Sheep VS Goats
This Tuesday in the United States of America, many people will be “casting their vote” for which political candidate they believe should become president for the next four years. Some already have. But PLEASE NOTE:
This is not a political post, it is a spiritual one.
Jesus said in John 18: 36 “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”
So it is clear from His statement of truth that all servants of Jesus belong to a kingdom foreign to this world. Therefore we do not need to fight concerning worldly governments. The kingdom of Jesus is governed in direct contradiction to this world's.
In worldly government systems, we often see a person being elected or chosen into power and position. Even now in America, the country is deeply divided between the two people running for president. In this worldly government, “the people” have the right and some would say the obligation to judge who they believe is best for the job of president. During this campaign, we have witnessed some of America’s ugliest heart postures. People fighting, insulting, and mocking not only the two candidates but also one another.
It is very sad in the eyes of The Father Yahuah. His word condemns this behavior in Galatians 5: 13-15 “For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!”
This chapter goes on to say in verses 20-21 that hostility, quarreling, outburts of anger, dissensions, and division are all sins and that those who practice these will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
If you found yourself engaging in these behaviors for the sake of this US election, I encourage you with the love of Christ to repent so that your heart can be cleaned.
As King of Yah’s kingdom, Jesus is very mindful of our heart’s conditions. It is something that He judges and evaluates us by. In the Kingdom of Yah, it is not people who get to judge and vote, but Christ Jesus. In His kingdom, He does the choosing. His word has outlined the criteria in which we will be judged by Him, but today He wants to highlight how we are being judged based on our treatment of others.
There isn’t much commentary to add to His teaching, however, I will emphasize that the message in this parable is that Jesus will judge all of the nations according to their deeds towards the “least of these” or what the word might call “the less fortunate”. Whatever we do for and unto those who are in need, Jesus takes it personally and likens it to our treatment towards Him. We will be judged by this behavior, we will be separated based on this behavior, and it will determine where we spend eternity.
THAT’S A BIG DEAL!
People of Yah and servants of Jesus please hear what the Spirit of Yah is saying to the churches. Check your hearts and take inventory of your actions and behavior towards those who can’t do for themselves. We are being charged to treat all people as we would treat Jesus. There is a demographic of people who Jesus would consider the very least and that is unborn children. They are the most helpless, vulnerable, and most in need of all. Sadly in America’s current political climate, abortion (the killing of unborn children) is one of the biggest issues influencing the elections. I have seen campaign ads communicating that either candidate should not be elected due to their stance on abortion. I never imagined I would witness the country so divided regarding the killing of babies.
Jesus is greatly grieved because of His stance on children and whatever we do unto them, Jesus will judge as if it were done unto Him. Again, we aren’t permitted to use our liberty as an opportunity for the flesh but to love and serve one another. That includes unborn children. I won’t use this post to further explain the sin that is abortion, I will simply encourage us all to treat all people as we would choose to treat Jesus Himself. Stop spending time and energy judging politicians and celebrities and instead let’s shift our focus and energy to ensuring that we will be considered a sheep in the sight of Jesus rather than a goat.
The Parable of the 3 Waiting Servants
The Kingdom of Yah is like this, 3 servants of the King of a foreign land were dwelling in a nearby town when they received a warning through the King’s messenger that a vicious army was coming to destroy the town and all its inhabitants and that they must leave the town immediately. The 3 servants were instructed to wait on the tallest mountain just outside of the town until their escort arrived to take them back to their kingdom. The 3 Servants packed up some small belongings and set up tents on the mountain outside of the town while they waited for their escort to take them back to their kingdom.
After 3 months of waiting, the first servant no longer believed that there was an escort coming and so he decided to find his own way back to their kingdom. The other 2 servants pleaded with him to wait with them longer, but he refused and ventured out on his journey alone. After 3 more months of waiting, the 2nd servant no longer believed that there was a vicious army coming and so he decided to return to the town and resume his life there. The 3rd servant pleaded with him to wait with him longer but he refused and began traveling back towards the town.
After 3 more months had past the escort appeared on the mountain where the 3rd servant was waiting. The escort instructed the servant saying, “come with me to the place I have prepared for you, for a vicious army is coming to destroy this town which you have left, and all of its inhabitants.” As they traveled to their kingdom, a vicious army was quickly approaching the town. While in route, the army found and killed the first servant who had gotten lost on his journey back to his kingdom. When the vicious army arrived at the town, they destroyed all of its inhabitants and the 2nd servant was killed there also. But the 3rd servant was safely escorted back to their kingdom and upon his arrival attended a celebratory feast with the King.
Who’s Your Daddy?
Since today is Dec 25, the day when much of the world is celebrating Christmas I have been thinking about Joseph, husband of Mary, lately.
For some reason it seemed better to associate him as Mary’s husband, instead of Jesus’s step dad idk why. All I know is that Joseph had a very challenging assignment and purpose over his life.
How many godly men of today could take on the responsibility that he did?
And be obedient to Yah in such uncomfortable circumstances?
So since I am writing about Daddy, I thought it appropriate to honor Joseph for his faithfulness.
The main revelation that I wanted share today is about our relationship to Yah the Father, as His children.
To sum it up:
Through our relationship with Christ we die to our old, sinful self and are reborn new, spiritual creations.
Not just creations like the rest of nature, but we are born again as sons and daughters of Yah! He becomes our Father! Incredible!
The Bible also describes it as an adoption.
So if Yah is our Father and we are His children that means He is the one raising us because Yah ain’t no deadbeat.
And if He is raising us, that means He is teaching us His ways and we are learning from Him to be like Him
And in learning to be like Him we will behave like Him.
That is typically the goal in raising children. (side note, this is why we should. pray about who we have children with and really consider if we want them teaching our children and if we would want our children to act like them)
Ok so back to it….
We are spiritual children, who should be submitting to the instruction of Yah the Father.
If we are not submitted to Him that means we are rebellious children.
Yah’s word says that to Him rebellion is like witchcraft!
So Yah disciplines His children when we are rebellious.
The word of Yah says in Hebrews 11 that He disciplines those He loves. but without discipline we are illegitimate children. In other words, we aint His!!!
Hebrews 11:11
“Now no discipline seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it"
Amen
So if we claim Yah to be our Father and we profess to be His children, then we need to submit to His instructions and discipline, so that we can be trained by them to resemble Him.
Don’t we look like our earthly fathers???
How much so should we look like our Heavenly Father who made us in His image?
Also the more time we spend with Him the more we will know Him and mirror His behaviour and character.
The less time we spend with Him the less we will know Him and the more will will conform to what/who we are spending our time with.
The word that Yah gave to me for 2023 is “Intentional”
As Yah’s children, we must be intentional with everything we do this coming year and it starts with our intention to be devoted to the presence of Yah and submitted to the word of Yah. There is no other way to be in right standing with our Father in this current world, that is being covered with gross darkness.
Because in our communion and discipline that will cause us to trust Yah more.
How can you submit to someone that you don’t trust?
Speaking of trust, I received a relation this week concerning trust in the Father through my real life.
This week my 7th month old baby had her first experience in the pool.
She was introduced to the water by her dad, and even though he didn’t get in the water with her, he lead her to the deepest part of the pool.
She didn’t realize that she was in 6ft of water and she never exhibited any fear.
In fact she was very comfortable because she was being held up and supported by her father.
This real life example reminded me of our faith walk with Yah.
Sometimes we pray for Yah to take us deeper into His waters and to increase our faith. And when He does I pray that we exhibit the same amount of faith, trust, and confidence in Yah, our father, as my daughter did with her father.
I pray that as Yah’s children, we will believe that He will never drop us or let us sink because He loves us too much.
This week I had my own deep water encounter involving my finances and I’ll admit that I didn’t handle it as well as the baby lol
I was looking more like Peter lol
but I can testify that Yah remained faithful as He always does in showing and proving that He is a good, good Father.
And I want to encourage us all to be intentional about being good children for Him. In Jesus name amen.
Check Your Source
I related to Princess Diana, as I’m sure many others can, because I know how it feels to experience emotional neglect and abuse from people who claim to love and care about you.
After every episode I would pray and ask Holy Spirit, “what could Diana had done differently?”, in order to overcome the emotional wounds and trauma that she endured? “what can I do differently?”
I recently finished watching season 5 of the Netflix show titled “The Crown”.
For those who don’t know, it is a dramatization depicting the British Royal Family.
I found it quite interesting once Princess Diana Spencer was introduced to the show, I couldn’t help but relate to her story.
Based on the depiction, she joined the Royal Family as a very young girl, with a troubled childhood, who had her hopes set on having a healthy marriage with Prince Charles and planning a life with him.
Throughout the show it was revealed that she was misunderstood, neglected, and emotionally abused by the entire Royal family and especially her husband Prince Charles, who, for the duration of their union was happily in love with another woman.
I related to Princess Diana, as I’m sure many others can, because I know how it feels to experience emotional neglect and abuse from people who claim to love and care about you.
After every episode I would pray and ask Holy Spirit, “what could Diana had done differently?”, in order to overcome the emotional wounds and trauma that she endured? “what can I do differently?”
The first thing that Holy Spirit responded with was “Don't tie yourself to someone else’s experience, because her story is not your portion.”
Halleluyah, Amen!
Second I was taught a very hard lesson to avoid trying to draw from empty wells (sources)
The fascinating thing about Diana’s story is that she was well known and adored by people all over the world, however all of that outpouring of love didn’t satisfy her desire to be loved by her husband and in-laws.
Why do some of us focus so much on who isn’t loving or appreciating us that we completely overlook or undervalue the supply of love and care that we are receiving from others?
I mean seriously we can be celebrated by strangers for our looks, talents, or skills but if our close friends and family don’t support us, it doesn’t seem to mean as much.
That kind of disappointment can often lead to seeds of bitterness or animosity being planted in our hearts and we also run the risk of taking for granted the very people who are pouring into us what we need.
Well today the Holy Spirit is encouraging Yah’s people to check our sources!!!
Where are we drawing from?
Empty wells or overflowing ones?
Clean sources or contaminated ones?
Are we focusing more on who isn’t showing us love, and trying to figure why they aren’t?
Or are we surrounding ourselves with people who are expressing love and care to us and taking the time to reciprocate back to them?
Yah knows that it hurts to love people who don’t love you back, especially when you see them giving love to others that you wish they would share with you.
Christ experienced this during His time on earth, and still to this day.
He literally gave His own life in order to prove His great love for mankind, yet still so many people reject Him and give their love and devotion to other people and things that would never make that kind of sacrifice for them.
We can find comfort in fellowshipping in the suffering of Yahshua our Savior,
knowing that He loves us with an unconditional and faithful love
and also by surrounding ourselves with people (sources) who want to invest in us the way we need in order for us to thrive, grow, and flourish.
It is wise for us to separate ourselves from sources that simply drain us or pour toxins into our souls.
Of course not all pain is avoidable however, it is possible to avoid environments that are toxic and unhealthy.
The Ruah of Yah is saying today, Stop fighting for people to love you, Stop striving to win the affections of people.
Stop blaming yourself for why people’s hearts are cold towards you
Know that emotionally healthy people know how to love people and emotionally unhealthy people don’t.
I know that it’s easier said than done but we must reject those sources that reject us and receive the sources that receive us.
ONLY THE LOVE OF CHRIST CAN TRANSFORM A PERSON’S HEART
And people won’t treat you better than they treat their savior, Yashua, and if they do, you might just be an idol!!!
Imagine if Princess Diana had stopped telling her sad story in hopes of gaining the sympathy of outsiders. Imagine if she took off the victim’s mindset and began to celebrate the fact that she had a purpose that was bigger than a man or group of people who were unwilling/unable to recognize her value in the earth.
I don’t know if things would have ended differently for her, but I do believe that they can and WILL end differently for us!
Those of us who choose to draw from Yahshua, our supply of love, compassion, help, support, grace, favor, blessing, affirmation, and mercy.
He is the well that NEVER runs dry!!! HALLELUYAH!
Now before I end this post I want to provide some scripture to use in order to discern if there is an unhealthy source in your life that you are drawing from.
The first scripture comes from Galatians 5:22-26
“but the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”
Any source in your life that is not producing the Fruit of the Spirit, is not a source that is in alignment with the Holy Spirit but the flesh. Any source that is conceited, provoking, and envious is toxic. DETACH!
The Bible says that a tree is called according to it’s fruit, so if the fruit is rotten, it’s a rotten tree, CUT IT!
The next scripture comes from 1 John 3: 16-19
“By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of Yah abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him.”
Anyone who says with their words that they love you but their actions do not reflect that, is a liar! DETACH!
Also before people try to deceive Yah’s people by trying to redefine and misinterpret what love is, let’s look at 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
“Love suffers long and is KIND; love does NOT ENVY; love does not parade ITSELF, is NOT puffed up, does not behave RUDELY, does not seek its own, is not PROVOKED, thinks NO EVIL; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the TRUTH; bears ALL THINGS, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”
Compare the conduct of the source to the truth written in Yah’s word.
The last thing I want to add is regarding our children, the next generation and how we need to protect them from the toxic sources that we may have been exposed to. Childhood wounds take years to heal and often times require deliverance if left unattended for too long. Childhood traumas impact people well into adulthood. So let’s be vigilant about guarding and protecting our children from fake love and toxic sources. Let’s be sure that our children are raised knowing the difference between healthy relationships and unhealthy ones.
Let’s teach our children how to express their emotions in healthy ways so that when they become adults they are able to function in relationships of all capacities without acting from a place of unresolved hurts.
This starts by us talking to our children REGULARLY and providing them with a safe space to communicate and be expressive even if we don’t agree with what they are saying or it makes us a bit uncomfortable.
Let’s war against social media having more participation in teaching our kids than we do.
Let’s show them healthy examples of friendships, respectful interactions between men and women, successful conflict resolution, unified family dynamics, healthy confrontations. positive business practices and professionalism, and most of all how to live a life truly surrendered and submitted to Yah’s word and Spirit. And when people let them down teach them that they are accepted and loved by The Most High God through His Son, Yahshua ha’Mashiah!
Yah Hates Pride Month
This is the last week of June and marks the last week that many countries will celebrate Pride month Halleluyah!
This message is not intended to highlight or focus on homosexuality, instead it is a rebuke of the spirit of pride in all expressions.
I recently heard a popular pastor say that gluttony is satan’s favorite sin. Based on scripture I would have to disagree and say that I believe that pride is satan’s favorite sin.
The reason being is simply because I know how much Yah despises pride and because satan seeks to rebel against Yah, it only makes sense that he would partake in the things that Yah hates.
Pride is what led satan to rebel against Yah from the beginning. Satan was so prideful that he wanted to be like Yah and exalted higher than Yah.
What is pride?
Pride is defined as- a feeling or deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired.
The word of Yah tells us in Ezekiel 28:12 that satan was “the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty”. It goes on to say in verse 17 that satan’s “heart became proud” on account of his beauty and that he corrupted his wisdom because of his splendor.
Unfortunately this describes a lot of people on the earth today. Many people are walking in pride due to how they look, what they know, or what they possess.
In this crooked generation, we are constantly being conditioned to exalt, magnify, and glorify ourselves, especially via social media. We are being taught to measure our worth based on how many people like us or support what we do and say.
This conditioning is all rooted in pride and the fruit of pride is rebellion.
Rebellion against the Most High God Yah.
Yah tells us to humble ourselves, while satan tells us to worship ourselves. And the sad truth is that the worship of ourselves is really worship unto satan, the father of pride.
Here are scriptures on how Yah views pride:
Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes [boiling up with an arrogant attitude of self-importance], then come dishonor and shame, But with the humble [the teachable who have been chiseled by trial and who have learned to walk humbly with God] there is wisdom and soundness of mind.
Proverbs 16:5 Everyone who is proud and arrogant in heart is disgusting and exceedingly offensive to the Lord; Be assured he will not go unpunished.
Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall
Isaiah 2:12 For the Lord of hosts will have a day of reckoning Against all who are proud and arrogant And against all who are lifted up, That they may be degraded.
Proverbs 29:23 A man’s pride and sense of self-importance will bring him down, But he who has a humble spirit will obtain honor.
Proverbs 13:10 Where there is strife, there is pride,
but wisdom is found in those who take advice.
Psalms 10:4 The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God; God is in none of his thoughts.
Proverbs 27:2 Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth;
an outsider, and not your own lips.
James 4:6
He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.
Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,
Romans 12:16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Proverbs 8:13 To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance,
evil behavior and perverse speech
Romans 12:3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.
Proverbs 21:24 The proud and arrogant person—“Mocker” is his name—
behaves with insolent fury.
Proverbs 21:4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart— the unplowed field of the wicked—produce sin.
Proverbs 16:19 Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed
than to share plunder with the proud.
With all of this overwhelming rebuke of pride from Yah’s word how can we as His creation and children ever justify pride?
If we are submitting to Yah’s word we can not operate in the spirit of pride at all!
Not for our looks, possessions, talents, intelligence, sexual identity, or our capabilities.
During this month of June, when pride is being celebrated and glorified as something good, when it is indeed a sin in Yah’s eyes, be sure to pray that the Holy Spirit will humble you in every way.
Pray and ask Yah to cause you to see yourself the way He does and not through the lens of the world and it’s culture.
Pray that you will put on the mind of Christ, sharing in His humble obedience to our Heavenly Father.
We, the body of Christ, rebuke the spirit of pride and all of its works, and all of its fruit. We reject the antichrist doctrine that tells us to worship ourselves or anything and anyone other than our Elohim Yah.
We put on humility in everything we do, say, think, and feel.
We are not proud of ourselves, but we boast only in our Elohim.
Prophet or Profit? PT2
In part one of this topic post, The Holy Spirit challenged the Bride of Christ to question and understand what the role of a true prophet of Yah is anointed to do.
Various scriptures revealed that Yah’s prophets are to hear His word, Receive His word and then release His word. We learned that Yah will often communicate His word to His prophets through dreams and visions.
A False prophet was defined as anyone claiming to speak for Yah, that releases a word that contradicts Yah’s.
Next will will come to know the differences between false prophets and Yah’s prophets.
How can we know the difference?
We have to discern the fruit!
Luke 6:43-44 says “For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush.”
If a tree is called by its fruit, that is how we should examine and identify people.
Let’s explore scripture to see what type of fruit a prophet of Yah should produce.
The first test that should be applied is the testing of the spirit.
1 John 4:1-3:
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.
Fortune tellers, psychics, or any type of mediums often operate under the Antichrist spirit and therefore receive false prophecy from that same spirit.
The second evaluation should be based on if this person produces the fruit of the Holy Spirit:
Galatians 5:22-26:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Even when believers are anointed by Yah as a prophet, if they aren’t producing the fruit of the Holy spirit it indicates that they aren’t being led by the Holy Spirit and therefore can not speak by revelation of the Holy Spirit.
Another test is one that requires more discernment and biblical application.
During Jesus’ earthly ministry, He was known by many to be a prophet. He was treated similarly to the prophets in the Old Testament. They were all rejected and persecuted by their own people. The very people they were sent to prophesy to.
Luke 4:23-24:
He said to them, “You will surely say this proverb to Me, ‘Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in Your country.’ ” 24 Then He said, “Assuredly, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own country.
John 15:18-20
“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.
As we can see, evidence of Yah’s prophets is that they are persecuted and rejected by the world, while false prophets are promoted and celebrated.
The next sign of a false prophet may be a trigger for some people who have been indoctrinated by them. Let’s just read what Yah’s word says:
Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. 9 Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts, 10 nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food.
False prophets will continually be motivated by profit and how they can benefit from serving Yah’s people. The entire time that Jesus was on the earth, it is never recorded that He asked people to sow money into His ministry, teaching, or prophecy. We know that people donated money because the scripture tells us that Judas, the betrayer, was in charge of the money bag.
John 13:29 Since Judas was their treasurer, some thought Jesus was telling him to go and pay for the food or to give some money to the poor.
Instead of requiring that His followers pay for benefiting from His ministry, He taught His disciples to trust/depend on Yah for their needs to be met.
Matthew 6:31-33
“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
The word of Yah instructs us to accept hospitality but also that money should not be our master.
Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.
Any person who is lead by their love of money more than their love for Yah will produce fruit of a false prophet.
Any person who is more obedient to Yah than they are to man will produce fruit of a true Prophet.
Lastly there needs to be more discernment concerning false prophetic words.
In the Bible we can find examples of prophetic words released by Yah’s prophets.
Most of the time they either released words of judgment, instruction, or warnings about things to come in the future.
In today’s society we unfortunately see a lot of self-proclaimed prophets releasing a lot of prosperity words and sadly not enough words leading Yah’s people into correction and repentance.
This trend is hurting the Body of Christ because the word of Yah tells us in Proverbs 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
The Body of Christ needs to know what Yah is saying and doing so that we can be in alignment with His will.
The Body of Christ needs to hear what Yah is saying so that we won’t be confused or deceived by satan and his lies.
The Body of Christ needs to be led by the Spirit of Truth and set free by the Truth.
I pray in the Mighty name of Jesus Christ that we experience the spirit of Prophecy which is the testimony of Jesus.
Prophet or Profit?
In today’s day and time, it is becoming increasingly clear that most people don’t understand what a prophet is supposed to do.
This lack of knowledge has caused many to perish under the fruit of deception both in the world and in the church.
Yah’s word makes it very clear that He condemns false prophets, yet we are seeing more and more false prophets function on platforms in these darker days.
How can we tell the difference between a true prophet of Yah and a false prophet?
What are the consequences of following the word of a false prophet?
What are the consequences of following the word of a true prophet of Yah?
First let’s define the role of a prophet of Yah:
According to Amos 3:7 Yah reveals His secrets/plans to His prophets.
“Surely Yah will do nothing, but He revealeth His secret unto His servants the prophets.”
According to Deuteronomy 18:18 Yah declares that His prophets will speak for Him
“I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put my words in his mouth and he shall speak what I command him.”
In Malachi 4:5-6 we see how Yah releases His judgement through His Prophets
“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of Yah. And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.”
There are various verses showing that prophets of Yah interrupt dreams and that He speaks to His prophets in dreams.
“And He said, “Hear my words: If there is a prophet among you, I the Lord make myself known to him in a vision; I speak with him in a dream.”- Numbers 12:6
“To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.” Daniel 1:17
“We both had dreams,” they answered, “but there is no one to interpret them.” Then Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams.”- Genesis 40:8
To summarize, the word of Yah shows through scripture that His prophets function by Hearing His word, Releasing His word, and Speaking His word.
Any person claiming to be a prophet who speaks or releases a word contrary to Yah’s is a false prophet.
Since we currently live in such a prophetically-charged society it’s important for us as believers to be able to discern the difference between a true and false prophet.
Knowing the true role of a Prophet of Yah should be a proper foundation to now explore the differences between true and false prophets, which we will in part 2 of this post.
I pray that the Body of Christ is charged with the burden to be vigilant against false teachings and prophecies, false teachers and prophets, who seek to dishonor the true role of Yah’s prophets.
I pray that every false prophet began to be exposed by the power of the Spirit of Truth.
I pray that every true prophet of Yah will be submissive to their role and also faithful to release every word of Elohim.
in the name of Jesus the Son.
We Don’t Need an Abortion Ban
Exactly one week after giving birth to my 4th child I took a break from my social media hiatus and I was really surprised to see the trending topic on my timeline being about abortion. I was even more shocked to see that a lot of women were digitally protesting on their Facebook pages in favor of legalized abortions. These are women who I thought were believers in Christ, believers in the Holy Bible. Yet their view on abortions did not align with Yah’s word.
I shouldn’t be surprised by this when I take a look at the moral state of America and see how more and more of it’s laws and values directly contradict with Yah’s law. Still the purpose of this message is not to debate political law in America. In fact this message is to argue that we don’t need to rely on a government that has historically rebelled against Yah’s Law to uphold His Law.
What Yah has spoken and established is enough and should be the final authority for those who profess Him as their God.
Just a reminder here is Yah’s legislation on the matter of abortion. (If you want to argue about it, He is always listening to your prayers)
“Thou Shall Not Kill”- Exodus 20:13
This is the one of the first 10 Laws that Yah established for His people to follow and I’m pretty sure unborn children were included in that command.
Secondly let’s take a look at one of the detestable sins outlined in the Bible:
“hands that shed innocent blood”- Proverbs 6:17
There is no blood more innocent than that of an unborn child. This is a sin that our Father finds as detestable and that He absolutely hates.
As you can see from the referenced scriptures, murder is already a crime in the eyes of Yah and was established as illegal long before any earthly government decided to try to enforce it.
It is beneficial to reside in a country that honors Yah’s Laws however that isn’t the culture in America. On the contrary, America operates under a “Do what Thou Wilt” doctrine, which is the doctrine of Satan. Where Jesus teaches us to deny ourselves.
Speaking of the old serpent Satan, Yah’s word tell us that the devil comes to “steal, kill, and destroy”- John 10:10
So of course the killing of unborn babies is a work that he specializes in.
If you study more of the Bible specifically the Old Testament, you will find various scriptures noting how pagan civilizations were known to sacrifice their children to their pagan gods. What we now call abortion is just a modern day child sacrifice to the same false gods who pleasured in them in the days of old.
You can find examples of this in:
Deuteronomy 12:31
Psalms 106:37-38
*****TRANSPARENCY MOMENT*****
When I found out that I was pregnant with my 4th child I considered having an abortion. Meaning Satan made the suggestion and I not only considered it but even scheduled an appointment to have it done.
I thank Yah for His Holy Spirit because Immediately after scheduling the appointment, He began to minister to me the truth and consequences of my decision had I followed through with it.
He presented two of the scriptures noted above and if that wasn’t enough conviction, The Holy Spirit also brought me to the scripture Psalms 139:13-16
“13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”
As you can read from this passage, Yah is very intentional about the planning of your lives before we are ever born, not just afterwards. Who are we to terminate His masterpiece and glorious work? Who are we to cut short a life that He has ordained and purposed to be in the earth?
Lastly the Holy Spirit brought me to Psalms 127:3-5
3 “Children are a heritage from the Lord,
offspring a reward from him.
4 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are children born in one’s youth.
5 Blessed is the man
whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
when they contend with their opponents in court.”
This scripture clearly communicates that children are indeed a blessing/reward/gift from Yah. Certainly not something to be discarded or disregarded and most definitely not to be destroyed. Unfortunately we live in a culture and time where having more children is frowned upon or condemned. But in Yah’s word more children are described as more blessing.
I decided to share my experience to empathize with those women who find themselves in the difficult position of an unwanted or unplanned pregnancy. And to testify that without the Holy Spirit and the word of Yah it is very easy to make a decision out of fear that aligns more with Satan than with Yah. By the next morning I canceled my appointment and was completely at peace with my decision to keep my baby alive. Now that she is here and just 8 days old, I can’t imagine missing out on this beautiful blessing.
As the Body of Christ we should be interceding for these women not condemning them. Simply because we know that they will have to answer to Yah for their actions whether the government holds them accountable or not.
As believers in Christ who are saved by grace through faith, let’s stop spending time debating whether abortions should be legal or banned, we already know that they are illegal in the eyes of our God. Let’s instead focus our attention on pleading for the lives of the women and children who are vulnerable prey to Satan’s agenda to kill and destroy Yah’s creation, which has been his endgame from jump street.
Pray that the Holy Spirit will intervene and advocate on their behalf like He did for me.
Pray that women all over the world will not only be convicted to believe that murder is wrong no matter the age of the victim but also that they will trust and believe that their unborn child is Yah’s reward for them and not a burden.
Lastly may the Bride of Christ exercise our authority over Satan and his kingdom to combat and overthrow every plan he has for our children both living and unborn in the name of Jesus.
The Flip Side of Spiritual Accountability….
Last night I had a pretty strange dream where I was rebuking my mother for some behavior she was exhibiting. What I said to her and how I said it, regardless of how true it was, resulted in her walking away from me, getting in her car and driving away. When I woke up I instantly assumed that I should intercede for my mom that God would surround her with some spiritual accountability and soften her heart so that she would receive it.
Once I went into my prayer closet and begin to meditate on the meaning of the dream and seek understanding in God’s word, the Lord began to reveal to me that the dream was actually about me. I am the one who needed some rebuke and correction.
In the same dream that I had about my mom, moments before I confronted her; I was in the backseat of a car with an unknown gentleman and I began punching him in his head and face because he had done something that angered me. Then I proceeded to go and tell my mother that her behavior (for whatever she did) was not lady like or Christ like. If that wasn’t a prime example of hypocrisy I don’t know what is!!!
The Holy Spirit convicted me for being self-righteous and hypocritical all in the name of “SpIritUal aCouNtAbiLtY”
The truth of the matter is: spiritual accountability does not mean spiritual control!
As fellow believers we can’t micro-manage someone into righteousness or obedience to God.
Don’t get me wrong; having accountability for your spiritual life works, I’m a witness.
Just over the past weekend I was about to make a big mistake regarding a relational issue. I called my accountability partner and they were able to advise me, correct me and encourage me all in one conversation. I know that interaction saved me from doing something outside of God’s will. But the Holy Spirit has revealed to me that spiritual accountability is only effective under certain criteria:
Humility- Paul tells us in Romans 12:3 “don’t think we are better than we really. Be honest in our evaluation of ourselves, measuring ourselves by the faith God has given us”
It’s easy to believe that we have the answers to help someone with their problem or their relationship with God. It’s much harder to admit that we may not be qualified to advise someone about their issue because we are also struggling in our faith walk. James 4:10 says “Humble yourselves with an attitude of repentance and insignificance in the presence of the Lord and He will exalt you. He will life you up, He will give you purpose. When we approach others from a level of “fellow believer” instead of teacher or preacher it is easier for others to relate to us and receive us. Notice I said “easier” not guaranteed.
Relationship - Anyone who has been close to me over the past 2 years can tell you that I am very zealous about helping people connect and serve God. Unfortunately my zeal sometimes backfires when I don’t honor people’s boundaries or wait for them to ask me for help. When God leads a person to seek help/guidance, He will soften their heart to receive it and lead them to the person that He wants to use to help them. James 4:8 says when we draw near to God, He will draw near to us but when we try to hold people accountable without their request there will most likely be no grace for your efforts.
Reflect Jesus- Based on my own experience with spiritual accountability and what I have witnessed from it, I understand that people are looking for a natural manifestation of Jesus. We want Jesus to come sit with us and tell us what to do. So as spiritual accountability partners we should serve in that capacity for our fellow believers.
When Jesus interacted with sinners during his ministry on earth he never treated them judgmentally. He handled them with grace and love. I know many believers including myself who judge other people for what they are doing or not doing. And although we use the word of God as the standard and not our own standard of Holiness, the Bible still instructs us against judging others based on the law of God in James 4:11-12
“Believers, do not speak against or slander one another. He who speaks self-righteously against a brother or judges his brother hypocritically, speaks against the law and judges the law. If you judge the Law, you are not a doer of the Law but a judge of it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and to destroy, the one God who has the absolute power of life and death; but who are you to hypocritically or self-righteously pass judgement on your neighbor?”
According to the word of God will don’t have the right to judge/condemn people for not obeying God. But thankfully the Holy Spirit has given us strategy for being effective, loving, and honorable spiritual accountability partners.
Share the Word of God: When advising/encouraging others on spiritual matters it is best to share the word of God instead of your opinion/perspective. Opinions change and perspectives can be argued but the word of the Lord stands forever.
Give your testimony, not your judgement: Hearing how the Lord has came through for someone else will strengthen the faith of another person, but trying to produce conviction in someone can possibly push them away from God. (Conviction is the responsibility of the Holy Spirit, our job is to love). Testifying will display humility.
Pray/Intercede for others: Prayer is our super power! Ephesians 6:18 says “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and BE PERSISTANT IN YOUR PRAYERS FOR ALL BELIEVERS EVERYWHERE!” Never doubt the power of a sincere intercession. Also displays humility!
I no longer want to be a self righteous hypocrite in my work for the Lord, neither do I want to push people away from Him by poorly reflecting Him. If you feel the same way let’s commit to reflecting Jesus and operating in love and humility in our service to the Lord.
Your Pkg Has Been Delivered…..
The topic of deliverance in the lives of Christians is very interesting, yet complex. The complexity is mainly due to the lack of teaching in today’s worship environment. Based on my experience with some (not all) westernized assemblies, most times Christians are taught to avoid sin and repent from any committed sin.
What happens when the sin has such a stronghold over your life that it seems like no matter how many times you try to resist the temptation to commit a particular sin, you never feel like you have the strength to say no???
Unfortunately this is a reality for many believers and it doesn’t just relate to sexual sin. Sometimes its lying, being prideful, gambling, or maybe some form of substance abuse.
Don’t get me wrong, I certainly believe in the power of repentance and the transforming of our minds through the word of God. However, I also believe that sometimes we need spiritual deliverance from spiritual strongholds and Jesus showed us that when he walked the earth. In Matthew 17 we learn of how Jesus cured a young boy from an epileptic spirit. Prior to Jesus performing this great miracle healing, his disciples had also tried to cast it out but they were unsuccessful. Once Jesus rebuked them for their lack of faith, he also revealed that “this kind of demon does not go out except by prayer and fasting” Matt 17:21
The point I am making is that deliverance is a process and in some cases, even when we are trying our best to overcome in our own strength, and even when others around us are trying to help us be healed, sometimes we need divine, spiritual assistance from a divine, spiritual power source. That source is Jesus.
Here is an analogy on the topic of deliverance:
Back in April I bought a new bunk bed for my sons and new mattresses for my daughter and I to replace the old ones we had. The mattress I was using was causing me to have such terrible back pain so I was very excited to replace it. I did the proper research for the best mattress for my specific needs, ordered it and waited for it to arrive. Once it came I quickly removed the old mattress from my bed frame and put the new one on. Although I now had a new and better mattress to sleep on, the issue was that I had no way of getting rid of the old mattress. I didn’t have a truck big enough to haul it to the landfill and the Salvation army was not accepting donations due to the virus pandemic. So I wasn’t able to completely enjoy my new bed because every time I woke up I had to look at the old mattress leaning against the wall in my room.
This is what it feels like to receive salvation in Christ, to have a transformed mind and instruction from the Holy scriptures, yet the old sin nature has not yet fully passed away because we haven’t received deliverance from unclean spirits that attached themselves to our lives through open doors. Sin gives demonic spirits legal access to our lives. Perhaps you have closed the door by turning away from sin but the pre-existing spirits were not cast out, nor have you been healed from any spiritual damaged caused by its presence.
I noticed that the longer I kept the old furniture in my house, the harder it became to keep my house clean and I begin to feel like I was losing space in my house. This is how we begin to attract the company of people who have similar trauma as us. Or we begin to attract negative energy because we aren’t able to properly filter the energy we are allowing into our lives. Eventually we begin to carry around shame and guilt. We may be afraid to let good people into our lives because we don’t want our mess to be exposed.
That is what I experienced with the old furniture in my room. Whenever I would have a visitor at my house I would be sure to keep my bedroom door closed because I didn’t want anyone to see the condition of my room. Also I had no peace in my room because it no longer served as a place of relaxation, instead it was only a reminder of a mess that I was unable to clean. I believe as a result of the clutter and frustration I felt, I started experiencing problems sleeping and also some episodes of sleep paralysis.
Eventually I had enough! So I decided seek some help. I have a high school friend named Jasper who owns a moving and hauling business. I reached out to him, telling him the items that I needed removed from my house and he agreed to come and haul them away for me. HALLELUJAH!!!! Jasper is a very strong and hard working man who came equipped and prepared to do this job. Not only did he remove those old mattresses out of my room but he also took other large furniture items away that I desperately needed to get rid of. I was so relived afterwards because I no longer had to be reminded of the old and I could finally focus on enjoying all of the new furniture that I purchased.
That is what happens when we allow someone of spiritual authority to perform the work of deliverance on us. Someone who is dedicated to praying and fasting. Someone who regularly exercises their spiritual authority and power to undo the work of the enemy. Clearly Jasper had more experience in moving and hauling away furniture than I did. He had a moving truck and he knew how to organize the truck to fit everything in properly. He also knew the proper place to dispose of it. Allow yourself to experience true deliverance from spiritual strongholds by allowing someone more experienced and better prepared for that level of warfare to pray for you and if possible, lay hands on you. You don’t have to face this alone.
In my next post I will address the healing work that takes place after deliverance……..
The Prodigal Daughter
Tonight my daughter told me that God instructed her to ask me to baptize her.
Tonight I baptized my daughter.
There are no words that can express how humbling this experience was.
I am still shedding tears of joy as I write this.
People don’t know how long my family has been in spiritual warfare concerning my daughter.
People don’t know how long my daughter has been in bondage to a spirit of self-defeat.
People don’t know how all of this has effected my relationship with my daughter.
But Heaven knows! And now all of Heaven is rejoicing over my daughter making a decision to be born again in Christ Jesus like the Bible says in Luke chapter 15.
Early last week I began a divine assignment where everyday I am led to read one chapter in the Bible Live on social media.
I believed that if I remained faithful in this assignment that God would trust me to do more like in the parable about the servants and their talents (Matthew 25: 14-30).
I could have NEVER imagined that God would use me in this way.
There are a lot of details I am leaving out because this is more my daughter’s testimony than mine, but I will say this;
God is faithful, The Holy Spirit is Real, and Jesus is THE SAVIOR!
While I was in a very toxic relationship over 5 years ago, I was highly exposed to voodoo powers and so was my daughter.
I believe that this exposure directly played a factor in the spiritual battles that my daughter has spent the last 5 years fighting.
Now she is made new, Now she is redeemed, Now she is God’s daughter.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ[that is grafted in, joined to Him by faith in Him as Savior], She is a new creation [reborn and renewed by the Holy Spirit}; The old things [the previous moral and spiritual condition] have passed away. Behold, new things have come [because spiritual awakening brings new life.” - 2 Corinthians 5:17 AMP
Ministering to my daughter everyday was a lot of work and sometimes I wanted to give up, but the Holy Spirit never allowed me to quit on her, because Jesus never quits on me. #RelentlessGrace.
Every believer that is a parent wants to witness their child make a decision to be baptized. Not only did I get to witness it but God used me to conduct her baptism.
I gave birth to my daughter and tonight I got to see her be re-born.
What an honor, what a privilege, what a blessing!
I have been praying that My daughter would be baptized since the beginning of 2019. When Jesus tells us to “seek first the kingdom of God and all of its righteousness and all these things will be added unto you” Matthew 6:33
I believe this is what I experienced tonight.
If God never uses me to do another thing while I am on this earth, I will forever rejoice in Him because of tonight.
I am not worthy.
God Blesses Those Who are Merciful…
God wants to heal our land. But He wants to start at the heart level.
At the bottom of every rebellion person’s heart are feelings of unforgiveness.
When you are able to justify not forgiving someone, it becomes easier to justify other acts of rebellion against God
Understand that you can forgive a person in your mind and with your mouth but it is possible that your heart didn’t get the memo. As result you may carry around FEELINGS of unforgiveness that can be triggered every time that you think about your offender or get around them.
Forgiveness is humanly challenging, especially when our offender hasn’t even admitted to their wrong.
One day our O.G Peter asked Jesus in Matthew chapter 18 verse 21: “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”
In verse 22 Jesus replies by saying “No, not seven times, but seventy times seven!”
Let me back up; the word Mercy is defined as “compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm”
When we are offended, Jesus is still expecting us to be forgiving and compassionate towards our offenders.
God knows that once the world begins to completely walk in Mercy we will truly exhibit the Love of Christ towards each other. 1 Corinthians 13:5 declares that Love keeps no record of being wronged.
We are made in God’s image, and He desires for His children to mirror character. God is a forgiving God!
In my own life I know that I have surpassed the 490 chances that Jesus requires of us, so I have experienced the liberation that comes from being forgiven.
Each morning God grants us a fresh new Mercy according to Lamentations 3:23.
This means that with each waking day, God gives us a clean slate and we are not only encouraged to do the same towards other people, we are commanded to do so.
“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Matthew 6:14-15- NLT YIKES!!!
God would be justified in severely punishing me and turning His back on me for all of the wrong things that I have done. Instead, not only did He forgive me, but He also sent His only son to die in my place for the sins that I committed.
Even more so, He did all of this so that I can have eternal life in heaven and be joined with him.
THERE IS NO GREATER MERCY THAN THAT!
I now understand that I have an obligation to extend this same mercy, forgiveness, and compassion towards others. And it is not up to me to decide who deserves my mercy and who doesn’t because none of us deserve the Mercy of God, Yet there it is waiting for us every morning. HALLELUJAH!!!
“God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Matthew 5:7
Unless They Are Sent….
The Prophetic Word of week 3/9 is LISTEN.
The Holy Spirit has been ministering to be about the importance of what kind of messages God’s people are listening to.
While studying the scriptures regarding this revelation, Romans chapter 10 ask: “how shall they hear without a preacher?” and even more so, “how shall they preach unless they are sent?”
verse 15 goes on to quote a passage from Isaiah 52:7 that says “How beautiful and delightful on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, Who announces peace, who brings good news of good things, who announces salvation, who says to Zion Your God Reigns”- AMP
I find it interesting that Paul asked this question and then answered it by the words of prophet Isaiah (my favorite prophet btw). Notice how the scripture doesn’t say “the feet of” the pastor, or prophet, or apostle. It simply says “the feet of him who brings good news”— that is the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ.
As believers in Christ, we are his disciples. 2 Corinthians 5:20 commissions us stating: “So we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us; we [as Christ’s representatives] plead with you on behalf of Christ to be reconciled to God.” - AMP
As you can read from the scriptures, we don’t need to be ordained by a man in order to represent Christ and spread his message, once we made Jesus Lord over our lives and received the Holy Spirit, that is our ordination.
We do however, need to be sent. Thankfully Jesus took care of that part. In Matthew 28:19-20 Jesus instructs us to “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything that I have commended you; and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually— regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.”
So lets go down the list:
We have been anointed and appointed, commissioned and sent to preach the message of Jesus Christ.
The problem is a lot of believers are sitting on their calling, purpose, and divine mission.
Instead of sharing the gospel they would rather use their influence to glorify themselves or other worldly matters that can’t save sinners. There is only name by which man can be saved, that is the name Jesus Christ.
Jesus says in John 12:32- AMP “And I, if and when I am lifted up from the earth [on the cross] will draw all people to Myself [Gentiles, as well as Jews]”
That is who we should be glorifying, He is the one who should be getting all of the attention, especially in such a time as this.
People are looking for answers, healing, and restoration. No matter what we as humans accomplish in this life, we will never be the ones who die for the sins of others. We will never be able to do for them what Jesus has done.
So let’s accept the mission, lets be living sacrifices for the Kingdom of God. Let’s be the vessels by which people can hear the good news of Jesus Christ.
“Jesus said to him, I am the [only] way [to God] and the [real] Truth and the [real] Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” John 14:6- AMP
You’re not a “nigga”!!!
Today, I am coming at you as an ARROW OF DELIVERANCE FOR NATIONS.
The topic of racial injustice in America is an issue that has always been close to my heart, but to be honest it is not an easy thing to address in faith. So today I will approach this as God has lead me to do so.
I was scrolling on Facebook this morning and I saw multiple post about the execution of Nathaniel Woods (Alabama). The news surrounding his case and conviction is very sad and obviously triggered something in me regarding racism in America, but I kept scrolling. Then minutes later I saw a post from one of my Facebook friends stating:
“Court this morning wish a nigga luck!!”
After seeing the news about Mr. Woods and then seeing this post, I was even more triggered. I wanted to comment on this young man’s post “YOU’RE NOT A NIGGA!” but I just kept scrolling.
Thank God that the Holy Spirit instructed me to write it but revise it, so instead I wrote under his post:
“You’re not a “nigga” You’re a child of God!!”
Thankfully he received it and I pray that God begins to transform his mind concerning how he refers/sees himself.
I’m not here to make excuses for racism, prejudice, or injustice against black people in America or any race for that matter, rather I am here as God’s prophet to advise black people in America to seek deliverance from the spirit of self-hate and self sabotage that has plagued our generation for many generations.
I’m sure you have heard the argument before that if black people are offended by other nationalities referring to them as “niggas” or “niggers”, then it should be equally offensive when another black person does it.
If I don’t want someone calling me a “hoe” or “bitch” then I won’t use that term to describe myself either.
This issue goes beyond derogatory terms. At the root of the matter, as I stated before, black people as a nation need deliverance from the spirit of self-hate and self-sabotage. We need to take accountability for how we are represented in the mass media and pop culture. From rap music, to movies, and social media, black culture has failed to take a stand against the glorifying of gang activity, murder, drug dealing/using, and the sexualization of black women. Every where you look in the media, the majority of trending black entertainment portrays black men as thugs/criminals and black women as sex objects.
I know that there are successful black people in this country, both men and women who are making monumental achievements, but so often these positive attributes are severely overshadowed by the more negative and toxic depiction of black people in the news and pop culture.
There are young black boys being accepted into all of the Ivy League schools in the US (Kwasi Enin) and black female doctors curing cancer (Dr. Hadiyah-Nicole Green) but yet black America would rather focus on Gayle and Oprah, or Dwayne Wade’s son.
Let’s not let cop killings be the only time that we come together in unity about social issues. Let’s be just as outraged about rappers promoting the use of promethazine (lean). Let’s stop supporting women who take their clothes off for money so we don’t sound like hypocrites when we tell young girls to have “self-respect”.
I am really confused about how some black people can go from saying “king and queen” and then recite lyrics where men and women are called “niggas and hoes”.
If you wouldn’t call your children those names, they shouldn’t hear you using those terms in regard to yourself or other black people. If you wouldn’t want your children growing up to be drug dealers and prostitutes, then we shouldn’t expose them to images and sources where those lifestyles are glorified.
Here is the truth:
“you are a CHOSEN RACE, a royal PRIESTHOOD, A CONSECRATED NATION, A [special] PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies [the wonderful deeds and virtues and perfections] of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” - 1 Peter 2: 9 AMP
In the eyes of God we are not hoes, sluts, bitches, niggas, thugs, or gangstas. The bible goes on to say in 2 Corinthians 5:21 AMP “He made Christ who knew no sin to [judicially] be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we would become the righteousness of God [that is, we would be made acceptable to Him and placed in a right relationship with Him by His gracious loving kindness]”
“For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].” - Ephesians 2:10 AMP
Once we begin to be transformed by the renewing of our minds (by reading God’s word), we can then collectively walk in our God-given identity and the rest of the world will no longer be able to corrupt or pervert the narrative of who we are like they have done for generations.
It starts with us! The next time you hear a black person call you a nigga/bitch kindly correct them and say;
“ I rebuke that in the name of Jesus, I’m not a nigga/bitch! I’m a child of God”
New Me…Who Dis
Today I want to speak on the subject of water baptism.
Believe it or not, baptism is a rather controversial topic in the Christian faith.
Some People don’t believe that you need to be baptized at all.
Some believe that you don’t need to be immersed in water.
Some people believe that you aren’t really “saved” if you don’t get baptized.
I can give you several scriptures pertaining to baptism, however, I will just reference one example from the bible:
The Baptism of Jesus
Matthew 3:13-17 NIV
13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John.
14 But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”
15 Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.
16 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.
17 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
Based on the revelation that I receive from this scripture, Jesus considered baptism as a fulfillment of righteousness.
As a follower of Christ I am inclined to follow the example set by Jesus and if He, (the Son of God) saw it fit and necessary to be immersed in water publicly, so should we.
In case that wasn’t convincing let me make it more practical….
According to the Romans 10: 9 NKJV “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” BOOM OK DO THAT PART.
But just like after you say “I do” at your wedding, you then publicly display your commitment by putting on a wedding band. Without the ring, people can’t assume that you are married.
If you relationship with your significant other isn’t a secret, neither should your relationship with Jesus.
The Apostle Paul compares water baptism to the likeness of a spiritual death and rebirth.
Romans 6: 3-5 NIV
3 Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?
4 We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.
It is through this water baptism that we become reborn into the likeness of Jesus. Thank God we don’t have to die on the cross like He did. I’d much rather be dipped in the water Hallelujah.
Last weekend I had the honor of witnessing my dear friend Ricky be baptized. I asked him if he would be comfortable with me sharing his testimony online and he agreed.
““I’m still in a bit of shock and all, but i feel great! Like some weight was lifted.””
I am so incredibly proud of Ricky and I was blessed to see his parents and close friend come out to support him.
Baptism is a celebratory event and all of Heaven rejoices as well.
Now because I am extra I will include below 16 bible verses about baptism. If you are contemplating the decision to be baptized I encourage you to pray and meditate over these scriptures. And if you don’t belong to a local church, don’t let that hinder you. Baptism can take place anywhere. In fact during Spring Break this year, God has placed it on my heart to host a flash baptism event in Columbia, Maryland. I plan on baptizing anyone who shows up outside at the Robinson Nature Center More details coming soon.
16 Bible Verses about Baptism
https://dailyverses.net/baptism
So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
Galatians 3:26-27 | NIV |
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 3:21 | NIV |
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
Mark 16:16 | NIV | (JESUS SAID THIS ONE)
Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.”
John 3:5 | NIV | (JESUS SAID THIS ONE TOO)
And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.
Acts 22:16 | NIV |
Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?
Romans 6:3 | NIV |
When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
Luke 3:21-22 | NIV |
For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’
“Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.”
Acts 10:47 | NIV |
Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.”
On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
Acts 19:5-6 | NIV |
Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.
“Blessed are the Poor….”
I had an amazing weekend and I encountered God in so many ways in just 3 days!
I’ll tell you the story about my interaction with the lion and the lamb….
Sunday morning I wanted to eat breakfast before the “New Wine” service at my church to start. So I figured I would visit “First Watch”, a breakfast/brunch/lunch restaurant in Laurel. I wish I could give you a review on the food but unfortunately the wait was too long so I left to consider where I would try to get my meal from. As I walked to my car, a few feet away I heard a voice saying “thank you Jesus, Jesus!”
I looked to my left and saw an elderly man that appeared to be homeless. When I approached him I asked him if he had eaten breakfast. He replied with “no”. So I asked him if he felt comfortable getting in the car with me to ride a couple of yards to Panera Bread.
Let me tell ya’ll something: I HAVE NEVER MET A MORE FAITH FILLED MAN IN ALL MY LIFE!!!
This man was not only homeless but he was also a medically disabled Vietnam Veteran, over the age of 70. Yet I heard him praising and thanking Jesus more than people who are in far better circumstances, including myself!
I can tell you that in the spirit realm this man far surpassed me in levels of faith, serving, and obedience.
He went into details about how whenever he receives food, money, or supplies he makes sure to take care of his fellow homeless Vets. Many who are missing a leg, arm, or eye.
These brave soldiers are sleeping outside in the dead of winter right in Prince George’s County. This is very saddening considering that they have only become disabled due to their service in the US military.
Despite all of his natural misfortune, He continues to trust God, praise Jesus, and serve others in love.
When I thought about this encounter this morning I broke down in tears. Not because I felt pity for him but because I realized that God used him to set an example for me on how to stay low (humble) and how to continue being a vessel.
We can make a million excuses as to why we aren’t serving God but after my conversation with the Veteran I now know that all reasons not to serve God’s people are invalid. This man of God is physically disabled, old enough to be my grandfather, homeless, and rejected by the same government that willingly deployed him into war. Still he gives what he has to other people and he gives praises to Jesus instead of complaining.
Before we parted ways I asked if I could pray for him but honestly, with his level of faith I should have asked him to pray for me! LOL
The point of this post is not to guilt trip you into giving to homeless people or supporting disabled Veterans (but if you don’t see a need to bless those who are less fortunate woe to you!)
I wanted to give you a modern day example of how Jesus walked this earth:
Meek and gentle like a lamb,
Putting others before himself,
Here to serve and not to be served,
But also mighty like a lion,
A soldier that has survived war,
Walking in authority and faith,
Filled with love and truth
Mr. Rodger had one piece of advice for me and I want to share it with you all:
“If God tells you to do something, you better do it” AMEN!
I believe that it was God’s will for me to meet him. Through him I was able to see Heaven on Earth
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven” - Matthew 5:3
From Diamond in the Rough To DiamondTheConqueror
I would love to go into grave detail about how my whole “life got flipped-turned upside down” however, the purpose of this post is to explain how I got into ministry in the first place and why I am writing this blog.
I never planned to be any type of minister, in fact I had a desire to become an attorney. That quickly changed when I learned how long Lawyers have to attend college and when I realized how incredibly unfair the justice system is in America. So I went through many years of not knowing my purpose or why I was here. Then again, like most of us, I never asked God either. All I knew is that in my late teens and early 20’s I did a lot of foolish things that could have ended me up in jail or a grave. God used his grace to save me from all of that.
I remember several times I would be crying during worship, asking God “why did you save me?” I finally got my answer one day in my prayer closet:
“Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil— the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loves us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:1-7 NLT)
Whew! That was a whole read! From head to toe! It is through this passage that I learned about how God’s grace allowed for me to be reconciled to Him through His son Jesus and why. I am honored to tell people about how I was dead in sin and how it is only through God’s grace that I am saved. It let’s people know that if God can forgive and use someone like me who was in bondage to lust, adultery, pride, religion, and drugs, He can certainly do the same in their life.
I have found that one of the main things that keep people from giving their lives to Christ isn’t so much sin as it is the religious people who claim to represent Christ. I use to be one of those people. Trying to hold other sinners to a standard of righteousness that I could not measure up to myself. And I didn’t treat people with love, I tried to convert them by using condemnation. Lord knows I had a whole plank in my eye OK!! I am so glad that God has changed my heart and renewed by mind. Jesus said that by our love, the world would know that we are his disciples. I believe religion and love to contradict one another, which is why Jesus never got along with the religious leaders of his time.
It is my mission to use this platform and any other means God gives me to showcase the grace, love, and mercy that has been afforded to me in hopes that people who have never given their life to Christ will make the first step towards doing so and that those who are saved grow in their faith and intimacy with their heavenly Father through Christ.
So I am no longer a Diamond in the rough, in fact as the scripture says I am seated with Christ in heavenly realms and I use my God-given authority to conqueror demons and spiritual strongholds.