Tag Archives: Life Coach

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Just Because They Say They Are Doesn’t Mean Much

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Silence is a Great Source of Strength

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your most valuable asset is time

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let your yes be yes and your no be no

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

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

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

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

He Increases the Power of the Weak

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

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

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

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

There is power in weakness my friends…

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

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

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

Life is Too Short to Live In Regret

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

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

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

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

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

The Illusion of Running Against the Wind

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

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

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

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

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

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

What has been Broken can be Made New Again

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

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

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

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

Solid. Patient. Loyal. God fearing…

All You Need is God

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

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

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

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

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

All they need is God.

Don’t Be The Product: Follow The Lord

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pride Destroys Humility Builds

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

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

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

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

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

Tomorrow until eternity. Important. Necessary. A must.

Work With Them Anyway

We don’t need to like people in order to work with them. If they are a co-worker bully enemy (or a potential enemy), I get strategically closer to them, if I feel there is potential in them.

“Know thyself, know thy enemy… a thousand battles, a thousand wins.” Sun Tzu.

Usually, adversary workforce bullies have been bullied by a role model before (many times by a parent or a close relative) when they were very young. It’s a debilitating learned behavior for them, an Albert Bandura teaches us in his well discussed social learning theory.

This kind (bullies) are often screaming for help with their actions and words. I’ve turned around bully adversaries from a foe to an ally too many times simply by making the effort to get to know and working with them. They are often loners because their interpersonal communication style is too confrontational and eventually… they explode without warning.

Most human beings like peace and no conflict. That’s why bullies strike first. They, however, struggle in the workforce especially if they encounter a person who embraces war, ain’t afraid to fight, and is strategic about it.

Fact: In every organization, there are people who embrace conflict and fight back. It’s the end of the bully’s ride and the beginning of retreat.

Eventually, workforce bullies get physically sick, suffer a major mental breakdown or both for losing control of a situation they deem under control. They own personalities are very bad for them. It’s a handicap, I would say.

The clever ones minimize their attacks and start realizing that firing a nuke on someone can have severe consequences to them. Many of them learn quickly that it ain’t worth striking a well defended target again.

I don’t take things personally in the workforce. I don’t hate bullies or wish them success. I will fight them when the time is right, if necessary. Maybe you should do the same. As my mentor combat veteran Kurt once said, “Going go war is good sometimes.” It establishes boundaries.

God instructs us to love our enemies in Luke 6:27-36. Sometimes, loving others is calling them on their own evil actions and doing something about it.

Perhaps we all should love those we don’t like (even if they are a bully) by working with them. Sure, there is a risk — There is the risk of getting burned by that person but a person who don’t like you (or that you don’t like) can (and probably will) be a problem anyways whether you work with them or not especially the bully kind.

My advice? Give them a shot. See if you can collaborate with them. You may even like work with them after a while. Can you turn a bully into an ally? They are crying for attention!

Try them, why not?

The Lord Gave Us Talents For A Reason

He has given us our talents to help others and advance the kingdom. Possessing talents for self glory isn’t God’s intent for our lives.

Using a skill set in public speaking for sales purposes to enlarge one’s pocket is a way to use God’s gift in this life. Wouldn’t be wonderful to use our skills in public speaking, for example, make a living and advocate for the needs of the poor also? How about using our public speaking skills to proclaim the Lord’s Gospel.

Remember: “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights,who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17.

We should always keep in mind that “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows,” 1 Chronicles 16:11

We have been instructed to “Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” Matthew 5:42.

How many people do you know who strive to use their godly gifts to help others? There is little doubt, at least to me, that many Christians use the gifts they got from the Lord to only help themselves. What a waste! Our lives are too precious to only do the mundane.

Let’s be different and help others, I say! Let’s use our gifts as a mean to help others live their lives better and advance what God has planned for us do do in this life.

Say No To Evil, Choose Good

We learn everything from the Lord who asks us to, “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” — Romans 12:9. Evil thoughts and deeds are to be away from us, Christians. Unfortunately, much evil exists in this world.

We live in a fallen world where evil dominates and is often seen in a wide variety of places in our society. Television and streaming media isn’t an exception. Take for example what is happening at Netflix right now. They have Allowed a movie depicting nudity/sex among minors (Cuties) to be streamed in their servers which is so wrong and evil.

I suspect that the French company that produced this film tried to convey the problem we have with sex trafficking and its relation to social media. I argued, however, don’t we have a better way to convey this message without showing nudity/sex among 11 year old kids?

What was the French company and Netflix thinking! One for producing the other for distributing. Kids are protected by the Lord. Are some media conglomerates right now turning away from much needed morality?

We are to protect the children instead of the opposite. Remember: The Lord was pretty clear when He stated that anyone who does evil to children will pay a big price for doing so.

“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.” Matthew 18:6.

I’m very disappointed at Netflix for allowing this movie to be on its system. We are to do good and avoid evil especially when children is involved. What are your thoughts about this? Is it evil to show kids nudity and sex to hundreds of millions of people in the name of profit?

It’s evil to me… It’s very evil. What are your thoughts?

Anger Is Sin Choose To Be Calm

We have learned that, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1. Yet, much human communication is done with harsh words with a touch of anger which can cause much division among people.

Choose to be patient, to be kind, to be different… remember: “ye are the salt of the world! A city on the hill cannot be hid.” Matthew 4:13. Say no anger and strive to be calm.

The Lord has taught us to avoid having a hot temper and a heart for anger which eventually results in foolish actions, “People with a hot temper do foolish things; wiser people remain calm.” Proverbs 14:17. Calmness of heart is the ideal, Godly way to live and behave in this imperfect world. God has warned us about anger in multiple places in the Bible.

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” James 1:19.

Anger is evil especially if uncontrolled. “Don’t let evil get the best of you, but conquer evil by doing good.” Romans 12:21. And lastly…

“Those who control their anger have great understanding; those with a hasty temper will make mistakes.” Proverbs 14:29. Exercise self control, be kind, and slow to anger.

That’s God’s way. It’s the only way.

You Got Time, Use It

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.

Time is what we all got, regardless of how much money we have in our banking accounts. Time allows us to share the gospel with others. In Ephesians 5:16 we learn, “Making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” Use time to do good, to make God the center of your life, time is what allows us to think, act, react, pray, share and learn.

Time, time, and more time. “Only if I had time for this, only if we have time for that.” Well, we do have it, if we think about it. It’s a matter of where we want to put our riches in, as Christ stated on the sermon on the mount.

How much have you thought about time lately? Life is short, time is limited but need is infinite. God’s love is to celebrate beyond the boundaries of time but overtime, we shall see God.

The truth is that we have the time to do great things for the Lord. All we need to do is to prioritize. Should God’s work be secondary or primary? Primary.

Much work needs to be done including building the kingdom, helping the poor, loving each other and being a voice for justice in this unjust world.

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.

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.