Freedom

FREEDOM: Webster declares it as a state or quality of being free; liberation from the control of some arbitrary power; a right or a privilege; abscence of repression.

William Wallace in the movie "Braveheart" gives his life to be freed; and free his followers from the oppression of Longshanks in Scotland. Wallace learned and witnessed to others by his death that freedom is not cheap.

As children of God, we enjoy a freedom that will last eternally. Paul in Galatians 5:1; says that "It is for freedom that Christ has set us Free". Freedom from sin through Jesus Christ is free for all who will take up their cross and follow him. Freedom from sin is free for the taking.

Jesus offers freedom to all his children without reservation and without strings attached. A price paid by him for freedom from our past sins and transgressions against our Heavenly Father and others.

Revelations 1:5; To Jesus who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood.

Romans 6:22; You have been set "free" from sin, and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.

There is not a greater freedom, or anything that compares to the promise allowed by that freedom given to us by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ

"Our Heavenly Father, thank you for your love, grace, and mercy towards us as your children.Father, thank-you for the freedom we are allowed by being your children. Freedom from past sins, freedom to enter into eternity because of your love for us since the beginning of your creation. Father cause us to be reminded of that freedom through you and may we always be reminded to be as loving, forgiving, and accepting of others as your son was when he hung on that cross. In his name we pray Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour, Amen."

Rusty Rose
Stephenville, Texas

Mountain Faith

I love the mountains. Beautiful. Peaceful. Serene.

We have some friends that have a cabin in New Mexico close to the beginning of the Pecos River. The river runs in front of the cabin, and as one sits on the porch that extends along the front of the cabin, he can hear the water flowing. Crackling. Splashing. Refreshing.

Spending time gazing across the river to the expansive meadow of wild flowers across the way proves the beauty of God and His creation.

I remember sitting on the porch, gazing at the beauty that surrounded me, and praying and singing to God. It was a great experience.

As a teenager, I attended Pine Springs Summer Camp in New Mexico, just south of Cloudcroft. The camp is situated in a valley, and God’s beauty again resonates all around. Spending time there in praise and prayer also offered many great experiences.

They were “Mountain Top Highs”. You know, when you reached a point where you don’t feel you can get any closer to God. That your faith will never waiver. That your heart will always be this full.

Elijah understood what I am talking about. He had to. He had one of the ultimate mountain top experiences when he went against the prophets of Baal and Asherah. They couldn’t get their god to touch the altar, but Elijah’s God – our God – not only touched it – He devoured it. He burned not just the offering, but the rocks and the wood. Oh, and the gallons of water that had been poured upon said altar. (I Kings 18)

Can you imagine that mountain top high? The only problem is, the laws of physics tell us that whatever goes up must come down. And, Elijah suffered the same.

He was being hunted, so he retreated to the mountain. He was feeling sorry for himself because of his tribulations. He ran away from his responsibilities. He wasn’t humbling himself before God.

We do the same. We come off this high faith when we think nothing could touch us. We feel so close to God that we could almost fly. And then, we forget that it was because we humbled ourselves in His presence that we were able to get so close in the first place. We turn the focus of our attention from God to the person seeking after Him.

I believe our problem lies not in what we are looking for to help uphold our faith, but more in the quantity. We want the big sign. The total cure from disease. The instant gratification. The wide meadow full of beautiful wild flowers. However, as Elijah found out, sometimes, God offers us not a visible sign of his presence and power, but a gentle whisper.

Whether your gentle whisper comes from sitting on the front porch of a cabin in the woods or while you’re sitting in your car, I hope you listen. Maybe that moment of faith does come in a big package. But whatever the case, perhaps it is not the mountain top experience that dissipates, but it is us who runs down the mountain. We want the dramatic. The river running through the meadow. The church camp experience. The big sign.

But perhaps instead of searching all of the time for that mountain top experience, we sat down at the feet of God and allowed him to provide. His presence and power never move. And if we would humble ourselves enough to see that. To know that. To believe and understand that. Then perhaps our faith would always feel like it was as high as a mountain because each day we would be full of God’s power and presence.

Heavenly Father, please help us to humble ourselves in your presence each day. Every day. All day. Draw us into your presence and help us to run to your mountain instead of down it so that we may be engulfed in your power and presence. Amen.

Joey Roberts
Stephenville, Texas

Giving Thanks

I can hardly wait each morning to get to my computer so that I may get an update on Kory, my eleven year old Great-nephew. A few months ago Kory was diagnosed with Adrenal Cancer. Following major surgery to remove a large tumor, his treatment included eight rounds of chemotherapy. Kory will soon be half way through his treatment.

Texas Children’s Hospital has provided Care Pages, a website where his Mom has been sharing messages at the end of each day to keep us informed. It allows us to travel this journey with them.

Kory’s faith and the faith of his precious family are evidence that God’s Spirit is alive and well! Kory’s “story” is one of praise and trust in his Heavenly Father. I was so inspired by this morning’s message that I thought it needed to be shared.

Kory and his Mom decided that it was fitting, since Thanksgiving is later this month, and the fact that they have so much to be thankful for, their daily Bible study for this week would be Psalms 100:4-5. “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”

Not only do we have the great examples of the faith of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Jacob, Joseph, Moses’ parents and many others as mentioned in Hebrews 11, but we have great examples of God’s faithful children who live among us.

Do you ever wonder where faith comes from? “As God’s messenger, I give each of you this warning: Be honest in your estimate of yourselves, measuring your value by how much faith God has given you.” Romans 12:3

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:16-18

“Our loving Father, we thank you for our parents and grandparents who have shared faith-building stories with us from your Word. Thank you for the measure of faith you have given each of us. I am especially thankful for Kory and his family who show us daily what it means to “live by faith”. I praise you, Father, for those who are involved in Kory’s treatment and ask that you continue to bless him with strength and healing. We thank you for Jesus, your precious Son, in whose name we pray, Amen."

Jan Alderfer
Stephenville, Texas

Calming the Storm

In the Book of Mathew the eighth chapter and Book of Mark the fourth chapter, the authors tell of their boating experience being caught in a great storm. The apostle Mark writes in the fourth chapter “35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, "Let us go across to the other side." 36 And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" 39 And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 He said to them, "Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?" 41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?"

When you think of a storm, you picture lightening, thunder, driving rain, hail, and maybe tornadoes. Since, 2005 the word storm is synonymous with pictures of hurricanes, especially Katrina. The key ingredient in all of these weather phenomenons is “we are not in control”. The lack of our control during these weather situations cause us as humans to have many emotions. I bet the last time it began to rain you thought; Are my windows up? Is it going to flood? Do I have an umbrella? We begin to worry and possibly be distracted about what we cannot control.

Similarly, many authors and philosophers have likened life to a storm. Daily everyone is faced with uncontrollable pressures, deadlines, bad health, financial strife and difficult people. In these instances human nature is to worry, have fear, stress, become distracted or breakdown emotionally and/or mentally. The key is to know what to do in all uncontrollable instances. Alexandre Dumas wrote, "Life is a storm, my young friend. You will bask in the sunlight one moment, be shattered on the rocks the next. What makes you a man is what you do when that storm comes.” The disciples knew what to do when the storm came. They called upon Jesus Christ our Lord for assistance. Jesus rose from his sleep and comforted the disciples by performing a miracle. The disciples then were fearful of the lord, and questioned his power.

Jesus’s healing and calming power is shown over and over again throughout the Bible. He repeatedly performed miracles and provided evidence that he is the creator, the ruler, the beginning and the end of all creation. But, above all he will provide a comfort in the storm. Mathew and Mark knew to go to Jesus in the times they could not control. What will you do when the waves of the storm of life crash against your bow? Will you call upon the Lord in prayer? Will you have faith in him and surrender your troubles? Allow the Lord to calm your storm with three words as he did so many years ago, Peace! Be Still!

Our Gracious Heavenly Father, as we go throughout this day and week, we are coming to you to calm our storms. Allow us to come to you with our fears and troubles, and leave them at your feet. We know that you can simply say “Peace! Be still!” and all will obey. Guide us to share your word with others who are in trouble. Give us the words to let them know that all the storms of life can be calmed, when we have faith in your all encompassing power. Give us peace of mind and a joyful heart to share your peace and love. In your holy name, Amen!

Adam Tittor
Cleburne, Texas

A Beautiful Sunset And Then Some

A couple of weeks ago I went with friends on an annual shopping trip to Salado. Most of our conversations that day made reference to our inability to “remember the details” in whatever story we were telling. (We are all "of a certain age” if you know what I mean.) On the trip back to Stephenville we watched the most beautiful sunset. As we admired it I said, " I may not be able to tell you every detail about what I did yesterday, but I can describe this sunset with a scripture I learned in the eighth grade.”

“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the skies proclaim the work of his hands .

Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.

There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. “ (Psalm 19:1-4)

By the way, my three friends knew the scripture too, and we all finished it together. It was a very moving sunset.

I learned Psalm 19 as a bible class assignment in eighth grade. Now I can only quote verses 1 through 4, and verse 14. For a long time I thought the psalm was composed of two completely unrelated parts: verses 1-6 having to do with the wonders of God's creation, specifically the heavens; and verses 7-14 relating to the Law of the Lord,

“The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commandments of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the Lord are sure and altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.” (vv. 7-11)

Now I think these two parts are not unrelated after all; David was praising God for His Creation and The Lord speaks to us through the beauty of the world He made and still controls by the laws he put into place in the Beginning, and he speaks to us through His Word. In this one, perfect Psalm we have David's praise, and also the Heavens tell of his glory, so that we are reminded to praise him day after day and night after night. for His Law.

Essie Wyatt was my teacher when I memorized Psalm 19. She taught a two year curriculum called Bible Credit in the Church where I grew up. I had to learn and recite many other Psalms and scriptures, most of which I can't quote today. But there are some that I can clearly recall at particular times, like when my prayers are seemingly unanswered, or when they are abundantly fulfilled...or when I see a beautiful sunset.

Prayer:

Everywhere I look, Lord, I see evidence of your presence. May I pay attention as the heavens declare your glory, and may I not take the gifts of Your Creation for granted. Thank you for the Psalms of David. And thank you for teachers like Mrs. Wyatt who shared their love of your Word with me. Bless all of the teachers who give so much of themselves today to plant your Word in the hearts of our children.

Lynn Anne Hughes
Stephenville, Texas

What Time Is It?

Time is a popular word. We use it everyday. “What time is it? It’s time to begin. What time are we supposed to be there? Will they be on time?” On and on it goes.

You probably remember these familiar snippets from scripture:

“Today is the day of salvation. There is a time for everything. Today, if you will hear his voice. Choose you this day whom you will serve. This is the day the Lord has made; I will rejoice and be glad in it. And do this understanding the present time.”

Of all people on earth, Christians should live with a responsible sense of time and what to do with it. A familiar pop song says “Time keeps on slipp’n, slipp’n, slipp’n into the future.” We can say it a thousand different ways. As the old hymn reminds, “Time is filled with swift transition.” Our world rushes on. We live by moments. We have experiences. We live from event to event. Week follows week.

Psalm 90 is a poignant reminder of man’s mortality and God’s eternality.

“Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.

Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.”

As the psalmist underscores the truth about our mortality and the sober reflection about life that such invites he concludes with this plea:

“So teach us to number our days that we may present them to you in wisdom. And do confirm the work of our hands.”

What a powerful reminder! We are called to do something for God with our “moments”.

Life is a stewardship. As such time becomes more than something that is simply used. Reframing it as a stewardship ushers in a new perspective. It compels us to think about what we do with our moments. We ask helpful questions. Listen a little longer. Deliver an unexpected act of kindness. Look past faddish ideas, news saturation and insignificant trivia and fix our attention on ways to be helpful, productive, encouraging and hopeful. We see ourselves as seed planters and bridge-builders. We are ambassadors and priests.

We are salt and light. Paul reminds us:

“Therefore be very careful how you live – not as unwise but as wise, taking

advantage of every opportunity, because the days are evil. For this reason do not be foolish, but be wise by understanding what the Lord’s will is. (Eph. 5:15-17)

Lots of people spend time talking about “when” Christ will return. Jesus was more interested in what we do with our moments of time. We seize moments in anticipation of the time when all things will be made new. We see people as spiritual beings. We dismiss grudges with greater speed. We expose ourselves to the Word so that we can sharpen our minds and equip our hearts with a “word of knowledge and wisdom. And, everyday, by the grace of God, we rise and look forward to living our moments in worship to the One who gives us those same moments for His honor and the blessing of others.

Gracious Father, we thank you for giving us life. We openly confess that is in You that we live, move and exist. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of what You do each day in the lives of people all over the world. Thank you for putting us in moments of all kinds to be your hands, feet, mouth and ears. Bless us with the wisdom and understanding to discern your calling each day. We want to be instruments in your hands so that others may know the blessing of your mercy, grace and calling. Thank you for Jesus who broke into human experience in the fullness of time that we might know what time is all about. Through Him who is the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and End, we thank you and offer this prayer. Amen.

Randy Daugherty
Stephenville, Texas

Worthy

The word ‘worthy’ is a hard word for me. Oh, it makes perfect sense when Jesus was found worthy to open the scroll in Revelation 5. Of course, Jesus is worthy. But what about the command to be worthy of the Gospel in Philippians 1:27? How can I possibly be worthy of the Gospel? In Ephesians 4:1, Paul begs us to live a life worthy of our call. Impossible!

God is always commanding us to do the very thing we can’t do. To a lame man, he said, “Get up”. To a man with a withered arm, he said, “Stretch it out”. And to me, He says, “Be worthy”. Impossible!

Thankfully, He gives us some hard but doable tasks associated with being worthy. He uses words like lowly, meek, patience, love. He said to stand firm and stand together. But still does that make you ‘worthy’? How can I come up to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ? I can’t! I have tried but I am always falling so short of what I should be. I know more about wretchedness than worthiness. Of course, there is “fear and trembling” as we try to work out our own salvation. (Philippians 2:12.)

I am afraid because I am trying to do something that I must do that I can’t do. Fortunately, His word is good news. The next verse, Philippians 2:13, tells me: “God is at work in you both to will and to work for His good pleasure”.

There are many things that are impossible with man but with God ‘All Things Are Possible’. God and only God can cleanse us, save us, sanctify us and make us worthy.

It is so exciting to think that God can take my life and make it worthy. That

He can find pleasure in my life.

Dear Father, Thank You for Your word. It corrects me and instructs me. It guides me and directs me. Sometimes Your word frightens me. You know how unworthy I am. I am undone. The harder I try, the more obvious my failures are to me. I know you see them even more clearly. So I beg you, Father, don’t throw me away. Please don’t give up on me.

Please, Dear Father, do what ever is needed to make me worthy. Take away anything that is in the way. Add any burden I need to carry. Whatever is necessary for Your good pleasure. I don’t understand Your ways but I know You love me and I want to please You.

Please accept this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus, the One who is Worthy.

Paul Shero
San Angelo, Texas