Monthly Archives: January 2025

Live Free: The Curse Has No Right

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“God has given me this, and I’m going to receive it.” In the same way, you and I have been redeemed from the curse of the Law, but too many people don’t walk in that redemption. Why? Because they haven’t fully understood it, or they haven’t dared to believe it.

Now, let me tell you something, friends: just because the Lord allows something doesn’t mean it’s His will. I’ve heard people say, “Well, if it happened, God must have wanted it to happen.” But that’s not true. Lamentations 3:32-33 tells us clearly, “Though He causes grief, yet will He have compassion according to the multitude of His mercies. For He does not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men.” God doesn’t take pleasure in our pain. He’s a loving Father, full of compassion.

Sometimes, His righteous judgment allows the destroyer access. But make no mistake—God is not the destroyer. The Bible is clear about who steals, kills, and destroys. It’s the enemy, not the Father. God’s heart is always for restoration, for healing, for blessing.

Think about this: 1 Corinthians 11:29-31 reminds us that if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. That’s good news! It means we have a choice. We can examine our lives, repent of sin, and align ourselves with God’s will. And when we do, we step into His blessings and out of the enemy’s territory.

But here’s the key: even if you’ve messed up—maybe you’ve rebelled, made wrong choices, and opened the door to the curse—it’s not too late. God’s mercy is new every morning. You can repent, confess your sin, and receive His forgiveness. When you do, the curse loses its legal right to operate in your life. Isn’t that powerful?

Galatians 3:13 tells us that Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law by becoming a curse for us. That’s why we can stand boldly and declare, “I am redeemed!” Redeemed from what? Deuteronomy 28 spells it out: sickness, disease, poverty, lack, and every kind of oppression.

Take sickness, for example. The curse includes pestilence, consumption, fever, and wasting diseases. But Jesus bore those for us. Isaiah 53:5 says, “By His stripes, we are healed.” Healing is part of your redemption, friends. You don’t have to accept sickness as your portion. You’ve been redeemed!

Does that mean you’ll never face challenges? No, but it does mean you have the authority to resist them. You can stand on God’s Word and say, “No, I don’t accept this in my life. Jesus paid the price for my healing, and I receive it by faith.”

Let me ask you: are you living like someone who’s redeemed? Or are you still tolerating things that Jesus already paid the price to free you from? It’s time to take a stand. It’s time to put your foot down and declare, “The curse has no right in my life. I am redeemed by the blood of the Lamb!”

Some of you might be thinking, “Well, I don’t feel righteous.” But righteousness isn’t about how you feel. It’s about what Jesus did. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” You’ve been made righteous, not because of your works, but because of His grace.

And if you are righteous, then the curse has no legal right in your life. You’ve been redeemed! So, don’t let the enemy convince you otherwise. Don’t accept defeat, sickness, or lack. Stand firm in your redemption and declare God’s promises over your life.

Teach your children to do the same. Instead of letting fear take root, teach them to say, “I’m redeemed! Sickness has no place in me. I am healed by Jesus’ stripes!” Build that truth into their hearts so that it becomes their first response in every situation.

Friends, the redeemed of the Lord ought to say so! We ought to walk in boldness, declaring the victory Jesus won for us. When the enemy comes knocking, trying to bring sickness, lack, or fear, don’t open the door. Instead, remind him—and yourself—that you’ve been redeemed.

Say it out loud with me:
“I am redeemed! I’ve been made righteous by the blood of Jesus. The curse has no place in my life. I am healed, whole, and free in Jesus’ name!”

That’s the Good News, friends. That’s the Gospel. Walk in it, live in it, and let it transform every area of your life. You are redeemed!

Vicki’s Dream: Coins and Family in Republic

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Republic, a small town in Northeast Washington, began as Eureka Gulch in the 1890s. Back then, the land was rich with gold and timber, drawing miners and loggers. They built rough-hewn cabins, narrow streets, and saloons that never seemed to close. By 1900, the town had changed its name to Republic, reflecting the independent spirit of its people.

The heart of Republic became its architectural landmarks. Kaufman Cabin, built in 1896, still stands, a reminder of the town’s rugged beginnings. The Republic Cemetery offers sweeping views of the valley, the Sanpoil River, and the Kettle Range. The landscape has always shaped the people who live there—practical, resilient, and deeply tied to the land.

Amidst this history, a young woman named Vicki Dunn made her mark one summer. Vicki had grown up in Republic, the daughter of a stern but kind father, Henry Dunn, who was known for his collection of old coins. Henry had a sharp eye for detail and a deep respect for history. His coins, neatly stored in velvet-lined boxes, were his pride and joy.

Vicki, restless in the slow rhythm of small-town life, decided to leave for Spokane one July. She carried a small part of her father’s coin collection with her, hoping to sell it online. Henry had reluctantly agreed, his words lingering in her mind: “Coins hold stories, Vicki. Don’t sell the wrong ones.”

In Spokane, Vicki rented a tiny room and listed the coins on eBay. At first, sales were slow, but soon, interest grew. Collectors messaged her with offers, questions, and stories about their own collections. Vicki found the work tedious. She missed the familiar streets of Republic, the cool air of the Kettle Range, and the sound of the Sanpoil River. At night, she dreamed of her family. In one dream, her father’s voice echoed: “Not all coins are for selling, Vicki. Some hold more than value.”

After two weeks, Vicki’s dreams grew vivid and unsettling. She saw her father’s weathered hands, her mother’s quiet smile, and her younger brother, Leo, staring at an empty table. She woke up one night with a decision: she would go back. The coins, the city, and the online marketplace felt hollow compared to the pull of home.

Vicki’s return to Republic wasn’t as she expected. Her mother hugged her tightly. Leo grinned and asked her about Spokane. Henry, however, stood silent. “Did you bring back what’s left?” he asked.

“Yes, Dad,” Vicki said, handing him the unsold coins. “But I sold some. I… I needed to try.”

Henry nodded but said nothing. The family gathered for dinner that night, the air thick with unspoken words. Vicki explained her dreams and how they had drawn her home.

“Dreams are tricky,” Leo said. “They’re not always about what you think.”

Henry spoke finally. “What did you learn, Vicki?”

Vicki thought for a moment. “That it’s not just about selling. Coins are more than money. They’re a part of something bigger.”

“Good,” Henry said. “Then you understand.”

The family’s conversations grew warmer over the following days, but Vicki sensed an unease in her father. One evening, Henry revealed a secret. Among the coins Vicki had sold was a rare piece—a 1794 silver dollar. It wasn’t just valuable; it had been given to Henry by his own father.

“I should’ve told you,” Henry admitted. “But I wanted you to learn. Now, we’ll have to find it again.”

Vicki felt a pang of guilt but also determination. She contacted the buyer, a collector named Victor, who lived in Seattle. Vicki explained the coin’s significance and offered to buy it back. Victor, intrigued, agreed to meet.

Vicki and Henry made the journey to Seattle. Victor was a soft-spoken man with a passion for history. “This coin is special,” he said. “I’d planned to keep it, but your story changes things.”

Victor returned the coin without accepting payment. “Sometimes, history needs to stay where it belongs,” he said.

Back in Republic, Vicki and Henry decided to start a new project. Together, they created a small museum in town, showcasing the coin collection and other artifacts from Republic’s past. They called it the Spirit of Republic Museum, a place to preserve the town’s history and share its stories with others.

Visitors came, drawn by the exhibits and the tales Vicki and Henry shared. The museum became an architectural landmark in its own right, a symbol of the town’s enduring spirit. Vicki’s month-long journey had brought her back to her roots, with a deeper understanding of her family and the place they called home.

A Welcoming Spirit

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When stepping into a church, the first impression often centers on warmth, love, and a welcoming spirit. Visitors are greeted with genuine affection, often marked by hugs and laughter, reminiscent of the hippie era that embraced casual authenticity and inclusiveness. Clothing styles reflect this atmosphere—whether dressed up or down, all are accepted, symbolizing a focus on people over appearances. This casual reverence aligns with Chuck Girard’s lyrics from “Little Country Church,” capturing the essence of unity and simplicity in worship.

A remarkable story illustrates the power of God’s love. A man, filled with despair and armed with a rifle, encountered a television program featuring testimonies of young hippies who had found Christ. Their radiant love contrasted sharply with the shallow notions of love popular at the time, leading him to a turning point. Such stories highlight the divine gift of the Spirit, accessible to anyone who simply asks in faith.

Transformation also occurred within the church community. Early Calvary fellowships grew rapidly, outgrowing building after building. The spirit of teamwork was evident as people—hippies and professionals alike—worked side by side to construct new spaces. The sight of their collaboration even caused passersby to pause and marvel. The community’s embrace of love, faith, and unity became a testimony in itself.

Through prayer and worship, believers experienced profound joy and restoration. For example, during a wedding where a once-separated couple reunited, the entire congregation was moved to tears, witnessing God’s ability to heal and restore. Such moments underscore the church’s focus on God’s active work in individuals’ lives, fostering an environment where the past is celebrated, but the present remains vibrant and alive with His Spirit.

The Work of the Spirit and the Power of Faith

The Spirit’s work manifests through believers as they testify to Christ’s Lordship. Genuine confession of faith is validated by submission to His will and a life transformed by His love. This principle—that true faith produces action—serves as a foundational tenet of the Christian life.

Scriptural insights emphasize the profound truths of God’s creation and Christ’s role in it. As Revelation describes, Jesus is the faithful witness and the original cause of creation. Through Him, all things were made, highlighting His divine authority and power. The anticipation of His return fuels hope amid a chaotic world under Satan’s temporary dominion.

Faith is further strengthened by the resurrection of Jesus, an event verified by numerous witnesses who willingly suffered and even died for their testimony. This historical truth bolsters confidence in God’s promises, motivating believers to live boldly in their faith. Jesus’ teaching about the widow’s offering reinforces that God values the heart over material wealth. The widow’s small but sacrificial gift exemplifies the essence of trust and devotion.

The Spirit also helps believers witness effectively, empowering them to share the gospel with love and conviction. This empowerment transcends human abilities, emphasizing reliance on God’s strength rather than personal brilliance or skill. By focusing on God’s work in their lives today, believers avoid stagnation, ensuring that faith remains dynamic and impactful for future generations.

Living with Eternal Hope and Purpose

Believers are marked by God’s seal of ownership through the Spirit, signifying their belonging to Him despite the incompleteness of their redemption. Just as merchants mark their goods for future claim, God’s Spirit assures believers of their eternal inheritance. This assurance fosters hope as they anticipate moving from their earthly “tent” into the eternal “mansion” prepared by Christ.

Paul’s teachings remind believers that earthly life is temporary and filled with groaning for the day when they will be united with the Lord. Flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God, making the transition from mortal to immortal essential. This perspective transforms the fear of death into anticipation of eternal joy.

The church’s role in representing God’s love to the world remains paramount. As Israel was chosen to showcase God’s character, so too are believers called to embody His love and truth. Prayer plays a vital role in this mission, offering a direct line of communication with the Creator and enabling His work to flow through their lives.

However, the church must guard against relying solely on past glories. It’s vital to experience God’s fresh work personally, ensuring faith remains active and alive. Believers are reminded that they are heirs with Christ, sharing in His glory and purpose. This inheritance brings profound responsibility and joy, as they participate in God’s redemptive plan.

Through faith, hope, and love, believers overcome life’s challenges, including broken families and societal stigmas. Stories of redemption, like Greg Laurie’s journey from a fractured family to a life transformed by grace, illustrate God’s power to heal and restore. Ultimately, the Christian life is about living with eternal purpose, trusting in God’s promises, and sharing His love with the world.