God’s Got Your Back

Tags

#godsgotyourback, Godsfaithfulness

Yesterday I wrote a letter to God. I read it back to myself, sealed it then burned it. I got this idea from someone, only I cannot remember who. Whomever it was, thank you. The writing and burning of my letter were a funeral, a burial, and a healing for my soul. You may think it strange, but my heart is now glad to have faced my fears, accepted my failures, and learned from my mistakes. Now I can move on.

Recently I shared with several friends and as it turns out, some enemies, that I have been struggling with some harsh realities in my life. If you know me, you know that I “feel” everything. My heart is soft, and my love is deep and sometimes this can be more of a liability than an asset. But these are traits that I have learned to accept and appreciate over the years although sometimes I really wish I could be a different.

I digress.

I shared that I was slowly floating into a deep depression. With all of the unrest, confusion, and betrayal in my life, I had allowed myself to become overwhelmed to the point where I was starting to lose control. It was becoming hard to function, to eat, to think. What do you do when people and ideas that you have held dear for years betray you? What do you do when the circle of friends and loved ones is suddenly broken? I could not wrap my mind around what was happening. I was in denial even though the truth was right in front of me. Call me naïve but I refused to see that my beloved circle would ever hurt me.

But it did.

I was reminded that nothing just happens. Everything has a reason. A pastor I have known for a few years shared a devotional with me. Thank you, Sam. As I studied it, I was reminded that while people, even those we love, are not faithful, God is forever faithful. Give God whatever hardship you are facing and trust His faithfulness. Because we are part of God’s body. And beloved, God cannot deny Himself.

How wonderful is that to hear! God cannot deny us because He cannot deny Himself.

If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

2 Timothy 2:12

Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 1 Corinthians 12:27

I realized that the people and things I was trying so desperately to hold on to, was killing me. I had to step back and think about what value these people brought to my life. Is it good for my soul? As I heard Tyler Perry say once, sometimes the very people you are trying to hold on to are the same people God is trying to remove from your life because it is not good for you.

And so, as God ripped the weeds from my metaphorical garden, He planted seeds of love. And now God is showing me better things, people, ideas. As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 12:31,

But covet earnestly the best gifts, and yet show I unto you a more excellent way.

There is a lesson in every trial. And this one is re-teaching me God’s faithfulness to me and my need to fully trust Him and only Him. People come and go. Ideas manifest and fade. But God’s love for us is everlasting. Thank you, Jesus.

Beloved, heartbreak, betrayal, and loss of things you believed you need in life, is hard. But we must remember to put our faith in God. We may not understand His plans, but we must trust Him. God cannot deny himself and He only wants us to have the better things.

It felt like a loss for a moment, but dearly beloved it was truly a blessing.

Grace and peace

Blessings and love.

Dear White People

Tags

Blacklivesmatter, george floyd, systemic racism

Dear White People,

It is past time to have honest and uncomfortable conversations. I realize that you may not like it. I realize that you do not want to discuss it. But the fact is that people of color, black people in particular, live in a society that was not designed to benefit us. This land was taken from one group of my ancestors and physically built by another group of my ancestors. Never were we expected to flourish and to live in this country as citizens but as slaves and property of white people.

Slowly, we have won some rights. But even these rights were won through consistent resistance of the powers that insisted that we were not worthy of them. They were relinquished unwillingly and with resentment and malice. The name United States of America itself is contradictory because it is not united. There is an invisible well -known line drawn between the haves and the have nots; the white privileged and the black minority. This system built by white men is being held hostage by the privileged, primarily older white men who refuse to give up their power for the common good. Oppressing people of color and the poor makes them powerful. Stealing wealth and violating the human rights of black people gives them privilege. This ideal that if “you can’t be better than a nigger, than who can you be better than” resonates among the white privileged class and they hold it close and honor it.

The current uprising happening in America was inevitable. I agree completely with Charlamagne tha god (Co-Host of the syndicated radio talk show The Breakfast Club) when he says, “Until America does right by black people and atone for its original sin, which is slavery, nothing good is going to come of this nation”.

America is in denial when they say:

We have a little race problem, but not me.

There is no such thing as white privilege.

Everyone has equal protection under the law.

This is the land of opportunity.

I am not a racist.

These are lies and delusions.

I have many white people in my life. Some I love with my whole heart. And these past few days, I have witnessed either their true feelings about me and my people or their sheer ignorance of what my people live with every day.

Let’s start with the protests and riots for George Floyd.

On social media, I read a post from a dear friend who called the riots/protestors “idiots”. I was enraged. When I realized who wrote it, I was heartbroken. I tried to explain that the true protestors were there to protest against police brutality and the murder of George Floyd. I went on to say that there were a few people there for self and a few who were truly and righteously angry. I was met with comments like: There are black people out their destroying property too.

So what? Black people tried to peacefully protest by taking a knee during the National Anthem. That method of protest received a lot of backlash. In fact, so much backlash that a man lost his professional football job over it. Also, you cannot tell anyone how to resist a system that oppresses them. As my mother once told me, sometimes you have to get loud to get someone’s attention.

Now we have the attention of the world. I can see the beginnings of some people trying to make an actual change to this rigged system.

There were also comments on the post admonishing people for destroying property. Property? A man is dead. You can rebuild just the way cities were rebuilt after the riots following the murder of Dr. King and the beating of Rodney King. But you cannot bring the dead back to life!

#AllLivesMatter?

I saw a meme posted that said Jesus solves the issue over whose live matters when he died on the cross for all lives 2000 years ago. True. He did die for all. And thank you Jesus that none of this bullshit we have to endure on earth will be in heaven. This is for those “Christians” who like to throw Jesus in the mix when they are called out for their bullshit. Jesus did not die for all in order for you to treat some as if they do not matter. He did not die so that you can see some of His children as property or less than human. He did not die so that you can mercilessly oppress, demean, and murder some of His people just because He made them to look differently than you. Jesus knows my life matters too. He knows that my children’s lives matter too. That is all we are saying when we chant #BlackLivesMatter!

White people. You are missing the point. I ask you to set your feelings aside and realize that this is not about you! BlackLivesMatter does not mean that no one else matters. It means that we MATTER comma TOO! Everyone in the world knows that white lives matter! The #Blacklivesmatter simply means what it says. I count too.

I realize that you do not understand. I know that your white privilege, whether you admit it exists or not, may cloud your vision. But image having to give your children an extra life lesson on how to live in America while black. Imagine having to give your children the heartbreaking lesson that the world will not treat them equally simply because their skin is dark. Imagine living in fear that your child may not come home after going out with his friends because a racist, privileged white cop may want to take his frustration out on him.

You don’t have to do that. That’s privilege. That is why we say our lives matter, too.

Grace and peace

Blessings and love

God is Not a God of Wrath

Hello my beloved friends and family!

The entire world is concerned with COVID19 right now. We are at the point where we literally cannot go anywhere without fear of being exposed to this disease. The more I watch and read the news, the more depressed I become. As always, my friends and I discuss everything from the effect on our world to conspiracy theories. I have had to stop reading the news updates and limit my news watching just to get some balance. As a journalist, I don’t want to be out of the loop. At the same time, I will not be overwhelmed. Neither should you. So, after listening to my family and friends about the end of days and God’s wrath and rolling my eyes at the other end of the phone, I decided to re-watch an oldie but a goodie with my shelter in place family. William P. Young’s The Shack (available on Amazon Prime to purchase $6.99), tells the beautiful story of forgiveness, redemption and God’s unconditional love. I had a friend who has never seen it, watch it too (from his house).

This beautiful story reminded us that COVID19, like any other pandemic, war or tragedy on this earth is not the wrath of God. It is the product of sin. God loves us as we love our children, probably more. Never did he want His beautiful earth and His perfectly created humans to live like this. No beloved, this is all because we have insisted on playing God as Lucifer tried to in Heaven and Adam and Eve in Eden. It has not and unfortunately will not stop.

But, be encouraged. As I have reminded myself to stay focused on the fact that regardless of what happens here, my Father loves me and is with me, you too my dear family must stay focused on that also. As scripture reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5, we are children of light wrapped in the love of our Father. Beloved, let your light shine through all of these dark days to come.

Grace and peace. Blessings and love.

But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

1 Thessalonians 5 1-11

 

 

Strength and Courage: A Tribute to My Mother

*Note: This is a previously published post. In honor of what would have been my mother’s 65th birthday, I am sharing my tribute to her once more. Grace and peace. Blessings and love love.

After my momma died, one of the hardest things for me was changing the contact name in my cell phone from Momma and Daddy to just Daddy. I was a typical rebellious teenager. My Mother and I fought what seemed to be constantly. Daddy always came to my rescue. It wasn’t until I had grown into a woman, married and a had a child of my own that my mother and I started to become friends. During my teen years, I half paid attention while Momma tried to show my sister and me how to cook, sew and fix little things around the house. I regretted not paying attention once I became a wife. I realized why she insisted on giving us those life lessons where she teached and preached wisdom dispute my rolling my eyes or tuning her out altogether. But my mother was my lifeline after I got married. I would always call her for recipes and advice on how to make things work. She always answered. I was a stay at home mom for a while, so most mornings began with a phone call to my new best friend. We’d chat about anything, mostly my daughter and the new things I was planning to try around the house. It felt good to have a “girlfriend” who knew me inside and out. I looked forward to our morning calls where she would tell me about her plans for the day or who was coming to visit–unless she had chemo treatment scheduled. Our morning check in was quick and I would quietly pray for the cure that I knew would never manifest. I guess I was saying a long goodbye to my mother. We all knew she was dying. We knew it was coming. I must admit there is not a goodbye long enough. There isn’t a way to prepare for your mother’s death.

I’ll never forget that morning when Momma called me and told me that she was bleeding from her mouth. It sounded like more like an announcement, as though she had been waiting for it. I stood in my kitchen frozen. I knew it was time. She did too.

Momma had been diagnosed with cancer a year before I got married. She and daddy refused to tell us her prognosis. I think all of us knew that it wasn’t good from the start. From the moment I found out about her condition, everything felt rushed. I abandoned my plans for a big wedding and reception and opted for a small intimate gathering with our immediate family. I showered my mom with little gifts I could afford, mostly homemade but she seemed to love them more. I didn’t want to think about her leaving us. I also didn’t want to be in denial.

The morning she told me about her bleeding, her voice was weaker than it had been the day before. Fear was in her voice. I needed to come to her rescue just as she had always come to mine. I dropped everything and took the four hour drive home. The second I walked into the house, I saw her sitting on the black leather couch, her body frail and slumped over, her eyes stained yellow. I knew it wouldn’t be long. She smiled weakly trying to disguise the pain. Momma was always the toughest woman I’d ever known. But even the fearless and tough Louvenia Powe could not beat cancer. Seeing her this way was a cruel and incredible reality check. Momma was a human too.

I wrapped my arms around her and ran my fingers across her balding head. She must have forgotten to put on her wig. Embarrassed, she asked my to hand her the hat next to me. I put it on for her just in time. My brother and sister walked into the house next. Daddy followed them. He called us all into the kitchen away from Momma. I knew what the not-so-secret meeting was about. I took a deep breathe and composed myself. I decided to be the strong one, the one who wouldn’t fall apart, the one to pick up where my Momma was about to leave off.

With his large rough hands trembling and eyes to the floor, he spoke softly.

“Your Momma—doctor told us that the cancer has spread. He gave her a year to live.”

He paused and looked at all of us desperately. “That was a year ago.”

My sister instantly broke. She cried out. My brother tried to hold it together but tears flooded his face. We were all crying. My poor little sister was the loudest. I held her and tried to calm her all the while I thought my own heart would burst.
“She’s here now. She’s here now. Don’t let her see you cry,” I whispered to her.
We all calmed down and filed back into the living room. My sister fell on her knees in front of momma, buried her head in her lap and sobbed. Momma had no tears, she just rocked side to side and caressed my sister’s head. All of us quietly took turns being in my mother’s arms like children. No one said a word. There were no words to say. We said our goodbyes in the language only a mother could understand.

March 13
We all spent the weekend at the house. We cooked and ate and watched old movies. It felt like the old days when we were children, spending the weekend at home. My husband brought my daughter down to spend time with momma. Her birthday was coming up on Tuesday. All of her brothers and sisters came to the house with cakes and food and gifts to celebrate. Momma was happy all day. She continued to take pain pills and seemed to be fine. She laughed and played with her granddaughter and her nieces and nephews. It was a good day.

The next day, my family went back to Birmingham for school and work. I didn’t have the heart to tell my seven-year-old what was going on, so I just told her that grandma was sick and to pray for her. She made her a get well card which momma held on to all weekend. Before they left, momma pulled my daughter close. It was another goodbye.

“You always remember what grandma told you,” she instructed. “No matter how..?”
“Big,” my daughter recited.
“No matter how..”
“Tall.”
“No matter how.”
“Long. Grandma always loves me.”

I could have melted into a puddle of grief. Momma grabbed my daughter and squeezed her so tightly, I was convinced that the child was in pain. When they left, momma fell asleep on the couch. The next day, she was not the same.
Daddy tried to hold everything together around the house. Momma had been the bookkeeper, cook, and all for years. I helped him to sort of pay bills. I don’t think they needed as much attention as he pretended. He needed the distraction. I obliged him

Momma came walking out of her bedroom like a zombie, barely moving and staring straight ahead. Daddy had not paid attention and was more frustrated with trying to find a checkbook.

Momma must have heard.

“It’s on the boat,” she mumbled, collapsing on the couch. “It’s over there on the boat.”

“What boat?” Daddy was confused. Momma was delirious from either the pain or the medication. Either way, the exchange was a bit comical.

“Everything. I put it on the boat.” Momma closed her eyes.

Daddy scratched his head. “What is she talking about?”

“It’s probably the medicine, Daddy. Just appease her.” I turned to momma. “Okay Momma, we got it.”

“Tell Cecil there’s a hundred dollars in my sock drawer,” she said.

Daddy and I were perplexed. He jumped up and went into their bedroom. He came back out with the hundred dollar bill.

“I got it Venie.”

Momma was asleep again.

All day Momma would fall in and out of consciousness. Her friends came to visit. Some of them got to speak to her in a more lucid state, others did not. I would hide in my room every so often and cry. My Momma was no longer my Momma. Nothing she said made sense. Anger was building inside of me. I screamed at God for taking such a strong, courageous and loving woman and turning her into a helpless dying body. It wasn’t fair. My Mother and I had just started to be close again and now God was taking her. I cursed the cancer. I cursed the asbestos that gave it to her. I was too young to lose my mother.

Who would help me raise my daughter? Who would I call for recipes?

I stormed out of my room and immediately stopped in my tracks when I reached her. She was on her back on the couch, her eyes closed and her lips slightly parted. My heart stopped. For a second, I thought she was gone and I didn’t get a chance to tell her that I loved her. Suddenly, she sat straight up. It startled me. I smiled and winked thankfully towards the ceiling at the Lord. I got on my knees in front of her. Her eyes seemed to beg me for relief. But she didn’t say a word. Then I realized that she had not screamed in pain all day, nor had she asked for a pain pill. It was the calm before the storm, I thought.

“Tina,” she said, her voice now barely a whisper.
“Yes ma’am?”
“Don’t worry about me. Don’t worry about me.”
I shook my head, fighting tears. “I’m not worried, momma. You’re going to be fine.”
“I want you all to get my light blue dress with the white trim.”
“For what,” my voice trembling.
“To bury me in.”
“Momma, I don’t want to hear this. You’re not…”
“Just listen. I left all of you three big Bibles in your daddy’s movie room. Make sure Shug gets that coin collection.”
“Yes ma’am,” I said in a strong voice. Then like a baby, I broke down and sobbed. “I’m sorry momma! I’m so sorry! I love you!”
She patted my head but her touch was so light, I could barely feel her bony fingers on me.

Daddy took her to bed that night early. For some reason, I woke up just before daylight. It was Tuesday, March 16, Momma’s birthday. She was 49. I got out of bed and walked straight to their room. The light was on. Daddy was dressed. Momma was sitting on the edge of the bed half dressed and looking half asleep. I knew she had an appointment for chemotherapy, but it was far too early to leave.

“What’s wrong?”

“Your momma hadn’t slept all night. We need to go to the hospital.”

Daddy looked like he wanted to jump off of a building. I couldn’t imagine what he was feeling. Daddy was a large man, a real tough guy. I had never seen him so helpless.

I hurried and grabbed a purple an orange stripped skirt and blouse, an outfit that momma had made for herself years ago. It was the easiest to dress her in. I slipped it on her. I called the ambulance. I called my Uncle Larry to help my dad carry Momma’s swollen body out of the house. She could no longer walk. Then I called her best friend and told her what was going on. By the time the ambulance had made it to the house, all of our neighbors had formed a crowd outside.

In the corner alone, I watched with my arms folded as the paramedics loaded my mother onto the ambulance. They didn’t turn on the siren. They left with their lights flashing. My dad jumped in with them. I turned around to go back into the house. Everyone was staring at me pitifully. My momma’s friend hugged me.

“She’ll be fine. She’s just having a bad day that’s all.” I knew she was trying to comfort me. But it didn’t help.
“No, she’s dying,” I said icily. “Excuse me.”

I took a long bath. A part of me wanted it all to be over by the time I got to the hospital. I didn’t want to see my mother expire as I knew the hospital would put it. I knew it was over. So did everyone else. Even the paramedics didn’t bother to sound their siren. I prayed while I got dressed. I prayed that she was no longer in pain. I prayed for the strength to get through what was coming. Then I got into my car and sped to the hospital.

I don’t remember the exact time of her death. I do remember that it had been raining the night before. But after she died, the rain subsided. I remember crying and laughing at the same time as I watched the sun come out after the rain. It was poetic. Momma was in heaven and the storm was over.

“Go momma go!” I yelled out victoriously as I drove back to Birmingham to my family. She had made it. And just like she said, she was alright. I now would imagine that my Mother thought along the lines of Paul’s words to his students just before he was executed. These words are beautiful and comforting for those of us who love Him (Jesus Christ).


For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

2 Timothy 4:6-8

I don’t remember a lot of things I did during the days following my mother’s death. My sister tells me that I planned the whole funeral because she couldn’t keep it together. I don’t remember. But I suppose that my prayer for strength was answered. It took months for me to come to terms with my mother’s passing. The pain was surreal. I kept that outfit that I dressed her in on that last day. It is a few sizes too big, but when I needed to feel close to her, I would put in on and wrap myself up in bed and pretend she was holding me. I hadn’t felt the need to do that in a while. The mourning is over. Now, I celebrate the life she lived and try to remember the things she taught me. I realized that I couldn’t pick up where my mother had left off. She is irreplaceable and there is no one in the world like her. Thank you Momma.

Louvenia Powe (March 16, 1955-March 16, 2004)

 

 

 

Heirs to the Kingdom, Citizens of Heaven

Tags

#Israel, TheMessiah

I had often questioned why God had a chosen people and why God was to give them the kingdom. We are all made by God. Why is this group of Israelites special? The answer is found when we study the word of God in context and realize that not all of the Bible is written to us or about us. We must realize that when God makes a promise, He keeps it. But He keeps it in His own time. And God made Israel a promise thousands of years ago. And that promise was the Kingdom.

True, God did make all of mankind. His “first fruits” were the people who we know as Israel (Exodus 6:7-8). Do not confuse these people with the country Israel today. Israel was the name given the Jacob (son of Isaac and grandson of Abraham) by God in Genesis 32:28. Jacob’s descendants became known as the children of Israel. There were twelve tribes, which came from each of Jacob’s sons. These people suffered many tribulations because of sin. The Israelites were eventually made slaves in Egypt for about 400 years. But they were promised to be delivered to the Promise Land. This promise was first revealed to Abraham, the father of many nations, then to his son Isaac and then to Jacob.

If you have seen the movie with Charlton Heston The Ten Commandments or peeked at the Prince of Egypt cartoon, this should be familiar. So, Moses delivered the children of Israel with the intent of bringing them to the Promise Land. (We are getting to the Kingdom. Stay with me.) Despite witnessing the wonders of God including the ten plagues on Egypt and the parting of the Red Sea, the children of Israel began to lose faith. They turned against God and started to worship idols in the desert. So, God gave them the law. Yep, the Ten Commandments. (Hundreds more laws followed but for some reason most people only talk about the ten. Oh well.)

Now God has established The Law.

The Kingdom Prophesied

This generation of Israelites did not see the Promise Land because of their sin. They wandered in the wilderness for 40 years. However, God still fulfilled His promise. The next generation under the leadership of Joshua (Moses’s sidekick and general), made it to the Promise Land. Sadly, their reign did not last very long. You guessed it. Sin. The children of Israel became intertwined with the culture in this new land and many of them started to worship idols and committed all sorts of crimes against God. They fell under the influence of the Philistines. Because of this, the priests lost their authority over the people. The Israelites demand that the prophet Samuel find a king for them. Despite Samuel’s warnings against this, they insisted. So, they get Saul, who was a good king for a while. But Saul’s fate was sealed when he allowed jealousy of one of his generals, David, (yes that David—the one who fought Goliath) to take over his life. Saul turned on David and in a very sad turn of events, committed suicide. Now, in 2 Samuel 7: 13-16 God promised David the kingdom. David became king.

Again, this kingdom does not last very long. King David died and his son Solomon became king. Solomon was a wise, powerful and wealthy man. He built the temple of Jerusalem where the ark of the covenant was housed. His reign was long but started to decline when he married native women who worshipped idols and not God. Slowly, these sins worked their way into the lives of the Israelites. And again, because of disobedience, the children of Israel lost their blessing. The Bible says in 2 Kings that each generation became more evil than the last. After King Solomon’s death, the Israelites split into two kingdoms: the North and the South. (Sound familiar?) The South was the old kingdom in Jerusalem and the North was the new kingdom who worshipped the idol god Bael. The two kingdoms continued to fight, of course. The North lost their kingdom to Assyria. The original kingdom in the South tried to return to God and obey the laws of Moses. But they were invaded by Babylon and were forced into exile.

The Kingdom to Come

Now, the children of Israel, the faithful few, are waiting for the kingdom to be re-established. The prophet Amos tells of God’s promise to re-build the kingdom in Amos 9:11. This is why the disciples asked the resurrected Jesus in Acts 1:6 if he will now restore the kingdom. Jesus pretty much told him not yet and you will know when I do restore the kingdom. Can you see the answer in His words?

When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Acts 1:6-8

But you will receive power after the Holy Ghost is with you. And, you will witness not only to the Jews but to the Gentiles! Don’t you just love how Jesus gives you the tools to answer your own question?

So, God promised the Kingdom to the children of Israel thousands of years ago. They got it, lost it but God promised to restore it. That has yet to happen. But, in the process, God offered the gospel of salvation to ALL people in the age of grace which is where we are now. Jesus said it in his answer to the disciples. The kingdom will not be established until His message of salvation has been witnessed to the “uttermost part of the earth”.

The children of Israel will have their kingdom on earth. That is promised to them and God keeps his promises. Where does that leave the rest of us? In Romans 11, Paul tells us that through Israel’s transgression, we are offered salvation through grace.

Yes, beloved. We will be in Heaven.

The Kingdom Established

Once those of us who accepted Christ as our Savior are taken back to heaven, the age of tribulation will begin on earth. This is when the anti-Christ will appear. During this time, there is still hope for the world because they can still be saved.
The Bible tells us in Revelation 7 that 144,000, twelve thousand from each original Israelite tribe, along with a group of Gentiles will be witnesses to the gospel of Christ during this time. Notice how God has a select few throughout the Bible who carry on the word of God despite the persecution? Oh, those faithful few!

These 144,000 are the original tribes of the children of Israel. Beloved, please do not fall for those religions who claim they are the 144, 000 or only 144,000 people will go to Heaven. Study the word of God in its context.

This group of people are clearly the Israelites. At this point God has ended the age of grace. The church has been raptured to Heaven and now this group, Gods first fruits, are sharing the gospel in these end times (Revelation 14:4).

These redeemed people will be with Christ here on earth where He will reign for 1,000 years. Here beloved, is where God fulfills his promise to restore the kingdom. In Revelation 14, John depicts the 144,000 as being seen standing with Christ on Mount Sion.

And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads.

Revelation 14:1

The kingdom is restored, the saints saved during the age of grace are in Heaven, Satan is defeated, and Christ is on the throne.

Amen.

Souls for Sale: Navigating the Politics of the Christian Faith

Tags

faithandpolitics

It’s easy to get caught up in the conflicts of this world. Whether its political or financial all of us have some kind of interest in one fight or another. How can we not? We live here. But when our position on things of this world start to cloud our spiritual beliefs, that is when we have a serious problem.

This world has been full of trouble since the disobedience in the garden of Eden. It won’t get any better. Beloved, that is why we must stay focused on the real goal which is not of this world and avoid putting too much focus on conflicts that are temporary. We should keep our mind on heavenly things, spiritual things (Colossians 3:2). None of us should have permanent investment in the happenings of this world. This is not our home. It is not your home.

Now, does this mean that we do not take care of the place in which we live at this present moment? Of course not. We vote. We obey the laws of the land. We show respect for authority even when we do not agree (1 Peter 2:13-17). We love and care for our bodies although we know it will one day expire. We do the same for the land in which we live. However, we do not sacrifice our faith, or our Christian morality to fit in with this world.

I have witnessed Christians compromise their truth teachings for the love of people. We all have witnessed this in some form. Some of us are guilty of this. I pray that I always speak truth regardless the consequence. I pray that we all do the same. What good is it to water down the truth out of fear of losing the support of others? When you do this, my brothers and sisters, everyone is lost.

As crazy as this may sound, I understand why some of us compromise the gospel, refuse to see the truth or distort the meaning of scripture.

FEAR of losing privilege.

FEAR of losing money.

FEAR of losing the love of others.

I have friends who are far left politically and those who are far right and a few in between. I even have friends who are secretly prejudice. I still call them friend because regardless of their views or how they may see me, I still love them. I still hope the power of God works through them and for them. I see them posting stories and comments on social media adding scripture to support their political views, justify their racism and fuel support from people who feel as they feel. They are afraid of losing something that is just temporary and in the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t matter (Matthew 7:23). God cares nothing for politics, money or popularity. In fact, if you look at history, God recruits from the dirt. So, what have you really gained? A temporary following? A pat on the back? A comfortable living for a few years? This is all in exchange for an eternity without Christ. And what’s worse, you have taken others with you.

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

2 Philippians 2: 3-11

One of my dearest friends and protectors, whom I love with my whole heart, is in conflict with staying true to his beliefs and is compromising to keep support. He teaches the gospel. I trust his teachings. But his teachings have a line that he has yet to cross. He refuses to correct these people who uses scripture to justify racism. Instead he appeals to the majority only speaking on things he knows his followers will appreciate. My friend knows the truth. We speak about it in private, but he has yet to share this knowledge publicly. We had a fight about it once and it left us both very angry for different reasons. As much as I adore him, he and I both know that his reluctance is also stemmed from fear. Like my other friends, I love him no less. But I do pray that they all realize that the gospel of Christ is greater than any fleeting thing this world can offer.

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?  Mark 8:36

My beloved brothers and sisters, we must keep our minds on heavenly places. How wonderful will it be when we are all with the King of all kings, our Father in heaven? Will your popularity matter? Will your money matter? No. I pray that you protect the gospel of Christ in all of its purity and do not compromise it for no one or nothing. These blessings I ask in the name of Jesus Christ.

For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.  For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

Romans 8: 5-8

Grace and peace,

Blessings and love,

You Bet Your Eternal Life

First Day in Heaven print

Over the summer my family and I visited a waterpark while on vacation. I am not a strong swimmer, but I am almost always willing to try something daring. I’m not an adrenaline junky per se but I do love that chilling feeling that pulsates through my body when I am conquering yet another fear. Our first stop at the park was this giant waterslide. There were two. One was for the non-swimmers and the especially scary one was for the more skilled swimmers. We climbed those endless stairs to the top and came to an intersection. I was more excited than my boys, practically jumping in my swimsuit ready to take the plunge. The boys turned towards the long line on the left and I pointed to the right.

“Come over here,” I yelled. “There’s no wait.”

“I think we should take this one,” my nephew said.

My oldest son agreed. I was getting frustrated. I didn’t want them to ruin my high. I needed to get down that slide while I still had the nerve.

“Oh, come on,” I urged them. “I know you are not scared.”

My son was unphased. My nephew tried to get me to read the sign next to the slide, but I ignored him.

“Ok, I’ll meet you at the bottom,” I said with a wave and shimmied down the slide. It was a long thrilling ride down that dark tunnel. I was enjoying myself, my screams echoing throughout the tunnel. Then I saw the light and at the end was a huge pool of water. I was thrust into the water and my body sunk all the way to the bottom.

I tried my little dog paddle moves to bring myself back to the top, but it wasn’t working. All I could do was kick against the hard, chilly water.

I thought to myself, “So, this is how I die.”

I wasn’t afraid. I didn’t panic. It was more of an afterthought. I was at peace with drowning in a pool at a waterpark. The second I stopped kicking a lifeguard yanked me out of the water. He made sure I was ok before returning to his post. I sat there for a minute wondering if I should have been more concerned about what just happened. Thankfully, my family saw nothing. They were busy enjoying the slide I should have taken.

When I told my friends this story, some laughed and quoted the old “Look before you leap” saying. Others were surprised that I didn’t panic while I was under water.

“You thought you were dying, and you weren’t scared at all?”

No.

Don’t get me wrong. I am not suicidal. I don’t want to leave my family. But I know that life here is just for a moment. I know that my real home is in Heaven with the Lord. I know that I have placed my faith in Christ alone. I also know that I have taught my children to trust in Jesus Christ for their salvation.

Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:

For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.

2 Corinthians 5:6-9

I’ve already been given a death sentence to leave this mortal body behind. All of us have. Frankly, this gives me comfort. Those of us who are truly saved from our sins are secure from having to face eternity without God.

One of my friends shared with me that she would have completely freaked out in my situation. She told me about a car accident where her car spun out of control and collided with another. She said she screamed Jesus’ name terrified that she was going to die. I asked her what she believed would have happened had she died. The first thing she said was that her family would have been heart-broken. I asked her if she believed she would have gone to Heaven. Her response was “Well yeah, of course! I believe in Jesus! You know that!” Now, I cannot judge her heart or mind but her hesitation made me uncomfortable. It made me think of the people I know who are still trying to “work” their way into Heaven instead of trusting that Jesus has already done all of the work. All we do, is believe in that and share THAT gospel. But so many do not. They are betting on their church attendance, donations and whatever other religious ritual they perform will get them into the eternal home with the Lord.

Beloved, it is just not true. You cannot roll the dice, cross your fingers and hope you hit the jackpot. You cannot guess when it comes to salvation. Are you sure you are going to Heaven? Are you truly willing to bet your eternal life that YOUR works are greater than the cross?

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Galatians 2: 20-21

I know that it is not easy to believe in something you cannot see or touch. But dear heart, that is the very definition of faith. God loves you, His creation, His most loved creation, so much that He delivered his Son Jesus Christ to take your place in death. All God asks in return is that you believe. If your heart is receptive, believing is easy. And this good news is the best news to share. We work and share the gospel because we are saved. We work because we are excited about what happens after death. We work because we know that when it is all said and done, the Lord will welcome us home to glory to rewards beyond our imagination. And we that believe want as many people as possible to be there also.

Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

Revelation 14:13

So, beloved, are you sure that you know where your next stop will be?

For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

2 Timothy 4:6-8

Did Jesus Break the Law?

Tags

lawandgrace

Did Jesus break the law in the Bible?

No, beloved, Jesus was the Law.

In Matthew, Jesus teaches the beatitudes and right after, He shares His mission with the people which is not to break the law but to complete it.

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

Matthew 5:17-18

The word of God is everlasting. It is indestructible and will be around when this world passes away. Jesus did not destroy the law. He fulfilled it. He completed the cycle. The law of Moses was given to Israel because they needed a guide. For hundreds of years, they lived and died by these laws. They were to atone for sin by various methods of sacrifice, have priests go to the “holy place” to speak to God on their behalf, pay taxes (tithes) to feed said priests, suffer stoning for sins and the list goes on. No, beloved, it did not end with the famous “ten commandments”. There were hundreds more.

But, when the prophecy of the coming of the Messiah was satisfied, this brought the completion not the abolition of the law. (Keep in mind those who died before Christ were saved by obeying the law.) The Mission of Christ was to embody the word of God and bring to life all that was written. In order to do this, Jesus lived a perfect life, obeying these laws so that He would be a perfect sacrifice to finally satisfy the debt humanity owed to God for our sins.

Remember when Jesus asked John the Baptist, to baptize him? Poor confused John did not understand why Jesus would ask to be baptized. John responded, “Lord, it is you who should baptize me!” But Jesus told him that this was needed to fulfill all righteousness! Dear heart, this obedience of the law was so He could fulfill the ceremonious requirement of a sacrifice for our sins.

Just before Jesus died on the cross, His words were “It is finished”. What sweet and loving words to let the world know that the law is complete. The debt has been satisfied. We no longer need a priest. We are clean from sin and can go to God for ourselves. Sacrifice for personal atonement for sin is not necessary. Our eternal salvation was and still is secure.

But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Galatians 3:23-29

Friends do not allow anyone to tell you that you must DO anything for salvation. We are not governed by the laws that require us to work for eternal life. We are under the law of Christ. We are saved by believing that Jesus Christ has fulfilled EVERY requirement for us so that we may be in the presence of God forever.

Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

Colossians 2:16

Christless Christians

Tags

ChristlessChristians

 

@joydigital

In a 2016 survey conducted by LifeWay Research six out of ten Christians agreed the Jesus was both divine and human. And the other four? Their reasoning varied but all claim to believe in God. Yet, they identify as Christians. Per these survey results, anyone who believes in the authenticity of the Bible can be considered a Christian.

How can this be?

The term Christian has been tossed around so much that it carries very little meaning for most people. Some use it to show that they are “good people”. How many times have you heard the “I am a Christian” defense when accused of something wrong or unpopular? Some people use it as a mask for their bigotry.

People have told me without blinking that they believe Jesus was a real person but that he died for his friends (the disciples). They truly believe that Jesus led a band of outlaws and turned himself in to the authorities to save their lives, not the world, referencing the John 15:13. You have to admit, Lucifer put a pretty good spin on scripture with this theory. But that is all it is, a theory.

Beloved, this is why we should continuously be a student of the Bible. The sacrifice of Jesus the Christ was prophesied hundreds of years before he was born. These prophesies do not say that he will take the fall for his friends. The prophesies say that Jesus would be born to die for the world.

Isaiah 9:6—For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 49:6—And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.

Numbers 24:17—I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel,

Isaiah 7:14—Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

For those of us who have Christ branded into our hearts, keep the faith. True believers are rare. And although, the good news of Jesus Christ’s atonement for our sin is not something the world wants to hear today, we speak anyway. We share the gospel of Christ how that Jesus died for our sins so that we don’t have to do it. He did it because He loves. And as He did, we love. That is what Christianity is about. And beloved, you cannot have Christianity without Christ.

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 14:6

*The book of Isaiah was written about three hundred years before Jesus was born. The Old Testament in the Bible is filled with prophesies. However, this passage is my favorite and, in my opinion, the most detailed of them all. Grace and peace. Blessings and love.

Isaiah 53

Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?

² For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.

³ He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

⁴ Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

⁵ But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

⁶ All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

⁷ He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

⁸ He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.

⁹ And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.

¹⁰ Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hand.

¹¹ He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.

¹² Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

 

When the Atheist Joined Girls Night Out

 

It is a rare Saturday night when my friend Rachel and I can tear ourselves away from a quiet evening of rest from a long week of work, family and more work and brave the night life. But we do it anyway. A girl has to check her pulse every once in a while, right?

We push our way through a crowded restaurant and make it to the bar where we wait for our table. I want to leave and just hit a drive through on our way to our next stop, but my friend insisted that we stay and make the best of it.

Best idea ever.

Our seats at the bar are not even together. Between us is this guy with glasses and slightly messy hair quietly sipping his beer and playing with his phone. So, we pull the stools out a little and scream at each other from behind the guy’s back. After a few minutes, he finally offers to switch seats with Rachel.

She says, “Oh, bless you!”

The guy makes a hard line with his lips and nods. The three of us continue our separate evenings. She and I are discussing phase two of our girls’ night out. Again, I complain about the wait for a table and make the argument that I’m not that hungry.

I lost that half-fought battle and agreed to stay. Forever minutes later, the same guy tapped Rachel on the shoulder and offered his table which was ready. We jump on this offer and climb off of the bar stools to follow the hostess. Rachel touches the guy’s arm and says, “God bless you! We really have some place to be soon.”

The guy shakes his head and says, “Please don’t do that.”

Rachel snatches her hand back thinking he doesn’t want to be touched. “I’m so sorry! I touch when I talk. It’s my realtor’s curse.”

“No that’s fine. Just please don’t force your god stuff on me. Enjoy your table.”

Not in the mood for this argument, I turn and follow the hostess who is clearly annoyed. We make it to our table and Rachel is nowhere in sight. I get settled at the table, text her and wait. Minutes later, she and the guy who gave us the table appear. I am ticked off at this point because my friend has just ruined girls’ night by picking up a guy.

I vow to myself to have an appetizer then go home and catch up on Game of Thrones. I didn’t need this crap.

Rachel introduced the guy as Nicholas, a single engineer from Albany, who has agreed to pay for our dinner if we could prove the existence of God.

I laugh. Nicholas laughs. Rachels smiles smugly and invites the guy to sit across from us. I realize they are serious.

Great.

So, Nicholas wanted to know how God come into existence. Where did He come from?

The guy wasn’t asking a question that we all haven’t pondered at some point. I listened as my friend pulled out her Bible app and started reading excerpts of scripture from Psalms and Genesis.

Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.

Psalms 90:2

The Lord reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the Lord is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved. Thy throne is established of old: thou art from everlasting.

Psalms 93:2

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

Genesis 1:1

Nicholas stopped her and asked her not to use the Bible. His argument was that you cannot prove something by reading from a book he doesn’t believe. He added that the Bible was put together by a group of scholars under the threatening direction of a British monarch. He couldn’t possibly trust it.

Ok, that was a fair point. But, how were we to defend our case for God without evidence?

I told Nicholas that the belief in the existence of God is based on faith. We are receptive to God’s will and to His word. God is the word and the word is God.

Nicholas wanted us to prove that the Bible was not just a book of old scriptures hand picked by people who wanted you to think and act in a certain way. I had no more energy to debate with this guy. My friend argued that God just exists. He is the beginning and the end. This is true but not good enough for our Atheist guest.

Nicholas thanked us for trying and left. Rachel and I went on with our night. Later, when I was alone, I thought of what I should have said to Nicholas and to anyone who questions the existence of my God.

The human being wants desperately to “understand” all. We lack the smallest amount of faith. We have issues with trust because the enemy has done a superb job in making us doubt the very existence of God.

For one to explain God is to put God into a continuum which is impossible. God is above all time, space, matter and explanation. If we serve a “God” who has limits, a beginning and an end, then we do not serve a God. The fact of that matter is that God is an inexplicable presence beyond our understanding. Our human being condition could not handle knowing as God knows or seeing as God sees. This is one of the reasons why so many have settled for worshipping the creation rather than the Creator (Romans 1:25).

Christians are a people of strong uninterrupted faith because we trust not in ourselves, but in the Lord.

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Proverbs 3:54

Jesus and the Easter Bunny: How We Include the Gospel of Christ

Tags

christianity, Easter, modernchristianity, religion, resurrection sunday

Courtesy of Ernesto E. Carrasco

Every year on the first Sunday following the full moon or the Paschal (Passover) Moon, Christians around the world celebrate Easter. The way people choose to remember the resurrection of Christ varies. That variation has many factors including culture, denomination, location, etc. In Italy, people light a cart filled with fireworks. Australians have the royal Easter show which is much like a farmer’s market where people display their crops and livestock. In Poland, Christians exchange blessings baskets filled with bread, meats and eggs. In Italy, people make effigies of Judas to burn. Christians in India exchange colorful lanterns and throw street festivals.

As I am a resident in America, I know that we also have some pretty interesting ways to commemorate the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord. We dress our children in pastels, buy them baskets of candy and toys. Some of us go all out and give live bunnies for the occasion. Some churches have special services. Families have special dinners. Again, the way the holy day is remembered, varies. But a trip to Wal-Mart a few days ago made me re-visit my questions about how we celebrate “Easter”. I didn’t dare go down any of the aisles of pastels and candy the store strategically positioned in the front. And I didn’t need to. The writing was literally on the wall.

Over the years, we Christians have incorporated so many practices in the celebration of the Resurrection that a lot of us have forgotten where these practices originated. The word Easter was actually mentioned in the Bible only once in Acts 12:4 in reference to the time of year James was killed by Herod. It was during the time of Easter or Ishtar, which was a celebration of Eostre goddess of spring or fertility.

See Jesus anywhere?

I’m not judging. I did it for years. My parents subjected my siblings and me to “Easter” traditions and rituals. I passed it on for a brief time to my children. The world has incorporated these pagan traditions and rituals into the holiest of holidays.

The truth is bunnies and eggs have nothing to do with the resurrection of Christ and in my opinion should have no part of any commemoration of His death, burial and resurrection.

It was hard for me to explain to children how eggs and candy and Peter Cottontail had anything to do with Jesus. So, I stopped associating these things with the Resurrection of Christ. Like so many others, I started calling this celebration by its name: Resurrection Day.

Now my brothers and sisters, I make no judgement against you for doing these things. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:

Colossians 2:16

If we can reach more people with the gospel by being more inclusive, I am in full agreement. I do not judge those who choose to hand out Easter baskets, decorate eggs or buy bunnies for the occasion. I choose not to do so. If anything, I would advocate for baptisms on this holy weekend instead.

Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

Romans 6: 3-5

My only prayer is that we all know and believe the gospel of Christ and that this Resurrection Day is a celebration of the great sacrifice that Jesus Christ made so that we will not have to face the second death on the day of judgement.

This and every holiday or observance that may come, let’s remember that while it is good and albeit at times necessary to incorporate other’s comforts for the sake of sharing the gospel, we must also be careful not to conform to this world but share the gospel of Christ to every person in every culture in all of the world.

Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

Romans 15:5-7

Who Are These Christians?

Tags

#standupchristians, christianity, fakechristians, realchristianity

Does it sometimes feel as though you are on repeat when you speak? You say things in the simplest way and yet so many want to make it hard. So, you say it again. They want to twist your words. You say it again. They want to tell you what you mean. You say it again.

And you think, can anyone hear me?

Paul says in 1 Corinthians that we are to speak the same thing. We are not to be divided in any way. Christians have a bad reputation for being hypocrites mainly because we all give different gospels. We do not speak or give the same message. We are not one body. I would argue that we are not even in the same family.

Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

1 Corinthians 1:10

In this world of everything, it’s hard for the small to be heard. Real Christians are definitely the least of these now. And in this big world where it is practically criminal to say anything anyone disagrees with, it is hard to get the message across without someone adding their evil spin to it…even on repeat. But let’s not confuse the meaning of Christian.

So, what is a Christian. Who are we? What do we believe?

I tell you the truth my beloved brothers and sisters. Christians believe that Jesus Christ’s death, burial and resurrection paid for all of their sins. We are the true members of the spiritual body of Christ. We believe that nothing we do, no activity, no ritual, no way of living can earn a place in Heaven with the Lord. Only belief in the ultimate, the final sacrifice can do this.

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

1 Peter 3:18

He was delivered over to death for our trespasses and was raised to life for our justification.

Romans 4:25

To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

2 Corinthians 5:19

Why would one want to complicate something as simple as salvation?

Once you are a believer of the truth of your salvation, you are a Christian. What you do with this information once you receive is between you and God. How you live your life once you have received this information is between you and God. Dear friend, do not allow anyone to tell you about your sin. No one on this earth can judge you. Your sins and theirs are paid in full, just believe that. And beloved, trust me, receipt of the sweet gift of salvation from Jesus Christ will open your eyes to things more beautiful than any sin. You will desire to share this gospel with others. But, I beseech you, please do not distort the gospel of the grace of God. It is and always has been simple. We are saved by our faith through the grace of God by the blood of the savior Jesus the Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9).

There are many reasons people want to add to this good news and place stipulations and clauses on the gospel. It does not matter. The motive is the same. The mastermind behind all of the confusion is the same. Lucifer, the fallen angel, destined for an eternal hell wants to build his army to fight the Lord in the end of days. And he will take the desires of your heart and build this army with your blood, if you are not careful.

Keep it simple. The already shed blood of Jesus Christ paid for your sins. You are destined for heaven if you believe this. And we want to build God’s army in Heaven where we will all live forever.

May the grace of God bless and keep you all.

Grace and peace,

Blessings and love,

 

 

Where Is The House of God?

Tags

thebodyofChrist, thehouseofGod

Growing up in the Christian church, the daughter of a Pentecostal pastor, I heard the scripture ‘I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord!’ countless times. Preachers and members of the congregation would belt it out quickly to get a reaction from the crowd. And trust me, it was like hitting the “Turn Up” button because the entire room would shout and smile and sometimes dance. They were instantly happy with the thought of going into the “house of the Lord”. I do not believe that any of them realized that they were the house of the Lord. Or, shall I say, they should be the house of the Lord.

Let’s take a look at the backstory for that “turn up” scripture. It is found in Psalms 122. Written by King David, this text was part of a song that the children of Israel sang as they journeyed to Jerusalem for a holy feast. It was called songs of ascension because the children of Israel were going up to Jerusalem for this holy holiday. This was one of the many requirements for Israel. Clearly, it is not required today. We live by the grace of God through our faith in the completed work of Jesus Christ.

We do not go to the house of the Lord. God does not dwell in a temple or any particular building or piece of earth. Before Christ, Israel had no way to get to God except through the priests. They would go to the temple to make sacrifices to God, to pray and worship. In this temple was a veil and behind it was the dwelling place of God (Hebrews 9). Only the priests were allowed behind that veil to atone for Israel’s sins.

But now…

The death of Jesus Christ atoned for all sin. The veil was literally torn open and the temple was destroyed. God left the temple and now dwells in the hearts of the believer (Acts 17:24). Those of us who believe that Jesus Christ atoned for all sin through his sacrifice and resurrection, we are the house of the Lord, the body of Christ. We go to God and directly to Him through that sacrifice Jesus made for us all.

Beloved, as believers we are the body of Christ. The Holy Spirit dwells in us now. We are the church and without us, there is no body.

 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.  And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

Romans 8:9-11

Now, I realize a lot of organizations use the phrasing House of God etc. in their titles. But, that is all it is—a title. Do not let anyone tell you that you are standing on holy ground when you walk into a building or a piece of land. Do not let anyone trick you into believing that one building is more holy than the other. It is simply not true. In fact, you and I, the believers of the resurrected Christ are the holy ones. I’ll say it again, it is because the Holy Spirit lives in us. How blessed are we to have found this truth and live in it daily! No one needs a priest. Save your time for going to confession for something else, like reading the Bible perhaps (start in Ephesians). You can skip the ritualistic prayer line where everyone lays hands on you and you beg for forgiveness.

No, my love, you are already forgiven. You have to atone for nothing. Trust in that perfect sacrifice Jesus made for you. Yes you, the body of Jesus Christ, the house of the Lord.

Grace and peace,

Blessings and love.

“…we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering he hath perfected forever them that are sanctified. Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before. This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them. And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus. By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh;

Hebrews 10:9-20

The Mystery of God Revealed

With the recent freezing temperatures hitting us pretty hard, my friend and I decided to grab our blankets, popcorn and hot chocolate and binge watch a TV show. We settled on The Bible series on Netflix. It is a remake of the 1966 film The Bible: In the Beginning. We are both artists and proud critics, so a good deal of the day was spent pointing out all of the inaccuracies in this series. And trust me, there were quite a few. The overall theme of the series seemed to be God’s covenant(s) with Israel. This started a discussion about the promises God made throughout the Bible. So, we decided to breakdown the dispensations on our own. In doing so, we see that even though mankind has had a tumultuous relationship with God since the beginning, God’s grace has always been present but with conditions. That is until, the mystery was revealed.

To get the big picture, let’s look at the different deals God made with His people.

The First Promise:

This promise was made with Adam and Eve in the period of innocence where God put Adam in charge of the earth (Genesis 1:26) and promised that they had a home in Eden forever unless they ate of the forbidden fruit (Genesis 2:15-17). How hard was that? But you know how it goes, we always want what we cannot or should not have. And so, Adam and Eve blew it for everyone. For their disobedience, God evicted them from the garden and cursed them with the hard life we all have to endure today. At this point, mankind is still in charge of the earth. The job just got much harder.

Promise 2 Noah:

Let’s move on to Noah. If you attended any Sunday school class as a child, you know this story. Noah was seen as a righteous man in the eyes of God. If you do a more in-depth study, you will see that Noah had his faults. However, compared to the wickedness in the world during that time, he was a saint. God was sorry that he made mankind. He was so disappointed in what His creation had become he decided to destroy everything. Wipe the slate clean and start over.

So, God sent a massive flood over all of the earth and literally washed everyone and everything from the face of earth except for Noah, his family and the animals taken with them onto the ark.

Here comes the second Promise. In Genesis 9:9-16, God promised Noah that he will never again destroy the earth with water. And, as a symbol of that promise, blessed us with those beautiful rainbows we see sometimes after rain. Pretty awesome!

Promise 3: Abraham

Next, we have Abraham, the father of many nations. God made a couple of promises to Abraham. He assured him that he will have many descendants and God promised him specific tracks of land. These descendants will go on to birth kings including the one and only Jesus Christ. Abraham fathered children with his wife Sarah and his servant Hagar. They went on the become Israel and Palestine, respectively. This land will be and still is the subject of much controversary. But it’s not like they were not warned. God told Abraham’s offspring that they will get the land, lose it but it will be returned to them, eventually (Ezekiel 32, Leviticus 25, Genesis 15,17, Exodus 23).

Promise 4: Moses

Abraham’s grandson, Jacob, was close to God but not without his faults also. He won the heart of God and through him, God formed the nation of Israel to fulfill his promise to Abraham. God renamed Jacob Israel and Israel’s offspring became the “nation” that will birth the son of man, Jesus. Through Jacob’s lineage came Joseph, who rescued his family (the nation of Israel) from starvation through his connection with Egyptian royalty. The nation moves to Egypt and becomes slaves. Years later baby Moses is rescued from Pharaoh’s decree to thin the Israeli population by mass genocide when Pharaoh’s daughter decides to adopt the child as her own. Moses grows up and is used by God to lead Israel out of Egypt and back to the land God promised Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

But this journey to the promised land is complicated by the children of Israel’s disobedience. Therefore, God had to lay down the law, literally. He not only gave them the ten commandments but hundreds of other laws that they were to obey and rituals they were to keep.

If they did not keep these commandments, God promised them curses. If they did obey the law, God gave them blessings (Deuteronomy 11). Pretty simple, right? I suppose it should have been but…

Promise 5: David

Now the children of Israel wanted a kingdom complete with a king, the works. God granted them their wish and gave them Saul. You can read Saul’s very sad story, but we have got to keep this train moving. Ok, here we go. Saul died and the next King is the multi-talented beautiful David. The crowning of King David continued to set the stage for the coming of Christ. Nathan shared God’s promise with King David in 2 Samuel 7:16 where he told David “your throne will be established forever”. We are reminded of this promise in Luke 1:32-33.

Promise 6: Jesus

So, Jesus came from the lineage of King David. Jesus was sent to fulfill the law of Moses. In other words, at this point, the prophecies that were passed down is coming true. God always keeps His word. And with the fulfillment of this prophecy comes a new covenant to save the children of Israel from their sins (Zechariah 9:9).

The Mystery:

Now beloved, comes the plot twist. When Jesus came to earth, those who believed him to be the Messiah thought that He was there to restore their kingdom. They believed that Jesus was their next king (John 12:13, John 1:49). They were under Roman rule and while they were free to practice their religion, they had no real kingdom or freedom as they did in the days of King David. Jesus’ disciples even asked Him when He will restore the kingdom (Acts 1-8). Jesus basically tells them not to worry about the time table. And part of this is because the mystery, yes mystery of God is about to be revealed to the most unlikely person.

Now, at this time, the disciples were teaching Jesus Christ to the children of Israel. Afterall, he was their Messiah, the one prophesied to come. Some believed in the name of Jesus and some did not. What none of them knew, was that Jesus Christ was slaughtered and resurrected for the sins of the world, both Jews and the Gentiles (non-Jewish people). Jesus Christ chose Paul, a proud persecutor of followers of Christ, to deliver Jesus Christ’s message to the world. This mystery was withheld since the beginning of time (Romans 16:25). The message is that salvation is available to anyone who believes that Christ died for their sins. Simple. Your sins are forgiven. All you need do is believe that. And you are saved.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9

Jessica’s Sit Down Interview With British Journalist Ramona Portelli of Net TV

*See the full article here.

Jessica is the author of the controversial novels ‘By the Grace’ and the sequel ‘Temptations’. ShelfBloom Publishing called her work “riveting, gripping, raw, real” citing that she has challenged the idea of the traditional church.

An Alabama USA native, Jessica worked as a journalist for over ten years before publishing her first novel. Jessica is a graduate from The University of Alabama with a degree in Journalism and Creative Writing. She lives in the USA with her two sons.

Ramona: How many books have you written so far – name them one by one

Jessica: The first was By the Grace, followed by Temptations and the latest is a novel called Settlers. I have also served as a ghost writer on a few projects.

Ramona: What’s the name of your latest book, and let us know more about it

My novel, Settlers, will be available in February 2019. It is a truly interesting ride. It’s a story of desperation and hope and yes, of love. And, I must thank some of people in my life for this beautiful story. You see, I have friends in just about every age group, 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and even 60s. And in spending time with them, I realized that some of them have some pretty interesting love lives. But they all share a common goal, as most of us do – the quest to not be alone. I wondered what would happen if I take the issues from this person and give it to this kind of character and vice versa. I kinda wanted to scramble their lives and see what would happen. And what developed was Settlers, a fascinating story that unfolded in ways I didn’t plan, but it worked out like life…unexpectedly.

Ramona: Being an author, how susceptible are you to getting recognized on the street?

Jessica: I fly way under the radar! I don’t care for a lot of attention for myself, only my work. But, I’m likely to be found anywhere. I get bored very easily, so I will pop up just to try something different. But I am always hiding in the crowd away from the spotlight!

Ramona: Did you ever have a rough patch in writing, where nothing in the story seemed to fit or make sense?

Jessica: I believe every writer will have this problem. Yes, I have several times. When it happens, I just move away from it. If it is meant to happen, it will happen. If not, it will not.

Ramona: How do you think concepts such as Kindle, and e-books have changed the present or future of reading?

Jessica: E-books are a blessing and a curse. Personally, I love to hold my physical paper book. I have books in every room in my house. I have bookshelves stuffed with books. I love them. Also, e-books have been a blessing because it gives us access to books instantly. I have several e-books. There have been many occasions where I heard about a book and the next thing you know, a couple of clicks later, I have the book I want. Sadly, I do believe electronic books will replace our books. I hope not, but it’s inevitable.

Ramona: What weather inspires you the most, in terms of bringing out your literary best?

Jessica: Spring! It is murder on my allergies, but I love spring! Things are new. The weather is perfect for me to go outside with my laptop and just write.

Ramona: What is that dream goal you want to achieve?

Jessica: I would love to be able to just write, create and collaborate with other writers I admire. Do nothing else, just create. Then share that world with others so that they see the beauty. That would be a dream come true for me.

Ramona: If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

Jessica: I would tell her to follow her own path, especially if it is away from the crowd.

Get in touch with Jessica T. Rogers on:-

https://www.facebook.com/jesstrogers

https://twitter.com/JessicaTRogers

www.instagram.com/jessicat.ro

www.jessicatrogers.wordpress.com

No Strings: The Lie About Salvation

Tags

false prophets, God's Love, how to be saved, salvation

When one of my friends came to me and shared that a lot of believers in her circle split over whether or not Jesus died to save everyone or just the people who believe, the first thing I thought was “You idiots!” ( Side Note: I’m a big House M.D. fan.) Seriously, I have to wonder why people sit around and think these things and then spread their philosophy to others and mask it as gospel. Beloved, please remember that the Bible says in 2 Timothy that people will turn away from the truth and instead to those who teach what they want to hear. Watch carefully for these false prophets. They have been placed among us disguised as believers when in truth, they seek their own agenda.

As for the latest, I’ve heard here is the argument:

Salvation is not for anyone until after they believe. God doesn’t save anyone from their sins until after they believe.

Meaning, Jesus died on the cross and was resurrected only for those who believe it. Sounds like these foolish mortals with their flawed flesh are so desperate for exclusivity that they have forgotten that Christ died for all.

ALL.

It’s almost laughable and it would be if it weren’t so sad. My beloved friends, God gave His Son Jesus Christ to save the WORLD. That means EVERYONE has access to salvation. We only have to BELIEVE that Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, died on the cross and was resurrection for the remission of our sins! Period. How hard is that?

There is so much Biblical evidence to dispute this claim. Here are a few from the text.

Romans 5:8
But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:6
For at just the right time, while we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.

Romans 8:32
He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, freely give us all things?

See a pattern? This gift of salvation is for ALL.

For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4

Grace and peace,

Blessings and Love!

Defining True Christian Purpose

Tags

#christianpersecution, #truechristian, christianity, faith

Last week, while waiting on a game to start, I asked a few friends and relatives about their faith.

“Tell me, no jokes, why are you a Christian,” I asked.

After I was lovingly berated for starting such a conversation minutes before a game, my circle got serious and answered proudly, boldly.

“Because I believe Jesus is Lord and He died for my sins.”

This was basically the consensus, but of course I had a follow up. As Christians, what is our motivation? Are we fully committed to what it means to be a follower of Christ?

Are we all in?

Ok, so you believe Jesus really is the begotten son of God. You know that he has atoned for all sin. Now, you just want to share this awesome news.

How far are you willing to go?

As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Romans 8:36

In the Bible, believers were willing to die and suffer all kinds of persecution for the faith. Jesus’s disciples were some of the first to suffer for the gospel.

Peter and Andrew were crucified. Thomas was stabbed (speared). Matthew was stabbed to death. James beaten to death. Matthias was burned alive. Paul was beheaded. And these horrifying killings were just a “drop in the bucket” of people who died all because they were “all in” for Christ.

In some parts of the world even now, our brothers and sisters are being oppressed because of their choice to follow Christ. Christians in China, Egypt, Eritrea, India, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria and Turkey are still being crucified, imprisoned and beaten all because they try to worship Christ, all because they refused to deny Him (Aid to Churches In Need 2017).

Some of us won’t speak up because we are afraid of what others may say. Some of us are afraid of losing money or status. Some of us cower at the idea of being ostracized for our faith.

Would you be willing to take a beating or worse all because you are a disciple of Christ?

Beware of the Gateway Gospel

Our purpose should be to deliver the gospel of Christ unabridged and unapologetically. Now, some people may start out with the express intention of sharing the gospel. But, if they are profiting, be it monetarily or by popularity, it is easy for the message to become lost. It is so simple for the enemy to tarnish the purity of the mission, even if it means abandoning the gospel altogether. This is how cults are formed.

The truth is taught but lies and deceptions are mixed in with the truth making it hard to spot at first. The cure for this is to study the Bible on your own.

…but there be some that trouble you and would pervert the gospel Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.

Galatians 1:7-9

Regardless your motivation, be it for good, for the love of Christ or for self. If the gospel is being preached, God means it for good. In Philippians Paul wrote to the church about others taking advantage of his imprisonment and persecution to preach the gospel. He warned that they may be doing so out of rivalry and some may have been teaching the gospel of Christ out of goodness. His point was that regardless the motivation, Christ was being preached and in that he rejoiced (Philippians 1:15-18).

Now dear beloved friends, the people who are hearing and believing the gospel through these teachers’ selfish intentions or humble intentions, are saved and their reward is in Heaven. But the black hearted ones…well…

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Matthew 7:21-23

Lost in translation

Years ago, when I was a new Christian, I was part of a few social media groups and chatrooms where the purpose was to share the gospel. It was like an online Bible study, if you will. I was eager to share what I learned and in turn, also allow others to edify me.

Sadly, the groups quickly became a breeding grown for confusion. The “believers” frequently got into heated debates that quickly escalated to a virtual brawl. I rarely saw kindness just brash comments stamped with “the gospel of Jesus Christ” in a futile effort to make them righteous.

It was heart breaking. So, I left.

Some people use our faith as a platform for their own selfish motives. It may be for endorsements, to get paid, or to make a name for themselves. Some are just wicked enough to jump into it just to stir the emotions of believers by playing to their beliefs.

Whatever their motives, I hope it is worth it. We will all have to answer for the work we have done here on earth. But I beg you my dear brothers and sisters, to remember our true purpose. Hold in your hearts, our reason for being a Christian.

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:3-11

.

Lean On Me

What defines a church? We gather together and share the gospel. We sing and worship together. We celebrate our joys and we also share our sorrows. As the body of Christ, we share these things together. It is easy to join with someone when things are good. Who doesn’t like to celebrate? But what about the sorrows of others? Are we sharing these too?

Paul wrote to the church in Corinth reminding them that we share in the joy of Christ, but we also share our grievances. We are comforted by God and in turn, we are to pass on that comfort to others.

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4(KJV)

It is our duty to not only share the gospel of Christ, but also to care for the needs of our brothers and sisters. My dear heart, this is honoring God. Who are we to sit in comfort while we know people are suffering?

I have seen many Christians who brag about the material things they have. Be it a big fancy house, expensive cars or lots of “likes” on social media, they actually boast about these things forgetting that they have them to share. Some even brag about their gifts or talents and misuse them.

Oh, what wretched man are we? Right?

Beloved, let us not forget that if our talents or gifts are not used in service to God, they are used in vain. Paul says that if we boast about anything, it should be the fact that we behave with Godly sincerity (2 Corinthians 10:17). This is not meant to say they we are self-righteous. Not one of us is without fault. But we show the world a good example. We show the world the holy spirit within us.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.

Colossians 3:23-25

There is truly no excuse to turn our less fortunate brothers and sisters away. The smallest act of charity can mean life or death to a person. You never know. I say again, helping those in need is service to our Father.

Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. ³⁵ For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, ³⁶ I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ ³⁷ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? ³⁸ And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? ³⁹ And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ ⁴⁰ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers,^[f] you did it to me.’

Matthew 25: 34-40

Over the weekend, my friends and I were feeding the homeless downtown. As we interacted with these people, I could not help but to wonder, why these circumstances exist. Why are so many people in the world suffering? What can we do about it? My son must have read my mind because just as he finished handing out bottles of water, he turned to me and said, “Mom, why can’t we just build this big apartment building and let the homeless live there?”

Oh, the simplicity of a child. Amen?

But as one man told us his story, my friend Amber reminded us that any one of us could be in the same situation at any given time. Life has no special picks. And as much as some Christians like to believe it, God also has no favorites.

Now, I wasn’t feeling my best on Sunday. But I went anyway, because my desire is to help in any way that I can. I don’t have much but anyone who knows me, know that all that I have is open to anyone in need.

We are blessed to share our blessings with others. The Holy Spirit that lives in each of us should not allow us to turn a blind eye to any of those who are in spiritual or physical need.

To our brothers and sisters who are suffering, do not loose heart.

2 Corinthians 4:16

How Christians Should Change the World

Tags

Christianlove, gracegospel, healtheworld

I’m not a big Beyonce fan but on my drive home a few days ago, her song I Was Here, came on in my car. It is a beautiful song about your influence on the world. At least, that’s what I got from it. I started to think about who I influence, or motivate, if anyone. Have I helped to change anyone’s life? Have I made things a little better just because ‘I was here’?

As Christians we have these wandering thoughts, don’t we? Well, I do. I often ask myself if I can do more for the body of Christ. My answer is always yes but my intentions are often smothered by “life”. While we do life here on earth, go to work, pay the bills, have families and careers, our priority should be people, that is sharing God’s love and the gospel with people.

Like Beyonce’s song, I want to know that I have helped to touch someone’s heart. I have helped to save someone and guide them to everlasting love with our Father.

My son is determined to make the world “cleaner”. His summer project was collecting plastic bottles to recycle. He saved every bottle we brought into the house and even picked up a few on his own. We are still making trips to the recycling center. But when I asked him, why he wanted to keep doing this, he told me that he wants his grandchildren to know that he tried to save the environment.

That is his contribution to saving the earth (physically), so be it. Good for him. But later, we all discussed our true reason for being here (on earth). What is our real purpose?

Before you go, leave this earth, how much can you say you have accomplished? Sure, I have a bucket list of things I want to do before I leave. I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to knock out a few things on the list. But as time passes and I get older, I find that the list is not so important. My focus, my priority has shifted.

I have chosen to love people and love them more than I love the earth, more than the universe (which some people worship but that’s another conversation).

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away and there was no more sea.

Revelation 21:1

Courtesy of VineImage

We can influence the world by changing the hearts of mankind. Sounds a little crazy, right? We know that we will not be able to save everyone, but it helps to be a little optimistic about our goal. Can you imagine a world where everyone is happy and in love? Heaven right? Yes, my dear hearts. Think on these things as we strive to share the gospel of the grace of God with everyone.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Philippians 4:8

 

I have decided to love God and to love people so much that my desire is for them to know the gospel of Christ. And knowing this, that Christ died for our sins and we have only to believe this, is love. I am happy to share this with any and everyone, even if it means I forfeit items from my bucket list.

Paul, the apostle in the New Testament retaught this lesson of love in 1 Corinthians 13. Love never fails. Beloved, this is how we leave our mark on the world. This is how we help to make things a little better.

My son is still hard at work leaving his ecological footprint on the earth. But what spiritual footprint will we leave? When we come before our Father in Heaven, what will He say to us? Will he see that we chose material things over the souls of our brothers and sisters?

When you leave this world, will you leave regrets? Or will you be like Paul and boldly say ‘I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing’ (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

Healing Confessions That Give Life

Tags

#celebraterecovery, family, health, Inspiration, peace, prayer, relationship

Joking, I once told a friend that Catholics should be in good mental health with all their confession requirements. Maybe it was distasteful but hey, that’s how we joke. When we speak on it seriously, it’s not funny at all. Many religions believe that confession is an integral part of securing and keeping salvation. That is a lie. But, I submit that confessing your sins to each other can be very healing for relationships and prosperous for your spiritual journey.

Some people may spout scriptures like Romans 6:14 and 22 to make you believe that talking about your sin or struggle is pointless. Don’t fall for that. Make no mistake, sin has no dominion over us. We are forgiven. But this does not mean that you are wrong for talking about your personal struggles.

Not long ago, I felt compelled to make some serious changes in my life. I sought advice from a few trusted friends. To receive true advice, I had to first fess up.

While it is not a requirement to confess your sins to anyone, there is a reason we are encouraged to do so. Don’t you think?

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.

James 5:16

Confessing your sins to each other is not an absolute to go to heaven. Trust me, God already knows about them and forgave every one of them on the cross. Remember the thief hanging there next to Jesus? Jesus gave him an instant entrance ticket to heaven. And my heart, you have the same. When Jesus said, ‘It is finished’, he meant it.

But, something beautiful happens when we unload our burdens. Find that dear trusted friend, and just allow them to share your load. If this is not an option, write it down in a letter to yourself (burn the letter after you read it) and take the cleansing breath of relief. Feel better? Can you feel that weight being lifted off? Are you sleeping better now?

This healing is a necessity if we are to continue to teach and share the gospel. Part of our beauty is in our faults. If we were perfect, we would not need a Savior. God does not expect us to be perfect. After all, we are perfected through Him. But, that does not mean that we should not strive to live clean lives (1 Corinthians 1:8, Hebrews 12:13).

And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.

Philippians 1:9-10

We cannot move and continue our work here on earth if we are bound. Beloved, I speak from experience when I say, it only encompasses you. Let it go. Anything that is hidden cannot be healed (Psalms 32:3).

Grace and peace,

Blessings and love,

Time For Truth

Tags

christianity, religion, truthtime

The word “truth” has been in the media a lot lately. So much that I dare say, it seems to be losing its power, weakening,  as man(kind) distorts its meaning for personal gain. Phrases like “alternative facts”, “my truth” and “truth isn’t truth” are becoming so common. And, as ridiculous as I personally think they all sound, the reality is Truth is what it is, truth. It needs no adjective, no possessive phrase. Beloved, anything added to or taken away from truth is your opinion.

And speaking of truth, we need to get back to sharing the truth, our Christian faith. Is that not why we are here? Are we not saved from our sins, renewed in our spirit to share the gospel of Christ with everyone?

When it is not popular, we speak truth.

When we are called “anti” this or that, we speak truth.

When we are beaten and outcast, we speak truth.

When the rest of the world conforms, we speak truth.

At the risk of loosing everything worldly, we speak truth.

We speak it brazenly.

We speak it repeatedly.

We speak it proudly.

Because we count all things as loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, (Philippians 3:8).

Now, what is truth?

The truth is that God, the Creator of the Universe, favors no one person, country, nation or entity over another (Romans 2:11). God sent his son Jesus Christ to die for the atonement of ALL sin committed past, present and future (Romans 4:25). God does not require anyone to perform any ritual to go to Heaven (Ephesians 2:8-9). If you believe that Christ, the only begotten son of God, was born into the world, died and rose from the dead to atone for your sins, you are saved from your sins. You are a part of the body of Christ. You, beloved, will be caught up when He returns to take the members of his Body home to Heaven.

And for this cause, we speak truth, persecuted but not forsaken; cast down but not destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:9).

Grace and peace,

Blessings and love,

Hope of Glory: Christians Battle Depression Too

Tags

#celebraterecovery, #christiansanddepression, #thenakedchristian

I have a mental illness. Now, up until a few years ago I was afraid to admit this, even to myself. The term “mental illness” to so many, has been likened to the word “crazy”. Even I used to hear the word and automatically picture someone running around with wild eyes and hair, screaming for no reason. Of course, I know this way of thinking is sheer ignorance. Now I know better. But, back then I was ashamed to admit that like 40 million people in the United States, I suffer from depression and an anxiety disorder (Anxiety and Depression Association of America).

Nowadays, awareness of the disease has increased with the help of celebrities like Alyssa Milano and Kelly Roland. People have become more understanding. Even the Christian community has slowly started to come out of the shadows when it comes to understanding depression and anxiety disorders. But, the stigma still hovers in many Christian communities.

When I was younger, I tried to get some relief from my suffering. I turned to my church and to my family. The responses I received made things worse. I heard “stop trying to play victim”, “just pray, you have to believe”, “just stop making things up in your head” and finally the solution: “Just suck it up.”

“It’s all in your head,” they said.

And I say to them, yeah, it is all in my head. The mind is also part of the body. Each body part is susceptible to illness. And where does the enemy attack first? The mind. So, while you let that sink in, I’ll continue.

I tried to suck it up but none of their advice helped. It wasn’t until a near successful suicide attempt that my family and friends saw that I was really in pain. They finally knew that my smile was a lie.

How It Started

At first, I didn’t realize that something was off balance. Everything seemed normal. I went about my days same as usual. Then, I started to notice failure after failure. I magnified every little thing that happened. Things that most people would just shrug off, I couldn’t let go. I wasn’t feeling like myself. I self-medicated with positive thinking memes on social media. I added a few more daily devotional subscriptions to my inbox. I tried to stay positive. I continued to attend church, Bible study groups, and my volunteer work. After all, helping others is the best way to forget about my own issues, right?

But the self-help was starting to feel moot. I started going to bed earlier, sometimes with the aid of Nyquil. I would read the memes and think “meh”, then delete. I read some of the devotional scripture, but that uplifted feeling was gone once I closed my email. So, I decided to get busier doing more things. I took on extra projects, hoping the distraction will jolt me back to my old self.

Then, I started to have that overwhelming feeling that everything I had done and was doing was just a never-ending cycle of nothing. Nothing mattered. It was all pointless. I was pointless. And coupled with these creeping thoughts of despair were feelings of sheer anxiety. The “what ifs” plagued my mind.

What if I don’t get this bill paid off?

What if he has been using me all this time?

What if I can’t get this long list of things done?

I can’t do anything right! I always do this to myself! I am worthless!

And the depression had finally arrived. The stress of it all made me feel physically, mentally and emotionally drained. My only desire was to sleep. Sleep, until it all went away.

I wanted help. But, I was a Christian, a leader in my church. Christians don’t believe in depression. If I confessed my illness, everyone would think that I had lost my faith or never had it. Everyone would think I am not saved and there is no Holy Spirit within me.

This fear intensified the problem. Having lived under the credence that Christians don’t suffer depression, I started to question my own faith.

There Is Hope

So, what do you do when the spirit of hopelessness comes over you? You are saved. The Holy Spirit lives in you but still hopelessness does not escape you. In fact, you are more at risk because, the enemy, Lucifer, knows you have promise.

What do you do?

The reality is that there is really no instant cure for depression. Like any treatment, it takes time to fix. But, the great comfort comes in knowing that those conflicting thoughts invading your psyche are a complete lie, a failed trick of the devil. You are saved. You have the hope of glory. And God wants you to live in that peace. That is what we must look forward to.

Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church: Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

Colossians 1:24

My dear brothers and sisters in love, do not allow anyone to deny you the peace that our Father and Savior, Jesus Christ, has for you. Think on this, He loved you, your sweet soul, so much that He was willing and did die for you! Mental illness like any other illness of the body sometimes requires medical attention. A sickness of the mind does not mean that you have failed as a child of God. It does not mean that you can just “shake it off”. It does not mean that you can just pray it away (James 2:26). Even Paul, in the book of Timothy he advised to “…use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities” (1 Timothy 5:23).

So, beloved do not let anyone judge you as you seek the Godly peace you deserve. We do not suffer alone. I did get the help I needed through counseling and yes, for a while, medication. Fortunately, my circle has evolved and now understand my depression a little more now. A few have even admitted to have suffered from it as well. In this, we rejoice because we should not be alone. As Christians, we uplift and encourage each other. We try to be sympathetic to the needs of others.

For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

1 Thessalonians

And as we fight the good fight, whether it is within ourselves or the evil of the world, we take one of the last gifts Jesus gave his disciples before He was crucified for us: peace.

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. –Jesus

John 14:27

 

 

I Care, But I Really Dont

I watch the news. I believe since Trump has been in office all these news outlets have had a boost in ratings. And, I was one of the millions who helped. My poison of choice is CNN and FOX. Its more entertaining than informative these days. Who would have thought that politics would be so interesting? I watch along with family and friends, getting into an occasional debate bordering on argument over who’s right and who’s wrong. I admit that I allow my emotions to get the better of me. Occasionally, I need a self-reboot to remind myself none of it really matters. Sure, I have concerns for my environment. I have compassion for humanity. After all, I live here too. But when it’s all said and done, I care, but I really don’t.

As Christians, what is our end game? We die and go to Heaven. So, why focus so much on the happenings here to the point where we are completely miserable?

The late former first lady Barbara Bush once said “At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a friend, a child, or a parent.”

Very true words. But we can take it a step further. Because we know that at the end of a true Christian’s life, we should be resigned to the fact that we are going to our heavenly home. What a magical and wonderful place is must be? It’s so wonderous, we cannot imagine it!

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”

1 Corinthians 2:9

My dear brothers and sisters it is hard to avoid becoming engrossed in the world today. My guilty indulgence is debating current events. One of my dearest friends and I have spent many hours discussing the “what ifs” of the world and betting on the outcome of this current administration. We both know that all the hypotheticals in world amount to nothing in the grand scheme of things. We know that God’s plan is the only plan that truly matters (Psalms 33:11).

God wants us to keep our focus. Be strong. It’s hard to have a positive outlook when we focus on things that are not in God’s plan. But, the Lord said that we will have perfect peace if our focus is on Him (Isaiah 26:3).

For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 3:20

Now, of course this does not mean we keep ourselves in a bubble and commune only in our homes and churches. Never! How can we teach and share the gospel if we do not interact with others? Rather, we live as an example. We resist the temptation to allow this world to change us.

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Romans 12:2

Are we perfect? Of course not! It’s easy to become distracted by what’s going on in the world. It’s good to get involved to a point. We serve our fellow human beings in the form that best fits our lives and personalities. But, we do it always with sharing the message of Christ in mind. Everything we do, we do so that the world will see evidence of the Holy Spirit within.

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Colossians 3:17

Why Did God Do This To Me?

My dear friend had a question. One that all of us have asked at some point in our lives. A true student of the Bible should question the Bible, the validity of it and even question God. This, my friend, is how you get your answers. This is how you may come into the knowledge of the truth. First, you question it.

My friend, Ryan, and I had one of our two-hour long conversations last week. And yes, we discussed the Bible. We talked about many things but the question that stayed with me most was the simplest. He said, “I just can’t wrap my mind around the fact that it was God’s will to allow my ancestors to be slaves. There is no justification for that. Why?”

He believes there is a God. He believes Jesus is the Son of God. But, my friend has lost interest in our faith. And guess what? He is in the perfect state of mind. Here’s why.

Ryan is starting to question his beliefs. He is searching for truth. He is not taking anyone’s word for anything in the Bible. He has asked the ultimate question. Why?

The answer is there is nothing nor will there be anything that happens in this universe that God has not already seen happen. He has a master plan for all our lives. That plan is simple: that we go to Heaven to be with Him. (Just as Jesus took the thief next to him on the cross to Heaven. Luke 23:43) Now, how this plan is carried out is completely up to each of us. That, my friend, is called free will. And God knows you better than yourself and loves you.

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

1 John 3:2

And He knows what things we will encounter on our journey. The detours we take on this road to Heaven is courtesy of the freedoms afforded to us by the Father.

God did not just declare slavery or any other unfortunate events to happen. He allowed these things and made them, so they would have purpose. Let’s look at some Biblical genealogy for a moment. God allowed the Hebrew people in the old testament to become slaves too. Joseph was sold into slavery by the hands of his own brothers (Genesis 37). Joseph thrived in Egypt and saved his family from a famine. His family moved to Egypt where they were later enslaved and gave birth to Moses, who was given the ten commandments. It was God’s plan to give the ten commandments to His people through Moses. Who else could possibly come up with such a perfectly crafted plan? And every stop along the way had divine purpose. And, you know what else? My friend and brother, Ryan, would not exist to now finally seek the truth of God if his ancestors had not been slaves. This too was part of the plan.

God will not reveal the details of His plan for us. God did not reveal the mystery of Christ until Paul (Acts 9:1-19). The disciples thought that Jesus had died and that was the end. In fact, one of them, Thomas, did not believe that Jesus had risen from the dead (John 20). It was not until Jesus revealed himself to Paul in Acts and gave him the gospel did we learn that we are saved by grace through faith. God’s grace and our faith secures our salvation. So, my dear friends, God will not draw a map of our lives and show us every bump in the road. First, we could not handle it. Second and most importantly, God wants us to trust Him. He warned that we will face trouble in this world (Job 14:1). But, the Lord has given us everything we need to complete out journey. We are saved by placing our faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection for our salvation. Jesus left the Holy Spirit as our comforter and companion to be with us until He returns to take us home. We place all our faith in that master plan.

Now, Ryan was quiet after I spoke. Surely, we will have another conversation this week. I encouraged him, as I urge everyone to study the scripture. Trust the Lord. When you heart is open to the truth and you seek it as my friend here is seeking, you will find it. Remember, beloved friends, it is God’s desire that we all find the truth and in turn, find a place with Him eternally.

⁹ And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

¹⁰ To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

¹¹ According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:

¹² In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

¹³ Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.

¹⁴ For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

¹⁵ Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

¹⁶ That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

¹⁷ That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

¹⁸ May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

¹⁹ And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

²⁰ Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

²¹ Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Ephesians 3:9-21

 

Is Our Christian Faith on Life Support?

Christianity has been on the decline for many years. This is no secret. In recent years, the number of people claiming the Christian faith has dropped drastically, especially among our children.

Why are millennials ditching the Christian faith?

According to the Pew Research Center, 60 percent of millennials look at Christianity in a negative light. I’m going to go out on a limb here to say that the outlook for Generation X will not be better unless we do something about this.

A few days ago, I sat down with a small group of millennials and asked if they believed in Jesus. I wanted to know their thoughts on our faith. Sadly, their answers did not surprise me. At first, they hesitated to say. I guess they feared that I would “preach” to them. But once I assured them they were in a no judgement zone, their answers flowed freely.

Church people are hypocrites.

I agree whole heartedly with this one. People have seen and heard our “do as I say, not as I do” mentality for so long that we are no longer taken seriously. Religious people preach a long list and do’s and don’ts to go to Heaven. But they try to hide the fact that they cannot stick to their own religious diet. The truth is no one can. The way to Heaven is very simple: faith in the complete work of Jesus. In John 14:6, Jesus said “I am the way, the truth and the light. No one come to the Father except through me.” We are reminded through the teaching of Paul (who was given the gospel from the risen Jesus Christ) that we are “justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24). Do not allow anyone to say that you must keep the commandments to go to Heaven (Romans 10:4). Jesus died for every single sin you can imagine past and present. If you trust that fact, you are redeemed. That security will allow you to walk this earth freely. You will appreciate that sacrifice your Father made just for you and want to share it. Try it and get back to me.

The Bible has too much code. Anyone to make up an interpretation.

Again, very true. Anyone can and will make up an interpretation to fit their personal agenda. More recent example of “Christians” twisting the Bible for personal gain is when Attorney General Jeff Sessions quoted a passage from the book of Romans 13 when he and the current administration caught a lot of heat for separating immigrant children from their parents.

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

Romans 13:1

Sessions clearly believes that God has ordained the lawmakers of this country and as citizens we must obey them. Well, true…and false. In Romans 13, Paul is writing to the church in Rome where they had been so compassionate about their newfound beliefs that they were purposely breaking the laws. In the passage, Paul points out that the laws are made for law breakers. A peaceful person has no use for the law because it does not apply. I think we can all agree that God did not ordain Sessions, Trump or any other politician before or after them.

This one reason why we study the scriptures for ourselves.

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15

I can attest to the fact that if truly want an understanding of God’s word, He will give you understanding (2 Timothy 2:7). With this understanding, no one will be able to feed us their false teachings. We take no person’s word for the interpretation of scripture. Like David in Psalms 119:11, hide the word of God in your heart.

Christians can’t agree on one simple thing: How do I get to Heaven?

There is nothing more frustrating than the feeling of being pulled into many different directions. How discouraging! There are churches telling you to get baptized, pray a prayer, beg for the Holy Spirit to rain down, attend orientation ceremonies, confess your sins to the world and the list goes on. The truth is you must do NONE of these things to get to heaven. Yes, you read correctly. Beloved, you must DO nothing to be with our Father when He I ready to call us to Heaven. You only need to BELIEVE that God’s begotten son Jesus, died on the cross and was resurrected for the atonement of ALL sins. That means every sin you have committed and will commit. Let’s face it. We are of the flesh. Sin is inevitable. Everyone is fallible and will make mistakes. But, be at ease, dear heart. Jesus Christ has got you covered! Now, the “good” things that we do, be it feeding and sheltering the homeless or sharing the gospel, we do it because we are saved by the blood of Jesus. We want to be good representatives for Him. And those good works you perform while you are here will be rewarded in Heaven (1 Corinthians 3:8).

Friends, what we see with our youth falling from the truth, is nothing new. Satan has twisted the word of God since before the garden of Eden. It is so important that we all focus on a spiritual relationship with God as opposed to a religious one. The time that Paul spoke of when he said people will not hear the truth but will fall victim to false teachings, is now.

Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry

2 Timothy 4:2-5

It’s easy to become engrossed in these things when you do not know the truth.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:8-10

Please trust in this promise God made to all of us. And that, dearly beloved, will keep you.

Grace and peace,

Blessings and love,

Pray For What?

Tags

anti-religion, faith, lifestyle, prayer, prayforpeace, religion

 

When someone tells you that they will pray for you, do you secretly think they are lying?

Yes, I do.

They may mean well. Some may even spit out a quick ‘God bless you’ to keep themselves honest. Yes, I have done just that. But I have stopped making those promises. I do not pray that you will pass your test or that God will raise your mother from the dead. Nope.

My prayer, if any, is simple: Thy will be done.

I am just sick of hearing these people who just want to be seen and heard, belting out these beautifully crafted poems and speeches masquerading as prayers. Yes. I am the girl in the back of the church rolling her eyes, waiting for the curtain. From what I gather from this situation, Jesus was with me on this one.

And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Matthew 6:5

I’ve gone to some churches and I can recite their prayers. I know exactly what they are going to say when the stand to deliver this “prayer”. Really, it’s a well-rehearsed speech filled with commands and begging followed by some thankfulness.

I was bored. I wondered if God shared that sentiment.

The truth is that we don’t know for what to pray. We already have everything we need. Jesus left us with the holy spirit, the comforter, the reminder, that internal peace that assures us that paradise is ours one day.

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Romans 8:26

Yes, Jesus gave us the “Lord’s prayer” but remember this was before He gave His life for our sins. Plus, note in that prayer, Jesus says “thy will be done”.

Thy will be done. The Lord’s will be done.

There is no harming in asking for anything. But know that God’s plan will always prevail. So, if it is not in God’s plan, your request will be denied. Not because you didn’t pray hard enough. Not because you didn’t have faith but simply because it was not part of God’s plan.

The Apostle Paul prayed three times for God to take away his sickness (2 Corinthians 12:8). But, God did not. Why? Because it was not God’s plan. Instead, God reminded Paul that there is a reason for every affliction, every situation.

 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

¹⁰ Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Paul accepted this as we should. Our omniscient God has an excellent plan. We have everything we need, if we have trusted the sacrifice of Jesus Christ who died for all of our sins. Simple. Again, there is no harm in praying and asking for what you want. But, know that God has a righteous plan that is set and intended for the good of all people.

Now the question is, do you trust God’s plan?

 

Free From Fear

What makes you afraid?

Giving the times and the state of the world, I would guess a lot. But think for a moment, if you must, about what really scares you. What has hindered your life from progressing? Has anything stopped you from trying something new or taking an adventure?

Me? I have a fear of heights.

For as long as I can remember, I have always feared falling from cliff to my bloody death. But, get this. I must have the window seat on the plane. I feel a magical peace being in the air, staring out of the window and seeing that I am above the clouds. I love skydiving. That adrenaline-soaked feeling of gliding through the air makes me so happy. One day, I will take flying lessons. I love being in the air. However, the thought of driving up a mountain still terrifies me. But, I do it.

Here’s why…

When I turned 30, I decided to stop allowing fear to hinder me from living my life. God has already told us not to fear (Isaiah 41:10). We do not fear reprisal from nonbelievers as we teach and share the gospel of Christ (2 Timothy 1:7; Matthew 10:26,28). We do not fear losing our salvation because it is guaranteed through of faith in Jesus Christ (John 5:24). And, we do not fear anything on this earth because our Father whom created it, made it for us to enjoy (1 Timothy 6:17).

So, with total trust in God, I climb that mountain, talking to myself the whole way, singing or whatever keeps me from being tempted to look down. I keep going, eyes forward because I know once I get to the top there is something beautiful waiting.

It’s like our walk with Christ while on this earth. We cannot become distracted with things of this world, like fear. Think about it. Jesus has already conquered all of that. Trust what has already been done and what has already been promised. We must keep our eyes on the prize, face forward and look to that beautiful gift that is to come.

Heaven.

Now, once I get to the top of that mountain I find my reward. And that fear that I fought on my way up, is long gone and replaced with pure joy. I feel closer to my Father and nothing that happened on the way up, matters.

Psalms 34:4 for I sought the Lord and He delivered me from Fear

So, what do you fear?

Whatever it is, know that it is miniscule in the eyes of God. And if we are believers in Christ, whom or what do we have to fear?

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalms 27:1

A Higher Loyalty

Have you every questioned someone’s loyalty? Quite discomforting, isn’t it? The sheer torture of dealing with the fact that someone dear to you may not have your best interest in mind, especially when it counts the most. How do you find out for certain? Do you test them to see where their allegiance truly lies or do you just trust?

Some people just trust that the person is indeed loyal and most of the time, that loyalty is reciprocal. But, most people would test. And some people suffer a bit of disappointment when those results are revealed. Sure, you may say ‘At least now I know the truth’ or ‘Well, that’s a load off’, but you are still disappointed.

And what about you? Who or what has your absolute allegiance?

My sons and I were reading about Paul of Tarsus’ last letter to Timothy and the churches in 2 Timothy. One of the most touching parts of the letter comes when Paul says his goodbye knowing he is about to be put to death. This part shows that Paul is so certain that his placed unequivocal faith in Christ and that his loyalty to the gospel of Christ has been unquestionable that he is at peace with dying.

For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

2 Timothy 4:6-8

It brings tears to my eyes every time I read it. The verse made me wonder how many of us can say the same as Paul? How many of us can say that we have placed our unquestionable, untarnished, blind faith in Jesus Christ? How many of us can say that out loyalty is to Jesus? Could we too withstand being tortured, exiled, and even suffer death and remain loyal to God?

Have you trusted that it is Jesus Christ alone who is the way to the Kingdom of God?

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 14:6

It is through Jesus Christ’s suffering and dying and been raised again from that brutal death that guarantees our destination is Heaven. That is, if you believe.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Ephesians 2:8-9

Have you trusted in Jesus, solely Jesus?

How loyal are you to that belief?

You are not trusting that your own merits, deeds, good intentions or love for humanity will get you to Heaven, but your faith in Jesus and only Jesus is the way.

If He chose to do so, would Jesus Christ question your loyalty? We cannot question His loyalty? He offered the gift of eternal peace and has never taken it away. Can we say the same about our faith in Him?

If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

John 8:36

 

Where is Jesus?

 

 

 

I have tried many flavors of Christianity. Through years of searching for truth, I have witnessed churches in the Western world commit to all sorts of practices. Some churches believed in clapping their hands, screaming the name of Jesus while sitting on an “altar” to “get saved”. (I’ve even tried this one. It left me a sweaty mess, disappointed and with a dry mouth.)

Some churches “spoke in tongues” which was really a group of people babbling gibberish. No one knew what anyone was saying. (I was taught how to speak in tongues once. I was told to say “ba-ba” like a baby. Then, I was told to say it over and over until the Spirit came.) I remember feeling something that night. But it wasn’t because of my baby talk. I remember praying to God and apologizing for not knowing how to speak to Him in tongues. I said, internally, “God I don’t know what I’m doing but I need you now”. (You see, I was in a low place in my life at that time. I was pregnant, jobless and separated from my husband. I was desperate and willing to try anything.) I felt comfort that night. I was comforted many nights afterward, just praying to God in plain old English.

Some churches like to show off miracles by trying dangerous tricks like handling snakes or guilting their congregation into refusing medical care for serious and sometimes terminal illnesses. One preacher gave a woman dying from breast cancer some “blessed oil” (which was really a bottle of pure olive oil he prayed over) to drink and told her that if she had faith, God would heal her body. Needless to say, the woman died a few months later.

So, you get my point. I have tried several, Baptist, Methodist, Pentecostal, Non-denominational, even Jehovah’s Witness. I couldn’t try them all if I wanted. A different denomination is created all of the time. With all this variety of Christian, I am still asking…

Where is Jesus?

Christians today, as I have witnessed, are more interested in chasing fortune, fame, prestigious titles and honor and reverence. Who’s interested in serving God?

I have sat in churches that take several minutes to raise an offering. And you are shamed if you don’t give. If you walk into their building with the wrong clothes on, you are lower than the dirt. (Matthew 6:19-24).

Some churches refuse to welcome people who live an alternative lifestyle (which by the way, is not alternative anymore). Gays and transgender people are not welcome. Mixed race families are not welcome.

Who placed you on the Throne of God?

When was the last time your church gave to the poor? Sheltered the homeless? Or opened your building to house the homeless at night? (God forbid you dirty up your clean sanctuary.) Where does the money in your church bank account go? Mansions, fancy cars, private plans and expensive vacations? Meanwhile the people in your own community are on welfare.

Where is Jesus?

If these churches can answer in the affirmative, you better believe that have practically hired a PR Firm to make sure people know that they’ve done a good deed (Matthew 23:1-8).

I’m no Bible scholar. But I know in my heart that this is not what Jesus intended for the church. The church (people) have compassion for others. They are kind. They are nonjudgmental. They only want to serve God through loving and sharing others. Jesus put no disclaimers on any of this. They don’t need fancy buildings and nice cars. They don’t even need a building. Jesus and his disciples had no building, tent, property or horses to get them to place to place. They literally walked by faith.

Jesus’ message was simple: Love.

³⁴ A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

³⁵ By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

John 13:34-35

These days, Christians are nothing like Jesus Christ. They just stole his name. Christians have no love for Jesus (John 13:15). If we did, we would be obedient.

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. John 13: 21

But we are not, and this is why the world is a cruel Godless place. I, for one, am waiting for the day to be rescued from this place and carried home to paradise. Many will not make it. But sadly, have no idea because they are blinded from the truth.

What is truth?

² By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

³ For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

⁴ And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

1 Corinthians 15:2-4

It’s a pity but very true. A lot of people will hear the Lord say to them “…I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:23).

Friends, don’t let this be you.

Grace and peace,

Blessings and love,

 

A Reunion of Strangers

Last night I went home to a place I had never been. The room was filled with people dancing and singing and cheering, but I saw no pastor. It was a celebration, yet I heard no music. A faceless friend escorted me through the crowd. We walked hand in hand like ghosts until I saw her, a sister I have never seen but instantly loved and missed. My faceless escort and I drew closer. My sister turned and looked through the crowd for me. I waved to get her attention. She waved back frantically, beckoning to come to her. We moved through the familiar crowd of witnesses, each person smiled and embraced me. No one touched me, but I felt every hug. I swallowed every kiss. I heard every greeting. Yet, the room was silent. When I reached my sister, the congregation sang a silent praise that was felt by all. She embraced me, and I was swaddled in comfort and peace. And, we walked as one, further into the crowd. Each touchless interaction filled us more until we too became love in a celebration with no end.

⁹However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”- the things God has prepared for those who love him- ¹⁰these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

1 Corinthians 2:9-10

Something to Kneel For

Tags

Alllivesmatter, Blacklivesmatter, NFL, NFLprotestinganthem, NFLprotests, prayforpeace, Trump, unity

My heart hurts. I am tired. What do I do about all the chaos in our country? What can I do? What will Jesus do?

Unless you never turn on a TV or read a paper or magazine, you are likely aware of the many, many confusing and divisive things going on in the United States. We have a leader who seems more interested in getting cheers from arranged crowds by erupting in a fire storm of sound bites than he is interested in truly uniting the country and “making America great again”. Corruption among the people we have entrusted with our tax dollars and ultimately our lives is being exposed constantly.

The lack of true guidance in America is repeatedly causing division, pain, death and lasting damage to the morale of the people here. The one that stands out for me, (and I’m sure for most) is the Kryptonite for the United States of America: prejudice.

Recently, the leader of this country started more confusion by publicly berating the NFL players for taking a knee instead of standing for the flag. His position is that the players, who are peacefully protesting inequality in this country, is that these players (most of whom are black) should be grateful that this country even allows them to make millions of dollars. His opinion is that they do not have the right to protest on the field but instead should work the field as they are paid handsomely to do so. Of course, Trump chose his audience wisely. He spat these tough words to a group of Alabamians. Now, I don’t mean to stereotype but I am from Alabama. It has been my experience that the South is this place to start fires such as this. This is a region that loves football almost as much as they love religion. This part of the country is also historically the least progressive and the most intolerant when it comes to racial unity.

And, Trump is proud of the fire he has set. This leader doesn’t seem to care that he continues to divide this country, so long as his illusion that he is loved and admired is not altered. Nevermind the war with North Korea he is starting, the citizens in his own country who has suffered the most violent storms we’ve ever experienced. He seems to have set aside the broken promises of togetherness, fixing healthcare, making trade better, bringing in more jobs and making America great. And I don’t have the time to get into the foreign leaders and allies he continuously angers with his sheer ignorance and quick tongue.
With all of these heartbreaking and discouraging things going on, I am once again seeing a division among my friends and family. I’m sad to say that some is from my church family. I am seeing a side of some people that has obviously been masked for a while. I tell myself that it is not our fault. We’ve been conditioned to think and feel this way.

But do we have to succumb to this?

When does the Holy Spirit kick in and say ‘That’s enough’?

My Pastor (Ryan May of the Net Church) told us that God is not on anyone’s side. God is not concerned with our issues but with our soul. That’s true.

We have to take a breath and remind ourselves that all of this is child’s play to God (if that at all). Do you really think there will be prejudice in Heaven? What is money in Heaven? The only thing that has value to God is your soul.

I know, I know. We have to live here on this earth, in the country, in the meantime. So, how do we say neutral? How do we keep from buying into this huge distraction, this illusion that Satan has created to divide us?

We have to stay in spiritual shape. Which, I admit, I have been slacking lately. But let’s try to keep our minds set on things that are to come: our reunion with the Lord in Heaven where none of these earthly things matter.

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

² Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

³ For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

Colossians 3:1-3

So, I am challenging myself to not buy into these great distractions of the day. I challenge myself to not engage with anything except the word of God. It will be hard. I am a very opinionated woman. But pray with me, my dear friends. Maybe, just maybe we can pull one more soul out of the confusion and into the family of Christ.

Grace and peace,

Blessings and love,

 

Growing Up Is Easy, When You’re Tired

This blog entry may be a pep talk for me, a reminder that it’s okay to let go. If it helps or entertains anyone else, well praise the Lord! But, recently, I’ve had an epiphany if you will. I have reached a point in my life where I just don’t care for things the way I used to care. I have very little patience or tolerance for pettiness or religion or just things that doesn’t make sense. I speak when I want and say what I want. (Mind you, I know when to speak and when to shut up. Wish everyone did the same but I digress.)

It has been easy to cut some things and people out of my life. In those situations, I was being hurt more than healed, giving more than gleaning from those associations. But what do you do when you come to realize that a friendship you’ve had for more than twenty years, is toxic? I’ve endured the behavior. I’ve excused it. Ignored it. And I’ve always forgiven it. But when you tell someone you love that their actions are hurting you, they are supposed to try to make changes right? That is what love does, correct?

 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

1 Corinthian 13:11

I am tired. My heart, my mind, my body, my spirit is just tired of forcing itself to endure things that I shouldn’t have to endure. At my age, I feel that things should be simple. And they are. I don’t have the time for pettiness, envies, lashing out at others, boastfulness. When I need help, I ask for it. If I need to talk, I speak. If I want to be alone, I am alone. I make no excuses for making a peace for myself. Nor should you. I have had to love family and friends from a distance. It has not been as hard as I thought.

Why?

Because the things I once thought were the world to me, are now obsolete. I focus on staying close to Jesus, raising my children and being as happy as I can in this present world. (That is hard enough.) I decided to cleanse myself of all things that are toxic to me. I have been replacing them with goodness, things that make me happy. It’s such a freeing feeling to my soul to surround myself with people who are at peace with themselves. I try to keep a circle of positive energy around me. Fill my small but wholesome inner circle with people who trust and believe in God.

 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,

 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

Philippians 3:8-9

Just typing that made me smile.

So, even though I tried in vain to hold on to those long running relatioships, I am a peace with not having them around. I guess you can say I have matured. My priorities have shifted. God doesn’t want any of us to waste time on things and people who do not love us, who are not good for us.

Trying to make things work has been waering on me heavily. I am tired of crying about it, questioning things and trying to make relationships sensible. They are not. God chose me. Why shouldn’t I do the same?

My beautiful brothers and sisters, love yourself enough to choose YOU.

Grace and peace,

Blessings and love,

 

It’s A Distraction

Tags

#Christslove, #race riots, #terrorinvirginia, #whitenationalists

Most of us have electronic devices that are practically an extension of our arms. But do you ever take a moment other “extensions”? Think about that 24-hour news network that you stay glued to? (guilty here) Or, that desperate need to see the new movie that just came out? What about that new guy or girl in your life that you must talk to and hang around every moment of everyday? What do they all have in common?

They are distractions.

Done in moderation all of them could be a healthy and helpful part of your life. But here is another distraction that may not be so obvious.

Natural disasters

War

Riots

Politics

Religion

Racism

Sexism

Gender Inequality

Discrimination

All are distractions. These are just a few examples. Anything that takes your attention from God, is a dangerous distraction. As entertainingly insane as our current political situation is right now, I have wasted precious time ranting on Facebook about it when I should have used that stage to share the gospel or at least a scripture, a testimony. Distractions.

Take the riots and murders that happened just over the weekend in Virginia. Some of the people participating are lost in the past. They can’t let it go. Others are focused on a piece of stone offending them. All have fallen victim to the biggest deception. Picture Satan watching and laughing, claiming his prize of new souls. Why? Because these people have one thing in common for sure. They are all distracted. None of them are focused on Christ. None of them are interested in sharing the gospel. The love of Jesus is so far removed from this and so many other world events.

And we forget. We get lost in political and religious debates online and in person. Our emotions get the best of us because we allow the faulty flesh to replace our hearts. And our hearts should be filled and focused on the love of Christ and sharing that love with others.

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Colossians 3:1-2

How wonderful would it have been if the group of white nationalists and the counter-protestors had just realized that none of the chaos they were creating even mattered. How beautiful would it have been if they instead decided to sit down in the same streets they were tearing up and just prayed?

I know. But a girl can dream, right?

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 12:2

These things are distractions. They are keeping us away from Christ and away from our privilege to love and our duty to share to sweet gospel that Christ died and was resurrected to atone for our sins. We just believe.

That’s not hard to share, right?

Don’t let the noise of the world keep you from hearing the voice of the Lord.

–Unknown

 

 

I Dream of Heaven

Last night I had a dream. I dreamt that I was carried to Heaven. Happily, I said goodbye to the people in the room with me. I gathered no luggage. I made no lists. I took no thought nor care for what I was leaving behind.

I only took flight.

Once my feet left the ground, I didn’t look back. I was all smiles and laughs as God’s gravity pulled me higher and higher into the sky. And I flew through the clouds, past the stars and over the galaxies all the way home where my Father greeted me like royalty.

It was the best night.

I didn’t want to wake up. I laid there in bed for a few moments still smiling. I started thanking God. I could not remember the last time I actually awakened from my sleep, happy.

This dream was a lesson to me. With all of the ugliness in the world, from prejudices to the hot button topic of the day— politics, we Christians forget that none of it matters. When we leave, we will not think nor care about what happened yesterday. We will only focus on one subject, God.

And, isn’t that what we are to focus on while we are here anyway?

Yes, I know it’s terribly hard. My mind is constantly filled with my personal problems and those of my friends. I spend so much time asking God to do things that I forget to say “thank you”. But this morning, I made another deal with myself.

I will try harder to keep my mind on heavenly things, remembering that this troublesome world is only a pit stop home.

 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:1-2

The Bible tells us that we will have perfect peace if our minds are focused on God.

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

Isaiah 26:3

That, my sweet brothers and sisters, is so very true. For a few blissful moments, when I awakened from my dream, I cared nothing nor anyone except seeing my Father.

Grace and peace,

Blessings and love,

I Hate You With The Love of Christ

I love the South.  I love it for its natural beauty, warm client, and for the most part its culture.

But, a part of me hates the South, not its people but that secret semi-hidden culture, the one that has never acknowledged racial equality, especially in personal relationships.

I have dated outside of my race. I am open about it. Why shouldn’t I be? Some of the men have been Southern. A few I loved. A few loved me. But I noticed a pattern in most of these relationships. Some families, a few black, mostly white, have a special rule when it comes to dating here in the South.

You can be friends but never date.

You can have sex but never fall in love.

This rule has been the demise of a few of my personal relationships. I know why this ends something potentially good but I will never understand it.

A person who breaks this rule risks everything. They could lose their family, business and friends. By going against what is socially acceptable, they risk becoming an outcast.

You’re probably thinking: Is this 1950?

Yeah, my sentiments exactly.

I was sad with the ending of each relationship, not only because I lost another love but also because people can’t or won’t accept each other for their character. They vainly cannot see past the color of their skin.

Part of me wanted to hate my suitors for not standing up for what they truly believe and not breaking that cycle of hatred and prejudice. Part of me understood that it is a lot to ask to be that brave soul who finally tells the truth.

But I wonder…

I wonder what kind of heaven these people think they’re going to.

I wonder how they will answer when God asks if they loved everyone.

How will they explain the exceptions?

I wonder if they will even go to Heaven.

Yes, most of these people say they are Christian. There are some in the pulpit, preaching and teaching love. But, they would never speak to their daughter again if she brought home a black man to marry. If Jesus shows no preference, who are you to do so? (Acts 10:34)

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28

For years, my parents were stuck in this thinking. They were guilty of making distinctions among themselves as it is written in James 2. I remember my mom telling me that “the Bible said to love them; but it didn’t say fall in love with them”. I always thought it was an ignorant thing to say. And, I never found that verse.

I wonder how could they? How they say they love God, say they are Christian and hate someone solely because they look the way God made them? Thank God she repented before she died. My father had a change of heart shortly after. They finally understood and trusted in scripture like Galatians 3:28.

My parents, like so many, twisted the scripture. The love of Christ is not conditional. His love for his creation is without prejudice. He commands the same of us.

If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: James 2:8

My question is: If the Holy Spirit truly lives in you, why is there so much hatred? Can the Holy Spirit dwell in a hatred filled environment? To quote the Apostle Paul, “God forbid”!

I don’t hate anyone. I hate the practice. In fact, my heart breaks because they are all victims, blinded by the lie. It will always be my prayer that we learn to love each other and turn a blind eye to the lie that has been passed on for decades and continues to be passed on, yet poisoning another generation.

Who will break the cycle?

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

Dance Like Nobody’s Watching

Recently, a friend I’ve known for a while “chastised” me for “dancing” to secular music. I allowed her to talk but I stopped listening after a few seconds. We’ve had this conversation before and it was obvious neither one of us had changed our position.  I am a pretty passive person these days. So, I kept my thoughts to myself as she babbled on in complete bondage. But, what I wanted to say was this:

Take a look at your DVR recordings or your movie purchases. What’s the difference? Why cast the stone? This is what irritates me about religion. It keeps you in bondage even when Christ has set you free with his BLOOD. HIS HUMAN LIFE. You can’t settle a debt any better than this. This is the ultimate sin (if there is a such thing). Rejecting God’s atonement for ALL sin insisting you can do a better job. Foolish child! It’s sad that so many of these self righteous, sanctimonious, holier than thou, ‘I am God’s chosen because I can recite scripture and I count my sins everyday, people are so very LOST. My dear sister/brother, revisit 1 Cor. 15:3…where Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; John 8:36…if the Son shall make you free, you are free indeed and (you know this one by heart) John 3:16. What’s worse than going to hell? Going and being totally surprised. Note: Your deeds are not the key, it’s your faith.

I didn’t bother ‘casting my pearls to swine’, brothers and sisters. I just rolled my eyes and said a quick prayer for her as I do for myself. I asked for wisdom and understanding of the Bible. I pray that you all know that God looks beyond that thick skin of ours. He speaks to our heart and soul. No relationship can be any deeper.

I wouldn’t be surprised at all if we got to Heaven and the Lord Jesus himself wanted to dance in celebration of our glorious welcome home.

Grace and peace  Blessings and Love.

Much Ado About Nothing

As a general rule, I don’t argue or debate the gospel of Christ. The word of God will stand on its own. One of the things I loathe when it comes to sharing the Bible scriptures is a person who chooses to use scriptures to ‘win an argument. What is the point?

A few weeks ago, a man I considered my best friend, caught me off guard with one of his new revelations. Granted, he is known for his flight by night antics. He does chase the wind. But this made me fear for his soul.

He came to me proud—boasting—that he no longer watched sports, TV or listened to music. He had no use for worldly things.

“I’m at peace with the world,” he said. “I have nothing but love for everyone.”

This part made me smile. I was happy for him. After all, I too have a bad habit of diluting myself into believing that everyone is full of love. In Jessica’s perfect world, everyone is full of love for each other. Everyone is happy. (Of course, we know that won’t really happen until heaven…)

“That’s beautiful! Not everyone can put away those things,” I congratulated him.

He proceeded to tell me how full of evil sports, TV, music and social interaction really were. I listened for a few minutes agreeing with some. The more he talked, the more I got the ‘holier than thou’ vibe from him. Finally, he sealed the deal.

“I have been casting out demons. I live in peace. I don’t associate with demonic things anymore. I’m doing things that are right. I’m glad I’m not living in a demonic world anymore.”

I had to get him to elaborate. “That’s good. I agree a lot of the things we see as entertainment are evil. But it sounds like you’re bragging about how good you are and how evil the world is.”

“The world is evil. And, I know I’m good because I am at peace. The Bible says you will know them by their fruits. I have cast out demons and ministered to my neighbors. I know I’m going to heaven.”

“You know, the Bible does say we will know them by their fruits. But it is important to understand what kind of fruit. Jim Jones and David Koresh had many followers. Would that be considered fruit?”

He went on to point out all of the ‘evil’ things he wasn’t doing anymore, including cheering for his favorite football team. I was becoming annoyed. Finally, I had enough. I had to speak.

“All of the things that you are doing or not doing that brings you peace, is a good thing. I’m happy for you.  The Bible says let no man judge you in meat or drink or in feast days or holy days (Col 2:16-23). If it condemns you, I applaud you for having to strength to stay away from it. My friend remember, that you can brag about how clean you are and never turn on another TV for the rest of your life. But if your faith alone is not in Jesus Christ’s gift of salvation, you will go to hell along with the bad elements you are trying to cleanse. God says by grace through faith we are saved and not of works, lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). And it sounds like you’re doing a lot of boasting and little believing.”

He thought for a few minutes. Then he tried to insult me.

“The Bible also says ‘suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence’. We are to love one another and be at peace.”

I replied, “Friend, I am at peace in knowing that when I have to give an account for this day before my Father, I can humbly say ‘God, I tried’.”

I knew then continuing the conversation would be moot. I had shared with him what was on my heart to share. But he wasn’t hearing the word of God; he was bust listening to me, the woman.

I am still praying for my friend. His intentions may be honorable but we have to remember that our so called ‘good works’ will get us nowhere if our faith is not placed in Christ.

But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.         Isaiah 64:6

Let It Go!

One of the things I struggle with is letting go. I have a hard time accepting the things I cannot change. I have worn the serenity prayer out. Most times, it does nothing for me, except serve as some pretty words.

A few of my friends have told me that I have ‘the Jesus complex’. I try to fix everything. If someone I know has a problem, immediately I’m thinking of how to help. A lot of us do this. We want to make it all better. We just want to help or be a blessing. We may think this is righteous or even that our hearts are in the right place. But it’s not. The truth is, and to be terribly frank, it’s just, well…stupid.

Sorry, but it is.

This micromanager, no one can make it without me, I have to solve it all attitude is only a lack of faith. Playing Mr. or Ms. Fix It all of the time, not knowing when to let go and give it to God, shows weakness not strength.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Now, it is wonderful to be concerned and show love to our fellow man. As Christians, it is our duty to help others and pray for them etc. But none of us can take on the duties of Christ. No one can do it all. We are the ambassadors of Jesus Christ until He returns. Our help to other has limits. Only God gives grace freely, wholly and unlimited.

My vain efforts to be the ‘go to person’ have put me in the hospital more than once. Stress, headaches and total frustration with people are some of the side effects of trying to bare this burden. We cannot be anyone’s savior. That position was filled long ago. (John 3:16)

I am learning to let go and give it to God.

(1 Peter 5:6-7) Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

I am learning to ask for wisdom to know when to jump in and when to release. It is not only for the good of the situation or person but for mine as well. (James 1:5-6)

It turns out that reading the beautiful serenity prayer is not enough. We must also live it!

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him forever in the next.

Amen.

 

 

Grace and peace.

Blessings and love.

 

 

Power

Tags

Roar strength boxing forgiveness love

This morning I resumed my boxing training. It felt incredible at first. Then I realized my adrenaline kicked i into high gear when I started to think          about certain people. I didnt realize how many people I am really angry with. Half of them dont know or even care that I took their heads off a few minutes ago . That anger bothered me . I hate what this gross feeling truly does-control. I want love in my heart for all, , even for those who hurt me.

So , how does one go about doing this?

You Know.

Forgiveness.

Colossians 3:13 says, “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

I may be strengthening my body with boxing , but as long as Ihold this anger inside, I will always be weak.

Peace and grace. Blessings and love.

Driving Purpose in Life

Tags

Jesus Christ, purpose driven life

It’s been a while. I know. I could say life gets in the way. I’ve been very busy. But these are just excuses.
Life.
Our lives should be an extension of the life of Christ.
When I heard this at church on Sunday, I started to make a mental, self-absorbed inventory of my life. What do I do? What do I don’t? And of yes, the ever coveted…What would Jesus do?
Can we truly live up to the life of Christ? By the end of our first year on earth, we probably had already fallen short. So how do we reconcile?
Simple. We cannot.
What does it mean to be an extension of Christ? How does one accomplish this?
Purpose.
Why are here? What is our purpose in life? Mark Twain said it best when wrote: “The two most important days of your life is the day you are born and the day you find out why.”
The ‘why’ allow us to become that extension.
We strive to live a life pleasing to God. As hard as it may be, we fight daily. We don’t live for ourselves.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

We live for a purpose. Whatever gift God has given you, it should be used within the body of Christ.

1 Corinthians 10:33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.

We try to keep our minds, bodies and spirits as clean as possible to please the Lord and to encourage others. In this way, we attempt to be an extension of Jesus Christ, a part of His body.

Romans 12:1-5
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

So, the Sunday message followed me all day. It’s still haunting my mind actually. I thought about my life and how people pre-judge me because of my past choices. It hurts. I was a teenage mother and now divorced with three children. For the rest of my life, this will be my identity to most of the world. How unfair! What about my heart? What about my walk with Christ? What about the ‘good’ things I do?
Doesn’t matter.
Thank Jesus for his grace and mercy. This is one that the world will never be able to comprehend. All they will ever see is what I have done. But my Father sees me and only me, as an extension of himself. That is why we stay focused on the blessed hope with our mind of heavenly things. Focus, instead, on our purpose. Purpose drives us to keep going. As the minister at church said, it motivates us to fight! Every one of us needs a reason to get up in the morning. What is yours?

The Pope Said WHAT?

Tags

Bible, christianity, Encouragement, Love, Pope Francis, religion, salvation

Last week the ever “progressive” Pope was in the news yet again spouting his so-called wisdom to the world. For a few seconds, his comments surprised me.

“When we read about Creation in Genesis, we run the risk of imagining God was a magician, with a magic wand able to do everything. But that is not so.” (Pope Francis)

Then I was reminded that this man like countless others, is completely clueless. His wisdom is foolishness. Period.

  For seeing that in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom knew not God, it was God’s good pleasure through the foolishness of the preaching to save them that believe.  1 Corinthians 1:21

I don’t claim to know very much about the Catholic church. But, I do know that anyone who does not preach Jesus Christ crucified (Ephesians 2: 8-9) as the gospel of our salvation, is lost and bound for hell.

Think about the millions of people who place their faith in the words of men. They hold all of these degrees and certifications that allegedly proves they are knowledgeable.

But, what do they really know?

Without, Jesus, the Power of God, there is no knowledge.

Pope Francis says God cannot be expected to wave a magic wand to create things. Perhaps this man studied his own version of Genesis. God needs the help of no one. He speaks and it is so. The end.

Brothers and sisters, the world continues to show us that we need to stay grounded in the word of God. We need to take advantage of our divine appointments. Share our wisdom with the world. So you have no formal education? So what. You have something better, no best.

²⁵ Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

²⁶ For behold your calling, brethren, that not many wise after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

²⁷ but God chose the foolish things of the world, that he might put to shame them that are wise; and God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put to shame the things that are strong;

²⁸ and the base things of the world, and the things that are despised, did God choose, yea and the things that are not, that he might bring to nought the things that are:

²⁹ that no flesh should glory before God.

³⁰ But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who was made unto us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption:

³¹ that, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:25-31

We know God! He knows us! We have his wisdom! Why not use it?

But first, we must come to together. Preach in unison the gospel of Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:13). I know what you’re thinking. That’s hard if not impossible. Do you know what I say to that?

With God ALL things are possible.

Use me, Lord.

I’m sad to say that I can understand how easy it is for one’s heart to turn to stone. We live in a cold world. It’s so cold that the very fact is a cliché. But it is sadder to know that even your brothers and sisters in Christ are even icier.

I’ll admit sometimes I wish I could just use people for what I need or want and keep it moving. It happens so often, it looks easy. But my conscience, my heart, the Holy Spirit in me, won’t allow me to so. I feel guilty just thinking about it.

I’m far from perfect. Trust me; I have done things in which I am ashamed. But like so many of my brothers and sisters, I have a love for people. I want to help them. Nourish them. I’d give my all and my last if I could. God knows that’s the truth. Anyone who knows me can witness to this fact.

But I wonder how do we get so wrapped up on our flesh that we forget to love each other, unconditionally.

Agape love.

I have had recent cases where people I loved, brothers and sisters in the Lord, who could have helped me but refused. But with the same hand, reached out for my assistance, vanishing after there need was filled.

It happens too often. And good clean hearts can easily turn into stone with this kind of treatment. I considered taking on this attitude.

“From now on, I’m looking out for me and only me. No one is going to mistake my kindness for weakness ever again,” I said to myself.

These thoughts were fueled by pain and heartbreak. I knew it was wrong. But God how do I avoid people like this? How do I tell the difference being naivety and charity?

I came across some verses that helped. They blessed and refilled my heart. When I read them, I truly felt sorry for the “users”. I hope it blesses you too.

 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. Luke 6:28

For the Lord taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation. Psalms 149:4

Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honour is humility. Proverbs 18:12

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time 1 Peter 5:6

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; Matthew 5:44

 

 

I loathe when people use others. It’s one of those things that anger me. It just breaks my heart. However, here’s the kicker.

I want to be used.

But, only by my Father, the Lord Jesus Christ. These days, I have a new prayer. I ask the Lord to use me in any way that He wants to use me. I am His. I only ask for strength and courage to do His Will.

 Will you join me? Perhaps, by faith, we can put a dent in the cycle.

Grace and peace. Blessings and love.

Love Never Felt So Good

Greetings my brothers and sisters in Christ!

I am in LOVE…with the lyrics in this song, Break Every Chain.

There is power in the name of Jesus
to break every chain.

There’s an army rising up.
To break every chain, break every chain, break every chain.

I hear the chains falling.

There is power in the name of Jesus
to break every chain.

Not too long ago, I fell ill and into a depression so deep, I was ready to end my life. My life had been taken over by the pressures and pleasures of this world. I worked nonstop. I was fighting a chronic physical illness. I barely had time for my family. In between the two I tried to squeeze in time for a romantic relationship that was doomed from the start. In short, my life was sheer chaos.

I neglected to attend my weekly Bible study. Church on Sunday? Nope. I was at work. My morning prayers were replaced with Insanity workouts, the gym and Spotify. I barely picked up the Bible or opened my Bible app. My spiritual life, as I knew it, was fading away. But I didn’t notice.

Meanwhile, I began to feel drained, sick and sad. I couldn’t explain why. I had battled depression before, so I knew the warning signs. True to form, I was too busy to truly acknowledge them. I mentioned it in passing to friends. I got the same answer from each of them: You’re doing too much. Slow down.

But I couldn’t.

I felt that I had to be the super being my family needed. I had to help with legal cases, emotional issues, custody issues, financial problems. I chose to carry that weight on my own not realizing that it was weighing down. I had unequivocally tried to replace God, attempting to carry these loads. My life was in danger. But again, I didn’t notice.

Colossians 2
18 Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind,

2 Corinthians 11:3 – But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

Meanwhile, my body, my mind and my spirit weakened. Things in my life began to fall apart. I was loosing the tight grip I thought I had on everything. I was plagued with migraines, my strength was barely there. I was becoming a skeleton.

Finally, I realized something was missing. I tried to pray. But my prayers felt empty and rehearsed. I tried to worship the Lord but there was no satisfaction. The close, intimate relationship that I had with my Father was gone.

I was lost.

Those whispers that I used to hear in my ear every day; that soft still voice, that gifted me with encouragement and love, had fallen silent. I saw no visions. I dreamed no dreams.  It was all replaced with a taunting sibilance growing louder in my mind.

I was broken.

For days I was on my knees crying out to God, begging Him to come back. I felt, I heard, I saw nothing. Desperate to hear from my Father, I continued to pray. One morning, I heard something new, an idea that gave me a bit of relief.

The devil sweetly tortured me with suicide. His sharp tongue was like fire in my ear. The voices drowned all reasoning in my mind.

“You’re too far from God,” the evil creature whispered to me. “Look at all you’ve done. He’s not coming back to you. You have to go to Him.”

I was intrigued. For the first time in months, I had some hope.

“You can’t handle these things anymore. God wants to take away your burdens. You have to go to Heaven and be with Him. Then, you will see Him. No more stress. No more pain. Just Heaven. You are saved. When you die, you’ll go straight there. It’s time.”

Tears running down my cheeks, I smiled…completely deceived.

I wrote suicide letters my mind on one thing: Heaven. I secured a bottle of sleeping pills and took them. As I lay in bed waiting for my home-going, I turned to my nightstand and saw the envelopes with my children’s names on them.

No, I thought. I can’t do this. God doesn’t want me to do this.

I sat up in my bed and called a friend. I confessed my sin, crying so loud he could barely understand me. We prayed and prayed. But I fell asleep.

I spent four days in a hospital. When I came home, my depression was still there. I was barely able to get out of bed. I still could not pray. I was miserable. The last thing I wanted to do was to bother my friends with my troubles. But I was tired of being tired.

I called one of my best friends and shared everything. God bless her. She gave me the solution that was so simple, so sweet.

“Get up right now,” she demanded in only a way she could.

I obeyed.

“You will not lay in that bed. You will not let this defeat you. I want you to call on the name of Jesus. Do it now.”

So I did. We recited ‘Jesus’ over and over again. It was a quiet call at first. Before I knew it, my voice grew louder and louder. My best friend was off of the phone but I didn’t notice. I continued to call Jesus. On my knees, I prayed and begged for help.

There’s an army rising up.
To break every chain, break every chain, break every chain.

Yes, my friend! Praise God that army was rising up and ready to rescue me!

I felt better. Everyday, I fell out of bed and on my knees in prayer. God had sent that army down just for me. My strength returned. Laughter, joy and love was back in my life.

God said to me “I will never leave you.”

And He never did. I had forgotten that God cannot and will not forsake us, regardless of how far away we feel we have strayed.

Matthew 28:20 … and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

I had lost my way, feeling hopeless and without love. I allowed the enemy to nearly erase me. But the beautiful thing to remember is that Jesus conquered all death on the cross. Death is sin. Had I killed myself, I would have been guilty of sin and rejecting the sacrifice of God.

Beloved, we have to remember that there is great incomprehensible power in the name of JESUS. We all take this for granted but should not. I am a witness to that power. It is indescribable what happened to me just by calling the name of JESUS. That spirit, that chain of depression was broken with that sweet simple utterance of His name.

Jesus.

2 Chronicles 7:14
14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

I am back in the loving arms of my Father, remembering always, my Holy place in the body of Christ. The chains are broken. Can you hear them falling? Can you hear the army of love charging the enemy to rescue you too?

Praise the Lord! I am in love. And it has never felt so good.

Grace and peace,
Blessings and love!

Fearless

Tags

Afterlife, Bible, christianity, church, Death, Encouragement, faith, God, Heaven, Jesus Christ, Love

Is it hard to believe that Christians are still being persecuted and slaughtered around the world just for wanting to worship God? It’s one of those facts that is in the back of my mind because we live in such a “free” society. We can pretty much do as we please and worship a flower if we wish. (That little trend is going around but that’s a different blog.). We can spend millions of dollars on buildings and décor if we choose. Some of us take the Lord’s name in vain without thought. Meanwhile all around the globe we have brothers and sisters in Christ who are literally dying to just to say the name of Jesus Christ out loud.

It made me wonder what gave them that strength and that courage to face the penalty of death. I’m sure there is some fear. After all, the flesh is weak even though the Spirit is willing. But what kind of faith does it take for these people to face persecution every day? From where does the courage come?

The hope of glory. The assurance that one day they will be united with God our Father, the king of all kings.

Now, I can admit that if I were in the shoes of the persecuted I would probably go to my death kicking and screaming out of fear of the pain. However, like so many courageous heroes of the Bible and today, I have no fear of death itself.

 

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalms 27:1

I’m short and petite some have even called me “tiny” and that’s okay. That being said some ask me how can I walk up to homeless people in empty corners and give them things. Aren’t you scared they’re going to grab you? Rob you? Kill you? Nope. I don’t let much really scare me anymore. I can say with confidence I don’t fear death itself. I do fear leaving my children before they are ready to be on their own. No one looks forward to the pain that may be associated with the death. Aside from that I’m ready. Are you?

Those of us who are in Christ know and understand who we are. We know that Jesus Christ conquered death. Our “death” is nothing more than a much needed nap until we are awakened by our Father to go home to Heaven. We shouldn’t fear death nor life for that matter.

We are not given a spirit of fear but of power, love and sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).

God has left us the ultimate legacy to pass down the gospel in order to build the body. What a privilege! What an honor! Nothing should get int the way of our honored task of building the body of Christ.

Paul was one of the most abused disciples in the Bible. He was beaten repeatedly and left for dead. He was rejected by his own people and jailed for preaching the gospel of the grace of God to all men. But even in prison, he preached, his faith unwavering.

 Phil.1:28-30

28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. 29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; 30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

Courageous.

What kept him going?

The same Holy Spirit that dwelled in Paul, also lives in each of us who are saved. This and that Holy promise of one day being with the Lord. Paul constantly encouraged Christians to focus on what is to come and not what they would have to endure. Faithful and fearless until the very end of his earthly life, Paul’s last words are just as encouraging those the body of Christ. Could we quote these words on our death bed and be justified in saying it?

 2 Timothy 4:7-8

7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Secrets, Lies and Confessions: Getting Your Focus Back

A few nights ago, I had a very strange yet enlightening experience. I may be as weird as weird can get being the dirty little freak that I am (see previous article To Thine Own Faith Be True), but this feeling, this aha moment took the cake.

I started to think about the deaths in my family this year. When death that close happens to us, it always make us temporarily re-examine our lives. I began to think about mine. I thought about what I have done and not done, my plans, my accomplishments and my failures. The things that I am most proud of and known for made me smile. Then came to cloud of recent actions and I cried. Suddenly, I had the overwhelming need and desire to just cry. I didn’t know why. I just suddenly felt overwhelmed and needed to let it out. I called one of my best friends and kept him up for hours just spilling my guts (thanks BJ). Afterward, I felt better having given my confession and received care. But there was still work to do. I realized that I have been living a lie. My lie had manifested into a barrier between me and my Father.

Have you ever met someone who seemed to have it all together? They seemed to have all of the answers, no real issues and just content. How did you feel about that person? Did you envy them? Despise them? Did you just have no care at all?

We all know that people who seem to have it together hardly do. These are the people who are good at wearing the mask of deception. And most of the time, the only person they ever truly deceive, is themselves.

I don’t mind confessing my sins to you. I’m an open book. You only have to ask. This information, however, I share freely with you. I hope it helps someone. As it is beginning to help me.

My strange and enlightening experience was the realization that in my efforts to wear my pretty little mask of deceitful perfection, I had begun to loose focus of what is important and what is true.

Now I am content in most areas of my life. I know my salvation is secure (Ephesian 2:8-9). I have no fear of death aside from the pain that may accompany it. I am confident that I am good at what I do professionally. I’m a great mom. I’m a great friend. I’m the one who is there for everybody. I’m the one who tells her secrets and her fears to no one. That is my mask. I need no one. I am content. Keep in mind this mask serves its purpose. It hides and conceals. We all know that nothing concealed can be healed.

This mask of mine had begun to suffocate me. So I searched for a means to get air without of course revealing my true self. And my quest led me down paths that I did not belong. My journey was sidetracked and I lost sight of my true goal in life: spreading the gospel.

Romans 8:5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

My Bible study begin to decrease. My daily reminder to read my Bible App went ignored often. Instead, I turned to texting friends and chatting on the phone. My outreach efforts were replaced with work and social gathering. Rarely was there a true discussion about the Lord. I replaced my relationship with God with desires of my flesh, desire that I denied for so long because hey, I was wearing the mask. I was content and didn’t need anything or anyone. Or so I wanted everyone to believe. But not only did most people did not buy it more importantly, the enemy did not buy it. And he took that weakness of mine and capitalized on it. My desire became my god. Yes, god with a little ‘g”. Anything that comes before our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ becomes just that. Amen?

Romans 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

So, I had lost focus. But I had not realized it yet. That my brothers and sisters is a dangerous state. Anything could happen because your connection with the Father is limited.

So my crying and nashing of teeth session with my friend was my wake up call. Hello! To ignore the Holy Spirit is to place yourself in such danger.

When we loose focus, we turn from God. When we turn from God, we turn to other gods. The new “god” could be your job, your property or even a person. Anything that fills your desire more than the Lord Jesus Christ, is your new god.

How do we regain our focus? How do we get back on track? Personally, I remind myself of the unthinkable sacrifice that was made for me. I remind myself that it is selfish to take such a sacrifice for granted.

1 Peter 3:18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:

We do not take those we love for granted. If we truly love God, we accept and cherish all He has done. We only need to look around to see that this present and cruel world will not be around much longer. Time, as the recent deaths in my family reminded me, is not on our side. It is imperative that we try to stay focus on our charge. We have the most important job, teaching the gospel that Christ died for our sins and nothing can be done to earn this free gift. Our faith is important. Our faith must be strong.

Col. 2:6-8 Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

Instead of focusing on the spoils of this present world (and I know it is a daily struggle), we try to keep our minds and hearts on the promise that one day very soon, we will be home in heaven.

Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

With our minds on heavenly places, we focus on our mission, we pursue our goal to increase our family. Sure its easy to become distracted. This world is filed with distractions. Several semi-sweet temptations have come my way. Some I have been able to evade, others not so much. But these detractors make us loose sight of why we’re her in the first place. Loosing focus ultimately separates us from God. Now this has nothing to do with salvation. We are sealed. But it does not mean that we are not capable of falling short or getting off track. In fact, I would say that as members of the body of Christ, we are more often provoked into falling into the trap of temptation. What better audience for the enemy to target than those who know the truth, those who faith is strong and those who have been given the power and the charge to bring others too the Father.

Phil 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Are we on the job?

 A show of hands for those who share the gospel of the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8-9) with someone everyday!

 Yeah, me too.

But don’t hold your head in shame. Come with me, let’s do better!

It is the job of the enemy to keep us so preoccupied with other things that we do not have the time or the energy or in some cases, the courage to share the gospel of the grace of God. But quickly, let’s remind ourselves of Romans 1:16.

 Romans 1

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Last week I had an encounter with a family who left a lasting (I pray) effect on me. Was it a blessing in disguise? You better believe it. I want to share this with you, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ!

They were a family of three, sitting outside of a store I was leaving. As I stepped onto the sidewalk, I heard a man’s voice call “Excuse me, ma’am?”

It’s hot out and my skin is burning from sun exposure. My spaghetti strap dress is sticking to me. So I’m ready to find the car and some air conditioning. I turn around and see a tall, thin man wearing a wrinkled t-shirt and faded denim shorts. His hair was messy and damp. He was standing between the front of a pick-up truck and a soda machine.

“Ma’am, can I bother you for some spare change to get my boy something to drink,” he asked.

I’ve been approached by homeless people before and I almost always give them something, even the ones who are not as homeless as they say. I looked at the man and then inside the truck. A woman sat in the passenger’s side looking uncomfortable. And there was his son, an adorable little boy who could not have been any older than five years old. He was damp with sweat too. But he wore the most heart breaking grin on his innocent little face.

“Sure,” I said and began to pull change from my purse. I rarely carry a lot of cash but I gave him all that I had on me. It was only a few dollars but they were grateful.

 The man and his wife thanked me. Then the little boy yelled to me, “Thank you lady!”

 “You’re welcome, sweetheart,” I replied, close to tears. I was so touched.

I hurried away from them. I did not want them to see me cry. As I made it to the car, I wondered why I was so emotional. Was it hormones?

No. It was guilt.

I was guilty of at least a couple of things in this situation. Here I was mad because I couldn’t find sandals to match my sundress. Then I run into this child who was happy to get a seventy five cent can soda. This father was in such bad shape that he could not afford to buy his son a can soda! What an evil world we live in! The more I thought about it, the harder I cried and the guiltier I felt.

I don’t have much. But my family and I are blessed to have all that we need and some of what we want. My sandal search was suddenly so trite that I stopped looking. I wanted to give that family more, but I could not. But the most important thing I could have given them, I did not. I fell short. Acts 3:6 played over and over in my head. “Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee:”

And that brings me to my second failure. I did not share the gospel with them. It was a golden opportunity. But I allowed my “self” to get in the way. If only I had a pamphlet or a tract to give to them. If only I had the courage to hide my tears long enough to share some good news with them.

So I failed.

How many of us are guilty are the same thing? How many times do we have random conversations with people in the grocery store or the movie ticket line? What are we talking about? Does our speech reflect who we are and who we represent?

 1 Timothy 4

10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.

11 These things command and teach.

12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.

16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

 Are we on the job? Or, are we on a break? Are we taking our ministry work as seriously as we take our earthly, man given jobs?

Most of us have a full time 40 hour work week. We have families, appointments and other activities that keep us busy and so exhausted. These things are unfortunately necessary to live here on planet earth (Satan’s temporary dominion). I know that the flesh is weak but is not the Spirit willing? I (we) have to remember to never to get tired when there is an opportunity to save some one’s eternal life! Amen?

I can only speak for myself. I am willing to share with you that I can and will do a better job. We are all given gifts from the Holy Spirit to better equip us to deliver the great gospel of the grace of God (Ephesian 2:8-9). Some of us are teachers, musicians, writers. It does not matter how we do it. If we are lead by the Holy Spirit,all that matters is IF we share the gospel with others. We do so by using those gifts. As a member of the body of Christ, we all have something to contribute in some way. After all, that’s what are talents are for. Amen?

1 Corinthians 12

4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.

5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.

6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.

8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;

9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;

10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:

11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

14 For the body is not one member, but many.

Let us continue to build the body of Christ. With our hands, our feet, our mouths, we have to share in love the precious gift that we have been given. “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6.

 

 

 

 

 

To Thine Own Faith Be True: Why are we willing to sell our souls for the sake of conformity?

Tags

Bible, christianity, church, Death, Encouragement, homosexuality, Love, lyrics, peace, Pink, pop culture, relationships, salvation, self esteem

Some of my more conservative acquaintances give me funny looks when I say I like Pink (the pop singer). Sometimes I think she is the more liberal, paler version of myself. If you are not familiar with this artist, I’ll give you a brief description. She is the blonde pop singer who pretty much rejected the typical Hollywood and music industry image that was given to her and decided to go her own way. Her record label had tried to make her like Brittany Spears, plastic surgeries, dolly images and all. But Pink refused to conform and stayed true to herself. She is a white girl with the short blonde hair, no implants and short skirts. Her music is mostly about what she feels and believes. And once Pink decided to be true to herself, her music career exploded. She is now a multimillionaire!

Now, as most of you know, I am not a multimillionaire. I am not a blonde. But what I like about this woman is that she in a way, represents what we Christians should do in our own lives. One of my favorite Pink songs is the radio version of Raise Your Glass. Check out the lyrics:

Raise your glass if you are wrong

in all the right ways

all my underdogs

we will never be, never be

anything but loud

and nitty gritty

dirty little freaks

Won’t you come on, come on and

raise your glass

Just come on and come on and

raise your glass

See, that look on your face right there…is the same look I get when I say this to my conservative Christian friends! But please do, allow me to explain.

I am not all for hard partying and drinking as this may imply. But what I gather from this song is to forget trying to fit in. Don’t you dare allow anyone to steal your joy! Do not conform!

The problem with many of us is that we can’t accept being the “underdog”. We have to be on top. We have to be with the “in” crowd….even if it means selling our very soul. Too many churches have compromised the gospel of Jesus Christ in efforts to fit in. They are more interested in trying to get along with the world. They are more interested in making deals with the devil in exchange for a large building, lots of wealthy members, a cool band and a nice paycheck. They are willing and have chosen to conform to this world.

Romans 12:2

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

 Some of us try to justify our wrong by saying it is for the sake of peace. What peace will one find on this earth except in Christ Jesus?

Some say, we all worship the same God. My God, my Father would not agree with me holding hands with someone while they pray to the universe or the “blessed mother Mary”. My God is a jealous God. He will not have any other God before Him. And by the way, dear heart, if your God is not the Jesus Christ of Nazareth who died on the cross and rose from the dead after three days for your sins, it is not the same God. If fact, your god is not GOD.

Exodus 34:14

For thou shalt worship no other god: for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:

We have decided to embrace homosexuality as the new normal. We have allowed it in our churches and homes as if it is okay. Now, I will say that homosexuals should be welcome in the church. They, like anyone else, should be afforded the right to the gospel. Let’s be clear, this lifestyle is not of God. (I fully intend to touch more on this subject later. Stay tuned) But the church has welcomed this sin into our fellowship to the point where gay men and women are openly leading churches now. And because the world says it is okay, we keep our mouths shut. Again, we have taken the price that Jesus Christ paid for us and marked it REDUCED.

I understand what it is like to be willing to compromise oneself for the affections of another. I once had a guy tell me that he would be more attracted to me if I got implants, wore glasses and wore my hair a certain way. If any of you know me, you know that my first instinct was to rebuke him and tell him where he could go. But what did I do?

I conformed.

I did not get the implants. But I did change my hair. I bought the little reading glasses and tried them. I never told him, but I did it.

Why? I forgot this verse.

Psalms 139:14

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

 I really liked the guy. So, I wanted to fit into his mold. I had forgotten about the mold that God had already custom made for me. I forgot about that person whom God loved and I loved. I wanted this person to love me. I was willing to compromise myself and my self worth to get that love. So, I wore the glasses and the hair for a little while. One morning, I looked in the mirror with those glasses (I could barely see with them) and I didn’t see myself. Where was my ponytail? Where was my red highlighted hair? Where was my vision? I became so angry with myself. I snatched the glasses off and crushed them under my heels. I was so ashamed of what I had done. It had taken me years to grow to love myself. Now I was willing to throw all of that away and change. No way. So, I repented.

Conforming to this world leaves you feeling empty. It never satisfies you because you know in your heart that this person you have become or trying to become is not you. You know in your spirit that this person or thing or idea that you are trying to accept in your holy walk with the Father, is not right. Sooner or later, you will either repent or conform completely, thereby, loosing the battle. Beloveth please do not allow this to happen. Do not allow the enemy to win over you and your powerful soul! God loves you. God chose you. As born again Christians, we are to offer ourselves up to only further God’s kingdom. God wants us to stand up and stand out in the crowd. Not fade away into it.

Romans 12:1

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

 I, for one, am proud to say that I don’t want to be popular. I don’t care about conforming to a world that is not my home. I may be a dirty little freak to all of those who follow the crowd. But, that’s okay. What truly matters is that Jesus Christ made me and you beautifully and wonderfully. It is His opinion of us that counts. It is His judgment of us that will decide our fate. So, my dear Christ centered brothers and sisters, join me as we proudly raise our glasses.

The Love Letter Part 2: What Do You Do When God Is Not Enough

Tags

Bible, christianity, church, Encouragement, faith, Inspiration, Jesus Christ, Love, peace, relationship, relationships, religion, salvation

Friends, family, readers,

Lately, I have been put through tests of all sorts, both on a personal and professional level. While I won’t bore you all with the details, I can say that it has been enough to make one throw in the towel completely. Had all of this happened five years ago (before I was saved), I probably would have done just that. Challenges come when you least expect it. They are right around the corner just when you think you have it all together. You have it all figured out and you finally have that peace that you have wanted so long. Then, the enemy comes in like a thief in the night to steal from you.

Typical satan.

This morning, I get a text message with another piece of bad news. It seems that’s all I’m getting lately. Ironically enough, I was sitting at my computer reading jokes online just to get a little laugh. Then I begin to think about the word “strength”. What is it? Where does it come from? How does one get it? How does one loose it?

The Bible verse in Philippians 4:13 came to mind. You know the one. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

But what happens when you don’t feel that verse? What do you do when none of the encouraging Bible verses are helping? What happens when you feel like God is not enough?

I know. I know. That’s blasphemous, right? But if you are really honest with yourself, all of us have felt this way at some point in our lives. All of us have had a “giving it all up” moment. For whatever reason, this is a time when Philippians 4:13 is not helping at all. This is a time when your strength feels depleted and you know not what to do.

Where do we go from here?

People who truly know me, often comment on and give me accolades for my “strength”. My ability to hold things up in my family when things are falling apart. I suppose knowing that people depend on me and expect me to be the “rock” encourages me to do just that. But isn’t that pressure? When we depend on others, we tend to forget that they too sometimes need help. It’s not our fault that we forget. It’s like walking across a bridge. We don’t think about that foundation that is under water, holding that bridge up. We just trust and depend on the fact that the bridge will hold us up.

I may be rambling now, so I’ll get back to my question. What do we do when we feel like all of our strength is gone?

The gospel singer, Donnie McClurkin, answers this question in his song “Stand”. And that’s the answer: stand.

What do we stand on? Our foundation of course, the word of God. We must study daily (as we eat daily) to keep that strength.(1 Chronicles 16:11) It is necessary in our daily walk with the Lord. The word of the Lord should never cease to encourage, love and strengthen us. When we find that it is not enough (as I came close to recently), that is when we “eat” (study) fervently to show ourselves approved and to rebuild that strength.’

2 Corinthians 4:14-18

14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.

15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Who Could Ask For Anything More?

Tags

Afterlife, christianity, church, Encouragement, end times, family, God, gospel, Heaven, Holy Bible, Holy Spirit, home, Jesus, Love, music, peace, prosperity, salvation, wealth

Does this title ‘Who Could Ask For Anything More’, place the I Got Rhythm song in your head? I’m humming the tune as I type. I’m stuck on the ‘who could ask for anything more’ part. It makes me think about my life as a Christian. I am far from rich. I have bills galore. I don’t have the latest and the greatest of anything material in this world. Yet, I am happy. All three of my babies are in good general health, as am I. My family is the closest, sweetest bunch of weirdos. I wouldn’t trade them in for all of the silver and gold in the world. Thinking on these things makes me happy. I can say that I am content with my life and its direction. I know who I am in Christ. I know my calling. I know that if I walk outside and get hit by a semi-truck that I will wake up in Heaven.

Who could ask for anything more?

How about you? What more do you need in your life on this earth? We have already established that we are ambassadors, merely renting time and space here. Our real home and our real affections are on things that are above.

Colossians 3:2 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

Do you have general health and strength? Do you have family and friends? Do you have a means to take care of yourself and the ones you love? Yes? What more do you need?

Who could ask for anything more?

So your health is not where it used to be. So your family and friends aren’t that close. You still have something around you to be thankful for. Right? Of course you do! Because even if every thing around you is crumbling, remember that you are a born again, precious saved member of the body of Christ, (Ephesians 2:8-9). You have something inside of you that can never compare to anything on this earth. That wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit, your salvation! Your salvation guarantees that you are not lost. It assures you that regardless of what this life on this earth is like for us, we have something to look forward to. We have a home to go to when our Father decides to crack the sky and take us to where we belong.

God has given us the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ, to secure our salvation. He only asks that we believe and receive. The Lord Jesus has left us with the Holy Spirit to guide and comfort us. No charge. God wrote the Holy Bible through his vessels (much like you and I) so that we may know Him (Matthew 24:35). No charge. So, my brothers and sisters, we have everything we need to get our job done here on earth. We have everything that we need to survive here on earth. Right?

Who could ask for anything more?

Everything else are just those things that the world tells us that we need. We do not need them. We want them. And there’s a distinctive difference between needing and wanting, as you know. The Bible clearly tells us that we don’t know what to pray for. Why is that? Because we already have it all.

Romans 8

26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Now, do we really believe the Holy Spirit would make intercession for us to get a new car. How would that profit the gospel of the grace of God?

I take issue with people who claim that we can have it all right now! (A few may and that’s fine. But just because you do not have, it does not mean that you are not blessed with those spiritual blessings in heavenly places).

Ephesians 1:2-4

2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

Some people, mostly those preaching the prosperity doctrine, claim that God wants us all to be rich with expensive cars, bank accounts etc. They use some convincing scriptures to support these claims, such as John 10:10. It is easy to misconstrue this verse because of the use of the words like “abundantly”. Some translations replace abundantly with richly making it even harder to see the true meaning. And, the truth is that this verse does not refer to material wealth, but instead internal peace.

Those of us who are studious enough to look into these verses and rightly divide the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15), we know that these verses are taken completely out of context.

Beloveth, God is not interested in you getting all of the material wealth in the world. Why would He even care about such things?

1 John 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Apostle Paul tells us to set our mind on things which are above.

Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

The Lord God is only interested in what you believe. He only wants for us to share the gospel, the word of truth with others. Now, if you believe that God does not dwell on your sins when it comes to your salvation. Why would you believe that he cares about you getting a new Mercedes? If you are one of those who preach, God only looks at your heart, why do you seduce yourself into believing that God wants you to have material things that do absolutely nothing for your salvation?

We are the be content with ourselves, focusing on sharing the good news with others. I too struggle with this. Hey, I’m a girl! I love new things! And sometimes I really feel lost without my smart-phone! But when it’s all said and done, I’d trade nothing for my salvation. Nothing.

So, here’s what I plan to do. I hope you will join me. The next time something does not go my way or I do not get that new flat screen, car or even promotion I wanted, I intend to repeat this question:

Who could ask for anything more?

Me: God, I’ve been praying for this new BMW. Why didn’t I get it? Why didn’t you answer me?

The Holy Spirit in me: God gave you His son’s blood. What more do you want? Who could ask for anything more?

Me: Lord, I want to win this lottery. I can do so much for the ministry if I could just win a little bit of money.

The Holy Spirit in Me: God gave you the Blood, the Bible and hey, me! Who could ask for anything more?

Me: God please bless me with a new Iphone. Mine is so out of date. I can’t afford it but I believe you can do it.

Who could ask for anything more?

Grace and peace and so much love!

A Divine Invitation to Return

The voice of the Lord awakened me this morning and told me to read my Bible. I rolled over tossed and turned in bed I didn’t wanna turn on the light I didn’t want to wake up just yet.

And then He said you sit up and watch tick tock for hours but no time for Me?

 I tried to rationalize and say I will read once I’m awake. I kept tossing and turning and then nature forced me to get out of bed. Once I finished in the bathroom and came back to my bed, the voice came back and said now do you have time?

 So, I sat up in my bed open my Bible app and the first I saw was Isaiah Chapter 55 verse 6-7. It was the daily refresh verse or verse of the day on the app. Now why this verse? I usually focus a lot on the New Testament so why this verse Lord?

I read it again. I understood fully.

This book, this chapter it’s referencing the children of Israel. But this is what I gleaned from it.

Notice the gap between today’s date the date of the last blog entry? What happened? Did I die? They I lose my faith? No, not physically I did not die. And I did not lose my faith. I was distracted with the way of the world instead of the way of my Father.

Then the Lord reminded me what nearly happened the last time I stopped hearing His voice.  The enemy nearly talked me into suicide. It didn’t work obviously. So this time then he came back more powerful with more distractions.

And God showed me what I have survived these past few years. Though death surrounded me, he kept me safe. He kept my children safe. He kept me safe from serious illness. He kept me safe from physical , mental and emotional attacks.

I remember when I lost my father I was so devastated, so crushed that I cried for days. And I remember being curled up in bed in a fetal position eyes swollen from crying. I begged God please just let me hug him. I just wanted to hug my daddy one more time. Although he was long gone physically from this earth , this was still my prayer. On that night I dreamt of my father. And in that dream I got to hug my daddy one last time. I could actually feel his arms all around me. And immediately woke up and shared it on social media. I am grateful. Even now months later I think about that dream and I stop and I thank Jesus for answering my prayer.

 Why do you think that is, The Lord asked asked.

All of this chaos and destruction so close to me and still I walk unharmed and wit the favor of the Lord.

Even now as I write this tears of joy thankfulness feel me. and I read Isaiah again.

Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.

Isaiah 55:6-13

This is a reminder of the peace we can have if we only stay focused and God’s plan for our lives. We may not understand it fully at first but have faith in the word of God. When we pray, do it in the name of Jesus and trust that God answers according to His plan. We trust his plan. He is God. The beginning and the end. The Creator.

Is there anyone greater?

I praise God for his invitation to come closer to Him again. There is true love, peace and inclusiveness in the arms of God.

My brothers and sisters God wants us back. He offers the gift of salvation and everlasting peace and protection. He has invited us to live with Him, not just in heaven but here on earth also. So that He may protect us and show His divine love through us. This is our purpose, our assignment.

I humbly and thankfully accept.

Do you?

 

*Notes*

Reference these verses also. What scriptures do you add to the list?

John 7:7-39

Matthew 6:33

 

You’re Almost Home

When I was little, my momma walked around the house all of the time and just out if the blue, she would say, “Thank you Jesus.”

So one day, I asked, “Where did that come from? Why you talking to yourself?
She said, “You’ll understand one day.”

So, I’m listening to my spiritual/gospel music and doing the everlasting laundry all the while praising God and thinking about my journey on this earth. I said outloud “Thank you Jesus.”

Now this is nothing new to my household. I do it all of the time. But at that moment I looked up and thought about my momma. I understand momma. And, I am grateful.

We all should be grateful. Regardless of where you are in life or what you’ve been taught. My loves, we are never far away from God. Forget your sins. Jesus took them to the cross long ago and that is where they will stay.

“Now rid of the shackles, my victory’s yours
I tore the veil for you to come close
There’s no reason to stand at a distance anymore
You’re not far from home”
Out of Hiding #stephaniegretzinger

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

1 Peter 2:9 ESV
Grace and peace
Blessings and love,

Getting in the Spirit

It’s that time of year again people! You know that time of year. Everybody is getting into the holiday spirit, feeling thankful and charitable. So many people are gearing up for their annual charity events. Even more people are planning to meet their good deed quota by volunteering at a homeless shelter or an orphanage. These tasks are designed to make you feel good about yourself, pat yourself on the back because you have done a good deed. For most, this “spirit” lasts until New Year’s Day and then we are back to our regularly scheduled programming.

Why? Just why?

I have the honor of leading a nonprofit called Healing Hearts, a group who serves the homeless and the needy year around. Recently, we partnered with the Community Kitchen in hopes to do more for the community. I hope that we have so far, and I am confident we will in the future. In a conversation with one of the organizers of the Kitchen, we discussed volunteer projections. I was not at all surprised when he told us that we will have more than enough help in the next two months. In fact, we may have to turn some away. Last week, we did just that.

There is no question as to why the shelters are suddenly filled with people trying to help. Some are realizing the blessing they have and want to give back. Some want to teach their children that there are people out their less fortunate. Some want to be able to say they volunteered, or they donated. That’s all fine. In fact, that was me at one time. But there are also those lost souls who think that they are actually getting points to go to heaven by “being a good Christian” and donating time or material things. This my friends is where I leave you. This is just not the truth. And there are so many who truly believe this blatant lie.

Just a few days ago, I attempted to recruit some friends coming to town to help with a clothing drive. One of my friends told me with such pride, that he volunteered to by Christmas presents for a child this year.

“That is sweet,” I said. “Do you do it every year?”

“I try,” he responded. “You know it’s the season and all. Kids shouldn’t go without.”

“The season?” I fished for more.

“Yeah, the holiday season—Thanksgiving, Christmas, the Lord’s birthday. Heard of those?”

He laughed.

Yes, brothers and sisters. I did it. I laughed. My question was, “And what about the rest of the days of the year?”

Healings Hearts dinner service

I went on my rant about “the season of good cheer” to the point where I went from sounding cynical to pure frustration. And dear heart, I was irritated. I know I am not alone. I have friends who share my sentiments. But what is worse, is those who think these “good deeds” whatever time of year it may be, will do anything for them when it comes to salvation. It does not. We are saved by our faith, not our good deeds regardless the motivation.

For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth.

Romans 10:3-4

As members of the body of Christ, we work to share the gospel of Christ to all who have not heard. We share, we serve because we are saved, and we know that these good deeds do not secure our salvation. The good works we do as members of the body of Christ will be rewarded by Jesus himself in heaven.

Behold I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give to every man according as his works shall be.

Revelation 22:12

Make no mistake, your volunteer work is a good thing. I do not discourage anyone from helping those in need. Beloved, search your heart for motive. Do not allow the world to program you to believe that a certain time of year is the time to remember your brothers and sisters in need. And do not think that you can earn your salvation. These happy thoughts and good feelings temporarily earned are fleeting. But, the gift of God is eternal life. Share the everlasting gift of salvation throughout the year. Even for those who are saved, we will never do enough to earn our eternal home. It is a gift purchased by God.

But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

Isaiah 64:6

But most importantly, the thing we can give, is the gift of the good news about salvation. This is something that will keep us forever and ever. Amen.