Andrea O. Freeman

"Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20 NLT) The Mission hasn’t changed, but how we carry it out must in some ways adapt. I had a conversation with my Dad over the holiday break, about the condition of some of our churches right here in our own community and the reality that how we do church is shifting in our culture. It’s shifting, and yet, many churches and more specifically many denominations are still doing it the same way it has always been done. I am personally witnessing this evolving process as my older 2 children are experiencing their faith journey. My oldest, Rylee, is 21 now and a senior at Missouri State University. She has in the past year found her place in a fairly new church in our community. Unlike myself at he...

"Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” (Lamentations 3:22-24 NIV) “How are you?” When somebody asks you this on any given day, what’s your first response? I think for most of us it is often the same, standard answer such as, “Fine”, “Good”, “Ok”. It’s not the norm to get an enthusiastic response. Most of us are so busy, just working our way through the daily grind. We get into this habitual rhythm of life, and it can become a rut if we are not careful. Before we know it, we are calloused, fatigued and comfortable in a less than flourishing mode. Last night my son Bailey and I had a talk, he shared about how he is struggling with how to respond to the question, when someone asks, “How are you?” I think it’s easy for many to assume as they hear what he is up to with his music and theate...

I wonder on most days if I have been a good enough example of the love and light of Christ in this world. I confess, some days my inner voice grunts and pipes up, “What kind of question is that?! Of course you have! Who on earth has ever made you feel anything less?” Hm. Isn’t that the question? Who on this earth has made me feel as if I have to ask that question and provide a satisfactory answer? Truth? I am hardest on myself of anyone. I think a lot of people are, but most aren’t willing to admit it. I see how busy, well connected and engrossed in life so many people are-and I remember a time when I felt somehow I had to keep up with that. What I learned to accept as my own and “good enough” over time, was just that-my own. My justification for me was and has always been Christ-but that didn't come naturally until later in life. To compare myself or feel pressure to measure up to anyone else in this life, is not at all what He intends for me. Here is where I find my...

Search me, God, and know my heart; (Psalm 139:23 NIV) I was impressed in my heart today by my devotional study-to know our God, and to be fully known by Him. I was asked to look back at the moment in the Garden after Adam and Eve sinned. They hid from God. When the time came, God searched for them, called out to them. But here is the line from my devotional that struck me: God didn’t ask what they had done , He wanted to know where they were ? I can recall a very difficult season in my life, sometime between my freshman and sophomore years of college. I was not happy and I was contemplating whether or not to even continue my studies, or perhaps transfer. I was paired with an Advisor who did little more than schedule my classes and took very little personal interest in me, and I was finding immense dissatisfaction with some of my courses and the professor I was matched with for my group vocal studies was over the top and very demanding. As a musician, I was disappointed...

I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. Psalm 40:1 I had a chance to spend some much needed gal pal time with a friend this week, and we found ourselves at a certain point talking about the things that seem to be most pervasive in our hometown community. Things that are genuinely concerning in terms of family dynamics, the high percentage of domestic violence and particularly women who have been in incredibly abusive situations. When you see the high numbers for our area in terms of women in shelters, children in foster care, man, it’s incredibly heartbreaking! We talked about situations we have both been in personally that were abusive, whether it was verbal and/or physical, it was entirely unhealthy and dysfunctional. Thankfully, we both have testimony today of how we chose to remove ourselves from that, and God provided healing and restoration. We chose to stop the cycle, and now we can both encourage other women who may be in an abusive relations...

Sometimes the pace we set for ourselves and the path we carve through the day’s to-do list, well, it doesn’t always go quite as planned. I’m learning as I get older, this is often times a gift. It is God’s way of humbling us to start with Him as our focus, everything else is secondary. It can be particularly jarring for some of us when our pride is a bit dented by what threw us off from a particular goal. A vision. A dream. A hope. What is our response when suddenly we find ourselves thrown off balance by something? Or someone? The only One who fully knows our heart’s intent is God. There is not a human being in your life that can see and know and grasp fully your heart’s intent. Our best aim is to pray for God’s presence to go before us and prevail in the hearts that are on the receiving end of our intent. It is inevitable when misunderstanding and assumption take root, and suddenly we are questioning how it got to this point. What a powerful and comforting thing to ha...

What’s your burden? What is it that weighs you down today? What do you hope to gain by clinging to it? At what point will you stop and consider this: What Jesus did for you on the Cross is bigger and greater than anything that’s been done to you! (Christine Caine,"Adamant for the Lost",Lisa Bevere podcast) I can look back over my life, see the damage done and the time lost by allowing what I had endured and what someone said or did to me determine my perspective. We have a choice , we always have a choice . I can also look back over my life, and see the moments I chose to lean into my Father God rather than sink into the burden. There is power in the name of Jesus! There is grace abounding for us, new mercy every day, and His unconditional love and faithfulness…..but we must choose it. He will not force himself upon us. Have you ever found yourself caught in this scenario? God speaks a word into you for someone who is hurting, you pray over it and see...

We are T minus 8 days and counting until the start of another school year. I know some who have already begun in other states, so this month I suppose is one grand start to a new season for us all. I am trying to prepare my brain for the shift in our schedules that is about to launch. With one entering his senior year of high school, another entering her junior/senior year in college, a husband in college, an 8th grader and a 2nd grader, plus balancing our work schedules, church schedule, and navigating the care of Ryan’s folks, and making time for our family and time just for the two of us---our mindset these past couple months has been “Breathe, Pray, Trust....” The necessity for release and full on trust in God is more evident to me right now that at any other time in my life. When God spoke into me awhile back about my focus this year being “Release”, I had no idea what I was in for. But He knew. None of this is a surprise to Him. I can recall a time early in our marriag...

“If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me” –Luke 9:23 NLT Last week was a difficult week for me, for our family. We are navigating a new, challenging path with Ryan’s folks as their health issues become more urgent. If you have been in touch with us over the course of this year, then you know 2018 has been rough. Illness, hospitalization, therapies, surgery, and rehab, and so on. I don’t know how we would manage through it without the support of our family and friends, our community of faith that surrounds us. The meals, the phone calls, the visits with Ryan’s folks, the prayers, the encouragement, the accountability. The intention Christ set for the family of God is evident and flowing beautifully for us, so as I am writing this my heart is overflowing with gratitude. I felt at times this past week as if I was teetering on the edge of sanity. It is incredibly frustrating and absolutely maddening to watch ...

“Who do you say that I am?” (Mark 8:29) Today has been a less than stellar day. It caps a season we are going through right now with our family that is just flat out hard. This is unknown territory and I am waving the white flag today. Nobody fully prepares you for the struggle of watching loved ones health deteriorate. I wasn’t fully prepared to be hit with it the way I was on an emotional level until, well, it hit. I’d like to say I rode it out, I rose above it, and I stood with my chest held high and overcame that which would threaten to take me down. Nope. It took me down. This is the point of no return where my weakness and His strength meet like a 2x4 hitting me over the head. I met my limit, and He met me right there as I was figuratively sitting in a daze on the ground, rubbing my head from the impact, dazed, and uncertain what to do first to re-gain my footing. I’ve got you ….. It shouldn’t take this kind of impact for me to realize how tightly I am gripping to...

…God will make you complete, steady, strong and firm. 1 Peter 5:10 I am definitely a type A personality, prefer some order and a well-organized plan versus flying by the seat of my pants. I like to know what’s coming, and I do not like surprises. My family would tell you straight up if we are going out to celebrate my birthday, don’t even think about getting the waiter/waitress to do that birthday singing thing that gets the entire restaurant staring at our table. I would be very unhappy with you if you chose to go this route. Just don’t do it. That being said, surprises in life occur all the time. And I am not one to pitch a big fit like a child throwing herself on the floor in the middle of the grocery store shopping trip, but sometimes I just don’t handle it well at all. My human nature chooses to allow the emotional and sometimes irrational to lead before turning first to the Holy Spirit within. It’s something I don’t like to admit, but it is true about my personality. ...

My old identity has been co-crucified with Messiah and no longer lives; for the nails of his cross crucified me with him. And now the essence of this new life is no longer mine, for the Anointed One lives his life through me—we live in union as one! My new life is empowered by the faith of the Son of God who loves me so much that he gave himself for me, and dispenses his life into mine! Galatians 2:20 TPT “Your life expectancy is here. With me, it’s here. Without me, it’s here.” (Tom Cruise to Cameron Diaz in the film “Knight and Day”, 2010, 20th Century Fox) Life is good, when we are on the right track, things are going really well when we are focused, grounded, centered on the One who created us. Life is bad, very bad, when we are not. When we choose to go our own way. When we get to the fork in the road, and we choose to walk the way we are pulled by our human nature rather than follow Christ in the way He intends. Consider this scene from the film, “Knight and Day” star...

So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. (Colossians 3:13-14 MSG) Some of you are in a battle today for your life, For your marriage, For your children, So when you wake up to this day….. #1. What is your FOCUS ? What is your first thought? First spoken word? First action? What is the primary driving force in your life today? #2. Where is your ACCOUNTABILITY ? How are choosing to live a life that is transformed by Christ? Who do you trust and who are you making consistent time to meet with, relate to, pray with, study the Word? Where are you going to church? Are you in a supportive community group? Are you seeking ...

O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1 NLT My favorite part of my day is the first hour of my work day. I’m not a morning person, and thankfully it always seems to work out that the first hour of my work day is very quiet. Perfect for me to get focused, centered, completely in sync with my Father God and prepared for the day ahead. I have a great set up being at the front office reception area, floor to ceiling windows, and the view is lovely. It inspires my prayer time to look out at the big trees, watch the squirrels and birds moving about their morning, and just take in God’s creation. I can’t imagine living a day in my life without first stopping to consider what our Father God has created and provided to us. I cannot imagine taking that for granted. I cannot imagine living in a way that would reflect anything other than my commitment t...

The path of life leads upward for the wise; They leave the grave behind. (Proverbs 15:24 NLT) Fear or Freedom. What’s it going to be? I can think of several people in my life right now, whose lives are not a full and complete reflection of what Christ intends. But before my heart and mind goes to them, I would be foolish not to examine closely how I myself have chosen to align my life fully with Christ. If I’m honest, I’m not always doing it right. But what is my measurement? Is it Christ, or do I start questioning how it all looks to the people around me? Am I more concerned about how I am able to pull it off, make my life look as if I have it all together? Or am I drawn to the Father and welcoming His correction? Fear of rejection, of not receiving the approval of those around me in whom I trust for advice, mentoring, support, it’s a struggle. I don’t like it, I don’t want to disappoint but at the same time I consider myself to be a confident and independent person wh...

You make known to me the path of life… (Psalm 16:11 NIV) My daughter hit a “crisis” moment recently, the reality of what she has yet to accomplish in her pursuit of her college degree and ultimately doing what she is most passionate about. Add to that, the reality of life in general as she is preparing to be an independent and self-sufficient adult in this world. And it’s all heightened and intensified even more because of her anxiety/OCD. Preparing a child for life launch, well, at times it just makes me want to vomit right out. I cannot believe the task God has entrusted to me! Mercy! My son is entering into his senior year in high school next Fall. Gulp. How is that even possible?! We need to get him to college visits this summer, start getting college admission applications filled out and sent in, then schedule senior pictures, plan a graduation party, then there’s the graduation ceremony, etc, oh my goodness, so much to do. And I haven’t even begun. Well, that’s no...

…. Seek His will in all you do, And He will show you which path to take. (Proverbs 3:6 NLT) Do you remember the first time your heart was broken? Trust was shaken? I think I was a freshman in high school when I met the first guy who would capture my heart-oh, those big blue dreamy eyes! We had just moved to Springfield in the winter of 1984, so we had lived here nearly 2 years I guess at that point. What would only be a matter of months I think, felt like an eternity to me. Teenage crushes are brutal, and the absolute worst in my opinion. When you are that young, and the hormones are raging, and you are in such an awkward stage trying to find your self-confidence and self-worth, the impact of any disappointment at this stage in life can have a catastrophic impact. I know you have been there, so journey with me for a moment back to that feeling. It’s almost a euphoric feeling, isn’t it? Young “love”. I used quotations for that because at that stage in life, we really do...

I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. (Jeremiah 31:25 NIV) In my 46 years of life on this planet, I have experienced my share of failures and triumphs. I have received more criticism than I would prefer, both personal and professional, but I have chosen to use it to propel me forward. When circumstances seemed to be at their worst, I chose to trust God, tell Him, “Okay, Lord, I know You have got this, I hear You and I am moving forward!” and I am thankful, incredibly thankful for the experience the journey has brought me. I have more confidence, more tenacity, less concern for what others think and a greater appreciation for finding my own version of balance. I am not perfect by any means-I know I need to take more time out to rest and re-charge, eat a little less (stress eating-oy!), exercise more and above all take more time to lean in and be still in the presence of my Father God. There.is.not.enough.time! This week alone, my tired is tired. Last night I had t...

‘I have told you this so that you may have peace in Me…..’ John 16:33 God, I’m not at peace right now. I spend more time day to day trying to lighten the load on my brain, giving it over to You, because the stress, the worry, the weight of it all doesn’t ever let up. The ‘What if …?’ questions circle through my mind constantly. For my husband, for my children, for our aging parents and their health challenges, for family and friends facing any number of challenges in their lives, for our country as we watch so much unfold amongst our leaders that is unhealthy, unreasonable, unimaginable, just completely unacceptable. And yet, You are not surprised by any of this. This world is not our home. This world is not perfect and not what you intended when you created Eden. What a mess we have made of things, Lord. We spend far too much time trying to make this world what we think it ought to be, rather than starting by focusing on You and Your intent, Your purpose, Your plan. How...

“Keep on asking, and you will receive… Keep on seeking, and you will find…. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened…” (Matthew 7:7 NLT) Ask me what keeps my heart tuned to my Father God, and I will tell you: Prayer. How do I deal with the day to day stress and mess, all that I realize I must accomplish the moment my feet touch the floor: Prayer. When I am completely overwhelmed with worries for my husband, my children, my family, my friends, I am turning to the only action I know will bring swift release: Prayer. My quiet time today was a perfectly timed reminder of what the purpose of prayer is: Our focus, our intent as we enter into prayer is key . Are you praying to get an answer, a relief, the thing that you think will fix your current circumstance or life challenge? -OR- Are you praying to grow closer to the God who created you and loves you? If we are focused as our God intends, our prayer habit is absolutely about one thing and one thing alone: ...

We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. 1 John 5:19 NIV Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:10-12 NIV There is ONE powerful solution to the issues we are facing in our country, in our world today. There is only ONE way to end the evil that continues to occur. The GOSPEL which Christ instructed His disciples to share the day He ascended into heaven. The GOSPEL which speaks of a God who created us, called us, and inspires us daily to be more than what we have experienced in this human life. Why are we carrying on with this urgent need to place blame on someone, or something, desperate for an und...