Faith

Who that you know wouldn’t prefer peace over turmoil any day of the week?  Given the choice, I’m sure we all would choose peace.  Right now the country’s in a state of unrest.  Not only due to COVID-19 but also because of unfair police practices.

Protests are going on all over the country in response to police brutality and unwarranted actions.  However, in the midst of all the chaos and calamity, you could have something that’s worth more than gold.  That something is calm, harmony, and serenity also known as peace of mind.

What is peace?

Peace is a stress-free state of security and calmness that comes when there’s no fighting or war, everything coexisting in perfect harmony and freedom.

The dictionary has several meanings…

1. The normal, non-warring condition of a nation, group of nations, or the world:
2. An agreement or treaty between warring or antagonistic nations, groups, etc., to end hostilities and abstain from further fighting or antagonism:
3. A state of mutual harmony between people or groups, especially in personal relations:
4. The normal freedom from civil commotion and violence of a community: public order and security:

Peace is also freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions.  Yes, calm and tranquility is a goal we’re all striving for.  But it’s also a goal, less accomplished.

Worry and anxiety happens…

These are two issues most people have experienced.  Some more than others.  Approximately 12% of Americans suffer from some type of anxiety each year.  It’s a disorder that makes you fear or worry about things in an extreme way.

The bible states that worry and anxiety should be cast from our lives.  It states that we can have the peace and joy that comes from knowing the Lord.  He wants us to look to him for guidance to whatever our problems may be.  He’s the calm in the middle of the storm.

Philippians 4:7

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

There’s another peace…

It’s a world peace that comes from the outside.  It’s settling for the things that the world says should bring us reassurance, happiness, and security.  It’s a circumstantial peace.  A circumstantial peace is satisfying to the world as long as life is going their way.  As long as they’re quote, unquote, well-off, and prospering they’re good.

But that peace is external and can be taken away at any moment.  If you base your solitude on the external there’s really no peace.

John 14:27 

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

Peace comes from within…

The peace of the Lord is from the inside out.  The bible tells us that the peace of God transcends all understanding.  It is the harmony and calmness of body, mind, and spirit trusting in the power and grace of the Lord.  Our peace with Jesus gives us a peace that the world can not describe.  It’s quiet, satisfying, and unexplainable.  He turns turmoil and confusion into serenity.  The peace that comes from within supersedes earthly circumstances.  And when storms are raging all around us we don’t bend and we don’t fold.

 

To know God is to bask in His glory.  The closer we draw to him, the more of His peace we can enjoy.  Jesus will empower you to have success, security, and protection.  Don’t allow the world and all that comes with it distract you and keep you from experiencing the peace that comes from knowing the Lord.

John 16:33

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulations.  But take heart; I have overcome the world

 

One More Thing:

We invite you to check out and join our “Christian and Alternative Health” FB Group where you can interact with others interested in Faith, Family, and Healthy Living.

You’ll also find healthy recipes (and be encouraged to share ones you may have), faith-based advice, and tips for up and coming copywriters.  And, spiritual dialog that’s both inspiring and encouraging.

Hop on over and join us, we’d love to have you.

 

The events of the past few weeks have truly been an eye-opener.  We literally saw the life choked out of a man, lying face down on the pavement with his hands cuffed behind his back.  A man who was not resisting arrest and above all hadn’t done anything wrong.  Did we actually see that?  In the last few years, we’ve seen some reactionary changes as a nation but this was truly unbelievable.

What has the world come to

that one person can assume that it’s ok to literally choke the life out of another simply because he can?  It’s horrifying but it happens and has been happening for quite some time now.  There are those who took an oath to serve and protect others but some, not all, have taken it upon themselves to be judge and jury of those who do not look like them.  It’s appalling and it’s got to stop.

What happened to George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Breonna Taylor is nothing new.  It’s been going on for a while now but nothing’s been done about it.  No one has ever been held accountable.

Although many cases were caught on video, for some reason the culprits were not found guilty.  What they did did not resignate in the conscious of those who are supposed to be a civilized society.  But how can you be civilized when you literally witness someone being murdered right before your eyes and then sit and be silent?

Black people are being killed in record numbers

They contribute to this country and have for hundreds of years now but was never put in the history books.  They continue to be loyal to a country that’s not loyal to them.  To a country where some want to say they are better than others by trying to intimidate, diminish and belittle them.  We are all created equal by God almighty and no one can change that but him.

Racism is the true culprit

And has been brought front and center.  We’re finding out that there’re still those who are trying to hold on to a time long past.  Those who want to lord over others although they’re no better than them and treat them poorly.  Those who hate others simply because of the color of their skin.  They don’t know these people and knows absolutely nothing about them but because of racism choose to hate them anyway.

What is it that makes someone hate?

Webster defines hate as intense hostility and aversion.  To detest, abhor, abominate, loathe.  Hate is a strong emotion and takes a lot of energy, so why would someone hate others who they don’t even know.  Someone who’s done absolutely nothing to them but they do anything and everything to those people.  There have been many who have tried to figure this one out but still for the life of them can not.

If someone has the advantage…they have more opportunities and generally, they’re more financially stable.  Why would they hate someone who has less?  Do they feel inferior?  Do they feel less than?  What is it?  What does that person who’s at a disadvantage, have that the hater doesn’t?

Maybe deep down they feel those people who they choose to hate are better people.  Whatever it is we’d all like to know.

But there is hope

There’s always hope.  Without it, there’d be no reason for living.  Hope is to desire with expectation of fulfillment.  One that gives promise for the future.  And faith is believing and trusting that it will come to pass.  Thank God all people are not like a select few who for no known reason hates others.

Most people are not haters and think there should be an equal playing field for all…and there should be.  They think all should have the same opportunities but don’t realize that that’s not what’s being done.  If they truly want to know what’s happening all they need to do is read, or ask somebody ( possibly a Black person), they’ll find out.

Systemic Racism

is a form of racism in the practice of social and political institutions.  It’s been around a long time and is still happening.  It can lead to discrimination in employment, housing, criminal justice and health care.  If it’s not dismantled, it will continue to go on.

Thank goodness the majority recognize it for what it is and want to do something about it.  For a long time now Black people have been denied equal rights.  They don’t get proper funding for any of those things yet they continue to go on.  They continue to make the little that they have work.

Many have taken to the streets

Young and old protesting for justice for George Floyd and the others that were killed and for equal rights.  Hopefully, this will be the last time that we as a nation have to take to the streets to get this point across.  There are too many that just sit by and I guess hope that this will go away.   Well, it’s not going away, not this time and with good reason.

So, America take notice and don’t let this moment pass you by, especially if you want to be on the right side of history.  Think about it!

Matthew 5:9

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Romans 14:19

So then let them pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.

James 3:18

And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.  

 

 

 

 

Gratitude is the best attitude

With the Thanksgiving holiday upon us, have you taken the time to think about the true meaning of the day? We know it’s a day where family and friends from near and far come together and share a big meal. But there’s more to it than that. It’s also a day of reflection…a day where we should take the time to think about the successes and the failures of the past year and figure out how to grow from it. A day to figure out what you should know about being gracious.

Thanksgiving is a day set aside to show gratitude

A day where we remember to be thankful and grateful for all that we have and to thank God for all that he has done. Although we should do it everyday, this is a day set aside in order to remind us of how important being gracious truly is. What are you thankful for?

Thankfulness and gratitude go hand in hand

Can you think of one thing among the chaos and craziness that goes on every day that you’re thankful for? Something that can be an anchor of appreciation? Something that you can use even when you’re feeling anxious or stressed that will pull you back into a calm demeanour once you realize it’s importance?

If you really put your mind to it you should be able to come up with quite a few things. The fact that you woke up this morning is cause to be thankful because a lot of people didn’t. If you have a roof over your head, food on your table and clothes on your back there really shouldn’t be any complaints. Be gracious.

Some are in a hospital bed and others have no bed or a place to lay their heads. Think about that for a moment. If you’re still breathing and in your right mind that’s something to be grateful for. No matter how bad life may get or seem to be, there’s always a reason to be grateful.

What is Gratitude?

Gratitude is a feeling that comes from within. It’s a natural human response and it’s a choice. You choose to be grateful or not.

“Gratitude unlocks all that’s blocking us from really feeling authentic, vulnerable and happy” – Gabrielle Bernstein

Happiness is not about getting what you want all the time. It’s about loving what you have and being grateful for it.

Oprah Winfrey stated the single greatest thing you can do to change your life today would be to start being grateful for what you have right now.

Self reflection…

is a great way to determine what you’re grateful for. It can also change your mindset and attitude. Self-reflection helps you to determine your character, action and motives. Having bad times actually helps you to appreciate the good times.

If nothing bad has ever happened to you, you won’t appreciate and recognize the good. Keeping a gratitude journal can actually help you to recognize those things you should be thankful for.

So, can you think of one thing that you’re grateful for?

Take about 30 seconds to reflect and see what comes to mind. Start out everyday thinking of one thing you’re grateful for, write it down and watch your attitude change. Think about whatever that one thing is when you’re feeling down and it should help to pick you up for the rest of the day. Create an attitude of gratitude.

Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayers. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good – Maya Angelou

1 Thessalonians 5: 16 – 18

16 Rejoice always 17 Pray continually 18 Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus

Do you matter to God?

The one who said, “Let there be light,” in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be signs for seasons, for days and for years.

The one who spoke the planets, stars and elements into existence. Who created animals, reptiles and every creeping thing. Who separated the water from the dry land and brought forth grass.

Do you matter?

God said to the angels, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness”: and let them have dominion over every creeping thing and over all the earth.

You are the one who took his breath away. He breathe the breath of life into you. He created you in his own image. Male and female created he them. So yes…you do matter.

He blessed you and said: be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it and have dominion over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

Give him praise…

You were created by God to give him praise. He loves you and will do anything for you if you ask and believe. Your relationship is based on faith and that’s all you need.

You’re more powerful than the devil…

You’re badder than the devil and he knows it. That’s why he keep attacking you. He wants to wear you down and get you to the point where you’re not trying anymore, so he could devour you. But don’t let him. You’re a child of the Most High God and you are covered by the blood of Jesus.

That means that no weapon formed against you shall prosper. He will cover you and protect you and give you hope. His grace and mercy is sufficient and is extended to you everyday.

God loves you…

And we know this because he sent his only begotten son, Jesus Christ to die for our sins. And when he was raised from the dead he made sure that we had all things available to us. Good health, joy. peace and prosperity. God loves us because he created us and gave us life.

The angels in heaven know him as The Most High. You know him as dad. The angels worship from fact because they’re with Him. You worship from faith.

Know your worth and know who you are in the Lord.

John 3:16

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

 

What’s your reason for becoming a born again Christian?  Is it because that’s what your parents told you, you should do?  Is it because you were following the crowd?  Or is it because you believe in God and believe that Christ was sacrificed for you?  Whatever your reason may be we can agree that you have to make a conscious decision to become a Christian.  And once you do you have to have a made up mind.  You have to be honest with yourself that this is truly what you want and you have to change your way of thinking.

How you think is half the battle…

The way you think is how you live because what you feed your mine is what you’ll portray and what comes out of your mouth.  The human brain is amazing…once we make a decision that’s pretty much what we’re going to do.

Everything begins with a thought and grows from there.  Becoming a Christian is the same way.  It’s a thought and then an action.  If you truly believe and want to grow in Christ you have to think differently and you have to change your life.

You have to discontinue your old way of thinking and behaving and then pursue God’s way.  You must transform your thoughts and you have to renew your mind.

What does it mean to renew the mind…

You renew your mind through reading the word.  Reading the bible helps you to see what’s expected of you as a Christian.  It helps you to know right from wrong and it helps you to get to know the Lord.

Romans 12:2

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

The bible is our source, it’s been around for centuries.  It was given to us as a guide from our Father in heaven.  It has transcended time, culture and circumstances and it never changes.  

But you have to study it…

To read the word regularly isn’t easy, you’ll have to change your way of thinking and you’ll have to discipline yourself.

Most people today routinely look at their cell phones.  According to an article in the New York Post, Americans check their cell phone on average once every 12 minutes – burying their heads in their phones 80 times a day, according to new research.

It’s a habit and it starts in the mind.  In that same way you can make a habit of reading the word daily.  It means discipline and it means faithfulness, and you can do it.

The Lord speaks to us through his word.  As you study his word he’ll bless you with the wisdom you need to understand it and to come into agreement with him about his will for your life.

It means developing a prayer life…

You must make time to talk to the Lord.  It’s essential and again, it takes discipline.  Pray for guidance and humility.  Not shallow prayers where you ask for things and think he’s supposed to grant them to you…it’s not a wish list.  In order to develop a personal relationship with him you have to talk with him everyday, several times a day.  Once you do, it will become as natural as breathing.

Pray for others and pray for a clean heart.  And make sure you thank him for what he’s already done.  Remember that God already knows what’s on your heart so be honest with him and he’ll lead you and guide you in all things.  You’ll develop the peace that comes with knowing him and you’ll grow in faith.

You will encounter obstacles…

Know that the enemy will try and distract you once you begin reading the word.  He doesn’t want you to know God’s will for your life and he doesn’t want you to live a joyous and happy life.  He’ll throw a lot at you to try and take your focus, don’t let him.  As a Christian you have to be unbeatable and on the front line for God.  The word is your shield.

Allow the Holy Spirit to take control, he will direct your path.  When you renew your way of thinking, you’ll transform your life.  You’ll learn that with everything the devil throws at you, you can counter it with the word.  Renew your mind, open yourself up to the word and see the difference.

Once you become rooted and grounded in the word you will not be an easy target.  The enemy will know that he’ll have to come with it to deter you and he’ll move on.  He, of course will try again, that’s his job, but you’ll always be ready.

Take that action….transform your life by renewing your mind and everything else will fall into place.

Ephesians 4:23

And be renewed in the spirit of your mind:

 

 

 

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Each day before you leave the house you make sure you’re dressed properly, you make sure you’ve washed your face and brushed your teeth and that you’ve eaten a good breakfast.

Most of the time you’ve had a good night’s sleep and you feel refreshed and invigorated.  You thank God for allowing you to see another day and that you’re clothed and in your right mind.

What a blessing it is to be here to see another day and to be a recipient of God’s grace and mercy.  After all of your morning protocol there’s something you should never leave home without…God’s protection, God’s direction, Full Covering under the blood.

This is better than American Express.  American Express is a top of the line credit card, you can buy all kinds of things with it, but there’s a limit to what that is.

Jesus Christ is a top of the line Saviour, and with him comes Full Covering under the blood.  You’re covered in every way, in every aspect of life.  There are miracles and benefits that comes with this covering.  Things that happen everyday, all the time and they’re usually right on time.

The credentials you need to be accepted for this Full Covering is only to believe.  Once you do this and accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour, your life will be transformed and you’ll become a new creature.  One who wants to please God in all that you do and say.

You’ll be protected in more ways than one.  Christ Jesus made that available for you, me and everyone.  All we have to do is have faith and believe.  Accept that Christ died on the cross for your sins and that he paid it all.  We owe so much to him and all he asks is that we let him in when he stands at the door and knock.

Christ died in our place so that we could have a relationship with the Father and be with him forever.   He is the only way to God and he sits at God’s right hand and intercedes for us.

He loves you and his mercy is renewed everyday.  So don’t leave home without this covering.  Ask God every morning for your Full Covering under the blood and have the confidence of knowing that you’re covered and protected.

 

John 10:10

10 Jesus said, I am come that they may have life and have it more abundantly – a complete life full of purpose.

 

Remember when you were little and your teacher and even your mom and dad asked you what you wanted to be when you grew up?  Some kids said a firefighter.  Others said a doctor or a nurse and still others said a pro football or basketball player or even a singer or an actor.  There’s so many different roads to take.

Whatever it may have been that you or your friends chose at the time, you find that sometimes as we age, it changes.  Sometimes circumstances cause the change and sometimes you just simply change your mind and decide on a totally different path.

Whatever the case may be one thing’s for sure, you have to practice it to do it.  In order to get good at your career choice or even your hobby, you have to spend time doing it.  If you don’t you won’t be your best or do your best.

The same holds true when you become a Christian.  Once you truly have a made up mind that this is what you want, you’ll have to spend time learning about the goodness of God and Christianity.  You’ll want to spend time living the life.

Just like the little child that has a passion for becoming a firefighter, you have to have a passion for Christ and being a Christian.  And usually when you first accept Christ as your Lord and Saviour it starts out as a passion.  It’s like a fire burning in your soul and you want to do whatever you can to please the Lord.

You go to church regularly and bible study and you search for areas in the church where you can be of help.  Maybe with the homeless ministry or the elderly or even the youth, and you enjoy doing it.  It gives you a sense of pride to help others and you know that’s something the Lord wants us to do.

But what happens when that fire start to go out?  When you don’t feel as enthusiastic anymore?  When it begins to feel like a chore instead of something you enjoy doing?  Then a light goes off in your head and you realize…it’s not hard to accept Christ as your Lord and Saviour, the hard part is what follows after you do.

That, we think, happens to everyone.  Because you are human you will get to this point, it’s just a matter of time when.  And if you don’t get to this point, consider yourself one of the lucky ones.

But for those that do, try this:

• Encourage yourself in the Lord.  He will never leave or forsake you.
• Find some encouraging scriptures and meditate on them until they are deep in your heart and psyche.
• Put your trust in Him
• Find a Bible Buddy (a name we gave them)

If you have to ask someone to help you with this, ask them, most people need help.  Let them know what’s happening and see if they wouldn’t mind being the voice of encouragement.  Something like an exercise buddy, only we call them a Bible Buddy.  You can rest assured they’ve probably already gone through the same thing or know someone who has.  They can and will help you get your fire back.

You have to make a conscience decision that this is what you really want, just like you made the decision to become a believer.  Just do it.  But you have to be committed.  Being committed means loyal and willing to give your time and energy to something that you believe in.

As you study the word and learn about the Lord and what he wants, you get better in time at what you’re doing and how you’re behaving.  You develop what we call a slow burn.  This is a fire that burns but is not consuming, kind of like the burning bush.

Make the decision and just do it.  You give thanks to him daily who bless you, protects you, forgives you and gave you life.  You love him because he first loved you and supplies you with grace and mercy everyday.

Your faith in him will grow as your internal, permanent flame continues to burn.  You know now that it may get low at times but it will never go out; especially if you’re committed and attend worship service regularly.

The Rev. Dr. Mack King Carter, who’s gone on to be with the Lord, use to say worship service was a pep rally for saints, where we get fired up for the Lord.  At that pep rally you and other believers share an awesome connection, a connection that links you to the Holy God.  It brings you closer in love and admiration.

You will find that you enjoy being around like minded people and the Lord states in Matthew 18 vs 20 where two or three are gathered together in my name there am I in the midst of them.

As you encourage yourself and with the help of your bible buddy, you’ll notice a change in yourself.  Most of your not so pleasing habits will change and know that some of your old friends will leave you.  But some won’t and they may even become believers as well seeing the example you’re setting.  So press on and make the decision to just do it.

You learn that some struggles will be lifelong, requiring you to depend on the Lord.  We think that’s his way of helping us to stay focused.  Just recognize that you won’t get the answer to everything, all your problems won’t be solved and know that that’s just the way it is.

Ultimately God’s plan for you is that you have a life of abundance, peace and joy and he’ll give you the strength to cope with life’s challenges.

So when you feel like your fire is getting low and you’re not as enthusiastic as you once was; make the decision to not let that fire go out.  It’s up to you…

Just Do It!

I Thessalonians 5:11

Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.