“Ah, grasshopper.” No, I’m not talking about the ’70’s TV show, but those little buggers who can either be eaten as a high source of protein or can eat everything in sight, leaving destruction in their wake.
Scripture, at times, uses grasshoppers of a losing, can’t-go forward, quitting mentality. The generation whom God freed from Egyptian slavery only saw themselves as grasshoppers, ready to be devastated by the giants living in the Promised Land. They never saw themselves as God did, the ones doing the devastating, which led to wandering in the desert for 40-years rather than to enjoying the good life in the Land.
King Saul was very similar. God saw Saul as a king ready to lead Israel. Yet when Samuel was ready to announce Saul’s kingship to the entire nation, he was hanging out with the camels, donkey’s and luggage! Because Saul never saw himself as God did, he went from one mistake to another, eventually costing his family the kingship.
You are a victor in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:13)! Keep up your shield of faith against the grasshopper mentality. You are a secure child of God because of what Jesus did for and in you. Rise to the level of who God thinks you are, and you’ll be achieving one victory after another in becoming more like Jesus.
S“E”t Free Nowww

“You’re so controlling!” “You can’t tell me what to do!” “You’ve got a brain, use it.” We live in a world where everyone is right, and by all means, don’t limit my choices. If any of the previous were to happen, we’d be controlled by someone else, manipulated into doing something we don’t want to do or thought less of because we can’t think for ourselves.
Yet, we’re all controlled by something – either ourselves or someone or something else. The real question is, “Who’s controlling you?” Ephesians 5:18 states that we are to be controlled (aka filled) by the Spirit, who gives daily victory by replacing our failed character traits with Jesus.
It’s not a one prayer, one filling, one anointing done deal, either. The context and wording of Ephesians 5:18 is analyzing our daily walks in a needy world where a continually filling or giving up of control is needed. Every thought, every word, every action should be made under the control of the Spirit.
Jesus doesn’t force us to do anything (i.e. controlling), but asks us to love Him through our daily choices to surrender our lives to His control. I urge you, secure child of God, to place your life in His hands.
Set Free Now“W”w

Our lives will be lived in constant frustration if our dreams, goals and desires do not line up with God’s Word. Jesus never promises to bless our words, only His.
When we’re frustrated, we must ask ourselves, “Am I a prisoner locked away inside the cell of frustration to my unfulfilled and futile dreams, wants and desires?” Think about it. Isn’t frustration one of the reasons we head to our drugs of choice/sinful choices, which only robs us of our freedom?
Listen to what Jesus says in 1 John 5:14-15, “This is the confidence you have in approaching Me: that if you ask anything according to My will, I hear you. And know that if I hear you – whatever you ask – know that you will have what you asked for.” His dreams for your life bring freedom from all the negative things your dreams bring!
When your frustration levels start to rise, it’s time to slow down and ask the Spirit to shine the truths of Scripture into your mind. “Are my goals biblical? Is what I’m wanting even good for me?”
God is good…all the time; and yes, His best for you really is best for you.
S“E”t Free Nowww

At our Gathering this week we discussed 1 Samuel 9 and 10. Saul was from the smallest tribe in Israel, Benjamin, of which his clan was the least important. Despite this auspicious start, God saw something in Saul that Saul didn’t – a king. Isn’t that just like God to take something small and turn it into something big? God not only saw Saul’s potential but He gave Saul a new heart and power source – the Spirit of God.
When it came time for Saul to be named king, however, where do we find Saul? Hiding in the baggage! Saul saw himself as porter, not a king. And throughout Saul’s life, he settled for staying with his baggage, rather than tap into God’s power and who God made him.
God whacked me upside the head with this story. My Father sees the potential He put in me as I am His masterpiece (aka workmanship). He’s given me a new nature, mind and power source as well. I should live in victory throughout each day; and yet, at times I live in the baggage of doubt, which leads to discouragement and defeat.
It’s time to let the baggage go and walk in victory. It’s time to believe what God says about me, rather than what I say about myself. It’s time to faithfully pray toward the fulfillment of what God has told me.
How about you? What baggage are you holding on to that keeps you from becoming who Christ made you? Use your FREEdom tools to hold onto the truths that will set you free from that baggage.
Set “FREE” Nowww

I recently spoke at a Celebration of Life service for a very dear friend. I believe the Spirit had me say to this man’s daughters and wife, because it wasn’t in my notes, “Joe was ready, but he didn’t want to go.” Joe would have loved to stick around to see his much wanted grandkids, but he was ready to depart when Jesus called him home.
I often hear Christians say, “I sure wish Jesus would come back to take us home” in reference to the rapture/home going of the Bride. The context of this statement is usually that they’re tired of living with all the hardships and aches and pains that come with living in this world.
Take it for what’s it worth, but I think Jesus would rather we have Joe’s perspective: We’re ready, but don’t want to go. Jesus loves people and wants  an eternal relationship with them. How will they see Jesus if not through us sticking around, loving and walking with Jesus through the thick and thin of life, and then being ready to share His love with them both verbally and physically?
We know how the world ends. (Read Revelation in case you need a fresh reminder.) Those around us – coworkers, family, friends, the grocery bagger, the cashier at our favorite restaurant – need Jesus! Let’s be ready to go when Jesus calls, but willing to stick around for them to see Jesus in us.
Set Free Now“W”w