Tag: culture

Society Claims Love is Love

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Within our culture today society is constantly trying to push their form of love onto Christians. However, there is always a worldly component to their form of love. Because according to them we can love whomever we want without any consequences. Many have the motto, love is love, but, that’s not exactly accurate.

You see, when the world speaks of loving a person it always includes attraction, lust, impure thoughts and usually ends up as sexual immorality. Meaning, an intimate relationship between two people without being married first. So, no, love is not love.

There are two kinds of love, a worldly love and a Godly love. Jesus spoke about these when He spoke on the topics of loving our enemies, when He spoke of loving Him more than our father, mother, son, or daughter. And of course when He spoke of the great commandment in the law, which is, You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.

But the form of Godly love that really stands out to me, reads;

1 John 4:9,11 – This is how God’s love was revealed among us: God sent His only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him. And love consists in this: Not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

As you can see from these scriptures, Godly love is a foreign type of love to those who choose a worldly lifestyle. But Christians who follow the Lord Jesus understand that God’s love toward us wasn’t anything we earned or even deserved, instead, it is given to us while we are still sinners, the scriptures reads;

Romans 5:8,9 – But God demonstrates His love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.

These scriptures matches perfectly with one of the most famous scripture found in the Bible, they read;

John 3:16,17 – For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

So what have I learned?

God loves all mankind regardless of their sins, and, we can each come to Him from our very own living room, bedroom, kitchen or bathroom. God doesn’t care about the color of your skin, your nationality, if your rich, poor, straight, gay, transgender, atheist, pagan, popular or unpopular, what matters, is your ability to humble yourself before Him and believe in the One True God!

Because God isn’t waiting for us to be perfect, that’s impossible! But once we accept Jesus as our Lord and follow Him, the changes will begin within us.

If you’re feeling hopeless, depressed, entangled in darkness or just tired of the worldly games, come to the Lord Jesus Christ just as you are and let Him do all the cleaning!

Don’t Know the Lord Jesus Christ?
Call out to the Lord Jesus today, grieve over your sins, then, repent over them, ask Him to come into your heart and become your Lord and Savior. Believe that Jesus is the Son of God who was sacrificed for the atonement of sin. And when it comes to repenting over your sins, I’ve found it’s best to list them out. For instance, each time you lied, repent of each one separately, stolen something, repent of each account separately, had sex outside of marriage, repent of it separately. Because it’s this brokenness you feel, this shame and guilt that you see adding up against you which really makes you realize just how much you truly need God.

Get a good Bible, I suggest a study Bible like the Amplified Bible for beginners to help you learn, get to know God’s Word before stepping into a Church because there are lot’s of doctrines of demons being taught today. By reading the Scriptures first, you’ll be given the ability to discern before ever walking into a church. This is crucial because many who call themselves Christians never experience a change. They continue living life the same as before. Which means they didn’t receive the truth and follow as the Scriptures speak of, or, they received a deceiving spirit possibly by listening to those who twist scripture.

Repentance is More than a Simple Prayer

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Today we see more and more pastors telling those who are lost to say a simple prayer to get born again. But a simple prayer doesn’t align with scripture. For instance, when Jonah went to Nineveh and preached what God told him, the people responded differently than what we see in our society today. The Scriptures in Jonah 2:5,6 read;

So the people of Nineveh believed God, proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest to the least of them. Then word came to the king of Nineveh; and he arose from his throne and laid aside his robe, covered himself with sackcloth and sat in ashes.

Why is that?

Because the people believed God. They chose to humble themselves in sorrow by fasting, putting on sackcloth, crying out to God and turning from their evil way and violence.

But as you look at the world today very few pastors actually preach God’s truth. Some preach a form of it, some totally twist scriptures while others flat out deny it. Then they want you to recite a prayer to get born again.

Our culture today refuses to acknowledge God and His only Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. These are those who have no respect and have no fear of God. What you end up with is a  world that looks exactly as the one we live in.

For true repentance, one must exhibit sorrow for the things they’ve done in their past. This usually involves crying out to the Lord Jesus and telling Him you’re sorry for going against God’s Ways and against His teachings.

When one truly repents they humble themselves, get on their knees and cry to the Lord Jesus. Your mind will take you on a journey and you’ll remember things you long forgotten. Sexual immorality, lies you told, things you’ve stolen, cursing, adultery, putting your work, your family, or material possessions above God. Then you’ll go through the emotions, anger, hate, arrogance, pride, jealousy, vanity, lust, impure thoughts and unforgiveness.

You see, when one repents it’s truly from the heart, you feel broken inside over the things you’ve done. By reciting a simple prayer created by someone else it lacks the kind of emotions God is looking for. Because true repentance displays sorrow, regret and shame over ones past. It also ushers in respect and fear of God which many Christians and  Atheist seem to lack in today’s world.

Fear of the Lord

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Previously, I’ve spoken on the need to have fear of the Lord and this caused misunderstanding by some Christians. But the Bible speaks of two types of fear, one which God commands and one which is worldly. Because in our culture, in the religions of the world, in our societies and even in the Churches, they teach there should be no fear in God, but, this isn’t biblical. It goes completely against what the Bible teaches. For Instance, in the Old Testament, the scriptures read;

Proverbs 9:10 – The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Proverbs 14:27 – The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.

Psalm 25:14 – The secret counsel of the LORD is for those who fear Him, and He reveals His covenant to them.

Isaiah 8:12 – Do not call conspiracy everything these people regard as conspiracy. Do not fear what they fear, do not live in dread. The LORD of Hosts is the One you shall regard Holy. Only He should be feared; only He should be dreaded.

Isaiah 11:2 – The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of Wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of Counsel and Might, The Spirit of Knowledge and of the Fear of the LORD.

It’s at this point many Christians raise the objection that this is Old Testament scripture and doesn’t apply to the New Testament. But, I have found the complete opposite. Because everything spoken of in the New Testament can be backed up in the Old Testament. Let me say this, every Christian has a responsibility to study God’s Word because it is our own salvation that is at stake. But to bring further awareness to this, let’s look at some additional scriptures;

Matthew 10:28 – And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

2 Corinthians 7:1 – Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let’s cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the Fear of God.

1 Peter 2:17 – Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, Honor the King.

Acts 9:31 – So the Church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up. And walking in the fear of the LORD and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied.

Hebrews 12:28 – Therefore, since we are receiving a Kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.

1 Peter 1:17 – Since you call on a Father who judges each one’s work impartially, conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners.

Philippians 2:12 – So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Revelation 14:7 – And he said with a loud voice, “Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come; worship Him who made the Heaven and the earth, and sea and springs of water.

Romans 3:10,18 – As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands;
there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.” “Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.” “The poison of vipers is on their lips.” “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.” “Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery mark their ways, and the way of peace they do not know.” “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”

The last scripture I’m sharing found in the Old Testament, actually gives the reason why we should fear the Lord, it reads;

Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the LORD evil is avoided.
Proverbs 16:6

It’s our fear of the LORD GOD, that keeps us walking upright in the path of righteousness through the Holy Spirit. The Lord tells us throughout scripture not to fear man or the things he fears, but instead, fear the Lord God. If you don’t have fear for God, you don’t respect Him. And if you don’t respect Him, you can easily fall into sin. Because it’s the Fear of the Lord that will help us overcome our worldly fears. Which makes me believe this is what sustained the Apostles and early believers during persecution

Envy the Backbone of America

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I’ve never really thought much about envy and how it plays such a big role in our culture. And just like myself, many Christians may be harboring this sin within themselves without even realizing it. But before I go into what envy is, let’s look at it from a different view. If you ever listened to the song by Waylon Jennings, Luckenbach Texas, you may relate. A portion of the chorus reads;

We’ve been so busy keepin’ up with the Jones, four car garage and we’re still building on.

See what I mean?

In the past the phrase, keeping up with the Jones, was acceptable. Today, we don’t even sugarcoat it. But it’s the desire, longing, or lusting after what someone else has, or, something even better. And envy can cause feelings of discontent, resentment, bitterness, jealousy and even hate.

But there is another word for envy many of us miss and it’s the word Covet. The very definition of Coveting is a desire, craving or yearning for what someone else possesses. Whether it’s wealth, a new home, a new car, owning your own business, traveling, buying new furniture, or the perfect dream job, it’s the very act of wanting what someone else has.

But God warned us against this in His 10 commandments. However, we know those who believe in Christ Jesus and follow Him keep these commandments by the Spirit which God has given us. It’s Grace through Faith. But look at the scripture which reads;

You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, not his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.

Yes, God told from the very beginning that we should not lust, long, yearn or desire anything that our neighbor possesses. Unfortunately, many Christians have missed the connection between these two words.

But what’s even more surprising is how these words have now evolved into today’s terminology as, our passions, desires, aspirations, goals, and our best life now.

Please don’t put off repenting of this sin, because when we fail to repent of these things, it can hinder our walk with Christ…

God bless you!

America Needs to Repent

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America is seeing an increase in crime, violence, lawlessness and soon we’ll be facing over population, new pandemics and shortages. And within our country societies are being forced into a new culture, one which is intolerant of those who follow the Lord Jesus Christ, but, is open to every sin which goes against God’s Word.

From my Journey through the Scriptures, I realized many of the biblical stories found in the Old Testament spoke of some of these same things. You see, when a nation, country or king went against God by failing to give Him the glory and repent of their deeds, God would render punishment often through invasions, famines and disease. Whether what’s occurring today is punishment from God, or something else entirely different, it doesn’t change the fact that America needs to REPENT. Repent from;

  • False idols & failing to put God first
  • Sexual immorality
  • Lying
  • Stealing
  • Murders, Assaults, and Rape
  • Abortion
  • Transgender Movement
  • Marriage between Same Sex
  • False Prophets with their False Teachings
  • Ungodly Leaders

Please understand, I’m merely pointing out the TRUTH of God’s Word. I’m not judging anyone cause I’ve had my own past sins, issues, and deeds to repent of. But when you look at people today many really don’t want to hear they’re sinners, just like I didn’t. They don’t want to hear God gives them a death sentence for their sins, just like He did me. Are how people believe they’re mostly good, just as I believed I was.

But we have HOPE!

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, so that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

The Word existed from the beginning, left his home in heaven and took on flesh by being born of a virgin. He dwelt among men as Jesus, the Christ (or Yeshua the Messiah in Hebrew), preached a message of Repentance and the need to live righteously. But He died on the cross for the penalty of our sins, bore our sins in His body and became the sacrificial lamb. He was buried in a tomb, rose on the third day, seen by His Apostles, along with many of His disciples then returned back to Heaven.

Whoever believes in the Son and confesses with their mouth, Jesus is Lord, and believes in their heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Knowing Jesus is my Lord, also means He is before anyone and anything in my life. It also means as a believer if I’m caught between following Christ or following man, I must speak God’s TRUTH, STAND FIRM in it and choose the Lord Jesus Christ.

Knowing we have this hope, let’s continue to encourage one another, build each other up so when trials come we can stand firm in our FAITH.

Going Against the Grain

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Everything transpiring throughout America’s culture with our children is absolutely disgraceful. Those who follow Jesus Christ know it’s part of Satan’s schemes to undermine God’s Ways. As parents we also bare a responsibility. The Scripture I’m referring to reads;

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6

The scriptures clearly indicate we play a large part in our children’s future. Which means parents also must take some of the blame. But as a Christian I know this world’s false teachings and ideologies go completely against the Word of God.

But, please remember, we’re not called to judge those who follow this world’s false teaching, instead, we are called to speak God’s Truth through love in a gracious, respectful, peaceful manner. Then, the decision each individual makes is entirely up to them. Unfortunately, these false teaching are everywhere, schools, churches, hospitals, clinics, government offices, colleges, and the work environment. The scriptures read;

1 Timothy 4:1,2 – Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, influenced by the hypocrisy of liars, whose consciences are seared with a hot iron.

2 Timothy 4:3,4 – For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

And remember, it’s not only the transgender ideology or the LGBQT community that are in error, but, ALL worldly temptations. If your a Christian and fall within one of these categories, please, REPENT! The reason being is because the scriptures read;

Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute
becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will
become one flesh.” But he who is joined to the Lord becomes
one spirit with him. Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin
a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral
person sins against his own body. 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, for you were
bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
1 Corinthians 6:16-20

Be Still

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Be still, and know that I Am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!
Psalms 46:10

This morning as I was reflecting on this scripture, one of my thoughts was that it refers to praising God. And that’s definitely one way to apply it. But after doing a little research, I realized the word exalted reveals so much more. You see, the word exalted means to hold someone in high esteem and indicates someone you respect, cherish, admire, glorify, honor or regard with deep affection. It’s also used when someone is Holy, Divine or Sacred. So I begin to think as a Christian, how many of us truly apply each of these terms to God when we praise and worship Him. Because we know we can talk to God just like a close friend or family member at anytime. We can praise Him throughout the day whether we’re driving to work, sitting in a coffeeshop or making dinner. But unlike a close friend or family member it’s also important to remember who God truly is and ensure we acknowledge Him as Holy, Sovereign, Divine and unmistakably Omniscient.

My Prayer
Lord, have mercy on me, in my ignorance when I’ve sinned against you and failed to realize your absolute Holy and Divine nature. Forgive me for speaking words of arrogance, pride or thoughts that are unbecoming to You and who You truly are. Blot out worldly desires, renew my mind and replace them with Godly thoughts, actions and deeds that are reflective of Christ when He walked among us. I pray for a love that surpasses all understanding, a kind, gentle nature, the ability to forgive even in difficult times and a joy that fills me everyday. I trust the Holy Spirit to guide, teach, remind and keep me walking in Your Righteous Ways so I can produce good fruit that is consistent with your will. Thank you for loving me, thank you for the Lord Jesus, and thank you for the gift of Grace for all who believe. Amen

Sowing What You Reap

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The one who sows to please the flesh,
from the flesh will reap destruction; but
the one who sows to please the Spirit,
from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
Galatians 6:8

Our culture has gone completely off course, which means, many are in the path of God’s wrath. I’m not just referring to non-believers but to Christians who still prefer to live life their own way. While my hope is for all the lost to turn to the Lord Jesus, I’m burdened by how many Christians profess their belief in Him and yet still embrace these worldly ways. But the scriptures tell me those who live a worldly lifestyle will reap the destruction this life brings. Staying out all night partying, drinking, drugging, hooking up and living life to it’s fullest will only bring death. If you profess to be a Christian, if you believe in the Lord Jesus and the sacrifice He made, if you have faith in Him, then, you bare the responsibility to walk in His ways. Those who live a worldly lifestyle destined to satisfy their every desire, lust or pleasure will reap destruction. Because the scriptures tell us, do not be deceived, God will not be mocked!

My Prayer
Lord God Almighty, I pray for those who are still living their lives according to the flesh, especially, for those who profess to be Christians. I pray that all will wake-up to your tender mercies and realize the error of their ways. But for the lost sheep, I pray they remember this life is temporary, it only brings death and destruction. My hope is that each Christian who has strayed turns back to you, repents of their ways and loves you with all their heart, mind, soul and strength. Let them flee from this world’s toxic ways by running back into your arms and seeking your solace. All these things I pray, through Christ Jesus and in His name, Amen.

Reality Check

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Those who belong to Christ Jesus
have crucified the flesh with
its passions and desires.
Galatians 5:24

Within the Christian community there are many who are living a lifestyle that is not consistent with the teachings of the Lord Christ Jesus. Because the Lord taught we need to repent and turn away from sin. But recently, it seems, more Christians are completely giving themselves up to the ways of this world. They are abandoning God’s Truth for a lie. Popular belief is they can maintain a friendship with the world by living a fleshly lifestyle. But scriptures tell me that the acts of the flesh are obvious because you can tell by their fruit, or their ways, in which they live. We’re warned, those who practice the deeds of sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, discord, jealousy, rage, rivalries, divisions, factions, envy, orgies, drunkenness, and the like will not inherit the Kingdom of God. We all need a reality check, we all need to turn back to God before this fiery path we’re on comes to a dead end!

My Prayer
Heavenly Father, As I watch this world fall deeper and deeper into darkness I pray for Your Church all around the world. Because many Christians are taking on the ways of this world all while professing Faith in You. Christian Churches are divided by denominations, by doctrines, by politics, and by worldly ideologies which go against your teachings. From scripture we’re taught that a house divided cannot stand, so, let my light shine so it encourages love and compassion among my fellow man. Guide me, direct my steps and lead me in the righteous Way along with the boldness to speak Your Truth. And lastly, help all Christians to turn away from these worldly ways and embrace Your Ways Christ Jesus taught. All these things I pray in the precious name of the Lord Christ Jesus, Amen.

Work Hard Play Hard

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Put to death, therefore, the
components of your earthly
nature: sexual immorality,
impurity, lust, evil desires, and
greed, which is idolatry.

Ephesians 4:32

One of my previous employments, as a administrative assistant, I found my boss often used the phrase, work hard, play hard. Since I worked in the purchasing department it meant we dealt with salesmen from all around the state. They would always tell stories of how my boss and some of the product salesman would go out and party together staying out till the wee hours of the night, and in some cases, all night. Making the next day a sunglass wearing work day due to too much alcohol, drugs, and partying with men and women. I was shocked when He told me he and his wife had an arrangement and I believe it was an open marriage situation. Which was odd since my boss also considered himself a Christian. But, when we look at the scriptures, we find this behavior is the exact opposite of what God expects. We’re not called to stay out all night drinking, partying, committing adultery, fornication or living life to it’s fullest, in fact, we’re called to do the exact opposite. When we believe in Jesus, and what He did for us on the cross, all we want to do is live for Him, to follow Him and sow good seed for the Lord. Our earthly nature no longer means anything, because it’s no longer about us, it’s all about the Lord Christ Jesus.

My Prayer
Lord God Almighty as I pray today I ask for your help so I can put to death any issues of my earthly nature that may cause behaviors that are unbecoming to you. Renew my mind so my thoughts are always focused on Christ Jesus and the works He wants me to do. Let the blood of Christ which was shed for my sins protect my mind from worldly temptations and the lust of the eyes. Don’t let everyday distractions such as work, family, health or financial issues cause me to stumble or fall. Let me walk by the Spirit so I can always project the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control all Christians are called to exhibit. Lastly, keep me close so no one can snatch me out of your hand and let me offer words of encouragement, hope and life giving words that comfort and heal. Thank you for your love, compassion, mercy and Grace. These things I pray in Jesus name, Amen.

#partying #lifestyle #meditation #biblical meditation #JesusTheRighteousPath

Truth

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During my reading of the Prophet Isaiah certain scriptures really stood out to me. I say this because I see a correlation in what He wrote about referring to transgressions, sin, and Truth to what is currently happening within the United States, in fact, the whole world. You see, many continue to deny God’s Truth, who He is, and how we’re suppose to live. Instead they prefer to deny His very existence while trying to force their own ungodly views on the rest of us. The scriptures I’m referring to in Isaiah read;

Isaiah 59:12,15 – For our transgressions are multiplied before You, and our sins testify against us. Our transgressions are indeed with us, and we know our iniquities: rebelling and denying the LORD, turning away from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering lies from the heart. So justice is turned away, and righteousness stands at a distance. For Truth has stumbled in the public square, and honesty cannot enter. Truth is missing, and whoever turns from evil becomes a prey.

From these scriptures, it becomes evident that Christ ministry also reflected this same theme. The Lord Jesus, the Son of God, preached the Good news of the Kingdom which spoke of the cause of sin, the need to repent of our sins, the need to turn back to God, to seek righteousness, to believe in the Lord Jesus as the Messiah (Christ), and believe in the One who sent Him (God), along with the need to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.

But today’s society is just the opposite, instead, many continue to deny God, to mock the Lord Jesus, and twist the very Words of the Bible. These are those who prefer to live their lives on their on terms. They live according to man’s standards instead of God’s promoting their lies through false ideologies, misinformation and lawless deeds, including, what’s transpiring in many Church denominations today. But the scriptures read;

2 Thessalonians 2:9,12 – The coming of the lawless one will be accompanied by the working of Satan, with every kind of power, sign, and false wonder, and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the Truth that would have saved them. For this reason God will send them a powerful delusion so that they believe the lie, in order that judgment may come upon all who have disbelieved the Truth and delighted in wickedness.

As a Christian I’m not called to judge or condemn the lost, but, we are called to speak the Truth in love with gentleness. However, when Christians try to speak openly to non-believers about Jesus, the love He has for us, and the sacrifice He made, we’re automatically deemed as hateful. So it’s not surprising how many Churches are changing doctrine to accommodate the lost and their twisted ideology. It reminds me of the scripture;

2 Timothy 4:3,4 – For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires. So they will turn their ears away from the Truth and turn aside to myths.

What is the Truth?

For me, the Truth is summed up by two scriptures in the Bible that speaks of what God did, why He did it, who Christ is, what His mission was and what He provides to those who believe and follow Him, the scripture reads;

For God so loved the world that He gave
His only begotten Son, that whoever
believes in Him should not perish but
have everlasting life. For God did not send
his Son into the world to condemn the
world, but that the world through Him
might be saved.

John 3:16

But there is Hope in the Lord Christ Jesus for all who believe, question is, will you?

Shape Me

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The Lord is patient,
compassionate and kind,
He searches our hearts,
He searches the mind.

He reveals unwanted thoughts,
maybe a testing through our dreams,
exposing worldly behaviors,
those unbecoming to our KING.

Let me focus on Your Ways,
as it penetrates deep within,
removing undesirable traits,
and wash my stain of sin.

Have mercy on me LORD,
cause it’s You that I seek,
my soul thirst for Your righteousness,
but my flesh is desperately weak.

Cleanse me of immoral thinking,
remove ungodly deeds,
shape me into a reflection of you,
so I’m no longer the worldly me.

Written by Robin

The Sinful Nature

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As a Christian I believe it’s important to read and study the Bible daily. Because it’s here we learn God’s ways, the reason Jesus came in the flesh, who He is and the reason He died for us. It provides valuable insight into His crucifixion, His death, His resurrection and the reason we need to follow Him while living a Christian lifestyle.

But have you ever asked yourself, Is my lifestyle reflective of a Christian and what Jesus taught?

We’re told throughout scripture, those who follow Christ do not follow this world and it’s one of the recurring themes throughout the New Testament. Because those who follow Jesus will be hated since their thoughts, actions and deeds are not of the world, but, are inline with His. We’re told;

John 15:18 – If the world hates you, remember that it hated Me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.

1 John 2:15,16 – Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world.

James 4:4 – You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God.

But what does a worldly lifestyle look like?

This morning as I continue my journey through the scriptures, I realized by replacing the word worldly with a more modern translation, sinful nature, the scriptures become easier to comprehend and understand. It also adds a modern feel and makes you question, if you’re really following the Christian lifestyle. The verses I’m referring to read;

Galatians 5:19,21 – When you follow the desires of your sinful youth, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

Colossians 3:5,7 – So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world.

Colossians 3:8,9 – But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds.

As one reads the scriptures, it’s extremely easy to comprehend exactly what Jesus was referring to. Because as followers of Christ we know we are to abstain from the sinful nature. Our thoughts are on the things of heaven and not the things of this earth.

So, if you find one or more character traits listed above, it may be time for a self-evaluation. Pray to God asking for His help with the issue and remember;

Those who belong to Christ Jesus
have crucified the flesh with its
passions and desires.

Galatians 5:24

Who Jesus Really Is

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I came across this scripture today and thought with everything going on around us it’s the perfect time to confirm exactly who Jesus is. The scripture I’m referring to states;

Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son
of God, God abides in him, and he in God.
And we have known and believed the love
that God has for us. God is love, and he who
abides in love abides in God, and God in him.

1John 4:15,16

This scripture alone confirms who Jesus is, the Son of God. But there are many today who ridicule, mock, and even detest the name of Jesus. Instead of putting their faith in Him, they choose the ways of this world. They choose science, politics, ideologies, money, and worldly pleasures which are all man made standards before putting their trust in the Creator of the world.

Jesus came to teach the ways of God, to save us. Christianity is not a religion, nor a cult it is a way lifestyle which God wants Christians, believers, to live. All we need to do is believe in Jesus, in who He is, in who sent Him God the Father, believe on His name, repent of our sins, and walk in light instead of darkness. We’re called to live a righteous lifestyle so we can experience a relationship with God. But our culture would rather mock Jesus for who He is and what He did for us. As I’ve said before whether one is an atheist, pagan, gnostic or has an LGBTQ lifestyle, it doesn’t really matter. Because if you can choose to mock Jesus, just know one thing, He is coming back and when He does it will be one of Judgement.

Following Your Own Truth

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As I look around the different social media platforms, catch news updates, come across some of the politics fiasco and the different ideologies being pushed, it becomes quite clear that the liberal minded believe that everyone has their “own truth”.

But is this really the case? And what does the Bible have to say about Truth?

There are many scriptures referring to Truth, but, not one time does Jesus say every man has their own truth and it’s okay to follow your own way. In fact the scriptures read;

John 1:14 – And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of The Only Begotten of the Father, full of Grace and Truth.

1 John 5:20 – And we know that the Son of God has come and given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.

John 14:6 – Jesus said to Him, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

John 4:24 – God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in Spirit and Truth.

From the scriptures listed we can clearly understand that Jesus is the TRUTH and everything He taught was taught, in TRUTH. But our world today isn’t interested in “actual TRUTH”, instead, many build themselves up in their own ways, their feelings and completely ignore God’s ways. The Scriptures read;

Isaiah 55:8,9 – For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.

Proverbs 14:12 – There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.

From the very beginning, God has told us that His Ways are different than our ways. We are flesh and bone, but, God is Spirit. We are flawed, deceitful and sinful, but, God is Holy, just and righteous. And we’re told the heart can’t be trusted, in fact, the scriptures reads;

Jeremiah 17:9,10 – The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? I, the LORD, search the heart; I examine the mind to reward a man according to His way, by what his deeds deserve.

God knows the hearts, He knows our ways and He knows our thoughts. So whether we choose to believe the Message Jesus, the Son of God, taught, each will have a decision to make. To choose the path of man, who pushes and believes in their own truth, OR, the Way of God. But remember this;

Mark 7:21 – For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. All these evil come from within, and these are what defile a man.

Keep in mind, I’m not judging, because I’m ashamed of my past more than I can say. And the Bible teaches, we all fall short of the glory of God! No one is righteous in the eyes of God, the scriptures read;

As it is written: There is no one
righteous, not one. there is no
one who understands, no one
who seeks God. All have turned
away, they have together become
worthless; there is no one who
does good, not even one.

Romans 3:10-12

Please don’t fall for these snares, because it’s these things that can lead one straight to hell.