Weeds Among US

There's a lot going on in the world today. In the past couple of weeks we had the Paris shootings, the San Bernadino shootings, and surfacing incidents of police officers murdering African American men left and right. These issues are one of many similar situations that have been going on for some time. After the Paris shootings, I asked God about this incident. Many times we want to know why God allows for people like those involved in ISIS, racist police officers, and crooked leaders to remain in place. God lead me to the parable of the weeds.

Matthew 13:24-29 Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared. “The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’ “‘An enemy did this,’ he replied. “The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’
“‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’”

The garden of Eden was a time when Heaven met earth. When God created Adam and Eve and the contents of the garden, He sowed good seed as Jesus tells us in the parable. We all know the unfortunate story. Satan slithered in and tempted Eve first and Adam came second. They ate the forbidden fruit and sin was introduced. With sin came death and a veil between us and God. This is when weeds began to sprout amongst God's seeds.

In this parable someone asked the owner why He allowed the weeds to continue to grow? This is a good question. Why doesn't God just get rid of ISIS? Why is it people who have hurt and scarred us are free to live their lives? It may sound crazy at first, but this is because of God's amazing love. Pay attention to how the Owner responds:

‘No,’ he answered, ‘because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’”

What Jesus is telling us is their time will come. The people on this earth who are doing evil things and won't repent and accept Jesus in time will be separated from the wheat and burned. Jesus told us He will come like a thief in the night. But fortunately for us God is extending mercy when we repent until that day comes. If God decided to just yank away the weeds like the servants suggested in the parable, then during the times we were too close to danger and sin we would have been destroyed with it. Not to mention our unsaved loved ones would be yanked away as well. Thankfully we serve a God who doesn't delight in punishing us. He would rather give forgiveness after repentance. He would rather use every moment He has our attention to love on us. He wants to show us why we need to let go of the sins chaining us down and come to Him. However God's mercy is an limited-time offer. As long as you are alive you have a chance to be saved. But the moment you breathe your last, if you didn't surrender your life to Christ you will not be with Him in heaven. By surrender, I don't mean say the prayer for deliverance and go back to the world. Don't be deceived. Instead have a relationship with Christ. If you fall, fight! Get back up and take the gift of salvation you were given when you accepted Jesus into your heart.

Jesus can come at any moment. Jesus can come in the next 30 seconds. Jesus preached more about hell than heaven and He constantly told us to be prepared. Once He comes it will be too late, pencils down. He will examine your life and grade you. He won't grade you by the amount of community service you did, or the amount of money you had on earth. Instead He will grade you based on how well He knows you. Those who are labeled as weeds will be told "Depart from me, for I never knew you." 

So what do we take from all of this? There's evil in this world for sure. Everyday we hear of murders, threats, and lies. Not to mention there are people we encounter everyday with evil seeds in their hearts. We have all asked God at one point or another how could He let this go on? Remember what Jesus said. Let he without sin cast the first stone. God hasn't taken them away from this world because of His mercy. To clear the field of weeds now could mean destroying us in the process. By relenting God is showing us mercy along with those practicing evil. He is also going after the lost sheep and saving souls everyday. Let's not get things twisted for a second. No evil can prevail as long as God is God. He is still in control. As we dwell amongst the weeds, we are guaranteed safety by staying near God. We have dominion over the weeds. If we didn't the weeds would swallow us up and no wheat would successfully grow. Groups like ISIS and Islamic extremists are beheading and killing Christians everyday, and yet the church is still growing. Souls are still getting saved and miracles are still happening. Christ is alive and stronger than ever.

Acts 2:17 ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.

Today I see videos of children laying hands on people and healing through the Holy Spirit. God is not dead. He is not succumbing to the evil in this world and neither should we. God loves all of us, even the weeds in this world and He is relenting for a chance to save as many weeds as possible. At the same time He is protecting the wheat by giving it the rains it needs to grow. Even with persecution increasing more everyday, we rejoice because we know Jesus defeated death. We have nothing to fear because we are behind a mighty shield--a shield that is protecting in life and even in death.

Praise be to the Almighty God we serve! He is mighty, merciful, and His love endures forever. Cling to Christ in these last days as the weeds continue to grow among us. There's a reason why I captialized us in the title. Let it be a reminder that Christian persecution will come to the U.S.. In fact our leaders are setting the stage for it to take place. Just because there isn't as many weeds in our field, don't get comfortable. I repeat, DON'T GET COMFORTABLE. The weeds may not have fully surfaced, but you better believe the roots are taking form in the dirt. Jesus told us no servant is greater than their master. If He went through it, so will we someday. Keep Jesus close to your hearts and continue to fight the good fight. For the day will come when God will silence the evil in this world.

Revelation 21:4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

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End-Times Prophecy: Prepare through prayer! *Late Post from Thursday*

One night this September I was asleep during a thunderstorm. At around 2am in the morning I heard loud lightening strike instantly waking me up. I immediately felt in my spirit that I needed to wake up.

I heard these words, "Obama will be president a third term."

I was half asleep, so those words didn't register with me. God begin to repeat those words in my spirit until I woke up enough to realize He was speaking to me. So I acknowledged God's words and begin to write that sentence down. God then followed with these words:

"Obama will be president a third term. He will control the food and resource supply. People will need to get rations because of some event that will happen. Just when people can't be more sick of it, they will come with promises of life returning to the way it was, the desire to have it all back. That will be when the mark will be introduced, government care packages, "Obama aid." People who receive the mark will receive an amount of startup money to bring them back to where they were financially based on their previous income. Yet the Christians will suffer. My people will be the scapegoats for every suffering and will be called out for not being willing to move on and receive the mark. We will be hindrances stuck in the past that everyone wants to forget. It's going to be something that bad that people will just want to move on and the mark will be pushed as the way to do it. "Can we all just get along," "can we move forward," "yes we can." We will be deemed the hold up, the blame for the last remnants of violence left in the world. Obama will be the ultimate hero while the pope will be the main world authority. He will be used to validate everything Obama says and suggest it is right in the eyes of God. Only this will be a fake god, a perception of the Messiah that isn't real. People will love this new god, this false messiah because it will tickle every itching ear. Christians will even begin to accept it in excitement thinking at last people are beginning to accept Jesus! Their guards will be down. This fake messiah will be hard to decipher. The only way will be through my Holy Spirit. I am coming soon. They will mock me and get you to worship a false version of me, an accepting version of the Messiah wanting to rescue people from their sins by saying there is no more sin. There will be a false sense of freedom and peace that will bring about slavery. No show, movie etc will be given voice, no one who will speak the truth, my truth will be allowed to speak. When television and the Internet resumes after the mark is introduced and the chains are lifted that was introduced after the disaster, then the new TV and Internet will only be propaganda for the beast system. People will be programmed, and the propaganda will be scientifically designed to activate a robotic zombie like mindset placed in those who receive the mark. I am coming soon daughter. Be bold. People will tell you you are crazy when you share the words I have told you. Be bold and have courage for I am with you. I will silence the mouth of everyone who speaks against you. This will not be a popular message, in fact you will receive enemies from this. I stress I am coming soon. Tell my people right now they are not ready. Church leaders are operating out of fear, a fear of losing the items of this world. Let it go! Better to lose here than to inherit the earth and be dammed in hell. Get prepared and seek me. Only those who seek me will inherit the kingdom of Heaven. Only those who know my face will be able to decipher my face from the false one. There will be a slaughter coming soon. Not a physical slaughter but a spiritual slaughter. A wave of apostasy will attack the churches and those who cling to the items of this sinking ship will go down with the ship. Are you ready to suffer for my sake? Be prepared my people. Wake up for I am coming soon. The tribulation has begun and only those who call after my name will make it to the gates of heaven. I have spoken."

I didn't add any words to this prophecy, and I am not going to explain what I took from this prophecy.  I want the Holy Spirit within you to speak to you and give you meaning. What I will do is explain what to do with such a prophecy.

Let's take a look at the book of Jonah. First here's a little background. Jonah was a prophet. One day God spoke to Him saying.

Jonah 1:2  “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.”

Jonah responded by running away from his calling. He ignored God's request and decided to run away. During his rebellion he decided to get on a ship with hopes of going to Tarshish. God stirred up a huge storm. The Bible describes it as a "violent storm," and it threatened to destroy the ship. The other occupants on the ship began to pray to their gods out of great fear. They felt the best bet for survival would be to toss off some of the cargo so the ship would not sink in the midst of the storm. The shipmates begin to speak with each other trying to figure out who was the cause of the storm. After casting lots they all discovered Jonah is the root of it.

Jonah 1:10-12 This terrified them and they asked, “What have you done?” (They knew he was running away from the Lord, because he had already told them so.)

The sea was getting rougher and rougher. So they asked him, “What should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?” “Pick me up and throw me into the sea,” he replied, “and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.”

After finding out they had no other option, the men asked God for forgiveness and threw Jonah into the sea. God allowed a giant fish to swallow Jonah. He stayed in the belly of the fish for 3 days and 3 nights. It was during this time Jonah spent time with God and accepted His calling. God convinced him through love. God loved on him during this time, and tended to the things Jonah needed to move forward. Jonah praised God in the belly of the fish,


Jonah 8:9 “Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them. But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the Lord.’"

God made the fish vomit Jonah and he was prepared for his purpose. Now to my point. God then gave Jonah the same word to give to the people of Nineveh. So Jonah took off. Once he arrived to the king of Nineveh, he spoke the word God gave him.

Jonah 3:4 Jonah began by going a day’s journey into the city, proclaiming, “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.”

Let me pause for a second to make a point. We all have the ability to operate in the prophetic because of the Holy Spirit in us. Granted a prophet/prophetess may be a little sharper with these prophecies only because God has a specific purpose He wants them to fulfill. But don't let anyone convince you that only some people can hear the voice of God. Jesus died so the veil could be torn. His death meant we no longer needed to go through man to speak with God. Not only will God talk to you, but He enjoys it! He enjoys hearing from you, and He will speak with you. Ask God to sharpen your ears so you can recognize His voice. God will answer this prayer out of His faithfulness. The gift of prophecy is not about being right. It's about being faithful by speaking the word God gave you even if you look crazy to others. At this point Jonah was literally walking through the city shouting, in 40 days the city will be overthrown. I'm sure he seemed like a mad men to some. He probably sounded like someone you would see talking to themselves on the train. But Jonah was transformed from a rebellious soul to a faithful man. 

Fortunately the Ninevites listened to God's warning. 

Jonah 3:6-9 When Jonah’s warning reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. This is the proclamation he issued in Nineveh: “By the decree of the king and his nobles:

Do not let people or animals, herds or flocks, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink. But let people and animals be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.”

God's grace is amazing. 

Jonah 3:10 When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.

This infuriated Jonah. It's understandable from one prospective. Jonah was sitting there thinking, "Now God, you went as far as to have a fish swallow me just to bring me here. I come and finally do as you say, and you turn on me by relenting?! I knew this would happen, but yet I just spent all my time walking around this city shouting something that didn't even happen! Now I look like a liar!" Of course Jonah said it classier compared to how I just did.

Jonah 4:2-3 “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Now, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.”

As I said earlier, prophesying ins't about being right. When I say this I don't mean you can say any old thing and say it's from God. No! We only should speak words God has given us, but once that word is given your job is done! If God relents like He did in this case it doesn't make sense for us to dwell on us being incorrect. It isn't us speaking these words, it is God. And in this case God had mercy and changed His mind. Instead of Jonah focusing on his "inaccuracy" he should have focused on the blessing he was. Because of his faithfulness a whole town was warned, they repented and were saved. That is what matters. God replied to Jonah,

Jonah 4:10 But the Lord said, “You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?”

We focused on Jonah for minor points, but here's the big point. Prayer works. No matter what people say. The people of Nineveh turned from their ways and cried out to God. If we do the same this chilling prophecy may not come to pass. Pray against these events everyday. Ask God for mercy. We must pray for America and the leaders making the decisions on the behalf of this country. For all of the readers outside of the U.S., pray for us as well as your own country. This spirit of the antichrist surpasses country borders. 

Preparation is key. This is why God gave us the gift of prophecy. Jesus warned us,

Revelation 2:10 'Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Mark 13:9 But be on your guard; for they will deliver you to the courts, and you will be flogged in the synagogues, and you will stand before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them.

Only by staying close to God can we stand the trials because He can keep you one step ahead. It's no coincidence that this is the last days and we are filled with things to distract us. Our phones alone are capable of pulling us away from God for hours or even days if we let it. 

Don't ever forget the times we are living in. We are in the last days. Don't get caught up in politics, social media, work, school, relationships, or the worries of life to the point that you forget the bigger picture. I urge everyone who hasn't to give their life to Jesus Christ. He is the only way to everlasting life and everlasting love. I am sounding the alarm. Satan is on the prowl looking for victims and Jesus is coming soon. Get prepared!

Please share this post and sound the alarm as well. We must get together and pray against this.

 

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Overcoming Identity Crisis

Chastity Owens

Contributor

Founder & Clinical Director of Owens Behavioral Health

Let’s face it: America is suffering from an identity crisis. 2015 is marked by increased racial and sexuality tensions. Recently, the Lord told me to write a post about Rachel Dolezal - the former National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) president in the state of Washington. She became infamous on June 15, 2015 when America found out that she had been identifying as a black woman when genetics indicates she was born white.

Rachel’s story was augmented by racial and sexual tensions. On June 17, 2015, a white man, shot and killed nine people in a historic black church in Charleston, South Carolina - including the pastor of the church. This hate crime was among many of the shooting deaths of African Americans. Between August 9, 2015 and August 9, 2015, 30 unarmed African American men were killed in police shootings.

Today, African Americans are being slain daily at the hands of police brutality. Coupled with the dozens of gang-related black on black violence on a weekly basis, we are losing a significant amount of black lives to violence. Rachel’s identity of blackness placed her amid the nation’s identity crisis; characterized by America borrowing from the culture of the African American community while murdering its sons and daughters.

Around the same time as Rachel’s identity crisis, Olympian gold medalist Bruce Jenner underwent a gender transition and requested that the nation refer to him as Caitlyn. Bruce said he felt more comfortable as a woman and wanted to be acknowledged as a woman. While society’s reaction hung in a balance, the American public really did not have a moment to process Bruce’s new feminine sexuality.

After his announcement, Bruce’s internet searches began redirecting you to Caitlyn Jenner. The internet - the source of information for many - changed Bruce to Caitlyn in a matter of minutes. That’s powerful! I hope you are paying attention. While Bruce was publicly accepted by mainstream media for his sex change, Rachel said she often felt condemned for her decision to switch her race.

I was puzzled when the Lord told me to write about Rachel because she has not been in the news in months. Imagine my surprise when I saw she once again was in the news when she admitted on the multicultural talk show “The Real” that she was, in fact, born white. Her admittance was received with a standing ovation from audience members. Rachel’s uncertain demeanor convinced me that she still has a ways to go to overcome her identity crisis. This is not a judgement but an observation.

In the same way that Rachel has suffered a physical identity crisis, America is suffering from a spiritual identity crisis. A close read of James 4: 1-12 reveals 3 steps America can follow to overcome its spiritual identity crisis.

James 4:1-12 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? 

Let’s tackle this identity crisis by jumping onto our first step.


Step 1: Check Your Motives 

Conflict is often a key indicator of an identity crisis. Fights and quarrels evoke external conflict. Unfulfilled desires evoke internal conflict. According to the bible, these types of conflict can cause people to want to hurt each other - even to the point of death. When our wants and desires control our lives to the point that we are willing to hurt each other, that’s when our motives are too deep. When we depend on ourselves to fulfill our desires, it can become an overwhelming distraction because we are operating in an assignment that is not meant for us. That desire can become a distraction. Rather than fulfill our desires, we are to bring our requests to God in prayer (See Philippians 4:6).

Prayer allows us to check our motives. It allows God to look at the heart of the desires, our motives to decide if we have enough spiritual maturity to handle the request. He also looks at the long-term consequences of this request. Some people think they should receive every request they make before God. Lies! God grants requests based on His riches and His glory. Ultimately, the request can either bring us and others closer to Him or it can only fuel our own selfish desires. For this reason, prayer is necessary because it allows us to check the motives for our requests.

Step 2: Submit Yourself to God

                                  

The second step to overcoming an identity crisis is to submit yourself to God. At some point, we have to come to terms with the fact that we are involved in an ever-going battle between God and the devil. God is a gentleman. Unlike the devil, God will not force himself on you. God gives you the option to choose Him. The devil does not. This is why we must actively submit ourselves to God. When we take a step towards God, He comes toward us. When our hearts and minds are focused on Him, He purifies us. 

Submitting to God requires us to deny ourselves - our desires - and follow God. The bible says, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. 

For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God” - Luke 9:23-27.

Step 3: Know Your Role

The third step to overcoming an identity crisis is to know your role in Christ. After you have submitted to God, He calls us now to be kind to one another. The bible says that we are not to slander one another. We are not to speak against our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are not to speak against the law and judge it. We have a Lawgiver. We have a Judge. We have a Lord. We have a Savior and His name is Jesus. He is the one who is able to save and destroy.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. - Romans 12:1-2.

In addition to our roles as worshippers, we are sons and daughters of God. The bible said that anyone who is led by the Spirit of God is a son of God. We submit to the Lord, not as a slave that is bounded by fear. We have received the Spirit of adoption and we can cry out to God as our Father. His Spirit testifies with our own spirit that we are children of God. (Romans 8:14-16). Hallelujah!

When we receive a revelation of who we are and who we are in Christ, the strongholds of an identity crisis melt away. Therefore you are no longer outsiders (exiles, migrants, and aliens, excluded from the rights of citizens), but you now share citizenship with the saints (God's own people, consecrated and set apart for Himself); and you belong to God's [own] household - Ephesians 2:18-19. Who am I? I am a child of God. Who are you? A child a God. What is America? One nation under God. Despite the fact that America is now characterized with racial and sexual tensions, it does not change our identity. Perhaps it is time for us to return to our first love, check our motives, submit to God and know our role in Christ.

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The "Animal Kingdom" Mindset-Satan's Deception

One night I was watching a nature documentary focusing on the leopard. This particular male leopard spend most of the night trying to make a kill. The first kill he made was snatched away when a pack of hyenas swarmed over to claim the carcass for themselves. The leopard went right back into the game and managed to make another kill. He climbed up a tree with a dead impala in his mouth looking to stash his food.  After smelling the kill, a female lion approached the leopard as he sat high in the tree. She began climbing up the lower branches. Lions aren't great climbers like the leopard, but the lioness knew with the reputation she has she doesn't have to be. A lion can weight close to 50 percent more than a leopard, so of course this made the little fella nervous. The leopard began moving higher to get away and out of panic he dropped his meal. The lioness then proudly walked off with his hard-earned dinner. This incident is what I immediately thought of as I read Matthew 6 this morning. Jesus covers many things in this chapter, one of which is financial and worldly gain. He tells us,

Matthew 6:19-20 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

The leopard spent all night looking for food just to end up with nothing at the end of the night. Think of the energy this takes! This leopard had to stalk, chase, and kill its pray just for it to end up in a mouth of an animal who did nothing but steal. It happens! Luckily for us we are made in God's image so we don't have to live like this poor leopard. Yet many of us are. Growing up I watched my mom work 12-hour shifts just to end up penniless on payday. Many of you are going through those lengths right now. Hey I understand, bills need to be paid and food needs to be on the table. Even with that need,  this shouldn't be the primary thing we strive for. The world says we should, but God tells us otherwise. Satan wants us to live like the animals in the wild. He wants us to wake up only focusing on chasing money, food, love and successful careers just like a lion wakes up only thinking of the hunt, building rank and mating. Animals in the wild live focused only on those things with no knowledge of God who sends down rains to feed them and quench their thirst, the God who creates life every time they reproduce. How many of us are living the same way? How many of us wake up thinking about the bills that need to be paid and tasks that need to be done at work without acknowledging God whatsoever?  

This is satan's agenda, and it's dominating popular culture as well as seeping into the church.

Pop Culture

I believe I examined this before, but it's worth repeating. Let's look at one of the biggest songs of 2013, "Blurred Lines" by Robin Thicke featuring Pharrell and T.I.. This song is targeted towards those who Robin Thicke considers to be "good girls." Robin is using this song to target them and sway them into having sex with him. Some may say I am looking too much into it, but it is what it is! So this is the logic he used to sway the "good girls." The pre-chrous goes,

"OK now he was close, tried to domesticate you."

On the surface it appears Robin is talking about the man the good girl is with, but in reality he is talking about God. In particular he is attacking the way God expects us to live by standards higher than the animal kingdom. He expects us to control our lust and forfeit our desires to submit to His will. Robin goes on to say,

"But you're an animal, baby it's in your nature."

Deception contains a tiny bit of truth that is stretched to the point of breaking in order to cover a huge lie. Yes we are made of flesh which means that by nature we are driven to sin. But we are NOT an animal. We are made in God's image and God is not an animal. Through the Holy Spirit we accept the keys freeing us from sin that Jesus died and rose again to give us. Satan used this tactic when I was driven by lust. I would think, "yeah I'm a Christian, but it's okay to indulge in lustful desires because I am young, I have hormones, and it's only so much I can do to stop that. God understands." Lies! God understands what we are going through, granted. For this reason He provides us with a way out, He does not give us a pass to give in. 

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

The deception goes on. Robin then says,
"Just let me liberate you
Hey, hey, hey
You don't need no papers
Hey, hey, hey
That man is not your maker
Hey, hey, hey..."

In these verses Satan is using Robin to bring forth the idea that living a Godly life is like slavery. He wants unsaved people to focus on the things you are "losing" to accept Jesus rather than the things you are gaining. God doesn't require us to completely refrain from sex. He also doesn't say sex is bad. In fact Apostle Paul being used by God advices Christians to have lots of sex so that satan won't tempt them. BUT what God is saying is wait and have sex with the husband/wife, He has for you. He doesn't want to see you giving your body to a person who will abuse you, disrespect you or belittle you. Rather He wants to build you up and heal your scars so you can be prepared for your other half and do some damage in satan's camp through ministry and prayer. Now once you are married God gives us the okay to populate like bunny rabbits. It's all good. Notice the deliberate shade satan is trying to throw at God. Robin, being used by satan, says "That man is not your maker." It's very clear this is a shot at God. However the devil is a liar. All he can do is lie. God is your maker, and He loves you. God thinks about your well-being out of love while satan thinks about what you want out of hatred. Satan wants to entice you to lure you to your destruction. In reality it is lust that is slavery and Jesus offers freedom from it.

The Church

Let's see how this agenda is also working its way into churches. 

Teacher and Pastor Joel Osteen is known for sending out inspirational quotes. On the surface many things he says sound great, but under deep examination it's very subtle deception. Osteen sent out the following note:

"God has already done everything He's going to do. The ball is now in your court. If you want success, if you want wisdom, if you want to be prosperous and healthy, you're going to have to do more than meditate and believe; you must boldly declare words of faith and victory over yourself and your family."

At first glance this looks okay. But this has that "animal kingdom" mindset written all over it! First off on an unrelated note, God is never at a point where He's done everything He's going to do. As long as you are breathing, God wants to and will work on you. The ball should never be in your court. Being a Christian is actually about forfeiting the urge to want the ball in your court and instead relying on the Holy Spirit to guide you. Now back to the other deception here. Our main goal shouldn't be to be prosperous, or even healthy for that matter. This is a theme with Joel Osteen. He often talks about riches and gaining the treasures of this world. He doesn't preach repentance and he doesn't encourage people to serve God, pray for people, and spread the love of Jesus Christ with hopes of saving souls. Anyone who would say this quote is okay I encourage to see what Jesus says. 

Matthew 6-31:33 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Jesus urges us to seek His kingdom first as Solomon did. God asked Solomon to tell Him what he wanted and it would be done. Based off of Osteen's quote it looks like he would probably ask for a worldly treasure. However Solomon asked for assistance serving God. He asked for wisdom.

2 Chronicles 1:8-10 Solomon answered God, “You have shown great kindness to David my father and have made me king in his place. Now, Lord God, let your promise to my father David be confirmed, for you have made me king over a people who are as numerous as the dust of the earth. Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?”

God was so pleased with Him for seeking His kingdom over the treasures of this world. He told Him,

2 Chronicles 1:11-12 God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.”

This is the model Jesus is asking us to follow. Yet satan is raising up people like Joel Osteen who are teaching prosperity doctrines and encouraging people to live their lives like wild animals, only focused on how to get by. 

We are made in God's image and we have dominion over the animals on this earth, just like we have dominion over satan that his demons who try to convince us to live like animals. I know it's hard. I literally have to check myself on this everyday. Being a Christian doesn't mean God owes you success. Jesus was homeless during His life and His disciples left their homes to be homeless with Him. Yet from this homeless man many miracles came forth. God never promises us material wealth no matter how many pastors try to twist the word and say He does. He is capable of giving material wealth, but that lies in His discretion. What we are guaranteed is His mercy, love and care, and that's better than material things. He will always make sure we are taken care of, even though God's care may seem like poverty to others. During Jesus' life He was homeless, but He was able to eat, have shelter, and even pay taxes. This is because He put God first and the other things followed. He didn't expect a new car or a check for every person He prayed for. Thinking about this keeps me in check every time I begin to worry about my situation. Jesus understands and He addresses that worry with such wisdom and love.

Matthew 6:25-34 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

I said this in the last post and it's worth repeating. You are kings and queens in God's eyes. Your reward is better than this decaying stuff here on earth. Your reward is in Heaven, and it's everlasting. You are cherished and highly favored by God. Think of royalty. Kings and queens don't have to worry about finding food and clothes. It's already taken care of. I am not saying quit your job or anything. I am saying our mindset can't be focused solely on those things as animals live. You are higher than that leopard that has to dedicate his life to feeding, and mating. You have the luxury of being able to focus on your relationship with God. That's all you need to do and He will make sure you are taken care of. Put God first over your needs, desires, and worries. Don't let satan reduce your beautiful God-created mind to that of an animal who aimlessly chases after what it wants and needs completely unaware of God's presence in their lives. Stop and think of the ways He's shining in your life. That's the key to breaking the worries and hurts in this world. 

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It's never too late to try again!

Being a Christian many times can make you feel like a total disappointment. However these disappointments more lie in us rather than in God. We have all been there before. Somewhere along the way you either slipped up, tripped, or maybe you just downright fell and found yourself in a place you thought you would never be again. Our first reaction in these situations is to run and hide as Adam and Eve did after committing the first sin. Our first reaction is the wrong reaction.

I'm sure it's no secret this is the first post I've added to the site in over 2 weeks. Talk about a public slip, trip and fall for me! Like many of us, I decided running away was the best reaction. So I sat there feeling sorry for myself, disappointed--you name it. However God wasn't caught up in my mistakes like I was. Instead after I repented and spoke with God about it, He simply told me to start again.

This is what God wants us to do. Strength doesn't come from staying up 24/7. True strength is shown when you get back up despite the hits, and despite satan whispering in your ear trying to convince you that you can never undo your mistakes. Jesus died so we can have the opportunity to get back up, so why stay down and feel sorry for yourself? Let's just say you abandoned your responsibilities as a homeowner for a whole year. You didn't pay your mortgage and you didn't put in the time needed to keep your house together. After all, work has been bananas during this particular year and your personal life hasn't been any better. For these reasons, you just let go. Once you realize you were falling behind and your house is falling apart, you panic and try to fix things yourself. You try to get credit cards with no success, try gambling with no luck, and even try talking to the bank. But the rule is set in stone--if you don't pay, you lose it all. Period. Just when you were about to give up all hope and you packed your boxes preparing to get put out any day now, you get a visitor. A man named Jesus is at your door. He looks like a real loner, so immediately you want to turn away. But He says to you, "I've paid your debt. Accept it and follow me." Talk about perfect timing! Yet you slam the door in His face. Instead you say you would rather get the money on your own, and you sit alone dwelling on your mistakes and ways to fix it.

This sounds crazy, and many of us would be the first to say we would never do such a thing. Yet this is what we do every time we run from God rather than run to Him when we make mistakes. Through His death on the cross, Jesus paid for our debts. He suffered the punishment we were supposed to experience because of our sins. So why suffer from your mistakes when Jesus already did for you? His death was His gift to us. This was God's ultimate display of love for you. Through the cross God's love endures forever. For some of you, this may sound like a "duh" moment--until you slip and fall. Satan's lies often sound louder than God's truth when we are wallowing in self-pity and guilt. Peter is a true example of this.

Peter's Denial and Restoration

Peter, one of the original disciples, had a slip moment as many of us do everyday. It is important to see how Jesus dealt with Peter. This is our guide to handle our slip moments.

During the last supper with His disciples, Jesus warned Peter,

Luke 22:31 Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 

Let's think about the act of sifting wheat.

This involves separation and isolation of parts of the wheat. After his down moment, Peter went on to describe satan:

1 Peter 5:8 the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

The way lions will often hunt big pray is by getting the flock the scatter and aiming for that one isolated one. Separation and isolation. Sounds a lot like sifting, right?

After warning Peter, Jesus went on and said,

Luke 22:31 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

Jesus saw this stumbling block and prayed for Peter's protection. This statement was a prelude to the cross. Ever since the first sin in the garden of Eden satan wished to sift us as wheat through the keys of death. God saw this stumbling block and came in the flesh as Jesus Christ the son of God to free us. Jesus prayed for Peter and through that Peter was given a second chance. His faith didn't fail even though he fell.

Then Jesus warned Peter again,

Matthew 26:31-35 “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written:

“‘I will strike the shepherd,

and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’

But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”

Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.”

“Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”

But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same.

As we know, after Jesus was arrested Peter did disown Him three times. After doing so the Bible says Peter wept bitterly. We all can imagine how Peter felt because we all have been there before. We all have found ourselves in good places where we felt super close to God and the next thing you know we fall to some kind of sin and feel like God couldn't be further away. Peter literally was eating with Jesus Christ and the next moment he disowned Him and found himself alone and feeling sorry for himself. Oh satan was happy then, probably laughing at Peter putting his words in his face when he told Jesus he would never disown Him. This is the same way satan tries to put it in your face when you find yourself back in an old habit you thought you shook. There are two ways to look at this story. There's our way, and there's God's way. Let's look at the difference.

If we were in Peter's shoes we would feel pretty angry at ourselves. Peter probably played that incident over and over in his mind thinking of what he should have done differently. He probably felt his sin forfeited the deal with his relationship with Christ. Sometimes we tend to think when we mess up the party between you and God is over and God and His angels leave the room for good. We like to think God is fed up with us. One of my favorite worship singers Misty Edwards once asked God for forgiveness in a song for changing His name. She was repenting for the thoughts that came into her mind convincing her that God was unforgiving instead of merciful, hateful instead of loving, and distant instead of always present. Yet these are the thoughts we deal with when we fall. Satan knows there's nothing he can do or say that will convince God to abandoned us. NOTHING. Even if he recorded every sin we committed publicly and behind closed doors and played it at the throne of God, He would still stay by our side if we repent and accept His son Jesus Christ as the only way. So back to Peter. Peter sat there weeping and feeling sorry for himself. However here's how Jesus looked at Peter's situation.

Jesus willingly gave His life on the cross thinking about His people who He loves. This includes us and it includes Peter. In the same sentence when Jesus warned Peter satan wanted to sift him, he told of his victory over satan by telling him he will turn back and help his brothers. With every fall we gain strength and a story under our belt that will be used to reach out to unsaved souls. Peter focused so much on his fall that he didn't even focus on the change. After his slip, Peter went back to his old identity before Christ came into his life. Oh how many times have we done this! We think God is done with us so we return to our old ways only to find out it isn't the same. We don't enjoy it as we once did. Peter wasn't happy as a fisherman again. He was filled with a Godly sorrow. This is a great sign. This showed the impact he allowed Jesus to have in his life. That's what matters more than the fall and it's the very thing that brings forth elevation. God's mercy is always there as long as we are living, but it's not an excuse to do what we want to do. Being a man or woman of God requires submission and obedience. This means saying no to our desires and instead asking God of His desires. This remains true no matter how many false teachers try to convince you God is suddenly okay with the things the Bible list are sins. God's mercy is for those who fall but constantly want to do better. If you are beating yourself up about your sin, God is looking at you with love and He is proud of you because even in the filth of your sin you still want better for your life--you want Jesus. Jesus knew Peter's fall before it happened and He also knew of his elevation that came from it.

After Jesus died on the cross and rose on the third day, He had with Him the keys of death and sin. He made sure He went to Peter to restore him and free him from the torment of sin.

John 21:15-19 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.”Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”

Notice Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him. This was a way of restoring Peter from the three times he had disowned Him. With every restoration came an assignment. Jesus then ended in verse 15 asking Peter to follow Him as He did when He first encountered Peter. This was His way of confirming to Him that he is still a disciple of Christ, and his mission is still the same. All Peter needed to do was accept Jesus and try again.

Jesus is waiting to free you. Come to Him with a true heart of repentance and receive the freedom Jesus died to give you. It doesn't matter how many times you failed and how many people you disappointed. God still looks at you in the same way He did before your fall, and that's with love and mercy. God's cherishes you, you are His treasure! Don't let satan convince you that you are a failure. Jesus died for the hopeless, He died for the repeated sinner. He died so that you can be free of the sin that is gripping you. Peter went on and  did what Jesus did while He was on earth. Many souls were saved through Peter's deliverance. You are an important weapon in God's kingdom, and your past sins will be your bullets against satan. Your sins will be used to draw people into God's kingdom. You will be able to say, "I know, I've been through it as well. But Jesus freed me, and He wants to free you as well." You will be able to give God the glory and be vessels to set people free as you were set free. You are kings and queens in God's eyes. Satan may have brought you down for a moment, but he can't dictate your future if you run to Christ and cling onto Him. So you've been off your game for a little bit. Lift your head up, for you are still highly favored and cherished in God's eyes. Repent and have faith, for through the stripes of Jesus Christ you are healed. Take that gift and hold onto it for it is your freedom. Embrace it, get up, and try again!

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Answering Legacy’s Call

Contributor

Chastity Owens

Founder & Clinical Director of Owens Behavioral Health

Have you ever thought about what people would say about you years from now?

What things are you doing that will have a lasting impact in the world? What will impact God’s kingdom?  Ultimately, what will be your legacy?

When I was in high school, most of the posters in the hallway encouraged me to attend afterschool programs, read books and so no to drugs. However, there was a poster that stayed with me.  It was a message about legacy. It said,

This poster challenged my adolescent brain. While I was often preoccupied with my appearance, this poster told me to focus on my legacy which I defined as what I learned and how I used it. I have not been out of high school for 30 years yet, but so far this poster has been true. Even when I look at pictures of myself from high school, I do not even remember a lot of the clothes I wore. 

We live in a world that is focused on the present. How many things are you worried about today that you won't even remember 5 years from now? The bible guarantees us looks will fade. Yet we live in a society where billions of dollars are invested from consumers in the beauty industry.

Despite the time and effort that I put into assembling my clothes everyday, I’m not sure how much it has mattered compared to the knowledge I have acquired over the years. Today, I still consider my appearance; however, I am more interested in how I am making a difference in the lives of others.

What satan will try to do is get you so preoccupied in the obstacles and the small things of today, that we lack the desire to think about our future in terms of what God has called us to do. If God called you to be a praise dancer, you are a dancer. This is true no matter how much you weigh, or how you look. If God called you to be a pastor, you're a pastor! And this is true no matter how shy or insecure you may be.

Let's take Moses for example. He was preoccupied with his speech. He did not think that he had the communication skills to carry out his legacy - bringing the Israelites out of Egypt. Lies! Despite his insecurities, Moses submitted to God and His assignment. God told Moses: 

Exodus 3:10 “I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt” 

When God commissions us to carry out the assignment that He has for us, He gives us the provisions to carry out those assignments.  To some those plans appear impossible but with God, all things are possible (Philippians 4:13).  In other words, God supplies the anointing when He assigns us to do things that seem impossible to us. 

The anointing flows when we open ourselves up to God's will. This happens when we let God take full control of our desires, insecurities and worries. Now God has blessed me with my own private practice so I am the Founder & Clinical Director of Owen's behavioral Health. But this only happened after I showed obedience by wanting what He has for me.

God taught me this lesson in college. When it was time to choose a career, I chose journalism. I brainstormed my personal gifts and assets. I loved being a published writer. Up until that point, I served as a sports writer for my college newspaper.  After I completed a summer internship at the Minneapolis Star Tribune, I realized that as a journalist, I was not helping people in the way I wanted to. I documented people’s struggles, what they overcame and exposed their vulnerabilities.  This was not enough for me. I knew that there were many hurting people in the world and I had a burning desire to be a catalyst for change. However, I did not feel that my work in journalism fulfilled me. I realized that I was out of the will of God for my life.

I prayed, “What is going on, Lord? What’s wrong with me?”

I heard the Voice of the Lord say: “You have been doing what you wanted to do this summer. Now, are you ready for what I want you to do?”

I asked the Lord what He wanted me to do but I did not receive an answer right away.

A few months later, I helped one of my housemates with a paper that she needed to write.  She was an exchange student from China and she asked me to help her write her paper.  While I assisted her with her paper, her demeanor shifted from depleted, unsure and anxious to refreshed, confident and relaxed.

“That’s what I want you to do,” I heard the Voice of the Lord say to me a few months later.

“You want me to teach English as a second language?” I replied, confused.

“I want you to change the atmosphere,” the Lord replied.  Through much prayer and fasting, the Lord revealed to me that He wants me to change the atmosphere by connecting people to resources, speaking life into desolate situations and by speaking His words to help comfort people.  

In the same way God chose Moses to mediate His covenant with the Israelites, He chose me to change the atmosphere.  Moses felt that he – a mere Hebrew boy – was inadequate to accomplish the things that God called him to do. But he chose to trust God.  In a similar way, we often think that we are inadequate to change the atmosphere. However, God has been using me to change the atmospheres of people who come into my office. If He can use me, He can use you! God has a calling on our lives. The more we communicate with him, the more prepared we are for what is to come.   As His children, God wants us all to change the atmosphere in our lives and in the lives of others.  He wants us to usher in His Spirit, like Ezekiel  did in the valley of the dry bones. Ezekiel explains:

Ezekiel 37: 1-14 The hand of the Lord was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. 2 He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. 3 He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”


I said, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know.”


Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life. I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am theLord.’”


So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them.


Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, breath, from the four winds and breathe into these slain, that they may live.’” So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army.


Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’ Therefore prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. Then you, my people, will know that I am the Lord,when I open your graves and bring you up from them. I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord.’”

Unlike Moses, who focused on his shortcomings, Ezekiel focused on God. Ezekiel knew that he himself could not cause the bones to live again. But he knew that God knew. He was obedient and said what God told him to say. As a result, Ezekiel resurrected the people of Israel. They were dried up, hopeless and cut off. Do you know anyone who has been sucked dry by the vacuum of life?  Do you know someone who feels that they are in a hopeless situation? Is someone out there lonely because they have been cut off? Children of God, I urge you to speak life into those desolate situations. There is a vast army that’s waiting on you to speak life to them. There is a number of people who is waiting for your words of encouragement. There is a generation who has been cut off and who desperately need to be plugged into the generator of life. The Lord is calling you to your assignment. He is urging you to be a light in the midst of darkness. He wants you to speak life into desolate situations. He’s calling you to prophesy to the dry bones - to encourage those around you. Oh yes! God is calling. Will you answer?

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