I Don’t Want to Be Absent from His Presence

How does it feel to be absent from the presence of the Lord?

Empty.

That’s probably the best way I could put it. If you can relate to feeling like you’re in a void. Alone. Unloved and desperate – yea, that’s how it can feel too.

I don’t know about you. I don’t know your personal walk with Him. Maybe you know Jesus, maybe you don’t. I just know for me, it feels empty. This is not a teaching. Nor do I intend to sound preachy. I do not desire to tell you what to do, but to help you. Maybe help by stating how I feel.

Have you ever heard that saying -“You may be the only bible some people read.” This is true. As a child of the Living King, He wants me to use my hands and feet. I also believe He wants me to use my mouth too. The telling of my personal experiences can make an impact on you.

I can remember a time when I felt like He wasn’t there. You could call it a “dry season.” Utter silence during prayer. In that silence, I struggled. In that silence, I felt lost. Yet, in that silence, I persisted. I knew He was there, but I desired Him more.

You see, I’ve tasted and seen (Psalm 34:8). I know how good He is, and I’m blessed. Of all these years, how did I survive without Him? Why did I not desire Him then? How come no one ever told me how good He is? I knew of Him but didn’t KNOW Jesus. I’m sold! I’m a firm believer in Hebrews 6:4-6.

Now that I know Jesus, I cannot live without Him. 

This may sound silly, weird, and maybe obsessive to some, but don’t you feel that way about your loved one? Haven’t you said this at least once? About your father, mother, sister, or brother? Maybe even a close friend or lover? 

Imagine you are a merchant who sought beautiful pearls. One day, you found THE one pearl of great price. You’d sell all you had just to have it. This is like the Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 13:45-46).

Once you grab a hold of something worth more than life, it’s hard to let go of it. This is Jesus for me. If you know Jesus, what is He to you? If you don’t, would you be willing to?

The Good Samaritan: A Salvation Story – Only?

What do you think when you hear “The Parable of the Good Samaritan?” Do you think about social justice? Racial discrimination? Illegal immigration? Or do you think about being a good person? There are varying viewpoints, but what do YOU know it to mean?

Recently, I heard a very intriguing perspective on this parable. Self-righteous acts will not gain you salvation. That’s it! Nothing about being a good person or loving your neighbor. I reviewed it multiple times because I’ve never heard it this way before.

While that statement is true, that’s not what I readily gleaned from it. Maybe I’m used to hearing it the common way. Nonetheless, I thought it was interesting. For this post, I figured I’d share this differing viewpoint. I think it will be informative for those who are familiar with the parable and for those who aren’t.

For context, let’s start with why Jesus told the parable and refer to Luke 10:25. A lawyer (one who studied the law) decided to test Jesus. He asked, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”1 Recognizing the intent of the lawyer, Jesus turned it back on him. Jesus asked, “What is written in the law? How do you read it?“2

The lawyer replied with the two great commandments. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself” (Luke 10:27). To which Jesus replied, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live” (Luke 10:28).

Here is where it gets technical. Meaning, this is where the perspective turns from “be a good neighbor.” The lawyer’s “what shall I do?” is in the aorist tense. What does that mean? Aorist is defined as an event that is completed. A one-time action as opposed to a habitual or ongoing action. For instance, do you feed a baby once? No. Do you want to starve a baby? No, so you continue to feed the baby.

What the lawyer is saying without saying – I’ve already done these things. What else is there? In essence, the lawyer was asking for a checklist to earn salvation. This wreaks of self-righteous indignation.

When Jesus replied, “do this…” it is present tense and continual. Love God and be a good neighbor not just once, but continually. It’s a lifestyle not just something to do. Surely the lawyer was offended because he began to justify himself. He asked Jesus, “[a]nd who is my neighbor?”3

Jesus then replies with this parable:

“A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. 32 So likewise a Levite4, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 And the next day he took out two denarii5 and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’

After the end of the parable, Jesus asked the lawyer – which of the 3 individuals was a neighbor to the man robbed by the thieves. The lawyer replied by saying the one who showed mercy on the man. Again, Jesus reiterates “…You go, and do likewise” (Luke 10:37).

While not detailed in this parable, it is implied that the man who was robbed is Jewish. Why is that important to note? Well, this is what gives the common perspective of the parable. For those who are unaware, there was no expression of “brotherly love” between the Jews and Samaritans.

Jews did not see Samaritans as their neighbors. Recall, that the lawyer asked Jesus, “who is my neighbor?” So, it would come as a surprise that a Samaritan would have compassion for a Jew and vice versa.

Back to the main point. The lawyer did not follow what the great commands demanded. Hence why 2x Jesus told him to go do what was commanded. His self-righteous acts made him fall short. His attempts to justify himself and deny wrong-doings did him no favors either.

You are incapable of obtaining salvation with self-righteous performances. Salvation is a gift, not something you earn. In all, Jesus confronted a self-righteous lawyer. That’s it!

It’s not about racial discrimination or being a social justice warrior. Nothing on DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion), acts of compassion, loving your neighbor, or being a good neighbor. Only about salvation.

I see the point, but meh! I find it hard-pressed to believe that Jesus would tell this story with just one deep meaning. Yet, I could be totally wrong.

So, what do you think? Is it a salvation-only story? Or do you think there is much more?

P.S. – Thank you to my new subscribers! I greatly appreciate it! ❤

  1. Luke 10:25 ↩︎
  2. Luke 10:26 ↩︎
  3. Luke 10:29 ↩︎
  4. A member of the Hebrew tribe of Levi. They were selected to serve God in the Holy Temple. ↩︎
  5. Roman silver coin ↩︎

The World Is Not Enough: The Prodigal Son

The world is not enough, and it will never be. What does it profit to gain the world and lose everything? Easy, none! You profit nothing, yet, this concept seems foreign. Everything is so in your face! Riches and wealth, power, sex, “love”, etc… The allure of worldly things is seductive. It’s like you “gotta catch em all!” There is a story in the Bible that talks about this. Do you know the prodigal son?

If you know, you know. For those who don’t, let’s talk about him. There was a wealthy man who had 2 sons. The younger son told his father, “Father, give me my share of the estate” (Luke 15:11). I’m sure the father had reservations, but he divided the property between his sons.

Soon after, the younger son journeyed to a distant country and squandered his ENTIRE inheritance on worldly pleasures. He was left with nothing and in need. What made matters worse was famine struck the whole country. One can only imagine what he was thinking. Our flesh would call him an idiot, stupid, and a fool. That wouldn’t be nice to say, no matter how true.

Desperate times call for desperate measures. With nothing left, he hired himself out to a citizen of that country. This citizen in turn sent him to feed their pigs. He longed to fill his belly with what the pigs ate, but no one fed him. Imagine being so hungry that you’d consider eating what the pigs ate because no one fed you. What would you do in this situation?

Well, he came to his senses. One could assume after lamenting, he realized he didn’t have to be there. “How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger” (Luke 15:17)! So he gathered himself and thought about what he should say to his father.

“18I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants’ “(Luke 18-19).

So, he made his way back to his father. While still a long way off, his father saw him in the distance. Filled with so much compassion, his father ran to his son and embraced and kissed him! This is a great act of love. This is the heart of a good father. Even though his son made a massive mistake, he forgave him and rejoiced at his return.

“Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son” (Luke 15:21). His father paid him no mind as he continued to rejoice at his son’s return. His father commanded his servants,

“Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found…“ (Luke 15:22-24).

There is more to this story, so I encourage you to read further. There are multiple lessons to be learned from this, but I only want to touch on 1. Chasing vanities, chasing the wind – these things will leave you empty.

Many of us, believers and nonbelievers alike fall into this web of deception and lies. That chasing after love, materialistic things, riches, and more will satisfy our needs. Our fulfillment doesn’t lie in the things of this world but in God’s sufficiency.

If you know Him, trust that He is enough. If you don’t know Him, come to Him. Put your faith in Someone who won’t leave you empty. Remember, the world is not enough, and it will never be.

Out From Within: Unashamedly Bold

I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.

Philippians 1:20

2 weeks ago, my best friend sent me this meme below. She had this to say about it, “I feel like this is you, and I want to be more like you boo.”

I was flattered, and it’s nice to know that someone else sees me this way. I’ll be honest, what this meme says is exactly how I think sans cursing. Yet, it is not always how I portray myself. Why? Because sometimes it’s hard to be that unashamedly bold.

We live in a world of “my truth” not THE truth. Pronouns, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, Democrats, Republicans, etc…are not THE truth. Nah, that’s my and/or your truth. Too many self-proclaiming Christians are bowing down to “my truth” instead of THE truth. It is destructive to the body (Church). So, what is THE truth you ask?

Well…it’s not what but who is it. Jesus Christ. He is THE truth. John 14:6 quotes Jesus saying “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Now, some of you don’t believe and some do. That’s ok. Some may stop reading and get in their feelings. Differing beliefs tend to do that. That’s ok too. You may not read my writings anymore. All good.

At first, I wasn’t sure if this was something I should write about – boldness. I started a rough draft and stopped because I began to doubt. I felt passionate about it but didn’t know how to express myself. I prayed for guidance and a few days later my best friend sent that meme. It was what I needed.

There are no coincidences. He answered my prayer. That may seem far-fetched to some, but very few know what He is doing with me. I would be remiss if I didn’t say I don’t totally know myself. One thing IS for sure – He is using my writing to bring out what is within.

You see, I have a voice – I must speak. I cannot water down my message or His message. This is me. I am a child of the living King. I cannot be afraid to hurt your feelings.

” 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these” – Mark 12:30-31.

I am commanded to do these things. Wouldn’t you want to help save someone from self-destruction? That is real love.

I cannot be petrified of how you’re going to react. Your triggers, meltdowns, and tantrums cannot stifle my voice. I’m going to piss people off. I’m going to make people uncomfortable. I’m going to lose friends and family, and it’ll hurt. The truth hurts people. It has no regard for your feelings. But, isn’t this a good thing?

As a Christian, I won’t be well-liked. I feel like that’s a requirement. That’s fine. I’m used to that – ✅. Family, so-called friends, and the workplace alike. I don’t need to be liked.

Jesus said to be the salt.

“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.

What does this mean? Imagine eating bland food. Some of ya’ll like bland food, but the majority like flavor! Tasteless food is often rejected. Salt is also a preservative. Preservatives help prevent spoilage.

As a Christian, I am called to serve and live faithfully to God. I lose my taste if my godly influence can’t cause change. I’d lose my preservative effect if I choose to be of the world (values and beliefs) and not in it. Many won’t like my taste, but c’est la vie! I choose to live like Jesus.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” Matthew 5:16.

With the power of the Holy Spirit, there is great work being done within me. Radiate my light? More like shine! I pray I glow bright enough so that you may see my good works. While my good works will not save me, they are a witness for Jesus.

To my Father in heaven, may I glorify You in all that I do. Oh, how I long that someday, I’ll hear You say…well done good and faithful servant.

By A Hair, I Almost Dropped the Ball

Last week, my family and I were talking about someone. Some concerns and frustrations were voiced about this individual’s actions and decision-making. As I began to speak, give my input, and voice my sentiments… I made the mistake and said something that shouldn’t have been said. I was checked in my spirit for it and rightly so. I heard in the spirit, “judge rightly.” I apologized. I almost dropped the ball. Had I not repented, I certainly would have dropped it.

“ 1 Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.“

Matthew 7:1-5

That night, I had a dream. I was in a park, and I remember seeing cheetahs. I can’t recount how many, but definitely more than one. It was interesting to see them there because they weren’t in their natural habitat. The cheetahs were fairly docile and super friendly. Yet, they were just…there. Although I must admit, I felt a strong connection like one would have with their pet(s).

Quick Facts: Cheetahs are the fastest land animals (up to 70 mph) and allegedly, the original household cat – Cleopatra anyone? They are very swift and agile. Cheetahs have malar marks/stripes that run down their face. These allow them to see during the day when hunting and deflect sunlight. They chirp, purr, and meow but do not roar. Cheetahs are shy, so they avoid direct contact with humans. Their claws are semi-retractable, and sadly, they are endangered. After learning about these things and more, the cheetah became my favorite animal!

Inside the park, I remember standing near a baseball field. My family was there, and I remember my husband wearing a baseball cap. We began to pass the baseball and when it came time for me to catch, I began to fumble the ball. Yet, I was agile and swift enough to grab it before it hit the ground. As I stood up, I noticed I clipped the tip of the blade of grass between my fingers. Truly, by a hair, I almost dropped the ball. Talk about a close call!

The last thing I remember before waking up was gazing at the ball in my hand. After thorough thought and prayer, I KNEW in my spirit that this was about that conversation. That conversation I had with my family. I knew what God was showing me, and it didn’t go unnoticed. It was a reminder to me about the verse above (Matthew 7:1-5).

“29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. …31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Ephesians 4:29; 31-32

He was showing me how close I was to dropping the ball. Sometimes people don’t realize that we can easily do this in conversations. In my effort to carefully craft my words, I made a mistake. With a quickness, the Holy Spirit humbled me. I rectified it and asked the Lord for forgiveness. No one is perfect, but imagine. 

Just imagine walking around with guilt for not repenting. It doesn’t feel good to have the heavy weight of guilt. Sleepless nights and nightmares. Mental fatigue from constant thinking. Somber moods and more. I don’t know about you, but that’s punishment enough for me. So, what do we do when we have an issue with or feel offended by another? We go to them.

Sure it’s not easy to say to someone, “You hurt me” or “I don’t like when you do this” or “Hey, your breath stinks.” But wouldn’t it be much better to tell the person than slander and/or gossip about someone? Ephesians 4:29-32 talks about how we should avoid such things. All issues within the body and in general should be addressed peacefully.

Why don’t we do this? Well, I think it’s out of fear. We don’t want to start a controversy or offend someone. With all that said I leave you with this…if you don’t address it, but rather choose to gossip – who is the worst offender?

Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. James 4:11

Not Your Typical Fellows

“They’re going to make me a little jittery. They’re going to make you uncomfortable”.

I heard this phrase while I was listening to Part 1 of a sermon from a Pastor at my old church. The sermon was called, “The Day of the Lord.” What he said resonated with me because it’s 100% true. I believe our heavenly Father has sought and found a group or generation of people who are dedicated to Him. I believe He is preparing them at this very moment. These people will not be your typical fellows.

This will offend the right ones. You Church folks (not all) and religious woke (all of you…definitely) tend to be the worst ones. You clutch your pearls, conduct your man-made rituals, and perform church every Sunday. You are scoffers. You are arrogant. You are ignorant and again, full of pride. You are NOT who He is looking for. Yet, I digress. Lest I forget, even I can easily fall into these camps.

“God is bringing forth those who understand His heart of love. …He’s going to bypass religious people in churches. He’s going to raise up a whole generation of forerunners.“

Pastor Ken made another valid point. These forerunners will jump! They will not run away from the occasion to serve the Lord. Unabashedly, without fear, compromise and doubt. They will have the willingness to listen to what God has called them to do. They will be “a voice for God not just a mere echo.”

What will they look like? Well, they won’t look like your typical fellows. Some are addicts and/or live immorally. Some are broken and bitter. Others do not care what God thinks and their hearts do not desire Him.

It’s kind of crazy to think that the most “messed up” people are ones that God can and will use. Have doubts? Remember Paul? Who was once Saul and approved the stoning of an atypical fellow named Stephen (Acts 8). Jesus can captivate hearts because He is the Great Physician (Mark 2:17) and so much more. He once reminded me, “No one is too far from my grace.”

Once He grabs their hearts, some will be radically transformed and be on FIRE for Jesus Christ. What does it mean to be on fire for Jesus? What it doesn’t mean is going to church on Sunday. It doesn’t mean living life as usual Monday through Saturday. It does mean to pick up your cross and die to yourself.

It means understanding your life isn’t your own when you surrender it to Him. It means to walk with Him and be guided by Him. To grow with Him, not without. By His grace, you walk and live like Jesus. Thank goodness for grace, and the Holy Spirit because we couldn’t walk and live like this on our own.

In closing, I’ve said it once before, and I’ll say it again. I believe God is raising up a people for an insane time that is soon approaching. These people will work for the Kingdom. They will spread the good news and help bring souls to the one who saves – Jesus Christ.

Click on the link below, and listen to Part 1 of “The Day of The Lord” by Pastor Ken Gibson of Upper Room Missionary Church. Part 2 is available now for viewing.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/4BRDos38kysZCQzs

P.S. – Pastor Ken, if you are reading this. I once dreamt of a red train before. Your message touched me because it aligns with what I saw. You may not remember, but I shared it with you when Jon and I came to visit 3-4 years ago. I didn’t know what it meant then, but I know now! I wrote about it in this post Get Ready, The Train Has Arrived.

I look forward to listening to Part 2.

This Is For The Little Guy – Psalm 10

This is for the little guy. Who’s the little guy? “That’s you! And me! And we!” Sorry! I’m a KidTimeStoryTime [YouTube channel] fan! If you know who that is, you get it. Anyway, this is for the little guy who feels or is oppressed. The little guy who is drained by the devices of monopolies and overlords. I won’t talk politics, I promise, but you get it!

Have you ever wondered why the wicked prosper? Why it feels like there is no remedy for your situation? Day after day. Night after night. Day and night you try to lift your head high. Just high enough to catch a breath. You’re not drowning but the weight leaves you struggling. Struggling and fighting to find solid ground. You fight to be able to stand ten toes down hoping…you get on solid ground.

My family and friends bemoan about this to no end. I’m no exception. I catch myself sometimes asking, why? “Jesus, I’m not asking for all the riches in the world. Why do the wicked prosper and people like me suffer?” I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. I have a good good Father. I don’t understand why He does what He does. Why He allows what He allows, BUT I take comfort in His faithfulness and saving grace.

King David (presumably) wrote a psalm on this very thing. Psalm 10 eloquently drives through the point that the wicked with willful intent oppress and murder the poor, innocent, and fatherless. “Why O[h] Lord do You stand far away? Why do You hide yourself in times of trouble?” (Psalm 10:1). In their pride and arrogance, they ignore the will of God. They believe that God looks the other way at their transgressions.

They boast about their wealth. They say there is no God! They believe their actions will not be met with consequences. For they say in their hearts, “I shall not be moved; throughout all generations, I shall not meet adversity” (Psalm 10:6). Like a predator stalking his prey, he lies in wait – ready to pounce. Who wouldn’t yearn for them to be caught in the snares they lay for the little guys?

This is an earnest prayer from the Psalmist. We, the helpless feel crushed and unable to defend ourselves. Oh Lord, forget not the oppressed and afflicted. Oh Lord, forget me not. Why do they believe with all their hearts they can get away with their actions? See what they do Lord? Call them into account!

Subdue! Break the enemy and pass judgment until there is no offense to account for.

I feel that way, and I am not ashamed to say. I’m human. Do you? I tire of the wicked seemingly prospering all the time. Yet, I give praise to the Lord. The wicked may prosper now, but where will they be for eternity? I remind myself that my treasures are not to be laid here but stored in heaven. I am reminded that “the Lord is King forever and ever…” (Psalm 10:16).

I know my Father in heaven will incline His ear. I know that He will administer justice to the fatherless, oppressed – to us little guys. This is the confidence I have in Him. Give praise and glory to the Lord Almighty even in your troubles. Have great confidence and faith that He will hear your pleas in prayer. Our Father is one of hope, not despair.

The Psalmist ends with the same sentiment. He finds comfort in knowing that God Almighty will cleanse the earth of all sin and suffering. Relieved with the assurance that His children will never experience terror and persecution again.

17 O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear 18 to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.

Psalm 10:17-18

Psalm 10 may not answer the why, but you can find solace. Read Psalm 10. Take heart and fear not. No matter the circumstance, press on. You will find solid ground. As always, fix your eyes on the hope and saving grace of Jesus.

Be A Cheerful Giver, and Tithe with the Right Heart

I think about many things. Well…we all do, but the things I think about make me feel weird. I feel weird because I think too much and overcomplicate things. And because I feel weird, I feel alone. Not alone in the sense of sadness, but alone like – it’s likely impossible that your friends, family, or the average person is thinking of these things right now but you! So, among those things I’ve been thinking intensely about is tithing.

When I say intensely, I mean I lost about a half hour of sleep. I also dreamt about it and woke up with tithing as my first thought. The concept of tithing gets too much attention, yet too little. The good points about it are overshadowed by the bad. It’s so divisive, and I’m perplexed about it. Something that God implemented as good, is all of a sudden “demonized!” Here’s what I think. Do it. Tithe. Absolutely, tithe…but be cheerful about it.

“To the Levites I have given every tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service that they do, their service in the tent of meeting” – Numbers 18:21.

I may be wrong, but I think people get the concept of tithing wrong. What does tithe mean? It means “a tenth part.” In Greek (dekatos), it means “ten percent of something.” Way back when the nation of Israel was instructed under the Mosaic law to tithe. The 10% given was used to support the Levites’ work in the Holy Temple and community. Tithes came in the form of livestock and agriculture. It was never in the form of money until years later.

I’m not writing this to give a whole study on tithing. I recognize that there are different camps. Just what I believe. Some people refuse to tithe because they deem it unbiblical and some don’t because they believe they don’t have to. Some tithe and give the full 10% because – “the law”. Others tithe and give what they can. I tithe because I do believe we should, but I don’t always tithe 10%. I may give a little more, and when it’s tight – I give a little less.

8 Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions.  9 You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. – Malachi 3:8-9

I remember a few years ago, I was on my knees praying to the Lord. I was asking the Lord to speak to my heart. To reveal to me what He wanted me to know. While on my knees, I received a vision.

I approached what appeared to be 2 giant Pringles cans parallel to each other, haha. They were actually pillars, but the Pringles look was a nice touch. It surely caught my attention. As I passed the pillars, I saw a beautiful temple made of gold. And just like a scene out of a movie, I got a panoramic view of how big the temple was.

As I marveled at the temple, suddenly, I saw someone creeping up the temple steps. 😮🤔 Wondering who it was I watched intently waiting to see their face. After a few steps, the person turned and peered over their shoulder. To my shock, the person was – ME!! 🤯🤯🤯 This was so strange! How was this person ME!

This “ME” didn’t match my character. I…”ME” was giggling so sneakily! Squinched face, hunched back, greedy hands, and a sneer that even the “father of lies” would love. If that is what I look like trying to be sneaky, God help me! So, this “me” thought no one was watching and snuck into the temple. I felt like a “fly on a wall”. I watched in awe at how no sooner did “me” enter the temple, this “me” crept out giggling with an armful of gold! After the coast was clear, she ran away.

Stunned, I spoke aloud and said, “OH NO LORD!! I would NEVER do that!!!” As if I would dare go into a temple and steal anything. Not even a penny! Unbeknownst to me, I was caught in a lie. I then heard Him speak, “Never say never. You steal when you don’t tithe.” 😑 Touche!

God didn’t curse me, and He wasn’t angry either. Thankfully, we live in a time of grace, and I have a good good Father. He was gentle actually, and while I felt guilty it was funny. I couldn’t help but laugh. I repented and have tithed ever since.

35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ …40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me‘ (Matthew 25:35-40).

Come now, did you think I was a legit thief? Like, did I in my lifetime steal from a bank, friend, family member, or store? No, but it’s ok! I would have thought the same since I was caught in that lie. The only thing I ever stole was time…from a job…I digress. Nonetheless, there was a lesson to be learned from my vision. Give, don’t take.

You may think I was scared into tithing. No, it actually gave me a healthy fear of the Lord – reverence. It taught us (my husband and I) to trust Him with what little we had. Eventually, I realized that nothing we had belonged to us. We were just stewards. This happened so early in my walk, so I didn’t realize the deeper meaning of what He was trying to show me. Today, as I write this it reminds me of the verse above. This is the meaning of tithing to me. Giving to give back.

Not everyone has the means to give a full tithe. So would God not bless you because you can’t? No. He doesn’t need our money. He wants your heart. Give what you can. If giving causes you to fret or frown, then you have a heart issue. I pray you’ll seek the Lord.

In all, I won’t get caught up in the divisiveness of tithing. I choose to give as my heart leads. To give beyond the tithe when I’m able. To give when the Lord leads me to. I choose to tithe to help my church. To give to bless another. I choose to be a cheerful giver, and I’ll tithe with the right intent. How about you?

Do What You Know, and He Will Handle the Rest

Last week, I told my husband that since I started writing this blog, I felt like I dedicated more time to writing than rebuilding my business. I wrote for the company on occasion but stopped for various reasons. One reason is my inability to juggle between homeschooling my children, conducting business, and blogging for personal and business. My friends call me “Superwoman,” but I’m not. It’s tough! Honestly, I don’t know how I function most days. It’s the grace of God I suppose.

My income comes from the company, not my blog. This isn’t monetized, and I’m unsure if it will be. I knew God gave me this command, yet I felt business duties took a back seat – majorly. This was also a concern because God gave me the vision to create New Life C&T in 2020. How could I forget about the vision I held onto so tightly?

I had this conversation with my husband – without regard for what God would think and feel. Not that there was anything wrong with this. We do it every day without thinking. We are people with lives carrying so many responsibilities. Yet, we forget that He is very much interested in every aspect of our lives.

I think it’s cool that He does care so much. Especially enough to intervene, guide, and give us food for thought. It shows that He isn’t all fire and brimstone, but one Who loves too. Maybe I’m weird, I don’t know. Anyway, He was very much interested in what I was thinking and my feelings. So much so that He interrupted my sleep.

Around 1:41am I woke up, which is not my usual time. I’m normally awake between 2:50am (so precise I know) and 3:30am. I decided to pray since it was early enough. On my knees and hunched over the bed. With my hands clasped, and eyes closed, I began to ramble on about what was on my mind. Namely schisms in the Church body, and the seeming disregard of Church history in teachings. Does anyone else think about these things? Maybe not. I do it more often than I should.

So, after maybe 10 minutes, I decided to quit rambling and actually focus on hearing what the Lord had in His heart. Once I did, in my spirit I heard Matthew 17. Ok…disclosure statement: I did not know what Matthew 17 was about. I am one of those people who knows the verse, but probably couldn’t link the chapter and verse. “The Bible says….somewhere in Romans it talks about…” yeah, I’m that person.

There is a lot to unpack in Matthew 17. Jesus’ transfiguration is a whole sermon in itself, and there’s a boy afflicted by a demonic spirit. As I was reading through the chapter, I wasn’t sure why I was reading it. I didn’t understand why I was led to it. I almost gave up reading beyond verse 22, but it was sort of pressed upon me to read until the end.

27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee. – Matthew 17:27

I’m a King James (KJV) fan, but I won’t pretend I understand everything it says. I read it because I like the challenge. Well KJV wasn’t making too much sense to me at 2 am. I didn’t grasp at the moment what was being discussed in this verse, and the ones before it. At 2 am, I wanted to go back to sleep. Yet, I was determined to get the context. Again, why was I reading it to begin with? After reviewing other translations and reading a commentary – it hit me! This was about what my husband and I discussed the night before.

Remember when I said God is interested in every aspect of our lives? Well, He made it a point to make something aware to me. “What work we do at Christ’s command brings its own pay along with it: In keeping God’s commands, as well as after keeping them, there is great reward…”. 1

Unrelated but for context, Matthew 17:24 speaks about the tribute collectors asking Peter if Jesus pays tribute or tax2. In verse 25, Peter replies, “Yes, He does.” Peter then enters the house, and Jesus asks Peter from whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes – from their own children or from others? In verse 26, Peter replies, “from others.”

To which, Jesus replies that “…the children are exempt.” Meaning that His disciples were exempt because they were the children of the true living King. There is a deeper meaning to this. So, I would encourage those who aren’t familiar to do a deeper dive. In verse 27, to not cause controversy, Jesus told Peter to go fishing. The first fish Peter caught had money in its mouth for Peter to pay the tax for Jesus and himself.

Now back to the point. Matthew Henry notes that Peter used his calling (fisherman) to catch the fish. When we are called to do something, we must be diligent in what we are doing. We must be ready to work for Him. When Peter caught the fish, he took the money from its mouth. This money represented the “reward for obedience in obedience.” 3

I found this to be pretty interesting. The other commentaries and references didn’t make this connection. Jesus told Peter to do what he knew how to do to get something done. How does this apply to me? God was telling me to write, and He would handle the rest. Thus reminding me, that He would help my family and me.

As long as I remain obedient to what He asks me to do, there is a reward for my obedience. The reward doesn’t necessarily mean money. But, whatever the reward is, I can trust it is the best if it’s from Him. It is important to trust God. I was concerned about the financial and operational aspects of the business. I forgot who He is. He didn’t rebuke me. In His loving kindness, Jesus reminded me that He will supply all our needs, according to His riches in glory.

Take heart and be comforted in whatever or wherever the Lord leads you. While it may be difficult to understand, trust, and believe that He knows what you need. He has you in the palm of His hand.







































  1. Matthew Henry Commentary Matthew 17 ↩︎
  2. Translations differ between who collects the tax and what the tax is. ↩︎
  3. Matthew Henry Commentary Matthew 17:27 ↩︎

Get Ready, The Train Has Arrived

No…I’m not talking about the “Trump Train.” I’m talking about a different train. A train that’s ready for believers willing to submit to the will of God. Its destination? The field of the lost who want and need to be found. Get ready, the train has arrived.

A few years ago, there was this park I was standing in. I don’t exactly remember why I was standing there. I just knew I was waiting for something. Anyway, I was standing there dressed in scrubs next to a doctor. We were both waiting for what seemed like an eternity and then the wait was finally over. A HUGE and MIGHTY train stopped in front of us.

The train was a brilliant red lined with gold trimming. It was beautiful and otherworldly. I’ve never seen a train like this before. I climbed onto the steep steps and stood within an open space. A few steps ahead was an open book on a podium. There was an angelic-like light shining on this podium. I was so drawn to this light that I paid no attention to my surroundings.

I walked to the open book and saw a pen. Without hesitation, I picked up this pen and wrote 9:19. I wrote this down as if I were logging my arrival time. I guess I knew what I was doing, subconsciously at least. I placed the pen back on the podium and turned to my right to walk to the back of the train. “Wait, this doesn’t look like a train”, I thought. It looked like I was inside a school bus.

A typical school bus with oversized, hard, and thick cushioned brown seats. Cold metal floor and a lot of windows. Surely this train could have looked as appealing inside as the outside. Never mind that, I had to sit down. I saw about 5-6 people sitting and watching as I began to walk. As I made my way to the back, I noticed how messy the back was.

The mess looked like trash, but within was a mix of items. These items were like toys (a dirty bunny specifically) and other things I can’t recollect. Upon closer observation, I discovered that this was the “lost and found” area. I found my seat at the back and faced forward looking to get to my destination. Then I woke up.

If you’ve read my previous posts One Simple Command, A Wheel Within a Wheel: A Reflection of God’s Providence, and Within the Ark: Are These the Days of Noah? – you would know that I am a dreamer. I believe God can and will speak to people through dreams. This dream, I believe is another call for believers to rise up, follow Jesus and become laborers in the field.

“The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. – Luke 10:2

I’ve expressed this before; I believe something else is coming. I won’t be quick to call it the “End Time Harvest” nor will I say that this is prophecy. This is plain to see, look around you. Seriously, how much did you put in your tank today?

My family brought food 2 days ago, and we have to buy more again. What about your electric bill? Laid off or fired? None of this is you? You are blessed but let’s not pretend. Things aren’t getting better. A disaster of epic proportions is coming. Unless some great miracle happens (I hope for this) to prevent it, many people will be left without hope.

To rise up, follow Jesus and become laborers in the field – why do I believe this? In the dream I was in scrubs standing next to a doctor. It is plain to me that I was a nurse. What do nurses and doctors do? They help those who are sick and in need of healing. They are also servants who labor. Much like the calling of believers, right?

The wait in my dream felt like eternity. I don’t know how eternity feels, but I think we can get the sense of what that may feel like. For believers, we are waiting for Jesus to come back. My goodness, it certainly feels like an eternity! For me, waiting for this disaster to happen feels like an eternity too. No doubt Noah felt that way when he waited for the rain.

It was a mighty train was a brilliant red color covered with gold trimming. I saw this representing the Trinity.

  • Mighty – Almighty like our Father in heaven.
  • Red – Jesus’s sacrifice, atonement, the blood.
  • Gold – The Holy Spirit.

The train arrived to take us to our destination. I stepped onto the train, walked to the podium blanketed in light and picked up a pen. I wrote 9:19, and this took me 3- 4 years to understand why. After constantly praying about the significance of 9:19, I was led to this scripture: “So Jesus arose and followed him, and so did His disciples” – Matt 9:19. 

In Matthew chapter 9, a ruler came to Jesus worshipping Him and told Jesus about the death of his daughter. He asked Jesus to lay His hand on her so she could live. Without hesitation, Jesus rose to help the man and the disciples followed. As you can see here, Jesus answered the call for someone who was in need of healing. His disciples followed him. We are to do the same now and always be ready when the time comes.

The 5-6 people on the train were more servants and/or laborers. There were so few for it to be such a huge train. This truly correlates with Luke 10:2 and Matthew 9:37 – “…The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” Let me not forget to mention the “lost and found” area.

In the “lost and found,” I saw children’s toys like a dirty bunny and other things. When someone is lost, they WANT to be found. Who wants to be without hope and living in despair? All people – men, women, and children alike need help. Some may not agree with this but, everyone needs a Savior. It became clear to me that those on the train were going out to help save the lost hoping that they would be found.

How do we as believers do this? By suiting up and helping those in need while sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Whether that’s through giving food, resources, shelter or a helping hand. When God is calling, get up and follow Him. Don’t run but jump at that one simple command. Last but not least, suit up because the train has arrived. Are you ready?