Peacefully Misunderstanding...

"Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)

Ask yourself the following question... "Do I trust God?" All the more important, what does it mean to you to put your trust in God? Many of of us believers, aka Christians, subconsciously struggle with this very thing. We become so "reliant" on the things of this world such as our friends we confide in, our occupations which sustain our livery, or our relationships (romantic or otherwise), which provide comfort and companionship, that we truly become more reliant upon them than we are upon God.

We serve a God who's very Words alone sustains us should we only have the faith to believe in what He said. It is written that... God shall supply all our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. When God tells us in His Word that the enemy roams about the earth to and fro as a roaring lion, seeking whom he can devour, or that he comes to steal, kill and to destroy, then why is it that we don't realize that we're under spiritual attack, or that we refuse to acknowledge that we are when things are turned "upside-down" in our lives? However, God instructs us to have the confidence in Him, that thereby no weapon formed against us will prosper, and that through Christ, we are more than conquerors. In the text above, God instructs just as Jesus spake to the multitude in Matthew 6, not to worry about anything, but to pray about everything, all the while, being grateful for all that God has done, all that He has brought us to, through, and where He has brought us from. By faith, we've got to wholeheartedly give our all to God; to place our entire lives in His hands, to give our all to Him, our pasts, our troubles, trials, tribulations, disappointments, our tears and our fears; for He hasn't given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind... Therein we find peace; Gods peace in the midst of life's storms, praising Him through the pain, and glorifying Him when things are unclear to us, because we know without a shadow of a doubt that what He's said, He shall perform, complete it and perfect it until the coming of Christ. We're to stand firm, not allowing the enemy in, giving no place to the devil, not allowing him nor any demonic spirit of his, (i.e. confusion, depression, anger, lust, fear, lying, greed, adultery, infidelity, envy, vanity, etc.), to gain a foothold, arm hold, nor even to shake hands with them be it literally or metaphorically. We're to guard or hearts, guard our thoughts, be careful of that which we speak into and over our lives, for it is written, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they that love it shall eat it's fruit." - Proverbs 18:21. It's time for a true reality check, a faith-check to determine where we stand in God, where our faith really lies; in the things of this world which will all pass away, or remain here after we're gone, or in the true and living God, whom cannot lie, cannot sin, and cannot fail. Here's a simple statement I heard just last night that may induce some self reflection... "Those who move in doubt do without."

Where is your faith?

Holding On...

Grasping...

Clenching, clinging, intermingling,
Desiring, embracing... hoping.

Prayerfully pressing through the grit,

Grime, dirt and muck invited by pain.

Seeking a coping mechanism through

Logic and algorithms that leave us all the more confused.

Demeaned, degraded and disrespected,

Neglected, no more room in these shoes.

Our feet hurt... Fingernails filled with dirt,

And dust from clawing our way to love.

Heaven above knows our woes, the blows,

Slings and arrows that pierce our loving souls.

We retract to avoid the cold, and in the end we find ourselves alone.

Freezing... Earnestly aiming to please God along with those we hold compassion for.

Peace we seek and in turn get a sword... through the heart.

In an instant it appears that what we feared, thought disappeared, had returned yet stronger.

The strength we gained, the faith unfeigned, helped us to hold on longer.

To the hand of God, for its only He whom can heal and dry our eyes.

In Him alone do we trust and abide, for in He do we survive...

Gospel Rap Challenge

Gospel Poetry Challenge

Freestyle Gospel Rap

A Little Study, A Little Wisdom: Why the Man Should Not Be Alone...

"Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." - Gen. 1:26-27 (NKJV)... Now pay close attention to this...

"Say unto WISDOM, Thou art my SISTER; and call UNDERSTANDING thy KINSWOMAN: That they may keep thee from the strange woman, from the stranger which flattereth with her words." - Proverbs 7:4-5 (KJV)... "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But LET PATIENCE HAVE HER perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." - James 1:2-4 (KJV)

Follow me on this... When God first created man & woman, prior to the formation of Adam, and the forming of Eve from his rib in the Garden of Eden, both the male and female were SPIRITS, made in the image and likeness of the Godhead (the Father, Son & Holy Spirit,) hence the comment, "let "us" make man in "our" image." The writer of Proverbs once penned, "Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Exalt HER, and SHE will promote you; SHE will bring you honor, when you embrace HER. SHE will place on your head an ornament of grace; A crown of glory SHE will deliver to you." - Prov. 4:7-9 (NKJV)... We men are known for being stubborn hard-headed, headstrong, etc. Yet since the beginning, it is written,"And the Lord God said, “It is not good that the MAN should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” - Gen. 2:18 (NKJV)... I find no irony in the fact that King Solomon only asked God for wisdom and wound up with over 700 concubines, when the "spirits" of wisdom, understanding and patience ARE in fact FEMALE SPIRITS. This may even bear some vital significance on boys/men being closer to our mothers than our fathers, not because they're our primary nurturers, but simply because the keys to obtaining, retaining and sustaining peace are embedded in them. I've come to believe that this is why "some of us", (meaning heterosexual/straight men,) search for and desire a virtuous wife so fervently. What we require is wisdom, understanding, and by God you women are the ones whom patiently bear with us... The peace that surpasses ALL understanding in the matter of love, marriage and relationships can ONLY be obtained through the method in which God set forth in the beginning, with a MAN and his WIFE, a MAN and a WOMAN, decently and in order, just as it is written. If you don't like it, take it up with God, HE said it. So if you really love God, obey Him and let Him deliver you... "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." - Gen. 2:24 (NKJV)

"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." - 2 Tim. 2:15 (KJV)

"But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen." - 2 Peter 3:18 (KJV)

Grow... Together.

While Going Through... for My Friends

During the struggle to try to do what’s right, we all encounter obstacles, rather, attacks from the enemy, (the devil.) Through it all, although we fight, and pray, we must still pray for each other. Some of us have never had a conversation with each other, some of us don’t go to church all the time. But The Word,(The B.I.B.L.E. - The Basic Instruction Before Leaving Earth; Yes, that’s what it is,) tells us that the church is the body of Christ, and we, having the same spirit, are the members of that body. We are the limbs, (the arms legs, fingers, toes, etc.,) but Christ is the head. Anyway, my purpose for posting this is for us to encourage each other, and to pray for EVERYONE, AND EVERYTHING UNDER THE STARS. For the Lord said, "Where two or more are gathered together in my name, there I shall be, in the midst." So, if one prayer warrior can chase away 1,000 demons, and two can chase away 10,000, then what could thousands do?

Division Vs. Unity of the Faith... It Became A Lesson

According to the scripture... "When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven." - Matthew 16:13-19 (KJV)

At the time this was going on, which was the way God ordained it to be, there was only ONE church. And that church was not a building, made with hands nor stone. But ANY and EVERY man/woman that believed on, and in Jesus Christ. There weren't any denominations, nor did any come into existence in the Bible, that is all a part of man-made "religion." Jesus didn't preach, nor teach "religion," but unity of/in ONE God, ONE Spirit, ONE body, ONE faith , ONE baptism. These days, various "religions" teach conflicting doctrine, yet claim it's the Gospel (def. gospel: (n.) meaning absolute truth) of Christ. People are receiving conflicting messages, fooling around, while their souls are being toyed with, because they're not being taught the pure Gospel. Their ministers claim they are "...rightly dividing the word of truth." But what does the beginning of that scripture say? "STUDY TO SHEW THYSELF APPROVED UNTO GOD, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." - 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) Some boldly stand in the pulpit and preach/teach nothing about the Holy Spirit/Holy Ghost, despise prophecy, claim that tounges are not to be spoken, etc. That their "church," which IS their religion, in which religion IS denominational, is the only one, or the "correct" one to be in. But the Word says:

"Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues." - 1 Corinthians 14:39 (KJV) 

1 Thessalonians 5: 16-28 (KJV) 

"Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing.

In every thing give thanks: FOR THIS IS THE WILL OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS CONCERNING YOU. QUENCH NOT THE SPIRIT. DESPISE NOT PROPHESYINGS. Prove ALL things; hold fast that which is good.

Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. Brethren, pray for us.

Greet all the brethren with an HOLY (had to make that HOLY KISS clear, the deacons, etc. kissing your lips AIN'T holy) kiss. I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen."

How is that so, when if you truly are teaching the Gospel (ABSOLUTE TRUTH) then you can clearly and plainly read, & see that the baptist, methodist, catholic, buddhist, mormon, episcopalian, wicken, church of Christ, presbyterian, lutheran, etc. churches are all in err, claiming to be under Christ, yet they disdain one another's doctrines, and pick apart the true Gospel  (absolute truth) of Christ, teaching the opposite of the Word of God. We don't have to worry, we have nothing in this world to fear, we've been endowed with power from on High, and have been given authority over the enemy. That's NOT unity of the faith, it's willful ignorance, keeping the members blind to the truth. What is this Gospel? What is this "absolute truth" I speak of, you ask..? This & this alone, which you don't have go to ministry school, or Bible college, nor to be a "Theologian" to learn. They're teaching the people wrong, and have been doing it for centuries.  They look & sound like they've got it together, yet they're disagreeing with the Word of God? How can this be so? Paul warned Timothy of it long ago. You can read it for yourself, pay close attention to verses five through seven (5-7):

2 Timothy 3 (KJV)

This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; 

5 Having a FORM of godliness, but DENYING THE POWER thereof: FROM SUCH TURN AWAY.

6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and LEAD captive silly women laden with sins, LED AWAY with divers lusts,

7 EVER LEARNING, AND NEVER ABLE TO COME TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH. 

Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as their's also was.

But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,

Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.

Yea, and ALL that will live godly in Christ Jesus SHALL suffer persecution.

BUT EVIL MEN AND SEDUCERS SHALL WAX WORSE AND WORSE, DECEIVING, AND BEING DECEIVED.

But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

"ALL SCRIPTURE is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: "That the man of God may be perfect, THOROUGHLY FURNISHED (fully aware & prepared) unto all good works." - 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV) 

So what does the scripture say then? 

Romans 12:4 - "For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:" 

Romans 12:5 - "So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another." 

1 Corinthians 12:12 - "For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ." 

1 Corinthians 12:18 - "But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him." 

1 Corinthians 12:20 - "But now are they many members, yet but one body."  

1 Corinthians 12:25 - "That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another."

1 Corinthians 12:26 - "And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it."

1 Corinthians 12:27-31 - "Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way."

This division, fired me up, and this is WAAAAY too long to remain a comment, so it became a lesson, and my lesson... it seems became a sermon. Thank you Lord for using me. I pray that those that read this and accept Your Word for being the Gospel, the absolute truth that is, will go forth and prosper, being released from bondage, no longer being kept blind and powerless by what they haven't been truthfully taught, and may be be filled with the Holy Ghost, with the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, with Your precious Peace and Power from on High as You commanded in Your Word Father. I pray that we truly come in unity of the faith, and learn that WE are the church, WE are the body of Christ, that the chains of captivity be broken, and the Gospel continue to be preached to every corner of the earth. Have your way in our lives Lord, and strengthen us in resisting our flesh, in walking in Your will for our lives, and denying our own. To prick, and to soften our hearts Father, that we may not hold grudges, one toward another, yet to forgive as we've been forgiven by You. These blessings I ask in the name of our Saviour, your Son Jesus Christ, Amen. And we thank you Lord, in advance.

Heartbreak's Voice...

I know many can relate to this...

Sometimes you feel like a nut. I feel like one now, I'm just hanging in there. I somehow seem to encourage all, yet now in need of encouragement myself, I have no one to talk to but God. Ironically, His word is my key that I lend as strength. Now in dire need, it's He and I alone.

This pain resonates from deep within my soul. My heart aches from it's sudden break, I feel as if I'll lose control. I express myself, my love, my fears, and my fears are far and few. I share the goodness of the Lord, I simply share the truth.

But why oh Lord, must this pain, bear so much weight on me? I've truly loved with all my being, why alone must I be? What lesson are you teaching me? I'm always eager to learn. But why must I be subjected to this, oh so fervent burn?

Douse this flaming heart of mine. Cease the agony please... Tears I shed, while in my bed, I've cried myself to sleep. "My child," He says to me... "Do you not know who you are? I placed your name in the Book of Life, and I'm always where you are.

When you are weak then I am strong, That's fair though it seems odd. I will bless you beyond your wildest dreams. Be still for I am God."

Don't Be Scared... And Share This With Those You Love.

My thing is... I think people have a misconception about being saved. Being saved doesn't mean you live a perfect life. Perfection DOES NOT EXIST in this world, not on the earth at all. We are made perfect through grace. But that doesn't happen until we're transformed when Jesus returns. Don't forget that the bible also says, "We are ALL sinner's and have ALL come short of the glory of God." Need another one? How about, "There is NONE righteous, no not one." or, "We are not saved by works, but saved by grace." and most importantly, Jesus said, "I came NOT to call the righteous, but SINNERS to repentance." So don't be scared and think that you have to walk on eggshells to be a Christian. We ALL sin in one way or another, in some way, action, deed, or thought... daily. The thing is... when you know better, and you WILLFULLY sin, and you completely disregard God. Then you're in trouble; your actions don't keep you saved either. Check this out...

Mark 8:38 - "Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."

Luke 5:30-32 - But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners? And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

John 14:12-18 - Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

Romans 8:10-19 - And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.

And on top of all that... Jesus said that once one has come to him, He'll always abide with you. He will never leave you, nor forsake you. He doesn't have come come back to you, because He never left, you turned away from Him, but He's still there waiting on your return. There's only sin that WILL NOT be forgiven, and that's blasphemy (blatent denial) of the Holy Spirit. As scuffed up, and scarred up and as dirty as you have been, and for a while WILL continue to be, He's still there waiting. You can join us in heaven, or fight us from hell. It's your choice. I love you anyway.

And this is from Him, through me. One that has prayed for His protection while I was in the midst of committing sins. If anyone can, I can tell you what the Lord can do. And I've still got a long way to grow.

The Real...

There's a pain that I feel deep within me. It first took control of my mind, yet it simultaneously struck my heart. It took days to get my mental state back to 'almost normal,' which is practically "normal" for me. The pain isn't physical, nor mental, it's purely emotional; and for a moment, it affected my spirit, it affected my soul.

It prompted physical expressions of the hurt I felt, my actions projected my inner rage. My voice transformed from tranquil to stern, rigid and rough; my language from respectful & decent, to vulgar & disdaining. My nostrils began to flare, my heart began to beat violently strong, as I felt it knocking at my ribs. The adrenaline rush was so profound, veins began to protrude from my neck, forehead and arms. The bright and jovial form of my brow became a menacing scowl. But wait..! This isn't normal at all. I now refrain from completely losing my temper and from proceeding to physical destruction. I regain control of my emotions and shove them into a virtual bottle and cap it off.

I still don't feel like... myself. There's the presence of a deep hurt, a scar... a sharp, gutteral, piercing pain that I can't bear for too long. I can't seem to ignore it... It's in my heart; I want to be alone... yet I really don't want to be alone... I need someone to talk to, so I call my friends, but they've gone out, they're at work, or they just dont answer... I feel alone. My eyes began to fill with tears. They roll, and roll, and continue to slowly roll down my cheeks. I lie down, placing my arm around my pillow, and began to pray.

I awoke the next morning, with my pillow partially soaked from the night before. But now I know that I don't have to feel this way. I'm blessed to still be alive after all I've been through. I've always had a heart full of love, even when I wronged those whom I love... I love the Lord with all my heart, mind, body and soul, and I know that He loves me. I also know that He knows that I have pure, undying faithful love to share, and have always been willing to give. I'm only being true to love. He shall place my "good thing" in my life; He shall allow me to find my wife. Heartbreak... Damn.

I'M SETTING IT OFF!!! And Ain't Nuttin But the Truth. Here... Help Yourself.

If you and both repent of our sins, believe in our hearts, and confess with our mouths that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, born to the virgin Mary, (and her husband Joseph, cuz he always gets left out... lol,) be water baptized, receiving the Holy Spirit, and you happen to attend a Methodist, Catholic, Episcopalian, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, Baptist, Catholic, Full Gospel, Mormon, Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witness, Church of Christ, Church of God in Christ, or any other form of "Religion" that preaches, teaches, or believers in the Gospel of Christ. And Him living a sinless life, performing miracles, healing the sick, raising the dead, being rejected, betrayed, beaten, battered, bruised, cruxcified, buried, and resurrected on the third day. rising with ALL power in His hands, are we not ALL Christians?

The world, and it's many forms of "Religion," (Which Paul, and Jesus Christ say these traditions are vain, I might add,)"As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. *Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.* For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead." - Colossians 2:6-12have made a modern day mockery, and have built walls between ALL believer's of the Gospel of Christ, with their various doctrines which only show outwardly, their inner ignorance, not spreading the written Word, but manipulating parts of it, disdaining other churches/religions, claiming that theirs is the "correct one,"not realizing that their casting down another person for following the same Gospel... Pure, unadulterated, ignorance. The Bible says, "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism,One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." - Ephesians 4:4-6

This being so, and Christ saying, "And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Matthew 16:18 and also, "For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." - 1 Corinthians 12:12-13... AND, "So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another." - Romans 12:5... Where is this body of Christ today? "If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:" - Colossians 1:23-24

The church is the body of Christ, and we are it's members. "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." - Romans 8:1"And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you: For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows. But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them. And the Gospel must first be published among all nations." - Mark 13:5-10 The latter part of this... which is currently going on... NOW, is only the beginning. How is it that that there are many who claim to be followers of Christ, yet preach separation from believer's OF THE SAME Gospel? Man has put all kinds of twists on the Word of God, and this will cause many to fall short, relying on their teachings, the words from another man's mouth, than on the Word of God, because they don't read for themselves. If it's not in the Bible... God did NOT say it, nor ordain it to be said. Let's get it together people. READ the Word and get a greater understanding of it."Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. STUDY TO SHEW THYSELF APPROVED UNTO GOD, A WORKMAN THAT NEEDETH NOT TO BE ASHAMED, RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH. But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness." - 2 Timothy 2:14-16  By the way... The church is not a building, It's in your hearts, and we believers are what makes it up. We make up the body of Christ. And remember, We're ALL born into sin, and ALL have come short of the glory of God, but through Christ we can become heirs to the promise, and receive that Grace and Mercy from above, Get ya heart right. I wanna see you in Heaven too.

Take Responsibility for Your Actions, Rather Non-Actions - "For with God nothing shall be impossible." - Luke 1:37

Philippians 4:4-13

"Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." 

It's been set upon my heart that we as a people, as Christians, as the body of Christ have been putting limitations on the power of God. This should not be so. We are promised trouble, and struggle. Yet we've also been delivered, healed, and exceedingly, abundantly and above all that we may ask or think afore hand. The truth is... It's not God that we're putting the limitations on. It's our faith that is falling short of pleasing Him.

Matthew 17:20 - "And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you."

Matthew 19:26 - "But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible."

Luke 1:37 - "For with God nothing shall be impossible."

Hebrews 11:6 - "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

It's all on you.

Judgement of Another...

"Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way." -  Romans 14:13 (KJV)

Ephesians 6

   1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

   2 Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;

   3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

   4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

   5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ;

   6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;

   7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:

   8 Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.

   9 And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.

   10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

   11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

   12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

   13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

   14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

   15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

   16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

   17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

   18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

   19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

   20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Adhering to this Word is a great problem in the realm of Christianity, and in the world of religion. We tend to react in the same manner as the scribes and Pharisees, attempting to condemn/stone the woman who'd committed adultery. Remember the story:

John 8: 1-16

"Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true. Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go. Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man. And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me."

We should not live our lives outwardly to please men, but inwardly to please Christ. And if done in all honesty & sincerity of heart, it will show outwardly. We are not to judge one another according to their works, opinions. But rather to discern whether or not their hearts & minds are in the 'right' place, according to the will of God. In all essence... None of us are perfect, and we've all sinned and come short of the Glory of God. Yet if another is spreading the gospel of Christ, and expressing their personal opinions on any other matters, that person, or those people will have to answer to God in the end. Not to you.

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." - Romans 12:2 (KJV)

Exposing the Truth... Take Heed

"And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband: But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife. But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches." -  Corinthians 7:10-17 (KJV)

Here's the deal. I woke up with the above scripture in my mind this morning. not only relating to marriage, but also to unity in the spirit, in faith, and in the church. It's not only me that has noticed what's been going on in the world today. Wars, violence, famines, diseases, the fall of the mighty, the destruction of countries and more importantly, the things that are going on in the Kingdom, things the average person doesn't think were prophesied in the scriptures, such as the sexual immorality inside, and outside of the church, from ministers of the gospel, from homosexual and lesbian pastors to priests, parents molesting their own children and more. Personally, I have gay & lesbian friends & family, so please don't be offended; I still love you all anyway, nor am I one to judge anybody. Everything that is happening in the world now, has been written thousands of years ago, and now the hidden truths of the gospel are being revealed, so don't be surprised:

Matthew 10:26 - Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. 

Luke 12:2 - For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.

1 Corinthians 3:13 - Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

Thessalonians 2:3 - Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

Thessalonians 2:8 - And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

If you've been paying attention, there are many events, or alleged "coincidences" going on in the world, and in the lives of everyone under the sun; long-term marriages, relationships, friendships and even careers are being split up, broke apart, and brought to a sudden end. And the people/friends who were closest to us throughout our lives are being separated from us; this isn't a mere coincidence. Along with these happenings, in the realm of Christianity, the Word of God, bible prophecies are being made manifest, and God is preparing His people for the return of His Son, Jesus Christ. We're being delivered from the bondage that we've been going through in this life, and are being blessed with breakthroughs. If your soul is committed to Christ, and you're developing your relationship, growing closer to God, stronger in the Word, and in the faith, then you have nothing to worry about. If not... I suggest you choose THIS DAY, who you will serve. And please, share & spread this with all whom you love, and care about, even your so-called enemies, and haters. Be a blessing.

John 15:16-21 - Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. These things I command you, that ye love one another. If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.

Matthew 9:13 - But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Mark 2:7 - When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. 

Luke 5:32 - I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. 

Notice a pattern..?

Joshua 24:15 - And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. 

1 Peter 4:13 - But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 

The Rider of the White Horse "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household." - Matthew 10:34-36

For Future Reference... Feel Free To Share.

Take Heed: "Whoso FINDETH A WIFE findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD." - Proverbs 18:22 (KJV)... Ladies, STOP LOOKING FOR A HUSBAND & LET HE, WHOM GOD HAS PREPARED/IS PREPARING FOR YOU, FIND YOU. Take a note from Ruth, SHE DID NOT POSITION HERSELF, for Boaz to find her, but GOD POSITIONED HER, WHERE SHE WOULD BE FOUND BY HIM, DOING GOD'S WILL... "A woman should be so lost in God, that a man must first seek Him, in order to find her." 

I gotta be honest... Although I'm searching, desiring to be someone's Boaz, I know He's still preparing me, and her too. Yet it takes time for refinement. But my helpmeet & I... We'll grow in Him... Together.

For those social network relationship statuses which read, "It's complicated," they are ALL complicated from time to time, so make up your minds. For those "In an open relationship," close the door on it. God didn't design, nor ordain that for any of us, "Separated, Divorced, Widowed," get over it, yesterday is gone, and will never return, behold all things have become new. "In a domestic partnership..?" Yeah right, I never saw anyone sign a "Domestic Partnership License." Stop fooling yourself... Let go & let God.

Something about a friend like me... Deal with me, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - John 8:32 (KJV)... The time is long overdue for you to be delivered from bondage, and the doors have been open for quite some time now... Are you you going to walk through them, out of captivity, and into peace? Make your choices, don't let anyone make them for you... Sometimes the truth hurts, but only when it helps you, and I'm sure I stepped on some toes, necks, heads & heels with this one, but it was suddenly laid heavy on my heart. Be blessed...

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:" - Eccl. 3:1 (KJV)... We ALL have ourselves, and some people close to us that NEED to know this, AND LIVE BY IT, by denying self, and denying the flesh, & though it's not an easy task, the strength is already within us. If the Holy Spirit doesn't bring them under conviction, then there's an underlying, serious problem...

A Few Friends Expressed That They Were "Going Through..." and Asked, "Why?"

Jesus... The Son of God, was beaten, battered, bruised, spat upon, pierced, had no place to lay his head and more, all for us, all out of love, and this from a man who did NO sin. "He was wounded for OUR transgressions. He was bruised for OUR iniquities." or Romans 8:36"As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter." All because we love the Lord. I too asked why sometimes, then I was reminded of a book I read by T.D. Jakes entitled, "Why? Because You Are Anointed" ... It's simply the cross that we must bear.

"And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated His disciples came to Him. Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." - Matthew 5:1-12 (NKJV)... Count it ALL joy... We're blessed.

The Life of Freedom... Galatians 5 (MSG)

Before you begin reading, note that the term "circumcision" in this context, refers to tradition, in the keeping of the convenant of the old law, and religious practices of that time. I read a scripture earlier this morning which was, "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage."  - Gal. 5:1 (KJV) I found it so powerful that I had to read what The Message Bible said concerning it. I found myself reading well beyond that verse, and essentially, the chapter. Those that know Christ, and those that don't, should find this absolutely enlightening. Enjoy, and be blessed...

"Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you.

I am emphatic about this. The moment any one of you submits to circumcision or any other rule-keeping system, at that same moment Christ's hard-won gift of freedom is squandered. I repeat my warning: The person who accepts the ways of circumcision trades all the advantages of the free life in Christ for the obligations of the slave life of the law.

I suspect you would never intend this, but this is what happens. When you attempt to live by your own religious plans and projects, you are cut off from Christ, you fall out of grace. Meanwhile we expectantly wait for a satisfying relationship with the Spirit. For in Christ, neither our most conscientious religion nor disregard of religion amounts to anything. What matters is something far more interior: faith expressed in love.

You were running superbly! Who cut in on you, deflecting you from the true course of obedience? This detour doesn't come from the One who called you into the race in the first place. And please don't toss this off as insignificant. It only takes a minute amount of yeast, you know, to permeate an entire loaf of bread. Deep down, the Master has given me confidence that you will not defect. But the one who is upsetting you, whoever he is, will bear the divine judgment.

As for the rumor that I continue to preach the ways of circumcision (as I did in those pre-Damascus Road days), that is absurd. Why would I still be persecuted, then? If I were preaching that old message, no one would be offended if I mentioned the Cross now and then—it would be so watered-down it wouldn't matter one way or the other. Why don't these agitators, obsessive as they are about circumcision, go all the way and castrate themselves!

It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don't use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that's how freedom grows. For everything we know about God's Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That's an act of true freedom. If you bite and ravage each other, watch out—in no time at all you will be annihilating each other, and where will your precious freedom be then?

My counsel is this: Live freely, animated and motivated by God's Spirit. Then you won't feed the compulsions of selfishness. For there is a root of sinful self-interest in us that is at odds with a free spirit, just as the free spirit is incompatible with selfishness. These two ways of life are antithetical, so that you cannot live at times one way and at times another way according to how you feel on any given day. Why don't you choose to be led by the Spirit and so escape the erratic compulsions of a law-dominated existence?

It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get your own way all the time: repetitive, loveless, cheap sex; a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage; frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness; trinket gods; magic-show religion; paranoid loneliness; cutthroat competition; all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants; a brutal temper; an impotence to love or be loved; divided homes and divided lives; small-minded and lopsided pursuits; the vicious habit of depersonalizing everyone into a rival; uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions; ugly parodies of community. I could go on. This isn't the first time I have warned you, you know. If you use your freedom this way, you will not inherit God's kingdom.

But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.

Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way. Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good—crucified.

Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original.

And there you have it... It's not a religion... It's a relationship.