Darkness In Disguise
I was talking to a friend just the other day and she was telling me how she has become disgusted and disillusioned. She was talking about her faith and what she has seen in so many “so-called” Christians. You see she had befriended a couple who were “Ministers” in a large church and being the trusting soul that she is she thought that if her and her family became friends with these people that it would encourage better behavior in herself and her family. Her initial assumptions were correct if these people were indeed model Christians but….
Too many of us out there are “perpetrating a fraud” when it comes to the outward appearance of our “Christian Walk.” We act like we got it all together but we don’t. People ask how we are doing, and we say things like; “I am blessed and highly favored” or “Child you know I’m blessed” when the truth of the matter is: we are “darkness disguised as being the light.” Let me tell you first that I know that I don’t have it all together, day by day the Lord is continuing to teach me and guide me in ways I never thought or imaged. Every day I sin and I fall short of the Lords Glory. I am a sinner saved by Grace. As long as I recognize this, I am still a child of the light.
Did you know that the Devil is in your church? He may be in the pulpit, sitting in the deacons section (you know he is in the choir); he could even be sitting right next to you. “Darkness in disguise of the light.” All the time roaming, looking to see what he can get into or to who he can devour. The Bible tells us that: “…the thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy,” so it is natural for the “Thief” (the Devil) to be in the church. Those outside of the church already belong to him, so the church is fertile ground for the devil. The church therefore is a place for the devil to find fresh meat.
The Bible tells us that we are the light of the world, yet we enjoy associating with the darkness. Christians, we need to take a new stand. The Bible says: “Therefore come out from them, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch nothing unclean; then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you, and you shall be my sons and daughters.” Come out from among them (the darkness), they mean you no good.
The Scriptures tell us that one day that Jesus will come and all the angels with HIM and HE will sit on HIS glorious throne. Before HIM will be gathered all the nations, and HE will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and HE will place the sheep at HIS right hand, but the goats at the left. JESUS will say to those at HIS right hand, ‘Come, O blessed of MY Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.’ Then the Lord will say to those at HIS left hand, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’
I cannot speak for anyone but myself, I want to be on the right, I want to be with the sheep and with the light on the right not with the goats and the darkness on the left. We were created to be light. The Bible says: “For you are all sons (and daughters) of light and sons (and daughters) of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But, since we belong to the day, let us be sober, and put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.”
Therefore be a child of the ‘Light’ Brothers and Sisters, I urge you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with humbleness and meekness, with patience and tolerance for each other in love.
The Power Of Gratitude
Filed under: Biblical Teachings, Family Life, Godly Principles, Healing, Inspirational Articles, Miracles, Prayers, Testimonies
Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7 (NLT)
We are all familiar with this wonderful passage of scripture where the Bible tells us; “Be careful for nothing; but in every-thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (KJV) However the New Living Translation gives this Scripture greater meaning as it is written in a more modern vernacular.
Gods’ Word for us is that we are to “REJOICE” in everything letting the World see that even though they don’t believe as we do, that we are and will be considerate of them as well. We are to rejoice, not worrying about anything but praying for everything. I believe that sometimes Christians forget that God has our back. We forget that when God puts us on a path or gives us an assignment that God will be there with us until its completion. After all doesn’t the Bible say; “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble?” Ps. 46:1 (KJV)
The NLT version of the Bible says therefore; “tell God what you need and thank HIM for all that he has done.” Let me ask you a question? When God has done something for you, do you forget to say: “Thank you?” Not just the big things but the (so-called) small things as well. Do we forget that without HIS “Grace and Mercy,” we might have passed away in our sleep? Without HIS wonderful hedge of protection over us we could have been hit by a car, murdered, robbed or so many other misfortunate events could have happened to us. But HIS grace and HIS mercy protected you from all ‘hurt, harm and danger.’
On October 20, 2011 my oldest son who will be forty two years old November 21st was stabbed twice in his chest in New York City, once in this lung and once in his heart. He expired once in the ambulance and twice on the operating table in the hospital. My son and I haven’t had a relationship for several years; however he contacted me October 19, this is something that I’d been praying for, for many years. When I went to see him in the hospital, he had tubes coming out of him in several places including his chest and a ventilator was helping him breathe. I wasn’t overly worried, that is not to say I don’t love my son because I do, if I could have traded places with him I would have gladly done so. Unless you have children you may not understand that when we see our children, even though they are grown, even though they have beards or children of their own, we still see them as the little babies we used to care for (at least I do).
To make a long story short, I wasn’t overly worried because, I KNOW GOD. You see, God would not have put my son back into my life and then take him away. God is not cruel like that. God doesn’t give you something and then snatch it away in cruelty, that’s what the devil does. So I knew deep down inside that my son was going to be alright. That my friends, that is the power of Gratitude in action. When we are grateful and give God thanks, the Bible says; “we will experience God’s peace which exceeds anything that we can understand.” And that; “His Peace will guard our hearts and minds as we live in Christ Jesus.”
Now you might be saying; “This isn’t about you, it’s about your son.” I disagree; God is great enough and powerful enough to take care of me, my son, you, your problems, Israel, Zambia and the problems of the entire world all at the same time. We must remember; to give God thanks in all things, and God will reward us with HIS Peace. By the way, my son was released from the hospital in a record eight days. His life was spared by a loving caring God…
Marriage: God’s Ordnance For Mankind
While I may not be an expert on marriage and relationships, I do understand clearly what is said by the Word of God concerning the relationship between male and female. I was asked a question just yesterday by the wife of a good friend who was being inundated with comments by non Christians and probably Christians also, about the plight of another young woman. It seems that the woman in question was 28 years old with 8 children; her husband has been accused of abusing one or more of these children and the children were taken away from them. Her and her husband (as was told by the news) had abducted the children from children’s services and were on the run. What was said to my friends’ wife was: “That’s God’s fault for allowing her to have so many children.” My friends’ wife said that she was having a hard time answering these questions, that she needed some ammunition to help her in her defense of our Lord.
Let me first say that when God made humanity, HE told mankind (Adam and Eve); ‘be fruitful and multiply.’ God did not make man and woman to have sex outside of marriage, but we know that mankind has been disobedient since the ‘Garden.’ When we are disobedient to God, are our human bodies suppose to stop responding in the way that God created them? God gave us free will and with that free will, we are free to sin and disobey and we are free to live in obedience and righteousness, the choice belongs to us.
Probably one of the most important doctrines of marriage is mentioned in the book of Ephesians 5:33 without this I do not believe any marriage will work, it says: “Each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband (NLT).” What is most profound about this Scripture is that the Bible does not tell the wife to love her husband. It is assumed that if a woman gives herself to a man that she will love him, she is told instead to respect him because respect to a man is the most important thing that you could give him. The Bible is actually looking at it from the prospective of the opposite individual. If the man loves his wife he will not only respect her but he is willing to die for her. When a wife loves her husband she is giving him her love with all her heart.
Marriage is Gods’ Ordinance for mankind, why do we intentionally interpret the rules and regulations of marriage in a way that pleases us instead of being in obedience to God? Nowhere in the Bible does it say that either husband or wife is to be controlling, manipulative or abusive. Yet so many of us claim to be Bible believing Christians and we instead are seen as tyrants or bullies to our spouses. We can love other Christians, we can even love non-Christians but we have trouble showing real love toward each other. Gods’ people were saved to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth, but too often we cannot be distinguished from those who do not know God.
Marriage is God’s wonderful way of providing relationships for mankind. It is His way of allowing us to be fruitful and multiplying. When God created Eve, He did so because it was not good for man to be by himself. Marriage is God’s way of saying to humanity; “I love you.” All we need to do is love Him back…
How Is Your Relationship W/God..? Self..? Others..?
Romans 2:17-24 NLT 17 “You who call yourselves Jews are relying on God’s law, and you boast about your special relationship with him. 18 You know what he wants; you know what is right because you have been taught his law. 19 You are convinced that you are a guide for the blind and a light for people who are lost in darkness. 20 You think you can instruct the ignorant and teach children the ways of God. For you are certain that God’s law gives you complete knowledge and truth.
21 Well then, if you teach others, why don’t you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal, but do you steal? 22 You say it is wrong to commit adultery, but do you commit adultery? You condemn idolatry, but do you use items stolen from pagan temples?* 23 You are so proud of knowing the law, but you dishonor God by breaking it. 24 No wonder the Scriptures say, “The Gentiles blaspheme the name of God because of you.”
In these modern days of hypocrisy, in these days when even those who appear to be the most pious of believers find themselves in handcuffs or openly scandalized, we dare wonder what kind of relationship anyone has with the Lord and or people. You would think that people with an advanced knowledge, people who have studied theology and the Bible most of their lives, having so many degrees and awards that they possess many variations of alphabets behind their name, you would think that they would have a fear of the true and living God that would prevent them from sinning against the very one to who they claim belief.
Let me make myself perfectly clear, this doesn’t mean that men and women of God do not sin. It does mean however that these people should sin less, especially if they have the responsibility of teaching others about the Lord. While I have witnessed many ungodly acts committed by Christians, I am always taken aback by pastors who really have don’t give God, the Bible or Satan any credence. Pastors who teach one thing and live totally opposite of what they teach.
If we were to liken the Jew with the Christian who has knowledge of God, then indeed the Gentile does blaspheme the name of God because of us. If we are to be an example to the world and are instead hypocrites then it is us, the Christian who has crucified our Lord. What kind of relationship can we then have with the Lord if we are disobedient? What relationship can we have with our fellow man, if they cannot trust us to be truthful with God, how can we be trustworthy and truthful to mankind?
We are in an age where relationships with everyone including our family are fleeting. Relationships do not hold the same importance to many people as they once did. The mother who is willing to die for her children may now be the cause of their deaths. The father who would work day and night to make sure that his family would survive is now willing to walk away from his wife and children leaving them destitute and with the possibility of becoming homeless.
“ No, a true Jew (Christian) is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by God’s Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people.” Romans 2:29 NLT
Christians need a change of heart; we need to remember our first love and the original principals of the Bible that was taught to us by our fathers and mothers. It is time to repair our relationship with God so that we can have a true relationship with mankind. God wants us to be me more than what we have been in the past. We are to be true men and women of God.
Has My Living Been In Vain?
Filed under: Biblical Teachings, Family Life, Godly Principles, Inspirational Articles, Our children
Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. Psalm 127:1 KJV
As we get older we begin to think about our life and what it all has meant. Was our life worth living, what will it mean to others when we are gone, what if any legacy will we leave behind? We also think about our children, did we do the right things for them? Have we given them the tools that they need to survive? Have we raised good, decent and responsible human beings? The Bible says: “Except the LORD build the house, they that build it, do it in vain.”
I have a good friend who is getting on in years, who has lived a consistent life honoring and loving the Lord. Not all of his children are Christian, however, each of them are familiar with the Scriptures, each of them know what the Bible says about Christian living and each of them know what is expected of them when they walk into their father’s house. There will not be any “smokin, drinkin or cussin” in this house; because in this “house we are going to serve the Lord.” See, even though his children may not be confessing Christians they have Biblical standards. The Bible says; “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he (or she) is old he will not turn from it.
My friend has the right idea, our legacy starts with the way we build our life, our family and the way we interact with others. How many times have we gone to funerals and no one really had anything good to say about the decease or what they say isn’t really the true or you knew the decease to be a despicable human being? This is why it is important to live for Christ today.
The Bible says: “Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
So many of us worry about having money and being rich but the Bible tells us that this is not the answer either. “The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.” James 1:9-1
The Bible tells us: “…God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock (and others). And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. 1 Peter 5:2-4. I am sure that there are so many who haven’t left the legacy that they have wanted to or intended to leave, however if in the end someone can look at you and say; “Well done.” That is good enough for me.
Going Forward or Growing Forward
Rev. 3:14-19 NLT 14 “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea. This is the message from the one who is the Amen—the faithful and true witness, the beginning* of God’s new creation:
15 “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! 17 You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. 18 So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. 19 I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.”
The Book of Revelation was written by John “the Apostle that Jesus loved,” while he was imprisoned on the Island of Patmos. God had given him a vision of Heaven and the things to come and told him to write these things down. In other words, write these things for prosperity, write these things for future Christians and non-Christians alike, so that when these things come there will be no mystery, for we have all been warned.
In the Scripture above, Jesus told John to write to the church of Laodicea. God knew the Church of Laodicea, but he had a problem with their type of Christianity. They were humanitarian in nature, but they were not loving, they were church goers, but they were not inspired. This is a church that when the rapture comes would probably be left behind. They didn’t think that they needed anything from God, instead they boasted on how self sufficient they are and how efficient there ministry is. God tells them He would rather that they were hot or cold, that they would have either passion or contempt. Because of their attitude toward God and ministry, God found them nauseating.
Does God have a problem with your type of Christianity? Are you unloving, uncaring and lacking zeal for the things of God? We have all gone to churches and have seen that familiar ‘Christian Scowl.’ We’ve have all come into contact with Christians who are unfriendly, arrogant, bad-mannered and would prefer it if you were somewhere else. We see Christians that would rather be entertained in church instead of worshiping their Lord. This could even be you.
Does God find your ministry for Him nauseating? Do you even belong to a ministry? Too many times we go about our day to day affairs without remembering the sacrifice our Lord has made for us. We forget that we were bought with by an incredibly expense price, which was the precious Blood of our Lord Jesus. We forget that He loved us first, that He was tortured and He sacrificed His precious life for our salvation. Yet we go forward the same way every day without growth, without increasing in knowledge. We are ‘Going Forward and not Growing Forward.’ God finds this behavior repugnant.
We think that we are self sufficient and that we really ‘got it going on,’ that we have everything that we need; we even believe our ministry and worship couldn’t be better. We are so busy being pleasured by the abundance of things in our lives that there is little-to-no room for the things of God. We don’t hate the things that God hates, because we have become enamored with the World. We have compromised our values so much that there is little difference between us and this World. What God wants us to see however, is how wretched and miserable and poor and blind and how naked we really are. That without Him we are truly nothing.
Sisters and Brothers, it is time that we stopped playing Church and started growing in our faith. We must increase our zeal for the Lord by learning everything we possibly can about Him so that we can pass this information on to this cruel and dying world that we live in. Let us not forget that the sole purpose that we were saved was so that we could evangelize the ‘World.’ We were not saved so that we can sit in the pews listening to sermon after sermon. We should be leaving the church differently than the way we walked in. We enter to worship and we leave to serve. As we have been inspired, so should we endeavor to inspire others. God has called us to His service…
I Want What I Want
You are like a wild donkey, sniffing the wind at mating time. Who can restrain her lust? Those who desire her don’t need to search, for she goes running to them! When will you stop running? When will you stop panting after other gods? But you say, ‘Save your breath. I’m in love with these foreign gods, and I can’t stop loving them now!’ Jeremiah 2:24-25
The Bible passage above speaks metaphorically of addiction that causes one to betray their true purpose in life. We too suffer from not doing or being the person that the Lord would have us to be. Many of us, though we claim no type of illness, suffer from some form of addiction. We won’t talk about or admit it; however it is true even amongst Christians. Whether it’s physical, psychological or of just engaging in addictive behavior, we’re an American Society that suffers greatly from addictions. Drugs, alcohol and sex were the traditional addictions of old, however now there are a few more that we must include to the list, which should be considered and that is addictive behavior associated with social media such as Face Book, Twitter and E-mails. Let us not forget to include TV Soap Opera, etc.
I especially don’t understand the obsession with the use of Blackberries today, even the owners of these phones call them “Crackberries.” I myself have had to really curb using Face Book, once or twice a day for a few minutes is okay, but there are people who do this for hours at a time playing imaginary real life games like Farmville, Cityville, Frontierville and Café something or other ville. Give me a break; we are addicted to stuff that isn’t even worth our attention. “Who can restrain our lust?” When will you stop panting after other gods? But you say, ‘Save your breath. I’m in love with these foreign gods, and I can’t stop loving them now!’
There was a dark time in my life when I became addicted to cocaine. When you have a chemical addiction you become powerless to control your destiny, your life now revolves around your addiction. Instead of fulfilling your purpose in life you become enslaved to an object or a force which becomes larger than you. Enslavement has a dual character. On one hand, it deprives a man of his freedom, and does not allow him to be truly human, with his own will, choice and responsibility. He is treated as if he is an animal or a lifeless object with which you may do as you like. On the other hand, this enslavement means that you are forced to follow the course dictated to you by this now hostile and harmful power. I have always believed that when you are on something that can control your mind, body and soul, it is a spirit. The Bible doesn’t address this directly but I truly believe this. Why do they call alcohol “Spirits?” I believe there is one in every bottle.
I was very fortunate that God had a purpose a plan for my life. I am so glad that I serve the God of Second Chances (and 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc. I needed many chances). While I was still craving drugs I was saved and released from the craving of drugs. That was the miracle that the Lord had for me. You see the Bible tells us that nothing unclean can dwell in the temple of God and we are His temple. “And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 2 Cor. 6:16 KJV
I’m so glad that the Lord has set me free, the Bible says: “If the Son sets you free you will be free indeed.”There is only one way that I know of to be delivered from any addiction and that is with a healthy dose of the Holy Ghost. Thank you Lord.
About the Author
Name: Rev. Raymond E., aka "Brother Raymond"
Email:
Web Site: http://www.BrotherRaymondandFriends.com
Bio: Rev. Raymond E. Williams Jr., was formerly an Associate Minister at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, in St. Albans, New York. His area of expertise is outreach. He still heads the Prison Ministry Teams at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church. Rev. Williams is the founder of Brother Raymond and Friends (Homeless outreach ministry). He is also the former Editor of The Herald and The Minister's Speak newsletters (church publication). Rev. Williams is currently an Associate Minister at St. Marks Missionary Baptist Church located in South Jamaica, NY. To learn more about Rev. Raymond E. Williams go to his website at the web address given above.
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