Benefits of Prayer

 James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous persona is powerful and effective. (NIV)

            What do you think about when you hear the word “prayer?” Do you look at it as an obligatory thing that you have to do with God? Do you just want to say it quickly over a meal and then rush to pick up your fork? Do you have the “Lord, lay me down to sleep” prayer as the essence of your nightly routine? Or do you think of it as a way to get the things you want from God? Whatever comes to your mind when you think of prayer, it should be one of reverence and humble communication between you and your Creator. What is prayer? I like to think of prayer as:

1.)  An open line of communication between myself and my Heavenly Father through Jesus. 

                                                      

1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus. (NIV) I love the fact that I do not have to go through anyone else to talk to God. I can come to Jesus and He is the only mediator I need. It doesn’t matter what you are guilty of doing in the past. God is always there to listen to our heart’s desire.

2.)  I do not have to wait till he wakes up in the morning because He never sleeps.

                                       

Psalms 121:3 He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; (NIV) We never have to worry about God sleeping on the job. He is forever present and alert to handle whatever crisis that we may face.

3.)  I do not have to wait till He opens shop and remove the “We’re closed sign.” He is never closed or too busy. 

                                        

Mark 11:24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (NIV) God never tells us that He is closed for the holidays or do not disturb. God looks forward to us talking to Him. He eagerly awaits for us to come to Him and talk with Him.

4.)  I do not have to wait until He finishes answering someone else’s request because He can never be interrupted. 

                              

1 John 5:14-15 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of Him. (NIV) God loves granting multiple requests to His children. He has children all over the world and He is able to answer those requests at the same time. One person in China may in need of healing—He can do it. A person in Africa could need food—He can do it. A person in France could need encouragement—He can do it. All requests can be answered at the exact same time.

5.)  I do not have to wait until He finishes one task because He is a multi-tasker. 

                                     

Ephesians 6:18 and pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Again, God is never too busy where He can’t hear all the cries of His children simultaneously. He works without any set limitations. He is not like mortal man, but he takes care of His own if we ask.

6.)   I do not have to wait until He comes to visit because He is omnipresent. 

                                 

Psalms 145:18 The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. (NIV) The good thing about talking to God is that you can talk to Him anywhere. It doesn’t matter if you are in the United States or Russia. God is everywhere.

                                       

            Prayer enables you and I to get direct source to the throne of God. It allows us to communicate with God about the things that are of concern to us because it concerns Him. Prayer allows us to seek guidance when we am in doubt about something and know that He will give us an answer. Prayer keeps us strong when we feel like giving up. Prayer is the best weapon that we can use against the enemy. What are you in need of today? Have you tried talking to God about it? Have you offered a word of thanks to Him for what He has already done and what He is going to do? Try it! He guarantees a response.

What's Wrong with Men?

On any given day, you can watch various shows on TV talking about relationships, listen to a radio commentary’s advice, or read about the latest celebrity breakups in magazines. Everyone wants to understand about relationships and what makes them work and fall apart. However, not everyone wants to know the truth about what sets them apart according to the word of God. Many base their relationships on the images that Hollywood and the music industry portray—fornication, adultery, selfishness, seduction, and manipulation. However, all of this goes against the word and God and His idea for a Godly home. Even in the dating scene, Godliness has turned to madness and commitment is like eating the “Forbidden Fruit.”

I have listened to numerous friends describe the dating scene as a total loss.  They go on date after date only to find themselves with a full belly after an evening of dining and the ticket stub left as evidence to a good movie with no possible meaningful connection. This is not to say that they were going in with the idea of having their wedding plans set at the end of the date, but they could tell just after the first date that it was not worth their time to pursue any further actions. I have not gone on a date in years. I do not wish to waste my time in pursuit of happiness only to be disappointed at yet another failure. Now this is not to say that dating isn’t good, but I’ve had that talk with God and trust me, He will let me know when the time is right. Until then, I can take “myself” to the movies, dinner, and come back home with clothes intact. No pressure, no temptation, and no waste of time. Better yet, I rule men out during the first conversation. If they can’t pass the phone test, then they can’t past the date test. End of Story!

However, plenty of women want to know, “What’s wrong with men?” Okay, you may not know what I am talking about so let’s go into depth and see the common complaints.

     2.)  Many men these days seem to want women to pursue them.

 They want women to ask them out, get their numbers, make the initial call, and even pay for the dates. Yea…really!  I have heard all of this. Now, this is not to say that if you are that woman who feels that it’s okay for women to take the initiative, that it’s wrong. No…there is nothing wrong with it. If you read the story of Naomi and Ruth, Naomi advised her daughter-in-law to pursue Boaz. Ruth 3:1-4 One day Ruth’s mother-in-law Naomi said to her, “My daughter, I must find a home for you, where you will be provided for. Now Boaz, with whose women you have worked, is a relative of ours. Tonight he will be winnowing barley on the threshing floor. Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know that you are there until he has finished eating and drinking. When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do.” (NIV)

Therefore, a woman is quite within rights to let a man know that she is interested. However, if you notice, Naomi said, “He will tell you what to do.” She didn’t tell Ruth to throw herself on Boaz and seduce him. Ruth was lady-like in the manner in which her pursuit was done. She only uncovered his feet and laid there. Many women think that in order to get a man, they have to use seduction, be overbearing, and manipulative. All of these may get you laid, but it will not get you a serious commitment or a diamond ring.  If you get a ring, it may just be out of the Cracker Jack box. Doing things out of order will only get you seriously played.

However, if you are the type of woman that believes in a man pursuing you such as myself, there is nothing wrong with that either. I do not take men’s number, but will give them mine. Furthermore, if I don’t think that I would be interested in you from the beginning, I will not bother giving you my number. I will politely decline your request. I believe that whatever you start out doing, you will have to continue. Therefore, if you aggressively pursue him, then you will have to continue that. Take this for what it’s worth—this is only an opinion…nothing more. However, Proverbs 18:22 says, “He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord. (NIV) I believe in allowing myself to be “found” by the mate that God has for me instead of me doing the chasing. However, this is just my view when it comes to my personal relationships.

                     2.)  Some men desire women to pay for the dates.

Just recently, I was on a talk show where the topic was about interracial dating. One of the cohost said something that I totally didn’t agree with. He said that women of certain ethnicities will pay for the first date when others will unanimously say NO. He felt that women should be more willing to pay for the first date just in case the man is broke. Well, I am one of those who will NOT pay for a first date. I believe that if a man asks you on a date, he should pay for the first one. If he is broke then he needs to wait until he can afford a Happy Meal.  2 Thessalonians 3:6-8 In the name of Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it…(NIV)

There are too many women who are thirsty for men that they are willing to switch roles. Now, don’t get me wrong, I do not think that there is anything wrong with a woman paying for a date, but definitely not the first one IF the man was the one to ask you on the date. However, by the third date, I don’t mind picking up the check. It just better not be dinner at the White House for $1,200 per plate…LOL.

3.) Some men want the women to drive them          

     everywhere due to their lack of transportation.

Women…if you are trying to date someone who doesn’t have wheels…investigate what is going on. If he tells you that his car is in the shop, ask him when it’s getting out. If it is within the week, then wait until he gets it back to go on that date unless he gets a car from a friend, relative or rental. Do not volunteer to pick him up. If he comes up with some excuse that it will be in the shop for a period of months…he is more than likely wanting you to be his taxi. The last time I checked, most car lots do not have 6 month parking spaces available. More than likely, his license is under suspension or he doesn’t own a vehicle.

Women must stop negotiating with Monopoly money. This is to say, if a man cannot be a man and come when he has himself together, then do not settle. (Exception to the rule: Men in their twenties who may be in college and/or working towards their goal should be viewed as great potential.) However, if a man are in their  30’s, 40’s and beyond, living with mom or grandma, and still not pursuing anything then more than likely, he will not change. 1Timothy 5: 8 Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. (NIV)

4.) Some men want women who will give them wife   

     duties for part-time benefits.

      Too many women are giving up the “cookie” without a

receipt. They go out of their way to please men sexually without any commitment. I am not speaking of being engaged for 10 years. Engagement is not the equivalent of marriage. If a woman wants to know if she has a good man, tell him that there is no sex until marriage and see how long he sticks around. If he is a true man of God, and the man for you, he will respect you even more for keeping your legs closed and allowing his pants to stay zipped.

The Bible tells us to stay away from sexual immorality. Therefore, sex should not be part of the equation when outside of the marital union. Women should expect men to respect them. However, this can only be done if you as a woman respect yourself. Do not share your goods with everyone. If a man cannot wait, then send him home packing. God will always bless the one who obeys His laws and do what is right in His sight.

1 Corinthians 7:2 But since sexual immorality is his own wife, and each woman with her own husband. (NIV)

5.) Some men want woman to have the Beyonce

     Image while they look like Homer Simpson.

This kills me when I hear men trash women who do not look like the models and celebrities on the videos and magazines. Well guess what? The models and celebrities don’t look like that either. This is not to say that some of them aren’t naturally beautiful. But for many, once you take off the weaves, eyelashes, makeup, acrylic nails, body glowing spray, and photo-shopped pictures, they look like the average woman.

Most of the men who talk about women in this manner, don’t look like Denzel W., Brad P., Borris K., or Matthew M. themselves. So why do they expect women to be perfect when they aren’t themselves? Absolutely nonsense!

Women, make sure that you allow God to send you the man who will value your beauty inside and out. Outward beauty may fade, but inward beauty stays true. This doesn’t mean that you can’t desire a person who is physically attractive, but just remember that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. Whoever is for you, will find you STUNNING.

There is so much more that I could go into, but due to this being a blog, there isn’t enough time. However, sometimes the problem with men is what we as women allow them to get by with. Never compromise your standards for the sake of having a partner and always values yourself. You are worth being treated as a queen and if he can’t do that, then he is not the man that God has for YOU. This subject will be continued in upcoming blogs.

      

Peace in the Storm

Job 1:5-8 When a period of feasting had run its course, Job would make arrangements for them to be purified. Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, “Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular custom. One day the angels came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came with them. The Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the Lord, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it.” Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” (NIV)

                Job was a man who walked upright in the sight of God. He was the type of man that God knew he could count on to do what was right. Every year, Job’s children held a feast where there possibly was a lot of ungodly things taking place. The Bible doesn’t go into details as to what may have caused Job to worry about his children, but maybe they didn’t reverence God as he did. He could have heard rumors or he watched their lifestyles, which didn’t exemplify that of a God-fearing person. Whatever took place at the yearly parties, Job felt the need to pray to God on their behalf.

            

          Despite Job’s best efforts, this did not keep him from having to endure a major storm. Job did everything right that a God-fearing man should do and yet, he was singled out by God to encounter the worst storm that a person could possibly imagine. Worst of all, it was by the One whom he had tried so faithfully to serve. It would have been one thing if the devil had hand selected Job in order to mess with him on his own. However, God volunteered Job to be attacked by the devil. This is a hard pill to swallow when God volunteers your services without asking your permission. I am sure that if God had asked Job could he use him as an example to others about enduring storms that Job may have respectfully declined.

           

          What if Job knew that he would lose his children, animals, servants, and then be attacked in his body, how would he have felt? If he knew that the ones whom he considered as friends would be the ones to attempt to discourage him, how would things have played out? What if he knew that his own wife’s counsel would be to curse God and die? God does not  always warn us that a test is on the way. God doesn’t ask our permission to take us through a storm. God just does it because He is God, but most importantly...He does take you through.

Mathew 8:23-27 Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!” He replied, “you of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. (NIV)

            Another example of this is when Jesus was on-board this boat with the disciples sleeping. An major storm came and the disciples were in fear. I can imagine the rain pounding hard as it touches the surface of the boat, the wind making the waves so rough that the boat seems to want to crack, and fear mixed with panic taking place while the disciples try to control the boat. Just as the devil hit Job in all directions, the disciples probably felt that they were backed into a corner where there was nothing that they could do despite their best efforts. But suddenly, someone remembered that Jesus was on board. They woke their master and Jesus calmed the storm after mentioning their lack of faith.

           

          Did they not know that they were in the best position possible because Jesus was on board? Did Job not know that God was in control of his situation in such a manner that even the devil couldn’t take his life without permission? See, it is sometimes hard to see God when we are going through the storms of life. We pray, fast, believe, petition God some more and still, the storms of life seem to come at us without any sense of letting up. We know that God is there, but as the disciples, we think that Jesus too sleepy to save us from our storms.

            However, Jesus was indeed sleep, but not unaware. He was sleep, but He was not comatose. Jesus was aware of everything that was taking place. The only thing that the disciples had to do was believe and call on His name. Job had to believe and not curse God and die. Belief in the unknown is hard. That’s why it’s called faith. Faith to know that when all around you is falling to pieces that God has a special life jacket just for you. Faith to know that He didn’t give you a test that He knew you couldn’t pass. Faith to know that He would never bring you to a river where He hasn’t provided a bridge for you to cross.

            Storms will come unexpectantly and tests will arise. However, even though it isn’t always easy, peace in the midst of a storm is possible. To know that God has sunshine on the other side of the storm is to put complete faith and trust in His word in what He has declared over your life. You are more than a conqueror. You are the apple of His eye. You are victorious. You are who God says you are and no storm can get the victory when God has already declared you the Winner.

The Enemy's Attack on the Youth

 

 

1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (NKJV)

 The enemy is on the prowl looking for victims. He wants to get as many people to be won over to his side. The devil is not an ignorant being, but he is brilliant in the way that he tries to charm himself into the residents of this world. He temptations are alluring, attractive, pleasing to the ears and eyes. He doesn’t come in a way that would immediately turn you off, but he is wise enough to use tactics that would have the most grounded person in an uproar.

Just imagine that if he can do this with adults, what plans do you think he has for the youth? When we take a look at his reputation, he tries to destroy the seed from birth. When Jesus was born, Herod, being used by the devil, tried to have him killed. Herod in his evil scheme ordered the deaths of all boys 2 and under. Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its districts, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had determined from the wise men. (NKJV)  The prophecy given to Isaiah told of this demonic massacre. Today, the devil is still busy trying to destroy the youth. Since Roe vs. Wade, the devil has successfully killed over 53 million babies. It doesn’t matter what stage of development that they were in. Rather it was a few hours or months, they were still living beings.

Now, the devil has made it even more accessible to the public and young people in particular to be able to abort by having easy access to the abortion pill over the counter. Even though some disagree that this is an abortion pill, that’s exactly what it is. The difference between birth control and over-the-counter abortion pills is that birth control pills PREVENT  a woman from getting pregnant in the first place whereas the abortion pill KILLS whatever may have already been planted. The argument however is often, “Did the chicken come before the egg?”

The devil uses other devices to allure youth such as music. He has made secular music so enticing that even 5-year-olds are rapping and singing lyrics that shouldn’t even be entertained by adults. All over the media music videos often have sexual scenes, half-naked women, explicit lyrics and demonic symbolisms. Young ladies are no longer seeing that it is okay to keep your clothes on, but are being seduced into the world of sexuality where to be sexual means being half-naked and knowing how to get a man through sex. Young men are seeing that it is okay for them to disrespect women by calling them B’s and other names that even family pets don’t get.

The music industry is a tool of the devil in many ways to get young men into the prison system. They model what they listen to and oftentimes wind up in jail due to thinking that being “HARD” is the way to live. Even the video games in which they play are full of violence and sex. They have a hard time separating reality from fiction. Where children used to be able to play cops and robbers back in the day, you now have to be concerned with them finding real guns and blowing each other away.

The educational system is sometimes another tool that the devil uses to destroy the minds of young people as well. Everyone has to have a label. ADHD, ADD, and other titles have been placed especially on minority youth. Many of these titles is in an effort to label a child all throughout their school years. This record tends to follow them wherever they go leading up to college. The more special needs children that fall into this category, the more money that the educational system gets. This is not to say that some children do not have special needs, but a lot of this is brought on my improper diets for many due to sugary and processed foods. Improper nutrition often creates an imbalance in the brain just as much as doing drugs. After being diagnosed with these labels, the child is often put on medication which sometimes makes matters worse. Some of the school shootings, which have taken place in our society, were due to depressed children who were sometimes on medication. It may make you wonder if the medication was doing what it was supposed to do.

Overall statistics show that teen pregnancy has declined. However, it is still too many young people having babies at an early age. What they fail to realize is the younger you have a child, the harder it will be for them to rise above the poverty line in life. This presents a cycle which is hard to break in many cases. The devil does not want young people to be successful in life and therefore, he makes things look tempting such as having multiple sexual partners and doing drugs. Young people are contracting HIV and AIDS all across the country. Very few artists are singing about this when they are teaching young people about sex. Even though there are organizations across the country to teach on safe sex, the ONLY safe sex is NO SEX. Abstinence is the best way to guarantee a freedom from disease and unwanted pregnancy.  

Due to the legalization of pot, young people now have more access to getting hooked on drugs. The country obviously didn’t take this into consideration or if they did…they just didn’t care. Pot is another evil that will be used to get more youth on drugs. If the devil can take their minds, then he will have their souls. He will use any too possible to get them away from God.  So what can be done to help youth not become target practice in the enemy’s camp?

Prayer, Christian education, and a firm family support system. Parents are a child’s first teachers. It is important for parents to continuously pray over their children. Not a day should go by that your child should leave for school without prayer being prayed over him/her. It is needed and necessary during the time in which we live. There are so many forces that are set to destroy, that only the covering of God will help them to make the right decisions and grow into anointed men and women of God. Christian education rather by school or at home is very important. Everyone cannot afford to send their children to private school. However, teaching your children about God at home is where Christian education should begin. They may have to attend a public school, but the School of God should be at home and at church. Parents, do not just send your children to church, but go with them  as a family unit.

Family support and love is very much needed in this society. Without, young people can easily fall by the sidelines and get caught up in all sorts of evil. However, God loves them and wants the best for them. He does not wish for any of His children to be allured by the enemy. We need to inform, support, and be a role model for them so that they can see the evidence of Christ in us. Talk to your young people and help them to be aware of the attack that is on their lives. Preparation through prayer is the best weapon against the enemy.

 

 

 

 

Gay Agenda...Teach Your Own Children The Word!

Proverbs 22:6 Start the children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. (NIV)

The other day, the St. Louis Rams announced that it has 

drafted its first openly gay football player, Michael Sam. What they also showed was during the mist of his celebration of hearing the news; he kissed his “boyfriend” on the mouth. Unfortunately, this was shown in front of a nationwide audience where even children were able to see it. What used to be private talk is now open for the whole world to see. What is wrong with this some may ask? EVERYTHING!!! Parents, you really need to guard what comes into your homes and what your children are exposed too. Even though some things may not be caught in time if there is a live broadcast, just be mindful that due to the ungodly world that we live in, many things on television, radio, music, and even in some churches should not be for viewing of your children.

The world is doing its best to put this gay agenda in front of everyone. From the President of the United States to your child’s school, the gay agenda is being moved forward. It seems as if the world is being forced to accept what is called by God “an abomination.” Leviticus 20:13 If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them. (NKJV) Due to the mercy of God, there is no longer a requirement of putting someone to death because of this act. We are to love them and treat them just as God treats us. However, we must still stand on the word of God and inform those who are in darkness that they need to turn their hearts and lives to Christ. God loves the sinner, but hates the sin. We are to call sin by its name and try to win them over to Christ. Acts 2:38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins: and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (NKJV)

I came across an article of a teen asking for Alabama to appeal their law about teaching that homosexuality is a crime. Here’s a portion of the petition which can be found at www.change.org in its entirety.

My name is Sarah and I’m a 16-year-old student from Alabama. Along with my friend Adam, we're asking the Alabama legislature to remove a section of Alabama law that requires sexual education teachers to emphasize "homosexuality is not a lifestyle acceptable to the general public and that homosexual conduct is a criminal offense."

I am a queer high school student living in Alabama, and the world I live in can be frightening. I’ve devoted my life to helping the LGBT youth of this state find safe places and thrive as a community. As a Youth Leader of the Birmingham Alliance of Gay, Straight and Lesbian Youth (BAGLY), I spend considerable time with individuals who face some of the worst homophobia and transphobia that this country has to offer. Adam, who is just 17, has had to endure disgust and hatred in school, just for being himself. I have a friend whose father refused to speak to him for months after he came out, despite living in the same house. I have friends who have been disowned by family members, sent to conversion therapy, or kicked out of their homes. And still, we are the lucky ones because we live in an urban area that has support systems like BAGSLY or school Gay-Straight Alliance clubs. A great deal of the state is completely lacking those resources…

            There are so many young people who are confused about their sexuality. For many, it started off with them being sexually exploited as children. Teenagers are already trying to find themselves at this age, but to add the sexual confusion to it just escalates the problem. One of the problems may be that these children are not growing up in homes that will help them to validate who they are in Christ. Therefore, they are left with confusion and a loss of hope. Psalms 127:3-5 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; (NIV) Children are a gift from God. They are a blessing and should be taught in the ways of God. Therefore, whenever parents see that there is a demonic system set to destroy the family unit, they should pray and ask God for guidance in how to approach the situation and teach their children the ways of God despite the unpopularity that it has in our modern day society.

            The homosexual agenda tries to breakdown the family unit. If everyone turns gay, then how does civilization keep reproducing? I’m sorry, but God has made it that regardless of how much time has passed…the laws of nature still stand. It takes the egg from a woman and the sperm from a man to produce a child. There is no other way to avoid this. So this talk of teaching preschoolers that some have 2 mommies or 2 daddies is nonsense. I would suggest that if anyone is in a school that is teaching this homosexual agenda to children to take them out. Parents must tell their children that it is against God’s law. However, parents must also teach children that you don’t mistreat people just because they do not adhere to your theology. You are to love everyone because God loves us, but the sin is wrong and God wants us to change.

            Just recently, HGTV was going to have two brothers do a show where they would help the unfortunate get into houses that they themselves fixed up. Unfortunately, due to the Brother’s beliefs that homosexuality  is wrong…HGTV cancelled the show. Here’s a part of the article from www.edgeboston.com.

It’s been a week since Home & Garden TV officials canceled the Benham twins’ reality show, which was scheduled to air in October, over a report that detailed the brothers’ anti-gay views, so it only seems appropriate that they now speak to Glenn Beck about the incident. According Right Wing Watch David and Jason Benham echoed their earlier statements that they believe they were the victims of a "smear campaign" and that the reports claiming they are anti-gay are "complete lies." They claim they do not hate LGBT as individuals, but are against "homosexuality and its agenda that is attacking the nation."

            What is this saying where people get penalized because they don’t go along with the homosexual agenda? It is definitely saying that they need Jesus. Children need to be taught that sometimes, when standing for what’s right, you will have to stand by yourself. However as long as you do it for God, you will be victorious in the end. If not down here on earth, then up in Heaven.

I ran across this book when I was doing some research on this subject and it is to explain to children than being gay, transgender and bi-sexual is okay. If your child was required to read this in school, would you be okay with it? We must pray over the children of the world that God will help them to have a sound mind and be open to the things of Him. The devil is going to come at them in all kinds of manner. Prayer is the best weapon that parents can have against the enemy’s attacks. The world is doing its best to turn totally against God. It doesn’t have that far to go because everything that God has said is wrong, the world is just about saying that it’s right. To stand up for the word of God is not considered a message of hate. People condemn you and say that you are “judging” when you stand for what the Bible says. Even in among some Christians, the truth about what God says takes a back seat to popular culture for fear of “offending someone.” God desires for us to turn our hearts back towards Him before it is too late. This destruction of the family will eventually destroy the nation as it did with Sodom and Gomorrah.

            Below is another article  at usnews.nbcnews.com where a young boy decided that he wanted to be a girl and his parents sued the school for not allowing him to use female restrooms. What is this world coming to? Check it out!

Robert F. Bukaty / AP

Transgender student Nicole Maines, pictured in this June 2013 court hearing.

By David Sharp, The Associated Press

School officials violated state anti-discrimination law when they would not allow a transgender fifth-grader to use the girls' bathroom, Maine's highest court has ruled. The family of student Nicole Maines and the Maine Human Rights Commission sued in 2009 after school officials required her to use a staff, not student, restroom. "This is a momentous decision that marks a huge breakthrough for transgender young people," said Jennifer Levi, director of the Boston-based Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders' Transgender Rights Project after the Maine Supreme Judicial Court's ruling on Thursday. The court concluded that the Orono school district's actions violated the Maine Human Rights Act, which bans discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, overturning a lower court's ruling that the district acted within its discretion. The ruling represented the first time a state high court concluded that a transgender person should use the bathroom of the gender with which they identify, according to GLAD. Federal courts haven't taken up the issue.

            I am sorry, but if you weren’t born with that body part, you don’t need to be in the opposite sex’s restroom. He needed to go into the restroom that identified with what his birth record stated that he was. I don’t care what the state said, that child is a BOY and therefore needed to go into the male restroom. Parents…you need to pray over your children. This is an absolute abomination before God. Let’s make it clear…not the child because he’s confused. However, the parents should have been keeping him in line with the word of God.

I want to make this statement and make it clear. There will not be ANYONE going to heaven AS a transgender. What this mean is that if you were born a boy…you may indeed get the operation on earth, but you will not go to heaven as a woman. Should you make it to Heaven, you will go as you were originally meant to be. God doesn’t make mistakes and therefore, He will not allow you to enter into heaven based upon yours. God will not allow the  sin of the flesh to enter into Heaven and that indeed is a sin. Parents, please do what you can to teach your children the unadulterated word of God. It is more important now than ever. Screen what the watch on TV. Monitor what they listen to in music. Pray for them each morning before they head to school to protect them against the devil and pray with them each night to ward of the demonic spirits that they may have encountered throughout the day. Pray God’s hand of protection over their minds, bodies and souls. Most of all, pray for yourselves that you can be the first role model that they see and the one through Christ that they aspire to be.            

End of Days

Matthew 24:7-8 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. (NIV)

America is no longer the most powerful nation that it used to be. The nation that was feared and respected by other nations is increasingly becoming the laughing stock of many. The dollar which was once a valued commodity from other nations is increasingly losing its power and will one day soon be as worthless as Monopoly money. Our rights and freedoms are constantly being taken away for the sake of security…or at least that is what the government claims. What was once definite in the Constitution is now being a mat to roll over on due to the Obama administration’s lack of regard for it. From TSA pat downs to listening in on private phone calls even those in Congress, our nation is changing from what it once was. Talks of surveillance, watch lists, Christian restrictions due to increasingly lack of religious freedoms is letting you know that Big Brother is here to stay and We Are in Trouble as a nation. 

We may soon become like Germany was during the time of Hitler where all seemed well under the administration, but before you know it, it will turn into an evil as never seen before. Right is being called wrong and wrong is being called right in this God-less society and many are not standing up to fight against the evils of this world and call the lost to Christ. We (Christians) have hidden behind rocks for so long that now, anything goes and we have lost the power to control it in many ways. In the 60’s, the church used to be the leading force in helping to get the nation on track for equality by way of marches, restaurant sit-ins, rallies and much more. Now, you can barely get preachers from behind the walls of their lavish offices and million dollar buildings to shed light on a world that is going downhill fast.

Talks of Fema camps being set up for future Christian persecution, Islamic takeover of religion, threats to freedom of speech and religion, and an urgency to push the homosexual agenda is increasingly popular and yet, many churches are not even discussing what is taking place in this society. Persecution is taking place against Christians all across the world and what are many churches talking on? Prosperity…money, bigger checks and offerings are more of the topics that will recycle at least 4 times a year whereas the coming of our Savior may ONLY be mentioned at a home-going service.

The Pope is getting ready to have a seat at King David’s tomb in Jerusalem and do many even understand the significance this is to Bible prophecy? No…many are too caught in not worrying about what is coming because they believe that they will be caught up in the rapture before anything comes. Oh my brothers and sisters…you are absolutely wrong. Many are going to have the shock of their lives when the rapture doesn’t take place in the way that many preachers are leading them to believe.  Matthew 24:20 Pray that your flight not take place in the winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again. “If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.” (NIV) Jesus is going to come and get His saints, but He told us to prepare because persecution is coming.

Just like the people that are being killed on a daily basis in other countries because of their beliefs, that is coming to the other countries as well. The Bible tells us what to look out for and be ready. We shouldn’t bury our heads in the sands as if that will keep us from encountering the wrath of the wicked. The world indeed is wicked and it is not going to get any better. We daily hear about the threats of war, pestilence, violence, unGodliness, and all kinds of evil taking place on this earth. What are we doing? How are we preparing? Is Jesus in your heart?

The disciples died horrible deaths for the sake of Jesus. Are we any better than they? Do we really think that there will never be a time when our Bibles will not be taken, churches will be torched, religious freedoms taken away, and we will be hauled off into enemy camps (government)? It is coming and is rapidly approaching. The day of the Lord is near and we must make sure that we are ready to go through the things that the Bible predicted. People must start doing research on the end times if you are not being taught it from your own churches. Even if you are, it is wise to still study on your own and allow God to talk to you and open your eyes up to the information that He has for you. If you are interested in watching shows about end time events, I suggest watching the Hal Lindsey Report on TV and Youtube. Evangelist Anita Fuentes with “Open Your Eyes People” on Youtube, and Trunews via radio and Youtube. There are so many others, but these are a few who are doing their best to enlighten people about the days coming ahead to America and the rest of the world. I do not have enough time to go into everything on here, but I pray that God will guide you into all light and that your heart be open to receive.

 Evangelist Anita Fuentes at Open Your Eyes People...catch her on Youtube.

God's Not Dead...He's Alive!!! There is a GOD!

Psalms 14:1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. (NIV)

            God! The name, the subject, the belief in this powerful being Who created the whole world and man, has been debated for centuries. Some acknowledge Him as their reason for living, while others deny even the remote possibility of His existence. Many worship Him in Spirit and in truth, while some do everything in their power to erase the very essence of Who God Is. Why is there so much debate about God? Why is it that some would search heaven and earth to prove that He DOESN’T exist? Why is it that some would rather disbelieve in God, and believe in the theory of evolution from a mortal man than to have faith that there is Someone powerful enough to create the human race?

            It all started from Lucifer when he wanted to be like God. Matter of fact, he not only wanted to be like God, but he seemed to have wanted to be God.

 Isaiah 14:13-14 You said in your heart, “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of the assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.”(NIV) Lucifer in an act of jealousy wanted to overthrow the government of God. Therefore, he tried to set himself up for his plan to go into action. However, God did not allow that to take place, so Lucifer and 1/3 of the angels were kicked out of heaven. There was no room and never will be 2 Gods in heaven.  There always has and always will be just 1 True Living God.

            The name “atheist” did not come to light until the eighteenth century. However, there have always been those who fought against and resisted the idea of the true God. We see this in the case of Pharaoh when God had given instructions for Moses to tell him to let His people go. Exodus 5:2 Pharaoh said, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey him and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord and I will not let Israel go.” (NIV) Pharaoh was correct when he said that he didn’t know God. Only a person who really doesn’t know and understand Him would dare to defy Him.  But why is it that so many are willing to put off the notion that there is a God? I recently had a conversation with a few atheist online and here is of the comments that someone had to say. Please excuse the misspells, but I copied it as she wrote it.

Sparkle said:

Jesus was a great Prophet and was the beloved of God and near to Him and honored, but he was only a man. It does not consider it necessary for salvation that the burden of a sinner should be placed upon an innocent one, nor does reason permit that for the sin of X, Y should be held responsible. No government has ever followed this principle. It should be borne in mind that where human nature possesses many excellent qualities, it is also subject to the defect that on account of its weakness it is prone to commit sins and defaults. The Almighty Who has made human nature has not invested it with the inclination to commit sins so that He might condemn man to torment, but so that His Attribute of Forgiveness might be manifested. Sin is doubtless a poison, but the fire of repentance and istighfar converts it into an antidote. Thus after repentance and remorse, sin becomes the means of progress and roots out from inside a person the feeling that he amounts to something and stamps out arrogance and pride and self-exhibition.

It is the eternal natural law of God that He forgives sin through repentance and istighfar and accepts the prayers of the virtuous by way of intercession, but we have never observed that X should strike his head with a stone and this should cure the headache of Y. Then we do not know by what law the suicide of Jesus can remove the inner disease of others. Nor are we aware of any philosophy on the basis of which the blood of Jesus can wash out the inner impurity of anyone else. Indeed observation contradicts this.(Salvation)

            This is my actual response to Sparkle as I come from God’s word regarding what was written.

1.)“Jesus was a great Prophet and was the beloved of God and near to Him and honored, but he was only a man.”

Matthew 3:16-17 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my (beloved KJV) Son whom I love; with him I am well pleased. (NIV) This scripture lets us know that Jesus was not just beloved of God, but he was His son.

Luke 1:30-33 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the son of the Most High. The Lord god will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end. (NIV) This scripture clearly lets us know that Jesus birth was of God and therefore, he was not just an ordinary man. Jesus came down in the form of a fleshly man in order to save us from a world of sin. This is why he was born of a virgin birth because there was no sin in him and therefore, God needed a pure vessel to be used for his coming.

2.)“It does not consider it necessary for salvation that the burden of a sinner should be placed upon an innocent one, nor does reason permit that for the sin of X, Y should be held responsible.” The Bible absolutely disagrees with this statement. Hebrews 9:22 In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. (NIV) It was necessary for Jesus to come and die for our sins so that we might have eternal life. Without the shedding of his blood, we would have been eternally lost. The animal sacrifices were only temporary leading up to the Ultimate Sacrifice, which was Jesus.

3.)No government has ever followed this principle. Well, it is irrelevant if a government did not follow this principal because God made it a mandate that sacrifices were to be done. However, this mandate was given to the Children of Israel and not the other heathen nations. When they disobeyed God, there were rebuked. Mark 7:8-9 You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.” And he continued, “you have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions! (NIV) The government’s law never out ranks God’s law.

4.)It is the eternal natural law of God that He forgives sin through repentance and istighfar and accepts the prayers of the virtuous by way of intercession, but we have never observed that X should strike his head with a stone and this should cure the headache of Y. This reminds me of when Satan quoted the scripture to Jesus while trying to tempt him.

Luke 4:10-13 For it is written: “ ‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ “Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’ “ When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time. (NIV) Jesus paid the price for us (X) to cure the “headache” of sin by way of the cross (Y).

5.)                        Then we do not know by what law the suicide of Jesus can remove the inner disease of others. Nor are we aware of any philosophy on the basis of which the blood of Jesus can wash out the inner impurity of anyone else. Well, Jesus did not commit suicide. John 19:15-16 But they shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!” “Shall I crucify you king?” Pilate asked. “We have no king but Caesar,” the chief priest answered. Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified. (NIV) Jesus did not put himself on the cross, but this act was done by mankind. When soldiers enlist in the military, are they committing suicide when they decide to defend their country? No! Even though military men and women know that there is a chance that they will be called to war and possibly die, they are not signing documents upon entry of suicide. They would be remembered as heroes having died for their country. Jesus did the same thing. He signed up for a battle knowing that death would come, but He decided to be our world’s hero.

6.)  Indeed observation contradicts this.(Salvation) I need not have seen The actual death of Jesus to believe that it happened just like I didn’t see George Washington was ever the president of the United States. Faith is the only thing that is needed if you have a mind for God. Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see (NIV).

I pray that one day, you will see and understand Jesus and what it took for him to save us from our sins. I pray that you will have an encounter with God that will answer the questions that are in your mind. I pray that you are open to the hearing of God’s voice and that He will show you the truth in what you seek. I pray that you will turn your heart to Him and seek after Him whole heartedly. I pray for you. To---Sparkle.

            What I have found having had conversations with some atheist is that they pretty much have their minds made up. Many are not truly interested in knowing that there is a God, but strike up conversation for debate purposes only. There is so much evidence as to the existence of God. I told one atheist that every time you look in the mirror, you are staring directly at the proof that God does exist. However, this was not enough to convince him. I’m not sure that much will. However, we must love our atheist community and try to guide them to the true knowledge of Jesus Christ.

            There was recently a lot of hype when Pope Francis said that good works can get atheist into heaven even if they don’t believe in God. Well, this is not Biblical and Jesus said something different. John 14:6 Jesus answered, “I am the way  and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (NIV) You can only get to the Father unless you come through Jesus, but if you don’t believe in Jesus, how can you get to the Father? Atheist cannot enter heaven if they don’t believe. Ever more so, good works do not get you into heaven. Isaiah 64:6 All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; (NIV) There is no way to “earn” your way to heaven. We don’t get rewards points for heaven’s entry. It is a free gift, but first one must believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Only then can heaven’s gift be redeemable.