Christ-centered Emotional Healing
Discover the heart of the Father for his daughters in the Kingdom of God and step into Owning Your Assignment.
This Bible Study is open to all women who want to join. Bring your sisters and friends of all ages!
We will be going through the “Own Your Assignment” by Bethany Hicks and her corresponding Workbook as well.
Please Register by emailing us at Office@RedeemingFreedom.org
Jesus conquered death, stepped out of the tomb, and revealed himself to Mary, calling her by name. Yesterday we celebrated Easter Sunday, but let’s not forget the season we are in. It’s over these next 40 days that Jesus revealed himself to hundreds of others. He walked the roads, cooked fish on the shore, invited himself to secret lockdown prayer meetings.
These are the days when people discovered tombs that had been cracked open. Men and women both screamed in shock as their righteous relatives, who had been certifiably dead, now wandered local streets giving a friendly wave to friends and family. Jesus was the first of the resurrected dead. He woke up a few friends to join him in his campaign to reveal his resurrection power. The revelation of His victory over death was documented by more than Mary and the the disciples and it sent a shockwave through the empire.
We are now in the season of testimony where Christ is Revealed and His Resurrection Power is displayed tangibly. Lets ask Jesus to do it again…
Jesus, we invite you to shock the neighbors with your glory and power on full display! Reveal yourself in us, and change hearts and lives with your resurrection power. Draw all people to you, calling them by name.
Don’t miss out on what Jesus is doing right now. We invite you to be praying with our team these three things over the next 40 days:
Leslie
I wept the moment I realized the limits of my faith had stopped me from asking God for all that she needed. It had not even crossed my mind it was an option. It would have been an audacious prayer… it would have required audacious faith. Faith with no boundaries. Audacious faith takes Jesus at His Word and believes “Nothing is Impossible with God.”
Weeks after ministering to her, I stood there in a service where God renewed someone’s skin. A sweet, twelve year old girl who had scars up and down both arms from emotional torment. Without even asking, God had renewed her skin. Wiped away her past, healed her heart, and redeemed her soul. The young girl was weeping at His love, His gift of a fresh start. I was stunned. My faith was stunned. Stunned by Jesus’s love for his people and His limitless power. And why not? Jesus has been cleansing skin for a while now. Sickness and disease… it leaves scars on the heart and the body. And yet, Jesus consistently cleansed and renewed their skin. Why not for her?
We were all crying at the power of God’s love. But I was weeping. At the impact of God’s love and at the unbelief I saw in my heart. For the miracles people didn’t receive because I didn’t ask. God’s word says Jesus has all authority. Authority over the law, authority over healing, authority over demons, authority over wind, authority over the sea. In Christ, the entire cosmos is held together. He hasn’t changed. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. But somewhere along the way, I had put boundaries on my faith.
What holds us back? Not receiving the answer we ask? A very wise woman (my mother) used to tell me, “Leslie, if you ask, at the very least you have a chance. The only definite “No” is when you do not ask.” Jesus said we do not have because we do not ask. Then He tells us to ask persistently. Like the audacious widow seeking justice and the audacious neighbor seeking a solution. Audacious faith and audacious persistence go hand in hand. We don’t stop at the first heartbeat of silence.
What if nothing happens? Embarrassment? Maybe. Disappointment? Definitely. Angry Response? Possibly. But I’ve prayed for hundreds of people and never had anyone mad at me for carrying their burdens. And even in sorrow and disappointment, Jesus is still beside you. He never leaves you or forsakes you. No matter the fires you walk through, you cannot be separated from His love. We have to love people more than our pride, more than our fear of rejection, more than our fear of disappointment. Compelled by love and compassion, we must move in audacious faith because He has audacious love.
And because nothing is impossible with God.
Leslie
Perhaps J.R.R. Tolkien was describing the Western Church when he wrote, “people considered them very respectable, not only because most of them were rich, but also because they never had any adventures or did anything unexpected.” What would an adventure with God look like? What would it be like to shake off the safe world we have created for ourselves and allow the Holy Spirit to lead us out of our comfort zones and personal preferences? What if this year we removed the bumper rails we’ve put up around our hearts and became a people who lived like nothing is impossible with God?
Jesus is calling His Bride to pull her hair back, lace up her boots and strap on her weapons. It’s time to go all in with His Spirit. Shake off the doubt, skepticism, and unbelief we’ve been hiding behind. Jesus either is who He says he is, or He isn’t worthy of our worship.
Maybe that sounds bold to you, but if it is true, it changes everything. Unbelief and skepticism are dangerous. They warp our perspective of who God is and what He can do. And the price of unbelief is far greater than anything we ever dreamed of. Listen to Jesus’s personal response to unbelief and perversion:
“You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you?” – Jesus
Matt 17:17 NIV
Fresh from his transfiguration, Jesus re-enters town to find his disciples brawling in the street with the pharisees over a little boy who is foaming at the mouth and having violent seizures. His reaction is certainly is not what we would expect it to be. Instead of compassion and mercy for their unbelief, He unleashes angry exasperation on the leaders and links the boy’s deaf and mute spirit to the cultural unbelief and perversion of that day.
The word for perverse here is “diastrepho” which means distorted, corrupted, misinterpreted, or perverse. When we see God through a perverted perspective, we are worshipping something distorted. We exchange the true nature of God (with whom nothing is impossible) for something of our own making. This is not just unbelief, it is idolatry.
Unbelief and idolatry are both linked with the deaf and mute spirit. We see in Luke 1:62 that Gabriel did not just strike Zechariah mute because of his unbelief, he also struck him deaf. Unbelief works to maintain the safety of the familiar. Because if we believe that nothing is impossible with God, then we are required to live a supernatural life charged by faith that defies the impossible. Yet, we find unbelief useful because it maintains a god shaped by our personal preferences. Unfortunately, the price we pay is higher than we ever dreamed of.
Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him. But their idols are… made by human hands. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. They have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but cannot smell. They have hands, but cannot feel, feet, but cannot walk, nor can they utter a sound with their throats. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.
Psalms 115:3-8
Eventually, the physical condition reflects the spiritual condition. If we allow our spiritual senses to become deadened by unbelief and a perverted perspective of God, then what is spiritually true will become physically true. Hearing problems, seeing problems, breathing problems, mobility issues are often reflective of the spiritual condition of the heart. The Deaf and Mute spirit, which is how Jesus diagnosed the situation in Matthew 17, found an open door through cultural unbelief and their perverse perspective of God.
In what ways has the unbelief and perverse perspective of our culture muted your ability to believe and perceive spiritual reality? Do you believe that nothing is impossible with God? If you surrender your comfort zones and personal preferences to the Holy Spirit, where will He take you this year? What adventures with the Father await? Faith believes that anything with God is possible and takes action by bringing an inferior reality in submission to heaven’s reality. Nothing is impossible with God.
What is spiritual freedom? How do you know you are spiritually free? Or perhaps a better question is, what is spiritual bondage and are you be able to recognize it in your life? Is it even possible to be a Christian and have need for spiritual freedom?
When you find yourself driven to do something you don’t like doing anymore, but you have lost your self-control. Feeling compelled toward a behavior in such a way is an indication of spiritual bondage. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have been diagnosed (although perhaps you have), but the loss of self-control in even a small area of your life means there has been a loss of free will.
Behaviors that cause harm to yourself physically or self-sabotaging behaviors as you move forward toward success. These unhealthy patterns often abort the success of a job or a relationship. Severe self-harm includes inflicting physical pain on self and suicidal thoughts and tendencies. Similar to that of a spectrum, self-harm shows up in a wide range of behaviors.
Pulling away more and more from your family, your marriage, your friendships, and your community. Darkness thrives when you’re not in relationship with others. Isolation enables the lies that circle your mind to take root because no one is there to help you combat them.
Science is the “systematic study and knowledge of the physical or material world gained through observation and experimentation.” However, the spiritual is not material. But it often masquerades as such. Many illnesses and afflictions are sourced in the physical: environment, lifestyle, diet, genetics, and so on. But when the source of the illness/affliction is spiritual, even the best medical and mental health communities cannot pinpoint the source and find helpful treatment. While the mysterious symptoms can be observed, the source remains evasive and treatment elusive. Eventually your sleep, relationships, and vocation, as well as your emotional and mental health are impacted. Unexplained and untreatable illness or affliction is a common indicator of spiritual bondage.
When behavior brings personal shame and humiliation to you and your family members. This is not the embarrassing moment people laugh about at ice breakers. This is a deep, gut-wrenching humiliation that makes you choke on your words as you try to talk about it. This shame and humiliation destroys human dignity.
Spiritual Freedom is a deep, abiding inner peace. Rooted in an identity and freedom that isn’t determined by the external or the internal, but the eternal. Spiritual freedom is reflected in the physical, emotional, relational, and financial areas of life being free of bondage. Jesus said, “I am the way the truth and the life… the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy but I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” John 10.
Can Christians experience spiritual bondage? In Christ, we have access to total and complete freedom. He transferred us from the kingdom of darkness into His kingdom of light and life. It brings Jesus joy and glory to see you walking in the total freedom He purchased you. But having access to spiritual freedom does not mean you are experiencing spiritual freedom. He gave you the keys to your freedom. Will you choose to use them?
Complacency is the enemy of freedom. Complacency says, “It’s not so bad, others have it worse.” Complacency says, “I’ve dealt with this for years, I’m used to it.” Complacency normalizes spiritual bondage. But the Spirit of Truth shines a light of the disguise of complacency. Truth champions freedom.
Jesus longs to restore you to your position of dignity and authority in Him. If anything we’ve covered in this post today sounds even a little familiar, don’t let complacency steal another moment of your life. Ask a Certified Emotional Healing Practitioner at Redeeming Freedom about our Free In Christ program today. Our team is here for you.
What started out as a prayer team with a verse from Luke, ended with Jesus Christ healing celiac. God is personal. He knows your heart. He knows the wounds and the scars, and in His awesome love, He heals. He loves us wholly and completely.
Sometimes it’s easy to forget how beautiful the love of God is and how far it reaches. At Redeeming Freedom Ministries, we never really know what God is going to do next, only that it is going to be awesome. And Jesus Christ? …well, He does all the work so He gets ALL the credit.
What about you? “What are you carrying that you are not meant to carry?”
Schedule your appointment today: office@redeemingfreedom.org
What do you do with ALL those feelings? Many have certainly linked feelings and emotions to physical health. But we are going to address their interactive role with soul and spirit.
Depending on who you ask, some religious circles dismiss feelings and emotions because they are tangibly influenced by factors such as food, sleep, hormones, stress… Yet, your entire physiological person – body, soul, and spirit – gives those feelings honor by responding to them. Immediately.
Feelings can be regarded as life’s sign posts along the road. Informative. They do not choose your direction, only identify it. They inform you of the enviornment you are passing through, what you can expect ahead and what you left behind.
When you give your life to Christ, and we become a new creation, the old is gone and all things are made new which includes your feelings. As you grow in Christlike character, as His light pierces the darkness of your heart bringing healing to old wounds, a transformation takes place.
Your feelings, your old road signs, are being transformed too. The old Pleasantville is no longer pleasant. The old environments are no longer enjoyable, the old jokes are now grating. The old lies are no longer binding and the old fears are no longer threatening. Our feelings, sanctified by Christ, reflect these changes.
One reason for this, is that God designed our emotions to play a massive role in our spiritual discernment. Emotions honed by God’s truth are a helpful tool in spiritual discernment and often lead us to choose healthy, appropriate responses.
For example, after giving your life to Christ, let’s say you walk into your family’s Thanksgiving and immediately negativity surrounds you, pulling your emotions down into a dark place. Before Christ, you would have relished the argument… even started a few. Now, you grieve the division. What happened? God happened! Christ changes everything.
When we submit ourselves to Jesus’s transforming power, our emotions are made new as well. Allow God to recalibrate them. Submit your feelings, no matter what they are (God isn’t scared), to His truth so that when they do show up, you are not afraid to address them.
When you do find an emotion that is out of place, a trigger flaring up when it shouldn’t, thank God for that sign post too. This is the Holy Spirit, loving you enough to reveal the places in you that still need the freedom of God’s transforming love.
Declaring freedom and light over you in Jesus’s name.
– Leslie
Looking back at 2022 we are so grateful for all the Lord is doing. Thankful too, for the incredible team that serves with love, experience, and grace and a community that has supported and welcomed us into it. Above is a just a snapshot of the wonderous things Jesus did this last year.
As we prayerfully look forward to 2023, we anticipate all that God is calling us into. We continue to focus on Emotional Healing, Healing Art, ministry to the sick, and training and equipping believers to advance the kingdom of God through classes and studies.
Healing Art has grown and we are excited to be partnering with churches across town to bring it to their ministry teams, bible studies, teen and young adult ministries. If you are interested in having Healing Art at your church, please contact us at Office@RedeemingFreedom.org.
In 2022 we also developed two Bible Study series for adults designed for church groups:
Childlike Faith Class. Beginning in the Spring, parents and kids will get to meet online with RFM director Leslie Crouse once a week to pepper her with all the theological questions kids have. No holding back! Using the 90-Day Tired Mamas Pray prayer journal as a daily guide for scripture and prayer, parents and kids will have a chance to take 5 minutes together with God and dive into His word.
In response to your requests, we now have RFM Memberships! Memberships are an opportunity for you to co-labor with us in the training, equipping and activation of God’s people. From individual memberships, to corporate and church memberships, we have something for you.
We joyfully pray for our members daily, bringing your needs before the Father with the knowledge that He is a miracle-working God, who does “exceedingly abundantly above all that we could ask or think” (Eph. 3:20). We do more together than we could ever do alone, and we build this community together through a dedication and commitment to advancing the Kingdom.
Praying the Spirit of Truth would draw us all deeply into His presence in 2023 and set us apart for Him!
Leslie Crouse, Director
November 2022
I recently completed my first session at Redeeming Freedom Ministry and I couldn’t wait to share the work that God has began. I reached out to this ministry because I’m walking through a rough season in my marriage and through this season the Lord has really been working on me individually and all the brokenness I came into my marriage with. I was referred by my mentor, not having much of an idea what to expect but through confirmation from God, I knew I needed to go.
God met me right where I was that day, with a hungry desire to know Him more but unable to get past the walls I had built around my heart. The staff so lovingly walked me through each lie of the enemy I had stored in my heart and guided me back to the loving arms of Jesus with His truth.
During my session I felt the weight of each brick lifting off of me as the Lord broke chains over my mind and unlocked the chains around my heart. I was overwhelmed with the clear answers He gave me as I was guided to my own freedom.
I left my session that day with forgiveness, not only for others but also myself. I left with a love for myself that I hadn’t experienced since I was a little girl but what impacted me the most was the love and acceptance from my Heavenly Father I was met with. I never knew what kind of love I was missing out on until my heart was softened and I was able to forgive myself to receive His perfect love.
That session has forever impacted my life, it has changed the mother I am to my children and I am believing it will change the wife I will have the opportunity to be again soon. To walk in the love and confidence and authority as a daughter of the King has completely changed my life. I am so thankful for the staff praying with me and guiding me through that session without judgement. Truly being the hands and feet of Jesus. I still have some more work to do and am eager for another session but I know, He who began a good work in me will be faithful to finish it.
-Jordan H.
I first met Krista in May 2022. She had just been diagnosed with the lung disease Pulmonary Fibrosis. The prognosis was discouraging and she was asking us to stand with her in asking Jesus for healing.
Krista grew up attending the universalist church engaging and participating in many different types of worship. Homelessness turned into prostitution, prostution to sex trafficking. And while in those years the enemy tried to re-write her story, Jesus had other plans.
Krista gave her life to the Lord and He has been with her through the pain, trauma and heartache. But this summer, Krista decided to go deeper with God. She wanted freedom.
She repented, listing by name, of all agreements and participation in other religions. She cried out forgiving every person who had hurt, betrayed, and used her, asking God to forgive them too.
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
James 5:16 ESV
Last week, on September 14th, Krista went in for a follow-up CT scan on her lungs. The official medical record states under Findings,
On September 25th 2022, Krista rededicated her life again to Jesus and was water baptized. At Redeeming Freedom Ministries, we give Jesus Christ the standing ovation of praise He deserves. He alone is the One who saves, heals and delivers to the uttermost.
Sanctification is a process, and Krista, as you lean into Christ, know that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6 ESV
Praise God for His unending love!
Leslie
As children, we connect feelings and experiences to colors and shapes long before words come along. In RFM’s Christ-centered Healing Art Session, you will reconnect feelings and experiences to colors and shapes, discovering truth, forgiveness and healing along the way.
What’s it like? In a Healing Art Session, there is a group of about 6-12 individuals. No one verbally shares the details of what comes up, but expresses them with paint on canvas instead. Healing Art Sessions are about discovering healing through forgiveness, truth and color. Reasons why you should sign up now:
The Lord showed me truth about His love for me and how He is always with me. He has me covered even in the messes. I felt peace within His presence and in hearing His voice. I needed to feel connected to Him and He met me right here and used colors and art to show me His love and truth. I now have a visual reminder of what He showed me and I can draw peace from them when things get messy because I now see Him there.
–Michele C.
Today the Lord brought to light the hurt and separation I was feeling towards Jesus. I was able to intimately talk to Jesus and let go of the control I was holding on to. I put my trust in Him and He showed me how much He cares and loves me. I was able to reconnect, let go, and be set free of feelings I didn’t not know had a hold of me. Jesus is my healer and He wants to heal!
–Lori W.
The Lord revealed to me that even though I have grown spiritually with Him, and had known the truth, the lie that I had believed was still hovering in the background shedding its cloud at every turn. Since going through Redeeming Freedom I am now free from the lie. It no longer does it have its hold on me and as a result I will hear from the Lord more clearly and release His word over people who He wishes to reveal Himself to.
I will no longer be in doubt nor question hearing His voice.–Teresa R.
When you tell your story others realize they aren’t alone. They catch a glimmer of hope. By telling your story in it’s truest form, you are asking God to do it again for someone else. You “re-present” Jesus. This month, at Redeeming Freedom Ministries, we will be focusing on testimonies. Collecting them. Documenting them. Releasing them.
In Hebrew, the root word for “testimony” literally translated means to “duplicate, restore, to do it again.” When you tell your story, you are releasing God’s glory into the atmosphere and asking him to do it again. You push back unbelief, hopelessness and despair by remembering what he has done and who you are in Christ. Israel had their stones of remembrance and the ark. Jesus has us. We are His walking, talking testimony because we carry Him with us and we release His glory with something as simple as a conversation.
They conquered the enemy by the blood of the lamb and by the word of their testimony. Revelation 12:11
Tell the world exactly what Jesus did for you. Don’t add to it. Don’t polish it. Don’t take anything away from it. Be true. Every time you share, God gets the glory again and again. Boldly ask God to to re-release His glory into the life of someone else.
So, what is your story?
We will be collecting video testiminies of what Jesus has done! If you have a story and you are interested in helping us release His glory, please comment below or send us an email. We love to hear the stories of God’s grace, forgiveness and power.
Leslie
I have lost count of those who sat across from me devastated by church wounds. Is that you? Something felt off and before you knew it you were silenced, isolated, berated and labeled unteachable. One of the biggest reasons for church wounds is an infiltration of the spirit of idolatry.
Oh yes. Idolatry is still alive and well, ruthlessly tormenting genuine believers. Simply put, idolatry is a counterfeit of the Living God. A distraction, a substitute. The spirit of idolatry seeks to steal worship, distract us from our true mission and drain our time and resources so we do not do what God has purposed. Because it hides within religion, it appears holy. But to those who are in tune with the Spirit of God, there is a friction that rubs the wrong way.
How do you know if idolatry is creeping in? Below is a quick checklist. If you find four or more, ask the Holy Spirit to increase your discernment and give you eyes to see and hears to hear.
The identity and self-worth of those around you has become tightly bound to the establishment. You will see establishment symbols, car decals, and clothing identifying those who worship at this altar. Leviticus 26:1
TRUTH: Jesus Christ alone gives us our identity in Father God. He made you into a new creation and approved you, therefore in Christ you are worthy. Worthy to speak. Worthy to enter. Worthy to work. 2 Corinthians 10: 17-18
Feeling like an outsider because you don’t fall in line with the approved culture. Leadership may say they value differences of opinion and perspective but speaking and looking different feels unsafe. Psalm 12:2
TRUTH: Jesus chose twelve men from diverse backgrounds. His decision illustrates his value for diversity. Experiences. Opinions. Perspectives. Races. People who love God passionately are called to build bridges. Groupthink is all about control. Diversity is God’s antidote. 1 Corinthians 12
Collection of gifts and financial offerings for leadership. Presented as “honoring” leadership but used to curry and exchange favor. Idolatry seeks to earn alliances and favors through the giving and receiving of gifts. 2 Kings 5, Judges 8:22-31
TRUTH: As Christians, we are encouraged to give with a cheerful heart, in secret and expecting nothingin return. Not by compulsion but by the leading of the Holy Spirit. 2 Corinthians 9:7
Confusing power with authority. When leadership makes unilateral decisions and others are expected to align without question you have a leader driven by power. Those not in agreement become an enemy to “growth.” You are isolated, often with false accusations made against you. 1 Kings 21: 6-13
TRUTH: Jesus walked in all the power and authority of heaven itself. Yet, even Christ did not lord over his people. He shared with the disciples all the Father was speaking. He included them in his plans. Even now, as he sits on the throne, he intercedes for us and is consistently including and partnering with us. Matt 20:25-28, John 15:14-16
Greeters bouncing around in parking lots twirling signs while announcement videos are packed full of exaggerated voices to pump people up and create energy in the worshippers. Exodus 32:17
TRUTH: The Holy Spirit is full of explosive power and light, miracles and joy, life and freedom. One encounter with the Living God breaks addictions and destroys sickness, restores marriages and families. When religious institutions lack the Spirit of the Living God, they manufacture it with hype. Ephesians 1:17-23
When idolatry is present, the spiritual senses of leadership become dulled. The physical eventually yields to the spiritual. Hearing issues, eyesight issues, nose and sinus issues, speech impediments… physical ailments that do not clear up despite medical attention. Psalm 115:4-8
TRUTH: Our physical senses correlate to our spiritual senses. Our discernment and sensitivity we have to God’s voice. Our ability to hear his voice. “Sniff out” something that is spiritually off. Speak words of knowledge and wisdom. Matthew 13:9-17, 1 Corinthians 12
It’s more subtle today, but idolatry still wants you to sacrifice your family. They ask your children to endure several services so you can serve more. They tell you to pull your children from sports to support the goals of the ministry. Move them a grade to accommodate the mission. Missing recitals and games in the name of ministry. Joshua 6:26, 1 Kings 16:32-34
TRUTH: God gave us the family unit as our first mission field. We are to teach our children, train them up in God’s ways and walk along the road of life with them. They do not come second to our ministry. They are our first ministry. Deuteronomy 6:6-7, Ephesians 5
Jesus knows all about church wounds and he can to heal the brokenhearted. Maybe you got out years ago and still feel like areas of your life are still held back by your experiences. If that is your story I urge you to seek the Lord for healing and freedom. If you want to schedule an appointment with our team, send us an email at office@redeemingfreedom.org. We do online appointments and in-person appointments.
6:00pm – 8:00pm
1720 Sunset Inn Rd, Branson MO
This is an Acts 19:19 Night!
Bring anything from your past that you want to be ride of, and we will help you dispose of it. Books, movies, costumes… as a public act of worship, let’s set ourselves apart for Christ!
Live Worship
Family Yards Games & Hay Rides
Bonfires & Smores
Bring your own blankets, chairs, and snacks!
A book of remembrance was written in His presence concerning those who feared the LORD and honored His name. “On the day that I act,” says the LORD, “they will be my treasured possession.” – Malachi 3:16-17
A vision.
I stood at the threshold of my chambers in heaven. Jesus approached smiling. He wore a white tunic shirt, white linen pants, and was in bare feet. He offered His arm and together we turned toward a massive hallway with soaring pillars. There were people lining the walls on both sides of us, dressed in their best wedding attire reflecting every nation and tribe they came from.
They seemed to be a part of me, family members I loved deeply, but had not yet met.
As we walked, between each pillar were paintings. As we would drew near to a painting, it would come alive like a movie capturing the moment in real time. As we passed, the paintings would become still again. All things came alive in Jesus’s presence. I looked at him in wonder.
On my right, I saw paintings of battle scenes. Every battle I had ever been a part of in any large or small way. Every realm was captured here: men, women, children, angels, and demons. The veil between the realms was gone and I could easily see all realms in full detail.
Each capturing the moment in battle when the victory of Christ manifested.
On my left, were softer paintings. An encouraging word given. A hug shared. Laughter shared between friends. Me sitting and comforting someone in the dirt. As we passed, these scenes also came alive. Unbeknownst to those in the painting, the manifestation of Christ’s love changed the surrounding landscape of the people in the painting. Barren places came alive with colorful flowers and green grass. Dry places became wellsprings of water bubbling up as joy released.
Each scene captured the love of Christ manifested.
Every quiet hug, every tear shed, every prayer prayed, every battle participated in. Overwhelmed, my eyes lifted to the ceiling and I saw an archway with the words:
I realized, we must be in my wing of the mansion as these paintings were scenes from my life. Though I felt no pride in myself, for these were not my victories. This was not the impact of my love. I looked over with pride at Jesus who beamed his light and joy.
These were His victories, His love made manifest.
I saw the faces of the people we passed and realized each one has a hallway full of Jesus’s victories and love made manifest. This immense heavenly mansion was filled with endless hallways. Each on a living record. Realization dawned,
before even the foundation of the world Jesus had walked these hallways. Jesus saw the end from the beginning. He saw the family he would love and celebrate. The fruit of his obedience. It was the joy set before Him that led him to choose the cross.
As the weight of that settled into my heart, we continued walking and turned a corner. I saw a different wall. Full of wheelchairs, breathing machines, hearing aids, insulin kits, abandoned coffins – both adult and child sizes, and many many more hospital devices were hung as displays. I was confused because I remembered all the miracles I had seen, but these I had not seen before.
Faithfully I had laid my hands on the sick and commanded healing. Faithfully I continued to plant seeds of truth, watered faith, and weeded lies. Though there were times I did not see the harvest, neither did I allow disappointment to stop the love of Christ from flowing.
Jesus replayed for me the growth of my seeds. Together, I watched as the seeds had born fruit and others were able to harvest where I had sown. I had planted, another watered, and Jesus brought the increase.
I stood, shocked and wholly surprised by the impact my “unanswered prayers” had made upon the earth.
Jesus grinned at me, enjoying the moment of my surprise as He revealed the harvest I had not known about. As I walked that hall on the arm of my Bridegroom, we celebrated His love made manifest.
Every battle fought, every person loved was Jesus made manifest. I was a yielded vessel, His Bride, a burning one so in love that Jesus spilled out of me everywhere I went manifesting His love.
Do you have any idea how in love with you Jesus is? He saw you. He saw you. When he chose the cross, He saw your heart. He saw the trauma, the rejection yes, but he also saw what his love would do in you and in others. You see the Hall of Impact is a living display of Jesus’s book of remembrance. And he remembers every moment of this divine romance.
“Tell them of my love. Tell them they are my Treasured Possession, how I record their every righteous action.“
He had angels at his fingertips, but he chose the cross because he saw you and loved you. You were the joy set before him. You are his treasured possession. The cross was His love made manifest. Jesus knew the 39 lashes that tore his body would heal yours. He knew His trauma would remove all traces of your trauma. He knew the rejection and betrayal he experienced would heal the pain of your own betrayal. And through you, the exponential impact would be beyond human ability to record. But not heaven’s. Jesus records every moment.
The cross was Jesus’s love made manifest. Jesus Christ IS love made manifest.
Leslie Crouse
You asked, we created! In response to the numerous requests for more information on the spiritual authority we have in Christ Jesus, we have collaborated with Believer’s Authority International to create a new discipleship program that is launching in March!
Level 1 Discipleship program will focus on Identity in Christ, Faith, and Believer’s Authority. For 12 weeks this discipleship program will be online so you can join from anywhere and not miss a class while traveling. Every other week will be a live teaching with break out groups, and in the off week you will meet with an accountability group. Level 2 students will lead Level 1 students in mentoring groups so they are not just becoming disciples, they are also making disciples.
Call your friends, family, ministry teams, and bible study buddies because anyone who signs up with 2+ people can use the 50% discount code BAI2025 on your registration.
Jesus said we are not to hinder the little children from coming to him. Today, children are carrying pain, trauma, and burdens not intended for them and it is crushing their hearts. It’s time our children receive the same gentle healing Christ gives to all of us so freely. For ages 4-17, RFM Children’s Sessions focus on forgiveness, healing trauma, & removing fear. RFM honors the Biblical model of spiritual authority by incorporating parents & legal guardians into the healing process with personalized resources.
Parents and Guardians, we know you’re in the trenches. We know you are the ones walking them through their nightmares, the ones receiving the calls from school administration, and often feel helpless and discouraged as your family falls through the cracks in the system. But in Christ, that is not your portion. The Spirit of Christ encourages, equips and strengthens you for your call. And RFM wants to come alongside you and help by putting tools in your hands. If you or someone you know is interested in scheduling a Children’s session, you can contact us at office@redeemingfreedom.org or by phone 417-296-9787.
When Jesus heals and sets free someone in a session, there are always encouraging changes that roll out over their family. But the family is also a system and God has His eye on wholeness for your entire family.
So in order to partner with God’s heart for healing the whole family, we came up with the Family Bundle. This bundle includes four sessions at 15% off. Sessions can be any combination of Emotional Healing, Free in Christ, or Children’s sessions and used at your discretion toward members of your family.
In this workshop you will learn how to pray for the sick like Jesus and how to recognize and partner with the Holy Spirit as He moves. We will learn the Biblical foundation for healing, answer tough theological questions, and learn how to operate in Words of Knowledge.
2331 E Hwy 76, Branson, MO
Redeeming Freedom will be partnering with Shepherd’s Heart Ministries and Healing River Worship Center to host a Prayer & Praise Family Night at Persimmon Grove Retreat & Camp on October 31st. Jesus has transferred us from the dominion of darkness to the kingdom of light, so let’s shake off the things of this world and set our faces like flint toward Jesus, the hope of glory.
In honor of Acts 19:19, we will be celebrating Christ and our freedom from darkness with yard games, fall refreshments, chili, a bonfire, and a night of worship and prayer for our region. Come Holy Spirit!
Your family is invited!
(No costumes/candy please)
Have you been longing to see people gain deeper freedom in their lives?
Captives to trauma & prisoners to generational patterns are everywhere in our workplaces, churches, and ministries. Learn how to minister powerful freedom with the gentleness of the Prince of Peace.
Peacemakers Deliverance Training
Friday July 19th
Healing River Worship Center
265 Oak Ridge Rd, Walnut Shade, MO
6:00pm-9:00pm
For freedom Christ has set us free;
stand firm therefore, and do not submit again
to a yoke of slavery.
– Galatians 5:1
Featuring Shantell Matney &
RISE Worship
I had “bought” a lie that there are different tiers or levels of Christians. I thought a person was at a higher tier when I saw them sing on a praise team or pray a prayer. But Jesus showed me all are on equal ground at the foot of the cross. You see, the enemy sells lies. We pay a price to when we choose to buy into the lie: a cost of lost opportunities, peace, and joy.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
Jesus, John 10:10
Jesus’ truth is the opposite of the enemy’s lies. Jesus came to destroy the works of darkness so that we would have an abundant life. We are all in the process of sanctification. We are all being made whole in Christ. We may be on a different leg of the journey, but we have the same access to Jesus our Savior.
Upon the moment of Jesus’ death on the cross, there was a veil in the temple that was torn in two from top to bottom. Approximately four inches thick, sixty feet high, and thirty feet wide, that veil symbolized our separation from God’s presence. But upon Jesus’s death, God Himself ripped apart all that separated us from Him. A mighty and miraculous event, God demonstrated His heart to grant all who believe in Christ full access to Him. No more separation. No more religious tiers. All are on equal ground at the foot of the cross. All are welcome to boldly come before His throne of grace.
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:16
The holiness of God draws us near to Him as we pursue wholeness and sanctification. Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit, and God the Father are available to all who receive. No tiers. No levels. No separation.
Three women from very different social classes all stood side by side at the cross as Jesus died. And these same women stood in the garden as witnesses to His resurrection, being sent by Jesus as the first evangelists to share the good news with everyone else. Three distinctly different women, all equally stepping into the joy of the Lord together.
When we become brothers and sisters in Christ, we all stand at the foot of the cross together on equal ground. Redeeming Freedom Ministries exists because of Jesus and his mighty, miraculous life, death, and resurrection. We are here for one purpose: To in the name of Jesus see the tormented set free, those who have fatal diseases in their bodies healed, and to see those things broken made whole that God’s presence would truly rest upon this ministry and this region. We are asking Him to equip us, to accelerate us into His anointing and breakthrough for Jesus’s glory.
And what about you? Have you allowed the liar to disqualify you?
You are equally loved and equally accepted by Christ, equally commissioned to share in the ministry of the gospel to others.
Redeeming Freedom Ministries
We all stand on equal ground before the cross. Redeemed, restored, healed, and set free because of what Jesus finished. Will you join us in our mission? There’s a place for you.
Author: Carla Bradley
This is a question I am asked often so I decided to share the reasons our family does not celebrate Halloween.
Every Fall I find myself sitting around a table discussing a shared love: God’s Word. New Christians and long time believers inevitably discuss Halloween. And always the new believer sits in shock as someone speaks about their Halloween plans. The question always arises: “You celebrate Halloween? I thought Christians didn’t do that?” Nervous looks pass around the table as people feel called out. It’s a perfectly viable question. What friendship does light have with darkness? Can light and darkness come together one day a year to celebrate evil? The new believer tries to reconcile Halloween: evil, death, fear, murder, mutilation and sexual perversion with their new faith: God’s love, truth, redemption, gentleness, peace and light.
For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Satan?2 CORINTHIANS 6:14-15
Discerning truth is becoming harder in today’s world. We live in a culture that celebrates the many shades of grey. Yet, as a Christian I am called to discern light from darkness, truth from lie, good from evil and be the arrow that points people to God. Halloween asks me to build a friendship with the unholy that will hinder my discernment and befuddle my purpose.
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” – 1 Peter 2:9 …
“[Priests] are to teach my people the difference between the holy and the common and show them how to distinguish between the unclean and the clean.” – Ezekiel 44:23
Satan plays dirty. We are warned not to give him a foothold in our life. He kicks us when we are down and I have seen how ruthlessly he goes after our children. We know he will always steal, kill and/or destroy. No way will I throw open the door to my family with Halloween decorations and horror movies. Fear is a high ranking spirit in the kingdom of darkness and the devastation is more subtle than most suspect. As Christians, Brian and I are charged to guard our hearts and minds. As parents we are on the front lines when it comes to protecting the lives, hearts and minds of our children.
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. – Proverbs 4:23
Speaking of fear, many participate in Halloween because they fear their kids will rebel later if they miss out. First, I do not live by a spirit of fear nor do I make my decisions out of fear. Some of the worst decisions sprout from FOMO or the “fear of missing out.” It is my goal to teach my children how to overcome this weakness of human nature and not be a slave to fear – of any kind. My kids love dressing up in costume. We have a huge bin of costumes they wear routinely. No missing out there. They also receive inordinate amounts of candy at what seems like every holiday that rolls around (much to my chagrin). No missing out there either. My children are not missing out. And when they are old enough to make these choices for themselves, every child will have a spirit that is honed with the sensitivity they need to discern.
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ – Phillippians 1:9-10
I have more honest conversations with people about why we do not celebrate Halloween than at any other time of year. It is the mark of Christ that separates us from the world. Frankly speaking, I find nothing in Halloween worthy of my time, honor, worship, attention, money or recognition. We believe in life, truth, hope, forgiveness, healing, deliverance and all things that are honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, and noble. We do things that ignite God’s love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Sometimes it is hard for children to miss a party, but teaching them how to stand apart from the crowd is a powerful lesson I believe all children need. Christ will be their own decision, but in any circumstance they need not ever be a victim of group think. It is a powerful gift for a child to grow up knowing what it looks like to stand firm in convictions. If you seek an opportunity to be a witness to the love of God, I urge you to separate yourself from the world. Be ready with an answer when they ask why.
Honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil. – 1 Peter 3:15-17 (emphasis added)
“It was ours first. It’s named after All Hallows Eve.”
The druid and celtic holiday far proceeds the spread of the western church by 1000s of years. As Christianity did eventually make it north, church leaders saw the pagan festivals and wanted to re-direct their attention by establishing a “Christian holiday” over the pagan one and changing the name. And let’s face it, All Hallows Day is little more than a Christianized day of the dead.
Synchronization was a common strategy employed by the Romans and perfected by Constantine, whose primary interest was political advancement and conquering territory. He would conquer, establish a new national religion, and make peace by blending elements of the native religion with his nationalized Christianity.
However the pagan activities simply continued under a new name, All Hallows Eve.” And during the potato famine, when millions died and so many migrated to America, they brought their old religion practices with them. The dark deeds became such a problem, congress thought if they legalized the holiday, the mild, playful activities of children would tame the dark behavior.
Utter delusion.
But the delusion is beginning to fade. Darkness has reigned in our nation now with its own legalized holiday. With the keys to our children legally in the hands of death, perversity, and fear, we are seeing an explosion of suicide, murder, and perversity in our schools and youth.
Church, it’s time to stop playing patty-cake with the enemy and remember who you are. Put the tootsie roll down. We have a battle to fight.
This 2024, we want to invite you to our Prayer & Praise Family Night this year on October 31st at Persimmon Grove Retreat & Camp! Join us for a night of food, fellowship, yard games, bonfire, and worship and prayer.
You’re invited! This practical workshop is open to anyone who wants to learn to pray for the sick and understand the spiritual gift of Words of Knowledge.
We will talk about the ministry of Jesus, overcoming skeptical worldviews, and practical ways to cooperate with the Holy Spirit as you pray for the sick. There will be a time for Q & A as well as a time of ministry. This workshop is open to anyone who wishes to grow in their relationship with the Lord, so invite your friends, your family, and anyone who wants to go deeper in their walk with the Lord!
This meeting will be at our NEW OFFICE SPACE!
2331 E State Hwy 76, Branson, MO 65616
(We are located in the offices above All About Storage just past the T HWY intersection on Mt. Branson)
Hananiah sat amidst the noisy dinner guests watching them fight over the last of Evie’s famous challah bread. His wife was the best cook in Bethlehem and he was big enough to prove it. Evie’s heart was even bigger. He watched her serve their guests with that soft smile and sparkling eyes. After twenty years together, he loved her deeper than he could have imagined.
Over the din he heard, “Where are your children? I do not believe I have seen them running around here with my own.” He cringed and glanced at his wife Evie. Silence fell in the room as Hananiah watched a flood of sorrow overtake Evie’s eyes before she nodded at him and ducked into the kitchen.
He cleared the lump forming in his throat at the sight of his wife’s pain and answered, “The LORD will bless us in His time.” This was no new question. Small talk always led this direction and over the years Evie had learned to let him answer while she avoided the knowing looks.
That quick flash of pain in her eyes was the only indication of their deep sorrow. Does not God hear their cry? Does he not see what a wonderful mother she would make? Anger fought to fill his heart but he pushed it back down. God knew best. Over the years Evie had not hardened her heart and he would honor her by doing the same.
God had blessed them in so many ways and he was not ungrateful. Having been born here, they did not need to travel during this ridiculous census. Hananiah and Evie had been able to stay put and collect the income brought on by Caesar’s decree. Pompous man. If he were God fearing he would know strength is not found in numbers but in the name of El Shaddai. Ah! He must shake this dismal mood or his guests would suffer for it.
At the sound of a knock or, rather a bang on the door, Hananiah began the task of standing up. Difficult after another of Evie’s fine meals. He kissed her cheek as he walked by and whispered something in her ear that made her smile and swat his arm.
Outside stood a young man wringing his hands. “Shalom! Sir, I beg of you, I must find a place to stay tonight. My wife’s pains have begun and I fear we do not have long. I have asked everywhere. Please say there is a place for us.” Hananiah looked at the woman and took a double take. Wife? This was a mere girl! Something did not seem right here. Why can Evie and he not find joy in children while this undeserving couple did? LORD! It is not right! Well, whatever she was, clearly she was in labor.
Hananiah gritted his teeth. He wanted help, but the inn had been full for days and there was no way he would ask a family to leave. Refunds were impossible. They had already spent the rental income on linens, supplies and fresh grain for the animals. With town as busy as it was, food and supplies were scarce and greedy men had raised prices. Again.
The city square was no place for a woman to give birth. Where could they go? He must think.
“Shalom my friend. I see you are in need of… much.” He began leading them to the stable but the young woman paused to brace herself – one hand against the wall and another wrapped around her large belly – suppressing a low groan. She was embarrassed and obviously this was her first or she would have been better prepared.
Where was her mother? Maid? He set them up in the stable with fresh water for them as well as their animals and told them he would return shortly with blankets and food. It was the least he could do. Wasn’t it?
As he walked back toward the inn he heard another of her cries and the sound launched him back in time to when his baby sister was born. He was the second son of nine and had listened to births before.
He supposed he could let them have Evie and his room. It was in the back, separate from the others. But what a noisy business! Messy too. No. I will not do that to Evie. I will not make Evie watch a girl give birth in her own bed and then clean up after her too. Besides, if the other guests are disturbed our inn will always be remembered as such and destroy any future business. It is decided then. The barn it is. Evie would not approve but he would do what he must. His wife and his business needed to be priority.
Another cry pierced the night pulling him from his searing conscience and justifications. The more he thought about it the more urgent the girl’s need became. This girl needs a midwife now! Where is that servant boy?
“Jacob, go get the midwife and bring her to the stable as fast as you can!” Hananiah yelled.
“But Sir! Grandmother Anna left for her hometown day before last. She isn’t – ” Jacob said.
“Then knock on every door and find one! We have no time!” Hananiah interrupted. At the rate she was going that baby may be here before the boy made it back. He watched Jacob, race down the dusty street. Truly, at this point any midwife would do. Any experienced mother.
Bitterness welled up again. Evie would not hesitate to help but she did not have the knowledge needed. He must tell her about the situation though. Maybe he could put it off until after the baby was born. She had her hands full with their guests. And if the guests caught wind that couple would never get any privacy.
“HANANIAH BEN JOHN! What do you think you are DOING? You told that poor girl to give birth in a barn? A BARN!” Fists planted on her hips, Eve skewered him with that fiery look of hers that withers every argument. She was on a war path now and was coming straight for him.
He had known she would not approve, but he had done the only thing he could. Right? That Jacob and his big mouth! What was done was done and right now they did not have time to argue.
“Eve, you must know given everything going on this was the best option. I will not argue with you about it. There is too much to do.” Eve whirled away in a fury. She began slamming open cupboards and ripping out all the brand new linens he had just purchased for their guests. He turned to get fresh water when he heard a ripping sound and his eyes grew round.
“Evie!” Hananiah’s face blanched as Eve ruthlessly tore their new linens to shreds. Never had he seen her so angry. It gave him pause. He turned his back and took a deep breath searching his heart one more time. Why had the barn seemed like such a good idea again? It is much too dirty for a woman giving birth. He knew that!
Before he could remember his arguments, His shame was punctuated by a loud smack as Eve stormed out the kitchen door arms full of the most expensive rags he had ever seen.
“That MAN! What was he thinking?!” Outside Evie took a deep breath and then another. She knew what Hananiah had been thinking. That infuriating, practical, wonderful man of hers was thinking of her. She saw that look in his eye at dinner. For twenty, long years they had weathered barrenness together but the pain never really lost its edge. When had her pain become so crippling that her husband felt he needed to protect her even at the cost of compassion?
Eve. What had her parents been thinking? Eve meant life. Mother of the living. Thirty-seven years with nothing to show but two heartbreaking miscarriages. Her name added irony to her pain. Expectations never met. A daily reminder of shriveled dreams. But not tonight. She refused to be swallowed up by self-pity. El Roi saw her. Heard her. She and Hananiah had the LORD and each other. Besides, tonight was not about her. And what better way to step out from one’s own pain than by serving another?
Evie looked up at the stars. She always felt closer to the God of Israel when she saw them. Strange. Tonight the stars looked extraordinarily bright. Glorious even. Like they were singing. Though the ever present pain remained a powerful peace entered her soul.
Quietly she slipped toward the barn door and listened. The tell-tale sound of a tiny mewling cry escalated into gusty wails that only a newborn could make. Time to move. She was none too early with these cloths. At least they were clean! She held back a smile at the look on Hananiah’s face when she ripped them up. Serves him right for putting business before compassion.
The young man looked up at her, wild eyed with hair sticking up in every direction. Relief flooding his face, he ran to her and said “I have no idea how to do this! I have wrapped him up four times but his arms keep escaping! Every time he just screams louder and louder.”
Evie smiled. This she could do. Gently she approached the young girl, who was trembling from exhaustion. Compassion overwhelmed her. Vaguely she heard the barn door open and close as Hananiah sheepishly came in with more hot water, blankets and a earthen bowl of warm broth for the young woman. He flicked a glance at Evie as he approached. His face guarded, unsure of where they stood at the moment. Evie knew he would nurse his pride for a bit, but he was a good sort and she loved him.
Finishing a perfect swaddle she glanced up at Hananiah and smiled as a peace offering. Surveying her handy work and the now content baby, she picked up the sweet boy and with Joseph’s permission and cooed to him. She walked over to Hananiah and together they looked into the most amazing dark, grey eyes they had ever seen.
As she locked eyes with the infant, something broke inside of her. A flood of tears. Sobbing she could feel the healing take place. Deep within her heart all the names she had been called, the accusations that had been launched, the scars she had lived with for so long melted powerless. A warmth began to grow inside her. Beginning in her belly, the heat spread like a fire throughout her entire body. Shaking with the power she felt surging through her, she handed the little boy to Hananiah who was also weeping – with joy it seemed.
Eagerly he took the baby. Holding him high, laughing and weeping at the same time. A glow she had never seen in him shone from his eyes. In this singular moment, she saw Hananiah changed. The anger and bitterness he tried so hard to hide was gone. Replaced with unspeakable joy. Peace. In awe, Hananiah again looked into the face of this little child and Evie knew that he knew. They glanced at each other and again at the baby. It made no sense, but with absolute certainty Evie knew this tiny, red face was the face of God.
Sensitive to the sacred moment taking place between man and wife, Joseph gently reached for the child and said, “His name is Joshua. Or – Jesus, as Caesar’s register will say. For he will save us from our sin.”
Evie watched Joseph as he laid the boy in a feeding trough beside Mary so that he could spoon feed the broth to her. Jesus. What miracles had just taken place! Marveling at the baby in the trough, and the heat that still vibrated through her body, Evie turned to Hananiah as he put his arm around her and led her back to the house.
When they entered all was still. The guests had retired and the lamps burned low. Had hours passed? As they prepared for bed on this silent, holy night they discussed in excited whispers all they had witnessed. Each had experienced the overwhelming power of God’s love when they held little Jesus.
“How can the full strength of God’s love dwell in a tiny baby?” Hananiah asked.
“And how God’s love burns like fire! I am hot all over.” Evie said excitedly while rubbing her tingling fingertips. Hananiah laughed with her.
“It is a miracle! I could not decide if I wanted to shout for joy or fall to my knees in worship! Evie, there is immeasurable treasure in our stable right now. Why us? Why our stable? I was prepared to move them inside, but somehow, I sensed that is where El Shaddai wanted them.” Hananiah said.
That night, Hananiah and Evie fell asleep as he held her close. A once brokenhearted couple basking in God’s overwhelming love.
ALMOST ONE YEAR LATER…
Evie smiled at the sound of her baby’s cries. Hananiah’s eyes were so full of pride and joy as he looked at his first born and then Evie. In a look they shared their remembrance of Jesus, the child who changed their world with one powerful encounter of love. Then Hananiah addressed their family and friends saying, “His name is Samuel because the LORD God has heard.”
