I’m Not Angry Anymore

Along with the other self-improvement quests I am tending to in my life, I am on a quest to achieve a higher level of consciousness, or what some may call “moving from one level of glory to the next". I am determined to walk in peace and love with my fellow brethren and with myself. This has been my journey for many years, but the most recent event of my life has left me very angry. Well happily I can say to you today, I am not angry anymore.

As many know, my son was taken from our previous daycare to the hospital via ambulance and was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury from blunt force trauma about six months ago. While I am not allowed to accuse anyone of this horrific event because we are still in the legal process, I was told that it was definitely caused by some form of abuse. Strangely enough, I haven’t been angry with the daycare provider, who was the only adult present at the time. Entertaining that type of anger would not end in good results. At all. Instead, I prayed for her, forgave her alleged actions, and handed her over to God. I actually tended to be more angry with people who insisted I should be angry with her, but that is gone too.

Truth be known, I have most recently been angry with the governing body over the daycares in this State. I have read through many documents and have received a large amount of information that has led me to believe that the State did not protect my child. In order for me to go to work every day and provide for my family, I had to trust that the state was doing their job, and they didn't. And that has left me angry. And not only was my child not protected, but since this happened my family has suffered significant financial loss. This left me even more angry.

            I began to feel a block in my pursuit for higher consciousness so I reached out to a professor I had many years ago. He said it could be possible that I was carrying some emotion associated with the abuse. I did not initially think so because I had prayed for the daycare provider and forgave her. (I have dealt with tremendous pain that taught me how to forgive, so I'm quite familiar with the forgiveness process.) Yet, I had not considered that my anger towards the state agency was unforgiveness. The anger wasn’t even towards a specific person! But as I took this into consideration, I considered the feeling I had when I thought of them. I was furious! So obviously, there was some form of unforgiveness inside of me.

            I have now been transformed by the renewing of my mind. I have submitted my feelings and thoughts to the Lord, and forgave the agency. I have said over and over again how thankful I am for my son’s healing, but [enter gripe or complaint here]. Now I am standing full of thanks. Period. Not buts, no anger, no contemplation of what seems unfair. I am grateful for his healing, his testimony, his smile, his laughter...... I could go on and on. Each day is met with giving thanks for something, anything, because there is so much to be thankful for. Allowing my spirit to enter into any other place than thanksgiving sends me into places of despair, frustration, hopelessness, and fear- none that represent the God I serve.

            I have heard on several occasions that operating in place of thanksgiving causes you to receive more things to be thankful for. I truly hope and believe this to be true. But most of all, I am thankful that this new space and place of having a heart of thanksgiving gives me joy. I am so very happy. Each new lesson is giving me a new level of happiness. I am experiencing even more unspeakable joy!

            My encouragement to you is to express gratitude at all times. Instead of dwelling on what you don’t have, give thanks for what you do have. Your lack will seem so small. As severe of an injury my son suffered, I am aware that there are mothers who will never again hold their child on this side of heaven. So I am grateful. Yes, life has changed. Yes, it all seemed unfair. But at this point, I cannot undo any of what has happened. Now is the time to pull up my boot straps and count my blessings. I look forward to, and am grateful for, what is next.

Peace.

            

Pressing Past the Pain

            I am too nice. I really am. I’m kind even when no part of me really wants to be. People say the most ridiculous and hurtful things at times, yet I try to operate in love. The reason I know that I am too nice is because people think I have to have some ulterior motive behind the kind things I say and do. It’s kind of annoying. I have not always been this way. At one point, not too long ago, I had no problem ripping you a brand new one and sending you merrily on your way. But it didn’t bring any kind of satisfaction, and most importantly, it did not represent love. So I decided to check myself. I press past the pain and hurt I feel and choose kindness, and have received much favor and many blessings because of it, and my faith has grown to epic proportions.

            Since I started this blog, I have been on the quest to lose weight. For me, this is a painful process, and it's not necessarily physical pain. Some days I just simply do not feel like pressing past my laziness. It literally feels like I am forcing myself to do something I simply do not feel like doing. I think it’s mostly because I don’t receive immediate results. But how will I ever see results if I don’t press through?

Some of our most painful experiences, if not all, have the potential to teach us lessons, cause growth, and gain wisdom.  First Peter 1:6-8 tells us, “In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,…” (NASB version). Like gold being perfected by fire, our pain, hurt, disease, and discouraging moments are there to perfect us and increase our faith. 

But who wants to feel the pain?

Job is a magnificent example to encourage us through our pain. Job was considered a blameless man. He would even offer a sacrifice to the Lord when his children sinned. The devil asked God if he would take his hand off of Job to prove that Job would not be as faithful if God was not covering him. God allowed it. Job lost everything -his health, his children, and his wealth. Job’s wife even told him to curse God and die. “Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God” (1:22 NASB). In the end, God doubled everything Job lost through his trials.

I am convinced that there is something amazing on the other side of whatever afflicts us. If we press through the hard work of exercise, we see the final result of weight loss and better health. If we press through the difficult financial situation, we receive provisions that will take care of all of our needs. If we press through a bad diagnosis, we will receive healing. It’s the pressing through with the help of the Lord that makes a difference.

During the time my son was hospitalized for the traumatic brain injury, I had unwavering faith. It actually wasn’t intentional unwavering faith. I just didn’t believe there would be any other result other than full restoration. I was told that he would never be the same child, that he may have to live with a tracheostomy, that he may never have vision, and that he may never walk or talk again. But my little fighter is functioning as a normal toddler and is even potty training! My intention is to apply this type of faith to every part of my life. Just as a seed presses through the soil to bear it's fruit, I know that unwavering faith and perseverance will end with amazing results.

My encouragement to you is to consider whatever may be frustrating you and recognize the growth that may come. There are so many outside influences that affect each and every one of our lives’. But you want victory!!!! In order to reach the end successfully, keep your head up and press through. I wish I could make everyone’s life easy. I hate seeing the pain and frustration of anyone around me. If you spoke to those closest to me, they would tell you that I always try to encourage them all the way through their trials. The pain is real and I don’t want to ever take that away from anyone. But press past the pain, focus on what you want the ultimate outcome to be, and expect positive results!

Peace.

The Many Names of God

            I believe it is important that we learn and understand the many Names of God given throughout the Bible. It allows us to call on his specific name during times of need. God knows who He is. He even knows what we are going to pray for before we pray. But my personal belief is that when we call on a specific name of God, it has the ability to activate our faith. We can then dwell in that name and stand in great expectation for God to meet that need. I want to share with you the names, the pronunciation, where it is located in the Bible, and the meaning of seven of the many names of God. For the sake of consistency, I will be using the Amplified version of the Bible.

      1.     El Shaddai (el shad-di')- All-Sufficient One, Lord God Almighty.

   Ø    Genesis 17:1- When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, I am the Almighty God; walk and live habitually before Me and be perfect (blameless, wholehearted, complete).

This is during the time God changes Abram’s name to Abraham and makes a covenant with Abraham saying he will be the father of many nations. He’s assuring Abraham that He has the power to do everything He said He will do, although Abraham found it hilarious that he would be having a child in his old age. Praying this name says that you believe that God has the power to do all things.

2.     El Elyon (el el-yone’)- The Most High God

Ø  Genesis 14:18- Melchizedek king of Salem [later called Jerusalem] brought out bread and wine [for their nourishment]; he was the priest of God Most High,

El Elyon occurs in the Old Testament 28 times. It refers to God in His extreme sovereignty and majesty, and proclaims that He is the Most Exalted God. Praying this name gives reverence to God, and says that you believe there is no other God before Him.

     3.     Jehovan Nissi (yeh-ho-vaw' nis-see')- The Lord My Banner, The Lord My Miracle

  Ø  Exodus 17:15- And Moses built an altar and called the name of it, The Lord is my Banner;

      In battle, opposing nations would fly their own flag on a pole at each of their respective front lines. This was to give their soldier a feeling of hope and a focal point. This is what God is to us: a banner of encouragement to give hope and a focal point.

     4. Jehovah-Raah (yeh-ho-vaw’ raw-aw’) The Lord My Shepherd

Ø  Psalm 23:1- The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack.

A shepherd is someone who leads his flock to pasture and keeps them safe. During the times when you need some direction, you can call on the name of Jehovah-Raah to be your shepherd.

    5.     Jehovah Rapha (yeh-ho-vaw’ raw-faw’)- The Lord That Heals

 Ø  Exodus 15:26- Saying, If you will diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord your God and will do what is right in His sight, and will listen to and obey His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases upon you which I brought upon the Egyptians, for I am the Lord Who heals you.

I have prayed this Name on many occasions, and have had the tremendous blessing of  seeing God manifest as our healer. During times of physical or emotional sickness, pray the name of the Great Physician to heal you and your loved ones.

 

    6.     Jehovah Jireh (yeh-ho-vaw’ yir-eh’)- The Lord Will Provide

     Ø  Genesis 22:14- So Abraham called the name of that place The Lord Will Provide. And it is said to this day, On the mount of the Lord it will be provided.

     God told Abraham that he wanted him to take his son to one of the mountains in the region of Moriah, and sacrifice him as a burnt offering. This is the son he and his wife Sarah had at a very old age, and they loved him dearly. However, Abraham was obedient and took his son to the top of the mountain to sacrifice him. Just as he was about to kill his son, an angel appeared and stopped him. God placed a ram there for Abraham to offer as a sacrifice instead of his son. It was a test of Abraham's faith in God. We can call on the Name of Jehovah Jireh to provide for us when we have no idea where the means will come from.

7. Jehovah Shalom (yeh-ho-vaw’ shaw-lome’)- The Lord is Peace

  Ø  Judges 6:24- Then Gideon built an altar there to the Lord and called it, The Lord is Peace. To this day it still stands in Ophrah, which belongs to the Abiezrites.

During the most tumultuous times of our lives’, we have Jehovah Shalom to call on to bring peace.

There are many more Names of God given throughout the Bible, but I shared the ones that I have used the most during my prayers. I encourage you to explore the many names of God so that your faith walk can be strengthened. Knowing the specific name will keep your mind focused on the blessing that is to come.

Source: https://www.blueletterbible.org/study/misc/name_god.cfm

If you have any comments, questions, suggestions, or prayer requests, please feel free to email me at: faithfrfr2014@gmail.com.

Don’t Drink the Kool-Aid

            I believe that today, Halloween, is the most appropriate day for this blog. I am not a superstitious person. If I concerned myself with the repercussions of walking under a ladder, breaking a mirror, or stepping on a crack, I would worry myself sick. However, if you believe bad things will happen to you if something like a black cat walks in your path, I believe something bad will definitely happen. Be it unto you as you believe (Matt. 8:13. 9:29, Mark 11:23).

            Jim Jones was a charismatic preacher during the 1970’s. With his powerful preaching and astounding healing tactics, his congregation grew in massive numbers. They fully believed in his power. People gave large amounts of money to his church in order to be healed of a variety of illnesses. He would tell them, according to the illness, that he was going to perform “surgery” on them without anesthesia. He would put his hands in the area of the affliction, and miraculously he would be holding the illness in his hand. 

            Jones later purchased some land on the island of Guyana for himself and his followers. He named this area Jonestown. Shortly after arriving, he would have suicide drills because he was paranoid about the disloyalty of his followers. He required them to drink a red liquid that he said had poison in it. After 45 minutes he would tell everyone they would not die, and that they had passed a loyalty test. In 1978, after finding out Jonestown was being investigated, Jim Jones had over 900 people drink a punch that was laced with cyanide--276 were children. They all died. Jones reportedly either killed himself or was shot by someone who was still alive. Reports later showed that Jones used chicken livers and other animal parts to make people believe that he had removed diseases from their bodies. They also found that he pocketed the majority of the money that the church received from his believers.

            We have to be so mindful in what we choose to believe in. The mind is so powerful that we have the ability to create the things we believe. Many people have psychosomatic symptoms of an illness. Psychosomatic is when a physical illness of some condition is caused or aggravated by a mental factor such as conflict or stress. A person can believe that they have a condition so much, that they can manifest physical symptoms of this illness. Studies have shown that in these cases people can be given a placebo (usually a sugar pill), and the symptoms disappear. I have also seen where a person is diagnosed with an actual illness, but they believe so strongly in their healing that the illness goes away. Our thoughts have power!

            Matthew 7:18-20 tells us that, “a good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” It is important that when we are making important decisions, be it friends, a mate, or a church, we pay attention to the fruit they bear. This can mean waiting for a season or two to pass by in order to be sure what the best decision will be. Leaping into things because it looks and sounds good at the beginning can later cause tremendous strife.

            There are times when a person has the ability to consistently show that they are a very good person, so we go forward entering into a personal relationship with them. However, you later find out that they really are off of their rockers, but it seems like it is too late to get out. IT IS NEVER TOO LATE. The moment you see that they are not capable of bearing good fruit, but really good at frontin’, it is your opportunity to run! You do not have to be sentenced to a life of hell.

            Don’t drink the kool-aid. Don’t believe the hype. Don’t rush. Watch for fruit, and don’t fall for everything someone tells you. The thought of sitting on Santa’s lap, leaving out cookies and milk, and reindeer running across the roof filled us with anticipation and excitement until we found out Santa was not real. It is understandable that you want to connect with a person, a church, or a belief system. But take precautions to guard your mind and your heart so that you won’t fall for any and everything.

            This post continues to preach the notion of, “as a man thinketh so is he”. I do believe evil, the enemy, the devil, exists. But I choose to not dwell in the power it is supposed to have. This is coming from someone who has experienced multiple tragedies throughout her lifetime. Things do happen, but I choose not to linger in the pain and hurt of the incident. It’s a battle because the pain is so real (just like the joy of having a healer like Jim Jones was real).Yet, I’ve chosen to rejoice in the glory of God that will be shown through it all. The result is that I have been blessed to experience the miracles of God, and did not have to be manipulated to give money to see it happen. Believe strongly in the good, and you will most certainly see goodness.

Peace.

If you have any comments, questions, suggestions, or prayer requests, please feel free to email me at: faithfrfr2014@gmail.com.

            

I Am Beautiful

I believe that loving ourselves is another important component in our faith walk. Quite often we diminish our abilities or speak badly about ourselves because we aren’t happy with who we are or how we look. My goal in this particular post is to encourage you to love the beautifully made you.

Genesis 1:26 tells us that God created us in his own image. To be even more specific, it says, “Then God said, "Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." He actually said let US make mankind in OUR image! The words “us” and "our" refer to God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We have been made in the image of all three! You are a triple threat!

And as that scripture continues, God made us so wonderfully, that he gave us dominion over EVERYTHING. We were birthed equipped with everything we need in order to fulfill our purpose in this lifetime. Clearly God sees us worthy, so why don’t we see ourselves that way?

We live in a society that has set a measure of beauty. If you don’t have enough of something or too much of something else, you are not considered beautiful. Our society has also set standards of who is intelligent and who is not. We are left feeling like we lack something, so there is no way we can pursue some of the things we want in life. My view of beauty changed one day when I saw someone without her make-up who usually wore it, and I heard someone comment about her lack of beauty. How can the very same person be beautiful one day and ugly the next?

Not only does beauty change according to what an individual looks like, but different people have differing opinions about whether or not the exact same person is beautiful. One person thinks you are drop dead gorgeous while another can pick you completely apart. So now you have to work hard trying to make everyone think you are attractive. Seems like too much work to me.

(In no way, shape, or form am I saying that people shouldn't do things like wear make-up, go to the gym, or wear expensive clothing, if that is something they enjoy. However, you should be happy with who you are with or without these things.) 

Accepting who you are gives you the freedom and peace to walk throughout your life with confidence. Knowing we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14) tells us that everything we are, nothing added and nothing taken away, is perfect for God’s purpose. This should give us faith in knowing that everything we need to pursue our passions and dreams is already inside of us. You do not have to become someone else in order to do what God has for YOU and only YOU.

Another important reason to love yourself is because we are called to love our neighbors as we love ourselves (Matthew 22:39). If you have the capacity to put yourself down, not take care of yourself, and think the worse about your ability, you are definitely going to do the same when it comes to your neighbor. Neither way is that love.

I am on a continuous journey to loving myself. Some days are easier than others. The other day I asked my significant other if he thought that I was pretty. His response was, “Of course I think you are beautiful, but it doesn’t matter if you don’t think that you are. I love when you are confident about yourself because it shows. You just seem happier when you are confident about yourself.” And he was correct. When I am accepting myself, I hold my head a little higher, I walk a little bit taller, and I can tell that I am exuding confidence. This is what many call “swag”. I have seen some people who aren’t what society has deemed as “attractive”, but the way they carry themselves makes them absolutely beautiful! Self-confidence goes a long way.

Believing that you are smart, beautiful, handsome, or a strong person sets the stage for what you can accomplish. You can boldly walk into a room and change the minds of people who may not initially think you have what it takes to get things done. Having self-confidence also will give you peace when a door is shut in your face. It wasn’t that you aren’t enough. It just wasn’t the right door to go through….IT WAS NOT YOU.

Now there is a difference between being conceited and being confident. Being conceited says that you created every bit of who you are and everyone should love it; but, being confident says that you were created in the image of God, so you know He didn’t make a mistake and, if anyone else doesn't like it, it is okay. Keep in mind, there is always room for self-improvement, because this journey is about becoming better. But, you are to love the before AND after you.

Start telling yourself that who you are is enough. Find different adjectives to describe yourself in a positive manner. Pay close attention to the things you say you don’t like about yourself. If you can do something about it, accept it, then change it. If not, accept it, then love on it. And please don’t allow what people say about you diminish who you are. And don't let the standards that have been set out there convince you that you aren't enough. People will be criticizing you at your best and at your worst. Love who you are.

And if all else fails, take a note from the maid on the movie, "The Help", when she is encouraging the little girl she was taking care of: 

Peace.

If you have any comments, questions, suggestions, or prayer requests, please feel free to email me at: faithfrfr2014@gmail.com.

Give in to Your Passion

                   

We live in a hustle and bustle society. We get up, we go to work, we come home, and do it all again. This doesn’t include all of the menial tasks in between in order to keep our household running like a well-oiled machine. Oft times, we forget that God has a greater purpose in all that we do. We just want him to bless the plans we have for ourselves.

I worked in dialysis for about 14 years. It was just a job. It was a job that I was extremely good at doing, but just a job. I was always very concerned about my patients and took care of them as if they were my own family members. However, I was extremely unfulfilled. I knew I had greater purpose, and I began to seek my calling.

The story of Saul is an extreme, yet relevant, example of following your calling. Saul was known for persecuting believers in Christ during the early days of Christianity. He would go in and out of houses, dragging out men and women, and he imprisoned them because they worshipped the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 8:3). One day, on the road to Damascus, a light from heaven flashed all around Saul. He then heard a voice that said, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” Saul asked, “Who are you, Lord?” The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what to do.” (9:3-6). Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus (v.8). Saul encountered a man named Ananias who was directed by God to lay hands on Saul to give him sight. And he did. After being baptized, Saul, later renamed Paul, became one of the biggest crusaders for Christ.

I believe that quite often we walk around with scales on our eyes. We are so consumed with the things of this world that we forget that God wants to use us for His glory. We have children, get married, and do all of the other things that we want, but we sometimes have a passion for other things. Things like mentoring, growing a garden, teaching Sunday school, etc. Saul chose to use his life for persecuting Christians, but God wanted to use him for his glory. 

Our passions and desires have been planted within us by God! It is by no mistake that you enjoy working with children. Circumstances sometimes have it where you have to get the first job that comes along to make ends meet, and that is okay. But don’t let go of your deepest dreams. Find time to volunteer with a mentorship program, go to the school that your children attend on your off days, or even get a group of kids together on the weekend and do community clean-up with them. There are more opportunities to do the things you love than you can imagine!

And here’s the beautiful thing about our passions- they are most likely your gift! The Bible says that your gifts will make room for you (Proverbs 18:16). The New Living Translation of this scripture says that “giving a gift can open doors; it gives access to important people.” There are many of us who haven’t sought out our purpose simply because we are afraid: afraid of the unknown, afraid of closed doors, afraid of failure. But the Word tells us that when we give our gift, doors will open to us. You will soon find that the time and resources you need will be made available to you. You just have to take the first step.

Please understand, I am also telling myself these things as well. Something I have learned while following people like Oprah, Tyler Perry, and others that went from nothing to something is that we are all allotted the same amount of time- 24 hours a day-in poverty or in wealth. However, they have learned to use their time wisely. If we want to see our dreams manifest, we have to first, not doubt that the things we desire the most can come to fruition, then, use our time wisely in order to pursue these things. Once I paid attention to where I was putting my time, I began to utilize those moments for things that will assist in making my dreams possible (such as this blog).

You got this. Your deepest desires are possible. Have faith in God and yourself. Start taking time to do the things you love the most and watch and see how your gifts make room for you.

Peace.

I’m Not Ready to be Saved

I must admit, although I was raised in the church, I did not have a full understanding of what it meant to be saved. Does it mean that I cannot do anything wrong again? If I do something wrong again, will I immediately be banished to hell? If I sin after accepting salvation, does that make me a horrible sinner? How many times do I need to get baptized in order to feel saved? Do I need to go in front of the church and repent every time I do wrong? I was so lost so I decided to read the Bible for myself, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to gain understanding. I expect some backlash about my stance, but that’s okay. Be it unto you as you believe.

I have heard on several occasions people saying, “I’m not ready to be saved”. They feel like they will be giving up their lives’. They believe that in order to be saved, they must be finished doing whatever behavior they believe will keep them from them from the love of God. Once this behavior is complete, then they can receive salvation and operate in whatever behavior they have deemed as saved behavior. I don’t believe this is the case.

Romans 10:9 tells us how to be saved. It says, “If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”(NIV).  Period. I’m oversimplifying a smidge, but bear with me.

           

Once you have confessed with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, that is all you need to be saved. Here is where wisdom comes in. Anything that you believe in your heart begins to manifest into actions. Think of the time when you fell in love. That man or woman you fell in love with, and even said “I love you” to, now is a witness to your love. You no longer pursue other relationships, you provide them with safety and other needs, and you feel like you don’t want to live without them.

This is the same result as accepting Christ into your heart. Once you truly accept Jesus into your heart, you begin to bear fruit of His existence. You read more to find out who He is, you want to do your best to please God, and you no longer want to live without Him covering your life.

Just as in a relationship when you may encounter a new beautiful woman or man and are tempted to cheat, there are times when you may step away from Christ. You may entertain text messages from another person, go out on a date with them, or even sleep with them. If true love was there, you will begin to feel guilt because you really did not want to hurt them. You realize what you did wrong, you tell the other person that you can no longer pursue the relationship with them, and you return to your love, hoping they will forgive your transgressions.

Recall the story of the prodigal son. The youngest son of two decided to ask his father for his share of the estate. He left his family and travelled to a distant country. There, he partied hard and wasted all of his money on wild living. After finding himself longing for the feed for swine, he decided to return home to his father. Much to his surprise, and the surprise of his older brother, his father was there running to meet him with open arms. (Please read Luke 15:11-32 for the full story).

For many years I struggled with my walk with God. I knew that I loved Him, but I still did things that I knew was not pleasing to Him. I would only end up feeling guilty and I believed that He no longer loved me. Thankfully, I learned the difference in condemnation and conviction. Condemnation comes from the enemy. Its intention is to break you down and make you believe that you cannot ever be in the grace of God. Conviction is the Holy Spirit’s way of giving us a gentle nudge back in the right direction. However, when we reject the gentle nudge, the intensity of it increases until God gets our undivided attention.

Do not be afraid of receiving salvation. God sent us Christ because He knew that we could not live righteously on our own. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”(KJV). God loves you. Any behavior that is requested by God is for YOUR favor.

God loves you at your best AND in your mess. Don’t allow your current behaviors to keep you away from salvation. As I have said before, this is a journey. Our ultimate perfection comes after we cross over to heaven. We will always make mistakes, bad judgments, and even intentionally decide to do things that take us from the presence of God. God’s arms are always open waiting for you to come back. As God prunes away all of the unneeded behaviors and thoughts, you will see how much impact your life will have on others.

If you would like to receive salvation today, please read this prayer of salvation aloud:

Peace.

If you have any comments, questions, suggestions, or prayer requests, please feel free to email me at: faithfrfr2014@gmail.com.

What Goes Around, Comes Around

Wikipedia defines karma as an “action, work or deed; it also refers to the principle of causality where intent and actions of an individual influence the future of that individual. Good intent and good deed contribute to good karma and future happiness, while bad intent and bad deed contribute to bad karma and future suffering.” The Bible says: Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. (Galatians 6:7. NIV). Proverbs 26:27 also says, “Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling.” (ESV). So why do we do the things we do?

I believe we are living in a “dog eat dog” society. Many people believe that causing someone else’s demise will be their gain. I’ve seen so many institutions, including churches, profit from someone’s plight. But is this the true way in which we should live?

A dear, close friend of mine described his experience with karma in his lifetime. He said that when he was a young boy, he hung with a crowd that would steal cars. They would steal the cars and strip them of their parts in order to put them on their vehicles. They would also sell the parts to someone who had an identical vehicle of the one they stole. Once he gave his life to Christ and realized that this was not honorable behavior, he stopped doing these things and began to lead a legal life. Years later, on the path of doing what was right, people began to steal his cars. He said that he lost at least 3-4 vehicles. It was then that he realized that this was a result of the things he had done in his past. He says that, “it came back at me in such a way I knew God was showing me what I did wrong”. He repented and took responsibility for the things he brought unto himself.

          The parable of the unforgiving servant is also an excellent example of "what goes around comes around". Matthew 18:21-35 reads:

Then Peter came up and asked him, “Lord, how many times may my brother sin against me and I have to forgive him? Seven times?”

Jesus told him, “I tell you, not just seven times, but 77 times! “That is why the kingdom from heaven may be compared to a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. When he had begun to settle the accounts, a person who owed him 10,000 talents was brought to him. Because he couldn’t pay, his master ordered him, his wife, his children, and everything that he owned to be sold so that payment could be made. Then the servant fell down and bowed low before him, saying, ‘Be patient with me, and I will repay you everything!’ The master of that servant had compassion and released him, canceling his debt.

But when that servant went away, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him, seized him by the throat, and said, ‘Pay what you owe!’ Then his fellow servant fell down and began begging him, ‘Be patient with me and I will repay you!’ But he refused and had him thrown into prison until he could repay the debt.

When his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were very disturbed and went and reported to their master everything that had occurred. Then his master sent for him and told him, ‘You evil servant! I canceled that entire debt for you because you begged me. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’ In anger his master handed him over to the jailers until he could repay the entire debt. This is how my heavenly Father will treat each one of you unless you forgive your brother from your hearts.” (ISV).

We desire forgiveness, but refuse to forgive. We desire mercy, but give no mercy. We desire for people to help us in our time of need, but refuse to give to others. How does one expect what they are not willing to give out?

We have to be ever-so mindful about what we do to others. Especially because most of us do not want to experience the same pain we inflict. If we plant corn seeds, we expect to reap corn. Planting seeds of hatred will only allow us to harvest hate. Planting seeds of love will only allow us to harvest love.

There are reasons why I am able to forgive the woman who abused my son - 1. I stand in need of forgiveness. 2. She will reap what she has sown. I have been told that during her stay in the county jail, she was assaulted on several occasions. I know this to be true because when I saw her in court, she had a very large gash that had healed on the side of her face that wasn’t present before she was arrested. And because it has been found that there may be many other children that suffered her abuse, including one that possibly died in her care (which continues to devastate my heart). If this is the case, I believe her punishment will continue until death.

(There are times that unimaginable things come into our lives'. But if you know you haven't sown the seeds of these events, know that it is a test. Our faith is strengthened in times of weakness. Sowing your unwavering faith will allow you to reap the harvest of God's faithfulness to you.)

Ultimately, if we walk in love, we will receive love. We always want to have faith that God is going to bring us the best. In order to receive His best, let’s give Him our best. We shall reap what we sow.

Peace.