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

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

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).

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

 

 

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

 

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