My Roots

Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. -Proverbs 22:6 

I was definitely raised in a household and among certain family members who included God as first and foremost or as a great source of their belief and foundation.

Yes, my mother grew up in the church. She introduced me to God and I always believed in his sovereignty.

I was well aware that Jesus came into the world to save our souls from the consequences of sin, sacrificed himself on the cross, was buried in a tomb and rose back to life on the third day after his physical death.

My life in the beginning was rooted in God and I was led to him at an early age with the desire to know and adhere to him.

Along down the line I had gotten angry with God through my misunderstanding and misinterpretation of him and I no longer wanted to associate myself with him.

Nevertheless, the Lord didn’t give up on me and he never left my side, steady walking beside me when I thought I had walked away.

God didn’t let me out of his grasp as I was holding on to the belief I found in what I considered a kinder, loving and faithful source of “love and light”.

God was that true love and light the entire time, yet he had to get me away from venerating the false idea of what was superior to him in character and to the legitimate origin of my providence.

I never considered anything totally above The Lord in heaven (I never denied he was the creator of all things), but I believed the alternative I had come to know was more powerful as far as having my best interest and welfare.

I am so glad God didn’t let me stay in the deception of the enemy (Satan) through my anger and disappointment in him due to my false perceptions and what I had to go through in life (unwanted tribulations and trauma).

Not trusting God comes from not knowing who he truly is. I believed the lies of the devil in regard to the Lord being evil and sick- yet I wasn’t on the side of the devil either.

Nevertheless, having me doubt God’s good character was the only way that Satan could try to encourage me to reject God.

I know for sure Jesus words are true, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me“. -John 10:28

I am so grateful to the Lord for lovingly guiding me back to the truth within him and showing me that he is my one and only source of everything.

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.” -John 10:27-30

 

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And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. -Roman’s 8:38-39

 

An Honor: The Holy Spirit

I remember as a child reading through the scriptures (the bible) and coming across 1 Corinthians 6:19 where it says, Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself.

I was looking through my “New King James” version and “Living” bible text at the time which were worded different but conveying the same message.

The verses in the passage had significance to me as I was trying to come into understanding God’s word.

I didn’t comprehend the total depth of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us who are the children of God as I do now. However, I did take the matter seriously and wanted to respect the fact by keeping myself pure through him.

In my adulthood, and where I am at today, having experienced God’s Holy Spirit for years without even realizing the work and glory that it was producing in me, I can honestly say that it is a privilege indeed.

To have God actually living inside of us is sacred. It is an honor. We are one with our Lord as he is in us, and we are in him.

It is one of the most beautiful expressions of his love, promises and faithfulness.

Having God literally reside within our spirit should urge us even more to rejoice in our surrender to his comfort, guidance and authority.

We are truly blessed by grace to be intimately united with God and to have a close, personal relationship with him through Jesus Christ who bridged the gap of separation between us and our heavenly father.

Sin

At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves. When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the LORD God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the LORD God among the trees. Then the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?” He replied, “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.” “Who told you that you were naked?” the LORD God asked. “Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?” -Genesis 3:7-11

And to the man he said, “Since you listened to your wife and ate from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat, the ground is cursed because of you. All your life you will struggle to scratch a living from it. -Genesis 3:17

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Sin is a reproach to God. It goes against everything that he is. God is not only love, but God is holy. God cannot tolerate anything unjust or corrupt.

When he tells us not to sin it is for our own good and not to harm us or keep us from enjoyment.

It is sometimes so hard for us to break away from certain sins of the world because we were born into error and it is natural for us to be incline to what is inherently familiar to our environment and surroundings.

In our lives we’ve done things we didn’t even recognize or think of as sin because of our innate proneness.

Whether one struggles with anger, selfishness, pride, hate, envy, jealousy, lying, stealing, gossiping and etc….

Our Lord in heaven understands our shortcomings and inability to uphold to his standards. He does not condemn us he wants to help each and every one of us who call out to him.

God knows there are things we cannot do on our own and that we need his holy spirit to enable us to be more like Christ.

Everyone is an individual with their own different set of circumstances or personal battles. No one is the same and we all have distinct ways of looking at things, and ways of feeling about things.

So, no one should go around to assume what is going on with a person, what they are going through, and/or why.

God does not want us to carry the heavy load of stress, guilt, unworthiness, depression, sadness or anything else disheartening we are to lay all of our burdens, cares and worries on him. Then we must trust in him enough to see us through.

It is not possible for us to do anything without God. Only with God are all things possible!

 

 

 

God’s Insight

Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. -Colossians 2:8

 

 

Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. -Ephesians 4:14

God is always working within us keeping us open to the truth so that we know to reject the lies that are told.

Discernment is a gift that I’ve always had, especially when it came to identifying certain types of people along with circumstances, occurrences and situations.

As believers, no matter how long or how shortly they’ve been following God/Jesus they should always continue to grow within faith and to seek the true interpretations of God’s word.

Common sense tells us that we cannot believe everything we hear, or listen to just any or everyone who sets forth particular information.

We are to be cautious and carefully examine what we see, hear or believe- and this goes for anything in life.

There may be times where we observe something said in a blog post, bible study or a pastor’s sermon, that rhymes with or resembles a truth- but that is not the truth, exactly.

Anyone can understandably misinterpret a phrase or scripture erroneously. The problem is when people deliberately attempt to fool and misleads others with lies in order to deceive, which is not right.

Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, Matthew 24:4

And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. Matthew 24:11

For false messiahs and false prophets will rise up and perform great signs and wonders so as to deceive, if possible, even God’s chosen ones. Matthew 24:24

We are to pray to God for further insight into anything whenever we are not sure, unclear or troubled about something. We are supposed to test the spirit and line up everything we hear and back it up with the bible.

There are also times and things I’ve noticed that seem legitimate that the bible may not mention or speak of in life experiences, nevertheless, we must constantly take our situations to the Lord, leaning not on our own understanding.

Pay close attention to the scriptures and keep in close relationship with God and listen out for his divine messages.

Just trust and wait on the Lord.

 

 

But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived. -2 Timothy 3:13

Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead. -1 Timothy 4:1-2

But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent. -2 Corinthians 11:3

Honoring God With Our Gifts

The Lord designed me like no other and it was no mistake. He understands me when others don’t just like he does all of the other individuals he crafted and brought into existence.

All we have to do is go to him with any concern and talk with him. Seek his leading, guidance and achieve to stay in his word to always gain and maintain further understanding and deep faith.

He is there to love, protect and teach us his will and provide a wonderful eternal future for all who believe and accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and savior.

We don’t have to answer to anyone but God he knows everything about us- not what others lie on us about, falsely perceive about us or misinterpret about us. He knows the complete truth about us to the core.

He knows us better than we know ourselves.

God knows our hearts, intentions and entire makeup. After all, he formatted and assembled us together from the beginning before we even came into being.

God has given me quite a few unique gifts I’ve recognized since childhood, and all through out my life. Many incredible accounts of events I can give honest testimony to.

God made all of us differently, none of us are exactly the same (no one can duplicate or replace you, you are one of all his prized possessions).

God intentionally designed each of us individuals for a reason.

As he created us all uniquely, he gave to us certain natural abilities, talents and gifts.

God gave us the precise talents and gifts that he viewed suitable for us as he had a specific plan for us to carry out using the gifts that he incorporated within us.

Through our distinct God-given faculties, we can tremendously reach other people in such a diverse number of ways and direct them toward our heavenly father.

What are your talents, abilities and gifts, and how is God inspiring you to use them?

Our Lord doesn’t want us to compare ourselves to anyone else or to try to measure up to anyone else. He just wants us to be sincere and work with what he enabled within us and shine that light on behalf of him in honor of him.

Without the Lord operating through us we wouldn’t be capable of doing anything.

God will be there the entire time helping and encouraging us to continue in the race.

 

 

 

The Sweet Truth That Leaves A Bitter Taste

Encountering difficulty and people who are trouble is an inevitable part of life. We unfortunately cannot avoid this problem. We live in a broken world full of torn ligaments and dislocated parts.

This culture is shattered now more than it ever has been.

Many of us will have or have had trouble brought into our lives by other people.

Other individuals will not always line up with what we believe in or where we stand on certain things and they will not necessarily believe in everything we say even though we speak the truth.

We must learn to continuously trust in the Lord our God to always carry us through every difficult situation that may arise.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. –Hebrews 13:8

We are to hold firm onto the faith that we will make it through whatever problems happen to come our way just as God has delivered us so many times before.

The righteous person faces many troubles, but the LORD comes to the rescue each time. –Psalms 34:19

The Lord consistently gives us his comfort and peace within a way that is incomprehensible to others as we are unaffected by the circumstances and events that would otherwise upset or tear them apart.

God gives us wisdom, strength, and confidence because we personally know him and he knows us extremely well! He lives inside of us and we are in him and nothing can ever separate us from our Lord Jesus Christ. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. -John 10:27

Even if we wander for a while, we will eventually return again to our heavenly father due to the fact that he comes looking for his children to bring them safely back to the fold.

For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will search and find my sheep. -Ezekiel 34:11

“If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? Luke 15:4

I speak all from what I truly know firsthand!

Some people cause their own problems, their troubles are often a result of their own deeds. Some accept their faults and attempt to improve and learn from the errors of their ways. Some others, instead, continue on not taking any responsibility or just don’t care of their destructive actions.

We in particular know that when we walk with God and stand for Jesus, we will especially have discord among specific people. It is being made clear those who are adhering to the Lord and those who are deserting him.

Jesus himself acknowledged that we would have conflicts in our lives and he wanted us to be prepared for them. “Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth! I came not to bring peace, but a sword. -Matthew 10:34

He knew that some would be divided when it came to choosing him, living, and being not of this fallen world.

Church

Back during the spring, I prayed to God to find me a good church that was right and compatible for me to attend. One that was Christian and that preached straight out of the bible.

God answered my prayer and delivered.

I found a nice church that I like with a Pastor who is authentic and studies the bible with me one on one every week.

My church gives Communion, has prayer group meetings, teaching and learning, outreach and service, discipleship and community and is dedicated to complete fellowship with God.

No church is perfect (as far as members who gossip, who are judgmental, and who put on airs in general) but I found my place of worship and I’m content with the church that the Lord led me to.

Going to church every Sunday, reading the bible regularly, and doing good works doesn’t mean one is saved. It is doing those things along with having a close personal relationship with our heavenly father. What is the purpose in going to church, reading the bible and doing good if one doesn’t truly know God/Jesus?  It never hurts to do good will regardless out of one’s heart, but we are not saved by any good works, bible reading or church attending. We are saved through faith and belief in our lord and savior with a true desire to want to give our life to him.

As long as we who are genuinely sincere, dedicated, and striving our best to live and stay connected to God we will be okay.

Jesus said:

Do This In Remembrance Of Me

 Then he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. Then he said, “Take this and share it among yourselves. For I will not drink wine again until the Kingdom of God has come.”

He took some bread and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

After supper he took another cup of wine and said, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood, which is poured out as a sacrifice for you. –Luke 22: 17-20

Today

Someone once said to me, ” The closest us believers will get to experience hell is here on earth whereas the closest unbelievers will get to experience heaven is here on earth.- LaToya Lawrence

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Tomorrow isn’t promised to any of us.

For us believers and followers of Christ we know that this present world is not and has never been our true home.

We are just sojourners here to do God’s will and to carry out his plan and spread the good news/gospel of salvation the new kingdom to come.

I knew ever since I was a little girl that I didn’t belong here within this world. I like certain others were born into the world, yet I definitely was not of it, and Jesus informed to us in particular “That because the world hated him, they of the world would hate us also”.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”- John 16:33

 

God in his patience gives people time to decide whether or not they’re going to repent and choose him but one day that grace period or period of grace is going to run out.

Once one dies without having believing in and accepting Jesus Christ’s offer of eternal life (which he died on the cross for so that we may be redeemed and have unity/relationship with God the father) with him forever there is no turning back and no undoing of one’s own everlasting permanent destiny.

God is no joke, and neither is hell. Make the best choice of your life today.

Eternal life within Christ doesn’t begin after you physically die it begins the exact moment you start living the life that you have now for him. Your soul is already dead without him and headed for damnation.

The devil as we know is ready, willing and able to take as many people down with him as possible because his time here is very short. Jesus already conquered Satan don’t let the devil conquer you!

Jesus is coming back soon indeed don’t you want to be in his number?

Narrow is the path to enter through the gate into the kingdom of God, and the road is definitely not an easy one, though, it is and will be all well worth it!

Broad and spacious is the road to hell and it is very easy to get there and many will unfortunately be there either because they rejected Jesus or because they didn’t act within time.

Don’t delay and don’t wait for tomorrow because tomorrow may not come for you. Once you take your last breath you won’t be able to change your circumstance.

So, do it right now before it’s too late.

Go to God/Jesus and let him save you and give you the future of his beautiful promises.

P.S. There is debate among interpretation of scripture in regard to exactly what “Hell” describes. Some believe it is an actual place of everlasting eternal torment and some believe it is a place where a brutal annihilation occurs within the lake of fire, or perhaps just a cease of existence.

Whatever the case of what it turns out to be don’t be one to have to find out firsthand.

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For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. –Romans 6:23

For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. –Roman 8:13

But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. Roman’s 2:5

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them. – John 3:36

For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live! –Ezekiel 18:32

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. –Matthew 10:28

you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back from wandering will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins. –James 5:20

For we walk by faith, not by sight— we are of good courage, I say, and prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord. Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest to God; and I hope that we are made manifest also in your consciences. We are not again commending ourselves to you but are giving you an occasion to be proud of us, so that you will have an answer for those who take pride in appearance and not in heart. For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you. For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.

Therefore from now on we recognize no one according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer. Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. – 2 Corinthians 5:7-21

 

The Elect

“For many are called, but few are chosen.” Matthew 22:14

God loves us all and he wants no one to perish, but he already knew before we were created those of us who would accept him and those of us who would deny him.

God knew that I would listen to no one but him as no one knows me better than him.

 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 
 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; 
    your works are wonderful, 
    I know that full well. 
 My frame was not hidden from you 
    when I was made in the secret place, 
    when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. 
 Your eyes saw my unformed body; 
    all the days ordained for me were written in your book 
    before one of them came to be. -Psalm 139: 13-16

God draws back those who are his. Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls. – 1 Peter 2:25 

Not all those who wander are lost and I am living proof.

 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. – Ephesians 1:4-6

Jesus said: For no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me, and at the last day I will raise them up. John 6:44 

My message for those who don’t believe and or who don’t know Christ, Jesus says “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with me“. – Revelation 3:20

The most important decision to make in your life is to completely surrender yourself to Jesus and sincerely follow him. Jesus turns no one away he wants you to know him,  love him and trust him.

 

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