Read Genesis 39:6-12.
Did you notice? Joseph was a very morally upright man. He made righteous choices in the midst of the advances from another man's wife. He didn't cave into temptation. He obeyed God!
God instructs all of His children to "Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body." (1 Corinthians 6:18, NIV)
Not only do you sin against your own body but you also sin against God [if you have accepted Him into your heart and life]. Depending on the situation, you sin against others as well. For example: If Joseph had given into the temptation; he would have sinned against Potiphar, Potiphar's wife, and God.
However, Joseph got out of there. He knew what was right in the situation with Potiphar's wife. Every born-again believer knows the right thing to do in any similar situation. They must take action though just like Joseph did in his situation.
Read Genesis 39:13-23.
Unfortunately, Potiphar's wife wasn't as honorable as Joseph in this case. She lied to her husband about the situation with Joseph. She framed Joseph even though he hadn't done anything wrong. Of course, Potiphar believed his wife's lies. What spouse wouldn't believe their own spouse over someone else! The result: Potiphar took Joseph and put him prison.
Look at v 21. Though, Joseph was initially mistreated and betrayed by Potiphar's wife and Potiphar himself..."the Lord was with him; He showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden." (Genesis 39:21, NIV)
Now, look back at Genesis 39:20-23.
Isn't that awesome?!?! It not only shows God's unconditional love, kindness, and goodness to Joseph but even when everything was going in the wrong direction for him---God still took care of him. Joseph was obedient to God. He made wise choices in the midst of a terrible circumstance. God looked out for him though.
God is faithful! And, Joseph honored God by being obedient and making right choices. Therefore, Joseph ultimately honored God in everything that he said and did with his body. (Colossians 3:17) As Children of God, let's also choose to honor God with our bodies in every way.
[This story is only one prime example from God's word about His provision and blessings for our obedience.]
Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All
rights reserved.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Sunday, May 11, 2014
"It Is Written..."
(Read Matthew 4:1-11)
It's interesting that when Jesus was in the wilderness being tested by the devil for 40 days and 40 nights---He used only three words before everything He said to the devil. He didn't say anything other than what He heard His Father say too.
Those three little words are also powerful. "It is written..." Think about it for a moment. "It is written..."
Every instance where Jesus was tempted by the devil---"It is written..."
When the devil first tempted Jesus in the wilderness, it was concerning His power and authority. He knew where it came from---from His Father's spoken words.
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ (Matthew 4:4, NIV) It points to Jesus knowing only to speak what His Father spoke---nothing more, nothing less.
The next temptation from the devil was regarding Jesus' identity. “If you are the Son of God,” he [tempter] said, “throw yourself down...” (Matthew 4:6a, NIV)
Jesus knew His identity, but He also knew not to test His Father. Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” (Matthew 4:7, NIV)
The last temptation in the wilderness was concerning worldly power and wealth. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” (Matthew 4:9, NIV)
Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ ” (Matthew 4:10, NIV)
Only after Jesus had used His Father's words after every temptation from the devil was He able to overcome each temptation. He had to be rooted and grounded not only in His identity but also in His relationship with His Father and in His Father's word. He knew who He was. He knew whose He was. He knew God's word.
It's a great lesson for all of us believers to be steadfastly committed to learning and growing in God's word and in our own personal relationships with God / Jesus. We need to not only know our identity in Jesus Christ but to know God's word in order to overcome all of the temptations, tests, and trials that the devil tries to use against us in our lives. Only then will we be the true Godly people He has created and called us to be for His purpose and plan. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.
It's interesting that when Jesus was in the wilderness being tested by the devil for 40 days and 40 nights---He used only three words before everything He said to the devil. He didn't say anything other than what He heard His Father say too.
Those three little words are also powerful. "It is written..." Think about it for a moment. "It is written..."
Every instance where Jesus was tempted by the devil---"It is written..."
When the devil first tempted Jesus in the wilderness, it was concerning His power and authority. He knew where it came from---from His Father's spoken words.
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ (Matthew 4:4, NIV) It points to Jesus knowing only to speak what His Father spoke---nothing more, nothing less.
The next temptation from the devil was regarding Jesus' identity. “If you are the Son of God,” he [tempter] said, “throw yourself down...” (Matthew 4:6a, NIV)
Jesus knew His identity, but He also knew not to test His Father. Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ ” (Matthew 4:7, NIV)
The last temptation in the wilderness was concerning worldly power and wealth. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” (Matthew 4:9, NIV)
Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ ” (Matthew 4:10, NIV)
Only after Jesus had used His Father's words after every temptation from the devil was He able to overcome each temptation. He had to be rooted and grounded not only in His identity but also in His relationship with His Father and in His Father's word. He knew who He was. He knew whose He was. He knew God's word.
It's a great lesson for all of us believers to be steadfastly committed to learning and growing in God's word and in our own personal relationships with God / Jesus. We need to not only know our identity in Jesus Christ but to know God's word in order to overcome all of the temptations, tests, and trials that the devil tries to use against us in our lives. Only then will we be the true Godly people He has created and called us to be for His purpose and plan. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
The Magnitude of the Cross
[Watch this excerpt video for the purpose of this lesson. *Note: This is a graphic portrayal of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ from the movie, The Passion of the Christ. Therefore, please be aware that it may be too graphic for anyone under the age of 21 to view this video.]
Now, some people within the body of Christ do not understand the magnitude of the Cross. I am not saying that I, or anyone, can fully understand it. The more we better understand it though, the more it will cause all of us to live a holy life just like Jesus. He literally lived a holy and sinless life, and He lives within every believer today. Therefore, it is possible with the help of the Holy Spirit for believers to also live a holy and sinless life.
Unfortunately, there are some people in the church as a whole who think since Jesus already died on the Cross for them----it gives them a so-called license to sin. That is not true. That is not the case. I am here to tell you, "No! Stop it! Stop sinning against God, yourself, and others!"
It is unacceptable for believers in Jesus Christ to look and act like the rest of the world. We are called to be set apart from the world. We are in this world but not of this world.
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..." (Romans 12:2a, NIV)
When all believers get a better grasp of the Cross, people will live a more holy life like Jesus Christ Himself. He took on all of our sins on Himself. He bore it once and for all. (Hebrews 7:27) Therefore, we are forgiven of all sin.
That doesn't mean to be flippant (meaning: disrespectful, shallow) about it though. It doesn't give us permission to sin. It means we should want to live more for Him---honor Him, resemble Him---be holy. 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, NIV)
What does the word 'holy' mean? According to scripture, it means that we conduct ourselves in a Godly way. We don't knowingly and willfully sin against God, ourselves, and/or others. We yield to and follow the Spirit of God. (Romans 8:14; Galatians 5:18) We obey God's word---His truth. We walk in that truth. We live it out in this world. (1 John 4:17)
That's what it means to live a holy life before God, ourselves, and others.
Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Resurrecting Jesus
Resurrecting Jesus?!?! You may think or say, "What do you mean by those two words?" Individually, they are good words. They are also powerful words by themselves. But, together they can take on a whole new meaning.
What I mean by those two words is this...
There are people within the body of Christ who try to resurrect Jesus before He is ready to be resurrected in the lives of others or, perhaps, even in their own lives. They try to force Jesus to be resurrected too early, because it is just uncomfortable for them. They don't like being in a temporary situation which, to them, seems unnecessary. They choose to circumvent the process and choose to jump out of them way too soon before God has provided His way out for them. They 'make things happen' in their own way in their own strength in their own timing.
However, those temporary circumstances are necessary. They are necessary in order to mature members of the body of Christ. (James 1:2-4) They help develop our faith in Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:6-7) Most of all, those temporary situations whether hardships or trials are used in believers' lives to make them more Christ-like. (Romans 8:29)
Even Jesus, over 2000 years ago, had to go through some suffering before He was resurrected by the Almighty power of God. So, what makes believers today think that they are any different or any better than Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Once God the Father raised His Son, Jesus, from the dead; it was the Father who was glorified through the Son.
The same is true of all believers today. Once we have suffered, it is God the Father who resurrects us from those temporary circumstances. (1 Peter 5:10) Most importantly, it is God the Father who is glorified through us, His children. (Romans 8:18)
Therefore, when your flesh wants to try to resurrect Jesus too soon, resist the urge and wait on Almighty God to resurrect you from your hardship or trial. Then, everyone will know that it was God the Father who did it. It will be Him who will receive all the credit. (2 Corinthians 10:17) It will be Him who receives all the honor, glory, and praise.
Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.
What I mean by those two words is this...
There are people within the body of Christ who try to resurrect Jesus before He is ready to be resurrected in the lives of others or, perhaps, even in their own lives. They try to force Jesus to be resurrected too early, because it is just uncomfortable for them. They don't like being in a temporary situation which, to them, seems unnecessary. They choose to circumvent the process and choose to jump out of them way too soon before God has provided His way out for them. They 'make things happen' in their own way in their own strength in their own timing.
However, those temporary circumstances are necessary. They are necessary in order to mature members of the body of Christ. (James 1:2-4) They help develop our faith in Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:6-7) Most of all, those temporary situations whether hardships or trials are used in believers' lives to make them more Christ-like. (Romans 8:29)
Even Jesus, over 2000 years ago, had to go through some suffering before He was resurrected by the Almighty power of God. So, what makes believers today think that they are any different or any better than Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Once God the Father raised His Son, Jesus, from the dead; it was the Father who was glorified through the Son.
The same is true of all believers today. Once we have suffered, it is God the Father who resurrects us from those temporary circumstances. (1 Peter 5:10) Most importantly, it is God the Father who is glorified through us, His children. (Romans 8:18)
Therefore, when your flesh wants to try to resurrect Jesus too soon, resist the urge and wait on Almighty God to resurrect you from your hardship or trial. Then, everyone will know that it was God the Father who did it. It will be Him who will receive all the credit. (2 Corinthians 10:17) It will be Him who receives all the honor, glory, and praise.
Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Forgiveness
The above video is a song entitled 'Forgiveness' by Christian music artist, Matthew West. I saw him on a daytime talk show a few years ago where he shared a true story which served as the inspiration for this song. According to West's interview, a young man had been driving under the influence and got into a vehicle accident with a couple of young girls in another vehicle. At least one of the young girls was killed in that accident which was many years ago now. The young man went to prison for awhile as a result of his actions. The mother of the young high school girl who passed away got in touch with Matthew and shared her story with him. This song serves as the backdrop of their story.
Have you ever experienced a tragedy or something that was really traumatic or difficult to get passed it? Perhaps, it was the death of a loved one. Maybe, it was the end of a relationship. Whatever it may be or may have been, it can take some time for someone to not only recover from that kind of experience but to forgive the person(s) responsible for hurting, disappointing, or wounding us.
The mother did forgive the young man who had been responsible for her young daughter's tragic accident. However, it took some time. It was a process for her. It was also a process for the young man to forgive himself. The lady eventually reached out to the young man who was in prison at the time. They began corresponding through the mail. She met him at one time and actually became involved in getting him released early from prison.
Now, I am not saying that everyone's story begins or ends that way. We can know that all things are possible with God though. (Matthew 19:26) He can help us to forgive people. He can heal us. He can restore us. He can make us better and stronger than we were before the tragedy, trial, hardship, or incident. (Philippians 4:13; James 1:2-4)
We have to make the decision to ask God to help us though. We must depend on Him to work in and through us to accomplish His perfect will and good purpose for us. (Romans 12:2; Philippians 2:12-13) Then, we can point to God and say that it was He who helped us. We can give Him all the credit afterwards, because we are unable to do anything truly honorable and worthwhile in or of ourselves. (2 Corinthians 10:17; John 15:5)
Have you ever experienced a tragedy or something that was really traumatic or difficult to get passed it? Perhaps, it was the death of a loved one. Maybe, it was the end of a relationship. Whatever it may be or may have been, it can take some time for someone to not only recover from that kind of experience but to forgive the person(s) responsible for hurting, disappointing, or wounding us.
The mother did forgive the young man who had been responsible for her young daughter's tragic accident. However, it took some time. It was a process for her. It was also a process for the young man to forgive himself. The lady eventually reached out to the young man who was in prison at the time. They began corresponding through the mail. She met him at one time and actually became involved in getting him released early from prison.
Now, I am not saying that everyone's story begins or ends that way. We can know that all things are possible with God though. (Matthew 19:26) He can help us to forgive people. He can heal us. He can restore us. He can make us better and stronger than we were before the tragedy, trial, hardship, or incident. (Philippians 4:13; James 1:2-4)
We have to make the decision to ask God to help us though. We must depend on Him to work in and through us to accomplish His perfect will and good purpose for us. (Romans 12:2; Philippians 2:12-13) Then, we can point to God and say that it was He who helped us. We can give Him all the credit afterwards, because we are unable to do anything truly honorable and worthwhile in or of ourselves. (2 Corinthians 10:17; John 15:5)
Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights
reserved.
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Head vs. Heart
There are many people in the world who have head knowledge. They know a lot. Some people call them 'know-it-alls'. They may also be known as 'book smart'. They are life-long students---sometimes going for one degree after another. [It's normally the way of the intellectual world.]
However, there will be no actual transformation in them or their lives. They will keep obtaining head knowledge which is knowledge people know intellectually---in the mind.
There comes a point in time when people have so much head knowledge that it is either overwhelming or useless though.
God tells us in His word..."Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..." (Romans 12:2a, NIV)
He does want us to get knowledge in our minds, but it's the kind of knowledge which is different from the rest of the world. He used people in His word to communicate it to us.
For one, the Psalmist spoke some about biblical knowledge. "Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands." (Psalm 119:66, NIV)
King Solomon who was considered the wisest man speaks much about getting and having knowledge in the book of Proverbs. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Proverbs 1:7, NIV)
Notice he said that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. When we revere and honor the Lord, it starts the real process of obtaining good knowledge.
We must first obtain what some people call 'head knowledge'. If the knowledge continues to stay just in our minds though, it doesn't do us or anyone else any good.
Alternatively, there is heart knowledge---known as revelation. The head knowledge must eventually become heart knowledge.
"...Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2b, NIV) We won't be able to truly know and understand God's will for us until the head knowledge becomes heart knowledge or revelation.
So, there is a difference between head knowledge and heart knowledge. Additionally, we definitely must have head knowledge before it can even become heart knowledge.
How do we get knowledge to move from the head to the heart?
....By meditating on God's word. "Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." (Joshua 1:8, NIV)
God will help make us successful and prosperous in doing His perfect will when we meditate [think, ponder, consider] His word. There will not be any real or lasting change in a person, his situation, or his life until he truly receives heart knowledge---revelation---and then walks it out in this world.
Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.
However, there will be no actual transformation in them or their lives. They will keep obtaining head knowledge which is knowledge people know intellectually---in the mind.
There comes a point in time when people have so much head knowledge that it is either overwhelming or useless though.
God tells us in His word..."Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..." (Romans 12:2a, NIV)
He does want us to get knowledge in our minds, but it's the kind of knowledge which is different from the rest of the world. He used people in His word to communicate it to us.
For one, the Psalmist spoke some about biblical knowledge. "Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands." (Psalm 119:66, NIV)
King Solomon who was considered the wisest man speaks much about getting and having knowledge in the book of Proverbs. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction." (Proverbs 1:7, NIV)
Notice he said that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. When we revere and honor the Lord, it starts the real process of obtaining good knowledge.
We must first obtain what some people call 'head knowledge'. If the knowledge continues to stay just in our minds though, it doesn't do us or anyone else any good.
Alternatively, there is heart knowledge---known as revelation. The head knowledge must eventually become heart knowledge.
"...Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will." (Romans 12:2b, NIV) We won't be able to truly know and understand God's will for us until the head knowledge becomes heart knowledge or revelation.
So, there is a difference between head knowledge and heart knowledge. Additionally, we definitely must have head knowledge before it can even become heart knowledge.
How do we get knowledge to move from the head to the heart?
....By meditating on God's word. "Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." (Joshua 1:8, NIV)
God will help make us successful and prosperous in doing His perfect will when we meditate [think, ponder, consider] His word. There will not be any real or lasting change in a person, his situation, or his life until he truly receives heart knowledge---revelation---and then walks it out in this world.
Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.
Friday, January 17, 2014
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.
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.
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