Dream big

We often get caught in circumstances and take our eyes off the bigger picture. GOD wants us to dream big. Don't settle for the everyday humdrum food, sleep, and work existence. Pray for a GOD sized view of things.

The Word is filled with those who looked ahead. Did they always get to see what they worked towards? No. But the world is better for their dreams.

Abraham was called by GOD to see what Canaan could be if he obeyed GOD. To see blessings that would not happen in his lifetime. David wanted to see a temple dedicated to the LORD but it would be his son, Solomon who would complete the work. Zerubbabel was called to rebuild the temple and because he was faithful saw it in his lifetime.

GOD wants you to strive for something beyond your reach. This so that all can see that is really HIS strength that empowered the dream and brought it to fruition.

Dreaming can be hard. There will be those who seek to tear it down and call it impractical. But if GOD is for your dream happening, then fear not, be steadfast and work onwards. It will come true.

Surround yourselves with a similar sense of purpose and vision. Always pray your way through the obstacles in your way.(And for that matter pray throughout) Know that it will not happen overnight. Growth is part of what GOD is accomplishing in this process and that always takes time.

I leave you with this prayer from the song, "Find your wings" by Brent Miller.

I pray that GOD will fill your heart with dreams and that faith gives you the courage to dare to do great things.

GOD bless and keep you my friends,

Freedom's Scribe

Support

As you know, we are currently engaged in events in Libya. You also probably know that I was not in support of intervention. But now that we seem to be part of the ongoing mess there, I would like to say this. Please pray for our servicemen. They serve as volunteers, are paid less than peanuts, and put up with a lot of junk to defend us. In the end they risk their lives to defend us. So please, pray for them and if you know a soldier personally, say thanks.

I also would ask for prayers for those in leadership of the coalition military forces as well as the political leaders involved. We are indeed called to pray for those in authority anyway, but I would express a special call to do so in times of conflict. (Which seems to be everyday these days.)

There also has been a bombing in Jerusalem's main bus station. Last I heard there were many injured, at least one critically. Please lift them up in prayer. Israel catches a lot of flak in the news that it mostly does not deserve. Frankly, they  are the friendliest nation in the region and they deserve our respect and sympathy.

Lastly, Japan needs prayer as well. Radioactivity continues to spread and the death toll still is not completely determined. Pray for wisdom on the part of the leaders, patience and protection for those who aid and comfort to those who are grieving and suffering.

Thank you and GOD Bless,

Freedom's Scribe

Signs of the Times

I'm sure that there are all sorts of wacky theories about why there are so many disasters at the moment. I have even heard that there are those who say that doomsday is around the corner.

People please wake up. Only GOD the Father knows the day and the hour of when HE will close the books on this world. Only HE knows when Jesus will return. Yes, we are in End Times. We have been in End Times since Jesus ascended into heaven. Jesus said there would be many disasters and wars before HE came again. But again only GOD the Father knows the exact second of the Second Coming.

So instead of running willy nilly and worrying about tomorrow, concern yourself with how you should act today. Be about the tasks that GOD has given you, be a light as GOD has told you, and walk in a way the brings glory and honor to HIS name.

Thank you and GOD Bless,

Freedom's Scribe

True liberty

In Christ we have freedom. Jesus died that we would be free of sin and able to serve GOD by the power of HIS Holy Spirit. We believers must be careful how we use this freedom though. Just because something is not wrong does not necessarily mean you should engage in it.

Take this in mind. Does what you are about to engage in hurt a younger believer? That movie may be fine for you at your level of maturity but will it confuse a baby Christian? If so, better to skip it.

Another thought. Will going to this place, engaging in this activity, or being with this person encourage you to sin?   Then it is better to stay away.

Will buying said product cause you to overindulge? Maybe find something else or go without.

I'm not saying that this is easy. By no means. If you aren't sure about something, listen for the promptings of the Holy Spirit. HE will help you develop a sense of discernment about such things.

Some things may be permissible but the real question is are they really beneficial in the long run. Always keep in mind your faith walk with Jesus. If you can't say honestly that HE would be okay with whatever it is then skipping it is your best bet.

Focus

One has to watch where one's focus is whether you are dealing with geopolitical issues, playing baseball or traveling your faith journey.

I personally think we should be more concerned with humanitarian affairs here and in Japan rather than a no-fly zone or airstrikes in Libya. We should not waste time, treasure, or lives in another potential bog down situation. That neck of the woods too often resents any efforts on our part to stabilize the region so why would this be any different? Just a sidenote.

Focus in one's faith journey means keeping your eyes on Jesus. Doing this will help you in facing the storms of life. When you don't, things will appear too big to handle. You forget that the same power that raised HIM from the dead is available to you.

When you find yourself in such a situation, take a moment to breathe. Remember that you are covered by the blood of Jesus and sealed by HIS Spirit. Claim the promises of GOD. Here's a couple I like to remember. We are more than conquerors through HIM who loved us(Romans 8:37). If GOD be for us who can stand against us(Romans 8:31). So recall who you you serve, fix your eyes back on the one who conquered Death and go forth.

May GOD bless and keep you,

Freedom's Scribe

Doubt

Doubt is a hard one to tackle. It wiggles its way in your head and makes a nest for itself. You start questioning every step of faith you took. Left alone it can eat at your heart.

The first step is to admit that you have doubts. Look at Thomas, one of the Apostles. Some look down on him because of his questions. Yet Jesus chose him for a reason. HE loves us hard headed people too. When GOD chose you, HE knew every doubt you would have, every question you would raise. There is a reason why there are so many commentaries and other resources as well. GOD inspired HIS shepherds here on earth to provide them for us.

GOD is not afraid of your questions. Confess your doubt to HIM, then ask away. HE will probably use a myriad of ways to answer so be ready. First and foremost, be in the WORD. This is your primary resource for questions of faith. HE speaks through HIS Word. So be ready with pen in hand. Second, HE often speaks through the counsel of other believers. Be in a bible study or consult with a more mature Christian. They may not have the answers your searching for but they may be able to direct you to someone who can. Third, there is a multitude of bible based resources you can consult. As always make sure they sync with the Bible. If not, drop them like a bad habit.

GOD loves you. HE doesn't want you to leave you with doubts. Don't feel bad that you have them and certainly don't let them fester.

I leave you with this verse which I often think on when I struggle with doubt.

Trust the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Remember the LORD in all you do and HE will make your path straight. (Proverbs 3:5)

A request for prayer for those in Japan

This fallen world of ours groans as it waits for GOD's renewing grace. It seems like there have been more disasters in recent years. This was all predicted in the WORD.

One such disaster is the recent events in Japan. An earthquake, followed by a tsunami has wreaked havoc on this island nation. Even now they still are experiencing aftershocks.

What is my point? Simply, please pray for this nation. Many do not know if their loved ones are still alive. Pray for the rescue workers and medical professionals as they seek to aid. Pray for the militaries of Japan and the United States as they move to save as many as possible. Pray that the people of Japan feel the comforting hands of Jesus in this time of national grief and seek HIS face forevermore.

The time will come for economic aid, but prayer is always our first line of assistance. So please pray.

Another side of the family

Most of us joke about the different sides of our families. This one gave us our eyes, that one gave us our smile, and that one gave us our height. If we are honest, we also joke about attitudes and shortcomings that were "passed on". Niece Josie has her grandmother's sarcasm, etc...

Think on this. When you were adopted into the Body of Christ, you gained a whole new side of the family. Do others see HIM in you? Are you showing the characteristics of your Father in Heaven? The love of Jesus, is it in your eyes, hands and feet?

Part of your walk with Christ is developing fruits of the Spirit. These come by walking in relationship with Jesus and following HIS lead. They grow over time through faith and obedience. They become visible in how you interact with GOD and with those HE loves.

If others do not see the family resemblance in you, perhaps it is time for a heart check and a long talk with Jesus.

Aliens

One of the groups that the ancient Israelites were especially to watch out for were the aliens in their midst. This was due to their hard tenure in Egypt. Here's something to consider. We as Christians too are aliens in this world. Our citizenship is of Heaven, and we are only sojourners in this fallen world. We are to be in the world, but not of the world, yet moving through it.

So how should we as Christians act? Like our predecessors, the Israelites, we too should be mindful of the alien in our midst. Rather than ostracizing those different in color, ethnicity, and/or economic status, we are to welcome them as we would Christ. For we too were alienated at one time. And it was Christ's scarred hands that drew us near and brought us home.

Surprises

Have you ever noticed that GOD loves to surprise HIS children?

Moses was told that he would never be able to cross the Jordan as a consequence for disobedience. A real disappointment. Moses had so wanted to see the Promised Land. He would die just outside Israel. One might think that this is where the story ends.

It is not.

Fast forward to the Transfiguration of Jesus. There are two figures of Old Testament present. Moses and Elijah. And where exactly were they? In the Promised Land. Can you imagine the smile on our LORD's face as he told Moses what was to come? Surprise...

Jacob thought his son Joseph long dead. He would not only see Joseph again but hold his Joseph's sons. A blessing and a surprise.

The Bible is full of many such cases. GOD loves to bless HIS children and appears often when we least expect it. Nothing is too little for HIM to care about and there is no place where HE can't reach.

A small anecdote. A few years back, I had an appointment to go to and of course I took my cell phone. Lo and behold by the time I left the appointment it was nowhere in sight. I was crushed. I said a prayer that it be found and left it in HIS hands. Mind you I was still crushed because I was pretty sure it was lost for good.

I get home and drop my stuff off on my bed. Sitting on the charger, nonchalantly minding its own business, is my cell phone. Now some of you are going to say you just didn't take it with you. The fact is, I did. The only reason that phone was back was the grace of GOD. A wonderful surprise!

A time and a season

I know that almost all of us prefer clear skies and warm temperatures but let's remember that there is a time and a purpose for everything.

Down here in Florida we have been having a rash of wildfires. So I personally am very glad of the rain that I hear pouring outside my windows. It helps the firefighters, calms the flames, and protects people. It is truly a blessing from GOD.

As it is said in Ecclesiastes, there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.(Ecc 3:1, Today's NIV) This of course includes weather.

There are also different types of "weather" we go through in our walks with Christ. There are moments of closeness and those not so fun times of dryness. There are times of revelation and times of silence. All are necessary parts of the journey. Each can teach us about the GOD we serve.

It may be the season of dryness is teaching to seek harder, to be patient, or to treasure those moments of intimacy between you and GOD. A season of revelation may be preparing you for new responsibilities or  the Holy Spirit may be teaching you about something specific in your life. A time of silence may indeed be the LORD just wanting you to be still and know HE is GOD. All are seasons of the walk.

So while you are in a season, try and learn all you can from it before you move on.

Holiness

To the modern eye, many of the regulations in the Old Testament seem archaic. But look closer. The LORD was showing the Israelites what it meant to be set apart, or holy.

HE does this today as well. Granted we don't have to sacrifice sheep, goats, and oxen to have fellowship or remove sin, but as we mature HE prunes us of worldly habits and sin.

Since becoming a Christian, most believers would agree that their lives have changed. A large part of this is due to the work of the Holy Spirit. As we mature, HE changes our desires and wants to more reflect who we are in CHRIST.

For example, a book or movie that you found okay earlier in your walk makes you uncomfortable now. Later on you may note that the language bothered you or there was too much sex. The season of your life where that was acceptable is over.

This can be uncomfortable. I personally have had to give up novels, games and movies that make my soul itch now but didn't earlier. It is always better to let go with grace rather than trying to hold on to these things. For one thing we know that whenever GOD takes something away HE has something better in the wings. Second, holding on to them will just make you miserable in the long run.

Intervention

I know that there are some in Congress that want us to intervene in the Libya situation. Frankly that's a bad idea. We are already engulfed in two conflicts and should not take on any more.

We need to focus our efforts on our own at home. Too often when we extend a helping hand, we are criticized, spat upon, and downright betrayed. Expending our time, treasure, and lives in another flare up with dubious geopolitical benefits is something we can't afford.

What these politicians neglect to mention is that such aid would have a high cost. Immediately, there would be more deficit spending. Thus less money to go towards schools, welfare programs, roads, and debt relief. Later, there will be the cost in lives as we lose more soldiers in a conflict which we should have no part of.

This may seem callous but the United States needs to mind its own business. We'll be criticized for doing so but that would happen if we intervened too.

Education cuts

Again I hear of cuts being proposed to education throughout the United States. Let me get on my pulpit here people. This is shortsighted. Plain and simple. Let me put it in political-ese. Your future constituents will suffer from what you are proposing. Those high tech jobs you want the U.S. to have will go elsewhere. Thus the money for your future budgets will disappear as well. It is that simple.

We are here to protect those minds and bodies of the little ones. The LORD gave us the task to raise children in a Godly manner. Part of this is to see that they have a well-rounded education. And by well-rounded I do not mean New Age meditation, but music, the arts, as well as sports.

A big reason why the European and Asian nations are climbing away from us is that they put such a high value on education. If the United States is to prosper, it needs to cease hindering the education of its children.

And a sidenote. I know that e-readers are a big to do these days. But this is no reason to consider closing libraries or cutting their funding. The fact is that many do not have access to a Kindle or a Nook. They get by with what they find at their local library. Do not exclude a portion of the populace from access to books, internet and other resources just because they are of lesser means.