You gotta check out this video. My wife didn’t expect this! I hope you enjoy this Holiday Humor from our #SONdayBlessing series of videos celebrating Godly Marriage through the Classic Old School R&B and Soul that are the soundtrack of our #30YearsStrong of marriage.
Remember… “You minister to the soul with a Gospel song, but you minister to a marriage with a love song.” Mechelle Johnson Music
Read The Song of Solomon and see how the bible celebrates the physical intimacy of marriage and all the beautiful things that enhance it.
The fun and rush of the holiday season can be intoxicating. The trill of seeing someone open a gift that they really wanted can provide quite the emotional high. If this one done within our budget, then all is well but…THEN comes December 26th..
If we spent money we couldn’t afford…used money for our bills…borrowed money for gifts or simply over spent, we can come down hard off that high straight into anxiety, worry, buyers remorse, stress and even depression…You’ve got a HOLIDAY HANGOVER.
When the real world comes calling…we remember that bills, obligations and commitments didn’t stop for Christmas.
If you do have a holiday hangover, I offer the same remedy as for a hangover from alcohol…time.
And just as someone whose been drunk with liquor…next year remember how you feel right now when you’re tempted to drink from the same bottle of HOLIDAY SPIRITS next year.
Have you ever seen God working things out in your life? I’m not talking about super spiritual, super religious church talk. I’m talking about you can actually tell God is manipulating situations. Touching hearts and minds. Working through the uncomfortable. Answering SPECIFIC prayers. Yes, answering prayers, supplications and intercessions in subtle, obvious ways. When you can actually see things turning around.
Yes, I can see things turning around for the better in my life right now. I can see God answering my prayers in the lives of others right now.
This is what I’m saying…
Right now, today…God is just as real and tangible to me as the air I just inhaled.
Right now, today…I can tell He’s working in me and for me just as that air/oxygen is working in my body.
I can’t see the air, but I know that because I breathed it in…it’s there.
I can’t feel the air/oxygen working in my body, but I know it’s energizing my body.
I can’t see it, but I can tell it’s there.
I can’t feel it, but I know it’s working.
That’s how real God’s power is in me right now. Invisible, but tangible. Working within me to sustain me.
It’s no wonder that God is a living Spirit. God is breath. God is life.
Let every breath you take remind you of how real God is. Let every move you make remind you of how He’s alive and working in you.
Isaiah 42:5 (NKJV)
5 Thus says God the Lord, Who created the heavens and stretched them out, Who spread forth the earth and that which comes from it, Who gives breath to the people on it, And spirit to those who walk on it:
1 Corinthians 15:45 (NKJV)
45 And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.”[a] The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.
I have to admit I love the convenience of bible apps. They offer quick access to various translations and study tools. It’s so easy to pull out my smartphone throughout the day and get encouragement, instruction, comfort, guidance and revelation throughout the day. Sometimes if I’m in a stressful or contentious meeting, I will open a bible app to help my mind stay focused and to help me remain in the integrity and character of God.
There are some pastors who don’t like that convenience and accessibility in worship service. They like the personal discipline of bringing a bound bible to church. Sometimes they feel having cell phones and tablets out during worship service is a distraction. Some feel that people are texting or surfing the web during service. Some pastors are concerned with what would we do if technology fails (in case they can’t get a signal). Some pastors have a personal preference to hear pages turning.
I by no means think that bible apps should replace bound bibles, however I do think they are an excellent use of technology, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with using them in worship service.
The words in an electronic medium are no different from the words on a paper medium. They are no different than the words were on a parchment or papyrus medium. God’s words on your smart phone or tablet are no different than they were on a scroll or carved in stone. Whether the words were carved, written with a quill or typed…it’s still the word of God.
The word is the word, no matter where it’s recorded or who it was written.
I just want to remind those pastors who forbid bible apps in the worship services they oversee that…
Bound bibles were once technology too.
I wonder how many religious leaders complained about the use of scrolls instead of stone tablets. I wonder if how many religious leaders complained about the use of bound bibles after years of using scrolls.
Tablets of stone, parchment scrolls and sheets of papyrus mediums were examples utilizing the latest technology to provide newer and better options to record, share, read and study God’s word.
As I said, I by no means think that electronic bibles should by no means replace bound bibles…I have several, and there is no guarantee that the technology we enjoy today will last until Jesus returns.
Yes I feel pastors have a valid concern that there may not be a data signal available and the bible app may not work. So, I encourage everyone to have a bound bible on hand in worship service. As far as the distraction of a wandering mind texting or surfing is no different from a wondering mind doodling on a piece of paper, or figuring their bills or planning their meal after church.
I do want to encourage all pastors to allow their members feel comfortable using their various bible apps in worship service. From electricity to climate control to computers to the transportation we use to get to worship…technology has its place in church. Many churches have even embraced streaming their services live to make their worship available to the word without the cost of being on television.
So, pastors, please let them pull out their phones. What really matters is that everyone has access to the same word of God.
Remember, that God has spoken to His people in VARIOUS WAYS, yet His word remains the same…
Hebrews 1:1 (NKJV)
God, who at various times and IN VARIOUS WAYS spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets,
The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is the same power that is available to us and that God wants to use to work in us.
Romans 8:11 (NKJV)
11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
God has called us to build His Kingdom and bear much fruit for Him, but only by being connected through our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus.
John 15:5 (NKJV)
5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
As you know, a conduit is a channel through which something such as water or electricity is conveyed.
God wants us to be the conduit of His power through our Lord Jesus. Are you a conduit or a can’t do it?
Look at King Saul and King David…
Both men were anointed by God, but God rejected Saul and gave David an eternal promise (2 Samuel Chapter 7).
Saul used his anointing for himself. Saul was selfish, insecure and disobedient. After being disobedient he even attempted to build a monument for himself…Do you know any anointed men or women of God who are anointed, but use their anointing for themselves?
1 Samuel 15:10-12 (NKJV)
10 Now the word of the Lord came to Samuel, saying, 11 “I greatly regret that I have set up Saul as king, for he has turned back from following Me, and has not performed My commandments.” And it grieved Samuel, and he cried out to the Lord all night. 12 So when Samuel rose early in the morning to meet Saul, it was told Samuel, saying, “Saul went to Carmel, and indeed, he set up a monument for himself; and he has gone on around, passed by, and gone down to Gilgal.”
Saul made mistakes but didn’t repent. Beware of people and especially leaders who won’t repent. God rejected Saul and removed his anointing.
Saul could have been a conduit, but he made himself a ‘can’t do it’.
David was anointed, and a man after God’s on heart. David didn’t just use his anointing for himself, but to the glory of the LORD God of Israel…
1 Samuel 17:26 (NKJV)
26 Then David spoke to the men who stood by him, saying, “What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?”
David didn’t fight Goliath to make himself look good, but to the glory of God. David served God in his generation (Acts 13:36). God used David to write Psalms to minister to us…bless us…teach us how to praise…teach us how to worship….even teach us how to lament.
David made mistakes. Big mistakes, but he humbled himself to repent and remain in the favor of God. Because of his repentant heart, God did not reject him. He remained a man after God’s own heart.
God used David as a channel convey His power. David was a conduit for God.
Are you bearing good fruit? Are you making disciples? Are you working your purpose in God? Even if you are doing kingdom work, are you using your anointing for God or for yourself?
Are you a channel to convey the power of God? Are you a conduit or a can’t do it?
YOU CAN STOP TODAY IF YOU REALLY WANT TO…#encouragent
YOU DON’T HAVE TO…
You don’t have to gain one more pound…
You don’t have to give away your body…
You don’t have to make one more charge…
Watch one more obscene video…
Make/answer one more call from ‘them’…
Send or open one more text from ‘him or her’
Open one more email…
Send one more pic…
Take one more drink…
Smoke one more cigarette…
Curse one more time…
Waste any more energy…
Waste any more time…
Cheat one more time…
Spread one more rumor…
Start one more fight…
Make one more frivolous purchase…
Insult, backstab or undermine one more person…
Quit one more job…
Be in one more clique…
Hold one more grudge…
Do ‘IT’ one more time (you know what you ‘IT’ is)…
God has given you the power and responsibility to stop today if you want to.
Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)
13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Colossians 3:8 (NKJV)
But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.
Ephesians 4:31
31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.
He has given you the tools to do it…
Matthew 17:20-21
20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief;[d] 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. 21 However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”
This article is not the opinion of St. Jude or any of it’s employees, but I’m sure they can use your donation more than some false prophet.
‘Heal at Will’ preachers! STOP mocking God’s healing power!
Stop ‘preying’ on God’s people instead of ‘praying’ for God’s people!
If you can really do what you claim, stop the conferences and late night broadcasts and come to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital…
Matthew 7:15-20 (NKJV) 15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them.
Yes, God can heal, but according to His will and not some flamboyant ‘preacher’ who never mentions salvation or the consequences of sin.
Don’t send your money (seed) to a false prophet. Sow it into your local church…a real ministry doing real Kingdom work…or donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where every job is a ministry. They work hard every day to save the lives of children suffering from deadly childhood diseases. Yes, Paul’s traveling companion and God inspired New Testament author was a physician.
Here’s a link with options to give. Please send up a prayer with each donation…
Colossians 1:28 “Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.”
“Nobody’s perfect! Even though we are Christians, we can never be without fault. We were born in sin and shaped iniquity (Psalm 51:5). No matter how hard we try we will make mistakes, we will fall short of God’s expectations. We will have weak moments. We will commit sins both unknowingly and willingly (sins of commission), and of course there will always be some things that we should be doing, that we aren’t (sins of omission). James 4:17 even explains that it’s a sin when we know to do good but don’t. Yet, God tells in His word that He expects us to be perfect. Matthew 5:48, “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” Colossians 1:28, “Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.”
If we are born in sin, if our spirit is willing, but our flesh is weak, then how can we ever be perfect before Jesus returns? Why even try?
Let me tell you that YES, you can be perfect, but we have to understand what God means when He tells us to be perfect. The Greek word used here is teleios, which according to Strong’s Concordance implies mature, complete, consummated by going through the necessary stages to reach a goal. If a child is completes the 4th grade, and has mastered the expectations for the 4th grade, then that child is considered perfect for his or her particular level of learning, but not yet perfect by 5th grade standards.
Perfect in the bible simply means mature.
If you are a new convert in Christ, God doesn’t expect you to be as mature as a more seasoned Christian. God expects us to always be growing faith, wisdom, knowledge, virtue and grace. If you have been walking with Christ for years, you shouldn’t have the same struggles that you did in the beginning. That’s why people who have been married for years drift apart. If a couple married in their early twenties…neither of them are the same people when they reach their thirties, forties, fifties and so on. People grow and mature at different levels. That’s why God told us to avoid being unevenly yoked, to promote growing and maturing together, because growing apart isn’t an excuse for divorce.
God encourages us to grow and mature…
1 Peter 2:2, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:”
We as Christians need to strive for spiritual maturity (perfection). The book of Hebrews Chapter 5:12-14 teaches that some should be teachers, but instead need to be taught the first principles of God. That some should have matured to solid food, but instead, still require milk. Hebrews 6:1-3 goes on to say that God expects us to move beyond the elementary teachings in Christ to maturity. Please read these powerful scriptures in context for yourself. When we are growing…WE ARE NEVER WHO WE WERE, AND SHOULD NEVER BE WHO WE WILL BE. Are you satisfied with your level of spiritual maturity? Are you still struggling with the same issues from years ago? Are you making disciples or still a babe in Christ? We all have some growing up to do. Remember, it’s a life long process for all of us. Just make sure your are always in your correct spiritual ‘grade’.
The Lord spoke his word to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 “Get up, go to the great city of Nineveh, and preach against it, because I see the evil things they do.” 3 But Jonah got up to run away from the Lord by going to Tarshish.
Some jobs are also ministries…teaching, medicine, even law enforcement. Some jobs, in order to do them effectively you must have passion and a heart for people. You’re using your God-given abilities to earn your living. But, most jobs are occupations. They are what we do to sustain our lives, but they can change.
My job is my occupation, but my FAMILY and my MINISTRIES are my PURPOSE.
Occupations can change, but your PURPOSE is the reason you’re still here. You choose your job…but God chooses your PURPOSE, so work it relentlessly.
The apostles had occupations. They were fishermen(Matthew 4:18-22), tent makers (Acts 18:1-4) and even tax collector (Matthew 9:9-13), but we didn’t get the Gospel because of their occupations. It was because of their purpose.
REMEMBER, Jesus had an occupation. He was a carpenter…WE DIDN’T GET SAVED BECAUSE JESUS WAS A CARPENTER!
Jonah ran from his purpose and found himself in the belly on a great fish (Jonah 1:17) to get him on task. The men on the ship on which Johah boarded to flee even asked him, “What is your occupation?” (Johah 1:8). Don’t get so occupied with your occupation, that you neglect your purpose.
Relentlessly pursue your purpose and be ALL God created you to be.
Why does God test us when He already knows what we will do?
He doesn’t have to ‘find out’ how strong we are…He already knows.
He doesn’t have to see what we will choose…He already knows.
Yes, God tests us so WE can see how strong we are…or aren’t. Just like any other assessment, tests let us know where we stand, and where we need to grow.
Tests allow others to benefit from witnessing our strength, and to learn from our mistakes…
However, there is one more reason God tests us that is so obvious in scripture, but we if we aren’t careful we’ll miss it…
God somtimes wants to prove a point to the enemy.
God knows the outcome beforehand, but the enemy doesn’t.
The enemy thinks he can tempt you to do anything he wants and put God to open shame.
God loves it when we prove the enemy wrong ‘to his face’. Much like if an attractive rival tempts your spouse. This rival taunts you and tells you he or she can have your spouse any time they wish. You know for yourself that your spouse is attracted to the rival, but they still don’t give in. You didn’t have to make prevent your spouse from giving in…they willingly rejected the rival.
This happened ‘in a sense’ with Job…
Job 1:8-12
8 Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?”
9 So Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing? 10 Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!”
12 And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.”
Next time you’re tested, put your name in Job’s place…
“Consider my servant ________.”
Show the enemy that he doesn’t know you better than God does.
Let God prove to the enemy, that you’re stronger than he thinks.
Make God shine in the face of the enemy.
2 Timothy 2:3-5 (NKJV)
3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
Our spiritual wars started ‘a long long time ago’…
Ephesians 6:12(NKJV)
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Before you judge someone else’s love, make sure you are truly reciprocating God’s love for you. Whenever someone else’s love doesn’t measure up to your expectations, ask yourself does yours measure up to God’s.
We must always be patient with one another and remember the fact that when your spouse, your child, your parent, your friend your church member, your Pastor…or when YOU fall short, it doesn’t mean that there is no love. It just means that our love isn’t perfect.
And, pray for the discernment to know when love isn’t genuine. Even when it’s not, it does not free us from the responsibility to make sure ours is. That’s what makes it love.
Matthew 15:8 (NKJV)
8 ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And[a] honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me.
Please check out my short video, and all the scriptures below that support the fact that once we have accepted Christ as Lord and Savior, God gives us the power and responsibility to change ourselves…
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)
17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
Hebrews 12:1 (NKJV)
12 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
Ephesians 4:25-32 (NKJV)
25 Therefore, putting away lying, “Leteach oneof youspeak truth with his neighbor,”[a] for we are members of one another. 26 “Be angry, and do not sin”:[b] do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil. 28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. 29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
Colossians 3:5-8 (NKJV)
5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, 7 in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. 8 But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.
2 Corinthians 7:1 (NKJV)
7 Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
I wonder how many people in the Body of Christ…how many ‘church’ people…how many Christians really care about those who are lost.
He told us to bear much fruit…
John 15:16 (NKJV)
16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.
To make disciples…
Matthew 28:19 (NKJV)
19 Go therefore[a] and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
It’s His will that ALL come to repentance…
2 Peter 3:9 (NKJV)
9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us,[a] not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
He told us to pray to the Lord of the Harvest to send laborers into HIS harvest…
Matthew 9:36-38 (NKJV)
36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary[a] and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.38 Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”
Do you care about the lost, or only about what you may have lost?
Do you share your faith with those who don’t believe or only with those who already do?
Do you hope those who are lost…especially those guilty of the sins that bother you the most, or those who have hurt you, or those who hate you…do you hope they come to repentance?
Do you regularly pray the Lord or the Harvest to send laborers into His Harvest? Are you a laborer for His Harvest or a Laborer for yours only?
It’s easy to sincerely love God, have faith in Him, share our faith and testimony with others who are already ‘saved’ – its’ easy, if we aren’t careful, to serve, give and do Kingdom work with selfish motives…pursuing our own prosperity, health and blessings. It’s easy to approach God, but approach Him selfishly. APPROACHING GOD SELFISHLY…
We all want a bountiful harvest in our lives and there’s nothing wrong with that, unless we totally ignore our responsibility to bring others into the Kingdom of God
The LORD wants us to have a heart for those who are lost, just as He did in 9:36. He looked at the multitudes and felt moved with compassion on them. Have you ever looked at those who don’t believe in God through our Lord and Savior Yeshua, Christ Jesus, or those who are caught up in practicing ungodly lifestyles and felt…Contempt? Anger? Rage? Or, just didn’t care at all? Don’t let the sin of self-righteousness or apathy corrupt your faith.
Let us always pray for a heart for those who are lost, and follow up that prayer with genuine effort.
Isn’t amazing how people give coaches a pass? They don’t want the teacher or police to ‘curse’ at their children, even if they are disruptive. They don’t even want the preacher to speak too ‘harshly’ to or of their children – but the let the coach say what he or she wants and how he or she wants. Some will even let a coach hit their children…hit not spank.
Have you ever heard anyone say they had to talk to someone ‘on their level’ to reach them, especially when they are disruptive or have harsh speech themselves.
God says very clearly that we are not to allow corrupt communication to come out of our mouths…
This applies to coaches too!
Ephesians 4:29 (NKJV)
29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
He clearly tells us that we aren’t to swear (an oath) or to curse ( cursing is pronouncing condemnation)…
Matthew 5:37 (NKJV)
37 But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.
That means it’s sin to say “Hell yes!” or “Hell no!”. Jesus says that “anything more is from the evil one”.
To reason that it takes profanity or cursing to get the best out of someone is to imply that it takes ‘the evil one’ rather than God to do that. Why do people trust their children to language straight from the devil. In other words, we are saying God can’t handle it, but the devil can. God forbid!
Some say it prepares them for the real world or competition. I say that teaching them how to get the best out of you according to God’s will prepares them to be light in the real world. Remember, God is sending us out like sheep among wolves…that’s how He prepares us.
Matthew 10:16 (NKJV)
16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore, be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.
There is no game, competition or battle on earth more serious or challenging than the one Jesus endured on the cross. There was no profanity and cursing in preparation for that…only submission and humility.
If I don’t curse or use profanity to get the best out of my children, I’m not going to allow a man or woman to do so when it’s within my power.
Giving a coach the thumbs up to curse out or belittle your child is another way that a parent can provoke their children to wrath.
Allowing a coach to curse your children is cursing your children…
Ephesians 6:4 (NKJV)
4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
There are plenty of coaches out there are very effective and do it the right way. But to those who don’t…God will hold them accountable and hold the parents accountable for allowing it.
Just because our culture has normalized this behavior as acceptable doesn’t make it right. Trust God’s word and not the ‘devil’s words’ with your children.
INFIDELITY…It’s the universal act of betrayal that many, if not most, find it difficult to come back from.
No matter what country, religion or culture, infidelity marks the end of many relationships. It’s viewed as the ultimate proof that love is lost.
However, the ability to come back from infidelity may be the ultimate proof of real love.
How can I say that?
Because marriage is the analogy that God uses throughout the bible, not only to describe His relationship with Israel in Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Joel, Isaiah and Hosea, but also Christ’s (who represents the invisible God bodily) relationship with His church in Colossians, Ephesians and Revelations. All of the aforementioned, Old Testament books are stories of Israel continually betraying God, only to have Him continually forgive them and take them back.
Israel loved God… but they continued to choose other God’s over Him.
Israel loved God… but they continued to reject His commandments.
Israel loved God…but they continued to live below His expectations and standards.
BUT, when they repented God always took them back. Notice that I kept saying Israel loved God. The fact that they betrayed Him doesn’t mean they didn’t love Him. It just means their love wasn’t perfect. When we hurt God and one another, it doesn’t always mean there’s no love…it just means our love isn’t perfect. But God’s love is perfect. That’s how He can continue to forgive our infidelity to Him. When we choose to sin, when we put others before Him, when we live below His expectations and standards…we’re CHEATING ON GOD. We’re no different than Israel…no different than Judas betraying Him…no different than Peter denying Him. But, when we truly repent, He’s always willing to forgive us. Remember repentance means Godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10)… to turn from our wickedness( 2 Chronicles 7:14), not just ask forgiveness. God is always willing to take us back. See…God proves that real love even can forgive infidelity. When we’re willing to endure the pain, embarrassment, betrayal and despise the shame as Christ did on the cross for His bride (Hebrews 12:2), we’re acting just like our Heavenly Father. Now THAT’S conforming to His image. Is it easy? No! But, God proves it’s possible.
Plus even in regard to marriage, notice what God said in Matthew 5…
Matthew 5:32 (KJV)
32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
Notice that the KJV uses the word ‘fornication’, but all other versions lessen it to ‘sexual immorality’…why? How can you commit fornication while married? Why did it not say, ‘saving for adultery’? Hmmmm. Because even though it’s not very common today, God intends for us to be virgins when we marry, so if you get ready to consummate your marriage and discover that your new spouse is not a virgin, you have a right to divorce then because they committed ‘fornication’. This is a fulfillment of Deuteronomy 24:1, but stands true for the man or woman…
Deuteronomy 24:1 (KJV)
24 When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house.
And, don’t forget what Jesus told the woman at the well…
John 4:18 (NKJV)
18 for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; in that you spoke truly.”
If adultery were an excuse to get out of marriage then all both have to do spouses is cheat to get out…that reduces marriage to nothing.
If the spouse repents, God expects us to forgive, just as He forgives us for committing spiritual adultery on Him. And, we do it over and over again.
I encourage anyone who’s been betrayed, that if the offender is truly sorry, and the relationship is important enough to you (usually the more you love them, the more it hurts) then you should follow God’s example and forgive. He can give you strength you never had to restore and rebuild any relationship, not just a marriage. Remember this. After Israel sinned, they went through some rough days. But, God always promised renewed joy contingent on their faithfulness.When you forgive cheating. When you forgive ANY betrayal in any relationship…things may not ever be THE SAME, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be BETTER.
Yes…just because things aren’t the same, doesn’t mean they can’t be better….it’s all up to you.
This is where the real power in… I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me ( Philippians 4:13) is realized.
This is where the real power in… My strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9) is realized.
This is where the real power in… And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you (Ephesians 4:32) is realized.
Forgive as God forgives us, over and over again (Matthew 18:22) …Enjoy your relationships…, even though your relationship with _________ may never be the same, doesn’t mean it can’t be better. (Yes…I was redundant on purpose)
Let me first say this. I DID NOT say God hates homosexuals or those who have abortions. God loves everyone, and we were all made in His image.
Now, with that said…I wonder why do so many of my fellow Christians act as though homosexuality and abortion are the only sins that matter socially, politically and most of all that matter to God.
Yes, I agree that homosexuality is a sin…that gay marriage is unacceptable to God, and that abortion does equate to murder. My intention in writing this isn’t to debate these two sins, but to be responsible… From Genesis 19, to Leviticus 18, to Romans 1, to 1 Corinthians 6, God makes it undeniably clear that homosexuality is a sin and that marriage is only between a man and woman Genesis 5:2 and Matthew 19:4, even though there are many who are now trying to twist scripture and claim ‘that’s not what God is saying’. The bible also makes it clear that life begins at conception Jeremiah 1:5, Psalm 139:19 confirming that abortion is taking a life.
It is my intention to remind many of my fellow Christians who in their self-righteousness accept, excuse, overlook or ignore other sins that are equally wrong in the eyes of God.
And, I’m not just talking about the obvious fornication and adultery either. In fact, I wonder how many people so passionately against some sins read their bible enough to examine their own lifestyles.
Carefully read Romans 1:26-27…it clearly addresses those who engage in homosexual activity…
Romans 1:26-27 (NKJV)
26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
But UH OH!!! Don’t stop reading there! Look what comes immediately after! How many times have you heard this read, preached or taught?
Romans 1:28-32, 2:1-3 (NKJV)
28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality,[a] wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving,[b] unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.
Romans 2:1-3 (NKJV)
2 Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. 2 But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. 3 And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God?
If you read that carefully, it needs no commentary. It clearly speaks for itself. Look at some of the sins that the NKJV defines as ‘not fitting’, and again… I’m not just talking about fornication and adultery either.
Here are a few…
Covetousness: This is greed and Colossians 3:5 goes on to define it as idolatry. This sin, in my opinion is one of the greatest plagues to our society today. The unquenchable desire for more goes beyond ‘wanting better’. It is the exact opposite of contentment and thanksgiving. And the idolatry committed isn’t just worshiping ‘things’, but oneself by placing our desires before God’s.
Strife: There are those who love to quarrel and bitter conflict.
Whisperers and Backbiters: How many people secretly or openly speak evil of others? Think about the fact that many publications and television shows are successful because of the love of gossip, whispering and backbiting.
Proud, Boasters: Pride and boasting almost defines our society and culture today. Not a spirit of humility and thanksgiving, but an arrogant pride in our strength, out accomplishments without regard that everything we have or have done is through the grace of God. We revere leaders with this attitude even when God has spoken against it. I can’t help but notice how many Christians excuse President Trump’s arrogant, unapologetic and UNREPENTANT attitude that God hates, just as much as homosexuality…yet this is excused because they falsely see it as strength. It was much easier to criticize President Obama’s efforts towards gay marriage…in these areas, both leaders were wrong in the eyes of God.
Unloving: Many Christians don’t share their faith or express themselves or even speak out against sin in the spirit of love. Even though homosexuality is wrong, God does not us to hate, bully or be mean to anyone who participates in that sin. It’s God’s will that we hate the sin and not the sinner. No one will be convinced of any wrong through being mean-spirited and hateful.
Untrustworthy: The KJV calls it ‘covenant breakers’. This includes those who breaking contracts and commitments (including marriage). Have you ever broken a contract or agreement? Have you ever been untrustworthy.
And notice that not only does verse 32 state that all the sins mentioned are worthy of death but many people approve of those who practice them.
Romans 2 goes on to say that when we judge others for the sins they practice, we who practice other sins are judging ourselves for our own. In other words, God condemns self-righteousness.
Please remember this, calling out sin is not judging. It is our responsibility to hold one another accountable and to judge righteously…
John 7:24 (NKJV)
24 Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”
Condemnation or stating what’s in another person’s heart is judging. Saying homosexuality or fornication is sin is not judging. Telling someone they can go to Hell for a particular isn’t judging. Judging is condemnation as if someone has no hope. Judging is the condemnation in saying that someone is beyond saving, or have done too much to be saved.
So please…Don’t let what is politically or socially popular dictate what you consider to be right or wrong.
Do you feel that He sometimes allows others to ‘get away’ with more than you?
Do you feel He requires more of you than others?
More disappointments?
More sacrifice?
More suffering, more patience, more strength?
Are there some people in your life of whom you expect more? You expect them to treat you better. You expect them to ‘have your back’, you expect them to have more patience with you and for you.
You expect them to be more loyal, dependable, caring, loving? How does it make you feel when they aren’t? It’s okay when people who don’t know us let us down, but it’s different when those closer to us do…because of our RELATIONSHIP with them.
People love saying this, but too many times they don’t mean it. In a recent meeting at my office, one of my co-workers shared an email from another co-worker in another department which had several questions. Other people in the meeting then began to laugh at, mock and make comment on how silly the questions were. Unfortunately, this went on for a while until I stated, “I thought there were no stupid questions”. After that was stated, comments transitioned to, “Maybe they’re new”, or “Maybe they just didn’t know”. Of course they didn’t know…that’s why they asked.
I’m pretty sure the person who sent that email would not have appreciated, or may have been hurt if he or she knew that their questions were being made fun of.
I can’t count the times that during a public Q & A session that I have waited to ask a question privately, and was sometimes even cautious about that.
It seems that belittling other people’s questions somehow makes others feel bigger.
It’s even more sad when people want to know more about God, His word, His will, or salvation and are afraid to ask because they think their question is stupid. Especially if the person is ‘older’ and thinks they should be expected to already know.
Let’s be very sensitive to how we respond to those who think enough of us to ask a question.
We can discourage someone who is serious and sincere about learning more about God by an inappropriate response to a question.
Remember what the word tells us…
Luke 6:31 (NKJV)
31 And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.
Have you ever heard someone say, “Awwe, they’re just doing that ‘for show’!” Or, “Awwe, they’re just doing that to be seen”? Jesus warned us about doing things only to be seen and to bring glory to ourselves…
Matthew 6: 1-3
“Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven.2 Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.
Jesus told us when we do things merely to be seen, whatever glory we receive from that act, we already have our reward.
However, that DOESN’T mean that some things should NEVER be done to…
It’s tough when you try to talk to the one’s closest to you and they just don’t get it…
They don’t understand how near and dear ‘it’ is to your heart.
They don’t understand how important it is to you.
They just can’t grasp how you really feel!
They don’t get how hurt you are!
But, they’re closest to you. They’re your mother. They’re your father. They’re your husband. Your wife. Your sister. Your brother. They’re your closest friend. They are SUPPOSED to understand everything about me! Right?
How can they love me the way they say they do? How can they care about me…and not understand how I feel? Are they really listening? Don’t they see what’s really going on? Why don’t they ‘get it’?!
If you’re honest with yourself, there are times that you couldn’t always understand what was going on with your loved ones…no matter how passionately…
The very foundation of conflict resolution is finding common ground and respectful healthy communication that is not ruled by our emotions. This is supported by scripture (Isaiah 1:18).
No one of any faith will convert anyone through anger, malice, hatred, wrath, insults and disrespect.
We all know that much or our religious, social, cultural, and political narrative today is about Christians and Muslims. We all know in many ways how we differ, but I have noticed some interesting things we both have in common, beyond the tenets of our faiths…
HERE ARE 7 THINGS CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS HAVE IN COMMON
Both were created by the same God and in His image (capacity to love like Him, have His character and communicate with Him).
Both have sincere people.
Both can be overzealous.
Both can be self-righteous.
Both have their core beliefs perverted by radicals.
Both have, contrary to God’s will, had radicals kill in effort to spread their faith.
Both are enduring increased disrespect in our culture while other causes are gaining momentum.
PLUS, ONE BIG ONE
Both believe in the God of Abraham. I personally believe in the Lord God of Israel (Yah) through faith in the Lamb of God, The Son of God, Our Risen Savior, Christ Jesus (Yeshua). The one they have most in common is the one that makes them most different.
My belief does not allow me to disrespect or insult those who don’t believe as I do. To the contrary, the Apostle Paul treated the philosophers, the Epicureans and Stoics with respect. He debated with them from the perspective that they were sincere people who believed in something. He just wanted to submit to them the truth of the true and living God and let them make up their own mind.
Acts 17:16-34 (NKJV)
16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him when he saw that the city was given over to idols. 17 Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with the Gentile worshipers, and in the marketplace daily with those who happened to be there. 18 Then[a] certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. And some said, “What does this babbler want to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods,” because he preached to them Jesus and the resurrection. 19 And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new doctrine is of which you speak? 20 For you are bringing some strange things to our ears. Therefore, we want to know what these things mean.” 21 For all the Athenians and the foreigners who were there spent their time in nothing else but either to tell or to hear some new thing. Addressing the Areopagus 22 Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; 23 for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you: 24 “God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. 25 Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. 26 And He has made from one blood[b] every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their pre appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, 27 so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; 28 for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’ 29 Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man’s devising. 30 Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, 31 because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.” 32 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, “We will hear you again on this matter.” 33 So Paul departed from among them. 34 However, some men joined him and believed, among them Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.
Paul sets a great example of how to relate with people who don’t believe as we do. I’m a Christian, but God commands me to love everyone, and show respect to everyone. If I hope to convince anyone to consider what I believe to be the truth…I can only do it through love.
Do you know anyone who seems to love drama? Dysfunction? Chaos?
Do you know anyone who confuses peace with boredom?
Some people can become so used to toxic environments, cultures and behaviors that they consider that to be normal. They are so used to negativity that they begin to unknowingly enjoy it. They enjoy creating it. They enjoy watching it. They enjoy talking about it….that’s why I think reality shows are so successful now.
They can create their own poison to what would be a good relationship…friendship…job. They sometimes aren’t even comfortable with peace within themselves because they anticipate something bad is going to happen.
I hope this is not you. We must be very careful that we don’t reject the very peace that God seeks to GIVE us. We must not be uncomfortable with the peace that God GIVES us through our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus. Not only does He give us peace…He gives us HIS peace…
John 14:27 (NKJV)
27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
His peace is more powerful than any trouble or fear that we have the tendency to allow to overwhelm us.
Think about it. The enemy, just as he did in the book of Job roams around looking to disrupt the peace that God has given you…
Job 1:7 (NKJV)
7 And the Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?” So Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.”
1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV)
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because[a] your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
God has given you the power to ‘be the peace’ in any given situation.
Matthew 5:9 (NKJV)
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
For they shall be called sons of God.
Claim your own peace. Be comfortable with it, and walk in the authority God has ordained for your life.
Movies. Television. Plays. Sports have much more value than just entertainment. They provide a healthy release for mature people to vent our natural capacity, propensity and tendency to hate. Yes, hate that emotion that God forbids for us to have towards one another.
But, God created us with the ability to hate. Even the bible says there’s a time to hate (Ecclesiastes 3:8).
God Himself tells us to hate evil (Proverbs 8:13), , but He expects us to love people.
It’s natural though, to let our dislike for people’s behavior to become hate.
Think about this…
When being entertained, a healthy person can separate the character being portrayed from the actor portraying the character.
And, we all have characters we love to hate from Eddie Haskell on Leave it to Beaver, JR on Dallas to Kanye and the Kardashians, to WWE personalities.
So, the next time you are antagonized or aggravated by a rival. The next time you hear a politician say something that provokes your anger or rage. The next time someone hurts you. The next time you see someone who hates you… Don’t hate back.
Turn on the TV. Watch a video. Read a book. Go to a play…with a character good at being bad, and hate them.
Read your bible and direct that hate towards the devil.
Vent that hate in a healthy way, so there is only room left for love.
We all know there are millions of children born into poverty putting them at an undeniable disadvantage in getting ‘ahead’ in the world. However, there are those who still overcame the ‘curse’ of poverty. I don’t know why some are born rich while others are born into deep poverty. I do know that Jesus affirmed that the poor will always be with us (Matthew 26:11).
Sometimes those born into generational poverty can feel they are, and very well may be living under a curse, but I want to talk about an often overlooked ‘curse’. Those who are…
CURSED WITH EVERYTHING YOU EVER WANTED
Just as there are those born into generations of poverty, there are also those born into generations of wealth. Wealth that they didn’t have to earn for themselves. This unmerited wealth can be just as much a ‘curse’ as deep poverty.
Some people call it SPOILED…
It’s when your so-called BLESSINGS have become a BURDEN and stumbling block…spiritually, morally and hindered the development of Godly character.
They are cursed with no real concept of need, lack, or sacrifice.
They are cursed with a mindset of entitlement…that they deserve everything they have and more with no sense of compassion for those with less.
They were denied the opportunities for the disappointments that are designed equip us to deal with the real world.
And here’s the thing, you don’t have to have extravagant wealth to have this CURSED mindset. There are plenty of middle and lower-income people who feel just as entitled because they really haven’t suffered lack in our prosperous society.
Simply because they weren’t told, “NO!”
After all, God tells us “NO!”. He has the wisdom to NOT give us everything just because we ask or it.
We must be careful that we aren’t raising a cursed generation that feels they DESERVE not only everything that they want, but also INSTANT GRATIFICATION. Parents must be careful not to focus ONLY on making sure their children have…
Smart phones and tablets at younger and younger ages…
The latest brand name shoes and clothes…
The latest video games…
Every extracurricular sport and activity as if it were a job…
While neglecting to give them a spirit of contentment, thanksgiving as a strong sense of responsibility. We must be careful that we don’t neglect their spiritual development while nurturing their carnal development.
This may be what led to the attitude of the young ruler in…
Matthew 19:16-22 (NKJV)
16 Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” 17 So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” 18 He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ 19 ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” 20 The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
Remember, children don’t have to be rich to be ‘cursed with everything they want’…they only need parents that refuse to say, “No!”
And, yes there are various reason that parents don’t say, “No!”
Sometimes they want their children to have what they never had…
Sometimes they’re living vicariously through their children…
Sometime they are using their children as a symbol of their own status…
Whatever the reason. We must be careful that we aren’t raising a ‘cursed’ generation. In fact, some of the children born poor are better equipped to deal with the real world than their spoiled contemporaries.
These spoiled children grow up to lead and cause chaos and dysfunction in…
Families…
Companies…
Churches…
Countries…
So when you see that poor child in need, don’t feel sorry for them…help them if you can.
When you see that person who was clearly ‘cursed with everything they wanted’, send up a sincere prayer for God to give them a humble heart and His Spirit.
And, if you’re blessed with children, make sure you aren’t cursing them with everything they want.
One morning not long ago I prayed, “Lord, I need a miracle!”
As I prayed God reminded me of something powerful. I’m going to share with you verbatim how it went, and I hope it blesses you as much as it blessed me….
Lord, I NEED a miracle…
Lord I WANT a miracle….
LORD I AM a miracle….
Never Mind…THANK YOU JESUS!
Psalm 139:14 (NKJV)
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.
INFIDELITY…It’s the universal act of betrayal that many, if not most, find it difficult to come back from.
“Hey! You aren’t going to believe this!”
THE SON IS THE STAR! 
BE BLESSTIFIED! 