It takes more than just being Saved to be Redeemed and Kingdom-Bound!

So, this is a combination of messages from sermons, the class at church I'm in now "The Ministry of Deliverance & Inner Healing" led by Rev Dr Marilyn Weekes (lecturing pastor) and God through Bible Study. It's amazing how He leads you to read one thing after the other once you begin to delve into His word."
A few related questions were generated from Thursday's class which led to this piece:
How can we be born again? Are people saved and born again or just saved? Have we ensured that we are not only saved but born again.

Getting a ride home from church with my pastor, a minister and fellow member we began to discuss saved versus being born again. Then the issue of the Kingdom and which step or steps ensured we would be there. Is being saved enough? When we are born again do we automatically become heirs of the Kingdom? Is there more required of us?

I tried to put the thoughts from the lesson together and God led me all over to include our discussion and more and I'd love to share it all with you!
(Throughout I have links to the passages. I like the New King James Version but if you click on the link you can change the version and I pray that God will help you understand the message still. Also I typed out a number of the verses to stress certain points)

In Romans 10:9-10 it says “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2010:9-10&version=NKJV 

However to be redeemed and kingdom bound is more than just thinking that being saved means you are definitely going to Heaven. It takes more than just a confession and belief. It’s a process and journey with God.

 There needs to be a spiritual transformation. Look at the 3rd Chapter of John verses 1 through 21 where Nicodemus came to Jesus to ask how one could enter the Kingdom of God. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%203:1-21&version=NKJV

Verse 5 states: Jesus answered and said to him "Most assuredly I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God."

Before we were born again our spirits were dead to the Father. When we were born again of the Holy Spirit our spirits were made alive to God. We must however continue to seek the Holy Spirit to be and remain filled by the Spirit after confessing, getting saved and being born again.

This is because the human is made of three parts – spirit, soul and body with the spirit being our innermost part.

To become alive in Him, we must satisfy that need for His Spirit to dwell in ours. In John 7:37-39 it reads:

On the last day, that great day of the feast Jesus stood and cried out, saying “ If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given because Jesus was not yet glorified”

 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%207:37-39&version=NKJV

When we are born again of the Spirit (Holy Spirit), we come alive again because the Spirit, that Living Water, flows into our spirit and permeates to the other parts. The Holy Spirit overflows from our spirit into our soul which consists of our mind and heart (thoughts, emotions, desires, etc) and our body the flesh.

Now, take a second and think about it:  If your spirit is not continuously filled and in tune with the Spirit then other spirits and the carnal nature are either still in control or will regain control. Why? Because only God is perfect. We as mankind, backslide, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) Yet, once we have confessed, been saved, born again and baptized we are dead to sin and alive to God by His Spirit.

Read Romans Chapter 6. Keep this link open for you shall refer to it many a time below. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%206&version=NKJV

 Romans 6:1-14 discusses how we sinful man, can die to sin and become alive in God. It starts off asking “ What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” When Christ died and was raised from the dead by the Father he overcame the power of death. Verse 9b says “Death no longer has dominion over Him.” Once baptized, we too died with Christ and conquered death so we could walk in the newness of life thanks to God’s glory and grace. Reread versus 11-14 and see as it ends “For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under the law but under grace” This Grace was provided when God sent His only son, Jesus, to die for you and me.

Continue to verse 15 and 16: “What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not! Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death or of obedience leading to righteousness?

The fact that we have this grace doesn’t give us liberty to continue living in sin. Why can’t we continue to live in sin? Jump to Romans 8: 1-11 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%208:1-11&version=NKJV

The beginning reiterates how we who live in Christ are not condemned because we walk according to the Spirit and as stated earlier are not under the law but Grace. Why we cannot continue in sin:

Romans 8:5-10 “ For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh but those who live according to the Spirit, this things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace (cross reference Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord) because the carnal mind is enmity against God, for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.”

 If you are not His how do you expect to enter the Kingdom of God. How can we not live in sin and remain rooted in Christ. We need to walk in His Spirit and obtain a transformation of our mind. To further drive home the message above let’s go to Galatians 5:1 and then to verses 16-26. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians%205&version=NKJV

As Christians verse 1 says, “Stand fast in the liberty by which Christ has made us free and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage” This yoke of bondage refers to the flesh and sin. Christ gave us the freedom when He died and rose again and conquered sin and death. Verses 16-17 tell us how and why.

“I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.”

Thus when we receive and walk in His Spirit, and His Word we grow in Him to enable our spirit and mind, heart and flesh to be transformed to do the Spirit’s will. You may be saved, but that transforming of mind to holiness is Spirit led and necessary for you to live in the fullness of God to carry out the purpose for which He has set you upon this earth.

Romans 12:1-2 reads, “ I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God  that you  present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2012:1-2&version=NKJV

Presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice makes Jesus, Sovereign Lord over our lives. Once we make Him Lord, His Spirit can dwell in our spirit and lead to that necessary transformation of our mind and emotions to keep us in the Spirit.

 Luke 6:45 states, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.”

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%206:45&version=NKJV

It’s all connected. What is on the inside is what comes out. If one is still of sinful nature, his spirit is of the flesh and results in evil. However when one is of the Spirit, good things are born. Looking back to Galatians 5:19 – 25, (link above) the list of the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit support this.

“Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering (patience), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such there is no law.

 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”

Yes it is more than just to be saved to be Christ’s, an heir of His Kingdom and kingdom-bound. Get Saved, Get Baptized By Water AND The Spirit, Be Transformed and Walk in The Spirit!

God bless you!

There is a Thin Line Between Love and Lose

“Don’t ask what the world needs

Ask what makes you come alive and go do it

Because what the world needs is people who have come alive”

Howard Thurman

In life you love or you lose

It’s really up to you to choose

It’s in what you say

Should have said

Or wish you hadn’t

Actions they say speak louder than words

So maybe

You should just do it

Come on now

Go Ahead

After all, in life

You should really only do what you love,

Or else Lose wins

And Love loses.

Stop holding back

Let Love propel you

Because if it wasn’t for love

You wouldn’t want it this bad -

The feeling of guilt and fear of rejection

The disappointment of failure and shame of falling short

Would not have gripped you that much

“Is this Love, Is this Love, Is this Love

Is this Love that I’m feelin’? ”

Don’t give up

Love till you can love no more

For ‘tis better to have loved and lost

Than to have lost what you love

So it's been a LONG time. Long is an understatement but yeah due to laziness and a number of unfinished writings it's been quite a while but I'm back! And Hopefully I'll do a better job.

Post inspired by self thought and reflection on life, loving and losing. As you see it's just one letter change that makes the difference. Wrote this on my flight to Dubai ( : o ) - [Tigger smile] flying over Sudan (they need our love and prayers) Partially inspired after watching London, Paris, New York (Great Bollywood Movie) and listening to Jason Mraz's Love is a Four Letter Word Album (Yo Emirates is the truth, take a trip with them!)

But yea, just simmer on this a bit. When we do things we don't love, they are tiring, boring, painful and at a loss to our cause. This is different from doing things we love even though we may not want to do them. In such cases we are still #WINNING even if it feels like we are losers for doing them.

Reflection Point: Think about your day to day activities and more so even your walk with God. Does it benefit you to do things that make you lose even though they make you win with the in crowd? At the end of the day you live your life, not them. What's the point of not doing what you love because you're scared you'll lose the things society says are important? Do we not let go or lose certain things because we love something greater? In loving we may lose, but you never love in losing.

People, including myself, go round giving up the good things they have, their morals and values to look cool. Definitely a 'Lose Move' right there. Think, what did you really gain? A few minutes of fame, pleasure, or whatever. Then it's gone. Or you may still be living in the moment or deceit. Will it last? Is it real? 

Now, losing things that are of no worth to you to reach and attain better things - that's a worthy loss. And why do we do so. Because of Love. In relationships. in our workplaces, we give up things, come to reasonable compromises because of Love. In losing the hurtful, non-essential crap we tend to get what we want and more so what we need and love it!

Philippians 3: 7- 11

⁷ But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. ⁸ Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ ⁹ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which isthrough faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; ¹⁰ that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, ¹¹ if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

Christ lost His life because He loved us so much! That love and God's power overcame death and set us free. Why do we keep losing then? We should not lose ourselves for the sake of worldly things for they never count as loss for love or for Christ. That's just double loss. A Twi speaking Ghanaian would say W'abo loss paa. SERIOUS! (meaning that's a Huge loss to you)

Go out there and Love. Love never Fails. 1st Corinthians 13 Verse 13 says: And now abide faith, hope , love, these three; but the greatest of these is love!

 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2013%20&version=NKJV

So think about it, Are you going to Love or Lose? It's really up to you to Choose!

A Lover-in-progress by N-ya (Just had to share!)

Hi people,
Long time chale long time. Work and life are well and crazy but how else we go do am!
I had to share this with you all. A lovely piece by my friend N-ya as she prefaces it with the following:
This is one of my 'private poems'; but I want to share it because I've been blessed by it at a time I've been pretty muddled up. I pray it helps at least one other person as it has me:
Check her blog out http://n-ya.blogspot.com/

The following verse is what I find supports this because Real Love is Patient "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself; is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil, does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, hopes all things and endures all things. Love never fails.

1st Corinthians 13: 4-8a

CLARITY

Here we are: involved in not being involved

Trying to keep the lines neat and straight;

To grow in friendship as romance evolves

And we become each other’s soulmate.

Here we are: taking the less-travelled road

Courting Agape, resisting Eros

Allowing commitment to unfold

Guarding our hearts like a fragile rose.

Some days, I struggle to tame the passion

Thoughts of him ignite in me

And I do hardly anything but imagine

How beautiful our union will someday be.

Some days, I think of the roles we’ll play:

Spouse, co-parent, companion, partner

And in my daydreams, we’re always having a good day:

Comfy, content; lots of kisses and laughter.

Then there are days my mind is saddled with doubt

And I ponder: Lord, is he really the one?

What if one day, I find out

I’m formed from the rib of a different man?

There are days when the most negligible things

Seem like mountains in my eyes:

Are these warning signs? Am I ignoring

Your verdict written in black and white?

Round and round the voices fly

Taunting; tearing at my peace of mind

But I stop to hear the Still, Small One

Who offers not advice, but restful calm.

I stop to listen for the Breeze

That blows in crystal clarity

And it brings me here: to my knees;

Away from doubt- and fantasy.

It’s here You say: “Peace, be still

I work in you to do and to will.

I do the leading, you do the heeding;

Surrender your heart, I’ll do the weeding.

I’ll school you on loving and being lovable

I’ll lead you into truth; the myths unravel.

You’ll discern a man’s character, not his estate

As your virtue grows and vanity dissipates.

I’ll teach you to search a man’s heart, not his hand

I’ll make looks dim, charisma bland.

I’ll adjust your premium on faithfulness and honesty

And make prayerfulness irresistibly sexy.

Child, I’ll remake you so it’s simple:

Your heart will race for one locked in My temple...

See, in the end, it’s you who’ll decide

Whose ribcage you will fit inside

So let Me show you what to look for;

And teach you to hold on in times of war

Cause love is not just about the good days;

But it shouldn’t be something hardships erase.

Even in turmoil, love is a choice:

Love is dancing in spite of the noise

Of what he isn’t and what he doesn’t;

Once you make vows, break them you mustn’t.

So for now, grow in friendship while I transform you

Into one who loves perfectly; fearlessly- as I do.”

Copyright (c) 2012, Nana Yaa A. Gyamfi

Drum Major Instinct - Trotman Riddim

To one of the best brothers. EVER.

So,

 I sit here filled with disbelief

I want to cry

But then that would mean consent

Agreement that you’re gone

I remember the day I first saw you

You were all decked out in that Drumline uniform

Orientation 2007 : 8^th session

Something about you stood out

I knew I had to get to know you

A handsome young man

Tall and proud

A man who grew to develop his own Drum Major Instinct     

From the blessings God gave you

Fast forward to our first summer here at BU,

That’s when we really connected

Found common ground

It was a zing-zap-ba-dush-dush-dush kind of ting

Over your mom’s home cooking

To music of all kinds

Whining and dancing the days away

We would chit chat about all things

From Barbados to Ghana and beyond

To naming your children Ashanti day names

And you taking me to Carnival

Our almost daily snack of Honey Buns

You with Grape Soda and Me, A Nantucket Nectar

The days of ‘Annie’

Jamming to Amy Winehouse and Alicia Keys

Drumming to Reckless Love and I Need You

Oh how I need you to come back

Right Now and take this pain away

They’re falling now.

Clouding up my vision

Wetting everything around me

These tears won’t stop

I need to get dehydrated soon

Or else I may not stop

We vibed to each other’s drum beat

Our souls were in phase

It was that connection we just spoke of two weekends ago

You began to call me Kwakyi

And I called you Trotman

You had my back

And I had yours

We made plans for our future

Broski and Sis

Boy were the grand!

If there was someone I could turn to at any hour

It was you

I was assured of my hug

And my ‘Everything good? Or How’re you doing sis?’

Where am I going to get my hugs from broski?

Sophomore year, Physics After Hours in your suite

You insisted and walked me back to Warren from 1019

Round 4 AM ‘cause I was too broke to cab it

And BU shuttle had shut down for the night

(Those were the days before cabs in BOS took swipes)

Then I knew

You were definitely heaven sent, an angel

A special one from God to me

I treasured you  

You treasured me

We treasured we

Our kinship was meant to be

If there was anyone who I could count on to sacrifice for me

It was you

You selflessly played that drum beat for others

To make them laugh

Cheer them up

Soothe their pains

Cause them to smile

Allay their fears

Send them on their way

Encourage them to achieve their dreams

Start up their own drum beat

You never tired of giving

Loving, Caring, Helping

You always stood for a worthy cause

I ask myself this sad and painful question

Why am I already writing another long epic sad piece

To say goodbye to another brother?

When you were one of the few I turned to beginning of the year

To help me deal with that loss.

And to think I last saw you on that other brother’s birthday.

C’mon Son!

I never expected this

C’mon Son

Who wants to deal with this

C’mon Son

Come back to us

We would yell and sing

From the highest of all peaks

If our words and prayers

Could bring you back to us

Death be not proud as you think you ought

Every moment spent with you

Golden. Priceless.

There are no words to describe all the memories

My mind is replaying

The good, the bad

Happy and Sad

I remember that Bajan flag buckle and belt you had

Your smile

That shirt: BU Student with a NY Swagger

Your waves, those Dolce & Gabbana shades

Those headphones, those bowties

And all I can hear are your words of hope and positivity

Even when we were disappointed or angered at one or a million things

From the BU Shuttle to GPAs

The many chunes you sang

Or listening to you put mixes together

Your laugh resounds in my ear as we laughed to tears

Killing brain cells watching Foolishness on you tube,

The many conversations about our goals, dreams

To random everyday things

During the long days and sleepless nights

In the HTC or Photonics

Attending 100 Black Men Who Care About BU Meetings

You were and will remain a visionary

You will still be the truest friend many had or wish they had

You remain a lamp and beacon, showing others the way

If friendships and realness could be measured

Trotman should be the unit

Because you truly gave your all

And we are truly thankful

To think that I was coming back home this weekend

To a home that welcomed and loved me because you did

I’m smiling now, even with the tears

Because you wouldn’t want us to be sad

I hear you, “Kwakyi. No Stop that.”

Because I know the storm is over now

There’s no more pain for you to bear

I hope to be as true and good of a friend as you

To serve my Lord as dedicated and faithful as you

I hope to be a bit of an inspiration as you were to many

Your love and energy transcended all boundaries

Your drum beat engaged the souls of all walks of life
And will forever beat on through us all.

Yes, we can say you were a drum major for hope

Yes, we can say you were a drum major for love

Yes, we can say you were a drum major for peace

Yes, we can say you were a drum major for change

You helped somebody pass along

You cheered people with word and song

You showed them when they were traveling wrong

Kyle Anthony Trotman, you did not live in vain.

God keep you safely in perfect peace broski.

Till we meet again Trotman,

Love Always, Kwakyi.

The year isn't over yet and I'm mourning the loss of another brother. It feels like someone used a blunt knife to hack away a part of my innermost soul

I'm all cried out yet the tears keep falling

I'm trying to stay strong for you Trotman

In days following I'll type up memories. Another book is coming your way

Please pray for the Trotman family and us all to deal with this blow. It really seems right now to be more than we can bear.

Memories ooh memories

To think that on the 17th, when I last saw you. You told this girl we both just officially met and introduced ourselves to since we'd seen her around but never really met that we, you and I had this connection. You started talking about how I'm supposed to rip off your army dog tag we got made at the NUL Conference this summer. I guess you were trying to subtly warn me, to get ready. Of course I missed all that. Who would think such a bright future would end so soon? When we made them this summer and you told me to do this hero movie epic stuff I was like we have many years ahead of us broski and told you to do the same if God called me home before you.

God help us all

True, Real friends are hard to come by but God sent you as my angel and I am forever grateful

Trotman,

Love you broski

Always will.

Love, Kwakyi

God Lovin' & Single Livin' (with a piece for the married ones)

So here Pastor Lorraine is preaching about the Word being a source of strength from the Lord (part 2 December 11,2011 – 1st Samuel 30) when she deviates into preaching to we single ones for a decent amount of time. Note here single means unmarried - it doesn’t matter if you are dating or in a serious relationship or even engaged. Till the papers are signed and it has been blessed by God – you’re single.

She said we as single people should love on the Lord as He loves on us – unconditionally, freely giving, even when we do things to hurt him. The Lord loves us in all situations, at all times and is always there.  When you are lonely know that the Lord is with you. Those nights you just want to hold on to something hold on to the Word.

Our first desire should be for God. He should be all we need and love apart from family and friends.

When we desire the Lord and inquire of Him, He will lead us to Mr or Mrs Right in His time, when He knows you are ready.

The problem many face is they are usually in a rush and find someone who is not of the same spiritual level. Them not being of the same spiritual level means they are most often not sharing the ideals and values you uphold and live by.     

When you are unequally yoked what tends to happen? Let’s say you are at some peak during the climbing of a mountain and your friend/partner/prospective is on a level lower than yours. Is it easier to lift them up or for them to pull you down? Be real, it’ll be easier for them to bring you down as you try to meet their every desire and fulfill all their needs due to “love”.

This is why we need to seek God first. He will make it even clearer to spot the one He has prepared for you. Don’t get deceived into rushing into things you are not prepared for only to be unequally yoked. That’s extra stress, trouble and the chance to fall to temptation you’re setting yourself up for.

Till then, DO YOU! Have fun; don’t sulk because you are alone. Did you not come into this world alone? Lol. Take yourself out; pamper yourself because you are royalty. A child of the Sovereign God. You’re a King or Queen. Know what you’re worth. Don’t settle for anything substandard.  Don’t feel pressured by friends, family or society. God will prepare and bring that King or Queen into your life - one that respects you and treats you right.

It’s okay to be single she preached. Yes it’s hard when everyone around you seems to be having the time of their life with that special one/significant other/ boo thang… you know what I mean.  Trust me I know.lol. But God  loves us so much and if we love on Him, He will keep us on the right path and bring a worthy mate to us. Rejoice in this time of your life for it is when all your love should be for God and you get to search for yourself in Him! Discover his purpose and plan for your life by inquiring of Him always.

If you meet someone who you think you are interested in, PRAY! I cannot stress this enough. Your Father knows best. Ask Him for a sign to know. Even if we are confused and still pursue, He will get you out of there in time to save you from all trouble. You may get your heart broken a time or two but it’s a learning process to keep you from certain types of people. God never promised a life free of problems or pain.

If you are in a relationship yet not married do keep your commitment in mind though. Don’t be a ‘player player’ because there have been no papers signed. Remember still, that your desire should be to get to know God better.

When your mind tends to wander and more and you lose your focus on God, turn to Him and don’t fall to the temptation and lust you think is that feeling of butterflies and tingling sensations of this thing called love. ps. “Cold showers are not enough!” Pastor Lorraine

Philippians 4:6-9 says:

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God;

And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.

The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do and the peace of God will be with you!

Why worry and be desperate for love when you can pray and make your requests made know unto God. He is our Provider and will never put more on us than we can bear – yes, we have the choice to resist many temptations society and people throw in our faces all the time. We may slip at times but He is a just God to forgive us when we confess our wrongdoings. So when you are troubled and your mind is where it should not be at meditate on these things and love God, because He first loved us.

God is trying to get you to your destiny. You need to love and know Him first; don’t let anyone or anything pressure you before God’s time. Pastor Lorraine kept saying this word was for someone, that somebody needed to hear it. I definitely needed it! And many out there too which is why I put this together. Once she asked the single people to stand I stood with alacrity – not to be noticed by another single person but because I realize I need to work on my relationship with God. I need to let Him know I’m ready to love on Him. Ain’t no shame in my game!

For the married ones out there, your focus is to love and attend to your spouse then God. Don’t leave God hanging after He carefully prepared this gift or better half for you. Don’t be like the women and men who go to church all day, all night, mid week service, online, Sunday early and late morning services and other masses, Women’s fellowship, Men’s Fellowship, Outreach Ministry, Choir, Praise and Worship Team, et cetera et cetera if possible when they are seeking  their King or Queen and then suddenly vanish after saying I do!

Now as a couple in the institution God has created and blessed Himself, you should as being equally yoked, learn to love one another and love God together as one – “  Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh (Genesis 2:24)” Therefore what God has put together let no man put asunder.” (both verses in Mark 10:7-9)

Find strength in the Lord and love by inquiring of Him – first getting to know Him and love who you are in Him and what He has planned for your life. Who better to learn how to love from than our Father who loved us so much that He sent His Only Begotten Son that whomsoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

For more read and check out Matthew 19, Mark 10, 1^st Corinthians 7, Ephesians 5:22-33 (the example of Christ’s marriage to the Church)

I hope this blesses you all!

Prepare The Way

So yesterday, August 7,2011 I woke up got ready and got picked up for church at First Holiness in Cambridge. 
Praise and Worship (which I learnt a few weeks ago used to be spelled as WORTHSHIP..hmm think about that) was an amazing experience. 
Pastor Lorraine's message she was delivering from God was entitled PREPARE THE WAY. The supporting scripture was from Matthew 3: 1-3 from the Amplified Bible & Luke 3:11 from the New Living Translation below:
Matthew 3:1-3
1 In those days there appeared John the Baptist, preaching in the Wilderness (Desert) in Judea
2 And saying, Repent (think differently; change your mind, regretting your sins and changing your conduct), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand
3 This is he who is mentioned by the prophet Isaiah when he said, the voice of one crying in the wilderness (shouting in the desert), Prepare the road for the Lord, make His highways straight (level, direct)


Luke 3:11
John replied, "If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry."


So I hope God allows me to paraphrase her properly and the notes I took to share this message with you all. 
God is coming - I'm not talking about the 2nd coming where this world will end, Judgment Day, etc. No. God wants to come in a visitation to us - either you personally, our churches, families, people, etc. In order for us to be able to acknowledge and receive Him is by preparing for Him. 


To do this there were 3 steps shared with us as follows
1. REPENT
In order to repent we need to 
*Think Differently
*Change Your Mind
*Regret Your Sins
*Change Your Conduct
Feeling sorry doesn't equate to these nor repentance. We need conviction to admit to ourselves and God that yes we have done wrong. Without that feeling of guilt or acceptance of wrongdoing, we keep doing the same things over and over again. We think saying sorry, or praying for forgiveness each time and yet going right back to commit the same sins is enough. We need to be truly remorseful and regretful and change our ways, habits, the things we do that influence us, our mind thoughts and processes.  We are not perfect but with God's help we can do away with falling back as prey to these sins.


2. MAKE READY!
Make Ready means to PREPARE : To put in proper condition or readiness. 
You know when you have a guest coming over and you get everything in shape - the house is cleaned, sheets changed, sometimes stuff purchased to make sure everything is in order. We need to MAKE READY for His visitation. We have to get our body, mind, soul and spirit in the best shape for Him. Prepare just as though it were a race, because it is a race. Hebrews 12:1 -3 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%2012:1-3&version=NKJV) This preparation requires endurance so do not grow weary!


a. Don't Wait Till the Last Minute: The Lord says you cannot cram to get ready for Him because it might be too late!  We make time for so many other things in life when we have to get certain tasks done. We need to rearrange or schedules and priorities and MAKE TIME FOR GOD! Many of us are guilty , others not but we need to make the effort to prepare for God and not just do it routinely or else it becomes a task and doing things for God should not feel like a 9-5 job. Let it be sincere. 



PS This verse goes for body, soul and spirit below : 1st Corinthians 6: 12-20 
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%206:%2012-20&version=NKJV ) 

b. Body/Flesh: God resides in your body/temple ( 1st Corinthians 6:19 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%206:19&version=NKJV )
Repenting from sins and avoiding the fruit of the flesh are important. However we must also take care of our entire body, for if we are not in good shape to go out and spread the Word, how do we bring more to the Kingdom? This tied in with today's word for Our Daily Bread August 8, 2011 http://odb.org/2011/08/08/fishing-where-they-ain%E2%80%99t/ 
And even besides that, I don't think we would be glad moving into a dilapidated building with austere conditions. So, take care of your body for Christ - nutrition and fitness wise and spiritually too!


c. Soul - God preserves your soul - Psalm 121:7 (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20121:7&version=NKJV)
In preparation for him, we need to watch over our souls.  Our souls consist of our emotions and thoughts.  Touchy subjects I know. We must be conscious and aware of what we feed it and allow in our hearts. GIGO  - Garbage In Garbage Out. Though God loves us unconditionally (which is the greatest thing in the whole world), if we don't put the right stuff in we cannot prepare for this visitation or the 2nd coming. 'Don't let everybody touch your heart.' Screen, scrutinize, be picky if you like, with what or who you let affect your heart and guard it. Once you make the effort to make it ready God will help you preserve it!


d. Spirit - God communes with your spirit - Romans 8:14 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%208:14&version=NKJV ) , 1st Corinthians 2:9-12 ( http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%202:9-12&version=NKJV )
It is the Holy Spirit that communes with our spirit.  The gift of the Holy Spirit opens us up to a whole different level and knowledge of knowing what God has freely given us. Whatever we do to our body and soul as described earlier affect our spirit and thus our relationship with God and the Holy Spirit. We are to worship Him in Spirit and Truth. Do right, get your spirit right and in communication with the Holy Spirit to prepare for God! 


3. RELEASE - Let Go, Free From confinement (Luke 3:11 - quoted in the beginning)
You've got something to give. Let it go.
There are somethings or people we are holding on to that are hindering our preparation. Some are blessings we have to release and others are loads weighing us down, causing us to sin and fall short of the glory of God and preventing us from getting ready for Christ or doing the Lord's work. 
Don't bear grudges - forgive others and free yourself. Additionally, don't be a stumbling block to someone else.
We are at times guilty of holding onto things we think are the best for us and are worried that if we were to give this up, would we get something good in return? God provides all we need and thus we shouldn't worry about giving nor should we be considering what we should get back in return. Awards and Rewards are blessings from God and they will come in His time. He cares for us and sees us through. Thus bless others with no expectations.


"What A Friend We Have In Jesus, All Our Sins and Griefs to bear, 
What a privilege to carry, Everything to God in Prayer
Oh What peace we often forfeit
Oh What needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry ,Everything to God in Prayer."


I pray that God helps us all prepare for Him

For The Longest Time

“If you said goodbye to me tonight

There would still be poetry to write

What else could I do

I was so inspired by you

I hadn’t felt that for the longest time”

Of the billions who walk the face of the earth

Your footsteps are imprinted on my mind and matter

Acquaintances are many

Family is family just because

Yet true friends are but few

And that number includes you.

“It’s how I need you

And how you needed me too

That hasn’t happened for the longest time”

You’re more than just a friend

You’re a star in my sky

And when it’s been at its darkest

You’ve shone to get me by

Made me laugh, watched me mad

Picked me up, urged me on my path

“Who knows how much further we’ll go on

I know I’ll be sorry when you’re gone

We’ll take our chances

To enjoy what real friendship is

I’ll always thank you for the longest time”

As long as the sun keeps shining

And God gives us another day to be

Through the ups and downs

Smiles and frowns

I’ll treasure our friendship

Hope to be as good of a friend as thee

And give thanks for the blessing

You’ve been to me.

“Now I know the person that you are

You’re wonderful so far

And it’s more than I hoped for

I don’t care what consequence it brings

I have been a fool for lesser things

I love you so bad

I think you ought to know that

We’ll have each other for the longest time”

Italicized part -  Slight Remix of Billy Joel 'For the longest time'  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_XgQhMPeEQ

So over the past few months, I've really come to appreciate the real and true friends I have. Out of the billions of people I know (hahaha it's amazing how small the world is) only a few people apart from family matter dearly to my heart. even that few is considered many to others but I can't help it.

Everyone comes into your life for a reason and a season - these true friends have been, are and will be there through the coldest of winters to the driest days of harmattan. They will also be present in  the burgeoning days of spring, the warm fun-filled summer days and the bountiful days of harvest.  

Proverbs 18:24   'A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.'

Proverbs 27:17   'As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.'

1 Samuel 20 shares the beautiful story of friendship and  Jonathan's loyalty to David. 

As I posted in my last piece(after all the sadness.lol) a paragraph on friends. All these friends are a blessing but remember God is our ultimate friend and we should treasure the amazing relationship we have with him. John 15: 9-17 addresses His love and friendship with us. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2015:9-17&version=NIV 

 To toast to years of friendships which will last the longest time are the following pieces (Most are old school but that's what I jam with. 

* Dionne Warwick, Stevie Wonder, Burt Bacharach, Gladys Knight, Elton John - That's what friends are for http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EE9KT_dU_R8

* Musiq Soulchild  Love http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIKC2ggCed4

* James Taylor & Carole King - You've got a friend http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7RPCFfudmU&feature=related

* Bill Withers - Lean on Me http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaVXfHZv50Y

 For our ultimate friendship with God - Be Grateful (2 versions below)

* Original by The Hawkins Family http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUEkRp69aIU (ISGC Sang at their church in Oakland during ISGC Spring 2008 Tour in San Fransisco )

* Ledisi's version at Walter Hawkins Tribute concert last summer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XG5McDSV8o8&feature=related

* Kojo Antwi - Oni Bi Adanfo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z46ngB_sJ4Q&playnext=1&list=PLEF13553431D86F10 (note that's someone's video there's no official video and it's the only recording I could find)

ps I started this blog roughly about a year ago (some day in July 2010), and I want to give a special shoutout to Shelz who encouraged me to start this because today is her birthday. (http://shels-ruminations.blogspot.com NB. She is on a hiatus, but I am praying for her return for the world to enjoy!)  Thanks to all my followers for supporting and commenting.

Much Love Always, 

MysTery :)