THE COST OF FREEDOM

Jacob and his children went to Egypt because a famine broke out in the land and while in Egypt they were given the best of everything that Egypt had to offer. But, after many generations the Israelites had become slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt. What happened that would make a free people, as they were at first, turn into slaves?

Slavery starts when we change our thinking. When you no longer look or depend on God, but look and depend on others to meet your needs. God always works through His people, as He did with Joseph when his father Jacob called on the Lord in his time of need. God led Jacob and his sons to Egypt where He had set up Joseph to meet their needs.

We must never substitute God for His ‘vessel’ of provision. When we depend on His vessels, we are not trusting in God but man. Vessels give out and break, but God remains the same.

Eventually the kindness and honor Israel was shown by the Pharaoh because of Joseph, gave out when Joseph died and a new Pharaoh came in. The journey to becoming slaves is slow and very subtle, and will spread like a disease. The Israelites went into slavery because they continued to depend on man instead of God.

The question I have for the Church is: What is our government giving to the churches that has made them dependent upon our government? What about their non-profit corporation status? If the church does not adhere to the conditions of the government they have the power to remove it from them and make them pay taxes on all the money that comes in. Does the loss of tax exemption bring fear to our church leaders? Do they think people will stop giving and fear how this could affect paychecks, programs and buildings if people are not given these tax deductions?

When someone or something can control how you think and live then you have become their slave. Their control over you is nothing more than intimidation to make you fearful. They want you to believe that they have the power to take back anything they have given you, or to re-distribute it the way they want in ways you do not have to agree with.

The power they have over you is like a person who sells drugs; the drug addict will do anything to have their drugs keep coming. The drug addict no longer knows how to live without drugs. He is enslaved.

Becoming a slave takes generations until the children born into slavery don’t know anything different. For the children of Israel it took the death of the ones that knew freedom. For people to accept slavery depends on how long it takes for those who keep freedom alive – to die out. Here in America we have freedom-fighters working against the government programs that are slowly enslaving us by making us dependent on them for all our needs. After the freedom-fighters are gone – who will carry on in their place and fight for American liberty? Whose responsibility is this, if not the Church?  

The road to freedom requires you to look to God and not to man for all your needs. This road out of slavery is long and it will cost you. At times it will feel like a dry desert, but this is to teach us to call on the Lord for everything because our whole life is dependent upon Him.

Our forefathers knew slavery in England and came to this land to start a new life of liberty and dependency on God. They knew that eventually the threat of slavery would come again, so they made a monument to show us how to ward it off, and even come back and be a free people again. It is the “National Monument to the Forefathers.” Here are the words that are at the bottom of each statue on the monument, there are 5 statues.

The steps to freedom and how to stay a free people:

1. FAITH: in God alone. His written word is absolute truth.

2. MORALITY: you cannot have morality (godliness) without God and His truth. With morality come the prophet and evangelist to reveal immorality (wickedness).

3. LAW: following the laws of God, not the laws of man. With God’s laws come justice and mercy. Without God’s law you will have confusion, not knowing right from wrong.

4. EDUCATION: to teach the next generation the words and wisdom of God. Learning starts in the family unit with the parents and grandparents teaching their children.

5. LIBERTY: willing to fight tyranny to preserve liberty; knowing that peace comes out of liberty.

The road of liberty (freedom) starts with faith in the Word of God. The end result is peace. What is this world looking for and working towards? Peace! But, our leaders are going about it in the wrong way; they have shut God out and have begun to persecute those who teach and preach the Word of God.  Their way enslaves people. Jesus said, “The truth shall set you free!”  So what is the truth? It is every word that comes from the mouth of God, our CREATOR. Freedom requires us to stop depending on what our government says and go to God’s Word for how to think and live our lives.

History has shown us that in order to make a nation of slaves it will only take 3 generations of twisting the truth and pumping lies into the people. Every generation of Christians is responsible to keep God’s truth alive and public by first living it out personally and then going public with it. 

The people who walk this road of freedom with the Lord will be men and women who will take on the intimidating giants; they will be over-comers. They will turn this world upside down for Jesus Christ who first started the freedom revolution with 12 faithful men. Our forefathers were freedom fighters, but over the generations we have seen a subtle cowering because of wanting temporal things more than eternal things. 

What will the New Year of 2014 be like for you, and for our nation? Will you walk the road of freedom and see that your life is not based upon the things of this world? Ask yourself: Am I a slave or a freeman? The truth is that we are all slaves until we make Jesus Christ our Lord and Master. Since it is in our nature to be slaves, let us be a slave to the One who gave up His life so that we could live the life of true love and liberty; and have eternal life. Let us serve a Master like Him; one who works to defend and protect those who are defenseless, weak and tyrannized.

The road of freedom is a very narrow road; too narrow for most. It will require us to come out of dependency on worldly systems, and to depend upon God for everything. The power of God’s freedom is that with Him all things are possible for those who believe. “Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6

The monument our forefathers built in Plymouth Massachusetts is a 150 feet tall. It faces northeast to Plymouth Harbor and sits in the center of a circular drive, which is accessed from Allerton Street from the east. The principal pedestal is octagonal with four small and four large faces.

From the small faces project four buttresses. On the main pedestal stands the heroic figure of “Faith” with her right hand pointing towards heaven and her left hand clutching the Bible. Upon the four buttresses also are seated figures emblematical of the principles upon which the Pilgrims founded their Commonwealth, each having a symbol referring to the Bible that “Faith” possesses (in hand). Counter-clockwise from the feet of “Faith” are Morality, Law, Education, and Liberty. Each was carved from a solid block of granite, posed in the sitting position upon chairs with a high relief on either side of minor characteristics. Under “Morality” stand “Prophet” and “Evangelist.” Under “Law” stand “Justice” and “Mercy.” Under “Education” stand “Youth”  (a child holding his mother’s hand and looking up to her) and “Wisdom.” Under “Liberty” stand “Tyranny Overthrown” (this man of victory holds a broken chain in one hand and over his shoulder is a lion’s skin and head of which he killed) and under it also stands “Peace.”

Upon the four faces of the main pedestal are large panels of records. The front panel is inscribed as follows: “National Monument to the Forefathers. Erected by a grateful people in remembrance of their labors, sacrifices and sufferings for the cause of civil and religious liberty.” The right and left panels contain the names of those who came over in the Mayflower. The rear panel, which was not engraved until recently, contains a quote from Governor William Bradford’s famous history, of Plymouth Plantation:

“Thus out of small beginnings greater things have been produced by His hand that made all things of nothing and gives being to all things that are; and as one small candle may light a thousand, so the light here kindled hath shone unto many, yea in some sort to our whole nation; let the glorious name of Jehovah have all praise.”

What will it be freedom or slavery? The choice is ours. Remember, our future is as a bright as the promises of God!

“A government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you have.”  (Quote from Gerald R. Ford)

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” (Quote from Ronald Reagan)

“The Bible is the rock on which this Republic rests.” (Quote from Andrew Jackson)

“America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.” (Quote from Abraham Lincoln)

“Never, never, never give up.” (Quote from Winston Churchill)

Here’s the link I used on the “monument:”

http://historicaldigression.com/2012/01/31/forefathers-monument-in-plymouth-an-overlooked-colossus/

Son, have you seen how fickle your country has become? They are proud that they worship other gods, but this has only polluted their land and made them weak and vulnerable to their enemies. They have chosen crooked paths and have forgotten Me. Everything I blessed them with has been squandered. They have become stupid children who have no understanding. They are clever enough at doing wrong, but they have no idea how to do what is right! Therefore, the earth will mourn and the heavens will be draped in black because of My decree. I have made up my mind and will not change it.

Tell these faithless people to come back to Me, for I am merciful. I will not be angry with them forever if they acknowledge their guilt; that they have rebelled against Me and committed adultery by worshiping false gods. If they confess that they have refused to listen to My voice, I will give them shepherds after My own heart to guide them with knowledge and understanding, so that the disobedient are turned to the wisdom of the righteous. I would love to treat them as My own children! I want nothing more than to give them back their beautiful land, the finest possession in the world. Then they would be a blessing to all the nations of the world, and people would come and praise My name for it. I long for them to call Me “Father.” It is My desire that they never to turn from Me again.  So pray and confess, plow up the hard ground of your hearts. Surrender your pride as a nation before the waves of destruction come!

Son, when the godly are in authority the people will rejoice. But when the wicked are in power the people groan, and sin flourishes. People do not accept My guidance because they would rather run wild.They see themselves as pure but they are filthy and unwashed. Therefore, although they have sight they are blind. They have ears to hear, but they do not understand what is lacking in them. They look at others proudly, casting disdainful glances at those who truthfully say that what they do – is wrong and destructive. They compare themselves with each other, using their own wickedness as the standard of measurement. How ignorant! The wicked despise the godly, but keep godliness before them as a sign reminding them of who I am and that wickedness will not prevail where I have My presence

Lord, because I meet with You and speak with You each day that place is holy by Your glorious presence. It is a high place with You; one that burns with passion – well guarded. I must speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, that are being crushed by the oppression of wicked leaders. You have repeatedly told me that You will provide all I need, and that I will always have plenty left over to share with others. I must use Your mighty weapons to knock down their strongholds of human reasoning so that Your wisdom is proved right by my actions. Then their false arguments will fall to the ground having no power. Every word of Yours is true. You are a shield to all who come to You for understanding and protection. For whoever obeys You will be joyful, and by trusting in You there is safety.

Son, before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as My prophet. You must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. Don’t be afraid of people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I have touched your mouth and said, “Look, I have put My words in your mouth!”

Son, has any nation ever traded its gods for new ones, even though they are not gods at all? Yet My people have exchanged Me for worthless things by looking to others for help! They have turned their backs to Me! Their turning from Me should shame them, but they feel no shame. Soon they will see what an evil, bitter thing it is to abandon Me and not to fear Me. No amount of soap or lye can make them clean before Me, for I still see the stain of their guilt. They have brought this upon themselves by rebelling against Me. When the times of trouble start they will cry out to Me, “Save us! We have done nothing wrong. Surely God isn’t angry with us!” But I will punish them severely because they claim they have not sinned. Remember, worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.

Son, prepare for action, and tell everyone everything I tell you to say. They will fight you by saying this is not from Me, but they will fail; for I am with you and I will take care of you. Tell those who teach My word to stop ignoring Me, and telling My people that everything will be fine the way it is. That’s right, I am watching everything they do and say. I will certainly carry out all my plans against those who ignore Me. I will pronounce judgment on My people for deserting Me. They think their government, or what they have made with their own hands, will save them.  How foolish!

Remember that when there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. So tell My children to elect wise and just leaders who search for Me, and listen to Me, and they will bring stability into the nation. Those leaders who lead people along an evil path will only fall and suffer by their own evil doing. Your rich people think they are wise because they are rich, but a person with discernment, even though poor, can see right through them. When the godly succeed, everyone is glad. When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding.  Greed causes fighting and disunity, but trusting Me leads to peace and prosperity. Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in My wisdom will be safe and sound.

Lord, because you have told us what is coming, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. Let us work toward complete holiness because we fear You. You are the one who encourages those who are discouraged. When times of testing come we must realize that in these times we will be filled with abundant joy and Your rich generosity, as long as we keep our hope in You.

Son, Satan is the god of this world, and he has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. These people are unable to see My glorious light of the Good News. They have a veil that covers their minds, and it will not allow them to understand the truth. This veil can only be removed by believing in Me. So don’t fret because of evildoers, and don’t envy them. For these blinded people have no future, and I will pay them back for what they’ve done to My children!

Son, don’t look at the troubles you can see now; rather, fix your gaze on things that cannot be seen that are true and glorious. For the things you see now will soon be gone, but the things you cannot see will last forever. Though your body is dying, your spirit is being renewed every day by My word. Your present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for you a glory that vastly outweighs them all, and that glory will last forever!

So when you feel pressed on every side by these troubles, you will not be crushed. When you become perplexed, you will not be driven to despair. When you get knocked down, you will not be destroyed, and you will never be abandoned by Me. Your qualification comes from Me, and this should give you so much confidence that you can be very bold. With My Spirit there is freedom and mercy; so never give up. This is the truth, and all who are honest know this.

Son, I am sending an angel before you to protect you on your journey and lead you safely to the place I have prepared for you. Pay close attention to him, and obey his instructions; which are from Me. If you obey Me, and follow all My instructions, then I will be an enemy to your enemies, and I will oppose those who oppose you. You must serve only Me, and I will bless you with all that you need, and I will protect you from illness.

Therefore, don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Commit yourself to My instruction by listening carefully to My words of knowledge; it will keep your heart on the right course. Know the truth and never sell it, and it will make you wise, disciplined and give you good judgment. Remember, you will fail under pressure by relying on your own strength.

Lord, I must rely on Your great power, and not my own. I must continue to tell everyone, “Who You are.” I can never give up.  I must tell of Your unfailing love. I will praise You for all You have done. I will rejoice in Your great goodness, and Your awesome deeds and promises that are beyond my highest expectations. For no ear has heard, and no eye has seen a God like You, who works for those who wait for Him!

Son, are you ready for the task of telling everyone that I am coming, and that I bring My rewards with Me? I have opened a door of opportunity for you to spread the knowledge of Me everywhere. To those who accept this knowledge of Me it will be like sweet perfume to Me; a fragrance of obedience rising up to Me. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are perishing; to them it is a dreadful smell of death and doom. Those who listen and obey Me – I will make an everlasting covenant with them and I will faithfully reward them.

Tell My children that they will be recognized as a people I have blessed, a Holy People Redeemed by Me. Tell them to remember how merciful I have been to them, and if they shut their ears to the cries of the poor and needy, I will ignore their cries when they cry out to Me in their time of need. 

I am the source of all comfort. The more My children suffer for Me, the more I will shower them with My comfort. Some will feel they are being crushed and overwhelmed beyond their ability to endure, and think this suffering will never end. I allow this in their lives so that they will stop relying on themselves and learn to rely only on Me.

Lord, thank You for anointing me with the privilege of bringing the good news to people who don’t know You, and to comfort the brokenhearted by proclaiming that You are the One that can release them from the bondages of this world. I will tell those who mourn that the time of Your favor has come! Help me not to waver from what You have said, for I want to be known as Your child. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit in my heart; for He guarantees and reminds me of everything You have promised me.

Son, America wants to be known as a righteous nation. Some of its leaders even ask Me to take action on their behalf, pretending they want to be near Me. They think wealth is a strong defense; a high wall of safety to protect them from the things coming. They act so pious, pretending to know Me. They left Me long ago when they traveled far, even into the world of the dead, to seek new gods to love. How foolish to think that these new gods will help them. There is no peace for the wicked!

My church needs to know that I did not give their responsibility to the government. They need to help those in trouble. Share their food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from anyone who needs their help. Then My light will shine out from them. I will continually give back to them and restore their strength. My church will be known as a rebuilder of walls and a restorer of homes, and when they call out to Me I will answer them. Then the world will know I am truly among them.

Son, let Me show you the life that is the best. Love others! Remember what love is: It is patient and kind, not jealous or boastful, not proud or rude. It does not demand its own way, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It is not happy or joyful about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. Love will last forever! Remember that of these three things: faith, hope, and love, the greatest of these is love. So make it your goal to love others like I do, for this is the strength of My church.

Son, if you listen carefully to My voice and do what I say you will know and enjoy the best for your life. Therefore, come to me with your ears wide open, and listen. Seek Me! Call on Me! Trust Me! Know that My ways are better than your ways. My thoughts are higher than your thoughts. Remember My word always produces fruit, and will accomplish all I want it to. Those who live by My word will prosper in everything.

I always test My children to see whether or not they will follow My instructions by leading them through the deserts of life. In these times some of My children complain and will turn on each other. They question My word by asking, “What are we going to do now?” I hear all of their complaints, which are not against people but are really against Me. What have I done that they should complain about? I have lead them this way to show them how to overcome the things that hinder them and weigh them down.

So do not turn on each other, but remember a gentle answer deflects anger. My children should think carefully before speaking. They may think that they are pure in their own eyes, but I examine their motives. The wise are known for their understanding and their words are pleasant and persuasive.

Remember that pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall. Everyone seems right in their own mind, but those who commit all their words and actions to Me will be successful. So listen to Me, for I am coming soon to display My righteousness.  Those who listen to My instruction will prosper; those who trust Me will be joyful.

Son, do not be afraid of people, or fear their insults, for I am the One who will comfort you. I will go ahead of you, and will protect you from behind. Since I paid a high price for you, don’t become enslaved by this world again. The time that remains is very short, and this world as you know it will pass away; use the things of the world to tell everyone about Me!

Son, My children are so afraid of these mere humans who wither like the grass and that will soon disappear. There is a distinction between My children and the people of the world. When I look at My children I see My blood, and I will pass over them when judgment begins. Remember, if you search for evil, it will find you! If your trust is in your money, down you go!

Son, without wise leadership a nation will fall. These wicked leaders are trapped by their own words, and they think their own way is right. Their wickedness will never bring stability, and their dishonesty will destroy them. All of their riches won’t help on the day of My judgment. Now keep this in mind, truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed and forgotten.

Son, let me tell you how to live in this wicked time. Honesty will guide you and rescue you from trouble, Give freely so that you will  become wealthy in My kingdom. Listen and seek Me with all your heart; then you will know right from wrong. Cherish My word and store it in your heart. Remember that knowledge of My word might make you feel important but it is love that strengthens My church.

My Children will soon know the full power in My Name, and then at last they will recognize that I am the One who speaks truth to them. The person who loves Me is the one I will recognize.