Freedom Church

05/24/2026

𝐍𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐢𝐬 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐲⁣⁣
Exodus 2 - Russ Muse⁣⁣
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ℝ𝔼𝕍𝕀𝔼𝕎⁣⁣
The musical Annie famously says, “It’s a hard knock life.” And everyone experiences hard in life. Sometimes it’s not just hard—it becomes ugly, nasty, dirty, exhausting, and overwhelming.⁣⁣
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Exodus 2 is full of tension, yet because many of us know the story of Moses so well, we are tempted to rush past it. But slow down and consider what is happening: a mother afraid for her newborn son, carefully crafting a basket—really a tiny ark—to protect him from danger. A sister watching her family navigate fear and uncertainty. A mother nursing her child for a season, then surrendering him to a completely different culture and way of life. Moses learning his story and identity. Moses stepping in with a strong sense of justice, only to discover it is not always welcomed. Moses then spending years in exile among the Midianites.⁣⁣
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None of it looked easy, clean, or predictable. Yet God was still at work in every part of it.⁣⁣
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The hard places were not outside of God’s plan; they were part of His ongoing story to rescue His people, shape Moses into the leader he would become, bring about a greater good through a deeper relationship with God, and ultimately bring Him glory.⁣⁣
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Life is hard for us too. Maybe not in these exact ways, but we all walk through difficult paths—relationships, health struggles, finances, work situations, losses, disappointments, or seasons that simply feel heavy.⁣⁣
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So how do we navigate the hard?⁣⁣
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• Don’t assume all hardship is punishment or failure. Some of the hard we experience is part of God’s design and authoring of our story.⁣⁣
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• Remember that God often develops us in difficult seasons. Moses’ exile looked like a setback, but God was preparing leadership, endurance, humility, and dependence in him.⁣⁣
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• Stop demanding a ten-step plan. God often works in the rhythm of daily abiding. Instead of trying to figure everything out at once, ask: ⁣⁣
“What is the next most sensible step I can take with God’s guidance?”⁣⁣
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Exodus 2 reminds us that God is still present in the tension, still working in the waiting, and still faithful in the middle of the hard.⁣⁣
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ℝ𝔼𝕄𝔼𝕄𝔹𝔼ℝ⁣⁣
Hard times are often the means for us to bring glory to God and experience the greater good of a deepening relationship with him.⁣⁣
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ℝ𝔼𝔽𝕃𝔼ℂ𝕋 ⁣⁣
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Where might I be viewing a difficult season only as punishment, frustration, or interruption instead of considering that God could be authoring something deeper in my story?⁣⁣
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How could God be using this hard season to develop my character, dependence on Him, or prepare me for what is ahead?⁣⁣
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Instead of demanding a full plan from God, what is the next most sensible step of faithfulness and abiding He may be asking me to take today?⁣⁣
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Word of the week: Abide⁣⁣
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ℝ𝔼𝕊ℙ𝕆ℕ𝔻⁣⁣
𝘓𝘰𝘳𝘥,⁣⁣
𝘮𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥—⁣⁣
𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘶𝘨𝘭𝘺, 𝘯𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘺, 𝘥𝘪𝘳𝘵𝘺, 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘴⁣⁣
𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘐 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘵𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘶𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦.⁣⁣
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𝘛𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦.⁣⁣
𝘚𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨.⁣⁣
𝘎𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘱,⁣⁣
𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘨𝘰𝘰𝘥,⁣⁣
𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘨𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘺.⁣⁣
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𝘈𝘮𝘦𝘯.⁣⁣
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ℝ𝔼𝕃𝔸𝕋𝔼⁣⁣
This week, resist the urge to quickly “fix” someone else’s hard season. Instead, slow down, listen well, pray with them, and help them discern the next most sensible step rather than overwhelming them with advice or long-term solutions. ⁣⁣
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ℝ𝔼ℍ𝔼𝔸ℝ𝕊𝔼⁣⁣
𝘈𝘕𝘋 𝘎𝘖𝘋 𝘏𝘌𝘈𝘙𝘋 𝘛𝘏𝘌𝘐𝘙 𝘎𝘙𝘖𝘈𝘕𝘐𝘕𝘎, 𝘈𝘕𝘋 𝘎𝘖𝘋 𝘙𝘌𝘔𝘌𝘔𝘉𝘌𝘙𝘌𝘋 𝘏𝘐𝘚 𝘊𝘖𝘝𝘌𝘕𝘈𝘕𝘛 𝘞𝘐𝘛𝘏 𝘈𝘉𝘙𝘈𝘏𝘈𝘔, 𝘞𝘐𝘛𝘏 𝘐𝘚𝘈𝘈𝘊 𝘈𝘕𝘋 𝘞𝘐𝘛𝘏 𝘑𝘈𝘊𝘖𝘉.⁣⁣
Exodus 2:24 ESV⁣⁣
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ℝ𝔼𝔸𝔻⁣⁣
Revisit: Exodus 2⁣⁣
Read ahead: Exodus 3:1-12⁣⁣
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ℝ𝔼𝕁𝕆𝕀ℂ𝔼⁣⁣
Be Glad⁣⁣
Bless God⁣⁣
10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)⁣⁣
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Shane and Shane Psalm 23⁣⁣
Shane and Shane Psalm 91⁣⁣

05/17/2026

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐨𝐝’𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 - 𝐄𝐱𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐬 𝟏 ⁣
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ℝ𝔼𝕍𝕀𝔼𝕎⁣
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The book of Exodus tells God’s story unfolding through real people and real history. Many scholars believe Moses wrote it, recording how God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Throughout the story, we see markers of His design—small and large reminders that God is never absent, even when generations pass before His promises are fulfilled.⁣
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Genesis 15:12–17 is an important marker of promise. God “cut covenant” with Abraham, promising that his descendants would inherit a land of their own. Nearly 600 years passed before the Exodus began. That is a long wait, yet generations lived by faith, trusting God would fulfill His word even if they never saw it personally. Joshua later reflected on this in Joshua 24, reminding the people how faithfully God acted in Egypt.⁣
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𝘝. 1–7 — 𝘈 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘎𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘵𝘩⁣
Exodus opens with the names of Israel’s sons and the flourishing of their descendants. Under Joseph’s leadership—and even after his death—the Israelites multiplied greatly, likely reaching into the millions. What once seemed like survival during famine became preparation for a much greater story. Egypt’s rising prominence only set the stage for God’s power to be displayed more clearly.⁣
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𝘝. 8–11 — 𝘈 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘏𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘦𝘯 𝘗𝘶𝘳𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘦⁣
A new king arose who did not remember Joseph and harshly oppressed the Israelites. Pharaoh believed he was strengthening Egypt by forcing them to build store cities, yet God’s design was greater. The riches stored there would one day benefit the Israelites as they departed Egypt. Pharaoh thought he was acting strategically, but God’s purposes were already moving underneath the surface.⁣
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𝘝. 12–14 — 𝘈 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘩 𝘛𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘚𝘶𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨⁣
The more the Israelites were oppressed, the more they multiplied. Hardship did not destroy them; it strengthened them. Often God grows endurance, unity, and faith most deeply in difficult seasons.⁣
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𝘝. 15–19 — 𝘈 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘏𝘪𝘴 𝘈𝘤𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘭𝘦𝘥𝘨𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵⁣
Pharaoh ordered the Hebrew baby boys to be killed, but the midwives feared God and protected them. Two otherwise unknown women are named in Scripture while powerful rulers fade into the background. God’s attention to these faithful women reminds us that no act of obedience is insignificant to Him.⁣
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𝘝. 20–22 — 𝘈 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘏𝘪𝘴 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦⁣
Even as darkness increased, God continued providing for His people and preparing them for what was ahead. Exodus reminds us that God leaves markers throughout our lives—signs of His love, presence, and control. Difficult seasons do not always mean we are in the wrong place. Sometimes they are part of the story God is faithfully unfolding.⁣
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Watch for God’s markers, especially in the harder seasons of life, because even there He is reminding us that He is present, faithful, and still guiding the story.⁣
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ℝ𝔼𝕄𝔼𝕄𝔹𝔼ℝ⁣
Just because something is hard doesn’t mean we’re in the wrong place—watch for God’s markers of His presence, love and faithfulness in it. ⁣
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Word of the Week: Markers⁣
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ℝ𝔼𝔽𝕃𝔼ℂ𝕋 ⁣
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Where might I be assuming that difficulty means I’ve stepped outside of God’s will, instead of asking what He might be forming in me there?⁣
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In this season, where do I see—even faintly—signs of God’s presence, and am I humble enough to notice them?⁣
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Who in my life might God be using as a “hidden” marker of His care, and am I willing to value them the way He does?⁣
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ℝ𝔼𝕊ℙ𝕆ℕ𝔻⁣
𝘎𝘰𝘥,⁣
𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘰𝘢𝘥 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯,⁣
𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘠𝘰𝘶.⁣
𝘒𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘨𝘨𝘭𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦,⁣
𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘺 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥.⁣
𝘎𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘦𝘺𝘦𝘴⁣
𝘵𝘰 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘦𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘳𝘴—⁣
𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘥𝘢𝘺.⁣
𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘮 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘦 𝘢 𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘧𝘶𝘭, 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘵,⁣
𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨⁣
𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘺𝘦𝘵 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘥.⁣
𝘈𝘮𝘦𝘯.⁣
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ℝ𝔼𝕃𝔸𝕋𝔼⁣
Practice becoming someone who names the markers for others. In your church family and community, don’t assume people already see God at work in their lives—speak it out. A simple word of encouragement, a text, a prayer spoken over someone in passing, or pointing out evidence of God’s faithfulness in their story can help them notice what they might otherwise miss.⁣
At the same time, choose humility by receiving that same encouragement when it comes your way. Let others help you see God’s markers in your life, especially in seasons that feel heavy or unclear.⁣
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ℝ𝔼ℍ𝔼𝔸ℝ𝕊𝔼⁣
So God dealt well with the midwives. And the people multiplied and few very strong. Exodus 1:20⁣
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ℝ𝔼𝔸𝔻⁣
Revisit: Exodus 1 and other mentioned passages⁣
Read ahead: Exodus 2⁣
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ℝ𝔼𝕁𝕆𝕀ℂ𝔼⁣
Love Goes On⁣
Forever Reign⁣
Yet Not I But Christ in Me⁣
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05/03/2026

𝐏.𝐒. 𝐀 𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐢𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡 ⁣
3 John - ⁣
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ℝ𝔼𝕍𝕀𝔼𝕎⁣
Across the three epistles of John, a clear theme emerges: love and truth held together. First John forms the body, while Second and Third John read like a pastoral “PS,” reinforcing and applying those same truths.⁣
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In 3 John, John writes to a specific believer, Gaius, and mentions two others—Diotrephes and Demetrius. Each life highlights what it looks like (or doesn’t) to walk in love and truth.⁣
The early church wasn’t institutionalized; believers met in homes, and traveling teachers relied on local hospitality. Gaius is commended for “walking in the truth” and for faithfully supporting these teachers. His generosity reflects God’s own character.⁣
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In contrast, Diotrephes rejects authority, refuses hospitality, slanders others, and even pushes out those who seek to do what is right. His life shows how truth without love—or self-interest disguised as truth—distorts the church.⁣
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John closes with Demetrius, a man with a good reputation among all—a quiet but powerful picture of a life aligned with both love and truth.⁣
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Why name these individuals? Because John’s teaching is not theoretical. Throughout his letters, he calls believers to walk in both love and truth in real situations—especially when someone is in need (1 John 3:17) or drifting into sin (1 John 5:16). In both cases, the starting point is prayer: seeking God’s provision, restoration, and guidance. From there, we remain open to being used by Him—moving not impulsively, but in step with His leading.⁣
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This still speaks today. Many carry wounds from the church. There are still “Diotrephes” among us, along with false teaching and harsh, premature judgment. John’s call remains: walk in both love and truth, reflecting the fullness of God’s character with humility toward Him and one another.⁣
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“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”⁣
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ℝ𝔼𝕄𝔼𝕄𝔹𝔼ℝ⁣
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The clearest picture of our faith isn’t what we say, but how we walk in love and truth. ⁣
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ℝ𝔼𝔽𝕃𝔼ℂ𝕋 ⁣
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Where do I tend to separate love from truth—leaning toward one while neglecting the other—and how might God be inviting me to hold both together more faithfully?⁣
When I become aware of someone in need or drifting spiritually, is my first response prayerful dependence on God, or quick action and judgment? What would it look like to pause and follow His lead?⁣
Which example do I most resemble right now—Gaius (faithful and generous), Diotrephes (self-focused and resistant), or Demetrius (consistently well-regarded)? What is one step I can take to more fully reflect Christ in my relationships?⁣
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ℝ𝔼𝕊ℙ𝕆ℕ𝔻⁣
𝘍𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳,⁣
𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘦⁣
𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘺𝘦𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘦𝘥.⁣
𝘛𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘪𝘯 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳.⁣
𝘚𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘺 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘵—𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘳𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘳.⁣
𝘎𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘢 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘴 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴:⁣
𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘯, 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥.⁣
𝘈𝘮𝘦𝘯.⁣
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ℝ𝔼𝕃𝔸𝕋𝔼⁣
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Try this simple rhythm this week: Pause, Pray, then Act⁣
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When you notice someone in need or someone drifting, resist the urge to immediately fix or judge. Instead, take a moment to pray—ask God what’s really needed and how He might want to use you.⁣
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Then, stay attentive. If an opportunity opens, take one small, tangible step—send an encouraging message, meet a practical need, or have a gentle, honest conversation.⁣
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The goal isn’t to do everything—it’s to respond in a way that reflects both love and truth, led by God rather than impulse.⁣
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ℝ𝔼ℍ𝔼𝔸ℝ𝕊𝔼⁣
𝘐 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘯𝘰 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘫𝘰𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘮𝘺 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩. 3 John 4⁣
⁣
⁣
ℝ𝔼𝔸𝔻⁣
Revisit: 3 John⁣
⁣
⁣
ℝ𝔼𝕁𝕆𝕀ℂ𝔼⁣
Praise Him⁣
Christ Be Magnified⁣
Psalm 90 (Satisfy Us with Your Love)⁣
⁣
⁣

04/26/2026

𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭⁣
2 𝘑𝘰𝘩𝘯 𝘉𝘳𝘪𝘢𝘯 𝘖𝘯𝘬𝘦𝘯⁣
⁣
ℝ𝔼𝕍𝕀𝔼𝕎⁣
⁣
To learn how to spot counterfeit bills, treasury professionals study the real thing. Rather than memorizing every fake, knowing authentic currency well helps them recognize what is false.⁣
⁣
Second John is a brief but powerful letter, likely written to one congregation, yet relevant for every church today. John emphasizes that love and truth must stay together. We often focus only on being loving, but it is not loving to ignore whether someone holds to the essential truths of the gospel.⁣
⁣
𝘝𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘴 1–6: 𝘞𝘢𝘭𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘛𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩⁣
John repeatedly connects love with truth. We are called to walk in love, but love must be anchored in what God has revealed. Genuine love does not drift from truth.⁣
⁣
𝘝𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘴 7–9: 𝘈𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘋𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴⁣
John warns that some moving among churches do not believe in the true Jesus of the gospel. “Christian” teaching can become watered down or even heretical, so believers must be discerning. His doctrinal summary in verse 7 centers on denying that Jesus Christ came in the flesh.⁣
⁣
The more familiar we are with truth, the easier it becomes to recognize counterfeits.⁣
⁣
𝘝𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘴 10–11: 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩𝘺 𝘉𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴⁣
John warns that those promoting a false view of Jesus should not be treated as if they share true fellowship in Christ. This does not mean being harsh or unkind, nor does every secondary disagreement require division. But love includes honesty, and truth requires wise boundaries.⁣
⁣
We can treat all people with kindness while recognizing that fellowship with those who trust the true gospel is different from fellowship with those who reject it.⁣
⁣
Be careful what you pass along. Many books, podcasts, videos, memes, and messages may sound spiritual because they mention God or Christ, yet do not align with the gospel.⁣
⁣
Become increasingly familiar with the truth. Speak truth to one another. Stay rooted in Christ so deception loses its appeal.⁣
When love is guided by truth and truth is carried with love, the church is protected, believers are strengthened, and Christ is honored.⁣
⁣
ℝ𝔼𝕄𝔼𝕄𝔹𝔼ℝ⁣
⁣
Not every voice that sounds spiritual speaks the truth of Christ. ⁣
⁣
ℝ𝔼𝔽𝕃𝔼ℂ𝕋⁣
Am I growing in spiritual maturity so that I can recognize truth from error, or am I easily influenced by voices that sound convincing? Consider Ephesians 4 and Hebrews 6, which call believers to move beyond immaturity into discernment and stability.⁣
⁣
Do I hold truth and love together in my relationships with other believers, speaking honestly with grace, patience, and humility? Reflect on Ephesians 4:15, Colossians 3, and First Peter, where believers are called to put on compassion, love deeply, and speak truth in love.⁣
⁣
Am I careful about what teaching I receive, repeat, and recommend to others, or have I grown casual with the gospel? Think about Galatians and First Timothy 1, where false teaching is confronted and the purity of the gospel is guarded.⁣
⁣
⁣
ℝ𝔼𝕊ℙ𝕆ℕ𝔻⁣
𝘓𝘰𝘳𝘥, 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘮 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘦.⁣
𝘔𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘶𝘴 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦, 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩.⁣
𝘎𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘶𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘷𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝘶𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵,⁣
𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘰𝘰𝘵 𝘶𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘭𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘥.⁣
𝘛𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵,⁣
𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭,⁣
𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘳 𝘠𝘰𝘶⁣
𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘦.⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
ℝ𝔼𝕃𝔸𝕋𝔼⁣
This week, be intentional to show kindness, patience, and genuine care to everyone you interact with, whether they share your faith or not. At the same time, invest more deeply in fellowship with believers who are pursuing Christ—pray together, speak truth to one another, encourage growth, and share life at a deeper level. Welcome others warmly, but recognize that spiritual unity in Christ creates a unique depth of relationship meant to strengthen and mature us. ⁣
⁣
⁣
ℝ𝔼ℍ𝔼𝔸ℝ𝕊𝔼⁣
⁣
𝘞𝘈𝘛𝘊𝘏 𝘠𝘖𝘜𝘙𝘚𝘌𝘓𝘝𝘌𝘚, 𝘛𝘏𝘈𝘛 𝘠𝘖𝘜 𝘋𝘖 𝘕𝘖𝘛 𝘓𝘖𝘚𝘌 𝘞𝘏𝘈𝘛 𝘞𝘌 𝘏𝘈𝘝𝘌 𝘈𝘊𝘊𝘖𝘔𝘗𝘓𝘐𝘚𝘏𝘌𝘋, 𝘉𝘜𝘛 𝘛𝘏𝘈𝘛 𝘠𝘖𝘜 𝘔𝘈𝘠 𝘙𝘌𝘊𝘌𝘐𝘝𝘌 𝘈 𝘍𝘜𝘓𝘓 𝘙𝘌𝘞𝘈𝘙𝘋. ⁣
2 𝘑𝘖𝘏𝘕 8⁣
⁣
⁣
ℝ𝔼𝔸𝔻⁣
Revisit: 2 John⁣
Read Ahead: 3 John ⁣
⁣
ℝ𝔼𝕁𝕆𝕀ℂ𝔼⁣
⁣
Do What You Want To⁣
Goodness of God⁣
At Your Name

04/19/2026

𝐀𝐛𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞: 𝐀 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐭 𝟏 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧⁣
1 𝘑𝘰𝘩𝘯 5:13-21 @𝘬𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘻𝘪𝘦⁣
⁣
ℝ𝔼𝕍𝕀𝔼𝕎⁣
John closes this letter by reminding believers of life with the Father: love, joy, discernment, prayer, and eternal life. These truths are meant to shape everyday living. John’s desire is that his readers would know and enjoy a real relationship with the Father like Jesus did.⁣
⁣
Believers are already living eternal life. Though we do not yet know its fullness and still face suffering, we already share in life and fellowship with the Father. Our eternal journey has begun and can be joyful now.⁣
⁣
𝘗𝘳𝘢𝘺𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘗𝘶𝘳𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘦 (𝘷.13–15)⁣
God is not a cosmic vending machine. Because we belong to Him, we can approach Him with confidence. Prayer is not only requests, but listening for His heart and joining His work.⁣
⁣
His will never contradict Scripture. As we grow with Him, prayer becomes relational, not transactional.⁣
⁣
𝘗𝘳𝘢𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘗𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 (𝘷.16–17)⁣
⁣
John speaks of praying for someone caught in sin. His focus is not categories, but lovingly interceding for believers who are drifting.⁣
Sin damages life and fellowship with God. John teaches us to pray that the Father would give life to the person committing sin.⁣
⁣
𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘗𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘦 (𝘷.18–19)⁣
⁣
John reassures believers that God keeps His people. The evil one may tempt and accuse, but he does not hold final authority. God does.⁣
⁣
The world is affected by sin, so do not be naïve or fearful. We belong to the One who has overcome.⁣
⁣
𝘛𝘳𝘶𝘦 𝘛𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 (𝘷.20–21)⁣
⁣
John ends by saying the Father is true, then warns, “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.”⁣
⁣
Idols are anything we trust for comfort, identity, security, or meaning apart from God.⁣
⁣
John wanted them—and us—to enjoy fellowship with the Father, not just know about Him.⁣
⁣
What is competing with the Father for the trust or affection that belongs to Him?⁣
⁣
ℝ𝔼𝕄𝔼𝕄𝔹𝔼ℝ⁣
⁣
Believers are already living eternal life. Though we do not yet know its fullness and still face suffering, we already share in the life of God. Our eternal journey has begun and can be joyful now.⁣
⁣
⁣
ℝ𝔼𝔽𝕃𝔼ℂ𝕋⁣
Read all of I John again this week. Ask the Father to show you places in your life that are more central than Him using these questions as a guide.⁣
⁣
What do I fear losing most, and how do I respond when it is threatened?⁣
⁣
What do I trust to give me peace when I feel insecure or afraid?⁣
⁣
What dominates my thoughts and conversations?⁣
⁣
How do I make decisions, and where does the Father’s will fit?⁣
⁣
What is shaping how I think—Father things, Jesus things, Spirit things?⁣
⁣
ℝ𝔼𝕊ℙ𝕆ℕ𝔻⁣
⁣
𝘍𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳,⁣
𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘢𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘧𝘶𝘭, 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘵.⁣
𝘛𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘳𝘢𝘺 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦,⁣
𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘠𝘰𝘶,⁣
𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘠𝘰𝘶.⁣
𝘒𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘴 𝘴𝘰𝘧𝘵 𝘵𝘰𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴,⁣
𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦, 𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘥𝘦,⁣
𝘴𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘰 𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘧𝘵 𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘯.⁣
𝘎𝘶𝘢𝘳𝘥 𝘶𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘦 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭 𝘸𝘦𝘢𝘬,⁣
𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘶𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘶𝘥.⁣
𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘱 𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵⁣
𝘸𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘠𝘰𝘶,⁣
𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘸 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭.⁣
𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘶𝘴 𝘤𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘭𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦.⁣
⁣
ℝ𝔼𝕃𝔸𝕋𝔼⁣
⁣
This week, practice praying before reacting.⁣
⁣
When someone frustrates or concerns you, pause and pray for them specifically—asking God to draw them closer to Him and shape their heart.⁣
⁣
Then, if appropriate, follow it with one simple act of kindness or encouragement.⁣
⁣
ℝ𝔼𝔸𝔻⁣
Revisit: 1 John 5:1-12 and all of 1 John⁣
Read Ahead: 1 John 5:13-21⁣
⁣
ℝ𝔼𝕁𝕆𝕀ℂ𝔼⁣
Be Glad⁣
Look to the Lamb⁣
Another Like You⁣
⁣
⁣

04/12/2026

𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐓𝐨, 𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐓𝐨⁣
1 John 5:1-12 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘔𝘶𝘴𝘦⁣
⁣
ℝ𝔼𝕍𝕀𝔼𝕎⁣
⁣
The story is told of Disney employees quietly taking railroad ties from the property to use at Fort Wilderness—only to later be told those ties had already been purchased and set aside for them. What they were trying to take was already theirs.⁣
⁣
How often do we live the same way with God? Trying to earn, striving to secure, unaware of what’s already been given.⁣
⁣
We live into what we know. If we are unaware of what’s ours in Christ, we will never live as though it is.⁣
⁣
John 1:12 reminds us that to all who receive Him, He gives the right to become children of God. This isn’t earned—it’s given.⁣
John shows us two realities: what we believe and what testifies to what we believe.⁣
⁣
What we believe: Not just facts about Jesus, but full trust in Him—being born of God. Jesus is not only truth to affirm (John 14:6), but the way into life with God, and the promise of life with Him (John 14:3).⁣
⁣
What testifies to it: A transformed life marked by love. 1 Corinthians 13 tells us that action without love is nothing, while 1 John 2:15 warns that misplaced love reveals a divided heart. But when we are born of God, love for the Father and others begins to flow.⁣
Jesus didn’t obey to earn love—He obeyed from it. And now, so do we.⁣
⁣
Romans 8:15–16 says we’ve received the Spirit of adoption. We don’t live for approval, but from it. We are His.⁣
⁣
1 John 4:9–10 shows us love begins with God. Our obedience is a response, not a requirement.⁣
⁣
John also points to the evidence: the Spirit, the water, and the blood.⁣
⁣
At His baptism, the water and the Spirit testify together—“This is my beloved Son” (Matthew 3:16–17).⁣
⁣
At the cross, the blood testifies—“Truly this was the Son of God” (Matthew 27:54).⁣
⁣
And this same Spirit now bears witness in us. 1 John 3:24 reminds us that we know He abides in us by His Spirit.⁣
⁣
Our faith in the Son brings us into the same abiding life Jesus has with the Father.⁣
⁣
We share in a victory that reaches deeper than our greatest pain and rises higher than our greatest success.⁣
⁣
Our experience with Him leads us into certainty of Him.⁣
⁣
Not because we have to—⁣
but because we get to live in what is already true.⁣
⁣
ℝ𝔼𝕄𝔼𝕄𝔹𝔼ℝ⁣
⁣
We live into what we know. If we are unaware of what’s ours in Christ, we will never live as though it is.⁣
⁣
⁣
ℝ𝔼𝔽𝕃𝔼ℂ𝕋⁣
Think about your relationship with God—where do you see yourself right now?⁣
⁣
I have not / don’t think I’ve fully surrendered to God.⁣
⁣
I have life with God but want to experience more.⁣
⁣
I experience life with God but want to have more confidence in my experiences with Him.⁣
⁣
In what areas of your life are you still living for approval instead of from the approval you already have as God’s child (Romans 8:15–16)?⁣
⁣
⁣
What is one practical way you can walk in love this week—toward God or others—that reflects the life of Christ already at work in you (1 Corinthians 13)?⁣
⁣
How much does God love you?⁣
⁣
⁣
ℝ𝔼𝕊ℙ𝕆ℕ𝔻⁣
𝘍𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳,⁣
𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐 𝘬𝘦𝘦𝘱 𝘵𝘳𝘺𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯.⁣
𝘛𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵—⁣
𝘵𝘰 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘴 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘢𝘭, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘪𝘵.⁣
𝘑𝘦𝘴𝘶𝘴,⁣
𝘐 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧 𝘵𝘰 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯.⁣
𝘓𝘦𝘵 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦—⁣
𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘧𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘮𝘦, 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘦𝘧𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘠𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯.⁣
𝘏𝘰𝘭𝘺 𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘵,⁣
𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘦.⁣
𝘎𝘳𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦,⁣
𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘮𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘦𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘐 𝘢𝘭𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘠𝘰𝘶.⁣
⁣
⁣
⁣
ℝ𝔼𝕃𝔸𝕋𝔼⁣
Move toward one person intentionally—from love, not obligation.⁣
⁣
Pick one person in your church or everyday circles and:⁣
⁣
Initiate instead of waiting (text, call, sit with them, invite them in)⁣
⁣
Listen to understand, not just respond⁣
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Carry something with them—encourage, pray with them, or meet a tangible need⁣
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As you do, pay attention to your motive. When you feel the pull to perform, impress, or be noticed, pause and remind yourself: I’m already loved and accepted—I get to love from that place.⁣
⁣
Then let your action be simple and genuine, not impressive.⁣
This is what it looks like for love to become evidence—not just intention.⁣
⁣
ℝ𝔼𝔸𝔻⁣
Revisit: 1 John 5:1-12⁣
Read Ahead: 1 John 5:13-21⁣
⁣
ℝ𝔼𝕁𝕆𝕀ℂ𝔼⁣
Look to the Son⁣
His Glory and My Good⁣
Great Is Thy Faithfulness⁣
⁣

04/10/2026

Freedom Family Update Second Sunday Lunch at Tropical Grille -

Second Sunday Lunch at Tropical Grille

04/03/2026

Freedom Family Update: It's Friday, But Sunday's Coming! -

Sunday is coming! Happy Easter!

03/29/2026

𝕎𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕊𝕠𝕟𝕘 𝕒𝕣𝕖 𝕎𝕖 𝕃𝕚𝕤𝕥𝕖𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕋𝕠?⁣
1 𝘑𝘰𝘩𝘯 4:1-6 @𝘣𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘦𝘭⁣
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𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖⁣
⁣
Demons. False teachers. Misleading spirits. Not warm, comfortable topics—but John makes clear they matter deeply for anyone who wants to abide with God (1 John 4:1).⁣
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Our souls are always humming to the rhythm of a song—either from God or from the enemies of God, those opposed to Christ. The question is: what are we listening to?⁣
⁣
This passage gives exhortation, warning, and guidance for discernment, echoed across Scripture:⁣
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𝘝.1 – 𝘛𝘦𝘴𝘵, 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘳 (𝘈𝘤𝘵𝘴 19; 𝘓𝘶𝘬𝘦 10):⁣
There are many false prophets. We are not called to fear, but to test. Counterfeit voices often emphasize technique or formulas rather than an abiding relationship with God.⁣
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𝘝.2 – 𝘕𝘰𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 (𝘈𝘤𝘵𝘴 16; 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘬 1):⁣
Some spirits declare true things about Jesus yet still oppose Him—interference masquerading as alignment. Even demons recognized Jesus’ authority, but they did not know Him.⁣
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𝘝.3 – 𝘛𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 (𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘬 1; 𝘑𝘰𝘩𝘯 8):⁣
False voices may say correct things without personal experience of Jesus, who has effortless authority over deception. What we truly believe is revealed when we are pressed—what fills us comes out.⁣
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𝘝.4 – 𝘐𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 (𝘈𝘤𝘵𝘴 8; 1 𝘊𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘢𝘯𝘴 12):⁣
We are from God. His Spirit within us is greater than any spirit in the world. Discernment flows from belonging, not striving.⁣
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𝘝.5–6 – 𝘞𝘩𝘰 𝘸𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘴 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘸𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 (𝘑𝘰𝘩𝘯 8; 𝘈𝘤𝘵𝘴 5; 𝘈𝘤𝘵𝘴 20; 1 𝘛𝘪𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘺 3):⁣
The world listens to what reflects itself. True followers of Jesus delight in His Word—bending their desires to it, not reshaping it to fit themselves.⁣
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What are we listening to? How do we discern the voice of God? ⁣
Helpful tests include:⁣
– Does it align with Scripture?⁣
– Does it exalt Christ?⁣
– Would mature believers affirm it?⁣
– Does God bring it to pass?⁣
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Spiritual experiences aren’t automatically from God. True spiritual experiences must be tested by what is said about Jesus.⁣
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The mark of the Spirit of God is a clear, joyful, doctrinally faithful confession of the incarnate Jesus.⁣
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Believers can rest secure because the Spirit of God within them is greater than any false spirit in the world.⁣
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We must genuinely affirm the truth that Jesus the Son became incarnate, in the flesh.⁣
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The common thread through all the snapshots: there is an abiding presence of the Spirit within us. This abiding presence enables us to listen. There’s a clarity of identity, to know Who we belong to. There’s an expressed authority, which isn’t imitated or earned but comes from Him with effortless superiority—and we, normal people, can carry His presence, a power to which demons have no choice but to yield.⁣
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𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑⁣
Not all spiritual voices or experiences are from God. The Spirit within you gives clarity, confirms your identity, and carries authority so you can discern truth and abide in Him.⁣
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𝐑𝐄𝐅𝐋𝐄𝐂𝐓⁣
1 John 4:1 calls us to “test the spirits.” Where in your life are you currently receiving messages or influences that you need to slow down and test more carefully?⁣
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Looking at 1 John 4:2–3 alongside Mark 1 and Acts 16, what’s the difference between saying true things about Jesus and truly knowing Him? How can you discern that difference?⁣
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1 John 4:4 says the Spirit in us is greater than the spirit of the world. Where do you need to actively trust and live out that truth right now?⁣
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In 1 John 4:5 and John 8, we see that people listen to what reflects their nature. What does your attention and agreement reveal about what you’ve been “listening to” lately?⁣
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1 John 4:6 and Acts 5 show that God’s people receive and submit to His Word. What would it look like this week for you to bend your desires to Scripture instead of reshaping Scripture to fit your desires?⁣
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𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐍𝐃⁣
𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘛𝘳𝘶𝘵𝘩,⁣
𝘎𝘶𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘷𝘰𝘪𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴.⁣
𝘎𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘤𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘧𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘴,⁣
𝘐𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘳,⁣
𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴.⁣
𝘏𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘺,⁣
𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘦.⁣
𝘔𝘢𝘺 𝘮𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘭𝘺 𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘥,⁣
𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘐 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘦𝘤𝘩𝘰 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘠𝘰𝘶.⁣
𝘈𝘮𝘦𝘯.⁣
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𝐑𝐄𝐋𝐀𝐓𝐄⁣
Pay attention to the “voices” you’re hearing in your interactions—both in what people say and how you respond. Ask yourself: Does this reflect God’s truth? Am I listening to His Spirit in me, or just reacting to fear, opinion, or pressure?⁣
⁣
Then choose one conversation where you intentionally respond with clarity, patience, and love, letting God’s Spirit guide your words rather than your impulses. This is practicing discernment and abiding in Him in real, everyday life.⁣
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𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃⁣
Revisit: 1 John 4:1-6 and additional passages⁣
Read Ahead: 1 John 4:7-27⁣
⁣
𝐑𝐄𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐂𝐄⁣
Grateful⁣
His Glory and My Good⁣
Psalm 90 (Satisfy Us with Your Love)⁣

03/27/2026

Freedom Family Update: Mulching Party -

Help us mulch on 3/31!