If Footmen Tire you or The Tale of Christian Athletes foot… Based off of Jeremiah 12:1-5

I will be using one scripture that has changed my thoughts about all the testings and trials I may go through Jeremiah 12:5 helps me to put things into perspective.

When we come to the most darkest time in our lives and we have reached the point of desperation we look to GOD for reasons, answers, understanding and on those occasions when we just completely just don’t get it plead our case before the LORD as Jeremiah does here and Job and GOD even encourages it because who else can we go too when our world turns upside down and the waves and billows rage in our souls [Jeremiah 12:1; Job 13:3, and Isaiah 41:3].

For a moment, I would like to examine verse one-

“Righteous are you, O LORD, when I complain to you; yet I would plead my case before you. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all who are treacherous thrive?” Jeremiah 12:1 English Standard Version

Remember we are at war with the enemy and this enemy does not have a problem with sending in shock troops and if in this battle we focus on and look at what the footman can do, our sights, minds, and hearts will fill up with fear and doubt and this is precisely the effect and outcome the enemy wants. If we are too busy wondering why we are not being blessed we will be too busy running from the footmen and from them.

Footmen in a war make a lot of noise with their yelling and hitting their swords on their shields and yelling to intimidate their opponents. By keeping your eyes on the battle field and not on the banner, like the old time gospel hymn said HOLD the fort for I am coming Jesus whispers still, raise the answer back to heaven by THY grace we will.

Such a simple verse but filled with answers regarding the footmen and the battle. Raise the answer means pray, why because the prayers of the righteous man or woman avails much the prayer of faith changes things.

Nevertheless, the battle rages in our hearts, minds and egos that gnaws at us is the WHY them LORD, and why are they being blessed when I have been your faithful service. How many times have we said this to ourselves and felt the heartache of defeat? It becomes hard for us to understand any of GOD’s dealings with those who do not serve our GOD being blessed we must always remember GOD is righteous and just, He knows our hearts. What do we do when the test in our testimony comes our way? Knowing that our GOD would never allow any situation, test or trial to wrong us but there is a divine purpose and reason to it all [this is easier said than done, I am a living witness to this] BUT as you will see It is the footmen, the little things are the most grievous to us. GOD, whom we love and serve, knows how our hearts are toward him. GOD knows both the guile of the hypocrite and the sincerity of His children.

How many times have we felt like this, asking questions of WHY? Why them, why this, why me. BUT after much prayer, I began to understand some of the “WHYS.” Why is a crooked letter there for it is a crooked path, while GOD’s way is narrow and straight.

Just like the parable of the Wheat and Tares that Jesus told the wicked, we must grow together but when the day of harvest comes, the Tares will get their reward. Think about it for a moment… Our lives are just but a moment, a blink of the eye, in James 4:13-15 it explains it so perfectly, just a vapor, here today gone tomorrow, and yet we are eternal [Psalm 102:27]. Eternity is forever and Salvation is the perfect and ultimate gift from GOD, so in the spectrum of things what does material things really matter [Matthew 7:11] in the courses of life when eternity [James 1:17]. Let us not settle for someone “else’s” blessings, look forward to what GOD has for you and what He is doing in your life and GOD’s blessing is just around the corner.

Dear heavenly Father, right now in our lives the footmen are running us ragged and we ask that You we ask that You renew our strength and help us to mount up on the wings of eagles to soar with the Holy Ghost. Father the test is so very hard but through Christ, we can turn it into our Testimony unto Your goodness and mercy. Dear LORD we enter into our boats of faith and ask that You take us over to the other side. Help us cross over that river of trails that troubles us and let us stand in faith knowing that You will take our storms and speak peace that we can find rest unto our souls.

LORD let us use our eyes of Faith that we not look at the situation and let us see the opportunities of Grace which will be sufficient for this day.

Hold our hands because You said, “You would never leave nor forsake us.” Help us to sing Your praises when we are in our midnight hour. Loosen our bands that try to hold us down. Left our hearts to You and ask that You fill us up that we may run this race and finish our course, give us the strength to walk pass our footmen in life. We ask this in Jesus name Amen.

Until next time you pray for me and I’ll pray for you…

My Blessing and Prayer for our new and up coming additions

My Daughter Jaymie and my Niece Jenny are having babies, this brings me to much rejoicing for many reasons and it also demonstrates GOD's goodness to us.

As a woman when I was pregnant it was both a blessing and a cursing for me. But I soon saw the spiritual side to pregnancy and how it demonstrates our lives in Christ.

The first thing about pregnancy is the trials of it, the vomiting, tiredness and other difficulties that come along with it, BUT, the reward is beyond any word or reaction man can use to describe.

I would like to take the analogy of  being pregnant to demonstrate the great commission of Christ. In our christian lives we are either pregnant -bringing souls into the kingdom or rising -disciplining for Christ. When we are pregnant there are so many opportunities, and possibilities that GOD uses in-order to get that soul to know Christ as their Savior. But even with these doors and opportunities there are those days that are filled up with difficulties and problems, but like all who have been through pregnancy and child birth will tell you the end result is worth it all. All those days of sickness, emotional roller coaster rides as well as hot flashes, cravings and all. Jesus said it simply all of heaven rejoices when one sinner comes to know Him. 

It is the same with going about fulfilling the great commission. When that child is born all mothers look to their mothers and father and ask the same question... "Did I do good?" and all parents respond with the same answers..."You did good" as they gaze upon that child that is now part of their families. The mother has gone through difficulties after difficulties, went through hours of labor and produced a child out of love that will add to the generation of both families,  a gift of life and love that will bring joy, tears and happiness.

This is exactly how GOD the Father will see us as we stand before Him. And with the same expectation we ask our parents after we had our children we will ask Him the same... "DID I DO GOOD FATHER?" and GOD the Father will look upon our christian lives, each difficulty, each problem and opportunity that we have come across to add to the Kingdom of Heaven and generations to the souls that know Christ as their Savior. What have we done with the time laboring in His fields, what did we do with the pain that we had... did it produce a soul or did it hinder a soul. GOD our Father will say one of two things... "Well done My GOOD and Faithful Servant, enter into the reward I have prepared for you." Or "Depart from Me you worker of inequity for I know you not."

Let's be the good mothers and bring in souls to the Kingdom, fear no sickness [people hurting, lying, talking, plotting, deceiving about YOU], fear no pain [broken hearts, body aches, or fiery darts] because the end result of the pregnancy is MARVELOUS and WONDERFUL a soul into the Kingdom, another generation of prayer warriors, harvesters, planters, and ministers to go out and fulfill the great and wonderful commission of Christ.

With this I would like to end with a...special blessing and prayer [use it for your family,church or how ever GOD places it on your hearts to do]

As a soon to be Grand-mamma or what the child will really call me... MOMMA YAGA….

This is my prayer and blessing for my Jonah and Ezra

LORD, we have prayed for these child and You have heard our petitions of which we have asked from You for them [1 Samuel 1:27] and LORD we know that You will perfect those things which concerns us over matters that are beyond our control and You will not forsake the works of Your own hands because Your mercy endures forever [Psalm 138:8]

LORD you are faithful and will establish and keep all from evil [2 Thessalonians 3:3], comforting our hearts in love in full assurance that You are aware of all mysteries and things which we cannot see [Colossians 2:2], because it is nothing by what we have done nor our righteousness but according to YOUR mercy on which You have given us abundantly in Christ [Titus 3:5-6].

Order these children’s steps and let them delight in Your ways [Psalm 37:23], let their praises of Your wonders and works be from generation to generation, let them declare Your mighty acts to all they come into contact with, we will praise You for Your works our marvelous in our sight and these young men are fearfully and wonderfully made, let them know You that all will be right in their souls [Psalm 139:14]. Being confident of this very thing that You have begun, this good work You will provide all their needs according to Your will and ways and will perform it until that very day when Christ returns [Philippians 1:6]

These children are our heritage and a blessing from you, and we are happy of the wonderful gift of life, that now only will add to our family generations but to the generations of Your kingdom, may they be men of GOD filled with the Spirit and go out telling others of Your goodness and mercy, let all who see them know of You and Your goodness and grace [Psalm 127:3-5].

As a mother and grandmother, I can say I have no greater joy then to know that they will walk in Your truth and light [3 John 1:4]. Help us to teach them and to guide them in You that they may know Your peace [Isaiah 54:13], let the beauty of You be upon them and establish Your works upon them that they may work Your good works [Psalm 90:17].

Let them grow in Your grace and knowledge [2 Peter 3:18] and we lift them up daily asking Your blessings upon them now and as they grow. In Jesus, name Amen

Until next time.... You pray for me and I'll pray for you..

Under His Wings

After attending our monthly youth rally, Pastor Eric Kamanu preach a most challenging message that not only tugged on my heartstrings but also convicted me to the core. The story Pastor Kamanu told about sacrificial “Stead Fastness”[Psalm61:3] which helped me to understand Christ and His obedience to the Father and how the Father’s love for me even when I walk through testing and trials of fire that may sometimes threaten my eternal life [John 3:16-17]. I will share only the first of these inspirational urban legends because it has several valuable lessons to be seen with in the tales [1 Corinthians 15:58].

 Psalm 91:4 He will cover you with His feathers; you will take refuge under His wings. His faithfulness will be a protective shield. Holman Christian Standard Bible

“After a forest fire in a national park, a few of the forest rangers trek up a mountain so that they could be able to assess the inferno’s damage. As one of the rangers was walking, he found a bird that had been literally petrified into ashes with wings out stretched [Psalm 63:7] and perched statuesquely on the ground at the base of a tree. After gazing at the eerie sight for several seconds, the forest ranger somewhat sickened by this sight of the bird knocked it over with a stick, as the ashes fell over three tiny chicks scurried from under their dead mother’s wings. This loving mother, profoundly aware of the looming calamity, had carried her off springs to the base of the tree and had gathered them under her wings, instinctively knowing that the toxic smoke would rise, knew that the lower lands would have breathable but sacrificial air, but refused to abandoned her babies. When the blaze had arrived and the heat had scorched her small body, this mother could have flown away to safety the mother and lived to have other chicks and another day, but she had remained steadfast in her sacrifice of love, she choose her children over life and because she was willing to die, those under the cover of her wings could live.”

Upon reading this inspirational story there are several things that came to my mind, the first was… “Daggone it how come I can’t write like that.”, and after that I looked at it saying LORD make me that Mother Bird, give me that kind of love, the love that doesn’t fear the enemy’s fiery darts. 

So it is here I begin…

We sing songs, we read the scriptures, which repeat so often Under the Shelter of His wings or Arms, but how do we get there?

We get under these wonderful wings by FAITH…

Faith that GOD is our protector

Faith that we shall find all that we need in Him

Faith that He will be our comforter

Faith that He will be our refuge

Our security is promised in the midst of danger, just as birds do their young, who cannot cover themselves: the mother in her tenderness for her children will do this to keep them warm, and protect them from those that would hurt them. This should demonstrate to us as being chicks we must rely upon GOD in our helplessness and weaken state, we are unable to defend ourselves but GOD is loving towards us to keep us well protected under His powerful and gracious presence and He comforts us in our tribulations, as well as defends them from our enemies.

Deuteronomy 32:11 As an eagle stirs up its nest, flutters over its young, spreads abroad its wings, takes them, bears them on its wings: King James 2000 Bible

Once again, the scriptures uses a metaphor of GOD’s loving-kindness towards us, as the Eagle cares for her young… The wings out stretched could represents Christ love and how He became our sacrifice [picture the mother bird willing to die for her chicks]; this is how much GOD loved us. 

Just as the mother bird drew her chicks close to her to cover them and redeem them for another day GOD has redeemed us from Sin by providing the Cross at it is at the base of the Cross we all must kneel to be covered by His precious blood [a metaphor for the out stretched wings of the mother bird]. The main clause of the scripture is “TAKES” and “BEARS” in our trials or needs GOD will take us, lift us, and put us in a high safe place. 

The female eagle cherishes for her young and when it is time for her newly fledged children are sufficiently advanced to soar in their native element, she, in their first attempts at flying, supports them on the tip of her wing, encouraging, directing, and aiding their feeble efforts to fly and just as the eagle does this GOD does the same for us. GOD will bear our trials or yokes if you will but we must be willing to “Come” under the safety of His wings.

Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. American King James

I found my answer to how do we get under the shelter of GOD’s wings… BUT THEY THAT WAIT UPON THE LORD… well sister what do you mean by waiting upon the LORD? I’m glad you asked this question. GOD is to be waited on, we should come to Him as children come to their parents, with respect, and expecting, knowing  that GOD will answer our prayers as we wait on Him in prayers and thanksgiving. Our spirits should be with meekness and humbleness. GOD will fill us with His strength, protect us with His wings, and give us His grace so that we obtain His presence. There is no fleeing from GOD’s shelter but we should run into GOD’s loving arms, and in doing this we trust Him for His words.

Psalm 17:8 Keep me as the apple of Your eye, hide me under the shadow of Your wings, American King James Version

Here King David once again uses the metaphor about GOD’s wings, but this was to demonstrate GOD’s ability to keep him safe. But the first part “KEEP ME” as the apple of the eye, could also be said as keep me in the center of Your will [as Christ said… NOT MY WILL BUT THY WILL BE DONE]. Our commitment to GOD should be in trusting in Him and bringing souls into the kingdom of GOD. We are covered with Christ so that we may behold GOD’s face, that we may conform to His likeness which is set before us [in the bible His word]. We will never find rest unto our souls until we find the shelter of His loving arms.

I think it is only appropriate to end this blog instead with a prayer but with the lyrics to “In the Shelter of His loving arms” by The Oak Ridge Boys… let that be our prayer instead.

When my soul was disturbed with sorrow, when my heart was burdened with sin Jesus opened His arms of mercy and tenderly took me in

[Chorus] There is peace in the time of trouble, there is peace in the midst of the storm, there is peace though the world be raging… In the shelter of His arms.  

Tho' the world all-around be raging, and it's filled with many alarms. Trust in Jesus and He will keep you... In the shelter of His arms

Amen… You pray for me and I’ll pray for you… until next blogg.

When did we stop talking about Jesus at church???? (+playlist)

How come if your a Pastor You GOT KICKED out of Church So many Times or .... The Tale of the Ministry that GOD gave me .

WHY WE MINISTER TO WHO WE MINISTER TO

I used this post as an introduction for a ministry I am ministering in currently "GOD's Preservation Ministry Soul Care," I'll put a link on later when thier webpage is up and running. So as I was going to introduce myself and ministry and what I do and why I do it but my daughter wrote this blog several years ago.

 My daughter Kellie has Aspergers Sydrome, and I got into the gaming life because of my daughters [Kellie has the Aspergers] and I have a son too but male gamers are normal, female gamers are rare. so in order to protect them I learned over time every gaming system from table top [D&D, VtM, WtA, Mordheim] to Video Games [Playstation, XBox, Gameboy, Nintendo,Saga] to Trading Card Games [MtG, Yu-gi-o, Vanguard] and so on. 

What I saw with the games and gamers was my daughter was able to communicate, minister and shine her light as well as I got to have a ministry of souls that wanted to hear the Gospel and fully understood it in a way that they taught me a thing or two. 

So without further ado here is my daughters reasons why we opened up a ministry for these souls.



A modern day Christian teen with modern day problems. How does God help us today?- By Kellie J.

  
Games. No matter where one turns in this time and age, it’s present and in our face. Be it cards, on a console,on the phone, or handheld gadgets these days are built around what has captured our imagination and mind, but it’s not only teens; it’s also adults. Sure, games can help aid in learning or in reinforcing an idea or theory [reading comprehension and math skills], but there are some of these games that are deeply frowned upon in the Christian community.

I am a modern teen who enjoys playing these types of games that come with many stigmas and shakes of the head. I play Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons. Ah yes, I can hear your audible gasp and you saying under your breath:"Don’t you know God frowns upon such Satanic games?" or perhaps you state."Don’t you know you're summoning up demons?’"
Has it ever crossed anyones mind that maybe I play these games for a reason? WAIT! let me finish and explain myself before...[I can hear one too many fellow brothers and sisters in Christ shake their heads and say they will pray much for me.] Please don't turn me away, let me finish before you turn me aside; hear me out! Let me finish, just this once! As I said earlier I am a modern teen who enjoys these games and for a good reason. Too many churches these days forget a certain type of sheep who themselves enjoy these games and more. These sheep who desire to know Godbut whose hearts have been broken one too many times and have been kicked out of one too many churches for what they enjoy doing in their free time.

These sheep come up to me when they find out my mother and I are Christians and ask us: "If God is so loving, then why am I forced to change who I am on the spot for Him to love me? Can’t He just love me the way I am?"  These are the questions that comes across a gamers’ mind much too often. The answer is yes; God does love them, and you know what the most important thing is? They aren’t supposed to change right away.
I can now hear you say: "But why? Don’t they know what they are doing is wrong?" Yes. They do. They hear it often and are constantly reminded of it and I’m sure they don’t need another person telling them so. I know I don’t need someone hanging my mistakes over my head constantly. God doesn’t hang ours over our heads reminding us about our past errors! Nor does He watch over us waiting for us to say or do something wrong. It’s not important what I or anyone else says; but what is important is what God says. So let’s take a LQQK at what God has to say:

Let us look at the book of Matthew for a moment: Jesus was walking along and happened to pass by the Sea of Galilee and saw two brothers fishing because it was their job; being fishermen. “19 Then He said to them ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fisher of men.’ 20 They immediately left their nets and followed Him.” (Matthew 4:19-20, NKJV). That is one of the jobs God asks us to do for Him; to be fishers of men. He didn’t say: ‘clean them up and make sure they are presentable for Me to accept them.’ No! He asked us to bring them to HIM.

"Aha! that was about us following Him, but when did God say for us to minister to "THEM"?’ you ask, right at the end of the book of John, Jesus said it as simply as possible to Simon Peter. “15 So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?’ He said to Him, ‘Yes Lord; You know that I love You.’ He said to him, ‘Feed My lambs.’ 16 He said to him again a second time, ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?’ He said to Him, ‘Yes Lord; You know that I love You.’ He said to him, ‘Tend to My sheep.’ 17 He said to him a third time, ‘Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?’ Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time ‘Do you love Me?’ And he said to Him, ‘Lord, You know all things; You know I love You.’ Jesus said to him ‘Feed My sheep.’ “(John 21:15-17, NKJV).

The gamers of today are sheep and don't we love God like Peter did? So, why are we neglecting His sheep who crave to know who He is?   If we do not shine the light of God to them, how might they know who He is? Too many gamers of today are turning away from God to other ‘gods’ in hopes to help ease the loneliness and helplessness they feel.

Consider a gamer if you will and "a lame man,"Just as a lame man is unable to walk physically; a gamer is lame and unable to walk spiritually. “1 Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; 3 who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. 4 And fixing his eyes upon him, with John, Peter said, ‘Look at us.’ 5 So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. 6 Then Peter said, ‘Silver and gold I do not have,but what I have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.’ 7 And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. 8 So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them---walking and leaping and praising God.” (Acts 3:1-8, NKJV).

These gamers are sitting at the gates of hobby shops and malls, walking around aimlessly, we see them at the movie theathers, Starbucks, and other places. 
They look different, their looks range from grunge to white faced goths to teens in black clothing with long hair to a middle aged man sitting and reading a well worn Lord of the Rings book.
Consider yourselves missionaries to a foreign country like Paul and Barnabas as they went out into the world, spreading the Gospel of Jesus. They eventually came to Athens and observed the people, their culture and their religions. It was during that time that Paul made an interesting discovery and decided to use what Satan intended for corruption and bad and instead used it for God's glory and good.
“22 Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said ‘Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; 23 for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription:

                                                      TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.

Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you: 24 God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. 25 Nor is He worshipped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to us all life, breath and all things.” (Acts 17:22-25).

Now, some of the Greeks mocked Paul after his speech, but something amazing happened to all of them, something moved in them and awoke inside of their hearts; they no longer could claim to be ignorant. While those that mocked Paul continued on with their ways, others ran out to join Paul asking him about this "Unknown" God and elieved. Somewhere deep in that gamer’s heart is a temple or an altar to an unknown God. Shouldn't we too like Paul strive to let them know that Jesus is that unknown God who wants to live in the temple or altar of their hearts?

And what about the thief who sinned until the day he met Jesus on the cross? Did he not repent for his ways until the moment he met Jesus, and Jesus did rebuke him.No! Jesus was happy that the man repented! “42 Then he said to Jesus, ‘Lord, remember me when You enter into Your kingdom.’ 43And Jesus said to him, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.’ “(Luke 23:42-43, NKJV).

"Okay. You got me there. But you are a fool to think that these people will listen or ...! 
They will not accept God nor shall they ever change! They are too set in their ways!’ 
True. Some may never accept Him or change; 
                                    but it is a risk I am willing to take for those who will!

“10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! 11 To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. 12 And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; 13 being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now.” (1 Corinthians 4:10-13, NKJV).

Just as a Christian is persecuted for being a Christian, a gamer is persecuted for being a gamer; some more so than others to the point of suicide. because of this, we should be able to relate to some of their troubles and use that as a means to reach out to them, to show them Jesus. Just like any sinner in the world, God celebrates every time someone accepts him; gamers aren’t any different. Their sin is just more visible than someone else’s.

“12 What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? 13 And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. 14 Even so, it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.” (Matthew 18:12-14, NKJV)

"Very true. Alright, another point you so kindly pointed out. But, they speak about things that I have no clue about!

They speak of things that are of the world!’ Yes. But you want to know the reason why? It’s stated so plainly in the bible! “5 They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. 6 We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.” (1 John 4:5-6, NKJV).

Just as you have no clue what they are talking about, they have no clue what we are talking about! Just as we take time to teach a newborn Christian about God, so should we take some time to teach these gamers about God.‘But they don’t smell good! And let’s face it, too many of them dress in clothes God would find inappropriate!’
Yes. True, some have a hygiene problem, but as I stated earlier; we are fishers of men. Let God work on that issue and clean them from the inside to the out. God judges them by their heart; not by their looks!

“7 But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7, NKJV).If they truly do strive and seek God, they will change their outward appearance to match their newfound inward appearance.

And another thing that may also come as a surprise, many of these ‘Satanatic followers’ who play ‘Satan’s games’ are really former Christians and by feeding these sheep who have wandered astray, we further fulfill what God has told us to do. “19 Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back,20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.” (James 5:19-20, NKJV).

 So before we mock these gamers who play these ‘devil games’; just remember they need Jesus too. Someone has to speak to them and show them  and If not you, then who?

I will end in a prayer that anyone can add (hopefully) to their daily prayers.

Dear Lord,

Somewhere out there is a gamer who is seeking you Lord. Lord, let a fellow Brother or Sister in Christ reach them and if I may come across one Lord; use me to reach them. Lord, let my words strike a chord in their hearts and if they have any questions about you Lord, let me have the answers to them. Lord, help them find You and come to know You.

In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

So until my next blogg you pray for me and I'll pray for you Love me

SHUT UP and GO

 

SHUT UP and Fulfill the Great Commision

01/31/2014

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I come from a line of women minsters, teachers, preachers and even what some would call an Apostle, my grandmother was a Four-Square Pentecostal home church preacher, and my spiritual mother was one of the first Missionary of Pentecostal Holiness movement in Hawaii during the 1930-40’s. I have heard the debates regarding women preachers, teachers and women in the church, there is scriptural evidence for both sides. This subject is so hotly debated that I personally think we are missing what Christ has called us as His disciples to do which is to go and tell them, Jesus didn’t say which sex was to tell them, He said GO YE into all the world [Matthew 20:18-20].

The issue of women serving as pastors/preachers/teachers/evangelist and any other position or office within the church should not be about men vs. women, but it should be about leadership within the church itself. Women in roles of leadership and what the Bible has to say, regarding one Timothy 2:11- 14-and 1 Corinthians 14:33-40 and women in ministry. Some feel that women should not serve as pastors and that the Bible places restrictions on the ministry of women, and vice versa, this is not about chauvinism or discrimination but rather an issue of biblical interpretation. This issue maybe crippling the church for it takes the focus off what we are all called to do… GO and tell them. But for the sake of love I will try to address why I do what I do, why am I in ministry.

Let us look to the author and finisher of our faith…Jesus as our example

Well Jesus chose only men as His apostles [Mark 3:13-19], and that is cited by some within the church as the reason why men should be appointed to church leadership roles, yet however, Jesus did have a number of women among His larger circle of disciples [Matthew 27:55-56, Mark 15:40-41, Luke 8:1-3, 23:49, John 20:14-18]. In the Early Church there were a number of women that held important positions in the early churches [Acts 1:12-14, 18:24-26, 21:7-9, Romans 16:1-16]. BUT THE BIBLE SAYS: Bible Prohibitions- much of the opposition of women in ministry is based on these two passages: 1 Corinthians 14:33-35 and 1 Timothy 2:11-12 their related verses 1 Corinthians 11:3, Ephesians 5:22-23. The Apostle Paul accepted that people may have different roles in society, yet he proclaimed that all believers are equal in God's sight: Galatians 3:26-29.

Let us continue our looking to the word for more light upon the subject Can women have positions within the church. Most of the Bible's teachings about women are based upon the foundation laid in Genesis GOD's intentions for men and women are spelled out clearly.

GOD created the woman as a "helper" for the man Genesis 2:18, but the word “Helper does not imply that the woman was inferior or subservient to the man. The word Helper is translated from the same Hebrew word, `ezer, which when translated to the word "helper," and is also used to describe GOD in Psalm 33:20, Psalm 70:5, Psalm 115:9-11 and in fact GOD created both men and women in His own image and made them equal custodians of all His creation Genesis 2:27-28, Genesis 5:1-2 so the man and woman, , disobeyed GOD in the Garden of Eden and GOD gave each of them punishments before evicting them from the Garden Genesis 3:16-19. What sense the husband was to rule over his wife, and this been the subject of debate in the church as to what women in the church can and cannot do, but regardless of how Eve's punishment was originally intended, this passage is key to understanding later Biblical teachings about women. The punishments on both Adam and Eve were clearly imposed by GOD and GOD did not reduce women to an inferior status, nor did He command men to rule harshly over their wives. However, it has sometimes been thought that GOD's punishment of Eve was justification for the discredit and suppression of women.

A note to demonstrate the equality of men and women, the Ten Commandments require children to honor both their father and mother Exodus 20:12.

What Would Jesus DO- while the whole world around Him said women were to stay at home and be good wives Jesus allowed women to travel with Him and His twelve disciples Luke 8:1-3. "Proper" Jews did not speak to Samaritans, and certainly not to Samaritan women but Jesus did with a Samaritan woman at well John 4:4-30, 39-42. Jewish women were generally not educated but Martha's sister, Mary, sat at Jesus' feet in the role of a disciple while Jesus taught her and Jesus suggested that Martha do the same Luke 10:38-42. Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joses, Salome, Joanna, Susanna and other women were devoted followers and some remained with Jesus to comfort Him at His crucifixion when all His apostles had fled in terror [Matthew 27:55-56, Mark 15:40-41] and let’s not forget the first to preach the GOSPEL… “HE HAS RISEN” Mary Magdalene and other women Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-7; Luke 24:1-11.

Let us look at the example of “Slavery”

Slavery was an unpleasant fact in Biblical times and there are several New Testament passages urging slaves to accept their lot in life and be obedient to their masters. It was not because of any virtue in slavery [1 Corinthians 7:21-22], these same Biblical passages are used by white supremacists and those who still believe and justify slavery in the U.S. and other countries. Yet today, the vast majority of Christians view slavery as a horrible evil, incompatible with the teachings of Christ, and do not believe God decreed that people should be enslaved.

The same can be seen with women in the ministry as pastors, teachers, preachers etc. in fact, many of the passages urging women to be submissive are grouped with those urging slaves to obey their masters [Ephesians 5:22, 6:5-6, Colossians 3:18, 3:22, Titus 2:3-5, 2:9, 1 Peter 2:18, 3:1].

Bottom line is this GOD created both men and women in His own image and made them equal custodians of all His creation.

Let us look at the Word of GOD itself and take it one area at a time:

“A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent” -1 Timothy 2:11-12.

There is the only one command in the entire passage is “let a woman learn” in verse 11. This is mostly to do with the Jewish custom, which often excluded women from the learning process, Paul pushed hard that they should learn. False teachers in particular were a concern that the Paul has had for the Ephesian women being led astray, as in 2 Timothy 3:6-7. Paul complained that some were turning away and following Satan in 1 Timothy 5:15 because they were being forbidden to learn. Paul, therefore, demanded that the women of Ephesus learn sound doctrine to guard themselves from false teaching, so they would not be deceived. I realized that a passage that is often used to disempower women is actually an empowering one. In the church, God assigns different roles to men and women.

Verse 12 is often translated, “I do not permit women to teach or to have authority over a man.” The word “to have authority” in Greek has a more insidious meaning: “instigating or perpetuating a crime” and “the active wielding of influence or the initiation of action.” The word does not show up in the rest of Scripture, but a large percent of the time in classical literature, the word has this darker meaning. Therefore, its meaning is not authority in general, but an undue, stolen authority. When the word is linked in parallel grammatically with “to teach,” we have something akin to Hebrew poetry where one verb can, though not always, have an effect on the other. However, the next three verses seemed to contradict my new understanding at first. “For Adam was formed first, then Eve.”

Was Paul, referring back to Genesis, seemed to be saying that Adam is somehow superior? Let us use a little logical to clarify this, what did being physically “formed” first have to do with anything, does Adam being formed before Eve make him superior to her? If the answer to this argument is yes, and this is what this scripture is, implying then the animals must be superior to Adam, because they were formed before Adam, or maybe there is another angle we can look at this from? Could Paul have feasibly have meant that Eve was formed from Adam making him the source, and therefore superior. Okay if that is the case here again Adam was formed from dirt, so since dirt is the source in which Adam was taken from does that make the dirt superior to Adam? GOD does not do anything by chance, He choose to take woman from the rib of Adam.

To quote Matthew Henry, a 14th century commentator regarding the creation of woman, he states: “Woman was not taken from his head to be above him nor was she taken from his feet to be beneath him, but from his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected by him, close to his heart to be loved by him. She is his helpmate not a slave.” 

 Deborah is a good example of a whoam who held a position, who was in authority, yet did not, as men like to say, usurp authority over the man. GOD does not seem to have that policy. He gave Deborah authority as a prophet and judge—[there were 13 male Judges] and there is no logical reason why the creation priority of man gives males exclusive authority in the religious sphere but not in civil government. The Bible clearly shows that although women rarely had civil authority, God does allow it, and the primary passage that would seem to limit female authority in the church is introduced as a policy rather than a command.

BUT let us just look at it simply... Did GOD call you... then DO it... GOD will use who, what, and WHOM HE wants to Use. We are all His Disciples, let us just shut up, GO, and tell them HE IS RISEN. Also on a side note regarding "Women being Emotional,” That's exactly what the Apostles said when Mary came and told them the GREAT GOSPEL message... "HE IS RISEN.” also remember it wasn't the women who ran from Christ during his trial, beatings, crucifixion either.

SO let us shut up, GO, and win the LOST... GO and fulfill the Great Commission instead of deciding who does what. 


IN the end GOD is the judge of it all...


Let us run the race, fight the good fight and give the devil a black EYE... 


Marine Evangelist Holy Ghost Terrorist... signing off. 

Prayer: Father, in the name of Jesus, I plead that You will draw me closer Christ and salvation through Him [Proverbs 14:12]. Lord Jesus, I plead that You will seek out those who are lost and save them from eternal condemnation [Luke 19:10].Holy Spirit, I ask You through Your power that you help us who are called by Christ to preach and teach fulfilling the great commission and laying aside all manner of weights that hold us down but just to be one as You have called us to be in Your love. Holy Spirit, in the name of Jesus, I plead that the Word of God will take root in the lives of those I come across in my life planting the seeds of the gospel of salvation in them [Matthew 13:6, 20-21]. Father, I ask that the pleasures of this world and the pressures of life will not choke the Word of God that has been sown into the seeds that I have planted and send someone to water where I have and then You can reap the Harvest [Matthew 13:7, 22]. Father, I pray that You will send people continually into my life so that I will share the gospel with them [Romans 10:14]. Draw us together Holy Spirit to be one so that we can fulfill the Great Commission for Christ in Jesus name I pray Amen.

This is Dedicated to the ONE I loved...

Toxic Relationship and the Christian...... This is dedicated to the one I loved. 02/01/2014 0 Comments   Friend [noun] - A person who you like and enjoy being with: A person who helps or supports someone or something: One attached to another by affection or esteem Other words used to explain Friend: Pal, Buddy, Companion, Comrade, Mate, Partner, Confidante, Supporter, Collaborator, Ally, Defender, Advocate  - To treat in a harsh or harmful way: To use or treat in a way that causes damage: To use wrongly: Language that condemns or vilifies usually unjustly, intemperately, and angrily.  Other words used to explain Abuse: Exploitation, Manipulation, Mishandling, Taking Advantage, Ill-treatment, Invective, Denunciation, Attack, Criticism  Christian [Adjective] - of or relating to Jesus Christ or the religion based on His teachings: treating other people in a kind and generous way: Based on or conforming to Christian ethics Other words to describe Christian: Disciple, Follower, Believer, Devotee “When God wants to bless you, how does He do it? He sends people into your life. When the devil wants to destroy you, how does He do it? He sends people!” Paula White How can I tell if my friends and or any other relationship is toxic? There are several indicators of these relationships that WE do not want to see because we think we can pray it out, love it out, and endure it out. But remember what the Devil does not take from you he will use it against you. The Strifers and Divisors Amos 3:3 asks us, "Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?"   James 3:16- "Where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there"  James 1:8 A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways  The term double-minded comes from the Greek word dipsuchos, meaning “a person with two minds or souls.”  These people take your focus off what is truly important, GOD, and His will.  Way back in the Days people [usually our family] Luke 4:24 “And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accepted in his own country.”  Matthew 13:55 “Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?” Proverbs 25:17 “Withdraw your foot from your neighbor's house; lest he be weary of you, and so hate you.’                                       “Familiarity breeds contempt and children” -Mark Twain These are the people who remember your past and cannot see your present nor will they see your future in Christ. Therefore by their standards, you are just plain old plain old and not a new Creature in Christ [2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”]  Heart Violators and Dream Crushers [Thieves and Liars] Matthew 5:11 “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things about you falsely on account of me.” 1 Peter 4:15 “If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.” John 15:21 “But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me.” These are the people who smile in your face and talk about your behind your back. These are the people who will say to you “Are you sure?” they will make you doubt your gifts, ministry, and purpose in Christ.  They take advantage of the “needs” or desires in your life and steals your hopes and dreams of faith. The Scribes and Pharisees [ these are the people in church who have the form of godliness] Matthew 23:13 “But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.”  Luke 11:45 “Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master, thus saying thou reproachest us also.”   2 Timothy 3:5 “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” These are the people who misplaced doctrinal priorities distort the true meaning of the Bible by lifting incidental teachings to essential levels. These people major on minors do not focus so much on doctrines as they do on practices and customs that may or may not be in the Bible and focus on personal lives that do not “appear” to be godly by their standards. They are manipulators and controllers who take advantage of Christians for their own ends and they will pretend to help you, but they actually use you. Getting Healthy in godliness  Pray and Seek GOD Read the Scriptures  Identify that the relationship is out of balance. Give the person and relationship over to GOD who is the only one who can change the relationship, person, and heart. By giving it to GOD it doesn’t mean you drop the relationship [unless the LORD shows you that you must, remember that people are in our lives sometimes for seasons, reasons and lessons]  Do not do GOD’s job, Let GOD do His work in the relationship  Do not enable Do not make excuses  Do not be responsible for the person’s success or failures. Do not take things or criticisms personally even if it was not meant to help. Be gracious and pray walk AWAY. It is not what the person[s] say about you that matters it is what GOD has to say about you. Take Responsibility for your own self and change what needs to be changed [Remember you can only Change your behavior and feelings] Avoid being drawn into to their pitfalls and snares. You Pray for me and I'll pray for you until next time... Me Prayer: Father I come to you in Jesus name, because I have loved well but not too wisely. I have given my heart to someone who has not honored this gift of heart. Help me dear LORD to forgive, heal, and do what is right before Your eyes. Give me wisdom in how I should handle this relationship. Grant me the grace to go forward with You at the Helm of my life. Lead me in the ways I should go for You are my Strength and I choose You to give this precious gift of my heart for my heart should only belong to You. Open my eyes to the truth and help me to grow in Your love while I deal with them. Help me to do the honorable and right thing. I now leave this person and all the results of this relationship in Your hands and I know that You will bless this decision and will provide for all my needs and will bring blessings into my life if I just continue to follow after You and Trust in You for all that I need. I pray this in Jesus name… AMEN