote of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law coming to Jesus and asking Him about breaking tradition. Jesus had asked them for the reason they had broken God's command for the sake of tradition. He told them they nullified God's word for the sake of tradition. Jesus also mentioned that Isaiah was right when he prophesied about them.

"‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules." (Matthew 15:8-9, NIV)

So, are there human rules that you are keeping?  Are there traditions that you honor?

Looking back now, I am glad my mom gave into my request. It worked out for my good. It allowed me to see for myself the importance of regularly attending church.

At the time, I was just going through the motions of going to church.  It had become a habit.  A routine.  A tradition.  It didn’t really mean anything to me.  It was part of my religion then. 

That specific break in tradition, however, allowed me to better understand and know for myself the good of attending church on a regular basis.  The right motivation behind going to church had previously been missing for me. 

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

Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.