Reading The Holy Bible

I encourage every member within the body of Christ to read The Holy Bible also known as The Word of God on a daily basis. Without regularly reading it, people revert back to their old or former selves. It becomes evident in the way people think, talk, and act in life.

God's word is meant to help people to actually live the Christian life; learn and grow in a personal relationship; walk by faith and not by sight; learn and grow in new identity; learn and know specific purpose; gain knowledge about the Kingdom; receive personal revelation; and so much more.

There are a variety of options in the goal to reading the Bible whether through personal devotionals, a Bible reading plan, Bible studies, and/or a combination of the different options. Every person needs to intentionally read God's word for your mind, your health, your life. Choose to learn and grow spiritually and otherwise. As a result, you will reap the benefits and be the best person that God has created, called, chosen you to be for His purpose and plan.

(See Joshua 1:8; Isaiah 53; Jeremiah 29:11-13; Psalm 103:1-5; Matthew 4:4; John 19; Acts 1:8, 17:24-28; Romans 12:1-2; 3 John 2)

Copyright 2022 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.

Sovereignty vs. Control

What if I told you that God is not in control?  Too many members within the body of Christ think and say that God is in control.  Being 'in control' means that a person actually makes people act against their will whether by domination, restraint, or force.  That line of thinking and speaking contradicts His character and His word though.  

He gave all people dominion over the whole earth including the creatures and land (See Genesis 1:26).  Therefore, He put all people in charge so to speak. He also gave every person a choice or "free will" dating way back to the Garden of Eden, when both Adam and Eve chose to sin against Almighty God --- the Creator of the universe (Read Genesis 1-3). 

Of course, He uses every person's "free will" or choices altogether for His purpose in the earth.  It's known as His sovereignty which is totally different than Him being in control of everyone and everything.  His children are led by His spirit within them (See Romans 8:14).  As they surrender, submit, obey Him; He uses them and their choices according to His will for them.  And, we know that all things work for the good of those who love Him which are called according to His purpose (See Romans 8:28).



Copyright 2020 by Dawn Freeman. All Rights Reserved.

God's Calling

God's calling for each one of His children is unique, specific, irrevocable.

"And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love." (Ephesians 4:11-16, NKJV)

When God personally calls you into a particular aspect of ministry, He never changes that specific calling throughout your life. He may give you different assignments throughout your life but never a different calling. If He has equipped you and called you to be an evangelist, you will always be an evangelist. For example, Billy Graham is probably the most well-known evangelist in this world. He traveled, spoke, and preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world for many decades. He founded the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association which consists of television, radio, film productions; the Billy Graham Library; as well as the Rapid Response team. As He got older, He didn't travel and preach as much but He was still an evangelist. He wrote and published books including his memoir.

Therefore, know and remember that your specific calling never changes but your assignments will vary throughout your life in this world.


[Also, see 1 Corinthians 12]

Copyright 2019 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Greater Works

Jesus never became friends with the devil. However, within the body of Christ, it seems that some members think and believe that we are to just tolerate sin and passively accept the works of the devil in the world. Too many Christians seem to believe that it's alright for men to think, dress, and act like women; women to think, dress, and act like men; for both men and women to have operations and procedures which change their God-created physical bodies; and so much more. It is not alright. Nowhere in God's word does it say that is alright with Almighty God either. Therefore, it should not be alright with any true believer within the body of Jesus Christ.

One of the reasons I have brought this up is due to a ministry meeting I attended a couple of months ago. This particular ministry hosts support groups for both men and women at different agencies within the community. Now, they are allowing men who identify as women to attend women support groups which not only bothers me but concerns me for the actual women within the groups who may want and need to talk confidentially about their past, their relationships, the men in their lives; and more. With so-called women now identifying themselves as women instead of actually men, it can be even more of crossed boundary lines within the support groups. As a minister, I found the whole topic of self-identified women who are still physically men allowed in women support groups to be very disturbing to me.

For those who are truly blood-bought children of God, we are in the world but not of the world. It is so very important for us to set an example as Jesus Christ was the example for us. He never condoned sin even in unbelievers such as the adulteress woman. He didn't condemn her either. However, He did tell her to go and sin no more. With the demon-possessed man, Jesus rebuked the evil spirit within the man as well as commanded him to come out and go into the swine. He didn't just accept the demonic man as he was at the time. There are also plenty of other instances in God's word where Jesus didn't tolerate the sin nor placate the sinner.

"...as He is, so are we in this world..." (1 John 4:17, NKJV - emphasis added mine)

Jesus not only tells us the works we are to do here, but He also shows us the works we are to do in God's word. Before He left this world, He told all of God's legitimate children that we do greater works than He did while He was here. (See John 14:12-14) Consequently, I not only encourage you but also strongly urge you to do all of His work in this world.

"The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn..." (Isaiah 61:1-2, NIV)

Who will seriously join me?  I am looking for people to partner with me in ministry.

(See Genesis 1 - 2; Isaiah 53; Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 5:1-20; John 8:1-11; Romans 12:1-2)

Copyright 2018 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Mind Your Business

"Idle hands are the devil's workshop."  Perhaps, you have heard that particular saying before.  Though it is not found in scripture, there is truth found in the statement.  The Apostle Paul warned believers specifically in the book of 2 Thessalonians about idleness.

He begins, "Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us." (2 Thessalonians 3:6, ESV)

There are reasons for his warning.  For one, no person should be lazy when it comes to the Lord's work.  However, the devil is also more able to tempt people when they are not staying productive within the Kingdom of God.  So, idle hands can be the way the devil uses them.  In addition, God does not want any person to be a burden on any one person.  We all need to be responsible for our individual selves.  God does not want any person to be a stumbling block for anyone else, nor does he want any person to be a hindrance to the true Gospel.  (See Isaiah 53; John 19; Romans 14:13; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-10)   

Unfortunately, there are members within the body of Christ today who are too idle.  Consequently, the enemy uses them.  They gossip, meddle, and more because they are not truly being productive.  Therefore, they are busy bodies in other people's lives.  

The Apostle Paul heard about this same issue within the church at Thessalonica.

"For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies."  (2 Thessalonians 3:11, ESV)

He knew and understood the reason there were some people who were being busy bodies.  At the same time, he encouraged the members of the church.

"Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living."  (2 Thessalonians 3:12, ESV)

He goes on to say, "As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.  If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed.  Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother."  (2 Thessalonians 3:13-15, ESV)

And, in the words of Will Smith...

[Source: YouTube]

Copyright 2018 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Que Sera Sera

"...Que Sera, Sera,
Whatever will be, will be
The future's not ours, to see
Que Sera, Sera
What will be, will be..."

Source: YouTube

There are many people in this world even within the body of Christ today that actually believe those particular lyrics from the old song, Que Sera Sera, which was originally sang by Doris Day in 1956.

What if I told you that those specific song lyrics and those kinds of attitudes and outlooks are not biblical nor scriptural?

Those type of perspectives are partly to blame for the passivity and defeated mindsets of people including some unknowledgeable and unpowerful Christians. As a result, they do not live the abundant life that Jesus Christ died to give them here and now in this world.

Not only can we know God's will for us as His children, but we can also actively participate in His purpose, plan, and will for us. We can take captive those thoughts which are disobedient to the knowledge of Jesus Christ. We can intentionally fight the good fight of faith. And, we can proactively win battles along the way in our individual races.

(See Jeremiah 29:11-13; John 10:10; Ephesians 6:10-18; Hebrews 12:1-2; 1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 4:7)

Copyright 2017 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Jesus in the Wilderness

Unfortunately, there are many people within the body of Christ today that do not fully understand their true identity in Christ. Therefore, they wander around their so-called wildernesses for many years without experiencing the promises from God.

The Church of Entrepreneurs recently had a podcast where I briefly spoke about the children of Israel’s wilderness experience and then shared more fully the wilderness experience of Jesus Christ. Follow along in your Bible as I used various scripture references in this message.

Jesus in the Wilderness


If you would like a copy of the transcript of this particular message, please email me at kdawnf@gmail.com. Thanks!


Copyright 2015 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

The Believers' True Identity in Christ

Our spiritual identity is one of the most important aspects in our Christian walk.  Yet, still today, there are many people even within the body of Christ who do not truly know their spiritual identity.  It is foundational to being, doing, and having everything Jesus died to give us in this world.  

Listen to a recent podcast from the Church of Entrepreneurs where I spoke on "The Believers' True Identity in Christ."  Get out your Bible and follow along as I point out many scripture references.


The Believers' True Identity in Christ


If you would like a copy of the transcript of this particular message, please email me at kdawnf@gmail.com.  Thanks!


Copyright 2015 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved. 

None by Comparison

There is a tendency to compare ourselves with others in today's society. Whether it's done intentionally or not, it's difficult not to do so at times. The world tries to pressure us by putting all kinds of images and stereotypes out there. They try to tell us you have to look a certain way, act a particular way, do this, do that, or whatever else.

As difficult as it may be at times, there is a better way. It's God's way. He doesn't want us to compare ourselves with others.

He made us all unique and special. We all have different spiritual gifts. First of all, we each have a general purpose but we were also created with individual specific purposes. (See 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 27-30)

In the Apostle Paul's letter to the church at Ephesus, he talked about being made alive in Christ. He mentioned our individuality and overall purpose.

"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:10, NIV)

Paul wrote another letter to the churches in Galatia and encouraged them to do good. He wanted to make sure that they weren't deceived when helping each other though.

"Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else..." (Galatians 6:4, NIV)

In a letter to the church at Corinth, Paul defends his ministry. He spoke about his letters being “weighty and forceful.” (2 Corinthians 10:10)

He wanted the people to know that he was the same whether through his writing or in person. Also, Paul was not like others.

"We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise." (2 Corinthians 10:12, NIV)

Within the body of Christ, sometimes there is a tendency for us to compare ourselves with others who have similar spiritual gifts, ministries, or the like. However, this part of the Apostle Paul's letter to the church at Corinth serves as a great reminder for us not to do so.

He continues, "We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the sphere of service God himself has assigned to us, a sphere that also includes you. We are not going too far in our boasting, as would be the case if we had not come to you, for we did get as far as you with the gospel of Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:13-14, NIV)

We need to remember that we have a certain sphere of service God has specifically assigned to us individually. Therefore, we need to keep our focus on our particular sphere and not anyone else’s area.

And when we do work, we need to do it wholeheartedly as well as do it unto the Lord and not people. (See Colossians 3:23-24)

In addition, the Apostle Paul talks about the sphere of activity within his ministry. It can also be applied to our own sphere of activity in our ministries and work for the Lord.

"Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting of work done by others. Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our sphere of activity among you will greatly expand in the regions beyond you. For we do not want to boast about work already done in someone else’s territory. (2 Corinthians 10:15-16, NIV)

We do not need to go beyond our assigned territory and limits God has given us. Of course, we can hope that our regions will greatly be expanded as our faith increases just like the Apostle Paul. He goes on to talk about boasting in the Lord.

But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends. (2 Corinthians 10:17-18, NIV)

Knowing that it is the Lord who commends us and no one else will help us work much harder for Him and rest much easier in Him. We do not need to compare ourselves, our journeys, our paths, or ministries to anyone else or anything of theirs. There is none by comparison.

We can trust God with our ministries, our purposes, our callings, our assignments, and anything else He has for us. For God who has called each of us is faithful, and He will complete that which He has started in us individually. (See 1 Corinthians 1:9; Philippians 2:12-13)


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.

Running the Race

“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)

There is a tendency in this world to get our eyes off of Jesus and onto our natural circumstances.  The devil would like to distract you, hinder you, interrupt you, and shake you up in this world.  He would like to keep you from being and doing all you were created and called to be and do for God's purpose and plan. 

Jesus did not allow the enemy to hinder, distract, interrupt, or shake Him up.  He did not allow the devil to keep Him from being and doing all He was created and called to be and do for His Father's purpose and plan.  We cannot allow the enemy to keep us from being and doing all we were created and called to be and do for our Father's purpose and plan (See Jeremiah 29:11-13).

There is also a tendency in this world to compare our spiritual journey and life to the journeys and lives of others in the world, specifically within the body of Christ.  It is another tactic of the enemy though.  None of us have the exact same purpose and calling in God's plan.  None of our paths will look exactly alike.  Sure there may be some similarities, but we are all different.  We all have different purposes and callings in our creator's master plan. 

Let's briefly look at the journeys and lives of the Apostle Paul and Jesus' disciple, Peter.

Paul was called by God to be an apostle (See Romans 1:1-5; 1 Corinthians 1:1-3; 2 Corinthians 1:1-2).  He did not just decide for himself that he was an apostle.  God specifically created Paul to have that calling and purpose in His plan.  Therefore, Paul became all that God created him to be and do, but it was not Paul's own doing.  It was God's doing.  Paul said himself that he did not deserve to be an apostle because of his past (See 1 Corinthians 15:9).  "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not without effect.  No, I worked harder than all of them---yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me (1 Corinthians 15:10, NIV)."  God worked in and through Paul to accomplish His purpose (See Philippians 2:12-13).  Paul went on to do much for God's Kingdom, because he knew who he was created and called to be in God's plan.  He suffered and endured much for the Gospel (Read Acts 16:16-40).  He boasted in all of his weaknesses and sufferings (Read 2 Corinthians 11:23-30).  He boldly spoke and preached throughout the regions and land where God had called him.  He also wrote much of the New Testament. 

Peter was a disciple of Jesus Christ.  He was only one of the 12 disciples of Jesus Christ back then.  Despite the calling on his life, Peter denied Jesus three times (Read John 18:15-27).  Jesus did not hold that against him though.  He did not condemn Peter.  God had a great purpose and calling for Peter.  He knew Peter would eventually step up and be the bold and courageous man He had created him to be for His purpose.  God gave Peter more opportunities to prove himself.  Despite his past and previous weaknesses, Peter was used mightily and powerfully for God's purpose.  While with the other 11 disciples, Peter preached the Gospel to a crowd of thousands of people on the day of Pentecost.  Due to Peter's obedience that specific day, nearly three thousand people accepted Jesus and were baptized into the faith of Jesus Christ (Read Acts 2:14-41). 

Neither one of these men began their journeys or lives well, but they both finished well.  Neither Paul nor Peter had the exact same calling or purpose in God's plan.  Their spiritual journeys and lives did not look the same.  They did not have or take the exact same path.  They did not look at another man's path, calling, or purpose and wish they were in the other person's shoes so to speak.  They concentrated and focused on what God had created and called them to be and do for His purpose and plan.  They kept their eyes on the ultimate goal---running their individual races and winning the prize that God had for each one of them (See 1 Corinthians 9:24-27).  They were both different men with different paths as well as different callings and purposes.  However, God powerfully used both of them to accomplish His purpose in His plan. 

Copyright 2015 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Breaking All the Rules

Let's break all the rules!

You may be thinking...What? Have you lost it?

Yes! To an extent, I have lost it. The Lord has opened my spiritual eyes of understanding and enlightened me even more in recent months. (See Ephesians1:16-23) I have lost religion, tradition, legalism, and everything else that comes with trying to keep the old covenant of the law---more so, anyway.

First, let me share a little background with you about myself.

I grew up in a Christian home with Christian parents. We all went to church together every Sunday. I was a good Christian girl. I always did what was expected of me. That is, until I was in college...

I was working a seasonal job at an amusement park on a big rollercoaster one summer. I was asked to work Sundays. Normally, it was one of my requested days off from work. However, this particular summer, I decided that I wanted to work on Sundays.

When I talked to my mom about it, she was against me doing it. She eventually gave in and allowed me to work Sundays that summer. 

There have been more recent instances with other believers within the body of Christ where God has personally revealed more to me. Many believers are still trying to keep the old covenant of the law. It's all about their works or my works or someone else's works.

However, that is not true. That is not the case. If you break one point of 'the law', you have broken all of the law. (James 2:9-11) Jesus came to fulfill the law. (Matthew 5:17-18) He is the only one who has ever perfectly kept the law. Therefore, He is the fulfillment of the law.

The only way we can ever hope to perfectly keep 'the law' is to rely on Him to do the work in and through us by His spirit. We no longer approach Him by way of 'the law' though. We approach Him by the new covenant of grace through faith in Him.

Whenever, somebody tries to put you under 'the law', resist it. Submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. (James 4:7) Speak the truth in love to them. (Ephesians 4:15)

I have come to realize there is a lot more tradition out in the world. It has nothing to do with Jesus Christ. A lot of the tradition comes from the church as a whole. There's a lot of tradition in religion. However, Jesus didn't die on the cross for believers to have a religion. He died on the cross for all of us to have a relationship with Him---not just any relationship, but a personal and intimate relationship with Him---the Son of God.

The more we come to personally know Him, the more we will know what is of Him and not from Him.

The Apostle Paul and his spiritual brother, Timothy, wrote to the people in the church at Colossae and explained more about the fullness of Jesus Christ.

"See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority." (Colossians 2:8-10, NIV)

Paul and Timothy continue speaking about all of the human rules and regulations in the world. They wanted to make sure the believers knew of their freedom in Christ.

"Since you died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces of this world, why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules: “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence." (Colossians 2:20- 23, NIV)

Lastly, Matthew wrote of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law coming to Jesus and asking Him about breaking tradition. Jesus had asked them for the reason they had broken God's command for the sake of tradition. He told them they nullified God's word for the sake of tradition. Jesus also mentioned that Isaiah was right when he prophesied about them.

"‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules." (Matthew 15:8-9, NIV)

So, are there human rules that you are keeping?  Are there traditions that you honor?

Looking back now, I am glad my mom gave into my request. It worked out for my good. It allowed me to see for myself the importance of regularly attending church.

At the time, I was just going through the motions of going to church.  It had become a habit.  A routine.  A tradition.  It didn’t really mean anything to me.  It was part of my religion then. 

That specific break in tradition, however, allowed me to better understand and know for myself the good of attending church on a regular basis.  The right motivation behind going to church had previously been missing for me. 

Now, it has become part of having a personal relationship with Jesus for me. It's a way that I can personally come to know more of Him and love Him. It's a time of fellowshipping with other believers, learning more about them, and loving them as well.  It’s an outward expression of inward worship.

Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Loved by God

Many people in the world do not know that they are loved by God.  Believe it or not...There are many believers today within the body of Christ that do not truly know that they are loved by God.

Not too long ago, I completed a Bible study with a group of ladies at my local church.  In one of the video lessons, the Bible teacher wanted everyone to know that they were loved by God.  In fact, she had us to do an exercise where we would tell each other in our small group..."You are loved by God."

The Apostle Paul was one of the most bold, courageous believers in Biblical times.  In some of his letters to different churches, he wrote and spoke about being loved by God.  He also encouraged other believers to know that they were loved by God.

Let's take a look at specific portions of some of those letters to other believers in a few of the churches back then.

“For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God.  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 2:19-20, NIV)

Paul understood that God not only loved him but gave Himself up for him.  Because of that revelation, this apostle knew that he wasn't his own.  He put his faith in Jesus and lived for God.

In his letter to the church at Rome, Paul spoke about the Father's love for them.

"To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be His holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ."  (Romans 1:7, NIV)

Paul, Silas, and Timothy traveled together throughout the region of Thessalonica.

In their letters to fellow believers, they also spoke about God's love for them. 

"For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that He has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. (1 Thessalonians 1:4-5, NIV) 

"But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.  He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ."  (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14, NIV) 

"May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word."  (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, NIV)

Do you know that you are loved by God?  Believe and receive the Father's love for you.  You are loved by God!

Repeat after me, "I am loved by God."

Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Jesus is Our Righteousness

Some people within the body of Christ try to establish their own righteousness. It’s called self-righteousness which comes from the law---the old covenant. We don't have to try to establish our own righteousness though. It's already been established for us---through God’s son, Jesus Christ.

The prophet, Isaiah, spoke about our own righteous acts.

"All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away." (Isaiah 64:6, NIV)

I previously had been blind to some truth regarding our righteousness. Fortunately, the Lord has revealed more to me regarding our righteousness in recent months though.

It definitely helps us to become more rooted and grounded in the word of God but also in our relationship with Him and His love for us. (Colossians 2:6-7; Ephesians 3:16-19) We gain better understanding and insight into our righteousness which comes from God which is based on our faith in Jesus Christ.

In the Apostle Paul's letter to the people in Philippi, he spoke about knowing the Lord and our righteousness in Christ.

"What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith." (Philippians 3:8-9, NIV)

Paul told them that he didn't want to have a righteousness of his own which comes from the law but a righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ. He considered his relationship with the Lord of the utmost importance compared to anything else. He said everything else was worthless or 'garbage'. It is so true. Nothing is more important. Nothing compares to having a close, intimate relationship with Jesus.

He not only wanted to participate in Jesus' sufferings but also attain and know the power of the resurrection from the dead.

"...I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of His resurrection and participation in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. (Philippians 3:10-11, NIV)

Can you say the same? Do you want to know Jesus so much that you are willing to participate in His suffering? How about becoming like Him in His death? Lastly, do you want to attain and know the power of the resurrection?

In Paul's letter to Rome, he talked about our righteousness in Christ and the law.

"Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin." (Romans 3:20, NIV)

He also spoke about those who are righteous through faith and the promise of God.

"It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless, because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression." (Romans 4:13-15, NIV)

Our righteousness comes by faith in Christ. Jesus is our righteousness.


Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Sitting at Jesus' Feet

Are you familiar with the story about Mary and Martha?

Most people within the body of Christ have heard it at one time or another.  Here it is again.

As Jesus and His disciples were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him.  She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to Him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”  “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”  (Luke 10:38-42, NIV)

"...Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."  (Luke 10:42, NIV)

Did you catch that part?  What Mary chose was better.  It won't be taken away from her. 

There's more of a tendency in this world to rush around like Martha---always going, going, going and/or doing, doing, doing. 

However, God tells us in His word in this account from Luke that it's contrary to His thoughts and His ways.

The prophet Isaiah spoke about God's thoughts and ways. 

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord.  "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."  (Isaiah 55:8-9, NIV)

I have learned more about sitting at Jesus' feet over the years.  At times, I have had to discipline myself to do it.  Other times, it comes more natural.  I have also learned that the more I do it---the more I enjoy doing it and find myself doing it more often.

That time is precious.  The time sitting in His presence cannot be rushed.  It must be savored and cherished.  It's in those sweet times with our Lord and Savior that we come more into a place of peace, calmness, and rest---no matter what's going on around us. 

The rest of the world may be rushing around like Martha was rushing around the house, being busy, making all the preparations she thought she had to make for Jesus.  However, the more we discipline ourselves and just choose to sit at Jesus' feet---the better off we are spiritually and otherwise. 

For I am reminded that Mary chose what was better, and it wasn't taken away from her.  Neither will it be taken away from us when we choose what is better---sitting at Jesus' feet.



Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

The Magnitude of the Cross

[Watch this excerpt video for the purpose of this lesson. *Note: This is a graphic portrayal of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ from the movie, The Passion of the Christ. Therefore, please be aware that it may be too graphic for anyone under the age of 21 to view this video.]

 

The Passion of the Christ

This portrayal from the movie, The Passion of the Christ, was only a portion of what our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ endured for us as believers.  And, it still doesn't fully depict all that He went through upon the Cross of us.  However, hopefully, you will gain some insight and a better understanding of His suffering for us through this depiction.

Now, some people within the body of Christ do not understand the magnitude of the Cross.  I am not saying that I, or anyone, can fully understand it.  The more we better understand it though, the more it will cause all of us to live a holy life just like Jesus.  He literally lived a holy and sinless life, and He lives within every believer today.  Therefore, it is possible with the help of the Holy Spirit for believers to also live a holy and sinless life. 

Unfortunately, there are some people in the church as a whole who think since Jesus already died on the Cross for them----it gives them a so-called license to sin.  That is not true.  That is not the case.  I am here to tell you, "No!  Stop it!  Stop sinning against God, yourself, and others!"

It is unacceptable for believers in Jesus Christ to look and act like the rest of the world.  We are called to be set apart from the world.  We are in this world but not of this world.

"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..."  (Romans 12:2a, NIV) 

When all believers get a better grasp of the Cross, people will live a more holy life like Jesus Christ Himself.  He took on all of our sins on Himself.  He bore it once and for all.  (Hebrews 7:27)  Therefore, we are forgiven of all sin.  

That doesn't mean to be flippant (meaning: disrespectful, shallow) about it though. It doesn't give us permission to sin.  It means we should want to live more for Him---honor Him, resemble Him---be holy.  But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”  (1 Peter 1:15, NIV)

What does the word 'holy' mean?  According to scripture, it means that we conduct ourselves in a Godly way.  We don't knowingly and willfully sin against God, ourselves, and/or others.  We yield to and follow the Spirit of God.  (Romans 8:14; Galatians 5:18)  We obey God's word---His truth.  We walk in that truth.  We live it out in this world.  (1 John 4:17) 

That's what it means to live a holy life before God, ourselves, and others. 


Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Resurrecting Jesus

Resurrecting Jesus?!?!  You may think or say, "What do you mean by those two words?"  Individually, they are good words.  They are also powerful words by themselves.  But, together they can take on a whole new meaning.

What I mean by those two words is this...

There are people within the body of Christ who try to resurrect Jesus before He is ready to be resurrected in the lives of others or, perhaps, even in their own lives.  They try to force Jesus to be resurrected too early, because it is just uncomfortable for them.  They don't like being in a temporary situation which, to them, seems unnecessary.  They choose to circumvent the process and choose to jump out of them way too soon before God has provided His way out for them.  They 'make things happen' in their own way in their own strength in their own timing.

However, those temporary circumstances are necessary.  They are necessary in order to mature members of the body of Christ.  (James 1:2-4)  They help develop our faith in Jesus Christ.  (1 Peter 1:6-7)  Most of all, those temporary situations whether hardships or trials are used in believers' lives to make them more Christ-like.  (Romans 8:29) 

Even Jesus, over 2000 years ago, had to go through some suffering before He was resurrected by the Almighty power of God.  So, what makes believers today think that they are any different or any better than Jesus Christ, the Son of God.  Once God the Father raised His Son, Jesus, from the dead; it was the Father who was glorified through the Son. 

The same is true of all believers today.  Once we have suffered, it is God the Father who resurrects us from those temporary circumstances.  (1 Peter 5:10)  Most importantly, it is God the Father who is glorified through us, His children.  (Romans 8:18) 

Therefore, when your flesh wants to try to resurrect Jesus too soon, resist the urge and wait on Almighty God to resurrect you from your hardship or trial.  Then, everyone will know that it was God the Father who did it.  It will be Him who will receive all the credit.  (2 Corinthians 10:17)  It will be Him who receives all the honor, glory, and praise.



Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

“Who do you say I am?"

"Who do the crowds say I am?"  (See Luke 9:18)

‎"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"  (See Luke 9:20)

Jesus posed a few questions that day to his disciples. One particular question stands out though. He asked his disciple, Peter…

"Who do you say I am?"

It is a very important question too! Have you ever thought about it?

"Who do you say I am?"

Just think, consider, and ponder that question for a minute.

Who do others say you are? Who do you say you are? Who does Jesus Christ say you are? Most importantly, who does your Heavenly Father say you are?

You may say…Who cares what other people say? Correct? Well, that is the way it should be in this world. However, that is not always the case.

Many people care what other people think or say. It is human nature. However, God wants us to care less about what people in this world think or say and care more about what He thinks and says about us.

Admittedly, it is hard though, when you are bombarded with all kinds of audio and video in this world that sends out messages to the contrary. All of the media with its advertisements of what you should look like physically, what you should wear, what you should think, what you should say…

Unfortunately, society plays a huge part in us and in our lives. However, God wants us as believers to be in this world but not of this world (See John 15:19, 17:16; 1 John 2:15). That in itself is difficult at times unless you totally isolate yourself from the world. That, of course, is not very possible.

Even if it was possible, it is not good to be isolated from one another for very long. After all, God tells us not to forsake the assembling as some do.  We, as His children, need each other. We are not made to be separate from each other. We are all part of the body of Christ. In order to properly work together, we are dependent on one another (See 1 Corinthians 12:12-27).

That is only one reason that it is so important to renew your mind is God’s word (See Romans 12:2).

Who do you say you are? Who does your Heavenly Father say you are? Who does Jesus Christ say you are?

‎"But what about you?" He asked. "Who do you say I am?"

Peter answered, "The Christ of God." (See Luke 9:20)

Most importantly, who does Jesus Christ say you are?  After all, He is the Son of God!


Copyright 2010 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.