You Are Beautiful

Psalm 139:14

 

14I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.

 

King David wrote Psalm 139. Under the NKJV Study Bible the translation focuses on two major themes. One, that you and I cannot escape the presence of God, which is true. He is Omnipresent which mean He is everywhere at once. He is Jehovah Roi, the God who sees so there is no where you can go that God cannot see you. Second, "God had his eye on us before you and I were born." How is that possible? The assistant pastor at my church gave the example this way, "God said I have need of _____, and then you were formed." Jeremiah 1:5 says that God knew you before He formed you in the womb. How did God create the world? He spoke it. For each thing placed in the earth, God spoke it which means it was first a thought of His. You were a thought of His that was spoken. That's deep! You were on His mind. So how could He not love you? More than a year ago, my pastor told all of us to walk in front of a mirror each day and utter Psalm 139:14. I challenge you to know that you are beautiful to God because He thought of you enough to create you. No, He does not like your sin but that does not mean that He doesn't love you. Jesus knew the faults of every disciple that followed Him but He knew who they would become with His teachings and guidance. Who would sacrifice an innocent beloved, Jesus, to win your heart? And who would willing allow themselves to be sacrificed? That's love. David Altenor says in his song, "You are beautiful because you are God's creation." This isn't just for women but for every man and woman who has ever lived.  You are beautiful and loved because as Psalm 139:15 says, you were skillfully wrought.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words

John 8:44

 

44You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand for truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.

 

Why would Jesus say this to the Pharisees? The Pharisees said they were descendants of Abraham and that they were not born of fornication but of one father, God. The first time the Pharisees said they were descendants of Abraham, Jesus knew they were physically descendants of Abraham but they sought to kill Him because His word had no place in them. When they still didn't get it, He elaborated further. The desire to want to terminate someone's life for speaking the truth or desiring that someone would die does not fit with loving thy neighbor as thyself nor the commandment of "thou shalt not kill." The desire to plot to kill someone does not fit with what the Pharisees preached which was indeed to follow the commandments. Like the devil, the Pharisees spoke from their own resources and claimed to be the power source of their people based on their behavior. They were angry because Jesus took away their popularity and usurped their power. But if they were children of God, they would know that ALL power belongs to God. Satan or Lucifer was once the chief angel in heaven and lost his place in heaven because he wanted to be worshipped like God. As a matter of fact, he wanted to be God. And the devil is still angry because he lost his inheritance in heaven. Does not the behavior of the Pharisees match with what the devil desires? The NKJV Study Bible translates the verse as such, "They claimed God as their Father. Jesus, however, told them that they were indeed Abraham's descendants and physical progeny, But in spirit, their father was not God, but the devil.  Their behavior confirmed their parentage." Every person created in the earth was made of the image of God, therefore the physical progeny but in spirit, they choose their parentage. So no matter who a person says they are, observe their fruit as Jesus said. Observe the behavior. Actions speak louder than words.

"Ride or Die"

Hebrews 13:5

 

5Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

 

When you think of the Lord do you think of Him as your  "ride or die" friend? Do you realize that when the Lord says He will never leave you, that it means no matter, who has cast you aside that HE has not forgotten you? The Lord said that even when your family has not received you that He will care for you as said in Psalm 27:10? Do you understand that even the thief who wronged others was recognized by Jesus and accepted once he confessed his sin to Jesus believing Him to be the Son of God and asked to be remembered? Do you understand the Lord is more of a "ride or die" friend then even your closest confidant? Wikipedia gives the background of "ride or die" as a combination of the phrases "ride it out" or "die trying." The term is very popular in biker and even gang culture. Not glorifying gangs at all but the term is for illustration purposes. Interestingly enough, the verses at the beginning of chapter 13 are speaking of Christian conduct toward one another including in marriage. The term "ride or die chick" has also become popular representing that woman who is supportive of her man no matter the circumstance and has his back no matter what he steps into. But as Solomon said in Proverbs, the Lord is even closer than a brother. So if God the Father, God the Son, who is Jesus Christ, and God the Holy Spirit are "ride or die" for you, are you willing to be "ride or die" for them? Are you willing to go where God tells you to go by the direction of the Holy Spirit? Are you willing to let go of what God tells you to let go of by direction of the Holy Spirit? Are you willing to say what He desires you to say by direction of the Holy Spirit? Are you willing to be an instrument for the one who has you, loves you, forgives you even when  you don't deserve it? Are you willing to be "ride or die" for the one who is "ride or die" for you? Remember Jesus died on the cross for the remission of your sins and the world's. That's TRUE "ride or die" but Jesus didn't die trying. He died conquering and victorious over the enemy of our souls because He got up. Are you "ride or die" for God's kingdom or only when it's convenient? God is faithful to you in so many ways and provides for you. When will you be that "ride or die" for Him like you are for your "family," your "boys," or your "girls" all whom the Lord will outlast?

The Blind Will Fall

Luke 6:39

 

39And He spoke a parable to them: "Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch?"

 

As a man or woman of God, if you are leading or teaching people, whether formally or informally, then you are held by God to have a greater level of responsibility.  Yes, it is true that we are ALL a work in progress, however, there are some things that you blatantly know are off. 2Peter 2:19 says "while they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption."  For example, preaching and teaching the word, yet you are having sexual intimacy with every man or woman in every state your foot steps in is deception to the people and God whether you are married or single.  This is an example of having a spirit of lust which requires deliverance. But in order to be delivered, you have to admit that you have a problem and need deliverance. There are many examples of many spirits. Remember, people usually do what you do not what you say. So as Jesus said, you are leading people to stumble but the stumble can lead people busting hell wide open. I remember meeting and hearing the preaching of a prophet from Ghana. A very dedicated man of God who saw very clearly in the Spirit of God. He spoke a word to a woman and her husband being very arrogant in his walk coming beside her was called out by the prophet for his other deeds. Now the prophet had not met them before or anything. Another example, my Nubian/dreadlocks were created as a vow to God fifteen years ago. Now with that, I am very particular as to who touches my hair because too many times I have seen what spirit(s) occupy that person that are not of God after they have touched my hair. Just because no one else is around when the deeds are done doesn't mean that God doesn't allow true men and women of God to see in the Spirit. God is Jehovah Roi, the God who sees. So attempting to teach others in the word of God yet not striving yourself to live upright before God will show. But you also leave blood on your hands. Ezekiel 33 talks about the watchman with the trumpet that fails to warn the people of danger when he sees it. Though the people doing the deeds must answer for what they've done, the one leading will also be held accountable. Jesus said that to whom much is given, much is required. You cannot lead without responsibility. You cannot lead without checking your own walk before God. You have already been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ. Take hold of it by sincere repentance.

"Shh Don't Tell"

2Samuel 13:20

 

 

20And Absalom her brother said to her, "Has Amnon your brother been with you? But now hold your peace, my sister. He is your brother; do not take this thing to heart."

 

Unfortunately, Absalom's response to Tamar being sexually violated is the same response many give to children who have been violated. The reputation of the violator and those around become more important then the child who was violated. As a matter of fact, many acts of child abuse go unreported which is why the statistics are still slightly off. The 1 in 10 to be abused is likely to be less than 10. But many children are shamed into keeping silent like poor Tamar who was raped by her brother.  The Christian church (the people are the church) is just as guilty for not handling or touching the subject of child abuse as well. Counseling is a must from both a spiritual prospective and a psychological one. There are many problems that occur after abuse that people fail to talk about or even see. For Tamar, she lost her innocence and can never get it back. Every child who has been abused has somehow lost their innocence and can't get it back. School will be starting soon. Neighborhood football, basketball, swim, soccer teams will be forming. Do you know what signs to look for? Do you know the behavioral changes that can occur in your child after abuse? Do you know what to do if you find out your child has been violated? Or will you just respond like Absalom and be more concerned with keeping a reputation rather than the safety and well-being of the one whom God entrusted to you? Be informed. Shh Don't Tell are the words every child hears while they are being violated regardless of who is hurting them. In their quest to get help, please don't let them hear it from you.

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"Shh Don't Tell"  by Joy T.J. Riley

The Power Belongs to God

Psalm 21:7

 

7For the king trusts in the Lord, and through the mercy of the Most High he shall not be moved.

 

The psalm, written by David recognized and celebrated in the salvation of the Lord. A king, a man who had complete sovereignty over a country, region and people to be the final decision maker in going to war, to destroy with a flick of a finger, decided to trust in the Lord. Why can't you? David wouldn't make war without consulting the Most High God. Ego was not a factor in David's decisions to war. His decisions, as a ruler rested with God. He delighted in his relationship with God and not just when his enemies were against him. He delighted in his relationship with God during times of peace. David had enemies. But what the enemies failed to see is that when you make yourself an enemy of a child of God, you actually make yourself an enemy of God himself. In verse 13, David celebrated and exalted God for His strength and power. David recognized the power and strength of God and was not fooled by his title to believe that he had more power than God. Unfortunately, the minute some people get a title or position, they get beside themselves and forget who really has ALL power. The power belongs to God no matter your title or position in any industry or walk of life. If a king could recognize that, why can't you?

Showing Who You Are

Proverbs 21:13

 

13Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be heard.

 

I have heard my assistant pastor say this repeatedly but I had no idea where it was in the Bible. God illuminated it for me. Do you recall during Jesus' ministry how Jesus would specifically stop and call out to the down and outcast? They were considered poor. And when those who "had more" would tell the outcast to be quiet because they were less? And did not Jesus hear? After the Beatitudes in Luke 6 Jesus pronounced some woes. One of those woes corresponds to this scripture. Remember Jesus said we are to love thy neighbor as thyself and treat others the way you want to be treated. So if you ignore the cry of the poor whom you see in need and know they need and know that you have it to give but won't give, remember, God is watching. He gives you the power to get wealth as said in Deuteronomy 8:18 so no matter what you have, God gave it to you. And should you see fit to ignore one in need when you know you have it to give, then you are mocking God. God blessed you so you could be a blessing. And as Job said, "God gives and God takes away." So lest you repent, your day is coming when you too will cry out and be ignored. Even if you have been there before, God will take you back if you failed to grow with the blessing He gave you.

 

I remember being in D.C. one day and came across a man begging. He was pleasant but obviously in need. I had no cash on me at that time but had a card going into the store. He was thirsty and asked for something to drink so I bought him something. When I came back, he was happy and we talked and hugged before I left. He was over in "tent city." I saw him a couple months later and he remembered me. He had just been put up in a place near a school by an organization and had recently given his life to Christ. My heart was warmed because he felt the need to share it with me. He said he knew I knew Christ.  I never said my faith or belief. How you act can easily show who you are. Jesus said you will know a person by their fruit? Are you displaying rotten fruit? Are you like those who ignore the poor unless you can be seen? God is Jehovah Roi, the God who sees. Our Pastor preached yesterday on "Who Are You Working For?" He said there are many who claim to be a child of God and follower of Christ.