Has It Been That Long?

So many of us in our household do not realize the strongholds and evil spirits that still war against us daily that keep you in bondage to drugs, self-loathing, boredom (which is deeply sad because there is so many things a person can do to get their minds off themselves by helping others), false gender identities, hate, jealousy, greed, arguing, fault finding, etc.

We are here for a purpose and to help others by being light in dark places. It ONLY comes from knowing and loving God. If you are not growing then you are not spending time with God. It is as Paul says in the book of Hebrews 5:12-15 Amplified Version: 

12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers [because of the time you have had to learn these truths], you actually need someone to teach you again the elementary principles of God’s word [from the beginning], and you have come to be continually in need of milk, not solid food. 13 For everyone who lives on milk is [doctrinally inexperienced and] unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a spiritual infant. 14 But solid food is for the [spiritually] mature, whose senses are trained by practice to distinguish between what is morally good and what is evil.

As it is written in verse 12 “because of the time you have had to learn these truths”. Let’s take a marriage for example, After approximately 25 years of marriage the spouse who has not been raised in the Bible feels threatened by the idea of going to church. They may try it for a week or two and go back to his or her ungodly ways, and refuses to make an effort anymore. No one can make you do what you do not want to do, and neither will God force you either. It is your choice. 

Anything that is unhealthy and takes a toll on your health has to change or be removed. No God doesn’t like divorces, yet, He will not condemn you or stop loving you if you have been living in darkness for years. If you are the one rejecting God, don’t act surprised when you are alone - but there is still hope for you and possibly the marriage, but you have to stop the excuses and selfish desires and ways to justify why you are hard to get along with. How hard is it to pick up a Bible and begin a new life - a better life? 

I am not trying to say I am perfect. I have many imperfections; however, it is necessary for me and my household to seek perfection by spending time with God. If I chase perfection I can catch excellence. God does NOT condemn you, look at your past, and reject you at all. When you come to Him with an open heart to want to be healed, all He says is Come. That is why He is the Judge of us all; whereas, man judges too harshly. We tend to forget our sins, but are quick to harshly tell someone of their faults. God does it in a loving way, we do it with malice in our hearts - which is NOT God’s character at all. Let God change your attitudes, and you by His love that surpasses all understanding. 

None of us deserves God’s love, yet He loves us anyway regardless of our sins. 

John 3:16-20 AMPC 

16 For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life.

17 For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him.

18 He who believes in Him [who clings to, trusts in, relies on Him] is not judged [he who trusts in Him never comes up for judgment; for him there is no rejection, no condemnation—he incurs no damnation]; but he who does not believe (cleave to, rely on, trust in Him) is judged already [he has already been convicted and has already received his sentence] because he has not believed in and trusted in the name of the only begotten Son of God. [He is condemned for refusing to let his trust rest in Christ’s name.]

19 The [basis of the] judgment (indictment, the test by which men are judged, the ground for the sentence) lies in this: the Light has come into the world, and people have loved the darkness rather than and more than the Light, for their works (deeds) were evil.

20 For every wrongdoer hates (loathes, detests) the Light, and will not come out into the Light but shrinks from it, lest his works (his deeds, his activities, his conduct) be exposed and reproved.

It’s never too late or are you too sinful for God to show you His love. That is why Jesus died to save a wretch like me and you! 

Happy Juneteenth Day

There are many misconceptions of slavery in the Bible and this is where many people go wrong. They take out what they want to believe and omit what is truth. That’s why is is important to read the Bible, pray and get your wisdom from God who gives it generously and accurately of what His word means. 

Let’s start off with Genesis 15:13 Amplified Version: 

13 And [God] said to Abram, Know positively that your descendants will be strangers dwelling as temporary residents in a land that is not theirs [Egypt], and they will be slaves there and will be afflicted and oppressed for 400 years - which was fulfilled in Exodus 12:40-51. Remember God said, “Let my people go”. And when Pharaoh didn’t, God pored out His Judgement on him and his people the Egyptians. 

Also recall Jesus was afflicted and oppressed by those who were in opposition to God. Isaiah 53:7-8, Matthew 27:11-14, Mark 15:1-5, Luke23:9-12, John 18:1-3)

Being afflicted and oppressed is a sin

Isaiah 1:16-17 (AMPC) 

16 Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes! Cease to do evil,

17 Learn to do right! Seek justice, relieve the oppressed, and correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless, plead for the widow.

There are many translations of the Bible; however they are one in the same. Some Bible translations say Bond Servants, others say Slaves. Now Bond Servants in the Bible translates Human nobility. Being God’s servant is an honorable position, which is usually prophets and priests. Someone who is absolutely devoted to Jesus. In II Timothy 6:2 speaks about those who have believing Masters should not disrespect or be scornful to them, instead teach and urge them because we all brothers in Christ. Again Master (leader) slave (servant). Now our Master is Jesus Christ and we are all His bond servants to those who believe. 

As we March on to and in the presence of God, remember your circumcision is in your heart to follow after Jesus and bring about change so we all unite as brothers and sisters in Christ (The Anointed One) in Love. Love covers a multitude of sins so that ALL are treated fairly and just. 

Happy Juneteenth Day!  Love you All in Christ Jesus! 

Finished with Sin!

I Peter 4:1-11 AMP

Keep Fervent in Your Love

1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh [and died for us], arm yourselves [like warriors] with the same purpose [being willing to suffer for doing what is right and pleasing God], because whoever has suffered in the flesh [being like-minded with Christ] is done with [intentional] sin [having stopped pleasing the world], 2 so that he can no longer spend the rest of his natural life living for human appetites and desires, but [lives] for the will and purpose of God. 3 For the time already past is [more than] enough for doing what the [unsaved] Gentiles like to do—living [unrestrained as you have done] in a course of [shameless] sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties, and wanton idolatries. 4 In [connection with] all this, they [the unbelievers] are resentful and surprised that you do not [think like them, value their values and] run [hand in hand] with them into the same excesses of dissipation and immoral freedom, and they criticize and abuse and ridicule you and make fun of your values. 5 But they will [have to] give an account to Him who is ready to judge and pass sentence on the living and the dead. 6 For this is why the good news [of salvation] was preached [in their lifetimes] even to those who are dead, that though they were judged in the flesh as men are, they may live in the spirit according to [the will and purpose of] God.

7 The end and culmination of all things is near. Therefore, be sound-minded and self-controlled for the purpose of prayer [staying balanced and focused on the things of God so that your communication will be clear, reasonable, specific and pleasing to Him.] 8 Above all, have fervent and unfailing love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins [it overlooks unkindness and unselfishly seeks the best for others]. 9 Be hospitable to one another without complaint. 10 Just as each one of you has received a special gift [a spiritual talent, an ability graciously given by God], employ it in serving one another as [is appropriate for] good stewards of God’s multi-faceted grace [faithfully using the diverse, varied gifts and abilities granted to Christians by God’s unmerited favor]. 11 Whoever speaks [to the congregation], is to do so as one who speaks the oracles (utterances, the very words) of God. Whoever serves [the congregation] is to do so as one who serves by the strength which God [abundantly] supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified [honored and magnified] through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

The Ohio River Courtesy of PWW

The person who has suffered in his body is finished with sin. In our unsaved life we do what sinners do and live to please our evil desires that destroys our mind, body and Spirit. Those who don’t know God think you are strange or weird by not doing things that is worldly. The Bible says we are a Peculiar Race, and the world does not understand us. 

Having sex before marriage, drinking at a young age and getting drunk. I did them and I look back and see how wrong it was and what disasters it did bring in my life. Thank God He doesn’t write of us off that quick. If fact He gives us many chances. The Bible says He is long suffering. Just a little bit of advice, don’t wait too long; because the enemy of ours (the Devil) roams around like a roaring Lion seeking to destroy us. (I Peter 5:8) The Lord and His Word protects us. He gives us many chances to turn our lives around because of His deep love for us all. God is not mad at you - But He is mad about you. You are the Apple of His eye. But we must be sincere and truly turn away from our wicked ways - but we can’t do it without Him (spending time reading the Bible daily) His word heals, delivers, and restores. He also said test me, try me and see if I won’t open the windows of Heaven and pour out a blessing so powerful you can’t contain it. (Malachi 3:10) 

Jesus is our daily Bread!

 John 6:45-51 AMP

45 It is written in the prophets, ‘And they will all be taught of God.’ Everyone who has listened to and learned from the Father, comes to Me. 46 Not that anyone has seen the Father, except He [who was with the Father and] who is from God; He [alone] has seen the Father. 47 I assure you and most solemnly say to you, he who believes [in Me as Savior—whoever adheres to, trusts in, relies on, and has faith in Me—already] has eternal life [that is, now possesses it]. 48 I am the Bread of Life [the Living Bread which gives and sustains life]. 49 Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the Bread that comes down out of heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the Living Bread that came down out of heaven. If anyone eats of this Bread [believes in Me, accepts Me as Savior], he will live forever. And the Bread that I will give for the life of the world is My flesh (body).”

To eat the Bread, which is nourishment for your body is to read scripture, and believe in Jesus who is God in flesh. It said in the beginning of creation, Jesus was with God. (Genesis 1:26 - “God said, Let Us (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) make mankind in Our image, after Our likeness, and let them have complete authority over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the [tame] beast, and over all of the earth, and over everything that creeps upon the earth.) 

Jesus’s body is the bread (The Bible, alive and active in you when you read and meditate on it day and night) that takes all sin (sickness and diseases, temptations, shame, guilt, sexuality impurity, anger, hate, etc.) and gives us His righteousness when we believe in, trust in, and rely on Him; and receive baptism of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. No one is turned away no matter what your past looks like. 

Reading His Word heals us from Glory to Glory, and satisfies the hunger and thirst (fills that void) in our lives. God loves us All, and does not find fault or shows any disapproval when you open your heart and say, “God, help me!”

His love conquers all unrighteousness and once you taste His love, you will never turn away from it. To have life (Spiritual life) is to live with God in eternity. There is only two places your Spirit can go Heaven or Hell. Choose life (Jesus) where sin can’t reside. 

Life or Death!

We have to get as many people as we can to Heaven. We can’t let them fall by the wayside because we don’t want to offend anyone by speaking truth to power. His Word is truth, and it says, “The truth will set you free”. (John 8:31-32) The Word also says, God changes not. (Malachi 3:6) He is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

Hebrews 4:12-13 AMPC

¹² For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.

¹³ And not a creature exists that is concealed from His sight, but all things are open and exposed, naked and defenseless to the eyes of Him with Whom we have to do.

People need to know that God loves them – even in their sin nature. That’s why He died on the Cross to bear our burdens for us, so that we can freely come to Him and receive His mercy and grace. Will you have to change some things? Of course! Anything that is not of the fruit of the Spirit is of Satan.

Galatians 5:19-26 NKJV

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

To put it in perspective, our World has increased excessively over the years with sex trafficking little girls and boys, abortions rampant, homosexuality (even in the podium in the churches), hatred, disrespect and the list goes on and on. Why is all of this happening? Money, fame, fortune, and power at the expense of mutilating and destroying lives spiritually, mentally, and physically. God doesn’t hate you, but He does hate the behavior or the sin nature that destroys our bodies, emotions, and Spirit. If you don’t know better, how can you do better? There are some who do know better but choose to live in darkness.

 

I Corinthians 6:15-20 AMP

15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Am I therefore to take the members of Christ and make them part of a prostitute? Certainly not! 16 Do you not know that the one who joins himself to a prostitute is one body with her? For He says, “The two shall be one flesh.” 17 But the one who is united and joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him. 18 Run away from sexual immorality [in any form, whether thought or behavior, whether visual or written]. Every other sin that a man commits is outside the body, but the one who is sexually immoral sins against his own body. 19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is within you, whom you have [received as a gift] from God, and that you are not your own [property]? 20 You were bought with a price [you were actually purchased with the precious blood of Jesus and made His own]. So then, honor and glorify God with your body.

 Jesus, through His body, that was severely beaten and tortured, died for us to have freedom from sin so we can have access to eternal life in Heaven. Our bodies are not our own but belong to Jesus. His Spirit lives in our bodies and when we sin in our bodies, we are continually nailing Him to the Cross. Whereas, the thing I want you all to pay attention to is how Satan deceives this World to commit acts of sin through the body that puts a stumbling block in front of us to fall and many don’t get back up.

Little by little you learn the value of peace, enjoy and have healthy relationships, and develop a good attitude and gratitude of all the blessings God will bestow upon you and your family. In the end, you will Thank Him for the deliverance from bondage of your sin nature and eternal death.  Eternal means forever, so think about that.

As mentioned before, sin deteriorates your body, mind, and Spirit, leading you to eternal death -which is hell. Remember sin can’t enter Heaven – and eternal is forever! 

I Thessalonians 4:1-6 AMP

 Finally, believers, we ask and admonish you in the Lord Jesus, that you follow the instruction that you received from us about how you ought to walk and please God (just as you are actually doing) and that you excel even more and more [pursuing a life of purpose and living in a way that expresses gratitude to God for your salvation]. 2 For you know what commandments and precepts we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, that you be sanctified [separated and set apart from sin]: that you abstain and back away from sexual immorality; 4 that each of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor [being available for God’s purpose and separated from things profane], 5 not [to be used] in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God and are ignorant of His will; 6 and that [in this matter of sexual misconduct] no man shall transgress and defraud his brother because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we have told you before and solemnly warned you 

I don’t have all the answers, but God does and all He is asking of us all is to trust and believe in Him to lead and guide us so that we are taking steps to do things His way so that Families stay together, children are being raised by a Mother and Father, morals and values are being taught in the home, as well as God’s Word - and we all live together with Jesus in Heaven.  

 

Ephesians 5:1-6 AMP

Be Imitators of God

5 Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father]; ² and walk continually in love [that is, value one another—practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God [slain for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance.³ But sexual immorality and all [moral] impurity [indecent, offensive behavior] or greed must not even be hinted at among you, as is proper among saints [for as believers our way of life, whether in public or in private, reflects the validity of our faith]. ⁴ Let there be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse [obscene or vulgar] joking, because such things are not appropriate [for believers]; but instead speak of your thankfulness [to God]. ⁵ For be sure of this: no immoral, impure, or greedy person—for that one is [in effect] an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God [for such a person places a higher value on something other than God].

⁶ Let no one deceive you with empty arguments [that encourage you to sin], for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience [those who habitually sin].

 

 

 

 

 

How long?

 Exodus 6:5-9 AMPC 

5 I have also heard the groaning of the Israelites whom the Egyptians have enslaved; and I have [earnestly] remembered My covenant [with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob].

6 Accordingly, say to the Israelites, I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will free you from their bondage, and I will rescue you with an outstretched arm [with special and vigorous action] and by mighty acts of judgment.

7 And I will take you to Me for a people, and I will be to you a God; and you shall know that it is I, the Lord your God, Who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.

8 And I will bring you into the land concerning which I lifted up My hand and swore that I would give it to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and I will give it to you for a heritage. I am the Lord [you have the pledge of My changeless omnipotence and faithfulness].

9 Moses told this to the Israelites, but they refused to listen to Moses because of their impatience and anguish of spirit and because of their cruel bondage.

When God  sends His Judgement upon us it is not anything man can do or take away. He sent so many things upon the Egyptians that should cause anyone to know that only a person with Supernatural abilities could afflict the people, animals and the land as God did, yet Pharaoh had a hard heart and caused much harm to his own people. God had seen how long (430 years to be exact) the Egyptians, under the leadership of Pharaoh, cruelly treated the Israelites and still felt they were more powerful than God. 

Picture courtesy of Phillip D. Cosby
The rainbow, God’s promise also! 

Yes, being in a situation for that many years, you will think in your mind and heart that things will never change and this is your lot in life. But God caused many things to happen to the Egyptians and not the Israelites to show them He kept His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that He would give His people the Promised Land. This is where our test comes, God never tells us when it will happen; nor how long we will suffer a thing to receive His blessings - However, He keeps His Promise! 

His Judgement is again supernatural and are signs for us to turn away from being wicked, change our hearts and live righteous. However, we can’t do that without establishing a relationship with God by daily spending time with Him. We as a nation and world are also hardening our hearts; whereas, as soon as everything calms down (or we think it is) we go back to unjust living and acting. 

We ask, “Why are all these natural disasters coming upon us, as well as diseases, plagues, and pestilence?” Read the book of Exodus and you will find the answer. 

History repeats itself because of our lack of knowledge of God’s Word. 

Hebrews 4:12-13 AMPC 

12 For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.

13 And not a creature exists that is concealed from His sight, but all things are open and exposed, naked and defenseless to the eyes of Him with Whom we have to do.

Children are God’s blessings

My Grandson
 Picture courtesy of Tara Photography 

 Proverbs 22:6 AMP

6 Train up a child in the way he should go [teaching him to seek God’s wisdom and will for his abilities and talents],
Even when he is old he will not depart from it.

This Bible verse is so powerful and filled with words that are powerful - Teach, God’s Wisdom, God’s will. 

When you wake up in the morning, do you start your day with getting high on drugs or alcohol or other things, or do you send yourself and your children off each day with prayer?  

Granddaughter & Grandson
A gift from God.

Now, what I hear from others is “keep it real”. Well I am keeping it real. This is information I hear from people first hand of how their parents would begin their day. 

The former things cost money, over time destroy the mind, body and soul; and the latter, is free and gives life, healing, health, happiness, and joy. 

In America, we over eat, over work, overspend, and do not get enough rest. 

Being too busy is not good. Actually, it is Satan’s way of keeping you from spending time with God, so that you are tiring yourself out to the point of frustration and discontentment - which leads to unrest, chaos, being unorganized, and backed up on what is really important in life - which is  having a relationship with Jesus. 

Son & Grandson
Picture  courtesy of Tara Photography 

Ecclesiastes 5:1-3 AMPC 

1 Keep your foot [give your mind to what you are doing] when you go [as Jacob to sacred Bethel] to the house of God. For to draw near to hear and obey is better than to give the sacrifice of fools [carelessly, irreverently] too ignorant to know that they are doing evil.

2 Be not rash with your mouth, and let not your heart be hasty to utter a word before God. For God is in heaven, and you are on earth; therefore let your words be few.

3 For a dream comes with much business and painful effort, and a fool’s voice with many words.

Just being at home and teaching your children to make their beds, how to change their sheets weekly, how to wash dishes, dry them and put them away - all the while you are teaching in love, not making the atmosphere like they are prisoners of war. There is so much wealth children can learn from you, how to communicate, building healthy relationships, patience, appreciating the things God has blessed them to have and how to take good care of them, as well as being productive at home actually increases creativity- which leads to success in life. 

Niece expecting in 2020
Picture courtesy of Tara Photogtaphy

We walk daily through the door that God opens for us and are not grateful and thankful for His blessings. I explained to my children a few years ago that when you hold the door open for someone and they don’t even say “thank you”, it makes you mad. Well that’s what we all do to God everyday, who feel they are entitled to neglect their house, and everything in it - and may I add, complain about taking care of what you are blessed with - which is your rightful duty to teach your Children about God because they are His blessing to you. 

Is everyone helping do laundry? Do your children know how to fold clothes and properly put them away? Do you eat as a family at least two meals a day? Do you make time to read the Bible together? If you answered no to most of these questions then truly get in the word yourself and let God lead and guide you daily in a life that is filled with good. 

Granddaughter and Grandson
Picture Courtesy of Tara photography 

We are not smarter than God nor do we know in what direction to turn most of the time anyway. Let your life be filled with light (Jesus) not dark (Satan) so when your children do step off temporarily into things that can destroy them, or take a detour, it won’t last long; and there will be some who will not steer off at all. So don’t underestimate God and His love for you. 

*****I would like to add, God doesn’t look at your past failures, mistakes, or anything that you feel is too bad for God to love you. He already loves you perfectly, and forgives you. His love never fails or never disappoints. *****