Freedom Fighters

The Right Side

04/07/201604/07/2016Leave a comment

He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” (John 21:6a)

When Jesus appears on this seen he sees the disciples hard at work doing what they do best. He is clearly revealing to them that they have been fishing on the wrong side of the boat. Typical Jesus, watches and waits patiently to demonstrates His authoritarian position. As I read this passage this morning I realize that there are times that I’m casting my nets on the wrong side.

It is obviously before Christ we are on the wrong path, working for the wrong party, but have you ever been hard at work in the ministry and realize that you are doing it all wrong? Maybe not all wrong, but not as effective as you could be. Have you ever been right theologically, but wrong in your presentation and timing? Jesus mentioned to Martha, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41,42)

As men, or humanity in general, we tend to drive on autopilot, keeping busy doing stuff. In We pause an ask ourselves, am I doing the right stuff. The proverbs mentions, “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the heart.” (Proverbs 21:2) Jesus Christ is helping us to not to lean on our understanding and trust His ways because His way is right; His Word is right, His love is right. And like the disciples the results of doing things right, “So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish.” (John 21:6b)

Written by Juan Mendez: Juan is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a full time staff member at America’s Keswick

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 98; Proverbs 7

Click Here to Download our 2016 Daily Bible Reading Plan

Daily Quote: Faith makes all things possible… love makes all things easy. ~Dwight L. Moody

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

The Lord is my light and my salvation;
Whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life;
Of whom shall I be afraid? ~Psalm 27:1

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The Face of Of God

03/30/201603/29/2016Leave a comment

There is interesting concept that seems contradictory, yet clear about seeing the face of God. God Himself, says, “You cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live.”(Exodus 33:20) But many writers of the Bible claimed to see God’s face indirectly in various accounts. Jacob claims this realty twice.

First, in his encounter with the angel, he declares, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.” (Genesis 32:30) I’m sure we have been in situation where God manifested His presence and we can only trace back to His handiwork. But the second encounter lees popular but thought provoking.

It comes after the very familiar story of Jacob and Esau. We know that the brothers were born to Isaac, the son of Abraham. When Isaac is near death, he desires to give to Esau, the older of the two brothers, his blessing and the older would also have a birthright. However, like the rest of us Jacob had some issues and cons his brother of both.

Later in life Jacob is transformed into the man of God he was created to be and has a chance to make it right with Esau. He opens his heart and moves towards the encounter. Jacob bowed down to embrace the consequences. Ironically, his brother, like the prodigal son’s father, ran out to greet him with gladness. And, as they held each other, I’m sure that Jacob said, “Please forgive me, brother.” Then, Esau spoke those life-changing words, “Brother, I forgive you.”

After this encounter, Jacob said, “No, please, if now I have found favor in your sight, then take my present from my hand, for I see your face as one sees the face of God, and you have received me favorably.” (Genesis 33:10)

Forgiveness is the face of God and is not optional in relationship. Yes it involves humility and yes it’s letting go, so you and others can live freely. The other option is to live in bondage and hold people in bondage. But remember, an essential theme of the Gospel is forgiveness.

Written by Juan Mendez: Juan is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a full time staff member at America’s Keswick.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 90; Proverbs 30

Click Here to Download our 2016 Daily Bible Reading Plan

Daily Quote: “Where God’s grace takes you, grace will increase your capability and your capacity. Grace will empower you.” ~Edmond Sanganyado

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
²Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
³Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah ~Psalm 46:1-3

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The Art of Forgiveness

03/23/201603/22/2016Leave a comment

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)

There are various debates on numerous theology and precepts. One of them involves the art of forgiveness. One would argue that believers are already forgiving and they don’t need to continue asking for forgiving. Another would argue that acknowledging transgression is the way to stay in perfect fellowship with our father. Others would separate judicial forgiveness and the relational aspects of forgiveness. And the list goes on…

The reason why there are so many concepts on forgiveness is because there is no easy ways to warp this principle in a neat box. They’re many facets in the art of forgiveness, and an important part is the art of forgiving one another.

I have been redeemed; forgiving, on my way to heaven. My life is now hidden in Christ and I’m not in the business of hurting others around me (no more). I have the privilege to go on and live a life that is honoring to God; I have a clean slate. But Because of my poor choices in life many people were/are hurt.

In this verse Paul is speaking on the relational part of forgiveness. And forgiving one another is a direct reflection of our relationship with Christ. He took the penalty knowing all we have done, and reconciled us with the Father. And we are to take on this attitude for ourselves.

It does not mean condoning or excusing what happened. Nor does it mean forgetting, accepting the behavior of the other as ok, or immediately being reconciled with an offender or suppressing feelings of hurt and pain. It is a process that allows healing and inner peace; to look on a person and circumstances from a God’s perspective.

For believers it’s the chance to allow Christ to shine through you. It liberates us from burdens, offenses, and being controlled by emotional strongholds. We don’t lose our morality because we give people a free pass, it actually helps restore relationships and in many case restores people back to God. If there is anyone that you have offended, or was offended, maybe it’s time to make it right. In your prayer time ask God to reveal any unfinished work.

Written by Juan Mendez: Juan is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and a full time staff at America’s Keswick.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 82; Proverbs 22

Click Here to Download our 2016 Daily Bible Reading Plan

Daily Quote: Only he who can say, “The Lord is the strength of my life” can say, “Of whom shall I be afraid?” ~Alexander MacLaren

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

But the transgressors shall be destroyed together;

The future of the wicked shall be cut off. ~Psalm 37:38 (NKJV)

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You Who are Spiritual!

03/09/201603/07/2016Leave a comment

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. ~Galatians 6:1

This verse is good accountability before you decide to approach another person on his or her circumstances. This seems like a contradiction because Paul is addressing the church, whom should already be filled with the Spirit. Is it possible to be in Christ and not be spiritual? Who is the Spiritual entity amongst Christian community?

When I think about a man that walks in Spirt, I quickly think about an obedient man. Not a person who is trying to attain sin-less perfection but a man that listens to Gods direction on his path moment by moment. Someone is who governed by truth, and handles that truth with love. A person that will push past his own interest, his issues, his preference for the sake of others. One who has a good reputation with man and God.

This man has the ability to implement the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. One who take care of his responsibilities whether it’s work or being a husband, father, son, uncle, brother and the like… Whether a spiritual leader is training a new employee or working through a difficult conflict resolution, he will lead others to restoration and help them to discover their own connection to God more deeply in the process. This person can be trusted to restore one in a spirit of gentleness.

Written by Juan Mendez: Juan is a graduate of the Colony of Mercy and full time staff member at America’s Keswick.

The Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 69; Proverbs 9

Click Here to Download our 2016 Daily Bible Reading Plan

Daily Quote:O, let the place of secret prayer become to me the most beloved spot on earth. ~Andrew Murray

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:

For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel:

“In returning and rest you shall be saved;

In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.”

But you would not, ~ Isaiah 30:15 (NKJV)

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