Neisha Marie

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you . . . (Jeremiah 1:5a). This brings me great joy. The Lord is speaking to Jeremiah, but this is a universal message. The Lord knew each of us before we were born and before the foundations of the earth; and he knows those who have never seen the light of day.

My husband and I were surprised to find out that we were expecting another child. We feel very blessed to have three healthy beautiful children and decided that we would enjoy the three blessing the good Lord entrusted to us. So, you can imagine our surprise when we found out we were pregnant. We were not trying nor did we have any “accident,” so we were, dare I say, confused as to “how” we were pregnant. After a couple days of being in complete shock, we were ready to celebrate. My husband and I were excited and ready to watch our little one grow in the womb and introduce our fourth blessing into the world on our due date, Thanksgiving.

Maybe it was the unplanned pregnancy that made me uneasy. There was something unsettling about it, yet I passed it off as a feeling of fear of the unexpected. On Wednesday, March 27, 2013, I had a dream that I miscarried and when I woke up within my dream I was bleeding really heavy. When I awoke into my literal world I jumped to my feet and checked! Phew, thank the Lord, we were fine. Throughout the following week we began exploring baby names and feeling all those wonderful feelings about bringing another baby into our family when my dream became my realty. As I woke on Wednesday, April 3, 2013, only seven days after my dream I rose to my feet and went to the bathroom for relieve some overnight fluid and there is was . . . a bloody mess. Some may say that the Lord forewarned me seven days before the event, maybe he was trying to prepare me, maybe that’s the actual day I lost the baby (science says a women usually loses the baby a week before miscarrying, although not always an absolute), but the dream was happening. This fearful, heart wrenching dream was now real.

I burst into tears and ran upstairs to embrace my husband. I can only imagine what it sounded like when the wretched cry screeched out of my mouth, “I am bleeding!” I had already shared my dream from the week prior with my husband as well as my mother. He knew what I meant.

Of course, I followed procedures and went to visit my doctor immediately. She prepped me for a miscarriage and stated my body was, “threatening to miscarry.” My husband and I had a fifty-fifty chance of meeting our unexpected addition due on Thanksgiving day. I bled for the remainder of the day, through the might and by the afternoon of Thursday, April 4, 2013, our tiny baby and his/her placenta delivered itself. Immediate dilemma. As I am standing over the toilet looking at the baby’s sac and it’s life line slipping to the bottom of the toilet I had two very quick, yet horrifying thoughts flash through my mind. The first was horrifying, “My baby is dead in the toilet!” But my God arrived on the scene and said, “No, that is your baby’s body. You’re baby is with me.” And I broke down into tears. That voice was the truth, that still small voice of the Lord that told me that was merely the body of my unborn child; he told me the truth. My baby was not in that toilet. It made the pain a bit more bearable.

The Lord’s plan is always best. We do not always understand his reasons and may want to disagree with his Will, but He is a God of Truth, Omniscient, and full of love and compassion. It is in moments like these that you learn what it is like to trust him. It certainly isn’t the first and unfortunately it will not be our last, but in one of my “darkest hours” I heard him once again. He does not forsake his people, he is there through every moment whether in celebration or alone in a silent bathroom starring at your unborn child wondering whether or not you should flush. He is there . . . just waiting for you to hear him.

We named our baby today, Dakota, so he/she has a name. Although we did not meet our precious little one, the Lord knew our baby the whole time. That is comforting.

Ephesians 1:4-5 (NIV)
For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will — to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

Sometimes, we simply have to learn to live without answers and live by faith.

God bless.

I often ponder whether or not society has truly become worse or if the social media allows society to be updated on current events minute by minute, literally, which informs the public about every tragic event which otherwise, may not have been heard. We often question the motive of God when tragedy strikes our family or our society and often condemn his very being.

We blasphemy his name, question his authority, and explore other theories of life, such as deism.  We are so quick to turn our backs to Jesus. Events such as the Sandy Hook Elementary massacre of innocent kindergarteners or your child who is addicted to drugs and lost focus of life’s greatest gifts, we question God, “Where are you now, Lord?” The Lord, you ask? You have “removed” him from society. You have taken him out of the social world, removed him from public schools, banned him from the workplace, and you want to know where He is? He is on His throne! He is still in control! Nothing is happening without his permission, nothing has happen that he did not know would occur before you were ever born. He longs for you to call upon His name, He is waiting for you to respond to His call, yet you continually exercise the freedom that he gave you and you choose to turn away.

Tragedy is a true indicator of our walk with the Lord. “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mind and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock,” Matthew 7:24-25.  We must make a conscious decision to trust the Lord, acknowledge that he is in control and understand that whatever you are going through right now – He knew it was coming. Yesterday, He knew the circumstances of today; Today, He knows the circumstances of tomorrow. “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself; for the Father knows what you need before you even ask him,” (Matthew 6:34; 6:8). But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash,” Matthew 7:26-27. When we give up on the omnipotence of the Lord, when we turn from him because we didn’t get our way, when we don’t allow him to be a part of everything our fingers touch; we have built our house on sand. Warning, the storms are coming! No one has immunity from the storm, but we can find safety in the arms of the Almighty God because “those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint (Isaiah 40:31).

Everyone get discouraged, but those who build their house on the Word of God – get up again! We are stronger when we rise than we were the moment we fell – not because of our strength, but because of the strength and wisdom of our omnipotent God.

2 Corinthians 4:8-10, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.”

Whatever you do whether in word or deed do it all to the glory of God – Colossians 3:17

Faith grows through our failings which increases the conviction we have in God as we learn to acknowledge that all things are under his control. We are perfectly made in the image of God, yet through the imperfections of man based on our fallen nature due to sin we grow in faithfulness. We grow because in our weakness we find grace and mercy. We grow because in times of uncertainty the Lord provides comfort and security. Through these times we see the mighty hand of God rescue us from our troubles and pour out his abundant grace upon his people because HE says we are worth it! Our obedience to Christ is imperfect. Everyone falls short of the glory of God. . .

Romans 3:20-26, “Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished – he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.”

Lord, I come before you…humbled by your love. I pray for peace and comfort as the mind races from one thought to another. I ask for your hand of protection and healing to be upon each of us. I pray for health and rebuke the flesh from failing. I thank you for your grace and mercy . . . for hearing the words coming out of my lips and reaching your ears. I see your hand and I feel your presence and I thank you for calling me by name. I thank you for the ability to respond. Continue to transform my heart and fill me with joy and confidence in your Holy Word. You said ask and you shall receive so Lord here I sit before you asking for health and healing and I believe it shall be done, In Jesus Name, Amen.

Ephesians 4:26-27 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”

Forgiveness should not be about forgiving an individual for the offenses they have committed. Forgiveness is not an act of permissiveness supporting whatever behaviors were offensive. Forgiveness is a selfish act; a conscious decision refusing to allow the offender to have a foothold in your life. Harboring un-forgiveness creates a bond between you and that individual because un-forgiveness scars an individual internally which begins to dictate various aspects of your life. Forgiveness removes toxicity that un-forgiveness stirs up in the body. You have the power to give yourself permission to forgive another person no matter how extreme the offense is or have been.

Forgiveness removes the hold it has on your life.

In Colossians 3:13 the Word of God says, “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

Sometimes we are the one’s seeking forgiveness, not the one seeking to forgive. If you are the offender seeking to be forgiven, but the forgiveness is withheld – then you also need to give yourself permission to forgive yourself for what you did.  Giving yourself permission to forgive yourself is not an arrogant and self-righteous decision, but it releases toxic emotional bondage to you and the “victim.”

Making poor decisions can be healthy because our experiences, especially those of consequence, mold and shape the person we have become – they are meant to change us for the better. However, we cannot carry a burden each and every day beating ourselves up because we regret a decision in the past. We should allow these lessons to change who we are – not give us a life sentence of guilt. Not even God can change the past, but we have the ability to change today so that we create a new history for our self.

Ephesians 4:22-30, “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”

We all have offended the Lord our God. We should all seek forgiveness. The Father offers forgiveness freely to those who ask. It can be challenging to forgive yourself for your sins, but do not allow the devil to have a foothold in your life by creating a bondage of guilt when the grace of our Lord is upon us and his forgiveness is free because HE ALREADY PAID THE PRICE FOR YOUR SINS. He shed his blood, he was bruised, pierced and whipped for your transgressions (Isaiah 53:5) so that by his blood we could be healed and restored to righteousness through the love and grace of his sacrificial death.

Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

I have sought forgiveness for my own offenses. It was important to me to tell people that I was sorry for the things I did. My hope was certainly to find favor and forgiveness from these individuals, but it was far more important for me to express my sincere apologies than it was to hear that they had forgiven me. It is nice to know those individuals forgive me, but I had already given myself permission to forgive myself for my own actions and behaviors.

Ephesians 4:29, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”

We should not fail to speak or seek the words that bring us or others healing. The curse of death as it pertains to this life is final. There is no such thing as coming back for unfinished business. When our time expires and we are called into the afterlife we are not given the opportunity to say what we failed to say all those years.

Ecclesiastes 8:8, “As no one has power over the wind to contain it, so no one has power over the time of their death.”

Children of all ages can be handicapped by a lack of reassurance, confidence and praise from their parents. Simple words are the ones that impact us the most. Words like, “I am proud of you,” are absolutely priceless. Parents should reach out to sons and daughters with a humble heart and utter the words that cannot be expressed once it is too late. We cannot share too much love with one another. We cannot utter those three little words one too many times, “I love you!” We cannot apologize more than is necessary. If you feel a void from a lack of enunciated words you should attempt to obtain closure from the one you desire to hear it from the most.

Sometimes an individual cannot understand your perspective and are incapable of empathy. When this occurs it is vital that you say those words to yourself with conviction. I am proud of me! Break the burden of generational curses in your family and offer your children a better start. Sometimes hearing those few words that could bring acceptance, reassurance, trust, hope and love are unable to be obtained, therefore, give yourself permission to accept your own feelings, thoughts, words and self-perception.

Romans 8:26 (NIV), In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.

Don’t let unspoken words hold you down and burden your marriage or your children. Make no mistake that harboring feeling of worthlessness, fret, guilt or insecurity will impact your future/current family. Children look to their parents as role models and if you exemplify for your children that you feel worthless – do not doubt the impressionability that will cause them to feel worthless as well. Heal relationships where you can, but if an influential person does not offer what you desperately desire then give yourself permission to release the foothold. Trust in the person that God created you to be and rise to the occasion; demand that of yourself.

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness,” Ephesians 4:22-24

Every once in a while the panels of life start winding up causing us to temporarily lose our equanimity. A distorted equilibrium clouds our vision, covers the sky and decreases our ability to see as far as the eye will usually allow. It is interesting how having a relationship with Christ changes how these moments make us feel. Christ alone provides hope, steadiness, trust and comfort as we move forward under a pillar of cloudy skies.

The conviction Christ has molded into my heart causes me to unequivocally extol his mighty name for being an unmovable force in my life. My relationship with the Father is the one thing this world cannot take away from me; wrap your mind around that kind of power! I thank my God for providing hope where most see hopelessness, steadiness when others find instability, trust where one may logically feel faithless, and comfort where one might feel abandoned and alone.

In difficult circumstances I find myself blessed with simplicity. I realize what truly matters and how to be thankful, grateful and blessed by the simple gifts in life most take for granted. It feels wonderful to wake up appreciating the ability to spend time with my family, enjoy the laughter of my children, and the tender touch of my husband.

Hebrews 1:3, “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven; (therefore) Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” (John 14:1)

No matter what spins out of control, seems to be pointless trials or a never ending fight – Christ has the power to clear the sky, purify the air, uncover ambiguity and provide strength to see it through unto the end. The miracle of a Savior is that he doesn’t let us down, he doesn’t leave us alone and he is there lifting us up, molding our hearts and showing us the power of his Word.

Psalms 119:105, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path!”

Reverence for Christ is strengthened through our weakness because when we feel defeated the power of Christ rests upon us (2 Corinthians 12:9). Unanswered prayers guide us to appreciate the power of Christ and acknowledge our lack of strength and control in this world. He is the mighty hand, the ruler of all things and his Will is always done.

1 John 5:14, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”

It is important to do a heart check during prayers because our prayers, needs and desires should always be geared toward glorifying his kingdom and his great name. When our motives are good and our goal is to glorify God our prayers may still go unanswered, but there is hope in unanswered prayers. I am thankful for the opportunity to step outside of the fog and gain clarity. Sometimes I move forward kicking and screaming, but by faith in the Lord I do move forward. God is always looking out for my best interest and as each day passes I gain a greater appreciation for His working hand.

James 4:3, “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”

The devil is always looking for a way to destroy our reputation and remove credibility in our testimony for Christ. To avoid this kind of intervention the Apostle Peter says in 1 Peter 5:8, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” Hold steadfast to the Word and promises of God; take refuge in Him and be diligent. We are weak in the flesh, but strong in the Lord. We cannot defeat Satan on our own; he is wise, he knows the Word of God and is able to manipulate the Word of God in such a way that we learn to justify illogical reasoning. Ultimately, we may be sacrificing our soul to the schemes of the devil.

Ephesians 6:12, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

We must be faithful in Christ, all trusting and full of hope that His promises are true and unanswered prayers are full of blessings. Unanswered prayers are God’s way to mold you, break you down, guide you, love you, teach you, boost your strength, steadfast devotion, and prepare you for the path uniquely predestined before the foundation of the earth was formed. He knew you then, he knows you now and he sees what we do not see. He prepares for what we do not know is coming and strengthens our frame to endure it and overcome it.

Romans 8:26, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”

Praise God; the One who truly saves. My grandmother has finally received a clean bill of health from the doctor. She will continue chemotherapy through the end of the year, but she is cleansed from lung cancer. Praise to our Father in heaven for he is the ultimate physician. What an incredible God we serve. Thank you Lord for your mercy, grace and the power of your healing hand – may worshiping you be at the forefront of our daily lives whether times are good or bad.

To my dearest Grams:

It is easy to understand how we have become a family of survivors. Aside from the unrestrained abilities of our Almighty God; Grams has been our foundation for strength, courage, and power to make it through those moments when the sword of life punctures our skin.

Grams, your story of strength, courage and power started long before your fight with cancer. It started before any of your hardships and even prior to the day you were born. The good Lord knew he was creating a fighter, a pillar of strength who would mold a legacy of descendants whom would prosper in spite of opposition.

There may be times when you are bitter, negative and outright intolerable, but aren’t we all. One thing I have learned as I have matured, especially in Christ, is that we are all impossible to appreciate in the same way that God appreciates each one of us as a unique creation. I have no doubt that through the lingering fog that clouds our vision; you are the heart of this family. You are the adhesive that holds each one of us together and a common blessing we share.

Your desire for each one of us is always to be advantageous in our path of life. Your tough love attitude has been a means to sharpen our character in hopes that we never settle for second best. You are an extraordinary women and I am so proud of you, your relationship with the Lord and genealogical imprint you have left on each one of us. You are a dreamer, a creator and I absolutely love and admire your entrepreneurial spirit.

You have helped me become a dauntless woman and I am elated that your attributes have trickled down to be a part of my characteristics and strengths.

We are heirs of your solid rock attitude and I am grateful for that mighty spirit. I am so thankful to be your granddaughter. I have had the pleasure of hearing half the tale of Shirley Eiflander and I hope that someday I will be blessed with the knowledge of those parts of the story which are unbeknown to me.

I love you very much and miss you with all the pieces of my heart. I hope to visit Florida soon.

Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV) I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I CAN DO ALL THIS THROUGH HIM (CHRIST) WHO GIVES ME STRENGTH.

Happy 75^th birthday to my beautiful grams.

With love and blessings,

Neisha Potter and family

Psychologist believe that where you sit can decode your personality; those in front may be extraverts, like to be seen or heard, possibly brown-nosers or simply outgoing; those in the middle are usually looking to blend and are possibly shy, may be a bit introverted; those in the back may be labeled as slackers or possibly observers that like to see what’s going on or find security having access to the nearest exist and no one behind them; and those near the door are often regarded as being in a rush.

When offending others it is important that what comes across is correctively offensive; if we are going to offend at all. There are two different types of offensiveness; constructive offensiveness and repugnant offenses.

When we move away from the Word of God and our behaviors are no longer focused on the kingdom, our offenses are repugnant, but if we are corrective, helpful and lovingly expressing the need for transformation that is perceived as being offensive, we are walking in the light; the way of the Lord.

Many of us do not consider Jesus to be an offensive individual. Most of us copulae Christianity with characteristics such as unconditional love, benevolence and comfort, but the truth is that Christianity is all of those things and more; it brings conviction, guilt, offensiveness and transformation. Pastor Doug taught brilliantly in one of his sermons that, “Jesus was offensive.” Jesus was offensive and the Word of God is still offensive to those who are disobedient.

Jesus walked into the temple courts flipping tables and telling the money changer they were thieves (Matthew 21:12-17). That is pretty offensive. How many of you would walk into your church and start turning over the tables revealing the dwellers as thieves?

We often do not think about the Word of God as offensive, but we are haters of those who preach the Word of God in a way that is corrective, honest and creates conviction in your heart. When I say corrective offensiveness I mean that when you are sinning against the Lord, lost in your addictions, have shortcomings in servitude and are called out in a corrective manner it can be offensive, but it is healthy offensiveness.

However, when the offense is irrelevant to the Word of God; it is harmfully offensive. An example of unnecessary offensiveness; creating assigned seating for parents at church and forcing them to sit in the back of the room because they have children under five years old. People often attempt to motivate Christians to be more like Christ, but Christ would not segregate families with children by placing them in the back of the room. This is offensiveness in a repugnant and harmful manner. Offensiveness like this, especially within the Church, is what causes those who are seeking Christ, attempting to establish a relationship with the Lord; to walk away from religion. There is not anything within this type of worldly governing that is corrective in a positive way. Some people sit where they choose to sit because of their personal character. I am convicted with all of my being that this kind of regulation would not please the Lord. Jesus would clear the front row, allow little children and put his hands on them. He would not cast them to the back of the room and segregate those who care for the little ones.

When I was growing up I was “gifted” with being offensive, but I offended people in all the wrong ways. I certainly fall short of God’s glory because of my fallen nature, but I have learned that if you’re going to be offensive, be offensive in such a way that it changes someone’s life for the better good. Our words should be for God’s use, His will and sharing His Word; not for personal preference or worldly traditions.

Since being offended is such a personal experience it can exacerbate anger within. The transparent trigger to push ones button becomes opaque when most of us become offended. It is a sin not only to harmfully offend, but also to feel offended. We cannot control the behaviors of others or stop them from being harmfully offensive, but we can forgive the harmful offense, pray for those who are harmfully offending and continue on our own path to be better examples of what it is like to live a life as if Jesus were living through you; a life that exudes all the dynamics of Christianity in such a way that the Lord would be proud that you are a man/woman after God’s own heart.

What seems to be offensive in the Word of God is constructive offensiveness; it is an attempt to transform the believer and be the light to your feet. An unproductive offensiveness has nothing to do with transformation and nothing to do with the light of God. We are ascertaining God’s Word to the lost and bring fellowship among His people which sharpens one another (Proverbs 27:17); we have the opportunity to hold each other accountable – it may be offensive, but it is healthy and corrective. Offensiveness does not contaminate the Word of God; instead contamination is within each of us from the very fall of man. We are the ones who are polluted with sin and need a Savior, we need conviction, we need transformation and we find that in the Word of God.

Marriage is not the fairytale that most people, especially women, envision. The honeymoon stage of a marriage does not last very long. A couple must work at their marriage daily to keep their flame burning. Trials in a marriage are certainly difficult times, but if God is number one, center stage in your marriage, and the foundation of your life you will have incredible attestations for God’s faithfulness and transcendence. To be unified through His Mighty Name in the covenant of marriage your commitment can dominate all things.

People must enter into a marriage removing divorce from their vocabulary. We set ourselves up for destruction when we create a divorce safety net with an opt-out option. Understandably, individuals divorce for reasons such as adultery et al and when the Pharisees questioned Jesus about Moses permitting divorcing in the written Word of God it was because ours were hardened; we are stubborn! Jesus replied, “Moses permitted divorce only as a concession to your hard hearts, but it was not what God had originally intended” (Matthew 19:8).

The bible also says that if you are married to a non-believer and the non-believers walks away you can let them go. 1 Corinthians 7:15, “But if the unbeliever leaves, let it be so. The brother or the sister is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace.” God wants his children to be happy and live in peace, but marriage is hard and we should not be defaulting to our opt-out option when things get a little shaky.

Trials and tribulations make a marriage stronger and even though you may not feel hopeful as you ride out the storm, your marriage will be better for it, stronger because of it, and filled with more love than you could have ever imagined. Why? Why does our love grow during hardships? There is something unexplainably powerful about having a spouse that will not get going when the going gets tough. There is something to be said for devotion, being each other’s rock and above all having faith in the Lord to pull your marriage through anything.

My advice to you is that when the going gets tough – don’t be so quick to get going. A marriage is built on the foundational love of God, sustained by faithfulness and blossoms into a beautiful flower every time it rains because after the rain the sun always comes back out.

Proverbs 31:10-31 (NIV)

A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.
She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

It is interesting to hear individuals state that if we were left to our own devices and mixed religion all together that we would be better off. This view creates an assumption that humanity is basically good, but the fact of the matter is that we are born ingrained with sin. At the fall of Adam sin enter into man, it stained his soul, his lineage, his flesh, his blood; it stained so deep that through him it passed down to all humanity. From conception we are natural sinners, corrupt and in need of a Savior. This doesn’t mean that we felonious and incapable of favorable attributes; we are made in the image of God so we certainly inhabit good characteristics.

Romans 3:10-11, 23: As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.”

Some argue that sin is a choice and therefore we choose to be sinners. We do choose to be sinners, but we are incapable of choosing a sinless life. Thousands of years ago we fell from grace and now sin dwells in each of us. God did not create us to be sinners; instead sin was invited into man in the Garden of Eden through our disobedience. That choice separated us from God.

Romans 7:21, So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me.”

For those who believe in the Son of God our relationship with God is redeemed, because Christ is the bridge that reconciles us back to God. We are only righteous as a gift, not that we are literally righteous because we earned it; we are righteous because of Christ and His sacrificial gift on the cross where he poured out His blood out of love for mankind; His children and His creation!

Ephesians 1:7, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.”

I want to stress the importance of understanding our fallen nature because I believe it is beneficial for our growth and trust in Christ. We are always a work in progress. To believe we have reached spiritual fullness is detrimental to our developmental relationship with Christ. We cannot max out our capacity to learn and grow; we will never be omniscient or infallible.

I personally find this encouraging because that means there is room to be better than I am today. I like acknowledging that I am a sinner because I do not ever want to be so fooled by darkness that I think I am wholly good. I do not want to become complacent. I want to have eyes that see and ears that hear and remain thankful for my God. I want to continue to strive to be a better servant of Christ, a better friend, mother, sister, daughter, wife, associate, customer, and a Good Samaritan. It gives me hope that I can grow and I can be better.

Lord continue to work on me and make me a better person today than I was yesterday. May your glorious grace shine through and your Name be praised through all the earth. Lord, do not allow me to become complacent or manipulated by the devil’s schemes. I want to know you more and be obedient to your Will for my life. You are the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords; I can do all things through You who gives me strength (Phil. 4:13).

2 Corinthians 4:16, “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”

Psalms 150:6 “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.”

My hope is that many of us give thanks and praise throughout the year for all the Lord has done in our lives. It is an unfortunate truth that not all individuals have a heart of gratitude, nor do they thank God daily for all that He does on their behalf. Today I would like each of us to take a moment to reflect on all the wonderful things Christ has done for us and give thanks and praise for His Omni-benevolence.

Psalm 107 (NIV)

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story; those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,
those he gathered from the lands, from east and west, from north and south.

Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no way to a city where they could settle. They were hungry and thirsty, and their lives ebbed away.

Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle.

Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.

Some sat in darkness, in utter darkness, prisoners suffering in iron chains, because they rebelled against God’s commands and despised the plans of the Most High.

So he subjected them to bitter labor; they stumbled, and there was no one to help. Then they cried to the
Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress.

He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness, and broke away their chains. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he breaks down gates of bronze and cuts through bars of iron.

Some became fools through their rebellious ways and suffered affliction because of their iniquities. They loathed all food and drew near the gates of death.

Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.

Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind. Let them sacrifice thank offerings and tell of his works with songs of joy.

Some went out on the sea in ships; they were merchants on the mighty waters. They saw the works of the Lord, his wonderful deeds in the deep. For he spoke and stirred up a tempest that lifted high the waves. They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away.

They reeled and staggered like drunkards; they were at their wits’ end. Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.

Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind. Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people and praise him in the council of the elders.

He turned rivers into a desert, flowing springs into thirsty ground, and fruitful land into a salt waste, because of the wickedness of those who lived there.

He turned the desert into pools of water and the parched ground into flowing springs; there he brought the hungry to live, and they founded a city where they could settle. They sowed fields and planted vineyards that yielded a fruitful harvest; he blessed them, and their numbers greatly increased, and he did not let their herds diminish.

Then their numbers decreased, and they were humbled by oppression, calamity and sorrow; he who pours contempt on nobles made them wander in a trackless waste. But he lifted the needy out of their affliction and increased their families like flocks.

The upright see and rejoice, but all the wicked shut their mouths.

Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord.

It can be difficult to remain positive during trials and tribulations that rip through your life like a hurricane. Whether financial difficulties, broken relationships, health tragedies/risks or a case of “bad luck,” we fail to maintain a sense of peace.

I believe we fail to maintain a sense of peace because we want to be utterly in control of our own lives. We fail to acknowledge that we are dependent beings, and in order to find peace we must address and invest in our internal struggles and find the root of our anger, bitterness, frustration, and insecurities. We are not serving Christ when we allow these internal struggles to control our emotions, behaviors, attitudes and most importantly our joy (Romans 16:18). Therefore, in order to overcome and get right with Christ we must take a deep look within to find the root of these disturbances.

It is easy to advise someone to keep their eyes on Christ and find their joy, but if they have failed to manage internal frustrations they are unable to allow Christ to work on their innermost being. When we come to Christ we lay it all out on the line. All of our fears, our regrets, and our insecurities are poured out into Him.

King David pours his innermost being out to God in Psalms 139. The entire chapter is amazing, but Psalms 139:23 says, “Search me, oh’ God and know my heart, try me and my anxieties. . . .”

You need to evaluate the inside and possibly come to a place of brokenness so that you can find humility, peace and joy in Christ. I believe God can heal all things, but in order to heal our frustrations we must address our frustrations. We cannot heal what we will not acknowledge is in need of healing.

In Christ we should find humility and a heart full of thanksgiving. The power of faith in Christ will bring you joy; faith means that we trust in what we do not see and we love, trust, hope, believe and have an undisputed conviction that Christ is the omnipotent and omnibenevolent.

I believe it is joy in Christ that carries us through hard times. I believe our joy comes from the Lord and it is by faith in Him that we find joy. He offers life, he is the living water and when we step out of the driver’s seat and submit to his authority and control we gain everything through Him who gives us strength, courage, healing, compassion, forgiveness, guidance, counseling, fulfillment and an understanding of your innermost being where He can help you heal and grow so that the gap withholding you from your joy in Christ can be bridged.

Isaiah 65:14 (NIV)
My servants will sing out of the joy of their hearts, but you will cry out from anguish of heart and wail in brokenness of spirit.

When we choose to follow Christ we have to reevaluate our life and open our heart for the power of the Holy Spirit to transform us from the inside out. In order to follow Christ we must turn from our old ways and follow Him. The bible tells a story about a wealthy ruler who came to Christ and said, “I have followed all of your commandments.” Then he asked, “What else shall I do to inherit the kingdom of God?” (Matthew 19:20). Then Jesus replied in Matthew 19:21, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” This wealthy man turned and wept. He did not want to give up all his possessions in order to follow Christ.

In order to follow Christ wholeheartedly we must give up those things that we prioritize before Him. The Triune God will not accept second best. God is a jealous God. We learn about this characteristic of God in Exodus 20:5-6, “You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.” The first commandment, “Thou shall have no other god before me.” This does not apply only to the literal sense of gods, but also to things in this world that we hold as more important than God, thus categorizing “it” as a god. For instance, the bible tells us, “no one can serve two masters. You will love one and hate the other or you will be devoted to one and despise the other. No one can serve both God and money.” Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13. Money is not a god, but you may hold it to such a high degree in your life that it becomes like a god, especially when you are not willing to let it go in order to serve and follow the Creator.

I believe we can all relate to the young ruler who wept and did not want to give up all that he had to follow Christ. We are a sinful humanity, selfish and interested in our own turmoil, successes and needs; but real living is found in the One who quenches our thirst forever; the One who makes us whole and is stronger and more permanent than death itself. He who looked death in the eye, subdued, overcame and conquered it. We serve a God who is Holy, Just and God and therefore we must set aside all things that interfere with following Christ. We cannot do this within our own power, but by the power of the Holy Spirit working within us. Philippians 4:13, “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

So what is it? We all have something to sacrifice, something in us that is hindering our relationship with Christ; stunting our growth in His Word. Father, I pray that you reveal truth to each one of us. Show us what we have put in your place. I pray Lord that you open our eyes to see and remove that which is not of you. I pray that each one of us learn to put you first in our lives. Give us a willing spirit to make sacrifices for your glory and submit to being used as a vessel for your kingdom. Mold us into servant, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, employees that fulfill the role in which you alone created us to achieve. Lord bring it to completion as you promised (Philippians 1:6).

Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. Luke 12:33

When you think about it; your sacrifice, whatever it may be is really not a sacrifice at all. In Christ we gain so much. Through Christ’s atonement on the cross we are free, forgiven, redeemed and declared righteous through the gift of grace through our Savior. Through Christ we are cleansed of the stain of sin and through Him we find life; without Christ and the gift of salvation we have nothing, but condemnation and death.

As most of you know my grandmother has been diagnosed with lung cancer. She has been a trooper; fighting tooth and nail to defeat this foreigner while keeping her eyes focused on the One who matters; Jesus Christ. Radiation and chemotherapy has gone well and she was on her way to defeating this killer epidemic. However, last week she developed an infection in the same lung holding the cancer. This passed week the infection has tripled in severity and she has been admitted to the hospital. Chemotherapy will cease until she has healed from the infection.

I ask your prayers for my grandmother as she fights to conquer this infection. I pray for grace, mercy and healing for my grandmother and ask you to do the same. I understand that sometimes conquering the battle means that God calls us home. Conquering something doesn’t always mean that we survive it here in this world, but that we conquer it through death since our Savior will resurrect us from the grave and we will cry no more.

Our hope is always that we fight it; that we are blessed with one more day or one more year. I humbly pray that the Will of God be done and while my mind knows that His Will conquers all things, my heart asks for a little more time.

Revelation 21:4, He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.

In Jesus Name,
Amen.

We may have a legal right to our body and our personal decisions, but we do not have a moral right to our body. Moral laws come from the Creator of heaven and earth who sets the boundaries for right and wrong. A marriage undoubtedly should remain between a man and a woman. A man and a woman are to leave their parents and the two shall become one flesh (Genesis 2:24; Ephesians 5:31). Adam asked for a companion because he was lonely so God made a woman from the rib of Adam to be his wife and his companion (Genesis 2:21). God did not choose to make a man for Adam, instead he chose a woman and ever since man has come from the woman’s body. Sodomites provoke the wrath of God. Sodomites cannot procreate and we are instructed by God to multiple in number and fill the earth (Genesis 9:7).

When God created the body he created it without error, without unnecessary parts and in such a way that the body would absorb the nutrients of our foods and flush out the unnecessary. After food is processed the food passes through the intestines, nutrients are abstracted, and then processed through the colon, to the rectum and out the anus. God created these parts of the body for toxins and wasted to be disposed/flushed out. Sodomy has violated the human body by using this disposing area for sexual sensation. God said, “Let no man lay with another man as he lays with a woman,” (Leviticus 18:22). Our moral laws should not change to conform to societal changes such a homosexuality. Do not conform to this world . . . do not conform to the nation around you, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind and keep the laws of God and His Will be done (translated Romans 12:2; Ezekiel 11:12).

Our society should stand firm in faith and abide by the laws of our Almighty God. There are so many children that are psychologically unstable because they did not receive the emotional stabilities that a mother and father can provide. The quality of parents varies from household to household, but that is no excuse to support behavior that contradicts the law of God. It simply means that need more quality parents; both a mother and a father. No matter how authentic the gay partners attempt normal parenting patterns, behaviors and reversing roles; there are still instabilities with children raised by same sex partners because the child is deprived of the character building that each sex offers. Society is encouraging the condemnation of our youth and we are losing souls to generational cursing one birth at a time. What an abomination.

It is our responsibility as Christians to preach the word of God and teach His truth. We are not to conform to society to fit in or be accepted. Jesus said, “You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first,” (Matthew 10:22, John 15:18).

The comedian, Tosh O., was making a joke about conservative Christians preaching against gay marriage and said, “This is what I have to say to the most conservative person; just because the state says it is legal, it’s not like God is going to let them into heaven.” Tosh O. may be correct in his observation (I am not the judge, nor the One with the power to condemn: 1 Corinthians 6:9), however, we will be held accountable for our actions, our beliefs and the way in which we preserve and hold to the Word of God. It matters because we are to go out and preach to the nations about the Messiah who saves and warn them of the grave danger that exist if they do not repent and change their sinful ways. As a believer, you cannot encourage behavior that spits on the Gospel and believe you will not be held responsible for failing to share God’s truth. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 states, ‘not homosexuals nor those committing fortification as well as other sins will not enter into the kingdom of heaven. . . but by the shed blood of Jesus Christ we are washed and forgiven by His sacrifice and through repentance we are saved and delivered form our sinful nature.” This verse is an incredible ray of hope for the lost sinner. There is a way out of darkness, we have a God who is bigger than life, bigger than death, whose light cannot be diminished, whose Word never fails, who is unconquerable, cannot to be slain, cannot wither or fade, all truth is His truth, whose ears cannot be closed to the sound of your calling, a God who is personal, independent and righteous; HOLY, JUST, AND GOOD! Someone give me an AMEN!

We are all fallible by nature and we all fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23), but just because we are fallen does not mean that we should dwell in sin because we have all fallen short. Christ has come with good new; restoring our relationship with God and bridging the gap. We are redeemed in Christ so call out to Him and let Him transform you. There are so many issues with the world today and the choices of this generation. As humanity tries to redefine the definition of marriage and political corruption begins to surge – homosexuality has begun to race through children as if it is the new drug that everyone needs to try. We are trying to make homosexuality a good thing and fail to recognize the sinful behavior that defies the design of mankind. When Adam was lonely, God did not give Adam a man, but a woman to accompany him. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh,” Genesis 2:24.

Regardless of the reason for being gay, whether it is rebellious behavior, political corruption, a chemical imbalance or just a way to get some attention; it is wrong. Being gay goes against everything God is and the relationship that we are meant to have between a man and woman. Our Country has refused to acknowledge the sinful behavior homosexuality represents. According to the Word of God we are to turn from our sins and seek fulfillment in Christ, repentance, and a transformation by the Holy Spirit working in our lives. The bible tells us about God’s grace through repentance. When you repent from the heart there is an undeniable change in your ways because you seek and serve a HOLY God. Are we so naïve about the God we serve that we think this is acceptable in the eyes of an Almighty Creator?

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 “Or do you know the wrong doers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immortal nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor practicing homosexuality nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards no slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”

Darkness in the world comes in abundance as it pertains to homosexual behavior. John 3:19-20 “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.” Stop downing in sin and turn your life over to Christ, change your sinful behavior and you can be washed and cleansed by the Holy Spirit. The road is narrow and only a few will find it , but you can be a part of His elect; one more blessed with the inheritance of heaven; let Him be the lamp unto your feet . As Christians we should not ever manipulate or compromise scripture in order to allow someone to feel entitled or accepted. No matter how compassionate you desire to be we must always remain faithful to God and His Word first above all things and exalt His righteousness. God is good, but He is a God of judgment and we will all stand before Him. People tend to acknowledge that God is a good, loving God, but fail to view Him as a God who judges and punishes the unrighteous. Matthew 7:23, “But I will reply, I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws. If I can be used as a vessel to save one soul from hearing these words from God when they stand before Him then it was all worth it.

Leviticus 20:13 “If a man has sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They are to be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.”

Romans 2:12-13, “All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law. For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.”

Could you imagine living among Jesus Christ himself? Can you imagine standing before Him and praying with him and his disciples? Could you imagine being an eyewitness of His healing hand and compassion?

I would have felt honored to be in the presence of Jesus Christ and overwhelmed with an opportunity to personally see his hand at work. To have the opportunity for him to personally teach me would be something I am certainly not worthy of receiving. I would have felt like a sinner before him, as I am, and amazed that he took me at his side and taught me the way of the truth. I would have felt blessed to listen to him speak as he preached from the boat at the Sea of Galilee or feeding the five thousand or chosen to be an eyewitness of the transfiguration . . . it is all amazing! While I was not alive then…he knew me. I was in his plans to receive the gift of life and experience what this life has to offer. I feel blessed that he called my name, loved me before my feet ever hit the ground and filled me with the Holy Spirit so that I now know the truth, the way and the light. There are no words to express what an amazing day it would have been and what an incredible day is sure come when we stand before the Creator and Savior of the world!

This day will be an amazing day for everyone who ever existed in the history of mankind. It is a day we are all to experience, but the outcome of that day will not be the same for everyone who ever existed. It is a day of judgment; judgment for all that we have done, thought, provoked, ignored, encouraged or hindered. The Lord will say plainly, “I never knew you. Away from me. You evildoers.” (Matthew 7:23)

It is hard to understand how grotesque human nature can be when the power of evil resides in the heart. I think this is why so many evildoers get away with their evil behavior because it is difficult to wrap our mind around the unconscionable, exorbitant behavior of a wicked individual, but the truth is that most individuals do not embrace propriety. Our God is greater, stronger, and in Him there is no darkness (1 John 1:5) and even though light has come into the world people love darkness instead of light because their deeds are evil (John 3:19).

Christ was our sacrifice; the lamb given for our sins, but only He is without the stain of sin – wholly good and washed us white as snow through his sacrificial blood on the tree. We all owe Christ a death, but that day and time is different for everyone. On the cross Christ emptied himself and through that emptying the invisible God became visible. His sacrifice gave us hope and life – a life that is eternal and exists beyond this fragile body; a resurrection.

Death quiets the soul. I am vexed by the verdict in the Casey Anthony case. Yet, I find comfort that God will have his way with Casey Anthony whether in this life or the next. Death is humbling because it is a reminder that this life is temporary. We do not have forever to accomplish what the Lord has set out for us to accomplish. We can be certain; however, that the work in which God has set out for you He will bring to completion (Philippians 1:6). There are many uncertainties in this world, but we can rely on the fact that we are mortal, we will meet our death day and face our maker to answer for our freedom of choice. Use this life and all the talents God gave you to glorify Him, serve His kingdom and reach out to others who are lost, misguided, confused and evildoers. This life, this day will pass away, but His Word will live forever (Luke 21:33).

(Romans 5:18-21) Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

How can we expect to fulfill the Great Commission when we do not permeate the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives? How can we judge, criticize and hold ourselves as holy, just and good when there is only one man who fits that bill; Jesus Christ!

We have become such arrogant “Christians” that we believe a sinner, unlike you, should be able to convert others simply by knowing your name. We are lazy Christians who refuse to put in the time and effort necessary to be an influence on individuals who need advice, guidance, a friend and mostly love. Proverbs 22:1, “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”

In order to be an influence you must first be a friend. Friends are honest, compassionate, dependable, trustworthy, and expect nothing in return. The bible says that Jesus came for the unrighteous – not the righteous. It is not the healthy that need a doctor, but the sick (Matthew 9:12). Yet, we continue to befriend those whom we value as righteous and we let the unbeliever wonder. We are to leave the heard in the wilderness and search for one lost sheep, because it is the lost sheep that needs help to find his way back to the heard (Luke 15:4).

The Pharisees were testing Jesus by asking, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:34-40).

If we truly love our God and love your neighbor as yourself then reaching out to others would be a breeze. The reason you cannot impact the lives of the unbelieving is because the unbeliever does not see any reason to be like you. You fail to be a friend, to be an influence and instead you are a person of judgment, disgraceful gossip and when unbelievers see your behavior they run for the hills and want nothing to do with your religion.

Instead of your narcissistic righteousness we must be fervent in prayer for others. We must be an asset for Christ and not hinder unbelievers to become followers of Christ. We are all sinners and we all fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). Doing the Lord’s Work takes patience and discipline – by showing God’s great love and adhering to the greatest of all commandments. We do not isolate the lost – we go out and find them. When a brother or sister is sick, emotionally damaged, confused, or angry we must be a friend because the power of our Almighty God will work through you to be a voice, an influence and the good Lord will bestow his compassion on you both.

If you have had poor experiences with a believer or a church my hope is that you release yourself from the hold they have on your life. Do not let the unfavorable experiences you have with them dictate your life, your relationship with Christ and your eternal judgment. Get yourself right with God for His glory.

Proverbs 16:9, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

Father I pray that you establish my steps. I pray that you mold my heart and burn that which is not of you. Give me compassion to reach out to the lost sheep with an unconditional ray of hope. Guide me Lord to be a Christian who is true to your Word, acts as an example of your great love and influences others to follow your path. God help me to be an honest friend to lead, guide and convict others to turn from their sins and welcome your grace. I pray that my confidence in you does not become arrogant and hinder others to confess you as their Lord and Savior, In Jesus Name, Amen.

Scripture is inerrant written in the original form. The Old Testament was written in Hebrew in its original form and the New Testament was written in Greek.

Some things are lost in translation; therefore, it is translated as best as possible to words similar to our language. John Wycliffe and William Tyndale are two original pioneers credited for translating the bible into English. Tyndale never published the bible, but you can find published version of Tyndale’s New Testament translation. Tyndale was killed before he was able to complete the Old Testament translation.

King Henry VIII had a son, who took over the throne when he died, but his young son, King Edward VI died and his daughter Mary took over as Queen. Tyndale was forced into exile for translating the bible into English and he fled from England for his life. He ended up being burned at the stake for his English translation of the bible in 1536.

Queen Mary I was against translating the bible into your own language and anyone who was caught with a bible in their own language was persecuted and killed. Their blood has stained the pages of the bibles that exist (during her reign) because the bible was taken into the street and the blood of the owner was poured over the pages. Queen Mary I became known as, “Bloody Mary” for her bloody reign. Since bibles were hard to obtain in this era people would collect the bloody pages from the street to have an opportunity to read and learn about the Word of God. Fun fact: Queen Mary I and Archbishop of Canterbury both died the same day. The successor to the throne was Queen Mary’s half sister Queen Elizabeth I who reversed Queen Mary’s bloody ways.

We are blessed to have the ability and freedom to own our own bibles and choose the version in which we desire to read. People did not own their own bible in this era. Depending on the period in which you refer; people had to hear the Word in home churches, as a community, and in synagogues, and churches. We have made great strides in the past to overcome persecution and our lack of freedom; something so often forgotten today.

God is the author of the bible and God himself through the work of the Holy Spirit inspired the text to be documented by man. The inspired Word shares with us what God wants us to know so we can be saved, learn who God is and receive the gift of salvation. Scripture is God’s special revelation and by the Word we may know the Father. Metaphorically, these words are alive. There is strength behind them and infallible truth. It has never been the text that is corrupted, but the teachers of the text that have corrupted the Word.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

My Grandmother has been diagnosed with lung cancer. We are praying that her lungs are strong enough for the physicians to perform surgery. It greatly increases her chances of survival (up to 70%) if they can perform surgery. However, in the event that they cannot perform surgery she will have to undergo radiation and chemotherapy for six month which decreases her survival rate to 30%.

God is greater and more powerful than all things and no matter what I pray that His Will prevails. I do ask for your prayers; for your Words to penetrate and reach the ears of our Almighty God. More importantly I pray she will comforted by the Spirit of God. I pray she will find peace and hope. I pray she will believe in the prevailing power of our God whose light can brighten any shadow and shine hope when we are lost in any form of darkness.

Thank you God for loving your children and holding my grandmothers hand.

Psalms 28:6-9 (NIV)
Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one. Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their Shepherd and carry them forever.
In Jesus Name, Amen.

Lord, heal and remove this infection from my husband and son. God, I pray that you be glorified and they receive healing to grow in your word and fulfill the calling you have on their lives. Jesus, I pray you restore them to health and heal their wounds (Jeremiah 30:17). You know the burdens of our hearts Lord. Bring protection, healing and grace, In Jesus Name, Amen.

Psalm 103:2-5 (NIV)
Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

My grandma Shirley has a benign mass in her lung, but since the Doctors could not figure out what the mass was they had to do take a biopsy of the mass yesterday, April 14th. After minor surgery her lung collapsed. Her body is not cooperating and her lung is not recovering.

Lord, give the Doctors wisdom and diligent hands, treatment may come through the hands of man, but healing always comes from the Father. Show your mercy on my grams. Thank you Lord -In Jesus Name, Amen.

Jeremiah 33:6 (NIV)
Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.

The way in which we live our lives is the key that may open the gate to heaven or lock it up for eternity. Every day we are grinding away at the key in our lives to smooth and carve the edges in hope that is fits the entrance to heaven’s gate. Binding and loosing is about what we do here on earth, in this life and how it does affect our eternal judgment. We grind out the key through our ministry, behaviors, obedience, and while grace, redemption and righteousness is a gift that we cannot obtain on our own we are expected to show our faith through our works. We are justified by faith alone, but it is through our actions that our faith is exercised, seen and exemplified to others. It takes faith first to step out and do our works following in obedience and through our actions we are working, practicing and exuding faith. Through our actions we are binding and loosing. Matthew 16:19 (NIV), “ I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind of earth will be bound in heaven and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

Will your key open the gate? Did you chisel and grind your key to glorify God? Did you practice obedience and work on the Great Commission? We do not earn heaven, for it is a gift, but we are commanded to share the gospel to the ends of the earth. We are his children and he is worthy of our praise. Our Father in heaven gives freely, but that does not mean each of us is given a free ride into eternal bliss. He is a gracious God, but he is a God of eternal judgment, not because he wants to condemn us but because we had the free choice to choose to follow him but we turned our back on him and denied him. Do not be deceived and believe that God fails us – We fail him. Luke 13:27, “But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!”

In Matthew 3:17 Jesus is baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist and a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son with whom I am well pleased.” While we will never reach such sinlessness and perfection I want to be a child of God with whom He is well pleased.

God’s porch grants us a rocking chair of redemption, a foundation based on security and guidance, a front door for protection, plants of love and mercy, sun for growth and an opportunity to chisel out a key to unlock the door so we can glorify His kingdom and share His amazing grace with the world. “First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean,” Matthew 23:26 (NIV).