Category Archives: faith
Love, Don’t Judge
I’ll be the first to admit, I am fed up with all the “holier than thou” Christians in this world, who point their fingers at everyone else around them. Do they know what it’s like to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes?
Courtesy of Creative Commons
Wouldn’t it be better to use their energy and focus on themselves?
I never understood why people gossip and talk negatively about other people behind their back.
Unfortunately, this happens in the Christian community as well, and it’s hypocrisy. Aren’t we suppose to be a light in this world and salt of the earth? (Matthew 5:13)
How is it possible that Christians are tearing each other down?
If you have been following me or my blog for any length of time, you know what I’m about.
I have never been the type to judge other people. I don’t care who they are or what they’ve done. I accept people for who they are. I respect the Word of God, and as I age, I realize I’m no one to point my finger at anyone. I do not care who they are.
The job of a true Christian is to love others.
There was a time I didn’t get this. I didn’t get the importance of loving others. But God in His grandiose, gracious, merciful way, was patient enough with me to allow me to learn this vital lesson.
The lesson happened this year, while I have been in the process of advocating for someone who was wrongfully convicted.
I’ve learned that passing judgement is reserved for God alone. Jesus didn’t die for perfect people. He died for flawed and broken people.
Christians are sinners saved by grace. How dare we think we are better than anyone else.
How can we point our fingers at anyone?
I don’t care if they are murderers, serial killers, rapists or pedophiles. The only way they are going to see Christ in us, is if we stop judging and start loving.
I know this may sound cliché, but love is the force that changes the hardest heart… not judgement. Judging others doesn’t lead to any change.
If you are a Christ follower, the only way to truly reach others for Christ is by loving them.
What do you think is stopping you from loving others?
Be The Church
In 1995, I had the pleasure of traveling to India. It was a dream come true for me. I had this romantic view of India, until I stepped off the plane and faced the reality of what real poverty looked like.
Courtesy of Creative Commons
When I arrived, I went from being ecstatic, to sad, to depressed in a matter of minutes.
I couldn’t believe my eyes. There was such a disparity between the poverty and opulence I saw. What especially broke my heart was seeing the children, dirty and living in shacks made out of garbage.
I stood there dumbfounded. I whispered under my breath, why God? Why must these children be so poor? They didn’t ask to be born into hunger and pain. Why such a cruel fate? My heart was faint.
I was despondent for the rest of my stay there. I walked around like a zombie, going through motions. It seemed like everywhere I turned, I saw poverty, hunger and suffering.
In India, I learned that no amount of religion or theology could reach the heart of the poor and hungry. The country is filled with people who believe in religion and worship a multitude of gods. Religion is part of their spiritual infrastructure.
But religion doesn’t give life, and it certainly isn’t the answer. Do you know what the answer is?
Love.
But not the sappy, sugar coated nonsense being propagated from the pulpits across America today. No.
Do you realize we are the Church? It’s about demonstrating love to those you wouldn’t necessarily show it to.
It’s about getting out of our comfort zone and doing things we wouldn’t normally do or going places we wouldn’t normally go.
I don’t refer to myself as a Christian anymore, because saying I’m a Christian holds a different connotation to whomever you are speaking to. Some people call themselves a Christian, but they are “religious”. They tithe and go to church regularly. But they never stop and love others.
How many Christians are bringing the church to the outcasts and rejected of society? The porn stars, strippers, murderers, gang bangers, drug addicts, drug dealers or satanists?
What Christian steps out of their safety net to be the church to those who are hated, rejected or despised? The poor, the suffering, and the sick? Those who are shunned, isolated and ignored by people.
I personally know Christians who don’t want to associate with those who have problems, who are depressed and walk around with dark clouds over their heads. They are afraid it might rub off on them.
But if we are the Church, we shouldn’t shun or avoid those who are suffering or struggling. How will they ever know that hope and love exists?
The true love that Jesus exemplified and demonstrated when He walked on this earth.
Folks, it’s much deeper than religion or religious acts that appease our own conscience. We must be willing to be the church and bring the love and compassion of Jesus to those who are broken, rejected and despised. If we don’t, who will?
In James 1:27, it says, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” (KJV)
In Hebrews 13:3, it says, “Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies.” (NLT)
This is not to boast, but even with my limited time between home, work, college, and writing, I’ve decided to use the gift God has blessed me with and write to those who are in prison. I also try to minister to families who have loved ones who are incarcerated. Families do the time along with their loved ones. It’s heartbreaking.
I’m not saying you need to do what I’m doing. All I’m saying is to be the church in whatever capacity God is calling you.
It’s no longer enough to preach or try to bring people to your Church. It’s time to be the hands and feet, and be the Church to the lost, the hopeless, the poor, the rejected, the shunned, the outcast, the incarcerated, the abused, and the sick.
Have you felt a burden to serve in your community, your neighbor or co-worker, but have been afraid to do so? Why not step out of your comfort zone and reach out? Why not take a step toward making a difference in someone else’s life? If we all do our part, we can bring hope to those who really need it.
One Reason Why Marriages Fail
There seems to be an epidemic with failed marriages. It’s not only happening in secular circles, but also in Christian ones too.
Courtesy of Creative Commons
I’m not a marriage expert. I only share things based on my own personal observation and experience.
This famous expression holds true, Know Thyself.
One of the reasons why marriages fail is because people rush, instead of taking their time and getting to know themselves first.
If you don’t know who you are, how can you possibly select the right person to spend the rest of your life with?
We bought into the lie Hollywood sold us, falling for an illusion or fantasy of romance and marriage.
We want to be swept off our feet and saved by another person. So, we convince ourselves that when we finally meet someone, we will be happy and fulfilled.
This couldn’t be further from the truth.
Only God can save us, not a person. People can’t give us what we don’t already have inside.
We are in such a rush to hook up with someone and get married that we wind up marrying the wrong person.
I understand that we don’t want to be alone. However, in our desperation, we rush and don’t take the time to analyze whether or not the person is right for us.
Feelings can be deceiving. Those warm and fuzzy feelings pass like gas.
God admonishes us to be patient and exercise wisdom in all things. Being desperate or rushing into anything, especially a marriage, is a huge mistake.
When we get caught up or obsessed in finding a partner, instead of learning who we are and what we want first, we can end up with the wrong person.
Rush, rush, rush… Hurry, hurry, hurry… leads to misery.
So many people are falling in and out of love these days, it’s mind boggling. However, I am realizing why that is, and it’s because people don’t know who they are.
When you don’t know who you are and what you want, your ability to choose the right person is hindered.
People don’t want to do the preliminary work necessary to be with someone or become the right person for their future partner.
We think “love” if the only thing we need. Don’t get me wrong, love is important. However, it’s not everything. There are other factors contingent upon sustaining a long term, healthy and fulfilling marriage.
It all comes down to knowing yourself. If you know and love yourself first, then you have a better chance of finding the right person to marry and not end up disappointed, disillusioned and ultimately, divorced.
Trust me, I’ve been at this for a while now. Do yourself a favor and readjust your focus. Instead of obsessing on marriage, get to know who you are and what you want first. You will save yourself a lot of grief, and hurt in the long run.
Have you taken the time necessary to get to know yourself or heal from your past, instead of focusing on finding someone and getting married?
Everyone Deserves A Second Chance
Last week I was on vacation. We were able to get away for a few days, which was nice.
What I found interesting was that by changing my environment and routine, I was better able to connect with my creative side.
I still woke up early for writing practice and as I wrote, ideas flooded my consciousness. I realized I need to do this sort of thing on a regular basis. I need to unplug and change my environment to be able to get in touch with myself; to think, write and create.
One of the things that came to mind on my vacation was the concept of second chances.
Courtesy of Creative Commons
I believe people deserve second chances. Yes, even those who may have done atrocities.
Look at Paul in the Bible, before Jesus appeared to him, he was killing His followers.
So what makes Paul different than anyone else in God’s eyes?
Humans are the only ones who seem to put limits on God’s forgiveness, grace and mercy.
We are the harshest critics and judge of others.
Why do Christians believe they can get on their high horse and be self righteous of others they “deem” as unforgivable?
Christians forget where they came from. They get cleaned up and then they begin noticing the dirt on others. All the while oblivious to how dirty they were before God pulled them out of the mire.
Excuse me, but what right do we have to judge those who are in prison for instance?
As Christians, we shouldn’t be uttering under our breaths how they deserve everything they get or how they must of done something bad to be where they are in the first place.
We mock, we criticize and we judge. We act as if we are better, and have attained some high moral standard which allows us the right to point our fingers at others.
We read our bibles, pray, attend church and tithe, yet, we are not Christ like in the least.
We preach a good game, and mastered Christianese. However, we are so far from the heart of God and loving the outcasts of society.
We look down at and snub the homeless, the drug addicts, alcoholics and prostitutes. We look at those who are in prison like they’re lower than animals.
This grieves me. I see Christians all around me convinced they are living out the Bible. Meanwhile they can’t even control their tongues as they pour out their unrestrained and thoughtless criticism on others around them.
Their attitudes are far from what it means to love others as Christ does.
And we wonder why there are so many Christian marriages failing today.
This sums up the equation: Christians + Church = Hypocrites.
I want to assure my readers that I love Jesus. However, I don’t love religion or judgmental and religious people.
My vision of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit is much greater than the limited and legalistic Christians who I see a lot of nowadays. I have no interest in mixing with them. I’ll pray for them, but I’m not playing religion. I’m also done pretending, it’s not for me. I’d rather walk this walk alone than be fake or phony.
I’m not the type to preach at people or tell people what I think they should or shouldn’t be doing. That’s not me. I will be the first to admit I have not arrived and am a work in progress. I refuse to walk around high and mighty, like I have my stuff together and have all the answers, because I don’t.
Nor will I look down my nose at anyone, not those selling their bodies, not homosexuals, not criminals, not murderers, not drug addicts or drug dealers, or alcoholics.
God loves everyone. He loves the sinner, but hates the sin. And guess what? We are all sinners, even those who have been saved by grace. We still contend with a sin nature, even after we get saved.
What I’m saying is there is no one better than the next guy. We are all the same in God’s eyes.
I know it’s a hard pill for some Christians to swallow, but it’s the truth. The reason why some have a hard time grasping this truth is because they feel the need to be superior or important.
God loves the humble and lowly.
Yes, I love Jesus, because Jesus is the only one who loves us in a way, no human is able to emulate. His love, compassion and forgiveness is all encompassing and far from our limited reach.
We want to put Jesus in a box and project what we think His love should be. All we’ve managed to accomplish is forming and following a god of our own warped understanding.
God is greater than anything we can come up with. Our vision is clouded to see Him as He truly is.
Jesus is loving and invites everyone, especially the outcasts and rejects of society.
He says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
Mahatma Gandhi said it best — ‘I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.’ Truer words were never spoken.
Do you believe everyone deserves a second chance?
God’s Pen
This morning I had a dream. I was in that in between state, when I heard these words, “You are God’s pen.”
Courtesy of Creative Commons
You would think that at 47, I would have figured out my calling or purpose in life.
Here I am 25 years later attending college at night to pursue my undergraduate degree. I’m working long hours, and writing a novel too. I’m enduring the torturous process of taking remedial math, algebra classes and writing fiction. Yet, when it comes to knowing my major or calling is, I haven’t a clue.
This week I was brainstorming with some colleagues, and one said I should continue writing. The other said perhaps I can study forensic psychology or become a detective. She mentioned I like to research, which is true. I can spend hours researching topics of interest.
I was also thinking about becoming a lawyer, so I could help those who are facing injustice. But at the rate I’m going, I would be over 60 by the time I finish.
This morning I heard, “You are God’s pen.” I have been praying and asking God for guidance and direction. Maybe this is His answer.
But how could I possibly help people by writing and not “doing” something to make a difference?
I love to see God move in people’s lives. Nothing gives me more pleasure than to co-labor with God and see justice prevail. My passion is communicating, bringing awareness and advocating change for those facing injustice.
You see friends, I’m not into doing anything if there isn’t a higher purpose for someone to benefit from. Most writers write because they are satisfied with just writing as an art form. Don’t get me wrong, I love art. But, there is something deeper that’s propelling me. The purpose of writing for me has to be more than just making art, or for entertainment.
I am half way through my life. I don’t feel like I have much time left to be putzing around. I pray God makes it clear as to what He wants me to do and shows me the way.
Do you think writing can make a difference and change things? In what ways? Please explain in the comment section below.
The Making Of A Prophet by Jennifer LeClaire
Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Chosen Books (February 18, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800795628
ISBN-13: 978-0800795627
Price: $12.99
Purchase: Amazon | CBD | BN
Description
Now what?
In this book, leading prophetic voice Jennifer LeClaire guides readers along the journey of a prophet– from the initial call all the way through to maturity.
This process is anything but easy. But LeClaire offers honest, accessible counsel to help you move into your prophetic call. Her spiritual insights will help you overcome the fear of man, identify and eliminate wrong motives and, above all, pursue intimacy with God.
Many prophets are called . . . but not everyone endures the making process; to his or her prophetic destiny.
God is looking for people to entrust with the secrets of His heart.
Embrace the journey toward your call with this comprehensive, practical guide, and experience the awesome process of being formed into a mouthpiece for the God of the universe.
Review
I have read many books on this topic and The Making of a Prophet was the best I’ve read thus far.
When I first selected this book to review, I was on the fence about it. Since the other books I read were a disappointment. This book was different than all the other books I’ve read on this subject.
The Making of a Prophet is a practical and biblical guide to what it truly is to be used of God as a prophet and also, the great responsibility and cost that is associated with this office.
LeClaire does not sugar coat anything. She tells it like it is. She derives and shares from her own personal experiences; the mistakes as well as the victories.
Her writing style is honest, down to earth and real which I find refreshing in this day and age.
Especially with so many today in the prophetic ministry, who call themselves “prophets” and go around using, abusing and exploiting their so-called gift for their own personal gain, status or recognition.
If you want to read a sound and no nonsense book on this subject, I highly recommend you read, The Making of a Prophet.*
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a review.
Jennifer LeClaire is a prophetic voice and teacher with a growing media ministry. She directs IHOP-Fort Lauderdale and serves as news editor of Charisma magazine. In addition, she writes one of Charisma‘s most popular prophetic columns, “The Plumb Line,” and frequently contributes to Charisma‘s Prophetic Insight newsletter. Her media ministry includes her website, 40,000 followers on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and a growing newsletter list. She lives in south Florida. Learn more at www.jenniferleclaire.org.
Jesus Isn’t A Racist or A Murderer
A few weeks ago, I read this letter by Ray Jasper who was executed last Wednesday night in Texas.
Ray Jasper
Ray Jasper was 18 years old when he murdered David Alejandro.
David Alejandro
At the age of 33, David Alejandro was a lead singer of a Christian band besides running his own recording studio. Before Ray Jasper, an aspiring rapper, killed him.
Jasper had previous sessions in Alejandro’s recording studio prior to the attack. He devised a plan with two others to steal Alejandro’s studio equipment.
I’m not sure what possessed Jasper to make a tragic mistake in taking the life of someone he considered one of the nicest people he ever met.
But what I do know is that his final letter evidenced a changed man prior to his execution last Wednesday night.
Two wrongs don’t make a right, which is why I consider the death penalty unethical. I know there are Christians who don’t agree with me.
They quote bible verses in the Old Testament as their justification and reason for why they believe capital punishment is allowed by God. However, when I look at the New Testament, the new covenant, Jesus didn’t go around killing anyone.
Saul (before his name was changed to Paul) persecuted and killed Christians. If Jesus was in favor of the death penalty, he would have killed Paul on the road to Damascus. Yet, Jesus didn’t kill him, He showed him mercy, grace, love and forgiveness.
There are thirty-two states in the USA supporting the death penalty. Meanwhile, there are many on death row (or serving life sentences in solitary confinement) who are innocent.
Currently, there is a series on CNN called Death Row Stories, which is revealing a few of the many cases of those who were on death row and are now exonerated.
I’ll tell you this, I wouldn’t want to be those who are killing people by lethal injection, and have innocent blood on my hands the day I see Jesus.
In my humble opinion, the prison system is modern day slavery and the death penalty is a modern day genocide, where whites still lynch blacks by lethal injection.
Yes, I’m white and writing this. I refuse to pretend or turn a blind eye on the reality of racism in this country.
Jesus isn’t a racist, so therefore, neither am I.
As Christians, I believe we shouldn’t be in agreement or in favor of the death penalty. My heart grieves for all those who are innocent and sitting on death row or serving life sentences in solitary confinement.
Christians need to take a stand for change and be a voice for the voiceless. The death penalty is antiquated, inhumane, unethical, barbaric, and needs to be abolished.
Human beings do not have a right to dictate who lives and who dies; only God reserves that right.
What are some of the ways which we can advocate to abolish the death penalty?
A Forgotten Ministry
Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them;and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.
Hebrews 13:3
Courtesy of Creative Commons
A couple of weeks ago, I came across an article about a new book that was released, Black is the Day, Black is the Night by Amy Elkins.
This article fascinated me. Amy Elkins corresponded with five male inmates on death row, which lead to her book of remarkable photographs. She expresses their story in an artistic way.
I have been studying about solitary confinement and prison life for awhile now.
Our entire prison and justice system baffles and troubles me. I have a burden for those who are incarcerated.
Those who have been locked up, forgotten about by family and so-called friends as if they no longer exist.
Let me share an excerpt by Amy Elkins:
“A system that uses long-term solitary confinement and capital punishment is broken. Housing someone in infinite isolation has been proven to be hugely damaging to one’s psychological and physical state. This type of isolation breeds behavioral and emotional imbalances that are bound to cause most to remain in a perpetual state of anxiety, depression and anger. Which means they are set up for failure. There is absolutely no way to rehabilitate in such conditions. But clearly rehabilitation isn’t what they have in mind.
I have written with one man in particular who has served 20 years in solitary confinement as part of a Life Without Parole (LWOP) sentence for a non-murder related crime he committed aged 16. He has written about going years talking through concrete walls without ever seeing the men he holds daily conversations with. He spends nearly 23 hours a day in a small cell by himself and when he is let out, he is shackled and permitted to exercise in a slightly larger room by himself for an hour. How he’s gone 20 years in these conditions and not gone completely mad is mind blowing.”
I have been writing to inmates off and on now for years. You have no idea how happy it makes them to receive letters.
While sitting in their 6 x 9 to 8 x 10 feet cell, day in and day out, for 22 or 23 hours a day, with no hope of physical contact with anyone other than a correctional officer.
They describe solitary confinement or death row as hell on earth.
You may be thinking, these prisoners are criminals, they deserve what they get. They took a life or whatever, so they need to pay for what they did.
But think about it, how will they ever rehabilitate in a barbaric system like solitary confinement or capital punishment?
The system is flawed.
The Bible admonishes us not to forget about those who are in prison.
Perhaps you don’t want to visit a prison. That is understandable. It’s not for everyone.
But, if you have a burden, you could write to an inmate or two.
Some churches even have a prison ministry. If you a part of or member of a church, you may be able to get involved in their pen pal ministry.
If not, you can do it on your own; just Google inmate pen pal sites and choose an inmate to write to.
It’s best to write to the same sex, however, you may discover you identify and have a burden for someone of the opposite sex.
It is important to be clear about your position and intention in your first letter to them, so they know where you stand. Setting boundaries from the beginning is vital.
They will respect your wishes because all they desire is to be able to communicate with someone, anyone.
Believe it or not, the majority do not receive letters from anyone.
If you are concerned about your safety or of your family, you can always use an alias and rent a P.O. Box.
I highly suggest only using a P.O. Box.
If you are going to begin writing to an inmate, the most important thing to remember is consistency is key.
If you believe you won’t be able to be consistent for whatever reason, it is best not to start.
The reason why I say this, is because it will only result in another let down and disappointment for them.
They are already at a loss and suffer from hopelessness.
The only thing they look forward to is receiving letters.
If you decide to start, please make sure you can stick with it.
Writing to those in prison is a forgotten ministry, but is one of the best ways to demonstrate God’s love in action.
Is this something you would be interested in doing? Do you have any questions or concerns? If so, please comment below.
By The Word Of Our Testimony
“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the Word of their testimony.” Revelation 12:11
Courtesy of Creative Commons
What makes Jesus real to others? Is it what we say? What we do? How do the unsaved come to believe Jesus is real?
Revelation 12:11 says, it is by our testimony.
When I think about my testimony, I cringe.
Do I really want to tell others what I have done and been through?
Truth be told, I never share my testimony. I may share bits and pieces of it, here and there, but I never get around to actually telling people what God has delivered me from.
I remember when a close friend of mine who is a missionary introduced me to other missionaries. She began telling them a little bit about my testimony and I was mortified. She saw the expression on my face and pulled me aside to apologize. I told her I wasn’t comfortable sharing my story with others, whether they are Christians or not.
I am not comfortable sharing my past, which is why I don’t share my testimony.
Recently, I listened to a message where a pastor said, “God did not deliver you for yourself. He did not deliver you, so that you could live a comfortable life, sitting on your sofa, eating popcorn. He delivered you so that you can go tell others about what Jesus has done for you, so that others may believe.”
Boy, did I feel convicted.
All these years, I have been sitting on my testimony because I don’t want to be judged and criticized by others.
Yes, God has delivered me of much, but yet, I want to tuck it away somewhere, go on with my life and forget about it.
We can continue to use prescriptions and formulas to bring others to Christ. We can also act like we have it figured out and attempt to do everything with our own reasoning.
However, as you can see from the above verse, it isn’t by our logical antidotes or persuasive words that brings others to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
It is by the Holy Spirit, the blood of the Lamb, and the word of our testimony.
This is God’s prescription.
The real question is, will we continue to follow our own way or do it His way?
Do you also find it hard to share you testimony?
He Loves To Hear Our Hearts
Life is busy. We are constantly running and trying keep up with the clock.
At end of the day, we are exhausted. We head to sleep, only to wake up and do it all over again the next day.
When do we stop and spend time with God?
Courtesy of Creative Commons
The other day I was speaking to a close friend of mine. I asked her this question, “How do we develop intimacy with God?”
My friend is in full time ministry and has been following the Lord consistently for many years.
She responded, “By spending time with Him. It’s in having a relationship with Him, that intimacy grows.”
It’s the same as any earthly relationship. If we don’t spend time with a friend or spouse, we won’t get to know them.
The same applies to our Heavenly Father. If we don’t stop and spend time with Him, we won’t get to know Him.
There was a time I tried to build my faith by reading books, attending every church service, going to conferences and serving in ministry.
I thought by “doing” all these things, my faith and intimacy would somehow grow.
I was wrong.
It is not by our might or power, it is by His Spirit. It is God who changes us from the inside out by spending time and getting to know Him.
It’s by setting aside time every day to read His Word, pray and wait on Him.
When we develop this discipline, we begin to grow in intimacy with Him.
It isn’t by our doing, works or ministry that changes us or develops our faith. It is God who does the work in our hearts through the Holy Spirit.
He doesn’t want us doing anything for Him, He wants us and our time.
He loves to hear our hearts.
Has He been hearing from yours lately?
Mad Faith
You’re probably wondering why am I using the word “mad” in connection to “faith”.
The word “mad” is commonly used in New York City. The urban dictionary defines “mad” as “extreme” or “a lot”.
I decided to connect the two; mad faith.
Courtesy of Creative Commons
I’ve been thinking madly about faith. What makes one have more faith than another, and that sort of thing.
It’s a mystery.
My desire has been ever increasing for my faith to be authentic.
In Christendom, I see many chasing after signs, wonders, miracles and manifestations, to the point of idolatry.
I’m not judging, but merely making an observation.
Truthfully, I used to be one of those people. I would chase after God here, there and everywhere.
I was seeking some kind of sign or experience and chasing after Him as if He couldn’t be found.
Frankly, I had it all wrong.
It sort of reminds me of Moses, when He went up to the mountain to get the Ten Commandments and left the people behind. In time, they all started making physical idols to worship instead of worshipping the God who miraculously parted the Red Sea and delivered them from the Egyptians.
What is it in us that inclines us to chase after other gods, instead of Him? Why are we restless and unsettled in our faith? Why must we chase after experiences? Why isn’t Jesus enough?
These are the questions which gnaw at me daily. I don’t have the answers. All I know is that I’ve already tried it all. I’ve traveled around the world in search of Him.
I am certain of this, it is not by signs and wonders that our faith increases, not in the least. I tell you this from personal experience. This doesn’t deepen our faith.
One thing that does though, is adversity.
My faith was strengthened, when I shook with fear, felt hopeless, thinking God wasn’t going to deliver me out of something, and He did.
To me, that’s miraculous. Not manifestations of angel feathers, gems or gold dust appearing at some gathering, where the attention turns to man and not God.
This is where the confusion begins. Everyone starts worshiping and idolizing the creation instead of the Creator. The credit for these so-called manifestations becomes attributed to man, instead of God. If something is going to take the focus or pull you away from God, you should run the other direction and don’t look back.
I’m sharing what I’ve gleaned from all of the mistakes I’ve made in my life.
I’m not claiming to be an expert or have it right. I’ll be the first to tell you I don’t have all the answers. All I know is my heart longs for the authentic. For the living God of this universe to be real and present in my life.
I don’t want my desire for signs, wonders, miracles and manifestations to take precedence over Him. He already gave and did it all by dying on the Cross for me, what more do I want?
I want to have mad faith which is undeniable and unshakeable. I want to experience more of His love and presence in my life. Not experiences, sensations, imitations or cheap substitutes. The real deal.
What about you?
Follow
embodyart