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,

 

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 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

The Love Letter (Part 1)

Tags

Afterlife, Bible, church, Encouragement, God, health, King James Bible, Love, peace, relationship advice, salvation, suicide

We’ve all had those ‘why do I even bother’ moments. At some point in our lives, most of us have asked ‘why me?’. A lot of us have considered giving up, throwing in the towel and calling it quits. Many people have considered suicide as a means to end all of their problems. I have attempted suicide a few times. Some of them were half baked attention schemes. Others were genuine attempts to end it all. Poof! All of my troubles are gone like me. That was my thinking. But the truth is, my troubles would have just begun.

I would have died unsaved and surely would have been on my way to hell, never knowing peace or true love. Thank God those real attempts to kill myself were unsuccessful. Thank God for seeing me before I was born and directed my path towards righteousness. And guess what? He’s directing your path too! (Jeremiah 1:5) God wants us all to be saved and come into the knowledge of the truth. Before the Lord returns, all of us would have had an opportunity to hear the gospel. Whether we accept it or reject is up to us. We have free will. But who would choose sorrow and sadness when there is a path to everlasting love and eternal peace?

Romans 8:

29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

 

So, what do we do when it seems the pressures of this life are too much to bare? How do we continue to find peace, joy and love when the god of this world reigns freely, openly, viciously?

The answer is simple. We walk in the Spirit.

Does walking in the Spirit mean we are dead? Literally? No, beloved! Not at all! It means you LIVE!

Romans 8: 13

For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

 

I watch or read the news daily. I am a reporter by trade, so I want to know what’s going on around me. Some people want to be oblivious to their surroundings. That’s fine too. When it’s all said and done, nothing happening on this earth aside from our God given charge to share the gospel, matters. So, why do we allow things like the stock market, or senseless killings and various other sinful acts get to us. Because we do live on this earth ruled by the enemy (2 Cor. 4:4), these things will trouble our spirit. But, we must not loose sight of why we are here. Keep the “big picture” in your mind. You beloved child of God, honored member of the body of Christ, you are an ambassador for him. So, we should not dwell on the things that are in the flesh, but things of the Spirit.

 

Romans 8:9

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.

10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

14For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

 

If we are obeying the word of God and allowing the Holy Spirit to guides us and comfort us, will depression have room in our lives? Would we be troubled for long? We would really care for anything?

When the Lord left this earth and gave man kind up to their own sin (Satan began the god of this world), He promised to leave us a Comforter.

John 14:16

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

This Comforter, this Holy Spirit, this peace that dwells within us once we are saved (Eph. 2:8-9), is a reminder that Christ lives in us. We are a part of His body where love, holiness, righteousness conquers all.

 

Is My Vote More Important Than My Faith?

Tags

Bible, christianity, end times, faith, freedom, Heaven, Love, Obama, politics, religion, Romney, White House

We’ve all heard that this country was built upon the basis of religious freedom. At least, that’s the story. We know the story as our elementary school teachers programmed into us. America was formed to escape a corrupt church in England. People migrated to America to experience religious freedom.

The founding fathers struggled with the protection of both church and state without them encroaching on each other. Afterall no one wanted the church to control government or vice versa. But this is an internal war that has been fought since the formation of this country. Laws are still being passed based upon someone’s religious beliefs. In some cases, the same laws are often struck down by the Supreme Court.

So, is there really a way to separate church and state? I’ll tell you why we must try.

The truth is the church does not want religious freedom unless this so called freedom supports their ideas and beliefs. To truly tolerate and embrace religious freedom would mean that the church agrees that it is okay to worship other gods, sacrifice, practice polygamy or any other religious rituals.

The church, the body of Christ does not want religion at all. (Religion vs Faith is a different blog altogether.) Christians are grateful for being involved in politics in some form. Having the church involved politics is both a blessing and a curse. It is profitable because as a Christian, we can clearly see some of our beliefs engraved into our political and economic make up. There are still some governments albeit more local governing bodies, that still pray before meetings. (A lot of them are now in court because of this practice.) Our very own currency still reads “In God We Trust”. (This will soon disappear unfortunately.)

The curse comes when we make the mistake in believing that as Christians, we are the only ones who can make this world right. We forget that we are not here to save the world, but the souls in it. We become too entangled in our own self righteousness and shun the rest of the world for not “doing as we do” or “believing as we believe”. This is true whether we are talking about our faith or politics. But lately, with the election 11 days away, it has been all about politics.

Now, before you get upset, hear me out.

Yes, we are to be ambassadors, missionaries of Christ. It is so our jobs to make sure souls are saved (Ephesians 2:8-9). But how does this happen when we suck politics in with our beliefs? How is witnessing the saving grace of God to others possible when we zealously persecute others for not following our “good Christian principles”?

A few days ago, I stopped logging onto a social networking site because I had become disgusted with the things I saw. I witnessed numerous arguments, disrespectful political smear campaigns, name calling, untruths, hate speech…the list goes on. But, what broke my heart was to see the names attached to these posts. They were Christians, members of the body of Christ and my brothers and sisters. I was sad, ashamed and just angry to see such a thing.

What if Chrissy Doe wanted to go to one of these people to ask about salvation? What if Chrissy Doe saw the bickering from these Christians and changed her mind? What if dear Chrissy decided to pass on Christianity for a “more peaceful faith”?

Just what would we tell our Father in Heaven when he asks about this? Lord, I didn’t want the other guy in office?

Why are we so entangled in the bondage of politics, especially since so many of us have struggled to be finally free from the bondage of religion? Galatians 5:1

So, instead of the hate speech and the disrespect to these people we place in political office or desire to place in office, we should pray for them and their positions.  Stop fighting each other about something that is going to happen anyway. It doesn’t matter who makes it to the White House. Send them information about the grace of God.

1 Timothy 2:

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

² For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

³ For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

⁴ Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

Yes, I believe we all have the right to say what we want. Hey, I’m a blogger! The freedom of speech is my friend! But, I am a Christian first and foremost.

I believe in the right to vote. Many people died for us all to have this right. And yes I vote. But I know that regardless of who is in office, God’s word is true. I know that no matter how many times we change presidents, the word of God is unchanging. God’s promise firm, concrete.

We have to live in this corrupt world while we are about our Father’s business. We must remember that God’s word is our first order of business. Afterall, we are looking for that blessed hope. Amen?

 Philippians 3:

²⁰ For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

²¹ Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Identity Theft: Does Jesus’ True Identity Matter?

Tags

Bible, church, history, Jesus Christ, race, relationships, religion

I will preface this post by saying first that the subject I plan to address is indeed heartbreaking to me. The issue of skin tone, color, race—whatever you want to call it—is still unfortunately tabu. For some reason the upcoming election has brought the subject to the forefront in many conversations. While with my human eyes, I do see and notice that we are all different shades of beautiful. I try not to speak about “race” because to me it does not and should not matter. I teach my children to ignore “race”. I wish that we could all see each other as God sees us. But because we live in a world occupied and controlled by the enemy and we have been conditioned to discriminate, we do not.

Some of you may stop reading this post right here. You may say that it doesn’t matter what Jesus looked like. We are all his children bla bla bla.

I agree. It should not. But…!

It does matter when you take the truth and distort it! It does matter when you change the Bible for your own selfish and vain purposes! It does matter when your recreation of Biblical truths causes someone to loose their soul!

A recent conversation with a dear friend made me realize that a lot of people do not talk about the true identities of the people in the Bible. For some reason we keep this information under lock and key. Whatever the reason maybe, it is a form of false teaching to withhold information that may cost someone to loose their soul.

How so?

Let’s use a young “black” man who was raised religious and taught to worship a Jesus who has bright blue eyes, that long dirty blonde hair and “white” skin. This young man grows up and begin to question why he has to worship this “white man”. He comes across another religious group who tells him that he should not worship this white man. They tell him that the real god is black. They turn him on to worshiping another image who looks more like him. The young man forever turns away from that white Jesus. He is now just as lost of the cult he has joined. Why? Because someone withheld the truth from him.

What is truth?

The truth is that the images that so many of us have identified as being Jesus is false. The portrayals of Biblical characters in most books and movies are wrong. The ancient Israelites came from Egypt, a land in the continent of Africa where the people had color.

A brief history

The ancient Israelites (sons of Jacob) were descendants of one of Noah’s three sons, Shem. Shem, whose lineage would lead to Abraham who fathered Isaac who father Jacob (Israel) who fathered 12 sons who would become the 12 tribes of Israel:

Reuben,Gad,Simeon, Asher, Levi, Naphilti, Judag, Issachar, Zebulon, Joseph, Dan and Benjamin. The Bible repeatedly tells us that these people looked like the descendants of Ham, second son of Noah. Ham’s descendants settled in different parts of Africa after the flood. Ham’s sons became: Cush (Ethiopians / Cushites & Nubians), Mizraim (Egyptians / Khemet),Phut (Ancient Libyans or Somalia), and Canaan(Canaanite, the original inhabitants of the land of Israel).

Why wouldn’t they look alike? They were, after all, family.

Here are a few cases:

After Joseph (youngest son of Jacob/Israel) was sold by his own brothers into slavery in Egypt (the descendants of Mizraim, a son of Ham), his family did not recognize him. They could not pick their own brother out from this country filled with dark skinned people! They saw him as another Egyptian.

Genesis 42:8 And Joseph knew his brethren but they knew him not.

Moses who led Israel out of bondage was also mistaken as an Egyptian. He grew up in Pharaoh’s house. When he ran away to Midian, he was mistaken as an Egyptian.

Exodus 2:16-19

18 And when they came to Reuel their father, he said, How is it that ye are come so soon to day?

19 And they said, An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and also drew water enough for us, and watered the flock.

Paul (an educated man from the tribe of Benjamin) was also mistaken for an Egyptian in the book of Acts.

Acts 21: 37 And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek?

38 Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?

39 But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.

Finally, I’ll share the verses where Jesus Christ himself was also mistaken as an Egyptian.

Matthew 2:

13And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.

14When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt:

15 And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.

Could Jesus, Mary and Joseph really have hidden in Egypt if Jesus really was a blonde little boy with bright blue eyes? Nah.

Skin color changes

In fact, there is evidence in the Bible suggesting that “white” skin was not only a minority but the result of a disease to these people. Sadly, for years “black” people were taught that dark skin was a result of a curse. The reality is that the opposite is true.

When God showed Moses some examples of the wonders he could release upon His people, He gave Moses a temporary disease, leprosy (or today called vitiligo).

Exodus 4:5-7

5 That they may believe that the Lord God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath appeared unto thee.

6 And the Lord said furthermore unto him, Put now thine hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow.

7 And he said, Put thine hand into thy bosom again. And he put his hand into his bosom again; and plucked it out of his bosom, and, behold, it was turned again as his other flesh.

I’d say this is pretty obvious. If Moses’ hands were “white” before, why would the Lord say it turned white? Interesting.

In Numbers, God cursed Miriam (Moses’ sister) with leprosy because she spoke out against her brother marrying an Ethiopian woman. I know that here people use this passage as “proof” that Moses and his brother and sister were white. You see the word “Ethiopian” and your mind travels to the images that you have been taught and may have seen on TV. I made the same mistake a long time ago. But look closer. Remember, we study to show ourselves approved!

God chastised Aaron and Miriam for what they were doing. He came down in a cloud, according to the Bible and corrected them. He left poor Miriam with a little reminder.

Numbers 12: 10 And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous.

She was not white before, but she stayed that way for seven days. I’m sure it was a lesson learned.

I did not add this part to say that white skinned people are diseased. Never! I am only pointing out facts from the Lord through His word in the Bible.

Now having provided all of this proof, where do we get that false image of Jesus? I honestly cannot say for certain but it is definitely a painting of a mere mortal man who lived and died and is still dead. Most scholars say that it is in fact a painting of Cesare Borgia, the son of the Catholic Pope Alexander VI. The likeness of Cesare’s portraits and the false Jesus portraits are so similar, the claim has merit. The false image of Jesus evolved and changed many times before it was finally “settled” into the inaccurate one many people use today. At first, Jesus had short hair and was beardless. Over time (maybe 4-6 centuries) longer hair was added along with the beard to fit a more European look. Some say that this look was actually borrowed from the Greek god Zeus. Surprise. Surprise.

But again I say it really should not matter what Jesus looked like. Would your faith change because you discover that his skin was colored and he had an Afro? Christ’s blood is what saves and not his skin or hair.

Colossians 1:

13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

Regardless of what the Biblical characters looked like or what color Jesus’ earthly body was, when we hang these false images in our homes, offices and places of worship, are we certain that it is God were are honoring? In the passage above, Paul calls the Lord, the invisible God. We all know what invisible means.

After it is all said and done, will we see skin color in heaven? I think not. I started out by saying that it does not matter what Jesus’ body looked like. I stand on that. It does not! But creating a false image of Christ, thereby creating a false god, does matter. A lot of us have been doing so in ignorance. That’s okay. But when you learn the truth, you have a duty to cease in doing what it wrong and educate as many as you can about what is right. That’s the gospel.

In 1 Timothy, Paul instructs Timothy not to indulge in “endless genealogies”. If we are all honest with ourselves, most of us could not accurately and definitively trace our genealogies anyway. By now, it is so polluted with lies after years of cover-ups. We don’t know who we truly are except for whom we are in Jesus Christ.

1 Timothy 1:

3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:

And it is out of love (charity) that I share this post and a portion of my findings with you. Grace and peace. Blessings and love.