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.

Choose Good Over Evil Acts

In 3 John 11 we learn, “Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.”

We are called to do good and flee from evil. To support others rather than to seek selfish ambitions, to serve instead of being served. We are to be the light of the world.

“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 5:14-16.

We are to be different, to love others, and be God’s army in this imperfect world. We are the salt of the world but if our salt isn’t salty, what is then our real value?

“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.” Matthew 5:13.

“Go and do likewise!” Luke 10:37.

Choose good over evil acts. Let your life be a testimony of God’s love. In Him we shall trust. Who are we without Him?

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13. You can do all things, as well. Believe and be eager to do good to others. With God’s help, it’s possible.

Do it!

God Rebuilds Us For Our Sake

Some people say that God doesn’t exist or that the word of God is totally allegorical not worth on mediating upon. If the former is true, why is there such a transformation in the life of a person when he (or she) says yes to following Jesus?

It is written, “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:7. In my life, I’ve seen the drastic changes in behavior and belief from people who chose to believe in Christ and follow scripture.

1. They became more peaceful.

2. They became more loving.

3. They became more self-controlled…

“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.” Galatians 5:22-23.

The true gift of accepting the gospel isn’t money or anything worldly. It’s the hope that one day, you will be near the only God of the universe by His grace.

God exists. God is alive as well as His words. the evidence is all around us when we pay close attention to the details.

Focus On God Not You Or Me

What is happening to American Christianity is pretty disturbing in my opinion. The questionable adoption of unchristian doctrines, the emphasis on playing bethel and Hillsong church music on church choirs to attract a crowd, along with a sharp decline in orthodox Christian values has made American Christianity have a bad name.

What I’m seeing these days is quite disturbing. A too sharp shift away from biblical Christianity. In some churches today, a person doesn’t even need to believe in God to go to heaven! Stop and think about the former for a second.

The “Give and get wealthy messages,” “Give more and be a leader in our church,” and the “country club style churches” we see today is a unacceptable practice yet they exist in your neighborhood, I bet. I’ve seen enough.

Jesus wasn’t a wealthy country club boy promoting worldly acquisitions. He was a poor carpenter who instructed man to give what they got for the poor. Jesus said in Matthew 19:21, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

The Lord doesn’t call us to do good to get wealthy and famous like Justin Bieber or Kayne West. Exchanging money for blessings seems to be a variation of the middle age indulgence practice for salvation. That’s not the message of the gospel!

The gospel of Jesus Christ, or the good news as it is also referred as, is the news about the coming of the kingdom of God. Through the works of Christ and by Him resurrecting from the dead, God brings reconciliation between His people and Himself.

Christianity isn’t a mere transaction or a give with strings attached kind of relationship. If you see such messages being shared in your church, flee from them. False teachers take Luke 6:38 out of context for self gain. We are instructed to build treasures in heaven not on earth — Matthew 6:19-20.

Now, this is also pretty disturbing…

We have “Christian” churches today whose doctrine is atheistic. This is simply blasphemy ladies and gentleman. In the name of profit, many churches are now compromising doctrine to a point of excluding God from its messages for the ability to “grow a church.” Be aware of false prophets…”

Benny Hinn, Joel Osteen, Kenneth Copeland, Kenneth Hagin… and now, Bill Johnson and Todd White… be careful with the Christian doctrine taught by this crowd.

God has alerted us against false prophets repeatedly in the Bible…

1. Matthew 7:15

2. 1 John 4:1

3. Matthew 24:24

4. 2 Peter 2:1

And many more…

“Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have, for He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” as we read in Hebrews 13:5. Join a church that practices the gospel of Jesus Christ, that cares for its congregants, and promotes Godly love through scripture. Be careful with “Christian” churches that center it’s messages on money and prosperity in the name of a God.

Let’s share the gospel with the nations and fulfill our great commission duty. Be careful with the messages you hear in some churches today. Pay very close attention to the many eloquent messages that they share from the pulpit and discern if these messages are done for self edification or the edification of God.

Focus on God, not you or me. Don’t forget that.

Always Go Beyond What Is Required

In my life, I’ve always operated under the “Always go beyond what is required” philosophy. The primary reason I adopted the former philosophy was because of a passage I read in the holy bible, “If anyone wants to go to law with you over your tunic, hand him your cloak as well. Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles. Give to the one who asks of you, and do not turn your back on one who wants to borrow.” — Matthew 5:40-42

Be a giver… Be a servant… with a smile in your face. The privilege to do God’s work is a gift indeed..

Your employer, friends and family need the very best out of you. Celebrate them and give thanks to God for the opportunity! It’s a true blessing to be able to serve them with excellence through our actions, behaviors, and outputs. The Lord wants us to use our gifts to serve others for God’s glory. If your boss asks you to produce 10, gladly give her 12. If you see injustice, be the first one to speak up and defend the oppressed. If your dad needs you one day, make yourself available for four days. The same goes to your mother in her old age.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is good news. It’s hope, it’s about others and God not you or me. Remember: Always go beyond what is required.  We must be a people who love others as Jesus loved us, unconditionally. The mystery of the evangel is revealed by those who intensively and repeatedly do good, always going beyond the call of duty.

The work we do and the lifestyle we have are to glorify God above all things. Give, serve, smile… God loves you.

Say No To Anger: Trust God. Work Follows.

“We learn from the Bible that anger isn’t the answer to our life’s problems. We also read in scripture that we must “Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.” (Psalm 37:8) and that “Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly” (Proverbs 14:9). God is the ultimate judge and persecutor.

As Christians, we have the duty to be slow to and refrain from anger in order to flee from evil and not act like a fool. Scripture, thankfully, doesn’t blocks us from leaving a bad circumstance other than from sexual immorality, as we learn in Matthew 19:9 about divorce.

I’m so glad that God allows us to be independent.

Living in Tennessee for these past three years has been brutal to me and my family. From the many looks I’ve got because of how I look and speak to being called a monkey and nothing being done by many locals, I chose to be quiet and leave the area instead of getting angry and complaining. I asked with much faith and God answered my prayers. We are so gone, I must add.

My kid was labeled a poor Latina, pushed to the side in school (according to my wife), was discriminated against by other kids in the pool multiple times because of the color of her skin and much more. How terrible! Clearly, many people living in the bible but need to read scripture more critically and apply what God teaches.

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. [38] This is the first and great commandment. [39] And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. [40] On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 37-40.

Our experience in Tennessee resumes to this, We came down here to make a statement — To serve above ourselves. To be friendly and help others. People had the choice to either accept or reject our contributions. Clearly, many chose to reject what we had to offer and be discriminatory against us. “Our gain, their loss.”

Remember: The Lord takes care of His people and instructs us to not avenge against others even if they do wrong against us. He is our shield and justice my friends. “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.

I have pity for those who decided to treat us this way…. Lord have mercy on them.

Be A Blessing To Others

“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4.

It’s possible to be a great leader and still look for the interests of others as much as his own. We see evidence of the former statement in the work dome by Gandhi, Mother Theresa, and Ernest Shackleton. Eventually, an egoistic leader loses many of his team’s trust and wins at least a few enemies during his administrative tenure.

Go figure. Who in their right mind wants to support the leadership of a self-centered leader who cares little to none about the well being of his team. I vow to never leave anyone on my team behind and be caring and attentive to their needs. I know it’s more work for me but I bet it will be less stressful for my people.

Although I’m not a US Marine, I was mentored by one back in the day. Semper Fidelis — Always faithful. I don’t leave anyone behind, especially those who need my help the most during a crisis situation. Let’s not forget that the Lord has instructed us to use our gifts for the advancement of the gospel and to assist others.

I see no advantage in being Machiavellian and verbally or non-verbally treat my peers as subordinates, making them to seek me in order to maintain a position of power in an operation. In fact, I find the former strategy a cowardly attitude that only leads to isolation, a culture of toxicity, and predictable high levels of turn-over. A person needs to be very insecure about him or herself to push others down like that.

Even though they shouldn’t, Machiavellian types happen to assume way too many positions of power in American society causing way too many problems that could be avoidable. What a tragedy, I must add!

Godly leaders are to do the following: First and foremost follow God’s commands. Second, do their very best in whatever they do for God’s glory. Lastly, treat people with the respect that they deserve and advance the institution.

Choosing to engage in childish power games and easy to spot Machiavellian tactics will eventually backfire because most people aren’t dumb and stupid. It’s easy to recognize a power hungry and coward leader simply by how they act and react, especially under pressure.

My advise: Help every single person on your team with their issues and celebrate your team’s accolades with sincere words and a smile. Failure to do the former is administrative suicide, in my opinion and likely to be a sign that a unit is lead by an inadequate leader.

We only live once. What a privilege it is to serve as a caring leader for an organization. Be a blessing to others and leverage the former to glorify God. It’s your duty. It’s my duty. It’s our duty. By doing what is right for others, God will reward you.

“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13:6. “”In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16.

Being with God is a gift. Doing what is right for you and your team is a must. Always be a blessing to others, especially those who are under your command.

Everybody Should Be Treated With Dignity

At least this is what we learn and are asked to do in the Bible…

In Proverbs 14:21 we learn that “Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.” The message in Leviticus 25:35-37 also echos this message. Luke calls us to have a generous spirit, and many other books and passages in the holy bible.

Clearly, we have been instructed in God’s book to love and care for our neighbors and help those in need so we don’t sin but obey god. Keep in mind: “The wages of sin is death.” Romans 6:22.

Fortunate are those who choose to obey and do good, according to God’s commands. “Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people.” Jeremiah 7:23.

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2. It’s a Christian’s duty to care for the situation of others as much as their own circumstances, including financial.

So it’s written.

In reality, however, I’ve seen very little of the former. In America, obeying the Bible can result in groups calling bible believing Christians names like liberal socialists, communists, anti-capitalists, Not-Americans… which is literally ludicrous. I don’t know…

This is what I’ve seen in the 22 years I’ve lived in this country. I’ve seen a complete an almost complete disregard for the long-term welfare of the poor by too many wealthy people, especially by the ultra wealthy class.

What is my conclusion?

If we depend on the ultra wealthy to pass or change policies that will reduce inequality, protect the poor and the oppressed in this country, we may run the risk of living our whole lives and dying disappointed. Remember what has been written in Matthew 19:24…

“Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

Everybody must be treated with Dignity nonetheless in my book in this economically divided world of haves and have nots.

What can we (the actual middle class) then do to help the brethren to live with dignity, with capital D? Let’s me explain how I think we can help the less fortunate to be more Dignified, especially in the United States.

1. Follow God’s commands above everything else. Turn off your TV’s, read the Bible, and be close to God.

2. Marry and have both you and your wife (or husband) working 40 hours per week. Buy (or rent) a house in one income.

3. Live small, avoid buying lots of depreciating assets, especially if they are expensive. This means no large televisions, stereos, video game consoles, cars, tablets and so on.

4. Don’t pretend to be wealthy (or appear wealthy) if you belong to the masses. The wealthy is likely to laugh at you. The poor is likely to despise you behind your back.

5. Invest in education and read books on leadership and self help. Use the public library to get these books. If you need the actual names of these books, let me know. I will be more than glad to share them.

6. Work on teaching your kid(s) ethics and how to be a respectful person in and out of the school. Raise leaders who understand who they are and the circumstances they are under.

7. If you have to spend, spend your dollars on medicine and care (or investments) instead of meaningless things like fancy clothes or shoes. They carry no long-term value, with rare exceptions.

God instructs is to care for the poor and the disenfranchised but we rarely see the former in form of corporate protocol in our society in the long run. Many policies and procedures adopted in corporate America defend the interest of the wealthy at the expense of the poor.

How demonic! Think about it.

I hope you find these seven suggestions useful and helpful for your long term Dignity sustainability. There is nothing wrong with living small, being frugal, and reject spending your money with “things” that bring you no longer term value.

Let the ultra wealthy have them all. Love God instead and don’t pretend to have much. Read extensively, invest in your kids, and take care of your health by eating at home.

Give it a try. Start today.

Celebrate Humility and Be Humble

C.S Lewis once said, “True humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less. We learn from the Bible that “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (Matthew 23:-2). Being humble doesn’t mean being meek or week.

Arrogance is everywhere ranging from name dropping, rolling of the eyes, along with many other observable non-verbal clues including pointing of the chin and a false charm. Be aware of those who are constantly gossiping about others and get aggressive when others challenge their thoughts.

Instead, strive to be confident by celebrating others, speaking with authority when asked, by keep learning new skills, and recognizing that in life, nobody knows everything. Only God does.

Humility is at the core of excellence in leadership. Self control is a strength as are those who are helpful to others. Be known for being a humble leader. Arrogant ones tend to be short lived.

God, Courage, Skillsets

After 46 years of living, I came to these undeniable conclusions…

We need the following to win in life.

1. God

2. Courage

3. Skill sets.

Of these, #1 is the most important.

The Lord Has Blessed Me

Arty shark, a website that promotes quality art, will be featuring my work in a solo article by this upcoming July. I’m flattered by this because the quality of the art featured in this site is simply spectacular.

This past semester, they choose to talk about my work along with other artists in an internet article. The featured solo article is considered the highest honor they grant. I don’t even know what to say other than God is too good to me.

I’m trained as a technician of media. In these past three years, I’ve decided to study art heavily on my spare time. It has been many books, thousands of photos taken, self critiques and so on. It’s starting to pay off. The Lord is on my side.

“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.

God is good. He is faithful. The Lord provides.

Polk County, TN

Everything In Life Happens For A Reason…

I err, you err, everybody errs. It happens when you are 7 or 77, in the morning, at night, in person or online. It’s part of being human.

Alexander Pope was right when he wrote, “To err is human… to forgive is divine.” I’m convinced that what doesn’t break you makes you stronger.

Everything in life happens for a reason. God develops us for His Glory. Fortunate are those who trust God’s plans because God will protect them.

Never forget that!

7 Wisdoms I Learned From The Christian Bible

1. Be compassionate and humble. Keep your tongue from evil, seek peace and pursue it. 1 Peter 3:9-11.

2. Above all, love each other deeply because love covers over a multitude of sins. Each one should use whatever gift He has received to serve others. 1 Peter 4:8-10.

3. Cast all of your anxieties on Him because He cares for you. Be self controlled and alert. 1 Peter 5:7-8.

4. God opposed the proud but gives grace to the humble. 1 Peter 5:5.

5. Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt. Colossians 4:6

6. No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him. 1 Corinthians 2:9.

7. Devote yourselves to prayer being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2.

God Loves Us Unconditionally When We Don’t Deserve

There is so much rain outside. Is God crying about the sins of the world? I wonder if He feels the pain of of our inequities this morning.

What is love? Perhaps love is when one likes someone else more than themselves. Love is what God has for us, it seems to me.

Pride, hate, arrogance, envy, lies and more lies humans do. God? He gives us grace when we repent. He gives us food.

It doesn’t seem fair to me. This is love, God’s true love. It’s something that can only come from above, true TRUE love.

I woke up with these words in my head this morning not to make you sad but free. To be the best that you can be, do you see?

Some go up, others go down. Some are country, others downtown. Some play the game honest, others foul. Choose love not cheap doubt.

God? He is true love. God loves us unconditionally when we don’t deserve to be loved. This is true love, its something that comes from above.

There are Things That Only Freud Can Explain

There are things that only Freud can explain…

After countless hours planning lessons, hitting keystrokes and producing highly useful content that I myself use to consult with clients…

A small but influential group of “saints” seem to want to unfairly discredit my work in the public sphere. United they stand…

How evil! What in the world is wrong with you? Lies, lies, and more lies! Give me a break. You vent, you vent, maybe you should simply repent…

In the current landscape of our economy, guarding your personal brand is important. This is why this matters to me…

Is this a Christian Right thing? Is it a homeschooling problem or simply an immature series of little venting by the loss. All of the above, I bet.

It’s a small world after all. Burning bridges is exactly what you don’t wanna do in life. My conscious is clear, this is the most absurd thing I’ve seen in higher education.

I wonder if this is happening because of the color of my skin. In Tennessee, I’ve noticed much judgement based on how one looks… There are so many ISMS around here… I wonder if this is simply racism.

The Lord Loves Me And Will Do Justice

Lies here, lies there, I see lies everywhere. My God, this isn’t right. What in the heck is wrong with the Christian Right!

They want to crucify me tonight for doing good. Is this the place that you want me to stay? I trust and obey. Show me the answer before May.

Many hours of hard work I’ve put this semester. I’ve cut many trees, have been on my knees, long hours, I’ve spend on developing the next professionals to be.

Enough! I say. I put my feet down. It’s not okay. You aren’t the only voice in town. Poetically I scream! No, I won’t be your next week’s meme. Stop.

You lie, Christian. You hate, Christian. You want to destroy… oh Christian Right lineage. Your offspring is being polluted by your arrogance and prideful actions.

Lies and more lies I read. The work of the devil with lower caps d, I see. You won’t have any impact on me for I seek good. It’s as easy as saying 1, 2, 3.

Deadly and toxic you are and this is only what I’ve seen so far. Little compassion you have. Much false public judgement you voice.

in the end of the day, it’s just a bunch of garbage noise! You have no poise! “Iraivos e nao pequeis” The Lord loves me and will do justice.

Admiring Your Glory And Might

In awe I’m seating here admiring your glory. With an intense feeling of hope, your majesty, I celebrate. Nobody can understand your power and might.

Like the most fine chord you speak, with a strong tenor alto, bass soprano, contralto power! Every one listens to you in admiration, oh God. You are the only God!

Your works are made of gold. Your character? Infallible. Your promises? Met every time, in your own time. My fear? None, if I have you on my side. If you are with us, who can be against us?

You are the power and the glory, forever and ever… Amen!

In God I Trust Forever

Oh God I was born to share your message! You work through me to deliver the good news of the gospel to the nations. You are our only God.

Who am I to question your motives, your plans? What was or what is to come? In you I rest in peace waiting for your instructions.

With or without an armor! With or without a plan. With or without arms! Only trusting in your will… I wait. You know what is right.

Fortunate are those who obey the Lord. Under your strength I find mine. Oh God, who can be better than you? You enable and empower.

My hope lies in you. Forever and ever.

By Their Fruits You Will Know Them

Don’t be rude, don’t be crude. A Christian man is to be nice and kind above all things. Arrogant thoughts and behaviors you shouldn’t have or display, yesterday or today.

From May to May, okay! Listen to what I say.

If being a Christian is your intent. Repent! You don’t need to vent or be absent to make a U-turn for God.

Oh Christians, have you seen yourself in the mirror lately? Checkpoint! Rewind, return, redo, redone.

Good! Be the light of the world. Your actions should proclaim the Lord’s love for us all. Rudeness, crudeness and arrogance don’t come from God. Change your ways!

Remember: By their fruits you will know them.

Whatever You Grant Me, I’m Content

In much faith and trust, I wait for the Lord’s directions to what is to come. Would it be the sweet spot or the in between option? Whatever you grant me, I’m content.

Sunshine and much rain… Bright hot days I see. It’s cold sometimes. It’s warm, oh my! There is sweat in my palms. It’s humid and dry. Look at the bird that is flying by…

I see flashes here. I see flashes there. I see flashes everywhere. In faith I wait, for that dream that is now becoming a part of me that everyone can see…

Is it arriving today or tomorrow? This week or next month? It’s in your hands God. It’s your wish not mine… Whatever you grant me, I’m content…

God Is Everything

The Lord is with me. All the days of my life. The lord is with you. All the days of your life too. Glory is to always be given to God…

On earth, in heaven, and in every realm in between. Where people sing, where angels sing, music is for God…

When mothers walk and runners run, it reminds us of who is the one and only one. When fathers talk and children cry, we know who He is when we say goodbye…

In the shower, at work, in traffic, or near a small tres in the east side of Tibet, we shall proclaim that God is everything. Who are we without God?

Nothing I say. Let me read this one again, if I May. Repeat.

Under No Circumstances I Throw The Towel, Silly

When you shoot 39 in the front 9…

The only logical strategy for one to take…

Is to shoot 29 in the back 9….

I’m minus three now…

The ball is in the fairway 100 yards from the pin.

The game isn’t over until the last putt on the 18…

Lads, I still have a chance to finish well and win…

I’m minus six now…

One more to go. I need to take another risk and say no…

No to doubts, no to circumstances I can’t control…

No to any other alternative other than a go!

Birdie. Seven down!

I’m on the middle of the fairway on the last hole…

28? 29? 30? I do know. One more down to go, I say…

Stay with me on this one God, if you may…

Hit! It’s going up… it’s coming down…

Green, near the flag. Wow…

Putt, downhill left to right, holy cow…

Minus eight? I hope… Putt!

It’s going… it’s going… it’s gone! It’s in!!!

Eight down it is, three up it was…

Beginning bad, ending good…

67.

Celebrate hard, I should. Give up? Never…

I mean? Forever, never, ever… really.

Under no circumstances I throw the towel Silly.

Always And Forever I Will Because He Is Great Not Good Still

I see red, I see blue. Let me reveal. I’m now at school… Business we are to talk about today. Many changes are at bay. It’s okay.

In humility I seat here. Loud voices I hear. Is it time for me to change gear? I’m not a man who lives in fear. The Lord made me to be cavalier.

I’m a Scholar, I’m a golfer, not a basketballer or footballer but a media storyteller.

God gives me strength, and much insight. In God I trust. Always and forever I will because He is great not good still.

Lord, I will do what you commanded regardless of my attitude or aptitude. You are a God of celestial latitude, magnitude, multitude, a gracious God of plenitude.

And I listen to you.

Everything Is Yours

One begotten son!

Two of each kind you’ve made!

Three, trinity!

Four seasons of your glory!

Five oceans in the world!

Six legged beetle!

Seven days of the week!

Eight sides of an octagon!

Nine, the fruits of the spirit!

Ten Commandments!

Manifestations Of Pride: Wisdom From The Bible

The holy bible is a godly book that every leader or non-leader should read regardless of whether they work for a secular or non-secular organization.

In this short article I will share with you 25 ways people display pride in their lives. Pride is a cancer that brings much suffering to the prideful as well as their victims.

Remember: “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Pride is a sin. Perhaps the worse sin of all.

Here we go.

  1. Talking too much (Proverbs 10:19).
  2. Being deceitful by covering up sins, faults, and mistakes (Proverbs 11:2).
  3. Not having close relationships (Hebrews 10:24-25).
  4. Being devastated or angered by criticism (Proverbs 13:1).
  5. Lack of admitting when they are wrong (Proverbs 10:17).
  6. Talking too much about themselves (Galatians 6:3).
  7. Being unteachable (John 9:13-34).
  8. Being sarcastic, hurtful or degrading (Proverbs 12:18).
  9. A lack of gratitude (2 Chronicles 32:24-25).
  10. Displays of anger (Matthew 5:21-26).
  11. Having an inflated view of their importance (1 Corinthians 4:7).
  12. Having an inflated view of their gifts and abilities (1 Corinthians 4:7).
  13. Attention grabbing (1 Corinthians 12:14-25).
  14. Perfectionism (Matthew 23:24-35).
  15. Being independent or trying to control others (Ephesians 5:21).
  16. Being consumed with what others think (Galatians 1:10).
  17. Lack of serving others (Colossians 5:13).
  18. Lack of compassion (Matthew 5:7).
  19. Never ask for forgiveness (Matthew 5:23-24).
  20. Lack of praying (Luke 18:10-14).
  21. Being disrespectful (1 Peter 2:13-17).
  22. Voicing preferences and opinions when not asked (Philippians 2:1-4).
  23. Being impatient… irritable (Colossians 3:12).
  24. Being jealous or envious (1 Corinthians 13:4).
  25. Using other people (Matthew 7-12).

We are to put aside pride and turn our eyes to God. Pride is destructive, self-centered and evil. Humility is constructive and godly. Flee from pride and love others. Thank you for reading.

I Want You More And More

I breathe and I breathe and I breathe…

I live and I live and I live…

I seek and I seek and I seek…

I wait and I wait and I wait…

I wait more and I wait more and more…

I seek and I seek and seek more…

I find…. and I find… and I find more…

I want you, and I want you more and more.

It Pays Off To Obey

I opened the seal today with no single memories of yesterday. Not a thought, nothing but an empty account, I got. Am I being mysterious? No, I’m not.

God is graceful and love us all. Not just you and me but we all. Y’all, God is just, God protects the meek and embarrass the proud. He didn’t crossed but bailed me out…

Gold, silver… knock, knock… He delivers. Stock I see! Ups and downs, highs and lows, forever riches you give me. No blows… only wows.

Wealth, fortune, and land. We got more than white cheap sand or an infertile land. My heart is beating as loud as the sound of a great African marching band.

You made me believe that I can. Before any other man. Now I can see exactly what your game plan was. All you’ve asked is for us to follow your laws.

Of All The Words Ending With Y…

AlbocracY, androcracY, snobocracY, theocracY…

MeritocracY, slavocracY, nomocracY, anemocracY…

NeocracY, gynocracY, doulocracY, timocracY…

ModestlY, politelY, with a touch of comedY…

And verbositY, I saY here with technologY…

HypocrisY, of all words ending with Y…

is my least favorite social comedY…

Lady, you need more religiositY…

Character and to study psychopathologY…

TodaY, this ThursdaY, OkaY? Hit the button, ObeY!!!

ReplaY.

 

The Number 12

I like the number 12. Why?

Because Jesus had 12 apostles, 12 is the largest number that has just one syllable, 12 men have walked on the moon, there are 12 months in a year…

In the Bible, Jacob had 12 sons, there are 12 inches in a foot, a gross is 12 dozen, there are 12 stars in the flag of Europe…

In Britain, when you reach the age of 12, you can buy a pet. 12 is the smallest abundant number. 12 is a sublime number!

I’ve been teaching classes in colleges and universities for 12 years. I will make this time be as legendary as the number 12 is.

The Lord created everything including the 12 tribes of Israel. 12, 12, 12… Delve! Seek and you will find your 12 wildest dreams.

12 not 13.

Self Regard Benevolent Callosity

Kindness and egoism can co-exist…

How can I dismiss this for so long? How did I miss?

My innocent godly mind has always made me very kind…

Very giving… never dripping even a tear of blood or hate

Only Love… I accommodate. I communicate.

Devaluate? Humiliate? Exterminate? Annihilate?

It isn’t something that I can tolerate, mate.

Now I see why people discriminate and put people down

Paradoxically with kindness and a self-earned crown.

I now see with my own eyes how people of the world operate…

Considerate and thoughtful self interest pomposity.

Self regard benevolent callosity.

 

Copy and Paste God In Your Soul

Copy and paste God everyday.

Copy and paste God every night.

Copy and paste God when the sun is bright…

Copy and paste God in every season.

Copy and paste God when you think.

Copy and paste God for better reason…

Copy and paste God at home.

Copy and paste God at work.

Copy and paste God in retirement Mark…

Copy and paste God in your actions.

Copy and paste God in your hearts.

Copy and paste God in your lives.

Copy and paste God in your soul… Amen.

All Creations Of God

Adam

Bathsheba

Cornelius

Delilah

Eve

Felix

Goliath

Herod

Israel

James

Kamon

Lazarus

Mark

Nathaniel

Obadiah

Peter

Quirinius

Ruth

Samson

Timothy

Ur

Vaniah

Xerxes

You

Zachariah

All creations of God.

The Love Of God Protects Me

My God, you are transforming me.

I sleep in peace every day of the week.

No terror shakes the foundation of my soul.

I hear your call, I hear your voice.

You take care of me and fight on my behalf.

You brought me back from the abyss with love.

In faith I wait for what is to be next.

I wait, I wait, I wait. My fate?

Only you God, knows what is at the gate.

I wait. I wait, I wait… Without complicate.

He Gives You Everything That You Ask For

I think I’m transitioning… I’m transitioning from an associate to a full. The good news? It won’t be a cruel process.

I can now see what comes next. My mind is finally at rest. I will be able to finally do my very best. I’m not distressed.

The roadmap? Ironically, It came to me in a text. They told me what I needed to do next. God, you are the best.

Accident? Coincidence? Fate? No, our God is just that great.

Indirectly he gave me the way. Directly I’m going to play the game, if I may.

It starts today. Yesterday I couldn’t start. Tomorrow? It’s a gift from the most high. My future? This good guy won’t be on standby anymore.

In fact, I won’t be the same guy that I was once before. The price of the struggle just became so much cheaper and difficulties I see no more.

My advise?

Love God because He gives everything that you ask for. Jesus is the El Salvador… He isn’t a sophomore but a Lord worth dyeing for.

Encore.

God Saves And Keep Us At Bay

Rainbow colors I see after so much water dropping from my eyes. It can so easily fill the skies…

Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet… resentful, outrageous, yeller, grumpy, belittling, indifferent and violent, you are. You may think you are a star.

Let’s raise the bar —To me? You are so far from being a superstar.

God saves and keep us at bay. Your insignificance, my friend, will be forgotten so very soon… so very soon.

In every way.

It’s Too Much For Anyone To Undertake

A tornado just passed by me, I think I’m safe. The Lord has opened His arms to protect me. Glory be to the one God.

In this ugly and falling world, full of sin, empty of love everywhere… I see lots of tragedies here, I see lots of tragedies there.

Humanity seeking its own destruction in the name of self righteousness and egotistic schemes. How far from God have you gone, my priest has asked you. You don’t know, do you?

Happiness and justice is the ideal my dear friends. Not hate, not disdain, not callousness, not dismay. Stop, think and realize this today.

I’m skeptical. Tomorrow we shall see a tsunami, an earthquake of lies and direct or indirect attacks.

There will be no break, only tension headache and stomach ache. Piece of cake. It’s too much for anyone to undertake.

In Your Time, Of Course… My God

So much love, so much patience. You my God comfort so much of my impatience…

We all breathe the air of worldly pleasures day and night but with your strength and love, we dive into new horizons that are ok and bright.

Treasures in heaven we are to build. I listen, I do feel the calling to do so… I’m glad to shout out loud my will without guilt and my heart full of glow.

I chose the narrow path. I’m back… please protect me and keep me at bay. I’m patiently waiting for you to take me away.

In your time, of course… my God.

What Goes Around Comes Around

How evil of you! We are to live in this world to do good not bad deeds. Listen to me and don’t get mad. Writing this poem makes me so sad…

I hear a child crying for help and for an opportunity to do and see, how much heartless compatriot can you be? Really?

Not even one silver coin? To many false promises and excuses you give. Is this really the best way to live?

You say no way and ask me how do I know about if of this today? I reply with a firm and enthusiastic God with capital G. I don’t think you see what I see.

Being with God is a gift. Fortunate are those who believe in Him because much discernment and gold they will receive. Mercy and eternal life they will get. An expensive price you will pay for being so callous, inconsiderate, and selfish, I bet.

What goes around comes around.

Ask And You Will Receive. I Believe

So many tears, so many fears, little do they know how the end to this is so near. Be faithful and patiently my loving dear. Things are not what they may appear.

I hear the sound of a man coming from the deep ocean saying lovely words. I now look at the sky, with my own eye and I cry. What do I see? Do I see a thunderbird? No, it’s a hummingbird! It’s a special little bird…

Are you that bird? That bird of hope? That hope of peace? Just say that you are, please. I’m standing on my knees seeking comfort in the God of hosts. Ask and you will receive… I believe.

My souls seeks its place under the sun and a space to glorify God fully not temporarily but for eternity. I see the light in the end of the tunnel. It’s bright. It’s light. It’s full of delight. It’s gonna be all right, not yesterday, today but tonight.

We Need Each Other After All

In faith I wait for a better future. A future of love, a future brought from a beautiful dove that won’t ever fly away again. A future where pain will never leave a permanent stain in my human brain…

Without faith, the present becomes the worse of the days. A present of hate, of contention from an ugly sword, which thank God will be temporary. A present where pleasure is unseen but the temporary impact in the spirit will be without blemish.

Thank God.

Oh brethren… your jealousy, fear, your words are so insincere my dear. It doesn’t take an engineer to break down your systems this year.

The most high shows me who you are. You ain’t a superstar but a ball of fragile air, so insignificant, defenseless against the winds from the west or the east.

North and south, we all need both. Listen to me this morning once and for all. Why would you want to be so arrogant, so small?

We need each other after all.

Be That Person That You Once Were

You say I, I say we… You too say I and I again say we with no remorse. We is better than I. Listen carefully to this, “I think you need a correspondence course in social intercourse.”

Self-centered statements bring the worse in us and is short-lived. Selfishness isn’t a trait of the Lord. You need to be restored, let’s go back to the blackboard and learn God’s ways.

Love your neighbors as you love yourselves… Even an evil thought is sinful according to Christ. Be aware! Repent. Change your ways. You will see much better days.

Say we. Let your I say goodbye. Why? Because in this life we need to obey the one who lives in the sky. Glorify!

Abide by the Lord’s laws. In a blink of an eye, you will choose to say goodbye to your own flaws. Pause, reflect… review the laws monsieur litterateur!

Be that person that you once were.

Who Are We Without Him?

In you rest my strength. In you I find peace. In you and for you I live. Who am I without you?

I’m just a blind sheep walking in darkness. I’m just skin and bones running in complete madness in distress.

The Lord of heavens has blessed me in full colors for many to see and hear. The end of the journey, my friends, is now very near.

Nothing will cause me to live in fear. I’m being sincere and cavalier today like I was yesterday.

I hope I’m taking your breath away like two peas in a pod. Breath again, and again, and again… again. I’m not even that odd today.

I say…

The answer to everything in this life was, has been, and always will be, Our Lord… Our God. Who are we without Him?

Go And Do Likewise

I’m copying the testament of my life. All the plans, all the dots, all my dreams, by all means… No extremes. Only love.

I hear the sound of God, the silence of man, the white of snow and say to myself, “What do I really know?” Reflecting.

Am I allowing my students to glow and to grow? That I am by God’s grace. That’s dope, Its my hope… At least.

In this insensitive world full of masks, dark and evil schemes and people planning tasks to hurt others… Why do you do this to me, my brothers? Would you do that to your significant other or your mother?

Come one… don’t be the one who doesn’t listen to anyone. It’s long overdone. We can coexist you just have to believe, don’t be afraid.

Write your testament, dream of great plans, with all the dots and deeds you deserve. God taught us that we are to be the salt and the light of the world.

Act like it today, not tomorrow. This Summer not next winter. In this life not in the afterlife. Not just temporary but eternally.

Go and do likewise.

He Is The King… King Of Kings

I hear music, I see The Holy Spirit, I taste the glory of the most high. I’m gonna do my best. I won’t deny… I may cry.

Who do you serve? Who do you choose to obey? Please listen to me if you may. Be careful with not being caught as an easy prey for obeying a false promise you heard yesterday. Turn way!

Ok?

Choice, rejoice, I’m not going to say this in passive but with my active tenor voice, “God saves. God forgives. God relieves.”

Faith! Believe and don’t be shy to choose the only creator of the universe. It’s our duty. It’s the right thing. Do you hear what I mean?

He is the kind… King of kings.

Be Hungry And Thirsty For Righteousness

Be hungry and thirsty for righteousness we were commanded… We’re not to abandon this important message from God. Reflect!

The music plays, I can see the windows rays, praise! The color blue so amazing in the skies… I hear so many songs, I see so many so signs.

We are to live with God all the days of our lives. There is a oasis ahead of me! I see water, I see fire, I can’t control myself but be inspired…

Righteousness.

My stomach growls, my water cup is now totally empty! I’m thinking… what a great opportunity to be gently and do good.

Thanks be to God.

The Suffering Nature Of A Godly Marriage

Husbands and wives, live in love your whole lives because the eyes of Lord are upon you. It’s true…

Do good, do no harm… stay in awe with God, methodically not symbolically or illogically. Be Godly now not later. It’s a must… It’s the voice of the creator…

In heaven.

Wives, learn to suffer! Husbands, learn to suffer! Honor and love each other. Dishonor and hate must flee from you. It’s wise… through and through.

It’s right, it’s a command from God indeed! Trust, believe… you will succeed. Repeat in every beat of your heart beats…

Please.

Seek peace not war today! It’s a part of God’s message to us all. In times of trouble and confusion, I say…

It’s okay to suffer. It’s okay to walk away but above all, dedicate yourselves to pray. Ok? All the way! Replay.

Amen.

The Light Of The World

I see life back in me, I delight in you Lord… I encountered the fabulous God of heaven at night again. It’s a joy! Overjoy.

Overwhelmed. Outstanding!

What a moment of kindness, love, mercy, not opulence, peaceful, quiet, renewal.

You are our savior, transcendental, ubiquitous, vida! Yesterday, today, tomorrow… forever.

To you I pray. To you I say… You are and always will be…

The light of the world.

The Lord’s Day Will Be Your Payday

Let your light shine before man! Yes indeed you can… We are to do good works and glorify God in heaven, we’ve learned. Don’t lose your turn…

Comfort is attained by mourning. The earth is inherited by those who are meek… Be slow to speak but fast to seek… be unique.

Be merciful to receive mercy. Those who are pure in the heart will see the Lord. You children of the most high, be peaceful never deceitful or ungrateful.

Just faithful…

Much persecution will go your way… it’s okay, It’s part of your life’s essay… Just remember what I say…

The Lord’s day will be your payday.

You Are The Only One who Can Make Me Stand Still

It’s night not day, so far from the month of May… What shall I say I say loud and clear, my dear. It’s all unclear.

No one is here, I have no fear! The end? You got the answer already… the end is near, my dear. So I say, So I hear… Are we approaching the next frontier?

I’m being sincere, in high gear, all here! Waiting for a call from you. Do I need to play it by ear, my God? Please interfere.

I don’t know? How can I know? You know? I hear that if I persevere… I will be worth more than mere souvenir. I’m trying to be cavalier.

Hear my cries! No more lies! Where is my prize? In patience I wait for your will. After all, you are the only one who can make me stand still.

I’m On My Knees…

I see war, I don’t see peace in the middle east… Human beings are seeking their own destruction. My God, how can this be?

We were made to love not hate. To be mighty instead of fighty. We lack so much harmony! So much dissonance…

In Christ I pray today not tomorrow. For wisdom not folly. For placid winds… For purity of hearts. For positivity and perfect peace.

Please… I’m on my knees.

I see death and blood, what a mess! So much hurt and pain, can you refrain? So many people are gonna die, so many cry. Can you purify, pacify? See eye to eye?

No more eye for an eye! Don’t vilify.

I see a butterfly in the sky. Is it hope? I hope. It’s my hope. It’s dope! Is there an end in sight or just beginnings. Give us peace, please.

Piece by piece… I’m on my knees.

No. God Blessed Me With Exhortation…

I’m not a black and white kind of guy, right or wrong kind of man. I don’t lack tactfulness, I’m not harsh. I’m far from being belligerent, as those tho possess the gift of proclaiming.

I don’t like doing something with my hands, I can play second fiddle and detect needs but I find little fulfillment in meeting those needs many times. I like to serve but the gift of serving isn’t my primary gift.

I’m not a person who lives to investigate every single detail about a particular phenomenon demanding total accuracy and precision — to a degree, but I enjoy providing systematic instruction. I do enjoy to resolve issues. I’m practical but and can interrogate. I have a teacher in me but I’m not sure if the gift of teaching in my primary gift, either.

Administratively, I’m a teacher with Evangelistic tendencies. The whole spirit manifests in me through knowledge and discernment of spirits.

I have much encouragement to give, I lift people up fast, I urge others to achieve goals, I’m an idea person who sees potential in others… motivating and stimulating, providing practical steps to achievement. Sometimes, I believe in my students more than they believe in themselves. This is my primarily godly gift! The gift of exhortation!

Why not the gift of giving? I don’t think about life in regards to money and finances much, primarily. I’ve never had the passion to belong to a church committee that dealt with raising funds for the church. I don’t think life in terms of money or as a game of capital.

If a friend of mine was in the hospital, I don’t think I would tell him not to worry that other people are doing his work until he comes back (gift of ruling) or, “I feel for you, let me pray for you now,” gift of mercy.

Instead, I would have said, “You’re going to be all right.” And that’s exhortation according to the Bible.

The former isn’t to say that much mercy I have for the poor and the weak. It is our duty to clothe the naked, give water to the thirsty, and assist those who are hungry.

God is our best teacher. All we have to do is to listen. To God be the glory, always.

Perhaps God Gave Me The Spiritual Gift Of Mercy?

For many years, I’ve thought that the Lord has given me exhortation as a primary gift of the spirit. I was wrong, I didn’t know. Now that I’m 46, and after going through an in depth study of the gifts of the spirit, I’m completely convinced that I have the gift of mercy as my primary gift. It ain’t exhortation… Not quite.

God has given me much kindness and gentleness. I sense and reflect the spiritual and emotional atmosphere around me, I’ve always reach for people who are suffering and do what I can to comfort them in my house or at the office. God has given me much literature to read on the topic of war for me being so anti-war and naive.

In higher education, I’ve sensed much hurt and responded to it with love and understanding, especially with students. Now I understand why so many kids come to my office to chat and unload. I thought the former was exhortation but after an in depth analysis with another believer, it was conformed to be mercy.

I forgive. Love is at the core of who I am. I’m not vindictive, never been or will be. I’m too compassionate to seek anger or to destroy the brethren. I could if I wanted to. It’s not going to happen, though. I’ve witnessed so many times God doing the war for me against those who consider themselves to be my enemies.

I have an incalculable amount of patience for the afflicted — I’m empathetic and a good listener… I have been there for others when they needed it, many times. Severe lonely and depressed students come to my office constantly. Now I get it why.

I “weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15) and “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2). My God, now I know. “Instructing, advising, consoling, comforting are spiritual works of mercy, as is forgiving,” as found in the catechism’s works of mercy. I have them all. I see little mercy in this world but with you, everything is possible.

God has made me to instruct the Ignorant: Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:14-18; Luke 24:47-49; John 20:21; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 4:1-5.

Now I get it.

My God! You’ve Given Me So Much When I Don’t Deserve The Air That I Breathe…

I’m a little over three hours from being 46 years of age. Much is going through my head right now. All of it very good… I’m not a youngster anymore. The Lord has guided my ways in every way, I can see it — The experiences that I had it or not, the books He gave me to read, the people He put in my patch (both the good and not so good), as well as my innate abilities especially exhortation.

I’m thankful for everything, literally…

I just inputed my wife, daughter and I into a photo taken by my parents in Atlanta, after working the whole day in a research article. Over the weekend, I’ve comforted a Lee University golf team member and he shot five (-5) under part in a competition in Florida. Today, I’ve written another research article relating to social media. Tomorrow, I will be designing a full website for a church in town followed by composing a song for a friend.

My God! How good you have been to me when I don’t deserve the air that I breathe.

And you thought me how to write… Poems included. “I Will See You Again.”

——————————————————————————-

I Will See You Again

I was old you were young

In a very bumpy road far from the sea

Against all the odds we met

You and I know it just can’t be

Fourteen years apart we were made

To live a life of greatness for God’s glory

Yesterday, today and tomorrow

It’s just part of our story

I hear a magical flute playing outside

It must be a bird, it stopped… it must be a sign

Too much thinking is being done here I say

The music has come to a stop today. But hey!

Sadness is taking control of the sky

I ask God why? I hear you say good bye

Not to worry… One day, if I may…

I will see you in Tampa Bay.

The future is a gift to be discovered

That is only shown to the finest of men

Things come and go but they do have an end

Not to worry bro. I will see you again.

——————————————————————————

Among many other gifts, I say. Much discernment you’ve given to me and the ability to forgive and have hope. I wonder, what is next? What do you really want from me? I think you are showing it to me right now.

I opened the bible… It reads, “… raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth…” You are the salvation of the world, my God. I hear your call…

Going back to basics, for now. In adoration, I will do your will. Why do you bless me so much? Nothing bothers me… I feel your protection. You’ve put a shield in our household. Thy will be done, always…

It’s 9:20pm. It’s time to pray and reflect what yesterday was and what tomorrow will be. Life is a mystery but with you, everything is possible. So help me God.

 

 

Great Reminder Taken From The Christian Bible

Listen carefully and take notes…

“Dear children, don’t let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is righteous is righteous, just as he is righteous. He who does what is sinful is of the devil…” 1 John 3:7-8.  

“Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother.” 1 John 3:10. 

I’m four days from being 46 years of age. I’m blessed — The Lord has given me much discernment, even more these days, it seems. I’ve seen a lot of sin in 2019, doubled face people acting egoistically, and much attention being directed to those who oppress. I think I’m seeing a phenomenon around here, “The Stockholm Syndrome,” under a plutonomy eager to see an increase in precariat — precarious proletariat, as Noam Chomsky once put.

It ain’t very Christian bible belt fellas… Not really.

Southeast Tennessee is too autocratic maybe even heartless in its core, I’m witnessing. The disregard for those who struggle around here is ungodly. It seems that fear tactics are the norm in this region, along with repression of ideas and thoughts done by outsiders. You have to learn how to ignore the structure of power in order to live a decent life in this place or submit to the local wishes, even if they are perverse in nature, in order to have a chance to be accepted by the inner circle.

Oh my.

“Do as I tell you. You are below me. No questions asked” is the ultimate regional philosophy, it seems. Thank God I’ve decided to live my life adopting an independent policy mindset rarely attached to the wishes and impositions of local cults. Disdain, disregard, desolation, depression, disaster! I see them all…

My God… Have mercy on them.

We live in a small city with the characteristics of a small town. The concentration of power and wealth around here is cyclical and predictable. The wealthy are elected to positions of power and pass legislation to protect their own. It become a vicious cycle, overtime.

It is what it is.

My childhood friend once told me, “If something appears to be, it often is.” It appears to me that the culture of southeast Tennessee is very callous, everywhere you go. My frame of reference is based on the several states I’ve lived in before coming to Cleveland, TN.

Love is what we need not hate or malice. Playing power games is part of life but it doesn’t make it Christian. Being insensitive and showing complete disregard for others due to fear of repression by a local leader is of the devil.

Please… Don’t be afraid to comment on my facebook wall. It’s okay… I’m not the enemy.

My advice: Be less hypocritical and have more heart. Love your neighbor as yourself. Show care for others by being reasonable with your actions. It’s the right thing to do. Put away your frowning faces and smile.

“Anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God; nor is anyone who does not love his brother.” 1 John 3:10. 

“Dear children, don’t let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is righteous is righteous, just as he is righteous. He who does what is sinful is of the devil…” 1 John 3:7-8.  

I’m thankful that the Lord has put me to work with good people in my department at school. They are the exception… The answer is often found in the small print, I say. I think I found the answers in the fine print.

 

How Cruel Life is, My God

Life is cruel for many, I must say. In my 45 years of living in this world, I’ve heard too many cruel stories that has happened in people’s lives to have an opinion about it. I’ve witnessed poor Brazilian kids going from innocent boys carrying golf bags as caddies in a country club to becoming part of the red command drug cartel in Brazil, ultra wealthy families going from exuberant lifestyle to poverty, lovely couples going from love birds to vicious enemies, and of course… Good people lose a battle with cancer, just to name a few. In this post, I will share with you many other examples of how cruel life is, from what I have witnessed.

  1. Racism. What I’ve witnessed in the south of the United States is cruel — both in Mississippi and Tennessee. I’ve seen good, polite, nicely generous people being being scoffed by the few because of the color of their skin or by the way they speak. In multiple occasions, the kids at Jackson State University, where I used to work, came to my office seeking advise on how not to die when going to a nearby town. A tech buddy of my from Texas living in Tennessee told me the stories he has gone through in here, like people isolating him because he has hispanic heritage showing no remorse. Cruel.
  2. John, next door. John (fictitious name)  is one of my neighbors here in the complex in Cleveland, TN. He spent his whole life working like a maniac, where he invented nine patents to many over a billion dollars to a major corporation. He got his share of wealth too… kind of. He made a lot of money but at the cost of always being away, sometimes for months on end. At 69, he found out that his wife lived a parallel life for 40 years with somebody else and got most of his money. He went to court against her recently and lost. Without money, he had to pay for lawyers fees. Now, he lives with no house, no money, only himself. His former wife gave him too old cars, as a consolation price. Last week, he was diagnosed with cancer, the worse kind — Glioblastoma. He is on chemo right now, he lost his vision and has a big cut on his head. He had brain cancer surgery, recently. He has maybe two weeks to live. Cruel.
  3. Mia Anna Doelis. Mia (fictitious name) is an old friend of mine who has experienced something cruel, perhaps more than cruel. After her dad died when she was a teenager, her mom committed suicide a few weeks after that. She was left alone at 15! The goods news is that her aunt ended up raining her until she went to college. I witnessed this also… In fact, the physician says this in front of me and her, “Mia, just give your dream of being a doctor! The career is going to die before you become one.” It crushed this girls’s dreams. How cruel of him! She ended up becoming one. In Pittsburgh, she suffered from depression pretty bad. Midway through her residency, she had to leave the hospital. She ended up going to Portugal, of all places after that. Cruel.

The stories are so many… These three stories are just a few of them. How cruel life can be, my God… Have mercy on us.

God Opposes The Proud But Gives Grace To The Humble

I’ve seen this my whole life, “God Opposes The Proud But Gives Grace To The Humble.”  It pays off to be humble and push pride to the corner. You won’t gain much by taking a prideful stance and behaving as if people are below you. Instead, live humbly always loving each other.

In proverbs 3:34, we read, “He has no use for conceited people, but shows favor to those who are humble.” In James 4:6, we also read, “But the grace that God gives is even stronger. As the scripture says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Clearly, from a biblical standpoint, we are to be humble in order to receive God’s grace.

Receiving the unmerited favor of God is de facto a gift. Grace, ladies and gents, is a theme found in the bible over 150 times. Check this out… According to Neders (1989), there are 159 grace verses found and 170 matches.

  • Genesis 11 Verse(s) 11 Match(es)
  • Exodus 5 Verse(s) 6 Match(es)
  • Numbers 1 Verse(s) 1 Match(es)
  • Judges 1 Verse(s) 1 Match(es)
  • Ruth 2 Verse(s) 2 Match(es)
  • 1 Samuel 3 Verse(s) 3 Match(es)
  • 2 Samuel 2 Verse(s) 2 Match(es)
  • Ezra 1 Verse(s) 1 Match(es)
  • Esther 1 Verse(s) 1 Match(es)
  • Psalms 2 Verse(s) 2 Match(es)
  • Proverbs 5 Verse(s) 5 Match(es)
  • Jeremiah 1 Verse(s) 1 Match(es)
  • Zechariah 2 Verse(s) 3 Match(es)
  • Luke 1 Verse(s) 1 Match(es)
  • John 3 Verse(s) 4 Match(es)
  • Acts 10 Verse(s) 10 Match(es)
  • Romans 20 Verse(s) 24 Match(es)
  • 1 Corinthians 6 Verse(s) 8 Match(es)
  • 2 Corinthians 13 Verse(s) 13 Match(es)
  • Galatians 7 Verse(s) 7 Match(es)
  • Ephesians 12 Verse(s) 12 Match(es)
  • Philippians 3 Verse(s) 3 Match(es)
  • Colossians 5 Verse(s) 5 Match(es)
  • 1 Thessalonians 2 Verse(s) 2 Match(es)
  • 2 Thessalonians 4 Verse(s) 4 Match(es)
  • 1 Timothy 3 Verse(s) 3 Match(es)
  • 2 Timothy 4 Verse(s) 4 Match(es)
  • Titus 4 Verse(s) 4 Match(es)
  • Philemon 2 Verse(s) 2 Match(es)
  • Hebrews 7 Verse(s) 8 Match(es)
  • James 2 Verse(s) 3 Match(es)
  • 1 Peter 8 Verse(s) 8 Match(es)
  • 2 Peter 2 Verse(s) 2 Match(es)
  • 2 John 1 Verse(s) 1 Match(es)
  • Jude 1 Verse(s) 1 Match(es)
  • Revelation 2 Verse(s) 2 Match(es)

We all need God’s grace in order to cope with being alive. I fall, you fall… we all fall short of the glory of God. Be humble, oppose the proud and in all circumstances, love each other. Doing the former is the quickest, most efficient way, to receive God’s grace. What a gift God’s grace is.

I’ve seen this my whole life, “God Opposes The Proud But Gives Grace To The Humble.”  It pays off to be humble and push pride to the corner. Trust me.

A Christian Without Integrity Is In Vain

“Integrity is the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles, moral uprightness,” according to the Webster dictionary.

A person with integrity is whole and undivided. They don’t allow external forces to dictate how they should behave with other people in life. Their moral principles take precedence before allowing the opinions (and perceptions) of others to dictate how they behave in this world.

Don’t be a person without integrity. Be yourself and fight the temptation to give up your morals for the fear or acceptance of what others think. Have your own stances and principles. Resist peer pressure and evil schemes. You are so much better than that, are you not?

Maybe we should look at what the Bible says about integrity…

In proverbs 11:3 we learn, “The integrity of the upright guides them. But the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.”

As Christians, we need to be more Christlike… have more integrity as Christ did. Strong man and woman can deal with misfortunes and always find a way to do what they love with minimum interruption, especially if God is with them.

It’s pointless to believe otherwise…

Evil schemes are easy to reverse engineer. Non-verbal behaviors and mediated messages (or silence) reveal much in any communication exchange. We cannot not communicate!

Be like Jesus and resist any activity that may have a negative impact on your integrity. A Christian without integrity is in vain.

Remember that.

Life Is A Journey: You Might As Well Enjoy The Ride With God

The unpredictability of life is a mystery that can only be fully understood by God. One day we find ourselves in a big city near the suburbs of Hong Kong. Another day we find ourselves living in a small town near the outskirts of Duluth Minnesota. How unpredictable our lives are, I say.

I often wonder how anybody can live life without believing that there is a God. Life is full of inexplicable surprises for anyone to deny the existence of a superior being. How can we explain the blessings that we receive and give? How can someone be born wealthy and chose modesty over principles? I don’t have the answer to these questions but maybe one day I will understand. 

I realized in a very short period of time that it is only by the grace of God that we can live a good life, regardless of what some might say. I live a great life full of blessings given by Jesus Christ. Every semester, I speak with a number of college students seeking new knowledge and life coaching tips. I help them to find themselves and to use the gifts that God has given them and me in a creative way. What a privilege is to be able to encourage the youth into serving God with their lives. I love it… I was born to do this. In the bible, we read in Acts 15:32, “And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words.” We must do so with enthusiasm.

Some of us have the duty to encourage others to achieve greatness, be compassionate, and care for the poor. Someone needs to be a cheerleader for students and give them unconditional generosity. The bible talks about exhortation, an important gift given by God to some. In Romans 12:8 we learn, “the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness…” 

How great is His word and the plans He has for one’s future. The unpredictability of life is a mystery that can only be fully understood by God. I surrender it all. I want to be more christlike. It is well, it is well with my soul… As long as you lead me into your ways and future plans… We shall be just fine. My life without you is in vain, God. God always be glorified, forever and ever. 

Life is a journey — You might as well enjoy the ride with God all the days of your lives. I’m starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. The other side isn’t that far away. 

Wisdom Once Shared By Author CS Lewis…

“When we lose one blessing, another is often most unexpectedly given in its place.” The more I live in this world, the more God shows me that the former statement is in fact true.

God has been very gracious to me. Even though I don’t deserve the air that I breathe for falling short of the glory of God, The God of hosts has granted me all that I need in abundance under the sun.

When I left Brazil, I mean… the country, my circle of friends, family… I lost the blessings of the known, friends and family support. They were a blessing in themselves, I now realize. However, coming to the United States, to an unknown territory, without friends and family was also another blessing I wasn’t expecting. It’s amazing how God make things right overtime. Amazing.

I’m now bilingual, have as many friends as I once had in Brazil, my family is now near, and I got more education under my belt than I’ve ever thought possible. God provides, ladies and gents.

CS Lewis was right.

“When we lose one blessing, another is often most unexpectedly given in its place.”

Food for thought.

Treat Everyone The Same, Greet All Not Just Some

“My brothers and sisters, you are believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ. So treat everyone the same. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes. And suppose a poor man in dirty old clothes also comes in. Would you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes? Would you say, “Here’s a good seat for you”? Would you say to the poor man, “You stand there”? Or “Sit on the floor by my feet”? If you would, aren’t you treating some people better than others? Aren’t you like judges who have evil thoughts? My dear brothers and sisters, listen to me. Hasn’t God chosen those who are poor in the world’s eyes to be rich in faith? Hasn’t he chosen them to receive the kingdom? Hasn’t he promised it to those who love him? But you have disrespected poor people. Aren’t rich people taking advantage of you? Aren’t they dragging you into court? 7 Aren’t they speaking evil things against the worthy name of Jesus? Remember, you belong to him.” (James 2 1:8). 

“Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” (Leviticus 19:18). You sin if you don’t treat everyone the same. 

And the bible goes on and on… “Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king” (1 Peter 2:17). “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another” (Romans 12:10). “Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other” (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). 

Treat everyone the same and always greet everybody in your vicinity not just some. This is what a mature Christian is supposed to do. Don’t be like the immature in Christ who is selective to whom he or she speaks with, especially in front of others. Purposefully ignoring some is a sin, ladies and gentleman, at least from a Christian worldview. In Titus 2:7 we learn, “In everything set an example by doing what is good.” So be it, brethren.

We do good when we do what God asks us to do. Remember: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). Christians, this is our duty, not just mine or yours! “The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17).  

The word of God is clear. Love your neighbor as yourself. Be very careful with how you treat others. The Lord is watching all of us under the sun.

 

He Who Dwells In The Shelter Of The Most High Will Rest In The Shadow Of The Almighty

God is a wonderful Lord who protects us. Friends, what a great gift it is to be with God. In His name, we live… To God will always be the glory, amen.

Psalm 91…

“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.”

When Pride Comes, Then Comes Disgrace

“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom” (Proverbs: 11:2). The bible also teaches us that the Lord detests men of perverse heart and that the wicked will not go unpunished… We serve a just God indeed, ladies and gentleman. Don’t let pride corrupt your character making you into an evil person.

God speaks to me, in the depths of my brain not via text messaging.

I hear his voice through the holy spirit, I must add. He gives me the discernment to identify who is a friend and who is a foe, danger from a safe place, what is gossip and what is truth, and what is fair and what is unjust and the many faces of pride.

The Lord loves me. He loves you, as well. God shows me who is prideful. Be careful with pride brethren, Much pain comes from pride, either directly or indirectly. Because of pride, former angels were expelled from the heavens. In essence, pride makes some think that they are better than others, violating God’s law making a person wicked and a sinner. “Haughty eyes and a proud heart—the unplowed field of the wicked—produce sin” (Proverbs 21:4).

It brings disgrace nevertheless… “Don’t boast about tomorrow because you don’t know what a day may bring forth” (Proverbs 27:1) and never forget that “A man’s pride brings him low but a man of lowly spirit gains honor” (Proverbs 29:33). It pays off to be humble and follow God’s commands. Anyone who is consumed by pride will not inherit the kingdom of God, let’s not forget that.

Pride is a killer. Don’t let pride rob what God has promised for your life. God hates any variation of pride and won’t wait much to punish the prideful. We are to be sons and daughters of God who love others, away from prideful thinking. The moment that pride consumes you, you can only think about yourself which is literally the opposite of what God wants us to do in this world.

My advice: Love God, be humble, don’t be prideful in any way. That’s the wise thing to do, I say.

The Doe Of The Morning: A Psalm Of David — Psalm 22

Psalm 22: With God, everything is possible despite the many challenges that may go your way. Stay firm in the faith and let God do His work. The schemes of men will be returned with the wrath of God. Trust… My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? My God, I cry out by day, but you do not answer, by night, but I find no rest. Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praises. In you our ancestors put their trust; they trusted and you delivered them. To you they cried out and were saved; in you they trusted and were not put to shame.

 

But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by everyone, despised by the people. All who see me mock me; they hurl insults, shaking their heads. “He trusts in the Lord,” they say, “let the Lord rescue him. Let him deliver him, since he delights in him.” Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you, even at my mother’s breast. From birth I was cast on you; from my mother’s womb you have been my God. Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help.Many bulls surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me. Roaring lions that tear their prey open their mouths wide against me. I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted within me. My mouth is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death. Dogs surround me, a pack of villains encircles me; they pierce my hands and my feet. All my bones are on display; people stare and gloat over me. They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment. But you, Lord, do not be far from me. You are my strength; come quickly to help me. Deliver me from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dogs. Rescue me from the mouth of the lions; save me from the horns of the wild oxen.

I will declare your name to my people; in the assembly I will praise you. You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel! For he has not despised or scorned the suffering of the afflicted one; he has not hidden his face from him but has listened to his cry for help. From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly; before those who fear youI will fulfill my vows. The poor will eat and be satisfied; those who seek the Lord will praise him— may your hearts live forever! All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him, for dominion belongs to the Lord and he rules over the nations. All the rich of the earth will feast and worship; all who go down to the dust will kneel before him—those who cannot keep themselves alive. Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord. They will proclaim his righteousness, declaring to a people yet unborn: He has done it!

 

The Marks Of Spiritual Immaturity In Plain English

Two weeks ago… Ramon Torres, the Senior Pastor at Wesley Memorial Methodist Church shared with us a very important bible lesson in his Sunday sermon, “The marks of spiritual immaturity,” how to recognize them, and why so many Christians haven’t been as mature in the faith as they probably should.

Let me echo this message.

There are marks of spiritual immaturity clearly stated in the holy bible (1 Corinthians 3:1-9) and he nailed it. After hearing him preach on this topic, I said to myself, “I need to write about it in my blog because I believe that he was inspired by God with that message.”

So, let me share with you what scripture teaches us about spiritual immaturity first followed by the notes of two dreams I had on the topic. Be ready, this post will make you think and is likely to make you uncomfortable, perhaps a bit scared.

A clear sign of spiritual immaturity is pride. Infant believers are often not living according to God’s commands, which often leads to arrogance, lacking humbleness and often resisting the authority of God. Pride is a cancer that can destroy the very best, quickly. When we find pride, we find immaturity. Proverbs 16:18 – Pride [goeth] before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Jealousy is also a clear indicators of spiritual immaturity. Mature Christians are occupied with doing things that relate to God not men. Immature ones often focus their energy on attacking others, directly or indirectly, because of what they have or could have. The moment that the immature in Christ allows jealousy to consume her thoughts and actions, her mind, heart and life often pays the price. In fact, the former is quite easy to see among many church goers these days. Job 5:2 – “Surely resentment destroys the fool, and jealousy kills the simple.”

An immature believer is filled with strife. Generating false claims about someone and purposefully disagreeing with others with the intent of having conflicting opinions with them for “winning” sake is often a consequence of pride. As we have pointed out in this article, price is a cancer that can destroy the very best. Generating discord or disunity, sometimes isolation is not what God has planned for us to do with each other at all in his church and out. One cannot be spiritually mature behaving this way. Philippians 2:3 – “[Let] nothing [be done] through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”

Idolatry. Steve Jobs was a great leader but he wasn’t God. The moment that a person looks at a leader, person of influence, etc… as if he or she is a half god, chances are very high that this person is spiritually immature.  We can’t honor God and money. We can’t worship God and Krishna. It is not possible to love God and any corporate leader in this earth simultaneously. A spiritually mature man or woman understands this simple fact. 1 Corinthians 10:14 – “Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry.”

Living according to the world is also a sign of the spiritually immature. Seeking to live in Lavish houses, owning expensive cars, living life for money to do this, seeking more money to do that and forgetting God… Buying your way into a college or treating some well and others not with the fear of being reprimanded by an influential group are also signs of spiritual immaturity. If anyone has an obsession with wealth, they don’t live for God. A spiritually mature Christian doesn’t allow the world to sway him from what is important to God, which is total submission to God’s word. Be aware of those who claim to be godly people but mistreat the brethren for self again in the church and out. John 4:5 –  “They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them.”

Are you spiritually mature or immature? Let’s do some retrospect about the former by relating what we are to the way that God asks us to be.

All right…

Now let me type in here the notes I got from two dreams I had relating to the topics we have discussed in this post. Are you ready? Here we go. *By the way: The notes below were written at 3:30am in the morning both times, right after I woke up from these dreams.

“Write more about the glory of God (not giving glory to other human beings) in everything and the dangers of pride. The dream appeared to be a dream about how christians would be tortured (or pay) for their sin until they got it right in the heavens. Write about salvation in Jesus Christ alone. That’s a condition of salvation.  I saw lost sheep (higher up clergy and Protestant pastors focused on money), in a sadistic place where a Christian had no way out. It was four layers down in hell.

I saw the disguise of a Christian act, repeated torture… knowing part of the answer to salvation allowed me to wake up. In the dream, there was a need to be grounded in scripture for your own sake and knowing the answers about what God wants us to know found in the Bible. Don’t lower your guard.

Scripture stopped an evil spirit from eating my right finger. I heard, “What God can give, He can take it away.” My cry for help didn’t work initially but I was able to wake up to to deep bible understanding. Live upright according to the bible and perhaps know that God paid a big price for our sins.

It was clear to me that both dreams had a clear message for us all, “Live upright and live grounded in the Bible.”

Know the Bible, apply the many Bible lessons, God doesn’t help sinners. I saw lie being used as a weapon for false hope (many times) and disguise to test your belief and convictions. Lukewarm is not enough.

Be patience. Don’t trust too quickly. Don’t rush. I saw the need for people to take anxiety medicine to take spirits out. I saw evil ants entering me and people I know, including my mother. Nobody could see what we saw or believed us. Our belief in God killed the ants, shortly.

At first I had no control over such attacks. Scripture was the only way to flee such attacks.

Devils were not able to function when I was patient and calm and trusted in God in the dream. When I resisted a sexy naked women who was tempting me, made the evil go away. I said, “This isn’t cool. Nobody should show their nude appearance too quickly to anyone. Wait women, patience.

I then was found myself wondering in the ocean with big waves in dark trees. My thoughts were focused on remembering trust and patience. Two weird creatures (angels) gave me the answers to escape the nightmare but they were not very clear. I think I remember the need to be patient in life.

These dreams were reminders that faith wasn’t enough. “Try to fight me with that only and see if you are going to win,” the devil said.

Literally surrender to God. Calm down and apply the faith. In my two dreams, it was clear that the depth of our faith matters. Be fascinated with God not anything else. Pride, living according to the world, idolatry… they lead to potentially having believers going to hell if they weren’t strong in the faith and truly applying what they believe.

I mean, everything.

Two weeks ago… Ramon Torres, the Senior Pastor at Wesley Memorial Methodist Church shared with us a very important bible lesson in his Sunday sermon, “The marks of spiritual immaturity,” Pride, jealousy, strife, idolatry and living according to the world are signs of spiritual immaturity. There are consequences for not doing what God tells us to do. My dreams were clearly a reminder of that, I think. I saw pastors burning in fire for greed. I heard the need to be patient in life and letting God work in our lives and much more.

In sum: It pays off to be spiritually mature and apply the lessons found in the bible for our own sake. Ladies and gents, let’s make God a priority in this world and the next. It seems to be the right thing to do.

Why Are Children A Gift From God?

Because God said so. “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.
Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hands. How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them! He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates.” (Psalm 127:3-5). 

Indeed, Children are a gift from God.

They are also a gift because of the following:

  1. They teach us love: Love is when we like someone else more than we like ourselves. Children often make us like them more than ourselves early on. I cannot imagine any mom leaving her kid astray and not helping her son or daughter in times of need, assuming that she is in good mental health. If Sophia needs my help, in Christ I say, I will do what I can to provide and protect her because I like her more than I like myself. I can say the same for my wife.
  2. They teach us self-sacrifice:  Children are labor intensive and need a lot of attention especially when they are young. They don’t have the ability to provide for themselves which inevitably leads us to put their needs ahead of ours. They are dependent on their daddy and mommy to eat and to be taken care of especially when they are sick or sad. As a parent, you will find yourself engaging in self-sacrifice, e.g, going to the hospital at 4:15am because your kid has a fever or spending your disposable income buying them toys and happy meals to make them happy and smile… which are clearly examples of self sacrifice, I must add. Parents (responsible ones) choose to provide for their kids first before thinking about themselves.
  3. They teach us discipline: Sophia eats at 7:00pm and goes to bed around 8:00pm, everyday. She wakes us up promptly at 6:55am so she can start her daily duties. Consequently, we are awake in the bathroom with her at 7:05am brushing our teeth and getting ready to eat breakfast by 7:15am. We then take her to school promptly by 7:40am or so every morning, Monday to Friday. You get the point! Children helps us to be more discipline, especially with time, which is in itself a big blessing for responsible adults.
  4. They teach us self-control: Small children makes us calmer. Let me say this: Sophia makes me very calm, especially during the weekends. I’m much calmer with Sophia than with my parents which historically have made me quite calm. I would say that my daughter Sophia helps me a lot in this area, quite a lot in fact. I have become much calmer because of children which literally makes children a blessing in our lives. Because kids sometimes lack self-control and can be impulsive, adults who are invested in the lives of their kids are able to help them out in order to avoid such situations and consequently be more self-controlled themselves. The former results in parents making less elementary mistakes relating to lack of emotion control.
  5. They teach us gentleness: Gentleness can be defined as the quality of being kind, tender, or mild-mannered. A kind person engages with a softness of action towards others, like speaking without screaming or legitimately helping others to cope with the many challenges that they experience in all arenas of life. Do you see why God tells us that children are a gift from him? Indeed, they are.  Unkindness and brutality are short lived and destructive in this world. We are to be kind and glorify God above everything. Children helps us with that.
  6. They teach us patience: I’m a very patient person by nature. However, Sophia made me even more patient than before. A child sometimes does stupid things which can make any well behaved parent/human being impatient. Kids slow you down and demand that you do things on their own time, they way. Many even scream quite loud in order to get what they want in their own time. A good parent don’t always fold to his children’s wishes, though. Patience is a requirement for raising children according to God’s laws (Ecclesiastes 7:9).  We learn a great deal of patience from kids, that’s fore sure.
  7. They help us when we are old: Not only that! They also help our parents to live a longer life. Sometimes, a grandchild is all that older people really have to look for in their lives — Seeing their grandchildren. Watching your parents happy and playing with your son and seeing your child smiling back in a blessing in itself which in turn become an indirect blessing to us. A kid in his or her teens can help their parents a lot inside (and outside) of the house which can be quite a blessing to any person needing to rest after a long day at work.

A man with children helps himself and his community including the church.  How much are kids worth? The answer is: I can’t calculate a fair number because children is a blessing from God. They are a heavily gift to us. They teach us direct and many times indirect lessons about love, self-sacrifice, self control, gentleness, patience…

Because… “Grandchildren are the crown of old men, And the glory of sons is their fathers” (Proverbs 17:6). Blessed are the ones who have a child spirit because they shall inherit the kingdom of God, as taught to us in Matthew 18:2.   

Love and keep loving children friends. Never forget that.

 

Presence Is The Greatest Gift That You Can Give

It isn’t technology, sorry.

When we are present and legitimately interested in positively impacting the lives of others, it is the greatest gift we can give to someone. Sometimes, “being there” is what people need the most. This irony is that too many people “aren’t there” when others needs them, making the former quite rare in society these days.

When students graduate, I’m there for them. When students come to my office with fear, I’m there for them. When students are anxious, I’m there for them. When students play sports on campus, I’m there with them. When you choose to be “there” for someone, your presence… is the greatest gift for them! This is perhaps why most people would rather see you at their party without a gift than receiving a gift from someone who didn’t attend the event. People appreciate the presence of others when his presence is a genuine gift.

From a biblical worldview, the presence of Jesus is a gift to us all. His presence to the disciplines was the greatest gift they got. When Peter was afraid, Jesus was there for him. When Thomas doubted, Jesus was there for him. When Mary was in sorrow, Jesus appeared to her. The bible is filled with these kinds of stories and how important they are to the development of people.

When I see people purposely being absent when the brethren tries to connect with them, it worries me much because the former is often a clear indication that something isn’t right, often with those who refuse connecting. Have you ever been in this kind of scenario? I have experienced that, yes. It is sad but not unheard of. I’m sure that I’m not the only one who have ever experienced such events, either.

In Colossians 4:5 we read, “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.” It only makes sense to “make most of the opportunity” by being present to others. It is the best gift we can give, don’t you think?

I say, don’t be absent when others may need you the most. I’m aware of at least 30 bible verses reminding us about the need to assist others with their needs. If one claims to be Christian but fails to care for others, fruit may not be in her because “By their fruit, you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:16). 

When we are present and legitimately interested in positively impacting the lives of others, it is the greatest gift we can give to someone. Sometimes, “being there” is what people need the most. Choose to be there for someone today. Let’s live a life for Christ following His commands not ours.

Living for God based on earthly values and beliefs isn’t very Christian, I say. Being with God is a gift. Let’s honor the commitment, ladies and gents. Sometimes, “being there” is what people need the most. Choose to be there for someone today. It is our duty.

 

 

A Wise Man Brings Joy To His Father And Mother

The bible says, “A wise man brings joy to his father but a foolish man despises his mother” (Proverbs 15:20). In my life, I have done what I could to honor my dad and mom because this is what God asks of us, along with my belief that those who raise you must receive the very best in return from those who were raised.

It isn’t an accident that the bible mention 75 verses about parenthood. Clearly, God wants us to better understand our parents and respect them because being obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord (Colossians 3:20). How wrong can we do if we do what is right to God’s eyes? We can’t go wrong, I say. Some people may disagree but don’t forget what God teaches us in Ecclesiastes, “Do not pay attention to every word people say” (Ecclesiastes 7:17). 

Wisdom is better than folly, friends. HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER (which is the first commandment with a promise), SO THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH YOU, AND THAT YOU MAY LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH (Ephesians 6:2-3). Don’t you want to live a long life? I do. Just realize that longevity isn’t calculated in human numbers but God’s time. 

Moral of the story. Love your parents and don’t forget them in their old days.  Don’t be foolish to think that they don’t matter when they are old or young. Lessons relating to patience, caution, strategy, and persistence are some of the lessons I’ve been learning (or shall I say, relearning) lately from them.     

The brethren must realize that the “Eyes of the Lord are everywhere” (Proverbs 15:3). God is paying attention to how we treat others especially our parents. As a devoted Christian, I see God’s writings as a manual for us to follow here on earth. Be wise and listen to your parents. God recommends us to honor our parents. If God says it, it settles it. 

Cater To Your Crowd With A Touch Of Empathy

In the new age of information, win the game of life those who build solid relationships with a smallest viable market with a touch of empathy. What I’m saying is that you must find your tribe and cater your talents to them if your goal is to advance professionally in 2019. I’m not convinced that talented professionals seeking to make a living doing what they love are to focus their efforts into reaching the normal population, most logical audience out there. I bet that catering to your crowd with a touch of empathy will take you much further in your quest for success than strategizing policies “in the middle,” if that makes sense.

With the technology that we have available to us today, we are capable of creating change one step at a time, to the least amount of people we want to cater to in order to make a decent living. If you are talented in photography, specialize in an area relating to photography and cater to them and only them. Our goal is to have little to no competition on what we offer our clients. The moment that competition catches up with our innovation, it’s time to move on and innovate again. Your smallest viable audience will appreciate your efforts to change as much as you do because people are often fascinated by what is new.

Have you noticed that the new restaurant in town often gets business simply because they are new? What happens when Apple introduces a new unexpected product? We see tons of people wanting to buy that new apple innovation, right?. Tesla Motors introduced a new kind of car and a way to sell cars. What was the result? In 2019 alone, they are on track to have a 20 billion dollar in revenue. Tesla don’t focus on selling a lot of cars to a lot of people, it seems. Apple only has 9.57 percent of all PC users. Its market share is less than 10%. They don’t need to cater to everyone. They need to offer outstanding customer service to their loyal “small” tribe, which they do.

Tesla sell their cars to their tribes, always catering to them. 78% of Tesla sales are done on-line. It is different, it’s unique. Elon Musk seems to be empathetic with his team. What is the result of his efforts? Success! A lot of it. He understands his audience. He is clearly not catering to everybody.

In conclusion…

With the technology that we have available today, we are capable of creating change one step at a time, to the least amount of people we want to cater to in order to make a decent living. In the new age of information, win the game of life those who build solid relationships with a smallest viable market with a touch of empathy. You don’t need to cater to everyone. Focus your efforts on the few and treat them well.

Seth Godin seems to be right again. Go figure.

 

Why You Should Read The Bible Even If You Are An Atheist

Simple answer: Because the holy bible is among the most popular books of all time.

You should also read the holy bible because of the tremendous value (wisdom) that the bible provides to anyone who wants to live an upright life. Why should anyone be opposed to learning the wisdom of Solomon, for example? Atheists (anyone, really) could learn the following from the book of proverbs… Check some of these lessons out from below.

“Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching,” “Turn your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding,” “Do not be wise in your own eyes,” “Do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways,” “Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers,” “Whoever winks maliciously causes grief, and a chattering fool comes to ruin,” and much more. 

The bible is more than proverbs. Ecclesiastes is a bible book about the bottom of the bottom. Its a book about emptiness… life for life sake’s is empty, or money for money’s sake is empty, as well. It’s about how vain life is, a topic that everyone should know in this world including you and me. It is full of poems and speeches, great ones de facto. You will find purpose in this bible book, even though the tone is a bit dark.

“For in much wisdom there is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow” (Ecclesiastes 1:18).  “There is a time for everything under the sun,” (Ecclesiastes 3) and much more. 

Ecclesiastes in particular discusses topics like the inevitability of death, oppression and evil of man, laziness, business failures, the forgetting of strong leaders, working for money for nothing, among many other lessons including the chances of getting wealthy and the importance of generosity.

The bible teaches us that there is more gain in lightness than in darkness. Its content has given us many of the idioms that we use today in American society, including:

“For everything there is a season…”

“From dust to dust…”

“There is nothing new under the sun…” 

And many more.

I wonder why so many people choose to not read the bible? Is it because the bible is God’s word? So what! I’m a Christian, a non-pushing one… but I’m also a reader. If you like to read and gain wisdom, you should read the bible even if you are an atheist, agnostic, muslim, or pagan. Don’t underestimate the value that the bible provides to human beings.

I bet that if you choose to read the bible, you won’t regret it.

 

Five Ways To Serve

Do you know that God has given you a number of gifts for you to serve Him and others? It is amazing what you can do when you dedicate your life to Christ. He can do miracles through you, I say. In this blog, we are going to discuss how your gifts can be used for service.

In Romans 12:9-13, we learn, “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”

It is worth noticing that God does talk about the importance of hating what is evil, honor one another above ourselves and the importance of serving God. What am I saying? I am saying that God commands us to love and serve! We might as well follow His lead. In reality, there are many ways we can serve. Let me share with you fie ways you can serve.

  1. Serve God above all things by engaging in the great commission.
  2. Serve your family by being available and helpful.
  3. Serve your church and help them to spread the word of God.
  4. serve your community by volunteering.
  5. Serve your neighbor as you do yourself.

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Are you ready to serve? Are you excited about engaging in this important task for God? Never, under any circumstances, give love away. Always be with God and cultivate a heart for service. The former is what we were called to do. God bless.

Three Ways To Share The Gospel.

Have you thought about becoming a soldier of Jesus Christ? The methods in which you can serve the Lord are more flexible than you may think. In this blog post, we are going to briefly talk about the former with a touch of practicality.

In Matthew 28:16-20, we learned, “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.” 

Notice that we aren’t called to be a soldier for Christ in any particular way. The methods by which we can serve God is open ended! They are flexible! What a blessing I might add. What am I saying? Well, what I am saying is that you (and me) can certainly use the internet as a way to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others. Technically, we can share the gospel of God in three ways.

  1. Face-to-face interpersonally
  2. In small-group conversations in person
  3. On-line discussions and blogs.

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Isn’t that cool? What are your thoughts about all of that? We all need to spread the gospel! Let’s get the conversation going. Finding ways to share the gospel is what we are called to do. God bless!

Evangelism: The Importance Of Giving A Testimony.

Give praise to the Lord, proclaim His name; make known among the nations what He has done” (Psalm 105:1). 

Dr.A

Let me ask you this. What is 750,000 miles long, reaches around the world thirty times, and grows twenty times longer each day? Answer: The number of people who have never heard the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is a LOT!

The bible is an unique book of revelation that unveils God’s plan for humanity as well as a salvation plan. Evangelism might be an activity that is carried out by humans but is definitely inspired and guided by God. The gospel is good news ladies and gents and must be shared to the nations.

For years folks have been asking how can we, in 2017, evangelize unbelievers in such a complex and technological world. The answer is surprisingly simple! It starts with giving a testimony. By the way, how did you find God? Do you remember the exactly moment when you found the love of God in you? Well, it starts there.

At Westmore Church of God, we spoke in great detail about this plan of evangelism in last week’s Wednesday class. Let me share with you a model of evangelism that I know will help you to actively engage in the great commission. It goes a little but like this and starts with a testimony.

  1. Use your testimony
  2. Plan your testimony
  3. Point people to Jesus
  4. Clearly explain the gospel message
  5. Share several key scripture verses
  6. Explain how you actually receive Christ

Here is my advice: Spend some time alone, have conversation with God and put together (if you haven’t done so) a sketch about how you found God. After that, look at the model above and start evangelizing! Why not? We are called by God to do so. As the great 92 year old missionary educator James Beaty once said, “It pay off to obey God.”

Music Pleases God.

Hands

“He says, “I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly I will sing your praises.”

Brothers and sisters, we are to pray daily and sing hymns to the Lord. Only God saves! We must proclaim the good news of the gospel to others so that we can advance the kingdom of Jesus Christ. We are called to preach and sing “louvores” to God through music. God loves when we glorify Him. This is our duty brethren! God first — every time.

God bless, Luis.

 

 

We All Have Gifts And They All Come From The Lord.

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We all have gifts and they all come from the Lord. “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware. You know that when you were pagans, you were led astray to the mute idols, however you were led. Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is accursed”; and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. read more. Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge according to the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit, and to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, and to another the effecting of miracles, and to another prophecy, and to another the distinguishing of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, and to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually just as He wills” (1 corinthians 12:1-11). 

Event photography is an art. Drawing with lights in low lighting isn’t an easy activity if the goal is to produce outstanding shots. In addition, capturing memorable moments isn’t an easy task at all, either because human beings is unpredictable. In reality, you never know what folks will do when you hit the trigger.

The photograph taken above was part of a service assignment for a local church in Cleveland, TN. The choir was awesome and the worship first class which helped to capture cool photos like this one you are seeing. Doing great photography isn’t easy and events aren’t an exception.

We are to do what the Lord has called us to do. Are you listening to God?

 

Do No Evil…

“Now finally, all of you should be likeminded and sympathetic, should love believers, and be compassionate and humble, not paying back evil for evil or insult for insult but, on the contrary, giving a blessing since you were called for this, so that you can inherit a blessing” (1 Peter 3:8-9).  

Under any circumstances, do no evil. In this life, we must live a life for the Lord not for men. God is pretty clear about how He wants us to behave and live our lives. Acting evil in either words spoken or behaviors is to be forbidden. Don’t insult others — Be sympathetic, be compassionate, and humble, as Peter has taught us. In every opportunity, do what you can do make others feel good and above all, obey God’s law. The former is our task.

The world is full of injustice, mean spirited people and arrogant individuals who think they are wonderful. Be different today! Be a Christian! Be the salt of the world and by your actions… be a testimony of the love of Jesus Christ to the nations. We need to show others that only God saves and is merciful. Without God, we aren’t anything.

That God be glorified!

God Gives Us Wisdom and Understanding.

“For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6).

Ladies and gentleman…  Only the Lord is wise and has great knowledge and understanding. In the spirit of back to school I tell you today, “Let’s focus our efforts in what is important and the what is really important is being with God and following His commands.”

Students, welcome back!!! Keep your eyes on God and He will bless you. Ask and you will receive! This upcoming academic year will be a great one for you in Jesus Christ. BY the way… Don’t forget to read the bible while in school. It is amazing what can be accomplished when you are in God. He loves you yesterday, today and for the whole eternity.

In His name we pray… Amen.

 

Listen Carefully: The Lord Will Never Abandon You.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you whenever you go” (Joshua 1:9).  

Tomorrow, I will officially starting my job at Lee University which in itself has been an answer to prayer. Our family isn’t in Cleveland, TN because of an academic promotion or anything financial. In fact, a lot of our friends questioned why our family decided to move to another institution in another state making less money and with me losing two university tenures… “Professor, did you lose your mind?”

Well, our family decided to handle the former with the following response, “We didn’t lose our mind, no. Our family literally lives life by faith.” We don’t own anything — The Lord does. God will provide… The Lord has called us to move to Lee University for a very good reason.

We are not afraid of our move and you shouldn’t be afraid to move to a new place when God calls you to move either. Life isn’t about living in fear. The purpose of life is to glorify God and to follow His commands. What we do is judged by others but I can assure you that God won’t leave you alone in your life journey. There is a reason for everything under the sun as we learn in Ecclesiastes 3.

The time is now not tomorrow. We are all terminal as my pastor once said. Time is running out to do the great things that the Lord has called you to do. Question: Are you doing what the Lord has called you to do? Don’t wait! It is time to serve and be with Him. God won’t abandon you.

He will be with you whenever you go! God’s blessings brothers and sisters. Only God is to be glorified. In His name we pray… Amen.

True Wisdom Comes From God

“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); ” Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil” (Proverbs 3:7). 

True wisdom comes from God. All we have to do is to task Him and he shall give it to us. Our God is a generous Lord who cares and wants us to grow spiritually. The idea that we can be wise in our own eyes doesn’t come from our creator. Ask and you will receive! With God, everything is possible. God blessings to you brothers and sisters.

God And Possessions

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“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy,[a] your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are unhealthy,[b] your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money” (Matthew 6:19-24). 

We must focus on the Lord or what we say in Brazil, “Nos temos que concentrar no Senhor.” Believers and unbelievers, God is wonderful and worth abdicating possessions for being close to God. We don’t need treasures. All we need in God on our side! Either we glorify God or we make money our God or shall we say… Idol.  Don’t love your possessions. Instead, choose to love the God of the universe.

Blessings.

God Disciplines You Because He Loves You

“My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in” (Proverbs 3:11-12). 

Most people are uncomfortable with receiving a dose of discipline. Chances are high that you will be disciplined by someone sometime in your lifetime, both privately and publicly. It is the way that God, through the holy spirit, acts in this world to teach you and show God’s love to you. God develops those He loves. Remember: God Disciplines You Because He Loves You. 

You are to welcome discipline and try to better understand what God has planned for your life. In this world, the most impactful learnings you can have come from predictable rebukes given by others yet orchestrated by the Lord. With reason, be open to this unpredictable criticism — as long as the criticism is constructive and well intended. The spirit will tell you if the feedback is well intended or if it is malicious. My recommendation? Pray about it every time you are rebuked. It is amazing what God does to you and the person who disciplined you after you pray. Our God is a fair God.

God bless.

The Importance of Good Works

“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work, to slander no one, to avoid fighting, and to be kind, always showing gentleness to all people. For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, captives of various passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, detesting one another” (Timothy 3:1-3).

We Christians understand the importance of following orders and to do good much in the same way that we understand how to lead many times and how to do better things when God calls us to the task. There is no wisdom in fighting with others for nothing or to slander anyone. A believer must be gentle to his neighbor even if that person doesn’t like him. The former isn’s to say that we (Christians) need to always accept what others have to say or accept how they behave towards us but in our core… we should be gentle with others and be understanding.

There are too many people out there who live life to be malicious, envious and hateful towards others. We need to pray to God so that they can see the light. It is our duty yesterday, today and tomorrow. Being with God is a gift.

God bless.

The Secret To Living A Good Life

“Our God gives you everything you need, makes you everything you’re to be. You need to know, friends, that thanking God over and over for you is not only a pleasure; it’s a must. We have to do it. Your faith is growing phenomenally; your love for each other is developing wonderfully. Why, it’s only right that we give thanks. We’re so proud of you; you’re so steady and determined in your faith despite all the hard times that have come down on you. We tell everyone we meet in the churches all about you. All this trouble is a clear sign that God has decided to make you fit for the kingdom. You’re suffering now, but justice is on the way. When the Master Jesus appears out of heaven in a blaze of fire with his strong angels, he’ll even up the score by settling accounts with those who gave you such a bad time. His coming will be the break we’ve been waiting for. Those who refuse to know God and refuse to obey the Message will pay for what they’ve done. Eternal exile from the presence of the Master and his splendid power is their sentence. But on that very same day when he comes, he will be exalted by his followers and celebrated by all who believe – and all because you believed what we told you. Because we know that this extraordinary day is just ahead, we pray for you all the time – pray that our God will make you fit for what he’s called you to be, pray that he’ll fill your good ideas and acts of faith with his own energy so that it all amounts to something. If your life honors the name of Jesus, he will honor you. Grace is behind and through all of this, our God giving himself freely, the Master, Jesus Christ, giving himself freely” (2 Thessalonians 1:2-12). God loves you. 

God Will Be With You, Whenever You Go.

Never forget… The Lord loves you. He will be with you, always. If the enemy is trying to remind you about your past, remind the enemy about his future. We all make mistakes. We are to repent and learn from them. God bless.

On Marriage, Sex, and Family.

Leviticus 19:32: “Stand up in the presence of the elderly, and show respect for the aged. Fear your God. I am the LORD…” 1 Peter 5:5: “Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Timothy 5:1-3: “Never speak harshly to an older man, but appeal to him respectfully as you would to your own father. Talk to younger men as you would to your own brothers. Treat older women as you would your mother, and treat younger women with all purity as you would your own sisters. Take care of any widow who has no one else to care for her.”

We need to respect those who are older than us who possess wisdom. Listen to Dr. Beaty. He knows what he is doing. To God be the glory!

Words of a Godly Man, Age 92: The Problem Of Self Denial.

“Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life[a]will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” (Matthew 16:24-26). 

Only God knows the right way. We just have to follow… Life isn’t about us — Life is about God in Jesus Christ.

Be Kind, Care For One Another — God Loves You.

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“Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4); “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32). 

Life is about following God’s commands and glorifying Him. Flee from selfishness, help others as Christ has helped you. Choose kindness over hate, be forgiving and loving. Who can be better than God, I ask? Nobody can, that’s for sure.

In this Life, we need to lose our lives in order to gain it, as God has instructed us. Be on the lookout for others, always.

Why Read The Bible? Here Is Why.

Many unbelievers say, “why should I read the bible?” There isn’t wisdom in “that allegorical book.” “The bible is of no use to me…”

I typically reply, “Interesting. Which part of the bible do you think is allegory?” “Which part of the bible have you read that seemed goofy to you?”

The vast majority of folks who criticize the bible never read it in the first place. Let me share a secret with you. You can learn a lot about life from the bible! Here are three pieces of scripture that I know will be beneficial for you.

  1. “The one who follows instruction is on the path to life, but the one who rejects correction goes astray.” (Proverbs 10:17).
  2. “The one who loves money is never satisfied with money, and whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with income.” (Ecclesiastes 5:10).
  3. “The person who gathered much did not have too much, and the person who gathered little did not have too little.” (2 Corinthians 8:15).

There are many more life lessons inside the bible. Go see for yourself! Being with God is a gift people. Recommendation: Next time you have the chance to open the bible, open the holy book and read it a bit. You will be amazed with how much you can learn from God. It is all written! 🙂

Thanks be to God.

They Say, “Minimize your Weaknesses…” I say, “Wrong! Maximize your strengths!”

“Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.  Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines” (1 Corinthians 12:1-11). 

…They say, “Minimize your weaknesses…” I say, “Wrong! Maximize your strengths!” We all have weaknesses and strengths. Some of us are great communicators with a high degree of energy but possess a low tolerance for inefficiencies. Others are excellent in the art of managing people but are too rigid when treating others. A few are geniuses in the science of making money but sometimes can be heartless. Your goal is to get better at what you do best, not to bring your weaknesses from a D to a C grade. You won’t be a perfect employee because perfection is only achieved by God. Since you (and I) aren’t God, we can’t be perfect. You might as well be known for what you do best. Makes sense?

By the way, you can be outstanding in what you do, have weaknesses, and still have a successful career in 2017 — Celebrate! As long as you focus on your strengths not your weaknesses. Let me make something very clear for you. In the professional world, excellence is expected and required for maintaining long-term employment. There is no room for mediocrity. Attempting to minimize your weakness at the expense of shaping your biggest talents is a deadly strategic error as “B” and “C” employees are often the first ones to go, if ceteris paribus of course.

So, the million dollar questions then are — what is your biggest strength? What are you great at? Or better yet… what do others tell you you are great at? Finding the answers to these former questions can make or break your career. Salaries and positions come and go but your ability to perform at your very best stands and transcends organizations. You need to know the answers to these former questions. In my career, I have helped over 800 students to answer these former questions which is why they have gotten tremendous job offers after graduation ranging from being a media producer at the Chicago Bears to a leader at Lockheed Martin.

Let me be redundant but caring. Chances are high that others (not yourself) will find what you are truly great at. Listen carefully: Don’t dismiss what others say about you especially if they approach you with a caring voice. Their assessments are often right on. Put your pride to the side, humble yourself and do what needs to be done to be spectacular.

If your talent is public speaking, learn more about your craft, practice and practice more. Are you a great accountant? Innovate! Do what most accountants can’t do to near perfection quality. Is your talent computer science? My question for you is, “What are you doing to make your coding talent better everyday?” Combine your strengths with God’s will and you hit a home run!

Don’t be satisfied with being mediocre, as a former professor of mine used to tell us back when I was an undergraduate student, it’s how you act, react, do your work and interact with others. I say, “maximize your strengths!” You can do it.

The Lord Is With You Wherever You Go.

” The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:8); “The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever” (Psalm 23:1-6). 

There is no reason to be alarmed or worried, brothers and sisters. God is good and He will take care of you and me. We don’t lack anything in God as he owns it all. Our God is a generous one. He is a protector — a fair and honest God. The Lord is our strongest shield and will comfort us in times of distress and pain. Quiet waters are coming our way because God is good and just. In this life, we need to look at things objectively and be willing to accept the fact that we are, more often than not, in control of our own destiny and that’s okay.  Christians must keep the faith and move their lives forward despite the many challenges that we face on a daily basis. It is the nature of life and many times… the Lord’s will. Everything happens for a reason under the sun.

One thing is for sure: Don’t be discouraged… “Be strong and courageous for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). 

Qualifications For Church Leaders — Overseers.

Qualifications for Overseers

“Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap” (1 Timothy 3:1-3). 

Not everybody was set to be a an overseer in church. Watching over the flock, caring for people and families, feeding the poor and disfranchised, protecting the weak, and leading a mission to a foreign country isn’t a job for everyone. In fact, the Lord is pretty clear about it all throughout scripture. The book of Timothy is a good one to read about the criteria for leadership in the church. Remember: “There will arise false teachers who will seek to lead many astray” as we learn in the book of acts.

It is our job to keep our eyes open to our church’s overseers. If they only care for themselves or are men of little integrity, if they seek riches for self gain or ignore those in need while leading the church, or are failing to watch over children of God’s faith development, be aware. Remember: “…and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people” (Matthew 24:11). 

Keep the faith brethren. Always keep your eyes wide opened even at church. God be with you.

Instructions to Men and Women.

“Therefore, I want men to pray everywhere by lifting up hands that are holy, without anger or argument. In the same way, I want women to enhance their appearance with clothing that is modest and sensible, not with elaborate hairstyles, gold, pearls, or expensive clothes.  They should make themselves attractive by doing good, which is appropriate for women who claim to honor God. A wife should learn quietly with complete submission. I don’t allow a wife to teach or to control her husband. Instead, she should be a quiet listener. Adam was formed first, and then Eve. Adam wasn’t deceived, but rather his wife became the one who stepped over the line because she was completely deceived. But a wife will be brought safely through childbirth, if they both continue in faith, love, and holiness, together with self-control” (1 Timothy 2:8-15). 

The bible is very clear about how men and women should behave and present themselves. Men, don’t be slow to anger or to engage in an argument. Women, there is no need to live a luxurious life full of gold, pearls, and expensive apparel. Both men and women must live a life for the Lord only glorifying the only God of the universe. Women, respect your husbands and in humility and submission, live a holy life. Men, don’t abuse of the authority that the god God has given you — never forget… “to whom much is given, much will be required” (Luke 12:48). 

Respect and above all love is what we all need. Thanks be to God.

If It Is The Lord’s Will…

“Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”  As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil.  If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them” (James 4:13-17). 

The reality is that we can’t even start to guess how much hair we have on our own heads. Trying to plan for what will happen to you or your business two years from today is literally madness. Without being God’s will, I emphasize, our predictions are merely self-centered mad guesses. Only by acknowledging that the Lord is in control that we start our journey towards true wisdom. The former opens the door to potentially deeper questions of true value such as “why do we go to war?” or “Why do brothers and sisters complain against one another when they shouldn’t?” God knows it all. We don’t.

We are to “submit to God and resit the devil” (James 4:7). Don’t forget to “humble yourselves before the Lord and He will exalt you” (James 4:10). In everything ask, “If it is the Lord’s will” and life will then be what it was intended to be from the beginning. A perfect relationship between man and God. God sets the tone, we follow. There is no technology that will ever change that.

The Importance Of Giving.

“Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops” (Proverbs 3:9); ” For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthews 6:21). 

Tesla cars maybe represent what is the most attractive in auto innovations in the automobile industry. Model X’s interior is without question a piece of art along with its futuristic door technology. However, Model X starting price is 69 thousand dollars.

I am not against anyone making millions of dollars each year, as long as exploitation isn’t a part of the person’s philosophy of wealth. I don’t believe in “starving” God with what is His at the expense of luxury, though. God must always comes first. It is important to give, especially to what is of God.

If giving to the Lord means that we don’t own a Tesla or any other luxury car, then so be it. I am okay with it and you should be okay with it, as well. Christians must live for God not man. Any materialistic possession should never come ahead of God.

Luxury cars, big houses, expensive vacations, eating in fancy restaurants are all meaningless and short lived. Our trust and faith must be in the Lord. Giving is good…

Submit Yourselves For The Lord’s Sake.

“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that [is] unprofitable for you” (Hebrews 13:17); “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right” (1 Peter 2 13:14). 

I find no issues with obeying and honoring the laws and values of the United States of America along with its authoritarian body. In my book, respect for authority is not only biblical but is also the right thing to do if we are to live as civilized human beings.  The moment that folks question authority do defend their pride, I try to better understand the reasons for their skepticism yet questioning their motives. The bible reaches us, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” (Romans 13:1-2). 

Are people these days living for the Lord and giving up their pride or are they living for man needing to defend their pride at all costs? When a person decides to defend their code of honor at all cost forgetting God’s commands to be submissive, lethal consequences can occur.  The Lord didn’t put us in this world to be killed by anyone but to glorify Him. It hurts me to seeing people being shot and/or killed, especially if they are innocent. Tragedies do occur, unfortunately. I feel that some of these events could have been avoided. Let’s focus our attention on God, first and foremost. Everything else follows the former.

We Are Imperfect — Accept That

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23); “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned” (Romans 5:12). 

Smile! Jesus is Lord and that’s our hope for a better future. Are you ready for a dose of reality? We all fall short of doing good in this world. Brothers and sisters, we all have sinned and without question fall short of God’s ideal. We are imperfect and we must accept this fact. No technology will change the former, that’s for sure. The good news folks is that we have the Lamb who has paid a tremendous price for you and me so that we can have salvation.  Celebrate! Jesus lives and so do we. Our God is an awesome God, isn’t He?

Flee From The occult

“Do not eat any meat with the blood still in it. Do not practice divination or seek omens” (Leviticus 19:26); “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 18:10-13). 

The Lord forbids all forms of occult arts. Flee from the occult and don’t look back. If you own tarot cards, throw them away. Say NO to astrology and the Quija board. These former things are without question enemy’s tools of perversion. The knowledge of the paranormal is dangerous and no Christian should come even close to it.  The appropriate response for those practicing the art of spiritism, eastern philosophy, alchemy or magic is to first and foremost get rid of occult paraphernalia followed by joining a bible believing Christian church. Again — Say NO to these things. It is the right thing to do.

Reminder: Only God deserves reverence. No other entity either in form or thought should be a part of your life. We are the army of God! God be glorified in heaven, always.

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).

We need to spread the word of God to all the nations including here in the United States. It is the gospel — it is good news! A large number of American Christians don’t seem to be putting into practice God’s instruction to engage in the great commission. Why? Perhaps because too many of us only practice cultural Christianity. We need to be Christians 24/7 not just on Sundays. We must share the word of God with others every week at work, during conversations in the mall, sometimes even in elevator conversations.  

We are called to spread God’s love with others. Let’s not forget that in many parts of the world, Christians are being persecuted  for spreading the gospel. In fact, many go to Jail in order to spread Christ’s word.  The minimum that we should do is to do our part and engage in the great commission.  

So, next time that you visit a coffee shop… take the initiative and speak with others about God’s love. This is out call.

Why Israel Fell?

“This disaster happened because the people of Israel sinned against the Lord their God who had brought them out of the land of Egypt from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt and because they had worshipped other Gods” (2 Kings 17:7).

Brothers and sisters, we worship a jealous God. The Lord doesn’t want us to glorify anything other than Him and Him alone. Wealth, cars, family members, symbols, statues… are not to be worshipped. Only our God deserved the former. We should never forget that God is all powerful and in control of everything under the sun and in heaven. We must flee from idolatry and focus our eyes on the Lord and do what we can to be more like Him. We must resist sinning against the only God of the universe. If you feel tempted, pray!!! God will help you. He will help me, my family and yours.

One thing is for sure. We can’t do it alone. We need Jesus Christ! It is our only chance… The penalty for disobedience and lack of repentance is too much for us to bear. It ain’t worth questioning God’s commands, thats for sure.

Flee From Sexual Immorality. 

“Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body” (1 Corinthians 6:18). 
Our bodies, as the Bible teaches us, are members of the body of Christ. We are to flee from the prostitute, any form of bestiality, and homosexuality (Leviticus 18:22). We are to keep ourselves pure and only have sex (if married), with one person within marriage, as we learn in Hebrews 13:4. I am not saying that we need to hate anyone who, for example, practices homosexuality because God called us to love not to hate. However, loving doesn’t mean that we need to compromise our beliefs for human sake. We live for God not for man.

It doesn’t pay off to disobey God. That’s for sure.

Carpe Diem — Live Your Lives Extraordinary.

“The righteous, the wise, and their works are in God’s hands. People don’t know whether to expect love or hate. Everything lies ahead of them; everything is the same for everyone” (Ecclesiastes 9:1); “…for the one who takes the oath and for the one who fears an oath” (Ecclesiastes 9:2).  

Enjoy your life and do wonderful things in this world even though you (and I) will die one day. Just remember that “the heart of the people is filled with the desire to commit crime” (Ecclesiastes 8:1). Maneuver yourself away from them and keep the faith in Jesus Christ. Be good and do good in God’s eyes because it is good. Smile, give and receive hugs, laugh, eat and enjoy your family and friends — Work hard! As it is written, “There is nothing better for man than to eat, drink, and enjoy his work” (Ecclesiastes 2:24). This life is temporary. Our biggest reward is in heaven. Carpe Diem — Live your lives extraordinary.

Never forget that, brothers and sisters. God is in control.

The Wisdom Of The Wise Will Be Destroyed.

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“For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.” 

Jews look for miraculous signs; The greek seek wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:22). We, Christians… preach Jesus Christ’s crucifixion (1 Corinthians 1:23). Let’s not forget that we are not God and that God almighty is wise and we aren’t. What is wise for men and foolishness for God. Some argue that the world was made in six days. The “Rational” would argue… IMPOSSIBLE. Some of us Christian social scientists reply, “God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom.” (1 Corinthians 1:25). God is God!!! The world could have been done in six seconds.

“God has chosen the world’s foolish things to shame the wise.” (1 Corinthians 1:27).  

The Fool Multiplies Words.

“The beginning of the words of his mouth is folly… the fool multiple words” (Ecclesiastes 10:13-14). “Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles. Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline” (Proverbs 1:5-7). “Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something” (Plato). 

God called us to be wise. The way to wisdom is fearing God not being the owner of our destiny based on what we want to believe outside of scripture. There are many who are constantly opening their mouths without doing too much thinking. The former isn’t how a Christian should operate. The believer must be prudent with choosing his words. “Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues” (Proverbs 10:19). 

Scripture teaches us of an evil that happens under the sun (Ecclesiastes 10:5) — “The fool is appointed to great heights…” But lets not forget that the Lord judges both the jews and and gentiles according to what they have done (Romans 2:6). Brothers and sisters, you will find injustice in this world and even fools will reach positions of great authority. Don’t envy their privileged positions or try to justify your circumstances according to what happen to others.

“Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin” (Proverbs 13:3). Remember that.

 

Think Before Making A Vow To God

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“When you make a vow to God, don’t delay fulfilling it, because He doesn’t delight in fools Fulfill what you vow. Better that you do not vow than that you vow and not fulfill it” (Ecclesiastics 5:4). 

We need to be very careful with making a vow to God. Scripture is pretty clear about it. As children of God, we need to fear God and His commands. We need to obey and keep in mind that the good God is in control. Let’s not be impulsive. Rather, we should be rational and glorify God all the days of our lives. “Do not let your mouth bring guilt on you” (Ecclesiastics 5:6). We need to think before we act. Before making an actual vow to God, pray about it.

God is good, all the time.  

 

 

God’s People Make a Difference in the World.

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“You are salt for the earth. But if salt loses its taste, how will it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled on by people. “You are light for the world. A city cannot be hidden when it is located on a hill.  No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket. Instead, everyone who lights a lamp puts it on a lamp stand. Then its light shines on everyone in the house. In the same way let your light shine in front of people. Then they will see the good that you do and praise your Father in heaven.

We have the duty to make a difference in this world by how we choose to act and re-act both verbally and non-verbally in life. Even if we make a tiny difference at times — we can still be a shiny lamp in a lamp stand for someone. We can then be seen by many as examples of what God has taught us in this evil world that we live in. Making a difference in the lives of others is a critical component of being a practitioner of Christianity.  Our acts have a much bigger impact than what many believe. So the question is: In which ways are you being the salt of the world? Are you that light that cannot be hidden? I hope your answer is yes to these questions. We need to do good so that many praise our father in heaven.

Sermo In Monte — The Beatitudes…

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The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-11). 

He said:

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

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

If you are getting persecuted because of Jesus Christ, rejoice as it has been written that you and me would be persecuted. The former isn’t to say that we should accept being punished for persecution. It is more than okay to fight back and defend what you believe in. In ceteris paribus… we are to be peacemakers.

Blessed are the pure of heart because they will see God. Let’s be hunger and thirst for righteousness… 

On Judging Others…

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“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:1-5). 
Be cautious with judging others. In this world, there is nobody who is innocent or a complete example to be followed. Only God is to be seen as our example to be followed with no flaws. The moment anyone maliciously judge a brother or sister in Christ, malice will be the measure his critics will be using to judge them. Don’t be a hypocrite and focus your efforts on following God’s word. Before criticizing others, take a close look at yourself.
God be glorified.

Avoiding Extremism Is Biblical. A Call For Moderation.

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“Don’t be excessively righteous and don’t be overly wise. Why should you destroy yourself? Don’t be excessively wicked and don’t be foolish. Why should you die before your time?” It is good that you grasp the one and do not let the other slip from your hand. For the one who fears God will end up with both of them” (Ecclesiastics 7:16-18).

In this life, we need to focus our attention to God as He is our everything. Trying to be or be seen overly wise will most definitely buy you enemies very quick. Not obeying God and acting folly will most definitely cost you as many enemies and being overly wise if not more. Question? Are you being overly wise in your own eyes? Remember: God is wisdom. We are to follow God’s word. 

There are limitations of wisdom. In this world, we are going to see inequities, injustices, judgements… Why do you want to make your life more difficult that what life already is? God is in control. Humility is how we should live. Avoid extreme measures… Be closer to God today and obey His commands to the best of your ability.

Don’t Be Surprised To See Oppression In This World.

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“If you see oppression of the poor and persecution of justice and righteousness in the province, don’t be astonished at the situation because one official protects another official and higher officials protect them. The profit from the land is taken by all” (Ecclesiastics 5:9).

We won’t fix poverty and the many injustices that we witness under the sun. Those in power will protect themselves at the expense of the oppressed, you and me. Don’t forget that this world is evil and that things come and go. Only our God isn’t evil and is loyal, consistent and secure. Remember: “The one who loves money is never satisfied with money and whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with wealth” (Ecclesiastics 5:10). You will see people increasing in wealth at the expense of others and very little if nothing shall be done about it. All of the former is short-lived and quick passing.

We are to focus on glorifying the Lord and enjoying what he has given us to enjoy. Never forget, “All come from dust and all return to dust” (Ecclesiastics 3:20); “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, but loses his soul?” (Matthew 16:26).   

We Can Only Turn To God As A Source Of Truth.

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In the book of Ecclesiastics, we learn about the futilities (short-lived and quickly passing) of life. Some of these include possessions, the relative value of wisdom, and work. Christians are to glorify God and make the Lord the center of our lives as everything including silver and gold, singers, cattle and flocks, our diligent work and many others come and they go. Everything in meaningless. “There is nothing new over the sun” (Ecclesiastics 1:9).

“What happens to the fool also happens to me. Why then have I been overly wise?” (Ecclesiastics 2:15); “The wise man has eyes in his head, but the fool walks in darkness” (Ecclesiastics 2:14).

Brothers and sisters, “There is nothing better for a man than to eat, drink, and enjoy his work” (Ecclesiastics 2:24). Life without God is futile. Things in life come and go. Most of the work we do will be given to others. The only way to live is to love the Lord and live our lives to Him.

Thanks always be to God.

Working Diligently Is A Good Thing.

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“Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense” (Proverbs 12:11); “A sluggard’s appetite is never filled, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied” (Proverbs 13:4); “Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor” (Proverbs 12:24). 

Working hard and diligently is a great thing. You can’t go wrong with doing your very best for the Lord. It is as simple as that folks. Let me share with you a well known secret: Work hard and you will be compensated for your efforts. We work for God not for men or women.  Do your very best for the Lord and never, under any circunstances, choose laziness over diligence.

God’s peace to you!

Trials And Tribulations Are Signs Of A Godly Life.

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“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. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4). 
Trials and tribulations are examples of how the Lord test our faith. By testing our faith, we develop perseverance according to scripture which then makes us stronger and more mature Christians. We are constantly maturing in God’s eyes in order for us to be a little bit more like Him. Brothers and sisters, never forget this: Trials and tribulations are signs of a godly life. Don’t be surprised if you face them in the future. Let’s not forget that they have hated Christ before us… Celebrate — God is with you! Stand firm in the faith! Thanks be to God.

There Is No Room For Egoism In A Christian’s Life.

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“Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else” (Galatians 6:4); “But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble” (James 4:6); “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4:10).

There is no room for egoism in a christian’s life. A true Christian doesn’t spend his or her journey comparing themselves to others or worse — putting themselves ahead of others. We put others ahead of us. Listen carefully: Flee from egoism and embrace a humble and godly life of service and humility. Whenever possible, help kids to laugh so that they have fun, even if you have to sacrifice your weekend for their benefit. God blesses those who help others and put others ahead of themselves. 

We are to glorify God al the days of our lives. One of the ways we can glorify Him is by being a man or woman of service.

  

We Need To Inspire Our Children.

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“You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up” (Deuteronomy 6:7); “Arise, walk about the land through its length and breadth; for I will give it to you” (Genesis 13:17); “Therefore, you shall keep the commandments of the LORD your God, to walk in His ways and to fear Him” (Deuteronomy 8:6).

We are to walk in the ways of the Lord, always giving thanks to His blessings and following his commands. Being with God is a gift — It is only by accepting God’s calling that we start to understand what life is really all about. Life, my friends, is about walking with God all the days of our lives, keeping His commands fearing Him. We need to instill these habits in our children so that they grow up understanding the importance of obeying God.

God bless the children and our abilities to inspire them to better understand God, in Christ Jesus.

Listening Before Speaking.

“To answer before listening — that is folly and shame” (Proverbs 18:13).” 

We are to listen first then answer after. This is what God teaches us. Fellow brothers and sisters, before making any assumptions about anyone or anything, make sure that you listen and listen carefully. The good God teaches us to do just that and goes one step further to say that if the brethren answer before listening… it is a shameful and a folly act. So, before answering before listening to a friend, family member or co-worker, remember Proverbs 18:13.

God be with us. In His name…

 

 

Silence Is Golden.

“A fool does not delight in understanding but only wants to show off his opinions” (Proverbs 18:2). Be cautious to always want to be heard and share your opinions at the expense of others. God clearly advised us about the dangers of foolishness. There is no room for selfishness and non-sense behavior in the live of a devoted Christian leader.

Excessive speech isn’t appropriate and should be avoided whenever possible, as the bible teaches us. “The intelligent man retrains his words,” as stated in Proverbs 17:27. We have learned in Ecclesiastics 3 that there is a time for everything… “A time to be silent and a time to speak” (Ecclesiastics 3:7). Clearly, the one who is constantly speaking lacks understanding and isn’t following God’s advise found in the book of proverbs.

Brethren, let’s be different and make God the center of your lives. Keep some of your opinions to yourself. It is worth your time.   

The Secret For Doing Well In School.

“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). “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24); “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). 

What is the secret for doing well in school? Study, plan, study more, get involved, meet people, collaborate… Pray. The differentiator is prayer. Do you want to do well in school? Do all of the former and before every quiz, test or project — pray. Prayer is powerful and biblical. Prayer was my secret for doing well in school. Let me say this differently — Prayer is God’s secret to doing well in life. Don’t forget to pray. Pray daily. Believe, love God, and pray.

“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).

Children Are A Heritage From The Lord.

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“Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court” (Psalm 127:3-5); “Then Esau looked up and saw the women and children. “Who are these with you?” he asked. Jacob answered, “They are the children God has graciously given your servant” (Genesis 33-5); “Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger” (Psalm 8:2). 

Children are a heritage from the Lord. It is good to have children, people. If you are married thinking about having a kid, pray about it. If you believe that God wants you to have a kid, don’t delay the call. Having your own kid is a joy that can’t be described unless you have and/or raise your own. God is pretty clear about the benefits of having kids. We are to focus on them:  “a stronghold against your enemies,” “silence the foe and the avenger.” There will be challenges, too many of them but it is worth it. In the end, a child makes you quickly realize that life isn’t about you — that life is about others. What an important lesson for all of us to learn. Parenthood is a gift from God, that’s for sure.

When We Decrease, God Increases — A Must.

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“He must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30); “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4:10); “Where there is no guidance the people fall, But in abundance of counselors there is victory” (Proverbs 11:14). 

Life is about God not us. I must become less and so should you. We all need to ensure through our actions and words that God gets the glory and that we submit ourselves to the most high. Humility, submission, and respect for the only God of the universe is our goal. There are no exceptions to this rule only obedience.

The word of God shall live forever! We should blindly obey and glorify the only God of the universe by being humble. Always remember: God first, we second.

There Is No Room For Evil In The Life Of A Christian.

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice” (Ephesians 4:31); “If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth” (1 John 1:6); “To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech” (Proverbs 8:13). 

Listen carefully: There is no room for evil in the life of a Christian. God has instructed us to choose love, instead. We are to love each other as Christ loved you and me. Anger, slander, malice, arrogance… everything that is evil along with hate comes from the enemy. We need to be the salt of the world and act like it. Flee from hateful behaviors and welcome love in your life.

Remember Luke 6;31, “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” God bless.

Do Not Be Overcome By Evil, But Overcome Evil With Good.

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:31); “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Proverbs 27:4); “And I saw that all toil and all achievement spring from one person’s envy of another. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind” (Ecclesiastes 4:4). 

A true christian doesn’t live a life of envy. He lives a godly life always seeking to follow God’s message of love. Flee from envy! Flee from everything that is evil and focus your efforts in better understanding who God is and what He has planned your life to be. If He talks to you, listen.

Who can be better that God? Nobody can. God is faithful and “he won’t let you bear more than what you can handle” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Remember that we are to do good not evil and show to others our fruits, “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” (Galatians 5:22-23). 

Overcome evil with good, always.

If You See Danger Coming Your Way… Take Cover!

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“A sensible person sees danger and takes cover, but the inexperienced keep going and are punished” (Proverbs 22:3). Remember this and never forget brethren — If you see danger coming your way, the very best thing to do is to protect yourself. Don’t wait or try to remediate a dangerous situation because chances are pretty high that things won’t work out the way you planned. In my life, I have seen too much evidence that supports the former.

If you are going to protect yourself by finding a hiding place below a dining table at your house, by leaving your place of employment due to a bad situation, or simply by avoiding and isolating an evil person, it doesn’t matter as long as action is taken. Too many Christian brothers and sisters pay a high price for being naive and thinking that things will change overtime when danger heads their way. The eminent effects of danger often proves them otherwise overtime. If danger is heading your way, pray that God takes you out of that dangerous situation. “A sensible person sees danger and takes cover, but the inexperienced keep going and are punished” (Proverbs 22:3).

Ecclesiastics 3 teaches us that there is a time for everything. Sometimes, there is a time to uproot and a time for refrain… or a time from embracing or give up. If something appears to be, it often is — don’t forget that.

A Time for Everything

3 There is a time for everything,
    and a season for every activity under the heavens:

2     a time to be born and a time to die,
    a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3     a time to kill and a time to heal,
    a time to tear down and a time to build,
4     a time to weep and a time to laugh,
    a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5     a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
6     a time to search and a time to give up,
    a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7     a time to tear and a time to mend,
    a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8     a time to love and a time to hate,
    a time for war and a time for peace.

Remember: “There is a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing.” Don’t embrace anything that puts you in danger. If silence helps you to get away from danger, do it. Always, in prayer, we shall live. Glory be to God. 

Who Said That Life Is Easy And Fair? Our Only Hope Is God.

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33); “It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?” (Hebrews 12:7). 

Too many folks out there are operating under the wrong biblical assumption that life gets easy when we get closer to God. No it doesn’t. Life gets better because of Gods grace so that we can deal with the many temporary injustices we see in this world. I’ve seen a number of devoted Christians  who are very poor, excellent brothers in Christ who are discriminated against because of how they look or talk, intelligent people without the means to get a college education without putting themselves into major debt, you name it. Who said that life is easy and fair for the brethren?

Let’s not forget the teachings of Timothy, “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12), or John, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you” (John 15;18), or Peter, “For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil” (1 Peter 3:17), or Matthew, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10), and many more!

There is hope, which is the good news, “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 12:10). We also learn that we should keep course as, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). 

Keep the faith and love what is good despite of what you might encounter in this world. Stand firms in the faith! Never give that up. Our hope depends on it. Remember what we learned in Romans, “God will repay each person according to what they have done” (Romans 2:6). 

Our only hope is the lamb. Patience in a virtue but only God saves.

The way of the LORD is a refuge for the righteous… Christians!!! Be a Role Model At Work.

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“The way of the LORD is a refuge for the righteous, but it is the ruin of those who do evil” (Proverbs 10:29). Listen this proverb carefully, brethren. Flee from violence, jealousy, and any life sin that deviates you from God’s overall plan. Seek love and gentleness at all times because brothers and sisters in Christ — you will need it.

“Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy” (proverbs 31:9). “Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain” (Proverbs 31:30). BE HUMBLE! “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (Chronicles 7:14). 

Only God can give you the life you need for His own glory. Seek the ways of Jesus Christ. Your role in this life as well as mine is to glorify God not yourself. I do realize that the former is a tough concept to process and accept but it is the way… Only God has the ability to help you and I to live a life of meaning. Glory always be to God.

The Lord Will Meet All Of Your Needs — Thank God For Gardner’s Market.

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“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19); “This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us” (1 John 5:14).  “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).

The good God will meet all of your needs if you live your life according to His word and will. Christ gives us water, food, shelter and many blessings from the land when we listen and obey. When we ask, he gives — The Lord blesses His people in a number of ways. One of the blessings you can receive from the Lord is called Gardner’s Market, a very nice restaurant/sandwich shop/deli located in the historic downtown of Cleveland, Tennessee. The food that they sell and serve down there, especially the Cuban Sandwich, is simply spectacular! Their bagels are incredible, the people who work at Gardner’s Market are very nice and to complement it all… the price that we pay for the food that we get is very reasonable. I am definitely going back for round two. My advice? You should do the same!

Perhaps, our next purchase there will be an item from the deli or one of their amazing muffins. Okay… It might be just a cup of tea or all of the above! I can’t say enough great things about them. It is without question a God’s blessing.

 

 

 

Rejoice Always, Pray Constantly, Give Thanks In Everything! Work Is Good.

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“Rejoice Always, Pray Constantly, Give Thanks In Everything” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17). “Don’t stifle the spirit, don’t despise the prophesies, but test all things, hold on what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:19-21). Don’t be irresponsible in behavior and don’t forget that work is good. Laziness should never be a part of you, regardless of what many might say. Brothers, don’t grow tired of doing what is good.

Rejoice my brethren because life is short. Be with God all the days of your lives. Be thankful for the opportunities that others give you. Don’t hate but in love respect and listen as Christ has done it before. “Keep yourself pure” (1 Timothy 5:22). 

Make sure to pursue “righteousness, godliness, faith, endurance, and gentleness (1 Timothy 6:11) but pay attention eternally. Never cease to work for what is right. God be praised in heaven. Never forget the following, “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). Whatever you do, do it with humility.  

God Answer Your Prayers


Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). “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). “I call on the LORD in my distress, and he answers me” (Psalm 120:1). 

When I was a PhD student at Penn State University, I prayed to God to work in a Christian University where I would have the opportunity to teach communication classes and coach golf. The good God back then lead me and my family to Waynesburg University where I served as an Assistant Professor of Communication and Head Golf Coach. I asked, God head and the rest in history. Then I asked God, “Please God take us to a larger university so I can teach graduate students and get tenure…” Two years later, the Lord took me and my family to Indiana University of Pennsylvania where I taught graduate students and received a letter of tenure.I asked, God head and the rest in history.Then, my wife wanted to come south; I wanted to be closer to my parents; I prayed, “God, please take our family to the south where is warm and closer to Atlanta, GA.” I asked, God head and the rest in history. Now, I prayed, “I think it is time for our family to leave a research university and go back to a Christian school with a teaching focus where I could potentially study God’s word to one day, perhaps, become a pastor.” In a few days, we are heading to one of the most outstanding Christian universities in the United States! Lee University. I asked, God head and the rest in history.

“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 if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him” (1 John 5:15). “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24);  “I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer.” (Psalm 17:6). 

If you decide to love God, He will lead your steps towards His glorification. The ride, my friends, is a gift.

Humility Is The Answer. 


“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Phillipians 2:3). “Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God” (1 Peter 2:17). “So the last will be first, and the first last” (Matthew 20:-6). 

Brothers and sisters, in this life, there is always someone who is better than you in your craft. Be very careful when trying to fiercely compete against others because chances are pretty high that sooner you later you will be beaten. 

Everything you do, do in humility. Honor everyone and love your neighbor. Those who claim to be great, mediocre at best they are. In this anti-intellectual world that we live in these days, it is tempting for many to think they can compete intellectually against intellectuals. Be aware of the risks…

It is like having intellectuals trying to compete physically against a physicalturist. Ok, some non-PHDs are intellectuals but not many; Some PHDs are physiculturists but not many. We all have value, that’s for sure. 

Humility is the answer. Live your life to God not anyone else. Stay firm in the faith… Thanks be to God! Amen. 

You Won’t Convert Anyone By Screaming.

“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted” (Galatians 6:1). Remember to not be overly rough when speaking with non believers! You must stick to the word, though.

We are called to evangelize and engage in the great commission by “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” (Matthew 28:19-20).  We are to share the good news of Christ with the nations and engage in missionary work for the advancement of the gospel. Without a doubt, life is about God not us. 

We are to conduct ourselves with wisdom whenever you interact with unbelievers. We need to be wise and full of grace with others! Why? Because God said, “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:5-6). If you have ears listen.

Obedience my brethren! Following God’s mission is what we are supposed to do in this life. You are to evangelize and “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 29:19).  The way to accomplish the former will vary, of course. Kindness, my friends, is one of the most powerful weapons for evangelism. It is worth your time and practice but remember –God gets the glory.

Amen.