Perfectly Imperfect

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. -Philippians 4:13

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. -Isaiah 42:10

The verse: The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. –1 Corinthians 10:13 has definitely been taken out of context and misused.

Many people apply the not allowing temptation to be more than you can stand with God not allowing us to endure burdens or circumstances that we are unable to bear which is not at all biblical. I have heard it said many times in life that the Lord will not bring upon us any load or struggle that we cannot carry or handle.

The harsh reality is we do go through unbearable situations that we are incapable of managing.

Why, of course, do some people experience mental breakdowns, and some people try to escape their problems through drugs and alcohol?

Aside from certain individuals having chemical imbalances as a reason for their psychological issues, and certain individuals hooked on narcotics after experimenting for recreational fun, it is mainly because some of them are overwhelmed and some of them are too stressed to deal with pressure and need a way to cope.

Others may take out their frustration with rage and violent outbursts of anger while some take a more tragic turn and commit suicide.

Let’s face it, life is and can be very tough.

Plenty of people may say only the strong survive, and yes, there are a lot of us out there who are strong but to what extent? None of us are invincible to pain or devastation if or when it may hit any one of us, and depending on what that circumstance may appear to be it could come along to crush you, turning your whole world upside down and, maybe even side to side.

You would not know what hit you.

The good news is we are and were never meant to suffer within our own strength. We cannot manage sufficiently alone totally on our own.

I am a very strong person, yet what I came to realize is that there was actually a supernatural strength residing in me. The kind of durability that allowed me to be unbothered and unaffected by things and situations that would ordinarily cause vexation or destruction to average worldly people.

I thought the attributes of my strong spirit all came from my unique nature. In all truth, it had come from God’s holy spirit that had dwelt within me from my youth.

Our stability is obtained through being in step with the Lord. He fights our battles and he genuinely does gives us a peace that is beyond our understanding.

But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. -Isaiah 40:31

Favoritism, Jealousy, And Hatred Within The Family

Jacob loved Joseph more than any of his other children because Joseph had been born to him in his old age. So one day Jacob had a special gift made for Joseph—a beautiful robe. But his brothers hated Joseph because their father loved him more than the rest of them. They couldn’t say a kind word to him. -Genesis 37:3‭-‬4

A lot of jealousy starts within the family. In the case of Joseph, he was favored amongst all the other children by his father and his brothers resented him for that. 

To top it off, when Joseph began to have prophetic dreams which foreshadowed a position of authority and rulership then shared these visions, his brothers were even more offended, envious and filled with a seething rage that eventually came to the surface. 

Some people have interpreted Joseph’s admission of his dreams to have been made and accepted by him within an arrogant manner. However, in my read through scripture I never perceived the incident that way. It did not appear to be one done under any haughty, boastful, or hubristic tone to me. 

I just had a viewpoint of Joseph revealing what he dreamt and his impart being taken out of context or being looked at through his brother’s own distorted conception or erroneous outlook. 

I know I have said and shared things with people in my life meaning no harm, no prideful intent, no bragging of accomplishment, just a mention or exchange of instance and ideas. People have a tendency to interpret and draw out their own conclusions no matter how wrong or misguided they may be when interacting and trying to size up others. 

Soon Joseph had another dream, and again he told his brothers about it. “Listen, I have had another dream,” he said. “The sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed low before me!” This time he told the dream to his father as well as to his brothers, but his father scolded him. “What kind of dream is that?” he asked. “Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow to the ground before you?” But while his brothers were jealous of Joseph, his father wondered what the dreams meant. -Genesis 37:9‭-‬11

With some individuals, they reflect onto others the traits in which they project themselves. Often innocent people get accused and penalized for things they were never at fault or guilty of. Simply criticized and judged over opinions, lack of wisdom/understanding, and subject to mere spite. 

Yes, preferential treatment at the expense of another child or other children by their parents is not proper, yet the situation exists within many family settings for many different reasons. Whether or not the circumstances are justified or unwarranted there is a way certain familial relation should be displayed and handled according to ethical behavior. 

Siblings as well as other members of the family may get bitter and discontent over another relative’s advantage or fortunate condition.  

When Joseph’s brothers saw him coming, they recognized him in the distance. As he approached, they made plans to kill him. “Here comes the dreamer!” they said. -Genesis 37:18‭-‬19

All of these things happen and take place in the lives of many. We live in a fallen and broken world and everyone does not want to be fixed, made whole, or even realize they need repair. 

The only thing we can do is to pray and stay close to God, putting everything into his capable and expert hands. He alone holds the key to locks that only he can open up to set people free. 

“Come on, let’s kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns. We can tell our father, ‘A wild animal has eaten him.’ Then we’ll see what becomes of his dreams!” But when Reuben heard of their scheme, he came to Joseph’s rescue. “Let’s not kill him,” he said. “Why should we shed any blood? Let’s just throw him into this empty cistern here in the wilderness. Then he’ll die without our laying a hand on him.” Reuben was secretly planning to rescue Joseph and return him to his father. -Genesis 37:20‭-‬22

 

 

 

A Father To The End

Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. -1 Corinthians 1:7-9

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. -Galatians 6:9

(The Lord Keeps Us Close Even When We Push Away)

I am an individual who is very comfortable in their own skin, secure, and confident within myself. I do not need to be around others in order to feel good or to be content. I am one who can function and do extremely well while spending time alone. Everyone needs meaningful human contact frequently or from time to time, however, I have always been a loner that preferred to enjoy my own company most of the time.

It is annoying and untrue to hear those who consider or who define some that keep to themselves to put up a wall against others out of some type of hurt or fear of opening up to people when nothing could be further from reality. I hate ignorant generalizations due to others who reflect their own personal experience or account onto someone else.

Everybody is definitely not placing up a barrier they simply may not want to be bothered.

There are just certain individuals who are predominantly the solitary type and there is absolutely nothing wrong with being this way. It does not mean that they are hermits (even some hermits are justified for their anti-social behavior), it does not mean that they dislike all people, and it does not mean that they are troubled, strange, or dangerous in any way. We are all unique.

Nevertheless, I will use the term “wall” as a metaphor for how I once kept the Lord housed off from the home of my rooms by sealing him out among the top ceilings, bottom floors, and side structures of the spaces within my life.

I was angry at God for quite a long time so I put a solid brick wall up against him. One that he came and vehemently knocked down when he had finally gotten ready. He broke through all the concrete of my heart with the violent blows of his compassionate, faithful, unwavering love.

While the Lord made his entrance with a heavy, powerful explosion the blast he demonstrated came with an extreme soft and gentle handling as delicate and fragile as in the cradling of a newborn baby. There was no way I could keep him out of my life as I thought I did; I am grateful that I was not able to within the process.

We can just not easily dismiss God out of our lives through whatever hardships and frustrations once we have decided that we had enough of tribulation not brought on by ourselves.

The Lord will continue to stand guard over our life while he fights to attract and involve himself back onto the throne of our world, especially when there is misunderstanding and a lack of knowledge into his true character on our part.

The Lord is merciful enough to set the record straight by dashing a never-ending effort to grasp at our attention to listen and respond.

You too can restore your fellowship that began with God when you became a “born again” Christian no matter how long or how short time ago that was. When we genuinely become his children, it is for keeps. The Lord is loyal in his promises as it is impossible for him to lie. Those of us who are ultimately kept will to the utmost never be let go.

My child, don’t reject the LORD’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. For the LORD corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights. Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. -Proverbs 3:11-15

Don’t worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong. For like grass, they soon fade away.

Like spring flowers, they soon wither. Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the Lord , and he will give you your heart’s desires.

Commit everything you do to the Lord . Trust him, and he will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.

Be still in the presence of the Lord , and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper— it only leads to harm.

For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the Lord will possess the land. Soon the wicked will disappear. Though you look for them, they will be gone. The lowly will possess the land and will live in peace and prosperity. The wicked plot against the godly; they snarl at them in defiance. But the Lord just laughs, for he sees their day of judgment coming.

The wicked draw their swords and string their bows to kill the poor and the oppressed, to slaughter those who do right. But their swords will stab their own hearts, and their bows will be broken. It is better to be godly and have little than to be evil and rich. For the strength of the wicked will be shattered, but the Lord takes care of the godly.

Day by day the Lord takes care of the innocent, and they will receive an inheritance that lasts forever. They will not be disgraced in hard times; even in famine they will have more than enough. But the wicked will die. The Lord ’s enemies are like flowers in a field— they will disappear like smoke.

The wicked borrow and never repay, but the godly are generous givers. Those the Lord blesses will possess the land, but those he curses will die. The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand. Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned or their children begging for bread.

The godly always give generous loans to others, and their children are a blessing. Turn from evil and do good, and you will live in the land forever. For the Lord loves justice, and he will never abandon the godly. He will keep them safe forever, but the children of the wicked will die. The godly will possess the land and will live there forever.

The godly offer good counsel; they teach right from wrong. They have made God’s law their own, so they will never slip from his path. The wicked wait in ambush for the godly, looking for an excuse to kill them. But the Lord will not let the wicked succeed or let the godly be condemned when they are put on trial.

Put your hope in the Lord. Travel steadily along his path. He will honor you by giving you the land. You will see the wicked destroyed. I have seen wicked and ruthless people flourishing like a tree in its native soil. But when I looked again, they were gone! Though I searched for them, I could not find them!

Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace. But the rebellious will be destroyed; they have no future. The Lord rescues the godly; he is their fortress in times of trouble. The Lord helps them, rescuing them from the wicked. He saves them, and they find shelter in him. -Psalms 37:1‭-‬40

When To Pray

He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything. Colossians 1:17-18

Never stop praying. -1Thessalonians 5:17

For many prayer is a last resort rather than an initial response. Usually after all accustomed options have exhausted the only thing left to do by those who are desperate is to call on God, even if beforehand they never had or sought out a personal relationship with the Lord.

Some people just speak to God on occasion to fulfill a special need or desire then forget about him and go on with their lives.

As a habit, many adapt to the conditions that they become familiar with and when things become complicated, or need fixing, the first direction in where they run to is what they rely on as it is primarily routine to them.

Prayer is a speed dial that accesses us to God’s phone extension immediately. His line is never busy and he is able to take multiple calls at a time with no delay, interruption, or time limit. Most of all there is no charge the exchange is totally free.

We are to use and take advantage of this offer and special deal constantly throughout the day to deliver and discuss any message of information to God for any reason. Do not forget to thank the Lord for this kind and beneficial gesture along with the other vital, necessary, and generous blessings that he undeservingly hands out to us through his love.

Genuine followers of Jesus Christ know to consult directly through him to the father as the number one priority above all others. Prayer, is our intimate source of communication with the Lord, the immediate action to be taken before, within and after any circumstance or situation.

Prayer is the key and faith unlocks the door.

When we have faith, we put all our trust in God. So, we do not do like the world or worldly people do, placing hope and trust in the things created instead of the creator who activates everything that he creates.

Know who is truly in control and that the Lord is the only one who is able to completely work conditions out suitably and effectively to his plan.

Prayer is welcomed and encouraged by God always, and for all things.

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. -Colossians 4:2

Search for the LORD and for his strength; continually seek him. -1 Chronicles 16:11

Put Your Trust In God And Not In Others

Don’t put your trust in mere humans. They are as frail as breath. What good are they? -Isaiah 2:22

It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. -Psalms 118:8

For all time there have been people who put on airs, people who talk nice to your face then talk negatively behind your back. Or, smile and behave kindly when in your company yet actually feel and think differently about you to themself. 

I have always been a person who is upfront and far from a phony, one to speak the unhesitant truth to someone directly within their presence. There is also a time to incorporate diplomacy. We do not always have to be so blunt-those of us who are honest and straightforward- some things are better left unsaid depending on the situation or circumstance. 

However, it is wise to not continue on dealing with individuals who your inner spirit gives you specific warnings about and who you do not trust. 

This world is full of deceitful people, jealous, people, malicious people, shady people and more. There are so many people that we cannot trust and, I was never one to easily put my faith in just anyone. While, of course, we have a society where very trustworthy people exist, they are not too common to find compared to the majority.  

One source who we all can definitely trust and depend on is our father in heaven. He looks out for those of us when we are in danger and keeps us alert about people that are not good or suitable for us to associate with. The wonderful gift of discernment has consistently been a lifesaver to me all throughout my life. 

I do not care if it is a family member, a pastor or anyone in a position of authority or supposedly looked at in high regard the Lord will let us know who has our best interest and who does not and we should take heed to the distinct messages when we receive them. 

Never trust anyone over God. Listen to his word and communicate with him and seek further understanding for his steady guidance within all things. 

The Lord will not fail in coming through to protect, comfort and provide. He accurately interprets and deciphers our character, personality, and state of being when others are unable to. No one has the capacity to comprehend us and our affairs the way our father in heaven does. 

People may lie, pretend, judge, try to manipulate, disappoint, cause trouble, and a tun of other unsavory things but it is God who runs the show. He knows, sees and hears all.  

All that we need to do is to go to him for the truth, go to him for authenticity, go to him for fairness and justification, go to him for integrity, go to him for satisfaction and delight, go to him for peace, and for everything else that is bountiful in nobility. 

We are completely safe and secure in his mighty and powerful hands. Praise the Lord for keeping us close, favored, and extremely loved within his merciful arms. Amen! 

But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in Your hand; Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, And from those who persecute me. -Psalms 31:14-15

Call On The Lord!

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:6-7

God is always available. He is ready, willing and able to help at all times. He waits to hear our voice, whether we are eager or hesitant. He wants us to call out to him within anticipation and without doubt.

There is no situation or circumstance that God cannot handle or resolve. He does extraordinary work behind the scenes preparing everything together for our benefit.

No matter how difficult or tragic life may appear God is right there sharing in each moment. He remains close beside us and deep within us.

As children of God, we are his forever and he will never leave us or let us go- that is an absolute promise a reassurance to count on!

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. -Isaiah 43:10

For I hold you by your right hand— I, the LORD your God. And I say to you, ‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you. Isaiah 43:13

Virginity And Celibacy

But I wish everyone were single, just as I am. Yet each person has a special gift from God, of one kind or another. So I say to those who aren’t married and to widows—it’s better to stay unmarried, just as I am. But if they can’t control themselves, they should go ahead and marry. It’s better to marry than to burn with lust. -1 Corinthians 7:7-9

All throughout my teenage years into my early adulthood I was proud to be a virgin. There was nothing for me to be ashamed or embarrassed about. I am in my forties now and still am not sexually active, nor do I desire to be.

I never wanted a husband; I knew I never would get married ever since childhood. I always felt destined to be happily single and I am very content this way. God has different plans for everyone according to the way he designed and prepared our lives.

Within society things of a sexual nature have been heavily promoted and encouraged for many, many years. It has become the norm to have casual sexual relationships and encounters.

Those who do not engage in or refuse to partake in premarital sex would be considered old-fashioned, lame, unfashionable, abnormal- nothing especially attractive or exciting to the popular culture.

I didn’t care about the popular culture or what anyone concluded and was tired of certain people making a big deal in regard to my virginity, and tired of those who assumed I was waiting for or holding out until matrimony.

It was rare and unusual to be a virgin in the eyes of these people and they either found it hard to believe because they were caught up in their own temptation or found the circumstance refreshing because of the moral aspect.

With me, there was no lustful temptation or moral example that I sought to achieve. I was just being me, a part of the way God made me. He does things to show how powerfully and wonderfully he can work through us apart from the ways of the world and the flesh.

There are people who once indulged regularly or who had one or two sexual encounters outside of wedlock then eventually decided to become celibate until they found a marriage partner or to just devote themselves entirely to God.

If one is a virgin or celibate in this day and age it is the correct way to go, the right lifestyle to live in honor to God and in honor of oneself. Our bodies are precious temples of the Lord and he desires us to be holy unto him.

The Lord has no condemnation toward those struggling with sexual sin or other sins and addictions that are harmful to the mind or body. Anyone can go to him for redemption if they are willing. He gives us all a choice on whether or not to follow the world/culture or to follow him.

There is nothing corny or cliche about virginity and celibacy outside of a marriage. It is the way life was meant to be, and the way that it should be according to God.

Now regarding the questions you asked in your letter. Yes, it is good to abstain from sexual relations. -1 Corinthians 7:1

It is these who have not defiled themselves with women, for they are virgins. It is these who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These have been redeemed from mankind as firstfruits for God and the Lamb -Revelation 14:4

Sex, Premarital Sex, And Peer Pressure

For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. -Galatians 1:10

Peer pressure happens among any age or social group. Anytime someone is propelled to do anything they really do not want to do in order to fit in or to remain in the favor of another is not good or honest no matter what the situation concerns.

No one should feel pressured by anyone to have premarital sex and no one should have sex too early on in life.

If one is at risk of losing a romantic interest or superficial/trivial social rank because they are hesitant or refuse to give in to another person’s sexual advances then so be it. There would be no true loss within the situation. Just pure gain.

Put God first in everything that you do and obtain all the riches and glory of his wisdom, refuge, and enormous blessings to inspiringly testify to.

The Lord loves his children with an everlasting adoration. He wants none of them to suffer through mistreatment, to be taken advantage of, or to devalue themselves by the selfish and disobedient hands of others who know right from wrong.

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. -Proverbs 13:20

The Best Worse Day Of Your Life

You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail. -Proverbs 19:21

Have you ever been rudely left at the altar, had an explosive argument just before the wedding that prevented the ceremony from taking place, or decided to say “I do not instead of I do” to the bride or groom in response to the minister who recited the agreement of the sacred vows in front of a gathering of invited guests?

Well, if so, consider the incident a blessing in disguise. All situations that do not go as planned or that may turn out as unfortunate events are sometimes actually put into occurrence to help and not to hurt.

There are distinct warnings, signs, or gut feelings that the holy spirit imparts to us that we may overlook, dismiss, or not take full notice of then either learn from or regret later on from our failure to heed insight.

Messages can even be spoken through another person in relation to one’s particular circumstance. We just have to be careful and test the information to make sure the advice and input is indeed a source from the spirit. Those who are like me, strong within the gift of discernment would know immediately or familiarly when truth and essence is being told or spoken. Any type of hint that is rooted in our experience and inner-knowing comes naturally by the ability to recognize where it is originating from.

There have been people who have known better about something yet went into a condition anyway. Many of us have did things against our better judgment. However, why enter into mishap, or error when it can be avoided, especially when alerted by divine intervention?

I know there are times when I look back on certain life wants that didn’t go well or as hoped for to later really appreciate that the circumstance saved me from an unpleasant or undesirable outcome. There were other preferable steps I was motioned toward that brought about greater encounters and expectations.

So, when God says no or not yet, it is because the request or situation is not meant or not ready to go into effect. God’s timing is different from ours he knows just when to deliver what is best. A “no” answer is often a surprise that leads to a greater event than you could never have imagined possible as a follow up, and suitable conclusion.

Thank our good Lord for the particular happenings that go wrong in order to show us in the direction of the things that will go right.

The LORD will work out his plans for my life— for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me. -Psalms 138:8

So Grateful And Thankful

Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. -Ephesians 1:4‭-‬6

To me, the little things are what count. These so-called little things are actually big things in my life.

I am thankful for so many things the Lord has given to me, blessings that far passed what I expected just to bring me comfort and joy, and to make my life a little easier within the struggle.

The two major things which I consider huge I am most grateful and thankful for is how God provided me with a beautiful, wonderful mother and dog who enriched and enhanced my life experience as I grew and further matured. I have such fond memories.

I am grateful and thankful that I have a sound mind, a roof over my head, water to wash up in, food to eat, and so on.

What tops it all, is that I have a close intimate relationship with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who has occupied my spirit, and who has been with me all of my life right up to the moment when I first accepted him as preteen.

I am so grateful and thankful that God chose me to be one of his adopted children before the foundation of the world was created.

For the Scriptures say that God told Pharaoh, “I have appointed you for the very purpose of displaying my power in you and to spread my fame throughout the earth.” So you see, God chooses to show mercy to some, and he chooses to harden the hearts of others so they refuse to listen. Well then, you might say, “Why does God blame people for not responding? Haven’t they simply done what he makes them do?” No, don’t say that. Who are you, a mere human being, to argue with God? Should the thing that was created say to the one who created it, “Why have you made me like this?” When a potter makes jars out of clay, doesn’t he have a right to use the same lump of clay to make one jar for decoration and another to throw garbage into? In the same way, even though God has the right to show his anger and his power, he is very patient with those on whom his anger falls, who are destined for destruction. He does this to make the riches of his glory shine even brighter on those to whom he shows mercy, who were prepared in advance for glory. -Romans 9:17-23

True Identity And Self-Worth

For the LORD God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right. Psalms 84:11

I was loved immensely by my mother and I had an overwhelming sense of divine providence around me that contributed to the beneficial state of my wellbeing. 

I never cared if others liked, loved, or respected me because how others treated or felt about me whether good or bad had no actual relevance to my true value and worth. My self-esteem did not come from how anyone defined me, it never did, and it never will! 

I had a favor on my life that I noticed and that was noticed by certain others. This is where my value and worth originated. Within the power of the highest who adores, nurtures, and provides me with every essential need for growth and eternal sustainability. 

God loved and cared for me during times when I wasn’t even sure or aware of his absolute concern for me. Yes, I went through a period of doubt as I believed the Lord was against me and out to get me through the misinterpretation that I had of him from going through hardships at a very early age. 

While I thought God was cruel and barbaric and depended upon and gave praise and honor to other spiritual “notions” within the “universe” who seem to have kept me safe, assured, and supported it was indeed the Lord all along there by my side who shined his wonderful light where I could not see. 

What a great, faithful, loving and merciful father we have dwelling up within the heavens. He truly is exceptional. And, I am exceptionally secure and confident within myself through his blessings. I am most humbled and grateful by this supernatural experience. 

Thank you, my Lord. I love you Jesus! 

“What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. -Luke 12:6-7

Can You Trust Your Boyfriend?

This is what the LORD says: “Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the LORD. -Jeremiah 17:5

“The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.” -Jeremiah 17:9-10

I loved to read ever since I was a youngster. My mother used to buy me different kinds of books all the time whenever I was interested in something.

She’d even bring me literature as she thought of me while she would be out running on an errand here and there.

This was one of the things my mother loved about me- my knowledge, my quest for knowledge, and my discernment. It is also something I loved very much about my mother too. She was a very smart and intelligent woman for all the years I had grown up with her.

As a teen, I read quite a few magazines out of curiosity and to keep up with my observant nature. Although I wasn’t a part of the world spiritually, I was aware of everything around me and of what was going on in the world. God had blessed me that way.

Even though I did not live my life within the tendency of mainstream society and was not inspired by what motivated the majority It did not stop me from delving into the pages and media of various lifestyles and experiences.

I think I was about fourteen or fifteen when I read an article in “Seventeen” magazine. The story was about a teenager who had contracted the herpes virus. I do not remember every detail word for word but I do recall very clearly the situation.

The girl was ashamed, consumed with guilt, and worried about how to tell her boyfriend about her venereal disease. So, one day she came out and told him and he responded in a way she did not expect.

Her boyfriend told her something like, “Don’t worry about it. It’s okay, I still love you.

The teen was surprised and felt relieved that her boyfriend was understanding of her circumstance. To have possibly spread herpes to him through contracting the virus from a past relationship to how he would react to her revealing this information to him was pure torture for her.

As some time passed, the teen girl had one day visited her boyfriend and looked into the medicine cabinet of his bathroom when she spotted a prescription bottle. The bottle had been prescribed for her boyfriend in the treatment of the herpes virus. This is the moment by a chance encounter that she discovered it was him who had given her the disease to begin with.

Her boyfriend knew all along that he had genital herpes. Yet, he pretended, and allowed his girlfriend to believe she put him at risk when he was the one to pass it on to her.

I read from the pages of books, viewed from the scenes of media, and even witnessed from people all around me the deep/heavy accounts of what unfavorably touched their lives at an early age. It played a part in my forewarning of the world, and just how contaminated it really is.

God speaks to us within so many ways to alert, teach, guide, and protect his children from the vile lures and traps of society.

But as for your gods, see if you can find them, and let the person who has taken them die! And if you find anything else that belongs to you, identify it before all these relatives of ours, and I will give it back!” But Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen the household idols. -Genesis 31:32

Laban went first into Jacob’s tent to search there, then into Leah’s, and then the tents of the two servant wives—but he found nothing. Finally, he went into Rachel’s tent. But Rachel had taken the household idols and hidden them in her camel saddle, and now she was sitting on them. When Laban had thoroughly searched her tent without finding them, she said to her father, “Please, sir, forgive me if I don’t get up for you. I’m having my monthly period.” So Laban continued his search, but he could not find the household idols. Genesis 31:33-35

The View Of Different Sins

All wicked actions are sin, but not every sin leads to death. We know that God’s children do not make a practice of sinning, for God’s Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them. We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the control of the evil one. -1 John 5:17-19

Many of us have a view of sin that does not align up with God’s view of sin. We separate sin to degree when all sin is forbidden, intolerable and detestable to the Lord. 

Most of us would not consider telling what we may define as a little white lie within the same category as to kill or murder someone. 

It is fair to suggest that a little white lie is far less terrible than to commit a murder. Yet, little lies can turn into big lies and, lies in general can get people killed depending on what is said and what is believed. 

Nevertheless, telling someone you like their cooked meal or outfit when you really do not, does not at all equal up to the severity of taking another person’s life or raping someone, and so on. 

It is better not to comment at all in a situation if possible or to just be honest within a polite way when you disagree with something or are not interested. This form of action would keep God happy! 

Of course, we as imperfect humans are going to sometimes sin. All sin leads to hell. We must constantly pray, repent, and ask God for his forgiveness, assistance and intervention.

If it was not for Jesus Christ everyone would be in severe trouble!

Catholic Worship

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. -John 14:6

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God. -Romans 5:8‭-‬11

At four months I was christened at a Catholic church a few blocks away from my childhood home. 

Growing up, I did not have any personal affiliation with the religion or attendance at the church. While I did not have anything directly against the Catholic religion what I never understood with followers was praying to the virgin Mary and to the saints in regard to our heavenly father and the answering of prayers. 

As a young child the concept never made sense to me. It was naturally instilled within me without the influence of any individual that the only intercessor to God is Jesus Christ. 

Mary was blessed by the Lord, impregnated through the holy spirit, a wonderful privilege to give birth to our savior. Also, the biblical saints/Jesus’s disciples were fabulous, faithful, and true within their mission and accomplishments in uniting and spreading the gospel of salvation. Even us saints born again in Christ and those who have passed on are to be cheered on and congratulated for their hope and belief in Jesus, however, we do not pray to these people! 

They were just mere people like we are. They do not have any special power or authority to enhance our requests. It is the son, and him only who advocates on our behalf to his father. 

My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. -1 John 2:1

The Gospel Of John/The Life Of Jesus

A week ago, I viewed the 2003 film The Gospel of John, also known as The Life of Jesus series.

I did not think I would ever see another biblical movie to rank up to the excellence of The Ten Commandments (Charlton Heston) and Jesus Of Nazareth (Robert Powell).

The Gospel of John was a superb film. It was very well cast and very well acted. The story was accurately depicted, beautifully captured with wonderful scenery and a great narration by Christopher Plummer.

I absolutely loved and enjoyed watching this movie. It is a film not to be missed!

 

 

The Light Of The Lord

But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. -1 Peter 2:9

Isn’t it wonderful to shine in the light of the Lord?

The light of the Lord that shines upon one is distinct. There is nothing to compare it to, and nothing will compare to the radiance that it brings or gives.

When we bask in the glow of God’s divine love and teachings, we experience an exhilaration only his spirit can emit.

Self-control, gentleness, faithfulness, goodness, kindness, forbearance, peace, joy and love is what makes the light shine bright when it reflects though us in representation of our Lord Jesus.

In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. Matthew 5:16

Out In The Open

Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! For who can know the LORD’s thoughts? Who knows enough to give him advice? -Romans 11:33-34

I never understood the idea or concept of those who sought to keep their thoughts and actions hidden from God.

No matter what perception we had of God- the loving, merciful one or the angry, vengeful one- I was never disappointed in the fact the he was aware of our every thought, feeling, and action.

If anything, I was glad about this advantage of his. An advantage that some of us even share of touch of within certain spiritual gifts that God anoints some of us with.

As sovereign, we as a people need one who knows all and sees all, especially living among a fallen world where people tend to judge by what is on the outside as well as by only what they sometimes want to see.

Our God sees the absolute truth inside each and every one of us. He knows our true motives and what lies within our hearts.

Unlike others who jump to conclusions without gathering up all or enough information, who form an opinion prematurely based on a false perception, and who take out of context what is not comprehended, God already holds the full spectrum accurately and ultimately on point. He knows us far better than we know ourselves and we need a ruler just as himself to make things right.

If all was left to mankind on their own to decide the final word, we’d all be in trouble- worse trouble than what the world is in now.

So for those in particular who are concerned about what God knows about their sin, instead of looking to hide look to admit and to repent and learn to appreciate that we have a God that looks to forgive.

But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit. -1 Corinthians 2:10-11

Refresh

We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps. Proverbs 16:9

Begin the new year off right. Invite the Lord, God into your life. Then put and keep him first in everything you do.

Life will not be free of problems but the circumstances will be less complicated and they will run smooth while your heavenly father leads the way.

God knows what is best for us he knows what we need, he knows what to provide, and he knows what is ahead.

God is utterly in control of all our situations.

Have hope, keep the faith, and call on God daily all throughout the day by developing a close personal relationship with him.

Share any concerns you may have with the Lord. Consult with him on your ideas. Ask him for guidance, direction and instruction on how to comply with his will in your life.

Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. -Psalms 55:22

Rest In The Lord

The LORD is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O LORD, do not abandon those who search for you. Psalms 9:9-10

Yes, we live in an unpredictable world. A problem or tragedy can hit at any time.

It is tiring and unhealthy to constantly panic about events that are entirely out of our control. Anxiety will drive one to become restless and stress will cause one to suffer ill health.

Just give it to God and let him handle whatever it is that is going on in your life whether good or bad.

Isn’t it so much better to sit back, relax, and totally allow the Lord to steer your ship?

We sail with comfort to enjoy a much better ride than if we ourselves were the ones in charge to operate. Not only is God our ultimate guide but he is the one source that is able to provide definite stability and confidence within any uncertain situation.

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:19