Love God

"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)

What stood out for you?

Read it again if necessary.

"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)

Do you know what stood out to me?

"to those who love God"

So, does that mean... for those who do not know God and love Him... things will not work together for their good...? (pause)

Sure makes me think...

How about you?

Copyright 2022 by Dawn Freeman. All Rights Reserved.

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.

Life or Death

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.

I am reminded of God's word to all people.

“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.”

(Deuteronomy 30:15-20, NKJV)

I encourage you to choose life not just in this Presidential election but always in every area of life.

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.

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.

Fruit of the Spirit

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control...” (Galatians 5:22-23, NIV)

Are you full of fruit?  That is, the fruit of the Spirit.

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)

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 Nehemiah 8:10)

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)

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.

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)

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)

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)

Gentleness is the eighth fruit-bearing sign.  Hardness or harshness is just a couple of words that are opposites of this one.  "Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near."  (Philippians 4:5, NIV)

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)

By their fruit you will recognize them...  (See Matthew 7:16, 20)


Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

The Need for a Savior

Everyone needs a Savior, and His name is Jesus.

It doesn't matter if you are "good" like a Pharisee in your own eyes or one of the worst of sinners like the Apostle Paul was considered for persecuting Christians before his actual conversion. It doesn't matter if you haven't ever accepted Jesus and His "free" gift of salvation, or you have been a Christian warming the seats on the pews for decades. It doesn't matter if you have not ever stepped inside a church building, or you grew up in the church and attended on a weekly basis. It doesn't matter if you keep all of the man-made rules, regulations, and traditions or you break all of those rules, regulations, and traditions in this world. It doesn't matter if you are a goody two-shoes or a dirty, rotten scoundrel in the eyes of this world. It doesn't matter where you fall on those different spectrums. It doesn't matter if it is just one of those items or a combination of those items within those different ranges either.

Also... if you break one part of the law, you break all of the law (See Deuteronomy 5:1-22).  Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:37-40, NKJV)

Can you really love God with all of your heart, soul, mind, strength? Can you truly love your neighbor as yourself?

If not, then you have broken all of the law.

And, if you break all the law...Then, you cannot truly do anything by yourself. You cannot really do anything on your own in this world.

You need a Savior. He's not just a part-time Savior either. He's a full-time Savior.

He's a Savior for every moment of every day.

Do you recognize and acknowledge your need for the Savior?

Have you confessed your need for Him?

That is truly all that matters then.

Recognize, acknowledge, confess your need for the one, true Savior of this world every moment of every day for the rest of your life here on earth as it is in heaven.

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


Copyright 2019 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

What's Love Got To Do With It?

The songstress Tina Turner, sang "What's Love Got to Do With It?" in the 80's.  In the song, she sings about love just being a second-hand emotion.  

Therefore, "What's Love Got to Do With It?"

Plenty.

The world's view of love is quite different than God's view of love.  According to God and His word, love is not just a second-hand emotion.  In biblical truth, it is not really an emotion at all.  

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved."  (John 3:16-17, NKJV)

God loved the whole world so very much that He thought of all of us first before anything else.  It was not any second-hand emotion.  It was a choice.  He chose to give up His only begotten Son, so everyone else in the world would have the opportunity to live eternally with Him.  He wanted every person to be saved from the eternal punishment of the fiery pit of hell which results in total separation from Him forever.

That's how much He really loves all of us in this world.  He doesn't force anyone to love Him though.  He woos each one of us to Himself.

How does He do that?

Well, for one, by His true nature.  In His word, He tells us that, "...God [He] is love."  (See 1 John 4:8)

Additionally, He draws each one of us to Himself through natural circumstances in life as well as in other ways.  (See James 1:2-4, 4:8a) 

As we come to truly know Him, we come to really love Him.    Then, and only then can we say that, "We love Him because He first loved us."  (1 John 4:19, NKJV)  

And, His love really changes us from the inside out!  We are transformed by His unconditional and unlimited love.  When we are truly changed, we don’t nor won’t want to hurt Him, ourselves, nor others in the ways that a lot of other people think and do others in this world.  We think of Him and His ways instead of the world and its ways.  

We then can truly know the real answer to the question, "What's Love Got To Do With It?"

What will you say the next time another person asks you that particular question?  Will you answer the way the world does in that specific song?  Or, will you answer the way God thinks and says in His word?

Copyright 2018 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.

Tell Me the Story of Jesus

Tell Me the Story of Jesus

Source: YouTube

"...Tell me the story of Jesus...Write on my heart every word...Tell me the story most precious...Sweetest that ever was heard..."

The above song lyrics of the old hymn, Tell Me the Story of Jesus, has been on my heart and mind for some time now. It has really been resonating with me lately.

I have been reminded that everybody in this world has a story to tell others. Most importantly, every believer of Jesus Christ has a story to tell other people in this world. What is the reason?

Everybody has been through challenges, obstacles, hardships, and trials in life. (See James 1:2-4) What is most important though is this... Who got them through those difficulties? What brought them out on the other side of those downfalls? How did they come out of those so-called pits in life?

Whether a person has yet accepted Him into their hearts and lives or not, it was Jesus---the name above all names. (See Romans 10:9-10) He is the author and finisher of our faith. (See Hebrews 12:1-2) He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end---who is, who was, and who is to come. (See Revelation 1:8, 22:13)

Jesus has a story. Briefly, His story is the true Gospel---His death, burial, and resurrection. (See Isaiah 53; Matthew 26-28; John 3:16-17, 19:30; Romans 10:9-10) Everyone has a story. He wants all of us to share our stories with others. Most importantly, He desires that we tell His story.

What is His story in your life? How has He loved you? What has He done for you? How has He changed you? Additionally, the list goes on... Therefore, I encourage you and challenge you today and every day thereafter. Share your story and tell people the story of Jesus.


Copyright 2017 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Love is Not Rude

Have you ever seen ABC's Full House? It was a half-hour sitcom in the 1990's. There was this one young character, Stephanie Tanner, who had a two-word phrase that she used often when referring to other people.

Just click on the web link below.  Then, briefly watch and listen.

Stephanie Tanner

Source: YouTube

I have been thinking, observing, and experiencing the rudeness of other people in my path as well as in my life lately. Maybe, I should begin saying to them, "How Rude!" Do you think they would get the point? Perhaps. Probably not though.

Anyway, I remember a specific part in scripture where it mentions that kind of inappropriate and unrighteous behavior.

Let's pick up with this scripture reference now.

"Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails." (1 Corinthians 13:4-8, NKJV)

Did you specifically notice verse 5 of that part of scripture? "does not behave rudely..." (v5)

Love does not behave rudely. It is not rude.

There are many people in this world who are downright rude and inconsiderate of other people. They only think of themselves. They are just selfish and self-centered people. They are not loving people.

However, God tells us in His word---The Holy Bible---the way we should think of others. He talks about the appropriate and righteous behavior of His legitimate children.

"Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4, NKJV)

We are not supposed to look and act like the rest of the world. We are to think of others which means not being selfish, self-centered, nor ultimately rude or inconsiderate of other people.

When people begin getting their minds off of themselves and onto other people, then it will be a much better world. It also helps out the individuals.

Jesus is the ultimate example for all of us. He thought of others. He considered people. He helped them. He didn't hurt them by being rude, selfish, self-centered, nor inconsiderate of them. He loved them. He spoke the truth to people. (See John 8:2-11)

How can we be more like Jesus? How can we help other people? What is one task we can do for someone else?


Copyright 2017 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Listening to Godly Counsel

God prepares and trains many different people along their unique paths for His specific purpose and plan.  Unfortunately, He normally raises them up through various hardships, trials, challenges, obstacles, and more (See James 1:2-4).  David and Joseph are only a couple of examples of the way God promoted and increased them over their lifetime (Read Genesis 37-50; 1 Samuel 16-17).

It does not necessarily have to be that way though.  People do not have to learn everything for themselves the hard way.  

Once Jesus was released into His full-time ministry, He was usually only able to help those people who either personally asked for His assistance and/or personally came to Him for assistance.  Of course, there was the instance of the woman at the well but she was a rare exception (See John 4:1-26, 39-42).  She did not ask Him and/or personally come to Him at first.  Nine times out of ten people normally sought Him out and asked for His help.   

That goes without saying for all of God's children.  We are only able to truly help those who are receptive to us whom God has placed in our paths.  They either need to personally ask for our help and/or personally come to us.

There have been more people than I care to think about or count on my hands that have not been receptive to me for one reason or another.  I have come to realize it more over the last several years that it is their problem and not mine though.  I cannot make people believe and receive the truth when I speak the truth in love to them (See Ephesians 4:15).  I cannot force them to make righteous choices---choices that line up with God's word, His ways, His perfect will, and His spirit within them (See Isaiah 55:8-9; Matthew 4:4; Romans 12:2).

It is really a shame that so many people prefer to learn for themselves the hard way instead of being receptive and learning from people like me who have already gained the wisdom, knowledge, insight, clarity through their own life experiences and faith journeys.

However, I have been reminded that "...fools despise wisdom and instruction (Proverbs 1:7, NIV)."

"Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed."  (Proverbs 15:22, NIV)

Therefore, it behooves people to not only seek out Godly counsel but actually listen and heed the wise counsel.   

Special Note:  Now offering coaching and mentoring services through my worldwide public ministry.  Go to my ministry website (http://www.dawnfreeman.org/coaching_mentoring/) and briefly fill out a form when you are interested in those type of services.


Copyright 2016 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.