Freedom in Christ

Luke 13:10-17


Freedom. Freedom in Jesus and the life he shares with us. Freedom in God's healing work. Freedom in a world of shackles.

I love that this passage speaks of freedom. It tells us of the freedom found in Jesus amidst a world of rules, regulations, and restrictions. In our society, built by humans, not by God, there are expectations and commandments, things decreed to be right and wrong, good and evil. Some of them align with God's heart, but some of them are vastly different. It can be so hard to go against the grain, to do something of God's will that is not of the world's when we know we will be judged, ridiculed, or even penalized by a world who does not understand the heart of the Father.

In this passage, Jesus felt the freedom to do what he knew aligned with God's heart--heal a woman who was crippled by an evil spirit. That healing, even though it went against society's rules and regulations, was an action that glorified God, not one that went against his will. So let me ask you a question. Where do you prescribe to the world's will instead of God's?

When we speak the confession in Sunday morning worship, we say that we have sinned against God "by what we have done and by what we have left undone." What if Jesus hadn't healed that woman because he was afraid of what the synagogue leaders would think of him or do to him? I think of all the things I could have done in my life to glorify God, all the opportunities God placed in front of me to follow his lead that I didn't take because I was afraid of worldly consequences. Sinning by what I have left undone.

But in Jesus we see the freedom to shake off that fear. In Jesus we have the freedom to step out in God's will and live life as he calls us. And isn't it so freeing to know that we don't have to live according to the rules and restrictions created by a contradicting, imperfect, sinful society? We get to follow the heart of a steady, perfect, ever-loving God who knows exactly what we need and provides it for us.

Reflect:
Where do you follow the world's will instead of God's? Why?
Reflect on the ways that the world binds you yet God frees you. Thank God for this freedom, and pray for continual release from the grip of our broken world.

Never Alone - Never Separated

Romans 8:35-39

I think one of the greatest revelations for Christians is recognizing that you’re not alone.  Despite the craziness of this world, God is always with you and He’s always got your back.  Knowing you’ve got someone in your corner can be life-changing.

Now that doesn’t mean once we say “Yes” to God that we’ll never go through hardship or pain again, but we can stand firm in the knowledge that nothing will be able to separate us from His love.  Will our life feel crappy sometimes – no doubt!  Will the Enemy try to convince us we’ve been abandoned – no doubt!  Will God be with us through it all – no doubt!

But here’s where it gets tricky… when we make it through the tough times, we tend to think it’s because we’re tough.  That our strength is our doing and our perseverance is what made the difference.  That because we tried hard enough or had enough willpower, our enemies never stood a chance.

Verse 37 states, “we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” The key is – THROUGH HIM who loved us.  It’s because of Him we made it through.  It’s HIS strength we rely on.  Acknowledging this means surrendering control and sinful humans don’t like to do that.  But when we do, whether we’ve been a follower for 60 seconds or 60 years, it brings a freedom like no other.

So, when you feel like you’re fighting for your life, remember - you’re not alone.  God is stuck to you like superglue and nothing can separate you from His love.  May you rest in this freedom today and every day forward.

Free to Glorify God

Reading: 1 Corinthians 10: 23-33

“Mom, may I eat all my Trick-or-Treat candy now?”

“I think I’ll only play one more computer game, and then I’ll…”

“I probably shouldn’t buy the most expensive model, but I really want it.”

These are all examples of what Paul, in the verses for today, says are not “unlawful.” He goes on to say, however, that while these things may be permissible, they may not be useful or constructive or edifying. In other words, we may be free to do many things, but our choices need to be guided by whether they will bring glory to God. As believers, should not our chief goal be to give the One who bought our freedom the glory and honor He so deserves?

Rather than spending time inspecting our every action to see if it’s “permissible,” our rule of thumb might be the question, ”Does it glorify God?” Rather than just getting by, doing things because they are allowable (eat all the candy, play computer games, buy that model), we ought to want to live well.

So, what does “living well” look like for us as believers? First, remember that we have been set free – free to do God’s will, free to love Him fully, free to love others as we love ourselves. Then, we do what is most beneficial for others, we help others live well, and we do what might help ease the way for others to see and want the freedom that we have in Jesus.

Living well in freedom, we are most certainly glorifying God!

“I will give thanks to thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and I will glorify thy name forever.” (Psalm 86: 12)

FROM SLAVE TO HEIR

Bible Passage: Titus 3: 3-7

Most of us living in the suburbs or “nicer” areas of Columbus know little of the slavery that brought about the Civil War in our country. We’ve only read stories of those times. And today, though our awareness is being raised to the fact that modern-day slavery is still alive and well in many parts of the world, we don’t have first-hand understanding.

To be a slave means one is property of another and is forced to obey them. A slave is completely subservient to a dominating influence. Paul, in his letter to Titus, likens our lives to that of slaves when we lived apart from God:

            “For we ourselves have known what it is to be ignorant, disobedient, and

            deceived, the slaves of various desires and pleasant feelings, while our lives

            were spent in malice and jealousy – we were hateful and we hated each

            other.”                         (Titus 3: 3, J.B. Phillips New Testament Translation)

We were owned, as it were, by Satan and under his power, subservient to his influence. We were without hope of ever getting out from under his domination – no matter what we would do, we were powerless to either escape or gain our freedom. In this slavery, we do have first-hand knowledge!

God, came as a buyer at the slave market and saw us on the sale block, available to be sold to yet another sin taskmaster. He purchased us, and then, because of His kindness and love, did a strange thing – He gave us our freedom! But it wasn’t because of any moral achievements on our part (Remember, as slaves, we were hopeless and helpless to secure our escape from moral depravity). He bought our freedom through Christ, declaring us no longer slaves but His children, and therefore, heirs of all Heaven has to offer – so much more than we can think or imagine: His grace, His mercy, eternal life. (see Romans 8:15-17)

Thank you, Father, that we no longer need to be slaves of sin, but because of your mercy and grace, we can be called your children and gain the inheritance you have for your heirs. Amen.

Baptism by Fire

1 Corinthians 6:11

(Use the link below to read the verses.)

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%206%3A11&version=NIV;NLT

 

Have you ever felt like you’ve been baptized by fire? When I started in insurance sixteen years ago, I didn’t know anything. Limits of liability, med pay, and uninsured motorist bodily injury were terms that made my eyes glaze over. Probably not too different from what your eyes are doing right now.

 

Baptism by fire is when you are learning something the hard way. It might be because you’ve been thrown into a situation that you aren’t prepared for; or you’re just facing a very difficult circumstance in life. But here’s how John the Baptist spoke of  it.

 

¹¹ “I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.            Matthew 3 NLT

 

Baptism by fire includes the death of our old nature. It doesn’t matter what sinful behavior we acted out in the past, or will do in the present or future; we are forgiven.

 

A number of you know from experience what I’m talking about, for not so long ago you were on that list (of sinful behavior). Since then, you’ve been cleaned up and given a fresh start by Jesus, our Master, our Messiah, and by our God present in us, the Spirit.         1 Corinthians 6:11 MSG

 

Baptism by fire for you may have come as the result of the death of a loved one; the loss of a friend; being let go or looked over at work; diagnosis of a deadly disease; or dealing with an addiction. You don’t feel prepared; nobody educated you on how to deal with something like this. Yet here it is.

 

Just know that through Jesus’ Baptism by Fire he has made it possible for you to live a new life, free from the power of sin; free to love and to serve him. He gives you hope; gives you a fresh start; gives you renewed purpose.

 

We’re not perfect… just forgiven.

 

 

 

Who Is Your Master?

READ: John 8:31-39

America is the land of the free. We believe what we want; we say what we want; we do what we want. We are all independent, bound to no master! Or so we think.

2 Peter 2:19 says that all people are slaves to whatever has mastered them. The truth is easy to see in the life of a drug addict or a youth madly in love. Everything must be given to obtain that which has captured the fascination of the mind and the passion of the heart. We just can’t control ourselves. We have to have it.

So what is your it? What has mastered you?

Wealth? Personal accomplishment? Love of spouse, child, or parent? Your reputation for holiness built upon the sins you hide? Escapism through alcohol, through television, through work that doesn’t even need to be done?

Are you a slave unto sin?

We all used to be. “At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures.” (Titus 3:3) 

Some of us still are. “We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” (Romans 7:14-15)

And some of us aren’t anymore. “You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” (Romans 6:18)

Feel like you’re caught in between? Remember the words Jesus spoke in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.”

“Therefore, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Victory!

Every year about this time, I try to find one of my favorite movies on television - Yankee Doodle Dandy. This year it was playing on TCM and I don't subscribe to that channel, so I settled for another favorite - Air Force One. 

The battle of right over wrong will bring out the flag-waver in me every time. I wait with anticipation for one of the final scenes in the movie when the ultimate bad guy is close to defeat and our hero says, "Get off my plane."

There is one more line to give me chills and get the flag moving wildly. When the cavalry, in this case, the Marines, rescue our beleaguered champion and report to the world, “We are changing our call sign to Air Force One.” Those words tell the world, all is well. 

Many of the Psalms provide a similar sense of victory and fill my heart with the swelling sense of knowing all is well. David was often in the midst of battle when he would call upon his God for help and protection from the evil forces around him. 

"I have a message from God in my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked and deceitful; they fail to act wisely or do good." (Psalm 36:1)

David is preparing to do battle, to fight for his country's freedom and the God he loves so much. As a man after God's own heart, he knows his task is justified and he understands how important is the fight for good over evil. In fact, this is a war to will be waged over and over until Jesus makes His final appearance.

"How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of Your wings." (Psalm 36:7)

 Now, when I find myself battling with the distractions life flings in my path to discourage or derail me, I turn to the Psalms for comfort, direction and encouragement. If David can defeat a giant, I can overcome my problems knowing Jesus is at my side. I can shout to Satan, "Get off my plane!"

 Psalm 36

The heart of the free

“... a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant, ‘Why this waste?’ They asked. ‘This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.’” Matthew 16:6-9

Have lots of money? Give to the poor! It seems like a righteous slam-dunk, doesn’t it? I mean, what would we say if we were there as this woman broke open a jar of perfume and poured out an entire year’s wages in a single moment? Wouldn’t we moralize, too? Or maybe it’s better to ask ourselves, wouldn’t we also be tempted to reduce this woman’s sacrificial act of love to a sterile study in situational ethics?

The heart is a labyrinth so complex we are easily and often lost on our own paths. How is it, for instance, we justify our disgust for a person by measuring him or her against our moral rules? Or, like the disciples, do we really think we can cozy up to Jesus by condemning our neighbor? Why do we keep judging the act without knowing the heart? And in so doing, what do we betray about ourselves? This is not to say “it’s all good” and there is no right and wrong. Rather, the heart of our sin nature is an incompetent magistrate and a hypocritical one, at that.

But how different the heart freed and made new in Christ! Not even the noblest of religious expectations could constrain the woman’s sacrificial act of love. Likely, she was completely unaware of the ultimate significance of her gesture, which was to prepare Jesus for burial; she knew only the Spirit’s voice and her desire to heed his call. And how did Jesus – he who cared more about the poor than anyone else in the room – respond? “She has done a beautiful thing to me.... I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” What does he ask of any of us but such faith and obedience? What could please him more?

It was Paul who wrote, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Corinthians 3:17). Clearly, the Spirit was upon the woman with the perfume that day and certainly she followed in freedom. Her story lives on forever as a quiet lesson in liberty.

Holy Spirit, live in me today. Move me freely in your ways – unfettered and eager to do the Father’s will in even the smallest of ways.

[The reading for the day is Matthew 26:6-16.]

Going to College is a Lot Like Being a Christian ... Really?!

I really enjoyed leaving home and going to college. I was free to do whatever I wanted. I could stay up as late as I wanted. I could eat anytime I wanted. Best of all, I no longer had to keep my room tidy.

 

Yes, I was free, but the problem was I had a task to accomplish. I had to go to class and keep my grades up, although this was something I wanted to do.

There were many times when I would have rather stayed up late watching a movie or goofing off instead of working on a project or studying for a test. I had to “curb” my freedom to do well at school..

 

I learned fairly quickly that I could do whatever I wanted, but it better not interfere with my task of getting an education.

 

Today’s reading is 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1. Paul is reminding the Christians of Corinth that they are free from sin, and more specifically, free from keeping the all aspects of the Law. In effect, he tells them that with freedom comes responsibility.  

 

Christians have tasks – Christ given tasks. All are important, but the one that is worth mentioning is to evangelize. This assignment was given to us in the Great Commission. Christ told us to, “go and make disciples of all nations.”

 

Christians are free to do what they want, but they also have tasks to accomplish. To be more effective, sometimes Christians have to curb their freedom. Paul makes the point, “Do not cause anyone to stumble.” Our actions should attract people to Christ, not repel them.

 

I was free to do what I wanted, but I had to do well in my classes.

 

Christians, likewise, are free, but we have to well in our assignments.

 

Going to college is a lot like being a Christian … Really!

Freedom to do what we ought

“Then I summoned the priests and made the nobles and officials take an oath to do what they had promised.  I also shook out the folds of my robe and said, ‘In this way may God shake out of his house and possessions every man who does not keep this promise.  So may such a man be shaken out and emptied!’  At this the whole assembly said, ‘Amen,’ and praised the Lord.  And the people did as they promised.”  Nehemiah 5:12b-13

We have all quoted the 19th Century English historian, Lord Acton.  Let us repeat together: “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”  Recognize him now?

Yet today's text in Nehemiah 5 brings to mind another astute observation from this insightful writer:  “Liberty is not the power of doing what we like, but the right of being able to do what we ought.”

As the people labored with Nehemiah to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, a wealthy few conveniently took the former view freedom, doing as they pleased because ... well, because they could!  The landless had to borrow for food, landowners had to mortgage their properties, and others had to borrow money to pay taxes.  And the people of means were all too willing to lend to these, their brothers, at exorbitant rates ... because they could!

When Nehemiah heard the people's outcry, he became “very angry.”  He wisely “pondered” their charges and then confronted the nobles and officials: “You are exacting usury from your own countrymen!”  Then having clearly established that truth of the matter, Nehemiah came along side of the nobles and officials to help them better understand their wrong.  He explained, “I and my brothers are also lending the people money and grain.  But let the exacting of usury stop!  Give back to them immediately their fields, vineyards, olive groves and houses, and also the usury you are charging
them ...”

To Nehemiah, freedom was the ability to do as he ought.  It was Lord Acton’s view of freedom; it was the right view of freedom.  And its truth cut the nobles and officials to the heart.  They kept quiet at first, unable to find anything to say.  The words that finally did come were those of conviction and repentance, “We will give it back ... and we will not demand anything more from them.  We will do as you say.”  And after confirming their intentions with an oath, they all said “Amen” and they praised the Lord, together.  Unity was restored.

There is something refreshing about aligning ourselves with God's truth in a matter.  Our ways are always at odds with his, and his ways are always good and right.  And when we course-correct in conviction and repentance, we experience again peace with God.

Then we are free.  Free to do what we ought.

Lord, show me when I've departed your ways in favor of mine.  And grace me with your loving voice of conviction, so I may change course and walk your paths again.

Promises Kept

Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (Zechariah 9:9)

This chapter in Zechariah contains foreshadowing of Jesus' triumphant reentry into Jerusalem.  The words proclaim the One who would come to bring peace and freedom.

Today, hearing those words, we have a picture of all war ending, of global peace. We hold those who proclaims these things to their word. We would expect a new world order with freedom for all. Those who heard the words of the prophets expected the same. When Jesus did arrive, but he wasn't dressed for battle, many did not believe.

What about us? What about now? Do the promises in Scripture disappoint? Do we reject because we don't get what we ask for? Do we deny because we don't see the walls falling down at our feet? My daily prayer time often pleads for the same thing. My expectations are that my will is going to be fulfilled.

The crowds were celebrating Jesus that day. The cheers and praises were flowing free, smiles and tears covered the faces of the people. What happened to end the joy? Was it fake? Did they only welcome Jesus because of what they thought He would do for them? Do we?

It is about time I pray for God's will; for God's timing. I claim to believe; to believe He is perfect therefore His timing is also perfect. It is time I act is if...He has already answered my prayer. That is FAITH.

Zechariah 9:9-13

Where freedom lives ...

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”  2 Corinthians 3:17

Through his letter to the Corinthians, Paul explained to all people and for all time that, until Jesus lives in us, we exist as though a veil stands between us and God.  Hid from his glory, our minds are “made dull” and we do not know him.  We relate to him only in the “Biblical legalese” of what we should and should not do.  We are, on one hand, consumed with earning our own righteousness through his Law and, on the other hand, frustrated by a down-deep knowledge that we cannot attain it, no matter how hard we try.

In Christ, however, the veil is taken away.  Our spirits see his glory and live!  We are free!  Liberated!  The torn veil lies in a wadded heap behind us, and the glory of the God of liberty shines upon us!

So we ask, “From what have we been set free?” And “To what ends do we live in freedom?”

Alive in Christ, and completely forgiven in him, we are ...

... free from belittling others in vain attempts to elevate ourselves by comparison, and
           free to see them as people just like us, fellow sojourners in need of grace.
... free from enslavement to the cycle of retaliation, and
           free to respond in peace and grace to those who offend us.
... free from conforming to the expectations of others in search of their conditional approval, and
           free simply to be who the God who first loved us created us to be.
... free from reigning over the petty fiefdoms of our own imaginations, and
           free to thrive as servants under the kingship of Him who wields all power in perfect love.
... free from envy over what we do not have, and
           free to celebrate with others the good gifts God distributes as he pleases.
... free from Satan’s harsh accusations of fault, and
           free to trust in the Spirit's love as he sculpts us into Jesus’ likeness.
... free from uncertainty of our salvation, and
           free to share with others our sure and certain hope of eternal life in Christ.
... free from treasuring “things” that we will one day leave behind, and
           free to build up treasures that are ours when we rise in him.
... free from the futility of endeavors of temporary consequence, and
           free to live lives of love and truth, bearing fruit of eternal value.
... free from wandering directionless paths of our own making, and
           free to follow in faith and obedience as Jesus illumines our way.
... free from the foolishness of our will, and
           free to say in complete confidence, “Thy will be done.”

Our freedom has purpose: to give God the glory that is his, and to love others in what we think, say and do.

Question to think about:  How have you experienced liberty in “the Spirit of the Lord”?

Psalm 84:11

“I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.  For the Lord is a sun and a shield, the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.”  Psalm 84:10b-11

The theme song from the TV show, “Cheers,” was about the oppressions of everyday life, the troubles and drudgery that wear us down throughout the day.  And into that context was written this lyric of hope we all remember, “You wanna be where everybody knows your name.”  A brief taste of common grace amid a world where everyone is in it for themselves.

How much more freeing, then, is life lived in the Spirit, an abundant life full of grace!  The Apostle Paul’s proclamation rings clearly throughout eternity, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17).”  When we live by the Spirit, the world no longer defines us; its challenges no longer defeat us.  His truth lights our path, dispelling hopelessness.  His wisdom makes us wise, escaping the confines of human understanding.  And in a world where our very acceptance and value are determined by human whim, God honors us.  It is he who made us, after all, and it is he who redeemed us.

The "tents of the wicked" may be pitched all around us, but we who trust in Christ dwell in him.  And it’s a place we “wanna be,” for he knows our names.  

In fact, they’re written in his book of life.

Romans 8:5-11 - Life through the Spirit

The Scripture lessons for today about the Holy Spirit in our life, could be a teaching right from a Celebrate Recovery moment.  Paul's words reveal to us the fact that we as Christians, have two natures: the sinful nature and the spirit nature. There is a constant battle going on to overcome the sinful and embrace the spirit nature.

Once we understand this we can make more sense from Paul's words in Romans 7:15-18, "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out." 

Those in recovery for every hurt, hang-up, and habit begin to recognize their dependence on Christ for healing.  Like it or not, we are all in recovery.  As Christ followers who battles the daily forces of sin in our lives, we constantly struggle to do what is right.  We are always seeking to change and be more Christ-like.  That is recovery in its purest form; turning from sin/evil/addiction/gossip/food/control, and turning toward Jesus.

Romans 8:7-8 (NIV)
 the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so.
 Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.     

As my friend Paul Nordman wrote, "Here's the truth of the matter: We who are in Christ have two natures. We still carry the old nature, which will never be like Christ; and we have a new nature, who is Christ. So it's not that we are one way or the other; we have both natures. The sin nature will never improve, so we do well to stop trying to improve it and to stop beating ourselves up over it. It is what it is, we have been saved from it, and it will not accompany us throughout eternity. Our new nature, by contrast, need not improve; indeed it cannot improve, for it is Christ in us. He is sufficient! Forever!"

Those of us in recovery recognize that Jesus us the only way to freedom.  We know that we cannot complete this journey on our own.  We all need a Christian Recovery Program because we all need Jesus. Jesus is the only way!

Read Romans 8:5-11

Listen to Romans 8:5-11

Doma International and Freedom a la cart

Freedom is hummus. Perhaps not to you. But to me, hummus is what Freedom tastes like. The relationships I have built with survivors of Human Trafficking have propelled me to redefine Freedom, as it exists from their perspectives. Watching a survivor taste hummus for the first time brought so much joy to me. In a room of 25 survivors, no one had ever tasted it; many were hesitant to even dip a chip in it, let alone a carrot stick or pita bread. But the wide smile on the face of the first survivor who ‘dove in’, was all they needed to form a new love for this strange chick-pea blend. And that one smile led the rest of the women into a new world of ‘healthful’ eating. It was a bold move early on by one of our volunteers—but she knows that part of her volunteer work is to continue to introduce the survivors to freedom and choices that have been unknown and unavailable to them.

Their lives have been filled with abuse, neglect, pain, control, slavery, and trauma starting at such a young age—most entering into forced and coerced sex trade (trafficking) at an average age of 12-14. At these unmentionable ages, many had freedom taken away from them. So I have taken much delight over the last few years observing and participating in the newfound freedom that empowers them on so many levels of existence – food being one of them.

Freedom a la Cart is the new Doma initiative to continue introducing survivors to more and more “Freedom”. Freedom, now tastes like fresh, local, and organic food. Freedom is learning how to chop vegetables and slow cook meats. Freedom is learning the word, ‘Chimichurri’, and roasting red peppers. Freedom is networking with local businesses and the community, and even problem-solving and thinking through, “Where can I park a food cart in the winter, and make money selling our amazing food?” Even better yet—Freedom is owning a “Carhartt” jacket to keep warm (volunteers and survivors alike!) Freedom is the warm, genuine smile on two survivors’ faces as they greeted our first customers at the first Gallery Hop of the year in downtown Columbus at our cart debut last January.

Freedom is opening a bank account, saving, and learning how to budget. Freedom is buying a car for the first time, and then asking your support network of mentors and friends to help you get a license. Freedom is driving to a custody hearing to fight for the relationships that mean so much to you.

Freedom is dreaming! Freedom is saving up money to go to college. And perhaps Freedom is starting a business, or maybe running the register at our first standalone Freedom restaurant, or branching out and having a franchise of a Freedom cart. But most of all, Freedom is having choices. And Freedom is having new choice, when at one time; all choice was taken from you.

Read more and taste Freedom at www.freedomalacart.org. Happy Freedom to you and yours this holiday season.

Julie A. Clark, M.Ed., J.D.
Founder & Executive Director
Doma International & Freedom a la Cart

www.julieannclark.com

Freedom a la Cart

freedomalacart.org

How else do we say it? We need your help. We need your time, passion and dollars to keep this business thriving and keep women off the streets. Our system works. It's the only thing that works. And we've outgrown our little cart. 

Watch Your Step 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1

Have you ever been on a diet? I have been on gobs of them and they always seem to happen during a holiday like Valentine’s Day where chocolates abound. My husband loves food channels on TV, and of course during those holidays they always highlight the popular foods offered. It drives me crazy and Steve, who is never tempted by anything sweet, does not understand when I beg him to change the channel.

His interest in how the foods are made create an opportunity for me to stumble on my diet. Although Steve is not doing anything wrong he still changes the channel not wanting to make life harder for me.

Our scripture passage today talks about how we, as Christians, should enjoy the things this earth provides for us, but that if any of our liberties cause a nonbeliever from knowing God, we should abstain. Paul says, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God”

Have you ever thought of it that way? Everything we do is a reflection of us glorifying God. Even abstaining from things we have a right too, in order to remove stumbling blocks from those who do not yet believe.

Galatians 2:20 say’s, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live. The life I live in the body I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.” Nonbelievers should see Christ when they look at us and that means sacrifice.

Heavenly Father,
Help me give you glory in all I do.
Please give me the strength and wisdom to
know when I need to sacrifice my freedoms
so someone can come to know Jesus.
It’s in His name I pray. Amen

Read today's passage at Biblegateway 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1