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Be Incorruptible: Your Name Is Worth More Than Gold

“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favor rather than silver and gold.” Proverbs 22:1. We learn from the Proverbs of Solomon son of David that having a good name speaks a bit about a person’s integrity. Indeed, having a good name is a subject worth writing about because having a good name is indeed the anti-thesis of corruption, a terrible condition.

When you have a good name, you achieve stability and build a level of trust in your community. People around you start trusting you and your actions because of your reputation of honesty. Being a man of integrity, incorruptible, having a good name translates into others having the confidence that your actions aren’t self serving but pure in intention and sincere in heart bringing them rest and security that nobility of character is alive and well, indeed. Dignity!

Let’s not forget what is written in Titus 2:7, “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity.” “The integrity of the upright guides them, but the crookedness of the treacherous destroys them.” Proverbs 11:3. The moment that people don’t trust you, no matter how many riches you may have… trouble finds a way to be your closest neighbor.

When we have a good name, our name transcends many generations and won’t be ever forgotten or lost… differently from material possessions. How would you like to be remembered as? A man of integrity whose values were incorruptible or anything otherwise? Remember: Your character as a parent is emulated by your children. We have an influence in the surrounding people who chooses to be around us, especially our children.

Show kindness and mercy, along with carrying a good name that despises corruption. I bet that a good incorruptible name will serve as your shield against the many unjust attacks that you will receive in your life. An army of fierce soldiers will be ready to defend you at all cost because of your good name.

“Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.” Psalms 32:2. “A good name is better than fine perfume.” Ecclesiastes 7:1. Choose to have and maintain a good name for all eternity. Now and forever more.

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The Love Of God Transcends Evil

Don’t worry. Even though we live in an evil world, God’s love transcends the implication of what is bad in life and gives you victory in His time if you follow Him. In time, with patience and sometimes with much suffering, God does justice and do what is right when many believe the former is impossible. In my own life, I have been scoffed, discriminated against, hated by some with no cause, and received much bad for trying to do good.

I chose to believe and keep my faith in God. Today, I sit in comfort, doing what God made me to do, and encouraging black youth to succeed in this unjust times we live. It is an unreal yet real reality. How did that happened? The answer is clear… God. Listen carefully: Choose God, hate evil and believe Him the most and the longest because victory will then become eminent for you, His way.

The following is what we learn from the Holy Bible about victory in God… What has been revealed to us. They are music to my ears.

  1. “For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” Deuteronomy 20:4.
  2. “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” 2 John 5:4.
  3. “The LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you.” Joshua 10:8.
  4. “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD.” Proverbs 21:31.
  5. “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:17.

Rest assured that God is with you if you choose to be with Him. What appears to be illogical is totally logical for the creator. I was born in a big city in Brazil, playing golf with the wealthy dreaming to be a bank owner. Look at me today. I live in the United States in a small city in Alabama, teaching urban youth who often comes from low income communities and my dream is to be a Dean to help them to build their own bank as a professor.

Life in unpredictable. The love of God transcends evil and gives you purpose overtime. Who are we without God? I say we are nobody, only a bunch of blind people seeking our own understanding and vain dreams. God is good…. all the time. Praise Him today and for eternity.

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God Gives You A Ministry

In 1 Corinthians 12, we learn that we are given gifts of the holy spirit by God. We are one body but we have many parts. There are many gifts but the same God. We have a gracious God who loves us and enables us to do His will.

To some, much wisdom is given. To others, worldly knowledge, faith or healing is the gift. Prophesy and the ability to tell spirits apart are also gifts that the Lord gives to us all (1 Corinthians 12:7) — Much need it.

Oh God, who are we without you? You equip us with what we need and through faith, your will is done. As I’m here writing this message, I hear your call to share with others your glory and might. Thou will be done in heaven as on earth (Matthew 6:9-13). So help me God.

Friends, what is your gift? What are you doing to advance the word of God? This is our duty. This is our task. God be with you… All the days of your lives.

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Pride Destroys Humility Builds

There are at least 100 Bible verses relating to pride. They can be found in the book of Proverbs, James, Psalm, Romans, Galatians, Obadiah… Bible verses against pride can be found throughout the Holy Bible.

Similarly, there are at least 100 Bible verses about humility. They can be found in the book of Genesis, John, Hebrews, Colossians, Philippians…. Clearly, we are instructed to be humble.

Jesus is the anti-thesis of pride and the face of humility. We clearly see evidence of the former statement in the book of Philippians, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:5-8.

“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2. “
But when his heart was lifted up and his spirit was hardened so that he dealt proudly, he was brought down from his kingly throne, and his glory was taken from him.” Daniel 5:20.

The message is clear. Humility is more important than pride. Glorifying God is what we must do in this life in humility. I’ve seen a number of talented men fall hard because of pride and others find peace by deciding to be humble. Choose humility over pride today.

Tomorrow until eternity. Important. Necessary. A must.

Be Encouraged: Even In Persecution God Saves

The Christian faith is truly amazing. For a period of 2022 years or so, many of us Christians have been a target of much discrimination, attacks, to a point of being one of the groups worldwide who are persecuted for our beliefs to a point of death. Being a follower of the way doesn’t come free from experiencing difficulties and situations in this world. In Nigeria alone, over eleven thousand christians have been killed since 2015. My God, when are you coming back to rescue the brethren?

Sure, Joshua has taught us the following in the bible, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9. Can you grant us peace, Lord? “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13.

Brethren, we are to be humble. To live our lives in hope and without ambition, seek God’s way in humility. I don’t fear because God is with me. “For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, ‘Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” Isaiah 41:13. You shouldn’t fear either because God is with you, as well.

Trust in Him, don’t lean on your own understanding and in all your ways, acknowledge Him. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not learn on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6. I know it is ironical even evil to imagine the former but yet… it is true and written in scripture, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.

In God we will always trust. I am with Him no matter the difficulties that we may face in this life. I’m terminal with God.

The Paradoxical Nature of the Christian Faith

I have seen and experienced what I am about to reveal to you about God and the devil. Those who truly serve the Lord experience difficulties in this life that can’t be empirically explained or verified. Things that should work miraculously just don’t. It’s difficulties after difficulties! It is difficult to live for God following His commandments in this fallen world, ladies and gentleman, unless your faith is strong and you are praying constantly.

Serving the devil (or acting in sin) often gives devilish (sinning) people advantages over the Christians in this world. A Christian who chooses evil over good sometimes may gain substantial favors at first but eventually are judged much harsher when they fall especially if they teach others about the world of God. It ain’t worth it.

This is also ironical. The small solid doctrine sounded church who preaches the word of God to its members struggle to make ends meet and pay its bills while the word of faith prosperity false gospel church grants charlatans millions if not billions of dollars in resources every year to deceive many.

The guru spiritist who claims that there is no God and that the concept of God is a flaw idea, much capital he has yet it is a struggle for a Christian worker to provide for his family every month because of the little capital he brings home. The lukewarm Christian gets his rewards in sin but eventually he pays the price for being an anti-Christ in disguise. Remember: The devil claims his own.

Surprised? Don’t be.

God talks about the former in a number of places in the Bible. There is nothing new under the sun, remember from Ecclesiastes 3?

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.

How about this verse, “More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Roman’s 5:3-5.

Let’s not forget this one. “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.” James 1:2 or “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” James 3:1

Being a true Christian is tough, very tough. Let me illustrate this to you by explaining what is happening to us right now. We have ordered a Photo Booth from Israel in July to complement our photo business, which is part of our life hood. It is almost November and nothing! Well, until yesterday. Stay tuned.

Seven thousand dollars financed, once delivered to an old address without our approval. There was another attempt but the gate was closed and the truck went back to Cincinatti. In all instances, our tracking number has been faulty, multiple emails and phone calls were sent and made in vain trying to solve this issue in an attempt to receive our asset that we paid July 18th.

It was just more uncertainty, unfulfilled promises and more headaches for me and my family this Photo Booth thing.

Wait! DHL sent a txt message to my wife 3 hours ago from charlotte stating that they were leaving North Carolina. It’s 5:30pm and nothing. Another case of a Christian having to pay a price for being close to the Lord.

My guess? If it comes today, it will come at 8:00pm or after when we least expect. I prayed in my heart and waited. In fact, we just got it after my wife suddenly sees the DHL truck in our complex. Our product wasn’t in the truck!

The poor driver was over for the day, it was 8:15pm. But he felt compelled to get our package which was in fact locally stored. At 9:00pm, he was back with it. My prayers have been answered, thank God.

I wonder how many months would a nasty witch would have to wait to get hers! Not over three months I bet. Being a Christian is tough and I know it. Do you? In God’s time we are to wait and we did.

If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, this inexplicable moments will happen to you as it happened to us. It is only through prayer and obedience that you will beat such events. In God we are to trust.

I Can’t Sing to Bethel or Hillsong Music Songs

It is not just the lack of musical creativity, eastern mysticism vibes combined with pop and four chords all night long music with three arpeggios that makes me listening to Bethel and Hillsong music unbearable.

Christian Contemporary Music (CCM), besides being musically elementary and full of meaningless repetitions like spirit move we are ready for you, hallelujah our God reins, we give you the highest praise, and many more… is in my conception a movement not founded in solid Christian doctrine but instead in demonic entertaining free for all loving non-judgement ecumenicism.

I have serious problems with any music that is associated with Christian unity tied to church experience through music that incorporates occult symbols and profit in its core. The fact that Bethel and Hillsong music is associated with the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), a movement with goals to create a fifth branch of Christendom, led by former members from traditional Pentecostal and charismatic churches, is as troublesome to me.

I have worked in an organization that was Pentecostal in nature. You don’t want to work in such institutions and what is as bad… The hypocrisy and the songs played at chapel in such organizations are mostly CCM songs sang by a multitude of students who have been oppressed by the shallow meanings of these songs’ lyrics.

Their Pentecostal churches, which constantly play hillsong and bethel music, are full of kids in their congregations due to the entertainment nature of their service but many of these poor kids leave the faith when they reach adulthood due to not learning a solid Christian doctrine when growing up and participating in music spectacles that some call modern Christianity.

Let me keep things real for you, if I may.

The several churches that we attended in Tennessee constantly played Bethel and Hillsong songs yet their congregations were spiritually dead and lost in Pentecostalism and dominion theology. Kingdom now theology, or the belief that Satan is in control of the world not God and that people will help God to get back control is preached in taught its life groups on Wednesday evenings… These churches can’t be from God, in my view.

Satan is creation. God is the creator and therefore don’t need man to help Him to accomplish His will. Singing Christian contemporary music maybe entertaining for many youngsters but raising hands, closing one’s eyes and repeating meaningless statements combined with Indian mantras played on the keyboard may result in shallow Christianity and even demonic encounters.

Say no to labyrinth prayer, visualizations, interfaithism, personal prophesy, feelings based discernment and as important… the repetitive music and mantras played by CCM artists. You deserve better. You deserve to worship the one true loving God not be a part of a pop concert. Be weary of music with known elements from non-Christian traditions if your goal is to grow in the Christian faith.

You might end up celebrating an anti-Christian agenda without knowing otherwise. Remember what is written in Hosea 4:6, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge because you have rejected knowledge.” Be aware!

Whoever wants to be great must become a servant

To serve is to be great. Jesus Christ, our savior fully man and God served much while on earth. Let’s never forget the teachings of service found in Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many,” or what is written in 1 Peter 4:10, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”

Which gift(s) have you received from God? Are you using these gifts to serve others in your daily life in the name of the living God? Remember: “The greatest among you will be your servant.”   Matthew 23:11. We were born to serve and love others — To assist and give. As we give for God, much is received! “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38.

Just remember that your portion isn’t always money or anything of monetary value. Give hope and much hope will be given to you in Christ Jesus. Give peace and much peace will be given to you in the name of the Lord. Be aware of the prosperity gospel, however, who explore Luke 6:38 as a way to gather your money for their own material vanities in this world. if you are in a position of lending, lend because God instructs us to do in love, “But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.” Luke 6:35.

“And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” Mark 9:35. We are called to serve for our own sake. Fortunate are those who understand the former early in life because much good can be done when we have the Lord’s concepts in our hearts at an early age. We are able to influence some youngsters to do the same as us leading more youth to accept the gospel early on. What a blessing it is to be with God and serve Him. Service is good and can make you great. Don’t cease to do good and serve!

“This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.”  Titus 3:8. Let’s serve our neighbors in humbleness and love always fleeing from flesh behaviors, ” “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.  For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”   Galatians 5:13-14

Glory is to be given to God. That His work be a shared with all nations and through the brethren. Let’s choose to serve above all things. It is our duty. It is our call. It is our destiny. To love others as we love ourselves.

Chrislam Isn’t Possible without Dropping Christian (or Islamic) Doctrine

The idea of combining Abrahamic religions for the sake of unity is a dangerous practice because it both advances the idea that lies are good for societies across the world and that the former is de facto possible without breaking the main tenets of each religion.

Let me explain. Without the crucifixion of Jesus and His resurrection, Christianity is in vain. It’s a no religion! We learn the former Christian thought in the Bible. Without Jesus’ resurrection, Christianity is reduced to being a no religion, nothingness. The apostle Paul says in his writings in Corinthians, “And if Christ has not been raised… your faith is in vain… Your faith is futile and you are still in your sins (1 Corinthians 15:14, 17, 19).

In the Qur’an, An-Nisa 4:157, it is written a that Jesus wasn’t crucified, a doctrinal thought that closely resembles the teachings presented to non-messianic Jews in the Babylonian Talmud. Here is how An-Nisa 4:157 reads in English, “and for their saying, “We have certainly killed the Masia Isa the son of Maryam, the Messenger of Allah”, while in fact they did neither kill him, nor crucify him, but they were deluded by resemblance. Those who disputed in this matter are certainly in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it, but they follow whims. It is absolutely certain that they did not kill him,”

Now, let’s stop here and reason through these verses disparities and have common sense. How can Islam and Christianity be unified as one religion when Islamic scripture literally denies that crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus Christ? The cornerstone of the Christian faith? It can’t be done! It’s like trying to unify Judaism with Christianity and denying that Moses had a divine encounter with God to get the Israelites’s 10 commandments.

The God of Islam doesn’t have a son. The God of Christianity does. In Islam, God cannot have a human form. In Christianity, the former is not only possible but a doctrine of the faith. In Islam, human beings are essentially good people. In Christianity, human beings are sinners and can only get rid of sin through the repenting of sins by God’s grace.

In Islam, I honestly don’t know how salvation is attained. In Christianity salvation is attained by the faith that Jesus Christ died for the sins of the world when He was crucified in the 32nd day of Nissan and resurrected three days later through grace.

I then ask. How can anyone attempt to teach the faith doctrines of Chrislam? It’s a rhetorical question! Chrislam’s doctrines can’t be taught because there isn’t one core agreeable doctrine applicable to both Islam and Christianity as far as the nature of God, salvation and the crucifixion of the savior are concerned.

As Pastor Spencer Smith would said, “The only way ecumenicism is possible is by trashing doctrine and celebrating experiences.” Not my cup of tea and/or the tea that Bible believing Christians drink. Some of us believe that Chrislam is a “kind” way, perhaps an attempt to destroy Christianity in its core from within by a sinister group of individuals.

On the same accord, will followers of Islam stop praying five times a day and believing that Christ died for their sins in this new and upcoming Chrislam religion? Give me a break. Both you and I know that it isn’t going a happen. This is my recommendation to you: Stick with Christianity, read your Bible frequently and look for a Bible believing church near you so that by faith in the lamb and repentance of sins,l through God’s grace you inherit eternal life.

Say no to Chrislam.

Drugs and Alcohol Won’t Solve Your Life’s Problems

Listen carefully to this: Illicit drugs and alcohol won’t solve your life problems. They are, however, likely to create chemical dependencies in your body that can consume the last piece of Christianity you have in you overtime, though. The best way to solve life problems is by turning to God, praying and sometimes fasting over a request to the Lord.

The following content comes from the website, http://www.openbible.info. Here we go:

The holy Bible contains 44 Bible verses on the topic of life problems and how to deal with them through scripture. I will include some of them in here in this piece so that you can both read them and as importantly, use the verses you like to help you deal with whatever difficulty you might be experiencing.

We are to trust in God and read our bibles constantly, especially if we experience difficulties in our lives.

Proverbs 3:6 : In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Proverbs 3:5: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.

Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:6: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

John 1:11: He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.

1 John 1:9: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

2 Peter 1:21: For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Luke 1:35: And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.

2 Chronicles 7:14-18: If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place. For now I have chosen and consecrated this house that my name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there for all time. And as for you, if you will walk before me as David your father walked, doing according to all that I have commanded you and keeping my statutes and my rules, then I will establish your royal throne, as I covenanted with David your father, saying, ‘You shall not lack a man to rule Israel.’

Turn your eyes and attention to the Lord in times of trouble. He is our salvation, our everything. Say no to Drugs and alcohol. It ain’t good for you.

Our Bodies Are The Temple Of the Holy Spirit

In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 , we learn “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. … God created our physical bodies, therefore making it good and precious from the start.” The former makes it clear for us Christians that we must take care of our bodies in this life.

Say no to alcohol, drugs, gluttony, and any activity that has a negative impact in your body physically. “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8. Anytime that a person isn’t sober, the devil is at work against them.

“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” Ephesians 5:8. Having a bachelors lifestyle for life is a condemned practice for Christians and Christians to be. Don’t do it… Be careful with making unwise decisions, “Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.” Proverbs 20:1.

Look at what drugs do to your body. It’s ugly, isn’t it? My recommendation? Don’t get even near such practices. You deserve a better life that addition and our God, above all, must always be glorified with our best not worse.

Photo Source: DEA

Don’t do it. Drugs are a deadly practice that is de facto quite unwise. Our human actions have consequences, remember that. “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” Galatians 6:7.

Allow the Lord to elevate you to His plans. One of the ways to do the former is by taking care of your bodies. It’s what the aloes wants us to do.

“And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lordyour God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God. Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground and the fruit of your cattle, the increase of your herds and the young of your flock. Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl.” Deuteronomy 28.

Say no to one of the capital sins of the holy church — Gluttony. we are to eat to live not live to eat. Why would you like to live in poverty cursing the living God? “ “Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.” Proverbs 23:20-21. In Proverbs 23:2 we learn that “When thou sittest to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before thee.”

“Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.” 1 Corinthians 10:7. Why should you destroy yourselves? “Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.” Philippians 3:9.

“Pu a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony.” Proverbs 23:2. Don’t do it! Be godly and follow the Lord and His commands. Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Ghost. We must do what we can to honor God in everything that we do including our own body.

Always Be Ready For God To Move

Truly being with the Lord isn’t a part-time, seasonal commitment. It is a full-time, 24/7 activity that requires a high degree of allegiance and obedience not just one time but all the time. We must surrender to Him and allow for His Will to be done.

God can move in ways that we sometimes don’t understand. All He wants is for us to give thanks in all circumstances because He is God, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

We must trust in His plans because He is all knowing and all good and cares for us His words and teachings are direction for us, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105. Let’s not rely on our own understanding, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

God develops us and His plans are incorruptible, just which demands us to give Him thanks in everything that we do. Be ready for reprimands in your life because God makes us wiser by teaching strategies against the plans and thoughts of fools.

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:15-20.

Brethren, listen carefully to this and never forget: The Lord has a plan for us all and He, in His Godly and incorruptible wisdom, will accomplish His goals for His glory through the ones who allow The Lord to work in their lives for the advancement of His kingdom.

God is always going to make a move in your life, especially if you make the wise commitment to surrender to His will and obey His commands. Never in a million years, I ever thought that my God would have take me away from Brazil to live my life in the United States. I must also admit that I never would have thought that my God would take me away from Pennsylvania after living there for 17 years, with established friends and family.

Now, my family and I live in South Carolina, after having lived in Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama after our time in Pennsylvania. It is crazy for many of our friends to witness our many moves but perfect to God in His will and framework for our family and for me as a Christian and leader.

It was in Mississippi that I was formally introduced to the intricacies of the black culture in the United States, something that I thank God for it to this day. I’ve learned a lot from African-American leaders in this country, especially about the media industry. I am so glad.

It was in Tennessee that the Lord trained me to deliver at least 300 prayers in my classrooms, to differentiate between a religious cult and a church that is legitimately an entity to advance God’s word instead of man’s pleasures. In Tennessee, the Lord made me a minister of His word for global outreach purposes and strengthened both my boldness in sometimes much necessary conflicts.

In Alabama, the Lord made me into a respected and recognized academic leader among administrators of both predominately white institutions and historically black colleges and universities, after He placed our tiny school the very best schools of communication and public relations nationwide, a fate never accomplished in the 150 years of Talladega College.

Which lesson am I going to learn here in South Carolina? I’m not sure yet but what I do know is that God will make a move to keep developing me to advance His kingdom. I surrender to whatever plan the Lord has for me. After all, who Am I without Him? Nothing, I must say. I don’t deserve the air that I breathe and the food that I eat and in my sins, I seek forgiveness from the Lord.

Be assured if this: God is always workings in our Christian lives for our own benefit, sometimes by placing us in uncomfortable, unlikely and unpleasant situations often defying our manly human logic and understanding. Remember: God move in our lives because He is God.

Other times, He moves us away of uncomfortable situations because maybe our jobs there was to teach a godly lesson to someone near us who needed to hear our words for their own salvation due to lack of faith or stubbornness instead of following the will of God. In another times, the most high takes us away from difficult situations for our own goodwill, I’ve learned.

Regardless… God is always on the move to advance His kingdom You and I are part of His overarching plan. Learn to trust God’s mission for you even if it requires the unplanned. God doesn’t operate linearly but Godly. Trust Him and be ready to live a fulfilled life, not necessarily an easy one.

That God be always glorified and honored on earth as He is in heaven.

Faithful Christians and Gossipers Don’t Get Along

The word of the Lord is clear, “Do not go about spreading slander among your people. “ ‘Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life. I am the LORD.” Leviticus 19:16.

Yet, so much gossiping is spread in this world. Gossiping betrays confident and among many other things, it separates friends. “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret.” Proverbs 11:13.

“A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much.” Proverbs 20:19. I admit, I’m not a friend with anyone who gossips because the act of gossiping is condemned by the Lord. As a faithful a Christian, I choose God ahead of man 10 out of 10 times and landless and gents, you should do the same thing.

Remember the wisdom of the Salmist! “Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.” Psalm 34:13. Thou said the Lord. “All my enemies whisper together against me; they imagine the worst for me.” Psalm 41:7. Listen carefully to the following piece Bible scripture.

“knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossipers, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.” Romans 1:28-32.

I once worked for an establishment where the former piece of scripture summarizes some of its it’s overall corporate culture pretty well, in my view. I refuse to engage in discourses with anyone who is arrogant, boastful, envious full of malice gossiper individuals. Quite frankly, I don’t have time for them other than conveying the word of God to them occasionally.

It my duty. It’s the great commission!

“Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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.” Matthew 28:16-20.

“Whoever conceals hatred with lying lips and spreads slander is a fool.” Proverbs 10:18. Stay away from them and those who only talk about themselves. “A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.” Proverbs 18:2.

Is there hope for a gossiper? Only by repenting and turning to God! Otherwise not really. Stay away from them is they resist the gospel. “Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the good sense of your words.” Proverbs 23:9.

Say no to gossiping. It doesn’t come from God.

Much Discernment Christians Need These Days

The world maybe getting better as far as medicine goes but to me at least, medicine is perhaps getting more advanced because of how decaying our overall health has become. No wonder why the price of health care goes up every year! There are people sick everywhere.

A number of our own perceptions may not be accurate or even true, sadly. That’s why much discernment Christians need to have these days in order to be afloat and prepared for the many curveballs they experience in life. We live in an evil world full of unexpected traps where the majority of people, Christians or not, pretend to be something that they aren’t for social acceptance. It’s true. Go figure

There are so many pretentious people out there ready to hide their own vices at your and mine expense, so they plan. I see the former and say no, unequivocally and firmly because God has taught me to be so.

In scripture we learn that our yes be yes and that our no be no in Matthew 5:37. Easier said than done for most, I recognize yet important and necessary in practice. Be weary of anyone who is trying to change your core values for their self gain or hide behind a curtain of shame for self defense. Your word must mean what you intend it to mean.

Brethren, pray for discernment and ask God to give you much understanding! “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God.” 1 Corinthians 2:12.

Trust is possible but discernment must exist and spirits must be tested, always with caution and care. Failing to do so will have unexpected consequences in your life, I’ve experienced.

We learn in Micah 5:6, “Do not trust a neighbor; put no confidence in a friend.” My first marriage ended because my wife committed adultery with our neighbor. It is low, I know, but it happened. Some of my biggest confrontations occurred with those I considered to be my friends. What a rough reality yet factual.

Understand: The lessons of the Lord aren’t to be taken lightly! I thank God for every piece of scripture and for having a great God everyday in my life. We all should, in my opinion, say and sing praises to the only true God. He opens our eyes and ears to much sinful behaviors in life.

Listen carefully: How much envy, pride, hate and jealousy do us humans have? God shows me and He protects us all. What a blessing, I say.

The Lord was serious when he said the former in Exodus 20:1-26,” And God spoke all these words, saying, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. “You shall have no other gods before me. “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me.”

Oh generation of sinners, hypocrites, and evil doers! Some who hide themselves behind a curtain of shame for self gain at the expense of the innocent are only digging their own grave! Shame be on you fake believer who claim to be of light yet has a heart in Sheol where the dead lives.

Be aware of the evil that exist in the world and
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.always, in every circumstance, test the spirits.” 1 John 4:1. It’s wise and necessary.

Practice discernment! Ask the Lord for more! He is a grateful God who provides to us much wisdom and discernment. Ask and it shall be given to you… seal and you shall find! These were the words of Jesus in the sermon on the mount. Believe in faith! And never forget…

Be aware about the nature of the enemy, “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.” 2 Corinthians 11-15.

What is not from God is from the devil. “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” Matthew 10:16. Be aware, “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” Colossians 2:8.

Pray for discernment. Understand people and in all things, test the spirits. That’s what the Lord tells us to do in the Bible. Why should we do any different? God is all powerful and wise. Listen to Him and live. Ignore His teachings and be prepared to die. Christians, wake up.

Blessed are the Meek, the Innocent at Heart for They Shall See God

On the sermon of the mount, perhaps Jesus most well known sermon in then Christian Bible, He teaches us the following godly lessons written in the book of Matthew.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad,because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5-7.

Being meek, or the act of being quiet and gentle, is shared by God to be the formula to inherit the earth, interpreted as a means to those who sustain earthly power will inherit the kingdom of God. The pure innocent of heart, they shall see the living God.

Clearly, being meek and having innocence in our hearts are two qualities that God is looking for us to have here on earth in order to obtain eternal salvation. I believe that, not just because of what Christ has taught us in the sermon on the mount but due to Christian logic.

Can you imagine anyone being in heaven with a defiant attitude towards the authority of God or with a heart of malice? I can’t. Let’s not forget that the former were some of the reasons why Lucifer was expelled from the heavens, along with pride.

The message is clear cut to me — we must leave this earth with much meekness on us and with an innocent heart. The challenges are for real because this world is full of arrogant insubordinate people with much evil in their hearts. The workforce, as an institution in itself, has proven to me to not be any different than the quarrels that we witness in so called off day life.

Be quiet, gentle, follow the rules and with much innocence, love your neighbor as yourself. This is how the Lord wants us to live.

God is Faithful and He does Miracles

When God reveals us messages of good hope, He doesn’t do the job a quarter or half way but the best full way. Our God does miracles through grace for us all who repent and believe His commands so that we have a chance to obtain the much hope and dreamed seal of salvation for eternity life in Christ Jesus.

God is faithful and He will provide for those who believe in Him. In some instances, He does miracles in His time according to His Will and His faithfulness and promises, even if all odds are not in favor of the subject nationally and internationally. God’s strategy and delivery is unmatched and perfect and miraculous in our lives in many ways. He supplies for our needs at the right time because He is faithful.

“My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” God is our all-powerful, all-compassionate, all-wise and all-loving heavenly Father. … He loves us so much that He sacrificed His son Jesus Christ for our salvation.” Philippians 4:19. If we obey, God provides and blesses us in this life and the next, according to His will.

After 23 years of living in this country, against all the odds, my faithful creed in the son of man has led my family to live near the beach, the loving environment that I was born in Brazil. it is a miracle to me as I was pretty solid in the position of academic chair in a small town in Alabama, with high odds of getting promoted to a Dean’s position.

What appeared to be a logical choose ended up becoming a temporary frustration but with the Lord, even the crooked paths become straight. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6. Being at Claflin is a true blessing. My God has provided to me and my family again.

If God promises, He delivers. So much blessings, so many abundances He provides. He says, we do… God delivers! “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8.

It pays off to follow the commands of the most high and to wait for His perfect time for Him to deliver His blessings to you. I’m a testament for His grace in my life and the lives of a few who experienced big blessings from God around me.

In the past seven years, after working in three states — Mississippi, Tennessee and Alabama, my professional life has taken a spin that I haven’t planned or asked for. The Lord is my witness that I worked long hours to grow academic units (which they have), helped struggling students to graduate from school (which they have with my assistance), and retooled heavily (which now I have many professional certifications from the many hours of study I did past PhD), in order to do God’s Will to His like and standards.

Yet, stress, academic wars, betrayals, lies and more difficulties came my way many times without a good logical explanation, especially between the years of 2015 and 2021. I have clearly passed through the death valley of dry bones but the hand of the Lord was with me all this time. He made His breath enter my soul and now I came breathing life again, with the intention to have our family settle always adoring the Lord in the highest even stronger.

You are the our only God! The only one and the one who cares for us… I know that you exist and that you care for the brethren and not in every single millisecond.

“The hand of the LORD was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the LORD and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?” I said, “Sovereign LORD, you alone know.” Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! This is what the Sovereign LORD says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD.’ ”So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them. Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Come, breath, from the four winds and breathe into these slain, that they may live.’ ”So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army. Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’ Therefore prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. Then you, my people, will know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the LORD have spoken, and I have done it, declares the LORD.” Ezekiel 37:1-14.

God is faithful. He does miracles. Believe Him and spread great news in His name. Blessings to you.

Asmodeus is in Action Between the Hours of Midnight and 3:00am

It is between the hours of midnight and three in the morning that weak Christians and pagans join in celebration of human sensuality appreciation with much extravagant displays of uncontrolled worldly wealthy waste in nightclubs and many alcohol driven sexual gatherings and parties all across the globe.

The devil of sensuality and luxury, also known as asmodeus or the creature of judgement, is joined by many demonic principalities to make war, along with evil and malicious spirits, in the life of Christians with the goal of help condemning the sons and daughter of the living God for their sins.

In Brazil in general and Rio de Janeiro in specific, midnight is when the little hells of the well known Copacabana beach prostitution district opens to sinners of all nationalities and ages everyday with peak attendance on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The devil’s army are definitely in these places to corrupt the last good there is in the lives of desperate yet lukewarm Christians who refuse to fear the Lord.

Heavy drinking, drugs, nudity and in some instances live sex mark the evil weekend scene of the south zone of the city with a touch of rebellion against the commandments of the living God where demonic temptation takes precedence literally describing the damnation that exists in a small part of the wonderful city of Rio de Janeiro alone.

In addition to the former, a sect of voodoo priests also known as macumbeiros (known in Puerto Rico as santeiros, practitioners of santaria) spend their evenings starting at midnight usually up to 3:00am cursing corners of each street with chicken blood, alcoholic drink followed by macumba paraphernalia left behind.

Evil, pure evil! Services of satanism done at night while Christians are at sleeping at night sometimes awaken by 3:00am by an evil presence spirit wanting to terrorize the lives of weak Christians. No wonder why Rio de Janeiro is the city that never sleeps, literally.

In America, the conundrum is the same with different labels, especially in big cities like New York and Los Angeles California. Midnight is party hard tome, defiant drink heavily periods, many times with the goal of meeting a mate and with much rebellion ignore the laws that God has given us in the Bible, regardless of nationality, creed, color or political affiliation. Sin is everywhere in the nights of New York City and the city of Angels! In reality, it’s everywhere.

The language we speak here in the US is different, the scenery and culture overall is operationally less chaotic but the culture of rebellion leading to sin is the same as in Brazil in many ways because devils aren’t nation specific but a fallen legion seeking to destroy the best in you. Be aware.

There is much more to the seen that is in fact unseen. The spiritual warfare that exists between the principalities of demons and the angels of good that are among us all in the spiritual real is for real. You must be strong and live an upright life in the faith in order to be in the position of being unafraid of the eminent evil attacks that will head your way or in the lives of your closest friends and family members.

The demons are so many that a number of lukewarm and Christians who don’t repent from their sins wake up between the hours of midnight and 3:30am, also known as the hour of the devil, with nightmares and all sort of inexplicable events like waking up three days in a role at 3:00am with a bad dream or with a feeling of fear if the person isn’t a strong believer in Jesus Christ. Who do you think that is waking you up in that hour? Your body? Maybe but it could also be an evil spirit (or person) astro projecting themselves to curse you.

Listen carefully to this: Be very careful with whom you associate yourself with. What may appear to be an innocent exchange, like someone laying hands in a prayer or a free gift given by a person you don’t really know, can indeed be an instrument of evil… of witchcraft. In the Bible we learn a very important lesson about being a companion of fools, “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Proverbs 13:20.

We also learn the following from scripture.

“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” 2 Corinthians 6:14. “Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.” Proverbs 22:24-25.

In the New Testament, we are made aware of this piece of scripture in second Peter, also warning us about spending time with fools fulls of sensual passions and corruption. Bad company corrupts and destroys the brethren, increasing the chances of demonic activity occurring between the hours of midnight and 3:00am.

“For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error. They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.” 2 Peter 2-18.

Many hear the word but choose to live in unrepentant sin. The enemy and his army devour the spirits of those who choose to join their evil mission by purposely rejecting the Lord making them an unofficial demon soldier in this life and the next. How much evil happens at 2:00am nationwide? Murders, drug parties, beatings and assaults, all that is destructive and ungodly.

John Ramirez and former general of the church of satan in New York City, in his life testimony on demons reinforce the topics and concepts presented in this piece. The angels of death operate at night. Let me extend this discussion. How much drug activity happens in Chicago everyday around 1:45am? How about in the Bronx? Or in Youngstown, OH? How about the hundreds of demon churches that meet between the hours of 7:00pm and 5:00am? With the intent to do evil on others?

It’s an ugly reality, this spiritual warfare that exists between us Christians and the members of the enemy’s army. We are going to be attacked because of our sinful nature but with a solid and close relationship with the Lord.

Being in His word, repenting from sin and going through the process and motions of sanctification, sinning less and repenting more, conquering old sins and habits and replacing them with blessings and service to others, is the only way for us to have the true grace of God and be defended against the devil’s hour attacks that many experience everyday across the globe.

Baal is at work in these hours, from midnight to 3:00am. Say no to the temptations of the flesh which leads to destruction. Say yes to the ways of the Lord and enjoy much peace. No matter where you live, evil does exist in the spiritual realm. The principalities and demon legions are at work, along with warlocks and witches, to bring terror and destruction to the lives of many.

Choose the opposition! Be a soldier in the army of God and live to advance His ways. We are to deny our old ways, repent, and take the cross in this life! “And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” Matthew 8:34-38.

Choose God today and say goodbye to old evil ways. You need to sleep at night without fear and the presence of demons disturbing your sleep between the hours of midnight and 3:00am. It’s liberating to love a fearless life, I say. You can do it. Join the army of God. You won’t regret.

If You Are Invoking Spirits, You’re Invoking Demons

In the bible, it says, “Do not turn to mediums or necromancers; do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them: I am the Lordyour God.” Leviticus 19:21. “And when they say to you, “Inquire of the mediums and the necromancers who chirp and mutter,” should not a people inquire of their God? Should they inquire of the dead on behalf of the living? To the teaching and to the testimony! If they will not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn.” Isaiah 8:19-20.

“There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord. And because of these abominations the Lord your God is driving them out before you.” Deuteronomy 18:10-12.

Serving in any of these capacities, as a medium, necromancer, fortune teller, and divination, sorcerer practitioners, makes the person one with Satan, the accuser. A person cannot be a Christian and a medium at the same time, much like Greeks and Trojans couldn’t coexist in antiquity. Flee from these demonic activities and seek the refuge of the Lord. Why would you want to destroy yourself before time and glorify the ways of the devil?

The ways of the flesh will certainly impede people from inheriting the kingdom of God, be aware! “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21.

In my life, I have met a large number of people who claim to be Christians yet they behave like the sons and daughters of apollon, with much envy, immorality, jealousy, full of rivalries, and dissensions they aren’t Christian but satanists in nature. Omitting and deceiving are subsets of lying and lying is a major trait of lucifer.

A Christian is to behave like a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, full of love, with morality, without envy, or anger in their hearts for a justice that is self served. A follower of the way must repent when the sins of the flesh happen and strive to attain sanctification prior to death. “When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things.” 1 Corinthians 13:11.

Let me give you an example. When we were teenagers, much passion were among us all. Some might call the former just hormones, things of the youth. I like to complement the former by adding hormone changes with lack of godly rules understanding. Sex prior to marriage, passions of the flesh, narcissistic tendencies and the love of self are all demonic traits that many of us experience while young.

As we get old, us Christians are to reduce our these former sins completely over the years, a process called the process of sanctification. Let me give you an example, a man age 75, who considers to be a Christian, should by then have conquered his passion of the flesh from his youth and narcissistic tendencies, among many other secular unchristian tendencies like greed and envy and involving spirits through a ceremony, whatever that ceremony is.

Listen carefully: The act of invoking spirits by playing with the ouija board or any other method is demonic and will likely cause harm to you and your life. Seeking spirits at night or engaging in paranormal activities with the intent of catching ghost spirits is as dangerous. Flee from these two activities quick, as they do belong to the enemy’s arsenal to destroy the brethren.

You are now an adult. You don’t need to think like a child anymore but to inspire your kids to follow the one true and living God. Your offspring is you in the future as they often imitate you when they get old. Train them to belong to the army of God instead of indoctrinating them in processes, systems and activities that have a demonic foundation in them. God makes us parents with unique gifts to advance the kingdom and save the lost.

Let’s all work together to make God the center of our lives and the lives of those around us. Quite frankly, this is precisely why we were made in the first place… to Glorify the one true God, everyday, every night, everywhere. Say no to invoking spirits today, tomorrow and to eternity. Say yes to honoring God and His commands.

“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce.” Proverbs 3:9. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” Deuteronomy 6:5. “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deuteronomy 10:12.

Glory be to God.

The Move From Hell: God’s Intervention After Many Prayers Testimony

My wife and I just experienced the most challenging move ever on date. Everything that we planned, I mean, everything didn’t work at first. Clearly, the enemy was working very hard to make our lives a living hell but the Lord provided, so much in the end because He is good.

Before I begin, let me tell you about how I was feeling the day we finally moved to Lexington. I was tired, frustrated, a bit more tired but not angry, did I say exhausted yet after getting only 4 hours of sleep in 48 hours? The former? It’s all true. I can’t never be mad at God because He is the only God who loves us unconditionally even when we don’t deserve it and experience the events like the one that I will describe for you in this article.

Let me be real with you, as I always am… The saga that I am about to write is 100% true, maybe 179% unbelievable to say the least but God, in His immense and grandiose wisdom and love must have an explanation for why our move was so eventful the way it was. I trust Him to understand this fiasco as He reveals it to us, overtime.

Although our move was marked by many unbelievable challenges, It was a divine appointment because after the eventful negative experiences we had, God have always provided. Maybe even a collection of small miracles, I would say. Are you ready to hear the stories and the truthful events that organically transpired during this hell of a move that our family experienced? Here we go. Let me begin.

Somewhere in the end of July, after waiting for five months on a response to serve as a Dean for a micro College, among a number of other issues, I got sick of waiting and being ignored by the provost and decided to leave the university to a place where where my family would actually settle for Good — Near the beach, in a more prestigious university, on my wife’s birth state.

I applied to a number of institutions and got seven interviews in a week, including the University of Florida and Hard Rock. I was ready to get out, I must add. Anyways…

On August 3rd, when coming back from a long working day at Talladega College and receiving the newly updated contract from the university, after days interviewing for the position of Associate Professor in other institutions via zoom, Claflin University calls me over the phone and makes me a verbal job offer to serve as a professor of mass communication starting Fall 2021. I didn’t hesitate the offer and accepted the position immediately. Now, I had 7 days to move. Holy cow but life is good! Not quite… Not yet. Let me elaborate.

Chapter 1 — The Impasse.

I thought, great! Now I can call my former employer and finally officially resign and celebrate a little bit since I am now going back to an institution of higher learning that is nationally ranked again, near the beach, in a bigger area, all that jazz.

All that I needed was the actual written contract generated by the university (on paper) to be able to feel completely at ease because until there is a formal contract, in my book at least, there is no contract at all. In my mind I thought: We are a week from the beginning of Fall semester classes. This contract will come quick! In fact, It did; the problem was that a glitch in the system delayed me having the contract for 7 days.

I was feeling the pressure, I must admit. I was days away from starting my job at Talladega without having any desire to be there. The devil was operating in full force, trying the possible and impossible to have me stay in a bad situation in Alabama instead of me moving out and joining a leading college. The good news? He ended up losing because the Lord is the creator and he is creation. Let me elaborate on the former a bit more for you in this piece.

Between August 3 and August 11 when the contract was still in transit, I decided to make my way to Claflin to see if my presence on campus would speed up the contract emitting process. Although I had great conversations with the nice people at the university, toured the campus and spoke with a division Dean, no contract was emitted to me during my visit at the university. What an impasse! I kept inquiring about it for a while but at that point, I decided to give the other organizations a bit more weight than Claflin in my search process (for about two days), even though Claflin was my top choice from the beginning.

Still no written contract! How could it be? The pressure started to kick in even more. I wanted to give Talladega more time, I wanted to get out of a bad situation. Hard rock was ready to make me an offer to work in industry at any minute. The University of Florida now had interviewed me for a management leadership position for the third time but their search was expected to end a week after Claflin’s.

Nothing was a guarantee. Then in a Tuesday, Claflin’s Department Chair calls me saying, “I’m so glad you are joining us…” that great stuff we hear in normal universities. When the Chair stated the she was looking forward to seeing me the following day for new hire orientation, I replied, I would love to be there but I got no contract yet. She then replied, You’re coming. Let me follow up on it.

Right after that, I receiveda phone call from the Dean asking if I got the contract via email from HR, yet. I prayed! Checked my email and called him back shortly after. I definitely did, I replied and signed the contract electronically. Now, I was officially a faculty member of Claflin University, a day before classes begin. My next problem? Where in the world was I going to live for less that $1700 a month? All the reasonable apartments were already rented. God had a plan… He always has.

Chapter II: In Need of a Crib

After choosing to resign from an university in Alabama, the devil and his demonic army legions have been trying to terrorize our household tirelessly in an attempt to shake our family. The enemy, however, forgets that we have the Lord on our side. Beelzebub, you tried to block us from coming to this wonderful school but the Lord again put you in your place when the contract came while I was driving back from our local Wal-Mart. God is faithful! And He does justice.

You kept firing rockets! Let me describe to the reader what we passed through to get a house to live here in South Carolina, after your attempts to break of family. Most people would have broken down in tears by what we have gone through but we are faithful. Now the situation was basically this: Either pay little rent and live in a trailer like housing or pay premium rent, like paying $1700 a month and live in the best apartment complex in Charleston, an hour away from work. All the other apartment complexes were sold out! We needed a crib! I admit. I was concerned about this situation especially because I resigned from my job the same day I got the offer. We were moving! There were no turning back. But anyhow… I had to do something.

We thought: Even though we lost one application money deposit, 300 dollars value, for a complex near the university because of not having a contract on hand in time, we can’t lose faith in the process, it would be a bad decision if we did. So, we submitted a second application fee (before getting the formal contract) with the hopes that we get approval in the process. We kept praying and fasting. We must have called all the apartments in the region up to the outskirts of Charleston, and nothing!

Then, a miracle happened later that afternoon. Out of nowhere, an affordable 3 bedroom 2 bath apartment opened up in Lexington with 1400 square feet in size, reasonable rent. We applied to it immediately and prayed it would work out. We got our place to live in a few days, thank God.

We planed and executed well but the outcome didn’t work out as planned at first. The issue was outside of our control but life doesn’t care whether your problems or mine are yours or somebody else’s. We accepted this fact in faith. This is life! We lost money in deposits and applications but finally, we could breathe calm and sleep at night again because we got a place to live.

Our problems were all solved, we thought. Not really, not too fast. More hell on earth came our way, stay tuned.

Chapter III: Pack, unpack, hotel life for 15 Days

Now that we had a contract and a place to live, we needed a truck to move. Let me just say that we changed our moving day twice due to the impasse of not having a solid address to serve as a primary residence in South Carolina. When we finally found a place to live, then we could set the date to get the truck and start our move.

when I received the verbal offer, because of time constraints, I told my wife, that we needed to start packing. She agreed. We drove to uhaul and we bought $200 worth of boxes and in two days, we had all of our house packed, literally. This was on August 3rd. On August 9th, without having a formal contract in hand, we decided to unpack everything due to the little hope we had to moving to Claflin. My wife was vivid! With a good reason. I didn’t know what to do so all that I could do was to pray.

At that point, if I were to work in South Carolina, I wouldn’t start my classes on time and I de facto didn’t. When the contract finally came, I was a day from orientation day, four days from the second week of classes, with nothing in my house packed since we unpacked our whole house on the 9th.

Stop for a minute and think about this. How would you have felt if you had to pack your house and in a few days unpack and then pack your house again two days later? It was tough, very tough. Irritating.

Because our apartment in Lexington wouldn’t be ready until August 30th, we decided that the only logical move we could make for me to live in a hotel in Orangeburg for two weeks while my wife stayed in Alabama packing our house, with an active kid and a loud dog. The situation was difficult for everyone but by the grace of God, it ended up working out.

The days were short, the nights were long. On August 27th, I went home to finally move. I thought to myself. This nightmare was coming to an end… little that I knew that the nightmare was going for get worse for me, in particular. Help me God!

Chapter III: Even the mundane was unbelievable

On August 28th, early in the morning, we were ready to get our uhaul truck in Oxford but the location employee stated that there were no trucks available there (even though we made a reservation) and that we had to drive 40 minutes each way to get our truck. It was annoying, more expensive, but we needed the truck to move that day. We headed north to Widawii, Alabama.

As we approached the uhaul location in Widawii, Alabama, nothing appeared open in town around 9:00am, where our appointment was to get the truck. We started to freeze and be concerned. Not knowing what a 20 feet truck was (which was the size recommended by the organization for our move), we had no idea if our truck was there in the lot or not. As we approached the main uhaul office, we found out that the place was open but not really.

There was a very old couple in there serving as babysitters who told us that the owner wasn’t around and that she usually arrives at 11:00am. We asked if our 20 feet truck was available for pickup. A nasty old man went outside in the lot and guaranteed to us that a 20 feet truck wasn’t available in the lot. At that point, we asked them if there was another uhaul around? Maybe our truck was there, I said. They quickly replied, “yes, eight miles away.”

It was now 9:30am. Where is our truck! So we drove to this close uhaul location to see if our truck was indeed there. When we arrived, we found out that the location was closed and wouldn’t open until 11:00am. It was 9:45am. My wife was furious and I was very concerned. I didn’t see any big trucks out there either. To make my life more complicated, I needed to pee but no stories were open for the public due to COVID precautions. I had to go!

It took me at least 25 minutes to find a place to pee, walking like a dancer trying to not pee on my pants. I finally found an open gun shop, pretended to be interested in buying a gun, and asked if I could use their bathroom. I could finally pee in peace, thank God. As I was getting back to my wife’s car she screamed, “Where were you? I couldn’t find you in 20 minutes!” I then explained to her that it took me all that time to find a place to pee. What a heck of a day!

She was lived. We waited and waited and around 11:15am, uhaul finally opened their doors in that location. We went there immediately. As we got inside, we asked the attendant if our truck was there and that we had an urgent matter. The veredicto? Our truck wasn’t there, man replied because our reservation wasn’t in his system. We panicked! We had to drive back to the other uhaul location according to the uhal fella. As we were driving down, my wife calls uhaul customer service and explained to them the hell of a time that we were having and that we had to leave Oxford that day for a move to South Carolina.

Uhaul guaranteed that the uhaul location we had our truck reservation would be opened and functional when we arrived. We arrived there around noon and nothing. The same old couple were there doing what they do best… nothing. I took the initiative to tell the lady that we had a reservation for a truck and that they were the location where our truck was.

The lady then tried to help but was computer illiterate, incapable of using the uhaul system. She decided to call the owner of that establishment to come help us. To make long story short, the owner didn’t come to her establishment for an additional hour! As the old lady was pressured by us to do something (we needed our truck!), she attempted to use the system, without luck. I then intervened and said, “Ma’am, if you don’t mind, let me check us out so we can keep moving. It’s already almost 1:00pm and we don’t have our truck. We still need to drive this truck 40 minutes, load our truck in Oxford, and drive 5 hours to South Carolina today.

She allowed me to be a “uhaul employee” for a day. Believe it or not, I was self checking us out to get our uhal truck because the uhaul owner, who was supposed to be there, wasn’t there. It was now 1:00pm. It took me about 20 minutes to do everything, a process that probably should have taken 5 minutes for someone who works for uhaul.

As we were going out to get our truck, finally, I see the old man screaming at my wife staying that we were stealing their truck from their parking lot because we didn’t have a uhaul lock???? Nuts, to say the least. So we went back to the uhaul store and I explained to him that we were not returning the truck to their 24/7 location but to a location in South Carolina. He was skeptical and accused us of trying to fire his wife. ?????

To our luck, around 1:45pm, the owner finally arrived and cleared the truck for us, staring that everything that I did on their system was correct. The old man looked like an idiot in front of me and we finally left the store back to Oxford, Alabama. It was 2:00pm.

We arrived in our house at 2:45pm, my wife immediately called the movers and they arrived in our house around 3:30pm. They were good! But the main mover told me that our truck wouldn’t be able to fit all the boxes and furniture we had. I froze and knew that this would be a problem without an immediate solution. I told my wife and she panicked.

At 6:00pm, the movers packed as much as they could in the truck and recommended that we get another small truck to complement the move. The chance for that scenario to happen was zero. We had to leave that evening which meant that we will have to pay more rent and come back the following week to complete the move.

It wasn’t good enough for me I told my wife,

Let’s try to fit as many things as we can in this truck and cars. I took some of the things that the movers had cautiously put in the truck out and started to Dump our small (and not so small) boxes, furnitures, toys in the truck again. We did this for about an hour and a half, non-stop, along with loading both of our cars.

At 7:30pm, we then went to uhaul in Oxford again to connect our car to the truck, a task that should have been completed back in Widawii by the uhaulers there. We finally left Oxford at 8:30pm heading to South Carolina and thought to ourselves — At least we are finally leaving this place (for now)… nothing could get worst! We were brutally wrong. What happened to us next is literally unbelievable, film like characteristic clearly orchestrated by the devil to make our lives a living hell.

Chapter IV: 47 Years Old What? Show me your arms

After driving through the night tired and sleeping very poorly in a hotel in Columbia, we left the hotel premises to finally go to our new dwelling. As we arrive at the Complex’s management building, with our cars full and stuck with everything we own, were told that our moving time wasn’t 11:00am but 2:00pm.

My wife then said, the letter said we could arrive at 11:00am to move in. If we can’t move in at 11:00am, then we are going to wait here. We have no place to go. By noon, we had our keys and finally got into our apartment. The place as clean, cold and ready to be furnished with our stuff.

My wife then called the movers and they didn’t get the phone. We decided to move the smaller things first from both of our cars to the third floor where we now reside. We could wait any longer. If you have done this kind of moving work before you understand that going up and down three set of stairs 60 times bringing belongings can be a pretty tiring and tedious endeavor.

We did this for two hours straight. Time is now 2:00pm. My wife called the movers again and asks where they were. They were in Charleston (2 hours away) and that they were in the middle of a move that will take them until 4:00pm to finish and that they would come to help us around 6:00pm at night.

I was very skeptical and told my wife. I doubt that these movers will be here at 6:00pm after a huge move two hours away from us. We both panicked! We had to return the truck the next day by 10:00am. It was now 2:45pm.

We both decided that we had to do something about it because we could run the risk of not being able to move our belongings out of the truck and having to pay much more in moving expenses especially because the following day was a Saturday. We then started to desperately call local movers to see if they could help us. No luck. We were on our own without the capacity to move our heavy furniture up to our new apartment.

We moved as much as we could up for two straight hours until the original movers we hired called us stating that they were driving for one hour and forty-five minutes and were 15 minutes away from our place. We had a sigh of relief! But unfortunately, it wasn’t a complete relief. The devil has more evil planned under his sleeves.

Although the movers helped us a lot, they were incapable of making the whole moving for us. When we pay for movers to move our belongings is because we need it! Well, ours were too tired to do our move. I stepped in at 8:00pm to help them to moving boxes and myself carried up 45 heavy boxes to our apartment, as well as some furniture. At 9:15pm, my wife came to help me out and move up the remaining of our belongings with a dolly, something that our movers seemed to be too incompetent to do it.

At 10:15pm, we finally completed the move! Things were everywhere, our apartment was dirty as it could be, and to finish the madness, my dog breaks from his cage and has a gigantic pee and diarrhea poop in our new carpet. What a night! I was exhausted, hungry and all I could think of was… oh God, why is this happening to us?

Chapter V: Finally the End

It was 8:45am. I had a terrible night of sleep. My wife and I have slept for maybe three hours total combined. Our kid had a panic attack at 3:00am and the dog went ballistic overnight. The devil hit us hard, I must say but we are still alive and well by God’s grace.

We must return the truck by 10:00am, I said. Because of the former, we left our messy apartment without eating, brushing our teeth, thirsty looking like a dead zombie family. After all, the uhaul’s location was 25 minutes away from home but we had to drop a piece of uhaul moving hardware in another uhaul location first.

When we arrived at the first uhaul location, the uhaul attendant asked us for our renting documents contract in order for her to do a return of the tow dolly we had in our possession and kindly asked us to to unattach the tow dolly from our car. How in the world would we know that we needed to do this? It was already 9:15am when we started to learn how to unattach the tow dolly from my car. It took us about 20 minutes to get the job done.

After that, we drove straight to our final destination and arrived there at exactly 10:01am where we could then check out our truck and go home. As we arrived in our new place, my wife gets sick and throws up everywhere, with my kid screaming and the dog barking as loud as she can bark. My wife sleeps, I work for four more hours non-stop to organize the boxes in our rooms.

Finally when my wife wakes up, She is feeling better, my kid is sleeping and the dog is in the cage snoring. I am inexplicably as energized as I could be. It was Sunday afternoon and on Monday, I had a full day.

This was our move from Alabama to South Carolina… a devilish move that made us tired but by the grace of the Lord, we made it safe. He has never let us hanging and in the end, he was there for us all along the way. This is how Good God is.

In our lowest moments, He was there. “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” 2 Peter 1:3.

“ The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” Psalm 23:1. “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Romans 5:1 to 21.

Give the Lord a chance. Be faithful, fearless and loyal to Him. In the end, He will take care of you in His time and His time is just perfect.

Where There is dishonesty, Iblis is There

The act of dishonesty, which in its core means deceitfulness or the misrepresentation of truth, is nothing less than a demonic practice advanced by the ones who choose to give glory to the enemy. Directly or indirectly, the practice of deception and concealing information or data is often based on lies and the father or lies is no other than Satan himself.

The Bible teaches us that those who choose to pursue devilish behaviors belong to the, “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44.

Stay away from me Apollyon! I have the Lord and He is my refuge, the one who helps me in times of trouble who gives me much strength in this life “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1. I fear nothing, not the dark evening night or the challenges we find during the day.

My work and labor is honest wage. Dishonesty isn’t found in my vocabulary because I belong to the most high who calls me to be upright and not sin, especially against others. We are to love our neighbor as we love ourselves, as the law of the Hebrews once stated. Who is the father of dishonesty? We know it…

“There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.” Proverbs 6:16-19.

In the letter to the Colossians we read, “Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” Colossians 3:9-10.

“Unequal weights are an abomination to the Lord, and false scales are not good.” Proverbs 20:23. Say no to dishonesty! Resist the devil and live a honoring life to the Lord, doing what is fair using true scares.

“Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:17-21.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:8-9.

Resist what is wrong. Celebrate what is right. Erase dishonesty or any dishonest thought from your mind as honor to Jesus and His teachings. Remember: “A dishonest man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends.” Proverbs 16:28. “Abstain from every form of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:22.

Stay firm in the faith brethren and never cease to love the Lord. He is worth our everything and because of Him and Him alone we live. Listen careful to the former piece of scripture shared by apostle John

“Why do you not understand what I say? It is because you cannot bear to hear my word. You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies. But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. Which one of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.” John 8:43-47.

Glory is to only be given to God, in the highest. Say no to dishonesty. It is a destructive, devilish behavior of those who take pride in the selfish act of deception. God have pity on them for their stubbornness and self centered tendencies are more painful than a broken bone and more debilitating than a deadly virus.

It is demonic, all the way.

The Diabolical Behaviors of Lukewarm Christians

The devil, also known as the accuser, the evil archangel, who was defeated by archangel Michael and expelled from Heaven, is nothing less than diabolical in the literal sense. He is full of evil intent, rebellious, tempter entity, deceiver, liar, sinner, disguised as an angel of light or apostle of God yet full of malevolence, like many lukewarm Christians.

In my adult life, I have seen a major similarity in behavior between lukewarm Christians and satanists, with the exception that satanists are less concerned about conceiving their true self identify. Weak Christians are hypocrites, deny Satan culturally, and reject the idea of worshipping the enemy yet many times their behaviors resemble the ones practiced by the followers of the Luciferian religion.

Lukewarm Christian church members have called me names, maliciously gossiped behind my back, made my life a living hell in many universities for being a devoted Christian, using low and discriminatory tactics that would make their father, Beelzebub, very proud with their prideful actions and malevolent tendencies in the name of Jesus Christ.

I have been tempted to anger and hate and experienced devious behaviors from those who claim themselves to be followers of the way. Lukewarm Christians tried to deceive me multiple times especially in my professional career, lied and in several times behaved in a cruel, snakelike, mean-spirit fashion against me particularly in this past four years while living in Alabama and Tennessee.

But I know Jesus. God protects and shows me those who practice the anti-thesis of the truth through scripture, dreams and in real life events. The Lord has given me His discerning Holy Spirit, thank Goodness.

Remember: “Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the LORD God had made.” Genesis 3:1. How similar are lukewarm christian from the snake! They aren’t our brothers and sisters and they don’t belong in our Christian camp. “You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44.

Listen carefully: Real Christians are known for their Christian-like behaviors and loving fruits. Lukewarm Christianity is based on hateful behaviors, jealous tendencies, and demonic envious unloving treatment and communication. It’s so easy to spot non-Christians when we decide to make a vote to follow Jesus Christ.

Your defense against them? Prayer. “pray continually.” 1 Thessalonians 17. “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Colossians 4:2. “Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.” 1 Timothy 2:8.

Being with God is a gift. He will open your eyes to the intricacies of this life if you ask. A lukewarm Christian can be a satanist in disguise, in my view. Be aware! Jesus in the sermon of the mount warned us, “By their fruits you will know them.”

God is good. Flee from lukewarm Christianity.

Just Because They Say They Are Doesn’t Mean Much

Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and don’t do what I say?” (Luke 6:46). “Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles? Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” Matthew 7: 22-23.

Have anyone treated you poorly yet calling themselves a Christian? I must admit that i have experienced more devilish behaviors by those who consider themselves to be Christians than those who follow or practice pagan religions and rituals. It’s a sad yet true reality that I’ve experienced, particularly in higher education.

“A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit; neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” (Matt. 7:15–20). Listen carefully: “But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.” Revelation 21:8.

When a Christian does evil to others (including Christians), it is a detestable horrible display of loving others as yourselves. Lying and the idolatry of the self (pride) for self gain by diminishing others along the way is also a demonic practice. Always test the spirits before believing what others may say.

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.” 1 John 4.

Don’t be afraid. Don’t be angry or mad, the Lord will take care of you, show you the ways of the devil and protect you against your enemies. Words can be easily said. Consistent actions aren’t always easily done. Be on the alert and read each person’s fine prints. It is amazing what you found when you dig deeper into someone’s true character.

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.” 1 John 4:7-12.

Be a man or woman of character who isn’t afraid to say that they love the Lord. Don’t believe the first thing somebody says without knowing who they are: it’s easy to speak but near impossible to fake a character. Never forget that.

Do People Really Love God?

Do we really love God? Not sure if we do. This is why… “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” John 14:15. Do we keep the Lord’s commands on a daily basis? Who among you keep the sabbath holy? God asked us, believers, a question back then still relevant to today’s believers, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?” Luke 6:46.

“But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” Luke 11:28. Unblessed are those who deviate from the instructions set by the Lord! Followers of the way, listen carefully to this: Either you are with God or you are with the Devil. When we decide to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, we are to carry his cross with us and deny the world’s temptations less and less. Much grace we will need, of course.

Let me extend this firmer though with more scripture…

“And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23. “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20. Giving our lives to the Lord is the only alternative to prove our love to Him.

It has also been written, “So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33. If we don’t follow these God’s directives, do we really love God or simple say we love Him? When we are in God, we willingly say no to sin and strive to live a life for Jesus Christ.

We need to have the strong faith and actions of the psalmist, “I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set your rules before me.” Psalm 119:30. Remember the words of Jesus in John 14:23, “Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.”

“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.” James 1:22-25.

Oh God, have pity of us for our faith inadequacy and weak flesh. Not all of us know what is written in exodus 19:5, “Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine.” Help us to be more like you and “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God! Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!” Psalm 143:10.

Love? Love is following your commandments, repenting and sining less, oh God. “Know therefore today, and lay it to your heart, that the Lord is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other. Therefore you shall keep his statutes and his commandments, which I command you today, that it may go well with you and with your children after you, and that you may prolong your days in the land that the Lord your God is giving you for all time.” Deuteronomy 4: 39-40.

Anything else other than following God’s commands? Not love, not quite, not really.

Welcome to the New Old: The Idolatry of the Self “

Welcome to the new old… there is nothing, absolutely nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 3) other that the times that we are living in which is categorized by a time that “is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions” 2 Timothy 4:3

When was the last time that you were taught Christian doctrine in your church? Do you know your statement of faith? Do you even go to church, I should ask? How about your friends and family? I bet that most of you don’t and if you do, it is for a day if that.

Do you really read your Bible? Or are going to church to be entertained? Let me ask you this, “who do you think will win in a spiritual warfare fight. The lukewarm Christian who is spending maybe an hour a week in church seeking to be entertained and understated instead of defending the faith or the witchcraft follower of Satan who trains his craft for ten hours on Wednesdays in a satanic church somewhere with the fear of being punished by the devil for not doing evil enough with the goal to destroy you?

Don’t be deceived. You must be ready to fight evil in the spiritual realm. There are a number of very evil people in this world who wants you to suffer for being a follower of Jesus Christ, in addition to wanting to steal your eternal salvation granted by Jesus ultimate sacrifice. What is new? Nothing is , I repeat. The devil’s many tactics rooted in destruction are for real and his legions are ready to fight you. You you armed with Christ Jesus to fight them back? Or are you afraid to even say the word Satan?

You have the Lord! The creator of the universe! Be firm in the faith. Stay strong and undivided! Flee from fragmentation’s for sin and immediately repent when you fall. If you struggle with lust, stop watching media images that makes you lust. Look up to a person’s eyes instead of looking down at their physique. Seek help! Close your eyes if you have to in order to flee from sin.

“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6: 14-18.

Your goal is to follow the Lord and his commands not the ways of the world because He is the only path to salvation and eternal life, “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John -4:6. Listen carefully: ““Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 7:21.

“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!” 2 Corinthians 13:5. Are you the Jesus or are you pretending to be with Him for societal acceptance? Being with God is a gift. Jesus once said, “If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20.

Make God a priority in your life, repent from your sins and love to glorify God all the days of your life. The same old sinful attributes of humanity must stop and be less frequent for God to bless our communities, family and friends. Practicing the doctrines of the devil will only keep you awake at night a d further and further from heaven. Don’t look at yourself but make every effort to keep your eyes on God.

After all, who are we without Him? We aren’t anything other than terminal and perishable flesh and bones. To God we are to believe and live for. He is the only one supreme and powerful God who created the strong Archangel Michael, the heavenly being who threw satan out of heaven. Engage in the great commission! “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” Matthew 28:19.

Blessing to you and keep your faith in Jesus Christ forever. If you haven’t already followed my blog, please follow the Dr. A blog today at http://www.luiscalmeida.com/blog. You can also listen to our podcast “Take Up His across” in a number of audio platforms including Spotify, pocket cast, google podcast and anchor! Follow us today.

They Will Curse You: Don’t Be Fragmented

In the satanist church, witches and warlocks gather together in order to destroy lukewarm Christians, especially in the months of October and December. Planning to destroy the church is part of what they do and much enjoyment exists among demon principalities when weak Christians claim to be followers of Jesus but sin without repenting, according to Pastor Ramirez.

Don’t be fragmented. Don’t compromise, stop gossiping, say no to sin, separate yourself from evil ways, don’t give authority and legal rights for the accuser (Satan) to kill you and infiltrate your life. If you spend three hours on Facebook a day but less than three minutes in your Bible… that’s an example of a fragmented Christian who is a target demonic attacks. Confess your sins for forgiveness and engage in the process of sanctification, brethren.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9.

Many are cursed because of making vain purchases at clothing stores instead of assisting the church to fight evil for the glorying of God, As Pastor Ramirez would say. Christianity and Halloween celebration don’t match. One celebrates Jesus. The other, the devil. Are you an spectator or a protagonist? Give praise to the Lord by being faithful to Him and His glory for He is good.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Psalm 118:1.

Give no legal rights for the devil to invade your life. Fear God above everything and you will have the shield of God when repenting from sin and dedicating your life for Him. One hour of unfocused church attendance and training a week will not prepare you for the ten hours a week curse training that devil worshippers spent planning your next demise. You can’t be fragmented!

False Christianity, no substance in the spirit, if you are weak, can’t sleep at night with the lights off because of fear. Scriptures without belief is in vain, demons know that and will use your weakness in the faith against you. Open your eyes to the spiritual warfare that exists in the spiritual realm, ladies and gentleman. It is real. You need obedience to the laws of and repentance to be a soldier for the Lord.

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:11-17.

Who lives in your house? We are the people of God! We don’t need riches. We don’t need wealth but God’s protection and His ways more than ever or anything. Remember, “For the love of money is the root of all of evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” Timothy 6:10.

You may need to break generational curses and be equipped to fight the devil for Christ Jesus in your life. We need Jesus not entertainment in the church. Seek God’s ways! Do His will and stay away from every evil. Fear God! Let me say it again. Fear God.

“The Lord your God will inflict all these curses on your enemies and on those who hate you, who persecuted you.” Deuteronomy 10:7. Protect your children from witchcraft and curses. Don’t let your kid celebrate Halloween. Why should we be delusional? Listen carefully to the following paragraph.

The devil is going after your children. What are you doing to stop that? How strong is your faith? Watching Netflix and Hollywood movies won’t protect you or your children from the devil’s plans to destroy you, only the power of God can. You and I can’t afford to be fragmented in the faith. We are to love the Lord and the Lord alone, repent and obey the only God.

We are going to sin but we can’t be sinning all the time. Salvation is a gift! Grow in the faith, repent, choose God. A fragmented people is divided and weak — a perfect target for demons to destroy you and your family. Have you thought about that? Wake up! Are you with God or with the devil?

“Cursed be the one who does the Lord’s work negligently, And cursed be the one who restrains his sword from blood.” Jeremiah 48:10.

In Your Will I Live…

Oh God, I am literally nobody without you. During these past 47 years of my life, you have been developing me to the Christian man that I am to be. Step by step one step at a time to glorify you. In my many pitfalls, you have been rescuing me with much grace throughout the years.

Divided we can’t ever be with you. Either we are in your camp or in the camp of the enemy. By faith, I believe and through you I live. There is only one God and You are God. In you I find hope and direction. One can’t be a follower of Jesus Christ and not repent. I repent of every sin I have committed and in your arms I give my soul.

I beg that you cleanse me and the millions of us who truly repent from our sins in your name. Your grace is amazing and I am in awe of your glory and might. We were created to glorify you and do what is right according to your commands. Nobody can be better than you! It is because of you that we love and live in this fallen world with hope that one day, we shall see you in heaven .

That your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. I trust you and your judgements… yesterday, today and forever more. All glory to your name forever!

What is from God? What is from the Enemy?

“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” Galatians 5

Let me put write in down in a way that is easier for you to distinguish between them. These are signs/behaviors that are rooted in devilish doctrine.

1. Hatred

2. Discord

3. Sexual immorality

4. Jealousy

5. Fits of rage

6. Impurity and debauchery

7. Dissension

8. Factions

9. Envy

10. Conceit

The following are acts/behaviors rooted in God’s love… through the Holy Spirit of the Lord.

1. Love

2. Joy

3. Peace

4. Patience

5. Kindness

6. Goodness

7. Faithfulness

8. Gentleness

9. Self-control

The great Christian writer, C.S. Lewis, once wrote in one of his most eloquent books… the Screwtape Letters, “the safest road to hell is the gradual one – the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.”

A little bit of sexual immorality is sexual immorality. A bit of envy is still envy. Lack of self control isn’t a controlled behavior, if it is done 85% of the time. Compromises start occurring! the enemy takes over from there.

Remember what Jesus said in the sermon on the mount. “By their fruits, you will know them, or how it is put in Matthew.

“By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” Matthew 7:-6-20.

Being a soldier for God requires sacrifices and giving up much of the mundane. Just realize this… You are either with God or against Him. if you are not with the Lord…

Which camp are you a part of? Reflect.

The Devil Will Explore Your Open Gates, Be Aware

This past weekend, I watched at least three hours of pastor John Ramirez’s sermons, a former warlock and son of Satan, and have to confess that the fight between The Devil and God is indeed an ugly one, even though the Devil is creation and God is the creator.

Mr. Ramirez revealed it all. He used to go to the satanist church between the hours of 7:00pm to 5:00am to attack the Christian community, curse their houses and neighborhoods, because they were asleep while serving as a general for the church of Satan. He frequently went to night clubs to recruit Christians to the evil side because they were Christians but with an inclination to evil, drunkness. The satanist generals attack the weak Christians! And scoff of how weak they are.

Let me say this. Everything that I have suspected back in Brazil, after watching his testimony, was right. There are individuals (witches and voodoo priests) who purposely create portions and spells on Christians in order to destroy them. Pacts are made, curses, and condemnations… are activities that are indeed planned and practiced. It is so evil.

The devil and his legions laugh at weak Christians and exploit their open gates (addictions to lust, pride, the evil things that they say and feel) to take that against and condemn them. He revealed that they engage in evil plans with the goal of conquering as many Christians to the evil side as possible and that the spiritual realms are for real.

It is war! Literally. You are the target.

The only way to fight these demonic beings, their warlocks and priests, is to give your life to Jesus Christ and to live according to God’s laws, with a pure heart. Anything that resembles the evil camp will be used by the devil against you.

Be aware with what you say. If much evil comes from your mouth, it’s demonic. Gossip, curses… evil chats and schemes are all demonic and will be leveraged by the enemy against you. Being with the Lord is a necessity and the only way to heaven.

He also spoke about prayer, that many say, “I’m going to pray for you.” When in reality, he said,,, they should be praying for themselves. Mr. Ramirez, since age 8, was demonizing people. He also revealed that the church is so weak right now that demonic priests and warlocks get Christians at a very early age with the music they hear with little to no fight back because the institution is so weak.

Christians aren’t to be watching demonic media including music with curses, horror movies, and other sources of evil media because they can become a connector with the evil side for demons to attack you. A true Christian rejects the former and therefore, can’t be defeated in the name of Jesus, according to Pastor Ramirez. Be aware!

He quoted the following Bible verse when delivering his sermon, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being My priest Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.” Hoses 4:6.

Warlocks are coming for you if you aren’t with God to take you to their camp, according to this former satanist now pastor. Staying lukewarm, as it is stated in the Bible, is a dangerous position to be in. “I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.” Revelation 3:5-16.

The principalities attack lukewarm people at the millions. Don’t be one, be firm with God. Flee from every evil, use your mouth to edify not destroy and kill, like the generals of satan do. Of the many blog posts I have ever written, this one is perhaps the most shocking. Please share this message with as many people as you can and stand forms in the faith.

Remember this: If you are not with God, you are with the devil. “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” Matthew 12:30. You need Jesus right now, no doubt. You were made in the image of God and the devil detest you for it. Be aware.

Repent, glorify Jesus, be in the God camp. God is great and He loves you. Never forget that. Say no to evil, for your own sake.

My Cry For Mercy Was Answered

“I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart.” Psalm 138:1. “Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked.” Psalms 140: 4. “Rescue me, O Lord, from evil men, protect me from men of violence.” Psalm 139:1. “O Lord, I say to you, You are my God, Hear my cry for mercy.” Psalm 140:6.

“Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil, to take part in wicked deeds, with men who are Evil doers. Let me not eat of their delicacies.” Psalm 141:4. “O Lord hear my prayer.“ Psalm 143:1. In you I trust, now and forever, in peace or not… by day or at night.

Enough my Lord. I say. In kindness and with much lower and strengths you were my cries this past month on July. You heard me and with your might and power you brought me closer to your will, leaving behind an ocean of injustice fueled by rivers of uncontrolled and demonic envy.

In your word I seat assured of your promises, oh God. All of my enemies fall under my feet because of your protection. in peace I continue to live my life. In war they choose to act and react but with God, who can be affected? He takes us away of much evil to a better place under the sun where honey is the reward.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6. “But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.” Psalm 59:16.

“The LORD is my strength and my defense ; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.” Exodus 15:2. God is faithful until eternity! Who can be better than Him? The Lord is my Sheppard and nothing will I lack under His wings because He is God, the only one.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10. You strengthened me and placed me under your right hand so that I could be uplifted.

I was down but you brought me up. I went right but you wanted me left. Your arms are music to my soul, my spirit is in peace singing you hymns of glory. By faith and faith alone, your monumental and eternal grace has reached my tiny sinful camp. I repent for all the sins I’ve committed in this life. How many were them! Yet, you take them all from a humble and sincere heart who believes in you.

It has been a difficult ride, what we call life, but in you I found refuge. So many testings, so many! “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:2-3.

I’m in peace. I’m content. You have placed your hands to protect me against the devil and his demon army. In you I trust and hope is at reach. Thanks be to God, my strength and my redeemer.

Our God is an Amazing God

Our God is nothing less than amazing. Omnipotent, omnipresent, all powerful and merciful. Let me share with you six facts (points 1-6) about God shared by Biblestudy.org and offer my interpretations of each and single one of them for you.

1. Forgive and forget: God has promised not only to forgive our sins but also to exercise his unlimited power and completely erase from his memory all traces of our disobedience (Isaiah 43:25, Hebrews 8:12, 10:17)! Additionally, Scripture indicates that we, as well, will be able to never remember the sins we committed against him (Isaiah 65:17).

Only God can choose to never remember the sins of mankind when we choose to sin so constantly. against Him. I find the former to be literal evidence of amazing grace. Celebrate! His salvation is a heavenly gift for you and me.

2. God is the great negotiator: He allowed Abraham to negotiate regarding how Sodom could be saved from destruction (Genesis 18:23 – 32). Moses saved sinful Israel by reasoning their annihilation would tarnish the Lord’s reputation (Exodus 32:9 – 14). The Eternal even asked for suggestions on how King Ahab might deservedly perish (1Kings 22:21 – 22).

Clearly, God listens to us. He is also a God of His word and has chosen perishable sinful humans to negotiate sinful actions. The former, to me at least, is nothing less than extraordinary. If you asked anything to Him according to His will, it will be given to you.

3. Contingency plans: Human choices never limit his options to fulfill his purposes. His promise that Abraham’s descendants would be a great nation could have been fulfilled through Moses instead of the idol-worshipping Israelites (Exodus 32:10). Although Elijah thought he was the last Israelite who pleased the Lord, he was only one of 7,000 others who were righteous (1Kings 19:18).

What God promises, He delivers. He is limitless and is worth of many righteous men to serve Him. Human’s free will have little to no impact in God’s plan for His purposes for us, in the literal sense. Be assured that God can do anything in your life if He wants to.

4. Self improvement: The perfection God enjoys does not prohibit him from learning and enhancing his abilities to serve. The Bible states that Jesus, although a member of the Godhead (Hebrews 1:2 – 3, 8), was required to suffer in order to be made more perfect (2:10, 5:8 – 9). He qualified to be our heavenly High Priest (2:17, 4:14, 10:21, 12:2) only after he was tempted just like us (4:15, 5:7) and learned obedience through the trials he suffered (2:18, 5:8).

God is a lifelong learner and His sacrifices led Him to perfection. Trials and temptations He experienced. We are made in the image of God, therefore we should be lifelong learners, do sacrifices and we shall experience many trials and tribulations in order to better ourselves.

5. A change of mind: Many times, God is willing to alter his intended actions based on our choices! Nineveh, the gigantic capital of the Assyrian Empire that was worthy of His judgment, was spared after it repented (Jonah 3:2 – 4, 3:10). Judah’s King Hezekiah was healed and granted fifteen more years of life after he bitterly repented (2Kings 20:1 – 6). Jesus flatly refused to heal the daughter of a certain Gentile woman. It was only after she humbled herself that her request was granted (Matthew 15:22 – 28).

God adapts to circumstances and changes accordingly based on His judgement in micro situations. The Lord loves repentance and humble servants and will premium them in this life and the next. Be assured that the Lord is dynamic, never static and will premium obedience.

6. An element of surprise: God can limit his power to know everything and therefore be surprised at what humans do! The Lord did not become aware of Abel’s murder until he questioned Cain (Genesis 4:8 – 10). He was also a bit surprised, in the days of Noah, that virtually ALL mankind (3+ billion people) had set their hearts on evil (Genesis 6:5 – 7). Jesus marveled at the lack of faith shown by those who knew him best (Mark 6:1 – 6). He was, however, pleasantly surprised when a Roman commander showed greater faith in God than anyone in Israel (Luke 7:1 – 9)!

God can step back and look at life differently if He wants to. The Lord can be surprising and make us feel surprised. God can look at life at Bahia own will at anytime. God can do the same for you as He did for others! Celebrate and love Him for eternity.

Don’t you think that our God is an amazing God? Ranging from forgiving and forgetting, to being a great negotiator and having contingent plans to willingly sharing an element of surprise… God can do it all. Who are we to limit what God can do to us? We can’t.

Be assured. God is worth worshipping and following! If you believe that what you read in here is worth sharing, please do share, like or leave a comment below. As soldiers for Christ, our great commission call must be fulfilled in this world.

Blessings to you.

Can You Still Trust God?

You can always trust The Lord because “He is the same yesterday, today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8. The nature of God never changes because He is perfect. Throughout the times, we have been instructed to trust God and that God is trustworthy several times in scripture including the following verses written in the Hebrew Bible.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.”
-Proverbs 3:5-6

“Delight yourself in the LORD,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him, and he will act.”
-Psalm 37:4-5

“Our soul waits for the LORD;
he is our help and our shield.
For our heart is glad in him,
because we trust in his holy name.
Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us,
even as we hope in you.”
-Psalm 33:20-22

“You keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on you,
because he trusts in you.
Trust in the LORD forever,
for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.”
-Isaiah 26:3-4

Behold, God is my salvation;
I will trust, and will not be afraid;
for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation.”
-Isaiah 12:2

“And those who know your name put
their trust in you,
for you, O LORD, have not forsaken
those who seek you.”
-Psalm 9:10

“When I am afraid,
I put my trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.
What can flesh do to me?”
-Psalm 56:3-4

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose trust is the LORD.
He is like a tree planted by water,
that sends out its roots by the stream,
and does not fear when heat comes,
for its leaves remain green,
and is not anxious in the year of drought,
for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
-Jeremiah 17:7-8

“The fear of man lays a snare,
but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe.”
-Proverbs 29:25

The Lord is trust. He is the one you can trust! “It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in humans.” Psalm 118:8. He is the one you can trust for forgiveness, “Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in Him.” Psalm 32:10.

You can trust God if you ask in faith according to His will, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 1 John 5:14 and finally, you can trust God for forgiveness, “Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in Him.” Psalm 32:10.

On July 28th of this year, Cindy Dawson posted a wonderful quote in her blog, “Basically, there are two paths you can walk: faith or fear. It’s impossible to simultaneously trust God and not trust God” by Charles Stanley. Her mindset is correct and I like it very much.

Let me go one step further. Trusting God is the only possible way to living according to His will. Have faith my fellow brethren Christians and never under any circumstances question the mighty of God. Trust in Him and Him alone.

Yesterday, today and forever.

Exhortation of Peace and Purity

“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14. Heated arguments, evil plans and be thirsty for revenge or war aren’t behaviors that are rooted in Christianity. Strive to live a peaceful life and live your life more like Jesus Christ in order to make God happy in the heavens.

I can’t understand why anyone would put pride ahead of prudence especially because the nature of prideful actions are always destructive. It was because of pride that the devil was expelled from heaven. It is because of pride that many get into hot water in this life. There is no shame with being meek and having your eyes centered in the Lord instead of yourself. I bet you that your life will be much more fulfilled.

“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8. “And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.” Isaiah 32:17. Celebrate God and change your ways! Lust, sexual immorality, impurity… All tricks of the devil to destroy you. “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.” Colossians 3:5.

Celebrate God all the days of your life. Choose good over evil. Flee from anger and disgust. Choose the righteous path that is narrow but the one that leads to the Lord. “But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:14. Be one of these few! Love God with all your might and all of your soul.

“And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength; this is the first commandment… There is none other commandment greater.” Mark 12:30-31. After loving God, love your neighbor as you love yourself as Jesus commanded. It it what are must do, even though many choose to be evil in nature. Don’t pay evil with evil but pray to God that your enemy’s fall not be too rough because the Lord does justice.

Listen to God not man… The former is true wisdom.

“…if anyone hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to them, and will sup with them, and they with Me.” Revelation 3:20. How do you gear God’s voice? First step, repent from your sins and do good. He will come to your life and talk when you least expect. That’s the nature of the Lord. Amazing grace.

Oh God, who am I in this life? A perishable collection of bones and flesh blindly walking without your guidance. It is because of you that I live and my spirit is deeply connected to you. My soul magnifies you because you are worth being magnified. Please bless us all and be merciful towards us. We aren’t anybody without you.

You are all of my reasons… You are all of our reasons.

Is it a Temptation of the Flesh or Demon Possession?

In Christianity, we know that there is a God, and accuser also known as Satan, angels of many sorts including the powerful Archangel Michael (who defeated Lucifer) as well as a large number of fallen angels which we categorize as demons.

When the accuser was expelled from heaven, he brought 10,000*10,000 fallen angels with him (Revelations 5:11) making the devil a powerful spiritual being and well organized entity with a massive network of fallen angels in the spiritual realm, always ready to destroy, steal or kill (John 10:10).

We need to be aware with what we are dealing with. We have a body, soul and spirit and temptations of the flesh affect our body only where demonic possessions are done at the spiritual level, which certainly will have an impact in our spirit. The holy spirit can’t dwell in a body filled with a demon because such spirits win magnify God, a condition for the holy spiritual to be in our body.

Please realize and remember… The flesh is weak. Our body has desires, feel temptations and are inclined to sin, especially if the person isn’t a follower of the way. Most men, after looking at an attractive woman at the beach with little to no clothing, are likely to sin. But the former is much different than loving to look at women with a bikini, like an addiction! Idolizing sexuality.

See the difference?

We, human beings, have both a soul and a spirit, as well. The soul is our humanity, what makes us feel emotions; our soul’s function is to magnify God. The spirit is our deeper spiritual side allowing us to have a deeper connection with the Lord. When we become Christians and receive the Holy Spirit, we get much more connected to God because the spirit creates a deeper connection with the creator.

Question? Have you heard of musicians selling their souls to the devil for fame? Well, they can’t because all souls are Gods! What musicians (and other anti-Christ individuals) may do is to have a pact with an entity to not engage in a deeper connections with the Lord and maybe influence others to do the same.

Bob Dylan has openly talked about this in a personal interview on the subject at NBC in the 90’s. He is not the only one and won’t be the last but anyways…

We are going to be tempted occasionally, even as Christians, because our flesh is weak. It might come in the form of looking at an attractive woman or drinking a glass of alcohol or wanting to buy a car. It is not a demonic possession but characteristics of being human. The moment that humans engage in addictive behaviors of any kind… porn, luxury, greed, and drunkenness for example… then it is demonic, a southern pastor once preached on this.

In Hebrew demonology, the demon of sensuality and luxury is known as Asmodeus. When a person is addicted to watching multiple naked women or men and/or can’t function well without obtaining luxurious artifacts on a regular basis, watch out! Asmodeus might have possessed that person. If it is greed or avarice? Balaam maybe mammon?

What a difference there is between the temptations of the flesh and demon possessions, it seems. Our spirit and soul are two different entities. Wanting a nice possession is much different than having greed for money at the expense of others… Evil greed is initiated by Balaam.

“It is easier for a rich man to pass through the eye of the needle than to him to inherit the kingdom of God.” Matthew 19:24. Go figure! How can anyone containing the demon mammon go to heaven? It seems pretty logical to me.

Thoughts? Let me know in the comments below.

The Time and the Day Nobody Knows

No matter the number of pastors and followers of the way that might tell you exactly when Christ will return, the time and the day of His return nobody knows it, only God.

How do we know it? Let’s look at what Matthew has written in the following scripture. “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Matthew 34:36. Clearly, we are instructed to believe that only GOD knows the answer to it. I am okay with that!

Our eyes are to be focused in the Lord!!! Not in opinionated human groups or church leaders whose intentions are to self glorify themselves in the name of the most high. The former is definitively an act of idolatry, brothers and sisters.

The Adventists were wrong about Christ’s return back in the day and many false prophets will be wrong trying to predict the end of the world in our lifetime, I suspect. Our goal is to keep our eyes in the Lord always being mindful that life isn’t about us but God and that He and He alone is the one who knows His plans.

We need much faith because it gives us the confidence and the assurance of God’s love in His time, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrew 11:11. Let’s keep focusing on doing great deeds for God today not tomorrow.

It’s our duty!

God’s Divine Creation and our Senses

My God, how great is your love and peace! You bring life to us, rest, comfort and much great and needed sleep. It is because of your majesty and mercy that we breathe the air of hope for the privilege to be with you in the afterlife.

As I close my eyes this evening, I reflect on so many thoughts with my human senses, several worth writing something about here in my blog. First of all, I thank you God for being the master of creation who has given us the ability to hear, process, and comprehend stimuli in this fallen world we call earth.

The sound of the wind blowing restlessly on us everyday and the cool little breeze we feel at the end of May are small examples of your majestical and divine mighty power expressed for humans to understand. The amazing colors we see and spices we taste are all made by you for our enjoyment. My God!

Everything is yours. Oh humans, stop your egotistical tendencies and realize that God owns it all, “Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours.” 1 Corinthians 3:21. “The heavens are Yours, the earth also is Yours; The world and all it contains, You have founded them.” Psalm 89:11.

“O Lord, how many are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all; The earth is full of Your possessions.” Psalm 104:24.

Intuition… I feel much change coming near me, unplanned. How easy it is for me to see, how can it be? I just had a vision and heard the call, life in abundance for me and for all. Your abundance. You are our only divine Lord worth worshipping.

Thank you for being supreme. Your engineering is unmatched, perfect in every way, and worth of praise. In God, we are to trust, with our five senses and our own heart. He and only He is to be glorified.

Amen

The tree and it’s fruits

“There is no good tree that gives bad fruits or a bad tree that gives good fruit… trees are known for the fruits that they give…” Luke 6:43-44. People, like fruits, could produce good or bad fruits.

In my 47 years of living in this falling world, I have come to a undeniable conclusion — people, like plants, either produce good or bad fruits… by this I mean good or bad behaviors in their essence also known as their personality.

I remember my old friend and mentor Kurt teaching me how to identify the essence of a person in the many walks we had while I was a faculty member at IUP. Is there consistency of behavior? Under stress, how do they behave?

“By their fruits you will know them.” Matthew 7:15. An person with an inherent evil personality won’t ever offer good deeds without expecting receiving something in return. I’ve come to realize that Kurt was correct and a very wise Christian man…

As we learn from Psalm 12:2, “Neighbors lie to each other, speaking with flattering lips and deceitful hearts.” Our role is to identify these neighbors and plan accordingly for a strategy to either neutralize them or perhaps flee from them.

Be aware of the many wolves that will come near you. And never forget the teachings of disciple Matthew, “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves.” Matthew 10:16.

Be always on the alert. Look at the behaviors of other people to identify who is a friend and who is a foe. Be aware of the evil nature of others. !!! “Go; behold, I send you out as lambs in the midst of wolves.” Luke 10:3.

Just a thought…

Revelations from God are for Real

“The secret things belong to the LORD our God but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” Deuteronomy 29:29.

I am from the belief that God reveals things to us through a number of avenues, sometimes expressed by human communication, nature events, through dreams and a lot of times by destine.

“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions” (Joel 2:28). Our God is a purposeful Lord that will communicate with us in ways that we don’t even understand.

“He may speak in their ears and terrify them with warnings” (Job 33:16). God will let you and I know about events that happens to us in this world, particularly if you are close or far way from his commands. Sometimes these events are good, sometimes they are bad.

It depends on the season and how closely you are following His commands on earth… let me reveal something to you.

I had a dream three weeks ago that I will never forget. It was a dream centered on the idea that luxury can be achieved by consortium and that the leading class in society will always receive much temptation (especially from fake friends and women), in their lifetimes. I can’t believe that I’m writing this post but as the Lord is my witness, what I am going to write in here is God’s most absolute truth.

In that dream, I was given a blueprint, by a business strategist/mega real estate investor, to make a small fortune in real estate, particularly with sports arenas and with big pieces of commercial real estate. How intriguing although quite unexpected, I must say. Since what I was told in the dream is a capitalist trick, it won’t ever expire.

Don’t you think that this is kind of a crazy blog post, maybe a madness conversation to an unbeliever? Yet, the dream scenes are still as clear in my mind as they once were back in my dream three weeks ago. I also recall a mind voice telling me: This is an old model but it works. It is amazing how God operates.

I grew up in Brazil among the highest elite, playing golf… nobody ever told me any business blueprint but through a dream, I learn one. I actually believe it because it makes total sense. In fact, I can’t believe that I never thought about it, before.

You may be inquiring — so what is the blueprint? The secret will only be revealed at the right time, folks… it is coming. Between now and then, love God, obey Him and his commands, engage in the great commission and do what you can to live others. God’s love is forever, earthly living is temporary.

“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” I Corinthians 1:18. We live in this world but we aren’t from it.

My God Will Never Fail

Never! In faith and with much hope, we are to wait for His divine will which is fatherly and flawless. Humanity, in its fallible human nature can’t ever understand the mighty world of the Lord, only submit to His majesty.

Instead of blaming God for misfortunes that occur in your life, try to be closer and close to Him in order to better understand His nature which can be attained by wanting more Hod, by reading holy scripture and prayingbk. The death of a family member or a wish not answered doesn’t mean that God failed to answer your prayers or is a failing God.

Let’s not forget that there is a time for everything under the Sun — Ecclesiastes 3. Everything in God’s time for His glory, not yours or mine. Christians, let’s seek God and trust His judgements for our lives because the Lord knows best.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6. Life circumstances happen for a reason, our hope is to trust the creator with much faith.

What is intelligence to us a madness to God as we read in 1 Corinthians 1:25. Instead of blaming God for this or God for that… open your bible, pray and realize that God loves you.

God’s Love is Unmatched

We don’t know what the Lord has for us because His blessings are impossible to operationalize in human form. Let me share something with you: This life has proven to me that the biggest blessing in one’s life is God’s love which can come in a form that is totally unpredictable.

I didn’t plan to move to the southern states when my family decided to move to Pennsylvania in the late 90’. It was a big blessings to me personally but now the big blessing is the sunny and warm sky next door. If you told me that I was going to raise a child in the Alabama/Mississippi region in America while living in Brazil, I would have laughed at you.

Yet, here we are… and it is a blessing in every way and in faith we wait for what the Lord has in His mind for us, so we can settle. In my household, we have faith in the creator and act on circumstances because of our belief that God help those who help themselves and He scales the missions of an obedient servant.

Life is a gift. Having a close relationship with the creator is calming. Reflections, reflections, reflections… I am doing! I’m thinking and reasoning. “The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.” Proverbs 34:10.

Keep believing. Never cease to trust God’s judgements. He knows better than you and me. Go enjoy your sabbath, pray and sing songs of glory. The tomorrow? Another unpredictable day.

Narrow is the Gate that Leads to Heaven


“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:13-14.

Focusing on the self, loving riches, or any other mundane thing, will most definitely lead you to destruction and impede someone from inheriting the kingdom of God. These former often transform themselves into idols under our eyes. Remember: “You shall have no other gods before me.” Exodus 30:3.

The gates of heaven will get narrower if anyone chooses the former over doing the will of the Lord. Be aware! Make God the center of your life, always. “If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.” Matthew 10:39.

Listen carefully: Vainglory, or the inordinate pride in oneself, is sin, a capital one. Ungodly actions that are rooted in the former is the avenue by which devilish individuals adopt to glorify themselves regardless of whether they claim to be a Christian or not.

Look.,, God saves and blesses those who help His people. Loving money is the root of many evils and certainly an idolatry that will block an army of people from seeing God.

“For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” 1 Timothy 6:10.

Say no to mundane things that deviate from the kingdom of God like idolizing a car or going to a strip club for self pleasure. “Narrow is the gate that leads to heaven.”

Celebrate God and obey his laws. Give yourself a chance to be a part of His kingdom!

Christianity isn’t Islam or Judaism

“And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” 1 Corinthians 15:14. Based on this piece of scripture, religions that propose an alternative reality to this verse above can’t be comparable with Christianity and it is okay to say this.

Sure, the belief in one God, having a leading prophet, a holy book, and believing in one’s scripture are similarities between Islam or Judaism to Christianity, along with wanting to live in peace and so on; however, the nature of God between and among these religions are at war with one another.

Qur’an Q4:157 states, “Haleem—[Jews] said, ‘We have killed the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, the Messenger of God.’ (They did not kill him, nor did they crucify him, though it was made to appear like that to them; those that disagreed about him are full of doubt, with no knowledge to follow, only supposition: they certainly did not kill him.)

To Jews, Jesus wasn’t the Jesus we know in Christianity and in some sects of Judaism, Jesus is seen as a blasphemer against the Lord. To Muslims, Jesus was a prophet but not the son of God. To Jews, Jesus isn’t a figure worth mentioning to them. Clearly, there are fundamental differences between and among these religions, despite the fact that many argue otherwise.

Somebody is wrong! Let’s see how some Jews define Jesus in Israel… Clearly not how many of us see Jesus. Don’t you think? The Babylonian Talmud even states that Jesus was the son of Pandora not the son of God. How can Judaism be even compared to Christianity?

In Islam, Mohammed is seen as the last prophet, Christ wasn’t crucified, and is certainly not God. In Sura 9:30, it is written, “The Jews call ‘Uzair a son of God, and the Christians call Christ the son of God. That is but a saying from their mouth; (in this) they but imitate what the unbelievers of old used to say. God’s curse be on them…”

Question, does the God of Christianity call Christians to curse others? Christians aren’t called to curse anyone. We are to love even our enemies. As stated in Matthew 5:44, “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.”

That is a major incompatibility! Which is in direct opposition to Christianity. This is why trying to argue that the “three Abraham of religions” have major similarities in doctrine is a false belief. Check this clip out and see for yourself.

I believe by faith that Christianity is right. Others may think otherwise and that’s their choice. what we can’t say is that these religions are almost the same for being Abrahamic religions. To my assessment of verses in the Hebrew Bible, Qu’ran and the Christian Bible, they are fundamentally different from one another.

Pretension won’t do us any good but to create more misunderstandings . Respectful conversations about the differences between these religions done in a reasonable way is the best way to address these differences.

My advice? When in doubt, choose Christianity! But I’m suspect. 🙂

Three Things Your Calling Is Not, By Ivan Mesa

This is an article written by Ivan Mesa that I suspect you will enjoy reading as much as I did. The was Article published at the http://www.gospelcoalition.org website May 16th 2018.

“I’m called to _________.”

Perhaps you’ve heard someone use this statement to explain why they do what they do. It’s a mystical-sounding line that throws a divine aura over one’s life. But I’ve always felt unsure whether or not—apart from my call to salvation in Christ—I had a more specific call that would explain what career path I should take. I’ve never been one of those people with a master plan for his life—a mental trajectory with a desired destination at the end of it. More often than not, I’ve felt my way around, stumbling into one thing, then the next. 

So amid my confusion and filled with fear and questions, I’ve wrestled with God’s Word and tried to seek the collective wisdom of others to help me make sense of calling and vocation. Here are at least three things your calling is not.

1. Your Calling Is Not for You

No doubt each person is called and gifted individually, but a true understanding of calling recognizes that we’re called not for mere personal gratification but for the good of others (Rom. 12:4–5; 1 Cor. 12:12–31; 1 Pet. 4:10–11). This others-focus flies against the individualistic and self-interested spirit of our age. As Tim Keller writes in Every Good Endeavor:

We are not to choose jobs and conduct our work to fulfill ourselves and accrue power, for being called by God to do something is empowering enough. We are to see work as a way of service to God and our neighbor. (67)

Rather than asking, “What will make me the most money and give me the most status?” Keller encourages us to ask, “How, with my existing abilities and opportunities, can I be of greatest service to others, knowing what I do of God’s will and of human need?” This simple and counterintuitive question can make a world of difference, relieving the angst and navel-gazing temptation for many of us.

We don’t choose our callings; by definition, we’re called to them. Repeat: God calls us; we don’t call ourselves.

But we must be careful to not confuse our job with our calling. While for some the two are intertwined (think of a pastor), callings often encompass broader realms like society, family, and church. According to Gene Veith,

Someone may no longer be in the workplace, but he may still pursue callings as a grandfather, a concerned citizen, and perhaps as an elder in his church. Some people find their callings in spheres other than the workplace—a woman who refuses a job so she can devote herself to her children; the independently wealthy man who does not need to work, so he devotes himself as a citizen to philanthropy; the elderly shut-in who devotes her energy, as a Christian, to prayer. (48)

Young or old, weak or strong, successful or unemployed, we’re each able to fulfill callings to care for others. 

So, practically, one simple way to discover your calling is to figure out how you can best serve others with the gifts and abilities the Lord has given you. For some that might be through their employment, while for others through their nearest relationships—in their home, in their neighborhood, or in their church. 

2. Your Calling Is Not from You

We don’t choose our callings; by definition, we’re called to them. Repeat: God calls us; we don’t call ourselves. 

This might sound like an obvious point, but a large part of the angst that has characterized most of my adult life has been due to the assumption that I have to grab hold of my calling—or else it could slip away, forever gone. I’d be lost, I feared, wasting my life because I hadn’t been decisive or clear-eyed enough to know what God had called me to. Talk about needless pressure.

Of course there is human agency in all we do. But fundamentally we’re under God’s sovereign guidance and care. Whether we’re talking about the church we’ll join, the city we’ll live in, or the vocational path we’ll pursue, we plan our ways, but heestablishes our steps (Prov. 16:9). It’s in our doing that God makes his calling clear.

We find our callings with, by, and in serving others. And we fulfill our callings as others fulfill theirs.

And, related, the Lord uses others to confirm us in our callings. Again, Veith observes:

Vocation comes from the outside, having to do with opportunities and circumstances, doors opening and slamming in our face. Since God works through means, he often extends his call through other people, by means of their vocations. (54–55)

As you serve others and receive input, correction, affirmation, and opportunities, trust that you have a faithful Father who “created [you] in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that [you] should walk in them” (Eph. 2:10). And these “good works” are done in the various callings, through the various seasons, that God entrusts to us.

We’re not called to everything, which means we can joyfully lean on and work with the callings of others. We find our callings with, by, and in serving others. And we fulfill our callings as others fulfill theirs.

3. Your Calling Is Not Future Tense

Look at your life. Apart from sin, your calling is whatever your life consists of right now. 

In God’s good design, he has likely placed you in a family, in a neighborhood, in a church, in a job. Rather than worry about what’s next, anxious about tomorrow, Jesus summons us to seek God’s kingdom (Matt. 6:25–34). I’d argue part of that means we’re to bloom where we’re planted—to “aspire to live quietly, and to mind [our] own affairs, and to work with [our] hands” (1 Thess. 4:11). It could also be flavored with Wendell Berry’s pleasingly unoriginal formula for the good life: “Slow down. Pay attention. Do good work. Love your neighbors. Love your place. Stay in your place. Settle for less, enjoy it more.”

There’s nothing wrong with godly ambition or planning for the future. But in all that, make sure the emphasis is on faithfully serving the Lord where he’s placed you until he makes it clear—whether through a shift in desires, input from others, or a change in circumstances (usually a combination of these three)—that he is calling you to something else.

Look at your life. Apart from sin, your calling is whatever your life consists of right now.

I don’t mean to imply callings never change. They can and often do. Calling is a process rather than a destination, since life is ever-changing as we likewise change. But as friend of mine says, “Be grateful for what is rather than strategizing for what ought to be.” In a discontented and restless age, I suspect we need more of this humble, rooted faith. More faithful plodders—those free of self who “make it [their] aim to please [Christ]” (2 Cor. 5:9). 

As you look up from this screen at the grass that needs mowing, the diaper that needs changing, the church member who needs care, or the stranger who needs befriending, go with a glad heart and meet those needs and fulfill your callings. 

Beware of calling envy and never despise the monotony of every day faithfulness. God has called you today to serve him. And even amid difficult situations—perhaps with suffering, disappointment, and failure—we can find our joy in the Lord, knowing he has promised to never leave or forsake us (Heb. 13:5).

Faithful Servants

Maybe you’re not like me and have never experienced dark nights of the soul because of calling confusion. But I know if you’re a child of God and trusting in Christ, he has called you to himself and to others. So serve people and God by pressing into the ordinary fullness of life.

May we be good and faithful servants. Starting today.

Silence is a Great Source of Strength

Wise men aren’t always silent but they know how to use it at the right time. There is much strength is silence ladies and gents. Often times, silence means rearming for a counter attack. Fortunate are those who pay close attention to it and take notes for they will be at the top.

“The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools.” Ecclesiastes 9:17. Silence is a weapon than can fire at any time under a strategic general. Do you know of anyone who is unusually silent with you? Be aware! Change your plans, be unpredictable, develop an independent life/work strategy that isn’t dependent on that person.

You may be under a war zone without knowing. Remember: There is a time for war, there is a time for peace, “…a time to tear and a time to sew; a time to be silent and a time to speak; a time to love and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace.” Ecclesiastes 3:7-8.

Let me be clear. I’m not silent all the time especially when I witness injustice because the Lord has instructed us to do so, “Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the afflicted and oppressed.” Proverbs 31:9. It is okay to judge and be judged.

Wait patiently for the Lord’s justice! It will come when you least expect… “The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the person who searches for him. It is good to hope and wait patiently for the LORD’s salvation.” Lamentations 3:25-26. Listen carefully: the Lord is good and faithful.

Prudence equals silence. “When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise.” Proverbs 10:19. Be the last to talk but talk. Gather your intelligence and display the facts with appropriate evidence at the right time.

If you have to judge, judge fairly. Do what is right and pay attention to detail as you live your life. Be aware of unexpected silence from people that you know. It can (and probably is) a sign of rearming, usually against you. Listen to the Holy Spirit that is in you.

“You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.“ Romans 8:9.

Choose good over evil and with little emotion, and much objectivity, pay close attention to the behaviors of others especially if they are suspicious actions in nature. It is likely to be (or to become) an aggression against you. Don’t be deceived.

Nothing is an accident. It is appears to be, it usually is. Judge silence wisely and behind close doors with a pen and paper. Shift your strategy if you suspect that you are going to be cornered or attacked. God will show you the way out… the enemy will most definitely be conquered under such conditions much like the football team who can’t predict the plays of an offensive team.

Be blessed and with your guards up. With the eyes of a lynx, watch and take notes. Catch the enemy unprepared! Your life may depends on it. God will show you…

With God, The Amazing is at Reach

Today, July 7th 3021, the Lord allowed me to have over 1 million views on my public YouPic account , one of the largest photo sharing sites on the internet. It is an amazing reach that took me many hours of work for a period of one year to achieve. With God. The amazing is at reach.

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6. I have been humble… much grace has been given to me. I don’t deserve the air that I breathe yet my God gave me much visibility for my photography. A big media reach in this overcrowded technological landscape we live in.

It’s pure live when we don’t deserve it brothers and sisters! “ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8.

All that I want to do is to give thanks to God right now — “Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.” Psalm -36:26. It was true yesterday, it is today and will be forever. God is rich in mercy and exists to discipline us all to be more like Him. How great our God is!

Here is my council to you. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5. God knows best and will elevate you if you totally submits to His will.

Your turn! Believe and trust. His loves you more than you think.

Be a Witness to His Love for Us

“‘The mountains may shift, and the hills may be shaken, but my faithful love won’t shift from you, and my covenant of peace won’t be shaken,’ says the Lord, the one who pities you.” — Isaiah 54:10

How comforting! How about this one below?

“Therefore I say unto you, Be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than the food, and the body than the raiment? Behold the birds of the heaven, that they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; and your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are not ye of much more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit unto the measure of his life? And why are ye anxious concerning raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God doth so clothe the grass of the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clotheyou, O ye of little faith?” Matthew 6:25-30.

God has our back. He won’t let us hanging in there in times of turmoil despite the fact that many may believe otherwise. If scripture is a sign of what God intends to do, which it is, then we are in good shape folks.

The Lord is doing something in my life that I can’t even describe. And it came out of nowhere! This past week to be exact. I have been faithful and it is paying off. God loves obedience. His love for us is indescribable.

Be close to God and speak the truth of His gospel. God is faithful! He will take care of you with His grace. Glory always to be given to God.

The Only Constant is God: God is not a Liar

The sun rises and it sets down everyday of the year since the beginning of the world, which was created by the Lord. Every second the earth spins, as constant as the love that He has for us. Everything under and over the sun is His and made for His glory, including you and me.

Inconsistency isn’t from God. It goes against the inception of covenants between God and His people, including the covenant he made with Noah in Genesis 6:18. Inconsistency is a fallen concept that many times is associated with the adversary, especially if it is driven by lies.

You can find out who is with you or against you by his or her consistency of behavior in life. If the behavior is consistent, I argue that the person has the Holy Spirit of God. However, if much inconsistency is found in a person (an ally or not), the spirit of the devil is in them.

Be aware of plaint blank lies…

Let’s not forget that the “devil is the father of all lies.” Inconsistent behavior is likely to have roots in demonic philosophy and anti-Christ worship and ceremonies. Have you known someone who is totally inconsistent with how they act or behave? Chances are very high that this crowd isn’t for the Lord.

Even if they claim they are. Remember: By their fruits you will know them. Matthew 7.

Demonic people out there, don’t be fooled. The Holy Spirit tells us your kind, your lies, your scrupulous actions, and evil o te toons because…

“You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is “a liar” and “the father of lies.” John 8:44.

We are from God, the consistent one! The only God in heaven. And let me share something with you believers Ao the way… when someone plaint blank lie to you, this is their true intention.

“Destroy you. “Complete destruction is the devil’s primary goal—his main weapon is to get us to believe his lies. (Covenant Seminary). So don’t. Arm yourself against your enemy. Know who they are and take notes because…

“Know thyself, know the enemy… 1000 battles, 1000 wins.” Sun Tzu.

Ladies and gents, seek consistency or shall we say integrity in your circle of influence and where you work. It’s important for your sake and mine to keep true to the word of God. It defends us all against the eminent attacks of the enemy through people.

Consistency, consistency, consistency.

In God I Trust

Life is full of clear air turbulence events that appear in inopportune times in our lives causing many of us to be uncomfortable and uneasy. Turbulence, brethren, is a common occurrence during air travel as it is in human life journeys. Unexpected Changes or lack there of are the cause for this turbulence.

Instead of focusing on human turbulence, how about we focus on the God’s smoothness? Without God, Peter sank in the turbulent waters of the sea. But with the Lord and through faith, Peter walked on water in front of the disciplines in the Sea of Galilee, as we read in Matthew 14-22-36.

Much of the trouble that we experience in life occurs because of lack of trust. We need to let God be God and submit to His will. what are you afraid of? God is I love and trustworthy! “I see that the LORD is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.” Act 2:25.

We must have radical trust in the one who created us and remember: “Without faith, it is impossible to please God.” Hebrews 11:6. “Yes, he alone is my Rock, my rescuer, defense and fortress. Why then should I be tense with fear when troubles come?” Psalm 62:2

I’m God I trust. In Him, I find refuge.

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. If you make the Most High your dwelling– even the LORD, who is my refuge– then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. You will tread upon the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. “Because he loves me,” says the LORD, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.” Psalm 91.

Amen and amen.

The Life of a Christian is Always Difficult…

True. But God is always with Him to help cope with the difficulties of life. It’s not much as a solo journey as people may think. In all my difficulties, ranging from personal to professional ones, the Lord was there to comfort me every single time.

It is written… “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10. I am a testimony of God’s word, ladies and gentleman.

Are you experiencing problems in your personal and/or professional life? Have you been treated unfairly or unreasonably lately for no apparent reason? Are things just difficult for you?

If you are a true follower of the way, I suspect that you probably answered yes to at least one of the questions listed above because Jesus once said, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” John 15:18.

Being a Christian is tough but the reward that awaits for us in the afterlife is worth the current experienced difficulties of this fallen world. Thankfully, the Lord instructs us on how to deal with its difficulties, “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” Matthew 10:16

Brethren, listen carefully to this —> “I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.” Romans 16:17. It will save you unnecessary headaches in this life.

Brothers and sisters, the life of a Christian is challenging but it isn’t a lonely one. God will always be with you no matter how difficult your situation is. In prayer, we continue to live by faith for His glory and His glory alone.

Blessings to you all.

Unintended Vudu — Be Aware

When the enemy was defeated by archangel Michael and was kicked out from heaven, he brought with him a legion of demons, so we lean from the book of revelation. Where are these damned spirits, right now? Not in heaven.

Maybe they are in the spirit realm near us. Why do I suspect the former to be the case? Because in devil worshipping macumba ceremonies, the Brazilian version of witchcraft, “pais de santo” invoke the name of the devil (Orixás) in order to engage in evil schemes rooted in lies, half-truths and pride in “terreiros de macumba” (The location where they worship the devil).

I have witnessed unchristian folks being demonized for playing with such spirits… what I didn’t know until very recently is that a person can engage in macumba religion without attending a single devil worship ceremony and by simply wishing evil to others with rage.

Which leads me to ask you a direct question…

Have you ever know a person who with evil to others and uses the tactics of confusing the truth by utilizing demonic evil schemes and/or half-truths? Or those who choose to worship themselves with much pride? I know you do and so do I. Quite a few actually on my end.

It’s macumba!!! Wishing bad for others is of the devil. Vudu is rooted in doing evil to others because of pride! Shocked? Or is this old information for you?

Scripture clearly talks about the former in context when relating to demons. “Demons confuse the truth by utilizing demonic lies and half-truths.” (1 John 4:4). “Demons live to deceive people into worshipping themselves” (1 Corinthans 10:20-21).

You might be inquiring – How can you tell that people might be under attack from a demonized person engaging in intended or unintended macumba? My metrics: Is she planning a way to hurt you with her actions or words? Or lack thereof? Are people telling you half-truths and behaving in a narcissistic way with the goal of glorifying him or herself? Be aware! Take notes.

If things appear to be, they usually are. If you think that somebody is trying to hurt you, stay on the alert! How close are with God? How often do you pray to God? read the Bible? Attend church? Without God’s protection, much evil can head your way.

The good news is that first — We are on the winning side with God. If He is with us, who can be against us? Also, there is no perfect crime or a demonized person who doesn’t leave a footprint of her actions behind. When the brethren surrenders himself to be with the Lord, He will show you the devil’s plans against you pretty clearly.

It pays off to love God. it is our duty anyways!

Trust the Holy Spirit if you are a Christian. Remember what we have learned from Jesus’s teachings in the sermon on the mount? “By their fruits, you will know them.” Matthew 7:15. 0

Lies, half-truths, evil schemes, prideful actions aren’t fruits that are representative of God’s love for His people. Always be on the alert for devilish behaviors expressed by demonized individuals. If you think a person isn’t with you, chances are high he isn’t. If lies, evils schemes and other devilish tactics are being used against you, this person is engaging in macumba against you intended or unintended.

Always be close to God and ask for repentance of your sins. Be careful with pride and with wishing bad to others. The former is the essence of macumba… and macumba is from Satan.

Anything that isn’t for Christ is the anti-Christ.

What True Faith Really Means: Confidence and Hope

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.” – Hebrews 11:1-2.

Billy Hallowell once said, “Hebrews 11:1 immediately dives into what faith truly entails: a confidence in what is not seen, yet is known to be there. The first verses of this chapter offer a powerful reminder that, though we can’t see God, we know He is there.”

Brethren, without the ability to see we hope with confidence for a better tomorrow. Life is full of difficulties and disappointments that, to me at least, can only be dealt with by having hope in the living God.

I see injustices here, I see injustices there… I see injustices everywhere. No matter if a person is good or bad! It almost makes me mad! Solomon, in Ecclesiastes talked about the former in the context of vanity in antiquity. It was true then as it’s true today. Everything is vanity other than God, ladies and gentleman.

God is here and there. God is everywhere. He is hope. Be confident in your faith! Without seeing we believe and hope for salvation. The Lord is with you everywhere you go. Don’t be afraid. Be strong and courageous as Joshua has instructed us to be. Stay firm in the faith and pray.

Let’s never forget the words of the psalmist, “You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.” Psalm 119:114. Be blessed and keep the faith. God loves you.

Your most valuable asset is time

Time, not money, is your most valuable asset because people cannot recover time lost. I personally value time a lot and refuse to trade its scarcity with spendable capital. “Make the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:16.

The Bible is full of verses stating the time is one of our most valuable asset! Flee from the fascination with earthly possessions because the Lord is rarer found in the house of pure wealth. Value your time on earth to spread the gospel and celebrate God.

“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.” Collisions 4:5. “So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. Corinthians 4:18.

How much time have you spend spreading the gospel this past week? How about last week? Is prayer priority in your household or possessions? Pride in material possessions has no value in God’s eyes. What we decide to do with the time the Lord has given us matters to Him. Stay form I. The faith and engage in activities that the Lord has called you to do.

You will need time in order to accomplish them, according to His will… use your time wisely for God’s glory and refrain from making earthly possessions a priority in your life. Remember: The Lord takes care of His people. He will provide!

Use your time wisely — use it for the kingdom so that you have enough time in eternity.

The Law of Wrong Doing

“For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.” You don’t need to operate ne’er they eye for and eye and tooth for a tooth. God always do justice my brethren.

Flee from the perverted speech!!! Swearing, speaking nasty comments, racist slurs… as a result of paying back from what you hear from others. Let’s remember the lessons we learn in Proverbs 8:13, “The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.”

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21. “Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” Romans 12:19. The Lord is wise and will do what is right according to His own justice. All you have to do is to seek peace and pursue it!

“Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” Psalm 34:14.

In this life, we are to live for the Lord not man. “Abstain from every form of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:22. Say no to wicked plans, a lying tongue, and anyone who sow discord among brothers. We were instructed about not acting like the former!

“There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.” Proverbs 6:16-19.

With God, doing good is possible and nothing is impossible. “For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1:37. Be a man or women of character. Goose to do good instead of evil. Don’t engage in wrong doing. Don’t be bad but good. Strive to live a life of good deeds.

We have a great example in Jesus. Let’s act on it today!

Let your yes be yes and your no be no

In the Bible we learn, “Just say a simple, ‘Yes, I will,’ or ‘No, I won’t.’ Anything beyond this is from the evil one” Matthew 5:37. When we make important decisions in life, which should be done under much prayer, we must stand for what we decided without giving up our positions.

The former has much to do with the truth. Jesus addresses the subject of telling the truth (Matthew 5:33). Don’t break your oaths. An oath is a promise to do or not do something. When you are asked to do a task, do it to the best of your ability and once you reflected on your decision… and decided, stick with it.

Think before making a decision, especially if the decision you are making has long-term consequences. Don’t be anxious about it. In fact… “Don’t be anxious about anything.” Philippians 4:6. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5).

Pray and seek God when making decisions. Once you make a decision, let your yes be yes and your no be no. The Lord is with us to guide and teach us His ways. Glory be given to God.

The mark of a follower of the way…

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.” 1 John 3:16. There is little doubt that our family received much love this week. We are humbled by our church’s generosity! We are indeed attending church in a godly congregation.

My wife Amanda had surgery this past Tuesday to remove scar tissue, an infected cyst in her uterus, among other issues. To our pleasant surprise, four members of the First Baptist Church of Oxford brought us food every evening from various restaurants in town.

Clearly the members of the First Baptist of Oxford fulfill the law of Christ. “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2. They treat others as they want to be treated. “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12.

If faith, we continue to live and work. The difficulties of life happen to anyone including you and me. It is only by the love of God that we can cope with the many challenges that we are presented in this life. Glory is to be given to Him, always. So glad that we attend a wonderful church around here.

Thanks be to God.

Give it to God and go to Sleep

God has a plan for your future! For every one of you. He is a God who cares about you, especially if you care for His people. Much hope you will get by being close to God. We all need more hope in our lives!

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11. Are you listening to him? Are you being submissive or defiant with God?

We must trust Him and not lean on our own understanding…

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6. Without God, we have no hope for a bright future in our lives, according to scripture.

I used to be a person who wanted to control every step of my future. It didn’t work the way I thought it should — Sure, like you and many others, I still have wishes and desires for my life and goals that I want to achieve but the Lord is the differentiator.

I decided to give it all to God so I can sleep! what has been the result? More success and patience, less stress and anxiety, and hope for the future. Not to say the exponential decrease in blood pressure and a drastic reduction in illness acquired.

When we live our lives in accordance to God, we do what we are supposed to do with our lives without fear. Of course that difficulties exist and they will inevitably present many challenges in your life but when you give it to God, there is protection and comfort. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10.

Go to sleep now — Take a nap! In the process of going to sleep pray and ask for God’s protection In your life so that you can do great works for him! Be strong in faith, love your God and never forget that the creator is wise and wants you to do His will with your Godly talents in life

The Love Of God Never Ceases

“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”‍ Lamentations 3:22-23.

Our God is good… all the time. Who are we without Him? Nothing I say. God is our only true safety that lasts an eternity. “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.” (Proverbs 18:10).

My wife is now in the surgery room still in recovery mode after a scheduled and required urgent medical procedure. Despite knowing only a few people in Alabama, we managed to have our daughter be taken into school at the same time that Amanda was doing her procedure.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”‍ Matthew 11:28. He has ladies and gentleman. In His glory we celebrate and admire His mighty. We have counted our joy in the midst of the many trials that we have faced. This one is no different…

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”‍ James 1:2-4.

Rest assured that the Lord is in control and that the Love of God never ceases. Don’t forget to glorify God today. It is our duty! Blessings to you brethren and hope you have a wonderful week… Amen.

Why is the Christian Church dying in America?

I don’t know exactly. Like you and many others, I have opinions about it, though. Sure technology has a lot to do with it, the perception of Christianity has drastically declined for the much worse over the years due to the large number of false prophets who now fly private jets and live in Hollywood like mansions. As a college professor who has a doctorate degree in a the field of education, I can tell you that the methods of delivery of most church services are very dated making part of the decline in church attendance in America a methodological one.

Just because the Lord never changes (Malachi 3:6) doesn’t mean that the church shouldn’t change in delivery methods and reach to adapt to the changes in its audience. The church needs to innovate! Life is full of great examples about novelty in and out of the Bible… Isaiah did a new thing in his life as described in Isaiah 43:19, Paul was once Saul… we now work more than the Japanese proletariat yet we take less vacation than all other developed countries in the globe in America.

In the current state of affairs of our country, going to church fits the lifestyle of very old people who are retired and were educated under a completely set of societal technological circumstances and teaching methods very well — Long lecture with visuals which reminds some of us to an overhead projector lecture from the 1970’s, a time when none of our youth were alive.

I suspect that young adults ages 18-25 are also leaving the church because of how the gospel message is being shared in the church. Sure, we older people appreciate the parallels between the lessons and characters from the Bible and our daily lives because we know Bible stories are applicable to adulthood and a lot of us were educated in instructionism.

I honestly think that most young adults these days, now inundated with a wide variety of media stimuli and Hillsong music, not fans of being lectured could care less about the stories of Abimelech king of Gerar or Jael slayer of Sisera and how important their stories are for them. The modern church should have services where alternative teaching methods are used with and content that is more relatable to them.

Feel good new age music, like Bethel and others, aren’t based on sound doctrine. They are entertainment using the word of God for profit. Maybe church sermons should be like these blogs posts I wrote for you in here — Direct, applicable, and based in scripture; Lessons that are biblically sound, real life, and relevant to their young lives with a language that they understand.

It is time for change or the church establishment will be terminal within a generation. I don’t know… what are your thoughts blessings to you.

Always Stay Humble and Kind

Some of us who have lived in this earth for a while, have reflected on our own life experiences, and can attest to you that being humble and kind helps the brethren to live a better and fulfilled life minimizing the numerous side effects that are attached to unkindness and arrogance.

Showing each other kindness is the ideal, lacked and gentleman. Scripture reminds us all about the need to be kind….

“If we all love one another and show each other the same kindness that God extends to us, we can all live better lives.” 1 Samuel 20:13.

The best course of action for you my talented youth is to stay humble and kind towards others in your victorious days. Flee from unkind displays of affection and cockiness because the former will only fuel much animosity among people which can realistically cause irreparable damage of uncontrolled.

Listen carefully: Success can corrupt the best of the minds and spirits living under the sun. The glorious days of a winning golfer or tennis player, the many goals scored by a footballer or the thousands of yards attained by a running back can turn a godly talent into a devilish self-centered being waiting to implode, especially if cockiness tendencies are deeply developed.

Be careful with assuming that you are better than others for a number of reasons…

1. In life, there is always another person better than you in life realize that. Therefore, anyone who thinks that they are better than others because of an emotion will sooner or later fall from the throne because the odds of decline are eminent in the long run for us all. Let’s not forget that the second law of thermodynamics here.

2. Cockiness often results in much backlash. Self-centered behavior will for sure cost you much in this life because it. Refrain fro. Such behaviors and keep your eyes in the Lord. Refrain from making yourself into an idol because, “Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them.” Jonah 2:8.

Remember: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2.

Always stay humble and kind. This is God’s instruction to you and me. fortunate are those who understand this call. Hope you have a wonderful Sabbath in the Lord. Blessings to you.

Sometimes silence is sin

We need to be careful to stay silent in instances where God’s commands calls us to be vocal because this is our duty… “Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy” (Proverbs 31:9).

I heard this phrase (Sometimes silence is sin) after watching a video from Pastor Spencer Smith, pastor of an independent church in the state of Kentucky. How enlightening, I shall say.

Scripture is full of passages calling us to be vocal at times… Let’s also not forget what is written in Ecclesiastes, “A time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak…”

If a false teacher is deceiving your brother or sister, and you know it, don’t be afraid to point it out to them and rebuke heresy. There are times when we must voice our opinions directly to do God’s work.

There is much heresy happening these days in the church, sometimes shared through rhetorical speeches and/or contemporary music. Be aware! It’s an epidemic! As soldiers of God, we need to speak up against heresies when we see them. Remember: Feel good churches are often bad in theology and doctrine, keep that in mind.

https://www.christianpost.com/amp/dispelling-myths-new-apostolic-reformation-michael-brown.html

Do you attend a church where the pastor claims that you are a little god? Or that financial prosperity in life is a result of an upright life? Does your pastor ask your congregation for a new jet to evangelize the lost? Which music are you listening to in your church? Songs with a touch of eastern mysticism?

Be very careful. The devil does his work in disguise. Sometimes, silence is sin. It’s okay to be more assertive and voice your thoughts and opinions to defend the faith.

The love of God for us is eternal

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39.

The love that the Lord has to us is indescribable. Let me explain… despite His creation constantly doing many acts of evil, seeking self-pleasures and acting with much pride, God still believes in repentance for this bunch which literally represents us all, in various degrees.

“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23. “Give thanks to the LORD for He is good: His love endures forever.” Psalm 107:1.

Thank goodness that our God has compassion for us. Compassion is routed in love! There is hope for us because He is hope, he is love. “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” Isaiah 54:10.

Repent, seek God. Have faith and don’t be afraid. The Love of God for us is eternal.

We are to live with hope

We are the sons and daughters of the one true living God, the Lord owner of everything under the sun and above. Who are we to even attempt to do limit what He would do for us? Is Hope unattainable? I don’t think so.

The many difficulties of life might send human signals to us that Hope isn’t attainable in this world because many times certain conditions may appear to be impossible to be reverted . That’s an error! Scripture tells us otherwise, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:18. “Jesus looked at them and said, with man this is impossible, but with God all things are.” Matthew 19:36.

You may have a family member struggling with cancer or a friend who is at ICU struggling to breathe due to COVID-19 infection. Always be hopeful and believe that God can indeed help you or them in His time.

Remember always asking what you desire in God’s will not ours, mine or yours. “Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is (Ephesians 5:17). God has the authority to give and take it away for His glory.

Make sense?

How can we live a Christian life without hoping in God? The gospel is hope! “Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.” 1 Peter 1-13.

Blessings to you.

He Increases the Power of the Weak

The Lord is the everlasting God. He enables the weak to become powerful and his understanding no one can fathom” scripture has taught us that.

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” Isaiah 40:28-29.

It is indeed remarkable the grace that God freely gives us when we simply don’t deserve it. His majestic ways are indeed fine orchestras to our mortal ears. Our holy calling is scaffolded by God through our free will. To some degree, the former is a divine mystery advanced by the faith of some. Nonetheless, who among us can even comprehend His divine ways anyways? We all have a purpose in this life… a holy calling even if we are weak, at first. God develops us… For His purpose.

“Who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began.” 2 Timothy 1:9.

There is power in weakness my friends…

Remember though: “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

Live your life seeking to obey God and grow in the faith. We all have a purpose in life no matter where we’re were born or the color that we are. with God on our side, our weaknesses turn into strengths to advance God’s kingdom when the right time comes.

Weakness is temporary under God’s wings and never forget, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9.

When focus is on us, we fail because of pride or fear

Our focus should always be in the Lord never in men. The moment that we place our life’s focus on us, problems occur. Scripture certainly supports this proposed position.

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Colossians 3-2. Remember: “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” Matthew 24:13.

Life is full of difficulties and injustices that you and me don’t deserve. The micro aggressions, the many lies and ugly games that we have to deal with… they are for real many times. Be assured, however, that God’s curse is in the house of the wicked,

“The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous. Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he gives favor. The wise will inherit honor, but fools get disgrace.”Proverbs 3: 33-35.

They choose to disobey God. The price they pay is high… we learn an important lesson about the price of disobedience early on in scripture, “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’: “Cursed is the ground for your sake; In toil you shall eat of it All the days of your life. ” Genesis 3:17.

Chose love, flee from the wicked. Can’t find a good friend, go to church. You are going to find evil everywhere. Don’t take anything personal. Choose God over man, every time. Pride and fear are results of manly self centeredness.

Be God-Centric. Difficulties exist to refine you and me — To refine us all. Focus on the Lord and your faith will set you free. “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32.

The demons of prode and fear will flee from you.

Never Take What Your Have For Granted

I am not aware of anything in life, other than God, that is eternal. A conversation with our parents, the ability to walk and exercise, hearing the sound of a baby crying or a toddler smile, or even a boring night at home are life gifts. Because the former exist in a mortal earthly domain instead of an eternal and celestial one, we must do what we can to give thanks and recognize that the Lord provides all these opportunities to us.

Back in 2020, I got into a very serious car accident that could have killed me. The accident occurred in the month of July and to this day, I am still feeling the hard impact of that violent collision. My body still aches, my neck is very tight, my right eye isn’t the same anymore but I am alive, thank goodness. I thank God for the privilege to converse with my parents, walk and exercise, hear my daughter’s voice multiple times a day, and can afford to be at home having a boring day watching Netflix movies on the weekends.

I don’t live my life in fear and know that God helps me. I know that God is with me because it is written, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. “All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all.” Isaiah 41:10-12. Faith in God assists us all with never taking what you have in life for granted.

We are all terminal. One day, we all are going to die. The little things we have in life aren’t going to be available to us forever. They are going to come to an end. Do you take anything for granted in life? Please don’t. We only live one life. Our time in here is finite even though our hope maybe infinite. Call your parents today! Spend some time with your kid instead of going hunting, go for a walk in the park or simply close your room door and watch the Rocky series today. Eat well and enjoy life, my brethren.

“I have concluded that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to enjoy themselves as long as they live, and also that everyone should eat and drink, and find enjoyment in all his toil, for these things are a gift from God.” Ecclesiastes 3:12-13.

Value whatever the Lord gives you.

Life is Too Short to Live In Regret

Do you have a dream? Don’t wait to attempt to fulfill it. Go for it! Life is too short to live in regret. Press on towards the goal. As my pastor used to say in Cleveland Tennessee, “We are all terminal.”

Combat regret ladies and gentleman. “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13.

Life is a gift. The Lord gives us free will to pursue what we want to pursue. With reason and if it advances the kingdom of God, we receive it in abundance, I’ve seen. Why be afraid?

Let’s not forget Psalm 18:2, “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” He is our shield! Our rock and fortress…

Go my people, in the grace of the Lord, and do good. Do your calling now, don’t wait. Celebrate God and live a life of no regrets. Carpe Diem! Live your lives extra-ordinary.

Rejection is Direction Sometimes

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:6.

Don’t be upset when things don’t go the way you planned. if you put your faith in the Lord, He will show you the direction you have to take sometimes through a rejection experience.

Remember: “For the Lord will not forsake his people; he will not abandon his heritage.” Psalm 94:14. A rejection isn’t abandonment. It may very well be direction to your life.

Trust God and glorify Him.

God Works In His Time For His Glory

“Our family is honored and excited to be joining Talladega College’s athletic department in addition to being a part of the operation in academic affairs,” I can’t wait to represent Talladega College in this new capacity and to build a competitive team.

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7. I must admit that in God’s time we find rest and refuge. Oh God, I knocked and you opened the door for me.

I’m back in golf in addition to being the head of an academic department. How wonderful I must say. Who can be better than you? Nobody I say!

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”

In you I trust.

Trust God in Difficult Times

Jesus once said that we are going to have trouble in this world… “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first” John 15:18. Sometimes we are going to be afraid, have headaches and in some instances this world will be painful for many of us, Christians.

Pastor Joseph once said that we are either in the middle of a trial or tribulation/test, just came out of one, or will be going into one. The definition of tribulation is “a cause or a state of great trouble or suffering.” If we critically reason the former statement and definition, life is pretty rough for us believers, don’t you think?

Let me give you a word of caution, though.

No matter which difficulties or tribulations you might be facing in your life, never give up on God, under no circumstances. Don’t let your mind trick you into believing that God isn’t good because you are faced with much tribulation. Remember: God operates in a dimension other than ours and can see the past and the future in perspective. Tribulations happen to all of us, every day in all continents, to people who speak different languages and dialects. Suffering isn’t nationality or ethnicity specific, either.

Trust God in difficult times! “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, or the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6.

Selfish Ambitions and Jealousy Backfire

“For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.” James 3:16.

Selfish ambitions are short-lived, brethren. They appear sweet at first but only bring destruction to your life. Those who choose to make their self-centered ambitions public are fools who take no pleasure in understanding like Proverbs 18:2 reminds us, “ A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.”

“But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.” James 3:-4. The advise written in the book of life is indeed clear cut. Say to to them both, right now. Why should anyone be false to the truth?

Choose God’s laws and wisdom, instead. Flee from wickedness and the fools… live your life to the Lord and His laws, only. “Be not overly wicked, neither be a fool. Why should you die before your time?” Ecclesiastes 7:17.

The love for God is always to be your fortress. Selfish ambitions and jealousy backfire and are evil. Be a man or a woman of character and integrity by not engaging in selfish ambitions and jealousy. Say no to these evil actions sponsored and promoted by the enemy, today and forever more.

The Seven Things The Lord Detest

“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.” Proverbs 6:16-19.

In life, avoid doing the former at all costs. Flee from people who are practitioners of these seven devilish behaviors and always keep your eyes on the Lord. Remember what was is written in 2 Timothy 2:15, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”

Don’t be a slave to evil. Seek truth and that “truth will set you free.” John 8:32. Be an example for others, choose to do good and don’t engage in evil schemes, no matter the bait.

The Illusion of Running Against the Wind

In the book of Ecclesiastes, particularly in chapter 2, we read about what Solomon thoughts were about the meaning of life. Riches, wisdom, the delights of the sons of men, desires, joys… It is all vanity, he once argued. The wise and the fool, both will die, he extended. Time in this life is short. Time is here, it just left and it won’t come back again.

We can’t get our times back. Once time has passed, we can’t recover it. Time never stops. Be careful to seek endless material positions at the expense of losing your most precious commodity — Time.

Researchers state that we live in the busiest generation of the last 400 years. Being busy doesn’t necessarily make people effective, as TD Jakes would say. Are you doing the things that you were created to do with your available time? Or are you seeking riches, desires, joys… with your time?

Be careful with being too busy for the sake of business or to engage in the pursuits of making money or activities that are taxed at the expense of your finite time.

In the Bible we learn, “The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” 1 John 2:17. What have you done for the Lord lately with the gifts he has given you? Spend some time reflecting on this one, folks.

God loves you. He expects you and me to use our time not with pursuing vain worldly tasks but with dedicating our time to Him so we can spend our time in eternity.

What has been Broken can be Made New Again

Solomon once wrote in proverbs 29, “Do you see someone skilled in their work? They will serve before kings; they will not serve before officials of low rank.” I am hearing you Lord, here in the midst of Bannister Park.

It has been 13 years since I graduated with my multidisciplinary doctorate degree from Penn State University. The Lord has been reshaping my professional skills in the media since then for His glory. Differently from before when I didn’t know and was unready… I now know and I’m ready.

Yes, I’ve broken promises before. Like you and many others. I made mistakes in my professional career… The great news is that I learned much from these mistakes. These experiences have shaped me into the person that I am today.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 17. God put the right people in my life in these past four years in order to be totally renewed. I thank God for it. Thanks be to God!

Solid. Patient. Loyal. God fearing…

The Lord Said No: I Accept

This past few weeks, my wife and I tried to buy a house to settle here in Oxford, Alabama. Like any other procedure where lots of money is at stake, our process of home ownership was arduous and long. After much prayer and high hopes, the Lord blocked us from buying two houses in town that we wanted.

I accept His decision. God knows best. He always does… I wonder though why this happened and what might come next.

Yes, there is a time for everything (Ecclesiastes 3). “”Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7. We have… in God’s time under His will we shall.

In my chair, I wait. There must be a very good reason for it. A Godly reason. The future? It is up to God. The present? A gift.

Seek God and be a Legend

Today is graduation day. I want to share something with you graduates… in life, most people are overextended and underutilized. Because of that, Employees end up doing the mundane and settling for the ordinary.

Dare to be different, as Quinn would say… “be fully engaged and continually renewed” this is how I live my life. Life is too short to limit yourself to normality. Remember: Innovation is exciting.

Stagnation is a block. We celebrate and premium breakthroughs. Are you ready to push for excellence? The time is now not tomorrow.

Seek God and be a legend.

Focus on God not your problems

Problems happen. They occur when you least expect. When they do come, focus on Hod not on them. When Daniel was in the lion’s den, his eyes were focused on God not lions or man. This is our call in life — To obey and focus in the Lord.

Are you experiencing problems today? You might, we all do. You aren’t alone, man. The question is… where is your focus? Where do you find comfort to deal with the life problems you face? Is it with God or something less? God isn’t a part-time father but a full-time one. Keep your eyes on Him, always.

“But my eyes are towards you, O God, my Lord; in you I seek refuge; leave me not defenseless.” Psalm 141:8.

Life isn’t about you or me. It is about God and what we can do to advance God’s kingdom. Focus is to always be on Him. We, followers of the way, don’t love life like man but through faith in Jesus Christ we then become the salt of the word for His glory.

Let be one another. Flee from anxiety. Problems come and they go. Keep your eyes in the Lord. That’s your duty and mine. Thank God we can.

All You Need is God

“Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. “ Psalm 84:10.

I refuse to compromise my integrity for the sake of winning the wicked over. My name is worth more than any 30 pieces of silver. We know, as the followers of the way, that the Lord doesn’t want us to engage in activities that advance the agenda of those who choose evil over good despite of which position the incumbent holds in society.

“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, And loving favor rather than silver and gold.” Proverbs 22:1.

Money and riches come and go. A well kept name stays with you forever, however… I stand by this statement with conviction and dignity. You should do the same, as well. Protect your reputation with all that you have.

Just because human beings can be corrupt or exploitative against others doesn’t mean that you should. Flee from the wicked! Say no to the temptation to “belong” to wicked groups for the sake of popularity and influence. Remember: God takes care of His people. Human beings doesn’t need men to in high places to help them.

All they need is God.

Injustice Is Predicted In Scripture

In the book of Ecclesiastes we learn that everything in vain under the sun other than being with God. The unjust and just are treated the same despite of how they behave or live in this world, it states. It is part of life, it is part of being alive. Justice is difficult to find in life. out in this life.

I didn’t receive the teacher of the year award here at Talladega College, despite having attended all but one student activity this academic year. My competition haven’t got even near that number but hey… life can be unfair? You know?

It’s all good. “There is a time for everything.” Ecclesiastes 3. It wasn’t my time to receive the award this year. The Lord has other places s to me. It’s all right. My enthusiasm for developing at risk college students continue. It won’t cease…

Keep the faith and remember… it is always God’s time not ours…

2.

Nobody Is Never Fully Prepared

Are you seeking for the right time to do a job or to pursue something you always wanted to do but didn’t because you thought you weren’t prepared to start? Stop with this mindset. If God wants you to do a task, he will ensure you will be prepared to do it even without having “formal” preparation for it.

In reality, nobody is ever fully prepared to do anything. I wasn’t prepared to leave my whole Brazilian life when I came to study English in the USA in the late 90’s, No way! I admit that I wasn’t prepared to start College after scoring a 565 on the TOEFL test… which parent preparation did I have when my daughter Sophia was born? Zero.

Yet, I am now an American citizen, graduated from college in my second language, my kid is 8 and I don’t think that my lack of parent preparation had any impact on me raising her. Why? Because God always provide when He wants you to advance His glory in your life, sometimes against all the odds. If God wants you to do (or have something) you will have it, regardless of whether you are prepared for it or not.

When God really wants you to do something, nobody can ever stop it. That’s the lesson, ladies and gents. The case of Daniel, Jonas, Gideon, and many other bible characters are excellent biblical evidence of this. Jonas ended in the belly of a whale for resisting to do the Lord’s will… Gideon doubted himself, who is ever prepared to be the President of anything for the first time? God will enable the brethren at the right time to do His will. Remember that.

Jeremiah 29:10, “As soon as Babylon’s seventy years are up and not a day before, I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. 12 “When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I’ll listen. 13-14, “Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.”

Keep firm in the faith. What God gives you nobody can take it away. “That which God has given, let not man take away.” 1 Timothy 4:3. Preparation isn’t a pre-requisite for God’s will — faith is.

The Lord Loves You More Than You Think — Say No To Anxiety

“Therefore I say unto you, Be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than the food, and the body than the raiment? Behold the birds of the heaven, that they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; and your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are not ye of much more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit unto the measure of his life? And why are ye anxious concerning raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God doth so clothe the grass of the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clotheyou, O ye of little faith? Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” Matthew 6:24-35

We were made to exude the mighty of the Lord and celebrate His glory for us all. We were not made to be anxious or to think that the Lord is there to let us fall. God wouldn’t do the former. What often happens is that men chooses, through free will to do wrong consequently leading to potentially engage in harmful relationships. God is a pilot and a father not a cheap mere thief.

The Lord loves you more than you think. And yes, He wants you and me to engage in the great commission, share the gospel, care for the poor, inspire the unbeliever, fight for justice in this unjust world, and always be alert about the maneuvers of the enemy. With you God, even the impossible becomes possible. Your good surrounds me with much hope in prayer.

The flesh might be weak but a strong spirit compensates for and fixes the deficit. Oh God, you know us more than anyone. You are the one who can cure the mind by displaying your so caring love. We all make mistakes… but the holy spirit of God being us back on track. Faith brethren…. faith. Much faith.

In patience, we should wait. Remember the old American military proverb, “Victory belongs to those who believe the most and the longest. Let God do His thing. Get out of the way…

I

Don’t Be The Product: Follow The Lord

Without a doubt, social media platforms have push the brethren away from the Lord. The amount of hours that the general public spends in social media is alarming. Be aware: you are the product of this transaction. The whole point is for you to be connected so that much advertising is directed at you.

Idolatry! I am from the position that selfies, when taken constantly, for the purpose of simply sharing and feeling, “Look how great I look” is a modern form of narcissism or the love of the self. To complicate this dynamic, smartphones themselves when used for social purposes are also elements of idolatry.

Question? How many hours a day do you use your smartphone? How many hours a day do you read the Bible? Another: Of the many hours that you spend with your smartphone each day, how many of those hours are dedicated to God?

I bet that the answer to the former is very few if any hours. You are being used! Do you hear me? A prominent computer scientists once said that the act of shifting your behavior in order to persuade your attention is technically the product … ladies and gents, this is a sinister world that is data driven, I must add.

Remember Matthew 10:16, “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” There are tons of modern day thiefs looking to steal your attention away from the Lord’s work. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10.

Wake up. Say yes to advancing the word of God. Say no to being dominated by a crowd that is only interested in getting advertising dollars from you without giving you any compensation.

Be well. That the Lord be with you, always.

The Day And The Hour Nobody Knows

I must admit that my life has been a testimony of the unknown. By faith I live and by hope God sustains me and my family. As I write this blog post, I reflect… what is next?

I have my own desires and wishes, my own free will. But my belief is that only God is the one who knows our unpredicted life events and expectations. I am glad to be working in Alabama in a rural HBCU. It is much better than working in a Christian Cleveland, TN that’s for sure.

Is the Lord orchestrating His majesty by enabling some of us to spread His glory wherever we go? I think so. My professional life moves may have been orchestrated by the Lord, at least this is how I feel. Everyplace I go appears to be the last but they often become just the beginning.

I have been accepted and rejected in academic job searches that I was invited to apply… About 50% of the job offers I received in my career weren’t the primarily jobs I wanted but some universities made me offers while the ones I wanted to work at didn’t.

The day and the hour of being settled, like the day that the Lord will return…. Nobody knows but God. Today, I had Mark Cuban coming as a guest in my MMS 495 class. Never would I have thought that Mark would accept to speak to my students. Amazing! Like the second coming of Christ, only the Lord knows about what is to come!

“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Matthew 24:36.

Everything in God’s time not ours, I say. That’s the lesson I learned in this life. The unknown is life, God is the pilot and we are the passagers. Thank you God for being a shoulder to the many unexpected events that has been happening to us in this life.

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16. Living in the spirit is the only way to live, I say. The day and the hour nobody knows. only God does!

Oh God, what is next?

Trust Him Because He Understands

God understands your inner being. Trusting Him is what we are supposed to do. easier said than done. I get it.

In Isaiah 40:28 we learn, “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.”

God understands your struggle. He knows what your needs are and the difficulties that you might be experiencing. Trust Him! Flee from self-made decision making. Live by faith because He is wise.

My desires would have taken my family to Wisconsin at one time, a complete misfit in lifestyle for our family. Going to Tennessee wasn’t what God wanted for me and I knew it. I admit… my lack of trust has caused much of my pitfalls in life but I know.

“Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.” Psalm 37:4-5.

Remember: God is good, all the time.

A Bible Rationale Presented by Jose

The following words were written by my bro Jose Valentino while we were talking about the Lord last Year. I know you are going to like them as much as me.

“I’m not saying these the official official answers but there are specific Bible scriptures that support this notion.” JV.

What a fascinating argument… Luis Almeida.

  1. The judge of Israel, Samson. The spirit of the Lord came upon him and he massacred the Phillip time army with a donkey jaw bone (3,000 people) single handedly. It was a slaughter of judgement.
  2. Solomon. God granted him unsurpassed wisdom, which also led to his arrogance and disobedience to God, to where he lost everything and wrote Ecclesiastes and repented.
  3. Now THIS one most people never get right. Most pastors never teach this part. I find this one absolutely fascinating because this person is portrayed as a vacillating and wandering generalist. A prince of Egypt who left everything he had in Rome during the desert for 40 years and then lived as a poor Israelites requesting pharaoh to let his people go. He is strong willed and he has a temper. He wasn’t even the best speaker and some say he had a stutter. It’s (drum roll)… Moses. Numbers 12:3 “Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than any other man in history.”
  4. Peter. Peter was the only one to jump out of the boat when he saw Jesus walking on water and everyone was terrified because they thought it was a ghost because Jesus transfigured himself to not look like his normal self but Peter and his understanding of Scripture understood that if anyone were able to walk on water, even if it were unrecognizable, it must’ve been the Lord. He was so firm in his faith that he jumped out of the boat to walk on water without Jesus even telling him to do so. He had the courage to stand up for the Holy Spirit in a community where they were mocking and questioning them for speaking in tongues where he could have been arrested and killed immediately. His courage always got the best out of him. Jesus would tell him to calm down and had to pick up after some of Peter‘s mistakes because Peter grab the sword and cut the ear off of one of the soldiers. And yet, Peter did not have the courage to acknowledge Jesus and denied him three times before the rooster crowed. It’s fascinating because all of these amazing figures in the Bible had tremendous qualities but the common theme is this… We are all subject to our own demise if we do not put the Lord first in everything.
  5. Daniel. He was one of the very very few Israelites who while captive, had direct access to king Nebuchadnezzar. He knew how to navigate his position in the court. He was a bureaucrat Of Babylon. And he knew how to navigate conversations with the politicians to allow freedom of worship and the true God. Because he was so savvy, he was able to recruit three young Israelites who is intellect was equivalent to PhD’s of the time… Shadrach Meshack and Abednego. Basically the four of them were able to steer the wheel of the Provost a.k.a. king Nebuchadnezzar.
  6. Jacob (also called Israel). This guy wrestled with the angel of the Lord, lost of course, the Angel touched his hip and he walked with a limp for the rest of his life and his name was changed to Israel. He was truly arrogant and greedy even from his birth. Read the story about him and Esaw, his twin. Anyways, eventually he humbled himself and the Lord granted him what is equivalent to being the president of 12 countries. The 12 tribes of Israel. Up until now, there’s not a person who has been a president of 12 different countries whose descendants are still existing today.
  7. Joseph, step-father of Jesus. Husband to Mary, mother of Jesus. Talk about courage. He married a woman and Jewish law requires them to not consummate the marriage until a year after. So Merrie goes and visits her cousin and comes back pregnant which in Jewish law is punishable by death by stunning. And Angel talks to him and he decides to protect her in front of the entire community. Then he’s required to leave his entire comfortable life and go through the desert with a donkey and a pregnant woman in that heat completely trusting in the Lord. When he gets to Bethlehem, nobody wants to take them in and provide them a home and he delivers baby Jesus in a stinky barn. Now the entire Roman empire hears about this baby who is prophesied to be the Messiah and the entire Roman army soldiers are ordered to kill every living baby and child that is two years old or younger. Joseph can’t even take a moment of rest and is required to escape and I live in Egypt that speaks an entirely different language and has a separate belief system and he has to be there for a number of years in adapt, with no guide, no connections, just got the father. Then for 30 years he raises up the creator of the universe and Hass to be the preeminent example of what it is to be a good man to Jesus. He could’ve been a complete coward and walked away but this dude does not get enough credit. To me, he is the most courageous man that ever existed.
  8. Paul. He studied with the greatest Greek philosophers and scholars of his time. Theologians and historians suggest that the amount of study and scholarship he had and his contributions to analyzing old testament scripture and the recent phenomenon of Jesus the Messiah and writing 2/3 of the entire New Testament equates to 13 PhD‘s. Fascinating Lee enough, that’s one of the reasons why Paul was able to travel and speak with the greatest minds of his era. One of the coolest stories was when he went to the courts of Athens, commended them for the pursuit of wisdom and understanding, and began to talk to them about the statue that is dedicated to the unknown God and revealed to them that the unknown God had arrived and is the only God… Jesus. His teachings in Athens are the reason why the Greek orthodox church exists today.
  9. Paul. He studied with the greatest Greek philosophers and scholars of his time. Theologians and historians suggest that the amount of study and scholarship he had and his contributions to analyzing old testament scripture and the recent phenomenon of Jesus the Messiah and writing 2/3 of the entire New Testament equates to 13 PhD‘s. Fascinating Lee enough, that’s one of the reasons why Paul was able to travel and speak with the greatest minds of his era. One of the coolest stories was when he went to the courts of Athens, commended them for the pursuit of wisdom and understanding, and began to talk to them about the statue that is dedicated to the unknown God and revealed to them that the unknown God had arrived and is the only God… Jesus. His teachings in Athens are the reason why the Greek orthodox church exists today.
  10. David. Talk about strategy bro. A poor shepherd boy who had a gift for music playing the harp and writing songs. He wasn’t famous. He was a complete nobody. His gift for Music landed him a gig in King sells court. While playing the harp he was very observatory and develop strategic relationships. Essentially, he went from playing the harp to killing Goliath, to joining the army of Israel, to becoming the general and chief strategist of the Israel Army and conquered so many battles to the point that people would sing songs about David begging for him to become king and king Saul got jealous. Then, king Saul ordered the entire army of Israel to find and kill David. David was so strategic That the entire army of Israel could never find him and he’s single he manage to capture king Saul and could’ve killed them but spared his life. King David also use his strategy power for Ivo which is why he killed the husband of a wife that he lost it after. God gave him what he deserved. And yet, he always asked forgiveness and was a man after gods heart

Hope you enjoyed this one.

Say No To Pride

We live in a generation that chooses to ignore the wrath of God. Self-centered tendencies, the glorification of the self while disdaining the only creator for His awesome ways is unchristian and dangerous.

“The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.” Proverbs 14:27.

Who are we without Him? Stop being prideful, self-centered, and putting God second to worldly wishes. Let’s. My forget what is written I. Deuteronomy 9:8, “At Horeb you aroused the Lord’s wrath so that he was angry enough to destroy you.”

We learn from the letter to the Romans 1:18 that, “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness people who suppress the truth by their wickedness.”

Be humble. Love God. Respect His ways. Do what you can to advance His gospel. Care for those in need and love the poor. In the end of the day, God is our everything.

He Is Your Best Shield

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.” Psalm 28:3.

God is the shield of the brethren. The only Lord worth being glorified. Have problems? Call on the Lord and in His time, you will find refuge. The spirit worships after the soul chooses. The body displays the soul’s emotions. Everything is his!

Without God’s wish, who are we? Nobody, I say. “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliver; my God is my rock, in whom Intake refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.” Psalm 18:2-3.

Believe! Without seeing! God is your shield, my shield, our shield. With Him, amazing things can happen. He is the maker, the creator, our only means of salvation.

Now and forever.

Believing Without Seeing — A Quest in Human Trust

“Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1.

Faith — Believing without seeing. At the core of faith is hope and trust, two important qualities that we humans wish we had more. It is easier, it seems, to hope for a better season under the sun than to trust in a higher entity to save us for most of human beings.

Believing in the one true God means that we are to believe in an invisible superior being that it all powerful and mighty without having the physical world evidence that He exists. I admit… In its essence, faith in the invisible is a difficult concept for humans to grasp and to believe in. I thank God for His grace and for making it evident that he indeed exists.

My advise for you is to believe in God — With all of your heart and all your soul. It is great to believe in God, in faith, who answers your prayers in humility. The impossible becomes reachable even the down becomes up. What is so extraordinarily improbable can indeed be a likely choice.

The Lord is my Sheppard.” Psalm 23. “Don’t be afraid; just keep trusting.’” — Mark 5:36. Today and forever more.

The Lord Is With You

Times come and go, life may have its ups and downs, one day we feel one way, the other? We may feel a completely different way. Life is more grey than non-grey but no matter if you are black or white, blue or green, yellow or purple… God is with you all the days of your lives. Don’t be afraid of man, or any creatures running over and under the sea. Can on Him for protection! Fear? Only God

“Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Psalm 145: 18-19 The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.” Joshua 1:9.

Our God is paying attention and when you least expect, His protection arrives like a thunder in a troubled sky. Other times, God displays His grace in totally unpredictable moments through unplanned and expected random events. What is impossible for man, God makes the way for amazing possibilities.

Faith — or believing without seeing is the fuel that drives our souls towards a brighter future of much enjoyment, family time and new horizons. In His time and always in His time we wait.

Thank God that we are the sons and daughters of the living God. “To God be the glory… great thing He has done! and will continue doing. God is not a liar and is with you in your good and bad days.

All you have to do is to believe.

Choose To Do Good

The time is always right to do good. It is good for men and women to not neglect doing good and sharing, to stimulate one another with love, it is indeed profitable for us all. Holy scripture is full of verses encouraging us to do good and live a life of service for others

In fact, the call for doing good is found in a number of Bible books throughout scripture. Clearly, God’s message is for us all to engage in what is good… glory be to God.

“Trust in the Lord and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness.” Psalm 37:3.

“Depart from evil and do good, so you will abide forever.” Psalm 37:27.

“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men.” Luke 6:35.

“So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.” Galatians 6:10.

“See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.” 1 Thessalonians 5:15.

“Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,” 1 Timothy 6:18.

“Our people must also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.” Titus 3:14.

“And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds.” Hebrews 10:24.

“He must turn away from evil and do good;
He must seek peace and pursue it.” 1 Peter 3:1.

“But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” Luke 6:27.

Do good! Now and forever. Remember: The time is always right to do good. You were made in the image of the living God. Let’s live a life of service to others. It’s what we are called to do.

When Are You Rescuing Me God?

“But you, LORD, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me.” Psalm 20:19. In faith I wait and in your time your will be done. You created the heaven and the earth, the right and the left, the up and down, east and west.

Rescue us from all the inequities of the world, be near me and the brethren. Never far! I need your blessings and a heavenly intervention to live a life free of archenemies. You have equipped me well and through your instruction I am now safer but not safe.

“David himself said in the Holy Spirit, the Lord said to my Lord, sit at my right hand, until I put your enemies beneath your feet.” Mark: 12:3 “May the evil plans of my enemies be turned against them. Do as you promised and put an end to them.” Psalm 54:5.

With God near me, what should I fear? In faith I still wait and in His wisdom my path is made straight. With lies news are sometimes public sky shared but headlines are better made with the truth. I believe in all over nothing, in God ahead of men or women.

You are my strength my God in which I trust. Is justice coming soon? You are the best general and your maneuvers are divine, I attest.

Glory be to you, always.

To God Be The Glory

To God be the glory… Great things He had done! The miracles and more miracles that He performs everyday in the lives of many. Against all the odds, human logic, reason… God can and will do the impossible because He was and is.

Never doubt God. He will surprise you when you least expect. What God does nobody can claim. Everything is His. The waters of the sea, the air that we breathe… the wind, the mountains, the four seasons, the seven wonders of the world…

Who are we without Him?

Allow God to transform your heart. Walk in humility and recognize that God is the one who grants you, by grace, the talents and successes that you experience in this life. God knows best.

Apart from God, we are mere clay.

Allow God To Do The Extraordinary

You were born to be extraordinary in every way. As creation, you inherited the creative traits of the maker to shine in your pursuits of wonder for God’s glory. Don’t be discouraged by how much or less money you were born with.

Remember: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13. “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” 1 Peter 5:10.

Yes, you can. The impossibilities of life are possible with the blessings of the one true God. when all of our reasons become His reasons, even the unreasonable becomes reasonable reasonably. How great is our God, I shout out loud.

The Eagerness to force a future outcome godless in application and human in method has its destiny in the ordinary actions and wishes of man. The extraordinary ain’t ordinal but Godly, not by a man’s own pursuits but by the Lord’s annoitedaness and grace.

We may be extraordinary because the Lord is, was and always will be. Be faithful and hopeful… God loves you.

Trust And Obey In The Lord

Trust and obey the only true God. We are called to obey His will and plan for our lives. It is a duty that we all must take very seriously everyday until our last days.

Trust and obedience is so central to the gospel of God that it has been written in many parts of the holy Bible as a reminder to us about being truthful and obedient to God’s commands to us.

Let me share with you a variety of biblical scriptures that address the need for humans to trust and obey God’s call in the paragraphs below.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.”
-Proverbs 3:5-6

“Delight yourself in the LORD,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him, and he will act.”
-Psalm 37:4-5

You keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on you,
because he trusts in you.
Trust in the LORD forever,
for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.”
-Isaiah 26:3-4

“And those who know your name put
their trust in you,
for you, O LORD, have not forsaken
those who seek you.”
-Psalm 9:10

“The fear of man lays a snare,
but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe.”
-Proverbs 29:25

“Behold, God is my salvation;
I will trust, and will not be afraid;
for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation.”
-Isaiah 12:2

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose trust is the LORD.
He is like a tree planted by water,
that sends out its roots by the stream,
and does not fear when heat comes,
for its leaves remain green,
and is not anxious in the year of drought,
for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
-Jeremiah 17:7-8

Being with God is a gift. Trust and obey Him. It is your duty; it is my duty, it is our duty. With Him, everything is possible in our lives and beyond. That God be glorified.

Take The Initiative And Start

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11.

God said, I believe…. it settles it. Why are you so afraid to do what the Lord wants you to do? God has called us to do amazing things for His glory! What are you waiting? Use the gifts that God has given you to create wonderful works of Art and tie your labor to the advancement of the gospel.

Are you a historian? Write about how your expertise ties up to God’s grace. Are you a mathematician? Why not writing about the impossibilities of observation and experimentation of the Oort Hypothesis at 100,000 astronomical units (AU) when the distance between the earth and Pluto is only 32 AU and we barely see it. Are you a singer? Sign and celebrate the Lord with music not you or me or your church members.

Just start! Take the initiative. Why wait? Stop the excuses. We are creation! We were born to create. What have you created lately? Is there anything else you want to create? Just do it. Don’t wait.

Life is short. Don’t wait! As we learn in Ecclesiastes 3, “There is a time for everything under the sun.” The time, my friends, is now. take action.

A Quiet Time With The Lord

Having a daily chat with God is great for your soul. A sense of peace, hope and tranquility is felt when we decide to go in prayer to the Lord. Spending some time alone with the Lord each week is good for us all.

The Lord wired us to have a relationship with Him through faith. We were truly made to glorify God and live our lives according to His will not ours. I am overwhelmed with God’s grace, I must admit.

When you have a bad stressful day at work, a difficult night at home with your family in New York or a rough conversation with a friend who just betrayed you, just remember that the Lord is there for you. Spend some quiet time with Him in order to find your peace in difficult times.

Remember: We all get hurt. We all get disappointed. We all pass through rough times in our lives, multiple times. The great news is that the Lord is always there for us when we need Him or not.

In revelation 22:13 we learn, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” With God, we can do literally anything because everything is His. Believe! Believe! Believe! He is there for you.

The Holy Spirit Speaks With Us

The Holy Spirit speaks with us all we have to do is to listen to Him and do God’s will. God works in mysterious ways to advance His mission on earth as in heaven. Oh God, how good you are I say! Let me keeping glorifying you all the way if I may.

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” John 14:16.

I’m ready to learn more and totally surrender to your will. I pray that you God deliver me from every evil and that Your will be done. Use my soul to help others to come to Christ and realize that the mystery of the gospel is at reach in all four corners of the earth.

I’m free. It has been written in scripture, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” 2 Corinthians 3:17. Please bless snd protect me. Allow me to be your educational ambassador for life. I’m ready and fully committed to the challenge.

I know you are among us. I am filled with much hope having a sentiment of joy. Holy Spirit, you have been speaking with me. I am peaceful, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Romans 15:13.

Thy will be done. I am here ready to do your work. Please be with me, always. You are all of our reasons. You are all of my reasons. Amen.

We Are Called To Have Humility In order To Receive The Prize

In Matthew 18 1-5, we learn that he spirit of a little children is how we must be in our core in order to see God — “At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children,you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.”

One of the most important lessons that a person can learn is to understand the importance of practicing humility. God has given us a clear directive to be like little children — to be humble. Easier said than done to make folks out there. It means more God, less self — More others less me. It means what it is: humility.

Let me repeat what is written in scripture in here for a second for our benefit, “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:3.

If we aspire to be in heaven, we must follow God’s command. The message is very clear — We must be humble like children among other requirements. It’s a tough but nonetheless a requirement component that we all must met for salvation.

My advise: Read this article again and engage in self reflection. Let God’s words sink in and ask yourselves… Am I like little children in spirit or is pride dominating my life? Be aware of your own behaviors. It’s necessary.

Even God Rested On The Sabbath

“Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it He rested from all the work of creating that He had done” Genesis 2:3. Even God, with all his might and glory… rested. As His creation, we must obey His commandments and on the sabbath — rest.

The benefits to resting are many. First of all, resting served as a natural energizer that can and probably will recharge your body in ways that are difficult to describe. The act of peaceful sleeping on the sabbath is our duty because He did it first.

I see much anxiety here. I see much anxiety there… I see much anxiety everywhere. Are you resting on the sabbath? Like watching a movie the whole day and enjoying the godly act of disconnecting? I strongly suggest that you consider taking a break on Saturday’s until sundown.

You won’t be disappointed. We all need to take resting seriously and make sure that next time you feel stressed or anxious about a facet of our lives — that you trust God and rest.

Life will be much better for you, I bet.

Don’t Take Insults Personally

The Lord has taught us two important lessons through scripture. First, we are too be obedient to our masters on earth (Colossians 3:22) and give to Cesar what is Cesar and God what is God’s (Mark 12:17).

Don’t be angry, revengeful, mean or ill spirited against anyone regardless of what they may have done to you. Typically, when a person acts inappropriately towards you, it’s almost always because they have experienced something inappropriate before in their own lives. Swiss Psychologist Carl Jung has written extensively on this topic.

The bully who decides to make others feel small are often the ones who were once bullied before. The mean, ill spirited aggressor seeking revengeful is likely to have born in a family where one of his/her parent treated his/her aggressively with an ill spirit revengeful attitude.

Remember: Kids learn by role modeling. Albert Bandura taught us about the role that modeling has in the development of the child in his remarkable and well know social learning theory. Author Robert Greene reminds us about the connection between early childhood experiences and adult life behaviors in his renowned book, “The Laws Of Human Nature.”

My advice for you. Don’t take insults personally. Do the Lord’s Will by loving your neighbor as yourself despise of how they may behave against you. God does justice in His time. Be solid in the faith and choose to do good even when an adversary might be trying to insult you.

Pray. Peay. Pray. Be faithful and allow God to do His will.

Impossibilities With God Are Possibilities

The Lord has a great sense of humor. When we think that the impossibilities of life are unreachable, He throws us a curve ball and make it work when we least expect. “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” Luke 18:28.

With God, what is so far away God draws it near. Even with a low stature, the high is at reach with the Lord. The left is so close to right when The creator is in control. Have faith and in humility be patient to what the He has in store for you.

Always putting God first, you must. He’s the only God fair and just worth of much trust. Who are we without Him? We are nothing more that a pile of dust! In our loving hearts we shall be clean… dirty thoughts and self-centered actions say no today, do you know what I mean?

“You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Mathew 8:26. In the image of the living God you were made! Celebrate God today like having no tomorrow. If you doubt the light abs fear much love, all you are going to get is a life of sorrow.

Impossibilities with God are possibilities. True possibilities. That the only true God blesses you today.

COVID19 Is Beneath God

It has been written, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, or the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6. Deadly viruses might scare some of us but in the Lord we trust.

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” John 4:18. My God, how great your word is. How it sounds are resonates are fine music in high scales to my ears followed by arpeggios of grace.

Who is better than you? Nobody is, I say. I’m not afraid! “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:12. In faith we believe in action we obey.

“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31. Indeed and indeed. “Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD!” Psalm 31:24.

Amen.

He Is Faithful And Righteous

“Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” Psalm 55:22. I did and He has being take care of our family since. God is faithful and righteous. He will sustain you. Keep the faith and believe!

Trust the invisible God and with much transparency the Lord will make you see. Trust Him and he will act, “Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him, and he will act.”

Living life worrying about what is to come isn’t the best way of living. In fact, it can be pretty tiring and to some degree depressing. The alternative, the biblical alternative, seems to be the best choice to release anxiety, don’t you think? It’s obvious if we think about it.

“The fear of man lays a snare,
but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe.”
-Proverbs 29:2

He doesn’t allow the brethren to shake. The former doesn’t mean that God’s children can’t struggle or won’t ever struggle under His care. Who can be better that God? Nobody can, I say.

I trust Him in what is to come. To God be the glory.

Let’s Be Thankful In Life

Be thankful for everything that the Lord gives you. Love God with all your heart and soul and let the word of God be stamped inside of your heart because gratitude for the chance to live is a God’s gift. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:15-17.

Opportunities come our way because God wants them to come. It’s God’s grace when in trueness, we just don’t deserve it. Let’s be real and fair if we may. Can humans really follow the 10 commandments of God? I say no, especially after Jesus explained that simply thinking about an act of sin (like committing adultery by the act of looking at others with a lustful heart) is indeed sinful and forbidden

Instead of complaining about life and blaming others for your misfortunes and deciding to engage in egoistic pursuits for the sake of individualism, how about recognizing that the Lord is in control and that what is given to us is literally a purposeful gift given by the creator through grace. Since we live in a fallen world full of people who choose to deviate from God’s ways, we (the people of God) are to be the light of the world or that city on the hill that cannot be hid as we read in Matthew 5:14-16 and celebrate God by being thankful.

God doesn’t owe us anything. On the other hand, we owe God a debt that can’t be payed back. Have you thought about the amount of sins that you have committed in your whole life? How about the sinful actions that resulted from your sins? Clearly, God doesn’t owes us anything! Think about it.

Be thankful. Give glory to God. Love God with all your heart and soul . Whatever comes our way, it comes from God. We sinned but God decided to forgive our sinful actions. That’s the ultimate display of love, don’t you think? Be grateful for everything that goes your way. I’m grateful and always will be grateful about what Jesus gives us.

Only God can save. Remember that. 🙂

Push Idolatry Away From You

There are over 100 bible verses relating to idolatry in the holy bible. We see examples of the former in the book of Exodus, Colossians, Leviticus, Psalm, Galatians, and many more. In fact, we read in 1 John 5:21, “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” In Judges 10:14 we read, “Go and cry out to the gods whom you have chosen; let them save you in the time of your distress.”

As I always say, “Family must come ahead of fame.” We live in a fallen word that is driven by individual achievements that are so mundane in nature and essence. Do people really glorify God when they win something big or do they celebrate themselves like celebrating a golden calf using the pretense of God to justify behavior and self proclaimed belief?

I see so much idolatry, so often… sincerely. In Jeremiah 10:3-16 we learn that, “For the customs of the peoples are vanity.” It is in vain to blindly celebrate wordily things for the sake of aggrandizement. Let’s not forget we it is written in Exodus 20:3, ““You shall have no other gods before me.“

Push idolatry away from you. Focus your attention in the living God. Do what is required to live your life for God not yourselves. We are to glorify God not ourselves. Any form of Idolatry is destructive. Keeping our eyes in the Lord is constructive. Do good and love Jesus. Flee from worshipping mundane objects and artifacts that only elevate you at the cost of celebrating the nature of the Lord.

Do what is good according to God’s law. Always.

There Is Nothing Wrong With Intellectualism

In Ecclesiastes 12:12 we learn, “Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them. Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body.” This verse has been misused here in Alabama to defend the idea that intellectualism is bad for the soul.

It seems that proponents of the idea that scholarship is bad for people and unnecessary for Christian life has a very difficult time reading and accepting what is written in Hosea 4:6, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. And since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.”

There is absolutely no reason to believe that book writers are anti-God or that people who are formally educated are less than those who simply read the word of God. In addition to the former, “much study wearers the body” is too vague of a verse for a dispensationalist Christian to use as a biblical weapon to diminish the value of education among the beliefs of highly educated believers of the way.

You can certainly be an intellectual and a follower of Jesus Christ. You can write a book too, think critically… go to school and be a Christian. let’s not forget that knowledge isn’t blasphemy but a gift given by God as we learn from 1 Corinthians 12:8.

The Holy Spirit equips us with what we need to know and nowhere in scripture we read that God can’t equip the brethren with academic knowledge. Intellectualism is excellent for the soul.

Those who choose to write books on end, ignore or mock God don’t represent the many of us who love God and use the gift that the Lord has given us to defend the faith. Don’t be small minded or support an ideology of ignorance for the sake of religion without critically thinking about what the Lord can do in our lives.

Celebrate the creator by being reasonable and always remember, the Lord loves you.

Forget… Forgive: Your Enemies Need Much Love

It lamentations 3:22-23 we learn that, “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Our God never ceases to have mercy on us. As creatures of the creatures, we are to emulate God in how we live. Much forgetting and forgiveness we shall give during our earthly journey because God told us to do so.

Human beings can be difficult and egocentric, arrogant, ungrateful, quarrelsome, selfish and unkind. We are to love them anyway! Remember Jesus’s second more important command after loving God with all of your soul? Love your neighbor as yourself… our neighbors come in different sizes and flavors, waiting to be loved.

When was the last time that you forgave and forgot the evil deeds that your enemy did to you? Have you ever did that? I’m not saying that this process is easy but it is certainly necessary. God said, it’s written, that settles it, as a former pastor once told me.

Brothers and sisters, we are to obey the one true God and listen to His commands. Doing God’s will is what we are to do in this life. Happy loving everyone.

We All Fall Short But Must Repent And Believe

Let’s not forget what has been written: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” We aren’t an exception, my brothers and sisters. We need the holy lamb, for our own sake, in order to be saved from this world.

Let’s not forget that a true Christian will not continue to live in a sinful, unrepentant lifestyle (1 John 3:6) dishonoring God. Without de repentance of misbehavior, the brethren will fall short of the kingdom of God.

In Ephesians 2:8-9, we learn that salvation is given by God’s grace not by human merit. Acknowledgement of sins and repentance are two important biblical metrics the brethren must pay attention to in order for Christians to one day see God.

The free gift of salvation is not an excuse for men to commit sinfull actions but is a license to serve his neighbors humbly and in love (Galatians 5:13). Salvation is a permission, not to celebrate the human self , but to satisfy the desires of the Spirit (Galatians 5:16).

A life of a pride and arrogance can have a detrimental impact to your salvation. Say no to the former! Sure, we all fall short of the glory of God but we have the call to do what is right. We must ensure that our lives are dedicated to Jesus and to the pursuits of the spirit not our earthly desires which at mundane. finite and unholy.

In God’s grace holds our promise for eternal life. In our own earthly accounts lie our responsibility to do our best, repent and obey the directives given from the lamb of God in scripture.

By doing the former, we shall live with the Lord forever. Amen.

God Provided Yesterday: He Will Provide Tomorrow

Don’t be anxious. Let the Lord work in your life, instead. It’s the only way to live, we learn this mindset from scripture. Do you know that our God loves us more than the lilies of the field and the birds of the sky? It is written, it’s biblical.

“25 Therefore I say unto you, Be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than the food, and the body than the raiment? 26 Behold the birds of the heaven, that they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; and your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are not ye of much more value than they? 27 And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit unto [a]the measure of his life? 28 And why are ye anxious concerning raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: 29 yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 But if God doth so clothe the grass of the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clotheyou, O ye of little faith? 31 Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. 34 Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”

Brothers and sisters in Christ — Who are we to question God’s plans for our lives? The Lord will do His will in his own time. Don’t let worldly motions impact what Hod wants you to do to advance building the kingdom.

Even during COVID19 times, despite the many challenges we currently face, the creator will show ways to reveal His glory, in His own time and include you and me in the process. Don’t be anxious about tomorrow but in faith, wait for God’s plan today.

Being with God is a gift. He will provide. Don’t be anxious, worried about the future or thinking that the Lord has forgiven you because He doesn’t forgive but transforms.

“Don’t be afraid. Just believe.” Mark 5:36. “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7. Keep the faith!!! Trust God and let Him guide you to do His will not yours. God takes care of those He love. Trust.

God Uses Tough Times To Get Our Attention

When everything is going well, e.g., the bills are paid, the kids are well behaved, and business is flourishing, most people tend to step back and put God on the passenger seat. That is where danger lies, ladies and gents.  This false belief of self-sufficiency and the “I don’t need God” to do well in life is evil from God’s perspective. The former scenario happened at the times of the people of Israel of antiquity (and modernity), our lives and the lives of many as we learn in the book of Judges.

“The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord, and for seven years he gave them into the hands of the Midianites. 2 Because the power of Midian was so oppressive, the Israelites prepared shelters for themselves in mountain clefts, caves and strongholds. 3 Whenever the Israelites planted their crops, the Midianites, Amalekites and other eastern peoples invaded the country. 4 They camped on the land and ruined the crops all the way to Gaza and did not spare a living thing for Israel, neither sheep nor cattle nor donkeys. 5 They came up with their livestock and their tents like swarms of locusts. It was impossible to count them or their camels; they invaded the land to ravage it. 6 Midian so impoverished the Israelites that they cried out to the Lord for help.” Judges 6-1:6.

God is a jealous God who will act in order to show His glory. He punished evil in the past and will punish evil in the present and future. Fortunate are those who pay attention and hear to God’s commands and make HIM their focus not themselves. The former isn’t easy for many to follow or accept but that doesn’t make it wrong.

Listen carefully to this: God Uses Tough Times To Get Our Attention. Sometimes, these tough times are a phase in your lives (a desert as the bible describes), that we have to pass through to find the oasis. Other times, is an unexpected death of a close friend or a motor vehicle accident that happened last summer. Other times, it is simply arrogance on our part for believing that God isn’t part of the equation of our latest success.

Remember this: Every trial that we face in life is supposed to bring us closer to God. Whether this trial is externally introduced (death of a friends) or internally motivated like believing that we are truly self-sufficient. Remember what we learn in Judges 6:70-12, “God sees more than we do.” It is impossible to hide from God and remember that your (our) success is determined by God not us.

The Lord Has Instructed Us To Help Others

God has given us talents to help others and glorify Him. Some of these talents are related to teaching, others are in counseling, prophesy, discernment… “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” James 1:17.

The Lord has given me much exhortation and teaching which I appreciate it very much. I have been reflection about this today since I’ve spend almost 10 hours this week coaching a buddy of mine trying to solve a very difficult career dilemma.

I did it with pleasure so that God be glorified. For free… no strings attached. What God gives us, we are to use it to advance His kingdom to the best of our abilities. Helping others is part of scat we have to do. We spoke about God afterwards.

What we do in this life, we don’t do it for man. We do it for God. We must keep all of this in mind simply because God said so, don’t you think? Life without God is in vain, I say.

Which godly gifts did the Lord give you? Are you using them to help build His kingdom? This is our call, this is our duty… we are to engage jn the great commission and always keep our eyes in the Lord. Be a hand to someone and keep the faith.

God loves us.

God Is A Dad Not A Stepdad

God is our father not a step-father. When he blesses us, he blesses us all the way not half-way or any other way. He is a God of hope, a God of peace, a God of light and a God who increase.

Today I discouraged a student from wanting to be a medium and play with spirits because we have a father in heaven who instructed us to be away from such pursuits. The Bible is clear about doing divination, spiritism and witchcraft.

“And he burned his son as an offering and used fortune-telling and omens and dealt with mediums and with necromancers. He did much evil in the sight of the Lord, provoking him to anger.” 2 Kings 21:6.

Stay away from fortune-telling, mediums, or anything that deals with the spiritual realm it ain’t good for you or me or anyone else. We are to follow the Lord’s commands not the cheap baits of the adversary.

“When you come into the land that the Lordyour God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominable practices of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord. And because of these abominations the Lord your God is driving them out before you. You shall be blameless before the Lord your God.” Deuteronomy 18:9-14.

Aren’t these instructions direct, to the point and easy to process? God teaches us the way so we can follow. It’s clear and in plain English. All we need to do is to follow! Glory be to God, always.

The Lord Rescues Us From Bad Situations Sometimes

The Lord has never failed me and my family. Even during difficult times, like the ones we are currently experiencing with COVID19, God has been great to my family.

In Philippians 4:9, we are taught to celebrate God today, everyday. I celebrate you my God, my strength and my redeemer. Who am I without you? I’m nobody, that’s for sure.

My former peers at the Indiana University of Pa are passing through a very difficult time right now. I cannot believe that the enrollment for the department I used to work for back in Pennsylvania has only 6 students. What has happened to them? My God.

The Lord took me away from there. I’m thankful, actually. He has rescued me from difficult circumstances in His time not mine. How great can God be? I have no words to explain His love for the brethren.

Who are we without you? We are nobody, that’s for sure. In faith we shall walk. In trust we shall live. And only with you we stand.

The Unpredictable Actions Of The Lord

When we think we know what comes our way, the great Lord displays his might and glory at dawn by surprising the brethren with unexpected events that literally changes their game unannounced.

“However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” — the things God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9.

Fortunate are those who trust the Lord and live their lives with the understanding that only God can really decide what is best for them. No matter how we may think that we control our destiny, our big life steps are simply dictated by the Lord.

Have you noticed that every big change happens after a totally unexpected event? Think of September 11! How about Katrina? These two events have changed much in our culture. It’s easy to be caught in the naive belief that we totally control our destiny because you know… Free will when unplanned events like those just happen at random.

When God moves, we shake. The Lord is wise and will take care of you and me if we surrender and believe Him and His mission. Do the same and in silence… celebrate, be thankful, and obey God. The unpredictable actions of the Lord bring us life. That’s the irony.

Life Is Not Fair

We learn in Ecclesiastes 7:15 that the just perish in his justice and that the perverse prolong his days in their perversion. I’ve seen the just pay the price at the expense of the perverse many times in my life reinforcing what we learn in biblical scripture. Life is just not fair.

In all reality, the “just man” doesn’t exist — at least, this is what its written in the next paragraph down in Ecclesiastes 7:20. I would say that the perverse may have some breaks but they also pay the price for being perverse. Nothing other than God is important or relevant in its essence.

What is fairness? To me, fairness is the Lord. The one true God who died for our sins, for our inequities and chooses to love us when we don’t deserve it. God is fair, very fair. Life just isn’t. Christians, focusing your attention in the Lord is more important than trying to understand injustice.

Not just for you or me but for everyone. Don’t be discouraged by the unexpected events that may head your way because if you are alive, in this fallen word, unjust events will just happen. Be aware and don’t be disappointed.

Don’t worry. In God you will always find refuge. He will take you under His wings and create an invisible shield to protect you overtime if you truly love Him.

Just Trust.

The Lord Rescues His People

It is written in Jeremiah that God brings back the utensils of the Lord’s house as well as those in exile — Jeremiah 28:6. Have faith, the Lord will rescue from a bad situation in time when you least expect. God does justice in this life or the next.

Our God has much mercy and grace. Thing about the many times you have sinned but God is on your side forgiving and developing you. Listen carefully: Happy are those who fear the Lord and live their lives based on doing His will. We shall have hope for the future and in patience, we wait for the milk and honey land.

The Jews of antiquity were rescued by the Lord in Egypt. The number of miraculous rescues that God has done for the brethren over the years are too many to list in this short blog post, that’s for sure. Did you remember the Chilean coal workers who got trapped in a mine miles below the surface of the earth?

I myself have been rescued from really bad situations and brought to the Lord’s arms after much hope and prayer. I thank Him for having grace and pity on my soul so that I can live and declare His majesty.

Don’t be mistaken. The Lord still do miracles. Fortunate are those who still believe, follow His commands, and embrace the laws and teachings of the one true God.

Hate And Jealousy Don’t Come From God

In 1 John 4:20 we learn that, “If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.”

The more I live, the more I see my fellow Christians calling themselves a follower of the way yet acting as children and lying in order to justify their childish actions. What a waste of opportunity to build the kingdom and to engage in the much need great commission.

Lies have short fates and are easily spotted. In the walls of an organization, walls have ears and gossip is eventually spread to a point that the brethren is aware of the incident. “The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever utters slander is a fool.” Proverbs 10:18.

Let’s focus on having character and dignity! Let’s be ambassadors of truth against error.

The Lord does justice. We are to say no to jealousy and focus our eyes into the Lord. That’s our duty not the opposite. What an opportunity we have to do good and minimize evil by speaking about Godly topics instead of cheap and mundane gossip conversations.

The Lord has asked us to do great work for His glory and to provide for relatives and family. Say no to hate, jealousy… they are both antagonistic to the goals set by the Lord. Love others as yourselves and say yes to following God’s commands.

Always.

Exercise Self Control And Be Gentle

The Lord has been clear about how the brethren must treat and act with others in this life — with gentleness and with self control, “Gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:23. I’m not sure if we have succeed in obeying this simple commandment from the Lord.

In this past year alone, I’ve witnessed too many without control callous actions directed at well behaved Christians wanting to live in peace. The behind the doors evil schemes meetings, non-verbal passive aggressive behaviors and actions, and “loosing the cool behaviors” were some of the actions I’ve personally have witnessed.

Some of them, we even directed at me. In the words of Jesus, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34.

We are sons and daughter of the living God and although we live in this world we are not it, as scripture has taught us. Dare to be different! E a man or women of character who makes the attempt and follow through to obey what God has commanded of us.

Lacking self-control and gentleness in ones actions certainly doesn’t come from the Lord. It is of the enemy. Take note and be aware. God is always paying attention.

You Can Win Too, Just Trust

The Lord has taught us to trust and obey Him. In wellness, in bad health, when we feel safe or when we are in trouble. Our hour will come in God’s time for His glory not yours or mine. All we have to do is to trust. Victory is imminent when we decide to focus our eyes in the Lord.

“”The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.” Psalm 28:7.

“If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth.” Deuteronomy 28.1.

And you will win… just trust.

Maybe not the riches of the world or the favor of the wealthy but your place in God’s presence for eternity! Which reward do we gain by winning the world with lies and evil schemes if our final destination is to be in heaven worshipping the creator of the universe in glory?

Give time to time and don’t forget to increase your daily faith. The Lord is in control and He will take care of you too. All you need to do is trust that in His time, you are going to be victorious.

God is good.

The Lord Guides Our Steps

All of our steps are guided by the Lord. At least, the former is what we are told by God in holy scripture. “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.” Psalms 27:33. He takes delight in our journeys, all the days of our lives.

I must admit that coming to Alabama wasn’t in my career plans back when I was in graduate school. In fact, going to Mississippi or Tennessee wasn’t in my plans either but God wanted these moves to happen. I’m so happy He did. Even though much tribulation has occurred since we left the commonwealth of Pennsylvania, much resilience I was able to build.

I’m so glad…

His paths are always perfect. ““What a God you are! Your path for me has been perfect! All your promises have proven true. Who turn to hide themselves in you! You are the wrap-around God giving grace to me.” Psalm 18:30.

I’m now in quarantine due to a possible COVID19 infection; My daughter is positive for COVID19, we found out yesterday. We are taking the stance that we all have this virus now. Whatever the reason, the Lord is in control, we believe. We have faith in Him — Always.

As we wait for COVID19 test results, I reflect. My wish in 2015 was to stay in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania for life. My wife had opposite plans and prayers. I tried to cancel the interview that eventually brought my family to the south the night before at 3:30am.

God made a decision. We were going down to the great state of Mississippi. I drove down for 16 hours,l and was hired on the spot, holy cow. The rest is history.

Where is God going to take us next? Are we going to finally settle in Alabama? Only the Lord knows. In patience and in faith we wait. I still have hope that only my daughter has COVID-19. We shall see.

Our lives are a blueprint of love drawn by the creator. We don’t need to live a life of anxiety seeking the highest financial return. What we really need to do is to give up our wishes and let God work in our lives to advance the kingdom for his glory.

Everything else is meaningless, as we learn in the book of Ecclesiastes. My friends, celebrate the privilege to be alive and realize that God, not you or me, is in control.

Work With Them Anyway

We don’t need to like people in order to work with them. If they are a co-worker bully enemy (or a potential enemy), I get strategically closer to them, if I feel there is potential in them.

“Know thyself, know thy enemy… a thousand battles, a thousand wins.” Sun Tzu.

Usually, adversary workforce bullies have been bullied by a role model before (many times by a parent or a close relative) when they were very young. It’s a debilitating learned behavior for them, an Albert Bandura teaches us in his well discussed social learning theory.

This kind (bullies) are often screaming for help with their actions and words. I’ve turned around bully adversaries from a foe to an ally too many times simply by making the effort to get to know and working with them. They are often loners because their interpersonal communication style is too confrontational and eventually… they explode without warning.

Most human beings like peace and no conflict. That’s why bullies strike first. They, however, struggle in the workforce especially if they encounter a person who embraces war, ain’t afraid to fight, and is strategic about it.

Fact: In every organization, there are people who embrace conflict and fight back. It’s the end of the bully’s ride and the beginning of retreat.

Eventually, workforce bullies get physically sick, suffer a major mental breakdown or both for losing control of a situation they deem under control. They own personalities are very bad for them. It’s a handicap, I would say.

The clever ones minimize their attacks and start realizing that firing a nuke on someone can have severe consequences to them. Many of them learn quickly that it ain’t worth striking a well defended target again.

I don’t take things personally in the workforce. I don’t hate bullies or wish them success. I will fight them when the time is right, if necessary. Maybe you should do the same. As my mentor combat veteran Kurt once said, “Going go war is good sometimes.” It establishes boundaries.

God instructs us to love our enemies in Luke 6:27-36. Sometimes, loving others is calling them on their own evil actions and doing something about it.

Perhaps we all should love those we don’t like (even if they are a bully) by working with them. Sure, there is a risk — There is the risk of getting burned by that person but a person who don’t like you (or that you don’t like) can (and probably will) be a problem anyways whether you work with them or not especially the bully kind.

My advice? Give them a shot. See if you can collaborate with them. You may even like work with them after a while. Can you turn a bully into an ally? They are crying for attention!

Try them, why not?

Don’t Test God For The Lord Knows You

When speaking with the woman at the well, Jesus said, “The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband.” John 4:18. Don’t test God the Lord knows you.

Hiding the truth, faking honorable appearances and immature adult actions are easily spot by the creator and are simply not worth doing. Sooner or later, the Lord brings His wrath to those who rebel against His will. Even mere humans can see the many schemes created by man against the brethren.

We all sin because, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23. However, we are to repent and sin less and do what we can to attempt to follow God’s commands in humility. “By their fruits, you will know them” Matthew 7:15.

In the tiniest details, much truth is found. An abundance of intelligence can be revealed in the smallest units of analysis. Invisible implicit bias micro aggressions become transparent when we have the Holy Spirit in is. It’s so easy to spot.

When near the Lord, we see the unseen, advance or retreat according to God’s directives. He is alive and speaks. He sends His Angels to protect us, as we learn in Psalm 91.

Any attempt to hide the former is simply a naive attempt often executed by perpetrators. the Lord does justice, and in this life or the next.

Don’t test God and follow His commands. The Lord knows you (and me) before we were born! He is still paying close attention to our actions and always will. Those who love correct error and insist on doing what is right according to God’s law.

It’s the only way.

The Lord Gave Us Talents For A Reason

He has given us our talents to help others and advance the kingdom. Possessing talents for self glory isn’t God’s intent for our lives.

Using a skill set in public speaking for sales purposes to enlarge one’s pocket is a way to use God’s gift in this life. Wouldn’t be wonderful to use our skills in public speaking, for example, make a living and advocate for the needs of the poor also? How about using our public speaking skills to proclaim the Lord’s Gospel.

Remember: “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17.

We should always keep in mind that “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows,” 1 Chronicles 16:11

We have been instructed to “Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” Matthew 5:42.

How many people do you know who strive to use their godly gifts to help others? There is little doubt, at least to me, that many Christians use the gifts they got from the Lord to only help themselves. What a waste! Our lives are too precious to only do the mundane.

Let’s be different and help others, I say! Let’s use our gifts as a mean to help others live their lives better and advance what God has planned for us do do in this life.

Say No To Evil, Choose Good

We learn everything from the Lord who asks us to, “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” — Romans 12:9. Evil thoughts and deeds are to be away from us, Christians. Unfortunately, much evil exists in this world.

We live in a fallen world where evil dominates and is often seen in a wide variety of places in our society. Television and streaming media isn’t an exception. Take for example what is happening at Netflix right now. They have Allowed a movie depicting nudity/sex among minors (Cuties) to be streamed in their servers which is so wrong and evil.

I suspect that the French company that produced this film tried to convey the problem we have with sex trafficking and its relation to social media. I argued, however, don’t we have a better way to convey this message without showing nudity/sex among 11 year old kids?

What was the French company and Netflix thinking! One for producing the other for distributing. Kids are protected by the Lord. Are some media conglomerates right now turning away from much needed morality?

We are to protect the children instead of the opposite. Remember: The Lord was pretty clear when He stated that anyone who does evil to children will pay a big price for doing so.

“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” Matthew 18:6.

I’m very disappointed at Netflix for allowing this movie to be on its system. We are to do good and avoid evil especially when children is involved. What are your thoughts about this? Is it evil to show kids nudity and sex to hundreds of millions of people in the name of profit?

It’s evil to me… It’s very evil. What are your thoughts?

Anger Is Sin Choose To Be Calm

We have learned that, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1. Yet, much human communication is done with harsh words with a touch of anger which can cause much division among people.

Choose to be patient, to be kind, to be different… remember: “ye are the salt of the world! A city on the hill cannot be hid.” Matthew 4:13. Say no anger and strive to be calm.

The Lord has taught us to avoid having a hot temper and a heart for anger which eventually results in foolish actions, “People with a hot temper do foolish things; wiser people remain calm.” Proverbs 14:17. Calmness of heart is the ideal, Godly way to live and behave in this imperfect world. God has warned us about anger in multiple places in the Bible.

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” James 1:19.

Anger is evil especially if uncontrolled. “Don’t let evil get the best of you, but conquer evil by doing good.” Romans 12:21. And lastly…

“Those who control their anger have great understanding; those with a hasty temper will make mistakes.” Proverbs 14:29. Exercise self control, be kind, and slow to anger.

That’s God’s way. It’s the only way.

You Got Time, Use It

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.

Time is what we all got, regardless of how much money we have in our banking accounts. Time allows us to share the gospel with others. In Ephesians 5:16 we learn, “Making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” Use time to do good, to make God the center of your life, time is what allows us to think, act, react, pray, share and learn.

Time, time, and more time. “Only if I had time for this, only if we have time for that.” Well, we do have it, if we think about it. It’s a matter of where we want to put our riches in, as Christ stated on the sermon on the mount.

How much have you thought about time lately? Life is short, time is limited but need is infinite. God’s love is to celebrate beyond the boundaries of time but overtime, we shall see God.

The truth is that we have the time to do great things for the Lord. All we need to do is to prioritize. Should God’s work be secondary or primary? Primary.

Much work needs to be done including building the kingdom, helping the poor, loving each other and being a voice for justice in this unjust world.

The Evil Of Man, The Grace Of God

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23, it has been written. Holy are your scriptures and

We are sinners and only by God’s grace we live. Day in and day out I see and hear much evil. Humanity seeking its own destruction by avoiding to follow the guidance of the lamb.

“Thou shall love your neighbor as yourselves.” Mark 12:31. Jesus said there is no greater commandment than the former, along with, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.”

Ask, believe for your part and resist evil. The former maybe inevitable overtime but the hope of right doing should be embedded in our hearts. Maybe I’m a dreamer who still believes that with the Lord, we shall be sanctified.

Good is good… All the time. We might as well emulate Him and do what we can to be good despite of our sinful nature. As Christians. We are to at least try. Indifference ain’t good enough. We need to be aware and vocal about it.

I mean, now. Not later. Gods grace suppresses the evil human nature. Avoid evil and do good. Repent! Keep the faith and above all, love God and your neighbor as yourself.

Build A Good Name: The Rest Will Follow

One of the secrets of living a good life is to build a good name. A good name can lead to favor and favor, as written in the Bible, is “better than silver and gold.” Proverbs 22:1. Having a good name is much better than lots of money.

Take for example a “preacher” who owns a couple of jets, live in a big mansion somewhere in the hills of California bit commits tax evasion? Forever will his actions hunt him. I wouldn’t want to be in His shoes when we see God.

Or a careless wealthy businessman who makes a profit by exploiting others for self gain. He or she may have the money but again, his reputation one day will hunt him. It ain’t worth it the trouble, I say.

A good name helps you to be more trustworthy, with getting a job and finding a career, with raising funds… you name it. Be a person of character who takes care of your name with much care

A good name is difficult to build but easy to lose. Flee from egoistical pursuits, careless actions, and questionable behaviors. If something appears too good, be on the alert and remember, there is a way that seems right to a man but it’s end is the way to death.” Proverbs 16:25.

Build a good name. The rest will follow. Including the success that God has planned for you.

“The love of money is the root of all evil.“ 1 Timothy 6:10. Let’s not forget about that, either. You name, not riches, is where you should put your attention to in life, always glorifying God in everything you do.

Stand Up For Others When Need it

“Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Proverbs 31:8-9.

“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” Isaiah 1:17.

It’s Sunday morning. It’s another sunny day in Alabama and unfortunately, another day where an innocent man gets into captivity by the police. He happens to be a black man. He is innocent in this case but he is still in jail. As a Christian who seeks justice in this unjust world, I post a message in social media stating, “How would you feel if the police arrests you wrongly? Think about this for a minute…”

The post was followed by a video from CNN about the arrest of a black man who was jogging. About a minute after that, I get a message like this… (Not actual, paraphrased).

John Smith: I would be pretty angry. But, I would not fight arrest and fight in court, suing many people.

I replied, “Me too but I’m not black. African Americans, on average, are convicted wrongly much more often than caucasians. What this video tells me is how much distrust some members of the African American community have against the police.” *Showing a graphic stating that African Americans are 7 times more likely to be convicted of murder, 3.5 more likely to be convicted of sexual assault and 12 times more likely to be convicted of drug charges when innocent.

I got a reply like this (paraphrased here) which read…

John Smith: “I’ve always understood that and always took the stance. But, this is our societal reality. It is possible to be changed but it needs to be done by a large group of people.”

Thinking critically about the former, I kindly replied, “Right, many people do. Just because this has been our reality for long isn’t good enough for me and I suspect many others. Many Americans should try to understand other people situations first before making a judgement on them. At least, this is how I see it.”

The conversation ended right there. Thank Goodness.

The Lord asks us to stand for what is right. To me, keeping things are they because “it is our current circumstances and always been” isn’t the best way to handle problems. I would argue the the former is unchristian and uncaring but that’s just me.

Do what is right. Be strong and never forget to stand up for justice. The Lord is watching… very closely, ladies and gentleman.

What Appears Crooked God Makes It Straight

Friday wasn’t a good day for me. My internet wasn’t working in my office, students didn’t come to my classes’s zoom meeting, a store in the state messed up our school’s order, and I was late to get my kid in school and I drove to west Alabama instead of East Georgia for a medical treatment.

To complement the former, I came home last night and my kid was screaming non stop for about an hour and a half. What a day, don’t you think? Of course I had a headache and was exhausted. I slept well but woke up this morning dehydrated, tired and dizzy with a headache.

Then… I drank a glass of water, checked my email and guess what? I got an invitation to register and potentially becoming an Apple Educator. Wait, what??? I got the link to start the process which is a pre-requisite to becoming an Apple Distinguished Educator. Doing training and taking tests were not my plan for this morning…

God’s had other plans for me, after yesterday’s turmoil. God has a great sense of humor and He fulfills His plans for us, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 39:11.

I completed the training, which was secrecies to me for the most part. Now, I’m a Certified Apple Educator. How do you explain that? To me, it’s God working for whatever purpose He has for me for His glory. What do you think? Coincidence? Not to me.

In faith, I wait to what is to come patiently. After all, this is the only way to live; As we learn from Ecclesiastes 3, “There’s a time for everything under the sun.”

Blessings to you.

There Will Be A Day Of Judgement

“For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.” Act 17:31.

Don’t lose track of what is important. God is always to be the focus not man or money. Be careful with mistreating others for self gain because the Lord is taking great notes against evil actions.

We are to do good and help others to do well. “Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:4.

Yesterday, it came to my ear that a close person to me was trying to do evil acts against me. Clearly, this person didn’t follow the directives that God has given us, “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor.” Romans 12:2.

I will handle this situation overtime with care and love. Perhaps, this person is having difficulties at home or is struggling with a personal social matter. This person may even be sick mentality and needs some counseling. Maybe all of the above.

I don’t get angry. I don’t seek revenge. I will turn this person around with kindness. It’s the best way I can deal with this situation. “Eye for an eye is too easy of a solution and clearly not a Christian way to handle the situation.”

“Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.”

There will be a day of judgement. God judges, we take notes. Be kind to others and avoid ostentation. It’s the only way to live. Love God and others and never, under any circumstances, do evil against the brethren.

“Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 12:31.

You Are To Know Your Place

Solomon is one of the wisest man who has ever lived on earth. His call to embracing wisdom as well as trusting and honoring God, makes his proverbs’ writings both applicable to our daily lives and important to memorize and master them.

Solomon once said, “Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence, and do not claim a place among great men; it is better for him to say to you, “Come up here,” than for him to humiliate you before a nobleman.” Proverbs 25:6-7.

There is little doubt that Solomon advices us all to be cautious about forcing favor without approval. Know your place and don’t seek the path of fools whom with much pride convince themselves of greatness without a test and temporarily place themselves among the select few.

Practice self-control too.

“Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.” Proverbs 25:28. Take ownership of your own decisions and avoid ostentation. The former will only take you to the path of foolishness and destruction.

Humble yourselves and let the Lord guide your ways. It’s the only logical path to take because ultimately, the Lord is in control of everything anyways. Let God work in your life, be accepting of His will and in much humility make your decisions.

“Shall the last be first and the first be last.” Matthew 20:16

I’m So Thankful For God’s Provisions

As I seat here waiting to get a haircut in a small town in rural Alabama, I reflect and thank God for everything that he has provided to me and my family. Despite the obvious annoyances we are all experiencing with COVID19, I must say that God is good.

To start of with, God has provided me with great caring parents who legitimately want the best for me and my family. This in itself is a big blessing, of course, provided by the creator of the universe. I’ve heard horror family stories about parent’s mistreatment and abuse. I’m glad that my life didn’t include the former.

God gave me a great wife and daughter. Both are loving, kind, happy people who legitimately fear God and attempt to live in unity. I’m from the belief that God orchestrates our lives in a way so that these things happen. A true wife comes from God. “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord.” Proverbs 18:22.

Kids come from God — “Children are a heritage from the LORD.” Psalms 127:3.

God has rescued me professionally and gave me a career worth pursuing. After leaving Brazil for good in the late 90’s, the Lord blessed with success after success, ranging from the impossibilities of completing academic training in a second language to the many awards and career advancements in higher education.

What else can I ask for! Some argue more money… but think about it. Is abundance of money better (or even necessary) when a person has a great family, wife, kids and career? Not in my book. God comes first to me anyways. I don’t love money but God. Be aware of the former, in fact.

Remember — “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:10.

God provides. His provisions are a blessing to you and me. We are to be thankful for them and not complain for what we don’t have or wish we could have. Please count your blessings and be content.

Thanks be to God. Today and for all eternity.

We Are Called To Be Merciful

We are called to be merciful. It’s a blessing to show mercy to others. Having the power and authority over people is a big responsibility and it calls for much mercy in my book.

In the sermon on the mount Jesus stated, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Matthew 5:7.

Compassion and forgiveness is are traits we are to have and exercise when dealing with anybody, no matter their financial situation, creed, color, nationality…

A follower of “the way” must love others as themselves — it’s the second most important command after loving our God with everything that we have. We are to please Him! John 8:29.

Uncaring behaviors, disregard for one’s needs, lack of compassion, and delaying gratification when gratification can be given to someone quick are examples unmerciful acts. Avoid doing the former.

“By their fruits you will know them.” Matthew 7:15. Be always on the look out, brothers and sisters in Christ. Always observe and “test the spirits.” 1 John 4. Much mercy we are to both give and receive especially from the brethren.

“You are the salt if the earth but if the salt has lost its flavor, it’s then good for nothing…”Matthew 5:-3. Mercy, much mercy we are to show towards others! Let’s keep our “flavor,” be different from others, and do what is right in God’s eyes.

That’s what we are called to do. What a blessing it is to serve God.

A Calling For The Obedience Of Faith

In the beatitudes we learn that “Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.” Jesus was meek and had a humble heart (Matthew 11:29), it has been written. Therefore, we are called to obey in faith and be meek.

Talking with others with a docility of spirit, being gentle and kind are qualities we want to see in the brethren. It is our duty to behave this way and to celebrate God’s law by exercising self-control and having a meek spirit.

Submission to the will of God is sometimes challenging especially when God calls you and me to blindly follow His commands for our sake and His glory when our plans aren’t His. In the book “Experiencing God,” Blackaby eloquently shares this theme.

Even if we are to experience much hardship!

Being quiet and gentle… being meek. God wants us to be easily imposed on His will and we must go along with whatever God wants us to do. Therefore, set pride aside and in much prayer ask for God’s guidance and His will to be revealed for you.

“Ask and it shall be given to you. Seek and you shall find…” Matthew 7:7. Obey and be faithful. Be meek and let the Lord work in your life for your sake and His glory.

It starts with submission to God’s will. Meekness is at the center of it. Be meek, humble, and in everything, give glory to God.

The Last Will Be First And The First Will Be Last

I’m seating here on my first graduation at Talladega College. I’m the first faculty to be present in the graduation premises which is often not a surprising fact. If a ceremony starts at 9:00am I’m usually in my spot around 8:15am or so.

I could have taken my seat up front but in my book, being in the front of any ceremony, especially when somebody is new to an environment, seems arrogant to me. I won’t do it, unless asked otherwise by a long standing member of the faculty or administration.

In Matthew 20:16 Jesus said, “The last shall be first and the first shall be last.” The reference for the former is used in bible commentaries in relation to wealth and a chance to entering the kingdom of God.

By no means I’m attempting entering heaven by being last in this ceremony but in humility I respect the system in which I’m a part of allowing for bible lessons to be applicable in other areas of my life where I see it fit.

Choose humility, avoid seeking self acclamations, be humble and know your place. God has given you the air that you breathe and the food that you eat, along with a comfort dwelling and so much more.

Obedience is to be our second name. Say thanks for everything that the Lord has chosen to given you. That’s the biggest gift of all. His grace for you and me. Blessings to you.

Resist Pride At All Costs

“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2.

Resist pride at all costs. Much disgrace comes to those who choose to not repent from pride. I’ve experienced the former in my own skin.

When I was a teenager, I remember experiencing a period when I had much pride in me. The good God has gave me a golf talent from a very early age.

In humbleness I asked God for the ability to play golf well after being the only kid who didn’t go to the club of the 500 in Brazil for a junior tournament, after a friend cheated to get into the bus. The next year, I went as the number 1 seat.

Then, years later, now as the top junior in the state undefeated for two years in competition, I remember reading my Bible and God asking us to beg for His grace. I was 15 and with much pride thought to myself? Why do I need to beg for anything? Even to God? Pretty prideful, isn’t it?

The following year, I got 2nd place in every tournament I’ve played, many times losing against opponents who were much inferior. I’ve learned a big lesson at the end of the following year. Don’t test God and push pride to the side.

The message is clear if you don’t…

The following year, after much prayer before and during the national team qualifier in a small town near the city of Campinas in Brazil, I made the second spot (out of 3) in the Brazilian junior national team. What people don’t know is that in the last round of the tournament, in the morning, I was vomiting in the bathroom with fear.

I asked God in humbleness for protection in the bathroom and trusted that God would help me with my nerves in the last round. He did. I shot -1 with a dumb bogey on the 17 about 100 years from the green and a bogey on the 18.

Moral of the story. Say no to pride. It simply doesn’t pay off. Resist this evil for your own sake. God detests pride. He will humble you in one way or another. Much suffering can happen because of it. Stay humble and always focus your attention to God.

That’s the best way, that’s the only way.

God Takes Us Places For A Reason

The Lord guides us to do His will when we submit to His authority. The bible says, “For I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11.” I truly believe that.

Many prosperity gospel false preachers take the former scripture out of context and argue that God wants us to be wealthy and that lack of wealth means lack of faith. What they fail to mention is that prosperity can mean something other than financial success. A prosperous well beings and health condition is also prosperity.

I’ve learned that I was “Olive” not white in the eyes of many Mississippians. That was weird, I shall say. It was cultural… I guess.

Anyhow… when we do God’s will, amazing things happen in our life’s, even if God’s will isn’t necessarily what you’ve planned for initially.

I must say that coming to Alabama wasn’t on my plans when I was in living back in Pennsylvania looking to move my family to the south. I was hoping to move to Georgia, Florida or California not Mississippi and Tennessee.

I’ve learned a big lesson. God takes us places for a very good reason. It’s to develop us to bigger assignments orchestrated by a God to advance His kingdom, I think.

I’m now understand why the Lord took me to Pennsylvania in the late 90’s, then Mississippi and Tennessee before coming here to Alabama.

Coming from Brazil, where I literally had everything under the sun but little to no maturity, God took me to the outskirts of Pittsburgh in order for me to learn western PA culture, which is heavily based on what you do instead of who you are. I needed that back then.

Putting me in a cold and grey area made me want to study instead of wanting to go to the gym and the beach everyday and neglect my studies. For the first time in my life, I had to start from the bottom. It worked! Against all the odds, I got a bachelors degree with a high GPA, in a second language, with little to no training in secondary education. God exists!

After getting a PhD from and eventually tenure at IUP, as a family, we decided to move away from the north and move to Florida, hopefully. It didn’t work as we planned. I ended up taking a college teaching position in Mississippi, of all places. What?!?!

Yep. In there, I’ve learned what racism really is in this country and the implicit biases that are ingrained in a large number of Americans regardless of political affiliation. I’ve witnessed much hate against African-Americans which was something that really bothered me as a Christian.

I’ve come to also learn how kind Mississippians can also be, especially when their buddies aren’t around when you speak with them. Being there, reminded me of Brazil in many ways. It was tradition over progress, heritage above reason many times, and very good food!

The Lord took me to Jackson, a predominantly black city to understand black culture best. I’m glad that He did. I met some of the most amazing African-American personalities while at JSU including James Meredith, Demarco Morgan, Mignon Clyburn, among many others.

I was lacking in black culture. Not anymore… I wanted to be a pastor. The Lord exposed me to a wide variety of people while living in Mississippi, that’s for sure.

The flock comes in many shapes and colors, the Lord reminded me, through scripture. I was there for a reason! Then a major state crises came and my plans had to change. God clearly wanted me someplace else. I had to go…

The options were Louisiana or Tennessee not California or Florida. I chose Tennessee due to a college having a Christian component and my dream of working as a pastor somewhere. Why not serve as a professor full-time and pastor part-time somewhere in town? Good plan, not what God wanted.

The truth: It wasn’t until I moved to Cleveland TN that I was constantly mistreated and undervalued in higher education. I met some of the meanest people I’ve ever met in my adult life and a few kind ones but they were outsiders. Many of them were openly racists while pretending to be Christians. How hypocritical! Very, in fact.

I witnessed devilish people claiming to be part of the flock using the argument that speaking in languages makes them holy and others not having the holy spirit in them but the Lord again delighted me with his teachings, “By their fruits you will know them.” Matthew 7:20.

God made it clear to me who they really were. All the masks were taken out. I could see through them all and the schemes they were planning against me and others. Remember: The Lord protects.

I had to get out, ASAP… For my family’s sanity.

I must add that despite my experiences I. Tennessee were literally horrible, the Lord has taught me how to deal with “sneaky mean” people and how to leverage their unkind behaviors for the advancement of the gospel. I’m so thankful for that. There are many lost lives in that town — They need a lot of help, that’s for sure.

The new chapter in my life started a week ago. So far, so good. I’m sure there will be challenges but this time around, I bring cumulative cultural experiences from a variety of places within the United States. It takes much longer for me to be upset, I have a thick skin now and will act immediately and firm if injustice or misbehavior occurs.

I’m here to guide our kids majoring in Mass Media Studies at Talladega College to find a place under the sun. I will do what I can to help them. I’m much better prepared for this job. I give thanks to God for having developed me over the years. God interfered in my self growth professionally, I’m convinced.

Without Him, my ministry journey in higher education would have been much shorter. As my wife once said, “Higher education is full of crazy people” which was a small variation from what one of my chairs once told me, “To work in higher education, you need Prozac.”

I’m looking forward to what God is preparing for me this year and beyond. That His will be fulfilled. I’m ready.

The Day And The Hour? Nobody Knows

“Nobody knows the day and the hour.” Matthew 24:36. Only God. It is written, I believe it. It settles it. You should, as well.

There are things that only God knows. I like to call them divine mysteries orchestrated by the Lord. Sure, the second coming of Christ maybe near but in trueness we don’t know. Only God does.

Many events that happen to your life and mine we don’t know or planned for. I wasn’t expecting to be in a debilitating car accident two weeks ago. Yet, I was.

God’s timing is sacred and perfect. We need to respect that. We must “wait quietly.” Lamentations 3: 25-26 and trust Him.

God has moved me and my family so much in these past five years, to places like Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee — three states that I wasn’t planning to move to. My plan was to move to Florida.

But God insisted — Mississippi, against my will. I tried to cancel the interviews the night before but my computer froze three times in a row. For a Mac, the former is so unlikely. I couldn’t cancel the trip.

My time in Tennessee was a trial. A desert of dry bones. It was expensive for my family, unacceptable professionally to me, difficult for my wife and kid. I’m glad we are out.

I wish we had left that place earlier but God has other plans for me. the day and the hour? Nobody knows!

God works in mysterious ways… to advance His mission and build the kingdom. All we need to do is to trust and wait patiently. It’s difficult but not impossible.

Thanks be to God!

Only God Is Worth Worshipping

No man, no matter how popular or competent he is, deserves much attention to a point of being idolized. If a man is then the leader of a self-made cult like institution where minion followers then say “nice things” about him for self gain, flee from this situation. It ain’t Christian.

“Therefore, my friends, free from idolatry.” 1 Corinthians 10:14. “Dear Children, keep yourselves from idols.” 1 John 5:21.

We’re reminded throughout scripture to avoid idolatry. The Jewish people has paid a big price for idolatry in antiquity. The same can be said to Baal worshippers and more recently, the fans of cult-like business and non-profit organizations.

All Glory is to be given to God. He owns everything. What we get is purely a function of what He gracefully gives to us. It’s my faith and belief. Perhaps ours, right?

No man is great enough to replace God and get His glory. How dare anyone rob what is from God? At least, this is how I see it. You?

Everything Was Wrong Now It’s Right

People can’t chose in which circumstances they were born but the future is indeed a chosen path. Thank goodness this is the case. Let me explain.

I was born in a family with tradition in Brazil who belongs to the Brazilian upper class. Although I enjoyed growing up with the many amenities my parents were able to provide, I must admit that the overall environment in which I spend most of my time as a kid has handicapped me until recently.

First and foremost: Golf was a great sport to learn and master but the implications of trying to be a competitive golfer in a country without a history for the sport were pretty negative. I took a big hit in school for a dream that wasn’t reasonably attainable which eventually resulted in me leaving the country for an opportunity under the sun in the United States.

I grew up with the ambition to own luxury cars. That’s a big problem, I’ve come to learn. A BMW X1 costs significant more than a Honda CRV, providing less value for your buck costing 20K more MSRP, without taking into account cost of ownership. For what? A symbol? Come on man.

Third, my philosophy of work growing up was based on hard and smart work in order to maximize income growth. The former isn’t necessary bad but the former without an understanding and value for money and investing is futile. It took me a long time to realize that frugality is a variable in personal finance.

I was once told by an old man to sleep with 7 girls a week for 10 straight years in my youth. Stop for a minute and think about this for a minute. The value of having a caring person on your side taking care of you in worth much more than having dozens of other ones for a night or two.

Having multiple houses, building your million by age 40, luxury here, luxury there… women and alcohol everywhere without any concern for a God’s law is simply suicide. I’m glad that I woke up from these ideals overtime.

It took me a while, I must add. Unlearning bad behavior just doesn’t happen overnight. I’m going to make a bold statement. To some degree, growing up in wealth can handicap a kid if he (or she) doesn’t make an attempt to unlearn behaviors

“When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.” 1 Corinthians 13:11.

I’m glad that God showed me the way to His path. Not everything that seem or feels good is good for you. The value of walking with God is priceless.

If God can make the crooked straight and the rough roads smooth as we learn in Luke 3:5, He can help you to become a better person if you repent and ask.

I did and he helped me. If you ask with the right motives to advance His kingdom, you shall receive. “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” James 4:3.

Be with God and flee from earthly pleasures. It’s worth the effort. Blessings to you all.

Choose Love Over Evil, Do Good

“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” Romans 12:9.

Love, above all things, are to be stamped inside of our hearts so that evil flees from our sinful nature resulting in is doing what is good, in Christ.

I’m often amazed by how evil some people can be. The many strategies and tactics of isolation and oppression that unchristian people do to others. How awful these unnecessary actions are. We learn in the Bible that we are to be the light of the world — Matthew 5:14-16.

“A city on the hill cannot by hid.” Matthew 14.

Choose good. Use the divine love that God has given you to help others. Next time that you see injustice, be vocal! Say something about it, no matter the context. God will provide.

Stand for what is right in this Full or wrong world. Are you up for the challenge? I am.

Trying To Guess The Future Is Futile

The Lord has taught us in several places in His loving word that worrying about the future isn’t worth our time. “O que sera, sera” as we learn in Brazil! What is going to be is what is going to be, with God’s blessings.

In Matthew 6:25-34 we learn, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”

We also learn to cast our anxieties in Him and to not worry about our life…

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5-7. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7.

Trying to constantly guess what will happen in the future is likely to make people more stressed which can eventually turn into anxiety. Putting our trust in Him is all that we need.

Stop trying to control your life when only God can control your steps. Follow Him and trust. Be the light that God has asked you to be. He will take care of you and your family.

The Lord Watches Over Us In Times Of Distress

Today was the first time that I went out after my debilitating accident this past Tuesday. Although in still much pain and full of bruises, we decided to go to the Cheaha State Park to float in their well kept lake. My neck is out of place, shoulder frozen, lower back hurting but inside of me, I’m smiling because the Lord has saved me.

Seeing my wife and daughter today jumping and having fun was good for my psyche. I appreciate the gift of eye sight that God has given us to witness His glory and grace. Who are we without God? I’m nobody, that’s for sure.

In the bible we learn that, “The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” 1 Peter 5:10.

I shout and praise Him at the highest mountain and in faith I trust that He will restore my physical body and mind overtime. Lord willing, the concussion effects and the body injuries that I acquired after the 55+ MPH accident of this Tuesday, will cease soon. Our God takes care of us and in His name we shall be saved.

Only God knows the future. He is a God of today, yesterday and tomorrow. In trust I wait patiently for my recovery. Glory be to God! The Lord watches over us in times of distress and in His time, brings us to salvation.

Your love is indescribable. It’s simply divine

“Oh God, for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I sing for joy.” Psalm 63.7.

I thank the Lord for the grace gives me when I don’t deserve it. I don’t deserve the air that I breathe or the food that I eat but God has been my help, hope and salvation.

His wings covered my body against too many enemy arrows. In Your name I sing praises of joy. Your music sounds like the most beautiful accord played in perfect harmony.

You are the mighty God!

My bruises are my rainbow of hope. My Broken bone imperfections represent your perfection and my sinful nature. I might have a torn flesh… You are the most perfect physician. In you I trust.

I fear no evil, even when the valley of the shadows of death come near me. I hurt, I heal, I hope. In hysteria, I heed your steps… glory be to God! You comfort me.

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4.

You are power! You are victory! You are my everything. I nothing without You. Oh God,
being with You is a gift. That Your will be done now and forever more.

Your love is indescribable. It’s simply divine.

אלוהים הוא הכוח שלי

God Can Still Do Miracles

I usually don’t share health issues here on my block. I’m deciding to post this one as a testimony to our Lord’s grace. For some who believe that God doesn’t exist…

Jesus saved me yesterday. After being hit by a man at 55/60MPH while I was waiting stopped in a red light.

After all airbags were deployed, the driver’s seat completely pressed against the back seat, the car’s tank exposed with the impact, hit at speed and falling on the road without exploding… the many pieces of debris that were flying inside my car…

I find myself blessed and in awe. God saves. He saved me… and my daughter. She wasn’t in the car. She would have died.

I praise God for His glory. Although in pain, I can walk. Never under estimate the power of God. He can still do miracles.

Biblical Scripture Is Beneficial For Us All

No matter how wealthy or poor a person may be, God’s scripture is beneficial to us all. The following bible scriptures represent some of the great lessons that we learn by reading the holy Bible.

Hebrews 13:16 says, “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”

Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”

Matthew 23:11-12 says, “The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”

Galatians 5:16 says, “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh

Philippians 2:3 says, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

And so many other lessons… Being with God is a gift. Everything is His. His words live and are given to us as instruction and a reminder of the great love He has for us.

God is power. His words are sweeter than honey. Consider spending some time reading and reflecting on His word. The mystery of the gospel is available at your fingertips.

Thanks be to God.

God Is The Ultimate Artist

Look around… The blue sky, the green trees, the yellow birds, brown cows, and the invisible wind. All creations of God. God did them all and “it was very good. “ Genesis 1:31.

God is the ultimate artist. Since we are created in the image of God, our ability to express ourselves artistically is embedded in our human DNA. Some create cars, others paintings, one has a different way to play a sport or deliver a lesson or sermon.

Go figure…

“Then God said ‘Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth.’ And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Genesis 1:26-28.

As I’m here looking at God’s masterpiece, I capture God’s work with my Nikon aiming my lens seeing His majesty. This is what I see…

Photo of Chocollocco Park, Alabama

Oh God, how beautiful is your creation. I’m sitting here in awe. The Lord is extraordinary. We are mere observants of His mighty and glory. The colors… so bright with divine luminance and a color hue that only God could have come up with.

Today is a gift. Tomorrow? It’s in God’s hand. In the meanwhile, lets smile and do what we can to emulate God’s ways.

God is the artist. We are apprentices.

God Enables Us To Complete Impossible Tasks

It is written, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13. I’ve seen evidence of the former, in fact.

Nick Vujicic, without any arms or legs, surfs, plays golf, graduated with a degree in economics and is one of the most well known motivational speakers of our times.

Ray Charles, without any eye sight after the age of 7, was able to win 12 Grammy awards and be, according to the Rolling Stone magazine, the 10th best music artist of all time.

David defeated Goliath. Sarah gives birth to Issac at age 90. Daniel escapes the lion’s den. Peter escapes from prison. Nehemiah builds a wall in 52 days…

What isn’t possible with God’s blessings? Even the impossible becomes reality. I pray that many miracles go your way and that God enables you to accomplish much for the kingdom.

Blessings to you. Happy Friday.

Jesus Is Alive

Isaiah 53: 5 – 8 — But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with…

Jesus Is Alive

We Should Be Thankful For Everything That God Gives Us

We should be thankful for everything that we receive from God, ranging from the daily food that we eat to the air that we breathe. Being with God is a most certainly a gift. Fortunate are some of us who choose to follow His ways.

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9.

As I lay here in my room, I’m reflecting so much. God has given me more than I’ve asked for — from my ignorance, the Lord has given me a PhD. I was once terribly shy. Today, I can carry a conversation with strangers with ease. I was once dead spiritually now I live.

In my youth, I thought like a child and felt that life revolved around me. As an adult, the Lord has showed me why life is about serving others. The gifts that we receive from the Lord are to be used to help others for God’s glory. They come straight from Him.

“Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.” James 1:7.

Put a smile in your face, forgive and forget what others have done to you, and ask God for keeping looking after you, your family and friends. Remember: It’s by God’s grace that we achieve eternal life. We shall pray for those who oppress us.

“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:44.

I forgive those who have mistreated me and my family in these past three years and pray for their salvation. I hope that God shows them the way of the light which is much love not hate.

God gives us peace and I’m so thankful for it. Thank you God for everything.