“At age 3, Isaiah Austin had already attended basketball camp and could dribble between his legs. Despite being blind in one eye and lacking depth perception, Austin worked tirelessly in pursuit of his lifelong dream: playing in the NBA.
“The 7-foot Baylor University center, described as having ‘limitless potential that inspires daydreams,’ was projected to be top-round pick in this year’s NBA draft. Yet four days before the draft, the results of a blood test showed that Austin has Marfan syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects the connective tissue. High-level physical exertion could rupture his heart. The diagnosis ended his basketball career immediately.
“What happened next was truly inspiring: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, with great compassion and kindness, invited Austin to attend the high-profile NBA draft event, then fulfilled one part of the dream by ceremoniously “drafting” Austin in the first round.
“But what Austin did is most remarkable of all. Calling his reversal of fortune an opportunity for a ‘new beginning,’ Austin tweeted: ‘Blessed is all I can say. Thankful is all I can be. I know God has a plan.’
“Austin promptly created a Dream Again campaign to support the Marfan Foundation, and is spreading the message of not taking anything for granted. Many people talk about having faith, but one never knows until they are tested at the core. This week, Isaiah Austin showed that he walks the walk. ‘I have a whole life ahead of me,’ he said. ‘When one door closes, God opens another.’”
When Austin was squeezed by life, Jesus oozed out for all to see. Oh by the way, the preceding article was written by Rabbi Shraga Simmons. What a Jesus story as Austin has an every day faith that others can see.
“S”et Free Nowww

A sports journalist recently asked a very famous baseball player and recovering drug user why he doesn’t watch ESPN, follow any of the critics, or read anything written about him. The athlete answered, “I separate myself from that stuff because it will drive you crazy. The best thing you can do is not read it at all. All that can do is bring resentment and bitterness. You can’t live a productive life having that stuff in you.”
Sounds like the FREEdom process in action, doesn’t? This athlete is a strong believer in Jesus who knows that if he lets the journalist’s negative critiques of his play enter his brain, that line of coke is just waiting for him around the corner. He also knows that he has no control over what others think or say about him.
He does have control over his walk with Christ. He does have control over his choice to “do the good works” God created him to do, which in this one instance is to play baseball. He knows that whatever he does in word or in deed, he’s to do it all “in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”
Because of this, the writer noted, “For someone who smiles a lot, the guy really knows how to take the fun of this business.” This athlete smiles because he’s living in freedom, not just from his drugs of choice, but because he’s filtering out the negative responses of others that could cost him his freedom.
Know who you’re playing for…and it’s not to please the critics! You’re a secure of child God who can please Jesus by doing what He asks you to do with and for Him. So play for Him. Let His smile will rub off onto your face!
“S”et Free Nowww

A special ops officer once said, “When your time comes to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Live your life that the fear of death never enters your heart.”
A healthy secure child of God never has to fear death or waste time regretting how they lived because they’re too busy experiencing real living right now. As a secure child of God chooses to use the tools from their life giving toolbox, the Bible, they’ll experience the life Jesus gives – one with meaningful purpose and life-connecting love.
My friends, God is not dead, but alive and well. He wants to walk with His children wherever they are at each given moment throughout their day. Each task done in His presence is real life being experienced. Choose then to walk with Jesus today in your thoughts, your emotions, your words and your actions; and you’ll never regret how you lived and be ready to leave this planet because you’ll already be and feel alive.
“S”et Free Nowww

A key question to ask is, “Do I really want to see my life changed or simply made comfortable?” I’m not sure how it is in the rest of the world, but the entitlement idea – someone owes me something – has crept into the American church.
The truth is that God owes me nothing. I owe Him everything. The truth is that others can’t solve my problems for me. I have to take responsibility for my own reactions to life’s situations.
I have to take responsibility for what’s already in my head, no matter who put it there. I have to take responsibility for what’s trying to get into my head as well; because the truth is, we are who we are today because of what was put into our brains yesterday.
What are you going to do about it? Whine about how it’s not your fault? Does it matter? It’s still there. It’s time to take responsibility for the life Christ has given you. There is forgiveness when we repent, but our choices today still affect our tomorrow. We can either own up to our Christ-given ability to choose to listen to and follow Jesus or we can choose to let someone else control us.
Who would you rather have control your life? It is indeed your choice and your responsibility. Choose wisely my friend; your peace today and joy tomorrow depend upon the choice you make.
“S”et Free Nowww

Last time we talked about the truth that Jesus took what I deserved in order to give me what I didn’t deserve. He took my beating I deserved for the sin and stupid decisions I make.
Since this is true for both me and you, why do we beat ourselves up when we blow it? Our enemy is already laughing at us, why give him more to laugh about?
The next time you mess up, don’t waste time beating yourself up. Jesus already took your beating. Rather, spend time thanking Jesus instead. It will do your attitude good.
“S”et Free Nowww