Baggage can weigh you down. I know it all too well.
There are different types of baggage...physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.
What kind of baggage are you carrying around right now? Is it heavy? Is it weighing you down?
Does it make you tired? Physically? Mentally? Emotionally? Spiritually? Does it just drain you? I know that it does with me.
Of course, most of us, know about physical baggage which weighs us down. I was personally carrying around a couple of bags with me for awhile…one in particular was heavy. I also know one man who carries around many different bags with him which weighs him down. I have asked him before the reason for toting all of those bags with him. Basically, he does not want to part with the items in the bags. He thinks that he may need something from one of the bags sometime. I know that the same has been true of me. However, I came to a point where I was really tired of carrying around the extra heavy bag. Therefore, I decided that I would stop carrying the extra bag around with me. Now, I just get out a few items from the bag and leave the rest of the items in the big bag elsewhere.
The same is true with other types of baggage whether mental, emotional, or spiritual.
When we get tired of carrying it around, we will decide to put it down whether figuratively or literally. We will choose to leave it elsewhere...where it belongs...where it will not weigh us down anymore.
Copyright 2011 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
Speaking Our Faith
Do you know that you have creative power within you? We as believers have the same power within us that raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now, that is power!
"By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible." (Hebrews 11:3)
As God's children, we can also speak our world into existence by our faith. We can make our own reality. Therefore, it is very important to choose our words wisely.
"He [Abraham] is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not." (Romans 4:17)
Abraham was a true man of faith. For one, he fathered children late in his life. As his descendants, we are also people of faith.
Jesus tells us to, “Have faith in God.” (Mark 11:22)
When we do, we have the power and authority to speak to the mountains in our lives. The so-called mountains can be any obstacles, problems, issues, or hindrances in our natural circumstances. They will obey and move out of the way.
“….if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.” (Mark 11:23)
Literally, we can have that same kind of faith. We are joint heirs with God and co-heirs with Jesus Christ. (Romans 8:17)
Therefore…“If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.” (Luke 17:6)
And…“…if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20)
Jesus told the blind while restoring their sight, “According to your faith let it be done to you”. (Matthew 9:29) In the same way, when we have that kind of faith, miracles also happen for us.
First, we have to believe in the one and only God. When we diligently seek Him, He will reward us. (Hebrews 11:6) We also must line up our words with our faith. Therefore, whatever we believe Him for at the time, that is what we need to speak out loud. And...speak it out consistently until those mountains move out of the way.
Copyright 2011 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.
"By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible." (Hebrews 11:3)
As God's children, we can also speak our world into existence by our faith. We can make our own reality. Therefore, it is very important to choose our words wisely.
"He [Abraham] is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not." (Romans 4:17)
Abraham was a true man of faith. For one, he fathered children late in his life. As his descendants, we are also people of faith.
Jesus tells us to, “Have faith in God.” (Mark 11:22)
When we do, we have the power and authority to speak to the mountains in our lives. The so-called mountains can be any obstacles, problems, issues, or hindrances in our natural circumstances. They will obey and move out of the way.
“….if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.” (Mark 11:23)
Literally, we can have that same kind of faith. We are joint heirs with God and co-heirs with Jesus Christ. (Romans 8:17)
Therefore…“If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.” (Luke 17:6)
And…“…if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20)
Jesus told the blind while restoring their sight, “According to your faith let it be done to you”. (Matthew 9:29) In the same way, when we have that kind of faith, miracles also happen for us.
First, we have to believe in the one and only God. When we diligently seek Him, He will reward us. (Hebrews 11:6) We also must line up our words with our faith. Therefore, whatever we believe Him for at the time, that is what we need to speak out loud. And...speak it out consistently until those mountains move out of the way.
Copyright 2011 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Show Me the Love
“Show Me the Love!”
Does it sound familiar?
If you have ever seen the movie, "Jerry MaGuire", I am sure that you have heard the famous quote from it.
"Show Me the Money!"
That is what the main character, portrayed by Tom Cruise, said to his friend, played by Cuba Gooding, Jr. in the 1996 movie.
However, I say..."Show Me the Love!"
By that, I mean...Show me the love of Jesus Christ! I am sure that I am not alone in my thoughts and feelings.
Have you ever needed people to show you the love of Jesus Christ?
Not just in words, but in deeds and in truth...(1 John 3:18)
How do you do that?
Well, for one, you can give a person a ride to church. Another way....Invite a person over to your house for a meal. Reach out to a brother or sister who is in need. Feed the hungry. Clothe the naked. Give to the poor. Shelter the homeless. Visit the sick, the jailed, and the imprisoned. Share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (Matt 25:35-40)
There are many different ways to show a person the love of Jesus Christ. Find out what the person may need physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Then, meet the person at that particular place.
That is what Jesus Christ did for people when He walked on the earth. He met people where they were at the time.
We are to be just like Him here on earth. We are to be His eyes, His ears, His hands, and His feet. Whatever a person is in need of at the time, that is what we are to do for them and for Him.
So, the next time that a person is in need...What will you say? What will you do? Will you show the person the love of Jesus Christ?
Copyright 2011 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.
Does it sound familiar?
If you have ever seen the movie, "Jerry MaGuire", I am sure that you have heard the famous quote from it.
"Show Me the Money!"
That is what the main character, portrayed by Tom Cruise, said to his friend, played by Cuba Gooding, Jr. in the 1996 movie.
However, I say..."Show Me the Love!"
By that, I mean...Show me the love of Jesus Christ! I am sure that I am not alone in my thoughts and feelings.
Have you ever needed people to show you the love of Jesus Christ?
Not just in words, but in deeds and in truth...(1 John 3:18)
How do you do that?
Well, for one, you can give a person a ride to church. Another way....Invite a person over to your house for a meal. Reach out to a brother or sister who is in need. Feed the hungry. Clothe the naked. Give to the poor. Shelter the homeless. Visit the sick, the jailed, and the imprisoned. Share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (Matt 25:35-40)
There are many different ways to show a person the love of Jesus Christ. Find out what the person may need physically, emotionally, or spiritually. Then, meet the person at that particular place.
That is what Jesus Christ did for people when He walked on the earth. He met people where they were at the time.
We are to be just like Him here on earth. We are to be His eyes, His ears, His hands, and His feet. Whatever a person is in need of at the time, that is what we are to do for them and for Him.
So, the next time that a person is in need...What will you say? What will you do? Will you show the person the love of Jesus Christ?
Copyright 2011 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Becoming an unLazy Christian
What makes me a little lazy Christian? What is my main pitfall now? What are hindrances and/or distractions for me in my faith walk? How am I working on becoming an unLazy Christian?
I have become a little lazy Christian in some of my disciplines. However, I also think some of it is due to my current temporary circumstances and living situation. Not an excuse! Just a little reason. In part, anyway.
By 'disciplines', I mean spending time in the Bible reading God's word and praying to God. I previously had more time to spend alone really reading and studying my Father's word as well as praying to Him. I would spend so much time alone with Him in my own bedroom meditating on His word to me. During that time, I also received so much revelation from Him.
As of now, I am staying temporarily with three other ladies in a dorm-like room. Unfortunately, I do not have as much alone time with Him. There seems to be much more hindrances and distractions for me at this time.
I now have to squeeze in the time between the little hindrances and distractions. I have to purposefully make the time to read the Bible wherever I am lately. Therefore, I take my Bible and my two devotional books with me to read on throughout the day. While I am waiting at a bus stop, I take each devotional book out one at a time and read each one. I also read my Bible with one of the devotional books. Throughout the day, I periodically look up scripture on-line to go along with some of my emailed devotionals that I get normally on a regular basis. Anytime that I can get or make time throughout the day is what I have to purposefully do for now.
Oh, as for prayer, I am actually finding more time throughout the day to pray. Wherever I am and whatever I am doing, I pray to my Father. When a girl behaves poorly to me on the bus, I pray for her. I also pray to my Father when I need something physically, emotionally, or spiritually. When a lady needs prayer at a bus stop, I purposefully stop and pray with her.
I am becoming more of an unLazy Christian, because I purposefully make the time and put forth the effort. In addition, I am confessing His word a lot more now. Perhaps, this temporary living situation has actually helped me to become more of an unLazy Christian in many respects. I am now much more diligent in my faith walk.
Copyright 2011 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.
I have become a little lazy Christian in some of my disciplines. However, I also think some of it is due to my current temporary circumstances and living situation. Not an excuse! Just a little reason. In part, anyway.
By 'disciplines', I mean spending time in the Bible reading God's word and praying to God. I previously had more time to spend alone really reading and studying my Father's word as well as praying to Him. I would spend so much time alone with Him in my own bedroom meditating on His word to me. During that time, I also received so much revelation from Him.
As of now, I am staying temporarily with three other ladies in a dorm-like room. Unfortunately, I do not have as much alone time with Him. There seems to be much more hindrances and distractions for me at this time.
I now have to squeeze in the time between the little hindrances and distractions. I have to purposefully make the time to read the Bible wherever I am lately. Therefore, I take my Bible and my two devotional books with me to read on throughout the day. While I am waiting at a bus stop, I take each devotional book out one at a time and read each one. I also read my Bible with one of the devotional books. Throughout the day, I periodically look up scripture on-line to go along with some of my emailed devotionals that I get normally on a regular basis. Anytime that I can get or make time throughout the day is what I have to purposefully do for now.
Oh, as for prayer, I am actually finding more time throughout the day to pray. Wherever I am and whatever I am doing, I pray to my Father. When a girl behaves poorly to me on the bus, I pray for her. I also pray to my Father when I need something physically, emotionally, or spiritually. When a lady needs prayer at a bus stop, I purposefully stop and pray with her.
I am becoming more of an unLazy Christian, because I purposefully make the time and put forth the effort. In addition, I am confessing His word a lot more now. Perhaps, this temporary living situation has actually helped me to become more of an unLazy Christian in many respects. I am now much more diligent in my faith walk.
Copyright 2011 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Hear No Evil, See No Evil, and Speak No Evil
I remember, awhile back, the phrase that says Hear No Evil, See No Evil, and Speak No Evil. However, I recently had more of a revelation of what the phrase really means according to my Father's word.
As a result, I have been reminded how very important it is to renew our minds in God's word. (Romans 12:2) It is more important than I think many people know or realize in their everyday lives. The reason for my conclusion is due in part to recent personal observation and experience. I also think that it is three-fold. The phrase pretty much speaks for itself, but please allow me to explain more in detail.
We need to be on guard and very protective in what we take in now days in this world...in many ways. I can specifically think of three ways at this moment.
Take the first part of this particular phrase. Hear no evil. First, let me define the word 'evil'. According to Dictionary.com, evil is defined as 'morally wrong or bad; immoral; wicked' or 'harmful; injurious'.
Therefore, it is important to keep our ears protected from anything harmful or injurious to us. How do you know what may harm or injure you? One very important way is to renew your mind in God's word. (Romans 12:2) That way, you will find out what He says is evil, wicked, immoral, morally wrong or bad.
Many things in society are harmful to us. It is so important to guard our ears, eyes, and ultimately our mouths.
First, we need to protect our ears from hearing things that are contradictory to His word. A couple of examples would be some of the secular music as well as negative or critical people who may be around us.
The next part of the phrase is See No Evil. It is equally important to be aware and careful of what our eyes view or see in this world. When we renew our minds in His word, we are able to see more fully the part that society plays in people's lives. (Romans 12:2) Two examples of harmful material to our eyes are some of the secular magazine print advertisements as well as pornographic material found either in print or on the internet.
The last part of the phrase is Speak No Evil. It is normally a result of being careful of what our ears hear and what our eyes see in this world. Therefore, when we protect our ears from hearing negative or critical people, then we are doing well. In addition, when we guard our eyes from seeing suggestive provocative print advertisements or nasty graphic pornography, then we are also doing well. Then, nothing that is filthy or vulgar will come out of our mouths. We will only speak that which is pure, holy, and godly. God's word and His spirit together will help us to speak only what He wants us to say.
In conclusion, renewing our minds on God's word will help us in many ways. However, three of the ways are as follows...Hear No Evil, See No Evil, and Speak No Evil. With His help, we will be able to be more knowledgeable, on guard, and protective about what we take in with our ears and eyes as well as what we say with our mouths. These are ways to help us to honor Him and others as well as ourselves, because our bodies are His temples. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) Therefore, let us choose to honor Him in everything we hear, see, and speak in this world.
Copyright 2011 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.
As a result, I have been reminded how very important it is to renew our minds in God's word. (Romans 12:2) It is more important than I think many people know or realize in their everyday lives. The reason for my conclusion is due in part to recent personal observation and experience. I also think that it is three-fold. The phrase pretty much speaks for itself, but please allow me to explain more in detail.
We need to be on guard and very protective in what we take in now days in this world...in many ways. I can specifically think of three ways at this moment.
Take the first part of this particular phrase. Hear no evil. First, let me define the word 'evil'. According to Dictionary.com, evil is defined as 'morally wrong or bad; immoral; wicked' or 'harmful; injurious'.
Therefore, it is important to keep our ears protected from anything harmful or injurious to us. How do you know what may harm or injure you? One very important way is to renew your mind in God's word. (Romans 12:2) That way, you will find out what He says is evil, wicked, immoral, morally wrong or bad.
Many things in society are harmful to us. It is so important to guard our ears, eyes, and ultimately our mouths.
First, we need to protect our ears from hearing things that are contradictory to His word. A couple of examples would be some of the secular music as well as negative or critical people who may be around us.
The next part of the phrase is See No Evil. It is equally important to be aware and careful of what our eyes view or see in this world. When we renew our minds in His word, we are able to see more fully the part that society plays in people's lives. (Romans 12:2) Two examples of harmful material to our eyes are some of the secular magazine print advertisements as well as pornographic material found either in print or on the internet.
The last part of the phrase is Speak No Evil. It is normally a result of being careful of what our ears hear and what our eyes see in this world. Therefore, when we protect our ears from hearing negative or critical people, then we are doing well. In addition, when we guard our eyes from seeing suggestive provocative print advertisements or nasty graphic pornography, then we are also doing well. Then, nothing that is filthy or vulgar will come out of our mouths. We will only speak that which is pure, holy, and godly. God's word and His spirit together will help us to speak only what He wants us to say.
In conclusion, renewing our minds on God's word will help us in many ways. However, three of the ways are as follows...Hear No Evil, See No Evil, and Speak No Evil. With His help, we will be able to be more knowledgeable, on guard, and protective about what we take in with our ears and eyes as well as what we say with our mouths. These are ways to help us to honor Him and others as well as ourselves, because our bodies are His temples. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) Therefore, let us choose to honor Him in everything we hear, see, and speak in this world.
Copyright 2011 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.
Monday, February 14, 2011
The Greatest Love Story
You may think that you have already heard about the greatest love story. Most likely, you have not heard about it on your local radio station. You have not necessarily seen it on television or on the big movie screen. You probably have not read about it in the local newspaper or in a magazine.
“The Greatest Love Story” began over 2000 years ago. It was not widely known at the time. The usual ways of communicating today were not the same ways back then. Most of the news was found out about through other people. It was primarily done by word of mouth.
Now, it is my turn to share it with you on here. With this being the celebrated Valentine’s Day, it seemed more important to tell you now about “The Greatest Love Story” of all time.
A Father loved His one and only Son very much. He asked His Son to do something that most fathers today would not ask of anyone. However, this Father was not the usual father. The Son definitely was not the normal kind of son. That is where this story begins now.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)
My Father God loved you sooo much that He gave up His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, to die for you.
Why did He do it?
He did it to show His unconditional love for you. He also wanted to give you everlasting life.
What does that mean?
When you accept or receive His Son, Jesus, into your heart, you can have life not only now but afterwards.
How do you accept Him?
Just ask Him to come into your heart and life. After asking Him, believe that you have received Him into your heart. (Matt 21:22, Mark 11:24) Then, confess Him as your Lord and Savior.
God’s Son, Jesus Christ, accepted His Father's will for Him. He did not have to do it, but He chose to follow His Father's instructions. He loved His Father very much, so He was obedient to Him.
Therefore, He laid down His life for you. (1 John 3:16)
Would you do the same? Would you lay down your life for someone you did not even know yet?
He had not met you in a personal interview. He had not talked to you on the phone. He had not even run into you on the street. However before even seeing you, talking to you, or meeting you face-to-face, He paid the ultimate price for you. He laid down His life for you. (1 John 3:16)
He let people torture Him. He allowed them to beat Him. He submitted to nails being pierced in His sides, a thorn crown being placed on His head, and His body being hung on a cross.
Would you do the same? Would you die for someone else so that he or she may live? More specifically, would you die so he or she may live for an eternity?
Therefore, the next time that you tell someone those three little words…I love you. First, ask yourself this question. Would I lay down my life for this person? If so, then that is closer to the kind of love, which makes for a great love story.
However, this one is “The Greatest Love Story” of all time.
Copyright 2011 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.
“The Greatest Love Story” began over 2000 years ago. It was not widely known at the time. The usual ways of communicating today were not the same ways back then. Most of the news was found out about through other people. It was primarily done by word of mouth.
Now, it is my turn to share it with you on here. With this being the celebrated Valentine’s Day, it seemed more important to tell you now about “The Greatest Love Story” of all time.
A Father loved His one and only Son very much. He asked His Son to do something that most fathers today would not ask of anyone. However, this Father was not the usual father. The Son definitely was not the normal kind of son. That is where this story begins now.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)
My Father God loved you sooo much that He gave up His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, to die for you.
Why did He do it?
He did it to show His unconditional love for you. He also wanted to give you everlasting life.
What does that mean?
When you accept or receive His Son, Jesus, into your heart, you can have life not only now but afterwards.
How do you accept Him?
Just ask Him to come into your heart and life. After asking Him, believe that you have received Him into your heart. (Matt 21:22, Mark 11:24) Then, confess Him as your Lord and Savior.
God’s Son, Jesus Christ, accepted His Father's will for Him. He did not have to do it, but He chose to follow His Father's instructions. He loved His Father very much, so He was obedient to Him.
Therefore, He laid down His life for you. (1 John 3:16)
Would you do the same? Would you lay down your life for someone you did not even know yet?
He had not met you in a personal interview. He had not talked to you on the phone. He had not even run into you on the street. However before even seeing you, talking to you, or meeting you face-to-face, He paid the ultimate price for you. He laid down His life for you. (1 John 3:16)
He let people torture Him. He allowed them to beat Him. He submitted to nails being pierced in His sides, a thorn crown being placed on His head, and His body being hung on a cross.
Would you do the same? Would you die for someone else so that he or she may live? More specifically, would you die so he or she may live for an eternity?
Therefore, the next time that you tell someone those three little words…I love you. First, ask yourself this question. Would I lay down my life for this person? If so, then that is closer to the kind of love, which makes for a great love story.
However, this one is “The Greatest Love Story” of all time.
Copyright 2011 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
The Dwelling Place
What are you thinking about at this moment? What are you dwelling on right now?
Have you ever thought about this…?
Whatever you think about…whatever you dwell on…becomes bigger or larger to you.
For instance, when you look through the eye of a microscope at a tiny little piece of sand, it gets bigger. When you use a magnifying glass to look at a coin such as a penny, it also gets larger.
Therefore, what are you focusing on now? What are you looking at in your life? What is grabbing your attention during this time? It could be your current living situation. Perhaps, there are problems at your workplace. Maybe, the people around you are a distraction.
Whatever it is, it can be catching your attention or hindering you in your life.
Natural circumstances can temporarily steal your comfort, peace, and happiness in this world when you focus on them. Sometimes, you can give them the power to do so.
What is your dwelling place? Who is your refuge? Who is your dwelling place?
The same way we look at things in this natural world is the same way we should see things in the spiritual world at times.
Let us look at God’s word, and see what He has to say about this subject.
“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)
Notice what our Father says, “…meditate on it day and night.” By meditating on His word, we will be successful.
What are you meditating on now? What are you dwelling on at this moment? What is your dwelling place?
It should be God’s word and God Himself.
When we do what our Father tells us, He and His word will become bigger. Just like when we focus on natural circumstances, it becomes larger than life. All of the little things in life will actually appear much smaller when we take Him at His word and meditate on His word. Both He and His word will then become huge. By comparison, everything else will fade into the background.
God’s word puts issues, concerns, or problems into perspective. By looking at His word more carefully and closely on a daily basis, God takes His rightful place and everything else falls into its rightful place behind Him. Therefore, let us magnify God because He is the solution to every minor issue in this life.
Copyright 2011 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.
Have you ever thought about this…?
Whatever you think about…whatever you dwell on…becomes bigger or larger to you.
For instance, when you look through the eye of a microscope at a tiny little piece of sand, it gets bigger. When you use a magnifying glass to look at a coin such as a penny, it also gets larger.
Therefore, what are you focusing on now? What are you looking at in your life? What is grabbing your attention during this time? It could be your current living situation. Perhaps, there are problems at your workplace. Maybe, the people around you are a distraction.
Whatever it is, it can be catching your attention or hindering you in your life.
Natural circumstances can temporarily steal your comfort, peace, and happiness in this world when you focus on them. Sometimes, you can give them the power to do so.
What is your dwelling place? Who is your refuge? Who is your dwelling place?
The same way we look at things in this natural world is the same way we should see things in the spiritual world at times.
Let us look at God’s word, and see what He has to say about this subject.
“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)
Notice what our Father says, “…meditate on it day and night.” By meditating on His word, we will be successful.
What are you meditating on now? What are you dwelling on at this moment? What is your dwelling place?
It should be God’s word and God Himself.
When we do what our Father tells us, He and His word will become bigger. Just like when we focus on natural circumstances, it becomes larger than life. All of the little things in life will actually appear much smaller when we take Him at His word and meditate on His word. Both He and His word will then become huge. By comparison, everything else will fade into the background.
God’s word puts issues, concerns, or problems into perspective. By looking at His word more carefully and closely on a daily basis, God takes His rightful place and everything else falls into its rightful place behind Him. Therefore, let us magnify God because He is the solution to every minor issue in this life.
Copyright 2011 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.
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