End Of 2012

As this year comes to an end, it is a good time to look back at what we have lived through. The times when we didn’t know if something was going to go our way and those times that we had to go through tough times that we knew were inevitable.

 It’s amazing how we can be in front of a situation thinking ‘how can I get through this?’ and then past the situation looking back like ‘Why was I worried?’ Isn’t that funny? I liken it to taking an exam, you know you have to do it, you get nervous every time even though you know every time you make it through the exam, regardless the grade outcome.

This year has been full of political ups and downs and many controversial events. Just know that this is only the beginning, there will be tougher situations that will divide the people even further. There will be more unrest in the middle east and more sinful behaviors being condoned.

But always know that as long as you keep God first and stay out of sin, you won’t have to worry about what the “rest” are doing around you because you are covered by the blood of Jesus.

Desires

What do you think when you think of the word “desire”? For most of us we instantly think “Oh it’s something sexual or taboo.” I know there are more people that think that for a second when they initially hear that word.

Due to the fact that people are openly divided on their opinions about what “desire” entails, other people try to avoid using the word unless they are referring to something that they are passionately wanting-for another person or a group or a circumstance-not for their own benefit.

There is nothing wrong with desiring something for yourself…It can be something small such as a new camera or something larger like a new home. Regardless, you should not be ashamed of having things that you desire for yourself. The way to know if you are on the right path-in God’s will is if you are aware that if you received those desires you would be consumed by it. Another is to weigh the importance, is it something that you just want to accumulate or something that has a purpose other than just ‘because’. 

Look to the word to see if your desire lines up with what God has said and pray about it, if you keep feeling like the desire is not in line with the scripture and it doesn’t seem right, then drop it and find a new desire that will work.

Convincing is believing...

Genesis 15:4-6

New International Version (NIV)

⁴ Then the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.” ⁵ He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring^[a] be.”

⁶ Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.

I had an “Ah Ha” moment during bible study in which we discussed walking by faith. Pastor Drew Harris (The Spoken Word Church),brought to our attention that we all need/needed to be convinced in order to believe the word of God.

When we say that someone was “convinced” into believing something, it makes it sound like they were fooled or swindled, but it is actually not true. If someone were to tell you that they can say the alphabet backwards, you may not believe that they can do it without stumbling-until they reach ‘D’ now you believe that they can say the alphabet backwards. It took you to be convinced that they could do it when they showed that they have to capability to do it even though they hadn’t finished it yet by the time you believed.

The Lord knows we have to be convinced in order to believe, that is why He tells us to prove Him and like with Abram, He gives him a visual example to help him believe that he will have many sons and daughters.

“Rainy Season”

“Rainy Season”

I don’t know about you, but there has been a cooling down in the fire for Christ. All of those who were on fire have experienced a noticeable decrease in the yearning to go further. I have experienced that as well.

You are not alone if feel the same and want to get that fire back like you once did when you first got saved. I have noticed that there is a pattern that most people unintentionally follow from the time they get saved until now.

1)      Receive Salvation

2)      Enter a state of confusion-not sure what to do next, expecting a “feeling of change”.

3)      Start going to church/Begin to enjoy going to church.

4)      Go highlighter crazy-marking every scripture you hear about and have read.

5)      Researching scriptures.

6)      Read a copious amount of Christian books.

7)      Start acting super “religious” to the point where everything around you that isn’t Christ centered, repulses you.

8)      Continue to research and absorb Christian material-such as videos, movies, books and audio.

9)      “Crash”

10)  Begin to get tired of listening to only Christian programming.

11)  Start to revert to old habits- music artist, books, movies,etc…

12)  Viewing church as a Sunday routine.

13)  Notice that things aren’t the same anymore.

These are just examples of the steps that most people tend to fall under during their early stages of their walk. It doesn’t end like this, we must reignite the fire and learn to not over due it.

Tis The Season

Holiday Season

This is the part of the year were everyone shops ‘till they drop, spend money that they don’t have and try to outdo each other in holiday décor.

We have all been raised to celebrate Thanksgiving, in which if you look up the holiday history isn’t exactly a joyous occasion. As well as to believe that Santa Claus will being “watching you-day and night to see if you are naughty or nice” and will come down your chimney to leave presents under your overly decorated tree. When you actually think about all this it seems really silly, however there is something about the Christmas season that makes us feel warm and fuzzy.

There is nothing wrong about giving gifts to each other, but do not let it dominate you. It is not about receiving gifts nor is it even about Christ’s birth. Jesus was not born in December. Pastor Drew of the Spoken Word Church spoke about how the Lord is not about celebrating Him on certain holidays when we are to worship and adore Him every day, not Christmas.

Israel!

Israel

As many of you know by now, there has been a much elevated tension between Israel and the Paestines on the Gaza Strip. We are to keep an eye on Israel because the war between Israel and surrounding countries will be the “official” sign of the end of days drawing nearer to the end.

At the Spoken Word Church we are always told to stay in tune to what is going on in Israel as well as in the rest of the world. Just on a simple level it would be wise to follow what’s going on in Israel because those are His chosen people.

For what seems like a long time that people have been saying “it’s the end of days…” I honestly never put it in perspective until the news broke about Israel and the fighting in the Gaza Strip. We are truly in the last of days and things are “wrapping up” quickly. Now is the time to repent and give your life over to the Lord, because it’s He that will save us and keep us. Still some people struggle to come to Christ because they think that if God really existed nothing bad would ever happen to them or others, totally disregarding the fact the we all have free will and that not everyone is saved.

Be watchful and do not let another day go by without having Christ in your life. It’s easy and quick to let Him in, but it is up to you to make the decision…..

Don’t Let The Devil Win!

Today was a prime example of how the devil will try to get under your skin. Having people have conversations around you and make glances toward you as if they are talking about you, or dealing with customers who aren’t very friendly or in a good mood and so on.

There will always by days where it may seem like everyone is “out for you” or that everything just isn’t going good. However those are the times that you HAVE to remember that you are the child of the Most High. There is nothing more that Satan would want to do but to distract you from your mission and get you out of faith.

It’s easy to say “yeah, I know. I won’t let anything get under my skin!” until the day that you go through some unpleasant matters. We may expect our trials to be disguised as a certain way but come to us as a completely different way which can “blind side” us and either knock us completely of our path  or help us build our faith.

Know that nothing and no one can harm you if you have faith that what God said about no weapon formed against you shall prosper is true!

Symbols

Skulls & Crosses

I don’t know if any of you have noticed, but there has been a sudden surge in the popularity of skulls and crosses in fashion. I still remember when it was only the rockers, punks and skaters that wore skulls on their clothes. Now it has become a statement piece on every type of clothing and accessory item.

Now you see children as young as 2 years old with “fashionable” skull and cross bones sweater and matching beanie on. The confusing part is that many Christians buy these things.

I use to wear skulls and loved them before I gave my life to Christ. As to be expected I was a rocker and did not believe in heaven or hell even though I was promoting hell by wearing the things I wore and speaking the way I did. Likewise people who wear those skulls, cross bones and so on are only promoting death.

On the other hand images/designs of crosses has increased to the point of the cross becoming just another fashion symbol and losing the meaning behind it. Before we use to be able to tell who were believers by the cross around their neck or on the clothing, now everyone wears it as fashion not realizing that they wearing a symbol that is associated with Jesus Christ and how He died on the cross for us (only to be resurrected).

To be continued…..

Prayer

Have you ever been offered prayer, whether in church or in conversation but have kept quiet even though you know you need or want the prayer?

I have noticed that when we are given opportunities to receive prayer that most of the time or instant reaction is to keep quiet. In some cases we wish others would just instinctively know that we need prayer and just pray for us anyway.

I use to think “why is it so hard to go up for prayer?”

I have come to the realization that of course it would be hard for people to go up for prayer or simply express the need for prayer! How can Satan keep us from getting free if we all can come boldly to the altar in prayer or to receive prayer? This is just a tactic of the enemy to keep us in bondage and keep us in a state of fear for anyone to find out what we need prayer for.

Not always, but sometimes we have a need for prayer for something like to do well in an interview-then we hear someone ask for prayer for a relative who has cancer which then makes our prayer request seem so minute and unimportant. 

Don’t shy away when the opportunity to get prayer arises. Stand up! Don’t be ashamed, don’t think that your situation is too small or too big to be prayed for and answered- Don’t think that your request is “stupid” or “small”. All prayer requests are worthy!

Isaiah 55:8

Isaiah 55:8

New King James Version (NKJV)

⁸ “For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.

I have said this many times, but there are constant reminders as to how we all put our own limits on to God. We still seem to have a hard time realizing that God is above and beyond us that our minds can’t even handle how magnificent He is.

I have learned that just because I think one way about something that I may believe is good and pure, it more than likely is not even close to what God thinks or believes. This is why it can be hard to talk to people about God and what He thinks about them and certain current events because we end up placing our own thoughts and opinions in His place. I guess this is why we should be “slow to speak and quick to hear”.

A quick lesson in purifying your thoughts, don’t let your ideas about what and how people are be projected on to the Lord-therefore you won’t have to worry so much about saying something that is far off from what He thinks, believes and what He can do for us.

I do have to tell myself not to think of my own limitations when it comes to believing for something to happen for me by faith. Faith and ability are those concepts that we have to train our minds to not warp the true meanings.

Paths

-Proverbs 16:9

New International Version (NIV)

⁹ In their hearts humans plan their course,
    but the Lord establishes their steps.

I believe that one of the least talked about topic in churches is the topic of getting on the path that God has for us and how to continue in the Lord’s footsteps and how our path in God’s eyes involves us operating in our purpose.

 From my perspective, finding our purpose can seem like a huge feat, not knowing that if we tap in to where God wants us to be placed we can not only be on the path we are supposed to be on, but fall in to our purpose. Paths and purposes are such deep concepts when we first hear them in the word and in church. However, once we get some areas of our lives in order, these words take on a whole new meaning.

Some areas that we have to get in order to help us get on the right path and on to our purpose are:

A.)  Develop a prayer life-Praying on a regular basis, whether it’s for guidance, wisdom, prayer for another or for ourselves.

B.)  Be planted at a church-Pray about what church you should be in.

C.)  Clear our all hindrances, such as items that are tied to the occult in your house, car and breaking off relationships with ungodly people.

D.)  Be and hearer and a doer of the word-Be quick to listen and meditate the word in order to learn God’s voice for when He speaks to you you’ll know what to do.

To be Continued….

Balancing Act pt.1

Have you ever felt like you’re constantly doing a balancing act? Like you have to be Christian enough to be around other Christians meanwhile still trying to be hip to the things going on in the world?

What some “seasoned” Christians today don’t realize is that we are all living in a different kind of world, todays’ young Christians are faced with so much more than ever imagined. We as young believers have to struggle to find a balance between staying on the right path with Christ and maintaining a connection with the rest of the world. We can’t just cut everybody off and throw out all our worldly items and consecrate ourselves in an age where we grew up with computers, smart phones, elaborate music and new and interesting friends.

It comes down to what are realistic expectations for your life or your children’s lives. How can you find balance?

How can you protect yourself from the demonic influences on the t.v. or internet or even through friends and family?

I myself am trying to figure out how to live my life and still be in right standing with the Lord. There are days where it seems easy to dodge any direct conflicts with the world and then there are days where it seems like I am bombarded with influence by the enemy, Satan.

There will always be temptation around us, but it is about being able to identify it and know how to turn away from it by using the word. Life as a believer will always be a balancing act no matter how “Christian” you may be.

To Be Continued……

Mixed Messages

 In today’s world it can be hard for people to tell who is Christian and who claims to be Christian but goes against God’s word in one way or another.

We have public figures who claim to be Christian, yet they engage in psychic readings and endorse alternative lifestyles in which they cause confusion as to what it is to be a believer in Christ. It has become common for Christians to pick and choose what they believe in despite choosing to follow Christ, they choose to support gay marriage even though in the bible it specifically says not engage let alone support the lifestyle. Then on the flip side, there are those “Christians” who take everything from the bible literally and then back it up with hatred towards a group.

There is a noticeable imbalance in the body of Christ because of this “mix matching” of ideas and behaviors. This is a reason as to why those who are not believers are confused when there friend who is a “Christian” that gets her palms read and does yoga “religiously” is up against a Christian who doesn’t support those behaviors because of their foundation in the bible.

I can easily see how it can be confusing to discern who is Christian and just ignorant of certain behaviors and those who know yet decide to do what they want to do. 

The only advice I can give is to not blindly follow people as role models for your life, especially as a model for your Christian walk. Instead seek the word of God, pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you through this confusion and mix messages being sent. 

Warfare

There is a spiritual battle going on as we speak and yet many Christians are completely unaware of it. The battle never ceases as long as there are demonic powers at work. We as Christians have to be aware of what is going on around us, we cannot be in the “shadows” so to speak, when it comes to the war between the demonic powers and heavenly powers.

When we pray for protection there are angels guarding us against the constant attacks by demonic spirits that have planned to take us “out”. I have seen angels encamping around myself and family during a prayer meeting, yet I haven’t imagined or heard about how angels surround a family’s home at night like the account of a former bride of Satan whom was defeated by the angels when trying to attack a Christian family in the book “He Came To Set The Captives Free” by Rebecca Brown, MD.

Most people think of angels as little people with wearing white with wings that fly around. That is not true, based on my own account of being in the presence of angels. Heavenly angels are giant-tall beautiful creatures that glow with a beautiful light and when you’re in their presence they provide this comfort and secure feeling. I saw large wings that glowed and blended with their bodies; I couldn’t see any defined facial features-it had seemed as if it was constantly changing behind the glowing light. I had never felt such peace or security before that encounter. By no means were they soft and timid or weak. These angels naturally commanded strength and ability while maintaining a softness. They don’t just “fly around”, they do warfare against demonic powers and yet still comfort us when we are sad.

These angels work for both God and us! We have to use them to do warfare in the spiritual realm for us through our prayers.

Authority & Territory

Demons want your authority and territory- the things that God has freely given to us as His children. If the demons from hell could steal all that God has given us they will be able to block our blessings.

Although it may be hard at times to take authority of situations when we see that they aren’t going right, we can’t let the situation overpower us. When we let the situation take over, we allow the demons to have access to our lives.

What makes authority and territory so valuable is because so many people don’t realize that they have it. When you don’t know you have something valuable it makes it easy for others who seek it to take it away.

Christians need to realize that they have these things to their advantage that can be used to better their lives, to allow the blessings to flood in, to help others in need and to be a testimony or sign to those who are struggling in some way. When you know you have a power over an area by human nature we don’t think about what if something goes wrong because we are so focused on what’s ahead that we can’t be easily detoured by foolish things that the enemy tries to through at us in order to give up our positions.

Territory is ours through and by Christ Jesus.There is no area that we can’t conquer by faith and the blessings that dwell within it.

Don’t let the enemy steal what God has given you and don’t forget that you have it!

The Power of Healing

Many people don’t believe in the miraculous power of healing, unfortunately most of them are self-proclaimed Christians. We are living in the days in which miracle healing is more needed than ever in our lifetime.

Witnessing a healing take place in somebody we know can change our whole perspective on faith. Many people have been healed by the power of God, but did not or do not share it with others, especially those who are in need of healing like they once needed. The healing we receive whether physical or emotional or even mentally, is not our own alone. We have to share it with others, both believers and non believers.

I have witnessed people receive healing in their bodies at our church and every time I see it my faith is renewed and I remember just what kind of God I serve.

There is NO other god that can heal like Jesus can, there is no other god that can and wants everyone of His children to be healthy and full of joy. One would think that something as powerful as supernatural healing that doesn’t require any “hail Mary’s” or special requirements would be enough to draw in people by the millions by just hearing that this is a possibility…However unless people hear it from someone they know, someone that they respect, their souls could possibly be lost forever.

Miraculous healings like limbs being formed, limbs being lengthened and so on, are all possible to those who have faith in God and are willing to receive it! Just receive it and your healing can be yours. The name of Jesus and faith that He will do it for you are the keys to your healing.

Do not let it go! Do not let your words or the words of others proceed out of your mouth if they contradict what you are believing for.

Matthew 12:25-27

Matthew 12:25-27

The Message (MSG)

 ^25-27Jesus confronted their slander. "A judge who gives opposite verdicts on the same person cancels himself out; a family that's in a constant squabble disintegrates; if Satan banishes Satan, is there any Satan left? If you're slinging devil mud at me, calling me a devil kicking out devils, doesn't the same mud stick to your own exorcists?

Many of us have heard of the saying “a kingdom divided against itself will fall” well that is true in many ways.

The enemy tries to get a hold of family member to cause a distraction or bring strife to the family, all in order to separate the family from each other. This leads to several other issues that can and will develop amongst each family member, it can start with a disagreement over an issue which leads to anger, that leads to unforgiveness, to isolation and hearts becoming hardened. Beware of the issues that may pop up in your families, know that the enemy is/was trying to infiltrate and destroy you and your family dynamic.

Satan knows that a house divided against itself will fall and thus fall away from the church or prevent them from even finding their faith.

Instead we have to folly Satan’s plan and make him and his demons fail at all their attempts to bring down God’s people. It would be hard for him to succeed if his demons are casted out of people’s lives.

Ephesians 3:20

Ephesians 3:20

New International Version (NIV)

²⁰ Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,

We have all access through Christ.

Sometimes I forget that I have the ultimate hook up when it comes to….well… ANYTHING!

I believe that many people forget the same, we all have access to anything we want through Christ. Of course there may be seasons when the Lord does not give you what you want when you want it because He knows that you are not ready for it.

We all need a reminder of just how magnificent our God is; we serve a God that can literally move mountains! We all start out with a fire in our hearts to be the “best Christian” as possible only to burn out or simply have that fire dim and we get use to our routines and daily lives, the natural ups and downs that everyone else deals with forgetting that we aren’t like everybody else. We are not meant to be living mediocre lives, we are supposed to have fulfilling blessed lives.

The world tries to conform God to what we think He can do and who He is. When anyone thinks of God as they do man they immediately cut off the flow of abundance, because now they limited their scope of what good can come to them. For example, you can’t receive a opportunity that would take you where you have always wanted to go, if you are expecting a small pay increase at your job…

Expect the unexpected! Expect to be blessed and not limited! Know that you have an all access pass to the one and only who can take you or give you the things you couldn’t even imagine!

“Bible Scholars”

There are many people out there that will tell you that they have read the bible or studied the bible, yet they decided to go another direction in life. Usually, but not always, these people who say that they have studied religion or the bible in particular tend to have a prideful spirit that keeps them from becoming enlightened to the word of God. Unfortunately the bible is used a lot as a textbook to study about along with many other religious books which already messes with the idea of seeking knowledge to enrich the spirit but instead focuses on the seeking of knowledge in order to say that they already know what they need know to be considered “cultured”.

I have heard someone on television say that they have read the bible and it didn’t change their life or seemed enriching….of course it can be that way if you:

A Don’t have the Holy Spirit indwelling

B Are not open spiritually, emotionally and intellectually

C Not in a desperate situation where you can yield yourself.

It can be hard for someone to read the word of God and be indifferent about it or think of it as a story book when they don’t have any idea of where to begin or how to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to guide them to where they need to go in the word that will be an answer to something that they have been looking for.

2 Corinthians 9:6-15

2 Corinthians 9:6-15

New International Version (NIV)

Generosity Encouraged

⁶ Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. ⁷ Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. ⁸ And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. ⁹ As it is written:

“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor;
    their righteousness endures forever.”^[a]

Generosity is ironically a trait that most women and some men look for in a partner, however we do not often look at ourselves and see how can we be more generous if at all.

It’s become a given to donate or give handouts to the poor during the holiday months for Thanksgiving and Christmas, however we poor don’t stop being poor after the holidays are over. Generosity is a trait that the Lord wants us all to have, because we are blessed to have a roof over our heads and food in our stomachs regardless of any other stresses we may have. It’s not only what we are supposed to do but it makes us feel good inside.

There are so many people that are divided in their thoughts about how the poor and homeless should be treated. Some people say “Get a job” others say “Everyone needs a helping hand sometimes”. We all need to help those who can’t help themselves and show the love of God through us and hopefully save a soul.

The next time you go through your closet or have some extra cash or even spare time, donate it to those who you see every day on the streets and under the bridges who are living with no hope. If you’re not the type of person to just go up to people you don’t know, find a church that has an outreach ministry and donate there. 

Proverbs 8:10-12

Proverbs 8:10-12

New International Version (NIV)

¹⁰ Choose my instruction instead of silver,
    knowledge rather than choice gold,
¹¹ for wisdom is more precious than rubies,
    and nothing you desire can compare with her.

We often think that as long as we have money or valuable things that we have the tools to get what we want when we want it…that’s true if you only operate by the rules of the world, but if you are a Christian and believe in the word of God, you could have nothing to your name and have all the power and wealth above all in the world.

Having the word of God is like having the power to shape shift any bad situation into a better one. In times where many are now living in lack financially the word of God will give you instructions on how to open the windows of heaven to pour out opportunities and favor that will lead to wealth. Not to say that you will become a filthy rich person, but you will have the keys to having more than enough without having to follow the world’s instructions to get wealth.

The Lord’s instruction is better than any amount of money that anyone in the world could ever offer. When you have the creator of the universe on your side it’s safe to say that you won’t lack for anything as long as you follow His lead.

Lately people are more concerned with how to get money fast, unlike how in the past people were more concerned with how to get the right degrees and experiences. Wisdom and instruction from the Lord are more valuable than any get rich quick scheme, the wisdom that the Holy Spirit can “download” into your spirit when you want it or need it is like having the professor whisper all the answers to His exam in your ear as you are taking it.

Don’t underestimate the power of the word and the instruction it can give you to get you out of any kind of lack, especially financially. 

Trespass Versus Sin

There is some confusion as to what a trespass is as well as what exactly is considered a sin and if they are essentially the same thing.

tres·pass/ˈtrespəs/

Verb:	Enter the owner's land or property without permission.
Noun:	A voluntary wrongful act against the person or property of another, esp. unlawful entry to a person's land or property without their...
Synonyms:	verb.  transgress - infringe - sin - offend noun.  transgression - offence - offense - sin - wrongdoing

Above is the internet definition of “Trespass” which uses sin as one of the synonyms. No wonder people are confused as to what the difference is, when the definition uses sin to help describe it.

Trespass in biblical terms refers to something such as being wronged by another person, saying or doing something rude to another and other minor offenses that would not constitute as something that God would deem a sin.

A sin would follow under those that are the opposites of the commandments and are those that God names directly as something He abhors.

sin/sin/

Noun:	An immoral act considered to be a transgression against divine law.
Verb:	Commit a sin.
Abbreviation:	Sine.
Synonyms:	noun.  trespass - guilt - offense - transgression - offence verb.  transgress - err - trespass - offend

It’s interesting how small of a definition “sin” is given. A sin could also be described as something that requires a major turnaround in lifestyle or behavior. A sin is something that is done intentionally, a lifestyle choice or choice of behavior such as lying, extramarital affairs, murder and so on. A sin can be as “small” as having a sexual thought about someone other than your partner or as “big” as murder. Of course God does not see any sin as being big or small, they are all the same and treated as the same, however for the sake of explanation I use “big” and “small” to relate to what we as humans think about things.