Are You in Covenant or Idolatry?

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2 Chronicles 15:2b, 8,12 “…The Lord is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you. (8) When Asa heard these words…he took courage. He removed the detestable idols from the whole land of Judah and Benjamin and from the towns he had captured in the hills of Ephraim. He repaired the altar of the Lord that was in front of the portico of the Lord’s temple. (12) They entered into a covenant to seek the Lord, the God of their ancestors, with all their heart and soul. (NIV)

          There was a time in Israel’s history that they were without God. They were full of gods, but they were without the One and only True living God. God hadn’t left them, but they had left Him. Time and time again, they would turn away from Him, only to return once trouble and destruction would come their way. They didn’t have a priest to teach them, and even though the law had been handed down to them from Moses a long time ago, it wasn’t in their hearts. They had totally turned a deaf ear to God and could no longer hear His voice. Therefore, God had not sent anyone to speak to them, or give them a word for a long time because of their disobedience.

          But one day, they took notice of the distress that their lives were in. They were not prospering. They were not growing. Their lives were empty and nothing seemed to fill them. What they thought once made them happy, could no longer do the trick. They had to step back and evaluate to see what the problem was in their lives. There was definitely a problem. They were missing God.

          Upon recognizing the problem that they had, they decided that it was time for them to come back to the true God. They realized their need for God could not be substituted by cheap imitations. They realized that their need for God was larger than what they could handle on their own. They finally understood that they were worshiping the gods of wood, silver and gold instead of the Creator of those elements. They sought God’s face and He in turn, returned back to them.

          They gave up their idols and their adulterous living. They gave up the things that they once considered dear. They didn’t let the value of what they once had deter them from building that relationship back with God. They removed everything that was ungodly from their homes and entire town. They knew that in order for God to be serious with them, they had to be serious with Him. There was no half-stepping. There was no playing around. There was no straddling the fence. There had to be a complete turnaround; a complete 360 was needed.

          They entered into a covenant with God with diligence. They completely dedicated their hearts, minds, and souls to the Lord. This covenant was binding, for once you make a covenant with the Lord, you are not to break it. God keeps His word with us and we are to do the same with Him. They had a complete change of continence about them. The Lord responded to their sincere effort, and they were surrounded by peace.

          This morning, the Lord gave me this word and He said, “We have never entered a covenant with You (The Lord). I wasn’t quite sure what He meant, but as I began to study this scripture, it began to become clear to me. Many of us have turned our hearts against the Lord. We do the right things, say the right things, but our hearts are not truly dedicated to the things of God. We allow our little idols to take over, and therefore, we are not experiencing God for who He is in our lives.

          We have treated God as a ritual. We go to church, we may even work in ministry, but we do not have the heart of God. We have let things from the world creep into our lives and into the slot where God is supposed to be. Our homes, cars, jobs, and even people have become more important to us than God. We value the opinions of others more than we value those of God. We are afraid to stand up for what’s right because it is not popular. Therefore, even when we know something is wrong, we remain silent. We bury our heads in the sand, and act as if the wrongs in the world are right.

          We have become compromisers of the gospel instead of being the ones to set the trends. We follow as the world leads us instead of us leading them. We have so intertwined into the world that people can’t tell us apart anymore. We have “secularized” the gospel for the sake of popularity, money, and fame. We have not made a covenant with God, and even if at one point we did, we have turned to our idols and away from Him. My God!

          God is saying that He wants His people to turn back to Him. He is not looking for a title; He is looking for service. He is not looking for what’s outwardly displayed; He is looking for what’s underneath. He is not looking for mouth, but He is looking for action. He is not looking for the proud, but He is looking for the humble of hearts.

          We need to turn our hearts and minds back to God. We need to reaffirm our covenant with Him in that we will be a “peculiar” people. We need to not only tell God, but show Him that He is first in our lives, and whatever idols we have in our lives, they are not more important than Him. He is looking for commitment from His bride. Yes, we are His bride; we are His people. He wants us to turn from our adulterated ways and come back to Him fully committed. This is the word of the Lord. God bless!

As in the Days of Noah...Satan is Real

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Matthew 24:37 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.

          Sunday, millions of people watched the Grammys to see which one of their favorite artists would go home with the gold. This is a yearly popular show where the most famous musical artists take the stage to perform, support, or accept their winning nomination. Everyone is excited to hit the red carpet knowing that the next day, the tabloids will strictly critic who had on what, and the fashion designer. The cameras are flashing, the fans are cheering, and the set is ready to begin.

          The first performance of this year’s Grammys was the duo and married couple, Beyonce and Jay-z. Of course, she’s half-naked as always, dancing as if she needs to be in the bedroom, doing a demonic ritual with legs gapped open, and shaking her rear. I suppose it is safe to say that “Sasha Fierce,” her self-proclaimed alter ego, actually a demonic possession, took over. Then there was Jay-z. I think that you’ll agree that he meets the qualifications of a “pimp” pimping his wife out for fame and money on live TV. The whole performance was appalling and the best part of it was when they left the stage.

          Then there was Katie Perry. Lord, help her Jesus! She is the daughter of ministers, but has been taken over to the dark side. She was portraying a witch and had people dressed up as demons. The total performance was definitely taken out of the devil’s handbook. From the attire that was worn to even the broom that was displayed as part of her witch portrayal. It was definitely something not of God. The amazing part about these performances was that almost everyone was cheering them on and gave them standing ovations, while being drawn in like sheep being lead to the slaughter.

          While there were other demonic scenes, I must make mention of the marriage ceremonies officiated by Queen Latifa. I’m not going to even call the Gay unions marriage because the Bible is CLEAR on where God stand with this. They are NOT married! They are what the Bible says an abomination before God. Leviticus 18:22 says, “Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable.”(NIV) Okay, some may say that this verse was in the Old Testament. However, it still stands, but I will take you to the New Testament where God repeats the same thing. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 says, “Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor MEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH MEN nor thieves nor the greedy nor the drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.(NIV) So here you have it folks. There will be NO homosexuals in heaven UNLESS they come to repentance and turn from their wicked ways while they still have time.

          These are signs of the times people. We must make a stand and call right, Right and wrong, Wrong. There was one Christian artist who stood up for what she believed in and walked completely out. I understand why she took the stand that she did, and I also understand why the others stayed as a witness for the masses. However, God has to convict each person of what is the right thing for them to do. Me personally, I would have joined the Christian who walked out as taking a stand against the devil. However, that is me and my opinion alone.

          Now some will say that Jesus did mingle with sinners and therefore, He may have stayed in an attempt to win souls. This theology is quite possible and feasible if you look at the scriptures. Regardless of whatever side of the coin you are on with this, understand that it lets you know that there truly are souls that need saving. The sad part about it is if they do not turn their hearts over to God, they will be loss in their sins and doomed to the fires of HELL.

          My brothers and sisters, hell is real and is a real place. We don’t want any to go there because God did not create hell for His children. Hell was for the devil and his demonic host. However, there are many people who are walking straight there. They’re not only walking there, but they are sprinting there and taking others with them. As I mentioned in a previous blog, please guard your babies. These are the future, and they do not need to see or listen to the demonic forces that are there only to entice them. No child should have been allowed to watch the Grammys due to the obvious Satanism that was involved. I didn’t watch it myself, but have seen clips based on other Christian programming showing how demonic it was.

          As in the days of Noah, people were carrying on with their everyday lives and paying no attention to their imminent destruction. The world is in a loss state. The world is showing God that they have NO regard for Him, or His laws. They have been taken over by the devil and are proud to say so. Christians, these are our brothers and sisters. We are watching as they go straight to hell and often times, not saying a word. Any time we even buy their music, we are helping them to go to hell. We are actively participating in their soul being loss. We do not want blood to be on our hands. We MUST do better. God bless you all!

State of the World Address

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Mark 13:7 “When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.” (NIV)

          This evening, President Obama is going to deliver the State of the Union. He is going to tell the people of the United States how well he thinks the country is doing. The Democrats will clap in support of him for public display, and the Republicans will sit and act unresponsive as a sign of disapproval. Regardless of what party is in office, the same action is done in vice versa. The State of the Union is given every year to give the citizens hope even when there is economic despair. The promise is given that things will get better. The promise of working on world peace and its steps towards that progress is highlighted. The promise is made that energy-saving resources will and is helping the planet; the promise of a better life and opportunity for your family is made.

          The Bible offers a World of the Union address and here’s what it has to say. Mark 13:8 says, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.” (NIV) Regardless of what type of hope that is promised of a better world, there will be no such thing. The world will continue to get worse. There will not be improvement, but constant fighting and killing. There will not be a better world, but of war and confusion. Matthew 24:9 says, “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold…” (NIV)

          This is no longer just a prophecy, but is now a fulfillment. There is constant war in the Middle East. Christians are being persecuted DAILY because of what they believe. Churches are being bombed because they are not Islamic places of worship. Israel is being hand-twisted into giving up land that God said would always be theirs. Islamic nations are promising to do away with Israel at the first chance they get.

The United States is slowly taking God out of every aspect of society, while trying to be sensitive to those of the Islamic faith. We no longer have prayer in schools. The Ten Commandments is banned in government facilities. Christ is being taken out of Christmas, and cards mentioning the name cannot be given to some veterans in VA hospitals. The military is now allowing turbans and beards to be worn for those of certain religious faiths, while instructing soldiers of Christian beliefs that they cannot wear their uniform on a Church’s platform.

          Millions of abortions are taking place every year. Gay rights is being forced down people’s throats. Children are being taught about sex in preschool and gay acceptance. Satanic rituals are taking place on television programs. Music is alluring young people to the devil by endorsing sex, drugs, alcohol, murder and blaspheme against God. Big Brother is watching your every move. Microchips for humans is no longer Scifi, but quickly becoming a reality. The American dollar is quickly losing its value and is consumed by debt. Conservative Christians are now considered to be on the terrorist watch list and the list goes on. This is the World’s State of the Union.

          What are we to do as Christians? We must pray. We must pray for the world that we live in. It is not going to get better. It is only going to get worse. The Bible says that these things will happen before the end comes. 1 Thessalonians 5:3 says, “While people are saying, ‘Peace and safety,’ destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman and they will not escape.” (NIV) Watch out whenever you hear the word PEACE. The Bible says that there will be none. It doesn’t matter how many peace treaties that are signed, they will not last. This is a sign of the times.

          Are we to be afraid? No! However, regardless of where you stand with the “rapture” teaching, you must have faith that God will carry you through. There are Christians today who are dying for their faith. It just hasn’t come to that level YET in the United States. However, do not doubt that the day of Christian persecution in the United States is coming. We are not exempt because we are in the United States. God does not show favoritism and just as it is happening over in the Islamic nations, it can surely happen here. We are to watch and pray. Never fear, but be mindful that God will be our support and guide. God bless you until next time.

Faith...but I can't see where I'm walking

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Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

          After Jesus had performed the miracle of feeding the crowd of 5000 people, with 5 loaves and 2 fish, he told the disciples to get in a boat ahead of him. He let them know that he would meet them on the other side. Before dawn the next day, after Jesus had taken time to be by himself to pray, he walked on the water to meet them on the boat. The disciples were terrified at first because they did not recognize that it was Jesus. However, Jesus calmed their fears once he let them know that it was he.

          Peter asked that Lord to allow him to walk on the water towards him, so Jesus told him to come. Peter began to walk on the water, but when he took notice of the wind, he began to sink. He cried out to Jesus for help. Jesus immediately reached out his hand and rescued Peter from drowning. Jesus’ response to Peter’s fear was, “Oh ye of little faith. Why did you doubt?”

          Faith is one of the hardest things to have at times. We are used to being secure in what we see, but the unknown makes us fearful. Yes, it sounds good when telling it to someone else, but what happens when we find ourselves against a wall that doesn’t seem to have no way out? How do we have faith when it seems that we’ve come against one trial, after another, after another.

          The problem with many who struggle with faith is not the ability of God to work the situation out, but WILL He work the situation out. It’s as if you wonder if this will be the ONE time that God doesn’t come through. You know He’s able. You’ve read the scriptures, heard the sermons, and sang the songs. However, there’s still a seed of doubt in your mind as to if this will be the time that God lets you down. As you ponder on the thoughts, your faith begins to become less and less, and the seed of doubt begin to grow roots and bud sprouts.

          Your mind begins to struggle with itself as you think back to the times when God did bring you out of a situation, but this time seems to be different. This time, the trial seems to be rougher, tougher, and harder to deal with. Your mind is waging war where one moment you have faith and believe that God will do it and the next minute you doubt because you are not seeing anything transpire. You’ve prayed, fasted, and prayed some more only to receive what seems to be silence from God.

          You begin to question decisions you once made, at the time, thinking they from God. You question your prayers because they don’t seem to be working. You ask yourself if you somehow missed God, while trying to pursue Him. You start going over your circumstances to see if you’re being punished for some wrong. You question your stance with God because you don’t feel His presence. You begin to self-search and see is there something wrong with YOU.

          Faith is a funny thing because its outcome is totally out of your control. That situation that you are in is only capable of working itself out by God alone. God will allow you to be put in a place where you can only rely on Him. You faith is truly being tested because there is absolutely NOTHING that you can do. You can’t go to family because half the time, they are reliant upon you. You can’t go to friends because their doubt will only increase yours. You find yourself alone in a situation with which there is no one else you can call on. Therefore, even though you have very little faith, with what you do have, you use it to call upon God.

          God doesn’t always come in the timing that we want or the way that we prefer. God has this funny thing when it comes to time. It is because He is not on a clock as we are. We live our lives with the who, when and where aspects. However, because God does not work that way, so faith is all we have to go by. God sees from the beginning to the end. He already knows how a situation is going to turn out before the thought ever enters our mind. Despite the unknown, we must stay faithful in trusting Him. We must not allow the seeds of doubt to fester and take root in our minds. James 1:6-8 says, “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.” (NIV)

          See, Peter only began to sink when he took his eyes off of Jesus. He allowed the winds of life to distract him. So instead of him being focused on the one who was in control of the winds, he focused on the wind itself. We do the same thing that Peter did. We focus on the trial or the situation instead of the Master. We allow the winds of life to knock us down and therefore, begin to lose faith and sink instead of relying on the wind Maker. Therefore, we lose all hope and want to give up.

            Even when things do not look to be going in our favor, we must trust and believe that God will work it out. Despite how close the time is coming for a decision, we must know that God is still in control. Regardless of how difficult the circumstances seem to be, we must have faith that God can and will make a way. Jeremiah 32:27 says, “I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is there anything too hard for me?”(NIV) Trust and always believe in God that even when He is silent, He is working all things out for your good. God bless!

Are You SELF-Pleasuring?

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2 Timothy 3:2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying it's power.(NKJV)

          I bet when you looked at the title, you probably thought that I was talking about masturbation. Well, in a sense, I am. However, I'm not talking about the sexual kind, I'm talking about the desire to think only about "self" instead of the things of God. The world we live in has increasingly become all about "self" and what someone can do for ME. It seems as if love has truly been left out many aspects of our society. Matthew 24:12 says, "Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold." (NIV) This is even taking place in some of the churches. People can walk right pass each other and not even speak, but be the first ones to shout Hallelujah. 

                Many times, the world only thinks of others when a crisis hits them personally or around Christmas time. Even then, the mad rush to get through the holiday doors have cost people their lives because of others' lack of regard for human life. They have been seen on camera literally tramping over someone, and the end result was that person's death. How can someone be this cruel? It's because their love and compassion for others have grown cold. If you listen to many of the secular artists songs, their definition of love is sexual satisfaction and what you can do for or to me. However, this is not the type of love that God desires us to have with our fellow brothers and sisters.

                God never intended for us to be selfish creatures. God wants us to love each other in a Godly way, and care for our brothers and sisters. Sometimes we get so caught up in our own daily lives that we don't take the time to show concern for others. It becomes all about ME. What "I" need or what "I" want. Do we even take the time to pray for others? Do we go check on the elderly neighbor, who we know doesn't have anyone to talk to? Do we go to the nursing homes and prisons to see about the people there? Do we visit the sick and shut-in to offer them a word of prayer? How about giving someone a lift to the store or doctor if they don't have transportation?  Matthew 25:35 says, "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." (NIV) Jesus went on to say that when we did it to the least of them, we have done it unto Him. 

                Jesus was letting us know that it's not all about us. We are to be a light unto the world. Many may think that being a light only consist of inviting a person to church, however, it is more to it than that. In order to win souls for Christ, they must see the "love" that is within us. That means, they should know that we are a caring people who not only talk about God, but actually line it up with actions. 

            So how can we go about making sure that we line up with the word of God? It’s simple! We just need to show more LOVE. What is love? Love is all the things that God is and we aren't within the natural. Love is what we do when we’re striving to become more like Him. Love is going the extra mile even when it’s at an inconvenience to us. Love is saying, “I’m there for you,” even when you’re not getting anything out of it.

            The Bible sums up the definition of love best. 1 Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices in truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be still; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

            Love should be the ONE thing that remains constant in our lives. Let us make sure that we are not “self-pleasuring” ourselves with the things of the world, whereas we have no time to show love to others. Love is our first duty before all else. I pray that God be with you and keep you. Most of all, I pray that He gives us a STRONG desire to have love for one another. Take care and God bless!

The Weight of Lonliness

Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for am your God. I will strengthen you and help you: I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

           During this past holiday season, it was a rough time for many individuals; especially for those who were single. I had countless calls from people who were single, such as myself, and where troubled by yet another holiday of being alone. The common complaint was, “I am tired of year after year watching everyone else with someone and yet, there’s no one for me.” One friend decided to bypass the holiday functions altogether because of what she considered as “embarrassment” of yet another year having to go to the family party with a number of 1.

It wouldn’t have been so bad for her if it weren’t for the questions that she received year after year of, “When are you going to settle down and get married? Why aren’t you married yet? Girl, you aren’t getting any younger, so what are you waiting on?” Yes, definitely, questions one would wish to avoid…and so she did.

          This wasn’t limited to just the females. Males were complaining as well that women say they want a good man, but don’t act right when they find one. Therefore, instead of hanging out with friends, who were coupled up already-- a microwave dinner, can of soda, and a remote control had to suffice. This was what being alone was reduced to. The thought of yet another failed date, relationship, or messy split-up which was not appealing. So, home alone he was.

          Then there was one of my older friends. She’s in her 60’s and she is still holding on to holding on. She didn’t care anything about the holidays, so that wasn’t her plight. She claimed that she was okay being by herself, but every now and then, she would let it slip that she wouldn’t have minded being with someone. However, at her age, she decided that her chances would be slim after years of waiting. Her children were grown, and she would see her grandchildren  every now and then, but in her little place of hearts, she felt alone.

          Then there was me. Listening to everyone’s complaints and totally understanding their plight. Even though they were talking to me for support, I totally understood where they were coming from. Been there…done that. I could understand why the one friend didn’t want to go to the parties and get asked the same questions year after year. Some people act like good relationships grow on trees, and the earth is springing them up like grass on the ground. So when they ask, what I consider dumb and insensitive questions, you tend to look at them like… really? Do you think someone who has reached maturity would really choose to be single, while everyone is blossoming around the planet?

          Don’t get me wrong, I think the majority of people are happy for others when they find happiness. If you’re not…you need to go take a HAPPY pill. Don’t hate on someone because they were blessed and yours hasn’t come yet. Be happy for them, but it is okay to ask God about your particular situation. Keep in mind, you would want others to be happy for you, so you should be the same towards them. However, it is understandable when you’re going to everyone’s wedding but yours, everyone’s shower but yours, everyone’s family gathering but yours, and everyone’s anniversary party but yours. It can be challenging.

          So what do you do to fight off the weight of loneliness? The best thing you can do is to PRAY. I know some people would not want to hear this, but it is the true solution to helping one deal with those feelings. God knows and understands what you are going through. He created you, so He knows your deepest desires and dreams. He’s the one who put the desire to be attached in us. Attached doesn’t mean married, but it can mean friendships as well. We weren’t meant to be or feel alone. Rather that is in a marriage or friendship, God created us to be around people. We were not supposed to live secluded lives.

Now for those who are single, prayer is especially important and the best weapon to fight the weight of loneliness. God will give you peace until He sends someone for YOU. Talk to Him and tell Him your needs and wants. He already knows, but He just may be waiting for you to build that relationship with Him FIRST before He gives you His Fatherly blessing, and hand you off to someone else. Try talking to God every day when you wake up. Talk to God about how your day went. Talk to God about the course your life is on. Talk to God as if you were talking to your future mate. Do this, and watch God open up new relationships in your life, rather they be courtship and/or friendship. God bless! I invite you to get my newly released book titled, “Love: Begins at the Heart of God by K L Rich,” which is available on Amazon.com. It will help you to build a relationship with God that you never knew was possible. 

Ugly Hands

John 3: 16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish, but have eternal life. (KJV)

There’s a story that I was told as a child about a woman who had burned hands. Her hands would be described as horrific, and the ugliest hands that one could ever see. She had a beautiful little girl who was around 8 years old. Although the girl loved her mother, she was embarrassed by her mother’s hands. One day, the little girl decided to build up enough courage to ask her mother, why her hands looked so horrible. Upon asking the question, the mother’s eyes began to fill with tears. The girl looked down because at that point, she second-guessed herself as to if she should have asked. However, her mother went on to tell the little girl the story.

          One day, when the little girl was a baby, the mother had laid her in her crib to take a nap. The mother went about the house doing her daily duties of cleaning, cooking, and preparing things for when her husband would come home. However, a fire started in the room, that the baby was in, from a heater that had over heated. The mother didn’t know that there was a fire, until she began to smell smoke. Immediately, she ran to the baby’s room, but the room was engulfed with flames. Determined that she was going to save her baby, she walked in the room and rescued her baby from being burnt. In the process, she burned her hands.

          After hearing this story, the little girl’s eyes were filled with tears. She knew that her mother must have really loved her to take such a risk. She was so sorry that her mother’s hands had embarrassed her. She reached up, took her mother’s hands and said, “Mom, these are the most beautiful hands that I have ever seen.” The girl was never again embarrassed by her mother's hands. 

          This story reminds me of how Jesus came to earth to save us from our sins. He became the ultimate sacrifice in order that we may live. He was betrayed, mocked, spit on, beat in such a gruesome manner that he wasn't even recognizable, and then crucified. He too has the marks as proof for saving us from an eternal death. What more could he have done to show us that he loves us. However, are we too embarrassed to let others know that we're a Christian. Do we run away from truth because we're afraid of what others may say? Are we ashamed to take a stand for what is right despite popular opinion?

          I am so glad that I have a loving Savior who risked himself to save a person undeserving as me. That is the most powerful display of love that anyone can show and give. The Lord is trying to do his best to save EVERYONE from eternal damnation. He already paid the price, but the only thing that we must do is accept the offer. Not only accept the offer, but give of ourselves as a gift of appreciation for what he has done. What so little to ask for such a price that he already paid. We, who have already accepted Jesus are to show our light to others so that they may be saved. Matthews 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (NIV)

          If you are not saved and you want to accept Christ into your, all you have to do is ask, and he will gladly accept you today. Jesus is love. Jesus is your best friend. Jesus will never leave you or forsake you. Jesus is your Redeemer. I love my Jesus, don’t you? God bless!  I invite you to get a copy of my book titled, "The First Black Friday: The Crucifixion of Christ" which tells the story of the fall of man and God's plan to save an undeserving world from our sins. Available on Amazon.com 

The Antichrist Spirit in this Country

1 John 4:3 “but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. (NIV)

          Hollywood has made countless movies about the antichrist coming to earth. One of the most popular ones from the 1970’s was the release of the film “Omen” where a child had been born, and thought to be the antichrist. During the film, this child was raised in a family affiliated with politics and in later films, he grew to power where he sets his eyes for the presidential seat. However, that goal was never accomplished.

          Our government is running a dangerous course with God. There is ungodliness all across our land. Where God was supposed to be the foundation and its source, the mere mention of God is distasteful in the eyes of many. On any given day, you can hear about having sympathy towards the Islamic religion, while our government creates more and more laws to take away our religious freedoms.

          An article done last year on “The Blaze” website discussed  military  personnel not being allowed to talk about their religion. It went on further to say that it began with lower ranks, but was really focused on higher ranks pushing their religious views on their subordinates. One recommendation given to settle the matter would involve the process of court martial for those who did this. It would be against the military code to discuss your religion. So basically a, don’t ask, don’t tell policy as what was once for the enlisted gays.  It makes you wonder if the issue was really about proselytizing their religion, or was and currently is about taking religion out  of the military altogether. It’ s strange how gays can now come out, but soon, the Christians may be required to hide out. Matthew 5:16 “…let your light so shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Should this really take effect and other religious freedoms in the military such as not being able to wear your uniform on the platform at church, I would tell any Christian that you may want to think twice before going in. I’m a Navy veteran and I hate to say that I wouldn’t recommend the military, but it is true due to the times we’re living in.

          The government is allowing millions of babies to be aborted every year. Since the 1973 Roe vs. Wade’s decision, 50 million babies have been aborted. It’s a woman’s choice, they say and therefore, babies are slaughtered like cattle year after year. 3,000 babies are killed each day. Over a million various types of abortions are performed in the United States every year. 52% of African American babies are aborted each year. (www.endoftheamericandream.com ) Why has this nation lost the appreciation of life? Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; (NIV) This verse means that life does begin at conception and therefore, you are taking a life when you participate in the act of abortion.

          The government is taking God out of everything. In many schools, you can’t say “merry Christmas” because it may offend someone. There was a school last year who made Christmas cards, and had gifts with the words “Merry Christmas” on them for veterans at the VA hospital in Augusta, Georgia only to be told that it wasn’t allowed because of the wording on them. The government has already outlawed prayer in school, but they now want to teach your children at 5 years old about sex. I’m sorry! We can’t pray, but you want to teach a child about WHAT??? Then they are openly teaching children about having 2 mommies and 2 daddies. I’m not talking about stepparents; I’m talking about the “gay” agenda. I’m sorry, but they shouldn’t be teaching on the “straight” agenda, so definitely not the “gay” one. This is an abomination before the Lord. Leviticus 18:22 “Do not have sexual relations with a man as one does with a woman; that is detestable.”  1Timothy 1:10 “for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine.” (NIV) The Bible makes it clear that homosexuality is a sin. Therefore, we should not allow anyone to teach children wrong. It may be time for homeschooling folks.

          Okay! Let’s address the homosexual agenda since the president wants to make it known that he is “PRO homosexual” by throwing it up in our faces, that he has elected officials, in this lifestyle to office. I’m sorry! I’m happy that a black woman was given the chance to be in a government office, but what does her sexuality have anything to do with her doing her JOB? It doesn’t matter who she strips down for behind closed doors because that’s between her and God. However, her sexual preference should not be on display. Mr. President…has it wrong.

          In addition to that, gay marriage is being made into law all across the country. The constitution is being stepped on and not even speaking of the BIBLE. No wonder they don’t want the 10 commandments displayed in government buildings and any sign of God on the government steps. You know why? They are trampling all over it like a stampede of cattle. Do not fret people! These are signs of the times that were prophesied to us in God’s word.

          Woe unto the pastors, who aren’t taking a stand against this type of behavior themselves. If you are preaching an unadulterated truth, then you are of the devil. Yes! I am talking about some of these mega pastors who are afraid to say on TELEVISION that homosexuality is a SIN. One pastor said, “I don’t get to have an opinion…” Excuse me! Your opinion should be that of Thus Saith The Lord!!! No questions’ asked! That is your opinion….again, signs of the end.  What about the Pope saying that atheist can go to heaven…LOL! WHAT!!!

          Okay, help me to understand this. Let’s say for instance, I don’t like chocolate; why would I want to go inside a chocolate factory? After all, I don’t like chocolate. If atheists don’t believe that there is a GOD, then why would they want to go to His house? Come on! I’m just saying…. Pastors and other leaders who aren’t speaking the truth, will cause many to be misled. 2 Timothy 4:3-4  “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. (NIV) There you have it! People will not want to hear the truth and therefore, they will flock to churches that don’t tell it. Such likes of this is seen in one of the largest television ministries that is viewed across the country. He has a “nice” message, but he doesn’t teach people about righteous living. He makes the “feel” good. We all love to feel good, but let’s feel good while doing what’s right. Revelation 3:19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. (NIV)

          Yes, this government and country has a spirit of the antichrist. There is a growing lack of love for the things of God and a rush towards the things of the devil. 1John 2:22-23 Who is a liar? It is whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a person is the antichrist—denying the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also. (NIV) People it’s time to wake up! The spirit of the antichrist is present in this world. We must be careful not to fall into the traps that are easily being set for us. Heaven is real! Hell is real! There is no in between. You’re either sold out for God or selling out to the devil. Make your choice! Joshua 24:15 But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve….(NIV) Make a choice people and do not fall for the alluring of the antichrist spirit. God bless!

The Once Saved, Always Saved Inaccuracy

The children of Israel complained to Samuel, after years of the Lord being their guide, that they wanted a king. 1 Samuel 8:5 They said to him, [Samuel] “You are old, and your sons do not follow your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.” (NIV) After warning them of the downside to having a king, the Lord granted their request, and chose a king to lead them. God told Samuel whom to choose, and that he would be from the tribe of Benjamin. Saul was anointed by Samuel to be king, and he went on to lead the children of Israel.

          Later, Saul was ordered by God to kill the Amalekites, and destroy everything and everyone. Nothing was to be kept and no one’s life was to be spared. However, Saul disobeyed God and did not totally destroy everything. He even was deceptive with Samuel, but God had already informed Samuel as to what he had done. After being caught in his lies, Samuel told Saul that the Lord was taking the kingdom away from him.

          The Spirit of God left Saul due to his disobedience. 1 Samuel 16:14  Now the Spirit of the Lord had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord tormented him. (NIV)  Once God’s Spirit had departed Saul, there was only one spirit that he could be replaced with. That spirit would be of the devil. Well, we know how the story ended and for those who don’t, Saul, was killed in the end, and never returned back to the Lord. Saul was eternally loss.

                Now, this begins the study into the doctrine of “once saved…always saved.” If you refer back to the story, Saul once had favor in God’s eyes. However, he turned his back on the Lord and therefore, was loss. So, if we were to use Saul’s example, why is there such a strong belief into the always being saved doctrine? This would mean that a person can live anyway they choose as long and they have accepted Jesus. The bible, however, begs to differ. Romans 6:15  What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law, but under grace? By no means! (NIV)

Even the devil and his demonic host believe in Jesus. However, they will not be in heaven. The bible goes on to point out that it would have been better if they had not known the truth, than to have known and turned their backs on it. 2 Peter 2:20-22 If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and are overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were in the beginning. It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, then to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them. Of them the proverbs are true: “A dog returns to its vomit,” and, “A sow that is washed returns to her wallowing in the mud.” Therefore, God wouldn’t have been concerned about you going back into the world once saved if it really didn’t matter.

We are to continuously be a light for Christ. We cannot turn our backs to God and then expect to enter His kingdom. It would be as if someone purchases a home with a mortgage, and decides not to continue to pay for that mortgage. You will eventually lose the home to foreclosure and therefore, will no longer have legal access to the home. Hebrews 6:4-6 It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened , who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the work of God and the powers of the coming age and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace. This is why it is ever so important to stay near the feet of God.

For those who have fallen away from God, we must do all we can to try to get them to turn their hearts back to Him. God desires that no one be loss, but the truth is…there will be Christians, or former Christians in hell. I have a friend whom I am concerned for about her soul Salvation. She used to be a Christian. Now, she considers herself to be “spiritual” and doesn’t accept Jesus as the Son of God. She believes in “God” or should I say the “Creator” as she calls Him, but she doesn’t accept His son. I pray for her and try to witness to her because the Bible says that Jesus is the only way. Therefore, if she accepts the Father and not His son, she cannot be saved. Mind you, she is a “former” Christian. I supposed that some would say that she is still going to heaven. I don’t think this will be the case unless she repents and once again accept Christ into her heart. John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. It saddens my heart to say, but unless my friends turns back to Jesus, she will be loss. She is not once saved, will be saved. She will be eternally loss.

There is so much that can be said about this doctrine. I am not able to fit as much as I would like into this one blog. However, we will revisit this subject in the future. What I will leave you with is that we have to stay connected to God. Yes, we are under grace, but that grace does not mean leaving the fold of His safety. John 10:27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

We want to be welcomed with open arms to God’s kingdom. We want our friends and family to be saved. If you know of anyone who is in a backslidden state, pray for them. Do not make the mistake of thinking that they are okay because they “once” accepted Christ at some point in their lives. Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. If they are not living for God, then the other is obvious. Pray! Witness! Pray some more! God bless until next time. 

If you would like to get a book that would be a great witnessing tool to win someone to Christ, I would like to invite you to get my book, “The First Black Friday: The Crucifixion of Christ.” It is a wonderful story of the fall of man and the painful decision that God had to make to send His son to earth in order that we may be save. This is a book that will reach the hearts of many and give them an understanding of the love that God has for us.

Music...The devil's Agenda

          In a 2009 study, done by SUNY Albany psychology professor Dawn R. Hobbs, found that of the 174 songs that made it to the top 10 on the Billboard’s music chart, 92% of it had sexual messages. The study went more in-depth by breaking the songs down into 18 different categories. Those are as follow: genitalla, other body parts, courtship, short-term strategies, arousal, sex acts, sexual prowess, reputation, mate guarding, fidelity assurance, commitment, resources, status, mate provision, sex appeal, rejection, infidelity, parenting, and other.

          R&B was the front-runner with country and pop music to follow. The study found that on the average, there were 10.49 sexually related content messages per song. The study found that the songs that contained sexual messages sold better than the ones that didn’t. Basically, what this study says is, SEX SELLS.

          America often wonders why there is such a problem with teenage pregnancies, single-parent households, and STDs being on the rise. Well, I would dare to ask the question, “What are young people listening to?” That is not to even mention what they are watching on the big screen. We’ll save that topic for another day. Now let’s get back to the music!

          There is an agenda in this country and all over the world. It is to take the minds of young people, and turn them into non-thinking, brainless, ungodly, adulterated robots. That’s right! Your child, niece, nephew, and/or Godchildren are under demonic attack. If you can take their minds, you can take their souls. It’s just that easy. Ephesians 6:12 says, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (KJV) We are in a fight to save the minds of the children in this world. If we don’t fight for them…who will?

          Many of them are either listening to and/or going to see in concert Jay-z: Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Chris Brown, Katie Perry (Whose parents, by the way are actually ministers…figures huh) and many more. How are they getting the money? Who is allowing it to enter the home? Who is paying for them to watch it on TV? You get it? Sad to say, but Christians are some of the biggest fans of the people mentioned. I can say that because I was one of them.

          Yes, I love music and always will. However, I have had to re-evaluate even some of the things that I once thought was okay even as an adult. You can imagine how this goes over with young people. I have seen children as young as 4 years old rapping to lyrics that even I as an adult wouldn’t listen to. So you may say, “Well, I don’t see the harm in my child listening to Beyonce.” Okay, that fine. Now let me throw this act you. Will you see the harm when your teen comes home and say, “I’m pregnant or I got someone pregnant?” Your teen may have been listening and watching some of those videos and enacting what he or she had seen.

          See, the music industry says, “It’s okay to have premarital sex. It’s okay to take someone else’s mate because he was mine first. It’s okay to call women B’s and H’s. It’s okay to get ***** licked, sucked…” You get it? We may think that because we are Christians that we are exempt from these temptations and therefore, the children are too. No! No! No! This kind of thinking will get you caught up and then you’ll look dumbfounded as to what just happened. Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (KJV)

          Jay-z is not going to lead your child to heaven…hell will be where he will open his eyes. Beyonce is not going to lead your child to a “ring.” A clinic for STDs is where your child will be sitting. Lady Gaga is not going to lead your child to marriage. A gay and lesbian lifestyle, which is absolutely an abomination before the Lord, is where your child will be headed. Rihanna is not going to lead your child to a healthy relationship. She will teach your child to return to the abuser by saying, “It’s okay.” Kanye West will not lead your child to Jesus. He thinks that he is God, and will have your child doing the same. Do I need to say more?

          So you may say, what am I supposed to do? I’m glad you asked. Monitor the music, tv, and videos that your child is either listening to or watching. This also includes many of the cartoons that are on TV. It is amazing how Christians are rapping to some of the same lyrics that contain profanity, vulgarity, and other ungodly things that the world is involved in. There are just as many Christians at these concerts and purchasing ungodly music as the world. However, how many are purchasing books and music about God on mp3s, iPods, kindles, laptops, and other devices?

          If you want to know where your relationship stands with God, see what is the main things that you allow to come into your home. That will tell you a lot without anyone else having to judge. Trust me, we are all guilty of it, including myself. I have had to clean some things out and is still in the process of doing so. I am a work in progress and so are you.

Now, we all have our individual relationships with God and some things might convict one person whereas it doesn’t with another. However, there are certain things that all who profess to have a relationship with God should abstain from. I will leave you with this scripture and I pray that you reevaluate your relationship with God. Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report: if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.  If you cannot listen to that song with Jesus, go to that concert with Jesus, or watch that video with Jesus, you may need to leave it where it is and therefore, not allow your child to entertain it as well.

Most of all, let us PRAY for the unsaved entertainers, so they may find Jesus, and change what was once ungodly lyrics to those of God, which will win others to His kingdom. We must PRAY for their souls’ Salvation. God wants ALL of His children to be saved. It is not too late for them. May God bless you and don’t forget to LIKE me on Facebook at K L Rich Spoken Word Corner.

The Weight of Negativity

In the childhood story, “The Engine that Could”, it tells about a train that helped others to get to their destination. After being bypassed by other trains, the awaiting passengers, after almost losing hope, decided to give it another try after being stranded and asked an oncoming train if it could help. The train wasn’t negative like the other trains were. In fact, the train kept repeating the phrase, “I think I can, I think I can.” Needless to say, they arrived at their desired destination.

          The Bible says in Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. This is an important verse to keep in mind when trying to do anything in life. It doesn’t have to be just weight loss, but this goes for anything that God has placed in your heart. When dealing with weight, there are so many factors that are involved. One of those things is listening to nay-sayers. I have found out that it is not good to tell everyone your goals. Some people can find a dart on a blank board.

          It’s not that all of them are meaning ill will towards you; it’s just that they can’t see the positive in many situations. Most of them have a negative view of their own life and therefore, their conversation transfers negativity into your ears. This is why I have learned to keep some things just between God and me. If they can’t help, they don’t need to know.

          Many of us are carrying around bags that were dropped off at our front door. We carry them without ever dropping off the load. What I mean is that we rerun the negative things people have said about us over and over again without ever letting go. You may wonder why some dreams you have had never came to fruition. It may be that you allowed someone to give you a stormy forecast and therefore, you abandoned the dream altogether.

          Never let someone’s view of you keep you from accomplishing what you want in life. Ask God for guidance in your life and He will help you. If you don’t have people that will support your Godly dream, you may need to distance yourself from their conversation. There are many things that I wouldn’t have accomplished in life if I had listened to negative people. Negative people cast their fears onto you. I say to you, don’t let them.

          There’s an actress who recently walked the red carpet in a dress critics thought was unappealing because of her size. Well, she let them know that even though the comments hurt, she was on the red carpet while they were on the couch. Yes! That’s the spirit! Don’t worry about the critics! As you rise in all humbleness, they will watch you soar. Stay blessed everyone and don’t forget to check out my books on my website at www.klrich.com. God bless!

God Blocked It!

Some years ago, while in my mid-twenties, I met this guy at our place of employment. We instantly hit it off, started dating, and eventually moved in together. Immediately, I noticed that he liked to watch porn on the internet.   I wasn’t enthused about it, but I didn’t say anything to him. I never investigated what he was watching because I wasn’t into that type of thing. However, I knew that was what he was watching because he told me.

          At the time, I considered myself a Christian, but I wasn’t doing Christian things. It bothered me that we were living together in sin, so I told him that we would either have to get married, or the relationship couldn’t continue. We both agree that we would get married. However, things didn’t go smooth.

          Members of my family didn’t particularly care for him, but that wasn’t the reason things went south. He decided that he no longer wanted to be in a relationship because he wanted to be with someone who was slimmer. Mind you, I wasn’t skinny when he met me and I had actually lost weight during the time that we had been together. However, I wasn’t thin enough for his taste. He wanted someone who was in a single digit and that surely wasn’t me.

          Well, we broke things off and during that time, I was very hurt. This was someone whom I really cared for and tried to be really good to. We had already set a date, I had my dress, etc. However, that didn’t matter and so we went our separate ways. There were times when we would do the “hook up” but nothing ever came out of it. One day, I decided to move from my location and I didn’t leave a forwarding address or phone number because I knew that I needed to move on without him.

          It took a while for me to get over the breakup and my self-esteem was at an all-time low. For a long time, I viewed myself through his eyes and so, I wasn’t happy with myself or my looks. I felt that no one would want me because I wasn’t thin. What I didn’t know was that it wasn’t in God’s plan for me to be with him.

          Years past and I got more active in church and started taking God more seriously. I pretty much stopped dating with an occasional one here and there. Those didn’t go anywhere and that was okay, because this time, I knew that I had to marry the one that God had for me. No longer would I search on my own to find Mr. Right. He would have to find me.

          Well, just recently, I became aware that the guy I had been dating, had been arrested a couple of years after we broke up for “Child Pornography.” He had been caught with pornographic pictures on his computer of a girl that was 12 years old. Wow! No wonder he didn’t want me because he wanted children. When I found out about this, all I could say was, “God Thank You!” I am so glad that God did not let me get caught up with someone who was obviously sick.

          I say this to anyone who is dating someone that watches porn, do not take that relationship any further. You never know where that will lead down the road. If you are into porn, get some help! Do not allow the things of Satan to take you down a road that you can’t return from. Now this is not to say that everyone who watches porn is into children. However, if you have to be sexually satisfied from a screen then something is wrong. Furthermore, for singles, we have to wait on God even when it gets rough. For married, get counseling if this is taking place in your marriage. This can be destructive especially for a Christian home.

          I pondered over if I would share this with you, but I know that this will help someone and therefore, I am to be a testimony for God. I thank God that He blocked me from marrying that man, and what I thought was the worst thing at the time was actually a blessing. Sometimes God will shut doors to prevent you from falling off a cliff. Remember that every closed door is not a bad one. God loves you! Be blessed!