Let Freedom Ring

If you’re an American, 4^th of July is a great day of celebration. This day is remembered for severing ties with Great Britain after they imposed unreasonable conditions upon their citizens. God made man free therefore it is a basic human right.

While it is great to be free as a nation, what is more important is that we’re free as individuals. We may no longer succumb to the tyranny of an unjust government; many today are trapped in bondage much more sinister than political control.

Abraham Lincoln said, “Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.” What he was saying is that if we become free as an individual, we can be free as a nation.

Today, let’s look at five areas of life where God wants us to be free.

1. Freedom from wrong mindsets. Too many people are trapped into wrong thinking. A wrong mindset is anything contrary to the Bible. Self-limiting thoughts like: I’m nothing special, I’m not attractive, I’m not smart, I’m not gifted, I will never own my own house, I’ll never get married, I’ll never retire are contrary to God’s promises. Our wrong way of thinking is keeping us from experiencing God’s best as an individual, and collectively as a nation. When we disagree with God, we’re dwarfing our potential. A wrong mindset is more dangerous than a venomous snake because it makes us believe we’re doing the right thing while it leads us to destruction. Our freedom has to do with our mindset. What we believe is what we will become.

2. Freedom from want. A great deal of our lives is spent on gathering for ourselves. While we need to assume responsibility for our own provision, we shouldn’t stretch ourselves too thin. When we live beyond our means, we’re digging a hole for ourselves. We should not be greedy. On the other hand, God wants us to have a mentality of abundance. We limit ourselves by thinking that if God has to provide, it has to be through a job, business, stocks, and bonds. While this is a good place to start, why not believe in God for the supernatural? John Quincy Adams said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” God created the diamond and gold mines. Can we trust Him to meet our needs over and beyond and have plenty left over to help others? Instead of praying to pay off your own house, pray to pay off someone else’s and see what God does! In God, government or job we trust?

3. Freedom from pain. There are different kinds of pain. When we’re in pain, we think differently. Physical, mental, and emotional pain cause us to live a constrained life. God wants to heal our body, mind, spirit, and soul. One way we can be free from that is to forgive those who have done us wrong. When you forgive others, you set a prisoner free and that that prisoner is you. Often people asked Jesus if He wanted to heal. Jesus replied, “I will.” Jesus still wants to heal today! He will heal every place you hurt.

4. Freedom from bad habits. Habits come in different shapes, sizes, and forms. Let’s not judge people because their sin is different from ours. All of us have issues. We can all improve. Thomas Jefferson said, “Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.” Here are simple steps to overcome a bad habit. Acknowledge > Make yourself accountable > Get help > Give it time.

5. Freedom from sin. God said all have sinned and fallen short of His glory. We’re professional sinners but we don’t have to live that way. John F Kennedy said, “Those who dare to fail miserably can achieve greatly.” You may feel that you’ve failed miserably but Christ paid the ultimate price our freedom. You’re no longer a weak, worm of the dust. You’re the righteousness of God. If you don’t like the way you’re born, today I urge you to be born again. If God can change the world inside of you, He can change the world through you.

Friend, let freedom ring loudest in your heart and let us remember that righteousness exalts a nation. A nation will prosper if we’re living right individually. Jesus didn’t come to change a political order He came to change the heart of men, women and children. Everything changes when the heart is powered by Jesus.

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36 NIV).

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Claim Your Benefit Package

I know some people who go to work just for the perks and benefits they get from their job. They don’t mind putting time, effort and energy because they know that they can draw from the benefits that await them.

Many Christians go through life without ever claiming their “benefit package” from God. When we become followers of Christ, we don’t have to struggle through life, living on crumbs. God has promised to provide all sorts of benefits for those who love God and bless His name – that’s YOU!

Today, we’ll look at a handful of benefits God offers to His children. Unlike the worldly benefits that are fleeting away more and more, God’s benefits are ever so strong and we can always depend on them.

In Psalm 103 King David reminds us not to forget our benefit package. The first benefit is to have our sins forgiven. Millions of Christians do not understand the depth of God’s unfathomable mercy. Many believers keep begging God to forgive them for sin #819, committed in 1973! In reality, God forgives us the very first time we repent and ask for His mercy. The biggest button on God’s computer is the delete button. When God’s hits the delete button, our sins are not just covered but they’re blotted out. His mercy and forgiveness eradicate our sins. Let’s bless His name for exterminating our sins forever.

A major benefit Jesus offers to His followers is health and healing. The Bible says, “Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted” (Isaiah 53:4). Notice, it doesn’t say, we’re going to, maybe or hope one day. It says we were healed. Past tense! It is by faith, we receive our healing. No matter how long or what sickness you’re dealing with, Christ has already paid the price for our sickness. Many Christians believe that God stopped doing miracles of healing today. On the contrary, there has never been more healing in history than there are today. It is the work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus still heals when doctors and medical science have given up. Health and healing from our God is far superior to any healthcare package our government can provide. If you’re sick, claim your healthcare benefits!

The third in the benefit package is redemption from destruction. That includes body, mind, spirit and soul. Many today are trapped in destructive behaviors. Alcohol, addictions, sex, drugs and violence are enemy’s traps to keep us bound. Jesus said, “The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10 NIV). The Scripture says, “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work” (I John 3:8). Friend, if you’re struggling with a bad habit, addiction or a vice, claim your benefit package today. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. God is not mad at you; He is madly in love with you. He wants to give you a brand new heart and a brand new start today. He redeems us from destruction!

Last but not the least on our discussion is God’s goodness. He has promised to satisfy our mouth with good things and with loving kindness and tender mercies. That means God will not only give us what we work for but He will also bless us with what we do not deserve. He will provide for our every need. He cares about the smallest details of our lives. He wants to prove Himself as a loving Father who knows how to take good care of His children. God’s “benefit package” covers it all!

Friend, don’t get God mixed up with the devil. The enemy comes to kill, steal and destroy; God gives us abundant life. Claim your benefit package today. The premium has been paid in full now is the time to cash it in. Bless the Lord, O my souls, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. His benefit package has you covered!

“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15 KJV).

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God’s Thoughts on the Lost

Lately my life has been surrounded by people who are passionate about sharing the Gospel with those who are hurting, crying and dying. What is God’s heart for the lost?

I’ll tell you, the closest and dearest thing to God’s heart is lost souls. He is not sitting up their waiting to punish us but the burning desire of His heart is to reconcile man/women to God. It’s God’s will that none should perish but have eternal life.

Religion is mean and condemning but God is love. In the heart of God is mercy. God hates sin but He’s not repelled by the sinners; He is drawn to redeem us with the blood of Jesus. Yesterday, I met Dr. Pool who is a Cardiac Surgeon. His testimony touched me deeply. He’s the only doctor I know who prays for each of his patients out loud. He’s healing the heart of his patients in more than one ways.

I’m fully convinced that God is speeding up the harvest all over the world. Recently I met a young man who used to be a member of a Satanist Church right here in Dallas. After God saved him miraculously, he began to debate with a young lady about the Gospel. All her life she has been a Mormon. After talking back and forth for about six months, she gave her life to the Lord. Today, they’re happily married and can’t wait to share the love of Jesus with others. I see God is working intensely to reconcile man to God everywhere I go.

Many Christians look at our society and gasp at where our culture is heading. It is easy to throw up our hands in the air and give up in despair. This is what happened to Paul in the Bible. Once He was in a city that was so filled with idols that he was filled with righteous indignation. Yet, before he left that city Paul’s heart was filled with compassion; he preached the Gospel to them and many came to know the Lord. Friend, let’s not gripe about what’s going on in our culture instead take the time to share Christ with those who are lost. Love – conquers all!

In the heart of God is mercy. We too must not condemn people but show them God’s mercy. Once, the religious leaders caught a woman in the adulterous act. They dragged that woman to Jesus wanting his approval to stone her. I always wonder why they didn’t condemn the man! Jesus loved the sinner and He still does. He said those that are without sin cast the first stone. Everyone left. He was the only one without sin qualified to cast the first stone. But He didn’t. He showed mercy, forgave her and said, “Go and sin no more.” Friend, if you want to be like Jesus, quit stoning people!

What is the value of one soul? The Bible says that Jesus crossed the sea to reach one man who was filled with demon spirits. Today people are in all sorts of troubles, some are filled with demon sprits and they cannot help themselves. Yesterday, I met a young man. His marriage is falling apart. He told me that nobody would counsel them for more than two times. They want them to go to the “professionals.” Sadly, people don’t want to help unless they’re paid! Where is the heart of compassion? Jesus crossed the sea to set one man free. We should have compassion for our fellowmen.

What is God’s thought about the world? Millions in Asia are racing towards eternity without hearing the name of Jesus. They’re into idolatry but they don’t know any better. We just came back from China touching over 3,000 lives. The communist government says we cannot preach the Gospel but God is working in China, India and other parts of Asia where the world’s most unreached people live. Should we live in the luxury of America and forget about the crying, sighing and dying world? God forbid! Let us have the heart of love and compassion like Jesus. The closest thing to the heart of God is the salvation of mankind. You and I are called to be ambassadors. We have the Gospel of reconciliation. Like my friend Dr. Pool, let us also share Christ with as many we can. For God so loved the world… We too must love people!

“We have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart” (I Corinthians 2:16 AMP).

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Be Free

If you’re an American today is the day to celebrate the freedom of this country. It is the only country in the world that was founded on the principles of God’s Word. Our rights and liberties were earned by millions of people giving up their lives.

In real life, nothing is free. Someone always has to pay for the freedom others enjoy. Today is a good day to ponder some of the freedom we enjoy. In America, we have freedom of speech, equal rights, freedom of religion so on and so forth. No other countries in the world enjoy freedom like we do in America.

Like most countries in the world, there’s plenty for us to pray about. But have you ever wonder what’s right with us? You never hear about people wanting to immigrate to China but the whole world wants to come to America. Why is that? The blessings of God still remain upon this great country. We enjoy our freedom because people before us made great sacrifices. If we want to ensure our freedom to continue, we must also be equally committed to God and our country.

There’s a lot of talk about the moral decay of our nation. Frankly, it concerns me too. I wonder what kind of world my children will grow up in. However, you cannot legislate morality. Washington is not responsible for the sins that are so prevalent in our society today. What is lacking is personal responsibility. We’d not have moral and social issues if they’re dealt with at home. Our society is only a reflection of our homes. What we permit in our home and in our private life will ultimate permeate our society.

As we celebrate the freedom of our nation it’s sad to think millions of Americans are still trapped in the bondage of alcohol, drugs, debt, pornography and other harmful addictions. True measure of a nation’s freedom depends on being free from these vices. When we allow God to work in our individual lives our family will be impacted. When our family is touched, our community will be impacted. When our communities are touched, we can influence a nation and the world.

Today, I want talk about three simple steps to overcome any bondage.

1. Admit your weakness and faults. The Bible says that if we confess our sins, He is faithful to forgive us. Don’t allow people to label you the rest of your life but if we want to change, we must admit and take ownership of our internal problems.

2. Get help from someone else. Just like our founding Fathers had to band together to drive out the opposition, we have to join forces together to overcome the Goliath in our lives. The enemy would make us believe that we’re the only one with this problem. Truth is more people struggle with the same problem as you do. Asking for help shows you’re humble and ready to change. When you ask for help, you’ll get help. What you’re facing is a stronghold. You cannot win with small efforts. Involve others who are an expert in this area. Talk to your mentors.

3. Give it some time. Most of us would love to stand in a prayer line and have the spirit of debt cast out or sickness being healed. Many people give up because it didn’t work out the first, second or the third time. Don’t be impatient. Give God some time to work with. Solving our problems is the easy part. Changing our character is what God is after. It takes time not only to get rid of bad habits but also to replace them with the good ones. If you diligently keep working at it, God has promised to reward you. Learn to have bulldog tenacity. You can have what you’re willing to fight for.

Happy Fourth of July! As you barbeque and spend the day having fun remember, freedom is not free. Take personal responsibility. Don’t point fingers at the society or the government. Be pro-active and be the change. Our nation will change when we change! Eat, pray and celebrate. Happy Birthday America!

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance” (Psalm 33:12 ESV).

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