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

 

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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?

 

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