Tag Archives: christ

Don’t Give in to Inquisitive Thinking

It’s that time of year again! That time of the year when you go out to do your civic duty, again! You know that thing that happens every 4 years. That thing that’s so divisive it fractures relationships beyond repair…because you know – the “Orange Man is bad” or “Cackling Kamala.”

Don’t fret, this ain’t a political post. Politics – while important….is noise. While people fight over their idol “here”, they miss what’s going on over “there.” A brilliant and effective strategy. But again, this isn’t about that. It’s about our need to know what’s next or when everything ends.

You ever ask yourself when is it going to end? Or, what will the world be like for your children or grand kids?

Today, we live in a very tumultuous world. Wars, rumors of war, insane inflation, high unemployment, and increased crime. Pandemics, epidemics, catastrophic weather – the list goes on and on. With so much happening, you’d think we must be at the end.

Life is a struggle for most. I don’t know about you, but I think we are struggling more. The struggle is so real that people are praying, “Jesus, come already” even more. We all tire of battling chaos and long for comfort. To not live paycheck to paycheck. To be free from sickness. To live life and not have a life to live.

So what happens when we struggle for so long? We begin to lose hope. Become jaded and despondent. BUT before this, we muster up enough HOPE as a last-ditch effort to obtain a piece of sanity. What does this hope of eventual comfort or peace look like? Inquisitive thinking.

We start searching and inquiring where that comfort is. These inquisitive thoughts spur action. These actions lead us to ask other sources – when and where is the good fortune and happiness?

At least twice the disciples asked Jesus when concerning the times. Jesus either evaded the question or simply told them – it is not for you to know. Yet, even today we keep finding ourselves asking, Lord Jesus, when? I won’t pretend I haven’t done this. I did this the other day.

I had a dream I cant explain. I just know it was from Him. I knew it was for a time to come, but I wanted to know when. I wanted to know what it looked like. Through my praying and searching, He led me to Acts 1:7.

“…It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority.”

Not to take this verse out of context, but this verse alone spoke volumes. Simply because He pointed out and reminded me of His sovereignty. It also reminded me of the dangerous traps set by the enemy.

Gullible and even weary Christians have the tendency to search and do a lot of speculating. We have our ears tickled by false prophets who make outrageous claims. Like, a literal town in heaven called “Christmas Town” and all these feel-good messages. Or “thus saith the Lord, in 30 days your prayers will be answered,” and it never happens. 

We entertain wolves behind the pulpit who speak only of prosperity. “Plant your seed in our ministry today and the Lord will bless you 30, 60, and even one hundred-fold!” We give heed to twists in scripture and false doctrine. We dabble in divination to figure out what’s next.

There is a danger to this. I quote from Matthew Henry, “[t]hose that are most inquisitive concerning the secret things which belong not to them are most easily imposed upon by seducers, 2 Thessalonians 2:3.” When we go searching for things that is not for us to know, we fall into traps.

Traps that open doors and wreak havoc. Traps that the enemy uses to shake and eventually break our faith. Remember, he comes to steal, kill and destroy. Don’t fall into these traps. Instead, confer with and learn from the Holy Spirit Himself. 

Just a simple reminder to trust our Heavenly Father. Fix your eyes on Jesus. Seek Him with everything you got! Cling to real hope. While this is easier said than done…take a deep breath and remember how far you’ve come.

Our life on this earth is temporary. Take heart and look forward to eternity. An eternity with with living King – Jesus.

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 ↩︎

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?

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?