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More than a Testimony: Part One
By: L Oreal Moore
Tags: Christianity, Christian Living, Women

This may be one of the most difficult pieces I will ever write because it surfaces self-inflicted pain, humiliation, situational depression, and hopelessness. I struggle to make sentences now as the thought of what people will think of me after it has been published to my blog site. However, when The Lord God places an assignment on your life, you don’t want to be the one who ignores Him while he searches for another to do His will. So, I write this, knowing that I am healed by God, knowing that He forgave me even before “it” happened and He forgives me still, knowing that my testimony will definitely help the next woman.

In March 2020, I found out that I would have my first child. Me. Most of my close friends and family would tell you I’ve never shown any interest in having children. In fact, most people would probably describe me as a career woman, solely focused on her goals — -and you could almost always catch her head in a book. Well, not so much of that part of me has changed but after receiving the shocking news that I would become a mommy, I knew my life would never be the same — -and that terrifies me still.

Now that I am married to the love of my life, most of you may say that my pregnancy should be no big deal now. “At least y’all are doing the “right” way now,” as some would say. I too use to have this same judgment when women would have babies “out of wedlock,” that somehow, a woman’s pregnancy is much more valuable when she’s married, that a woman, is much more valuable to the world when she doesn’t humiliate herself or her family. I want to make sure that whoever’s reading understands something, especially us Christians: Having a child out of wedlock isn’t the sin. Sex outside of marriage is the sin. The scriptures are clear on this: “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him” (Psalm 127:3). We have placed a societal construct on the process of having children; we push women into annihilating corners that cause them to abort their gift from God. We persecute so many women who have fallen into this type of sin as if there is no road to repentance for them. Now, I am not saying that it is okay for any of us to go on sinning. What I am saying is that if we as Christians meet women with more grace, mercy, and compassion, we will start to see more women walking into their God-given purpose instead of choosing a world of uncertainty and despair. The next chapter will begin my story. I don’t care how many people read it, I don’t care if you think it’s too long. And I certainly don’t care if you think I should keep it to myself. My job is to be obedient to the Spirit. God has nudged me for months to begin this series. And when it’s all over, I want to hear the greatest phrase any human being could ever hope to hear: “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
New creation, but same old life?
By: Neal Antigua
Tags: Christian, Lifestyle, Leadership, Christianity, Christian Living

Photo by Quino Al on Unsplash

Lights are dimmed, catchy music playing, people are “touched” and emotions are running high. There’s a sense of “freedom”, “relief” and “spiritual connection”. Moments after the preacher has finished delivering his sermon he asks for those that want to accept Jesus into their hearts to come to the front.

Some walk down the aisle, they repeat a version of the sinner’s prayer and they walk away being a Christian.

But is that the case?

Did they just become followers of Jesus?

Maybe

Maybe not

Being a follower of Jesus Christ is not a matter of emotions, walking down the aisle nor repeating a prayer to accept him into your heart. Being a follower of Jesus entails making a decision….a life changing decision.

A true conversion is the work of the Holy Spirit. There will be an understanding of one’s sinful condition and need for a Savior. Because of this work of Holy Spirit one becomes a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), and as evidence there will be a new way of life manifested in:

How we think

How we act

What we say

Our intentions

Our motivations

Our whole person transformed from the inside out

So when it comes to our lives, we could think of it as there being a before and after: “before Christ” and “after Christ”.

These two stages couldn’t be any more polar opposite from one another.

Our “before Christ” life will look something like this:

“For the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar.” Galatians 5:19–21

In the other hand our “after Christ” life looks like this:

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control.” Galatians 5:22–23

I also love that Paul in the following verses (Galatians 5:24–25) goes on to paint a very descriptive picture of the relationship between flesh and those that live an “after Christ” life.

The flesh ought to be crucified (or killed) along with its passions and desires. In other words the flesh should no longer have a say (because it’s dead) in the life of a Christian. The Christian ought to be governed by the Spirit and not by the flesh. The Spirit (Holy Spirit) will lead us to life whereas the flesh will lead us to death.

In the final analysis it will be illogical to assume or expect that a new creation ought be the same as the old creation. Being a new creation will yield a new way of life, a life lead by the Spirit. Though we may struggle at times to be lead by the Spirit, that’s because of our sinful nature; ongoing battle between the spirit and the flesh.

But if our lives look more like the “old creation” and not the “new creation”, perhaps there wasn’t any new life after all.
Why Do We Leave The Institutional Church?
By: Done With Religion
Tags: Acceptance, Religion, Church, Christian Living

by Mike Edwards

There are many advantages to being a part of a group of people who seek to encourage one another about God. Many of us had to leave the building but we haven’t left God. I will cite a well-researched book that interviews “dones” (Church Refugees by Packard and Hope). I will ask you at the end what your experience has been.

Why I left the church building

I will be brief. I was being taught beliefs about God that didn’t make moral sense of a loving God. They still don’t four decades later. My journey led me to question if Hell is real, if God only lets Christians into heaven, if God determines spiritual roles based on gender than gifts, and if God condemns gays. There are sixteen main misbeliefs about God I write about mostly. See here. Eventually my journey led to starting and naming my blog What God May Really Be Like

I eventually stop going to the building because I couldn’t stop believing what I was learning. Whatever the leaders of the church teach is want most of the members believe. There was rarely open dialogue or in my opinion intellectual honesty, so I left. I have no desire to be divisive or undermine people’s faith.

Church Refugees seems to suggest the following reasons people left the church building:

Lack of real community. Leaders were quick to judge rather than listen and then listen some more. It is important to earn the relational right to judge.

Lack of responsible stewardship. 60% of the budget went toward the 90-minute show without serving better those outside the building. The lights have to stay on but isn’t there better uses of the money?

Lack of meaningful dialogue. Being preached at doesn’t allow open discussions. Being so damn certain all the time is hardly relational, especially when even scholars disagree what the Bible says about issues impacting the lives of so many people.

Lack of grace. People weren’t looking to excuse their moral failures, but why can’t we focus less on sexual behaviors and more on the poor, homeless, etc. Who is perfect!

I am sure there are many, many reasons people leave the church. Abuse by leadership is real and why many may not only leave the church but God as well. I left because there were no outlets to talk about beliefs claimed about God that I was concerned was leading others away from God.

Why do you think others left or why did you leave the building?
I was Asleep… then there was Unrest
By: Jon Laski
Tags: White Privilege, Christian Living, Woke, Church Planting, Cultural Competence

Life prompts us to action when it hits close to home. With Netflix and Youtube fiction, we get so transported, our neighborhoods feel like miles away when they are right there next to us. With social media, we can get so fixated on what our family and close friends are doing, we can shield ourselves from that neighbor right around the corner.

I was and still am in many ways an overprotected housebody who cried deeply at Hotel Rwanda when I was fourteen because of the atrocity. I thought to myself, “I can’t stand this, how can people be so evil to their neighbor.” Then I was consoled by my mom, started studying high school science and watched youtube comedy to console myself after (and other internet browsing that dehumanizes people actually). All the while I didn’t do much more to learn about or effect change in that area of the world (or my neighborhood for that matter). The closest thing for me up to that point of doing something to step into making a change was writing letters to the then president Bush and Osama Bin Laden and other world leaders to think about their families before killing other children like me… But I didn’t even write those letters. The wishful beliefs kept inside.

Aside from face book comments and spotty donations to causes, my best effort to improve mankind was having multicultural friends, making posts about character, reading the bible and being a good boy. All very in-home. Loving my neighbor as myself I didn’t think required me to leave the walls of my house. If my name was Jon Q New Yorker, or Jon Bisangwa, those events would’ve hit much closer to home. But my name is Jon Laski. I am a white, Californian middle aged male Christian who considered himself moral and somewhat woke after reading Peggy McIntosh’s work in college. But then what felt like the 9/11 of race happened when George Floyd was murdered. Much like that 9/11, I heard it and thought, “another incident. God this world is hard.” Then my best friend, a Nigerian bloke with a gold heart spoke out to me in a blog. “What if I was in his place!”

My eyes got really big, the room’s dimensions pushed out a bit and I realized; this crisis wasn’t in 1994 or on the East Coast, this is in my backyard and could happen to my best friend much more likely than to me. Pain finally hit close enough to home to prompt me to action. I started a zoom group, made some wristbands and donated to charity, x,y,z. Not much but at least the dial moved. My heart and my purpose are now fully behind learning about justice, fairness and shalom. Shalom is Hebrew for the belief that peace in society is like a garment with peoples woven and working together. The more I pursue that, the more I become a neighbor I’d want to have and I feel more Christian than privileged.

In conclusion, let me ask this. What kind of neighbor would you want to have, if you were Black? Now go, be that neighbor.

By Jon Laski, Core Team of Connections Community Church in Irvine, CA

https://connectionscommunity.church/
God Alone
By: Marvin Mckenzie
Tags: Bible Study, Christian, Faith and Life, Life Lessons, Christian Living

Isaiah 43:24–25 (KJV)

Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy sacrifices: but thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities.

I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.

God’s declaration of verse twenty five is made even more striking in view of verse twenty four (and previous). God promises to blot out their transgressions in the middle of these great transgressions. It is not that there are no consequences, by the way. Be sure to take a look at verse twenty eight.

Here is the truth. It is God and He alone who blots out our transgressions so that He will not remember our sins.

It is no graven image

It is no religious process

It is no act of good that we do

He alone blots out our transgressions and He does it for His own sake. He does it through the sacrifice He alone has made, the Cross of Jesus Christ.

He does not remember our sins because He does remember the Cross.

To my readers:

First of all, thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. Secondly, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.

Donate to Bible Baptist Church every time you make an Amazon purchase through this link, https://smile.amazon.com/ch/91-1265824

For this and more than 5000 earlier Daily Visits with God visit https://mckenzie-visit-with-god.blogspot.com. There you will find daily visits going back to 2005.

If you have been blessed by this blog, please subscribe to my feed and share it with others.

For more resources from Pastor Marvin McKenzie visit http://puyallupbaptistchurch.com.

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Isaiah 43:24–25 (KJV) God Alone

photos from pexels.com.
Why Does It Matter To Be Beyond Reproach
By: Mike Baker
Tags: Relationships, God, Masculinity, Christianity, Christian Living

Reproach is a word not many people even understand anymore, but to the Christian Male it should matter. according to Google “Reproach” means “ to address (someone) in such a way as to express disapproval or disappointment.”

Why does it matter to us then? The Dominant Christian Male. The guy who gives the appearance of taking on the world and winning.

In Titus 1 we find the qualifications of an Overseer, or more specifically Elders. I have always found it interesting that the first qualification is “ if anyone is above reproach”. Old words from a bygone era? Just a nice sentiment?

Christian Men its time to step up! If you are single and part of the Christian Dating scene you nee to be beyond reproach! If you are a married Christian Male you need to be beyond reproach!

If you are living your life on a “ seek forgiveness rather then permission” concept you are living in a space where you are never truly above reproach. Not caring what others think does not make your actions right.

Being above reproach does not mean you dont sin or make mistakes. It means living your life with Gods purpose and not your own. It means when your name comes up people can only find you reliable and trustworthy. That when someone attempts to question your character. that all those in the room would quickly disagree due to your consistent commitment to God and your family.

It means being Godly.

If you view being Godly as a myth, or a pipe dream, or unattainable then you need to get back to scripture buddy. Living beyond reproach is a lifestyle all its own. If I could nail down one of the main problems with churches today, it would be this. That men want to claim God but look like the world. That is not above or beyond reproach.

So try it. Being Godly I mean. Being like Christ. dont think that’s possible? Then once again get your butt back in scripture, because God says it is!

Want your wife to look at you in a way that makes her melt? Do you want to nail this Christian Dating thing right to the ground, and make it yours. Then be the Man God designed you to be, The man that draws attention when he enters the room because there’s “just something about that guy”.

Be a man after Gods own heart.

Go Forth And Conquer!

The Sedated Man
Are You Walking in the Pace of Grace?
By: Crystal Storms
Tags: Christian, Faith and Life, Faith, Christianity, Christian Living

therefore thus says the Lord God, “Behold, I am the One who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: ‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’” ( Isaiah 28:16, ESV)

“Why are we walking so fast? The show doesn’t start for another 10 minutes” my husband asked.

“We’re walking with purpose,” I replied.

That’s my normal mode-speed. Always in a hurry. Trying to fit more in with my fast pace.

So the words of today’s key verse caused me to pause. “thus says the Lord God … ‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’”

Biblical commentator A. R. Fausset says this about Isaiah 28:16, “he who rests on Him shall not have the shame of disappointment, nor flee in sudden panic.”

Does my pace reveal I’m resting in Him or depending on me?

When I rest in Him, my pace slows. When I allow Christ to lead the way, less gets done. Maybe that’s why I hold so tight to the reins.

When we look at the steps Jesus took, He didn’t always go the fastest route-well, except for that time He walked on water.

But He went out of His way to minister to the one. The grieving mother in Nain (Luke 7). The Samaritan woman at the well (John 4). Jairus’ daughter (Mark 5).

Jesus didn’t try to fit more in or do all the things. He remembered why He was here.

And when it was day, He departed and went into a desolate place. And the people sought Him and came to Him, and would have kept Him from leaving them, but He said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.” (Luke 4:42–43, ESV)

Jesus did more than walk with purpose. He walked in His purpose and gave us an example to follow.

The pace of grace rests in Christ and receives the peace He provides.

The pace of grace rests in Christ and receives the peace He provides. Peace that allows Him to set the pace. Peace that depends on the grace He provides. Peace that releases what isn’t our purpose.

Reminder for the heart: The pace of grace rests in Christ and receives the peace He provides.

Related resources to encourage your heart: How to Experience the Unforced Rhythms of Grace and Is There Room in Your Life for God to Move?

What’s on your heart? How do you know if you’re resting in Christ or depending on yourself? What does your pace reveal about you?

Sweet blessings,

Crystal
What Do We Do When Times Get Tough?
By: Kimberly Mead
Tags: Tough Times, Hope, Christianity, Christian Living, Hopelessness

Don’t get me wrong, when my father-in-law discovered he had a stage four brain tumor, I absolutely did not find comfort.

In fact, I’m still processing through my grief and anger.

As humans, I think we have such an innate desire to understand why things happen the way they do.

The work of God and the mystery of God.

But as I continue to age, I believe there is a beauty in letting go of certainty.

As the creation, it is impossible for us to understand the vastness of our Creator.

On this side of heaven, it is impossible to truly know the depth of who He is.

And why He does what He does.

In many situations, it feels as if letting go of certainty is the more challenging approach, but the approach that brings the most peace.

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.” (Romans 8:18–21)
Daily Bite-Walk good, be good, do good
By: Donnaree Taylor-Mitchell
Tags: Religion And Spirituality, Psalms, Dtaylormitchell, Daily Bite Devotional, Christian Living

Daily Bite-Walk good, be good, do good

Today’s verse: Psalm 84:11

For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

There is much truth in the saying, "walk good and good will follow you".

Even while surrounded by situations that seem miserably bad, good will prevail.

Walk good, do good and be good because this will be an inspiration to others.

The story of: the Good Samaritan, Rahab helping the spies, and Joshua and Caleb giving a honest report are great examples of: walking, doing, and being good.

Walk good like the Good Samaritan

The Good Samaritan was upright in his walk and mindset. He did what a priest refuses to do. He looked beyond who the wounded person was and attended to his needs.

Do Good like Rahab

Rahab had no obligation to help the Israelite spies. She was compelled to do good for complete strangers at the risk of being caught. (See Joshua chapter 2)

Be Good like Joshua and Caleb

Joshua and Caleb intentionally chose to be good by providing an honest report. They prefered to give a honest report and contradict the other spies than agree with them for the sake of blending in. In the end the other spies died and God rewarded Joshua and Caleb for their honesty. (Numbers chapters 13 and 14)

Be steadfast in doing good

If you are steadfast in doing good in seemingly bad situations, gradually the process of transformation will take place around you.

In addition to the transformation that will take place, Psalm 84:11 promises that God will bless those who walk uprightly.

For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

Treat your enemy with compassion like the Good Samaritan, offer hospitality like Rahab, and be intentional in doing good (like Joshua and Caleb) even if it means not blending in.

Walk good and INSPIRE others.

Do good and EMPOWER others.

Be good and TRANSFORM others.

Decide today to walk good, be good, and do good.
Using the Tools That God Gave Us!!
By: Errick Ruffin
Tags: Christian Living, Spiritual Warfare, Christian Warfare

Recently, I gave an excerpt of an article that I wrote that went on my new blog. I am putting together a blog that will speak on the fight against spiritual wickedness. My blog is called “I Got A Word!!!” I plan to write about spiritual wickedness and the tools the Lord has given us to stand up against the devil and wage spiritual warfare. Because we are at war with the enemy and this is a spiritual battle. This is not flesh and blood and God has equipped us with weapons that are mighty to the pulling down of strong holds. I will include resources in blog that will help you in this spiritual warfare. Some resources are free and some are paid. But they will all bless you and show you how the Lord has equipped you for the journey. Please review these resources and walk in the authority that God has given you. These resources will help you to study and remember the bible states, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” II Timothy 2:15 This progressive life of ours requires studying and transforming our minds to fight this spiritual battle. There is no doubt in my mind that God’s word will work. Study it! Live by it! It is amazing what God can do because no one can do you like the Lord. The poet understood this principle that knowing and doing and applying are very important concepts. We must be doers of the word. That is the reason “I Got A Word!!!” https://igotawordoutreach.blogspot.com/
It’s not just what you build, but Who you know that counts.
By: Chad Bozarth
Tags: Wisdom, Bible, Encouragement, Leadership, Christian Living

“These are the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God.”

-Genesis 6:9 (ESV)

When I say the name “Noah,” what’s the first word that comes to your mind? If you’ve spent any time in church at all, I’m guessing you said “ark.” Noah is inextricably linked to the ark he built.

When the Bible begins to relay to us the story of Noah, it starts the account of his life by telling us that he “walked with God.” Now, I’m not saying the ark and that story aren’t important. But what if, in our focus on the ark, we’ve missed one of the most important things about Noah’s life? Noah walked with God.

We are all building something. Maybe a church, a business, or even a family. But in the hustle and bustle of life, don’t get so focused on what you’re building that you forget the most important thing…walking with God. That’s worship isn’t it? Walking with God.

Will you be remembered for what you built, or with Whom you walked? I pray my epitaph will be the latter.
Merry Christmas
By: Vinod Kumar J
Tags: Christmas, Christianity, Christian Living, Jesus

“The true meaning of Christmas is, “He will save His people from their sins””

“You will be saved because He was born”

Matthew 1:21 — She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/mat/1/1/

Light bulb invention is considered to be the greatest invention of all time. Many scientists tried creating one but is was Thomas Alva Edison who succeeded by inventing a light bulb that stood burning for 1200 hours. This invention saved many who lived in the dark. Even today we are awake and even sometimes without sleeping because there is light. It removes the dark world and the fear we have towards the dark. Saves us from fear. Now we live in a world without darkness, we light a night lamp while we sleep. Our mobile phones and computers function because of light. Television because of light. Light is present everywhere and has removed the fear in us. That is the power of light. In the book of John 8:12, Jesus said.

John 8:12 — “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”” And in John 9:5

John 9:5 — “While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

Why did Jesus tell this? He did not say this to differentiate between the light and the dark. He said this because he wanted to explain sin and salvation. He said this because Jesus is the way to salvation and anyone who believes in Him will never die in sin to be punished. They who believe in Him will be saved from hell and will go to be with the Lord. They will have Eternal life.

Read the book of Romans 10:9

Romans 10:9 — “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”

Jesus will create a light in you and you will be the light to this world. You will be a witness for Christ and also minister to people to preach the gospel. The gift you received for free will be given to others by you. You will fall in God’s plan and never be put to shame. Ask Jesus this Christmas to help you get delivered from sin and He will forgive your sins. This is the purpose of Christmas and not anything else.
Get Back Up!
By: Dan Armistead
Tags: Spiritual Growth, Faith, Evangelical Christianity, Christianity, Christian Living

The righteous person may fall seven times, but he or she always gets back up. This truth, found in the words of Proverbs 24:16, has encouraged me many times over the years. I’ve stumbled as a follower of Christ more times than I care to think about. And until God spoke to me through the words of this proverb, I carried around a lot of guilt.

But once this truth captured my spirit, and I began to understand the most important quality of a righteous person, I began to grow spiritually in ways I never imagined. I also began to understand righteousness in a way I never had before.

Apart from our understanding of the righteousness that comes to us through faith in what Jesus did for us through the cross, a lot of Christians I know have a hard time thinking of themselves as righteous. Am I describing you? If so, I want you to hear me loud and clear:

Your righteousness is not determined by how often you fail and fall. Your righteousness is seen as over and over you continue to get back up, dust off the spiritual dirt, and continue on your faith journey with Jesus.

That’s why the proverb tells us that righteous people get back up seven times; that is, over and over and over again.

Too many people have left the church and left the Christian life because they feel defeated. And I’ll be honest; this is something that happens because of our lack of transparency and authenticity in the church. We are so afraid to open up, sharing our own struggles with others, afraid of what they may think.

But as we read in our Bibles about Abraham, who twice gave his wife, Sarah, to pagan kings to save his neck, or Moses, who struck, in anger, the rock in the wilderness, or Jeremiah, who accused God of lying to him, or Peter’s cursing denial in the courtyard of the high priest, how can we not recognize that what made these servants of God righteous was seen more than anything else in their ability to get back up when they fell?

I’m going to make a promise to you — You will fall, you will fail many times as a follower of Jesus. Believe me, I know that better than anybody! But what makes you faithful is not your falling, but your willingness to get back up.

Maybe you’ve taken a huge fall recently in your faith-walk with Jesus. You’re filled with guilt. You feel beaten, unworthy, and frankly, tired. But I want you to think about something — We need you. The church needs you. Nothing and I mean nothing, is more encouraging than to see someone broken and bleeding, get back up and continue to run the race.

In Christ,

Dan
Daily Bite-Exchange your burden
By: Donnaree Taylor-Mitchell
Tags: Religion And Spirituality, Psalms, Dtaylormitchell, Daily Bite Devotional, Christian Living

Daily Bite-Exchange your burden

Today’s verse Psalms 55:22

Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Simple machines were created with the intention of relieving burden. Trolleys, wheelbarrows, carts, and many other apparatuses all have one thing in common, they alleviate the strains of burdensome tasks.

They save us from the rigor we would have to endure if we were to carry heavy loads on our backs or shoulders. They prevent the pain that would result from doing strenuous tasks manually.

Our Christian walk may oftentimes become rigorous, strenuous, or even painful. The challenges that life throws our way, the tests we have to endure, and the responsibilities we are tasked with may easily pile up to be an insurmountable burden.

Though this is likely to happen things don’t have to be this way. The same way we are able to relieve ourselves of tasks with the help of trolleys, carts, and borrows is the same way we may ease the burdens on our Christian pathway.

David encouraged us to overcome our insurmountable burden in Psalm 55:22 when he said:

Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Whatever burdens you are struggling with today cast them upon the Lord. Exchange them and the weight that you feel for sustenance. Place your challenges, responsibilities, tests, trials, and tribulations on Him and experience the "rest" and “lightness” that He has offered you.

Jesus admonished His followers in Matthew 11:28-30 to seek Him when they are burdened.

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Don't strain yourself with burdens that you don't need to carry around. Give them to the Lord in exchange for His sustenance, rest, and lightness.
We Are Not Yet Ready For Reviving
By: Marvin Mckenzie
Tags: Bible Study, Christian, Faith and Life, Christianity, Christian Living

Isaiah 50:2 (KJV)

Wherefore, when I came, was there no man? when I called, was there none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinketh, because there is no water, and dieth for thirst.

I am by no means a prophet. I cannot say what our future holds. But I do believe that our time of trial is not yet through. I have no idea what will happen at the upcoming elections. I doubt that they will be the salvation so many seem to hope for.

One of the indicators, in my mind, that we are not yet ready for God to intervene on our behalf, is that it does not seem to me that we have turned to God. We still hear Christians complaining that these grievances shouldn’t happen in America. America is still a part of this fallen world. Though our form of government has provided many years of comparative peace, it is not perfect, and it is more influenced by the prince of the power of the air than most Christians are willing to admit.

Another indicator that we are not ready for reviving is that our response to our grievances has been to urge Christians to “stand” together. Stand with North Valley Baptist Church. Stand with Grace Community Church. I understand, I think, what they mean, and I do not mean to be critical, but it’s the wrong posture. We must instead prostrate ourselves together.

Instead of appealing to our national history, our godly heritage, our sense of patriotism, our Constitution or even our brothers and sisters in the Lord, today, as much as any time in Christian history we need to appeal to the Lord.

I doubt we are ready for reviving until all other hope is removed. Only then will we really see that God’s hand is not shortened and that He alone has the power to redeem.

(Access more of my blogs by visiting the resource link on our church website at bbcpuyallup.org.)

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Isaiah 50:2 (KJV) We Are Not Yet Ready For Reviving

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Discrimination is Certainly Not Christ-like
By: Done With Religion
Tags: Racism, Acceptance, LGBTQ, Discrimination, Christian Living

by Jim Gordon

Discrimination is something that has gone on for a long time…too long. It is not just racial, which is bad enough. It is racial, sexual, gender, religious, political, national and probably other ways I am forgetting.

Any type of discrimination is wrong. It is not treating people as they should be treated. It causes division and causes people to be separated into class descriptions, and this should not be. There should be no second class citizens in our world.

I believe God created human beings and we are all created to be treated equally. We all should have the same rights and privileges, we should all have the same equality to be who we are, to be happy and live a full and complete life.

Discrimination happens to white and black, LGBTQ and straight, Christian, Atheist, Muslim and Jew, American and any other country. I see it as people saying those who are different from us are a lower class of people or not deserving of the same treatment and same rights as us. This is completely wrong and completely not Christ-like.

We are all human beings and no matter what label we wear, what color we are, where we live, what religion we are or what sexual identity we claim, we are all to be equally treated and loved.

God loves us all and as followers of Christ we are to love God and love one another. There is nothing in the way Jesus lived that says we are only to accept those who think the same as us. Jesus loved all people no matter who they were, where they were from or what they believed.

Worst off, even if we see someone as an enemy we are still told to love our enemies. There is no excuse for anyone to treat another person or group of people with discrimination. Everyone should be loved and even though we may not agree, we all should be accepted and treated with respect and kindness.

I certainly have seen more discrimination and hateful acts recently coming from those who claim to follow Christ. They seem to think it is OK to treat others with malice and contempt. For some reason they think this will make people see their mistake and come to a Christian way of thinking. Personally, I do not believe that is the way to draw others to the love of God. I also do not believe we need to have an ulterior motive of treating people in a way that we think will show them they need to come to our way of thinking. We are all free to believe as we choose and should not have any particular view shoved down our throat.

In a perfect world, we could all live our lives as we see is right for us and everyone would accept one another in those differences. Unfortunately, in our world that is never going to happen. Yet that does not mean we stop striving for a better world or for more acceptance and understanding among all people.
Don’t get offended at the Word — John 6:59–61
By: Emmanuel Okeke
Tags: Faith and Life, Christian Living

These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum. Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? — John 6:59–61

The backstory to these verses was Jesus teaching about the truth of His mission — the reason for His coming to earth. Sadly, the people who listened didn’t listen with their spirits and thus were offended with His words.

The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat? Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. — John 6:52–54

Why do we get offended?

The answer to this is quite straightforward, it’s because we lack understanding about that truth.

Humanly speaking, we get offended when an opinion clashes against an already existing belief or opinion we have.

How can we not be offended?

A few scriptures to help us see clearly.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. — 2 Timothy 3:16–17 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. — John 6:63 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: — 1 Peter 5:6 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. — Philippians 3:13–14

Action for today

Pray the Pauline prayer in Ephesians 1 as we need the help of the Holy Spirit to understand ad hear God clearly.
Dear Christians who feel far from God
By: Jessica Fish
Tags: January Writing Challenge, Christian, Religion, Christianity, Christian Living

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

I’m an English teacher, and the other day during a private Zoom class, one of my students asked to talk about God. Specifically, she wanted to discuss times in our lives where we felt God was very near to us.

As I gave her request some thought, so many situations flashed before my mind of when God felt far away. Situations of frustration, fear and anger. It saddens me that the first thoughts to come to mind were those of disappointment, of when I felt alone, of thinking that God was far away and either unable or unwilling to help me.

In times of trouble we remember those who were around to help us. But even more that that, we remember the silence or inaction of friends who stood by and did nothing to help. Feeling like God is far away happens to all of us.

“If you feel far from God, guess who moved!?” As Robin Jones Gunn so aptly phrases it, our feelings of distance from God are often of our own doing. But that’s certainly not something that we like to hear!

During my English lesson we both shared our experiences. Though it was easier to recall times of feeling far from God, we also reveled in sharing times when we truly felt God’s nearness, his love and his care.

Feeling far from God has many causes and many different solutions too. (Prayer, bible reading, asking yourself hard questions, etc.) What is important is that you know that God hasn’t turned his back on you. He may feel far away, and it may be so easy to remember the times you felt hurt, but he is a God of goodness. He isn’t going anywhere. Draw near to him.
The Love of God- Understanding versus Experiencing it
By: Omololu Uwana Adebanjo
Tags: Word Of God, Love Of God, Christianity, Christian Living, Love

The Love of God- Understanding versus Experiencing it

Experience is the best teacher✍

Warm greetings to you, my lovelies. ❤️

While studying the book of Ephesians some days back, my friend (Ejoor Naomi ) had this to say at the end of the study👉. “This scripture📖 speaks a lot to me about the LOVE ❤️of God -Meaning that there are dimensions to the love of God and understanding it🤔 requires the help🤲🏾 of the Holy Spirit.”

I could not agree less with her🤝🏾 . Even Paul in Ephesians‬ ‭3:18‬ says “And may you have the power to understand🙇‍♀️, as all God’s people should, how wide👁️, how long, how high🧗‍♀️, and how deep🏊‍♀️ his love❤️ is.” - Dimensions to his love❤️.

Then, she goes on to add this👉: “Also the love of God is an experience as we can’t fully understand it with our head knowledge 🤷‍♀️which is why we need to experience it💃.” Paul in Ephesians‬ ‭3:19 prayed🙏 to say “May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully😊. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God🤴.”
Enigma Towles — “Devlyn” (Song Lyrics)
By: Enigma Towles
Tags: Music, Christian, Lyrics, Christianity, Christian Living

Enigma Towles — Bryant Park (Album Cover)

Enigma Towles — Devlyn (Audio) || #BryantPark (LYRICS)

(Chorus) (2x)

Somebody tell me who done let the devil in./ But that wasn’t til the day I met Devlyn./ Who let the devil in?/ Who let the devil in?/

Bridge (8x)

I gotta shake this demon off me./ WATCH OUT!!!

(Verse 1)

The hunger’s stronger, but I wonder if my money longer./ I’m embarked on something that is trying to fulfill my hunger./ I’d rather steer from sin, but I’m steady trapped within./ Devil’s lurkin’ on every block that I’m passin’ man./ You won’t see my barricaded in a caravan,/ Where my head and hands are tied together, that’s scary man./ I trust in a higher power with a bigger plan./ Sometimes I wonder if I’m stubborn and not listening./

Bridge (8x)

I gotta shake this demon off me./ WATCH OUT!!!

(Chorus) (2x)

Somebody tell me who done let the devil in./ But that wasn’t til the day I met Devlyn./ Who let the devil in?/ Who let the devil in?/

Bridge (8x)

I gotta shake this demon off me./ WATCH OUT!!!

(Verse 2)

I can run a marathon for long distances./ Even if I can’t endure no more and its strenuous./ My eyes focused on the prize and the benefits./ Not everything’s gonna be sweet like licorice./ This is it. My accolade. No certificate./ Putting my best efforts forward. No indifference./ Been in the trenches with animals trying to end the kid./ I ain’t slowing up for a second and I ain’t quitting kid./

Bridge (8x)

I gotta shake this demon off me./ WATCH OUT!!!

(Chorus) (2x)

Somebody tell me who done let the devil in./ But that wasn’t til the day I met Devlyn./ Who let the devil in?/ Who let the devil in?/ Bridge (8x) I gotta shake this demon off me./ WATCH OUT!!!

Listen to Full Song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDv1-Kmtisc
Work and Worship — Part 1. Avodah: Worship
By: Mark Raja
Tags: Calling, Service, Theology Of Work, Christian Living, Worship

Saints at the Chai Shop 2014, Acrylic on Canvas, © Joshua John

Work and Worship — Part 1

I am sure we all are familiar with the terms worship music, worship service, worship center, etc. Nowadays we even have worship pastors who lead singing when we gather. On the other hand, by work, we mean our job, profession or business. So, isn’t it natural to think that worship happens on Sunday and work happens from Monday till Saturday?

So then, what has work to do with worship? I am sure you are not completely clueless about it. In India, we are familiar with the phrase “Service to humanity is service to God”. Ok, we understand charity, but what about business? Does the Bible have to say anything about it? Yes but, for that, we need a fresh perspective.

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word behind the English words work, worship, and service is Avodah from the root word Abad. In the New Testament, its closest word is Latreuo.

“The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it (Avodah) and keep it.” (Genesis 2:15)

“But as for me and my household, we will serve (Avodah) the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15) And also (Colossians 3:23,24)

Unlike us today, Jews then were called to live all of life in the presence of God. “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:4,5)

In the same way when Jesus became Lord of my life. He is not involved only in my spiritual or church life. My emotional, professional, intellectual, physical, sexual, relational, financial, imaginative life comes under his lordship. So, whether I am making a meal, playing with my children, or designing at work, it ought to be all Avodah to my God.

Avodah is a picture of integrated faith. It also suggests that our work can be a form of worship where we honor God and serve our neighbors.

Unfortunately, I did not know this when I became a follower of Jesus. I thought God’s work is only church work or mission work. I was told that God is only concerned about my spiritual life so, evangelism and church work became sacred work and the rest, secular work. They told me that there is no eternal value in education, work, marriage, family, business, etc. So I did not concentrate on my studies as I should. This separation dishonours God. I regret today for losing so many years without knowing God’s vision for my vocation and worship.

I want to encourage you to grasp this truth from God’s word early in your walk with our Lord. Not only just learn but with the help of his Spirit, work, worship and serve God in every moment. Let us learn this together in the following parts of this series.