Free & Faith

Important Message

2011-09-03T09:12:00.001-08:00

No words. Just watch the video and make a choice. (Warning: while I have reviewed these videos & made sure that there are no hidden doctrinal messages, be aware that the maker of them IS a Seventh Day Adventist. If you check out his other videos, just make sure that you pray for discernment and watch for the agenda of that particular sect.)

Now, what is your choice?

All These Things...

2010-01-31T13:05:00.000-09:00

(8) Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. (9) And he said to Him, "All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me." (Matthew 4:8-9)

I received that verse via the email verse-a-day I have subscribed to.

(Before I go on, let me do this: You can find the verse and the message here at The Berean. I just LOVE the site! I have to go and study their message for the day, but the verse alone brought many things to mind for me that I want to share with you.)

You all know that I have a concern about the different media I expose myself to: music, television shows, websites, etc. One of the reasons I try to be very careful about what I absorb through these avenues of "entertainment" or distraction is that I worry about the messengers involved. I don't know anymore what to think about some of the music artists out there. I want to think that most of them are simply talented people expressing themselves through their art - the same way I try to do through my writing. I don't know if that is true of a lot of artists. When I look at their public behavior, when I pay attention to the messages in their lyrics and in their videos... I really don't know what to think. And, for some of them, I wonder what their true motivation is.

When I see many of the "hot" artists out there, I notice that they are very, very wrapped up in their materialistic image. They try so very hard to be "cutting edge" with the way they dress and otherwise express themselves. It's so often not just about their music anymore. So... What is their motivation? What really drives them? And if they are motivated by the wrong things, how much of that affects the listener, viewer or (for the die-hards) fan?

I think about how much energy has to go into what most performers do - not just on stage or in a studio, creating a product - but all the other stuff. And I wonder what drives that drive, if you know what I mean.

Anyway, I can get off the famous people and look at "regular" people I know. When someone is very driven by materialism, where does their spiritual life come in? If you, for example, pledge your heart and soul to the Lord, how much of you is there left to worry about having the latest car, the biggest house, the most "bling"? How much of you is left to celebrate your life as a Christian if your material life consumes you to such a degree?

I guess I am thinking of the teaching about serving two masters.

Going back to the verse that I opened this post with, I wonder how many people have decided to take Satan up on his offer? And I'm not talking about people participating in dark ceremonies, joining secret societies, etc. (I'm am sure that happens too, but...) I'm talking about people who have wished for or said in their hearts what they would give to ... (take your pick) ... be more successful, have more fame or money, or whatever it is.

I'm just hoping that as a Christian, I remain faithful and on my guard against Satan's whispers. And anyone who has been through tough times will know what I mean. Satan will catch us at a low point in life and tempt us with lots of things...

Why be honest about everything? What has being honest (or faithful, or kind, or patient, etc) gotten you?
Go ahead and give up. God has let you sink this low, why not just give up?
Nobody loves you the way you are. Change and be something different so that people will pay attention to you.
Next time don't be so nice. See what being nice got you this time.
"All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me."

When I feel tempted, I have to remind myself that if Satan has so much to give, why does he have to whisper to me. I also remind myself that life here is so very, very temporary. So, no thanks, Satan. I think I'll hold out for something a little more permanent that riches or fame or being a pretty face on a magazine cover.

Peace

--Free

For Hard Times

2009-12-09T09:57:00.002-09:00

As a Christian, I am supposed to be ever faithful to the Lord. As the human that I am, I suffer human weaknesses and it's not always easy to stand strong in the face of things I go through.

Am I allowed to be depressed, discouraged, anxious?

Yeah, I know what the Bible teaches about these things, but I also know that I suffer from them. Is that sinful? Is that a lack of faith? Or - I don't know what.

If any of my Christian brothers and sisters have advice, I could sure stand to hear it right about now.

In the meantime, I am still loving the Lord and trusting in Him for my salvation.

Giving My Thanks (To God!)

2009-11-25T08:09:00.003-09:00

Two things came across my Facebook recently that have me thinking much about this season and, really, all year long, what we are thankful for, Who we are thankful to and why we are thankful.

First: I thought this was a ponder-worthy saying - "What if we only had what we thank God for?"

Wow.

I am thankful to God for everything, but I don't think that I have "thanked" Him in my heart as I should. I mean, I say all the time, "Thank God," but I say it and move on. Once I heard that question though, I had to really stop and think hard about all my blessings. I woke up this morning, I didn't have anything major go wrong with my health, my family is safe and warm in their various homes, and whatever struggles we are dealing with, we are struggling and not defeated. So, yeah, there is much to be thankful for & I don't pay as much attention to my blessings as I have been to my struggles. Forgive me, Lord. And thank You!

Second: a woman I know from Twitter and Facebook mentioned that, to her, Thanksgiving is not a "religious" holiday but a "sacred" one. Well, my faith is not religious either. My God is holy. Thanksgiving is not just about being thankful. Thanksgiving is, to me, more about Who I am thanking. I am thanking a holy God. I am not just "celebrating" a joy that is born of nothing or no one. I am being reminded of my blessings AND from where (or, rather, from Who) those blessings have come. God.

(Let me stop and say here that I hope that my lovely friend will come to know the God I serve and trust in!)

I am certainly thankful for friends and family and health and joy, but I am thankful to God.

For my 'Net friend, maybe she is just thankful to a god or fate or ... I don't know. That's fine for her. But for me, I have to know Who I am relying on, not just for this Thanksgiving day, but for every breath and every joy and every trial and hope and moment in my life.

So, thank You, God. Thank you for every blessing - the ones I recognize as blessings and the ones I haven't yet understood. You have put people in my life for a reason. You let me suffer through trials for reasons I don't understand here in this life. You have let me cry tears for a reason. You have given me laughter and pieces of joy that sustain me. Everything for a reason or reasons that You understand even though I may not. And when I get to Heaven, You will multiply those joys and wipe away the tears. Thank You, Father. Thank You. I am giving my thanks to You.

Peace
--Free

Psalm 27:1

Struggling vs Mocking

2009-11-10T08:37:00.003-09:00

I was listening to a bunch of James Cleveland music this morning while I worked on the other blog. I ran across some YouTube footage of his funeral and it got me to thinking. There were always rumors about Rev. Cleveland being homosexual. When I'd first heard about this, I was really shocked, but then I realized that Cleveland was from the old school of gospel music. That's probably why I was shocked. It does not surprise me even a little bit to hear the things I do about Bobby Jones or Kirk Franklin and other "new school" gospel folk - but James Cleveland? Wow.

Anyway, I got to thinking about the whole gay/lesbian issue that is going on in the churches. I will say right out and right here that I do NOT think that you can be an unrepentant gay/lesbian person and claim to be Christian. Just like you cannot be unrepentant in ANY kind of sin and claim to be a child of Jesus. Period.

Because I don't know whether people are "born that way" or not, and because I don't know a lot about what gay/lesbian people suffer through, what I have settled on is that sin is sin & God will not be mocked. If you are a sinner (and we all are) and you are mocking the Lord with your sin while pretending to be His child, then you are in serious trouble. But if you are struggling with that sin and really depending on God's love and forgiveness to see you through, then you are just like every other Christian - no matter what your most troubling sin is.

My sin happens to be a difficulty to forgive. I also smoke (which is not specifically mentioned in the Bible, but I feel convicted of the sin of damaging the body God gave me) and I will let my temper get the best of me at times. Those are my struggles - especially the forgiveness thing. God warns me about not being forgiving. I know about that warning even as I struggle with it, even when I am sitting in church, praying for more strength in that area.

Just like I struggle with my sin of a sometimes hard heart, someone out there is struggling with their sexual sin. I no longer will take sides on the issue. I'll just say that "God will not be mocked." And I will keep right on working on my temper and anger issues.

Peace
--Free

Hope In the Word of God

2009-10-12T21:18:00.003-08:00

(I might not be able to post for a while after I leave here this weekend. I figured this email that I sent out to the fam & friends is a good post before being offline. Enjoy)

This is something I heard a pastor named (I believe) Joe Chambers say about the Bible being divinely inspired. In Genesis Chpt 5, the names of the "generations" from Adam to Noah are given. If you look up what each of the names mean and then read them IN ORDER, you get a wonderful sentence of love and hope. It's as if God gave us a message within the message of His Word.

Below are the verses from the Bible. I added in parentheses and boldface the meaning of each name. At the end, read the sentence that comes out. I thought it was pretty neat. In case any of us need to be reminded of what the Father can do!

Gen 5:1 This is the book of the generations of Adam(Man). In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him;
Gen 5:2 Male and female created he them; and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created.
Gen 5:3 And Adam lived an hundred and thirty years, and begat a son in his own likeness, after his image; and called his name Seth(Appointed):
Gen 5:4 And the days of Adam after he had begotten Seth were eight hundred years: and he begat sons and daughters:
Gen 5:5 And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died.
Gen 5:6 And Seth lived an hundred and five years, and begat Enos (Mortal):
Gen 5:7 And Seth lived after he begat Enos eight hundred and seven years, and begat sons and daughters:
Gen 5:8 And all the days of Seth were nine hundred and twelve years: and he died.
Gen 5:9 And Enos lived ninety years, and begat Cainan (Sorrow):
Gen 5:10 And Enos lived after he begat Cainan eight hundred and fifteen years, and begat sons and daughters:
Gen 5:11 And all the days of Enos were nine hundred and five years: and he died.
Gen 5:12 And Cainan lived seventy years, and begat Mahalaleel (The Blessed God):
Gen 5:13 And Cainan lived after he begat Mahalaleel eight hundred and forty years, and begat sons and daughters:
Gen 5:14 And all the days of Cainan were nine hundred and ten years: and he died.
Gen 5:15 And Mahalaleel lived sixty and five years, and begat Jared (Shall come down):
Gen 5:16 And Mahalaleel lived after he begat Jared eight hundred and thirty years, and begat sons and daughters:
Gen 5:17 And all the days of Mahalaleel were eight hundred ninety and five years: and he died.
Gen 5:18 And Jared lived an hundred sixty and two years, and he begat Enoch (Teaching):
Gen 5:19 And Jared lived after he begat Enoch eight hundred years, and begat sons and daughters:
Gen 5:20 And all the days of Jared were nine hundred sixty and two years: and he died.
Gen 5:21 And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah (His death shall bring):
Gen 5:22 And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters:
Gen 5:23 And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years:
Gen 5:24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.
Gen 5:25 And Methuselah lived an hundred eighty and seven years, and begat Lamech (Despairing):
Gen 5:26 And Methuselah lived after he begat Lamech seven hundred eighty and two years, and begat sons and daughters:
Gen 5:27 And all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty and nine years: and he died.
Gen 5:28 And Lamech lived an hundred eighty and two years, and begat a son:
Gen 5:29 And he called his name Noah, saying, This same shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands, because of the ground which the LORD hath cursed.
Gen 5:30 And Lamech lived after he begat Noah five hundred ninety and five years, and begat sons and daughters:
Gen 5:31 And all the days of Lamech were seven hundred seventy and seven years: and he died.
Gen 5:32 And Noah (Comfort & rest) was five hundred years old: and Noah begat Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

And, putting it all together, the pastor pointed out the sentence:
Man appointed to mortal sorrow. The blessed God shall come down teaching. His death shall bring the despairing comfort and rest.

By the way, when I checked the Smith dictionary in my eBible download, I didn't get the same meaning for Seth; I got the meaning of "compensation . I then went online to a SECULAR source of baby names and the meaning of "appointed" did come up. I checked a couple of the other names and some came up in Smith and the online as what is shown above. (I wanted to check because I got an email a long time ago about the center of the Bible. While it's not untrue, it was unclear without some checking. Snopes has the article on that if you want to look it up. Pretty neat.)

Peace
--Free

(P.S.: I want to give a shout out to the very excellent e-Sword Bible study software that is available for free download. These brothers and sisters provide this amazing resource free of charge, but can use donations. If you are blessed and able, please donate AND spread the word about the site!)

Dr Martin Examines Arguments Against God

2009-09-06T08:22:00.003-08:00

Dr. Walter Martin did a lot of debates on the John Ankerberg Show. I've listened to him examine the doctrines of Jehovah's Witnesses, 7th Day Adventists, Mormons and others. I always admired his approach to Christian apologetics. He always, always anchored his responses on Scripture. He could debate with laymen, scholars and scientists.

When I tell people about the Lord, I can tell them about my faith and my hope that they accept the gift of salvation. Often I run into people who disagree with me and many of those people are well-versed in Scripture. Those are the ones who will try to tangle me up in theory and language and anything else they can to justify their disbelief.

Recently, I spoke via comments with a man who does not belief in God, does not want to believe in God and, yet, is angry that if there is a God, his deceased parents are suffering. What I would like to say to him is that, we cannot know whether or not our unbelieving loved ones accepted the truth of God before they passed or not. For all I know, my grandfather may have, before he passed, came to the knowledge that there is a God. I pray that he did. As for the man I have shared comments with on this blog, my heart aches for him and I hope that he realizes that we don't - we cannot - know what my loved ones or his believed at the moment they passed. There is still hope & I know that God is a merciful God. (I always think of the story of the men who worked all day and were paid the same wages as the men who came to work later in the day. Some of of come to believe long before we pass into death, but those who come at the last moment are given the same mercy and forgiveness as we are!) I desperately wanted to give him some kind of hope and love to rest in, but I couldn't find a way around his arguments. I will continue to pray for this person, but in the meantime, I thought that I would post for him (and others), this session by Dr. Martin.

Dr. Martin passed away some years ago, but many of his debates are still around via the Ankerberg Show. I found this YouTube audio of him addressing (apparently on a college campus) seven atheistic arguments. They are posted by user Christian Roadwarrior & I am so grateful to have found them. I hope they are a blessing to someone.

2009-09-03T09:06:00.002-08:00

I don't feel no ways tired,
I've come too far from where I started from.
Nobody told me that the road would be easy,
I don't believe He brought me this far to leave me.

That's always been one of my favorite gospel songs. "I Don't Feel Noways Tired," sung by James Cleveland.

But there are times when I do feel tired. Weary. There is such an atmosphere of sin in this world that there are days when I feel I am struggling for spiritual breath.

Still, I know God is with us. Even in my weariness there is proof of God. He told us that these times would be. We know from the Bible that people would be proud and cruel and stubborn. So, I am listening to these words from the song:

Peace
--Free

Conversation & Comments (re: question for atheists)

2009-08-28T12:15:00.004-08:00

Because Blogger won't show more than 5 comments on a post, and because I am having an interesting conversation (via comments) with someone, I am going to put the recent comments here in this post.

I have to say that the commenter - Brian - is being very civil & I appreciate that. I appreciate being able to ask questions and have an intelligent conversation with someone who has such different beliefs from my own. If nothing else, this shows that people can differ and be respectful. A lot more of us could take a lesson from this.

(So, Brian - I'm going to be deleting some of our old comments as we add new ones, but they will be shown and updated in blog posts.)

Here are the comments so far:

***

Brian Westley said...: "If it could be proved to you that God is, would you be glad?"

Depends entirely what kind of god exists.

"Do you believe you are without a soul?"

Depends on what you define as a soul. If you have one, I hope it's testable.; August 27, 2009 3:30 PM
***

Free said...: Brian:

You really haven't answered either question. I still don't know whether you be glad of God's existence, and I still don't know whether you think of yourself as having a soul.

As far as my soul being "testable," I believe my salvation eliminates the testing. I have been accepted and redeemed by the Creator.; August 27, 2009 3:48 PM

***

Brian Westley said...: "You really haven't answered either question."

Because your questions don't have enough information.

You replied, yet you STILL haven't given me enough information.

Describe what kind of god. Describe what a soul is.

THEN I might be able to answer your questions.; August 28, 2009 6:01 AM

***

Brian Westley said...: My statement "If you have one, I hope it's testable" was ambiguous. I didn't mean "If you have a soul, I hope it's testable" -- I meant "If you have a definition of 'soul,' I hope your definition is testable."

That is, if you define what a 'soul' is so I can answer your second question, it would be very helpful if your definition of 'soul' is clear enough so I can do some sort of test to see if I have a soul. Even better if I can do a test to see if other people or animals have souls, too.; August 28, 2009 7:31 AM

***

Free said...: I believe my soul is what I am. Many people think of themselves as a body with a soul. I believe I am a soul with a body.

You probably know that, as a Christian, I believe that. I'm not familiar with what the atheist defines as a soul. That's why I am asking for your definition of these things. (And, no, I don't believe that animals have souls.)

Since my belief of what the soul is ties to God, I am trying to understand what the atheist definition of "soul" is. Do you understand what I mean there?; August 28, 2009 12:04 PM

***

Brian Westley has left a new comment on your post "To The Atheists":

"If the atheist is wrong OR right, he has lost eternity."

Nonsense.

If the atheist is right, THERE WAS NO ETERNITY TO "LOSE".

"The Jews, like a lot of other ppl, don't believe that Jesus is the Messiah. If they believed Jesus is the Messiah (the one they have waited for), they would worship him as God too. Idolatry is worship of FALSE gods."

But now you're ignoring the possibility that YOU are wrong.

Like I said, suppose BOTH of us are wrong, and the Jews are RIGHT.

In THAT case, YOU are practicing idolatry. I am not. I am better off than you, because I'm an atheist.

But you aren't even addressing this as a possibility. If Christianity is false, worshipping Jesus is worshipping a FALSE god.
Posted by Brian Westley to Free & Faith at August 28, 2009 6:05 AM

***

(NOTE: The above comment didn't get posted b/c of the comment limitations. I got it from my email about the posting.) My response:

Brian - You say "If Christianity is false," but my whole point all along has been that you and I know what I believe (that Christianity is NOT false).Yes, if I am wrong, then I am worshipping a false god & I would have lost all. I understand that. The belief that I am NOT wrong is where my faith comes in. But my questions to you are all based on my curiosity about "What if" I am right & you are wrong.

In the case of you & I both being wrong & the Jews being right, I am in the same position as I would be if the Hindus are right, or any other non-Christian belief system is right. Lost. But, again, this is where my faith comes in.

Question for Atheists

2009-08-27T12:39:00.004-08:00

I have a Twitter pal who is an atheist. I have asked him a question that he just won't answer clearly. I wonder if there are any other atheists out there who can answer this question for me:

If it could be proved to you that God is, would you be glad?

Simple, right?

I mean, an atheist is one who does not believe in God. But - if they could know that there IS God, how would that make them feel? That's all I want to know.

I guess the reason I wonder about this is that any atheist I have ever talked to always claims that they are "okay" with believing there is no God. So I wonder if they would be okay with learning that there is God.

I'm still waiting for my Twitter pal to answer me. So far all he has done is stick to his idea that there IS no God, saying that it doesn't matter. But he won't say what he'd feel like if there is proof, to his satisfaction, that there IS God.

I suggest that the next chance you get to talk to anyone who is either an atheist or a non-believer in the God of the Bible, you ask them how they would feel if it were proven to them that God is.

(And, for those who want to know how I'd feel if it could be proven to me that there is no God: I would not want to live. I would have no reason to go on. If this life has no meaning or purpose other than what man has to offer it, and if there is no eternity - just dead sleep in the dust of the ground - I don't want it. I don't want "reincarnation" either. Why would I want to exist only for what this world has to offer?)

Peace
--Free

**UPDATE**

Still no answer from atheists yet, but I wanted to add another question:

Do you believe you are without a soul?

Support Berean Call

2009-08-21T11:21:00.004-08:00

This is a request for you all to please support the brothers and sisters over at Berean Call.

You should sign up for their newsletters. There is so much information, encouragement and fellowship to be taking part in. I recieved my latest newsletter this morning and was just heartbroken at what is happening to Christians put to suffering because of their faith & faithfulness. Here is an excerpt:

In June, North Korean's beastly communist dictatorship executed a 33 year old Christian woman for distributing Bibles, while also imprisoning her 3 little children, husband and parents, in conditions undoubtedly ghastly.

Several weeks ago, mobs involving hundreds, and perhaps thousands, of enraged radical Islamists destroyed several Christian villages in Pakistan, responding to incendiary rumors about Christians supposedly desecrating the Koran. Hundreds of homes were destroyed, and at least 14 Christians were murdered, including three Christian women and a child who were burned alive as the radicals torched houses and shops.

So, go over and check out the site. You can also follow Berean Call on Twitter.

We are living (for now) in a time when some of us can freely support the faith. Let's do all we can. The time is already here where some Christians are having to put their lives on the line for their beliefs. The least WE "free and safe" Christians can do is give our support, including spreading the word and rallying around the ministries that are out there.

Be blessed & be a blessing.

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. -1 Thess. 5:11

Peace
--Free

How Good God Is...

2009-08-17T08:19:00.005-08:00

Back when I was young, I remember sitting in church and hearing one of the old sisters singing a song that went something like "I just want to tell you how good God is." I don't remember any of the other words - partly because I was young and took everything for granted, including God's goodness, and partly because the old sister hummed most of the song. At any rate, I was thinking about that song this morning because of something that happened.

I've posted on my different blogs about my sorry financial state. It's still pretty sorry, but at church on Sunday, I stepped out in faith and just about emptied my wallet into the offering. I don't know how much it was - maybe eight or ten dollars.

The service was really a blessing because of the testimony of a woman who was visiting with her missionary husband. She talked about how she married him 43 years ago when she was nineteen and he was a youth pastor. She told how she never liked being a pastor's wife because she never felt she had a role that she fit well (she couldn't sing or play the piano and she disliked having to speak before congregations). Then she talked about how she and her husband lost their 23-year pastorship of a church in a place she loved. As usual, when the one bad thing happened, other bad things hit them: divorces and death in the family, etc. Finally, her husband was appointed a leadership role in the mission field. Their new home base: California - where the woman had been born and had never liked and had hoped never to live there again.

The most important part of this woman's message - important because it seemed to be so right for me at this time in my life: We can't always be in the circumstances we want for ourselves, but we have to learn to be whole and joyous in the Lord where we are right now.

She said that she had spent all these years feeling as if she were not really living but just existing ("just breathing in and out," is how she put it), wishing for something different. Then she said that once she realized that, you know what, this is her life, she was able to let go of wanting something else and being joyous in the moment. She said that once she realized that, everything changed for her. She said that these are now the sweetest years of life with her husband and their circumstances.

Wow.

I sat there and thought about how I have been wishing for my circumstances to improve. You know: once Tim and I get a place, once we get "on our feet again," once we have more money.... Well, guess what? We need - I need - to find a way to be more joyous in the place I am right now. I might not live to see circumstances change for Tim and myself. I just need to be here, with God, with joy and with as much as I can bring to be a joy to other people.

This moment we have right now is IT until we get to Heaven and have eternity. There really is no promise of "more," "different" or "better."

That's the first part of what I wanted to tell you. The next part, I won't really go into except to say that God blessed me with a little bit of money. Not much, but enough to cover some of the necessities I usually have to struggle to keep up.

So, I just want to tell you how good God is. I am praying that He blesses that woman for her testimony and I hope it touched other people in the congregation who needed to hear it.

"Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than man sparrows." Luke 12:6-7

Peace
--Free

To The Atheists

2009-08-15T13:02:00.007-08:00

I asked and atheist recently if they were angry at God or just didn't believe in God. They responded that they are not angry, that they just don't believe. They think that my faith is useless.

Here is the thing tho: both the atheist and I have a faith. Mine is in that God is; theirs is in that there is no God. But, like I told the atheist: one of us is wrong. If I am wrong, I am no worse off at death than the atheist, but if he is wrong, he has lost eternity.

Now, understand that I can't conceive of the "No God" idea. I have had too much personal interaction with the Holy Spirit in my life to NOT believe. But if I had nothing other than simple faith, that would be enough for me.

If there is no God, and if I believed that, there would be nothing stopping me from doing anything to get anything. Even most people who don't believe in God recognize what God has put in us as the understanding of "Right and Wrong." Most people who don't believe in God don't want harm to come to those they love. They understand it's wrong to kill. They understand feeling remorse and sadness and joy and relief. They look at their newborn children and cannot explain or express the wonder of that miracle.

So, if you are going to tell me that there is no God and ask me to prove that there is, I would ask that you prove to yourself that there isn't.

I direct you to God's words TO you atheists: The fool has said in his heart that there is no God (Psalm 14:1)

By the way, after I wrote this post, I found a page that does address the positions of atheists. It is here. I encourage my Christan, non-Christian and atheist readers to check it out.

Finally, I would just say that if you are going to base your life and bet your eternity on a belief, then it's worth making sure that your belief is solid. This goes for those who don't believe in God, those who believe in false gods, and even more importantly, for those of us who believe in God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Former atheist C.S. Lewis (who, like most serious atheists, was extremely intelligent) has always been someone I think of as a man who wanted to at least examine and understand his belief before he staked his life on it. If he was wrong, then at least he was not carelessly wrong.

Peace

My Other Site Is Down

2009-08-14T17:19:00.005-08:00

For now, this site is okay, but something crazy happened at FreeBeingFree and my site has been reported as an "Attack Site." I have a feeling someone has done something to it... I am working with Google to get it fixed, but I just wanted to warn you all not to visit the site in the meantime...

Because of the problem, I had to delete all the gadgets where I promoted other blogs and sites. Until I know where the problem has come from, I will not be putting up any links to other blogs and services like I normally do. That's a shame because there are a lot of great blogs out there that I wanted you all to be aware of.

Oh well... Some idiot always has to ruin it for the rest of us...

Peace
--Free

Can We Be Clear Here?

2009-08-05T18:03:00.006-08:00

I've been thinking a lot about how deception gets started around matters of faith. When you are trying to get a handle on a person's spiritual beliefs, one of the problems is - so many people are vague about it all.

For instance, how many people do you know who describe themselves as "spiritual"? How many people will say that they believe in "a higher power"?

Okay, now, how many people, when the subject comes up, are specific about what being "spiritual" means to them? How many are willing to name that that "higher power" they speak of?

When people ask me about my beliefs, I am careful to say that I am a Christian and that I believe in the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. I am clear because I don't want to mislead anyone. The sooner a person understands my "spiritual" identity, the sooner we can get on with being honest about everything else.

This is one of the big problems I have with influential people. I have said again and again how Oprah Winfrey disappoints me. I just don't like that she is misleading people. Because she talks about "Christianity" and uses terms like "god" and "spirit," so many people assume she is talking about orthodox Christianity and God and the Holy Spirit. She's not, folks. She's got her own definitions of all those things and because she is so intelligent and seemingly "good," people are being fooled by her every day. (By the way, I will repeat here that we Christians do need to continue praying for Oprah, Eckhart and all her other new age buddies...)

I was mentioning on Twitter that while Oprah touts the beliefs of Helen Schucman, she's not so quick to tell the whole story about this poor woman. I will try to do a little summary here:

Helen Schucman wrote the "A Course In Miracles." That right there sounds pretty good, right? Well, it does until you realize the work was dictated to her by a demon spirit. (A lot of new age books were written the same way, such as "Conversations With God." See my P.S. on this at end of post!)

The eulogy at her funeral by Fr. Benedict J. Groeschel, a psychologist and an acquaintance of Schucman's, wrote about her:

"This woman who had written so eloquently that suffering really did not exist spent the last two years of her life in the blackest psychotic depression I have ever witnessed."

I've heard one minister lament that Schucman had been decieved by Satan and then deserted by him at the end. This always brings to my mind what Pastor G. Craige Lewis says about the devil demanding a sacrifice...

Now, if all that Schucman believed (and taught millions of others) was true, why did her life end in such a way? It's completely contrary to all she spoke about.

It's my opinion that people who are spiritually hungry and searching will find something. Either they find the true and living God and accept His gift, or they find some other deceiving god. With people like Oprah, she knew of the true God, but she decided that she needed to mold Him to her own liking - sort of like she is playing Sims! - and she ended up serving some piecemeal god.

We need to be praying for Oprah and others like her. Our God made THE Sacrifice for us, but one day, Oprah's god is going to be demanding his sacrifice of her.

Peace
--Free

P.S.: One of my nieces was almost sucked in by that book "Conversations With God" simply because of the title and her own ignorance and lack of Christian discernment. When she called to ask me about the book, I was able to point her back to the Bible.

BTW, here are some hastily looked up links to info about the subject. PLEASE pray and be discerning because I have not studied all the info on the links.

Link1 (lot of info)
Link2 (more info on twisting of messages)

And here is a video that covers some info on the whole Oprah new age mess...

PART 1

PART 2

Matthew 24:11
Matthew 24:23

Power of Words/Temper (Topical Bible)

2009-07-16T18:55:00.004-08:00

My husband and I tend to have one weakness in our relationship: We are headstrong, so we argue. A lot. Constantly it seems. Since we started praying together every morning and evening, we seem to be under attack from the Enemy. Before, it would at least take one of us being in a less than ideal mood to start an argument. Lately, it doesn't take but one word to start us up.

Today, we had another argument over - as usual - something minor, petty. I prayed about it and, of course, went to the Bible to seek some answers. I used a topical search that I found at Open Bible. I looked up "power of words" (because I felt that my husband had said some hurtful things, and I KNOW I said some). I also looked up "temper"(as in Tim's temper).

Wow.

Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

Matthew 12:34 You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

Whoa...

I had to stop and really shake myself. In Bible study last night, we briefly touched on the subject of "words have power," and those verses brought it right to the front door of my own heart.

I called Tim and read through some of the verses right then. It stopped him too. I think we both felt the way we should when God chastises us: convicted and in need of repentance. Tonight we are planning to pray about how we use our words and how the Enemy uses our temper against us and others.

Mainly, I wanted to do this post to alert you all to the existence of this search site. My own Bible does not have a very extended concordance, so a topical search this thorough is going to be really helpful to my study of the Word. I hope it is a blessing to you all as well.

An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. Prov. 18:15

Peace
--Free

Backsliding & Ignorance

2009-07-14T17:12:00.004-08:00

This is something that has been on my heart for a while. How can people who know about God be so happy to ignore Him?

I am just amazed at the people I know who were raised in homes where they were taught about the Lord and about salvation - but they just go on with their lives as if it's not important. And when the subject comes up, they will look a little shame-faced and admit that they need to "get it together."

"I know," they say. "I remember my mom's (or grandma) talking about it. I went to church all the time when I was little..."

And yet - well, they're grown now, and going about life just like they don't have an appointment with the Lord one day.

What goes through their minds? Or do they just fill up their minds - their lives - with other things so that they don't have to think about it all? Do they think that they can just put it off forever? That they are going to live forever?

It's so puzzling to me.

And then there are the folks who believe that because they KNOW about God and they "got saved" when they were young they're going to be all right. Even though they have made the World their master, they feel like God is going to be pleased with them. Even though they don't honor Him, praise Him, or depend on Him - they are going to be all right.

You can look at some of the celebrities who claim to be believers in Christ and look at the way they are living and acting... Saved? Oh, really?

Now I'm not saying that I know what is between a believer and the Lord. I'm just saying that if you are a believer, shouldn't people be able to tell that you are by your actions? I don't mean because you wear a cross around your neck or "give thanks" to God when you accept your Grammy or whatever. I mean, people should be able to tell there is something more about you. People should not be surprised to see you on a list of "Christians in Hollywood" or whatever!

Don't even get me started on the folks who claimed Christ early on, but then as their careers took off, suddenly they are giving credit for their success to strange "spirits" and "guides" and all the stuff that is "deeper within them." Puh-lease.

So, anyway, I guess I'm just wondering how people rest well, knowing that they might close their eyes never to open them again. They can't claim ignorance. They were introduced to Him, then when they met the World, they walked away from Him. I guess the World looks really good as long as you are living...

From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. (John 6:66)

Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. (Mtt 24:44)

He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad. (Mtt 12:30)

Peace
--Free

CARM (and other tweetpal faves)

2009-07-14T09:47:00.007-08:00

I've been tweeting with all sorts of folks lately. One of the things I love so much about Twitter is that I get to touch bases with people I might never otherwise share moments with.

I've been especially blessed to find resources that provide information for folks who are searching for answers. Lately it seems that a lot of people are really questioning their own mortality. I have some favorite tweet-pals, including JC Cooley @VictoryMinistry (on Twitter), Thomas Tan @twhtan of the Cyberfellowship blog, @AnointedArts of the Candace Loves Creative People blog, Paul @biblestudies over at Bible Study Planet and Matt Slick @carmorg of Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry.

Recently I've been tweeting with a person who wants to know about Jesus. CARM lays out the answers in a wonderful and concise way. The article shows Jesus is divine, to be worshipped, prayed to, and that he is first and last. Beautiful.

These tweetpals of mine are a source of encouragement and smiles. If I feel silly, I can share that light moment with them. If I am in need of prayer, I only have to send the tweet out. We have talked food, life, joy and hope. They have put up with my whining about my computer and the weather, but they never stop reminding me that we are brothers and sisters sent to be a blessing to one another. These are some seriously beautiful people.

If are on Twitter, check out these folks. If you aren't on Twitter, well... GET on there! Look what you are missing! LOL.

Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. (I Thess 5:11)

Peace
--Free

John 5:24

2009-06-25T14:49:00.003-08:00

I can't stop thinking about that verse from the Bible.

Michael Jackson passed away today, not long after Farrah Fawcett. I am getting these emails & phone calls from friends who sound like a member of their own family has died...

People - this was just a man. He could call himself the "king" of whatever he wanted. Yes, he could dance and sing and make us stop and just drop our jaws at his talent as a performer. But he was only a man. And for all the self-glory he worked to gain in this life, right now he is facing eternity. If all of you are so heartsick, why is no one speaking out to the rest of the celebrity world about their souls?

I grew up listening to Michael, dreaming over his posters and crying to his records as I practiced writing my married "Mrs. Jackson" name. But I eventually grew up. I eventually had to search my heart about the meaning of life. I eventually had to make a choice about my soul. I just hope that Michael made a wise choice - because we all DO make a choice.

If you love and care for someone - no matter - what their fame and earthly glory - you owe it to them to discuss their eternal future. You don't mind asking friends about their relationships, work, plans, etc. Start discussing the most important thing: their soul.

Peace
--Free

2009-06-25T09:54:00.003-08:00

I was sad to hear just a moment ago of the death of Farrah Fawcett. Of course, it's not I personally knew her, but like others, I felt like I did because of her celebrity status. I would see her in interviews and such & think to myself that she seemed like a nice person. She was certainly a beautiful woman and it's obvious that her family loved her very much. Now that she is gone from this earth, I do wonder if she had accepted the Lord's salvation. I wonder if she found peace and safety in dying.

So often, when celebrities die, people go on and on about their careers in the spotlight. Everyone wants to gawk at the surviving family and other loved ones to see what their grief looks like. Well, I'm sure their grief is the same as anyone else's. Ms. Fawcett's loved ones are not mourning someone they only knew from as a celebrity. These people are mourning their daughter, sister, mother, best friend, loved one. They are hurting for someone that the rest of us don't know.

I just do hope that Farrah heard God's wish for her, that she accept the invitation to come home to Him.

I wish her family and loved ones some peace and comfort as they struggle through their loss.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. (John 5:24)

Peace
--Free

No Body of His Own

2009-06-24T18:05:00.003-08:00

Just an interesting tidbit of wisdom my husband passed on from a sermon he heard when we were talking about how Satan attacks us at times:

We have to be prayerful at all times. Satan doesn't have a body (Jesus did), so he has to use other people to attack us sometimes.

Tim & I have been doing a lot of praying and renewing a committment to our faith. It seems like our prayers made Satan mad because he got real busy for a few days. Once we realized what was happening and put our focus back on the Lord, Satan had to go back to his corner to regroup.

Just a little bit of wisdom for you to share among yourselves. Don't stop praying!

***

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer (Romans 12:12)

And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. (Luke 4:8)

Peace
--Free

This Morning When I Rose

2009-06-19T08:17:00.004-08:00

When I wake up feeling discouraged, I like to think of the lyrics to one of my favorite gospel songs: "This Morning When I Rose."

This morning when I rose
I didn't have no doubt
This morning when I rose
I didn't have no doubt
This morning when I rose
I didn't have no doubt
I know the Lord
will take care of me
I know the Lord
will provide for me
And I know He will
lead and guide me all the way
yes, all the way

I woke up this morning
I saw a brand new day
I didn't have no doubt
I woke up this morning
I saw a brand new day
I didn't have no doubt
I woke up this morning

I saw a brand new day
I didn't have no doubt
I know the Lord
will take care of me
I know the Lord
will provide for me
And I know He will
lead and guide me all the way
yes, all the way

I woke up this morning
with the Holy Ghost
I didn't have no doubt
I woke up this morning
with the Holy Ghost
I didn't have no doubt
I woke up this morning
with the Holy Ghost
I didn't have no doubt

Felt like walking
Felt like talking
Felt like praying
Felt like singing
Felt like running
Felt like shouting

I know the Lord
will take care of me
I know the Lord
will provide for me
And I know He will
lead and guide me all the way
yes, all the way.

Amen. Thank You, Jesus.

Peace
--Free

Listening, Hearing & Paying Attention

2009-06-18T07:14:00.005-08:00

Ever since I watched the Craige Lewis teachings on what's going on in Hip-Hop music, I can't get over how blind I have been to the subtle deceptions all around us. The Bible warns us not to be deceived, to be discerning and to be on our guard against false doctrine.

Here's the thing: when you start opening your eyes to the dangers, you want to warn others. And what better way for Satan to neutralize a message than to make others believe that the messenger is a "fanatic," or paranoid or over-reacting?

I've been talking to my family and friends about the need to be more careful in their entertainment choices. I just can't get out of my head how blind I'd been about the music I spent all my life listening to. When I explained to friends and family why I was giving up my Earth, Wind and Fire, Hall & Oates, David Bowie and all the other R&B and Rock I'd grown so fond of they all looked as if I might be over-reacting. (I can't even justify my Tupac collection. The language alone should have been a deterrant.)

Now, it's not as if anyone has come out and said that I am over-reacting, but I can tell that they are thinking along the lines of, "Wow, just lighten up. God knows your heart." Well, yes, He does, but that doesn't mean that I'm supposed to ignore what He is telling me. Right?

So, for now, I will just keep on sharing what I learn - no matter how people look at me. I remember when others tried to tell me things before I was ready to open my ears and listen. Even though, I didn't LISTEN, I HEARD. Now a lot of those warnings and teachings come back to me. Maybe what I say today won't be listened to, but I will be heard.

Peace
--Free

Cindee's Video

2009-06-18T06:55:00.002-08:00

Guys - I want you to see these videos from Cindee Martin Morgan. I think sometimes we need to be reminded of the profound promises the Lord made to us. I hope that I'm posting these at just the right time for someone who especially needs the message. For more, visit Cindee's YouTube Channel.

BTW, Cindee is the daughter of the late Dr. Walter Martin. Dr. Martin really blessed my life with his teachings on various subjects. He had the ability to teach without being mean-spirited. The following is one of his appearances on the John Ankerberg Show.

Peace
--Free

Website Mentions

2009-06-15T20:05:00.004-08:00

Just a site that you might want to check out & let me know what you think of it. Called Lighthouse Trails Research Project, they describe their site as one ëxposing dangers of the new spirituality."

And, of course, I have always liked to hear Dr. Walter Martin teach. He is now deceased, but I did find the defunct 2007 site that might lead to more info.

The last site is for the Ankerberg Theological Research Institute.

Again, let me know what you think of the info on these sites. Also, if you find any sites or info out there you think I'd be interested in, please let me know.

Peace
--Free

Questions For Oprah Fans

2009-06-15T19:31:00.009-08:00

A great many people admire Oprah Winfrey. Her fans admire her for what she has accomplished, or because she is a black woman (double minority) who has done so much with her life, or because she seems to be so down-to-earth and compassionate. I have one niece who just cannot get over how Oprah has overcome so much to reach such heights of success. I heard one lady say that Oprah is the kind of woman she could see being great friends with - you know, someone fun to hang out with or share confidences with. I agree with all of that.

But I have a problem with Oprah. I think she is dangerous.

With all her fans and all her money, Oprah has a lot of influence. What frightens me is that she seems to be using that influence to - knowingly or not - lead people away from God. I'm not talking about people who never had an interest in God in the first place; I'm talking about Orthodox Christians.

Here is what I would like to know: how much do those Oprah fans (the ones who are Christian) know about Oprah's faith or lack of? Here is what those fans should want to know about a woman they look to for so much feedback on their lives and goals. (And, remember, I am asking this of Bible-believing orthodox Christians):

Does she, like you, believe in Jesus, the Son of God, the second part of the Trinity?
Does she believe that the ONLY way to God (not "a" god) is through His Son, Jesus Christ
What exactly does she mean when she talks of "many paths" to God? Which path does she plan on using? Has she picked one and committed to it?
Why did she do the New Earth classes with Eckhart Tolle? (His beliefs are clearly not in alignment with Christianity.)
What does she think about the Bible and orthodox Christians who believe the Bible is God-breathed and the final authority on how we live our lives?
If she has a particular belief or faith system, why not be more open about it so that people can decide if they still want to be influenced by her?

I'm not trying to be mean-spirited. I'm just tired of Christians thinking that it is okay to be vague about their beliefs. Who are we trying NOT to offend? Who are we trying to please? Oprah? It's not like she can get us into Heaven or send us into Hell. Oh - wait... Scratch that part about Hell. Actually, she - and anyone else teaching false doctrine - can lead the way to Hell.

Be careful, people. Be more aware of who and what you open your ears and minds and hearts to. I don't know whether or not Oprah is concerned about your soul, but you should be concerned about hers. We should all be praying that she quit following all those many paths and get on the right one.

Peace
--Free

2Cor 11:4
1Tim 4:1
Gen 3:1-6
(BTW: I got the Bible links to those verses via here)

Honesty Is Important

2009-06-13T07:44:00.005-08:00

I have seen some video lectures by a man named Walter J. Veith. In the videos I watched, he explains different aspects of religion - talking about Freemasonry, The Flood and other things. I was really impressed at his knowledge of history and his seemingly honest viewpoint.

In his lectures about some religions, he points out that the fact they are being deceptive should be a clue to the discerning Christian.

Okay.

I noticed in one of the lectures that he seemed so adamant about when the Sabbath should be observed. Since the point he was making had to do with a conflict with the Roman Catholics, I didn't pay as much attention at the moment. Later I noticed he again re-iterated his beliefs about the Sabbath. It seemed extremely important to him.

I love Google.

I Googled Mr. Veith and began to quickly see hits mentioning his Seventh Day Adventist ties.

Wow.

Now, I don't have many problems with the Seventh Day Adventist teachings because I don't know a whole lot about them. The problem I have is that they do lean so heavily on the teachings of their founder, Ellen G. White. I have a problem with anyone who cannot depend on the Bible only to promote and spread the Gospel.

The biggest problem I have with SDA is that they don't identify themselves. If I get talking to someone about the Gospel (or religion in general), I identify myself as a Bible-believing Christian. I tell them that while I don't belong to a specific church, I was raised Church of God In Christ. I don't try to lead a Baptist into believing that I am Baptist. I don't try to lead a JW into believing that I have anything in common with them.

Why wouldn't a member of the SDA want you to know that's what they are? Is it because they are worried that you will hear about their history and beliefs and want to measure them against what the Bible says?

If Mr. Veith had been open about his church affiliation, I still would have listened to his lectures. A lot of the information he gave was useful. I would have judged it all against the Bible, of course, but I would have at least felt that Mr. Veith was being honest.

When someone is dishonest or deceptive about one thing, that makes you question their motives about everything. Especially when witnessing to people about faith, honesty is most important. A person can walk away from you disagreeing with you but still respecting that you were honest.

Peace
--Free

2 Cor 13:7-8
Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.
For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.

Do Bible Translations Matter?

2009-06-12T08:00:00.009-08:00

I've heard the arguments before about whether or not Bible translations other than the KJV were accurate. Usually these arguments were nasty, heated exchanges that you would expect to hear in a meeting between the Klan and the NAACP... Just really mean and, well, let's just say that people can get upset over the discussion.

A long time ago, I got it into my head that all my nieces and nephews needed their own Bible. This is back when I was working and making pretty good money. I started going to the Christian bookstore every other payday or so and picking out Bibles I thought were appropriate for each one of my nieces and nephews. I remember buying the Adventure Bible, study Bibles, Teen Bibles, etc. I don't think that I bought any of the Bibles in the King James Version. My intent was that I wanted the kids to be interested in what they were reading and that it be easy to read. Eventually, I bought a Bible for each of them. I believe they all still have their copies today.

For myself - and this is when I was studying the Bible on a more regular occasion than now, even at one point setting myself the goal of reading through the entire Book - I bought various versions: the KJV, NIV, Amplied, NASB Study, John Hagee Prophecy, and Living. One of the reasons I'd given myself for using different versions was that they were easier to read & understand. (That comes up for argument later in a video I'm embedding.) I recently was going through some of my boxes of packed belongings and realized how many versions I had collected. The one I had kept out and available while I was busy moving from place to place (pillar to post?) was the NASB Study Bible. To be honest, I didn't often read it. Every now and then, when something came up in conversation, I would refer to the Bible.

Anyway, I was looking for more teachings on the faith and subjects of the faith when I ran across a video on YouTube that was about the controversy of modern translations of the Bible versus the KJV. I was surprised first that the speaker was not angry or ill-tempered. Next, I was fascinated by the information. Of course, as I listened, I pulled out my NASB and a KJV and began to take notes.

Wow.

In a nutshell, what mainly caused me to consider the argument for the KJV was comparing the Lord's Prayer from my NASB Study version to the KJV. Here is the first video of a series presented on YouTube:

There is another video - short and with a general chart - that more simply explains the sources of the various versions. The man presenting the information, Kent Hovind, can be a little more grating than Gail Riplinger from the first video I embedded, but the information is clear.

At any rate, I have not thrown out the other versions I have because I think it will be helpful to show others the differences, but I am now using the KJV for my study and use. (By the way, I don't know how exactly to explain this, but do you ever feel like, when you have learned something, that it's as if the knowledge was right there in front of you all the time & you were just missing it??? That's the way I have been feeling lately.)

What do you guys think? Do you prefer other versions to the KJV and why? Do you get what Riplinger and Hovind are saying about the other versions?

Peace
--Free

Revelation 22:18-19
For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

Free & Faith

2009-06-12T06:57:00.001-08:00

I am starting this blog because I wanted a place to post about matters of faith and Christianity. I have other blogs I started for different reasons. By the way, since this is going to be about me (Free) and matters of faith, that's where the title came from (and it was available for Blogger!)

With this blog I hope to share conversations and thoughts with others about the daily life as a Christian. For the last many years of my life I have been complacent and lazy about my faith and commitment to the Lord Jesus. Things have happened recently to encourage me to be more firm in my walk as a follower of Christ.

For so long I have been a worker, daughter, wife, sister, friend and citizen who happens to be a Christian. I now want to be a Christian who happens to be a part of society. In other words, I want to be a Christian first.

One of the things that happened to me recently was that I happened across a series of sermons on culture and music by a pastor who is exposing the deception that has crept into aspects of everyday life. Here is one of the videos:

After hearing this teaching, I really had to take a look at some of the entertainment choices I'd made. It was a little shocking to me to realize how little attention I had paid to the arts and culture I was fond of. That led me to prayer and the desire to be more discerning. Since then, I have dusted off my neglected Bible and gotten back into the reading and studying of God's Word. I never should have allowed myself to be lured away.

The thing about life is that, if you are not careful, you can get pulled away from the most important things by meaningless things. For myself, I allowed myself to get so busy filling up time with working, talking and amusing myself that I grew away from spending time being thankful to God. I grew away from praying (except for before bed and when worried about something), reading the Bible and just being an attentive child of God.

Let me tell you something about how lax I have become as a Christian. I rarely attend church anymore. I curse on a daily basis. I gossip and criticize and belittle. I spend more time doing my hair and nails than I do praying or reading God's Word. I have been so disobedient.

Calling myself a child of Christ, I have often been more worried about offending friends and family. I have been so self-centered that I forgot to be thankful every minute to my Savior.

So. This blog is something I am doing to connect with other Christians. I want to share the Word and encourage and be encouraged. With my other blogs I have met people and formed connections that have nothing to do with my faith. I joined Twitter and connected in a matter of weeks with hundreds and hundreds of people. I sincerely hope that I can do the same here.

Oh, and because this is my blog, I will be opinionated! LOL. I will be sharing information and ideas that may offend some people. The only Person I am seriously worried about offending is Jesus Christ. Everyone else can just choose not to visit this blog.

Peace
--Free

Romans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.