God is Rocking the Boat! Do you have your life-jacket on?

Notice the increase of devil signs, dark symbolism, and evil behavior lately from people you wouldn't expect? There is something happening in the spiritual realm and it isn't pleasant. There is an evil lurking and yes, it's out to kill, steal and destroy everyone in its path including those who praise his name.

This is why we must,
^"Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight." -- Proverbs 3:5-6

If you are a believer, you can identify with the presence of the evil one, but you remain unaffected by him when it comes to your belief system for you know who you are in Christ. My fellow believer, you are going to continue to love your Creator until the day you die! Yet, those around you who are on the fence, you know the type that loves God today when money is placed in his or her hand, but could do without him tomorrow, when money is taken from he or she, this person is under judgment. He or she is going to have to make good on "Hallelujah" and "Praise God" statements. Mercy is being lifted off many people who we all thought were: "good people," "wonderful" and "kind." There inner circle knows differently!

We tend to equate goodness with how much a person does for us and how nice they treat us; however, God sees the heart. Don't you know you can smile in someone's face while holding a knife behind your back and the individual in front of you would never suspect that you were out to murder him or her? Well, that's what some of your family members, friends, beloved entertainers, and co-workers are doing with their words and deeds to God and his people when you aren't looking. Meanwhile, you are deceived into believing they are believers! Thank God, you have angels working on your behalf to protect you and your family! If you haven't asked God for divine protection lately, you better!

Read Psalm 91

Poem: Man's Opinion

The world was created long before man
but he has an opinion on everything
doesn't he?

Weak in mind, body and spirit
denies a creator
doesn't believe in the Bible
don't like ministers
won't give to a church
always got an opinion on everything.

He shuts others out
won't let them speak
loves to argue
tells lies
looks like a fool.

When they don't vote for him
hire him
sex him
praise him
promote him...

He yells,
"Vote or die!"
pushes his way
through crowds
runs over the elderly
steals from the youth
abuses babies.

He needs a dark god
mafia
money
to fight for him!

Weak-minded
double-minded
confused.

He performs
reacts
kicks his feet like a child
to make his meaningless point
defending nothing
to get everything!

His opinion
his thought
his idea
his death!

And the world will still go around
long after him!
Without...
his false light
his brainwashed study
his faulty research
his hyped degree
his blood money
his nasty attitude.
his dumb opinion!

So yes I will pray
yes I will believe in a Creator
yes I will have morals
yes I will take a stand against evil vices
and I won't be controlled
by threats
by manipulation
by mind control
by the dollar!

That's my opinion.

How to Deal with Someone or a Group You Don't Like

But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! Matthew 5:44

We have all met people we simply don't like, yet we have to deal with them anyway because of our associations. You may have to see this person on the job, at a family reunion, or when you leave your home every morning. This person is like a thorn in your side. So how does one handle the negative feelings inside every time he or she sees this person or group?

Use Your Faith

If you are one who prays, pray for them. Now we are not talking about the kind of prayers that say, "Dear Lord, move this person out of my neighborhood..." or "I wish this person would disappear off the face of the earth." Those prayers don't do anything but fuel negative feelings. Sometimes these people are put in our path to test our character. If you grew up in an environment where family and friends didn't like a certain race of people, chances are you are being tested every time you encounter that one African American, Caucasian, Mexican, Asian, Italian, or some other race of people on your street, at your workplace, or in your church. Could it be you just don't like those people because of someone's deep hatred that was instilled in you? As much as we would like to say, "I'm not a racist!" God could be showing us different. So pray for peace of mind, a change of heart, and an opportunity to get to know these people before judging them.

Take Advantage of Opportunities

There will be those times when you aren't in a rush to get anywhere and then here comes that person or group you don't like wanting to talk. Rather than, resent their invites or their requests to talk, take a moment to listen. When you hear something you don't agree with, tell them politely. If you find that this person or group is disturbing and they proved why you don't want to be bothered with these people, continue to act distant. No one will blame you for not wanting an additional headache added to your life. The truth is not everyone is a friend and not everyone has our best interest in mind, but at least give the person or group a chance before you judge them.

Sometimes people do end up being great people to hang around when we just give them that one opportunity to prove themselves. We discover unexpected blessings, business partners, life time mates, and more because we gave someone or a group a chance. So be open!

Research

When you know the person's name, the company they represent or organization, then do your research. Sometimes you may not be doing any future business with the person you don't like, but you may find the group they represent phenomenal. There are ways to get around people we don't like to get to the people we do. So find out who the leadership in the area might be or if there are other representatives you can do business.

Appoint an Assistant

Let's say the person you don't like wants to do business with you. Well these days, you don't have to sit down with people. You can set the place and pace of the relationship early on by stating the best way to contact you or even better appoint an assistant who will be handling your phone calls or emails. You can say, "I have an assistant who will be giving you a call back on what we just talked about."

Create Distance

It's usually easier to handle strangers we don't like then family. With strangers, we can just walk by them and don't speak when we know they are nothing but trouble. In addition, we can avoid certain streets, shop at different locations, or move away from those strangers we don't like. However, toxic family members can be challenging even after we have done all the things previously mentioned. One way we can handle family we don't like is by creating distance. Maybe you can't move away from them, but you can stop calling or receiving their messages and tell relatives and mutual friends to stop passing this person's messages to you unless of course there is an emergency.

When you find yourself in a predicament where you don't like a person or group, consider what it is that makes you dislike him or her and/or association. It may not be the person, but their actions or the group they belong to that upsets you. Try to focus on the positive attributes that this person does have and hopefully this will at least help you during the time that you have to be around him or her.

The Pretend Christian: They Say They Love the Lord...

Things haven't changed much since biblical days. There are still sinners, mockers, liars, cheats, hypocrites, blasphemers, adulterers, thieves, and so on walking around in this world. This is enough reason to want to explore spiritual avenues in life to get away from the dark ones. Who wants to carry any of these labels forever?

As a new Christian, one who has recently dedicated his or her life to Christ, you will want to be discerning when it comes to connecting with those who claim to be like-minded. Even Jesus had one amongst his circle that eventually turned on him.

So what should you be looking for when communicating with people who say, "Lord, Lord..." but really act like "the devil, the devil!"

1. Confused or negative reaction when you talk about Jesus.
Some pretenders just don't know how to keep negative expressions off their faces when it comes to talking about Jesus. It is obvious they want no parts of conversations about Jesus when they are looking down at the floor, looking around, interrupting you because they "gotta go," or start angrily defending their actions or in-actions when it comes to doing the things of God.

2. Saying they will pray for you and others, but not really.
Those who are serious believers don't say they will pray and don't. There are ample opportunities for prayer. Some believers will pray as soon as a request is made over the phone, by email or live chat. If you see these born again believers in person, they might take your hands right there on the street corner, in the church during a service, on your job, and even on the bus without shame. However, those that pretend to be believers are busily doing something else while promising to pray, looking for the pastor and/or assistants to pray for you (because the job is just too big for them,) or finding everything else you say more interesting, but your prayer request.

3. Making excuses when it comes to being around Christian believers.
"I don't go to church because I'm not going to be accused of being a hypocrite, my life isn't right." If you haven't heard this excuse yet, you will. When you go to God in prayer, attend church, or sit with Bible-believing Christians, the Word of God doesn't say, "Clean yourself off first before you sit at my table." If you believe that then you are under man's law not God's word. In a metaphorical sense, the church is a spiritual hospital. In my opinion, there are God-appointed doctors and nurses there to care for the spiritually ill, those in recovery, and to educate visitors. I think of the types of people that gathered around Jesus. Those who thought they knew better were the sickest of them all and ultimately wanted Jesus killed.

We must remember that we had problems coming to Christ too when we were in the world. We made excuses so as not to be around, "those Christians." Yet, when we were down and out, we needed those Christians, didn't we? So when anyone (a relative, spouse, friend, co-worker or stranger) makes a statement about not going to church or any event where Christians are present for this reason or that, don't be hard on them. Yet, keep in mind, their "Praise God" and "God Bless you" doesn't give them a license to feel "led" to instruct you in your life, look the other way, this person is a fool.

4. Defends their sin.
No one wants to be called out on something he or she is doing that is contrary to the word of God. There are many things in the scriptures that our society doesn't participate in nowadays, but the foundational truths, those "common sense" statements like in the Book of Proverbs and the instructions of Jesus in the Gospels, cannot be challenged. However, a fool will debate the Bible. He or she will use the Bible to justify sin. They will judge others to validate their wrong-doing. They will also lie and cover-up their questionable behaviors. They will also find faults with your life in order to feel righteous and eventually knock you off your walk with God. Lastly, they will call you and your God names. This is the enemy at work!

When you feel spiritually drained around this person, frequently debate with him or her, or even question your own beliefs when you around this person, distance yourself from him or her. This person is being used by the adversary to get you off track from your walk. Rather, trust in the Lord to lead you out of whatever situation or connection you have with this person (or group.) He or she just isn't serving the Lord no matter what this person says.

Some people have a very long track record walking with God, but somewhere along the way they fall off (usually after the death of someone or something occurs in their life.) Their past records mean nothing if they aren't doing what the Lord wills for them to do today. These people are master deceivers. They are good at covering up how they really feel about God, because they usually have decades of experience acting like Christians (church attendance, outwardly shows of worship, tithing, church service, etc.)

We also must be watchful of other types of deceivers. Some people do pretend to be Christian in order to have sex with a person they find attractive. They will go along with the church invite, the bible study and other opportunities just so they can get close to you. Unfortunately, once they have had sex with you they are on to the next one--you have lost your mystery about you.

There are also those pretenders who only attend church for networking opportunities and others who just want to socialize and get freebies. You will easily see right through these people in time as you draw closer and closer to the Lord and will find yourself praying for them. They obviously are not interested in walking with God no more than a soul-selling musician who wants the riches and fame from the devil without doing anything else for him--its just not going to happen. You have to give up something to get something!

When you made a vow to walk with God, it was permanent. He is not going to forget you or leave you alone. He opened your spiritual eyes and this is why the world looks so much different to you then it once was. So now wherever you turn, you will see the writing on the wall that others who are still walking in darkness can't see, "Trust in me. I love you. I am here for you," says the Lord.

Overzealous Christians: When Giving The Gift of God’s Word Goes Wrong

Sometimes we can get carried away with our personal relationship with Christ. We start talking to everyone about our beliefs. We expect them to nod and say, "Amen." But the truth is, we could be setting ourselves up for a lot of trouble if we aren't acting wisely especially if you work with unbelievers. Even Jesus knew there was a time and place for everything. He didn't heal just any and everyone. He didn't proclaim to everyone who he was. He didn't stay in places where trouble was on his way to get him. Everything he did was systematic.

Trust in God to give you a system, a plan that will bring people to Christ not run them away! Read the following and be encouraged on Bukisa.com.  The article is titled:
Overzealous Christians: When Giving The Gift of God’s Word Goes Wrong

Food for the Believer

Sometimes there are those times when you see deception right before your eyes as a Christian. You wonder did anyone else see what you saw.

I put together a hub that shows how sneaky some people who claim to be messengers of God can be and how if you aren't too careful, you will get sucked into serving a god that resembles the one true God but really isn't. Learn more by visiting my Hub Page:  http://hubpages.com/hub/Can-You-Sell-Your-Soul-to-the-Devil.

Exposing the Corrupt Music Industry

I came across this interesting believer online. His name is Lennon Honor. This father, director, musician, radio talk show host, and more has created some very popular documentaries exposing some of the dark symbolism in the music industry. Check out his videos on YouTube or his website.

They Left Me Alone

No one knows me.
Everything about me is unusual, different, crazy, and strange.
For they don't know my Father, nor do they know his Son.
I am one with My Father.
I was created from a rib, his daughter,
yet they don't know.

Mindful of demons
Mindless of their Saviour.
He never died. He still survives
within.

And they don't know how to receive.
They live of this world.

How did I get here,
in love with an unseen God?
To know myself, to think for myself.
He used them for a season.
A little salt and then their flavour was lost.

I outgrew those who laid hands on me.
I outgrew those who raised me.
I outgrew those who I laughed and played with.

Sometimes it is hard.
The tears fall and I hurt inside.
They were an illusion--those folks from the past.
They preached and pleaded for me to walk this walk.

So now I am, but where are they?
Look at me, I am a daughter!
They look away.
They rather call me crazy, a babe.
He's with me when no one else is...
He's with me.

Nicholl McGuire
written October 17, 1997

Are You Really Praying to the One True God or a god?

Have you ever heard of the sun god Amun-Ra? Interesting that for centuries Christians attend church on a "Sun"day and many don't have a clue as to who Amun-Ra is. Even more interesting, the name is close to Amen (used when closing our prayers.) Hmm. A website reports that sometimes this god Amun-Ra is referred to as Amen--what!? We can't have anything without the devil putting his two cents worth!

What if the prayers we pray aren't going to the right God? What if something was intercepting those prayers? No wonder so many prayers don't get answered--just might be praying to the wrong god. Something to think about. Consider doing two things: spending time in God's word and praying in Jesus name if you are a new believer.

Visit these sites:

This provides a clear understanding of the prayer of Jesus:
http://dailyexegesis.blogspot.com/2009/05/give-us-this-day-our-daily-bread.html

This site explains the origination of "Amen."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amen

The following sites talk about that other god who goes by many names...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amun

http://www.touregypt.net/amen.htm

Sometimes We Aren't Always Feeling Our Best

If you are real with yourself and others, you know that walking any walk with a Higher Power is not going to be easy. In my life I choose the God of the Bible -- the one who can only be reached through acceptance of his Son Jesus Christ.

Lately, there has been a shedding away of myself like an animal shedding its coat. So many things within me and around me are being stripped away slowly but surely. You think you are okay when you have stopped partying, sleeping around, cussing or doing the obvious things that any minister would be quick to tell you to stop doing. However, those things don't even scrape the surface of what is ahead! There are the songs you listen to, the company you keep, the things you watch on television, the Internet sites you visit, and the collectibles you have been holding on to since you were old enough to read that God calls into question.

When walking with God no stone is left unturned -- no stone! I am not comfortable where I stand with God as I write and neither should you! We are works in progress which means we will never come to a place where we can say, "I have mastered everything and therefore I am righteous!" Just when you start thinking that way, God allows the enemy to come and whisper a few things in your ear while giving you tests. Some of these trials you will pass while others you won't. Whenever you are in the presence of another human being you are automatically being tested. Even though you may not say one offensive word, at some point, you will think something offensive. That's life, my friend!  Stay blessed!

Why is there Suffering? A Mystery

One of many mysteries of the world comes in the form of a question. Why is there suffering in the world? Why does it seem the devil wins?

We shall find out answers about suffering and more when God takes over the world again. But for now, we can speculate all we want about why bad things happen to good people. No one truly knows nor understands why God allows suffering to happen. Some scholars reason its because God is "testing us, molding, shaping us into better people." Others say we wouldn't appreciate the good in the world without experiencing some bad. The reasons go on and on and for some people they provide no peace. What we know for certain is that judgment is coming. We know not the day or hour, but the Prince of Peace is coming again.

Too Focused on Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses & Others to Know the Truth

We all heard about the obvious cults in our society, but what you don't hear a lot about are the old school cults the ones that go back a lot further than the Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses. Freemasonry is on the rise again, Knights Templar, Illuminati, Rosicrucian, Middle Eastern religions that worship Allah and Buddha and many others are still very much alive, so much in fact you see evidences of these groups in the mainstream music industry. There is a heavy recruiting process going on these days, simply because Satan a.k.a Lucifer knows his time is about up! He needs to get as many people as he can to turn away from God in these last days. He knows that the book of Revelation will be coming to pass and even though he has been told repeatedly that he will not win in the end, he still insists on using people to believe otherwise.

Elite groups, secret societies or whatever you choose to call them, have not died and because so many think otherwise they are easily misled. It all starts with a token book, video, or some other form of communication to bait the unsuspecting (usually those who are "open to anything") like a fish catching a worm. I personally can see people like these a mile away and even more-so on the Internet, they are fortunate that I work for God, because if I didn't, no telling how many I could recruit for the devil's work! A lunch or dinner invite that may have been nothing more than something nice (at least in the beginning) ends up being a life long nightmare. Think how many victims start their stories with, "I had been invited...or I met this nice guy who took me to dinner..." Satan knows the flesh is weak and that is why it is so easy to put someone at ease eventually getting them to do what you want just offer them food and drink. A multi-level marketing opportunity turns into a meeting with Satanists or a church visit becomes nothing more than idol worshipers. The classic promises of fame, fortune and anything your heart desires are still the worms that catch the fish. Everyone who says "god" is not following the one true God. Oftentimes many of these groups leave Jesus out the picture or say very little about him.

People desperate for companionship, in need of money, housing or something else fall for the individual or groups' promises. Those desiring to learn more about life are open to opportunities to learn secret knowledge in the hopes to be elevated mentally, "illuminated" or some other promise from their god also known as Lucifer to some. Naive individuals draw near to their "mentors" or teachers in the hopes that they can become like them or even better. One's teachers often refers to others as "sheep," "cattle," or some other word to appear better.

If you recall any documentary you watched on cults, notice they were radical Christians. You don't see what goes on behind the scenes with Masons, Mormons, or members of the Illuminati, as well as others. You have to search to find credible former members of these groups. Consider the source when you are watching any documentary of Christian organizations. Ask whoever is showing you these documentaries, "What about other cult groups from the 17th century who are still practicing today?"

The journey into the occult can be a long, short and/or dangerous one depending on which path you choose. Despite what celebrities like Oprah tell you, all paths do not lead to God. Maybe to her god - being herself. But to get to the one true God, there is only one way and that is through Jesus Christ. Some say, "Well the church is corrupt. The Bible has been changed. The ministers are prostituting God's words for riches. I'm tired of the church!" To that, I will just say you have a choice you can use the same litmus test that you use for Christian groups for all groups - look for corruption in any and everything or do what you must within the Christian faith so that when you are absent from the body (dead) you are present with the Lord (start by reading the King James Bible to further your study, but be careful handling other biblical versions, many verses are left out or rearranged.) However, there are those who couldn't care less about the devil, God, heaven, hell or anything else and that's their choice too, but since I never died before, as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord even in my weak flesh that battles temptations everyday! I personally can't wait for the day to come that my spirit will be forever gone from this miserable world, but until then I will keep on speaking truth.

Independent Woman: A Byproduct of the Feminist Movement

A dedication to my career driven sisters who proudly boast their degrees.

I was proud of my status
an independent woman
fresh out of college.

I wanted the money
I wanted the honey -
a sticky, gooey mess
got all over my shoes
my books
my mind
and my behind!

Oh no! Wasn't prepared for the news
a baby on the way
a marriage,
and a break from my career!

Fought the man
felt he interfered with my plan!
Couldn't hold on to his extended hand.
He never felt comfortable with me
and all my thoughts of degrees.

What was I going to do with all my education?
Wasn't interested in going along just to get along
that's not what they taught in college.

For I was free to be me
and that's what I intended
didn't want a kiss if it would make me miss
my thought and the money that came along with it.
"Move away, I'm busy."
"Can't you see, I'm tired?"
"You are nothing but a mess!"

Honey left me alone
didn't like to be called a mess.
Considered himself to be sweet, sticky -
a treat for me.

I resented honey
because he messed with my money
didn't like the plan God had set for me.

Desires of my heart was a man really it?
I preferred to be alone and exercise to stay fit,
but the baby changed my body
but didn't change my mind.
I had to catch up, felt a little left behind.

God wasn't taught in college.
Love didn't make the Dean's list
unless money was in the same sentence.

A fight every day for an independent me
living in an independent world
as far as I could see.

Where was God in all of this?

Hey Dark World

Deceptive shades,
fire behind you
burning up the old you
to embrace the new you, entertainers!

Their music videos
don't match their Dear John letters.

Their dark side
hidden by glitter, gold
costumes, rings, tattoos.

Distractions.

Innocent, at first.
Their sold on a bunch of promises.
New car, homes, bonuses, reality shows.

Between the lies the puppet master speaks.
Behind dark shades,
he's always playing a game.

Fine print reads,
"You do this...you do that for us..."
A soul enslaved to laws that make no sense
free of common sense.

Followers
don't know.

A disgruntled former player in the game
tells the truth, watch "favor" sales decline.
His life at stake.

How many times do you think you can shake the money tree
with mixed up philosophies, dare I say, artist?

False religions
fake Christianity
change their names for fame
change their names to play a game.

Entertainers!
They use to be like you and me -
said prayers to God
now say chants to a god
use to go to church
now talk about a church.

An unholy union
with an unholy communion
smiling in my face
from the pages in print
the woman in red
prostituting herself
parading nude, teasing committed men
while her husband
degrades women
ignorant of truth
following a light that ends in darkness.

The black widow
killing him, killing you, killing me.

What to do
what to do
if and when the enemy uses you?

Soon is Not Your Soon

Pastor said, "He's coming soon!"
While he looked up at the moon.

No Jesus is not.
That's your own thought.

Did he call you on the phone,
while you signed your name to a loan?

Did he tell you next week,
before you took that faith leap?

Listening to he instead of He
don't bind me up, I like to be free!

Talking too much pastor, better shut up!
Lies are swirling in that drink in your cup!

God didn't give you nor I a day or a time.
But it sounds real nice coming from a mime.

"Been waiting on God since '69," said one lady.
"Been looking for Jesus everyday," said a baby.

You thought you heard from God,
but I think you need his rod.

You know what you're doing is just for show.
Need to fill those pockets, so why not say so!

Your mouth is running too fast, feeling good all over!
Using your family and staff like a dog named Rover!

You know what God does to those liars.
Looks like you will be putting out fires.

Soon is not your soon.
While your preaching to the moon.

This home is not your home.
Taking orders from the dome.

But God...but God!
Please go get your rod!

Hand Out, Please?

You call yourself a Christian, but are you?

"If I could
I would..."

We lie.
We wouldn't do anything different.

"If I had it
You know I..."

We deceive ourselves.
For if we could, would or should, we wouldn't!

We would stick to the same script, the same feeling, the same "something told me not to."

Hand begging for bread.

Wet eyes in need of a tissue.

Paper in need of a signature.

Bank account in need of money.

Feet in need of shoes.

Car in need of gas.

So cold we have become!

We say we would help, but don't when tested.

Always ready with an excuse!

Need an Online Church?

Enjoy the teachings not preachings of Bishop Joseph Garlington located in Pittsburgh PA! Live broadcasting every Sunday. For more information, go to http://www.ccop.org

God Doesn't Break Up Families, People Do

Picture this, you have been invited to church during the Easter holiday. You typically don't attend church, but this time you take someone up on their offer. You pick out a couple of nice "Easter outfits" for your children. You select something pretty for yourself and your live-in fiance, partner does the same.

It seems all so nice, the way your family looks, the Easter decorations along the way as you drive to church, and even the people you meet, but something is about to happen in less than an hour from the time you and your family make yourself comfortable on those chairs at the church. There is a feeling that arises in the pit of your stomach -- a heaviness of sorts. You feel hurt, sad, maybe even angry and the tears begin to fall. Something that you heard the speaker say at the church motivates you to want to make some major changes in your life. So you feel moved to walk down the aisle and your family walks behind you to accept Jesus and begin a walk on the straight and narrow.

* * *

Now everything seems wonderful since you have accepted Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior. You have opened yourself to the one true creator of the Universe. But with that, there are problems (lots of them) the ones you detect since your acceptance and the ones you don't have a clue are on their way. No one in the church will encourage your current lifestyle living with someone unmarried. No one will tell you about how Jesus will work on you one day at a time in his time. Rather, they will tell you everything that you are doing wrong and what you need to do to make changes in your life not in God's time, but theirs! Be careful listening to those who are already married, those who are single, and those who are so heavenly-minded they are no earthly good. It is very easy to tell another what to do when one has already mastered certain areas of his or her life.

The more people tell you about what you are doing wrong, the more guilty you will feel and the more you will want to make changes that are often rushed and without thought just because you fear what may happen if you don't. I have personally rushed to clean my own life up in what I thought was God's time and I caused many problems for myself and others due to guilt.

I encourage anyone who has given their life to Christ in the midst of your sin to allow God to work on you. Be patient with yourself. Don't start changing your life just because someone tells you -- change is a process, take one day at a time! A man who hasn't been thinking about marrying his live-in girlfriend will not suddenly marry her because someone tells him -- God has to work on his heart and it may happen overnight, days, weeks, months or years from now.

A woman isn't going to just start being a wonderful woman just because someone touched her in church and told her to stop cussing her family. Both Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit work together to help anyone who has opened his or heart, in their time, not other people's time.

You have to be careful listening to people who claim to be working for God telling you to leave your partner and children and do right by God. God doesn't break up families, people do! God doesn't tell you that you are to pack up everything and walk out the door without giving you direction and assistance along the way. He doesn't tell you to abandon children that came into this world before you were saved. He doesn't tell you to drop the woman or man you got saved with and start going out with men and women who are much more mature in Christ than you. Look at the many examples in the Bible of how men destroyed their own families and robbed themselves of the blessings of God by making unwise decisions, because they thought they heard from God or had been too impatient to wait on him.

Please remember, God doesn't break up families, people do!

Just Because They Do It, Doesn't Make It Right

The pastor may do "it," his wife may do "it" and everyone else is doing "it," but just because everyone is doing "it," doesn't make "it" okay.

Whatever the "it" is, get deep into God's word and you will find that what the majority is doing, isn't what the minority is doing -- those who are acting according to God's will.

Is Your Friend a Distraction to God's Will?

God will remove you from any situation or from anyone who is mentally and/or enslaving (distracting) you from what it is that he wants you to do.This usually happens when you are avidly looking for a relationship with God or when you already have a personal relationship, but want to learn more about God.

People who don't seek God and enjoy being comfortable where they are in life, will remain there, unless someone has been persistently praying for them, then they might change in time as you did. However, if these people are hampering you in your walk, it will only be a matter of time that they will become distant (because they see your growth.)  Jealousy, anger and discomfort about your life improvements will gradually push them out of your life. Some believers make the mistake of going back to their old ways of life just to suit others who aren't interested in walking with God.  By doing this, one only makes his relationship with God more difficult.  He or she is in and out of the flesh, the church, someone's bed, crack house, hospital or whatever else that keeps beckoning him or her to "Come back...I need you...It's not the same without you...What am I going to do?"

Only people who are serious about serving the Lord will want to grow with you.

Why doesn't God answer my prayers?

God does answers prayers; however, every prayer isn't always a good prayer. For example, prayers concerning material wealth may start off a blessing but end up a curse. Think about how many people win the lottery and wish they hadn't because every one now wants a piece of their pie! So God may have answered your prayer with silence. He may be allowing you to get your personal life or finances in order before he allows you to receive yet another person, place or thing in your life.

I can think of a time in my life where I was feeling angry as if nothing was going right and I felt that God wasn't listening. Then one day the Holy Spirit reminded me that God did answer my prayers. It may not have been in the way I anticipated they be answered, but they were including those he remained silent about. It was a good thing too, because if he had done what I thought he should have, I would have been in some serious trouble in both my personal and professional life.

The best prayers are those which praise God and thank him (since he already knows the desires of our heart anyway.) This doesn't mean we shouldn't ask for things, but what we should be concentrating on is a relationship with him and not necessarily on what he will do for us. Amen?

All About a Selfish World

self-love
self-respect
self-acceptance
self-criticism
self-awareness
self-definition
self-pride
self-reward
self-care
self-encouragement

Now what's wrong with being a little selfish?

What About Laboring to Love Myself?

While there are many who are in love with self, worship and even honor self, there are many more who could careless about self. Both expressions of loving or lacking love of self are extreme, but it happens.

I wrote a book entitled, Laboring to Love Myself by Nicholl McGuire available at Amazon.com, because after going through domestic and dating violence at the ripe age of 21, I realized for me to allow someone to come into my life and totally dominate it, I didn't think too much of myself in the first place, but thought the world of the person coming in. A love like that is deadly! It is also extreme and lacks balance. In the end, it is emotionally draining and robs you of all self-awareness, self-acceptance and so many other self-protective mechanisms created to guard your heart.

So my new book, Laboring to Love Myself, is a continuation from the first book, Laboring to Love an Abusive Mate. In this book, I am coping with learning how to love myself even in the midst of beating myself up for having made such a bad relationship decision at a mere 21 years old. You see, victims of dating and domestic violence not only deal with the abuse from others, but they also abuse themselves as well.

When abused victims do something wrong, they don't easily forgive themselves. Their mistake(s) follow them for days, nights, weeks, and worse yet, years from now! Many are perfectionist types, the kind of people who have to make sure everything is well-thought out, planned, executed on time, and always in order. When things fall apart, they don't always know how to fix them, especially if it is beyond their control, so rather than just walk away or delegate the task to someone else like "normal" people do, they keep working at problems even though they may be a lost cause or out of their control (ie. bad partnerships, bad friendships, bad relationships, bad relatives, bad deals.)

So in Laboring to Love Myself, I am fresh out of an abusive relationship during the late 90s and ready to face the world as a single, happy and renewed woman! I have been saved, sanctified, and Holy Ghost filled with alot to learn. In this poetry memoir, I take you on what I consider the cliff notes of my spiritual quest to get back to loving me "in spite of" with no conditions just being me! You will walk with me into the new millennium and witness an interesting turn that occurs in my life resulting in me bringing life into this world.

Feel free to journey with me on what it means to love oneself and how I relied on God in the process, Laboring to Love Myself, Amazon.com and take a look at my blog:
LaboringToLoveAnAbusiveMate.blogspot.com

A Church on Every Block

A church on every block
I cry.
Why?

Blood stained pavement
left behind by young souls.
Down on her knees,
momma hollers
beating the demon senseless.

Spray painted walls
evidence of a failing community.
The future wonders in circles
while daddy hides his face.

Roaches and rats invited
to a family reunion
quickly marking territory
like original gangstas
while babies play.

Needles and guns
needles and guns
the game of the 90s.
So long to Chutes and Ladders
so long to Connect Four.

And grandma, cousin
sister, and brother
are wrapping in swaddling
clothing lying in God's manager,
yet we still cry...
we still cry.

A church on every block.
A church on every block.

Why?

You Call Yourself a Christian

You call yourself a Christian, a believer, a child of God
when it benefits
appeases
elevates
cultivates
looks good
feels right
but maybe not tonight.

For when darkness falls and the sheets pulled back
you will be dreaming of your money stack.

Hundreds, fifties, twenties, and a dolla'
cause you reeled them in and made them holla!

How long can you keep up your acts?
Avoiding the truth, forgetting the facts!

You know you don't love the Lord
You could care less about the sword.

You say you are one of the chosen, the few
but isn't this not about them, but you?

Worthwhile Article about Expressing Love

I thought this article was worth including on this blog since it demonstrates true love! Check it out...

Jesus taught that the first great commandment is, “Thou shalt love the lord thy god with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.” Then the Lord Jesus went on to tell us what the second great commandment in the Law is, “ ....and the second is like it, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 22:37-40 KJV) By the instruction of the Lord Himself we know that upon these two directives hang the Law and the Prophets. Obedience to these will lead men into the obedience of all the Lord's commandments. This article is devoted to the second great law, which is that we must love one another as ourselves. Why is it referred to as the second great commandment? I would say it is because it is the second hardest thing for men to do, the first hardest is to love God with all our heart, soul and strength. Why are these so difficult for men to do? Because man is profoundly self-centered. For other then by surrender to the grace of God no man can get past “self” to live in a manner that is firstly God-ward, and beyond that to live a life directed toward others. Only one man has ever completely filled this bill and that was the Lord Jesus. Every other man who has lived has failed these commandments, however, that does not take away our responsibility to, by the grace of God that is at work with in us, give our selves to the fulfillment of the Biblical commandment to love our neighbor as our self.
So we find that we are commanded to love one another as we would our own self. In order to emphasize and maintain this love the Lord Jesus gave to the Church two admonitions: The practice of foot washing, and the practice of the holy kiss. Although both practices are commanded by the Scripture, neither would have any significance if it were not that they are to reinforce brotherly love among the members of the family of God. This gives them extreme significance.

THE HOLY KISS-or-THE KISS OF LOVE

Through ignorance I was totally negligent in the practice of this commandment for many years, although I had an open godly testimony. It was not rebellion on my part, but rather simply the working of ignorance and confusion. I, although a “son of the Church”, was never instructed by her to do this commandment. A blindness being on the eyes of the Church and myself in regards to this practice. It is impossible to understand the need to practice the holy kiss until one can open his heart to understand the need for brotherly love in the house of the Lord. There is absolutely no need for the holy kiss, or the kiss of love if we have no intention on loving our brother as our self. If we are not interested in warmth of heart among God's people. If we are not interested in dealing with each other in respect, in dignity, in tenderness, in humility, in forgiveness, in the building up of each other, in the comfort of each other, then there is no purpose in the practice of the holy kiss. The holy kiss, which in my determination is exercised the man to the man, and the woman to the woman, is to emphasize the great importance that we see for the other person. It is the act of saying, I LOVE YOU, YOU ARE AS IMPORTANT AS I AM. It is to humble one's self before his brother. It is to say, I respect you. It is to say, I honor you, and give you value. It is to show affection and warmth.

When I make mention of this Scriptural commandment others often say to me, “it's a cultural thing that is being spoken of, therefore I do not need to do that.” To that statement I answer, “yes, every culture ought to obey God's word and fulfill this commandment.” For the commandments of the Scripture ought not to be influenced by society, but it is man's cultures that ought to be influenced by the Holy Scripture.

Some may say, “do I have to kiss another on the lips?” No, not as far as I am concerned, but to kiss your brother on the lips is not necessarily evil. However, to kiss your brother on the cheek certainly fulfills what we are commanded to do.

Is the western practice of a hand shake equal to the holy kiss? First of all if the Lord would have desired a hand shake I am persuaded that He would have commanded that. Secondly, I do not believe that the depth of brotherly affection and honor that can be transferred in the practice of the holy kiss can be transferred in the practice of the handshake.

Again, I say that this practice finds its total need of existence in the fact that we must love one another. Knowing that the fulfillment of love, the one to the other, is to stop evil in the world, ought we not to pursue love? For is it not true that if true love could exist in every heart then there would be no evil among men? So love is paramount. Love is supreme. Love is to be sought above all things. Therefore, that which is basic to the bringing forth of love is of extreme value. The holy kiss is found commanded in these verses: Romans 16:16, 1 Corinthians 16:20, 2 Corinthians 13:20, 1 Thessalonian 5:26, 1 Peter 5:14

FOOT WASHING

The practice of foot washing as is spoken of by the Lord Jesus in John 13:12-17 is not directly a commandment, but a point of wisdom we are encouraged to follow. The which in my mind is an equal to a commandment. For when a superior desires something of us, is that not to be taken as a commandment? If a father says to a son, “I sure wish you would do this certain thing”, or, perhaps he puts it this way, “I'd like it if you would get this done for me.” is not his stated desire an equal to an order? I think so. Therefore, I view the Lord's encouragement of us to wash one another's feet as an equal to His commanding it. So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garment, and was set down again, He said unto them, know ye what I have done for you? Ye call me master and lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your lord and master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, the servant is not greater than his lord; neither is he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if you do them. ( John 13:12-17KJV)

Jesus, having washed the disciple's feet uses the example of his own actions to instruct them to humble themselves toward each other. He did this by instituting the practice of brother washing brother's feet. No, it is not to clean your brother's feet as if they were dirty, but to humble one's self before his brother in order to serve him in this basic manner. Why do this? What is the need for this practice? The need is found in that we of nature are not humble the one to the other, but self seeking. We need this action to help break down the wall of “self” that separates us from an open, honest, pure relationship of genuine love and service to our brother. The practice of washing our brother's feet is a tool to empower us to be able to be genuine, honest, pure, devoted, sincere, openly affectionate, loyal, devoted, and if there is any other word that sums up brotherly love, then it ought to be done and not left undone.

As I see it, the bottom line of this issue is expressed in this question. Do I have faith, and the commitment of love toward God and my brother to follow Jesus in greeting my brother with the kiss of love, and to wash his feet?”

Written by  someone who calls himself, "A Watchman"

True Believers: You are a Work in Progress

"You are a work in progress." Remember these words when someone accuses you of not acting like Jesus.

This was the thought that came to mind after I read many negative, hurtful, insulting and downright threatening comments made by both unbelievers and so-called believers who don't like some of my articles, because they tend to be convicting.  I don't sugarcoat the truth about homosexuality, trans-gender, or bi-sexuality, but I don't condemn them to hell when they can read God's word just like I do.

I don't like how cowardly some Christians are these days.  They talk about how one shouldn't judge, but I get judged because I speak the truth.  I will not keep issues in the closet for purposes of not offending.  Some pretenders want to dance on both sides of the fence.  If God convicts me on some things and I have came to a place where I can speak on them, meaning that I have overcome in some areas of my life, then I will provide information to help the next person.

I have dated ungodly people, I have participated in actions that were demeaning to me and embarrassing to my family. I have done many things that now I am ashamed, but back then it was "accepting, free-spirited, great, wonderful, open-minded, Nicky" she had plenty of so-called friends and back then when I mention God here and there in passing it was okay.  But what I didn't know was that all of that "being free, open minded" business put me on the fast track to hell!

Oh we partied. We gossiped.  We lied.  We danced. We drank.  We had a good time, but eventually it all catches up with you!  I recall looking in the mirror at my aging face and not liking what I saw.  I remember nights of hurting all over from fighting a man.  I remember headaches that took all day to go away. 

So when I read or listen to a so-called, hypocrite (a pretender) tell me what I should and shouldn't say as a child of God to help my sisters and bothers see the light, I realize just how lost and confused they really are.  I realize they surround themselves amongst people who tell them, "Accept all!  Accept everything!  Jesus would have done it!"  I don't think they know Jesus and I think they are skipping parts of the scriptures and picking out only the things that make them feel good, but don't convict them.

I have attended churches where they tell me on one hand this is a sin, but then on the other hand they encourage sin.  For example, how can you tell a heterosexual don't live with their child's mother or father unmarried, yet have a homosexual take a church staff position?  How can you tell me not to write an article that warns women about the down-low, bi-sexual male, but encourage me to write things like tips on bargain shopping?  Is that going to save your brother or sister in Christ who is headed for a hellish life? 

Pretend Christians are always being called out by those caught between a relationship with God and a relationship with the devil.  They stutter and stammer looking for the "right word to say."  They confuse you with scripture after scripture.  They lie, cover up, act like your friend and do whatever else as long as money is involved.  The minute money is not involved, they lie again, judge, distance themselves from you, etc. and do whatever else to get you to give again.

I am with God when it comes to lukewarm Christians, that's another group who like to run their mouths, they are hot today for the Lord, cold the next, and then they try to tell you what you should do with your life always during a time when you are not open to hearing anything they have to say since they don't believe their own rhetoric.

The true believers, the ones who have touched my heart, are those that don't preach, teach, but just be!  They exemplify love -- not the soft, cushy, fearful so-called love that some talk about where they accept everything and everybody that's the secular world I came from, I know that one already!  I mean the kind of love that you see a mother give her child when he or she almost falls out the chair.  She runs to him or her and says, "Are you okay? Be careful next time." 

I would like to believe that as I mature in my writing capabilities that God's love will show, but for now I can only present material in the way that I know for I am a work in progress!

For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. - Colossians 3:3 (New Living Translation)

Jesus Christ is Everywhere!

Jesus Christ asked me for money one day while I waited at the bus stop.
Jesus came to visit me while I was lying in a hospital bed.
Jesus said, "hello" to me when I got in his car.
Jesus picked me up of the dance floor and told me, "Let's go home."
Jesus ate with me at the dinner table and reminded me to say my prayers.
Jesus asked me to help him with some garden work outdoors.
Jesus called me to go to church.
Jesus shook my hand and told me the battle is won.
Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ is everywhere I go, everywhere I sit,
everywhere, everywhere
Jesus is everywhere!

High Above

Lift me up
high
oh Lord!

In your presence
I dwell.

In your spirit
I am filled.

Lift me up
high
oh Lord!

For I exalt
your name
I sing of your goodness.

I cry because
you care.
You care about me!

With open arms
with my head raised
and my eyes closed,
thank you!
Thank you for lifting me up!

I am your child
I am your sheep
who strayed
but now am found!

I am your child
whose flesh was bruised
but now am healed!

Thank you oh Lord
for lifting me high,
high unto the sky!

He's My Everything

Married to the Almighty
his son growing in me
his spirit talking to me
my family
never alone
never forsaken
never lost
for I know where I am going
just passing by down here.

His ever loving arms around me
keeping me at home
freedom
protection from the world
my angels follow me wherever I go
I love Him
he loves me
my family
He's all I need.

Married to the Almighty
his son growing in me
his spirit talking to me
never alone
never forsaken
never lost.

Small Prayers

A heavenly voice whispered
and showers of light rained upon a child's face.

A prayer had been answered
and the heavens applauded
relief.

Somewhere else another heavenly voice had spoken
pouring streams of light upon a child's soul.

Another prayer had been answered
and the heavens applauded
peace.

Carefully paced footsteps slowly came forth while the children's heads were bowed.
The spirit revealed love's offering
and the angels wept.

With glowing faces, the children's souls embraced their blessings.

Gratitude, appreciation, praise be to the Father!

Pretend to Be Something You Are Not

Is this what they teach
while they preach?

Take your money
while performing an act, be funny.

Roll their eyes
with looks that despise.

Questions are wrong
"But please sing our song...

We love you today when you are well
forget about you if you should fail.

You must act like us
get on the bus.

Don't look right
sins out of sight.

Hold your head high
take a sigh.

Believe the hype
even if the fruit ain't ripe."

Selling Your Soul to the Devil? Is it Possible?

If you believe in Christian Bible teachings then you know you can’t sell your soul to the devil, but the devil can tempt you to do his work.

Evidence of this is in Luke 4 when the devil tempted Jesus who was full of the Holy Spirit. In Luke 4:13 in the New International Version Bible (NIV), “When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.” In the scriptures, we find that the Bible warns us about temptation. “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” according to Matthew 26:41 (NIV). In 1 Timothy 6:9, the Bible specifically speaks to those who desire to get rich, “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.”
Now why would the Bible talk about such things if people couldn’t be tempted by the devil?

The truth is people can be tempted enough to sign their name to a contract filled with false promises. People fall into the trappings of the occult every day because of their desires to achieve fame and fortune. Just because you and I consider ourselves intelligent enough to know better, doesn’t mean that financial hungry people don’t do such things. I’m sure you have heard of the old adage, “Be careful what you wish for because you just might get it.” Well, with a declining economy, don’t underestimate that desperate times call for desperate measures. There are people in this world that could care less about you or I or our families and will say and do just about anything to get ahead including making promises to anyone or anything to get what they want.

There are selfish people not only in the music industry but in government, church, education, media and in other industries that will not only seek money, but do just about anything to make it come to them a little faster including performing various rituals, seeking fortune tellers, talking to the dead, studying certain teachers of witchcraft, idol worship, sexual immorality, and other forms of wickedness. You may have seen movies where a musician desires fame and fortune, so he or she says a prayer or two to a deity for a little help or even worse, in reality, knew of someone who said or did a few strange chants and spells to make some things happen. The person never truly realizes that the deity they were chanting, talking or raising his or her hands to or bowing down to is not of God, but of the devil.

Kanye West announced during a freestyle rap performance in December 2009 that he sold his soul to the devil. He said, “I love the Game So
That I can’t take this s*t sometimes
And if they take everything away from me,
It wouldn’t f*ckin matter
Artists be too concerned about their well being sometimes.
Artists be too scared to stand up for something.
They scared to lose their f*ckin house,
Or their scared to lose their record deal.
I sold my soul to the devil
I know it’s a crappy deal
At least it came with a few toys like a happy meal.
I’m spaced out y’all, I be on that moon talk.
I wonder if God asked Mike how to moonwalk…”

Some bloggers and commenters reason that West was just saying that and “wooow not to be taken literally, its just a line in a song!!! no devil stuff!!” according to a commentor who calls herself, One10v3. Others believe West is involved with the Illuminati an elite group run by bankers who have orchestrated a plan for years to create a one world government also known as a New World Government. Supporters of West argue that many rap artists speak of selling their soul to the devil and that it’s just a figure of speech.

I disagree. If a statement like "selling my soul to the devil" was just a metaphor, a figure of speech or something meant to be taken lightheartedly then you would have to explain away all of the demonic hand signs, satanic clothing, many other musicians that allude to the dark side, disturbing tattoos, and other things that glorify the devil.

Ignorant, dark minds refuse the truth, because they know they would be compelled to change the way they think and that is definitely something they do not want to do especially if it requires work and inconveniences their way of life.

Not Without You

You created me to be perfect,
but they told me I was imperfect.

You created me to love,
but they taught me to hate.

You created me to care for myself,
but they called me selfish.

You created me to accept all,
but they told me I shouldn't.

You told me to pray for them,
but they said I wasn't trained.

You told me to give them a message,
but they told me it wasn't you.

You told me to lay hands on them,
but they questioned and walked away.

You told me I am appointed,
but they told me I was mistaken.

You answered my prayers,
but they said I was lucky.

You showed me signs,
but they said it was my imagination.

You gave me instructions.
They said it was coincidence.

You made me whole again.
They said I was strong...
not without you..
not without You.