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Freedom Is A Beautiful Word
Photo by Brad Dodson on Unsplash
FREEDOM.
It’s a beautiful word.
It sounds beautiful, and it feels beautiful to the speaker and the hearer.
Here are a few definitions of FREEDOM from DICTIONARY.COM:
-the state of being free or at liberty rather than in confinement or under physical restraint.
-exemption from external control, interference, regulation, etc.
-the power to determine action without restraint.
Most every person, whether they’ve learned the technical definition or not, understand the word. Every one of us has longed for freedom from something. Whether it’s freedom from physical or emotional slavery, freedom from an abusive relationship, freedom from addictions, freedom from a tyrannical government, freedom from our past or freedom from our own tortuous thoughts, we all have felt the longing to be liberated. Freedom is a beautiful word.
Author Maya Angelou published her autobiography, I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings in 1969. Having never read her book (which I will soon rectify), I’m still moved by the image the title evokes in my mind’s eye. A small bird, alone in its confinement, with its face toward the sun, singing it’s little heart out. I’ll find out Maya Angelou’s why when I read her story, but I imagine the caged bird sings out of hope. Humans and all of God’s creatures are born with an innate sense of hope. A hope for freedom. Freedom is a beautiful word.
Today is July 4th, the day Americans celebrate our freedom of independence. There will be flags unfurled, grills fired up, tables spread and the sky will be aglow with explosions of color. America The Beautiful will be sung with pride, Corn Hole tournaments will ensue and laughter will dominate the atmosphere of every family gathering. Freedom is a beautiful word.
Sadly, after the celebrations are over, flags are folded for another year, fireworks have burned out, the music has quieted, this year’s Corn Hole champion has been crowned and the laughter has retreated into a heavy evening hush, many will still not be free.
Sooner or later, every individual must come to the realization that no government, politician, patriotic song or peer group can truly make one free. True freedom only comes through Jesus Christ, and specifically through being Born Again according to His Word (Acts 2:38)
I remember when I was baptized in Jesus’ name. When I came up out of the water, I felt completely free from sin. Likewise, I remember when I received the Holy Ghost (God’s Spirit). I was standing in the aisle of Rushings Chapel Pentecostal Church. I lifted my hands in surrender, began worshiping the Lord out loud, and He poured His Spirit into me, changing my English praises into a language I had never learned. I felt completely free from fear which had plagued me my whole life.
While I am exceedingly thankful to be an American, being Born Again of the water and the Spirit is what truly brings freedom. I will add my personal definition of freedom to those listed above: to be liberated from sin and fear.
”If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” (John 8:36)
Yes, freedom is a beautiful word.
In Jesus’ Name,
-Pat
I Press On (Guest Post)
There have been many days when I did not feel like going to the gym to work out, and sometimes when I got there, and started working out, I thought, “Lord, I simply cannot do this today.” But I press on. I know how undisciplined I can be, and I’m afraid that if I start giving in, the time may come when I won’t show up to work out at all. So it is with the spiritual disciplines. There are some things, if you start giving in and getting slack, it may bother you at first, but the more you give in, the less it will bother you. After a while, you will be very unfaithful. Here are a few spiritual disciplines to focus on:1. Church Attendance
If you deliberately miss church, it may bother you at first (and it should), but the more you miss, the less it will bother you. After a while, it won’t take much to cause you to miss.
2. Tithing
If you are a faithful tither, and you decide to skip, at first it may bother you, but it will be easier the next time. You have started on a downward path, and it is not easy to turn around, and get back on track.
3. Bible Reading
Bible reading provides a foundation for our faith. It gives substance to our walk with God. The only way I know to be a faithful Bible reader is to set yourself up on a program you can live with. Pick a version of the Bible you can understand.
I like to start my day by reading one or two of the Psalms. It seems to open my spirit to God. Beyond that, for many years, I have read through the Bible at least once each year. You will have to average almost 4 chapters each day to do that.
You may not be able to do that much, but you can start by reading one of the Psalms, and a chapter from the New Testament each day. Do your best to keep it up, and after a while, you will be “hooked on the Book.”
You’ll be glad you pressed on!
-Bro. Johnson
Rev. David Johnson serves as Bishop at Fountain of Truth, UPC in Bartlett, Tennessee, pastored by his son, Rev. Mark Johnson.
He’s A Good, Good Father
We never stop learning throughout our life. At fifty-seven, I’ve recently learned a disturbing something about myself, and my relationship with God. I have a difficult time relating to Him as my Heavenly Father.
That probably sounds shocking. Just breathe a second, and let me explain…while I work my way through it in my own mind. Anyone who knows me, knows that I love God. I love His Word. I love His name, Jesus. I love His Truth. I love His people. I love His holiness. I love living for Him.
This revelation isn’t about my belief in Him, or my love for Him. It’s about how I view Him. I have no problem seeing Him as omniscient (all knowing), omnipresent (everywhere present; nowhere absent) or omnipotent (all powerful). I have no problem seeing Him as Holy and Righteous. There is, however, something about relating to Him as Abba Father that I get emotionally stuck on.
When the Lord brought my attention to this personal struggle to my mind this week, I wanted to tell Him it wasn’t true. After all, He calls Himself our Heavenly Father. It’s His very own description of His foundational relationship to us. When I began to dig deep into my heart, and ask myself why I struggled in this area, I came to some uncomfortable truths.
Those closest to me know that I’m adopted. This fact holds the key to my inner struggle with relating to God as my Heavenly Father. My earliest memory is of being in a small, dark room. The one room seemed to have a small kitchen and a cot off to the side. Sitting on the cot was a man, presumably my father. He was either putting on, or taking off his artificial leg. The whole scene was dark, claustrophobic and altogether terrifying. Under three years old, I faded into the background, and became invisible. For many years.
My second father was my foster dad, Darv. He was everything a child dreams of having in a father. He was the hands on, teach you to ride a bike, jump into my arms, I won’t let you sink kind of dad. I lived in his home for four years before I was adopted, and moved across the state. It’s impossible for a seven year old child to understand why it’s better for her to be removed from a comfortable, safe and loving home after four years, and be sent to live with strangers.
My third father was my adoptive dad, Frank. He was in politics at the time, and for many years after. He was a powerbroker. A lawmaker. He made things happen. People scurried to do his bidding. He pushed through legislation that changed the lives of communities. He did good for people.
He wasn’t a hands on dad, though. Perhaps that’s because he lost his own dad at a very young age. We are all molded by the examples in our lives. Some teach us how we want to be. Others teach us how we don’t want to be. More often than not, it’s a bit of both because no one man can fulfill every characteristic of God perfectly and consistently.
It’s more than challenging for a child to make sense of a scary, one legged old man in the shadows, or why her storybook father was taken away, or why her powerful father who did so much good for people wasn’t in her day to day life. The adult version of myself has learned just because something is hard or painful doesn’t mean it’s not God’s will. He had His hand upon me through all the traumatic years, lovingly bringing me into His perfect plan for my life.
It’s not my intention to bring disrespect to any of my three fathers. I loved them, and am thankful for their part in raising and providing for me. I know they loved me, and did what they felt was best for me. (Admittedly, the first one is sketchy, but I try to give him the benefit of the doubt.) I’m simply attempting to explain to you (and myself) why it’s challenging for me to relate to God as my Heavenly Father.
Why Does It Matter How We View God?
I have to believe I’m not the only one who struggles in this area. Broken and dysfunctional families are most often the norm. So, why does it even matter whether I see God as my Heavenly paternal figure? It matters because it is truth. It matters because ‘Heavenly Father’ is how He sees Himself in relationship to us. It matters because we can’t trust Him completely if we don’t view Him first as our loving Father.
How Am I Going To Change My Perception of God?
1. I’m going to talk to Him about it.
One thing I know about God (because it comes naturally for me to see Him as all powerful) is that He can handle our questions and the areas we struggle in. I’ve determined I’m going to be open with Him, and share my weaknesses. When I have a very personal situation, I struggle believing He is invested emotionally in my situation. Oh, I know He loves me, and is working for my good, but this thing that is so trivial in light of saving the world, does it break His heart like it breaks mine? I need to believe it does.
2. I’m going to read His Word. Scripture assures me that He cares for the things that burden me. If I ask for bread, He’s not going to give me a stone, because He’s a good, good Father.
3. I’m going to remind myself of the truth often. Verbalizing my belief in His love for me is vital. It pushes the enemy’s voice into the background, and allows my Father’s Voice to come to the forefront. I’m going to say it until I believe it with my heart, not just my head.
4. I’m going to practice inviting Him into my day to day struggles. This, I have learned is key. If I don’t think He cares for the small struggles in my life, I won’t ask for His help. Yes, I will trust Him in the big things, because that’s what He does…but will I trust Him enough to invite Him into my day to day messes?
5. I’m going to be transparent, and not silent because others are struggling in this area, as well. There’s nothing new under the sun, and people are people every day. We need to not be silent, pretending we have it all together.
Hopefully, exposing my weakness in this area has helped you to be honest with yourself and God about your own weaknesses. If you struggle relating to God as your Heavenly Father, refer to the steps listed above. Hopefully, my transparency will help you to see God the way He desires for you to know Him. Oh, and why not offer a bit of grace to your earthly fathers, as well as to yourself? It’s true we can all do better, and God is a good, GOOD Father.
TAKE A LISTEN…👇🏻
GOOD, GOOD FATHER by Chris Tomlin
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?” (Matthew 7:7-11)
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” (James 1:17)
Blessings For Your Day!
-Pat
You may also email me at PAT@PATVICK.COM. I usually am able to reply within 24 hours.
As always, feel free to let me know your thoughts in the comments section of any post.
God’s Got You!
“Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12)
I was impressed with this reference as I was telling the Lord, “I hope to be a better wife. I hope to be a better mother. I hope to be a better sister, friend, saint, etc, I hope to be more beneficial to the Kingdom. I hope to be more disciplined. I repented of my lethargy and many failures.
Not knowing what the scripture reference was, I turned the pages of my Bible, and read the words. I felt God letting me know through His Word that He understands I haven’t reached perfection yet. I am on a journey of pursuit. I am following the leading of His Spirit, so that at some point in the future, I WILL APPREHEND. (Strong’s #G2638 “Take eagerly, Seize, Possess) what God HAS APPREHENDED (Same Word) me for.
God has taken hold of me eagerly. He has Seized hold of me. He has possessed me for His purpose. HE’S GOT ME! As long as I keep pursuing Him, being sensitive to His Spirit, and obedient to His Word, He’s got me.
Blessings,
-Pat
Fathers, Sons and Brothers -Guest Post by Jason Pearcy (A Review of Nashville Mens Conference 2022)
Nashville Men’s conference is exceptional. And for me, my family and the Tower of Pentecost men, it is a priority. The Pursuit of Biblical Manhood is the driving passion in both the leadership and patrons of the convocation. That chase leads men of God to faithfully return to First Church on the third weekend of August year after year. When the Friday night worship begins hundreds of masculine voices rise in chorus with lifted hands. Something about brothers unifying to praise, laying wrath and doubt aside, is an incredible attractant to both God and men.
I began attending Nashville Men’s Conference as a teenager with my brother, father and grandfather. Those annual trips made a deep spiritual, mental and emotional impact on me that has shaped my purpose to be a man of God. This years’ conference was particularly special because it was the first that my son Jamon has attended with me. I hesitated to bring him. My concern was as a six year old boy he was too young. But he persisted and I decided to reinforce his desire to be with faith-filled men. It was the right decision. The altar service in the first Saturday morning service this year was one I’ll never forget. Simply being in the presence of God with Jamon and men of like precious faith radically strengthened my heart. Those moments are what every generation desperately needs.
I’ve never studied another time in history that is comparable to the spirit of the current age; it is opposing the sovereign design of God for men. Western culture is being emasculated by reprobate philosophies and the doctrine of devils. As Americans we are witnessing an unprecedented attack on Biblical Manhood. The writers of sitcom scripts and school curriculums, and even social media influencers are broadcasting an antichrist bias that puts a toxic warning label on masculinity. Simultaneously, the absence of the paternal roll in the North American home has been normalized. Compounded by the most potent synthetic drugs known to man and socially acceptable alcoholism, boys are losing their way before they ever have a chance to find their footing. If we would be bold enough to feel it, we will recognize that we’re in a social drift toward Sodom and Gomorra. These facts should affirm our conviction that a holy convocation of men has never been more relevant.
Biblically speaking, there are essentially three relationships that comprise manhood. Fatherhood, Sonship and Brotherhood are championed, celebrated and reinforced at Nashville Men’s Conference. The Apostle Paul shamelessly reminded us that he fathered us through the gospel and that his paternal roll could not be replaced by an instructor, coach or mentor. Discipleship ministries are not engineered in evangelical program laboratories, they come to life in the labor and delivery rooms of the reborn. Not even tens of thousands of Christian instructors are a suitable alternative to Apostolic Fatherhood. As Pentecostal men, we make no apologies for the everlasting paternal identity of God that is revealed in our drive to procreate disciples.
In the Hebrew culture, a son was considered a gift from God. Families understood that sonship held the promise and potential of familial heritage and spiritual “Messiahship”. Is it any wonder that Moses’ Pharaoh, Jesus’ Herod and our generation’s planned parenthood clinics set their sights on killing off what The Lord has gifted? Staring headlong into the end-time, we gather at Men’s Conference to remind ourselves that not all of those that will prophesy have been aborted. And not unlike S, sons are still being brought to The Church to serve The Lord.
The image and identity of God was revealed as The Son. Christ was the express image of His person. And His predestined purpose was to be the firstborn among many brethren. Following His resurrection, Jesus deliberately instructed those that saw Him alive to go and tell His brothers to meet Him in Galilee. Now as then, the design of The New Testament Church is activated when men dwell together with Him. And that Christlike camaraderie is a key driver in the spiritual motivation felt every year that I gather with my brothers in Nashville.
In our Sunday worship service after Men’s Conference, my son Jamon stepped out from his seat and danced in praise before The Lord. No one coaxed or commanded him. I simply believe after seeing it on full display in the preceding days, he too is choosing to Pursue Biblical Manhood. -Jason Pearcy
Bro. Jason Pearcy, along with his wife, Rahdona, are Tennessee North American Missions Church Planters. The Pearcys founded and pastor Tower of Pentecost United Pentecostal Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.
*Nashville Mens Conference is an annual event, hosted by First Church, Nashville.
What Is Pentecost Sunday?
What Is Pentecost Sunday? Simply put, it is the day we celebrate the first outpouring of God’s Spirit, evidenced by speaking in unknown tongues (languages) in Acts chapter 2. This event occurred 2,000ish years ago, and is still happening today for anyone who repents and seeks to be filled.
”And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:1-4)
For a deeper understanding, let’s walk back in time 3,500 years to when the children of Israel were in Egyptian bondage. God heard their cries of oppression, and sent Moses to be their deliverer. On the night before they were to leave Egypt, they were told to kill a lamb, and put its blood on the door posts and lintels of each Hebrew family’s home. The death angel was coming through the land as a final plague/punishment upon the wicked Pharaoh of Egypt. Any home who had the LAMB’S BLOOD on the door posts would be spared as the death angel PASSED OVER, not killing the firstborn of that house. This was the very first Jewish holy day, the Feast of Passover.
Fast forward now to Jesus’ broken and bloody body hanging on the cross. The Jewish people had celebrated Passover every year for 1,500ish years. This year was different. This year, the Holy LAMB of God was killed on Passover, once and for all paying humanity’s debt for sin.
The next Jewish holy day is the Feast of Unleavened Bread. It commences the very next day after Passover on the 15th day of the Hebrew month Nisan. In like manner that the yearly celebration of Passover commemorates Jesus’ death, the Feast of Unleavened Bread commemorates the fact that when Jesus was buried, His body did not decay in the grave.
The third Jewish holy day is the Feast of Firstfruits. It occurs on the 16th day of the Hebrew month Nisan. On this holy day, the Jewish people would bring the first of their barley harvest in thanksgiving and anticipation of a good harvest. The Lord accepted these “firstfruits” as a pledge on His part to give a full harvest.
Jesus rose from the dead on the Jewish holy day of Firstfruits. Hence, becoming the first to ever raise from the dead to immortal life. His resurrection is our “pledge” from God that if we are born again according to scripture, and live a holy life, He will also raise us to life eternal.
Fifty days later is the Jewish holy day, the Feast of Weeks. Seven weeks were counted from Firstfruits, and then the feast was celebrated the very next day on the fiftieth day. The Feast of Weeks celebrated the beginning of the summer wheat harvest. It is also often associated with the commemoration of the Law (10 Commandments) being given to Moses on Mt. Sinai. The Feast of Weeks also became known as Pentecost which literally means fifty (50). The Day of Pentecost in Acts 2 happened 50 days after Jesus’ death.
FEAST OF PASSOVER -Jesus was killed as our Passover Lamb of God.
FEAST OF UNLEAVENED BREAD -Jesus’ body did not decay as it laid in the grave, as it was without sin.
FEAST OF FIRSTFRUITS -Jesus rose from the dead on this holy day. He is the firstfruits of the resurrection, and our assurance that God will also raise His Church up to immortal life.
FEAST OF WEEKS -Fifty days after Jesus’ resurrection on Firstfruits, His Holy Spirit was poured out on New Testament believers on what came to be called Pentecost. This is the holiday/holy day we celebrate on Pentecost Sunday. Come experience your own personal Pentecost just like in Acts 2!
*These four Jewish holy days are the Spring Feasts of the Lord. They were fulfilled in every detail by Jesus’ first coming.
*There remain three Fall Feasts: The Feast of Trumpets, The Day of Atonement and The Feast of Tabernacle. One year not to long from now, these four remaining holy days will be fulfilled in just as much detail at Jesus’ second coming.
*You can read about all seven of God’s holy days in Leviticus 23.
“He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 22:20)
Repentance Is A Good Turning Around Place
The road that I live on is the perfect country road for walking. From my house to my oldest son’s is one and a half miles of beautiful rolling hills and scenic pastures. Walking there and back is nearly perfect to practice for a 5K.
I rarely walk that far, though. Exactly one mile from home is my turning around spot. There is a wooden fence that meanders through the low pastures on both sides, and then the road begins its upward elevation until it reaches its highest point.
I follow the road until I reach this point. It is the one mile mark. I’m always tempted to walk further, but then reason sets in. The further I walk, the greater the distance will be to get back home.
A peculiar thing happens as I approach my turning around place. I begin to think how I am going to do it. I’m on a public road, so cars come by every so often. The people who live in the house I’m approaching can also see me if they are outside or looking out a window.
Am I going to walk to the driveway at the top of the hill and sit on the concrete bench for a minute, and then begin my walk back home? Am I going to casually look at the wildflowers on the side of the road, and then turn around? Am I going to bend down and pretend to tie my shoe? Or will I simply turn in an immediate about face and head in the other direction?
It’s funny that I’m more concerned about how I will be perceived to look when I turn around, rather than simply turning around so that I can get home.
Repentance is like this. The word actually means to turn around, or turn away from. At different times in our lives, we find ourselves walking away from our spiritual home. Away from our relationship with God and His people.
The best thing to do would be to simply turn around and go back the way we came. Instead, we spend valuable time and energy being concerned with how we will be perceived as we turn around. Unfortunately, the further we walk in the wrong direction, the longer it will take to get home.
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” (Acts 3:19)
Photo by Milly Eaton from Pexels
Why The Church Is More Like Waffle House Than Outback
One of my and my husband’s favorite places to eat is Waffle House. Don’t judge. Of course, we enjoy all the wonderful food, not least of all, the syrupy delicious waffles, but it’s not just about the meal. Truth be told, it’s more about the atmosphere. I’ve told him before that I would like to work at Waffle House for a day. It seems like such a great avenue to meet people, and minister God’s grace day to day.
Let’s just be honest. People who frequent Waffle House know what they’re going to get. Good food cooked and served by real people. They know it’s not Outback. They don’t expect catchy slogans or meals named after exotic places. They come for the experience.
Let’s talk about the atmosphere. Again, people who frequent Waffle House don’t expect to be seated by a hostess wearing an evening gown. It’s more of a, “Come in, and make yourself at home. I’ll get to you as quick as I can,” kind of place. Some mornings there is lots of joking and laughter. Other mornings, the atmosphere is quite tense. Take our last visit, for example. The tension was thick. There were lots of dynamics at play.
One regular patron commented to the egg cook about being short staffed. That’s all the tall servant needed to turn around and engage in 15 second’s worth of conversation. “Bruh,” he said, hanging his head and shaking it at the same time. “BRUH,” he emphasized his frustration with a smile on his face, “Short staffed everywhere.” I had caught a glimpse of his kind but stressed personality as he turned back to his labor.
The hash brown/toast/pancake lady was the apparent veteran. She was harnessing every ounce of scathing reproach that she longed to unleash upon the bacon lady and the hostess’s lackluster performance.
The untitled servant seemed to have no official designation, but was best at being directly in the path of every other employee. Her skill set seemed to be in the area of helps because her very presence kept them all swerving, dodging, eye rolling and blinking in rapid fire precision.
I feel a bit guilty to admit that I enjoyed every minute of this observation, all the while enjoying my perfectly cooked breakfast. I would have also enjoyed chatting with each of them, and giving them a word of encouragement. Unfortunately, none of them had time to stop from their labors, and even in all the tension, they worked as a team, and provided the service the patrons had come to expect.
The Church is a bit more like Waffle House than Outback. It’s staffed with real people who, just like you and me, are pressed on every side with the stresses of life, yet doing their job admirably 99% of the time.
When you come into the Church, don’t expect it to be perfect. Instead, enjoy the atmosphere, and the good spiritual food cooked by real people…Oh, and compliment the staff when you have the opportunity.
“But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.” (Luke 10:40)
The Altar Should Alter Us
We pastor a small, country church. It has a small, country altar. Years ago, the altar had been moved downstairs, as it often was when there was a special program that required more room at the front of the sanctuary. This time, however, the altar wasn’t moved back into place when the program was over. I realize that sounds awful, but I will add that there is a carpeted step that runs the length of the platform which served as the altar area.
One night, my husband had a dream of our two boys carrying the altar between them, and setting it back in place. He took this as instruction from the Lord, and asked our sons to do just that.
He preached that service about that old altar. He named saints that had gone on to their reward who had wept hot tears at that humble bench. He called different ones in the congregation by name, and reminded them how their mother and grandmother had agonized before God for their salvation. He told of a former District Superintendent who had given his life to Jesus while kneeling at that very altar.
Each person was called to approach the altar and make a fresh consecration to God and give reverence to that old country altar where so many lives had been changed. It was one of the most moving services that I’ve ever been a part of. Not because of any well rehearsed program or pageantry, but because of the image of people’s lives and hearts being visibly changed as they knelt or bent to lay their hand lovingly on the smooth wood, and mingled their tears with the tear stains from past generations.
It was in that service that I came to understand more deeply that the altar isn’t just a piece of furniture in a church building. The altar is a place where we are changed. Where we lay down old actions, old habits, old grudges, old ways of thinking, old sinful flesh. Down.
If we aren’t allowing the altar to change us, we’re approaching it wrong. If at all. The altar should alter us.
“Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.” (Matthew 5:23-24)