tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12359658888569901772024-02-06T20:43:00.018-08:00In Spirit and In Truth!God desires for His true worshipers to worship Him "In Spirit and In Truth"! (John 4:23-24)Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15717059278143795387noreply@blogger.comBlogger179125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235965888856990177.post-17709805925437752692022-02-28T09:00:00.001-08:002022-02-28T09:00:00.164-08:00Reading The Holy Bible<p><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">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.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" style="background-color: white;">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.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); line-height: inherit;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); line-height: inherit;" /><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" style="background-color: white;">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.</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); line-height: inherit;" /><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); line-height: inherit;" /><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" style="background-color: white;">(See <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua+1%3A8&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Joshua 1:8</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+53&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Isaiah 53</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+29%3A11-13&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Jeremiah 29:11-13</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+103%3A1-5&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Psalm 103:1-5</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+4%3A4&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Matthew 4:4</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+19&version=NKJV" target="_blank">John 19</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+1%3A8&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Acts 1:8</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+17%3A24-28&version=NKJV" target="_blank">17:24-28</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12%3A1-2&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Romans 12:1-2</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=3+John+2&version=NKJV" target="_blank">3 John 2</a>)</span></span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit;" /></span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #050505; font-size: x-small; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">Copyright 2022 by Dawn Freeman. All Rights Reserved.</span></span></span></div></div>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15717059278143795387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235965888856990177.post-70150466645572500162022-02-22T09:00:00.004-08:002022-02-22T21:33:17.758-08:00Pray Without Ceasing<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">"pray without ceasing," (1 Thessalonians 5:17, NKJV)</span></span></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="fa8kp" data-offset-key="23e0b-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="23e0b-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="23e0b-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="fa8kp" data-offset-key="235vo-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="235vo-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="235vo-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Pray throughout the day every day for...</span></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="235vo-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="235vo-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="fa8kp" data-offset-key="3cho5-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3cho5-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="3cho5-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The World</span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="fa8kp" data-offset-key="3bjb0-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3bjb0-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="3bjb0-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Nation</span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="fa8kp" data-offset-key="fqne4-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="fqne4-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="fqne4-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Church</span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="fa8kp" data-offset-key="4i8ci-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4i8ci-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="4i8ci-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Persecuted</span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="fa8kp" data-offset-key="8s7is-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8s7is-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="8s7is-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Lost</span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="fa8kp" data-offset-key="2hser-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2hser-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="2hser-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Sick</span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="fa8kp" data-offset-key="8nel1-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8nel1-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="8nel1-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Poor</span></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8nel1-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="8nel1-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Homeless</span></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8nel1-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="8nel1-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Unemployed</span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="fa8kp" data-offset-key="hk6u-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="hk6u-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="hk6u-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Dying</span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="fa8kp" data-offset-key="eom8s-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="eom8s-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="eom8s-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Deceived</span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="fa8kp" data-offset-key="2mhg-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2mhg-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="2mhg-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Enemy (of people's souls)</span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="fa8kp" data-offset-key="4i7mp-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4i7mp-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="4i7mp-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Family</span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="fa8kp" data-offset-key="7bqk5-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7bqk5-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="7bqk5-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="fa8kp" data-offset-key="ccmku-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ccmku-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="ccmku-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Individuals</span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="fa8kp" data-offset-key="4n4p8-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4n4p8-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="4n4p8-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Relatives</span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="fa8kp" data-offset-key="8so-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8so-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="8so-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Friends</span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="fa8kp" data-offset-key="6g8f-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6g8f-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="6g8f-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Colleagues</span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="fa8kp" data-offset-key="5rouq-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5rouq-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="5rouq-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Co-workers</span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="fa8kp" data-offset-key="604cr-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="604cr-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="604cr-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Neighbors</span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="fa8kp" data-offset-key="d8bv1-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="d8bv1-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="d8bv1-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="fa8kp" data-offset-key="6e0g5-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6e0g5-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="6e0g5-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Ourselves</span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="fa8kp" data-offset-key="5tdgq-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5tdgq-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="5tdgq-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="fa8kp" data-offset-key="b1l8t-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="b1l8t-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="b1l8t-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The point is --- there is always someone and/or something to pray about and for on a regular basis throughout every day.</span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="fa8kp" data-offset-key="e1flv-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e1flv-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="e1flv-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="fa8kp" data-offset-key="ctol3-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="ctol3-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="ctol3-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;">"pray without ceasing," (1 Thessalonians 5:17, NKJV)</span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="fa8kp" data-offset-key="b0m80-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="b0m80-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><br /></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="b0m80-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><br /></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="b0m80-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Copyright 2022 by Dawn Freeman. All Rights Reserved.</span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="fa8kp" data-offset-key="4tede-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div><span data-offset-key="4tede-13-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="fa8kp" data-offset-key="dsgvp-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"></div>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15717059278143795387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235965888856990177.post-17572616840210059512022-02-01T08:00:00.011-08:002022-02-01T08:00:00.155-08:00Need Healing?<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="2a15j" data-offset-key="fkqj0-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="fkqj0-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Are<span data-offset-key="fkqj0-1-0"> you seriously sick or ill?</span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="2a15j" data-offset-key="a62r6-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="a62r6-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="a62r6-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="2a15j" data-offset-key="5eeap-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5eeap-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="5eeap-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Decree and declare this word from the Lord God to yourself and/or over yourself...</span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="2a15j" data-offset-key="3tn46-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3tn46-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="3tn46-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="2a15j" data-offset-key="3p18h-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3p18h-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="3p18h-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;">"I shall not die, but live, And declare the works of the Lord." (Psalm 118:17, NKJV)</span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="2a15j" data-offset-key="81v3e-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="81v3e-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="81v3e-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="2a15j" data-offset-key="96pdd-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="96pdd-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="96pdd-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Or, you know a person who is seriously sick or ill...</span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="2a15j" data-offset-key="bg61c-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bg61c-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="bg61c-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="2a15j" data-offset-key="8v5us-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="8v5us-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="8v5us-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Decree and declare this truth to the person and/or over the person...</span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="2a15j" data-offset-key="5l4mp-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5l4mp-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="5l4mp-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="2a15j" data-offset-key="c6cs5-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="c6cs5-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="c6cs5-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;">You will live and not die and proclaim the glory of the Lord.</span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="2a15j" data-offset-key="2au3-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2au3-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="2au3-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="2a15j" data-offset-key="d86i9-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="d86i9-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="d86i9-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;">(the name of the person) will not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.</span></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="d86i9-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="d86i9-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="d86i9-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="d86i9-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="d86i9-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="d86i9-0-0"><span style="font-size: 14.85px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Copyright 2022 by Dawn Freeman. All Rights Reserved.</span></span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="2a15j" data-offset-key="1g3de-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1g3de-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="1g3de-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><br data-text="true" /></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="2a15j" data-offset-key="bsbmp-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bsbmp-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span></div></div>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15717059278143795387noreply@blogger.com0Greensboro, NC, USA36.0726354 -79.79197547.7624015638211574 -114.9482254 64.382869236178848 -44.6357254tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235965888856990177.post-14146529919246489342022-01-25T08:00:00.002-08:002022-01-25T08:00:00.161-08:00Love God<div style="text-align: left;"><span color="var(--color-text)" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: inherit; font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal);">"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28, NKJV)</span></div><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: inherit; font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: inherit; font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-family: georgia;">What stood out for you?</span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: inherit; font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: inherit; font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Read it again if necessary.</span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: inherit; font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: inherit; font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-family: georgia;">"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28, NKJV)</span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: inherit; font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: inherit; font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Do you know what stood out to me?</span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: inherit; font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: inherit; font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-family: georgia;">"to those who love God"</span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: inherit; font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: inherit; font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-family: georgia;">So, does that mean... for those who do not know God and love Him... things will not work together for their good...? (pause)</span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: inherit; font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: inherit; font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Sure makes me think...</span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: inherit; font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br style="box-sizing: inherit;" /></span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: inherit; font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-family: georgia;">How about you?</span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: inherit; font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: inherit; font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: inherit; font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><div style="box-sizing: inherit; counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Copyright 2022 by Dawn Freeman. All Rights Reserved.</span></span></div><p style="--artdeco-reset-typography_getfontsize: 1.6rem; --artdeco-reset-typography_getlineheight: 1.5; border: var(--artdeco-reset-base-border-zero); box-sizing: inherit; color: var(--color-text); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; font-size: inherit; font-weight: var(--artdeco-reset-typography-font-weight-normal); line-height: var(--artdeco-reset-typography_getLineHeight); margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: var(--artdeco-reset-base-vertical-align-baseline);"><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); font-family: -apple-system, system-ui, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", "Fira Sans", Ubuntu, Oxygen, "Oxygen Sans", Cantarell, "Droid Sans", "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Lucida Grande", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;" /></p>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15717059278143795387noreply@blogger.com0Greensboro, NC, USA36.0726354 -79.79197547.7624015638211574 -114.9482254 64.382869236178848 -44.6357254tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235965888856990177.post-29140786232081485942021-06-05T02:33:00.001-07:002021-06-05T15:48:42.512-07:00Being Released From Quarantine<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLaPSHAiGGff0GFLBFiE2pTBtWNeC3IKKoZy4AG99sI93OpL9SAFoZ_QLXaQrXudNlo95bYVl886pvKvWXfjbjLC1uPcNAZCXvxPamngh1ZrJsNGj60YmNDHwc2AXR_5GFw7X1tXYaP0LO/s640/Cat.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLaPSHAiGGff0GFLBFiE2pTBtWNeC3IKKoZy4AG99sI93OpL9SAFoZ_QLXaQrXudNlo95bYVl886pvKvWXfjbjLC1uPcNAZCXvxPamngh1ZrJsNGj60YmNDHwc2AXR_5GFw7X1tXYaP0LO/s320/Cat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: x-small;">[Photo credit: Sa Ka miezekieze on Pixabay]</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;">Is it safe to come out now?</span></span></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="3nq1m" data-offset-key="c80b0-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="c80b0-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="c80b0-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="3nq1m" data-offset-key="6v418-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6v418-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="6v418-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;">A lot of us have been in quarantine for over a year until the last couple of months when restrictions have been lifted off more in certain parts of the country. Unfortunately with those restrictions being lifted off in some states; there have been more incidences of destruction, violence, and deaths which are all works of the devil and his demons. (See <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+10%3A10&version=NKJV" target="_blank">John 10:10</a>) Sad to say, but it's true, that some people should have never been allowed out of quarantine at all. </span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="3nq1m" data-offset-key="e299u-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="e299u-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="e299u-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="3nq1m" data-offset-key="3r7kg-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3r7kg-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="3r7kg-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I personally have been enjoying my time inside more, especially over the last few months. There's a lot less stress and more peace. Plus, I have had more time with my Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit to learn and grow more spiritually and otherwise. I have learned to cook and bake more often using a couple of home delivery services which include the recipes for the meals. One of the services even sends all of the ingredients including the seasonings, spices, condiments. It's a great way to be more creative in the kitchen as well as eat more healthy at times. </span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="3nq1m" data-offset-key="c4mjl-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="c4mjl-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="c4mjl-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="3nq1m" data-offset-key="9tcvk-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9tcvk-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="9tcvk-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Now, I am wondering... Is it really safe for people to resume some of their normal activities in this dark world? Some of the places have been in some everyday establishments, businesses, companies where people have experienced violence, destruction, and death. </span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="3nq1m" data-offset-key="31vtp-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="31vtp-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="31vtp-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="3nq1m" data-offset-key="6tdur-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6tdur-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="6tdur-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Father God, help us! Help us to be salt and light whenever and wherever we go out in this world. Put a hedge of protection over and around us always. Help us to love as you love, forgive as you forgive, and heal as you heal... In Jesus' name. Amen!</span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="3nq1m" data-offset-key="bf647-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bf647-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="bf647-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="3nq1m" data-offset-key="dc75j-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dc75j-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="dc75j-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;">(Read <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+4%3A23-24&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Matthew 4:23-24</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+5%3A13-16&version=NKJV" target="_blank">5:13-16</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6%3A12%2C+14-15&version=NKJV" target="_blank">6:12, 14-15</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+8%3A1-17&version=NKJV" target="_blank">8:1-17</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+22%3A37-40&version=NKJV" target="_blank">22:37-40</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Thessalonians+5%3A16-18&version=NKJV" target="_blank">1 Thessalonians 5:16-18</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+5%3A14-16&version=NKJV" target="_blank">James 5:14-16</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+2%3A24&version=NKJV" target="_blank">1 Peter 2:24</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=3+John+2&version=NKJV" target="_blank">3 John 2</a>)</span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="3nq1m" data-offset-key="5tfue-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5tfue-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="5tfue-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="3nq1m" data-offset-key="6ig1v-0-0" style="background-color: white;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6ig1v-0-0" style="color: #050505; direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="6ig1v-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #050505;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Copyright 2021 by Dawn Freeman. All Rights Reserved.</span></span><span style="color: #050505; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span></div><div style="color: #050505; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div></div>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15717059278143795387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235965888856990177.post-16642176277536446612021-03-15T14:41:00.002-07:002021-05-25T22:24:40.181-07:00Relationship With God<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">God desires to have a relationship with all people. We are already made in His image. He wants all of us to personally know Him and love Him though. (Read </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: georgia; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+1%3A26-27&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Genesis 1:26-27</a>)</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">If you haven't first believed in Jesus Christ for your eternal salvation, then repent of all your sin. Ask God to forgive you of all sin once and for all. Then, believe and receive the free gift of salvation that Jesus paid for you on the cross over 2000 years ago. (Read <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+53&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Isaiah 53</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+3%3A16&version=NKJV" target="_blank">John 3:16</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+3%3A23%2C+6%3A23%2C+10%3A8-10&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Romans 3:23, 6:23, 10:8-10</a>) </span></span></p><div data-block="true" data-editor="c4gt1" data-offset-key="4ek6t-0-0" style="background-color: white;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4ek6t-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="4ek6t-0-0" style="color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">For those who are already His children, He desires us to really come to know Him in a deeper and more intimate relationship. He knows us and our hearts. We can share our innermost thoughts and feelings with Him. He already knows us and them. We can be completely open and honest with Him. It doesn't change Him nor His nature. However, it can change our personal relationship with Him for the better. (See </span></span><span style="color: #050505; font-family: georgia; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Samuel+16%3A7&version=NKJV" target="_blank">1 Samuel 16:7</a>; </span><span style="color: #050505; font-family: georgia;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+4%3A8&version=NKJV" target="_blank">James 4:8</a>a</span></span><span style="color: #050505; font-family: georgia; white-space: pre-wrap;">)</span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="c4gt1" data-offset-key="74k4j-0-0" style="background-color: white;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="74k4j-0-0" style="color: #050505; direction: ltr; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="74k4j-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="74k4j-0-0" style="color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">By daily spending time with Him, we become more like His only begotten Son, Jesus. That time includes seeking Him, His face, His kingdom, His righteousness. We can learn more about Him not only in His word but through experience with Him in life. Plus, by praying with Him, we not only communicate with Him but agree with Him and His will. (See <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6%3A33&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Matthew 6:33, 18:19</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A29&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Romans 8:29</a>; </span></span><span style="color: #050505; font-family: georgia;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+3%3A18&version=NKJV" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 3:18</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1%3A2-5&version=NKJV" target="_blank">James 1:2-5</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Thessalonians+5%3A17&version=NKJV" target="_blank">1 Thessalonians 5:17</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+5%3A14-15&version=NKJV" target="_blank">1 John 5:14-15</a>) </span></span><span style="color: #050505; font-family: georgia; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="74k4j-0-0" style="color: #050505; direction: ltr; position: relative; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span data-offset-key="74k4j-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="c4gt1" data-offset-key="duhte-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="duhte-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="duhte-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Ultimately, He is the only one who informs us about our physical and spiritual identity as well as our specific purpose in His overall plan. </span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="c4gt1" data-offset-key="3i3fn-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3i3fn-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="3i3fn-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br data-text="true" /></span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="c4gt1" data-offset-key="4pi1r-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4pi1r-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="4pi1r-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;">(Read <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Joshua+1%3A8&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Joshua 1:8</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+29%3A11-14&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Jeremiah 29:11-14</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+139&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Psalm 139</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+4%3A4&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Matthew 4:4</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12%3A1-2&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Romans 12:1-2</a>)</span></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4pi1r-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="4pi1r-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="4pi1r-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="4pi1r-0-0"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="c4gt1" data-offset-key="chvt9-0-0" style="background-color: white;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="chvt9-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span data-offset-key="chvt9-0-0" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: georgia;">Copyright 2021 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.</span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="c4gt1" data-offset-key="cv70a-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="cv70a-0-0" style="direction: ltr; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><br /></div></div>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15717059278143795387noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235965888856990177.post-67355163687951247922021-03-05T21:49:00.054-08:002021-03-15T14:45:24.859-07:00Doing Good<p><span style="font-family: georgia;">When Jesus found out about His cousin,
John the Baptist, being beheaded from His disciples; He left from
there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. However, the multitudes
heard and followed Him on foot from their cities. When Jesus saw a
great multitude, He was moved with compassion for them. He healed
their sick! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">The disciples told Jesus they needed to send them away to
get some food since it was late at their deserted place. Jesus said
otherwise though. He told them the multitudes didn't need to go away and told the disciples to give them some food. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">The disciples told
Him they only had five loaves and two fish there. Jesus told them
to bring the existing food to Him though. He also told the multitudes
to sit down in the grass. He took the loaves and fish while looking
up to heaven, blessed, broke the loaves. Then, Jesus gave them to the
disciples who distributed the loaves to the multitudes. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">They all ate and filled up. Afterward, they took up 12 baskets full of fragments
left. They fed more than 5,000 including women and children that
day.</span></p>
<p style="background: transparent; border: none; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">When Jesus received bad news about His
cousin, He went off by Himself. It didn't last long though. He
discovered people who needed Him. Consequently, He was able to meet
their needs including feeding the multitudes and healing their sick.
He did good!</span></p>
<p style="background: transparent; border: none; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">When something bad happens in our lives and/or in this world,
we can also find people in our path who need us to do good for them.</span></p><p style="background: transparent; border: none; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I have had the opportunity to speak the truth in love to people and pray for people on a couple of occasions while at a local hospital in recent months. We can all take the opportunity to help, support, encourage, minister to other people during this difficult time in the world. (See <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2018%3A19&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Matthew 18:19</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+4%3A15&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Ephesians 4:15</a>)</span></p><p style="background: transparent; border: none; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><div style="background: transparent; border: none; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Additionally, read <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+14%3A1-21&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Matthew 14:1-21</a>.</span></div><p style="background: transparent; border: none; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: transparent; border: none; line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Copyright 2021 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.</span></p>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15717059278143795387noreply@blogger.com0Greensboro, NC, USA36.0726354 -79.79197547.7624015638211574 -114.9482254 64.382869236178848 -44.6357254tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235965888856990177.post-51624061003110149612020-11-01T20:39:00.000-08:002020-11-01T20:39:02.319-08:00The Narrow Way<div><font face="georgia">When we originally receive the free gift of salvation, we begin the journey of faith. It also begins us on the narrow way. (See <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+3%3A16-17&version=NKJV" target="_blank">John 3:16-17</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+3%3A23%2C+6%3A23%2C+10%3A8-10&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Romans 3:23, 6:23, 10:8-10</a>)</font></div><a class="full-chap-link" href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7&version=NKJV" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #4a4a4a; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; min-width: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" title="View Full Chapter"></a><font face="georgia"><div><font face="georgia"><br /></font></div>"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and </font><span style="font-family: georgia;">there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." (Matthew 7:13-14, NKJV)</span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">As a believer and follower of Jesus, I have been learning more about the narrow way in my own walk with Him. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div>The longer we are on our faith journeys, the more narrow becomes the path.</div><div><br /></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div>"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:2, NKJV)</div><div><br /></div><div>"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." (2 Corinthians 3:18, NKJV)</div><div><br /></div><div>We become more holy in our behavior. We become more obedient to our Father. (See <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+1%3A13-16&version=NKJV" target="_blank">1 Peter 1:13-16</a>)</div><div><br /></div><div>Ultimately, we become more like Him in every way. As He is, so are we in this world. (See <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20John%204%3A17&version=NKJV" target="_blank">1 John 4:17</a>)</div></span></div><div><br /></div><div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Jesus is the way, the truth, the life. (See <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+14%3A6&version=NKJV" target="_blank">John 14:6</a>)</span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><font face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.</span></div>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15717059278143795387noreply@blogger.com0Greensboro, NC, USA36.0726354 -79.79197547.7624015638211574 -114.9482254 64.382869236178848 -44.6357254tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235965888856990177.post-60215525512174759272020-10-20T20:34:00.001-07:002020-10-20T20:34:52.178-07:00The Holy Spirit<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Holy Spirit never gives people instructions that do not line up with Jesus' atonement for us on the cross. "It is finished!" (See John 19:30)</span></span></p><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Jesus left the Holy Spirit with us before He went to be with His Father in heaven. He comforts us, teaches us, reminds us of all Jesus told us. (See John 14:25-27) </span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Holy Spirit also leads, guides, directs us into all truth and righteousness. (See John 14:16-17; Ephesians 5:8-10)</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Never believe people who give you their prescription of things you need to do in order to participate in a program, ministry, church, or whatever else. It is all their own opinions, perspectives, assumptions. Never the Holy Spirit. (See Colossians 2 & 3:1-11)</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: black;">Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All Rights Reserved.</span></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"></div>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15717059278143795387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235965888856990177.post-34335108099145593442020-10-17T20:29:00.003-07:002020-10-20T20:30:27.111-07:00Life or Death <div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">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. </span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I am reminded of God's word to all people.</span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">“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.” </span></div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: georgia;">(Deuteronomy 30:15-20, NKJV)</span></div></div><p><span class="text Deut-30-19" face="system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial" style="background-color: white;"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-family: georgia; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;"></span></span></p><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="color: #050505; font-weight: 400; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"></div><p></p><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #050505; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; orphans: 2; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I encourage you to choose life not just in this Presidential election but always in every area of life.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All Rights Reserved.</span></span></div></div><p><br /></p>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15717059278143795387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235965888856990177.post-85827991897732770862020-09-29T14:30:00.000-07:002020-09-29T14:30:33.102-07:00The Atonement<p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; white-space: pre-wrap;">It's never God's will for people to be sick and die from illness, disease, or sickness. He provided Jesus as an atonement for all sin including those ailments. Jesus took all of it on Himself, so we wouldn't need to take it on ourselves. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; white-space: pre-wrap;">Yet, some of us have really not understood all that He died to give us on the cross over 2000 years ago. He paid the ultimate penalty for us. It's not just partially paid for by Him either. It's all paid for us. Therefore, it was all taken care of us. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; white-space: pre-wrap;">We don't have to receive anything that the devil tries to put on us. He put the devil under His feet. The devil is also under our feet as blood-bought Children of God. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jesus is in us, and we are in Him. So, the devil is a defeated foe. Don't believe any of his lies. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; white-space: pre-wrap;">There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Cast down all of those imaginations against the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Receive all that Jesus died to give you. Forgiveness of sins, divine healing and health, wholeness, abundant life, and more. It's all bought for us, so it is truly ours in Christ.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><div class="_4lmi" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px auto; position: relative;"><div class="_39k5 _5s6c" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; line-height: 28px; overflow: hidden; padding-bottom: 60px; position: relative;"><div class="_2cuy _3dgx _2vxa" style="box-sizing: border-box; direction: ltr; margin: 0px auto 28px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 700px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">(See <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+53&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Isaiah 53</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+8%3A44&version=NKJV" target="_blank">John 8:44</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+10%3A10&version=NKJV" target="_blank">10:10</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A1&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Romans 8:1</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+10%3A4-6&version=NKJV" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 10:4-6</a>) </span></div><div class="_2cuy _3dgx _2vxa" style="box-sizing: border-box; direction: ltr; margin: 0px auto 28px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 700px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All Rights Reserved.</span></div></div></div>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15717059278143795387noreply@blogger.com0Greensboro, NC, USA36.0726354 -79.79197547.7624015638211574 -114.9482254 64.382869236178848 -44.6357254tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235965888856990177.post-50670538005017296332020-09-16T19:30:00.000-07:002020-09-16T19:30:36.660-07:00Like Jesus in the Wilderness<p><span color="rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9)" style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia; white-space: pre-wrap;">While Jesus was in the wilderness, He was not considered a wilderness man nor a man of the wilderness. He was not defined by His physical circumstances. He was still the Son of God. He still had a relationship with His Father. </span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Likewise, when God's children are in a so-called wilderness, they are not wilderness people nor people of the wilderness. They are not defined by their physical circumstances. They are still Children of God. They still have a relationship with their Father.</span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Like Jesus, they are only being prepared and trained for their specific calling and purpose in their Father's plan. When they come out of the wilderness, they also will move directly into their calling and purpose.</span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">(Read <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+4%3A1-11&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Matthew 4:1-11</a>)</span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: black; white-space: normal;">Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All Rights Reserved.</span></span></p><p style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.9); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; cursor: text; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></p>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15717059278143795387noreply@blogger.com0United States37.09024 -95.7128918.780006163821156 -130.869141 65.400473836178847 -60.556641tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235965888856990177.post-62252228517653317162020-07-15T11:00:00.005-07:002020-07-15T11:00:03.813-07:00Eternal SalvationActress Naya Rivera who portrayed a high school character in the television program, Glee, recently drowned in Lake Piru physically located in Southern California. According to an investigation report, she and her very young son had been swimming in the lake earlier in the afternoon. They swam back to the pontoon boat rental, when they were done for the day. Naya helped her son get back onto the deck of the boat. Then, she disappeared under the water. Her adult-size life vest was later found on the boat.<br />
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The life vest had been available to her all day. However, she chose to go without it. Perhaps, she thought it was unnecessary and cumbersome. Maybe, she was an excellent swimmer. Therefore, she didn't think of the possibility of getting too physically tired to make it into the boat later. After all, she had probably been relying on her own self and ability in the lake. And, she had done just fine earlier.<br />
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God has made eternal salvation available to every person in this world. Yet, numerous people choose to go without it every day of their lives. Maybe, they too think it is unnecessary like Naya thought of the life vest. Perhaps, they think they are doing fine in life on their own. They do not realize they are going to get tired of doing everything for themselves in their own limited strength. They will come to a point in life where they know they need an eternal Savior.<br />
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I am sure that was the case with Naya when she did not have the energy or strength to pull herself up into the boat after helping her young son get into the boat. There are always days and times when we in our own limited strength do not have the energy and strength to pull ourselves up by the boot straps so to speak whether into a boat, out of a pit, out of a fiery furnace, or out of the wilderness (Read <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+37%3A18-24&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Genesis 37:18-24</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+13%3A14%2C+16-18&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Exodus 13:14, 16-18</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+3&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Daniel 3</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+4%3A1-11&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Matthew 4:1-11</a>). We all come to a point in our lives where we know we need Almighty, all-powerful God to eternally save us from the enemy of our souls. <br />
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It is too bad that Naya did not know and understand that specific principle before reaching the point of no return. Unfortunately, we do not know whether she reached out to Jesus before drowning in the lake. She may have made that decision at the last minute like the thief on the cross who Jesus accepted into Paradise with Him. That choice was between her and Him then. <br />
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Will you make the same decision though? Will you wait too long --- until the very last minute of your life? Or, will you choose to put your faith and trust in Jesus now? <br />
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(Read <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+53&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Isaiah 53</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+3%3A16-17&version=NKJV" target="_blank">John 3:16-17</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+19&version=NKJV" target="_blank">John 19</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+3%3A23&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Romans 3:23</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+6%3A23&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Romans 6:23</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+10%3A8-10&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Romans 10:8-10</a>)<br />
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Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All Rights Reserved.</div>
<br />Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15717059278143795387noreply@blogger.com0Greensboro, NC, USA36.0726354 -79.791975435.867359400000005 -80.1146989 36.2779114 -79.4692519tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235965888856990177.post-52354969878389636782020-07-13T09:00:00.004-07:002021-06-05T02:06:34.971-07:00Thy Will Be Done<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Dp4WC_YZAuw" width="320" youtube-src-id="Dp4WC_YZAuw"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">Source: YouTube</div><div style="text-align: center;">
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When we attempt to do God's will, it will not always be easy. We will not always be liked by people. We will not always experience smooth sailing in the midst of pursuing His perfect will. </font></div>
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There may be times and days where we experience more challenges, trials, and hardships than other times and days (See <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1%3A2-4&version=NKJV" target="_blank">James 1:2-4</a>). We may be ridiculed by people. We may experience opposition. We may have persecution. We may be falsely accused; wrongly charged and convicted; and be thrown in jail. (See </font><span style="text-align: center;"><font face="georgia"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15%3A18-25&version=NKJV" target="_blank">John 15:18-25</a>)</font></span></div>
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Jesus did not have an easy time doing His Father's perfect will. He experienced more than any of us ever will face in this world. </font></div>
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<span><font face="georgia"><span class="text John-19-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">So then <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NKJV-26827B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NKJV-26827B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>Pilate took Jesus and scourged <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">Him.</i> <span><b> </b></span></span><span class="text John-19-2" id="en-NKJV-26828" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">it</i> on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe. </span><span class="text John-19-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b> </b></span><span class="text John-19-3" id="en-NKJV-26829" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Then they said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NKJV-26829C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NKJV-26829C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>struck Him with their hands. (John 19:1-3, NKJV)</span></font></span></div><div class="chapter-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: left;"><span><span class="text John-19-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><font face="georgia">He was mocked. He was tortured. He was whipped. He took thirty-nine lashes on His physical body.</font></span></span></div>
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<span><span class="text John-19-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><font face="georgia">They crucified Him upon a cross, and a title was put on there. </font></span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span><font face="georgia">"JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS." (John 19:19, NKJV)</font></span></span></div><div class="chapter-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: left;"><font face="georgia"><span class="text John-19-23" id="en-NKJV-26849" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to each soldier a part, and also the tunic. Now the tunic was without seam, woven from the top in one piece. </span><span class="text John-19-23" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><b> </b></span><span class="text John-19-24" id="en-NKJV-26850" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">They said therefore among themselves, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be,” that the Scripture might be fulfilled which says:</span></font></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><font face="georgia">“They divided My garments among them, </font></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: georgia;">And for My clothing they cast lots.”</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><font face="georgia">Therefore the soldiers did these things. (John 19:23-24, NKJV)</font></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><font face="georgia"><br /></font></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;"><font face="georgia">After... Jesus received the sour wine, He said, <span class="woj">“It is finished!”</span> And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit. (John 19:30, NKJV)</font></span></div>
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<span><font face="georgia"><span style="background-color: white;">But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately </span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NKJV-26860AH" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NKJV-26860AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white;">blood and water came out.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> (John 19:34, NKJV)</span></font></span></div>
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<span class="text John-19-24" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><font face="georgia"><br /></font></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111;"><font face="georgia">Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All Rights Reserved.</font></span></div></div>
Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15717059278143795387noreply@blogger.com0Greensboro, NC, USA36.0726354 -79.79197547.7624015638211574 -114.9482254 64.382869236178848 -44.6357254tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235965888856990177.post-18066222663721614572020-07-06T09:00:00.004-07:002021-06-05T02:03:16.783-07:00A Good Father<div><font color="#485d6b" face="georgia">I recently asked a housekeeper at a hotel for a couple of extra hand towels, since there was a leak in the bathroom near the front of the bathtub. At first, he brought me a large blue towel and asked me if it would work for me. I told him, "No!" I asked him to get a couple of dish towels if he couldn't find hand towels. When he came back to my door, he passed me through the cracked door what appeared to be a blue hand towel. However, after he left my doorway, I realized that he brought me three blue hand rags which he had been holding all folded up together.</font></div><div><font color="#485d6b" face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div><font color="#485d6b" face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjugpI854YNQXwnnDEzZGAuo6g26QZlvr67J0qelOD7XRS4N1KC_ygrBqUNQw5VaZn1z2APh2b7WRPgrKC4u-EjtPxfl6YFRGp19n1VEx0CUv-QddjYT9Ai35X9DsazBYXof3skla_11u/s2048/Blue+Hand+Rags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjugpI854YNQXwnnDEzZGAuo6g26QZlvr67J0qelOD7XRS4N1KC_ygrBqUNQw5VaZn1z2APh2b7WRPgrKC4u-EjtPxfl6YFRGp19n1VEx0CUv-QddjYT9Ai35X9DsazBYXof3skla_11u/s320/Blue+Hand+Rags.jpg" /></a></div><font color="#485d6b" face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div><font color="#485d6b" face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div><span style="color: #485d6b; font-family: georgia;">God tells us in His word what it means when you ask for one item and you get another item instead.</span></div><div><font color="#485d6b" face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div><font color="#485d6b" face="georgia">"If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" (Luke 11:11-13, NKJV)</font></div><div><font color="#485d6b" face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div><font color="#485d6b" face="georgia">Some people are wrong in their head and heart. This particular incident reminded me though that God is not like those people at all. He brought the above scripture to my mind then.</font></div><div><font color="#485d6b" face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div><font color="#485d6b" face="georgia">He calls people who give or bring us different items than what we ask for --- evil. He goes on to say how a good father gives good gifts to his children. Then, how much more would He give good gifts to the ones who ask Him?</font></div><div><font color="#485d6b" face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div><font color="#485d6b" face="georgia">"If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!" (Luke 11:13, NKJV)</font></div><div><font color="#485d6b" face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div><font color="#485d6b" face="georgia">God is a good Father who knows how to give good gifts to His children!</font></div><div><font color="#485d6b" face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div><font color="#485d6b" face="georgia">Later the next day, another staff member not only brought me extra hand towels as I had originally asked but also extra hand rags. My Father is really good! He gives abundantly more than we ask and imagine according to His power within us (See <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+3%3A20&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Ephesians 3:20</a>)</font><span style="color: #485d6b; font-family: georgia;">.</span></div><div><font color="#485d6b" face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font color="#485d6b" face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUOpbfcQRlqVdINlNUHGKqo1-mhbayXlKDt8GErzGsEoKVxFGzpRwOsIHrNgXaFYQvaDBwHfCLI4pqV7gxhwPicftlSf3aujYC9kPLlvudUoa2KaSxP82BmRqSh3LfFJeZq-fbHp2-VAA/s2048/White+Hand+Towels+%2526+Rags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUOpbfcQRlqVdINlNUHGKqo1-mhbayXlKDt8GErzGsEoKVxFGzpRwOsIHrNgXaFYQvaDBwHfCLI4pqV7gxhwPicftlSf3aujYC9kPLlvudUoa2KaSxP82BmRqSh3LfFJeZq-fbHp2-VAA/s320/White+Hand+Towels+%2526+Rags.jpg" /></a></div><font color="#485d6b" face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div><font color="#485d6b" face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div><font color="#485d6b" face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div style="text-align: center;"><font color="#485d6b" face="georgia">Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All Rights Reserved.</font></div><div><br /></div>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15717059278143795387noreply@blogger.com0Greensboro, NC, USA36.0726354 -79.79197547.7624015638211574 -114.9482254 64.382869236178848 -44.6357254tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235965888856990177.post-77604158203007924122020-06-24T09:30:00.012-07:002020-06-24T09:30:02.072-07:00Life of Legacy<div><font face="georgia">International minister, evangelist, apologist --- Ravi Zacharias --- touched so many people and their lives including me and my life. He passed away last month after a brief battle with a form of cancer. He was just 74 years old.</font></div><div><font face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div><font face="georgia">I took one of his Apologetics' courses in a church while in Tennessee several years ago. Ravi shared about faith and other topics through videos. There were other people who were interviewed in the videos. People from other church denominations such as a woman who attended and believed in universalism. Just a couple of years ago, I personally saw and heard Ravi speak and preach at a church here in Greensboro, North Carolina. He didn't stay long afterwards. He said he had been on the road for awhile and wanted to get back to his wife. I am grateful for those two separate experiences in my life. </font></div><div><font face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div><font face="georgia">Billy Graham was an international minister and evangelist who traveled and preached all over the world. Growing up, I watched him on television at a crusade on occasion. I also remember personally going to, at least, two of his crusades. One when I was growing up with my immediate family in the south. Another time when I took my paternal grandmother to go see him towards the end of his crusade ministry. Additionally, I remember watching an interview of him near the end of his life. The interviewer asked him a question about his global ministry. He answered with he was always praying even right then while talking with the man who interviewed him. Mr. Graham lived nearly one hundred years and passed away only a couple of years ago.</font></div><div><font face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div><font face="georgia">When I was in seminary a few years ago, part of the program included a theological course. R.C. Sproul, an American Theologian, was only one person in a video in that specific on-line course. However, he was good writing out notes on the chalkboard. He and his biblical teaching made quite an impression on me at the time. He passed away just in the last few years at the age of 78.</font></div><div><font face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div><font face="georgia">(See <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+29%3A11-13&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Jeremiah 29:11-13</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ecclesiastes+3%3A1-8&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Ecclesiastes 3:1-8</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12%3A1-2&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Romans 12:1-2</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+12&version=NKJV" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 12</a>)</font></div><div><font face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div><font face="georgia">What do all three of these older men have in common? Besides being gone now...? They all made a mark in this world. Perhaps, they positively affected you and your life. I know they all had a portion to play in my own faith journey. They all made a difference in my life. </font></div><div><font face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div><font face="georgia">They all lived a life where they left a legacy. Just watch and listen to this song, Legacy...</font></div><div><font face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div><font face="georgia"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ah1COE39ARs" width="320" youtube-src-id="Ah1COE39ARs"></iframe></div></font></div><div><font face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div><font face="georgia"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span>Source: </span><span>YouTube</span><br /></font></div><div><font face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div><font face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div><font face="georgia"><div>I want to leave a legacy. How about you?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.</div></font></div><div><br /></div>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15717059278143795387noreply@blogger.com0Greensboro, NC, USA36.0726354 -79.79197547.7624015638211574 -114.9482254 64.382869236178848 -44.6357254tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235965888856990177.post-37214521032005481772020-06-17T11:00:00.002-07:002021-03-28T23:52:24.383-07:00Proclaiming God's Word<div data-block="true" data-editor="91sl7" data-offset-key="9otk1-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9otk1-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px;">
</span><span data-offset-key="9otk1-0-0"><font face="georgia">Proclaim God's word --- His truth --- instead of claiming the devil's lies.</font></span></div><font face="georgia">
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<div data-block="true" data-editor="91sl7" data-offset-key="d28ce-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="d28ce-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><font face="georgia">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.
</font></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="91sl7" data-offset-key="uorp-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="georgia">
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<div data-block="true" data-editor="91sl7" data-offset-key="7rsvs-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="7rsvs-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><font face="georgia">"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit." (Proverbs 18:21, NKJV)</font></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="91sl7" data-offset-key="2dsvq-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="georgia">
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<div data-block="true" data-editor="91sl7" data-offset-key="fig88-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="fig88-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><font face="georgia">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 <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+53&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Isaiah 53</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Peter+2%3A24&version=NKJV" target="_blank">1 Peter 2:24</a>)
</font></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="91sl7" data-offset-key="416rt-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="georgia">
</font></div>
<div data-block="true" data-editor="91sl7" data-offset-key="65hbc-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="65hbc-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><font face="georgia">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)
</font></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="91sl7" data-offset-key="fhsot-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="georgia">
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<div data-block="true" data-editor="91sl7" data-offset-key="9j0d9-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="9j0d9-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><font face="georgia">"I shall not die, but live, And declare the works of the Lord." (Psalm 118:17, NKJV)
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<div data-block="true" data-editor="91sl7" data-offset-key="291cn-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="291cn-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><font face="georgia">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.
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<div data-block="true" data-editor="91sl7" data-offset-key="bsg7a-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bsg7a-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><font face="georgia">"Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers." (3 John 2, NKJV)
</font></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="91sl7" data-offset-key="d392i-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; white-space: pre-wrap;"><font face="georgia">
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<div data-block="true" data-editor="91sl7" data-offset-key="a2k0s-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="a2k0s-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><font face="georgia">Choose to believe Him and His word over the lies of the enemy of your soul. (See <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+11%3A22-24&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Mark 11:22-24</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+8%3A44&version=NKJV" target="_blank">John 8:44</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+10%3A10&version=NKJV" target="_blank">10:10</a>)
</font></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="a2k0s-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><font face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="a2k0s-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><font face="georgia"><br /></font></div><div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="a2k0s-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;"><span style="color: black; white-space: normal;"><font face="georgia">Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.</font></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="91sl7" data-offset-key="3ogmj-0-0" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
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Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15717059278143795387noreply@blogger.com0Greensboro, NC, USA36.0726354 -79.791975435.867359400000005 -80.1146989 36.2779114 -79.4692519tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235965888856990177.post-49644447539066982702020-05-06T14:14:00.000-07:002020-05-06T14:14:05.724-07:00No Condemnation<div class="chapter-1">
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"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)<br /><br />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 <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hosea+4%3A6&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Hosea 4:6</a>a). Basically, due to not daily renewing the mind on God's word though (See <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12%3A2&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Romans 12:2</a>). <br /><br />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.<br /><br />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].<br /><br /> 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. <br /> <br /><br /> Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15717059278143795387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235965888856990177.post-73585697795438299022020-05-05T11:00:00.000-07:002020-05-05T11:00:14.544-07:00Faith vs. Fear<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We have been in the midst of a health-related crisis which has affected thousands of people, many relationships, numerous lives, hundreds of businesses, and the economy in this country. We have been in isolation, doing social distancing, and basically in quarantine for over a month now. Many people wear masks when going out to run personal errands and going to medical appointments.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We as God's children don't have to fear catching the global virus, because of Jesus' sacrifice and atonement on the cross. He was punished for all sin once and for all time (See <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+53%3A4-5&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Isaiah 53:4-5</a>). We are protected from all sickness, disease, illness by the blood of the Lamb. Therefore, we already have divine health in this life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The world wants people to be afraid, because they live in the physical and the natural. That includes the five senses of seeing, hearing, tasting, touching, and feeling. There is nothing and no one chasing after any person in this world, but there are people who are afraid and run for cover like they are fearful of getting the virus. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Fear of man will prove to be a snare..." (Proverbs 29:25a, NIV)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"The wicked flee when no one pursues... " (Proverbs 28:1a, NKJV)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">God wants us to put our complete faith in Him. The kingdom of God is supernatural. We walk by faith and not by sight (See <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+5%3A7&version=NKJV" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 5:7</a>). We live by the Spirit of God within us. We are in this world but not of this world (See <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12%3A2&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Romans 12:2</a>). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">God tell us hundreds of times in His word, "Do not fear... Do not be afraid..." (See <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+31%3A6%2C+8&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Deuteronomy 31:6, 8</a>) We can believe Him and trust Him. He is trustworthy and faithful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"...but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe." (Proverbs 29:25b, NIV)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"...But the righteous are bold as a lion." (Proverbs 28:1b, NKJV)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">However, we use wisdom and walk in love towards other people which includes those who are weak in faith (See <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+14&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Romans 14</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1%3A5&version=NKJV" target="_blank">James 1:5</a>). Therefore, we wear masks when we are out and about in order to love ourselves and others in the world (See <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+22%3A37-40&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Matthew 22:37-40</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+6%3A31&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Luke 6:31</a>). We keep our distance from others. We isolate ourselves from other people.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But, ultimately we believe and know that God is our protector (See <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+91&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Psalm 91</a>).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe." (Proverbs 18:10, NKJV)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.</span></div>
Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15717059278143795387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235965888856990177.post-39611590365211243672020-04-30T11:00:00.001-07:002021-09-19T21:20:39.415-07:00The Life Giver<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy…” (John 10:10a, NIV)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This reference from scripture is so true. I have personally witnessed it. In fact, a few years ago, I spoke to a man who shared with me his thoughts to hurt himself or someone else. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have to admit now that I really did not know what to say or what to do with the information that the man decided to share with me. However, I know that the Holy Spirit helped me to minister to him. The Holy Spirit led me into what to say to this man. I began actively listening to him. I started asking him questions as he spoke to me about cutting himself. He proceeded to talk about buying some alcohol and drugs to dull the pain. I asked him the reason for wanting to do it. By asking him questions, I think that it gave him something to think about as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My Father placed me in this man’s life that day to speak to him about God, Jesus, and life. He gave me the opportunity to tell this man that God loved him. It was an opportunity to plant good and positive seeds into this man’s life. It was an opportunity to tell him that God created him for a reason and a purpose.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“…I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10b, NIV)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.</span>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15717059278143795387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235965888856990177.post-61408704895579297272020-04-29T11:00:00.000-07:002020-04-29T11:00:01.187-07:00Looking Back<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What are you looking back at now? What is holding you back? What is hindering you? What is distracting you?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Whatever it is that is "catching your eye" at the moment, release it. Please let it go! Lay it down at the feet of Jesus!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So many times in life, we are like Lot's wife. "But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt." (Genesis 19:26, NIV) She turned into a pillar of salt, because she did not obey God. He had previously told her and her family not to look back. God had told all of them to keep going...keep moving forward. She was the only one who looked back. She was the one who disobeyed God. As a result, she </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">disintegrated into a pillar of salt. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." (Isaiah 43:18-19, NIV)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." (Philppians 3:13-14, NIV)
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62, NIV)
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Do not allow anything to hinder or distract you from doing God's work and reaching your destiny.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.</span>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15717059278143795387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235965888856990177.post-80823290972898011732020-04-28T11:00:00.000-07:002020-04-29T16:47:16.193-07:00Believing God<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What do you believe God for which will come to pass in your life? I believe Him for His purpose and plan to be accomplished in my life personally and professionally (See <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+29%3A11-13&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Jeremiah 29:11-13</a>).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Unfortunately, I am still waiting on the physical manifestations in this natural world. I am doing what I know to do for now. Over the course of this time, I have been taking little steps here and there in different areas of my life. As joint heirs with God and co-heirs with Jesus, I am reminded that we have to do our part (See <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A17&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Romans 8:17</a>). His good, perfect, pleasing will does not happen automatically (See <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12%3A2&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Romans 12:2</a>). It certainly does not happen overnight. I can definitely testify to it now. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It has been more than three years, since I ventured out of my home state on this part of my faith journey. It was definitely a huge leap of faith on my part. I had never lived in another state by myself away from my immediate family before. Way back in the latter part of 2009, I believed God for the physical manifestations of His perfect will. I had been seeking Him for some time (See <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+6%3A33&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Matthew 6:33</a>). He had put it on my mind and heart to relocate to North Carolina from Tennessee. I knew that part of His purpose and plan was located in the state of North Carolina. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In order to fulfill it, I went in search of my Promise Land.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My Father had spoken to me about it beforehand. He told me that “everything would be provided” for me. I did not expect to have so many obstacles or problems along the way to my Promise Land. Looking back now, I should have expected it though. Anytime that we really want to do our Father’s will, the devil will try to hinder or prevent us from doing it. However, my Father has been faithful. He has showed up and showed out many times for me. I have experienced much more of His provision and blessing during these times. My eyes have been more opened to Him and His work in my life. I have learned to depend on Him even more during this part of my journey.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It has not turned out exactly the way I had expected or hoped at that time. Nevertheless, I am still here in North Carolina. I still believe my Father is taking me closer every day to my Promise Land. It is just taking longer than I thought it would take initially. I know even more now that His timing is not always our timing. What is it? God’s one day is like a thousand days? Whatever the rule of time, I am still standing on His word and believing for His promises to come to pass in my life. In the meantime, He is molding me and making me more into the person that He created me to be for Him, His purpose, and His plan for me (See <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+29%3A11-13&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Jeremiah 29:11-13</a>).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Before this part of my faith journey, I believed that I was a strong person. Now, I am even stronger. Knowing what I know now, I cannot say that I would do it all again the same way. However, I know that I am a better person for having gone through the testing period with all of its trials (See <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1%3A2-4&version=NKJV" target="_blank">James 1:2-4</a>).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.</span></div>
Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15717059278143795387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235965888856990177.post-39578719315626811272020-04-27T12:00:00.000-07:002020-04-27T12:00:05.451-07:00Fruit of the Spirit<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control...” (Galatians 5:22-23, NIV)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Are you full of fruit? That is, the fruit of the Spirit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The first fruit is love. According to our Father’s word, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8, NIV)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Joy is the second fruit of the Spirit. Unlike happiness, joy is always there. Even when our temporary circumstances are not ideal, we are joyful. The joy of the Lord is our strength. (See <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Nehemiah+8%3A10&version=NIV" target="_blank">Nehemiah 8:10</a>) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Peace is considered the third fruit. There is a stillness, calmness, or serenity with us. "The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever." (Isaiah 32:17, NIV)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Next on the list is forbearance or patience which is the total opposite of impatience. “But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patience.” (Romans 8:25, HCSB) We learn patience by waiting for what we are hoping for and expecting in our temporary situations and individual lives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Kindness comes in fifth in our line-up. It can be defined as compassion, consideration, thoughtful, or just plain nice. “I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. To them I was like one who lifts a little child to the cheek, and I bent down to feed them.” (Hosea 11:4, NIV)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Goodness falls in at number six in the list. Badness is the opposite of this one. We cannot be good without the Lord’s help. “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.” (Psalm 27:13, NIV)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The seventh fruit is faithfulness. Faithfulness can be defined as loyal, dependable, devoted, or constant to the utmost degree. “For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” (Psalm 100:5, NIV)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Gentleness is the eighth fruit-bearing sign. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Hardness or harshness is just a couple of words that are opposites of this one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." (Philippians 4:5, NIV)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Self-control rounds up at number nine in the list of fruit. This one is usually thought of as self-discipline, self-restraint, or willpower. “…Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.” (1 Corinthians 7:5b, NIV)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">By their fruit you will recognize them... (See <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7%3A16%2C+20&version=NIV" target="_blank">Matthew 7:16, 20</a>)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.</span>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15717059278143795387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235965888856990177.post-92200219895367632432020-04-24T12:30:00.000-07:002020-04-24T13:14:34.964-07:00Eternal Weight of Glory<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Naomi lost her husband and both of her two sons in just over a decade. She blamed God and became bitter as a result of her natural circumstances. Consequently, she chose to change her name to Mara which means "bitter." (Read <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ruth+1&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Ruth 1</a>)<br /><br />There are people even today who are much like Naomi. They blame God and become bitter as a result of their unfortunate circumstances.<br /><br />However, it is never the right way to think nor look at such natural circumstances. God is never the cause of terrible tragedies nor awful situations.<br /><br />God allows those times to mold us, make us, conform us, and transform us more into the image of His only Son, Jesus, for our good and His greater purpose though. Therefore, choose to draw closer to God. Rely on Him to strengthen, encourage, and help you become who He has truly created you to be for His purpose and overall plan. (Read <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+29%3A11-13&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Jeremiah 29:11-13</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A28-30&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Romans 8:28-30</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+3%3A18&version=NKJV" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 3:18</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+4%3A8&version=NKJV" target="_blank">James 4:8</a>)<br /><br />We can choose to become bitter or better through natural circumstances. Never both though. (See <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ruth+1%3A20-22&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Ruth 1:20-22</a>) <br /><br />When you are a believer in Jesus Christ, it is never about our physical circumstances. What is His purpose in those circumstances? It is about what is He doing in and through you. (Read <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A28-30&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Romans 8:28-30</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+3%3A18%2C+4%3A16-18&version=NKJV" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 3:18, 4:16-18</a>) <br /><br />"Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:16-18, NKJV)<br /><br /><br />Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.</span>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15717059278143795387noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1235965888856990177.post-82234103419009687162020-04-23T11:00:00.000-07:002020-04-23T21:12:00.754-07:00God's Promises<span data-offset-key="1jned-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span data-text="true" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Not everything that happens in your life nor in this world is God's will. It was not God's will for Abram to hook up with Hagar nor have a child, Ishmael, out of wedlock with her. Abram and Sarai chose to go outside His will for them. They took matters into their on hands instead of waiting on God, His way, His timing, His will for the both of them. </span></span><br />
<span data-offset-key="1jned-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span data-text="true" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span data-offset-key="1jned-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span data-text="true" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As a result, it caused a lot of unnecessary heartache, pain, regret, sorrow for them and others involved in their lives. God made a covenant with Abram beforehand as well as afterwards. His promises were still the truth for Abraham as he was later called by God. Not only would he be the father to another son, Issac, but he would be the father of many nations. When God makes promises, He keeps them. </span></span><br />
<span data-offset-key="1jned-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span data-text="true" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span data-offset-key="1jned-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span data-text="true" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">They still came to pass during Abraham's lifetime despite he and his wife, Sarah's impatience, sin, rebellion earlier in their lives. Therefore, don't think nor believe that because you previously made mistakes and/or went outside of God's will for your life that God will not come through for you. </span></span><br />
<span data-offset-key="1jned-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span data-text="true" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span data-offset-key="1jned-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span data-text="true" style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He is always a good, faithful, loving God. You haven't totally blown it. All of His promises are 'Yes' and 'Amen' to the glory of God. Know, believe, trust that He is leading, guiding, directing you into all truth and all righteousness all for His honor, glory, and praise. </span></span><br />
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<span data-offset-key="1jned-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span data-text="true" style="font-family: inherit;">(Read <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+15-17&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Genesis 15-17</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A28&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Romans 8:28</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+1%3A20&version=NKJV" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 1:20</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+5%3A8-10&version=NKJV" target="_blank">Ephesians 5:8-10</a>) </span></span></span><br />
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<span data-offset-key="1jned-0-0" style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span data-text="true" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 17px;">Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved. </span></span></span>Dawnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15717059278143795387noreply@blogger.com0