REAL FREEDOM

Webster defines "freedom" as the quality or state of being free: as action; liberation from slavery or restraint, or from the power of another. A political right; a privilege.

The Holy Bible defines "freedom" as unrestricted action( Open Bible edition).

In observing both definitions of the word, "freedom"; it came to mind that "freedom" is an action that produces results. And, I'm convinced that whatever action(s) we choose will result in an experience...positive or negative consequence.

I'm reminded of how often in our mind we make decisions that lead to choices that may result in painful experiences for ourselves, our love ones as well as others.

Sometimes we're guilty of using our "freedom" as an instrument to support our choice of selfish acts and not considering the consequence.

We will without a doubt gravitate towards disobedience when we begin to entertain selfish( it's all about me and what I want) thoughts. The tempter(Satan) makes the way to disobey easy by removing ALL fear of consequences. Jessie Duplantis made a vital observation during one of his messages. He said, "There's always an inward defeat before there's an outward one." I wholeheartedly agree and know from personal experience that the flesh is at constant war against the Spirit. We must realize this fact and become submissive to the voice of God who speaks to us, and choose to walk in the Spirit. We will be blessed. Doing what is right will bring honor to us, to our love ones and to others, and will most importantly, glorify our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The following poem expresses what the mind of a repentant child (who had used "freedom" and chose disobedience) revealed to their mother...a mother who refused to give in, to give up or to stop praying and believing God for her child's deliverance and return to God. Real "Freedom" is in Him.

SCARS OF THE WORLD

I praise God for you, Mom,

I'm back,

On the right track,

I'm headed for my Heavenly home,

Where I belong;

I know you've spent many restless nights,

Praying for me,

That I'll be alright;

I know that I caused you much sadness and sorrow,

Even at times...

Your last dime,

And all you could scrap and borrow;

I've caused your heart to throb and to ache,

Because I refused to give,

Always eager to take;

All night roaming, rambling,

Drinking hard liquor,

Cussing and gambling;

I was disgusting and shamful to see,

And now I bear the scars of the world on me;

No matter where I go, they'll not be hid,

And all because of what I did;

Oh!! how I praise Jesus, the Son of God,

For cleansing and purifying my heart;

I'm so happy to be delivered and free,

Mom, now I know you refused to give in,

Or to give up,

And, you didn't stop praying for me.

Thank you and I love you.

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Words of Encouragement: " Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God's grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God's grace.

We Have Freedom to Give and to Receive

During our stay on this earth and as we take our journey; we're encompassed by three main forces that can/will direct our path:

1) The power of God,

2) The influence of Satan, and

3) The freedom of choice.

Whatever situation or experience we witness during our life's journey is determined by our knowledge and our reaction to either of these main forces. Our decision(s) will affect and/or determine our life's consequences.

None of us desire to experience heartbreak, failure or disappointment. We all want to be loved, accepted and appreciated. We are free to receive love, to share happiness, to experience joy and to live in peace while on this earth.

Our Heavenly Father(God) has given us the measure of faith. He has made knowledge, wisdom and understanding available to each of us. He has no respector of persons.

We have freedom to give and to receive.

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Photo: My youngest grandson; Chancellor Hampton Martin

Happy Mother's Day

Mothers Are Lovers

Mother: Source of beginnings, provider of love, provider of wisdom and provider of protection.

Always there, always share and will always care.

All mothers may not be 'biological'. But all mothers are blessed with faith, ability to love, nuture, provide, protect, instruct, discipline, share and to care for those whom they have been given opportunity of responsibility. No thing can replace the joy and power of 'motherhood'. 'Motherhood' is the 'will' of the Lord to sustain the beauty and strength of the family...a divine reflection of 'love'.

God has given mothers mounds of strength, wisdom, knowledge and understanding. They're creative, loving, kind, compassionate, longsuffering and forgiving. They're always willing to go that extra mile. Mothers will keep secrets, edify, encourage and exhort. Mothers are 'Lovers'.

Yes, this is our day,

We've made it here to celebrate

God's blessings as we pray;

We honor and glorify our Lord

for lending our children to us,

Just a few days to nurture

As we learn, in Him to trust;

One day you'll be all grown up

with children of your own,

I plan to stay around and see,

how many grands you'll give to me;

Enjoy your precious time with them...

for soon they'll be off and gone.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

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HE AROSE!!!

"He arose." An all too familiar saying, and especially on Easter Sunday,

And is often fogotten by the following Monday;

I ponder why this holds true,

Among so many who claim, "I know He arose for me too;"

Our Heavenly Father who sent His 'only' begotten Son,

Who gave His life so our battles in this world can be won;

Now, He's sitting high and watching as we live our lives in open shame,

As we walk the paths of darkness denying our Savior's name;

Oh! dear sisters, brothers, fathers, and mothers,

Come and stay with our Lord who has given us so much,

His love for us is 'real'... there is none other;

Our Savior is always near... we can reach out and touch;

After His death and His burial, the stone was rolled away,

He arose to bring us into His presence each and every day;

So, let us remember how much we're truly loved,

And, that He's waiting for us to join Him in our home above.

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Supporting Scriptures: Luke 24:1-8

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This Day

This beautiful day of two-thousand eleven,

Unfolded gracefully as the new dawning scrolled from Heaven;

Another day our Lord has made...so His children can rejoice and be glad in it,

The moon moved over...and the darkness faded...now the amazing sky is brightly lit;

We're blessed to witness this wondrous day,

More time to share our love, more time to worship our Lord and more time to pray.

STOP: REFLECT!

Give thought to what you've read in God's Word. Did you wait to hear what God was saying to you? Do you understand God's message to your heart? Do you realize that God speaks to us through His Word? Sometimes we(Christians) speed-read through passages we've read many times before. In so doing, we miss what God is meaning to show us. When we do this, we fail to learn anything new from that passage. Like physical food, spiritual food needs chewing.

So, let's not come to the Bible as if we're going to an express buffet. By chewing(meditating) on God's Word we will get the most value for our spiritual growth.

Reading the Bible without reflecting is like eating without chewing.

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Ref: C.P. Hia, Our Daily Bread 2/2011.

Photo: My lovely daughter, Karen(r), my lovely granddaughter, Deborah(m) and my lovely granddaughter, Estelle(l).

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Love: "I Do"

" Love" as defined by Webster: affection based on admiration or benevolence; a warm attachment, enthusiasm, or devotion; unselfish concern that freely accepts another in loyalty and seeks his good; the fatherly concern of God for man; and man's adoration of God.

"Love" as described by the Holy Scriptures: first commandment(Matt.22:37,38); with all the heart (Matt. 22:37); sign of true faith (John 8:42); manifested in obedience (John 14:15, 21, 23). Second command (Matt. 22:37-39); commanded by Christ (John 13:34); in detail (ICor. 13:1-13).

February 14th, Valentine's Day; the date our society uses to express, in a special way, how we feel about spouses, children, relatives, friends and co-workers. We send well selected cards, favorite candy, lovely flowers/roses, go out together for a delicious dinner and/or make plans to attend some special event. We have many ways to express our 'love' one to another. Also, there're times we even reach out to others in effort to show our 'love.'

'Love' encourages, strengthens and satisfies;

even when denied and pushed aside;

It bears up those who're broken,

distraught, criticized,

victimized, ostracized

and often cried;

It suffers long,

seeks not its own;

'Love' reaches out to those who're left alone,

with no one to call their own;

It rescues those who're in despair,

expresses concern, and brotherly care,

any day, any time, and anywhere;

'Love' the most powerful passion mankind can share.

Ask me, "do I love you ?"

You bet your love for me, I do!

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