ACE #240: Fake Christians

If you are a Christian, then you have probably heard this before.  “Most Christians are fake Christians.”  I find it quite interesting that non-Christians are comfortable with calling Christians “fake”, but more so that Christians call each other “fake”.

Here are some of the reasons we, Christians, are called “fake”:

1.    You backed a Christian into a corner and have basically bullied them or you have provoked them to the point that you are actually trying to get them to respond negatively.  Well…here’s the thing - don’t get mad when they come out swinging or roaring like a lion.  No sir. No ma’am.  They’re not “fake” - you just got served!

2.    You ran around trying to tarnish the reputation of a Christian and treating him/her so hatefully, now he/she respond to you and gets the best of you.  You call him/her “fake” again.  No sir.  No ma’am.  The playing field just got equalized, leveled, and flattened in your presence and he/she did not use one curse word to do it.  The Christian did not start it, but he/she finished it.  And your feelings are hurt? 

3.    You have abused your Christian friends so much emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and maybe physically with no expectation that they would eventually take a stand and love themselves more to the point that they no longer want to put up with your foolishness and hatefulness.  They walk away from you.  Well, good for them! They were supposed to forgive you instantly, right? You took their kindness for a weakness.

4.    Or maybe a Christian told some friends the truth about the dangers of their self-destructive behaviors and choices…like drinking and driving, using drugs and having unprotected sex.  Now that they are no longer in agreement with the way those friends are living, once again, the Christian is “fake”.  Real friends will tell you the truth about yourself anyway.  Period!  The truth hurts…so get over it.   

Just because people say they are Christians does not mean they have to be mistreated or frequently wounded for other’s sake...or used as a dart board.  Jesus died on the cross for those who accept His love and believe in Him so that we don’t have to be crucified in the flesh or in the spirit.  Sure, Christians will be tested, but we might also fail.  Why?

Most Christians, and people in general, are neither perfect nor mind readers.  Most Christians are still growing in their walk…day by day. But one thing about “real” Christians, they will make you accountable for your behavior, words and actions, but will also offer you grace…and eventually forgiveness. (They will also be accountable for their own words and actions).  It does not make them less of a Christian, or make them “fake”, if they don’t work on your timetable for forgiveness, tell you the truth, or even if they prefer to sever ties with you altogether.  It makes them human.

While I recognize that this blog is kind of laced with sarcasm, it is also absolutely stitched with truth in so many ways. At the end of the day for all parties involved:

¹³ And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Either you're walking in the spirit of love...or you are not.  It goes both ways.

Isaiah 29:13

And the Lord said: “Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men..."

  

ACE #239: The Brookstone Experience

Yesterday, we had to go to the mall for something. On the way to our destination, we decided to stop by Brookstone. We love the massage chairs. That's another story. Anyway, while in Brookstone, we witnessed one of the most tender moments in life. 

While talking to the sales lady and getting massages, we noticed a young man across from us in the headphones section. He was getting down. Whatever he was listening to, he meant it. In other words, his song was to somebody. 

As we continued to inquire about the chair, a few minutes later, the young man walked over in front us and handed the sales lady a folded note. We didn't think anything of it until he went back to his friend and began to celebrate.

"I did it," he said. "I gave her my number."

He said it with a dance. His friend provided confirmation and support. It was pretty cool. The sales girl took the paper and said, "thank you". I was impressed. 

Why?

The sales girl showed much humility and a compassionate heart. Did I mention the guy had Down's Syndrome (DS). Apparently, the guy and his friend would come in frequently; I suspect to see the sales girl. 

Her response to the guy is exactly what God desires from His chosen people. Church, in Christ, we are to always be a representative of Him. How we treat others and respond to others is important, as children of God. I am not sure if the sales girl was a Christian or not, but in that moment she represented what we need to be doing daily as confessed believers, no matter if people are different or not. 

Praise God for the sales girl and the Brookstone experience. 

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+3%3A12&version=ESV

 

ACE #238: Are You a Run Away?

One of my favorite songs is from The Bodyguard soundtrack, “Run to You” by the incomparable late Whitney Houston.  At least, I thought I loved that song until Smokie Norful did the remake with lyrics focused on his relationship with God.

I know that when you look at me

There’s so much that only you can see

But when you pause and take the time

I know in my heart you’ll find

A little boy who’s scared sometimes

Who isn’t always strong

I know you see the hurt in me

I feel so all alone.

I want to run to you

I want to run to you

Won’t you hold me in your arms

And keep me safe from harm

I want to run to you

I want to run to you

Lord, please stay

And don’t ever take your love away.

It has always baffled me as to why, when people are in troubling times, they run the opposite direction of God instead of running to him.  Elijah ran from Jezebel’s wrath, Jonah ran from his ministry assignment, Jacob ran off because he feared that Esau would take his life, and Moses ran from Pharaoh after he’d killed an Egyptian.  God’s protection and favor were with each of these men during their most trying seasons.

I encourage you today, if you feel like running, just stand still and see the power of God to carry you through whatever your situation may be.  

Exodus 14:13

Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.

Don't be a run away!

ACE #237: Don't Get It Twisted

Yesterday, I went to the chiropractor because I was in a bit of pain. I have been limping for a few days thinking it was because of my knee. The pain had shifted from my knee to my thigh and the bottom of my foot. When I laid face down in the table, the chiropractor immediately diagnosed the problem.  He said my right hip was rotated, or twisted, which has resulted in my right leg being shorter than the left one; thus causing the limp.

 

This week, I am participating in our church's Vacation Bible School.  On Sunday, I will be delivering the morning message.  I am fully aware that the enemy is using my physical health to distract me from my kingdom building assignments. 

 

Dear brothers and sisters, always stay alert and ready! Don't get it twisted, Satan will use any tactic to distract you too from doing whatever God has assigned your hands to do!  Don't be fooled by the distractions the devil will throw in your pathway.  Keep resisting, keep pressing and keep it moving. 

 

1 Peter 5

 

⁶ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. ⁷ Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

⁸ Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.⁹ Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

¹⁰ And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. ¹¹ To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

 

 

 

Stand firm and pray for restoration...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACE #236: So You Say You Want Something Different

For the last few weeks, I have felt like I am just on the cusp of a breakthrough...like I'm sitting on the edge of my chair, dangling my feet, tapping my fingers on the table with the hunger shakes.  Yes, seriously.  I feel like I am just "this" close and can't get to it or figure it out.  I am ready for some things to change in my life - for some miracles to manifest even.  I just don't know how much longer I can wait.  I feel like I just can't take it anymore.

And then...like a light bulb turning on...it hit me!  In order to get something different, I have to do something different...something new...something out of the ordinary. 

Every morning, I wake up and read my devotions, say a little prayer, and then post my insights and Scriptures on my Facebook wall.  But today, I did something different.  I did all of those things, then I got up and went downstairs.  I never get up earlier than I have to...even if I'm awake.  I picked up the telephone and dialed The Official Marvin Sapp Prayer Line for the 6:00 a.m. call.  One of his associate ministers prayed on the line for close to 15 minutes.  He touched on a little bit of everything.

While this prayer was not a life-changing prayer, it was what I needed to start off my day differently for different results.  It helped me focus a little more deliberately and brought this Scripture to mind:

Philippians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God...

In all of this anxiety, I forgot to be grateful for the things I do have and to make my request known to God...something that I hadn't considered in the busyness of my own routine.

Today, step out of your comfort zone and your daily routine and dare to do something different that will bring you closer to God!

ACE #235: Our Worth

Take five one dollar bills and...


1. Flatten 1

2. Ball 1 up

3. Rip 1

4. Wet 1

5. Rip 1 in half or a few pieces

You have 5 different $1 bills. Even though the bills are different, if you take any one of them to a store, they still spend as a dollar bill. It is still worth the same, even the bill that is in pieces. It just needs to be taped or if it's unidentifiable (mutilated) you can send it to the government (Bureau of Engraving and Printing) in exchange for new one, once it has been examined.

Anyway, here’s my point. In Christ, we are like these dollar bills. No matter how we come to Him, we are still worth the same. God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus, to die for our sins. All we have to do is believe in Him and we are worth the same as all of His believers.

So, even life feels like it’s in pieces; even if we are drowning in sin that feels like it can’t be removed; even if our hearts have been ripped apart with guilt, hurt and shame; even if it feels like a big ball of confusion; and even if everything is straight - we are worth the same. He doesn’t make a difference in His children. He is no respecter of a person's status. He just loves us so much that He does not want us to perish.

No matter the condition(s), God still sees our worth. We just have to be willing to be used. The dollar is still worth a dollar, but if we don’t take it to the store to be spent, how will we know its worth?

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

 

ACE #234: Relationship Status: Moo!

Ladies, don't fool yourselves into thinking that men have valid reasons for putting off marriage...like getting his credit right, saving up money, or buying a house. Heads up - You can do all of those things TOGETHER. I know because we've done it!

Seriously, if a man wants to marry you, he'll move everything to do it. Proverbs 18:22 says, "He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD." If he's getting the milk for free...you'll either be the cow or you'll be the good thing! Yep, that's a hard pill to swallow and a hard step to take.  But you HAVE to do it. Know your worth. I learned a long time ago that to get God's favor, we have to make up our minds to follow God's rules. Cohabitation and premarital sex are not part of God's plan for our lives. It only "appears" to make things easier. Marriage is a covenant relationship with God. When you are in a covenant with God, promises follow. Don't you deserve and desire the promises of God?

It's not about putting a ring on it...it's about putting a lifelong covenant in motion.

Matthew 19:6

So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.

ACE #233: The Power of Prayer in a Parking Lot

A few weeks ago, my sister, my cousin and I were standing in the church parking lot after choir practice.  We'd just had a conversation about cars, loans and refinancing with one of the church members.  Our cousin drove by us as we were concluding our conversation.  As we looked at her vehicle the conversation continued something like this.

My sister:  We really need to pray for her to get a new car.  She needs one.
Me:  Well, I just want to make sure that my prayer is aligned...not that she just gets a new car, but that she will be able to finance it.
My cousin:  I would assume that if God provides her a new car, He will also provide her the money to pay for it.

So we all said our personal prayers and parted ways.

Four days later, our cousin pulls into the church parking lot with a new car.  My sister told her that we had just prayed that specific prayer for her.

Yesterday, a young man valet parked my car.  All I had was a dollar to give him afterwards because I never carry cash.  I told him, "All I have is a dollar."  He said, "Thank you.  I will take it. Every little bit helps."  My response, "But I will pray for you and ask God to multiply your blessing."  I reached over, bowed my head, touched his hand and said a very quick prayer.  His response, "Thank you so much.  I need that too!"

These particular situations remind me of how often we are stuck in traditional modes of worship, praise and prayer.  We can pray anywhere...God hears us.  It also showed me the significance of taking the time to intercede for others.  We could have been too busy at the time to even acknowledge that a very specific prayer was needed for my cousin.  I could've handed the young man the dollar and kept it moving.  After all, he was a stranger.

Take out the time to pray for your brother or sister, both Christian and non-Christian.  Everyone could use a little bit of prayer...even if it's in a parking lot.

 

Job 42:10                

And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job, when he had prayed for his friends. And the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.

                

1 Timothy 2:1                

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,

                

Ephesians 6:18    

Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

 

 

ACE #232: Daaaaaaaaddy!

Yesterday, my daughter and I came home from the grocery store.  She was excited to tell her daddy that we had gotten pizza while we were out.  When we pulled into the garage, his car was parked in there; however, when we got in the house, we couldn't locate him. 

My daughter scurries around the house calling out to him.  Then the one last cry, "Daaaaaaaddy!" yielded the results she anticipated.  Her daddy finally acknowledged her voice, when she seemed distraught.  He had been hiding in the spare bedroom the whole time just watching and listening to us.

This reminds me of how much I take my own father for granted.  Any time I was in a difficult situation, where I was distraught - I would assume my daddy would show up and rescue me.  And he did!  My daughter, no doubt, will have the same relationship expectations with her dad.

It also makes me understand the significance of being able to call on our Heavenly Father when we are in distress.  God has never failed to show up in my most desperate hours and even in pleasant ones.  So, today, let's celebrate the fathers in our lives, especially our Heavenly Father.

 

The righteous who walks in his integrity- blessed are his children after him! Proverbs 20:7

 

 

ACE #231: That Nagging Toothache and the Golden Rule

This morning as I was preparing to go to the dentist office, sheer panic swept over me.  I cracked a filling two days ago and I could see the hole that it left in my very back tooth.  It hurt to get toothpaste down in it, mouth wash, and even cold or hot liquids.  It was just a horrible toothache.  This tooth has been a problem for years.  I've had it repaired several times.  I do not numb well.  Honestly, had a hole not been left back there, I would have waited as long as I could to get it repaired...if I ever did!  The problem is, it would have eventually decayed.

Before I sat in the dentist's chair, I prayed.  I asked God to deliver some type of healing or remedy so that I would not have to get that tooth drilled.  When I sat down in the chair, the dentist scraped it.  When air was blown onto the spot, I thought I would surely die.  She then said that it didn't feel soft, so she could just fill it in without having to drill.  Praise Jesus up above!!!!!!!!!

This reminded me of how some people can be just like that nagging toothache - we dread having to deal with them. It's almost painful to have to be in their presence. Every encounter with those types of people is difficult and uncomfortable.  We wish that we just didn't have to do it.  Nevertheless, we cannot avoid them forever.

But Jesus reminds us to do good to others as we would like others to do to us.  Even when people are difficult to deal with and nagging, we must deal with them in kindness and love.  It's a tough lesson that we are taught at a young age by what is known as The Golden Rule.  We must always endeavor to imitate the example that Christ has set for us.

But keep in mind - never be the nagging toothache!

Luke 6:27-31

 

²⁷ “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, ²⁸ bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. ²⁹ If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. ³⁰ Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. ³¹ Do to others as you would have them do to you.

 

 

 

ACE #230: Get Turnt Up

Turnt Up

Urban dictionary:

• A state of altered consciousness induced by alcohol or narcotics; also being happy and excited and energetic; having fun.
• getting loose

My days of getting "Turnt Up" in the streets have long been over.  I thank God for protecting me from dangers seen and unseen over the years.  But baby...getting "turnt up" for the Lord takes on a whole different life of its own.  It's on a higher level.

Every now and then, you just have to let it all go - think about the goodness of God and all He's brought you through, think about His mercy and His grace, remember when it could've been you, thank Him for his deliverance from a life spiraling downward in alcohol or drugs, praise Him for the former lifestyle you used to live, shout about that deliverance from debt, and run about that healing from sickness and disease.

Got a new job? Turn up!
Got a new car? Turn up!
Got a clean bill of health? Turn up!
Got peace of mind? Turn up!
Got food and shelter? Turn up!
Got free from some addictions? Turn up!
Got healthy children? Tuuuuurrrrrrrnnnnn up!

It's time to get "turnt up" for God and give Him the praise that is due Him - that Paul and Silas praise that will shake some things loose.

Let's get ready for a real "Christian Turn Up"!

Say, "Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!"

Acts 16
²⁵ About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. ²⁶ Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5d0f6bQgzs

 

 

ACE #229: Thanks for the Reminder

Sometimes life has a way of knocking us into a state of disbelief. Circumstances and conditions will cause some of us to believe that we can't do it. "It"...whatever "it" is. It causes us to have a lack of faith and the result is that we may feel defeated and helpless. But, for those of us who know the power of The Lord Jesus, there is a different message that He reminds us of...

 

 

We can press through anything knowing He is our strength. To whom it may concern, thanks for the reminder. 

Amen!

 

ACE #228: Chapter...?

This weekend I am witnessing thousands of high school students begin the next chapter of their lives. That's right, it's graduation time. All five high schools, here in the city, will commence a ton of ambitious, intellectual and worthy students into a world that is not ready for them, seriously. The economy is unhealthy. The job market is struggling. And not to mention, college enrollment is declining because of this and the constant increase in tuition.  

But, as the saying goes, the show must go on. This will not stop their names from being called. This will not stop them from walking across the stage and getting the diploma - the diploma that many of them have worked so hard for. This will not stop tomorrow when all of them will wake up and realize fall is not coming anymore, as it relates to the start of a new high school year. 

So, what? Well, students and parents, who may follow this blog, we just want to encourage you in The Lord Jesus. Whatever chapter this may be, mustard seed faith can move a mountain. God does not see the world in us. He sees us in Him and in Him we are able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all we ask or think according to the power that works in us. In Him, the plans for you to prosper and become what He desires for you was formed way before high school graduation day.  

In this chapter, there will be doubtful times. In this chapter, there will be struggle. In this chapter, God is still on the throne and things will move as long as we trust Him and lean not to our own understanding. Congratulations grads. 

The book is not finished until God says so. It's just another chapter.

Image from mhpbooks.com

ACE #227: Why We Really Care About Rihanna's Dress

One of this morning's headlines read:

Rihanna’s perfume ad banned in the United Kingdom for sultry, nearly nude pose 

The Rogue by Rihanna ad shows the 26-year-old singer in a 'provocative' pose unsuitable for children, a British regulatory agency found Wednesday. The news comes two days after RiRi wore next to nothing - just a visible G-string - beneath a glimmering sheer dress at the CFDA Awards in New York City

Yesterday, one of my former students posted comments about Rihanna's infamous dress that she wore at the CFDA Fashion Icon Awards.  That was last week and we are STILL talking about it.  Well, wasn't that why she wore the dress, so we - the people - could talk about it?  As a mother of a five-year-old daughter, I felt my own mother rise up in me - like with the infamous Daisy Dukes. (See below).

This is not the image I want my daughter to either emulate or see.  And by stating so, I was accused of perpetuating "rape culture" and oppressing women by another Facebook poster.  Are you serious? Really? The devil is a lie. (Also, see below).

Yes, there is such a thing as freedom of expression in several forms.  I firmly believe that women have the choice to wear whatever they want to wear, as do men, but it should be done in a respectable and responsible manner, particularly when tiny eyes are watching.  How is being half naked for money any different that selling your body for money?  It's not really.  The Word of God is true and real, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.  Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs" 1 Timothy 6:10.  While I didn't understand the example my mother, grandmother and great-aunts set when I was younger - I get it!

Rihanna is a beautiful young lady - naturally stunning perhaps.  She could have been just as stunning in any dress that was not revealing her most intimate body parts.  While it is certainly not Rihanna's responsibility to be my child's role model, this statement summed it up best:

"With freedom comes responsibility" ~ Professor Andrew Baskin

Now, that's stunning!

The Unacceptable Acceptance of Rape

http://www.theafterchurchexperience.blogspot.com/2013/11/ace-59-scandal-time-special-edition.html

Me and Those Daisy Dukes

http://theafterchurchexperience.blogspot.com/2014/04/ace-187-me-and-those-daisy-dukes.html

ACE #226: Repositioning Priorities

This morning's Facebook post read:

I have to wonder why we are talking so much about Serena's bathing suit, Rihanna's dress, and Chris Brown's jail release - but nobody is talking about the fact that can't a single solitary soul or army of folk find that plane...still...after all of this time. Those families will never have the answers they need for closure. 

P.S. And aren't those girls still in captivity? 

This world, our priorities...

I am in this odd place, where I have more obligations than I have time.   One of my friends called me "Martha" the other day.  I didn't even bother to get offended...well, because it's true...sort of.   
(See:  http://theafterchurchexperience.blogspot.com/2014/02/ace-132-busy-beaver.html).

Honestly, there have been many days in my life that I don't think I put God first.  But there will never be a day in my life that He won't make the list.

No matter what is going on in our lives, if God is not in first position, then we need to reposition our priorities. 

Matthew 6:33

 

³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

 

Romans 12:2

² 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.

Luke 12:34

 ³⁴ For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Exodus 20:3

 ³ “You shall have no other gods before^[a] me.

 

1 Timothy 3:5

 ⁵ (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACE #225: The Little Raccoon

Yesterday, as I was driving down the road, I saw something odd, yet strangely intriguing. There was a little raccoon on the side of the road.  It had gone on to raccoon heaven.  Beside it, though, was something that was noticeably not normal - out of the ordinary.  There it was...laying right there...beside that lifeless raccoon...a flower attached to a balloon.  It was a small memorial for the raccoon.  I immediately thought that, perhaps, it was a joke.  Then I realized that this was close to where the local children waited for the school bus.  Someone's child, no doubt, had thought enough of the tiny animal to recognize its value.

The simple message today is to take notice of the small things - the creatures of the earth, the birds flying in the air, the flowers blooming, the tree branches blowing in the wind, and the air we breathe.  Just take notice of the small, seemingly insignificant, things.  They matter too.

Genesis 1:25
God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.

 

Image from deviantart

ACE #224: Waging War: Cancer Really Does Suck

Chemotherapy. Radiation. Surgery.

Yesterday, my husband and I watched several videos where people accepted the “cold water challenge” in the fight against cancer.  For those who don’t take the challenge, they donate $100 to the cause.  I couldn’t help but to think, please don’t challenge me because anything that involves water and my ethnic hair will not work out well. But these videos made me think about how much cancer has impacted the lives of the people around me.

As I am approaching 40-years-old, I am very aware that I am now in the “at risk” category for a lot of things.  I will have to schedule yearly breast exams and pay more attention to any changes that occur in my body.  It’s scary, really.

In the past two years, cancer, in its various forms, has claimed the lives of many people around me – young and old.  This year alone, even yesterday, I have witnessed more people battling this relentless enemy. Many are my age and younger.   It doesn't just invade the body, it permeates the spirit and the mind.  I have watched many people fight for their lives and lose the battle on this side.

The famous question is:  Why me?

Nobody ever really knows the answer.  People have been diagnosed with cancer who have abused their bodies with foreign substances; yet there have been people who maintained strict, healthy diets and exercised regularly for years and their diagnosis didn't differ. Still…cancer.

Today, I declare cancer as the enemy that must be rebuked.  In the name of Jesus I rebuke cancer “going viral” in families like a video or a Tweet.  I rebuke cancer claiming lives, especially of our children.  I rebuke cancer being victorious in the lives of mothers and fathers who are raising their young children.  

God is bigger than cancer.

It's praying time!

Father God, we ask your covering grace over those who are fighting against this deadly disease.  We stand in agreement that you are the author and finisher of our faith, that you are the alpha and omega of our lives, and that we declare that you are still God even in the midst of the diagnosis and the fight. We ask for your strength to wage war against this enemy.  We ask for your courage to fight the battle. It’s in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen!

James 5:14

Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.

Prevent Cancer: Stop Cancer Before it Starts - http://preventcancer.org/

Cancer Prevention Tips - http://preventcancer.org/

Study Elder Praying for Healing - http://www.praybig.com/images/ElderPrayerforHealing.pdf

Visit DSM Foods for diets that fight cancer.

ACE #223: Stop Dressing Up Ugly

As men and women of God, in Christ, we have to stop dressing up our ugly with Scripture. Don't think because we quote Scripture to confront people that it is cool and nothing should be said for how we used it. Scripture is inspiration from God; it should be used for correction, training in rightousness, reproof and profitable for doctrine. It's not something we use in our own words to tell people off, call out others business, pass judgment or however else we use in our own way. When the Scripture fits everyone else and not ourselves, there is a bigger issue anyway.

The word of God is so powerful that it can change lives. In fact, the flesh, that came in Christ, can save lives. When we misuse the Word to fit our condemnation of someone, it doesn't represent God at all. The Word is used for us to perfect ourselves that others may see Him in us. From that, they will come to accept Jesus as their personal Savior. 

Using the Word to hide the ugly in the heart is not of God. Stop it. It equips the servant for good works.

 

Use it for good...

 

ACE #222: Throw It

Go ahead, throw it...

"Let he who is without sin cast the first stone."

This is the message to those who feel like it is their responsibility to call your situation into judgment. This is the message to those who think they have power over you. This is the message to those who spend more time analyzing your life and your story. This is the message for those who think their situation is perfect.

Throw it!

This is not bragging because sin is not of God. Jesus clearly told the women "Go and sin no more." It is message of hope to those who may have lost their way. It is a message of love from Christ that He forgives and has died on the cross to set us free from the power of sin. 

We might have messed up. We might have fallen into sin, but the only one who can throw the stone is Christ. However, He would rather die for us than stone us.  

Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" "No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."