Ask Wise Counsel

Freedom in Adventure by Doug Gilmer

2012-02-29T09:00:00.002-05:00

An adventure is any experience involving an uncertain outcome and risk. If we take either uncertainty or risk out of the equation we lose adventure. If all we have is risk but we know the outcome then the end result can be avoided, manipulated or enhanced depending upon on how we feel about it. If we don't have risk, which by definition is the probability of losing something of value, the experience is of little worth because no matter how it turns out you haven't exercised your faith and you have allowed no opportunity to learn or grow.

Is it any wonder that our life as Christians is often referred to as a great adventure? Even though we may ultimately know where we are going to spend eternity it is the road that takes us there that is full of the unexpected and unknown and it is a life in which we are called to risk everything. Jesus knew this adventure. He said of Himself in Luke 19:10, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost" (HCSB). “Seeking” and “saving” are words that imply adventure. In his final charge to His disciples in Acts 1:8, He said, “but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." The ends of the earth; literally the “remotest” parts of the earth. If that doesn’t describe an adventure filled faith, than what does?

Unfortunately, many people, many Christians, miss out on this ultimate adventure out of fear of misadventure. The dictionary says misadventure is an unfortunate incident or mishap, or it can mean an event that “turns out badly”. Regardless of how misadventure is defined one thing is for sure, we don’t usually find it, it finds us. No one goes looking for it.

Making ourselves more secure against misadventure, however, doesn’t eliminate insecurity; in fact it means we actually have less freedom. When we shelter ourselves in an attempt to avoid misadventure we don’t have freedom, we have a prison. We are essentially telling God, “I don’t trust you, I trust me.” When our need to be secure becomes obsessive then security becomes our idol.

If there is one guy in the New Testament that personifies adventure and misadventure better than anyone it is the Apostle Paul. We can learn much from the way he perceived the circumstances in his life. From the time we meet Paul on the Damascus road his life is one big adventure. Paul is blinded, receives his sight, begins to preach, has to escape Damascus Mission Impossible style and then launches out to fulfill the Great Commission mandate. But just because he was handpicked by God doesn’t mean that his adventure was easy. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-27 Paul says describes his many “misadventures”. He begins by saying (and I paraphrase),

I'm talking like a madman-I'm a better one: with far more labors, many more imprisonments, far worse beatings, near death many times. Five times I received 39 lashes from Jews. Three times I was beaten with rods by the Romans. Once I was stoned by my enemies. Three times I was shipwrecked. I have spent a night and a day in the open sea. On frequent journeys, I faced dangers from rivers,
dangers from robbers, dangers from my own people, dangers from the Gentiles, dangers in the city, dangers in the open country, dangers on the sea, and dangers among false brothers; labor and hardship, many sleepless nights, hunger and thirst, often without food, cold, and lacking clothing.

Most people would likely quit than undergo all this misadventure. In reality, most people would never undertake the adventure if they knew they would face all that Paul did. The cost is just too great; playing it safe would be far more comfortable. Paul did not see all that happened to him as misadventure, however. Instead, he saw it all as part of the bigger adventure God planned for him. He later recounts his ministry and says, “that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:20-21). He definitely saw life with Christ as an adventure to be lived. He was certainly more focused on his perspective than on his circumstances.

Paul understood, and so should we, that no matter what happens or how things turn out, when we live our lives in total obedience and abandon to Him, we always win, that there is really no such thing as misadventure. It is then, and only then, will we be truly free to live out the adventure God has in store for each of us.

Doug Gilmer is a frequent outdoor writer and serves on the Board of Directors for the Professional Outdoor Media Association. Additionally, he serves as a Professor of Adventure Leadership and Outdoor Ministry at Liberty University. He is a frequent speaker, outdoor ministry consultant, and outdoor adventure leader. For more about Doug you can visit www.BackcountryChaplain, follow him on Twitter @DouglasGilmer, or at www.facebook.com/BackcountryChaplain.

Free to Worship, Free to Work by Bill Hunt

2012-02-27T12:25:00.000-05:00

Grandpa Walter Witherell labored hard as mechanic in his garage on the intersection of Massachusetts Route 66 at “the flats.” He served as official State Bee Keeper for many years, handling honey bees with no protective gear. Grandma Laura drove the school bus in Hampshire County through several generations of children. As driver, she delivered the Hampshire Gazette all along the rural route.

Of course, at their farm on the hill she cared for the sheep, milked the cows, sold the apples, and boiled the maple syrup into blocks of sugar. Did you ever eat taffy syrup on fresh fallen snow? Most of all, I remember her wood shed, pantry, and incredible full course, wood stove breakfasts.

I benefited from observing their basic daily work and spiritual lives. So united were they, at the end of their lives they naturally died one night apart (Oct. 1968), as had his brother and wife, Earnest and Sadie Witherell.

Both were direct descendants of the early American Puritans in the Witherell, Church, and Blakesley ancestry. They worshiped in the Westhampton Congregational Church reflecting the simplicity of the early Puritans who built the foundations of this nation.

This church the townspeople established in 1779 and first built in 1785. Considered “the finest in the hill towns,” a new church was built in 1816 that burned Feb. 18, 1829, and was immediately rebuilt that year. The first pastor, Enoch Hale served 58 years. He was the dear elder brother to Capt. Nathan Hale, Washington's Revolutionary spy executed by the British (Sept. 22, 1776).

One member, Justin Edwards, in a summer thunderstorm prayed with four friends in the Haystack Meeting (1806) which resulted in the founding of the great American foreign missions movement. He served later as president of Andover Theological Seminary.

One ancestor, Rev. William Witherell, was a pastor so renowned in those early days of the Plymouth Colony, his church roll reflects some 608 baptisms. He served as pastor for 39 years from Sept. 2, 1645, till his death, Apr.9, 1685, at the the Second Church of Scituate, now after some 350 years, First Parish of Norwell.

William was born in 1600 and his mother is purported to be the daughter of John Rogers, the Smithfield martyr. William married Mary Fisher, Mar. 26, 1627, in Canterbury, Kent, England. William and Mary arrived in the Plymouth Bay Colony on board the ship Hercules in 1634. He was placed on the ministerial rolls by Cotton Mather.

The story is reported in the church archives that a young man, John Bryant, had a tendency to arrive late to Sunday service. So at an appropriate time following prayer in the service, the Rev. Witherell turned to address him.

“Neighbor Bryant, it is to your reproach that you have disturbed the worship by entering late, living as you do within a mile of this place. Especially since here is Goody Barstow who has milked seven cows, made a cheese and walked five miles to the house of God in good season” (Fewkes, R.M.).

John Bryant was not too put off by the rebuke. He married Pastor Witherell's daughter, Elizabeth, in 1657.

Even this early story reflects the worship and work heritage of these early Americans. I can't help adding, this very worship and work ethic which built America is under such severe attack by socialism, today. We could lose our national foundations.

Bill Hunt is active on Facebook and writes a Christian blog read as world wide witness at http://www.CornerRetreat.blogspot.com

The Internet... Another Tool of Freedom

2012-02-23T10:20:00.000-05:00

A new global freedom marketplace has emerged from the internet. But on the freedom model of mutual trust and free enterprise, it has little policing, no regulators, no taxation system and it remains as open as nations allow.

The Internet is free enterprise in action, and it’s built on mutual trust through prepay tools. Thirty percent of the world’s population claims to regularly use the Internet today. For example, the volume of eBay alone is considered in the top ten of the largest economies in the world and operates in 30 countries.

The Internet drives down prices, as people can cut out the wholesaler and get free samples easily without going to the store. It saves energy costs, allowing people to work out of their homes. It will continually bring down labor and shipping costs. In a down economy, it allows small businesses to find customers in other markets just to survive. It’s definitely a tool that God created through visions given to men at the Strategic Air Command not Al Gore.

Workers in Indonesia, the Philippines and India are helping American companies build web sites and software for as low as 20 cents an hour, while programmers here earn $30-$75 an hour. Now you can see why many people want to immigrate to the USA to work for American companies. Others may cry “foul” for those workers in the Far East. But the truth is that many those same people might otherwise be working in rice fields or living in slums. Yet, these workers are developing a skill and using their God given talents to grow and may eventually starting their internet business, one day. It is raising their standard of living, just look at the Chinese example and explosion, as it trades with the rest of the world.

It’s part of God’s plan for the world to come together and reduce conflict, find mutual respect, and seek the skills and talents in one another. This is the type of activity that reduces war and uses the gifts of entrepreneurs around the world.

God is a God of relationships. He wants to participate in our lives each day to bring the best out of us. Secondly, He wants us to have a kind and loving relationship with our fellow man. That is why the Social Media phenomenon is an extension of Him... men and women having a deeper relationship with each other. The internet is just another tool for that purpose.

I Want My Freedom Now! by Naty Matos

2012-02-22T09:00:00.002-05:00

I heard one of the funniest stories the other day speaking to a friend. Her son walked into the living room and announced to his parents that as soon as he graduates High School he will move out of the house so that he can do whatever he wants, without supervision. Why is this so funny? Well, first of all because I think all of us when we were teens thought that we wanted to grow up very fast to get to the point of freedom where we would do as we please. In reality, we are all waiting for that moment. As we grow we discovered that that with freedom came responsibility and that it was easier to respond to our parents than to our new authorities: the government, our bosses, our creditors, our spouses and even our children.

Why it’s so easy to rebel at that age? I think ignorance makes us think that we know better than our parents what’s best for us, and we do that with God every single day. This conversation reminded me of the parable of the prodigal son. He asked for his inheritance while his father was living because he wanted to live his life his way. His father allowed him to and what he found was not freedom, but bondage.

In the same way, God as a good father gives us freedom to live our lives, but gives us parameters, boundaries to protect us from getting in trouble. Just like my friend’s son, sometimes we think that we know better than our father, that our preferences and desires are better to follow and that at the end of the day we will be ok. Just like the son, we go outside our boundaries and find ourselves in trouble, and we then wish that we could go back home.

The good news is that just like at the end of that story, God is always awaiting for us with open arms. We then discover that freedom is a great thing, but it’s more enjoyable when we live with within the protection of the boundaries set by God for us. Freedom is awesome and well enjoyed when well used.

Naty Matos was born in the city of New York, from Puerto Rican descendant parents. She grew up in the beautiful Island of Puerto Rico and now lives in the city of Atlanta. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Clinical Psychology with a Minor in Mass Media Communications and a Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling.

Naty writes Christian fiction and non-fiction. She maintains a blog on Christian Living Topics at www.therisingmuse.com

Places to connect with Naty:

Twitter: @natycmatos

FB: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Naty-Matos/172298772847562?ref=tn_tnmn

Finding Freedom From Islam by John Beehner

2012-02-21T12:10:00.000-05:00

(A year ago I had the opportunity to interview an American Pastor who we called Errin to keep his identity private)

Errin was born into a Muslim home in Cyprus, of Turkish decent, before his family immigrated to Africa. He was taught to hate the cross and all Christians. As a young teenager he mocked, degraded and disrupted any activities of Christian kids he met in his school. Even with all that, the Christian kids treated him with kindness.

But he met and started dating a beautiful young girl whose mother insisted she go to church. He agreed to attend with her but wanted to have nothing to do with faith or Jesus. He saw a miracle healing in church that completely puzzled him, but decided in his macho way he would meet with the pastor and challenge and blast his theology.

When he got to the pastor’s office and he opened in prayer, Errin’s mind went blank and he could hardly speak. Finally, at the end of the meeting the pastor led him in the sinners prayer. Errin felt like a new man. All his guilt, shame and bitterness left him. Yet, he did not understand it and mocked the experience. People said this phase would leave him.

Yet, he went back to church and two weeks later he tried to resist being water baptized, but the encouragement from others was so strong that he finally agreed and was submerged. He said it was like he was struck with lightning. He felt the power of the Holy Spirit like a new man filled with love and compassion.

Word spread throughout the community and his father told him at the dinner table to renounce Christianity or pack his clothes and “get out.” He took his belongings and walked ten miles to the church where they let him sleep. He never really ever talked to his father again.

Today, he is a pastor of a fast growing church is the USA. He says, “the Lord completely turned me around.” As a Muslim, the weight, guilt, shame and sin weighed on him. He says, “hate is the god of many Muslims,” yet he attests that thousands of them are having dreams of knowing Jesus, creating strong opportunities for missionaries. God is moving through his Holy Spirit to change hearts.

Shortly after his conversion, he saw another miracle at his church as the leg of a young child grew out before his eyes. Then a neighbor said his daughter had to go into the hospital for eight operations to fix her deformed leg at just five years old. Errin told them about his church and gave them the address. They carried the child to church and she was healed too. They took her back to the doctors and they were astounded and wanted to see the girl in the x-rays. The same neighbor saw Errin again, twenty years later and told him that same daughter might make their Olympic team in track.

According to two directors of a Islamic Missions for a major missionary group, “While Islam is evil, the problem is not Muslims. They are victims of a false religion. But Jesus still loves them and wants them set free. The biggest fear of Muslims is Judgment day. Freedom in Christ removes the fear. They are amazed at the Bible and they love the peace of mind they receive once they come to His saving Grace.”

The amazing and exciting news from all the missionaries I spoke to is that thousands of Muslims are receiving a dream of meeting Jesus Christ.

So what are you going to do about it? The first solution is prayer.

We need prayers to move nations.

Forgiveness is Freedom by Deidra Manning

2012-02-20T12:00:00.000-05:00

Locked in chains, I sit bound and shackled to memory and regret. Shivering cold, darkness blinding, I hunch low in a damp corner blaming it on them – their lies, their hate, their indifference. They’re the reason I’m here. Simmering hatred bubbles deep in my heart, warming like a blanket wrapped from inside out, a heavy cover shielding from the pain of introspection, guarding against twinges of cold, hard reality.

The truth: I’m here because I choose to be. My prison: unforgiveness. The door to my cell isn’t closed; I can walk out any time. The chains are locked, but I hold the key. The shackles are cuffs I prefer to wear – they prove to everyone just how wronged I was. I’m tormented here, but it’s easier to judge, blame, and despise those who mistreated me than it is to break free.

Breaking free is painful. It takes effort, determination, and love. It requires a decision – it demands grace. Forgiveness acknowledges injustice, but gives opportunity to walk away. Forgiveness identifies depravity, but decides to look beyond. Forgiveness is bold and graceful; it emancipates those bound to mistakes and regret. Forgiveness is messy and painful; it’s full of blood, sweat, and tears. It’s intentional, it’s costly, it’s emotional, but it’s the only way to ever truly be free.

Freedom is never free – someone always pays. Christ paid the price for our forgiveness – the freedom to accept and give grace. He made the choice to look beyond my faults, to love me in spite of all my wrong-doing. He who is perfect and knew no sin became sin for me. He chose to die so I can live freely. His forgiveness makes it possible for me to release myself and others from the guilt of sin.

How can I, having accepted His forgiveness, not extend the same to others? If I bear His name, I must bear His cross and follow in the way of forgiveness. Unforgiveness is the easy road, the wide path that leads to destruction. Forgiveness is the narrow way, the decision to work through pain.

I choose to release myself and others. I choose to accept His grace and give it away. I choose to unlock the chains, take off the shackles, and walk out the open door – His gift of freedom to me. I accept His gift of forgiveness. Will you?

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. – Matthew 6:14-15 (NIV)

Stay-at-home wife and mother of three, Deidra holds an M.S. in Psychology and is a blogger, free-lance writer, and author of Devotions from the Middle. She writes daily about her faith and life-experiences at The Middle.

http://manninginthemiddle.blogspot.com

He Always Wins by Phyllis Robshaw

2012-02-17T12:00:00.000-05:00

We can’t really realize and appreciate that we have freedom until we see that we need release from something. It is easy to think of our salvation experience as a picture of that. O how He has set us free!

I have been a passionate follower of Jesus for over 40 years and am continually humbled by how much I still have to learn. I know that life comes at you in seasons and thought I had walked through some of the lowest lows and highest highs in those seasons already. I felt “seasoned” by experience. When the tactics of the enemy encroached on my life as I was well aware that he would, the approach was so different and so strong that for the first time I was actually totally disabled. Under the oppression that hit me, I lost “me” for a season…my praise, vision, joy, energy, smile, laugh and strength shrunk in massive proportions. I had long ago learned that praise defeats the enemy but my heart was so beat I found it hard to be free to truly praise. I knew how to claim truths and pray scripture and wait for God to move in mighty ways but now I was unable.

Being a housemom to 7 teen girls in a Christian children’s home, I spent every night praying with these precious girls and claiming the very things I needed to hear over them. They never knew my internal battle. Such a surreal feeling, when I was so beat down. It felt like I was watching myself from above when I prayed over the girls. At the time, no comfort, release or freedom seemed to be mine. My husband and I were on this journey together and he was praying for me and watching me in this process of being thrown into a prison of sorts. I needed freedom from the oppression that was upon me. Right when it felt like I literally wouldn’t make it another day, a huge door opened and God released me/us from the circumstances of the oppression. I remember myself saying to the girls, “God is never late, always on time and cares about every desire of your heart. His thoughts about you outnumber the grains of sand on the earth.”

SO true! We love to bike ride in our gorgeous seaside town. Last week, we rode to the bayfront and sat on our favorite bench. The water was perfectly glassy and a group of seagulls looked like they were at a seagull spa right in front of us. …splashing, bathing, cooing, fully enjoying the calm water. I heard the Lord in the quietness of my heart say, “Enjoy this season of refreshing and freedom. I wasn’t late. I heard. I will not waste a moment of your life.” Praise in my heart has tripled in the 6 weeks since that freedom came. I am drinking in the Word of God like I have always loved to do again. I am sharpened and refined in new ways. I am rejoicing over what God did in spite of the oppression that blanketed me. I see miracles in the lives of our girls!

The enemy seeks to kill, steal and destroy and when we are sold out to God he is relentless in the attack. If you are under that attack in this season of your life in serving the Lord, don’t believe what you feel, think or see…believe what you know…God is faithful! He IS there in the midst of your circumstances and He WINS every time!

Today's guest author is Phyllis Robshaw. Phyllis has a passion for praying the Word on paper and believing the promises within it! She has been involved in lay ministry and formal ministry working with children, teens and college students alongside her husband Billy for over 30 years. They have 2 married children and 3 grandchildren who are part of building up the Body of Christ in the U.S. and AU.

Visit her blog at: http://asachild.christianblogsites.com/blog/

Economic Freedom and China

2012-02-16T12:49:00.000-05:00

Again, thank God for our Founding Fathers who used the Bible and wrote our constitution to set in motion our values and principles that guide the Freedoms that we enjoy today. Without a Moral Compass we would have not enjoyed such prosperity and blessing from the fruit of our labor. It may not seem like it in times like these, but we still have economic strengths and resiliency by the Grace of God. We have our share of cheaters but in the long run, the Golden Rule still builds repeat business success.

In recent news it seems that more and more drugs, movies, toys, and electronics are being stolen or ripped off by the Chinese or other nations. Why is this when we are literally building the Chinese economy on the backs of American consumption? Obviously, it’s a move of God and I touch on it in more detail in my new book, but let me give you a taste of why and how China has stepped away from some of their Communist ways to take on Economic Freedom. (This is stuff the media will never report because they don’t believe in God or it’s not negative enough.)

In 2002, the Chinese Government sent an atheist Economics Professor named Zhao Xiao to the USA to study and learn why America’s economy was so strong. China was in the midst of a growing boom fueled by American companies bringing businesses and manufacturing facilities, creating jobs and training workers in China because of its low cost of labor and facilities and honorable work ethic. Since the death of Mao and the collapse of Russia and the Eastern Block of Communist Countries, more forward thinking Chinese leadership in the Communist Party knew they were falling further and further behind the rest of the world economically.

The Bottom line is that Zhao Xiao came back with a report he called “Market Economies with Churches and Market Economies without Churches.” He also came back a Born Again Christian. Xiao told Party Leaders the reason for American’s success is its Moral Value system based on Christian principles of “loving your neighbor” taught by American Churches. He said it is the key to America’s Economic greatness.

In a interview, Xiao said, that “Puritans who settled America, had an intent of bringing Glory to Jesus Christ in doing business... its a motivation that transcends making profits and in turn motivates the Entrepreneur to constantly find ways to innovate to reach more customers.” He continues, “in the Chinese market environment, the reason people do evil things is because the overall marketplace is not very good.” In China business owners “do evil things to protect themselves, expecting other people will do evil things to them, so they do it first.” He said that businesses need mutual trust among one another, as in the USA.

He says, “the strongest difference in America and China is not technology, wages, or intelligence… but churches. In the USA there are more churches than China has banks or even Rice shops. Churches bind America together.”

He continues, ”these days the Chinese people do not believe in anything. They don’t believe in god, they don’t believe in the devil, they don’t believe in providence, they don’t believe in the last judgment, nor anything about heaven. A person who believes in nothing ultimately can only believe in himself. And self-belief implies that anything is possible---what do lies, cheating, harm and swindling, matter?

Amazingly, God has been moving on the heart of the Chinese people for the last 30 years and there are today over 138 million Born Again believer’s that have been hiding, growing and flourishing underground in home churches across China. That's 10% of their population.

The communist party likes their economic success and that’s why they manipulate there currency to try to keep their boom going. God allows Grace but their Grace period will end when He teaches them more and more about integrity, character and faithfulness. Eventually they will have to set a legal system that stops and polices the con men and thieves or the USA and the rest of the nations who want to do honorable business will no longer buy from them, no matter their prices.

Economic Freedom and its principles are from the Lord and are changing the world with the Freedom he planned for mankind ever since He gave free will rights to Adam and Eve.

Ye Shall Know the Truth by Cheryl Cope

2012-02-15T12:00:00.000-05:00

...and the truth shall make you free. John 8:32

Obviously if you look at this verse in context, it's principal meaning is referring to the word of God, but it can also rightly be applied to many other topics, including knowing the truth about weight loss.

When you are lacking information or believing lies in any area of life, the quality of your life can suffer because of it. In a sense you can be "bound" by lies or false information. This is very common in the area of health and weight loss. Even in modern literate America, people still do not know all the information they need to properly take care of their bodies. There is not a lot of teaching in the public school systems on this topic nor in the media, and what is disemminated is not always accurate.

For example, lots of people still believe that fat makes you fat. This is a myth or a lie. There is a biological cycle that occurs that is common to the human species that ends with the storage of fat on one's body. You eat food that raises your blood sugar level, which stimulates the pancreas to secrete more insulin, which signals the body to store more fat. Carbohydrates have the most effect on our blood sugar levels, protein has some effect, and fat has no effect. Scientists figured this out and researchers have proven this over and over to be true.

A different kind of lie that you might be believing which is inhibiting your freedom to be healthy or to lose weight, could be something like, "I don't believe I can ever be thin. I've always been fat, so I always will be." You may have started believing something like that in your childhood in response to someone else's comment or opinion of you. No matter where a lie like this came from, the fact that you are believing it, is keeping you bound and not free. You may be believing something like this on a subconscious level.

To gain freedom to be healthy and lose weight ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you any lies you are believing about your health habits, weight, or body image and to reveal to you any information that you may be lacking for success in this area of your life. He is faithful and will lead and guide you into all truth, whether that is the truth about your inner self talk or the scientific truths about weight loss or about any other truths you need.

Cheryl Cope is a Christian woman's weight loss and habit change coach, helping women achieve healthy and sustainable weight loss, greater health and closer intimacy with God. She helps her clients change their eating, exercising, health, thinking and spiritual habits for the better. She incorporates prayer, biblical principles and the leading of the Holy Spirit in all aspects of her work. Cheryl offers private and group coaching programs. Sign up to get her free report, Eleven Weight Loss and Nutrition Myths, at http://eepurl.com/XtHE For more information on Cheryl or her services, please visit http://www.cherylcope.com or email her at cheryl@cherylcope.com.

Religious Freedom is Our Foundation

2012-02-14T09:00:00.004-05:00

Today one of the “hot issues” that is creating a lot of the talk show buzz is the question of our Religious Freedom. Obviously, our Founding Fathers selected it as the First Amendment which prohibits the federal government from making a law "respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."

What was it that the Founding Fathers saw that some Americans can’t see today? They realized that they had won freedom from Great Britain not because of their military superiority but it was their calling from God. His Spirit guided and led them to be an example for other nations. It was the Spiritual move of God through His believers to set a new standard from the self centered Kings and Monarchs who had controlled this world.

Let me share just one illustration that again confirms my perspective: In 1562, (56 years before Plymouth Rock), the French Huguenots landed in the USA in a settlement they called Fort Caroline, at the mouth of the St. Johns River, part of Jacksonville, Florida. The Huguenots were Protestant Reformists (Calvinists) who wanted to avoid the wicked religious persecution they experienced in France. They longed for a new life to worship, as they felt called.

Yet, the Queen of Spain learned about the settlement and worried that France would try to claim the Florida peninsular they had wanted. So they sent soldiers to massacre the Huguenots. The Spanish then settled in St. Augustine near by. But as the legend goes that before the massacre, the Huguenots had dedicated the land and all of North America to Jesus Christ.

In 1998, a friend told me that the Lord had directed him to go to Fort Caroline, with descendents of the Huguenots and Spanish (who did the massacre) and pray for forgiveness and reconciliation. Two pastors would lead prayers and ask for blessings and by chance, I was invited to go as well. None of us took this lightly. After several prayers together we moved to different parts of the Fort to pray individually.

While I prayed and ask for forgiveness for our Nation and ancestors, and within a few minutes I started to see a vision of blood pouring like waves out onto the land and spreading. But then as the blood started to flow it began to turn white. It was as if God was purifying the land with His blood of forgiveness. It was a site and experience I will never forget.

Joshua Youssef of Leading the Way Ministry said recently, “The Blood of the Martyrs is the seed of the church.” History often proves that early missionaries lose their lives, as Christ did, for the Church to take root.

Our Religious Freedom has a solid foundation from Jesus Christ and His Spiritual leading and sacrifice. America is special and called of God to emulate the ways and purposes of Freedom around the world.

Freedom to Slow Down by Pete Wilson

2012-02-13T08:22:00.000-05:00

Many of us have become convinced that speed is a necessary idol you have to worship in this time addicted culture.

When we pursue ambition and speed we lose wonder and awe.

When life becomes all about getting from Point A to Point B as fast as we possibly can, it comes at a cost.

I want to be filled with…

Jesus, Budweiser, and Freedom by Mike Whittymore

2012-02-10T09:00:00.000-05:00

Do you ever wonder if Jesus were here today that He, being the King of Jews, would drink the King of Beers? These are the types of questions that plague my day. But deep within the sarcasm, there's a good question. Would Jesus drink beer? What do you think?

We know Jesus drank wine.

We know He made wine.

We know He illustrated with wine.

Yet, we live in this bazaar reality where legalism has forced our humble protestant reformation to use a breathalyzer. For the orthodox among us, the issue over freedom and drinking isn’t a problem. In fact, most would agree that our Catholic friends are fairly liberal with alcohol.

So where's the rub? Well, like most issues, (sex) the church doesn't effectively teach on them. Our lack of teaching over the last 50 years has crippled our view on major life issues, causing one generation to label them taboo, and another generation to embrace them without regard.

The reality is that most Protestants are at a weird crossroad. The fundamental, evangelical Protestants label alcohol as a sin, and that abstinence is the only option. Conversely, the mainstream, non-denomination protestant sees alcohol as a choice and enjoys the freedom to indulge. If you're a Christian and drink - you're a heathen. If you're a Christian and you abstain - you're a prude.

Even Mark Driscoll, the King of Seattle, can't gain traction on this issue.

The problem is not FREEDOM. Yes, Jesus died for you, and you have liberties in Him. But drinking and freedom are not in the ring together. Drinking and TEACHING are.

We simply do not teach correctly on this issue. To teach abstinence as a directive is wrong! There is no biblical mandate to support this. Likewise, there's no scripture to support all out permission for consumption.

Here's what we know: we know that all things are permissible, but not all things are beneficial .In other words, just because you can, doesn't mean you should.

What we need to do, is stop waging a beer war on each other, and focus on teaching. What are we showing the next generation? Division! Should that be our legacy? It's ridiculous and shameful that we've wasted so much time on arguments of futility.

Do people abuse alcohol? Yes.

Do people abuse each other? Yes.

Do people abuse food? Yes

-should we do away with all of these? NO!

Your freedom came with a price. Is this really how we want to honor that sacrifice? Arguing? Dying on pathetic hills of legalism? Let’s open the scriptures to our children, and show them that freedom is meant to be kept in check and that life is meant to be enjoyed.

Let’s teach our children about the dangers of alcohol.

Let’s teach them about hereditary tendencies.

Let’s teach them to obey the law.

Let’s teach them not to give in to drunkenness, which leads to debauchery.

Moreover, let’s teach them that we are called to be a people of MODERATION!

[for the record, you cannot be anti-alcohol, but pro-Golden Corral]

Look, people spend money, have kids, and get married. As a Pastor, I've spent years trying to get people to do all those things the RIGHT way, because when they do, not only are their lives better, but so are the ones they impact.

Protestants must understand that legalism cannot share the New Testament with the Cross. Likewise, we must also use our freedom to teach, and not just to indulge.

Who I am: I'm a follower of Jesus Christ. I'm a husband, a father, a worship leader, a student pastor, and a blogger.

What I know: I've come to find that God has fashioned me into a man that is humbled by the grace given to me and the responsibility to show God's glory through it.

Email me: mike.whittymore@gmail.com

The Blood Sacrifice for Freedom by John Beehner

2012-02-09T15:40:00.000-05:00

The ultimate sacrifice for any of us is giving our life for another. Christ paid the price for all of us, giving us the Freedom from our sins for God’s deeper purpose in moving the world forward.

Just as God moved on Pharaoh to “let my people go,” He has been hungering not for just individuals but nations to adopt Freedom to serve His greatest purpose. America is the birthplace for democratic Freedom and has a destiny to share that vision and purpose with all nations of the world.

The Middle East, Africa, Far East and European nations have seen our willingness to pay the ultimate sacrifice so other nations could live in Freedom. We are the defenders of freedom. Every Armed Service man and victim of 9/11 is a freedom fighter to change the world.

The Lord is tired of the Dictators, Communists and Religions that keep His people in slavery or bondage to minimize the gifts and talents of each individual. Ultimately, he wants them to experience Freedom IN Christ.

Of 220 significant nations in the world 143 have chosen a form of freedom. Even after the Iraq war, 19 more nations declared freedom and now there are 7 more in process including Egypt, Libya, Syria, and Tunsia. More men and women are willing to shed their blood for Freedom, if not for themselves, then for those who come after them... just like our founding fathers did for us.

God principles apply to individuals, families, organizations and YES, Nations.

China has declared Economic Freedom and now Religious Freedom. Soon they will declare Political freedom for all their people because the flame is lit in their heart. They won’t be able to turn back. The Chinese leaders saw the writing on the wall with the collapse of Communist Russia and the Eastern Block. Mao was dead and Communism wasn’t working. They were isolated and falling behind the rest of the world.

Japan and Germany, two of the greatest leaders and contributors to economic growth in our world, might never have been free and democratic without America’s leadership, compassion, and military through God’s intervention. South Korea and North Korea are great polar examples.

Bottom Line, Christ is the blood sacrifice that inspires mankind to give their blood for the Freedoms He stretched out His arms on the cross to give us. Are you exercising your rights through freedom and willing to give your sacrifice?

Deeply Free by Shauna Hall

2012-02-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

Freedom. That is an oceanic topic. Deep and wide, multitudes of my thoughts pour forth concerning it. I wanted to say something deep and profound about freedom, something radical and transforming, but I find the only thing I really have to say about anything is what is transforming my life currently. That, for me' is thankfulness. Being thankful has been making me free. Deeply free.

I think this is what we are all often looking for and struggling to find. We are threatened by anything that takes away or hinders our freedoms, real or perceived. Jobs, commitments, children. We want to keep our options open, keep our shoes laced, ready to run if something tries to block us in and take away the choices that we think enable us to do what we want, when we want. Even how we want. But living with this mentality is what is keeping many of us locked up with discontent, and unthankful lack.

Because I am coming to believe that the thing that brings the greatest freedom and fulfillment is embracing all these things. All the things that are given to transform my character. Trials, challenge, struggle, suffering, even the everydayness of life. Freedom is not doing what I want, freedom is pouring myself out in and for the calling God has given me. Freedom is commitment, with no turning back. Until death do us part. Freedom is fighting the good fight, finishing strong, no holding back, and letting go of what I think my hopes and dreams are and how to get them with my own ideas and plans. Freedom is 6 children and all of my life laid down to serve and raise them with my beloved husband. Freedom is the ability to forget myself and give to others not expecting in return. Fulfillment is found in embracing all that Jesus has done and trusting His heart with all I had hoped for.

The grass can seem greener, and the "if only's" that tempt and sway before our eyes give promise of something better, something we had hoped for, searched for and dreamed would be ours, only to be met with disappointment. But they are the illusion and the reality is found in acceptance and embracing the life God has given us with thanksgiving. There it is, that word again (my watchword for 2011) Thankfulness, thanksgiving, In all its simplicity, freedom is found in thankfulness regardless of what I think I want or how I wish things were. Deeply thankful to the One who knew best, and gave it, whatever it may be.

with grace and thankfulness, Shauna

Shauna lives in Northern, CA with her amazing husband Jeff and their 6 children, the latest of which just arrived. She enjoys learning how to walk in thankfulness and humility while pursuing faithfulness in the calling she has as a wife, mother, and teacher. She blogs her devotional thoughts and musings at Live His Word http://faithstone.blogspot.com/

To Be Free Indeed by John Beehner

2012-02-07T11:30:00.000-05:00

During the first week of September of 1980, I got on my knees in the Days Inn hotel to commit my life to Jesus Christ. I did not really know what I was doing but my heart and soul were aching from the sins and dumb things I had done so far in life. I surprisingly found a paperback Bible printed and distributed by the founder of Days Inn that offered a Sinners Prayer in the back. It was so much easier to read than the King James version I had brought, so I welcome the chance to recite the prayer many times and give it all to Him.

Nearly 20 years later I started to fully comprehend what I had done that night. The Holy Spirit revealed to me that I had given up my rights to free will, that God had granted to me and every man and women since Adam and Eve.

The early years it was easy to be submissive to the Lord because within a week he had led me to a business that turned around my economic issues and set me on the course I’m still on today of working with CEOs to help them grow their business, ultimately God’s way. Even though the first year was hell it became easier for 10 years, until He wanted me to change course. Then came the test of obedience and many battles over 7 years with evil and God’s uphill climb that He would not let me forsake.

At times it seems like I am climbing a rocky mountain barefoot with no special gear to help me get to the top. In this test I have needed to trust Him deeper and deeper, breaking away any of my desires still in me. But what I have found along this journey is that true deepness is found through Freedom IN Christ. There is a lot to complain about and plenty of scares but my Spirit is alive from the insights and discernment He has given me every day.

Here is the Bottom Line: When we commit our lives to Jesus Christ, we no longer have the rights to free will that we were born with. Even if you were only ten years old, when you committed to Him, the Lord does forget and will eventually draw you into His full service.

I have committed to be His servant, His soldier, His ambassador to accomplish His will and plan in and through me. And He loves the journey because if I can keep my flesh (soul and worldly desires) quenched, He can use me for great things. I have won my ultimate Prize and reward ... which is true Freedom IN Christ... long before I get to heaven. That is a privilege and a joy that allows me to be FREE indeed.

Freedom From Worry and Fear by Bengt Korshing

2012-02-06T08:14:00.000-05:00

I rest without worry near my father's heart. John 14:27

There is a lot of confusion about 2012. The film industry has made a lot of money playing on peoples fears and worries about 2012. Many beleive that because the Mayan calendar ends in December 2012, so will the world. As I follow the comments on internet and the rise of internet "survivalists" shops, I see two things - one, the rising fear for the unknown and two, the oppertunity taken by those who have money as their focus, to get rich by using our fears to get us to buy, buy, buy and buy our safety, our survival, our future. Can we really "buy" these things ? NO ! We can only get a very temporary feeling of security.

There have been countless predictions about the end of the world and so far none have come close to being right.

What all this does is play right into the hands of the devil. He wants us to worry and be afraid. He wants us to focus on the worst possible outcome. Why? Because when we focus on these things we do what the apostle Peter did when he was walking on the water towards Jesus, the storm scared him and he looked at the waves of the sea and became afraid - then he started sinking, only JESUS saved him when he called for help. Read Matthew 14:30.

If we let our worries about the future, a future we can't do anything about, draw our focus from Jesus THEN we WILL start sinking and we may very well drown in the depths of our fears and dispare. Just what the devil wants.

Worry and fear tires us all. There is nothing that draws so much energy from us as worry and fear. In Mattew 11 vs.28 Jesus says, "Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

Go to Jesus with your worries and fears, only He can help you.

Throughout the Bible we can read about many of God's messengers and people who at one time or another have felt worry and fear. When this happened they called to God for help:

"Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted..." (Psalm 25:16).

Here are two verses of Francie's hymn "All the way my saviour leads me":

"All the way my Savior leads me; What have I to ask beside?

Can I doubt His tender mercy, Who thru life has been my guide?

Heav'nly peace, divinest comfort, Here by faith in Him to dwell!

For I know what'er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well.

All the way my Savior leads me; Oh, the fullness of His love!

Perfect rest to me is promised In my Father's house above:

When my spirit, cloth'd immortal, Wings its flight to realms of day,

This my song thru endless ages: Jesus led me all the way."

Let JESUS be your focus every day of 2012 - let Him carry ALL your worries and fears.

Today's guest blogger is Bengt Korshing. Bengt was born in Sweden, but grew up in Mozambique, where his parents were missionaries. He studied anthropology in the US, then moved back to Sweden and studied in the Royal Guard. In 1979 he answered the call to serve as a missionary in Sierra Leone, where he met and married an American missionary. When the two started their family they decided to move back to Sweden, where it was safer. There they became tent-makers (self supporting missionaries) and today they are helping small churches and prayer groups and working as English teachers.
Visit Bengt's blog at http://pastorbk.christianblogsites.com/blog/

A Fortress of Freedom by Teresa Kimbel

2012-02-03T12:00:00.001-05:00

He motioned with his hand in a large circular motion as he answered my question, “What do you like about living in Bowling Green?” Being both unable to speak his language or recognize his signing, I kept repeating the sound of his words until the right words came out. “Oh, around the city,” I said, “around the city,” still being clueless how these three words answered my question, but assured they did since the entire class nodded and smiled.

He is one of the ones who sit in the back, left corner of our church among approximately fifty other refugees from various countries. Ku Reh, the one attempting to answer my question, is a refugee from Burma and one of the best students in my first ESL class I ever taught.

They come to America with only the clothes on their backs, are given $450.00 per person and ninety days to find a job. They have to pay back the cost of their own airfare as well as pay their own rent.

The difference between being an immigrant and a refugee is this: An immigrant comes to America to find a new life, a refugee comes to save his.

What does America have to offer? In one word FREEDOM -- in three words, FREEDOM OF RELIGION.

Arriving in July of 2009 approximately fifty refugees started attending our church. In August, one month later, twelve, including Ku Reh were baptized. Hearts repressed, but believing in Christ in Burma, find expression to receive Christ in America. Immigrants come to find a new life; a refugee comes to save his. Remember?

Haven’t we all been refugees of Satan at one time or another? Weren’t we all lost until Christ saved us? Don’t we all find safety in Christ?

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress,” David reminds us in the Psalms – “a strong fortress to save me.” “He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.”

And then in Psalm 48, David, himself, paints a vivid picture of what walking around a city in freedom looks like -- what Ku Reh was trying to explain to me.

“Great is the Lord, and most worthy of praise, in the city of our God, his holy mountain. Beautiful in its loftiness, the joy of the whole earth, like the heights of Zaphon is Mount Zion, the city of the Great King. God is in her citadels; he has shown himself to be her fortress….As we have heard, so we have seen in the city of the Lord Almighty, in the city of our God: God makes her secure forever. Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love. Like your name, O God, your praise reaches to the ends of the earth; your right hand is filled with righteousness. Mount Zion rejoices, the villages of Judah are glad because of your judgments. Walk About Zion, go around her, count her towers, consider well her ramparts, view her citadels, that you may tell of them to the next generation. For this God is our God forever and ever; he will be our guide even to the end.”

Ku Reh’s hands that once reached out for food can now clasp a hand filled with righteousness. His feet confined to the camp, can now walk around in God’s citadels. Words which he could not speak can now be passed down to the next generation. And he can do what living in America affords him most: he can walk around the city in freedom, two cities, both now and forevermore.

Teresa Kimbel is a wife, mom and grandmother who lives in Bowling Green, KY with her husband Phil of 36 years. She speaks nationwide on the Bible, teaches ladies classes, voluntarily teaches ESL classes at her church and presently mentors eight young moms in her home. She has a video series entitled Becoming a Woman of Peace based on Jesus’ calming the storm in Mark 4, paralleling her life-long battle with depression. She leads a social network she created called Titus 2 and a Facebook group called One Chapter. To learn more about Teresa visit the links below:

http://teresakimbel.blogspot.com

http://tbkimbel.blogspot.com

www.womanofpeace.org

Free From Bondage by John Beehner

2012-02-02T10:20:00.000-05:00

Ricky Roberts was born to faithful parents whose hearts were broken when they discovered that their special child was mentally retarded. But because of the deepness of their faith, they knew God would heal him… because nothing is impossible for God. Their prayers and crying out to the Lord were constant, and they had many indicators the Lord was listening and that He was testing their faith and trust in Him. They were encouraged by Evangelists and prayers continued as hundreds prayed for Ricky’s healing.

By the time he was 16, his church school was ready to give up on him because the other kids had been picking on him so much and he could only read at a third grade level. The school felt they had exhausted their ability to help him. But at the same time, they knew that two different evangelistic pastors had prayed over him, and the Lord had told them both (at different times) that God was getting ready to heal him.

Miraculously, it happened on the day they predicted. Today he is a Pastor, has earned three Phd’s, and speaks four languages. He studies from a collection of two hundred Bibles and books acquired from the first century church and followers in four languages.

For the last 15 years, he has led True Light Ministry which is a local church that holds Sunday and Thursday night “healing services” where people from all over Jacksonville are seeking his anointed prayers and prophetic insights.

I recently asked two young college boys why they like his Sunday and Thursday teachings. They both agreed…”He’s raw, blunt and real in his teaching. He does as he says he’s called to do… he goes back to the way it was done in the early days of the first churches, during the first 300 years. No fancy buildings, no big choir or big push for money. He’s not afraid to lose members because he is sharing the truth, about both good and evil. He’s profound and true. He’s an inspiration. “

In God, Freedom in Christ means being all we are called to be... to be innovators, risk takers, through the leading of the Holy Spirit. He wants “doers of the word, not just hearers.” The bondage Ricky experienced must have been God’s way to make him different. He missed the normal issues a young man faces growing up until he was 16, that might have limited his approach to serving others. The Lord was doing His “deep seeding” in him until He broke the bondage over him for True Freedom in Christ that could impact every person he prays for in his healing services.

Free Indeed by Amy von Borstel

2012-02-01T10:03:00.000-05:00

I walked into my father’s house and there she sat. My step-mother, Debbie, was in the final stages of cancer. Her frail, weak body made her barely recognizable. She burst into tears when she saw my face. She must have seen the compassion in my eyes. She was not usually emotional. However, that day was different. There was a keen sense of God’s love in the atmosphere.

I sat down next to her and we began to talk. It was just the two of us sitting there soaking in the Presence that filled the room. I don’t remember much about the conversation. I only remember a deep, intense love in my heart. I asked Debbie if she would like me to pray with her, and she enthusiastically said, “Yes!” I held tight onto her hands and began to pray words of love and protection over her. The fear I had seen in her eyes began to lift and a fresh glow came onto her face.

After spending time chatting and praying together that day, I hugged her tight and said, “Goodbye.” As the door shut behind me, a flood of emotion came into my spirit. I began sobbing tears of compassion for the pain Debbie was feeling. I realized in that moment that I had experienced the greatest miracle of my life—God had set me free from the prison of unforgiveness. .

It was decades before that Debbie had been (in my young mind) the one who had broken up my family. At thirteen years old, my dad had left me and my family to marry Debbie and raise her daughter. Hurt and bitterness plagued me and held me captive for a very long time.

But that day, I rejoiced in the freedom I had found in Christ. I had made the choice to forgive my step-mom many years before she had been diagnosed with cancer. And on this emotional day, the deep love I was expressing to Debbie was the evidence that I was free indeed.

Christ came to earth and died so that we could live and love freely. That day with my step-mom will be forever etched in my mind because I know that it was only through the power of Jesus Christ that a person could love the one who hurt them the most. It was the last time that Debbie was able to communicate with me before she passed away peacefully several weeks later. A number of years have gone by and the love I have for my step-mom is still as strong as it was then.

In Isaiah 61, it says the Lord has anointed us—His followers—to bind up the brokenhearted and to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners. How can we help set the captives free? We can start by spreading the message of forgiveness.

Freedom, undoubtedly, is being able to love those who have hurt us and being willing to share the goodness of Christ with every person we come into contact with. There is not a greater prison than the one of bitterness. And I am certain there is no greater freedom than walking in true love and forgiveness.

Today's guest blogger is Amy Von Borstel: Wife to Michael, mother of two children, and a Christian writer who is passionate about helping the poor and orphans of the world.

To learn more about Amy, visit her at one of the links below:

http://amylivelovelaughclub.blogspot.com/

https://twitter.com/liveabundantly8

liveabundantly.john1010@gmail.com

Being Set Free...to be in Christ by John Beehner

2012-01-31T07:59:00.000-05:00

Guy Ianello, was raised by a good Italian family in upstate New York. Somehow in high school he got caught up in drugs, using and then selling them. After graduating he had no incentive to find a real job until he got caught and was sentenced to life in prison. But after 6 months, he was released on a technicality.

After his release he tried a few jobs but then drifted back into pushing drugs. He made very good money. Then he met his wife and they moved to the Orlando area to try and make a new life together. But selling drugs was too easy. His greatest fear was being caught and sent to prison for life. As the pressure built and more and more deals made good money and frustrations with his wife (who finally left him), he was finally caught again with guns and plenty of drugs for sale.

People had witnessed to him about Christ but he always rejected it. But out on bail and before being sentenced he went to church with a friend. He was moved and gripped with fear of going to prison, so after church he went into his back yard with his dog and cried out to the Lord for forgiveness, weeping hysterically he admitted his lies and sins.

As he did this, a big cloud enveloped him and it became more and more intense. He felt a profound inner pressure building inside and at the same time great peace. Finally after 15 minutes there was a great burst, like his head had exploded. As he began to open his eyes the cloud around him began to lift. He first heard and then saw his dog barking at this huge snake all curled up in his yard. He spoke out, “Oh Lord what is that?” Then the Lord spoke to him and said, “that is the serpent I just took out of you.”

He was no longer the property of an evil curse but he found Freedom in Christ from the inside out. That life changing event transformed Guy completely. He hungered with a passion for the word and convinced his wife he was a changed man. So she took him back. He studied intently for 3 years.

Today, Guy is a Pastor of the Total Freedom Program near Orlando where he helps victims of addictions get clean through 9 months of intense Freedom IN Christ training. He an excellent teacher, trainer, and mentor for the Lord.

God can change us if we will be open and let go of our worldly thinking and misconceptions. His plans are always better and teach us the final truth about Freedom IN Him.

Freedom to be the person God created you to be by Duke Taber

2012-01-30T10:01:00.000-05:00

I remember, back in “the day”, when my long hair still hid my redneck, that there was great pressure to follow the crowd. We would wear the latest fashions, use the coolest slang, and we were constantly trying to prove how “hip” we were. I never realized that in reality all we were doing was becoming carbon copy clones trying to prove we had value in a world that values conformity. We were not walking with freedom to be the person God created us to be.

Even today in our modern church circles, this carbon copy mentality exists. You have to look a certain way, speak a certain way with all the Christianese thrown in, and perform up to certain standards that are expected within your particular stream of Christianity. Whether it is from the conservative fundamentalist camp with the suit and ties and the KJV quotations flowing from your lips, or from the relevant Charismatics with their Hawaiian shirts and laid back style of teaching they all seem to have people who try to mimic the great leaders and thinkers of that group. My heart goes out to those not walking in the freedom to be the person God created them to be.

However I am not sure that this is at all what God intended.

In Psalms 139:14 it says "Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it." (NLT)

We are all created complex by God. Complexity means diversity. None of us are the same. So why are we encouraging conformity? You were created by God to fulfill a wonderful destiny in this life. You were given unique and wonderful gifts, talents and abilities to carry out that destiny. Do you think just maybe that when we trade our own special uniqueness for acting and speaking like the crowd that we are in fact telling God He did not know what He was doing or what we really needed?

I get worried when people start taking out the Christian cookie cutter mold and start chopping away at people. It is some of those unique things that don’t quite fit, that God uses to reach others outside the mold. In my own life, I spent 23 years as a bi-vocational pastor and a truck driver. Many Christians couldn’t believe I was a truck driver, hanging out with the rough and tumble sinners that truckers are stereo-typed to be. Truck drivers couldn’t believe I was a pastor because I would sit and listen to them and not cringe when they used colorful metaphors. God created me with the ability to take people where they are and establish relationship with them, to earn their trust, so He could then speak into their lives. What would have happened if I had allowed those who told me to become the model of the slick TV preacher, use their cookie cutter on me? I would have missed wonderful opportunities to speak a word in season with those that greatly needed it.

Ephesians 2:10 "For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." (NLT)

You are God’s workmanship, not man’s nor the church, or even the workmanship of well-intentioned leader’s. He is the one that formed you in your mother’s womb. You are the one that He molded during your youth, and He is the one that has promised to complete His work in you! So take a moment, look at yourself in the mirror and ask yourself this question. Am I walking in the freedom God has given me to be who He has made me to be? He who the son sets free is free indeed!

Blessings

Today's guest author is Duke Taber, pastor of the Vineyard Christian Fellowship of Pine Haven Wyoming and the author of the weekly column Taber's Truths in the Moorcroft Wyoming Leader. He has been a believer for 33 years and has been active in ministry for over 20 years. He is a single dad of 3 great kids. His passion is pursuing the radical middle of Christianity where the fullness of the Holy Spirit is experienced and a balanced approach to biblical interpretation is used without going to the extremes of neither hyper-emotionalism nor stoic fundamentalism.

Taber’s Truths Christian Blog http://www.taberstruths.com

Facebook Fan Page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tabers-Truths/143047635765439

Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/taberstruths

Free From Me by Jenifer Metzger

2012-01-27T08:43:00.000-05:00

"Mom, I spilled the tea all over the floor!"

"Mom, the dogs ran away again!"

"Mom, the computer is not working, come help!"

"Mom, the boys are wrestling again!"

These, and many more, are phrases that make me sigh and say, "Not again!" I am sitting down relaxing with a good book, working on the computer, cleaning or cooking and these phrases always cause me to stop what I am doing and give me more work. Ugh, why do I have to keep chasing runaway dogs and playing referee to a wrestling match with my boys? Why can't I just do what I want to do?!

I tend to have this I syndrome. I want it my way. Do you ever feel this way?

"You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” Galatians 5:13

I was called to be free! So, then, I can be free to indulge in me? No.

We were called to be free from ourselves, free from our selfish nature. We are free to serve in love. I don't want to focus on just me. Well, honestly sometimes I do, but that is not what God wants me to do. I desire to learn to focus on others. I want God to give me eyes to see what is going on around me, to see the lost and hurting. I desire to be used as His hands and feet.

When I choose to be free from being selfish, then I am free from irritation, stress and bitterness. I am free to love and serve others with a grateful heart. I am free to see God's work at hand. I am free to see miracles around me. I am free from myself.

Are you struggling with the I syndrome? Pray and ask God to help you become free from selfishness and be open to others around you.

Sweet Blessings~

Jenifer

Today's guest blogger is Jenifer Metzger. Jenifer and her husband, Jeremy, have been married for fourteen years. They have been blessed with four children that she calls her blessings from Heaven. Jenifer is a housewife and homeschooling mom and enjoys serving alongside her husband as the multiplicity pastors of their church. She is the founder and co-leader of Woman to Woman Ministries and blogs daily at Sweet Blessings.

Links:

Blog - www.jenifermetzger.org

Facebook – www.facebook.com/sweetblessings.jenifer

Twitter – www.twitter.com/metzgersix

Blog for Woman to Woman – www.w2wministries.org

Facebook for Woman to Woman – www.facebook.com/womantowomanministries

Twitter for Woman to Woman – www.twitter.com/w2wministries

Worry Free(dom) by Jason Hoover

2012-01-25T09:48:00.000-05:00

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.
Proverbs 3:5-6

If freedom is to live without constraints, then we are all self-enslaved by our own worries. We need to understand that worry is a product of fear and fear is not a gift from God. To truly be free, we cannot continue to direct our own steps and control our own destinies. When we do, decisions are based on “human level” knowledge which is greatly inferior to that of our Heavenly Father’s. This is not the journey of a Champion for God as theirs will always stretch to a higher altitude and is laid out by the hands of God Almighty!

To live a life fully immersed in freedom, it is necessary that we have the ability to be freely used by our King. He is our creator and with life He gave us a purpose. However, human nature keeps us from living out this purpose because we never let God have full control. It is the gift of free will that enables us to love God freely but it is the very thing that causes us to not trust Him with our daily lives. We worry too much that if we are not IN control, our life will spin OUT of control.

There is good reason we are not meant to worry. Not only is it bad for our health but it shortens our life span as well. If we do not believe He will provide then how can we be moved by God? How can He count on us to start that new business or form that new ministry that will not only elevate our own lives but many other lives as well? If you don’t, then He will use someone that will. OUCH! If we are too worried about our finances, status, or possessions, then we are tied to those very things. And if we are tied, can we freely move? No and God cannot use the gifts He planted in us either.

So why then do we let this fear consume our day to day lives so much that we cannot even trust the one that created us? One reason is we do not fully believe that God will provide for us daily. When this happens, we are not living in the freedom that God intended for our lives. Instead, we are bound by our own disillusions of security perpetuated by sitting in the captain’s chair of life while telling God to get in the back seat and keep quite.

Friend, start putting your full trust in the Lord and begin to believe that He will provide for you every day. Just like the Israelites in the dessert, God will give you your daily bread and you will never go without. He would not give you life and then walk away. He has a plan for your existence that is greater than you can ever imagine but you have to believe it first! Stop worrying about everything and start living in full faith! Once you completely understand this, great things will begin to happen. Heaven will shine down so bright that you will start glowing yourself. Joy will be in abundance, peace will consume you, and you will wear favor like a cloak. Live like one of God’s Champions and believe today in His power. Then start experiencing what it is like to truly live in freedom granted by His grace!

Today's guest author is husband, father, and Christian blogger Jason Hoover. To learn more about Jason, please visit him at any of the links below:

Website: http://championforgod.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChampionforGod

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Champ677

Helping Comrades Achieve Freedom

2012-01-24T11:24:00.000-05:00

Bud Toole, was born and raised in Dallas, Texas and quickly became a very astute investment advisor. Within a short time he became the VP of Investments for Gulf Life Insurance Company in Jacksonville in the late seventies. As a committed Christian, Bud and his wife loved to travel to unusual places and learn about their Biblical heritage.

In the early 80’s a close friend invited him to go on a unique trip behind the Iron Curtain to Russia. But after he agreed, he was shocked to discover that they we going to smuggle in Bibles to some small underground home churches. If they were caught, they could have been put in prison and he might never return to his wife and 2 kids.

His heart was racing as they boarded planes and trains with their suitcases and trench coats filled with Bibles, always stopping at every border crossing.

But his Freedom had always taught him to exercise his faith and be a doer of the word. He stepped out his comfort zone believing this was God’s purpose to help a few Christians in their small home who studied and shared together by candle light, in the middle of the night... so as not to be found out. Whenever they heard noises outside their hut, they stopped and prayed until the person passed. It was an intense and gut wrenching experience.

Bud would return two or three times a year for 6 years helping more families and underground churches. Bud would say that the intense experience dramatically increased his faith and prayer life. “I felt like I was in the CIA instead of being a very conservative financial advisor to very wealthy people. I could not understand why God would call me to this.”

Until, without warning in 1989, The Wall came down. Bud then quickly understood God’s purpose in his adventure and the sacrifice he had undertaken. So he and Steve Maisel formed East-West Ministries. They raised the money to go into Russia with American pastors to teach local Russians who wanted to build their own Churches. For 12 years, they have helped over 1,100 Pastors reach millions of people through Churches all over the Russia.

Many of us would have rejected the vision and leading that God placed on Bud’s heart. But, freedom is not freedom unless we exercise it by our faith and trust in the one who created us. Not just our religious freedom, but political, economic, free expression and the ultimate... Freedom in Christ to use all our gifts and talents for His grand plan.

Freedom to be Yourself by Darren T. Carter

2012-01-23T12:10:00.000-05:00

Have you ever been to the zoo and watched the caged animals? If so, you can see that even though these animals have been rescued from death, they are still not free to be themselves. It is said that injured lions mostly die not from their injuries but from the pain of being unable to do what they do best. We are much like the lion in that respect. We have been set free so that we can truly become the person we were created to be and when we are not that person, we die inside. Proverbs 13:12 says, hope deferred makes the heartsick. Could this be one of the main reasons we see so much mental illness today, because people are jailed in sin and a total lack of purpose?

“Are you free?” is the question you have to ask yourself. If you are free, you are going to be comfortable in your own skin. Paul said, “I am who I am.” Paul understood his gifts, developed them, and expanded them because he was free. His freedom allowed him to reach his potential. In Romans 12, Paul helps us identify the differing gifts each of us have been given; he then tells us not to compare ourselves with each other (II Cor. 10:12). If you are trying to emulate someone else, you are not free. You can learn from others, but you are unique. It is your uniqueness that makes you who you are. You must try not to focus on yourself but look to the grace that sets you free. Grace is about taking the mundane and ordinary and transforming it into the special and extraordinary. Grace does not focus on our insufficiency but on the all-sufficiency of the cross and the freedom of being found in Him.

It was William Shakespeare who said, “God has given you one face, and you make yourself another?” You may not realize it, but not being yourself is actually a subtle form of hypocrisy. I have a great desire to see the church break out of the box. We should be the most unique, creative people on the face of the earth. I don’t think people hide from their true uniqueness on purpose, but we have been bound so long it is hard to break free. Let’s look at three main areas that bind people from being free. We become many times a lot like the prisoner who has been so institutionalized that they can’t imagine living free. Let’s look at three main areas that bind up people from being free:

Traditionalism: Jesus talked about allowing traditions to keep us from the will of God.
High Mindedness: Paul said that when we think more of ourselves than we should, we miss our true calling. We have to accurately assess our gifts, abilities, strengths, and weaknesses.
Limited Thinking: When we limit our thinking, we keep ourselves bound to the ideas that have shaped our thinking and kept us from His purpose.

Refuse to allow anyone or anything to keep the true you from fulfilling your purpose in this life. Break out of the cage that has kept you from being you. Darren T. Carter

Today's guest author is Darren T. Carter, husband, father, author, and inspirational speaker. To learn more about him, visit his website or follow him on facebook or twitter.

www.foundationmin.org

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Freedom from Fear by Yvonne Carson

2012-01-20T11:46:00.000-05:00

One of the most debilitating emotions that we can experience is fear. Fear is so destructive because it causes us to hide, think, believe, and act small. Fear can paralyze you, preventing you from doing the things you love. It keeps many of us stuck, experiencing lost opportunities, and the list can go on and on. God does not want any of His children bound by a spirit of fear; He wants you to live in total freedom from fear.

One of the worst things about fear is it causes us to disobey God by giving into the fear, causing us to live in unbelief or lack of faith in God’s Word and what He has promised us as children of God. Fear also causes us to fail to see ourselves through the eyes of a loving, forgiving and merciful God.

The great news for you today is this. If you are a born again, spirit-filled child of God, you have been given freedom from fear the moment you made Jesus Christ the Lord of your life! However, it will take faith to appropriate the promise of freedom in Christ Jesus. John 8:36 says, “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” You appropriate this promise in God’s Word by decreeing and declaring it over your self daily until faith comes, if the fear in your life is greater than your faith at the moment.

Fear is based on a spirit of deception and lies or perversion, which are tools that the devil uses to contaminate your faith by using toxic people, thoughts, words, and images to produce fear in your life. There is only one way to counterattack the spirit of fear and that is the spirit of truth – God’s Word.

You can be set free from Satan’s lies by knowing the truth; however, you must read and study the Word of God in order to know what the truth is when you hear it. You speak the truth of God’s Word until it manifests in your life and you can testify that you are walking in freedom from fear. “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).

How to Appropriate Your Freedom From Fear

Admit the truth to God and yourself that you have fear
Confess and repent for being fearful to God
Renounce the spirit of fear and its right to be in your life
Take authority over the spirit of fear (Luke 10:19) by binding it in the name of Jesus
Declare the truth of God’s Word out loud, making it a part of your daily life until faith comes and you’re living a life of freedom from fear

Never forget that God is and always will be our source of freedom from fear. Remember, Jesus is the wonderful Counselor and Prince of Peace – Jehovah Shalom!

Today's guest author is Yvonne Carson, Author, Speaker, Bible Teacher, Licensed Minister, Entrepreneur, and Blogger. To learn more about her, visit her sites: http://spiritualseedfoodforthesoul.blogspot.com, http://yourlifepurposecoach.com. ycarson2011@aol.com.

Freedom isn’t Free, there are consequences when it exceeds His Grace

2012-01-19T12:02:00.000-05:00

On December 16th, 2011 the Security and Exchange Commission finally began taking legal action against two of the key culprits who crashed the US housing industry in 2007. David Mudd, former CEO of Fannie Mae and Richard Syron, former CEO of Freddie Mac, along with four other executives, are charged with misrepresenting the number of sub prime loans they served to US Senate Committees investigating the economic meltdown of our economy.

This is the first action of its kind toward receiving restitution from those who led us into the housing crisis and a broken economy since 2007. These quasi-public and federal intuitions were the instigators with certain congressional leaders in the early part of that decade as Wall Street derivatives and Banks joined the race to crank out as many loans as possible whether borrowers qualified or not.

When the Founding Fathers wrote the Constitution they used the Bible as their guide. That’s why we have laws against murder, stealing, bribery and lying (to name a few)... all from the Moral Truths of the Ten Commandments. Our Judicial system is derived from the book of Judges.

America has been so blessed because of our adherence to His principles and it has been allowed more Grace than other nations. But when individuals, organizations, or our nation get out of His will and grace, we will feel pain. There must be acts of remorse and seeking forgiveness. He is waiting on us to seek forgiveness.

God’s call to Freedom has boundaries. Greed is one of the Spiritual Sins of the Heart and when in excess it exceeds God’s grace, we are now paying the consequence. The Lord’s first commandment says, “have no god’s before Me” and secondly “have no false idols.” Greed, or the love of money, is a sin. God requires us to ask for forgiveness or repentance or face reprimands.

In January 2008 the Lord told me that our American economy would not rebound until there was repentance and an asking for forgiveness by the culprits. As a kid nearly everyone of us was taught about asking for forgiveness beginning with simple things like hitting our little sister. Simple pride and greed sins have kept many public company CEOs from saying “I’m sorry” or asking for forgiveness. It has happened ever since Satan began messing with the heads of men. The Lord has reminded me many times that “Humility is either a choice or a consequence.” Or as Proverbs says “Pride comes before a fall.”

I believe Bankers will be the next to be sued. Banks allowed the foreclosure process to dictate their reactions to those in crisis trying to save their homes. They let the government lend them tax payer money that increased our national debt and put our entire nation further at risk. I believe if the banks took proactive steps of helping homeowners affected by value declines i.e. offering them a 30% reduction in the loan obligations, it would be a boom for both groups as people refinance. Forgiveness of debt is Biblical.

So now it looks like the door is finally being opened by the SEC and not our government. It’s the appropriate group to take action. With legal action humility will come. Sadly, repentance will come in the form of fault finding and eventual restitution. It will waste more money and time proving fault, and drag out the bitterness and outrage of all Americans affected by the Greed of a few hundred men and women who created a culture of selfish interest over the common good of all Americans.

When the passion of some for Greed puts a majority into debt, the true rights of our intended Freedom are violated. These individuals and institutions have violated our public trust. The consequences must be faced.

The Word says, “the love of money is the root of all evil.” In order to be open to God you must have Humility. The clock is ticking for our national Financial Executives who are in denial or hoping this issue will go away. But the Lord will get His way and the economy will turn when... He believes it’s time, and humility, is impacting those who are standing in its way.

Written by John Beehner, author of the New Release "The Freedom Revolution... Rocking Our World."

Freedom of Thought by Karen Thompson

2012-01-18T12:31:00.000-05:00

The theme for this Blog Tour is “Freedom Rocks.” Those of us writing were told to write about some kind of Freedom. To be asked to participate was quite an honor and I wanted to say something profound. I tried looking up quotations by great philosophers about freedom and found that what I got was information that was confusing and way over my head. I tried several other approaches including re-reading the Constitution and Bill of Rights, and must confess that the more I thought about freedom and the implications of our freedom, the more in a funk I got. I looked around at our current North American culture and found that more and more of our freedoms are being restricted or lost altogether.

Then, it occurred to me that I was in desperate need of an “attitude adjustment.” I needed to look at what freedoms I do have and then resolve to use those freedoms to the utmost! For example, I am free to change my attitude. I can be in control of it. Now, when the world seems to be closing in on me and there is no good news in the media, how can I possibly change my attitude?

The answer is in Paul’s letter to the Philippians 4:8-9 (NLT)

"And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me-everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you."

This tells me that in order to change my attitude I must not dwell on problems or on the evil in this world. That does not mean that I am to be unaware of the many problems surrounding us. I need to be informed on world and local events. However, I must also look for the good in the world and try to continually focus my thoughts there. As an example, throughout the day, my thoughts return to the precious sound of our two young granddaughters wishing us a Merry Christmas in song over the telephone or a beautiful full rainbow that glimmered through the residual raindrops.

Furthermore, the verses from Philippians tell me that when I see a place where my gifts and talents can be used to improve life for someone, I need to get busy and do what is needed. It doesn’t have to be anything worthy of front page headlines, but can be as simple as letting someone with only a few items get in line ahead of me and my monthly grocery shopping cart at the checkout. It can be as simple as befriending a forgotten soul in a skilled nursing facility and visiting regularly. The possibilities are endless.

In obeying God’s Word, I’ve proven it true. My attitude changed and the funk is gone. My new found freedom has improved my life. It can’t be taken away unless I allow it. Freedom does rock!

Today's guest blogger is Karen Thompson. Karen is a wife, mother of 5, grandmother of 8. She is a retired anesthesiologist and her husband is a retired pastor. To learn more about her, visit her blog at:

http://kat.christianblogsites.com/blog/

Is America stupid, or is God using us to spread Freedom?

2012-01-17T11:25:00.000-05:00

When I was able to start driving I remember gasoline was 19 cents a gallon. Can you believe that? America drilled and refined all of its own oil and it was extremely cheap to drill and to transport to the USA. When large oil reserves were discovered in the Middle East, everything changed. This is where our dependency began, and more and more oil companies went to the Middle East as the cost to drill rose here. So the Kings and Sheiks prospered as America’s wealth grew over the next 50 years and no President really pushed for an acceptable energy plan.

John Bower, who has headed an international Christian mission in the Middle East believed that “God gave the Arabs oil to bring them into the world community. Otherwise they would continue to isolate themselves.” Unfortunately, the Arab leaders got too used to the easy money so greed became another false god as the first OPEC embargo in 1973, pushed prices higher pushed oil from $3 a barrel to $30. The world was hooked on Middle Eastern oil and could not change its diet.

Next you have had China seeing the handwriting on the wall from the collapse of Russia and the eastern block. With Mao dead they wanted a piece of Western prosperity. So over the last 15 years they have been growing rapidly by allowing Economic Freedom and building on the backs, jobs, technology and prosperity of American resources and dollars. A Chinese executive told me in 2007, 60% of China’s economy was based on American consumption. The Chinese are backing out of Communism. The party likes the prosperity too much to turn back now. Mao tse Tung would roll over in his grave if he could see what is happening in his country.

So many outspoken Americans have said “We have been stupid sending our money to the Middle East and Far East putting our economy and future growth in peril.” On the surface that seems totally logical.

But what about God? Is He just sitting back laughing at what we have been doing? If you pull back and look at the big picture and you seek His face I think you come to the same conclusions I have. God is involved in everyone’s life whether we believe in Him or not. Fact …God gave mankind Free Will which is a natural desire placed in the heart and soul of every man and woman. That’s why Freedom is breaking out in the Middle East and China. God has used America to found Freedom and now nearly 75% of all the major countries in the world have declared a form of freedom and democracy. All of that is in God’s will. Freedom is a process and takes time to perfect as we have proven over and over in the USA.

I believe in the next decade from God’s leading and our striving for debt reduction, America will begin to drill for our own oil and energy sources and turn the balance of trade. The same Middle Eastern countries will have to diversify their economies by developing industries, like exporting, retailing, manufacturing and services to employ their people to grow their economies. We have given them the down payment.

Without oil revenue, these countries will have to learn and use the principles of Biblical Freedom which drives Economic Exchange in the long term. For business owners to be successful in a free society requires integrity and treating customers and employees with honesty to sustain repeated business. You can only lie to a customer for a short time and keep their business. Bribery and swindling have to decline for God to bless these nations. China will no longer be able to steal our technology and knock off our product without licensing fees. The Golden Rule will prevail.

We may be stupid but God is not. He has a plan to spread Freedom through Christian principles. Africa will be His next big stop to feed people with jobs and on a full belly they will be more and more interested in the Gospel and service to Him.

Attitudes of Freedom by Sue Molitor

2012-01-16T12:57:00.000-05:00

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Galations 5:1

Freedom...it is at the core of mankind's heart desire. In John 8:36, Jesus said, "Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." Why then are so many people living in bondage? Why is it that even some Christians never experience true freedom in Christ?

An answer lies in our mind and our attitudes. The issue of freedom is settled as far as God is concerned. Jesus paid the price so we could be free. We are free in Christ Jesus. However, we may not know how to walk in that freedom. We discover how to live in the freedom of Christ through His Word, through the renewing of our minds.

All actions start with a thought. When we learn to choose right thoughts, it will result in living in victory and freedom. And vice versa, when we choose wrong thoughts, we will continue to live in bondage. Whether that thought leads to an overt sin, or a covert sin. A covert sin is one such as selfishness, greediness, pride, self-absorption, unbelief, doubt. These are less obvious than overt sins, but just as dangerous and just as enslaving.

For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Galations 5:13

Yes, Christ has made us free. However, when we use that freedom and choose sin, we get entangled right back into bondage. Any step out of walking according to the Spirit is walking in the flesh and is therefore, sin.

Sin causes bondage. When we come to Christ, He washes away all our sin. He removes it from us as far as the east is from the west (Ps 103:12). However, we have to change our thinking and how we view ourselves or we will go back to the same old patterns of sin. Only the Word of God can transform us and lead us to victory.

Many people sin and then justify it in their heads, "Oh, God will forgive me, after all Jesus Christ died for my sins so I am forgiven." That is a dangerous way to live and it only results in deeper and deeper captivity.

This justification happens often, but many times people are living in captivity by their thinking and do not even realize it is sin. For example, below is a list of Attitudes of Freedom vs Attitudes of Bondage. As you read the list, it might be of value to do some self-examination to see where your thinking is leading you.

Attitudes of Freedom/ Attitudes of Bondage

Thankfulness/ Complaining

Kindness and Goodness/ Selfishness

Graceful/ Critical

Trusting/ Doubting

Faith/Fear, Insecurity

Humility/Prideful, Self-righteous

Love/Fearful, Selfish

Patience/ Quick-tempered

Peace/ Worry, Anxious

Joy/ Grumpiness, gloom

Self-control/ Self-indulgence

Many of the attitudes of freedom are on the list in Galations 5:22-23 as being fruit of the Spirit. The attitudes of bondage could be listed as attitudes of the flesh.

We can choose our attitudes. We can choose if we walk in freedom or are held captive to wrong mindsets.
We may not be able to change our thoughts overnight. It may take some time to dilute the damage accumulated through years of misguided mindsets. However, victorious living is awaiting. Christ died to give you that freedom. Don't let wrong thoughts and attitudes keep you from obtaining all Jesus Christ has for you.
Freedom is yours.

Today's guest author is Sue Molitor, Christian blogger, wife, mother of three, and part-time speech pathologist. To learn more about Sue, visit her blog at http://livingfreeinhim.blogspot.com/

Freedom and the Christian Cartoonist by Dr. Joe McKeever

2012-01-13T12:43:00.000-05:00

I was five years old and in my mother's way as she worked around the house. So, plopping me and my 3-year-old sister down at the kitchen table, she gave us pencil and paper and said, "Draw!" That's when I discovered a love for drawing. She never told us to quit, so I've been at it ever since. The next year, the first-graders at Nauvoo (AL) Elementary would gather around and watch me draw. To this day, I can outdraw any group of first-graders anywhere.

My wife says I'm the oldest person in the world whose mother still puts his artwork on the fridge. Sometime around age 30 and in my third pastorate, I began submitting cartoons to denominational (as well as a few secular) publications, and ran into the reality of editorial censure.

"We couldn't run that, Joe," I would hear. "I'd be out of a job in an hour."

It's not that the drawings or the messages were "bad." They were just taking sides on controversies over which good people were differing and trying to find the way.

One thing religious cartoonists learn quickly is that if no one is going to print your stuff, there's no point in producing it. So, after a couple of editors began working with me to take the hard edge off, they began printing my cartoons.

Looking back, I see now that my early humor tended to be sarcastic. I specialized in putdowns and ridicule. Not good for anything, not for sermons or polite conversations or cartoons.

At one point, sometime in the early 1980s, I quit drawing. I said to the Lord, "It's all yours. If you have no use for it, fine. If you choose to use it, here am I."

He gave it back to me, big-time.

In the 1980s, we worked with a Christian publishing house to produce 8 volumes of cartoons for church newsletters which sold 300,000 copies. These days, the drawings appear daily at our denominational news website, www.bpnews.net (alongwith the work of six other artists). Editors and church secretaries download them and run in their publications. The money involved is miniscule, in case anyone wonders. (Smiley-face goes here.)

What about freedom in my cartooning? I have all the liberty I want or could ever need to serve the Lord using this medium. In fact, I pray as much about my cartooning as I do about my preaching. And the Lord seems to blessing one as much as the other.

When I was in the 7th grade, the teacher asked each pupil, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" The answers were the usual: teacher, fireman, president, politician, farmer. When I said, "Cartoonist," everyone laughed.

These days, at class reunions, I'm the guy in the center of the room sketching everyone, having the time of my life. Freedom? You bet!

Today's post was authored by Dr. Joe McKeever, preacher, cartoonist, husband, father of three and grandfather of eight. To learn more about him, visit his blog at http://www.joemckeever.com/mt/

Who am I? by Kristin Bridgman

2012-01-11T04:58:00.000-05:00

Who am I?

I live out in the world

I live in a car or camper in parking lots

I live under bridges and tents and cardboard boxes in the woods

Who am I?

I may have lost my job and cannot get another

I may have gotten sick and lost everything

I may have made bad choices and consequences are following me

Who am I?

I'm a person just like you

I have red blood traveling through my veins

My heart beats just like yours

I feel hurt and pain, sometimes love

I cry, I laugh, I dream, sometimes I just sleep because of depression

Who am I?

I came from a family

I had a beginning, I have a story

Sometimes I have hope, sometimes I don't

Do you know who I am?

Most do not know me because they are not looking for me

If they pass by, they don't want to look

They look the other way

If you see me please,

extend your hand to shake mine

Look me in the eyes and smile

Acknowledge that I am a human being worthy of a handshake, a smile, a little bit of kindness

Who am I?

I'm labeled homeless

I may not have a home but I still have a spirit

That spirit can get real low at times

So please say a prayer for me

Who am I?

I am Daryl

I am Dave

I am Gordon

I am Larry

I am Mike

I am Roger

I am Sophia

If I seem unpleasant or I scare you, please forgive me

It's hard to always be on my best with so many worries on the mind, or aches and pains, or extreme uncomfortableness

Sometimes I may feel lost

But I will do by best to be kind to you

That's why a pleasant smile and a handshake can be so important

For you to look me in the eye and call me by my name

can lift me up

When you smile at me, I will smile back at you

Who am I?

I am a child of God

And I may be waiting for you to come tell me

The blanket ministry began with a book I read called Same Kind of Different As Me, a very powerful, true story, about a homeless man that befriended a couple working in a soup kitchen in Dallas and how they were each changed by the other through their friendship. I was then led to a book club that was discussing this very book. It was at this book club that I first learned my town had a homeless population. It was November, already cold out and it broke my heart to think of people out there living in the cold. I asked questions about how I could help and the answer came back "blankets".

I began collecting blankets, asking for donations and began to seek out these people, befriending them in the mean time, getting to know them and they took my heart. After giving away over 1000 blankets in two years, hearing stories and seeing them with new eyes, through the eyes of Jesus, it was layed on my heart to write a book, sharing their stories and bringing awareness to this problem and letting the general population know these are people loved by God and they are not to be scared of or to be repulsed by.

I found freedom from stepping out of my comfort zone to enter this new world, and I pray that as I share the love of Christ with people, they will find their freedom in the gift that is offered them in Jesus Christ. That is the only real freedom!

Today's guest author is Kristin Bridgman, Christian blogger, wife, and mother of two sons. To learn more about Kristin, visit her blog at http://ponderingsbykris.blogspot.com/

Freedom for the Sex Slave by Eileen Rife

2012-01-10T11:29:00.000-05:00

She could be your daughter, your sister, or your niece. She is one of 3000-5000 children sold or lured into forced prostitution every day. She is raped repeatedly, beaten, drugged, and left for dead. Traded as a commodity on the black market, she is a victim of the sex industry, the second largest area of organized crime in the world.

Four years ago when I was brainstorming characters and plot for my third novel, Chosen Ones, in the Born for India trilogy, my youngest daughter and her husband awakened me to the horrific crime of human trafficking. Up until that time I had no awareness that 27 million slaves existed in our world, generating $32 billion in revenue each year. I did not know that there are about two million women in prostitution in Asia and half of them children. I did not know that every minute, two people are trafficked across international borders, nor did I know that every year 200,000 American girls are at risk for sex trafficking.

My grown children’s passion quickly became my own, and I knew exactly who Chosen Ones would profile: a sex trafficked girl.

Punita, a young poverty-stricken Nepali girl, is sold by her father to a strange woman who claims she will employ the child as a maid with a wealthy family in the city. For two years, the family would care for the girl and provide a good education. Then, Punita would return home to marry Omar.

All lies. Instead, the woman delivers Punita into the hands of Vladimir Hochek, a ruthless kingpin who runs a multi-million dollar business. Her new and better way of life becomes forced sex, turning 20 tricks a day.

Unaware of Punita’s plight, a missionary couple dealing with their own crisis in Chennai, India, ministers daily to orphans at The Oasis Compound. Their world is about to change when they unexpectedly meet Punita and attempt a daring rescue.

My prayer in writing Chosen Ones is that eyes will be opened to see the severity and prevalence of human trafficking and be moved to action. My own burden led me beyond writing a novel to sponsoring an abused girl who has been rescued and placed in a Safe House for rehabilitation, education, and training so that she can become self-supporting.

Barbara Everett, Director of Destiny Rescue USA notes: “Human trafficking may be the worst human rights violation in the 21^st century.” God has not allowed this tragedy to go unnoticed. David says it well in Psalm 10:17-18: “You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; You encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.”

The Lord calls His Body to be the voice, the hands, and the feet of Jesus to reach out to these precious women and children who are being terrorized by traffickers. He tells His people to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute” (Proverbs 31:8). Together, let’s work toward freedom for the sex slave!

Trafficking statistics provided by Destiny Rescue USA, Inc. www.destinyrescue.org

Eileen Rife’s newly released novel, Chosen Ones, profiles a young girl taken captive by traffickers. She and her husband, Chuck, conduct marriage seminars in the States and overseas. All three of her grown children serve the Lord around the world. www.eileenrife.com, www.eileen-rife.blogspot.com

Freedom in Christ by Judi Ehresman

2012-01-06T12:35:00.000-05:00

When I was asked to write a post for this blog about Freedom, my mind went immediately to political freedom and freedom of choice and all the various freedoms we have in this country and in this life. But the more I pondered the concept, I realized that there is actually only one true freedom, and that is the freedom that we can only have in Christ.

Now, I realize that many people that hear me say that will immediately assume I’m talking of religion. I’m not. Religions tend to bind us, not free us. I’m talking about…well…belonging. Being accepted for exactly who I was created to be; about being the best at it that I can be--only by the help of the very One who created me!

When I was growing up, I was told about Christ and I was taken to church on a regular basis—indeed, on a religiously regular basis. But that’s about all it was: religion. As an adult, when I actually met my Creator and began to know Him also as my Savior and Friend, I began to understand true freedom. And with true freedom also comes joy and peace and hope! Such wonderful gifts they are!

The religion I knew as a child was filled with rules, and most of them were rules about things I could NOT do. I couldn’t dance. I couldn’t play games with cards. I could never drink wine or any drink with alcohol in it. I couldn’t even crochet or sew on Sunday! I must go to church every Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and even Wednesday evening! And if the church decided to have more meetings sometimes, well, I was expected to be there. It was such a lot of rules, and Biblically I could find no support for those ‘rules’ at all!

It was a religion of rules, and I could see no benefits at all. Oh, I was told that when I died if I obeyed all these rules I’d go to heaven, but I had no plans to die for years and years and it was not an encouraging thing to think of living all those years trying to obey all the rules.

Now there was something down inside me that knew for a fact that there was a God. I’d heard at school about how the world evolved out of basically nothing and none of that made any sense at all to me. How could this ordered universe just ‘happen’ into being? How could this amazing body have just mutated into being from cells dividing? Where did the breath of life come from? No, I was no dummy. I knew there was a God. My big question was what did God want from me? Why was I here? Was there a purpose for my life?

When I was 19 or 20 I heard a minister talk about giving my life to Christ. I honestly thought I had done that. My life was nothing but a bunch of rules that took most of the fun out of living. What more did he want?

But then…he started talking about having freedom in Christ; about the joy and peace that comes with knowing Christ intimately and trusting Him with my future. And in my heart I prayed that night. I prayed that God would find me and would help me to get to know Him intimately, and that I would know the peace and joy this minister was talking about.

And do you know what? He did that! He drew me to Himself and brought people into my life to direct and guide me in knowing Him. My own husband helped me to know how to not only read the Bible, but how to apply it to my own life and how to talk with God and get to know Him in a very personal way.

Now you may ask, “What about the 10 commandments and all the laws in Leviticus? Aren’t those binding? Are those to be obeyed?” And I answer: “Yes! They are! But those laws, when lived as a lifestyle actually teach us respect for one another and they free us from entrapment. If you think them through, they aren’t there to restrict us, but to free us! Such as: Don’t lie. Have you ever lied? I have. Talk about entrapment! Don’t murder. Well duh! How is that showing respect? How selfish is that? Or adultery, or stealing…all those things not only infringe on someone else’s freedom, they entrap us and squelch our own freedoms. Honor God above all others? Well…that’s wisdom above all wisdom. Don’t you see? Those ‘rules’ are there to give us guidance and wisdom and inevitably to free us further.

Through the years God has drawn me close to Himself and allowed me to see how truly free I am in Him. Oh, how very much I enjoy walking through life in the light of His ways! Oh, how I have grown to love Him! I am no longer restricted by a bunch of rules; instead I am free to enjoy all the good things He has given, while at the same time not becoming enslaved by any of it! Now that’s freedom! And I’m enjoying every minute of it!

Today's guest blogger is wife, mother, grandmother, gardening enthusiast, and Christian author Judi Ehresman. Judi is the author of "The Hand of God" series. To learn more about her, please visit her blog at http://judiannehresman.wordpress.com/

Only in Freedom

2012-01-05T10:19:00.000-05:00

An Atlanta Entrepreneur recently told me that in his Diamond business that they have discovered a new way to make diamonds even more radiant and valuable. They have learned if they put the diamond under more pressure and heat (the same way they were originally created) and then use a special liquid to polish the stone further, it will increase their value and his sales.

He said that’s just what the Lord does with us. The word says in James, consider it all joy when you face trials. “Its what God does to us to develop our Character. We are put under greater pressure to test us and our faithfulness.“ Too often people think when they experience great trials, they aren’t capable of overcoming them, or they are being punished or abandoned by God. Actually God is ready and waiting to answer their prayers and use the experience to prepare them for bigger and better things.

The greater the trial and testing, the greater the calling. Jesus was tested and faced the greatest trial of all in a humiliating death. So how do your trials and testing measure up to Jesus’ experiences?

Only in nations and cultures of Freedom do people have the opportunity to be all God has called them to be. Freedom offers the opportunity to succeed and fail, if Government and culture do not limit their choices. God has placed in us a special talent and gifting to do something extraordinary. God is working to move the world forward and he needs leaders who are willing to be open to his leading and calling... people with courage and perseverance.

This is why America is such a great nation and leader of the world. We live in an atmosphere where individuals are free to exercise their gifts and talents, to succeed or fail, and to learn and grow from our interactions with one another.

So I asked my business friend, “How do you cut a Diamond?” He said, “Only by using another diamond, it’s the only substance that is hard enough.”

I believe that everyone who is called by His name is a Diamond. The only obstacle to achieving our potential is ourselves and the “insecure” programming we have heard or inherited. But even this can be overcome through God’s leading, as we persevere through the pressure and trimming. The word “character” in Greek means to chisel. God will continue to chisel and refine us through trials, but that is how our character is built. God wants us to be more beautiful and more valuable in His eyes and toughen us to pursue His greatest calling for our lives. Trust Him because He knows where and how He will radiate the Diamond in you.

Authored by John Beehner, author of "The Freedom Revolution... Rocking our World" and founder of Ask Wise Counsel, dedicated to the spiritual and economic growth of companies and individuals.

Spiritual Freedom by Jackie Burgess

2012-01-04T13:20:00.000-05:00

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

In order for us to have freedom in Christ we must understand and know the one who sets us free.

John 8:31-32--- So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

For many years I sat in my church searching for freedom and I looked to my church family (man) to help me find that freedom but freedom didn't come. Freedom came one afternoon in my living room when I heard God speak to me and I knew that He was calling me to seek Him for freedom and not man. I remember falling to my knees and crying out to be free from the chains that held me hostage to a person I didn't want to be anymore. I knew that I couldn't go on another day without His redeeming love and saving grace. My heart was touched by the great healer. As Paul experienced scales being removed from his eyes I was having scales removed from my cold angry bitter heart. I knew on that day my life would not be the same. The chains that once held me prisoner were no more and for the first time I was able to see what God was showing me. I was able to live, breath and be who God had called me to be.

For me church would never be the same. The very people I looked to help me be free and didn't (couldn't) help I was now able to see them as Christ saw them. Over the years religion and a form of godliness had become their identity. I looked for freedom in church from people who were just as bound as I was just in a different way, however, bondage is bondage. I couldn't understand how people who were in leadership or who had been in church for years were bound. I cried out and ask God to help me understand. He did several times until one day I said -Lord they do not seem to want to be free. Do they want freedom? This question opened my eyes to realize that we must want to be free. Free from that which has held us hostage for years. The debt has been paid and freedom is ours.

My prayer is that this year 2012 you will join me and walk in the freedom for which Christ Jesus has set us free from. If you are not walking in freedom I pray that you will reach out to Jesus and ask Him to meet you where you are.

Galatians 5:1---It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery

John 1:14--- And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:17--- For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

John 8:31-32--- So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 14:6-7--- Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 17:8--- For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. (Jesus speaking)

Today's guest author is Jackie Burgess, wife, mother of two, and Christian blogger. To learn more about Jackie, visit the links below.

http://youtu.be/rzcuYGj3VQI

http://UpholdingTruth.net

http://jackieburgess.christianblogsites.com/blog/

A Legacy of Freedom

2012-01-03T13:31:00.000-05:00

The Founding Fathers of the USA believed that God had a special purpose for this land. They believed America was the second Promised Land that God promised in Genesis to the Gentiles and all people. Our founders paid a heavy price through their sacrifice, and laid the foundation for America's success through God's principles and the grace of Jesus Christ.

President Ronald Reagan said, "I believe this blessed land was set apart in a very special way, a country created by men and women who came here, not in search of gold, but in search of God. They would be free people, living under the law with faith in their Maker and their future."

The Founding Fathers believed man's rights came from God, not a king. The Declaration of Independence states, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness."

James Madison once said, "We have staked the whole future of American civilization not upon the power of the Government, far from it. We have staked the future of all of our political institutions upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God."

Benjamin Franklin reminded the delegates in the midst of their gridlock and major differences, that it was God who intervened in their daily prayers and allowed them to win the war for independence. He urged the delegates to turn to prayer to find the guidance to reach agreement in framing the Constitution, reminding them of the scripture, "Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain."

The question is, will we get back to the basics our founders created? Basics which allowed us to grow long term through self-initiative, risk, innovation, leadership, and underlying principles of repentance and finding our freedom in Christ.

Authored by John Beehner, author of "The Freedom Revolution... Rocking our World" and founder of Ask Wise Counsel, dedicated to the spiritual and economic growth of companies and individuals.

Bells of Freedom by Bryan Ridenour

2012-01-02T12:09:00.000-05:00

Zuzu Bailey: “Look, Daddy. Teacher says, every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings.”
George Bailey: “That's right, that's right. Attaboy, Clarence.”

I hear this dialogue every year as I lounge in front of the television, watching my favorite Christmas movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

Yesterday, my family heard a bell ringing in the pediatric oncology clinic followed by raucous applause and cheering. My wife and son looked at each other, curious about the party-like happenings behind closed doors. I happened to know the reason for the celebration.

Every time a pediatric patient completes his or her prescribed course of treatment, the cancer survivor rings the bell and general hoopla erupts!

As the party winded down, a child-life specialist walked through the waiting room and looked at Noah. “That’s going to be you in a few months.” She smiled. I secretly wished for a time machine….

After a few minutes, a nurse pulled Noah's chart and called his name. There, beside the bell, stood the girl celebrating. The medical staff swarmed around her, family members flanking her on both sides. The girl pulled the rope and rang the bell once more. Everyone cheered again for good measure.

That bell signified a milestone.

That bell announced the finish line.

That bell celebrated life.

That bell proclaimed freedom...

Freedom from lab draws, intravenous chemotherapy, lumbar punctures, and neutropenia. Freedom from medicine induced nausea and monthly clinic visits. Freedom from unexpected and ofttimes violent side effects stemming from varied treatments.

Freedom to return to a semblance of normalcy. Freedom to participate in large group activities like AWANA, Upward Basketball and Sunday School. Freedom to crawl around in germ laden plastic tubes at local fast food restaurants.

Freedom to be a child.

In some ways, that young lady sprouted wings yesterday. I do not know her religious affiliation or background, but I do know this, if she knows Christ, a certain passage from the Bible speaks relevantly to her situation: “Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:30-31)

Yesterday a bell rang, and a young lady strapped on her wings.

Today, she soars....

This post was authored by guest blogger Bryan Ridenour, a Christian, a husband, a father of four, and a music/youth pastor. To learn more about him, visit his blog at http://brvan.com/

Freedom Rocks Kick-Off!

2012-01-01T19:48:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone, Happy New Year, and welcome to John Beehner's Blog Tour Event "Freedom Rocks!" This event is a celebration of freedom in all of it's glorious forms, and a platform for Christian authors, bloggers, entrepreneurs, and spiritual leaders to discuss important issues related to freedom that are important to them and connect with others.
Five days a week we will be posting a new article written by John Beehner or one of our amazing guest bloggers, who come from a wide variety of spiritual and professional backgrounds. We hope that as you read this content, you will be inspired to learn more about these issues and discover how you can be more involved in spreading the beautiful gift we call Freedom.

Some of Abraham Lincoln's Thoughts on Freedom...

2011-12-28T18:16:00.000-05:00

"Because we are free, we can never be indifferent to the fate of freedom elsewhere. Our moral sense dictates a clear cut preference for these societies which share with us an abiding respect for individual human rights. We do not seek to intimidate, but it is clear that a world which others can dominate with impunity would be inhospitable to decency and a threat to the well-being of all people." - Letter to H.L. Pearce, April 6, 1859

"Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves." -

"I leave you, hoping that the lamp of liberty will burn in your bosoms until there shall no longer be a doubt that all men are created free and equal." -July 10, 1858 Speech at Chicago, IL

Your Pastor is Really an Economics Professor

2011-12-21T11:41:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine, once said a Church is a hospital for sick people, all trying to get healthy. But for others, it can be an out patient clinic and still others a college community.

Frankly, we are all insecure, we’re looking for healing and nourishment to help us seem whole. More and more people are seeking meaningful relationships to fill their emptiness. That’s why the popularity of internet dating sites like e-harmony and now social networks, like Facebook and Twitter are booming.

The Lord is a God of relationships with Him and one another. Successful business is about effective and continuing relationships as well. Contrary to secular belief or “wall street hype,” by the Lord’s standards the purpose of a business is NOT to make money. Making money or profits is only a result of effective trusting relationships with customers, employees and many others. It’s not the cause of success but the result of serving needs or wants. The purpose of a business is finding the needs of customers and satisfying them… just like a church.

Long term Business success is dependent on the Grace of God and calling of the Lord. When businesses and organization go beyond His will…the Grace period will eventually end and they will pay the consequences.

Keep in mind, Biblical principles are not just applicable to individuals and families, but organizations and nations as well.

Unfortunately, too many people don’t recognize that financial success in a business or nation depends on following God’s principles. Long term Economic success is not possible without building relationships and trust with the ones they serve. Once we purchase a product or service and aren’t appreciative enough of its function, quality, price or service we don’t buy it again and won’t recommend it to others.

Is it possible that business is the largest unorganized church in the world? In good businesses, people are constantly ministering to one another. Some do it well and others don’t, just like a church. The best express empathy, concern, teach good performance, model values and express love through their service to the customer and one another. I’m amazed at some employers terminating people and saying, ”its not personal, its just business.” Well everything is personal, including and especially business.

“Every business is a ministry and every ministry is a business.”

True economic success is driven by these biblical truths:

· The Grace of God.

· By people using their God given talents and leading.

· Character and Moral integrity through the relationships with employees, customers, suppliers, vendors, stockholders and community.

Spirituality is not required for business success and that is why a non-believer can be successful in business without knowing or seeking the Lord. But the best management books espouse basic Biblical principles. Ken Blanchard said it best when he said, “When I came to the Lord, I discovered and could not believe that all my good stuff, was already in the Bible.”

Bottom line: Help your pastor recognize these principles and urge him to teach his entrepreneurs and workers to apply them in their business activities every day, to seek the Lord and His greater purpose in your journey and calling. If we can be of service, please call on us.

In 1776, those "Militant" Christians wanted Freedom

2011-12-15T16:59:00.000-05:00

Can you imagine the headline news at the London Times and at the King George III’s Buckingham Palace which reads “Militant Colonists declare Freedom from Britain.” I can hear the King saying to his troops “those colonist are so ungrateful and their demands for Freedom are outrageous. Its those militant Christians who believe God gave them the rights of free will and that will make them happy...they are behind this !”

“We have governed them and given them our resources and financial aid, there is no way they can survive on their own without our intelligence and influence. The Tea Party rebellion in Boston was an attack on Britain’s honor and the monarchy. They have been fairly taxed to fund our military and diplomats to govern the colonies. They are taxed less than the other countries of the British Empire. They are ungrateful pigs and we will have to smash their revolution.”

Does this sound a little like Mubarak in Egypt when students flooded the streets, or Gadhafi in Libya or Bahar al-Assad in Syria. “Those ungrateful militants after all we have done for them. We will smash them ! They will never get Freedom...they are ignorant and stupid people.”

The Truth be known...You can not stop the Spirit of God and the passion he placed in every man and woman’s heart for Freedom. It’s about a move of God to bring all His purposes in the world to reality. The Ultimate Freedom is IN Christ.

Freedom In Christ is about being free from Fear, Bondage and the Slavery of the enemy’s to false god’s, addictions and willingness to take risk using your God given talents and gifts. God is working in Asia and now the Middle East by using the USA to shake up the area. The common people see freedom at hand. In Syria, the masses are saying as Patrick Henry did...”Give me Freedom or give me death.”

The difference in the Middle East is the Muslim leadership

can’t hold onto Sharia Law when people see the Grace of Christ through the underground churches. As former Secretary of state, Condoleezza Rice said recently, “Freedom takes time to assimilate in any nation...it took time and even generations to see the real fruits of Freedom in the USA.”

I believe in the next decade, America and European countries will no longer be dependent on Middle East Oil. This will force them to enter the international community by manufacturing, exporting, technology and distribution, for example. Economic freedom requires a competitive spirit of loving your customers and employees with good service. It’s the Golden Rule in action. Bribing is not sustainable and goes against the will of God..

Thank God for Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and the other Militant Christians who revolted to bring the world to fulfillment of the Lord’s destiny to change our world.

Wake Up and Join the Harvest!

2011-12-13T09:56:00.000-05:00

Tony Campollo, the well known author and evangelist reminded me recently of the Parable of the Weeds in Matthew 13. Jesus tells the parable of the workers who planted wheat for their master in the fields. But in the night, the evil one came and planted weeds among the wheat. Upset the worker’s asked the Master, should we pull out the weeds? The Master said no because it would disturb the growth of the wheat. He said let it be and at the right time we will harvest the wheat and burn the weeds.

The wheat represents the good of God that we are led to do in this world. But invariably Evil tries to mimic, deceive or create false treasures or gods for us to worship...to divert our mission. It seems that is what satan has tried to do throughout history. Amazingly, God still allows it, waiting on the right harvest time for us and even nations.

Can you see this is the Middle East and other parts of the world ? Communism is a weed that’s being burned away.

China is walking away without blood shed. Over 75% of the major nations in the world have declared a form of Freedom. The only remaining pockets of nations who have not declared freedom are in the Middle East and Africa.

Its harvest time in nations of the world. God can use the evil to draw us to His ways while growing the God seed of Freedom throughout the world. He planted the good seed of passion for Freedom since Adam and Eve. The Good seed is being harvested and overtaking the weeds of evil leaders.

Will there be battles ? Of Course. Will the militants try to maintain control to serve the purposes of evil? Yes. But God is changing the hearts of many Muslims with dreams of knowing Christ.

If He can change the heart of Pharaoh and stop a sinner named Saul, dead in his tracks and use him as one of the great disciples in the history of mankind, who is next on his list?

God fearing Americans, stop being so self absorbed and see where God is moving in the world. Join Him with your Sword of the Spirit he gave you in Ephesians as part of the Armor of God. The word of God is sharper than a two edge sword.

God has been using American prayers, heart, muscle and influence ever since 1776 to break free of evil tyrants. The Lord used us to develop the Model. Freedom is never perfect where it’s first established in any nation... it evolves over time.

So doubters get out your Sword of the Spirit to bring in the Harvest and burn the weeds. Pray for Egypt, Libya, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran and more.. Moses expected the Jews to pray for Moses to “let my people go.” Get on your knees to maximize the Harvest.

Militant Leaders Can't Hold Back Freedom

2011-12-09T10:03:00.000-05:00

People say to me, “OK, I can see nations with a passion for freedom as a move of God, but what about the militant Muslims who are trying to takeover the World ?”

Here is the principle: you can’t give people a taste of freedom and not expect them to not want it all. Sharia Law works against freedom, its interpreted in many different ways and is hypocritical. Less than 7% of Muslims are considered fundamentalist or what the media calls “militants.” Even though their voice and hate may be the loudest, in time cooler heads with prevail as Christians pray for the leadership of each of these countries.

One of biggest the fears of Islamic leaders concerning freedom is losing the hold they maintain over women. The dress and attitude of women will change and they will “get rights.” Once women receive some types of freedom you can’t hold them back from wanting more. Freedom will open the door to understand more about Western Cultures, different dress and free expression.

Even as late as 1920 Women in the USA had to protest in the streets to get the right to vote and own property. Biblical Freedom is about Grace and Truth... the ways that God designed the world to exist, to grow and pursue happiness as individuals, families, organizations and nations.

There are 5 Basic types of Freedom... Religious, Political, Economic, Freedom of Expression and Freedom in Christ. God is drawing us away from bondage and fear and toward Freedom (both physical and mental) so we can maximize our gifts and talents and achieve our ultimate potential.

As the Lord brings the world together, nations will no longer be able to be islands. We are already interconnected economically, and as Economic Freedom strengthens in these countries we will do more business together. Like it or not, we are a business partner with China. Why not more countries in the middle east ?

Mau Tse-tung would roll over in his grave if he saw China taking on Economic Freedom and now Religious freedom as Christianity is booming in China. They tried to kill the church for 50 years but it stayed alive all those years in the hearts of people underground. Now its coming out in the open again and flourishing and political freedom will follow within the next decade.

I read a short newspaper clip about the death of Steve Jobs who quoted a young Syrian girl’s thoughts. She knew his biological father was Syrian. She said, “If Steve Jobs had been born with freedom here, Mc Intosh would have been invented in Syria and helped to change the world.”

What God ultimately wants is for His people to become all they are called to be. Dictators, Communist and even Muslim-type cultures limit people from using their leadership abilities and becoming change agents for their world.

The Spiritual Bailout for our Broken Economy

2011-12-08T01:04:00.000-05:00

If America’s going to return to the days of job creation and prosperity we have to get back to our basics of our system of Economic Freedom.

The Root of our problem is not financial but Spiritual.

We have proven another Government Stimulus or spending program will not turn around our economy.

We can’t buy our way out of the past sins of Greed and Selfishness that led us into a broken economy.

The Sins of the Heart have only one Redeemer. Only one man died for the sins of the world.

We must all repent, if not for our mistakes, but to intercede for our fellow Americans.

Bottom Line: America is out of the will of God and needs to seek forgiveness. We call for a National Day of Repentance.

We must return to the source and founding principles that created the framework for the greatest economic system in the world, one based on the opportunity to succeed or fail through self-initiative, risk, character and morality. The living source that our founding fathers trusted to create our nation are the same Biblical principles that apply to individuals, families, organizations and even nations.

In the Bible, in Deuteronomy 8:18, God said to His people, “remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms His covenant, which He swore to your forefathers. If you ever forget the LORD your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you that you will surely be destroyed. Like the nations the LORD destroyed before you, so you will be destroyed for not obeying the LORD your God.”

If the founding fathers, were alive today I believe they would say, the answer to our economy is found in a “Spiritual Bailout Package” based on Redemption.

Our hope lies in His hands.

2 Chronicles 7:14 says…“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

"We will find Humility as a choice or through our consequences.”

It was Benjamin Franklin in 1787, reminding the delegates, in the midst of their gridlock and major differences that it was God who intervened in their daily prayers and allowed them to win the war for independence.

He urged the delegates to turn to prayer to find the guidance to reach agreement in framing the constitution. He reminded the founders of the scripture “unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain.”

Deuteronomy 8: 5 says “Know then... that as a man disciples his son, so the Lord your God disciples you.”

If we fail to seek forgiveness, we will have to suffer more deeply.

If you are a...

….Wall Street Executive, Banker, Lender or Bond Rater who violated the Public Trust and ignored your own standards to pursue greed.

OR If you are a…

... government leader or agency executive who led us into this crisis by setting the housing downturn into motion.

OR If you are…

...a borrower who went beyond your ability to pay.

OR If you are ...

... a citizen affected by the recession...

Then pray, repent and ask for forgiveness for yourself and our nation.

President George Washington prayed at his proclamation in 1789....”That we may unite in humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the Great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national transgressions.”

In President Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation calling for national day of prayer in the midst of the Civil War, he said, “It behooves us, to humble ourselves before the offended Power of God, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.”

Even John D. Rockefeller, once the wealthiest man on earth, discovered in a dream and vision from God that he was not to continue to pursue the false god of wealth but that his real mission in life was to give it away.

“True Joy is found in generosity, not greed.”

Money or wealth should not be our “false god” or the master of our security or self worth… because the “True Wealth, the Lord allows us to create, is not a measure of success but of responsibility.”

This nation will be great again when we get in alignment with our Creator’s principles and purpose.

Then God will ...

Restore the Trust Capital, rebuild the Relationship Capital, and Re-energize the Spiritual Capital. This will lead to innovation, job creation, increased economic exchange, and prosperity again.

Pray this prayer:

“Oh Lord, we are the people called by your name, in this great nation known as the United States of America. A Nation you called and guided our founders to shed blood to create for freedom’s sake. We humbly pray and seek your face and turn from our wicked ways of letting money be our master. We humbly pray that you will hear our prayers, forgive our sins and heal our land. Restore our Nation to your calling and purpose in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen ”

Excerpted and copyrighted from the book “the Freedom of Revolution...Rocking our World,” by John F. Beehner. Used with credit and permission.

Is the Middle East in Chaos, or Facing Labor Pains for Freedom?

2011-12-05T12:02:00.000-05:00

It was Moses who first told Pharaoh that God commanded him to “let my people go.” Here we are nearly 3000 years later and the people of Egypt are winning freedom from the same type of Dictator as Pharaoh, again. Many of America's Founding Fathers identified with Moses and saw our land as the second promised land for gentiles.

In the heart and soul of every individual there is a small seed, longing to burst forward in the good soil that only freedom can supply. God gave mankind the hungering seed for “free will” beginning with Adam and Eve. Our founding fathers felt the calling, and were the first to break free of tyrants to change the course of mankind around the world.

Like it or not, God can use both good and evil to get His way. No matter how much some Presidents have tried to ignore the cries for help by other nations to keep us out of World Wars, God has called this nation to be the evangelist and defender of freedom with our spirit and blood.

Those who died at 9/11 are Freedom Fighters for the people of the Middle East, just as much as our troops in the midst of the battles. God needed the USA to shake up the Middle East and give the people there a passion for Freedom. It started with Iraq and now the saga continues in Afghanistan. The Egyptian students saw how the USA took out the dictator and mass murderer Saddam Hussein. With 24% unemployment they were angry and fed up. President Obama fueled the flame through his speech on Democracy in 2008. No matter who gains power Freedom has begun.

The people of Libya proved their willingness to die for freedom. The people of Syria will overcome through the burning passion placed in their heart by the Lord. The people of Iran will also overcome their dictatorship in time. Freedom is not stoppable when the Lord is birthing the seed. There will be labor pains as America has experienced for 235 years.

Nearly 75% of the major nations of the world have declared Freedom through a form of Democracy. As many Americans realize, Freedom is not really free but it allows for participation and ownership in the direction of a nation. Of course, there will be more blood shed, tragedy and suffering as a Nation. But as former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice says “Freedom is a process that takes time to evolve.” In the final analysis it is a tool and the will of God to make a better world. He wants the rule of Dictatorial governments to be set aside so every individual, family, organization and Nation can be as He has called them to be by His Spirit.

Wealth is Not a True Measure of Success

2011-11-24T20:44:00.000-05:00

One of the major causes of economic crisis is greedy individuals in the marketplace. Unfortunately for American consumers, we get caught up in these "greed binges." We were all affected by the no money down, no credit check, no closings costs, easy money culture that facilitated the financial crisis of 2007, the worst economic crisis in America since the Great Depression.

Years ago, the Holy Spirit told me, "True wealth is not a measure of success, but of responsibility." God loves when his people use their gifts and talents to build relationships and create economic exchange. But when we believe our security comes from our wealth, and give it too high a priority in our lives, it's like worshiping a false god. Real joy is found in investing in those spiritual promptings, serving those around us, and helping others change their lives, that is true wealth, and a true measure of a successful life.

Many financially wealthy individuals throughout history have recognized this principle and contributed generously to the world. John D. Rockefeller, Standard Oil magnate, created developmental research foundations that led to the eradication of hookworm and yellow fever, as well as many educational and Christian organizations. Bill Gates is contributing to the research of a cure for AIDS. Ted Turner has donated to the United Nations.

I think we can all agree, we would love to hear our Creator's voice when we leave this world say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." That is the real measure of success.

What Happened to the Love in Service?

2011-11-24T20:01:00.000-05:00

Even a newborn child can sense the love of a parent, it's part of the manufacturer's handbook otherwise known as the Bible. And since God is a Spirit of Love, you would think nearly everyone would get it. But in the marketplace there are many enemies of love, like limited freedom, greed, and overgrown organizations.

God works through us by inspiration, which means visions and ideas that come from the Spirit. If we follow these promptings, they will help us grow our business by caring for the needs of employees, customers, and suppliers. While businesses are small, they are focused on quality of service, but when they become overgrown out of greed, they lose sight of this.

Just yesterday, a friend of mine lost his wallet at a tree farm. By the time he realized it was missing, it was already dark and the business was closing. The owner walked around the property with him, searching with a flashlight, but couldn't find it. However, he offered to open early the next morning, and the wallet was found and returned. You seldom hear stories like that when big businesses are involved. You're lucky if you even deal with an actual person instead of an automated system.

The inspiration of love and service has been replaced by manipulation. It's all about the system, numbers, money, and the bottom line. Many employees are like pleasant robots, repeating a script over and over, following protocol and regulations. But when numbers go down or people make too much money, people become disposable. Yet it's been proven that when companies allow their employees more freedom in decision making, it leads to higher customer satisfaction, higher morale, and greater loyalty. It allows God to inspire people to innovations and exhibit His love through their service.

Most people don't pray for their boss or fellow employees, yet most of us spend more time at work than with our families. I believe people like Bernie Madoff could have been turned around by prayer, had his staff loved and prayed for him enough. Now he will spend his life in prison, having lost his family from the addiction to greed that overtook him and a son, who committed suicide. Yet we know that the grace of God can still reach him.

So believers, let's stand up and put the love of God back into the heart of our service to one another!

The Pitfall of Greed, The Value of Humility

2011-11-18T15:15:00.000-05:00

In 1898, few people had ever heard the name James Cash Penney. But by the 1920’s he had made his fortune and was already stepping away from nearly 200 stores to pursue new interests. When the stock market crashed in 1929 his personal net worth shrank by a staggering 81%. He even started taking money out of his life insurance so that he could pay his employees. His health took a terrible turn, and it was in this dark, despairing moment of his life that he turned to God. This experience forever changed him, and he lived another forty years, sharing his faith with customers and fellow business leaders.

The first commandment is “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” God has been trying to teach us this concept over and over again, as individuals, and as a Nation. He’s trying to tell us that we cannot make it without Him. He wants us to call upon Him in humility, and let go of our egotism and pride.

One of the 7 Sins of the Heart is greed. The greed of some of the top financial institution CEO’s is taking them down, and it’s a wonderful warning for those of us who need to sober up. As Christians we need to pray for our Nation and that these individuals will be humbled, and find the truth in Christ. We can also pray that God will help us learn from our mistakes and rise triumphant.

By the time we put the Solid Foundation back together, we could meet the next Chuck Colson, Conrad Hilton, John Templeton, Sister Theresa, or Ronald Reagan. Will the next great corporate witness emerge from our current economic crisis?

Getting Off Your Treadmill to Learn From the Master

2011-11-18T13:48:00.000-05:00

In Luke 10 we read a story about Mary and Martha. Martha is distracted as she prepares the big dinner. She approaches Jesus and says, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister Mary just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”

“My dear Martha,” the Lord answers, “you are worried and upset over all these details. There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Mary sees the Big Picture. There is a time to work, strategize, and complete daily tasks, but it is far more important that we spend time with the Lord.

Applying this to your business, there needs to be time when you get out of your office to build your relationships. Learn from outside experts; get strategies and tips on how to improve your business and make it better. Gain from the wisdom and experience of fellow members, and when you can, contribute to the needs of others. It is in giving that we receive. The Lord will notice your efforts and will bless you even more.