What are you sowing? Are you sowing good seed or bad seed? It is either one or the other.
When you sow good seed into good ground, you produce a good crop. When you sow bad seed into bad ground, you get a bad crop.
It is also like that in our lives. We can either sow good seed or bad seed with our words, our mindsets, our attitudes, our behavior, and our actions.
In either case, it takes time for the harvest to come into our lives. However, we reap what we sow whether good or bad.
My Father confirms it in His word when He says, “A man reaps what he sows.” (Gal 6:7b, NIV)
I know it to be true too. I have seen it in other people and in their lives. I have also experienced it at times myself.
He goes on to say that “Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction...” (Gal 6:8a, NIV)
Have you ever sown to please your flesh? I know that I have sown to my flesh before. Unfortunately, I am sure that we all have at one time or another. I can testify now that, for me, it was not a pleasant time either. I was in a really bad, unwise, and unhealthy relationship which also ended very poorly. I definitely reaped an extremely bad harvest from sowing bad seed and being in that awfully destructive relationship. Still, my Father has used that previous relationship as a difficult, learning experience for me.
Have you ever sown to please your Spirit? There have been, at least, a few times that I can recall now which I would say, “Yes! I sowed good seed, and it pleased my Spirit!” It is those times when I have experienced more of the eternal life from obeying the Spirit. Those are the times that I choose to remember more. I believe those are the times that our Father God would have us to remember more as well. Though, we can learn from all of our experiences.
Our Father also talks about reaping the good rewards of sowing to our Spirit.
“…whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” (Gal 6:8b, NIV)
When I have sowed good seed and obeyed my Spirit, I have reaped a good harvest…eternal life...a true peace and calmness within me…in my Spirit.
Of course, we may not always be able to see the good harvest in a person or in their life right away. Sometimes, the harvest takes more time than other times to show up.
However, our Father tells us this, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Gal 6:9, NIV)
Therefore, when we sow the good seed and obey our Spirit, we definitely will reap a good and fruitful harvest in due season. Our Father assures us of it. We can rest in Him knowing that He is always true and faithful to His word. (Num 23:19)
Copyright 2012 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Thursday, January 12, 2012
What Are You Feeding?
What are you feeding this very moment?
Are you feeding your God-given spirit? Or…are you feeding your flesh?
In order to feed on something, we must take it into ourselves. We can either take in things physically or spiritually. Therefore, we are either feeding our body or our spirit.
Our bodies are normally thought of or considered as part of our flesh. Of course, it also depends on the way you treat your body…God’s temple. (John 2:21; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
When we feed our bodies or our flesh, we take in the things of this world. Those secular things are carnal. We may spend time feeding our "old nature"...giving into temptation...or choosing to sin against God, ourselves, or other people.
What are some of those "old" ways? Watching television with suggestive or provocative themes, sex, violence, pornography, and/or crime. Listening to secular music with a lot of profanity or suggestive words. Looking at graphic photos including sex or violence on the internet. Reading magazines or books with sex, violence, profanity, or other suggestive material.
Of course, these "old" ways lead to other ways of the "old nature" or the flesh.
"Flesh gives birth to flesh..." (John 3:6a, NIV)
When we feed our spirit, we take in the things of God. Those things are spiritual. With God's word, we are able to feed our "new nature" and our spirit.
Other ways to feed our spirit include attending church services; going to prayer meetings; reading faith-based or Christian books or magazines; listening to positive and/or uplifting faith-based or Christian music; and looking at only wholesome photos on the internet.
Likewise, following the ways of the spirit creates more of the "new nature" ways.
"...but the Spirit gives birth to spirit." (John 3:6b, NIV)
We are always either feeding one or the other. When we are feeding the spirit, we are starving the flesh. When we are feeding the flesh, we are starving the spirit. Therefore, are you feeding your spirit? Or...are you feeding your flesh?
Allow God [through the Holy Spirit] to speak to you personally! Please also listen to Him!
What are you feeding now?
Copyright 2012 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.
Are you feeding your God-given spirit? Or…are you feeding your flesh?
In order to feed on something, we must take it into ourselves. We can either take in things physically or spiritually. Therefore, we are either feeding our body or our spirit.
Our bodies are normally thought of or considered as part of our flesh. Of course, it also depends on the way you treat your body…God’s temple. (John 2:21; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
When we feed our bodies or our flesh, we take in the things of this world. Those secular things are carnal. We may spend time feeding our "old nature"...giving into temptation...or choosing to sin against God, ourselves, or other people.
What are some of those "old" ways? Watching television with suggestive or provocative themes, sex, violence, pornography, and/or crime. Listening to secular music with a lot of profanity or suggestive words. Looking at graphic photos including sex or violence on the internet. Reading magazines or books with sex, violence, profanity, or other suggestive material.
Of course, these "old" ways lead to other ways of the "old nature" or the flesh.
"Flesh gives birth to flesh..." (John 3:6a, NIV)
When we feed our spirit, we take in the things of God. Those things are spiritual. With God's word, we are able to feed our "new nature" and our spirit.
Other ways to feed our spirit include attending church services; going to prayer meetings; reading faith-based or Christian books or magazines; listening to positive and/or uplifting faith-based or Christian music; and looking at only wholesome photos on the internet.
Likewise, following the ways of the spirit creates more of the "new nature" ways.
"...but the Spirit gives birth to spirit." (John 3:6b, NIV)
We are always either feeding one or the other. When we are feeding the spirit, we are starving the flesh. When we are feeding the flesh, we are starving the spirit. Therefore, are you feeding your spirit? Or...are you feeding your flesh?
Allow God [through the Holy Spirit] to speak to you personally! Please also listen to Him!
What are you feeding now?
Copyright 2012 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Overcoming Fear
"Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe." (Prov 29:25, NIV)
Lately, I have been thinking more about this particular scripture verse. At this specific time in my life, my Father has been speaking to me more about the topic of ‘fear’. I know that it is not good to live in fear for any reason or for any amount of time. I certainly do not want any part of fear in me or in my life. I know that fear is not of God. How do I know? Well, my Father says so! Not only that, He says it numerous times throughout His Word. Here are just a few of those times.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10, NIV)
“For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:13, NIV)
But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats ; do not be frightened.” (1 Peter 3:14, NIV)
Therefore, I know that fear normally comes from the enemy who tries to hinder us or prevent us from doing what God wants us to do for Him, His purpose, and His plan. (Romans 8:28, Jeremiah 29:11) More than once, I have been reminded that the word ‘FEAR’ stands for ‘False Evidence Appearing Real’. In addition, fear is the opposite of faith. If we are in fear, then we are not in faith. Fear negates faith!
As a person of faith, I am an overcomer! (Romans 8:37) Therefore, I am determined to overcome any fear. How do I do it? First, I have to continue renewing my mind in my Father’s word. (Romans 12:2) As I am reminded, faith comes by hearing the word of God. (Romans 10:17). It helps to not only read and study His word in order to build up my faith but also to speak out His word and hear His word out loud. That seems simple enough, but now I have to put it into action.
What about you? Will you join me?
Copyright 2012 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.
Lately, I have been thinking more about this particular scripture verse. At this specific time in my life, my Father has been speaking to me more about the topic of ‘fear’. I know that it is not good to live in fear for any reason or for any amount of time. I certainly do not want any part of fear in me or in my life. I know that fear is not of God. How do I know? Well, my Father says so! Not only that, He says it numerous times throughout His Word. Here are just a few of those times.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10, NIV)
“For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:13, NIV)
But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats ; do not be frightened.” (1 Peter 3:14, NIV)
Therefore, I know that fear normally comes from the enemy who tries to hinder us or prevent us from doing what God wants us to do for Him, His purpose, and His plan. (Romans 8:28, Jeremiah 29:11) More than once, I have been reminded that the word ‘FEAR’ stands for ‘False Evidence Appearing Real’. In addition, fear is the opposite of faith. If we are in fear, then we are not in faith. Fear negates faith!
As a person of faith, I am an overcomer! (Romans 8:37) Therefore, I am determined to overcome any fear. How do I do it? First, I have to continue renewing my mind in my Father’s word. (Romans 12:2) As I am reminded, faith comes by hearing the word of God. (Romans 10:17). It helps to not only read and study His word in order to build up my faith but also to speak out His word and hear His word out loud. That seems simple enough, but now I have to put it into action.
What about you? Will you join me?
Copyright 2012 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Carrying Burdens
"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2, NIV)
What does that scripture verse mean to you? For awhile, it meant something totally different to me than it does now. Previously, it meant that we are to physically help people out in their time of need. I still believe that we are to be "Jesus" to people. (1 John 4:17) However, it now means to me that we are to "walk" alongside people during their difficult times or hardships. To me, it means to be available to them. Listen to them. Pray with them. Lend a shoulder. Talk with them. Give emotional support. Encourage them.
I do not believe it means that we are to do for people what they can do for themselves. I do not believe it is the way that God intended it either. After all, God does not do for us what we can do for ourselves. He does not do our part. In the same way, we are not to do other people's part. We need to have healthy boundaries with people and set limits with them. We need to empower people to help themselves and rely on God as their source. He alone is anyone's and everyone's only source!
God does use people to help others. From my personal experience, He uses many people along the way to help others during their journey. I do not believe that He wants us to help people to the extent that it will enable them though. To "enable" someone would actually be doing a disservice to them. It would also be a disservice to us as well. It eventually will hurt them and us if they are too dependent on people. It is unhealthy to be only dependent on people. To be co-dependent is definitely an unhealthy way of thinking and relating with people.
People need to totally depend on God and get to the point of being able to stand on their own two feet with God. If a person has the same re-occurring issue [for example: fornication or adultery], it will not help them to step into their current situation and stop it for them that one time. It would be a mistake on our part to do it for them. If they are having a continual problem with the same issue, it will continue until they take the initiative and do something about it. They have to do some internal work on themselves in order to prevent it from re-occurring in their lives.
Instead, we should encourage them to form a new relationship or deeper relationship with God. God needs to be their only source…their internal comforter, healer, director, leader, and guide. In addition, if they need more help, professional counseling may be a great recommendation. First, they have to want to stop the re-occurring harmful behavior. Then, they have to do their part to help themselves. After all, God tells us that each person is responsible for doing their own part.
"...for each one should carry their own load." (Galatians 6:5, NIV)
Copyright 2012 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.
What does that scripture verse mean to you? For awhile, it meant something totally different to me than it does now. Previously, it meant that we are to physically help people out in their time of need. I still believe that we are to be "Jesus" to people. (1 John 4:17) However, it now means to me that we are to "walk" alongside people during their difficult times or hardships. To me, it means to be available to them. Listen to them. Pray with them. Lend a shoulder. Talk with them. Give emotional support. Encourage them.
I do not believe it means that we are to do for people what they can do for themselves. I do not believe it is the way that God intended it either. After all, God does not do for us what we can do for ourselves. He does not do our part. In the same way, we are not to do other people's part. We need to have healthy boundaries with people and set limits with them. We need to empower people to help themselves and rely on God as their source. He alone is anyone's and everyone's only source!
God does use people to help others. From my personal experience, He uses many people along the way to help others during their journey. I do not believe that He wants us to help people to the extent that it will enable them though. To "enable" someone would actually be doing a disservice to them. It would also be a disservice to us as well. It eventually will hurt them and us if they are too dependent on people. It is unhealthy to be only dependent on people. To be co-dependent is definitely an unhealthy way of thinking and relating with people.
People need to totally depend on God and get to the point of being able to stand on their own two feet with God. If a person has the same re-occurring issue [for example: fornication or adultery], it will not help them to step into their current situation and stop it for them that one time. It would be a mistake on our part to do it for them. If they are having a continual problem with the same issue, it will continue until they take the initiative and do something about it. They have to do some internal work on themselves in order to prevent it from re-occurring in their lives.
Instead, we should encourage them to form a new relationship or deeper relationship with God. God needs to be their only source…their internal comforter, healer, director, leader, and guide. In addition, if they need more help, professional counseling may be a great recommendation. First, they have to want to stop the re-occurring harmful behavior. Then, they have to do their part to help themselves. After all, God tells us that each person is responsible for doing their own part.
"...for each one should carry their own load." (Galatians 6:5, NIV)
Copyright 2012 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Handling the Truth
This video clip you just viewed was part of the famous scene from 1992's movie "A Few Good Men" where the character, Colonel Jessup, played by Jack Nicholson stated to Tom Cruise's character, "You can't handle the truth!"
I believe that a lot of people can't handle the truth. In this movie, they were talking about the truth of a particular situation. However, I am talking about the truth of God’s word.
There was a significant time in my life when I couldn't handle the truth. In fact, a few years ago, I had received so much truth from God’s word that it was too much for me to handle at the time.
I had gotten a lot of revelation knowledge from my Father during this particular season of my life. All of this truth was too overwhelming for me. It was too much at once for me to take in then. I didn't know how to handle all of the knowledge of this specific truth that had been revealed to me from my Father.
You see, the truth that my Father revealed to me was concerning part of His purposes and plans for me. (Jeremiah 29:11-13) He showed me bits and pieces of it through visions and dreams that He had given me. He had also spoken to me about part of His plans for me.
At the time, I compared it in my mind to the story of Mary, Jesus’ mother. God had a purpose and plan for Mary. [*Side Note: I am not saying that His purpose and plan for me is that huge. However, it was way more than I could comprehend at the time.] An angel of the Lord came to Mary and told her about God’s purpose and plan for her. I am sure that it was too much information for Mary to handle at the time. Can you imagine being told that you, a virgin, were going to give birth to a Son and His name would be Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the Savior of the world? For anyone, I think that would be so overwhelming to receive that kind of knowledge of the truth. (Luke 1:26-38) The same was true for me. I received so much revelation knowledge that I could not take it all in at once.
Perhaps, there has been a time in your life when you couldn't handle the truth. What was it? When was it?
There have also been a few different times in my life so far where I have tried to speak the truth to people regarding a particular situation or a person in their life at the time. However, they couldn't take the truth! Or...perhaps, they weren't ready to receive the truth yet!
Nevertheless, our Father God wants us to speak the truth to people in order to help them. He uses the spoken truth to mature people. (Ephesians 4:15) That way, they become the people He created them to be for His purposes and plans. (Jeremiah 29:11-13)
Therefore, continue to speak the truth to people. There may be some growing pains along the way for you and for them. There may be times when you can’t handle the truth or others can’t handle the truth. Still, God will use it for everyone’s benefit as well as for His purposes and plans. (Romans 8:28, Jeremiah 29:11-13)
*More on my Faith Journey and Testimony will be shared at a later time and a different place or venue.
Copyright 2011 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Mask-wearing People
Have you ever met, spoken, or known people who wear masks? I know that I have before. Perhaps, you have as well. You may think of that person right now. Maybe, that person is even you!
When you speak to the mask-wearing people, you will know it. There are pretenses underneath or behind their conversation. You just know it when you talk with them. They are saying one thing but you know that there is an underlying motive or intention. They smile while they talk with you. However, you can tell that they are thinking something else when they are speaking with you. Perhaps, there may be insincerity in what they are saying to you. Maybe, there is a superficiality or fakeness in the people. Or...they say one thing but you can tell they are thinking something totally opposite...something contradictory.
In God's word, He mentions that people love falsehood over truthfulness, "You love evil rather than good, falsehood rather than speaking the truth." (Psalm 52:3, NIV)
Our Father God wants all people to be real, sincere, honest, and truthful with one another.
He instructs us, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body." (Ephesians 4:25, NIV)
In addition, a conversation between Joshua and Achan confirms this truth.
Then Joshua said to Achan, "My son, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, and honor him. Tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me."
Achan replied, "It is true! I have sinned against the LORD, the God of Israel. This is what I have done: When I saw in the plunder a beautiful robe from Babylonia, two hundred shekels of silver and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath." (Joshua 7:19-21, NIV)
The next time you encounter one of the mask-wearing people open up and speak the truth to them. (Ephesians 4:15) Hope and pray that they also do the same with you. (1 Thessalonians 5:17) Then, little by little, it will be easier for everyone to take off the masks and be truthful with each other every time.
Prayer:
Father, remove anything from us that is not of you. Mold us and make us more into the image of your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to cooperate with you and your completed work through your word and your spirit. We want to be the people you created us to be for your purpose and plans. (Jeremiah 29:11-13) Thanks you for loving us unconditionally and helping us each and every step of the way. In Jesus' name. Amen!
Copyright 2011 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.
When you speak to the mask-wearing people, you will know it. There are pretenses underneath or behind their conversation. You just know it when you talk with them. They are saying one thing but you know that there is an underlying motive or intention. They smile while they talk with you. However, you can tell that they are thinking something else when they are speaking with you. Perhaps, there may be insincerity in what they are saying to you. Maybe, there is a superficiality or fakeness in the people. Or...they say one thing but you can tell they are thinking something totally opposite...something contradictory.
In God's word, He mentions that people love falsehood over truthfulness, "You love evil rather than good, falsehood rather than speaking the truth." (Psalm 52:3, NIV)
Our Father God wants all people to be real, sincere, honest, and truthful with one another.
He instructs us, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body." (Ephesians 4:25, NIV)
In addition, a conversation between Joshua and Achan confirms this truth.
Then Joshua said to Achan, "My son, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, and honor him. Tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me."
Achan replied, "It is true! I have sinned against the LORD, the God of Israel. This is what I have done: When I saw in the plunder a beautiful robe from Babylonia, two hundred shekels of silver and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath." (Joshua 7:19-21, NIV)
The next time you encounter one of the mask-wearing people open up and speak the truth to them. (Ephesians 4:15) Hope and pray that they also do the same with you. (1 Thessalonians 5:17) Then, little by little, it will be easier for everyone to take off the masks and be truthful with each other every time.
Prayer:
Father, remove anything from us that is not of you. Mold us and make us more into the image of your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to cooperate with you and your completed work through your word and your spirit. We want to be the people you created us to be for your purpose and plans. (Jeremiah 29:11-13) Thanks you for loving us unconditionally and helping us each and every step of the way. In Jesus' name. Amen!
Copyright 2011 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Wearing Masks
Masks are normally worn on people's faces either on special occasions or around holidays such as Halloween or New Year's Eve.
However, there are other times people wear masks. There are also other reasons people wear masks.
Some of the places that people wear masks are in our society, in the corporate world, and in our churches.
Why do people wear so-called masks?
For one, they may be afraid of being real or "transparent". Normally, either they are afraid of being real with themselves or others.
In God's word, there were times when people were fearful of being honest with others. An exchange between Joshua and Achan was one of those times. Achan was afraid of being truthful with Joshua. Joshua confronted him about it.
Then Joshua said to Achan, "My son, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, and honor him. Tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me."
Achan replied, "It is true! I have sinned against the LORD, the God of Israel. This is what I have done: When I saw in the plunder a beautiful robe from Babylonia, two hundred shekels of silver and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath." (Joshua 7:19-21, NIV)
There are different reasons for being fearful. Rejection, judgment, condemnation, and criticism are just a some of the usual reasons. However, fear of the unknown may also be one reason with an underlying cause which can be fear of the truth coming out. Normally, there are a couple of separate reasons for being afraid of the truth coming out. Perhaps, the people are not ready to deal with it themselves. On the other hand, they think others may not be able to accept it yet.
Ultimately, Jesus always knows the truth. When He met and spoke with the Samaritan woman at the well, He already knew the truth and spoke to her about it.
He told her, "Go, call your husband and come back."
"I have no husband," she replied.
Jesus said to her, "You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true." (John 4:16-18, NIV)
He plainly spoke the truth to her, and she could not deny it. He did not reject, condemn, criticize, or judge her. Consequently, she was able to open up and be honest with Him. She felt free to share with Him.
That is the way it should be too, not only with Jesus but also with us and others. It is very important to be open and honest. It is so nice and refreshing when we feel confident enough to do it too.
What do you need to do to begin this process?
First, be real with yourself. If you are not honest with yourself, you cannot be truthful with anyone.
Next, be honest with Jesus. He already knows about it. He wants you to come to Him with anything that is on your heart and mind. Just like with the Samaritan woman, Jesus will not reject, criticize, judge, or condemn you. Therefore, open up and share with Him.
Lastly, be sincere with other people. This one may take a little more time depending on the person or the situation. However, with Jesus’ help, it is very possible. (Matt 19:26, Philippians 4:13)
Step by step, all of the masks will come off in time. Then, there will be no more pretenses, superficiality, fakeness, or insincerity with yourself, Jesus, or others. You will be real. You will be "transparent". That is what everybody needs in this world...no matter the time or the place.
Copyright 2011 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.
However, there are other times people wear masks. There are also other reasons people wear masks.
Some of the places that people wear masks are in our society, in the corporate world, and in our churches.
Why do people wear so-called masks?
For one, they may be afraid of being real or "transparent". Normally, either they are afraid of being real with themselves or others.
In God's word, there were times when people were fearful of being honest with others. An exchange between Joshua and Achan was one of those times. Achan was afraid of being truthful with Joshua. Joshua confronted him about it.
Then Joshua said to Achan, "My son, give glory to the LORD, the God of Israel, and honor him. Tell me what you have done; do not hide it from me."
Achan replied, "It is true! I have sinned against the LORD, the God of Israel. This is what I have done: When I saw in the plunder a beautiful robe from Babylonia, two hundred shekels of silver and a bar of gold weighing fifty shekels, I coveted them and took them. They are hidden in the ground inside my tent, with the silver underneath." (Joshua 7:19-21, NIV)
There are different reasons for being fearful. Rejection, judgment, condemnation, and criticism are just a some of the usual reasons. However, fear of the unknown may also be one reason with an underlying cause which can be fear of the truth coming out. Normally, there are a couple of separate reasons for being afraid of the truth coming out. Perhaps, the people are not ready to deal with it themselves. On the other hand, they think others may not be able to accept it yet.
Ultimately, Jesus always knows the truth. When He met and spoke with the Samaritan woman at the well, He already knew the truth and spoke to her about it.
He told her, "Go, call your husband and come back."
"I have no husband," she replied.
Jesus said to her, "You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true." (John 4:16-18, NIV)
He plainly spoke the truth to her, and she could not deny it. He did not reject, condemn, criticize, or judge her. Consequently, she was able to open up and be honest with Him. She felt free to share with Him.
That is the way it should be too, not only with Jesus but also with us and others. It is very important to be open and honest. It is so nice and refreshing when we feel confident enough to do it too.
What do you need to do to begin this process?
First, be real with yourself. If you are not honest with yourself, you cannot be truthful with anyone.
Next, be honest with Jesus. He already knows about it. He wants you to come to Him with anything that is on your heart and mind. Just like with the Samaritan woman, Jesus will not reject, criticize, judge, or condemn you. Therefore, open up and share with Him.
Lastly, be sincere with other people. This one may take a little more time depending on the person or the situation. However, with Jesus’ help, it is very possible. (Matt 19:26, Philippians 4:13)
Step by step, all of the masks will come off in time. Then, there will be no more pretenses, superficiality, fakeness, or insincerity with yourself, Jesus, or others. You will be real. You will be "transparent". That is what everybody needs in this world...no matter the time or the place.
Copyright 2011 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.
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