The Only Opinion That Counts

gods-opinionEveryone seems to have an opinion these days, some of which is pretty crazy stuff. This isn’t new by the way. The same occurred in Job’s day.
Job had literally lost everything and everyone, except his wife. (There were moments when he hoped she’d be gone as well.) Both he and his friends spout off some very interesting opinions as to why it all happened. Yet, they were basing their opinions on their perspective, not God’s.
Job was wondering, “I did all the right stuff, so why am I going through hell on earth?” The truth be told, God was super proud of Job! Satan defamed Job’s character and God defended him, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is no one like him on the earth, blameless and upright man?” Wow that He would think of me that way.
Be careful of whose opinions you’re listening to at any given moment! If you’re wondering if something you’ve heard is from Jesus or not, just ask Him. He’ll tell you if you’ve offended Him or not (1 Jn. 3:19-21).
Stay focused on the truth that sets you free from damaging opinions that drag you back to your drug of choice. Listen to and follow the only opinion that counts, Jesus’.
S“E”t Free Nowwww

Freedom is Not Necessarily a Good Thing

freedom-4When is freedom not necessarily a good thing? When your choice mechanism is faulty. If I have the freedom to choose, but my choice mechanism is faulty, I’ll end up choosing bondage; thus, freedom is not a good thing.
If you live in the west, you’re surrounded by the belief that freedom of choice is wonderful and that all choices are equally okay; but, are they equally good? Because mankind’s choice mechanism is faulty (sinful), mankind will do what’s inherently in its own best interest, which can lead to some horrendous choices – for themselves and others.
Jesus came to set us free from that faulty choice mechanism (Gal. 5:1). He came to change sinners who can only choose sin to saints who have true freedom to choose what is right, which is to listen to and follow Jesus.
We’ve been given the ability to walk in true freedom, which is a good thing. We can choose where that leaf will fall – the incinerator or in the hands of an Artist who will create a masterpiece. Lets pray for each other to choose the Artist.
Set Free Noww“W”

Be This Kind of Friend

friendsBeing friends is easy until it gets hard. The Spirit tells us the more transparent we are with another believer, the faster our lives will be transformed (James 5:16).
Yet, do we really want to hear another person’s dirty laundry? A faithful loving friend will. They will bear all things, believe all things, hope all things and endure all things despite what the other person shares! Paul writes this in the context of healthy believers walking toward Jesus together (1 Cor. 13:7).
The Christian life is messy! It can be downright ugly at times. And yet, friends will stand up for and behind each other, especially when life gets hard. This is how we get through those hard times to become more like Jesus.
Ask the Spirit to empower you to be that kind of friend if you want to make more and healthy disciples (Matt. 28:18-20). Love Jesus? How you walk with others will tell if this is true or not.
Set Free Nowww“W”

What’s Today

good-stuff“It makes no sense to look back when it’s so important to look ahead” a well-known believer, also a professional athlete, said in response to a question about his past performances. At that point in time they were, let’s leave it as less than spectacular.
The truth is this: If we keep looking back to our past mistakes, we’ll miss something Jesus has for us today and not be prepared for what He has for us next.
Either Jesus meant what He said on the cross, “It is finished!”, or He didn’t. His sacrificial death on that tree took care of all my less than spectacular moments. Your enemy wants you to look back. Your God, Jesus, wants you to focus on Him today, and be prepared for tomorrow.
Get forgiveness for yesterday. Give thanks today for the truth that are. And then focus on Jesus. Psalm 103:2 states there are great benefits from the LORD in doing so.
S“E”t Free Nowwww

Forget to Thank to Your Defeat

praisePsalm 107 starts off with, “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His love endures forever.” Quite normal for a Psalm. It’s what comes next that’s of great interest for the mindset of healthy and victorious Jesus believer.
The author talks about five cycles of victory-defeat-thanks. I thought about this as I prayer walked today. Why do we have these tremendous ups and downs? The answer was in the Psalm itself. “Whoever is wise, let him heed these things, and consider the great love of the LORD.” We tend to forget what our God has done for us and instead focus on ourselves – schedules, routines, wants, desires, etc.
The person who wants victory will remember what happened the last time they strayed from God’s victorious path – defeat; and then, commit to give thanks daily for all the good God has done for and how much He loves them.
May I make a suggestion? Right now, stand up and spend at least two minutes thanking your God for His love and what He’s already done for you.
S“E”t Free Nowwww