Tag Archives: phyllisfreeman

No Stone Throwing – Phyllis Freeman
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Don't Throw Stones

…Neither do I condemn you… John 8:11

Throwing stones is dangerous. Windows can be broken, someone may get a bruise, or my camper might end up with dents.

When I heard plink, plink, I peeked out my kitchen window. Two young neighbor children were peppering stones onto our driveway and a few of those stones hit our family’s camper.

If I yelled at the girls, as neighbors often did, it wouldn’t accomplish anything; that didn’t seem to work with them. So I left my home, crossed the yard, and knocked on their front door.

“Your girls are throwing stones and hitting my camper,” I told their dad. “Would you have them stop?”

“Your sons started it,” he shouted. Then he said the girls were actually throwing rocks at my sons who hid behind our camper, teasing them.

“They were aggravating us,” the girls chimed in.

Red-faced, I apologized to the man. “I’m sorry, but if you and I can agree that they will stop throwing stones, then I’ll talk to my boys too.” He agreed. I had a session with the boys and the trouble stopped.

When a woman in the Bible was caught doing wrong, the Pharisees and other leaders wanted to stone her as the Old Testament Law dictated. Appearing to care what Jesus thought, they asked Him what they should do. Jesus told them to go ahead and punish her . . .“If any one of you is without sin . . .”

Each man stood there for a minute and thought about his own life. They individually decided they didn’t qualify as a stone-thrower. No one flung a rock her way. No one was sinless.

Throwing stones, whether they are hard rocks or harsh words is not God’s way of dealing with sin. He offers forgiveness instead of condemnation.

When we feel like flinging a stone at someone, let’s consider if we’ve ever committed a sin. If we have, let’s just back slowly away offering a kind word or a prayer.

Phyllis Qualls Freeman has over two-hundred-fifty published devotionals, human interest, and other articles. She is working on her first book. Phyllis loves reaching out to touch those who have long-term, life-altering situations to share God’s love. Married to her college sweetheart for fifty years, they have three children and five grandchildren. Pqfreeman40@yahoo.com.

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Salvaging Treasure – Phyllis Freeman
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For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost. Matthew 19:10 NIV

It was 1622. Spain anxiously awaited the twenty-eight ship fleet to return from the Caribbean ports with their precious cargo. The Nuestra Señora de Atocha and the Santa Margarita were part of a convoy of Spanish ships laden with an abundance of gold, jewels, and silver gathered from various Caribbean ports. The ships were tossed about by hurricanes after their departure from Cuba until both ships wrecked somewhere near the coast of Florida. Their treasure lay buried in the deep blue waters for over three hundred years.

It wasn’t until the early 1970’s that Melvin Fisher and his crew of divers located the vessels and began the arduous task to salvage the gold, silver, and historical relics from the ocean’s bottom.

There were numerous hindrances to retrieving the prized cargo. Heavy squalls, the sweltering hot sun, piracy, and legal battles slowed their progress. Mel Fisher’s son, Dirk, and two others lost their lives in 1975 when their boat capsized in rough waters. Mel’s crew was undeterred and continued to search the bottom of the ocean, eventually rescuing gold, silver, and artifacts valued at $200 to $400 million dollars.

Mel Fisher’s determined effort (even at the cost of his son’s life) reminds us of someone else who cared enough to seek for His own treasure. God allowed His Son’s life to be given in the process of finding those who are lost from His presence and His love.

Does it seem that you have literally been dropped to the bottom of the ocean and are lost among the debris of the world? Do you wonder if anyone knows or cares that the atmosphere of your life has corroded your soul? Does it seem that you are trapped by your surroundings and will never be found? Don’t give up.

Christ never stops searching for His lost ones. He is willing to cleanse your life, scrape off the corrosion, and refinish you in His love. Then you will shine as pure gold.

Phyllis Qualls Freeman has over two-hundred-fifty published devotionals, human interest, and other articles. She is working on her first book. Phyllis loves reaching out to touch those who have long-term, life-altering situations to share God’s love. Married to her college sweetheart for fifty years, they have three children and five grandchildren. Pqfreeman40@yahoo.com Read Phyllis’s devotions.

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God’s Deeper Purposes – Phyllis Freeman
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…your faith has healed you. Matthew 9:22 NIV

“Mom, come check this bump on my shin,” Kyle called after he showered and slipped into his pajamas. I figured my teenager had taken a hard fall at the skating rink.

When the bump was still prominent after a week, we made an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon. The doctor was concerned and sent Kyle for an x-ray. Not satisfied with the x-ray, he ordered a ct scan. The doctor finally deduced that what he called a tumor was not malignant, but he would continue to monitor it; and he did month after month.

One Sunday our pastor asked, “Anyone who desires prayer, come forward.” My teenager boldly walked to the altar and received prayer for his leg. The next time we visited the orthopedic surgeon, the doctor stated, “The tumor is gone. You don’t have to see me again.”

What joy! We felt so blessed.

The woman who had suffered twelve years touched the edge of Jesus’ cloak and was healed. Jesus said, “Take heart daughter, your faith has healed you.” Scripture says she was healed from that moment.

Kyle’s incident told me that his faith was active. He believed and he exhibited his faith. What I also realize now is that God may have performed that miracle for him with a larger purpose in mind. Several years later, Kyle needed to realize that God was close and personal as he faced heart surgery for his thirteen-year-old daughter. My son could remember what God did for him as a teenager and know that God would be there for him now. Amanda’s surgery had some surprises, but went amazingly well. Her doctor said, “Someone else was in the operating room with us today. She is going to be fine.”

An elderly minister once stated that we should study the miracles of Jesus because they always had purpose beyond the obvious. At Lazarus’ resurrection from the dead, Jesus said his desire was that those hearing him pray might believe that God had sent him. The miracle was actually done to instill faith in others.

Should we watch, listen, and think about what God’s deeper messages are for us in our everyday life? Does he give miracles or healing only for our comfort and happiness, or are God’s purposes sometimes beyond what is evident at the time?

Phyllis Qualls Freeman has over two-hundred-fifty published devotionals, human interest, and other articles. She is working on her first book. Phyllis loves reaching out to touch those who have long-term, life-altering situations to share God’s love. Married to her college sweetheart for fifty years, they have three children and five grandchildren. Pqfreeman40@yahoo.com Read Phyllis’s devotions.

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Children are God’s Heritage – Phyllis Freeman
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Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. Isaiah 54:13 KJV

We had two toddlers; a daughter, and then eighteen months later a son. Oh, how I enjoyed my little ones. We made a decision that I would stay home with the children and we’d manage on Bill’s salary. It wasn’t easy, but we made it.

The year my second child entered kindergarten, I asked the Lord for another child. My heart ached for one more. I’d originally planned to have four children but my husband nixed the idea. I told the Lord that if he would give me a child, I’d give that child back to him.

Our three children grew up in a small house in Cincinnati, Ohio. Kim married and moved to Tennessee for seminary. Kent married and his job moved them to North Carolina. When Kyle’s employer told him that his department might be dissolved, our youngest got a job and later married in Tennessee.

My family nest emptied much too quickly. I was glad the children were happy and pursuing their dreams, but where did that leave me? I missed them all. We visited them and sometimes they came at Christmas, but I longed for them. All those years I’d prayed for my children and I gave them back to the Lord and His service. When they moved far away, I thought I must have failed as a mom or they wouldn’t be so far away. I know, it was selfish of me!

When we give our children to the Lord, personally releasing them to be where and what God wants them to be is hard. In God’s own timing and His way, He gave us an opportunity to move closer to our children.

Have you prayed for your children and asked God to work in their lives? Does it look like they are not listening to His voice? Trust God to work in their lives even if you can see no sign of what He is doing because He’s trying to woo them into His kingdom and His will. You’ve taught them, now let God teach them.

Phyllis Qualls Freeman has over two hundred fifty published devotionals, human interest, and other articles. She is working on her first book. Phyllis loves reaching out to touch those who have long-term, life-altering situations to share God’s love. Married to her college sweetheart for fifty years, they have three children and five grandchildren. Pqfreeman40@yahoo.com Read Phyllis’s devotions.

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Vanity or Value? – Phyllis Freeman
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…that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind.  Ephesians 4:17 KJV

Andy Griffith said, “I was baptized alongside my mother when I was 8-years-old. Since then I have tried to walk a Christian life. And now that I’m getting older I realize that I’m walking even closer with my God.” The Christian walk was of such high value to Griffith, that he wanted to continue that way of life.

We work on our job to provide for our family. That has value. We help other people and that is worthy. Even entertainment, exercise, or sports can reduce stress, which is an asset to our life.

Then there is vanity. It can mean pride in a person’s appearance, qualities, or abilities, but can also be thought of as something worthless, trivial, or pointless.

So which path do you want–a life of value–or to live a pointless, trivial life?

Matthew Henry’s Commentary indicates that the above scripture passage refers to Christians who do not live or behave as though they have been redeemed. The unredeemed are often guided by things which are in no way profitable to their souls.

Because there are so many people connected to my life, I want to be sure that I live with a focus on eternal value. People are eternally valuable. Whatever I can do to win a soul to Christ, or encourage a brother or sister in Christ, will have lasting results.

Rather than our thoughts and actions being ways that are wasted or following those who live in vanity, we can choose to walk in the ways of the Lord.

Are your words, deeds, and total life reflective of your desire to make a difference for eternity?

Phyllis Qualls Freeman has over two-hundred-fifty published devotionals, human interest, and other articles. She is working on her first book. Phyllis loves reaching out to touch those who have long-term, life-altering situations to share God’s love. Married to her college sweetheart for fifty years, they have three children and five grandchildren. Pqfreeman40@yahoo.com Read Phyllis’s devotions.

What’s in the Heart – Phyllis Freeman
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…your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. Deuteronomy 8:2 NIV

“Mamaw,” Kara asked me, “is Jesus really in my heart?” Tapping on her little chest, she asked again, “I mean, in my heart?”

Kara, our granddaughter, was about nine-years-old and visiting our Tennessee home from North Carolina. At bedtime, she said she had some questions for me. She said, “You can get your Bible if you need to.” She had never before asked deep questions.

I wondered how I could explain to a child that Jesus being in her heart meant that she had accepted Jesus into her life as her Savior (which she had). Yet, I felt I needed to go a little further and tell her that everyone has a body (you know– skin, arms, legs, head). We also have a soul (the same as our heart) which includes our mind, will, and emotions. Then, everyone has a spirit (their awareness of God).

I explained how we decide in our heart to ask forgiveness for our sins and serve Jesus, and our spirit comes close to God’s Spirit to help us learn about God. We say that Jesus is in our heart because our mind and will (our heart) made the choice to serve Him. She comprehended the best she could for such a young age.

God led the children of Israel on a long journey in the wilderness for several reasons. One of those reasons was to know what was in their heart. He already knew their hearts, but He wanted them to understand that their hearts were selfish and full of rebellion.

When Jesus is in your heart, your spirit is alive and aware of God daily. He inspires us to pray to the Father, hear His voice within us, and obey His commands. Do you know what is in your own heart? Look deep.

Phyllis Qualls Freeman has over two-hundred-fifty published devotionals, human interest, and other articles. She is working on her first book. Phyllis loves reaching out to touch those who have long-term, life-altering situations to share God’s love. Married to her college sweetheart for fifty years, they have three children and five grandchildren. Visit Phyllis’ web site: http://sanctuaryofhope.us  Read Phyllis’s devotions.

God’s Deeper Messages – Phyllis Qualls Freeman
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…your faith has healed you. Matthew 9:22 NIV

“Mom, come check this bump on my shin,” Kyle called after he showered and slipped into his pajamas. I figured my teenager had experienced a hard fall at the skating rink recently.

When the bump was still prominent after a week or so, we made an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon. The doctor seemed concerned and sent Kyle for an x-ray. Not satisfied with the x-ray, he ordered a CT scan. The doctor finally deducted that what he called a tumor was not malignant, but he would continue to monitor it; and he did month after month.

One Sunday, our pastor asked anyone in the congregation who desired prayer to come forward. My teenager boldly walked to the altar area and received prayer for his leg. The next time we visited the orthopedic surgeon, the doctor stated, “The tumor is gone. You don’t have to see me again.” What joy! We felt so blessed.

In today’s scripture, a woman who had suffered twelve years, touched the edge of Jesus’ cloak and was healed. Jesus turned to speak to her, saying,“Take heart daughter, your faith has healed you.” Scripture says that she was healed from that moment.

I’ve looked back on Kyle’s incident in amazement. It told me that Kyle’s own faith was active. He believed and he exhibited his faith. What I also realize now is that God may have performed that miracle for him with a larger purpose in mind. In a few years Kyle needed to realize that God was close and personal, guiding his children. My son could remember what God did for him as a teenager, and know that God would be there as he entered the ministry.

An elderly minister who taught a weekly class once stated that we should study the miracles of Jesus. He said that miracles always had purpose beyond the obvious. When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, he stated in his prayer that “they may believe that you sent me.”

Become aware of God’s deeper messages in your life. Watch, listen, and think about what he does for you daily. Consider God’s purposes beyond what is evident.

Phyllis Qualls Freeman has over two-hundred-fifty published devotionals, human interest, and other articles. She is working on her first book. Phyllis loves reaching out to touch those who have long-term, life-altering situations to share God’s love. Married to her college sweetheart for fifty years, they have three children and five grandchildren. Pqfreeman40@yahoo.com Read Phyllis’s devotions.

I Plant, God Waters – Phyllis Qualls Freeman
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I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 1 Cor. 3:6 (KJV)

I have a brown thumb for growing things. Can’t do it.

My sister, Dot, and our brother, Thomas, inherited the green thumbs from our mom and dad, who loved gardening and eating fresh vegetables. My favorite memories from our family garden were of the juicy red tomatoes and steaming yellow corn on the cob, with dripping melted butter, of course.

Even though I cannot grow flowers or a garden, I understand the concept of planting seeds and nurturing souls for the kingdom of God. Sunday school teachers understand; they plant seeds of truth into the hearts of children, youth, and adults.

Those who taught my sister, Dot, in Sunday school, knew they were planting truth into her heart. However, they could not know that Dot would eventually spend years teaching physical education in a Christian college, mentoring many students on the side. They didn’t know she would then spend 25 years as a missionary evangelist throughout the world. She and her co-worker, Dr. Faye Whitten, spent three years teaching and mentoring students (planting seeds) in Ghana, West Africa. They’re now seeing an increase for the kingdom through their students’ ministry.

I’ve heard it said, “Never underestimate the power of a seed.” When you share God’s Word with others, you never know if your prayers and efforts will germinate and produce a giant spiritual redwood tree or a little neighborhood bush. You cannot know if you are teaching a future Dwight L. Moody or maybe a Billy Graham.

I’ve felt embarrassment when I could not say that I have won many souls to the Lord. Then I realized that I have planted many seeds of truth, and I’ve watered seeds that others have planted. I believe God will allow someone to bring those souls to the experience of salvation. The Holy Spirit can cause the Word to penetrate a heart’s fallow ground and enable it to grow.

Whether or not you have a green thumb, keep on planting and keep on watering. God will give increase.

Phyllis Qualls Freeman has over two hundred fifty published devotionals, human interest, and other articles. She is working on her first book. Phyllis loves reaching out to touch those who have long-term, life-altering situations to share God’s love. Married to her college sweetheart for fifty years, they have three children and five grandchildren. Pqfreeman40@yahoo.com Read Phyllis’s devotions.

God’s Vision for Us – Phyllis Freeman
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“And the angel of the LORD appeared to him and said to him, “The LORD is with you,
O valiant warrior.” Judges 6:12 (NAS)

The patterned, quilt-like squares were fascinating in their many shades of green and a few patches of gold. As we flew over Minnesota for a visit with my husband’s family, I loved gazing at the farmers’ fields below.

How do they do that, I wondered? The farmer must have a certain vision when he plants his crops and this is the result.

It is similar to when I look at a bolt of fabric and a pattern. I can imagine pastel blue fabric as a little girl’s sundress with lace. My mind’s eye envisions what it can be.

When Israel was oppressed by the Midianites, the angel of the Lord appeared to the least member of an impoverished family, calling him a valiant warrior. This was spoken before Gideon tore down the altar of Baal or slew the Midianites with only 300 men to help him. The angel said it prior to Gideon serving as Israel’s judge for 40 years. Gideon could not imagine himself being used by God, but God saw Gideon’s potential.

As I search for the next turn in the path for my life, I sometimes forget that God already has a plan for me. He knows my abilities, my desires, and my future. I don’t think He will send an angel to me like He did to Gideon. I believe if I listen carefully I can hear and feel God’s guidance. Whether it comes via an angel, a sermon, or a nudge from the Holy Spirit, God will reveal a little more of His idea of how we fit into His plan.

We can feel confident that God’s design is a good one. What He envisions for us will bring our greatest satisfaction in life.

Have you discovered what God envisions for you? Share His vision. Open your heart to Him.

Phyllis Qualls Freeman has over two hundred fifty published devotionals, human interest, and other articles. She is working on her first book. Phyllis loves reaching out to touch those who have long-term, life-altering situations to share God’s love. Married to her college sweetheart for fifty years, they have three children and five grandchildren. Pqfreeman40@yahoo.com Read Phyllis’s devotions.

Camp – Beyond Just Fun – Phyllis Qualls Freeman
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“…we must obey God…” Acts 5:29

“Mom,” Kim said, as she re-positioned herself on our brown sectional sofa with notebook and pen in hand, “since this is my first time as a church camp counselor, I’m listing the questions I think the young girls might ask and then beside the question, I’m writing the scriptural answers.”

“What kinds of questions?” I asked my 17 year old. What did she consider worthy of her study?

“We have devotions and discussion every night and they may ask if anyone needs to be saved.” Holding her pen between her teeth, she smoothed her long blonde hair back and pulled it up into a pony tail.

I glanced at her notebook. For that question, she had listed, “For all have sinned,…” found in Romans 3:23, and others.

I prayed, “Lord, help Kim make a difference in the lives of her campers.”

After that weekend, Kim was ready for about 18 hours of sleep, but was exuberant in her spirit.

“It was great, Mom,” Kim yawned as she slid her suitcase into the closet and plopped down on her bed. “I’ll tell you about it tomorrow.”

The next day Kim filled me in on her adventures at camp. She also told me that she had been baptized in water at camp. I was a little disappointed that I had not been able to witness her baptism. After making her decision for Christ last year, she had hesitated when water baptism was mentioned. She would say, “I’m not ready.”

I questioned her as to why she had now made that decision.

“Mom, I always thought that if God really intended for me to be baptized in water, He would let me know. I guess I thought He would say, “Kim . . . be baptized! But when I studied before camp to answer the girls’ questions, I realized it was right there in the word . . . “teach all nations, baptizing them…” He had told me. What was I waiting for? So I did it!

Even though I didn’t get to be there, I was glad to see my first child obey the Lord’s command.
Are we waiting for a personal invitation to obey God’s Word? All of His commands and all of His blessings apply to all of His children. Just obey!

Phyllis Qualls Freeman has over two hundred fifty published devotionals, human interest, and other articles. She is working on her first book. Phyllis loves reaching out to touch those who have long-term, life-altering situations to share God’s love. Married to her college sweetheart for fifty years, they have three children and five grandchildren. Pqfreeman40@yahoo.com Read Phyllis’s devotions.