Being Released From Quarantine

[Photo credit: Sa Ka miezekieze on Pixabay]

Is it safe to come out now?

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 John 10:10) Sad to say, but it's true, that some people should have never been allowed out of quarantine at all.

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.

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.

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!

(Read Matthew 4:23-24, 5:13-16, 6:12, 14-15, 8:1-17, 22:37-40; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; James 5:14-16; 1 Peter 2:24; 3 John 2)

Copyright 2021 by Dawn Freeman. All Rights Reserved.

The Narrow Way

When we originally receive the free gift of salvation, we begin the journey of faith.  It also begins us on the narrow way.  (See John 3:16-17; Romans 3:23, 6:23, 10:8-10)

"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and 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)

As a believer and follower of Jesus, I have been learning more about the narrow way in my own walk with Him.  

The longer we are on our faith journeys, the more narrow becomes the path.

"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)

"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)

We become more holy in our behavior.  We become more obedient to our Father.  (See 1 Peter 1:13-16)

Ultimately, we become more like Him in every way.  As He is, so are we in this world.  (See 1 John 4:17)

Jesus is the way, the truth, the life.  (See John 14:6)

Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

The Holy Spirit

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)

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)

The Holy Spirit also leads, guides, directs us into all truth and righteousness. (See John 14:16-17; Ephesians 5:8-10)

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)

Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All Rights Reserved.

Like Jesus in the Wilderness

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.

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.

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.

(Read Matthew 4:1-11)

Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All Rights Reserved.

A Good Father

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.

God tells us in His word what it means when you ask for one item and you get another item instead.

"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)

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.

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?

"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)

God is a good Father who knows how to give good gifts to His children!

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 Ephesians 3:20).

Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All Rights Reserved.

The Life Giver

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy…” (John 10:10a, NIV)

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.

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.

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.

“…I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10b, NIV)

Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Believing God

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 Jeremiah 29:11-13).

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 Romans 8:17).  His good, perfect, pleasing will does not happen automatically (See Romans 12:2).  It certainly does not happen overnight.  I can definitely testify to it now.

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 Matthew 6:33).  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.  In order to fulfill it, I went in search of my Promise Land.

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.

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 Jeremiah 29:11-13).

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 James 1:2-4).


Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Judging Other People

What people see in others also exists in them. Yet, so many times, people are too eager to point their hypocritical fingers at others instead of realizing there is another finger on their hand pointing back at them.

"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?

Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye." (Matthew 7:1-5, NKJV)

In this particular passage from Matthew, God tells us that with the measure you use for others...it will be measured back to you. It is also evident when the judgment comes back on the people who are originally pointing their fingers at others. Therefore, look at yourself and judge yourself before even attempting to point out what you think you see in other people. Know and remember that the condemnation you receive from the judgment only comes for the devil---the accuser of the brethren---and not from our heavenly Father.

"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)

Our Father never points out our weaknesses, imperfections, flaws, struggles because He already took care of all of it on the cross for us. He lovingly convicts us of knowing better and doing better because of our righteousness in Christ. He already sees us as He sees His son, Jesus. Pure. Blameless. Above reproach. Righteous. Holy. Complete. Perfect.

So, don't believe nor receive the lies from the enemy of people's souls. Only believe and receive the truth from God and His word. It is absolute and eternal. And, the only word that truly matters at all.

(See Isaiah 53; Matthew 5:48; John 8:44; Romans 3:21-26; Colossians 2:9-10; Philippians 2:14-16; 1 Peter 1:13-16; 1 John 3:2-3)


Copyright 2019 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Jesus in the Wilderness - Part 2

[Note: This post is Part 2 of the biblical lesson...Jesus in the Wilderness. Please see the previous post of Part 1 before reading this post.]


Jesus was initially led into the wilderness by the Spirit of God Himself in order to be tested in the wilderness. During Jesus’ wilderness experience though, He fasted the whole time. Though I have never personally fasted for 40 days and 40 nights myself, I know that the spiritual discipline of fasting strengthens every believer in Jesus Christ and every Child of God in their innermost being---their spirit man. Therefore, Jesus though He was physically hungry due to the 40-day fast, He had strengthened Himself in His spirit during that time of fasting. He was built up in His innermost being. His spirit man was heightened as a result. He was also more in tune with His Father’s voice during this time. He was more keenly and acutely aware of His Father’s purpose and plan as well as His Father’s perfect will for Him. As a result of Jesus’ fasting, He was also able to listen more closely to His Father and obey Him very well.

Jesus was already close to His Father beforehand. However, this wilderness experience drew Him even closer to His Father. As a result, Jesus learned to depend on His Father more during this experience but also afterwards.

Anytime, we go through so-called wilderness experiences, we also draw closer to our Father.

As we draw closer to God, He draws closer to us. We learn to depend on God even more but afterwards as well.

What are some of the take-aways from Jesus’ wilderness experience that can also help us in our own so-called wilderness experiences?

For one, Jesus was rooted and grounded in His true identity. He received His true identity from His Father and His relationship with Him. We also receive our true identity in Christ from our Father, His word, and our relationships with our Father. We also need to be truly rooted and grounded in our true identity in Christ.

Next, Jesus not only knew who He was---His true identity, but He also knew whose He was… Jesus knew that He was His Father’s Son. He was rooted and grounded in His relationship with His Father. We also need to be truly rooted and grounded in our relationships with our Father. We need to know that we are our Father’s sons and daughters.

Also, Jesus’ obedience came out of the love relationship with His Father. Jesus knew that He was truly loved by His Father. He knew that God wanted the best for Him. We also need to know that we are truly loved by our Father, and He only wants the best for us. Our obedience will also come out of the true love relationships with our Father.

We must know and remember that we are in Christ and He is in us.

As He is, so are we in this world.

Therefore, we can also be strong and firm in our true identity in Christ. We can be firmly and deeply rooted and grounded in our relationships with our Father. Our obedience and submission comes out of our love relationships with our Father who truly loves us just like He does His Son, Jesus. Our Father only wants the very best for us.

Knowing and remembering all of that together will help us to come out of our so-called wildernesses in a matter of days instead of not coming out at all or taking years to come out of our so-called wildernesses.

Let’s choose to come out of the wilderness and into our promised land---“a land flowing with milk and honey.”


Copyright 2017 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Father, Forgive Them

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”  (Luke 23:34, NIV)

These words that Jesus spoke to His Father have become more my own over recent months.  I know more about what the Son of God was thinking and praying for His enemies---those who had done Him wrong towards the end of His 33-year life on this earth.  (See Luke 6:27-28)

It saddens me now to think about it.  To not only think about the way people have mistreated me, abused me, hurt me, rejected me, and disappointed me but to also remember the way people mocked Jesus, persecuted Him, tortured Him, and crucified Him over 2000 years ago.  I definitely can identify more with Him, His pain, His sorrow, and His sufferings in this world.  (See Isaiah 53; John 15:18-25, 19)

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."  (Galatians 2:20, NIV - emphasis added mine)

I am not always comfortable with the physical locations He allows me to enter into in this world.  And, I don't always like receiving the harsh treatment, persecution, or whatever else.  I am doing what my Father would have me to do in this world though.  I am shining His light ever more sooo brightly.  I am speaking the truth in love.  I am preaching in and out of season.  And, whatever else He desires of me.  (See Matthew 5:13-16; Ephesians 4:15; 2 Timothy 4:2)

Consequently, I can expect opposition.  [I will use an analogy in my own words that a pastor of mine used during one of his sermons a couple of years ago.]  When a fish is going downstream with the current and the other fish, there isn't anything really getting in its' way.  Sure, there may be some debris floating by in the water.  There may be some leaves and branches from the trees that have fallen into the river.  There may even be some dead fish floating in the water as you pass them by downstream.  However, there truly isn't any real opposition because they are going the same way as everything else.  When you repent and turn away from the world's systems---their mindsets, their ways, their processes, their behaviors---you will be totally going the opposite way.  You will be going against the current of the river or the world in this case.  You will experience a lot more resistance.  A lot more opposition.  You will be going upstream now.  You will be going God's way.  Doing His work and His will.  There will be debris passing you by going the opposite way.  There may be some leaves and branches from the trees overlooking the river.  You may also see some of the dead fish floating downstream as you are going upstream.  However, there will be a lot more fish coming up against you as well.  They may try to bite you.  They may attempt to drown you.  There may even be other obstacles in your way.  You keep moving forward though.  You keep persevering against the current of the river.  Knowing that on the other side---the end of that part of the journey---there will be a beautiful place for you.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."  (Hebrews 12:1-3, NIV - emphasis added mine)

Before Jesus left this world, He specifically told us we would have problems and trouble in this world.  However, He also left all of us with this reminder.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  (John 16:33, NIV)

Copyright 2017 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Dear Younger Me

                                                                                         Source: YouTube

The above music video entitled Dear Younger Me is performed by the Christian artist group, MercyMe.  In the video, the artist sings about writing a letter to his younger self.  This contemporary Christian song is one of my favorites in the last several months.  I have been thinking about the letter that I would write to my younger self.  I am wondering whether there are others out there who may ponder the same about themselves.

What would I say to my younger self?  What would you say to your younger self?

This particular artist begins his letter in the song lyrics like this... "Dear Younger Me...Where do I start...If I could tell you everything that I have learned so far...Then, you could be...One step ahead...Of all the painful memories still running through my head...I wonder how much different things would be...Dear Younger Me..."

Those lyrics are probably the way many of us would start a similar letter to our younger selves.  We may not know exactly the way to begin the letter, but there would be a lot to include in it.  Perhaps, we could have spared our younger selves a lot of unnecessary heartache, pain, regret, hardships, challenges, trials, and more.  That is, if we could go back in time and share that much gained knowledge, wisdom, discernment, clarity, and more with our younger selves.

Would we do anything differently with all of that gained knowledge, wisdom, insight, experience?  I definitely would do some things in a different way---a better way.  For one, I would tell my younger self to daily read the Bible---God's word.

I have learned since then that an unrenewed mind hinders us in life.  There were many years where I was not renewing my mind on God's word---His truth (See Romans 12:2).  As a result, I really didn't know my specific purpose in God's plan nor that it was a good plan for me.  Only as I disciplined myself to read and study His word did I not only came to personally know my Father in a more intimate way but also the plans He had for me---plans to give me a hope and a future (See Jeremiah 29:11).

How about you?  What have you learned?  What would you do differently?


Copyright 2017 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

The Way to Pray

I have often heard believers say that they do not know the way to pray.  It is usually new believers or relatively young believers in Jesus Christ but not always.  

I formerly did not know and understand the way to pray either.  However, it is not so much a particular format or structure that God is concerned about for us.  It is more of the heart cry from us to Him.

Prayer is simply a conversation with our Father God.  Jesus often prayed to His Father (See Mark 1:35; Luke 5:16; John 17:1).  He also taught us the way to pray in God's word.

Therefore, take a look at the most well-known prayer---The Lord's Prayer.

'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us today our daily bread.  And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'  (Matthew 6:9-13, NIV)

Notice the way, Jesus began this prayer to His Father.  The Son first addressed God in a respectful manner.  He did not use poor language or a slang version.  He honored and respected His Father.  Consequently, it showed in the way Jesus addressed Him.  

Next, the Son told His Father the way He wanted His Kingdom to come and His will to be done.  He desired what God had for Him and wanted for Him.  Therefore, Jesus submitted Himself to His Father and His perfect will.  

Jesus asked for daily provision when He talked about 'daily bread.'  He knew His Father would meet His needs.  However, the Son requested it in this model prayer to make it truly known to God.

The fourth part consisted of asking for any forgiveness and helping all of Jesus' disciples to forgive others.  There is a both a giving and receiving of forgiveness in all relationships.

Lastly, Jesus requested for all of His followers not to be allowed to fall into temptation as well as to be delivered from the enemy's camp so to speak.  He prayed this one for His twelve disciples, but it includes all of us today.  Additionally, He modeled this prayer for all of us.

Copyright 2016 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Running for Daddy

Many years ago now while growing up in West Tennessee, there were a few boys who were throwing rocks on top of a big pile of gravel rocks near a new home construction site.  My sister and I were both in elementary school back then.  At the time, we were also both there with the young boys.  I am currently not sure of the reason.  However, one of the boys was a neighborhood kid that we both knew and played with sometimes.  Anyway, my younger sister got hit in the mouth with one of the gravel rocks by the boy we both knew then.  

           While my sister stood there crying on top of the big rock pile, I ran down the road about a block away to get my Daddy who was at home.  We both went back to the new construction site where some of the kids were still playing there including the neighborhood boy.  I had already told my Daddy that my sister was hurt.  I then pointed to the little boy who had thrown a gravel rock and hit my younger sister with it.  She was still crying and one of her lips was bleeding from the injury.  I remember my Daddy scolding the boy about the incident.  He was upset that someone had hurt his child.   Afterwards, all three of us headed back home together to nurture and care for my sister.    
When we or others we love are hurt by other people, we can run for our Daddy.  We can run to our Father.  He will console and comfort us.  He will discipline or chastise the people for us if they are His children (See Hebrews 12:4-11).  We do not have to do it ourselves.  He will nurture and care for us.  We can trust that He loves us.  He will take care of the situation for us.  We can rest in His love for us.  He is for us!  Therefore, who dare be against us (See Romans 8:31-39)?!?!  

Copyright 2016 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

True Gifts of God's Grace

"Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?  Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent?  If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!  Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 7:9-12, NKJV)."

In this particular passage of scripture, the author of Matthew primarily spoke about prayer and the answers to prayer.  When you really think about it though, it also applies to other aspects of our Christian lives.

For example...

If someone comes up to you and asks for you to specifically help them in a certain way, then you decide to do it your own way.  How does that really help the person?  

A person must really make themselves available to others.  In order to truly be disciples of Jesus Christ, we must live like He lived and give like He gave---fully, completely, wholeheartedly---without holding anything back and certainly not giving in a way that is not helpful to the other person.  

In the book of Romans, the author talks about all believers being living sacrifices.  What is a living sacrifice?  Jesus was the prime example of a living sacrifice (See Romans 12:1).  He gave of Himself, His time, His talents, and His other resources.

If we are also to be living sacrifices, doesn't that mean we also give of ourselves?  We also give of our time, our talents, and any other resources.

To be a living sacrifice is to be "holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1, NIV)."  That particular verse also says that it is our "true and proper worship (Romans 12:1, NIV)."  God desires true worshipers--true worshipers who worship the Father in Spirit and in Truth (See John 4:23-24).

Therefore, true worshipers are living sacrifices.  Living sacrifices are true worshipers.  They worship the Father in Spirit and in Truth.  They generously give of themselves, their gifts, their time, their talents, their money, and any other resources.

Consequently, when people generously give, they also make sure that the receivers are truly ready to receive the gifts.  They also make sure they are sending the gifts to the correct physical location.  Because in order for it to be a true gift, they are sent not only in the right spirit but with the right mindset and heart for the receiver.     

Memorable Quotes:

"True gifts of God's Grace are not sent into outer space while the receiver is here waiting on earth."  

"People must be able to physically and/or spiritually receive gifts in order for them to truly be gifts of God's grace."  

"It is not a true gift of God's grace when you send the gift into outer space while the person who is to receive the gift is actually here on earth."

Copyright 2015 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved. 

"Lord, What About Him?"

Jesus finished having an important conversation with His disciple, Simon Peter.  During this particular conversation with Peter, He asked him if he loved Him.  Not once, but three times.  Peter told Jesus that he loved Him.  Then, Jesus told Peter to feed His sheep.  At the very end of their conversation, Jesus said, "Follow Me!"  (See John 21:15-19 - paraphrased and emphasis added mine)

Let's pick up now with verse 20.

Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them.  [This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”]

When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” (v 21)

Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”  Because of this, the rumor spread among the believers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus did not say that he would not die; he only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”

This is the disciple who testifies to these things and who wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.

Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.  (See John 21:20-25)

Let's go back up to verse 21.

When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”

Peter asked Jesus an important question that day.  One that requires a little more attention on our part at this time.  "Lord, what about him?" 

How often do we ask Jesus that same question?  "Lord, what about him?"  Or..."Lord, what about her?"  "Do you seeing what he is doing?"  Do you see what she is doing?"  "Do you seeing what he is not doing?"  Do you see what she is not doing?" 

Did you notice Jesus' first response to Peter though?  “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” 

In this particular instance, Peter is very much like many of us within the body of Christ.  He seemed to care more about the other disciple's response or lack of response to Jesus.  He was too concerned about the other man's response and not his own response to the Son of God.  In part, he was comparing himself to the other disciple.  He was too busy thinking about the other person's business and not taking care of his Father's business.

It is much more important to concentrate and focus on what Jesus is telling us than being concerned about what others are doing or not doing for Jesus.  We need to pay more attention to Jesus and His instructions to us.  We also need to pay less attention to whether others are listening to Him and obeying Him.

We have all been given a specific calling, assignment, and task in God's purpose and plan.  We are all accountable to Him and only Him.  Therefore, we need to do our own part and not concern ourselves with everyone else.  We need to be about our Father's business.  Allow God to take care of all the other disciples of Jesus Christ.  He is very capable.

When we stand before God on judgment day, He will not ask us what others did for Him.  He will only ask us about our part.  He will only ask us whether we were obedient and faithful to what He had called us and equipped us to do for Him.  Let's decide today to only be about our Father's business, and let Him take care of everyone else's business.


Copyright 2015 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

A New Creation

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"  (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV)

Do you realize that you are a new creation?  That is, if you have accepted Jesus into your heart and made Him your Lord, then you are a new creation.  "...The old has gone, the new is here!"

It truly means you are no longer your old self---the old, fleshy, sinful person you were previously.  You are now a new creation.  You have been born again spiritually.  You are a totally new person. 

In one of His letters to the Corinth church, the Apostle Paul spoke about God giving us the ministry of reconciliation.  He wanted all the believers there to know that God had reconciled us to Himself through Christ.  In addition, God was reconciling the entire world to Himself...not counting people's sins against them.  

God gave all believers this ministry---the ministry of reconciliation.  Paul continued on about all believers being Christ's ambassadors and being committed to the message of reconciliation. 

Our Father God no longer sees us as our old or former selves.  Neither should we view ourselves in that way.  He sees us, His children, just like He sees His Son, Jesus. 

Pure.  Blameless.  (Philippians 2:14-16)  Holy.  (1Peter 1:15-16)  Righteous.  (2 Corinthians 5:21)   Above Reproach.  Perfect.  (Matthew 5:48)  Complete. 

We should also view ourselves the way our Father views us.  In light of what Jesus did for us on the cross.  (See Isaiah 53)

To think and/or say otherwise is to say that you don't believe what Jesus did for you.  Or...you don't believe He did enough.  Or...perhaps, you think you have to work for it.  Whatever the reason, it is enough.  It was enough.  You don't have to work for it.  It is finished!  (John 19:30)  Believe it!

When we are in Christ, we are new people.  We are in Christ, and He is in us.  As one Bible teacher has previously said…We are spiritual beings living in a body with a soul.  We are viewed by God as new creations.  We are new creations.  The old has passed away.  The new has come.

 

Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Jesus is Our Light

What do you do when you are in the dark?  You turn on the light.  If you are entering a dark room, a dark house, or a dark building; then, you turn on a light.

The same is true in our spiritual lives.  If you are in the dark about an issue or situation in your life, you turn on the light---the light of God's word. 

Jesus was in the temple courts teaching a group of people.  The Pharisees and the teachers of the law brought in a woman who had been caught in adultery and placed her before the group.  They told Jesus and asked Him, "...Now what do you say?"  (John 8:5b, NIV)  He calmly responded to their accusation.  "Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her."  (John 8:7b, NIV)  Each of the woman's accusers left one by one until only Jesus and the woman were left standing there.  Then, He turns to the woman and asks her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"  (John 8:10b, NIV)  "No one, sir," she said.  "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."  (John 8:11, NIV)

When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”  (John 8:12, NIV)

Another time, Jesus predicted His death before a crowd of people.  He was referring to Himself as the light.

 Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going.  Believe in the light while you have the light, so that you may become children of light.” When He had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid Himself from them.  (John 12:35-36, NIV)

John spoke about God being light. 

"This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you: God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all.  If we claim to have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.  But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin.  (1 John 5-7, NIV)

In Matthew's account, he talked about the believers in Jesus being the light. 

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16, NIV)

When we spend time in God's word (in the presence of Jesus), we are able to shed more light on matters in our lives.  Jesus is our light.  When we spend time with Him, we have more light in ourselves as well as in our lives.  Then, we can truly be light in this dark world. 

Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Meditating on God's Word

"Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." (Joshua 1:8, NIV)

Meditating on God's word may not be something that you are familiar with in your spiritual walk.

The word 'meditate' is defined as to consider, think, ponder, contemplate, reflect.

Meditation on God's word is a spiritual discipline. It is a recommended part of every believer's spiritual development and growth.

Most importantly, it is commanded by God our Father in His word.

Our Father God not only told us in the book of Joshua to meditate on His word but to meditate on it all the time so we can obey everything in it.

How do we meditate on it all the time?

For one, we consider or think on a particular scripture verse. For example, "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19, NIV)

We keep thinking about the same scripture verse for a period of time. "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19, NIV)

We contemplate and reflect on it until it truly sinks into our heart---until we get a revelation about that specific verse. "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19, NIV)

Perhaps, we even begin confessing out loud. Make it personal. "And my God will meet all of my needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus." My God will meet all of my needs. All means all. He didn't say some. He said all. It's not according to my own riches. It's according to His riches in glory. I am in Christ. Therefore, I have His riches.

That's only one example from scripture in order to get you started with meditating on God's word. Please feel free to also use other scripture verses. Do it frequently throughout the day.  Every day.

In the next part of Joshua 1:8, God then tells us that we will be prosperous and successful.

It's very important to observe this command from God. We cannot be truly prosperous and successful in our lives.

The prosperity and success that is spoken of in the book of Joshua isn't necessarily the kind that you may think of at the moment. It certainly isn't the kind that the world talks about much of the time. However, it is the kind that God wants for us.

He wants us to be prosperous and successful because it honors and glorifies Him. Plus, He is a good God! A loving father who wants to bless His children. What good, loving father would ever want or do anything else? (Matthew 7:9-11) Do you want to be blessed? I know that I sure do.

 

Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

It is Finished!

While Jesus was hanging on the cross, He became thirsty and asked for a drink from those who were tormenting and crucifying Him.  (John 19:28-29) 

When He had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.  (John 19:30, NIV) 

Those three little words---"It is finished"---mean much more than you may be able to comprehend immediately. 

"It is finished."  (Selah)  Think, consider, ponder, and meditate on those three words now.  (Joshua 1:8)  "It is finished."  (John 19:30)  

We rest in Jesus' finished work.

Everything was accomplished for us---believers---on the cross.  By everything, I mean everything.  Salvation is ours.  Forgiveness is ours.  Healing is ours.  (Psalm 103:2-3; Isaiah 53:4-5; 1 Peter 2:24)  Provision is ours.  (Philippians 4:19)  Blessings are ours.  (Ephesians 1:3)  Inheritance is ours.  (Ephesians 1:14, 18)  And, the list goes on. 

We don't have to earn it.  We don't have to manually work for it.  It has already been done for us.  Jesus paid the price for it.  He accomplished it for us.  All of it is a gift from God, our Father.  And, He is the ultimate giver.  (James 1:17)  

We only receive as little or as much as we are willing to receive from our Father though.  Just like any earthly father, our heavenly Father will not force His gifts on His children.  They are free.  He wants to give all of them to us.  However, it is up to us.  We have to do our part in order to receive all of those gifts. 

We are His heirs.  (Romans 8:17)  As most heirs of an inheritance, we need to continue in a relationship with that person---namely, our Father, in this case.  That on-going relationship includes fellowship, communication, sharing with one another, learning and growing together. 

Through the relationship with our Father and renewing our minds in His word, we are able to believe and receive more from Him.  (Romans 12:2; Hebrews 11:1; Mark 11:22-24)  We receive everything from Him by grace through faith.  (Ephesians 2:8-9) 

The Holy Spirit works in and through us to not only believe and receive from Him but also to agree with Him and get in alignment with Him. (John 14:26; Luke 12:12; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12-14; Mark 11:22-24; 1 Thessalonians 5:17)

I want to receive all that my Father has for me in this life.  How much do you want to receive from Him?  What will you receive from Him?  It's your choice.  You decide.  Just know and remember that "It is finished."  (John 19:30)  


Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.