We all crave to be praised. It’s a need placed there by God. We all want to know that we’re loved, okay, and whether we’re doing a good job and are on the right track or not.
This is something good parents practice. Our kids need not only to be corrected when they get off the path; but just as important, to be praised for staying on it by doing the right thing. Positive reinforcement is crucial to our development.
Yet, Jesus said to be careful who praises you. He was far more concerned with what His Father thought of Him than what people thought of Him. And what’s cool is that His Father thought enough of Jesus to break the barrier between heaven and earth to let Him and His friends hear Him say, “This is My Son and I’m extremely proud of Him!”
Who will be praising you this year? A Jesus follower is cheered by Jesus as they choose to become more like Him. Use your FREEdom tools each day to listen and follow Jesus. And you will hear Him praise you when He says, “Great job My servant! You sure are faithful!”
Set “FREE” Nowww

I wrote last November 11, “I believe God has told me to wait upon Him to act. Its deadline is fast approaching too. And when He does, I’m supposed to take a certain step. He even asked me to tell a few people the specifics, which means I’m out on that limb. What if I’m wrong?”
Well the 16 month waiting period has come and gone without God acting in the way I thought I heard. Thus, I was wrong. Am I bummed? Yes. A little bewildered? Yes. But will that change my faith in Jesus? Nope. Will that change my belief that the God of the universe still wants to speak with me? Nope.
Jesus said His sheep listen to His voice and follow. I just have to get better at listening as it is a developed ability. It’s been a tough lesson to learn, but a most valuable one indeed. And for those who were praying for me during this time, I thank you.
May we all need to get better at listening and following Jesus in 2016. Isaiah wrote, “From the days of old they have not heard or perceived by ear, nor has the eye seen a God besides you, who acts on behalf of the one who waits for Him.” Our God will act, but it will be what He says, not what I think or want Him to say. I simply have to get better at filtering me out.
Set Free Noww“W”

John the Baptist said, “He who comes from heaven is above all.” It’s a simple, yet loaded statement. John was losing supporters to this new Rabbi at an alarming rate…and he was okay with it!
One of the reasons he gave in John 3:22-36 was that the new Rabbi was God. People should be listening to and following Him.
Why should you? For the same reason, Jesus is God. DON’T run by that statement. Of course He is; and yet, why do we act like He isn’t?
Seriously, what does it mean that Jesus is God? Jesus fans keep godhood to themselves. They thank Jesus for what He did, but keep the controls of their life. Why listen to and follow those from below, including ourselves; is our track record really that good? Jesus followers give Jesus control of their daily decisions because He is above all, and has proven Himself more than worthy to be followed.
Make 2016 a year of simply letting Jesus be your God by filtering all thoughts through Him and His Word and then through the Spirit’s becoming more like Jesus with each decision.
Se“T” Free Nowww

My family and I were watching one of our favorite Christmas movies when I heard a line that struck me. One of the characters said, “Art is not about the artist, but about life.” Art is a way of expressing what the artist was experiencing. Though art can take many forms, it’s all about communication.
Believers are communicating every single day, but what are they saying? Is life about them and what they’re doing or about who Jesus is and what He’s doing in them?
I recently spoke about whether we were followers or fans of Jesus. A fan cheers Jesus on where a follower is cheered on by Jesus. The life you’re living is a work of art in progress. What are you communicating to the world around you?
Each day is a fresh opportunity to start talking about Jesus. Let today be a day where He’s cheering you on to become more like Him.
S“E”t Free Nowww

Today we celebrate the day Jesus came to earth. But, did you know He was coming to that stable to be wrapped in cloth strips and laid in a manger long before humanity ever needed Him?
Paul writes, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight.” (Eph. 1:3-4)
Before you ever needed Jesus, God was providing. Before you ever messed up, God had your back. Jesus was coming to rescue you long before Adam and Eve were ever thought of, let alone you.
Christmas is about the Solution coming long before things went sour in your life. Jesus has a greater commitment to your holiness than you do. Think on that truth the next time you feel like quitting on your walk with Him. Have a blessed Christmas – the Solution is already present!
S“E”t Free Nowww