THE PRICE OF FREEDOM

This is the July writing from Cathy Friberg...July

During the month of July the United States of America will be celebrating its Declaration of Independence from Great Britain. Our freedom from the then oppressive rule of our mother country came at a great price. In 1775 we began a battle with Great Britain. This war continued on until 1783 when Britain finally acknowledged our independence. Many lives were given up in order to achieve our freedom as a nation.

The great sacrifice which our forefathers made reminds me of the sacrifice which Jesus made to purchase our liberty. Jesus willingly gave up his life that we might be made free. God Himself underwent such intense suffering that we might escape the punishment of hell and the bondage of sin, bitterness, guilt, and condemnation. Christ's victory on the cross profoundly impacts our self image. To serve a God who would humble himself to that degree for our salvation elevates the worth of the human soul to the ultimate level.

We are all aware that we must continue to preserve our country's freedom. Praying and fasting concerning our laws, leaders, and the spiritual condition of our citizens, educating ourselves about current events, speaking up in truth without fear, and being diligent to vote are all steps we can take to help maintain our liberties. Likewise the Bible admonishes us to preserve our freedom in Christ. 

Galatians 5:1 warns us...
“So Christ has really set us free.
Now make sure that you stay free,
and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law.”

(NLT) Galatians 5:13 states...

 “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free.
But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; 

rather, serve one another humbly in love.”

(NIV) Hebrews 2:3 reminds us...
 “So what makes us think we can escape if we ignore
 this great salvation that was first announced
by the Lord Jesus Himself and then delivered to us by
those who heard Him speak?” 

As we celebrate our nation's freedom this year may we set aside time to pray for a great revival in the land, for an outpouring of God's Spirit, and a return to the morality and values on which we were founded. May we thank Jesus for His sacrifice on the cross from which all freedoms emanate.

By Cathy Friberg

HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW..JUNE 2, 2014

I am an avid gardener. My results may not be that impressive, however I absolutely love the process. Being outdoors, weeding, trimming, and watering is one of my most enjoyable and therapeutic pursuits. Recently I was trimming a bush in front of my house. Much to my amazement I discovered a carefully woven nest cradling two adorable baby birds and a stunning tiny blue egg. As I hovered over the nest, the fledglings stretched up their necks and opened their beaks wide in anticipation of food. After my initial feeling of delight at this precious finding, a flood of dismay and remorse came over me. What had I done? With no more leaves and branches covering their home these newborn chicks were exposed and vulnerable.

Would their mother return to nuture and care for them? 

I went into the house to search on line for advice. Interfere as little as possible was the main recommendation. Watch to see if the mother returns within two hours. I immediately went into prayer mode. “Lord, not a sparrow falls to the ground without you knowing it,” I reminded the Father. (Matthew 10:29) I must admit I had a good deal of anxiety until the mother bird did return. Also that night as I lay in bed I could't help but think how much colder it must be for mama that evening tending to her babies, with no foliage to shelter her from above. I continued in prayer, asking God to let her stay on task and not give up. The next day she was sitting faithfully at her post. I continued to petition our Creator as I knew it would be much hotter during the afternoon for the family without the covering which I had clipped away. I kept checking each day, ecstatic to find that all was well, until finally the nest was totally vacated. I had a peace that the youngsters had matured enough to venture out on their own.

The lesson I came away from this experience with was that often times we make mistakes which cause harm to others. Even as believers, ignorance or weakness in our own character can cause us to do things which we truly regret. An unkind word, a thoughtless action, forgetfulness, or even a moment of apathy can hurt those we love. 

Sometimes we are the victims of such unintentional wrongdoings. However,  when we bring our missteps to God in prayer, 

He can make all things right. He will never leave us or forsake us.  

(Hebrews 13:5) 

He gives us wisdom and doesn't rebuke us for asking for it. 

(James 1:5) 

God abounds with creative and innovative ideas to bring restoration and healing. He can touch the hearts of those we have offended, giving them grace to understand and forgive. Our Heavenly Father can and will even turn the whole situation around for everyone's good and for His glory. We are so blessed to have a merciful and all powerful God who will come to our aid no matter how hopeless the circumstance appears. He is our redeemer and His love never fails.

By Cathy Friberg

We are not BRAIN-WASHED, but we do choose to WASH our BRAIN

This was written by Karl Hirsch who is the Dean of Students at Charis Bible College in San Jose. It was submitted by Kathryn Hansen...our devotional writer for Thursdays.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I've been meditating the on cautionary message found in 

Colossians 2:8-10

Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.

Many of the ‘outsiders’ to Christianity have a worldview of Christians as being ‘brain-dead’, ‘mind numb’, ‘religious preacher controlled robots’.  These self-professed intellectuals believe that they have attained sufficient mental ascendancy on their own human power to not need anything or anyone else.  This so-called ‘Progressive’ philosophy is believed by them to be the NEW and IMPROVED order for society, when it is in reality older than Moses.  They think they are ‘free’ but in reality they are ‘bound’ by the deceit and lies foisted upon them by the world (secular education, main-stream-media, etc.), the flesh (selfish desires) and the devil (spiritual forces leading them in destructive tendencies). 

Because these ‘outsiders’ do not have a relationship with the author of the Bible (Father God/Holy Spirit/Jesus), they do not understand how to embrace the truth of His love for them.  Take for example the wisdom found in 

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, 

And lean not on your own understanding; 

In all your ways acknowledge Him, 

And He shall direct your paths.

A ‘Progressive’ would immediately pounce on a Christian, make the accusation that God wanted them to completely abandon reason and blindly follow an invisible (non-existent to them) being.  But we know that God created us a with a brain to be put to use – not leave on our bed pillow.  The wisdom from God, as written by Solomon, is to not “LEAN ON” (put our total trust in) our own reasoning.  Many other scriptures get miss-interpreted by these intellectuals as describing a hateful sovereign.  But we know by the revelation from the Holy Spirit that the truth is GOD IS GOOD!

One of the biggest ways the Holy Spirit wooed me to a belief and confession in Christ was because I pondered the question, “Who is telling the truth and what is the real truth?”  The problem I have with ‘Progressives’, main-stream media, religious con artists, and even some close friends with good intentions is that they all can describe what they think is the correct view of life.  But how can one human claim they have “THE ONE TRUTH”.  So, I made the choice to believe and adhere to one source of truth – the “Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth” (Bible).  And I know some would argue that there are many man-made interpretations of the scriptures.  But I have confidence that the inward working of the Holy Spirit who I invited into my life is able to lead and guide me into all truth.  As he will do for you also.  Our part as Christians is to follow the guidance of Romans 12:1-2 to keep our brains cleansed (renewed).

 Romans 12:1-2 

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, 

that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, 

which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, 

but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, 

that you may prove what is that good and acceptable 

and perfect will of God.

I leave you with a word of encouragement to not shrink back from these so called ‘Progressives’.  Continue to be bold with your belief in the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus.  We should never be offended in any way by their disdain for our beliefs – rather, we should rejoice.  

As it says in 

Luke 6:22

Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, 

And revile you, and cast out your name as evil, For the Son of Man’s sake.

Blessings

Karl Hirsch

Dean of Students,

Charis Bible College of San Jose, CA

Who Am I Following?

This morning as I hurried up the escalator, hoping to reach the train platform before the train doors closed; I realized that I was watching the feet of the people ahead of me.  I was trying to keep my steps in sync with theirs, trusting their rhythm to get me where I needed to be, when I needed to be there. 

Now, I knew they were rushing to catch the same train I wanted to catch.  There is only one train that departs from my starting point, so following these folks will get me going where I need to be – this time.  But what about the times I am somewhere else?  How often have I rushed to catch up to folks, only to discover that the train or bus they were running for was headed in a direction I did not want to go?

This got me thinking about all of the years I spent following different people in one sort of relationship or another; only to find out that we had different destinations in mind?  I am so grateful that the things that could have lead to physical and emotional damage were stopped before I truly fell.  My whole life could have taken a path that kept me from knowing the Lord.  I could have missed finding true salvation,  indescribable joy and the promise of eternity.  I could have lived not knowing the love of the One Who Loves Me Best!

How many of the people around us are one step of faith away from their next and greatest victory?  Have the misguided or misunderstood words of a well-meaning teacher kept them from really understanding the enormity of God’s love?  Hurt feelings and the rejection of those who said, “I love you.” created issues that many are just beginning to recognize.

“These are the people who divide you, who follow

 mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.  But you, dear friends, 

by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,  keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.”  

Jude 1:19-21  NIV

Sometimes it is hard to have to step off the well-worn path that takes us to the popular places.  I want to know what folks are talking about in the break room at work. Or even some family members who have bonded over books, movies or TV. shows that I know would not be good for me.  So I do my best to seek out those who will allow me to share in activities that will keep my perspective from going too far from the one that follows God’s expectations for me.

I also need to work on listening more to the source of the message and not becoming dazzled by the person who is the messenger.  God’s Word is truth for each of us.  Listening to, reading and studying  His instructions more and more will draw us forward so we can prepare for what comes next.

“Whoever serves me must follow me;

 and where I am, my servant also will be. 

My Father will honor the one who serves me.”  

John 12:26  NIV

Thank you, Father God, for giving me the Holy Spirit, who helps me find my way every day.  I would be lost in a ditch, if I did not have this gift.  Please help me remain humbled, so I do not ever believe that the good I do is about me.  I want today to be one that uses each of us to show the world how very much You love to love Your children.  I am choosing to follow You, in gratitude for all that You have given me.  I thank and praise You.  In Jesus’ Name.  Amen!

Written by

Lynda Kinnard

THE GLORY OF GOD

Don't you just love those sparkly women's blouses which are so popular today? Take a common fabric like a light jersey blend, add some colored sequins or other bling, and voila.....instant party! Such dazzle used to be reserved for expensive evening wear but now t-shirts sprinkled with glimmer and glitz can brighten up the most ordinary of days and occasions.

 On pondering the appeal of this shimmering daily wear, I can't help but think it has something to do with our inner spirit. There is a longing in each of us to stand out a little, to shine, to feel special and yes even regal. It is the same inherent wellspring which causes every little girl to yearn to be a princess. I think this is because we were created to reflect the glory of God. His Spirit and presence within us reveal His glory through us. We are mere earthen vessels. Yet when we crucify our flesh and feed our souls with the manna of God's Word and will, we shine with the light of His splendor. 

I truly feel that we are in the last of the last of days. The world around us is getting spiritually and morally darker and darker. I also sense that God is calling His people to illuminate and penetrate the sinister realm about us with His Spirit and His love. As we fortify our hearts with God's Word, praise and worship Him, listen for His voice and obey Him consistently, we will gleam and glisten with the glory of His presence.

We can be beacon lights offering hope and healing to a lost and dying world. 

Heavenly Father, may we be used to help bring in the end time harvest as we yield to Your Spirit and show forth Your glory.

"Arise, shine, for your light has come, 

and the glory of the Lord
has risen upon you."  

Isaiah 60:1

 Written by 

Cathy Friberg 

Hummingbird Café

written by

Paula Glauber

I had all but given up ever seeing another hummingbird in our backyard.  The winter had been long and very cold, discouraging me from venturing out to our watermelon crepe myrtle where, in past years, hummers hung out and chit chatted in their chit chatterie way.  By mid-April our weather had relaxed a bit and we started seeing more sun than gray, so I trotted out onto the deck to release the feeder’s suction cups from our bedroom window.

I really couldn't blame the poor hungry hummingbirds for avoiding such an unappetizing café.  The neglected feeder was a breeding ground for hummingbird ecoli, if such a bird disease exists. The remaining remnants of nectar were nothing but crumbling bits of black mold.  A few ant carcasses floated in the bowl and one perch was missing altogether.  I gingerly popped the feeder off the window, dropping one of the suction cups into the Star Jasmine growing below.  I stepped off the deck into the Jasmine and carefully explored the vine until I spied the suction cup. 

I keep a few spare feeder parts in my gardening shed, and was fortunate to have a replacement perch for the feeder.  The man at the Bird Store had told me when I bought the feeder, that it was top rack dishwasher safe, so I placed it in the rack, put in some soap and started the dishwasher (empty but for the pitiful plastic hummingbird feeder).  I get a little squeamish about washing our dishes with some yet to be discovered bird flu.

While the feeder went through its cleansing, I boiled water for a new batch of nectar.  ¼ Cup cane sugar to 1 Cup boiled, cooled tap water.  While the water cooled I gave the window a good washing so the suction cups would stick securely.  Feeder filled, window cleaned, suction cups in place.  Diner “Open”.

I hurried inside to watch from my bedroom window.  There was no line out front of the feeder, no bellying up to the perches.  Alas, it appeared that the word was out on the wires that this canteen was closed for good.

 

After a few days of boycotting, however, the chatter was on and the hummers were vying for a spot at the feeder.  Seemed like the leader of the pack was Bill, a big bully of a hummer I’d seen the previous spring.  He was followed closely by Humm Baby, Chrome Dome, and Red Neck.  Doesn’t everyone name their hummingbirds?

Once the Hummingbird Café was once again in full operation, the patrons made no apologies for scolding me with their clickitty bird gripes when the feeder ran low.  They dived past me like miniature helicopters practicing war maneuvers. 

Isn’t that just like us with our Provider?  We are happy as long as we’re fed.  As long as the supplies don’t run out, we’ll hang around taking everything we can get.  But, if our Supplier doesn’t move quickly enough, or give us just what we ask for, we complain and sometimes even abandon our perch.   And as if that’s not bad enough, we chatter to all our friends about how neglected we are; how we’re forgotten and no longer cared for.  Maybe we should look to the cold, hungry stretches in our lives as a time to anticipate a new batch of nectar.

The Good Captain

A captain sails his ship on the sea. The wind fills the sails and the wood hull cuts through the glass of a turquoise sea. He consults his maps and charts his course. During the day, he positions his ship by the sun and at night he takes bearings from the stars.

But soon a storm is upon his vessel. The seas turn gray and the waves turn white. A strong wind blows him off course. Clouds cover the skies for days and weeks on end and he cannot get his bearings. He bravely sails on, the best he can, keeping his ship afloat until the hurricane blows past and the clouds dissipate.

One night, the stars shine again through a break in the clouds and he quickly takes a brief reading and runs to his map to plot his position. He finds he is miles off course. At his current heading he will be lost in open sea for months and probably perish there.

He takes immediate action, marking a new heading, adjusting the sails and plotting a course to reach the original destination. It will take longer to reach the port, and certainly more effort now that they must travel further to get back on course, but the ship and the captain sail onward toward home.

The captain corrects his navigation without guilt and does not condemn himself for being off course. It is a force of nature to be blown so hard and have all navigational markers obscured. He is a capable captain and he has kept his ship sound and whole in order to sail on when the storm finally passed.

If he were to turn the ship wrong in the waves, causing it to wallow and take on water, if he did not do everything in his power to keep his ship and crew safe, if he did not take his bearings at the first available opportunity and make corrections to his navigation, then he would be found guilty of negligence and derelict of his duty.

We all sail our little ships on the giant seas of life. And sooner or later, the storms will come. Sometimes it is a brief thunderstorm with loud noise and a quick deluge. But many times, it is a record breaking hurricane, hundreds of miles across, taking its sweet time to pass through our lives and, many times, blow us off course.

God expects us to keep our ship secure in the storms, to point safely into the waves with His word so that the waves do not hit us broadside and sink us. He asks us to keep the faith that the clouds will eventually give way to starry skies, and to correct our navigation when possible.

The Apostle Peter sailed along with Jesus, but when the storms of persecution and peer pressure blew him off course, he ran away, weeping bitterly, knowing he had betrayed his Lord. His ship floundered and began taking on water. But, even in these dark conditions, he held fast. His navigational correction came when he jumped out of his fishing boat into the water in order to be the first one to reach a resurrected Jesus on the shore. This new direction, this “on course” Peter, sailed on to preach a sermon where 3,000 people believed in Jesus.  And this same Peter went on to write one of the greatest statements of faith in the New Testament.

God is not surprised when we get blown off course and watches over our ship even when we are sailing in the wrong direction. And if we do find ourselves headed toward the abyss, we do not need to punish ourselves with scolding, rebuke and guilt because He is as near as our own breath to help us back on course. We only need to look to the heavens and get our bearings.

All the Lord desires for us is to sail safely home, so sail on.

• Matt. 26.75
• Mark 14.72
• John 21.7
• Acts 2.14-41
• 1 Peter 1.3-5

     Written by 

Jody Ward