Homosexuality...what does God have to say?

Romans 1:18-19,24, 26-28  ⁽¹⁸⁾ The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, ⁽¹⁹⁾ since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. ⁽²⁴⁾ Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. ⁽²⁶⁾ Because of this, God gave the over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. ⁽²⁷⁾  In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error. ⁽²⁸⁾  Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.

 

            The “Homosexual Agenda” is being pushed forward more and more throughout the world. It has become the “thing” to celebrate, praise, and admire for many. It is becoming increasingly more popular to be homosexual than to be heterosexual. For the ones who stand up for what the Bible says, with regards to this act of detestation against God, are considered as homophobic, haters, and even not lovers for mankind. If you quote from what the Bible says in regards to this “sin” because this is exactly what it is, you are called a Bible thumper, bigot, and a disgrace to the human race. The world is turning against the beliefs of God and therefore, the Saints of God. Anyone who dares to stand up for what God says will become persecuted, mocked, and in some cases prosecuted in the court of Law.

            Yes, it has sadly come to this. July 2012, the owner of Masterpiece Cake Shop in Colorado refused to sell a wedding cake to a gay couple who was wanting to celebrate their recent wedding that had taken place in Massachusetts. The couple filed a complaint, which was later joined by the Attorney General. The end result—the judge ruled in favor of the gay couple. More about this can be found at http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2013/12/06/3035121/colorado-bakery-broke-law/#. The owners of the shop were not able to claim that it was against their religious beliefs to do so. They were judged as if an open act of discrimination had taken place. This is not the only business that has been taken to court for enforcing what they believe is their religious belief to serve gay couples. Other businesses such as florist, photographers, and others in the wedding field have faced lawsuits for standing up for their religious beliefs. This leaves me to ask the question, is gay “marriage” actually marriage in the eyes of God?

Ephesians 5:22, 25 ⁽²²⁾ Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. ⁽²⁵⁾ Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and give himself up for her. (NIV) In the text, God is telling the wife (woman) and husband (man) what roles they are to play with their “marriage.” Nowhere does it say for man to submit to his husband and for a woman to submit to her wife. Furthermore, who is the head when you have two of the same sex married to each other? It seems as if they would nullify each other. Let’s take this a little further if we want to define what God considered as marriage.

            Genesis 2:18 The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper “suitable” for him.” (NIV)  Would God have considered another man as a suitable companion for Adam? Here was the chance that He could have done exactly that. However, the mate that was intended for Adam and ALL men are women. Genesis 2:21-24 So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. The man said, “This is not bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. Take notice that God did not create another MAN to be Adam’s partner. He created a FEMALE and Adam had enough sense to notice that she was not the same as he, but was part of him. This is why he gave her the name WOMAN. So what is it that the gay community, even within the church do not understand about this? I am baffled that many would consider themselves to be followers of God, while blatantly going against His natural laws of nature.

            Have you ever seen gay animals? Have you ever heard of gay insects? Have you ever heard of gay birds? God’s animals even obey the laws of nature that He put into place, so why is it that man has a hard time doing so? Could it be that we have such wickedness within us that we want to do our own thing and constantly go against the laws of God? Could you really imagine Jesus being gay? Yes, he did not touch a woman down on earth, but that was not because he was gay. God had a purpose for Christ being here. That purpose was to save us from our sins so that we wouldn’t be condemned to eternal damnation.

So if there is nothing wrong with homosexuality, why was God so displeased with Sodom and Gomorrah that He was willing to destroy them with fire? Genesis 19:4-7 Before they had gone to bed, all the men from every part of the city of Sodom—both young and old—surrounded the house. They called to Lot, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them.” Lot went outside to meet them and shut the door behind him and said, “No, my friends. Don’t do this wicked thing.” (NIV) Lot understood and knew that such an act was sinful before the Lord. He even offered up his daughters to them, but they did not want the women, they were so filled with lustful passions for their own kind that they refused to accept his daughters as a peace offering. Instead, the men insisted that the angels be brought out to them. Now the Bible doesn’t go into all the wickedness that these two cities had done, but this particular act was included in the Bible. This makes me think that because God ensured that we knew details about what had taken place here; it was to be another sign that the act of homosexuality was and still is indeed wrong. It disgusted God so much that He would rather destroy them than to let it continue.

Therefore, we must tackle question, “Is homosexual marriage acknowledged in the eyes of God?” Well, the people who are for this would say that because God is love, He wouldn’t discriminate against them. They believe that they are free to love whomever they wish and that it is acceptable before God. However, I beg to differ. Numbers 23:19 God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? (NIV) God will not declare something as detestable to Him one minute, but then say that it is acceptable the next. James 1:8  A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. (KJV) God clearly doesn’t change His mind when it comes to the things of mankind. How would we be sure of what to follow if God was confused Himself? Malachi 2:13-16 Another thing you do: You flood the Lord’s altar with tears. You weep and wail because he no longer looks with favor on your offerings of accepts them with pleasure from your hands. You ask, “Why?” It is because the Lord is the witness between you and the wife of your youth. You have been unfaithful to her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant. Has not the one God make you? You belong to him in body and spirit. And what does the one God seek? Godly offspring. So be on your guard, and to not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth.

The above text is very deep in how it describes God’s unhappiness when it comes to unfaithfulness in the union of marriage. Marriage is said to be a “covenant” where He is the witness. God took this so seriously that blessings and favor where being withheld when there was infidelity taking place within the union. Again, if you noticed, he refers to the “wife” in the union as a female. There is no mention of there being a same-sex couple. It also goes on further to say that He desired “Godly offspring.” It is impossible to produce offspring other than mating sperm and egg together even if it is in a pastry dish. There will always be a need of opposite sexes to reproduce to create another human being. Therefore, if you cannot procreate with the same sex, then you shouldn’t be sleeping with the same sex, which brings me to my next question. Should we allow minsters who are homosexual to lead the people of God?

Titus 1:6-9  An elder must be blameless, faithful to his wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. (NIV)  If you follow just what is outlined in the previous text, can a homosexual minister actually claim to follow this? When it plainly states that he must be faithful to his “wife,” wouldn’t there be a problem if he is so-called “married” to a man? Can he be considered blameless when he is going against the laws of God? Can he be considered having self-control when he is allowing the flesh to dictate who he sleeps with? This not only goes for the homosexual male, but women as well. Can he/she be trustworthy to teach the unadulterated message of God when the obvious sin of homosexuality is being committed in their own homes? Should the church allow such leadership to take place when the word of God goes against it? I think not.

God repeatedly calls the church his bride. He doesn’t claim the church as his husband. Jeremiah 3:14 “Return, faithless people,” declares the Lord, “for I am your husband. I will choose you—one from a town and two from a clan—and bring you to Zion. Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding. God said that He would give us shepherds after HIS own heart. That means that he will never give us a pastor who is not aligning with His will. Should this take place, we are to leave from under that covering immediately. John 10:4-5  “When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will not follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” (NIV)

Regardless of what the government says, we are to follow the laws of God. Regardless of what the gay community wants, God’s law is forever abiding and therefore, we do not to submit to the hype. We must stand on the word of God always even when it is no longer the popular thing to do. Sin is not able to be in the presence of God and because we are followers of Him, it should not sit well with us either. Regardless of whatever sin it is, God wants us to confess it and repent. Today’s blog only dealt with homosexuality, but there are many sins that we must confess. We all have sinned and therefore, are in need of our Savior. We must love our fallen brothers and sisters even in their wrong because God loves the sinner, but hates the sin. Let us be an example and prayerfully, can lead the way to a true repentant heart. Take care and be blessed. I will see you again on Monday!

 

Interracial Dating...Taboo or Not?

Acts 10:13-15 Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.” “Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.” The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure or unclean.” The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”

                The above text is about a vision that God had given to Peter in regards to calling people unclean. Peter had only thought of the Jews being worthy of Salvation, but God had a bigger picture. He wanted the message about Jesus to be spread to both Jews and Gentiles alike. There was no longer the need to separate themselves from the people who were once considered as heathens. God wanted the entire world to know and acknowledge His Son, who had come to save all mankind from their sins. So you may ask, what does this have to do with interracial dating? I’m glad that you asked. Let’s get started!

            According to the CDC, National Survey for Family Growth the marriage statistics dated January 1, 201, the statistics for marriages within the United States looks like this:

 

White men—44%

Black men—32%

Hispanic men—43%

White women—51%

Black Women—26%

Hispanic Women—45%

 

I looked at the statistics and was saddened by the low number of Black women within the United States who are married. We are the lowest number on the chart and black men are the lowest as well in comparison to other nationalities. Why is this? Is there something going on with the Black race as to why so many are not getting married? Is there some logical explanation where Black women seem to be the least likely to get married and Black men are not wanting to commit? Is this a sign that the future of the Black race is in trouble due to the lack of marriage between two of the same race? What is a black woman to do and why is there so many problems with even the mention of the “M” word to so many black men? It makes you wonder.

            The other day, I had a real interesting conversation with a friend who is single. She desires to be in a relationship and get married. However, she has not been successful with meeting someone of good quality. At 38 years old, no children and no prospects, she has been wondering what her future is going to look like. She had her life all mapped out and it involved her being happily married, with children, and the white picket fence dream. Unfortunately, her previous marriage ended in divorce and the rest of the dream never happened. A couple of years ago, I told her that she may want to open up her horizons. What did I mean? I meant date outside of the race. At the time, she was absolutely against it unless, he was Hispanic. However, when the topic was revisited the other day, she was more open to it. Her desire was and still is to have a Black man, but the likelihood of being alone doesn’t appeal to her either. She once told me that she didn’t want any “zebra” kids. Now, the “zebra” is looking like “filet mignon.”

            There are a lot of Black women, such as my friend, looking for that special someone within the confines of their race. However, what if that desired Black man never come? Would you pass up an opportunity for love just because he doesn’t have what you feel to be the right skin color? See there are a lot of Black men who are dating other races and they are happily doing so without giving the “sisters” the time of day. So why is it that many Black women are staying true to the cause? Is it the fear of stepping out into the unknown? Could it be the fear of stigma or what others will say? Is it that many feel that they would be betraying their race if they went to the other side? I don’t know about you, but love shouldn’t have a color attached to it. Now, I love our brothers just as much as anyone, but if God chose someone for me who wasn’t of African descent, I would gladly accept the gift without hesitation.

            There is no reason to be lonely just because you feel like you will be betraying your race. I have been around many interracial couples and even though some may give them the “eye” every now and then, they seem to have very happy relationships. This is not to say that there wouldn’t be challenges, but what relationship doesn’t have them? Now many Black women get “salty” when they see a Black man with someone of the opposite race. However, my question is, “Does he love her for who she is, or did he just set out to just date someone of a different race?” See, it’s all about what’s inside and not on the outside. God loves ALL His children and therefore, skin color is not important to Him.

            Now, you do have those who just date outside of their race because they have some inner self-hatred thing going on. However, if they don’t love themselves, it really doesn’t matter who they date or marry, they will still feel the same way until they get help to resolve the issue that is inside of them. You first have to love God, then yourself before you can love someone else. That person can be baby blue, but if you don’t love yourself, it still wouldn’t matter.

            I started talk on this topic because I would like for some of you to weigh in on the subject matter. This is a very interesting topic and therefore, I would like to do a part 2 to this soon. Email me at ktreaser1@yahoo.com or author@klrich.com and give me your views on this subject. I would love to hear from you. Also, look forward to hearing me in the upcoming months on a blog radio daily show. I am looking to have my own talk show where you can  listen to various topics as well as call in and discuss your views. If you have any subjects that you would like discussed on my blog, feel free to submit your request. I look forward to reading them. Thank you and God bless!

Mega Greed or Mega Need! You Decide! (Part 2)

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

 

            Many people have been led astray from God due to WOLVES in the pulpit. These people have encountered serious hurts from those who were “supposedly” set in place to lead them and help promote their growth in Christ. Instead of being the example that the children of God were able to look at, they were the ones who turned them against the church altogether and in many of cases, against God. In their minds, they believe that if a God could allow a leader to take advantage of His children, then this is the type of God that is not worth serving.

            What would make people decide that they do not want to come to church and in some cases serve God altogether? Could it be that the image of the church has been distorted by men and women of God right up in the pulpit? Could it be that “preachers” of the gospel have turned God’s church into a mockery? Could it be that the excessive spending on lavish lifestyles, womanizing, hypocrisy and the desire for Hollywood stardom has turned many would-be-saved Christians running to the fastest exit that they can find? Has the desire for secular worship houses, which blends into the mainstream, caused the word of God to be watered down to the point where church is more like a Golden Globe’s Award Show instead of a House of Worship? Is it that the outward display of prideful living has caused many who would give to the ministry of God to shrink back due to misuses of God’s funds?

            All of the above are very probable scenarios, which are taking place every day. God has become the mockery of many so-called leaders of the gospel and God is not pleased with the way they are turning souls who would be for Him—against Him. It is a sad day when preachers feel comfortable with the misrepresentation of God because they want to fit into the Hollywood “norm.”  What would Jesus say and do if He were here on Earth about this? Could you see Jesus being on the TV lineup for Preachers of LA? Would Jesus have His huge gold chain, fancy car, mansion house, and Armani suits available for the world to see? Would Jesus have His choice of women to sleep with and have the gospel compromised? Would Jesus dishonor His Father for the fame of the world?

            Mathew 4:8-11 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’”  Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. (NIV) Jesus had a chance to get caught up into the things of the world, but he did not allow the devil to take him there. Satan was offering him the chance of fame, fortune, and popularity. Instead, Jesus chose a life humility, poverty, and disapproval among the religious community of his day. As a matter of fact, Jesus was so against what the church had become in his day that he drove them out in anger. John 2:14-15 In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” Jesus did not want his Father’s house to be made a mockery of. God’s house was to win souls and is still supposed to be that way today. Is that being done today or is something else being won over instead? Hmmm…makes one think.

            So this takes me to another point…Money. Why is it that some people do not want to give to the church? Well, we shouldn’t look at it as giving to the “church” but it should be looked at as giving to God. However, due to the misrepresentation, of what the money is being used for legitimately in many churches, has become distorted due to shows like Preachers of LA. Many, who already thought the church is a place of preachers ripping off the poor and elderly, are in their eyes, now being confirmed in front of a world-wide audience. Yes, this is very sad, but is true. Many people have a negative view of the “mega” church. They look at “mega” churches as nothing but “mega” money machines taking from the poor to make themselves rich. The churches with ATM machines, Starbucks Coffee, and the likes of rock bands has given a sour taste in many people’s mouth.

            I have heard countless people say that they don’t go to church because they get tired of preachers always begging for money and taking up countless offerings. They say that if God supplies all your needs then why do you have to “beg” for it at every service. Well, do they have a point? Have we made worship service become more of a begging service? Do we tell people that God will take care of you, but PLEASE oh PLEASE get in the $100, $200 or $1000 line at church because we feel that unless we beg the saints of God, the bills will not get paid? Is this really the message that is being sent?

            God DOES want us to take care of His house and to give in order for the ministry to go across the world. However, we must be very cautious in not letting our good be evil spoken of. There is nothing wrong with building a nice place of worship. However, when does it become more of Mega Greed instead of Mega Need? If you are winning so many souls that that people are standing up and around the building because you can’t hold them, then that is a GOOD thing. Therefore, it is a MEGA NEED to get a new facility to hold them. However, if you are more concerned with getting on TV, not to spread the gospel, but to become popular, having a new building not because it’s needed, but because it ups your status, and getting more people only to get more money…that is MEGA GREED. In this case, God may still use you for the end results, but BEWARE!!! If your MOTIVES are wrong, you will not lift up your eyes into heaven, but bow your head in hell. 2 Peter 2:1-3 But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.

            There is so much that can be said on this topic and due to this being a blog, I am not able to do this all of this in 1 or 2 settings. What I will say is that there is a difference in when you just have a preacher of the gospel and when you have a pastor. A pastor will truly be one sent from God who also preaches, but he/she will minister to your soul. They will help you in your Christian walk and you will grow under their leadership. They will teach you the ways of God and therefore, it is up to you to follow as they lead. They will not lead you astray, but will ensure that their sheep are being fed the unadulterated word of God. They will have a concern for you, others and the things of God. If it displeases God, then it will displease them. They are not perfect, but they will strive to be in the excellence of God. If you have this, you have a pastor.

            However, if you are under the leadership of someone who goes against the will of God, self-seeking and self-serving, has a desire to only obtain the things of the world, preaches a good sermon, but doesn’t live it, you may have just a preacher. If his love is more for money than for helping those in need, you may have just a preacher. If you can’t get to him without having to go through his secret service, you may just have a preacher. This is not for those who have large congregations where they have to delegate duties…this is needed because a pastor can’t do it all, but you get the point. If you can’t shake his/her hand unless there’s money in it, you may just have a preacher. I hope you get the point.

John 10:27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

            Just remember to follow God’s voice. He will never lead you astray. Do not stop giving to the cause of God just become “some” may not be doing the will of God. In the end, they will pay for their wickedness, but you have the obligation to help souls be saved. Giving is required in order to receive the blessings from God. A tight fist isn’t open to receive. Make sure to always help others and God in turn will bless and reward you. There are pastors all across the world that are living and doing what God will have them. Do not let a “few” discourage you from doing what is right in the eyes of the Lord. God rewards those who come earnestly before Him and seek His face. Stay faithful, do not be discouraged, and ALWAYS do what is right. Take care my people and be blessed.

           

Mega Greed or Mega Need! You Decide!!!

Malachi 3:8-11 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field , saith the Lord of hosts.

 

            WAIT!!! WAIT!!! WAIT!!! Okay, you may say, “I have heard the above verse over and over and over so many times that I can quote it in my sleep, and speak it in tongues.” For many of us, this is the case, and it is one of the few verses that people can recall from memory just as fluently as they talk. So what is the problem? Why is there such a controversy with this scripture? Shouldn’t it be just as simple as just mere obedience? Oh, wait! I almost forgot! Many people have been turned off by what they feel to be misuse of God’s money in the church. Therefore, they do not feel the need to give and that this text may no longer apply to New Testament Christians.

            They look at the preachers on television and how large the congregations are. They look at all the nice clothes, cars, homes, and even butlers some of the ministers have been known to own. They look at the extravagance of private airplanes, several cars, mansion style houses, lavish lifestyles, and the Bling-Bling that is shown on some of the newer television shows. What many have just merely thought about preachers is actually been played out on reality TV. The gold, women, name-brand attire, stadium type facilities with coffee shops, and of course CASH—lots of it! So why would anyone want to give to the church? Well, let’s dig a little deeper into this subject matter.

Haggai 1:1-12 In the second year of King Darius, on the first day of the sixth month, the word of the LORD came through the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest: ²This is what the LORD Almighty says: "These people say, `The time has not yet come for the LORD'S house to be built.'"

³Then the word of the LORD came through the prophet Haggai: ⁴"Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?" ⁵Now this is what the LORD Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways. ⁶You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it."

⁷This is what the LORD Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways. ⁸Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored," says the LORD. ⁹"You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little. What you brought home, I blew away. Why?" declares the LORD Almighty. "Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with his own house. ¹⁰Therefore, because of you the heavens have withheld their dew and the earth its crops. ¹¹I called for a drought on the fields and the mountains, on the grain, the new wine, the oil and whatever the ground produces, on men and cattle, and on the labor of your hands." ¹²Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the whole remnant of the people obeyed the voice of the LORD their God and the message of the prophet Haggai, because the LORD their God had sent him. And the people feared the LORD.

          In the above text, God obviously was not happy with His people. They were building themselves up fine homes, while His house laid in ruins. They were not concerned about the things of God, but was only concerned about themselves. Therefore, God’s curse was upon them. They were making money and yet not able to keep it. They were feeding themselves and yet not able to remain full, and the list goes on. God was blowing on their possessions because they had left out the GIVER and therefore, they were not entitled to the gifts. You cannot expect the THINGS of GOD, while taking it upon yourself to leave Him out. How can you forget about the person who blessed you to begin with? Without God, there would be no job, car, house, money, and the list goes on.

            Well, do you have to give to the church? Again, if we go back to the above text, God was telling His people to take care of HIS HOUSE. How do we do that? We can only do this by GIVING monetary proceeds. Yes, we can also give in ways of time, but it takes money to run the house of God. Lights, rent/mortgage (unless you own) maintenance, upkeep, toiletries, etc. are only able to be met if people give. Just think about it! If you don’t pay the light bill of your home, you will soon be sing lullabies by the candle. The same is with the house of God. He needs us to give for the upkeep of His house.

            Okay, so you feel that you are paying the preacher’s salary and that he doesn’t need all of that. Well, some “may” go a little overboard. However, there are many pastors who are actually doing what they were called to do. What would it look like if your pastor had a 93’ Geo Metro that kept breaking down every week? With each time the car did not crank, he had to call a member to get a ride to church just so he wouldn’t be late for the day’s sermon. Better yet, your pastor is preaching about how God can bless you, while he is wearing 70’s tight pants, sole-less shoes, and moth smelling clothes. You may begin to start fasting for his prosperity instead of your own at the sight of this. 1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially who labor in the word an doctrine. (KJV)

            Timothy is saying that those who have devoted their lives in the ministry do deserve wages for their work. Most ministers do this full-time and this is the only support that they get. We expect a lot from them which includes, prayer, running of the church, visiting the sick, counseling, doing things in the community, and much more. It would be hard to work a full-time job to support yourself and/or family and then do all the things listed above. Don’t you want pay for the work that you do at your place of employment? Well, a pastor who does what God has called him to do, does deserve to be compensated for his time.

            I must admit to you, that for a long time, I REALLY struggled with giving tithes. I did not find it necessary for New Testament Christians and therefore, I did not do it. Yes, I gave here and there, as well as my time, but I did not give a 10% tithes out of my earnings. I had trouble with the concept of once Uncle Sam took his part out, I would still have to give an additional part. However, one day it hit me…I was looking at it wrong!

          What if everyone felt the same way that I did? How would the ministry get spread unto all the world? Isn’t this what Jesus told us to do before departing back into the heavens? Mathew 28: 18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given into me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (KJV) How will Jesus ever be able to come back if we don’t do OUR PART in spreading the gospel. The gospel doesn’t spread itself and it takes money to do this just like it does with anything else.

 How many of you have watched ministers on TV? That takes MONEY! How many of you have sat in your church buildings on pews, seats and even toilets? That takes MONEY! How many of you have had books, programs, and other religious materials given to you for free? Well, it WASN’T FREE! That takes Money! How many of you have been ministered to, visited, or called from your pastor? That takes MONEY! It takes money for him to run the lights to preach. It takes money for him to use his GAS to come visit. It takes money for him to keep his phone connected to give you a call.

There is so much that our pastors do that we should appreciate. See, when I stopped looking at what I was giving, but what I would be CONTRIBUTING to the KINGDOM of GOD, then all my “doubts” about giving went away. I don’t want to be a mere receiver of the gospel. I want to do MY PART to contribute to the work of God and receive my reward and stars on my crown. Whenever you give towards, God’s kingdom, you are helping to take souls from the enemy’s camp. That’s right! You are taking souls from the devil and signing them up for military service for the Lord. Isn’t it awesome to know that you are saving someone from eternal fire? I don’t know about you, but that feels GREAT!

There is so much to cover on this topic and I haven’t began to finish this. Therefore, I will continue part 2 of this tomorrow. WE do have some “PREACHERS” that misuse the things of God. I will not dare call them pastors because there is a HUGE DIFFERENCE. A Pastor ministers to the soul, but a Preacher can preach to the pews. Yes sir/mam! I know that people use them interchangeably. But if you really think about it, there is a difference. I think most of us consider ourselves as having pastors and not just preachers. Wouldn’t you agree? Okay! Part 2 tomorrow because the steak is about to get on the grill. Have a blessed day!

Shoot for the Moon, You may just get a Star!

Shoot for the Moon, You may just get a Star!
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Everyone should set goals for themselves! There shouldn’t be one person breathing who doesn’t have a goal of some sort to attain in life. Rather it be getting a promotion, starting a new business, going on a vacation or paying of a debt, goals are needed. 3 John 1:2 Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. (NIV) In this scripture, John was wishing that his friend be blessed. We should not only wish it for ourselves, but we should wish the best for others. We are more stronger together than we are apart. Therefore, we should encourage one another to attain those goals and deep down desires.
I remember when I had been discharged from the Navy, my first plan of action was to go to college. There weren’t any college graduates in my immediate family and so I was determined to be the first. I immediately registered in school for the upcoming semester and hit the books the entire time. I used my GI Bill and Illinois Veteran’s grant to fund it and I finished a 4-year degree in 3 years. I was determined that nothing or no one was going to stop me from accomplishing this goal and therefore, I Did It! I was very proud to have been able to be the first in my immediate family to leave college with a degree in my hand.
God loves for us to set goals for our lives. The Bible says Faith without works is dead. It is great to have faith, but we must do the necessary work that is needed and then allow God to step in and do the rest. He is so faithful even when things do not go as we planned. We can set our course, but we must allow God to steer the ship. He knows the plans that He has for us and sometimes, it may not go according to what we desired. However, as long as we give it our best, He will do the rest. Make those goals! Set your course! Go sailing and allow God to be the Captain of your ship. He will guide you and let your know what path to take. You may not hear Him right away, but He will eventually let you know what course to go on. Take care and be blessed!

Busy Bodies...Tend to Your Own Affairs!!!

2 Thessalonians 3:11 We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. (NIV)

          Talk Shows! Millions of people watch them daily across the country. Everyone wants to know the latest news, gossip, and things happening in the lives of celebrities, political figures, and even those in religious organizations. The juicer the news, the better the ratings. As a matter of fact, bad news seem to get more publicity than good news on any given day. If you notice, the first 5 minutes of most local news channels consist of who got shot, killed, stabbed, ran over, or some type of accident to draw the viewer's attention. They probably figure that starting the news on a positive note would cause a drop in their ratings. Why is that? Is it that we have become such a society who feeds on so much bad information that anything remotely positive is considered as boring? I am afraid that for many, that is the case.
          Many people thrive on negativity. They love to know if and when others are not doing well. They feed off of other people's misery or misfortune. These types of people cannot be trusted as far as you can throw them. As soon as they hear that someone has taken a fall, they are on the phone quicker than you can say "Peter Piper Pumkin Eater." One thing you should know for sure, if they are bringing gossip to you about someone else, they are taking your business to others as well. Did you really think that you were exempt regardless of how "cool" you think ya'll are? If you thought that was  the case, you definitely have blinders on. Just like they are in the marathon to bring your the juiciest news, your steak is on the grill too.
          I have had those type of people in my life, but I am happy to say that their "account" has been permanently cancelled. Once I find out for certain who you are and that you are no good, you will definitely not have a second interview. See busy bodies and gossipers are like snakes in a jar. You are safe as long as the lid is closed. However, if you open it up, you can be sure to get bit. They are just waiting for the right opportunity to attack. Once they do, the venom can kill you quickly without emergency medical attention.
          Your name would be mudd before you can bat an eye. These are the same folk who act as if they are genuinely concerned about your well-being, while secrectly planning your demise. 1Timothy 5:13 says, "Besides they get into the habit of being idle and going from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also busybodies who talk nonsense, saing things they ought not to. (NIV) The Bible is clearly saying that they have nothing better to do than to stir up trouble. You often find that these people don't know how to carry on an intellectual conversation without who did what, when and how. When they find out that you are no longer interested in their malicious gossip, you will find that your services are no longer needed and your phone bill will drop to an all new low. You will be able to get more done and peace will become a precious commodity.
          So how do you get away from busy bodies? I am glad that you asked. It's simple! Tell them to MIND THEIR OWN BUSINESS! Don't sugar coat it at all. Their mouth could be picked off the floor once you give it to them straight. Tell them that you are not Wendy Williams and your conversation is costly. What do I mean? It is costing you time and money of which, both, you do not have enough of. When you put your foot down and make it known to busy bodies that you are too busy for them, they will disappear as if you have the plague. Problem solved! I pray that this will help those victimized by busy bodies, and if you are the one that's busy, GET A LIFE, which doesn't include meddling in other people's affairs. Take care and God bless!
      
         

The Heart of a Giver

Mathew 25:40 "The King will reply, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it for me."

          It was the year 2006 and Illinois had received a lot of snow and ice. The ice weighed so heavily on the electric lines that it caused many people's utilities to go completely out. The power company was scrambling to answer thousands of residents' calls concerning their non-electric status according to news reports. However, despite their best efforts, some had to go days without having any source of electricity and heat.
          Many went to family members' homes who still had their utilities running. Others crashed at homes of friends, business co-workers, and heated shelters for protection. I was one of the fortunate ones to have encountered no problems with mine. It was truly a blessing because I was running a home-based childcare business, which would have been affected if my utilities had gone out.
          Due to many people knowing that I was still up and running, I was asked by some if they could stay with me until their utilities were restored. Without a question in my mind, I immediately said yes. I always had the philosophy that it could be me tapping on someone's door one day. Even if that weren't the case, it was the Christian thing to do.
          Do your posess the heart of a giver? Are you happy when you are in the position to help others? I don't know about you, but I just love being able to help others. Even when I have been in need myself, it has never stopped me from doing whatever I could to be a blessing to someone else. I truly believe the saying that what you do with a little, you will do with a lot.
          It reminds me of the story in the Bible about the widow and Elijah. He was hungry and needed something to eat. However, the widow had very little and was about to make the last of what she had for herself and her son. They were preparing to die. However, Elijah told the widow to make his food first, and there would be enough to feed them. She obeyed what he said, and they did not starve to death. Now, what if she only had thought about herself and her son? She wouldn't have received the blessing from the man of God.
          I have been so blessed to have been able to be a blessing to others, and many have been just as much of a blessing to me even if it were just through their prayers. It is a hard world to live in and many have had to rely on others to help them through difficult times. Therefore, I am grateful for everyone who has blessed me along the way, and trust me when I say, it will one day be definitely returned. May God bless and keep you.

Living in a Job's World

     Have you ever wondered why you have to endure trial after trial, test after test, and storm after storm in your life? Does it seem like just when you think that you're about to get a breath of fresh air, the rug gets snatched from underneath you again? Has it left your head spinning and you wonder what will happen next, and as soon as the words leave your mind, another attack happens? How am I familiar with this, you ask? This has been my life!
     I have had years of trials in my life that seems to have had only just a moment of ease. Just when I thought things couldn't get any worse, guess what? They did! I asked myself why is this happening? What is going on? Why does this keep happening in my life? When will I ever experience true happiness? Is there even such a thing as happiness for me, or am I doomed to be under what seems like a never ending curse?
     Job experienced this type of situation in his life. He was an upright righteous man who was perfect in God's eyes. However, God chose him to go through numerous trials. Just when he had received bad news, another, and then another messenger would come to add on to his misery. When that didn't break him, the devil attacked his physical body. Job did not know what was going on. He had no idea that he was target practice for the devil's sick game. All he knew was that he would not curse God regardless of his situation.
     Many times, God allows tests to come our way to see if we will remain faithful just as he did with Abraham. He wants to know that we love Him for who He is and not what He can give. He desires true and loyal servants who will trust Him even when things look dim and don't seem to be going in our favor. However, we must continue to have faith and believe that God can and will bring us through any situation that we face.
     Trials do not feel good. Tests are often nerve-wrecking, and storms can cause us to be unsteady on our feet. However, God will never leave His children to face things alone. It may seem like we are facing situations alone, but even in God's silence, He is working things in our favor. We must never throw in the towel and call it quits. Just as in the story of Job, God will restore us with more and at a better position than we were at before. We must just hold on, keep the faith, and never give up. Take care and be blessed.
    

The Scales are tipping...Whose Side are you On?

     There is a spiritual war going on; Christ against Satan, Angel of Light against demon, Christian against a satanic world and, Spirit against flesh. It is constantly raging and seemingly moving closer to the dark side. The battle is being fought and both sides are trying to recruit followers. However, the devil's road seems to be wider and he is fighting to the death.
     Jesus is pleading with every soul to receive Him, but the devil's temporary promises of fun, fame and fortune seem to be more enticing for many. They view the Christian walk as being boring, unproductive, painful and a quick trip to nowhere. To sacrifice for Christ would mean an end to their casual living. Therefore, they walk away just as the rich young ruler did in the Bible looking sad, pitiful and discouraged.
     The things that were once considered as immoral are now being celebrated with open arms. The government has even forsaken Godly principles for those of compromise, iniquity, and out right blaspheme. To stand up for right is now at the risk of scorn and punishment. You are now considered a bigot or homophobic just because you stand for what God clearly says is detestable in His word.
     The Bible says that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities. The devil is truly at work in all aspects of our society. So, what are we to do in such a messed up world? We must continue to pray and stand on the Word of God. His word doesn't return unto Him void. Everything that He has said that He will do, will come to pass. This means that the devil and those who willingly participate in evil, will have their reward in lake of fire.
     The sad thing about it is that hell was never meant for God's creation. However, many are going to find themselves there. At which point, there is no more forgiveness. Time will have run out and nothing that is said, can make a difference at that point. This is why it is so important to accept Jesus NOW as your personal Saviour. He is just ONE prayer away and all you have to do is just ask. He loves you and is willing to welcome you into the Family of God. Will you accept Him today? Don't be fooled by the enemy's charms. It may seem like fun now, but in the end, there will be total destruction. Make a choice for Christ while yiu still can. Take care and God bless!

Fight! Pray! Fast!

     Life has a way of throwing you for loops. You may think that you have overcome and is done with a lesson, only to be reminded that class is still in session. I have encountered this many times in life. You try to live right, try to do right by others, and try to be a servant for God, but time and time again, the rug keeps getting yanked from under your feet. You may think to yourself, "Why am I going through this situation YET again? Haven't I been through enough already? How much Lord will I have to endure? I don't think that I can take any more of this!"
     You ask all these questions without getting a response seemingly from God. You look at others who seem to be happy and passing you by, but you are left wondering, hoping, praying, and crying out to God about a life, that's yours,  which seems more like a nightmare than reality. You think, "This was not supposed to be my life. I was born for greatness. I am supposed to have the blessings of Abraham. I am supposed to be more than this. I am supposed to be...well, I was supposed to be.
     You view your life and wonder should you have done anything differently. Maybe if I had done this or maybe if I had done that. Maybe I didn't really hear God when I thought I had because it led me to a dead end, and the next move, turn, and  decision is unknown. You ask God for guidance, but have only been able to get silence. You fast for deliverance, only to be delivered into what seems to be a lions' den.
     You cry and wail unto the Lord, but the mute button to Heaven seems to be on. You try to reevaluate and access the situation to see if You missed God somewhere, but you can't figure out where you may have left Him. You try to pray, but no longer have any words. You try to believe, but is speedily losing faith. You encourage others, but don't hardly believe in your own words. You are just...LOST.
     What do you do? You have 2 options. You can quit, rollover, and die in the process, or you can fight with everything that is in you. There are no in betweens. Doing nothing is giving in, but fighting by way of prayer, fasting, and determination until you get a breakthrough is the only other option. God has to answer at some point. He has to do something at some point. This trial, pain, heartache, or situation has an end date. He can't let it continue forever. He has to come through at some point in time. God is not a heartless God where He doesn't concern Himself with the cares of His children.
    So what do you do? Fight! Pray! Fast! Fight! Pray! Fast! Fight! Pray! Fast! God has to deliver you at some point. Take care and be blessed!

The Weight of Sexual Frustration

Genesis 2:24 That is why a man leaves his father and mother, cleaves to his wife, and they become one flesh.

     I have been single for nearly 39 years. "Single" for you who are confused with its meaning is "not married." Your Boo may have promised you a ring, but until you say, "I do," you are single. That also includes divorcees and the widowed. One of the many challenges with being single is the lack of "getting any." Okay, some of you married people are probably saying, " I'm not getting any and I am married." Lollll, well, if that is your case, I suggest you go for pastorial counseling, or recommend to your spouse to get the little "blue" pill.
     Some of you may need help in defining the term "getting any." Okay, let me help you out! That means you are not "having sex." I will go a little further and say that it also includes ORAL. Yea, I did go there! Some think that having oral sex is acceptable as a Christian, but that is not correct. We are to remain pure from ALL sexual immorality. Therefore, any sexual act that we do outside of the confines of marriage is a sin.
     So, the question becomes, "What do you do when you have those sexual urges?" I am not going to even insult you by saying to take a cold shower. That doesn't work! Yes, we can go pray, but at 2am in the morning, I am going to keep it real, prayer is the LAST thing on my mind. Okay, some may ask, what about masturbation? Well, I have heard various opinions on this in the Christian community. Most often, the text in the Bible where the man spilled his seed to the ground is commonly used in the argument against masturbation. However, this scripture was about a man who was supposed to fulfill his obligation to reproduce with his deceased brother's widow. So, I will not use that text.
     I am going to be honest. The only thing that you can do as a Christian is to ask God to bottle up those urges until such time that He sees fit to give you a spouse. I can't tell you to break God's law. What I can say is that Jesus encountered every temptation that we face, and yet, he did not sin. Therefore, if he could do it, so can we. After all, he was flesh while on earth.
     What I have found that helps is being around other Christian singles who are truly on the same path. I can't say it has been an easy one and that I haven't fallen. However, the Bible says that a righteous man falls, but gets back up. This doesn't mean to take advantage of God's grace. It means that if you mess up, repent and start over again with the true intention of not repeating your indiscretion.
     God loves us and wants the best for us. Just ask Him for His help. He is always there to lend a helping hand. Take care and God bless!

When You're in the Cold of Winter

Jeremiah 17:7-8 Blessed is the man that trust in the Lord and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be like a tree planted by the water and that spreadeth out her roots by the river.
     This year has been one of the coldest winters that Georgia has ever had. It is a year that we have had snow, ice, sleet, and other weather elements that most northern states usually get. It had gotten so bad during the first bad weather mix that there were multiple car accidents, and some were left stranded on the highway. Much of this was due to the state's lack of preparedness. However, after hearing and adhering to the meteorologist warnings, this time, they were ready.
     Many of us are having a winter mix in our daily lives. It often times feel like uncontrollable amounts of weather having been thrown at us in all directions. Some may even call this the "perfect storm." You have tried to live for Christ the best way that you could, but life hasn't spared you from the cruelty that is its reality. The elements that you are facing may be broken relationships, unruly children, debt, illness, family dysfunction, church hurt, and much more.
     You may have thought that you were going to be exempt from a lot of this, only to be caught in the blizzard of it all. Many may even question God as to why certain things have been allowed to happen, and for how long will the storm continue. Your faith has been tested, your prayers have gone up, your fasting has given you few answers, and you still  find yourself in the "dead of winter."
     What are you supposed to do? Roll with it, bundle up, say a prayer, and keep your head up. Yes, there is no way to avoid a storm UNLESS God steps in. However, as much as we may want to avoid certain situations in life, God doesn't always send them away. He will, however, take you through it. You may ask, "Why God doesn't help you to avoid it altogether?" We don't always understand God's ways, but we must trust in the fact that He knows what he's doing. Many times, the issues that we face have little to do with us other than the fact of Him strengthening us to help someone else.
     I know that you may get tired of being a "Guinea" pig. However, many characters in the Bible were the first to encounter experiences that we are facing now. Just think that if the people of the Bible hadn't gone through anything, who would we be able to read about today? We wouldn't have any examples to follow. So just think about it! What we have and are going through is a testimony for someone else who may be in a similar situation. By having gone through a winter season in our lives, we are able to encourage someone else by letting them see that God delivered us and will do the same for them.
    What an awesome testimony to share. I know that God has brought me through a lot. If it were not for Him, I would have lost my mind. My winters have not been easy, but as with the natural weather, all seasons have an end. Will you allow God to.help you to make it through yours? Trust in Him even when you don't understand. He will cover you, and bring you through your winter because your Spring is coming. Take care and be blessed.

Do You Have A Sweet Tooth?

     When I was a little girl, I loved sweets. It didn't matter too much of what kind they were, just as long as sugar was in it. My favorites, however, were chocolate candy bars. My parents would not allow me to eat a lot of sweets, so that my teeth wouldn't be rotted. Although, they did their best to keep me from excessive sugar, I was determined to get it by any means necessary. Trust me when I say by ANY means necessary. I will tell the rest of that story in another blog.                        
     This reminds me of how we should be with the expectation and preparation for our Lord's soon return. We should be all sold out and willing to spread the gospel by ANY means necessary. The word of the Lord says that the gospel shall be preached unto the whole world and then shall the end come. I don't know about you, but I don't want to be in this world forever.
     I have had enough heartache and pain to last me a lifetime. I look forward to our Savior's return. I want the whole world to know about Jesus, so that I can meet Him face to face.
     See, many of us only think about God's return when we are at a funeral. However, the Bible clearly states that we shall not all sleep. There will be eyewitnesses to His coming. I just want to be one of the ones who make it and bring eveyone with me that I can. How about you?
     It is going to be a lovely event for those that are saved to witness. Jesus is coming soon and this world as we know it will no longer be. There will be no more sin, sickness, pain, heartache, injustice, and lack of love. God will create this world anew. I can barely wait! Just as I had a sweet tooth for candy, I have a longing for the Lord's imminent return. Let's make sure that we get the word out to as many people that we can, so that our Lord can come quickly and take us home. Take care and be blessed.
  

Are You Committing Fornication/Adultery?

Audio Version at the end of the Blog. Press Play and listen!

Revelation2:14 Nevetheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality. Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. (NIV)

            Scandal after scandal has befallen upon the house of God. Preachers sleeping with their flock, members living together outside of marriage, spouses cheating on each other, priests molesting children, gay and lesbian lifestyles being accepted into roles of pastoral care, and the list goes on. Yes, there is a lot of sexual immorality going around in the world as well as the Church. The sad part about the whole thing is that you can expect that kind of behavior out in the world, but you do not or should not expect the same thing in the House of God. However, our lifestyles have often crossed over and what we once stood against, we are now standing for. You may say that you are not standing for any of it; yet, you are because of you being in a corner remaining silent as the Balaam spirit of the world is speedily creeping into the church.

          There is of course plenty of the physical kind of adultery taking place in the church, but what about the spiritual kind? What about the kind that is actually grieving the Holy Spirit away? What about the kind that is keeping Jesus from doing His work in your life. What about the kind that pulls you away from what you know is right? See, when many think about adultery, they think about the physical kind that one is having with a person other than their spouse. However, this is not the only type of adultery there is.

          We commit adultery every time we are more committed to someone or something other than God. We allow the focus that should be on God to be somewhere else. What do I mean by this? Time that we should be spending with God, we are excessively spending in front of the television. Time that we should be helping spread the news about God, we are on the telephone gossiping. Time that could be spent with ministry in the house of the Lord, or some outreach program, we are spending on things of the world that will not help anyone’s soul salvation. These are all types of adultery and fornication tools that are used to take God’s people off of Him.

          See, if the devil can take our minds off of the things of God, then we are walking into the trap that he has laid out for us. He is always present to steal, kill, and destroy the saints of God. This is not to say that we must hold our Bibles in our hands 24/7. Psalms 119:11 says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (NIV) God’s word should already be hidden in our hearts and therefore, the outward display of the Bible in our hands is not necessary. However, because we are a walking, living, and breathing word, we should ensure that we dedicate time to God and His cause. Deuteronomy 6:13-15 says, “Fear the Lord your God, serve him only and take your oaths in His name. Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you; for the Lord you God, who is among you, is a jealous God and His anger will burn against you, and He will destroy you from the face of the land.” (NIV)

          God is a jealous God and He does not want you to place people or things before Him. You can see an example of this when God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac. Why did God do this? Genesis 22:1-2 says, “Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, ‘Abraham!’ ‘Here I am,’ he replied. Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.” (NIV) God truly did not need a sacrifice of this magnitude from Abraham. There were plenty of animals that could have been offered. However, God chose to test Abraham to see with whom his loyalty resided. If Abraham had refused to sacrifice Isaac, then it would have shown God that Abraham loved his son more than He. However, because Abraham was faithful and did as the Lord had commanded, God spared Isaac and Abraham passed the test.

          I think that it is a good thing that God doesn’t test us like that in today’s time. However, He does test us in other ways. The question is, are we passing the tests with flying colors, or are we barely registering. Can we be trusted to give God our all, or are we so self-centered that we do not have time for the things of God.

          God desires us to be an unadulterated people. He wants our total allegiance to Him. Whatever is in our life that is causing us to be separated from God is the same as our committing fornication/adultery on Him. We must not give ourselves over to ungodly things, but still expecting a Godly result. Everything has to have its place, but God has and should be number 1. God doesn’t expect us not to live fulfilling lives, but He wants us to ensure that in doing so, we do not leave Him out for without Him, our lives would be completely empty.

          God is saying for us to turn away from our wicked ways and go back to Him. He loves us and wants nothing to separate us from His love. We are married to Him and that’s the best relationship that we could ever have. Let’s make sure that we are putting Him first in all areas of our lives. God loves you and be blessed!

Are You Plugged In?

You may wonder what I am talking about? I am talking about being involved in your church. Wherever God has led you to be, He wants you to be involved. There are many people who just “attend” church, but they never become active. You may say that your schedule doesn’t allow the time for you to get involved in any ministry at your church. Okay, well that would be fine, but what if God never made time for us? He could easily say that He doesn’t have the time due to all the demands that He has with handling the cares of the whole world. Where would we be if this were the case?

God designed the church where we can each share the burden. We can each do our part. After all, we are the witnesses that the world needs, but an effective running church is also part of that witness. The pastor can’t and shouldn’t have to do it all. We are all God’s children and we have each been given gifts that are to glorify the kingdom.

            We do not all have to preach. We do not all have to sing. Whatever gifts that God has blessed you with, is for you to be an active member of the kingdom. Some people are like a sponge and just want to soak up what they get, but never give anything in return. They go to church week in and week out only to be a bench sitter and not a team player. How can the ministry of God grow if people do not want to take an active part?

            You may think that there is someone else who can do it. Well, that someone is you. God needs you to help grow His kingdom. We sometimes want the benefits of God without the work invested. We want to take, but never give. God desires for us to be true disciples of His. He wants to reward us for what we have done in His kingdom. Rather that be a greeter, usher, singer, teacher or in the children’s ministry, it is all for the glory of God. Let’s make sure that we get plugged into the ministry of the kingdom. Find out what your church’s needs are and help assist in whatever area God leads you to. Take care and be blessed.