Arrogance and Pride

Blinded by this world,
full of arrogance and pride,
darkness lurked around me,
and slowly seeped inside.

Similar to a lost sheep,
I wandered far away,
losing my sense of direction,
I had totally gone astray.

My life was full of mistakes,
corruption, wickedness and sin,
I Longed for God’s forgiveness,
I longed for His Spirit within.

I cried out to the Lord Jesus,
and repented from my deeds,
expecting His righteous anger,
but compassion He gave to me.

Replacing darkness with His light,
He made a path for me,
Gently guiding me in God’s ways,
no longer blind I now can see.

By Robin

Hungering and Thirsting for Righteousness

When I look at our world today I see so much hate for all people and I begin to wonder as a believer in Christ Jesus why are Christians failing to follow what the Scriptures speak? Because, the Lord Jesus taught we are to love our enemy and we are called to pray for them when they persecute us. And it doesn’t matter if people are from Israel, Iran, China, Russia, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia or any place in the Middle East, the Americas or the UK, and it doesn’t matter the color of a person’s skin. We are ALL CREATED in the image of God! Followers of Christ are taught to love their fellow man, to speak no evil against them and not to repay insult with insult. But what I’m seeing all around the world is the exact opposite of what the Lord Christ Jesus spoke of. People are choosing sides between Israel and Iran, calling each other names and speaking evil against one another.

This hurts me so much seeing what is happening within the Christian community. It’s as if Christians have lost their love for Christ. Because as the Lord Jesus said, if you love Me, keep My commandments. And instead of hungering and thirsting for righteousness as the Lord Jesus spoke of, I see many drawing lines and taking sides. Please remember, we’re not called to get caught up in the politics of man, we’re called to live Holy before our God, because He is Holy.

How can we combat this?

Simply by following the Lord’s teachings. Meditate on these scriptures below and think about your actions and whether or not they align with the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ, they read;

For additional thought, read this scripture because for me, it really opened my eyes, it reads;

These Scriptures should scare ALL Christians, cause if we’re not adhering to the teachings Christ taught, what are we really doing?

Blessed are the Meek

Sometimes I really like to focus on the beatitudes because I enjoy reading what the scriptures tell me about those who believe in Christ and in God will end up. For instance, when I spoke of those who are poor in Spirit, the Scriptures state that theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Which for me means their home is the Kingdom of Heaven. Knowing this brings me to the next beatitude which reads;

How is this important to Christians, the Church or Religion?

As part of the Church it’s important for Christians to evaluate where they stand. One of the ways I can do this is by using the Beatitudes as a type of measurement tool. But to fully understand this scripture better lets take a look at other words that could easily replace the word Meek. A few of these are, timid, shy, reserved, bashful, introverted, quite, modest, humble, obedient, peaceful, gentle, kind, softhearted, merciful, forgiving, patient, gracious, pleasant, lowly, mild, easygoing and warmhearted.

But what is the actual meaning?

The word meek is defined as someone who is patient and mild; not inclined to anger or resentment according to the American Collins Online Encyclopedia. And when you read this same scripture from the Amplified Bible, it reads;

Blessed[inwardly peaceful, spiritually secure, worthy of respect] are the gentle[the kind-hearted, the sweet-spirited, the self-controlled] for they will inherit the earth.

This particular scripture really makes me think about the Lord Jesus’s character and how it could easily be a reflection of Him and those who follow Him. So I could easily see the word gentle replaced with humble, obedient, peaceful, merciful and forgiving or even lowly. But notice what else this scriptures states, they will inherit the earth.

Can you imagine, living on earth at a time where there is no war, no disease, no hate, no famines, but, GOD’S TRUTH, LOVE, RESPECT and our KING!

May God’s Grace bless you daily,
bring you closer to the Lord Jesus Christ
and Sanctify you in God’s Truth!

Blessed are Those who Mourn

I often hear preachers say, at the end of their sermon, if you repent of your sins, believe in the Lord Jesus Christ you will be saved. While this is absolutely true, personally, the step of repenting of our sins should be one of that is much more detailed. We should lament over what we have done against God. In other words, we don’t recite a simple little prayer and state, I repent of my sins and then expect to be changed.

Because when you look at the Scriptures, when one repented of their sins there was lamentation over them. Meaning, there was grief there was sorrow over what they had done. It wasn’t a moment reciting a few words and expecting God to forgive us. NO! When the people from the Scriptures repented they had a very passionate cry to God over what they had done. It was sorrow cut straight from the heart and feeling guilt, regret and remorse over their sins and how they were lead astray.

Maybe this is why some Christians still struggle with sin. After all many preachers lead us to believe by reciting this generic prayer and lumping all our sins together, we’ll be forgiven of them and we’re no longer obligated to repent. Sure, we’ve all probably said a prayer but was it really heart felt? Did we “really” feel bad over our sins, cry and weep for a few moments, till the service ended and then went back to our normal day in life?

So this brings up many questions for me and leads me to believe that while this prayer maybe a first step, we shouldn’t stop repenting over our sins until we’re given a sign, a word by God or even a dream. And it also brings up the question, if one doesn’t display the same type of lamenting over their sin as in the Scriptures, have they truly been forgiven? Maybe God is calling His people to REPENT the same way they did in Biblical times. Which leads me to the Scripture;

As a Christian, if you’re still struggling with sin, maybe you need to humble yourself before God Almighty and start naming each of your sins before Him and display the same type of lamenting that the people of God did throughout the Scriptures.

May God’s Grace bless you daily,
bring you closer to the Lord Jesus Christ
and Sanctify you in God’s Truth!

Blessed are the Poor in Spirit

Be Kind to All

If you read the Bible one of the first things you’ll notice in the New Testament is just how humble and compassionate the Lord Jesus was to the Israelites when He walked among them.

He walked throughout Israel healing, casting out demons, raising the dead and preaching the Good Message of the Kingdom, all while teaching God’s Chosen people the right way to live. He showered the people with mercy, forgiveness, compassion  and love.

He also taught we should be kind to all people, including, loving our enemies. For many Americans this is difficult, especially, with what’s happening within our Country today. But since I’m a follower of Christ I know I must have the same mindset. Because the Lord Jesus said;

But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. Matthew 5:44,45

For me, this Scripture says it all. So my prayer is that all Christians realize this message before it’s too late. Jesus left us a blueprint for living the right way through His teachings. But He also gives us the ability to make our own choice. To follow Him, or, follow the ways of this world.

Know Where Your Church Stands

Many Christians go to Church as a way to learn about the Son of God, Christ Jesus, and to worship God. And now more than ever we want to ensure we’re following Scripture of how a Church should conduct themselves. Because the Lord Jesus warned there would be false Prophets who would deceive many. So it’s extremely important to follow God’s Truth.

But did you know that in the Book of Revelation there were 7 Churches Christ had an important message for? So, as a Christian who attends Church you need to be able to evaluate your Church against those listed. What we’ll be looking at is simply the admonitions Christ gave to the Church and His answer on how to fix it. As a comparison, see where your Church appears in the list.

Church of Ephesus

Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; REPENT and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lamp stand from its place – unless you REPENT. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the Tree of Life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.

Church in Smyrna

Persecuted with no admonition. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the CROWN OF LIFE. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.

Church in Pergamos

But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. This you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. REPENT, or else I will come to you quickly and fight against them with the Sword of My Mouth.

To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it.

Church in Thyatira

Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a Prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations. And I will give him the morning star.

Church in Sardis

I know your works, that you are alive, but you are dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and REPENT. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His Angels.

Church in Philadelphia

I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the Hour of Trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the Temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of Heaven from My God. And I will write on him My New Name.

Church of Laodicea

I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and REPENT. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My Throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His Throne.

There seems to be a common theme;

Follow Christ and the Apostles teachings.

Love the Lord God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength

Do the works of the Lord Jesus

Repent of Sexual immorality

No false idols and eat nothing sacrificed to idols.

Stay away from False Prophets and their teachings.

And of course the need to REPENT if you’re not following according to Scripture. And  remember, denominations are not Biblical and if your Church Doctrine doesn’t align with Scriptures or they don’t preach the Good News, I suggest reading your Bible so you can learn the Truth.

But there is something else I noticed, the ONLY CHURCH kept from the Hour of Trial which comes upon the whole world, is the Church in Philadelphia. Which means ONLY those who follow the template of this Church will be protected from the Hour of Trial coming on the world.

Why? Because they’re not being obedient to the Lord. They’re falling false Prophets who twist and pervert God’s Truth. There Churches are filled with Sexual Scandals, false doctrines, and some may do the works but they’ve left their first love.

Many pastors, preachers, ministers an such preach that the Church is taken out and will not endure the Hour of Trial. But according to Scripture, Jesus Christ says this;

I, Jesus, have sent My Angel to testify to you these things in the Churches, I Am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.

The Lord Jesus is giving the Churches a warning, the Book of Revelation was given to prepare these Churches of where they stand with Him and what they would endure if they failed to REPENT and be obedient and follow Christ as the Scriptures warn.

Do NOT be fooled, unless you are falling the Philadelphia Church, you WILL go through the Hour of Trial!

Truth Is

Christians, it’s time to stand firm on the Word of God, put on your Armor and speak God’s TRUTH. As Christians we’re not called to be ugly, hateful or disrespectful, but, we are called to Detest what is evil and Cling to what is good. We’re to love sincerely, from the heart and to be devoted to one another, like minded. More than ever it’s imperative to speak the TRUTH in love so those who are backsliding or don’t know Christ has an opportunity to seek Him before it’s too late.

But, the simple TRUTH IS, Science does NOT know how the world was created, but, as a Christian I do because God’s Word tells me, we’re intelligently Created by Him. TRUTH is, God made two genders, male and female. TRUTH IS, God made marriage between a man and a woman so they could procreate. TRUTH IS, abortion is murder regardless of how you look at it. TRUTH IS, the transgender ideology issue is merely people who are dealing with mental health issues or someone who has a demon. TRUTH IS, lawlessness and sin is completely unrestrained in America because people are choosing the ways of this world instead of following the Lord Jesus Christ. TRUTH IS, politicians are passing laws which goes against Christian values and are inline with this woke agenda. But look how the scriptures read;

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for
whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the
one who sows to his own flesh will from the
flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the
Spirit, will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
Galatians 6:7,8

You see, God will not allow Himself to be ridiculed or His Word to be treated with contempt or completely pushed aside. Because those who sow to their sinful flesh and live a worldly lifestyle will reap ruin and destruction. I urge all Christians to ensure they’re following The Way Christ Jesus gave us through His teachings along with His Apostles, instead of the ways of this world. Eat, sleep and breath the Lord Jesus, because, whether many realize or not, He is Coming Back!

Nothing Hidden

Cause and Effect

Keep your lives free from the love
of money and be content with what
you have, for God has said: Never
will I leave you, never will I forsake you.
Hebrews 13:5

Throughout society money is used to purchase a home, buy land, pay bills, see a doctor, buy a car, attend college and buy food along with many other things. But many actions in the physical world can actually affect me on a spiritual level. For instance, if I overeat I gain weight which can cause an array of health problems in the physical world, and, on a spiritual level, it can cause sin such as greed, lust or idolatry and can affect my innermost being. And money is no different. Jesus made the statement, You cannot serve God and money (mammon- meaning money, wealth or possessions). Which brings up the question, what is the cause and effect of someone having a lot of money? In the physical world it could result in out of control spending, accumulating massive material possessions, relationship issues, and constantly seeking ways to financially increase your wealth. On a Spiritual level, it may usher in selfishness, greed, lust, pride, arrogance, adultery and so forth. All which causes sin and can separate us from the Glory of God if we continue to live this type of lifestyle.

But, if we practice what Jesus taught, to be content with what we have, and keep ourselves free of money, God tells us, Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.

Unfortunately, many of us really don’t think about the cause and effect our actions in the physical world presents. However, as a Christian it’s imperative to understand the consequences my behavior, my actions and even my thoughts can have on my relationship with God.

My Prayer
Lord God Almighty, help me to keep myself free from worldly temptations, the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the love of money. I’m thankful with what I have because I know it’s only through You I have a place to lay my head, and food in my cupboard. You Lord, are my faith, You’re who I trust, who I have faith in, who I rely on and the reason for my Hope. Help me keep my focus on Jesus and the Apostles teachings so I can live a life that is consistent with The Way You want me to live. Let every Christian understand the consequences our thoughts, behaviors and deeds has on our physical bodies as well as our innermost being. Help me to be unwavering in you so when trials and troubles appear I can stand strong against the raging sea that rushes against me. I love you with all my heart, all my soul, all my mind and all my strength, all these things I pray in Jesus name, Amen.

Jesus Wept

One of the most amazing works of the Lord Jesus, in the New Testament besides the crucifixion, is when He raised Lazarus from the dead. Can you imagine the shock and awe the people felt when this miracle was performed? I’ll be honest, I don’t know how I would have reacted, but, it’s definitely a testament to who the Lord Jesus truly was.

What’s really interesting about this narrative is how Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus letting Him know that Lazarus was sick. But instead of Jesus leaving immediately to heal Lazarus He waited an additional two days before leaving for Judea. But His disciples raised objection due to His recent controversy with the Jews and the the near stoning issue. Regardless, Jesus told them;

Of course the disciples didn’t realize Jesus was actually telling them Lazarus had died, they thought Lazarus was actually sleeping. Jesus told them directly, “Lazarus is dead.” After Jesus arrived at Martha’s and Mary’s, he was greeted by Martha. Basically, she expressed to Christ that if He had been there her brother wouldn’t had died, but, she knew whatever Jesus ask of God, God would grant it. Jesus told her, Your brother will rise again but Martha thought Jesus was referring to the resurrection so Jesus continues to tell Martha;

Mary answered, Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Messiah (Christ), the Son of God, who is to come into the world. After speaking with Jesus Mary then went and told Mary The Teacher has come and is calling for you. Mary rose quickly and headed to Jesus. Those who were there to offer their support assumed she was going to the tomb of Lazarus so they followed. When Jesus saw Mary weeping along with the Jews who followed her, He groaned in the Spirit and was troubled. He asked where they had laid Lazarus and, Jesus swept.

Jesus was groaning in Himself when He arrived at the tomb and He asked for the stone to be removed. Martha, said to the Lord, by this time there is a stench since he’s be dead for 4 days. But Jesus says to Martha, did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the Glory of God? Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. And He continues telling the Father that He spoke this because of those standing there so they would believe that the Father sent Him.

Once Jesus said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth! Lazarus who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and His face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, Loose him, and let him go.

While this is definitely one of my favorites next to the crucifixion, it completely verified who Jesus was when He walked among the Jewish people and what He will do when He comes back.

Division in the Church

The United States today is divided in almost every way possible. We’re divided over religion, ideologies, politics, science and the whole border issue. I’ve found that even Christians are divided by denominations, doctrines, and the scriptures themselves. But the Bible teaches all believers in the Lord Jesus should be of like mind, they read;

From the scriptures it’s pretty clear, Christ taught His Apostles to be of one mind. Maybe the reason we’re so divided today is because many lack true love for one another within the faith. And if there’s a lack of love for one another, how can we claim to love Jesus when we’re not following His example. Because if we truly love the Lord Jesus the way the Apostles loved Him and one another, there wouldn’t be any division among us today.

Don’t be deceived because a lack of love tends to lead to protests, riots, or convoys that have and are popping up all around our country. Since these protest have nothing to do with following the Lord Jesus and deal with worldly desires, they go completely against what Jesus taught. As Christians, we are called to be a peaceful, loving people regardless of what comes our way. We do not repay evil for evil, instead, we love even our enemies just as Christ loved those who persecuted Him. Confrontation is not part of the Christian faith, as believers we’re called to love, forgive, and treat others the way we want to be treated. But remember the words the Lord Jesus spoke about division, which states;

Now more than ever God is calling His people to walk in The Way of Righteousness, to turn from fleshly desires and turn back to Him. To come out of this world, repent of your sins, follow the Lord Jesus, worship God and live a life consistent with the sacrifice He made. Instead of listening to the world, be still and listen to God!

Sowing What You Reap

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

God is Jesus