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.

Relationship With God

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 Genesis 1:26-27)

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 Isaiah 53; John 3:16; Romans 3:23, 6:23, 10:8-10)

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 1 Samuel 16:7; James 4:8a)

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 Matthew 6:33, 18:19; Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18; James 1:2-5; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; 1 John 5:14-15)

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.

(Read Joshua 1:8; Jeremiah 29:11-14; Psalm 139; Matthew 4:4; Romans 12:1-2)

Copyright 2021 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Doing Good

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! 

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. 

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. 

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.

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!

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.

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 Matthew 18:19; Ephesians 4:15)

Additionally, read Matthew 14:1-21.

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.

The Atonement

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.

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.

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.

Jesus is in us, and we are in Him. So, the devil is a defeated foe. Don't believe any of his lies.

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.

(See Isaiah 53; John 8:44, 10:10; Romans 8:1; 2 Corinthians 10:4-6)

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.

Eternal Salvation

Actress 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.

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.

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.

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 Genesis 37:18-24; Exodus 13:14, 16-18; Daniel 3; Matthew 4:1-11).  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. 

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. 

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? 

(Read Isaiah 53; John 3:16-17; John 19; Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Romans 10:8-10)

Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All Rights Reserved.

Thy Will Be Done

Source: YouTube

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. 

There may be times and days where we experience more challenges, trials, and hardships than other times and days (See James 1:2-4).  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 John 15:18-25)

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.  

So then Pilate took Jesus and scourged Him.  And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe.  Then they said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they struck Him with their hands.  (John 19:1-3, NKJV)

He was mocked.  He was tortured.  He was whipped.  He took thirty-nine lashes on His physical body.

They crucified Him upon a cross, and a title was put on there.  

"JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS."  (John 19:19, NKJV)

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.  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:

“They divided My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots.”

Therefore the soldiers did these things.  (John 19:23-24, NKJV)

After... Jesus received the sour wine,  He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.  (John 19:30, NKJV)

But one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.  (John 19:34, NKJV)

Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All Rights Reserved.

Proclaiming God's Word

Proclaim God's word --- His truth --- instead of claiming the devil's lies.

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.

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit." (Proverbs 18:21, NKJV)

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 Isaiah 53; 1 Peter 2:24)

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)

"I shall not die, but live, And declare the works of the Lord." (Psalm 118:17, NKJV)

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.

"Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers." (3 John 2, NKJV)

Choose to believe Him and His word over the lies of the enemy of your soul. (See Mark 11:22-24; John 8:44, 10:10)

Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

No Condemnation

"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)

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 Hosea 4:6a). Basically, due to not daily renewing the mind on God's word though (See Romans 12:2).

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.

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].

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.


Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Faith vs. Fear

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.

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 Isaiah 53:4-5).  We are protected from all sickness, disease, illness by the blood of the Lamb.  Therefore, we already have divine health in this life. 

 

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.  

"Fear of man will prove to be a snare..."  (Proverbs 29:25a, NIV)



"The wicked flee when no one pursues... " (Proverbs 28:1a, NKJV)

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 2 Corinthians 5:7).  We live by the Spirit of God within us.  We are in this world but not of this world (See Romans 12:2).  

"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)

God tell us hundreds of times in His word, "Do not fear... Do not be afraid..."  (See Deuteronomy 31:6, 8)  We can believe Him and trust Him.  He is trustworthy and faithful.

"...but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe."  (Proverbs 29:25b, NIV)

"...But the righteous are bold as a lion." (Proverbs 28:1b, NKJV)

However, we use wisdom and walk in love towards other people which includes those who are weak in faith (See Romans 14; James 1:5).  Therefore, we wear masks when we are out and about in order to love ourselves and others in the world (See Matthew 22:37-40; Luke 6:31).  We keep our distance from others.  We isolate ourselves from other people.

But, ultimately we believe and know that God is our protector (See Psalm 91).

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe." (Proverbs 18:10, NKJV)

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.

Looking Back

What are you looking back at now?  What is holding you back?  What is hindering you?  What is distracting you?

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!

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 disintegrated into a pillar of salt. 

"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)

"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)

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)

Do not allow anything to hinder or distract you from doing God's work and reaching your destiny.


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.

Eternal Weight of Glory

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 Ruth 1)

There are people even today who are much like Naomi.  They blame God and become bitter as a result of their unfortunate circumstances.

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.

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 Jeremiah 29:11-13; Romans 8:28-30; 2 Corinthians 3:18; James 4:8)

We can choose to become bitter or better through natural circumstances.  Never both though. (See Ruth 1:20-22)

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 Romans 8:28-30; 2 Corinthians 3:18, 4:16-18)

"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)


Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Counting the Cost

Have you truly counted the cost of your decisions?  

For yourself?  For others?

We all suffer and endure at the expense of not only our decisions but also other people's decisions within the body of Christ.  Why?  We are all connected both spiritually, physically, and/or otherwise.  We are ultimately affected as a part of the spiritual body though.

"And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it."  (1 Corinthians 12:26, NKJV)

However, there is another way.

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me."  (Matthew 16:24, NKJV)

'The world' would have you to think and believe that you are just on your own here.  You have to do it all by yourself.  Just pick yourself up by your boot straps so to speak.  You are old enough, educated enough, pretty enough, etc.  After all, it's all about you and your own selfish thoughts and ways.  You should be self-sufficient.  Just do it as the Nike commercial said many years ago.

Well, that kind of thinking is contrary to God and His word.  

"For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ."  (1 Corinthians 12:12, NKJV)

"For in fact the body is not one member but many."  (1 Corinthians 12:14, NKJV)

But now indeed there are many members, yet one body.  And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”  No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.  And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty,  but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.  (1 Corinthians 12:20-25, NKJV)

"Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.  And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.  Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles?  Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?"  (1 Corinthians 12:27-30, NKJV)

We all need not only God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.  We all need each other spiritually, physically, and/or otherwise.  

The Apostle Paul not only recognized his weaknesses but he boasted about them.  That is usually contrary to the world's view which doesn't want you to know your weakness, show your weakness, or talk about your weakness.  He knew that it wasn't about him but about Jesus Christ though.  

And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.  (2 Corinthians 12:9-10, NKJV)

I too like the Apostle Paul recognize my weaknesses.  Therefore, I know my absolute need for my Savior on a daily basis.  It's through His Grace that He strengthens me, empowers me, and more.  

What is Grace?  For one, Grace is the person of Jesus Christ.  Grace is also a gift which cannot be earned nor worked for either.  We are not only saved by Grace through faith in Jesus, but we also live by Grace through faith in Jesus.  (See Romans 5:1-2; Ephesians 2:8-9)  

We are not only made in God's image, but we are His children which is all by Grace through faith in Jesus.  He loves all of us unconditionally.  (See Genesis 1:26-27; Romans 8:31-39)  He not only modeled His love for us but tells us about His love for us.  (See Isaiah 53; John 3:16-17; 1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

"By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren."  (1 John 3:16, NKJV)

What does that look like?

"My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth."  (1 John 3:18, NKJV)

What is the truth?

God's word.  It is the absolute and eternal truth.

"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”  (John 8:32, NKJV)

That freedom is not to indulge the flesh --- the old, sinful nature --- but to serve one another in love --- His perfect love.  (See Galatians 5:13-14, 16)

Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All Rights Reserved.