Freedom is Coming To Your House

  • By Sis. Betty Edmonds, ARChiver of ARC Ministries Inc
  • 22 Mar, 2024

SPEAKER: Lady Shania 'FLOTA' Merriwether
SCRIPTURE: Luke 19:1-10


Today, First Lady, Shania Merriwether preached (as always) the Word at face value; she doesn’t leave no stone unturn! Indeed, her message revealed “Dilemma and Deliverance!”  

According to the above scripture/text, we see a tax collector for the Roman government named Zacchaeus. Tax collectors were hated as they are today for they took away from the poor and gave to the rich! Zacchaeus was not only a publican but the chief tax collector!

He also was a schemer! Some of us were not just sinners but chief transgressors, too! We knew where all the parties, clubs and bars were--even before they started! One would even have clothes in the back of his/her trunk. As the head of culprits, you were above others; you were aware of the “back streets!”    

Small in stature, Zacchaeus had to climb a tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus passing by! Much to his astonishment, the Living Stone called him by name, telling him to come down from there! That very day, the Prince of Peace went home with him! Moved by His message, the notorious offender turned his life over to Christ and was never the same again!

We must admit that money answers all things (Ecclesiastes 10:19) as we need it to pay bills; for our children and other necessities of life!   There’s nothing wrong having greenbacks, but don’t allow money to rule you but you control it! Absolutely, it gives you more power, influence, etc. However, God admonishes us that whatever we accomplished, let Him be our first priority!  

We can go without food, money, prestige and other things, but not Jehovah-Jireh! Psalms 51:11 states: Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. “For I acknowledge my transgressions and my sin is ever before me.”  

Zaccheus sought the Master for what He can do and not for who He was! He was told that the Messiah could heal the sick, cast out devils and keep one’s mind in perfect peace! Our Everlasting Father can deliver people from crack houses; take away cigarettes out of your mouth, etc. Thank the Holy One for looking beyond our faults and seeing our needs!  

And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.” Luke 19:3. How bad do you want to see Immanuel?

People will often go to extreme measures to see someone who is famous. Some will pay hundreds to thousands of dollars to go to a concert of performers, also to observe them from a long way off in a large crowd! Others will do some crazy stunt just to get the attention of the famous person!

There is a misinterpreted conception about folk with money--they don’t have problems! There is something greater than prosperity, clout & prominence! Renown individuals seem to have it all, but some things can appear one way but the reality is altogether diverse!

Regarding a filter, it is a circuit capable of passing (or amplifying) certain frequencies while it also can extract important frequencies from signals that also contain undesirable or irrelevant frequencies. Filters hide what you want to see! You can cover a blackeye with a filter! People can put on a visage but hurting and bleeding inside!  

Matthew 13:22 specifies: “He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.”

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness ; and all these things shall be added unto thee.” Matthew 6:33.

Matthew 22:1-2 affirms: “And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the Lord thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth; and all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God.”

Don’t chase the bag (money) but let the bag chase you! Reset your “seek!” “He that findeth a wife, findeth a good thing” as declared in Proverbs 18:22. Even be careful when a “skirt” comes to “church.” Introduce that wayward person to Jesus instead of attractiveness, weed or whatever!  

Zaccheus found out that some things you can’t control! No matter what I have, this can’t help the situation! With any ordeal, humble yourself under the hand of the Supreme Being!

Repeat: Although the problem is still there, you are not alone! Zaccheus was high in “status” but low in “stature.” In life, some things can blind us from seeing Jesus! It will be wise to choose what we can do versus height, weight, looks, money, etc. Whether short or tall in stature, do not be conceited and want to be seen!  

With trees, there are leaves! Leaves cover up! When Adam sinned, he found leaves for concealment! Your attitude can be like a leaf (shielded); Additionally, a hurt child, addiction, uncontrollable spending. Is anyone sick of more leaves? Get free from them!

Concerning the woman with the issue of blood, she was “stuck in leaves” (problems with her body) but didn’t back down! Some people never give up but like to be seen on Face Book! Nevertheless, keep scrolling down and you will find out how the Lord changed his/her life!

Don’t cover (sins) on Sunday but uncovered on Sunday night! Freedom is coming to your house! Someone is going through a toxic relationship, but realize that freedom is coming! Freedom … freedom … freedom! Today is the day for you to be liberated! Again, are you wrapped up in pain, mind, money, children? Take the covers off and look unto Him!  

“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” Can’t you hear the voice: No charge…Mama, I’m back, I’m sorry, etc. Surely, Jesus makes the difference from being sick to healed; lamed to walking; Not tomorrow, but this day, freedom is coming to my house!  

We are “freedom fighters!” We are walking miracles! God is calling you! The “day you hear my voice, harden not your heart.” Savior: We lift up Your holy and righteous name!

Truly, we can say this about our FLOTA that she is a true minister who reaches your conscience—not a popular evangelist who reaches your emotions! "Thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee."—Psalm 9:10.

Likewise, we honor our pastor, Bishop/Dr. Robert A. Merriwether! Sir: We are always grateful for your kindness and goodwill! 

Thank you so much for being an inspiring leader!

Show More