When you see a man cry, how does it make you feel?
Do you feel it’s a sign of weakness, or proof that he is real?
Or, have you bought into the notion that real men don’t cry?
Does it make your feel disgust? admiration? Turn away, or wonder why?
Well God only used ‘real’ men, and tears fell from the eyes of each one.
From Jacob, to Nehemiah , to David, to God’s only Son!
When a man cries, it’s a sign that He has the heart of God! Here are a few instances in the bible when real men of God shed tears, sometimes bitterly. It’s by no means a sign of weakness, but of the heart of God.
Genesis 29:11 (NKJV)
11 Then Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice and wept.
Genesis 33:4 (NKJV)
4 But Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept.
Genesis 37:35 (NKJV)
35 And all his sons and all his daughters arose to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted, and he said, “For I shall go down into the grave to my son in mourning.” Thus his father wept for him.
Genesis 43:30 (NKJV)
30 Now his heart yearned for his brother; so Joseph made haste and sought somewhere to weep. And he went into his chamber and wept there.
1 Samuel 20:41 (NKJV)
41 As soon as the lad had gone, David arose from a place toward the south, fell on his face to the ground, and bowed down three times. And they kissed one another; and they wept together, but David more so.
2 Kings 20:3 (NKJV)
3 “Remember now, O Lord, I pray, how I have walked before You in truth and with a loyal heart, and have done what was good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.
Ezra 3:12-13 (NKJV)
12 But many of the priests and Levites and heads of the fathers’ houses, old men who had seen the first temple, wept with a loud voice when the foundation of this temple was laid before their eyes. Yet many shouted aloud for joy, 13 so that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people, for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the sound was heard afar off.
Nehemiah 1:4 (NKJV)
4 So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned for many days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.
Job 16:20 (NKJV)
20 My friends scorn me; My eyes pour out tears to God.
Psalm 42:3 (NKJV)
3 My tears have been my food day and night, While they continually say to me, “Where is your God?”
Isaiah 22:4 (NKJV)
4 Therefore I said, “Look away from me, I will weep bitterly; Do not labor to comfort me Because of the plundering of the daughter of my people.”
Jeremiah 48:31-32 (NKJV)
31 Therefore I will wail for Moab, And I will cry out for all Moab; [a]I will mourn for the men of Kir Heres. 32 O vine of Sibmah! I will weep for you with the weeping of Jazer. Your plants have gone over the sea, They reach to the sea of Jazer. The plunderer has fallen on your summer fruit and your vintage.
Micah 1:8 (NKJV)
8 Therefore I will wail and howl, I will go stripped and naked; I will make a wailing like the jackals And a mourning like the ostriches,
Matthew 26:75 (NKJV)
75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus who had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” So he went out and wept bitterly.
Luke 19:41 (NKJV)
41 Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it,
John 11:35 (NKJV)
35 Jesus wept.
If it bothers you to see a man cry, it’s not a sign of their weakness, but yours.
God demands that we walk in the Fruit of His Spirit.
Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)
22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
Unfortunately, our Western culture considers these qualities to be weakness, and too many Christians conform to that foolish thinking.
When we exemplify the characteristics stated above in our behavior…we are conforming into the image of the Son of the Living God. .
Romans 8:29 (NKJV)
29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
The Fruit of His Spirit, just as fruit identifies the type of tree, identifies whose spirit lives in us. There are only two, God’s Holy Spirit or the enemy…and they are mutually exclusive, both can abide in you at the same time.
1 Corinthians 6:19 (ESV)
Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,
However, in our society today everybody seems to wants to be..
BAD,
TOUGH,
“DON’T TAKE NO SH**!”
Too many Christians are too quick to tell you…
“You better be glad you didn’t know me before I was saved!”
“Don’t make me go back to my old self!”
” I’ll pray for forgiveness!”
“I would do it all over again!”
“You don’t want this smoke!”
Taking glory in the flesh, instead of the Fruit of the Spirit.
In movies and television shows we celebrate the “Alpha” male or female who beats up the enemy. We celebrate when the so-called ‘nerd’ finally gets fed up and beats up the bully. But, when a character backs down from a fight we are disappointed.
Even in politics, too many people in the Body of Christ are impressed by strong words, profanity, threats and aggressive language from our leaders instead of holding the leader accountable for that behavior…because the devil has convinced them it’s strength.
To make a long story short…if it’s not The Fruit of the Spirit, it’s from the devil, and Yeshua called it out, not in the sinners, but in the religious leaders.
John 8:44 (NKJV)
44 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.
Remember this, time after time God punished His people for facilitating a culture that spread violence throughout the land. This wasn’t because of ‘sinners’, heathens, or pagan, but His peoples’ spiritual compromise…
Ezekiel 8:17 (NKJV)
17 And He said to me, “Have you seen this, O son of man? Is it a trivial thing to the house of Judah to commit the abominations which they commit here? For they have filled the land with violence; then they have returned to provoke Me to anger. Indeed they put the branch to their nose.
Clenched fists can’t receive blessings like open hands.
Threats and curses should not come out of the same mouth that was created to bless.
James 3:10 (NKJV)
10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.
Don’t let the devil convince you to conform to his image instead of that of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Have you ever heard anyone say anything similar to that? Many times when someone has hurt us, we want to see them hurt. We can find ourselves daydreaming comforting ourselves with the thought of getting even with or even hurting them, just as Easu did his brother Jacob for deceiving their father Isaac out of his blessing…
Genesis 27:42 (NLT)
42But Rebekah heard about Esau’s plans. So she sent for Jacob and told him, “Listen, Esau is consoling himself by plotting to kill you.
Sometimes when we see misfortune come upon someone who had mistreated us, we may take pleasure in that misfortune. And, if given an opportunity we may even gloat to their face…
“That’s what you get!”
“See, you got what you deserved!”
Or even…
“God doesn’t like ugly!”
God warns us agains gloating in our enemies calamity, even if it came from Him, and even if we feel they deserve it. This is what God warned Edom when pronouncing their punishment for their violence against Israel.
Obadiah 12-13 (NLT)
12“You should not have gloated when they exiled your relatives to distant lands. You should not have rejoiced when the people of Judah suffered such misfortune. You should not have spoken arrogantly in that terrible time of trouble. 13 You should not have plundered the land of Israel when they were suffering such calamity. You should not have gloated over their destruction when they were suffering such calamity. You should not have seized their wealth when they were suffering such calamity.
Why? Because when we arrogantly celebrate someone’s misfortune, we are in direct contradiction to the word of God…
Matthew 5:44-45 (NLT)
44 But I say, love your enemies![a] Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.
Second, it’s judgement and condemnation, judging in your heart that they deserved what they got…
Matthew 7:1-2 (NLT)
7 “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. 2 For you will be treated as you treat others.[a] The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.[b]
We have all hurt others and sometimes we did it without knowing. Can you think of someone who you have given a good reason to hate you? Have you ever hurt someone without intending to do so? The pain is still real. When you judge someone deserves what happened to them, according to Matthew Chapter 7 verses 1 and 2, you are pronouncing that same judgment on yourself.
Also, be careful when you lie by telling someone you’re sorry to hear about their trial or misfortune when you’re really glad in your heart. Be careful when your consolation is really a celebration.
The next time you see someone getting what you feel they deserve, stop and thank God for His grace and mercy for not giving you what you deserve. And pray that their calamity brings them closer to God.
God has given us all free will, which means that we will all have our own opinion. We must be careful not to paint ourselves into a corner with our own personal theology that’s based on our opinion.
Through thousands of years of interpretation, translation and opinion we have people who experience God many different ways. However, there remains only one truth….
2 Peter 1:20-21 (NKJV)
20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private [a]interpretation, 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but [b]holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
As we worship God through the perspective of our particular church culture, denomination or ‘non-denomination’, chosen doctrine, traditions, etc., we must be careful that we don’t ‘paint ourselves into a spiritual corner’ of thinking that everyone else is wrong, or separating ourselves from God’s real truth.
How can two people who are basing their beliefs on the same bible verse believe two different things? Because one person will always be putting how he or she wants to see it above how God’s intended meaning.
For example, many people say it’s a sin to drink any type of alcoholic beverage, when the bible clearly does not say that…
1 Timothy 5:23 (NKJV)
23 No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent [a]infirmities.
So, in order to support their own theology they have to reason that the wine in the bible was not fermented, which is just plain silly. They have painted themselves into a corner to support their theology.
But, God isn’t going to force His truth onto any of us. God gives us the right to have our wrong opinion.
When we’re honest with ourselves, we all think we are right when we want to believe something. Even the bible confirms that…
Proverbs 21:2 (NKJV)
2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes,
But the Lord weighs the hearts.
Remember God is bigger than your church culture or your own personal theology.
14 So Abraham rose early in the morning, and took bread and a skin of water; and putting it on her shoulder, he gave it and the boy to Hagar, and sent her away. Then she departed and wandered in the Wilderness of Beersheba.
We all know that Isaac favored Esau, which means that Jacob had to notice.
Genesis 25:28 (NKJV)
28 And Isaac loved Esau because he ate of his game, but Rebekah loved Jacob.
Even if your father wasn’t everything (or anything) he should have been…
He is still the man GOD CHOSE to bring YOU into the world!
One of the benefits of a real relationship with God, our Elohim, is that we have angels who not only watch over us, but fight for us in both the physical and spiritual realms…
Hebrews 1:14 (NKJV)
14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?
If you’re not careful, it’s easy to miss how the the archangel Michael contended with an evil-high ranking fallen angel over the land Persia.
Daniel 10:13 (NKJV)
13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia.
Daniel 10:13-14 (MSG)
12-14“‘Relax, Daniel,’ he continued, ‘don’t be afraid. From the moment you decided to humble yourself to receive understanding, your prayer was heard, and I set out to come to you. But I was waylaid by the angel-prince of the kingdom of Persia and was delayed for a good three weeks. But then Michael, one of the chief angel-princes, intervened to help me. I left him there with the prince of the kingdom of Persia. And now I’m here to help you understand what will eventually happen to your people. The vision has to do with what’s ahead.’
This is in perfect harmony of when the Apostle Paul told us that our battles aren’t just physical…
Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV)
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of [a]the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
So remember you have angels assigned just to you! They are always there even when you think you’re alone. There are also demons (fallen angels) trying to get to you…influence you…come between you and God.
Please don’t make your angels fight for you alone. Be careful of the positions in which you place yourself. Be careful that you do your best to avoid the works of the flesh, and to walk in His Spirit…
Galatians 5:19-23 (NKJV)
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: [a]adultery, [b]fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, [c]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 [d]gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
Forgiveness doesn’t mean that you will never think about what they did to you anymore.
It doesn’t mean that you won’t hurt when it crosses your mind.
Forgiveness means that you won’t condemn them anymore for what they did. It means that you no longer want to get even, or see them ‘get what they deserve’ for what they did.
Forgiveness means you want them free from the guilt of what they did. But, that doesn’t mean that it still doesn’t hurt or make you angry when you think about it. Especially if it’s someone who you truly love.
Yes, the bible says that when God forgives us that He forgets our iniquities and remembers them no more…
Hebrews 10:16-17 (NKJV)
16 “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them,” 17 then He adds, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”
Micah 7:18-19 (NKJV)
18 Who is a God like You, Pardoning iniquity And passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage?
He does not retain His anger forever, Because He delights in mercy.[a] 19 He will again have compassion on us, And will subdue our iniquities.
You will cast all [b]our sins Into the depths of the sea.
But, do you think that means that God no longer knows what we did? Of course not. If our All-Powerful God can no longer remember something that we can remember, that gives us more power than Him in that area.
When God forgives ‘and forgets’ it means that He no longer condemns us for that sin as long as we have truly repented. Notice that God would often remind Israel of the sins He had forgiven when they backslid because their repentance wasn’t real.
Do you think that when the Apostle Paul said, “forgetting those things which are behind…” that he meant he could no longer remember how he persecuted the church? No. It means he no longer let those thoughts rule him or influence his future.
Philippians 3:13 (NKJV)
13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have [a]apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,
So don’t beat yourself up because you still feel pain or occasional anger over something that you have forgiven. Just don’t linger on those thoughts. Remember, forgiveness is a continual process. You will continue to forgive ‘them’ in your mind over and over again.
would it be easier to sense, what lies deep within?
Would all of our cultural differences that we base on race,
if none of us had sight, be gradually erased?
Would it suddenly take away one of the devils’ tools,
to use us against one another, just like fools?
So if we learn to close our eyes, and see with our hearts,
that’s one less thing to keep us apart.
Mark 4:11-12 (NKJV)
11 And He said to them, “To you it has been given to know the [a]mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those who are outside, all things come in parables, 12 so that
‘Seeing they may see and not perceive, And hearing they may hear and not understand; Lest they should turn, And their sins be forgiven them.’ ”
One of my greatest disappointments in growing up is realizing how much adults don’t ‘have it together’. Sometimes when I think about at my own failures as a husband and father I feel bad about the various ways I’ve let my family down. Much like the way I feel when I think of how often I’ve let God down.
As husbands, wives, mothers, fathers and children, we have all let each other down.
I’m not necessarily talking about betrayal within those relationships, but the poor decisions we’ve made that didn’t just affect us. Our selfishness and the times we have been a negative influence or even come between our loved ones and God.
But when I really read my Bible, I don’t feel as bad.
Many men in the bible were poor husbands, but God still told wives to submit to them…
Many women in the Bible were not perfect wives, but God still said to honor them…
Many of the children in the Bible didn’t honor their parents as they should, but God still said don’t provoke them to wrath…
When you carefully read your Bible you will see…
Eve allowed someone outside her marriage to her influence her. (Genesis 3)
Adam blamed his decision to disobey God on his wife. (Genesis 3)
Abraham, Sara, and Hagar’s baby-momma-drama (Genesis 16)
Eli’s sons were out of control (1 Samuel Chapter)
The favoritism of Isaac for Esau and Rebecca for Jacob. (Genesis 25)
The sibling rivalry between Jacob and Esau. (Genesis 27-28)
Jacob neglecting his wife Leah. (Genesis 29)
The hatred Joseph’s brothers had for him. (Genesis 27-28)
Job’s wife in his ear telling him he should curse God and die instead of supporting him in his illness. (Job Chapter 2)
King David’s wife despised him because of his public praise (2 Samuel 6).
King David’s son trying to kill him. (2 Samuel 15-19).
It’s 2pm. You think about what’s in your refrigerator. You think about what’s in your pantry. So, you call your spouse or your mom, or whoever you share your meals with and ask…
“What are we going to eat tonight?” The burden of choices.
It’s 2pm. A man has been standing at an exit ramp with a cardboard sign that says, WILL WORK FOR FOOD since 6am. He’s tired and goes to the car that’s been home for his family since he lost his job. He collected judgmental looks, stares, disgust, pity, and $17. He looks at his wife and two kids and asks…
“What are we going to eat tonight?” The burden of no choices.
Same question, but two very different situations.
Never take for granted the blessing of having enough for today. Yeshua told us don’t worry about what we will eat tomorrow…
Matthew 6:31-34 (NKJV)
31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But (A)seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Never forget the parable of The Rich Man and Lazarus…
Luke 16:19-31 (NKJV)
19 “There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and [a]fared sumptuously every day. 20 But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate,21 desiring to be fed with [b]the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried.23 And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
24 “Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’ 25 But Abraham said, ‘Son,remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. 26 And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.’
27 “Then he said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house, 28 for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’ 29 Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ 30 And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31 But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’ ”
Notice there was no discussion about what Lazarus did to get in this desperate situation. God expected the rich man to help him.
Be careful that you aren’t turning away Lazarus when confronted with a ‘beggar’. If they are trying to scam you, that’s between them and God. But, if they are truly in need, one meal can make you their hero. 7 REASONS IT’S A BLESSING TO BE APPROACHED BY A BEGGAR…
Have you ever heard anyone make this statement, or have made it yourself?
“You won’t go to Hell for doing it.”
Too many Christians feel as though as long as they are paying their tithes and going to church regularly that, ‘they’re good’.
Sometimes times there will be an issue or behavior that is questionable or vague, or maybe not even addressed directly in the bible. Many times there will be an issue or behavior that we really enjoy, but there is reason to believe it might be displeasing to God. Then there are issues that are addressed, but many people either don’t make the connection, or don’t care about how those issues relate to us today.
There are many Christians who don’t only define themselves as children of God, they also define themselves by ‘their’ zodiac sign.
How does God feel about someone asking, “What’s your sign?”
Zephaniah 1:5-6 (NKJV)
5.“Those who worship the host of heaven on the housetops; Those who worship and swear oaths by the LORD, But also swear by Milcom (or Molech) 6.Those who have turned back from following the LORD, And have not sought the LORD, nor inquired of Him.
“I’m a Gemini so you better watch our for me….”
“I’m a Pisces so you can trust me…”
You get the picture?
Most of us know that it became very popular in the latter part of the 20th Century to refer to zodiac signs to determine if two people were compatible in relationships.
Some people will even check out their daily horoscope for guidance for the day. How many Christians have you seen post the daily horoscope on their timeline?
Have you ever taken the time to research the origin of zodiac signs. Think about this…zodiac signs are treated as proper nouns.
Check this out…
Deuteronomy 4:19 (NKJV)
And take heed, lest you lift up your eyes to heaven, and when you see the sun, the moon, and the stars, all the host of heaven, you feel driven to worship them and serve them, which the LORD your God has given to all the peoples under the whole heaven as a heritage.
Remember, worship is beyond ‘going to church’. Think about Romans 12:1…
Romans 12:1 (NIV)
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
Our worship extends into how we live our lives on a daily basis. God expects us to get our guidance from Him and Him alone. He has given us His Holy Spirit to lead us, guide us, convict us, to help us make the right decisions.
Isaiah 47:13 (NKJV)
13 You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels; Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, And the monthly prognosticators Stand up and save you From what shall come upon you.
One of the beautiful things about the Old Testament is that it gave us extreme examples of what behavior God loves and what behavior He hates. Even though Jesus fulfilled the law, we can gain great insight looking at the behavior of ancient Israel and how God reacted to it.
Think about this. When Moses was given the task of going into Egypt to free the children of Israel, God told Moses to tell them, “I AM has sent me to you” (Exodus 3:14). I AM is God’s name. It’s who He is. It’s His essence. It’s what He does. And so are you. Be very careful what you say behind your, “I am”. Check this out…BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU SAY BEHIND YOUR, “I AM…”
“I am a Virgo.” “I am a Libra.” Do you feel comfortable defining yourself as something God has forbidden?
Do you feel comfortable getting guidance from something God has forbidden?
Do you feel comfortable choosing a mate based on something God has forbidden?
Do you feel comfortable basing your personality on something God has forbidden?
Or, do you enjoy it so much that right now you are reasoning within yourself how I’m wrong and looking for verses or justification to keep doing it. That may be a ‘sign’ that you are too connected to it.
Well if God forbids it, why do the personality traits seem so on point sometimes? We all know that the enemy disguises himself as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14).
But, here’s the number one reason I think that people of God should ignore the horoscope…
BECAUSE IT HURTS GOD!
Even if He won’t send you to Hell for it. Even if you think it’s harmless. If God said don’t do it, that means it hurts Him. When you love someone, there’s some things you don’t do not because you think they will leave you, but because you know it hurts them.
Have you ever noticed that before God got angry, He was always hurt first? Have you noticed how God sometimes pleaded with and appealed to Israel like a hurt lover?
Micah 6 1:3 (NKJV)
“Oh My people, what have I done to you? And how have I wearied you? Testify against Me.”
The #1 reason we should ignore the horoscope is because it hurts the God of our Salvation.
Please think about this before you ask someone, “What is your sign?”
Please teach your children and grandchildren to laugh, dance and love God through modeling it daily.
With everything going on in the world, we can neglect instilling joy into our children and grandchildren, instead instilling in them the anxieties of the world.
Modeling joy will protect their hearts through the toughest times.
Laughter will lighten their hearts and the hearts of those around them.
The love of God will establish them in a real relationship with Him that will transcend to other generations.
Modeling Emotional Intelligence for your children by explaining to them the challenges they will face while still seeing the joy of God in you will leave a priceless heritage of peace in your family for generations to come.
Isaiah 54:13 (NKJV)
13 All your children shall be(A)taught by the Lord, And (B)great shall be the peace of your children.
Be very careful to notice where God uses the word ‘AS’ in His word. It can be easily overlooked, but the comparisons are always very powerful and contain profound revelation into how God relates to us.
It is literally used to say ‘LIKE”.
For example, God isn’t saying it only takes a little faith in Matthew 17 verse 20. On the contrary, there are numerous occasions when Jesus rebuked His disciples for having ‘little’ faith and complimented others for having great faith. Link
He is saying that it takes great faith for something AS small as a grain of mustard seed to create something great…
Matthew 17:20 (NKJV)
20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your [a]unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith AS a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.
God is a forgiving God and He is willing to forgive us of
all our sins as long as we truly repent and have a forgiving heart towards
others.
But, sometimes we can wonder if we will ever recover from
the consequences of our bad decisions.
Let me give you a quick reminder that God loves us and He is
bigger than or bad decisions.
Any parent who has punished or disciplined their child will
look on them in pity and remove the punishment or give them relief from the
consequences if It’s in their power to do so.
God does the same thing…
Psalm 30:5 (NKJV)
5 For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for life;
Weeping may endure for a night,
But [a]joy comes in the morning.
Psalm 103:9-11 (NKJV)
9 He will not always strive with us,
Nor will He keep His anger forever. 10 He has not
dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor punished us according to our iniquities.
11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
So if you’re living out the consequences or results of a bad
decision and you have truly repented, pray that God deliver you from the
consequences.
Pray that God gives you relief and peace. But, make sure you
pray that He does so to his glory and for His names sake…
Psalm 25:10-11 (NKJV)
10 All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth,
To such as keep His covenant and His testimonies. 11 For Your
name’s sake, O Lord,
Pardon my iniquity, for it is great.
Psalm 143:11 (NKJV)
11 Revive me, O Lord, for Your name’s sake!
For Your righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble.
Isaiah 48:8-10 (NKJV)
8 Surely you did not hear,
Surely you did not know;
Surely from long ago your ear was not opened.
For I knew that you would deal very treacherously,
And were called a transgressor from the womb.
9 “For My name’s sake I will [a]defer My anger,
And for My praise I will restrain it from you,
So that I do not cut you off. 10 Behold, I
have refined you, but not as silver;
I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.
Once I was driving at night and didn’t see a small ditch. I drove right into it! I had to drive IN the ditch for a while until I could find a place to drive OUY of it. Sometimes you have to remain in a ditch until you can find a place to be pulled out our pull yourself out.
Even though you may remain in a ‘ditch’ because of you’re a bad
decision, God can pull you out.
I can’t count the times I’ve read or heard this statement, “Why aren’t they protesting Black-on-Black crime?”….As a stab at people peacefully protesting social injustice, police brutality and systematic racism.
Allow me to arm everyone with a rebuttal to this annoying question from people who apparently can’t ‘chew gum and walk at the same time’.
The problem of Black-on-Black crime is no different than the problem of White-on-White crime, or any other race…it’s a problem. So, to imply all other efforts should stop until that problem is solved is quite foolish, because that problem will not go away. To assume it’s not being addressed because it hasn’t gone away is simplistic and arrogant.
Think about this…
During World War ll Black men were drafted and volunteered to fight tyranny elsewhere in the world while they were treated not only as second-class citizens at home, but also in the military. Did anyone say, “What about oppression in America” the same way they say “What about Black-on-Black crime today? Did anyone say “We can’t fight oppression elsewhere while our government own citizens are being oppressed? No! I had two great-uncles who served in Europe in the spring of 1945 just months before the war ended. Why wasn’t the same amount of people, resources and passion being poured into the problem at home?
During the Vietnam War young Black men were drafted and many died fighting communism. This was in the hottest part of the Civil Rights movement in America. Did any one say “What about the denial of civil rights in America? Why isn’t the country putting the same amount of money, man-power and effort into equality at home?
Do you address problems in your family one at a time? Have you conquered every challenge in your family?
The fact is, many people respond “What about Black-on-Black crime” because the protests have annoyed them. Just as during the Civil Rights movement the ‘privileged’ were pissed off and annoyed at protesters disturbing their preface. They wanted them to sit down and shut up. It’s easy to see where people would have stood then, by where they stand today.
We must be careful when we have become annoyed at good.
Just as the phrases “Black Lives Matter” and “White Lives Matter” are not mutually exclusive, neither is protesting for social injustice and addressing Black-on-Black crime in other ways.
You don’t fight an internal problem the same way you address an external problem, even if some of the root causes of Black-on-Black crime are external.
The truth is that the Black community is always addressing Black-on-Black crime within families, churches, organizations with conversations and efforts that are either secret and high profile. Cultural issues are being addressed within the culture. So if someone asks, why is it still a problem? Well, the fact that America’s trade deficit is still a problem doesn’t mean it isn’t being addressed. The fact that America’s National dent is still a problem doesn’t mean it’s not being addressed.
The statement, “What about Black-on-Black crime” is arrogant and condescending. If you ever hear or read that statement, please share this post with them.
James 4:17 (NKJV)
17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.
We all go through seasons of personal storms, trials, prisons…seasons of pain.
Yes, sometimes the reason could be punishment for sins we have committed, but many times it’s not.
Think about Joseph in Genesis Chapters 37-50. He was sold by his brothers into slavery and while loyally serving in the house of a powerful, wealthy man named Potiphar, he was falsely accused of sexually assaulting Potiphar’s wife and thrown into prison. Joseph’s ‘reward’ for resisting Potiphar’s wife’s aggressive advances was prison.
Was God punishing Joseph?
No, He was positioning him.
The prison was Joseph’s gate to the palace. The prison is where his faith was established even more and his gift of interpreting dreams was recognized. The prison is where he was forgotten by those he helped, but was later remembered and given an opportunity to allow his gift to lift him to a position of honor and influence. The prison was from where Joseph was lifted to save his family, the same brothers who hated him, from starvation.
So, when you find yourself in a ‘personal prison’ don’t give in to depression, despair, hopelessness and helplessness.
Trust God through Yeshua (Jesus Christ) and His process. Be faithful and look for opportunities to share what He’s placed inside you.
If you’re in a personal prison right now, read Genesis 37-50 again with a fresh perspective. And remember this…
God may not be punishing you, but positioning you to fulfill His purpose for your life.
Romans 8:28 (NKJV)
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
1 John 2:2 (NKJV) 2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.
Okay, I know this has never happened to you, but let’s just pretent that it did.
You just finished taking a shower. You brushed your teeth, put on your antiperspirant, cologne or perfume and got dressed in your best. At that present moment, you very well could be the cleanest person in the world. And then it suddenly hits you…
Unfortunately, you have been constipated for several days. And, now just as you get ready to leave your home you can tell that problem is over!
It’s #2 TIME! RIGHT AFTER YOUR GREAT SHOWER.
As you are relieving yourself of the excess weight that you’ve been carrying it is by no means pleasant. It SMELLS LIKE you haven’t been to the bathroom in three days! You’re spouse shouts, ‘Are you alright in there’ hoping that you’re still conscience or haven’t lost your short term memory?
Think about this…
No matter how clean you were after your shower…
No matter how well you were dressed
No matter how good you smelled…
Everywhere you went while you were constipated, the source of that horrible smell was hidden inside you!
It’s the same with our spiritual condition. No matter what we look like on the outside, when we have sin in our lives, we are filthy on the inside…
Isaiah 64:6 (NKJV)
6 But we are all like an unclean thing, And all our righteousnesses are like [a]filthy rags; We all fade as a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, Have taken us away.
But when Jesus died on the cross for our sins, He provided a one-time sacrifice for those who put their faith in God, our Elohim, through Him.
1 John 2:1-2 (NKJV)
2 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world.
To keep it simple, PROPITIATION means covering or atoning sacrifice. Yeshua the Messiah literally ‘hides’ our sins and places us back in good standing with God.
So just the same as we can’t see the feces, urine, blood, bile, mucus or any other fluid that’s always hidden under our skin. Our Savior covers the lies, lust, greed, selfishness, hatred, malice, jealousy, rage, wrath, hatred, envy, doubt, discontent, adultery, fornication, homosexuality, etc. that hides inside the hearts of those who are fighting against their flesh every day…
Galatians 5:16-25 (NKJV)
16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
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.
So, while you’re thanking God for the good things in your life, food, shelter, clothing, health, your family, your job, your home, peace, safety, freedom, please don’t forget to thank Him for sending His Son and our Savior Yeshua, the Messiah to provide atonement for our sins when we repent.
would it be easier to sense what lies deep within?
Would all of our cultural differences that we base on race,
if none of us had sight be gradually erased?
Would it suddenly take away one of the devils tools,
to use us against one another just like fools?
So if we learn to close our eyes and see with our hearts,
that’s one less thing to keep us apart.
Mark 4:11-12 (NKJV)
11 And He said to them, “To you it has been given to know the [a]mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those who are outside, all things come in parables, 12 so that
‘Seeing they may see and not perceive, And hearing they may hear and not understand; Lest they should turn, And their sins be forgiven them.’ ”
We all know that God expects us to love everyone, even our enemies. And, we also know that’s not always easy to do. Sometimes peoples’ actions can take us beyond not just liking them.
There are people who clearly don’t like us, people who don’t have the same beliefs, values and opinions. People who we feel don’t respect our traditions, heritages and cultures. Those who unapologetically work against us and try to hurt. People who hate us.
Well, the fact that God forbids us to hate people hasn’t changed, but He does allow us to hate THINGS about people. So, the next time you look at someone in such intense anger that hate begins to fill your heart, here are a few things that it’s okay to hate ABOUT people…
Their behavior…
Their attitude…
Their habits…
Their clothes…
Their taste…
Their traditions…
Their temper…
Even the organizations and institutions they create.
Everything mentioned above can be hated without hating the person. How do I know that? Because God, who loves all of us, also hates some things about us too…
Proverbs 6:16-19 (NKJV)
16 These six things the Lord hates,
Yes, seven are an abomination to [a]Him: 17 A[b] proud look,
A lying tongue,
Hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that devises wicked plans,
Feet that are swift in running to evil, 19 A false witness who speaks lies,
And one who sows discord among brethren.
But, He never lets what He hates about us provoke Him to hate us, even when we’re His enemies…
James 4:4 (NKJV)
4 [a]Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
Romans 5:10 (NKJV)
10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.
We were created in God’s image. He hates stuff too. He just doesn’t hate us…ever. So, the next time you feel your natural God-given emotion to hate fill your heart, do these five things…
Stop and focus on what it is you hate ABOUT them.
Focus on that or those things.
Ask God to help you love the person.
Then sincerely pray that God strengthens them in the areas you hate, and to open your eyes if you’re wrong.
Ask God to help you love them through the things you hate about them, just like He loves you through those things He hates about you.
You see. Learning to love people through the things we hate about them gives us the opportunity to be more like God.
Back when Laurynn Johnson was only a few months old, she became the youngest baby ever to cover Minnie Riperton’s legendary high note in her song, “Lovin You”.
But the extreme cuteness didn’t stop there. She’s continued to BLESSTIFY her BIG DADDY every chance she gets!
Listen, I know you’re busy, but slow down and enjoy your children and their children. I’ve gone from thinking fondly of my childhood memories, to thinking fondly of when my children were children…to making new memories with the most adorable granddaughter in the word.
Don’t be so busy making a living that you miss out on a life with who you’re doing it for.
Psalm 128 (NKJV)
128 Blessed is every one who fears the Lord, Who walks in His ways.
2 When you eat the [a]labor of your hands, You shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. 3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine In the very heart of your house, Your children like olive plants All around your table. 4 Behold, thus shall the man be blessed Who fears the Lord.
5 The Lord bless you out of Zion, And may you see the good of Jerusalem All the days of your life. 6 Yes, may you see your children’s children.
Peace be upon Israel!
So, I know you think your grandchildren, or children are cute, but come on now! They can’t be as cute as Laurynn!
We were created in the image of our Elohim, our God. That doesn’t mean that we have the same color eyes and the same shaped nose that He has (He’s invisible). It means we were created to have His character…His attributes… His emotions. It means we can love like Him, experience joy like Him, hurt like Him, and sometimes get angry like Him.
It’s no secret that God likes attention, honor and glory. That’s why He created us…
Psalm 46:10 (NKJV)
10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
1 Chronicles 29:11 ERV
Greatness, power, glory, victory, and honor belong to you, because everything in heaven and on earth belongs to you! The kingdom belongs to you, LORD! You are the head, the Ruler over everything.
So, since we were created in His image, it’s both natural and spiritual that we sometimes want some attention, glory and honor for ourselves.
He knows this; that’s why He commanded that we be lights…
Matthew 5:14-16
14 (A)“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they(B)light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, (C)that they may see your good works and (D)glorify your Father in heaven.
We have no light of our own. Just like the sun, the (Son) is the source of light, and the moon (man) reflects the sun’s (Son’s) light.
‘Light’ couldn’t be seen if it didn’t ‘like’ attention!
We must always remember not to steal God’s glory for ourselves, but when we testify that any good thing that we do is because of God, and that all glory belongs to Him, we can share in His glory. When we boast, boast in Him through our Lord and Savior Yeshua, Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:31 (NKJV)
31that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.”
Matthew 28:18 (NKJV)
18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
So don’t feel bad when you sometimes want a little attention for yourself. Just always make sure that your motives are pure…
Philippians 2:3 (NKJV)
3Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness ofmind let each esteem others better than himself.
This article is primarily for those who call themselves to be disciples of Christ. God is sovereign. And His sovereignty is on His terms, not based on our terms and the narrative that we desire.
There are many who have judged within their hearts and others have vocalized or published that they don’t think George Floyd should be the face, or name for a movement. They feel he doesn’t deserve to be a martyr.
They feel this way because of his past, because of the mistakes he made and because of the life he lived.
I humbly submit to anyone who feels that way to consider this…
GOD STILL CHOSE JACOB (LIAR, DECEIVER & THEIF)
God changed Jacob’s name to Israel. But, most of you know what Jacob did. He lied to and deceived his father (with the help of his mother) to steal his brother’s blessing. (Genesis 27-29). God STILL CHOSE HIM to establish the blessing and heritage that He promised to Jacob’s grandfather Abraham. Does Jacob deserved to be honored? If that happened today, how do you think self righteous people would react?
GOD STILL CHOSE THE 12 PATRIARCHS (SCHEMERS, LIARS, MURDERERS, FORNICATORS)
God chose the 12 sons of Jacob (Israel) to be the foundation and patriarchs of His chosen people, despite their character…
They hated their younger brother so much that they conspired to kill him, but later decided to sell him as a slave and allow their father to go for years thinking he was dead. (Genesis 37)
Jacob’s fourth born son, Judah, thought he was sleeping with a prostitute but was actually sleeping with his daughter-in-law, who was tricking him so that she could have children by him. When he found out that she was pregnant, he wanted her killed until she presented his signet ring to prove he was the father. So, he solicited a prostitute and bore children with his daughter-in-law. However one of Israel’s most prominent tribes bears his name (Judah means PRAISE). God STILL CHOSE HIM despite his character flaws. Does he deserve that? (Genesis 38)
GOD STILL CHOSE LEVI AND SIMEON (DECEIVERS AND MURDERERS)
A man named Shechem, a prince of a neighboring land, sexually violated their sister Dinah, however he fell in love with her and asked if he could marry her. Of course her brothers were pissed off. But, they agreed to allow their sister to marry him if he and all the men of the land would be circumcised. He happily agreed. Three days after they were circumcised, Levi and Simeon went and killed all the men while they were in great pain from the ‘surgery’. Even in their anger, this was deception and murder. God STILL CHOSE THEM to be among the patriarch of His chosen people. Their crime did not disqualify them.
GOD STILL CHOSE MOSES
One day when Moses saw an Egyptian beating one of the children of Israel, he intervened, murdered him and then fled. God STILL CHOSE MOSES even though he committed this crime. Did he deserve to be chosen to deliver Israel from Egypt, lead them to the promised land, and present God’s law to them? Was God wrong? (Exodus 2)
GOD STILL CHOSE DAVID (ABUSED HIS AUTHORITY, ADULTERER, MURDERER)
Everyone knows the account of David and Bathsheba. How David saw her bathing and lusted after her, but it didn’t stop there. He abused his authority as king by summoning her, he slept with her and got her pregnant. To hide the pregnancy, he had Bathsheba’s husband Uriah, who was one of David’s mighty men of valor (very loyal to David), sent to the front lines of battle so that he would be killed. David then married Uriah’s wife. The prophet Nathan confronted David with his sin, and he sorrowfully repented. Their son Solomon, grew to inherit the throne and was the most wise man to ever live. God STILL CHOSE David in spite of this horrible sin. He is still considered to be a man after God’s own heart because of his repentance. Does he deserve that? (2 Samuel 11)
GOD STILL CHOSE SAUL, ALSO KNOWN AS PAUL (PERSECUTED THE CHURCH, IMPRISONED CHRISTIANS, CONSENTED TO THE DEATH OF STEPHEN)
Saul was passionate about persecuting the church. He was greatly feared by the early Christians, but God still chose him to be an apostle to the Gentiles. He called himself the least of the apostles because of his past. But, God STILL CHOSE HIM while he was on his way to Damascus breathing THREATS AND MURDER against disciples of Christ. Did Saul/Paul deserve this honor and responsibility.
God has always used imperfect people to carry out His perfect will. God has proven that He has the sovereign right to chose who He wants.
We are not allowed to critique who and why God chooses. We don’t determine the narrative based on what we feel the ‘qualifications’ should be.
Now back to George Floyd. Millions of people around the world of all races have been united to fight for social justice for Black people. That thrills me. Especially when I wonder how many Pastors week after week, and year after year and never preach a sermon about social justice and civil rights to their congregations. Quite frankly, many of the same people who frown on George Floyd’s past find every reason in the world to excuse Donald Trump’s who not only has never been known for his character, integrity or faith, but was unrepentant when confronted with statements he made about grabbing women by the vagina, and bragging about pursuing married women.
Plus, most of the people chosen in the bible didn’t ‘apply for the job’. And, George Floyd never volunteered to be a martyr.
John 8:7 (NKJV)
7 So when they continued asking Him, He [a]raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.”
Please allow me to sub-title this piece, “JUST LIKE JUDAS”, since I couldn’t make up my mind.
Many of us shake our heads in self-righteous shame at Judas betraying our Lord and Savior for 30 pieces of silver.
But, if we think back on our lives, sometimes we don’t have to think very far back, we will realize that we have betrayed Him FOR MUCH LESS THAN 30 PIECES OF SILVER.
Each time we sin… Each time we know right from wrong…Each time that we know His holy standard…Each time we have a clear choice and think, “No I should not do this”, and then choose to do it anyway, we betray Him just like Judas did.
Those seeking to put Jesus to open shame and kill Him presented Judas with a transaction, and he agreed to a price to complete the transaction.
Matthew 26:15 (NKJV)
15 and said, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him to you?” And they counted out to him thirty pieces of silver.
The enemy daily presents us with transactions (usually through our desires) seeking to hurt…to discredit…to put to open shame our Savior Jesus, and daily we accept them – and consequently betray Him.
James 1:14 (NKJV)
14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.
So, how much have you accepted to betray Jesus?
What transaction does the enemy prevent to you to convince you to sin?
What level of attention?
What level of affection?
What level of influence?
What level of affluence?
What level of pleasure?
What level of revenge?
Who was it?
What was it?
Was it only a kiss?
Was it only a promotion?
Was it only a glance?
Was it only a taste?
Was it only a touch?
Was it a laugh?
Was it a whisper?
Or, did you do it for free because you were angry at Him?
Did the enemy use you as the ‘middle man’ to provoke someone else to betray Him?
It’s not hard to identify how the enemy manipulates and provokes us to betray Him. The bible makes it clear. It’s usually…
1 John 2:16 (NKJV)
16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.
Always remember that Judas realized the 30 pieces of silver weren’t worth it, and wanted to give it back. It’s the same for us today the enemy pays you to hurt our Lord, but the ultimate wage is horrible…
Romans 6:23 (NKJV)
23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
So, at the end of each day, thank God for His grace and mercy to forgive us when we repent. Then think about the choices that you’ve made and ask yourself a powerful question to help you refine your walk and relationship with Christ. Think about the spiritual transactions you’ve made and ask yourself…
20 Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; Who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
I wrote this song for my wife almost 20 years ago, but we recorded it in 2015, however the lyrics are timeless and supported by scripture. It is the first song we ever recorded, so the song and message are VERY special to us. Listen to the lyrics carefully…
URGENT
Take a good look around and you’ll see that this world just doesn’t know God.
In the eyes of man what’s evil is good and doing good just seems to be odd.
We’ve got a job we aren’t doing brothers, sisters Jesus gave a long time ago.
An urgent mission we were given to get busy and let the whole world know.
Chorus
That it’s urgent
A commission’s been given to you
It’s so urgent
We all have a job to do
It’s so urgent
God left it in your hands
And it’s urgent
That you carry out His plan.
Many people go to church and they think that’s all they have to do.
“Come on, it don’t take all that.”
They sit through service, hear a sermon, leave some money, and think that they are through.
But Jesus said go ye therefore in the highways and hedges and teach to man.
Telling him to observe all things whatsoever He did command.
19 Go [a]therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” [b]Amen.
You can support our music ministry and enjoy the song by going to Mechelle Johnson on iTunes, Apple Music, or Amazon and download any of her songs.
There are days that I’m feeling down…in my feelings about something. We all have days like that. But, each and every time, God shakes me and reminds me of everything I have to be thankful for. He reminds me of every prayer, supplication and intercession He has already answered. He reminds me of how He has shown Himself strong for me and those I love. He reminds me that none of my sicknesses have been unto death.
Every time my spirit is low, God reminds me that there are people fighting for their lives…
While some people are praying to live debt free…others are praying just to live.
While some people are struggling in their marriage…others are praying that their spouse be healed.
While some people are disappointed in their children…others are sitting by their child’s bed in a children’s hospital.
While some people are complaining about what they don’t have…others asking God WHY ME, because of the cancer that they do have.
While some people are thinking about what they will be doing in 5 years…others have been given 5 months to live.
While some people are praying for a better life…some people are just praying for LIFE…praying to live.
Stop and think about all the rare diseases, that even though rare, some people are in the fight of their lives and trusting God for healing.
So please, when you pray every day, please add to your regular prayer life the names of someone you know who is fighting for their life. If you don’t know anyone, God knows their names.
Pray for some parent who is watching their dear child fight a childhood disease.
Pray for someone who is taking care of an elderly parent or relative who is suffering with dementia.
Show how thankful you are for your health by praying for someone who is fighting for theirs. Call out their name.
Call on the authority of the Name of Yeshua the Messiah, Jesus Christ ant the power of His blood that Yehovah Rapha (The God Who Heals) releases a healing miracle so that others can see and believe in Him. And, pray that God gives them strength, comfort, peace and encouragement while they wait for their healing.
I know a young lady name Joi Ragland. Lord please give Joi a healing miracle. Please remove the cancer from her body and restore her health for your glory and your name sake in the name of Yeshua the Living Word!
If you know someone who can use a healing miracle, please post their name in the comments so others can call out their names too.
James 5:15-16 (NKJV)
15 And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 [a]Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, [b]fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
GOD considers kneeling HUMILITY, RESPECT and REVERENCE!
Ephesians 3:14 (NKJV)
For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,[a]
SHAME on any PREACHER who did not hold the leader accountable for insulting Black NFL players and their MOTHERS back in 2017, but justified and excused it.
GOD considers kneeling HUMILITY, RESPECT and REVERENCE! SHAME on any PREACHER who did not hold the leader accountable for insulting Black NFL players and their MOTHERS back in 2017! HYPOCRITES!! The prophet Nathan even held King David accountble!
Yeshua the Messiah rebuked the Pharisees for enforcing their traditions as if they were the commandments of God. He shook up their traditions….
Mark 7:7-8 New King James Version (NKJV)
7 And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’
8 For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men—[a]the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do.”
Listen to the cheers from people who call themselves Christians/ You can’t cherry-pick your sins!
If you find yourself immediately trying to excuse this, which spirit within you is he appealing to?
HYPOCRITES!! The prophet Nathan even held King David accountble! Listen to the cheers! You can’t cherry-pick your sins!
Ephesians 4:29 New King James Version (NKJV)
29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary [a]edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
Matthew 5:22 New King James Version (NKJV)
22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother [a]without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother,‘Raca!’[b] shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, [c]‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of[d]hell fire.
Matthew 12:36 King James Version (KJV)
36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
Leaders are not exempt from these expectations!
If you find yourself immediately trying to excuse this, which spirit within you is he appealing to?
To call a woman or a man a whore is a horrible insult to anyone. We all know that it implies that person sold their body for money. It implies he or she defiled their body and brought shame upon everyone who is close to them.
We also know that throughout the entire bible God uses the analogy of marriage to describe His relationship with His chosen people Israel, and to describe the relationship of Yeshua the Messiah to the church…
Isaiah 54:5 (NKJV)
5 For your Maker is your husband, The Lord of hosts is His name; And your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel; He is called the God of the whole earth.
Isaiah 54:5 (NKJV)
5 For your Maker is your husband, The Lord of hosts is His name; And your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel; He is called the God of the whole earth.
Ephesians 5:25-27 (NKJV)
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might [a]sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.
2 Corinthians 11:2 (NKJV)
2 For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present youas a chaste virgin to Christ.
He did this because He gives us horizontal examples (our relationships with one another) of our vertical relationship (our relationship with Him), so we can truly see how He feels. He allows us to experience His emotions, because we were created in His image.
That’s why when Israel sinned against Him, when they compromised, when they assimilated. When they allowed themselves to be influenced by pagans rather than influencing them, He called it spiritual adultery…
Jeremiah 3:8-10 (NKJV)
8 Then I saw that for all the causes for which backsliding Israel had committed adultery, I had put her away and given her a certificate of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah did not fear, but went and played the harlot also. 9 So it came to pass, through her casual harlotry, that she defiled the land and committed adultery with stones and trees. 10 And yet for all this her treacherous sister Judah has not turned to Me with her whole heart, but in pretense,” says the Lord.
James 4:4 (NKJV)
4 [a]Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
Matthew 16:4 (NKJV)
4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of [a]the prophet Jonah.” And He left them and departed.
However, God was so hurt, upset and angry with His ‘spiritual wife’ Israel, that He allowed them to lose their nation, exiled in Babylon and scattered throughout the region. As He told them of their sins He told them that they’re sin was worse than the heathens around them because they were supposed to be His! Any spouse can relate to this. It hurts much worse when a spouse is mistreated by his or her mate because they are supposed to be ‘one flesh’. They belong to one another.
Because of this God told Israel not only did they ‘act like a whore’, but they were worse than a whore. A whore or prostitute waits to be solicited, but Israel didn’t wait to be solicited, they volunteered themselves as unfaithful spouse and did not ask for money, but paid their ‘spiritual lovers”. Read this in a few different translations…
Ezekiel 16:31-34 (NKJV)
31 “You erected your shrine at the head of every road, and built your [a]high place in every street. Yet you were not like a harlot, because you scorned payment. 32 You are an adulterous wife, who takes strangers instead of her husband. 33 Men make payment to all harlots, but you made your payments to all your lovers, and [b]hired them to come to you from all around for your harlotry. 34 You are the opposite of other women in your harlotry, because no one solicited you to be a harlot. In that you gave payment but no payment was given you, therefore you are the opposite.”
Ezekiel 16:31-34 (MSG)
30-31 “‘What a sick soul! Doing all this stuff—the champion whore! You built your bold brothels at every major intersection, opened up your whorehouses in every neighborhood, but you were different from regular whores in that you wouldn’t accept a fee.
32-34 “‘Wives who are unfaithful to their husbands accept gifts from their lovers. And men commonly pay their whores. But you pay your lovers! You bribe men from all over to come to bed with you! You’re just the opposite of the regular whores who get paid for sex. Instead, you pay men for their favors! You even pervert whoredom!
Ezekiel 16:31-34 Complete Jewish Bible (CJB)
31 building your platforms on every streetcorner, making your high placesin every open space — and yet you aren’t like a whore, because you scorn getting paid. 32 Here is a wife who commits adultery, who goes to bed with strangers instead of her husband; 33 but also instead of receiving gifts like every other prostitute, you give gifts to all your lovers, you bribe them to come to you from all over the place and have sex with you! 34 You are the opposite of other women — you solicit the fornication, you aren’t solicited; and you pay them, they don’t pay you — you’re the opposite!
So fast forward to now. How many times have we cheated on God? How many times have we stopped and thought about the fact that something was wrong, then chose to do it anyway? How many times have we had a choice between right and wrong and chose wrong? How many times have we been a hypocrite? How many times have we compromised? How many times have we promised God that we wouldn’t do something again, only to do it again, and again, and again?
How many times have you allowed the world to influence your faith rather than letting you faith influence the world. Remember this often overlooked verse…
1 Corinthians 15:33 (NKJV)
33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.”
All of the above is why we should never take for granted God’s grace and mercy. It’s why it is so important to constantly confess and acknowledge our sins to Him…
1 John 1:9 (NKJV)
9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
We must always be mindful to focus on acknowledging our sins, repenting and turning from the behavior we know hurts God, just as one who loves his or her husband or wife would want their spouse to do.
To feel genuinely sorrowful, not for getting caught…not for the consequences…but genuinely sorrowful for hurting someone who truly loves them, and completely turning from the hurtful behavior, that’s repentance
2 Corinthians 7:10 (NKJV)
10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.
When you truly love someone, you change not just to avoid the consequences, but you change because you don’t want to hurt them.
This is why I firmly believe that if someone has a spouse that has been unfaithful, and begs forgiveness, that they should forgive them and continue in the marriage. That’s what God did for Israel. That’s what He still does for us today through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
To many people, the juice is the best part of the fruit. Not only is it good to drink, but it makes eating the fruit much more pleasurable. No matter how much good fruit rests inside, and no matter what type of fruit, the juice doesn’t just drip from it.
The juice has to be squeezed from the fruit.
The same is true with us. God has to squeeze us sometimes to release the best of what’s inside us.
Just at the time you feel you need a ‘hug’ from God, He ‘squeezes’ us instead.
Look at everyone that God used in the bible. Very few of them signed up for their assignments. And, very few of them knew themselves what was inside of them until God squeezed it out…
Faith.
Potential.
Integrity.
Strength.
Love.
Devotion.
Purpose.
From telling Abraham to go to a place He will show him (Genesis 12:1), to testing Him by telling Him to offer His only son (Genesis Chapter 22).
From God allowing David to have to flee from Saul (1 Samuel 21-24) to allowing Him to have to flee from his own son (2 Samuel Chapter 15).
From God allowing His own son and our Savior to be crucified (Luke 23), to allowing the apostles to beaten for Him (Acts 5:41).
Jesus even warned us that He would have to ‘squeeze’ the best out of us through difficulty, so that we can bear more good fruit for Him…
John 15:2 (NKJV)
2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away;[a] and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
The pruning process, much like squeezing, is not easy, but essential in making us productive in God’s Kingdom.
Before we think of God as being cruel for squeezing the best out of His children, remember that we do the same thing in our society. The military, law enforcement, the medical field and many other professions place those aspiring to be a part of them through rigorous training to get the best out of them.
Remember, God doesn’t test us so that He will know what we will do…He already knows. He tests us so that we can develop and increase our faith. So that we can find out what we will do…So that we can find out what’s really inside of us. He tests us to squeeze the best out of us. WHY DOES GOD ‘TEST’ US WHEN HE ALREADY KNOWS…
When you feel that God is being unfair. When you feel you are being challenged. When you feel you God is putting more weight on you that you can handle, remember…
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV)
13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
Don’t let the enemy manipulate you in your challenge to get the worse out of you. Increase your level of consecration and fellowship with God, and allow Him to squeeze the best out of you.
If you have enough for today, and only today then you are blessed. That’s what Yeshua the Messiah promised us…
Matthew 6:31-34 (NKJV)
31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But (A)seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
The Lord encourages us to never worry about tomorrow. He wants us to totally trust Him with each tomorrow He gives us.
Remember, that if you have enough for today…you’re blessed.
If you have just one slice of bread left for tomorrow… that’s ‘overflow’.
How many ‘TODAYS’ have you missed out on because you’re worried about ‘TOMORROW’?
If you’re worried about tomorrow… next week… next month… next year…
SNAP OUT OF IT! Stop, make a conscious effort to enjoy every minute…every hour… every moment of today.
My wife Mechelle Johnson and Natural Elegance, her female vocal group covering “How Come You Don’t Call Me Anymore”. This song was originally written and performed by Prince . It is as released in 1982 when he was only 24 years old.
The song was also covered by R&B artists Stephanie Mills and Alicia Keys.
Truly one of the greatest talents of our time, (he played 27 instruments) Prince influenced artists in several genres and secretly helped people in need for years.
He was born on June 7, 1958. Happy Birthday Prince!
BE BLESSTIFIED! 