Off the Beaten Path

Picture from Goabroad.com via Google.com

Something that I have struggled with and I'm still struggling with daily, being encouraged. I compare myself with other people more often than I should, more so my circumstances with theirs. Seeking validation from people I think, for sometime, has been a thorn in my side. I measure many things with other people. I've even found myself comparing my spiritual growth with other believers, which is so ridiculous, but it happens. I don't make myself do it, it just happens. I once was having a conversation with a guy I know who is well versed on the Bible and can explain and reveal a lot of things in scripture that I haven't been able to grasp yet, and instead of feeling happy for this guy because God has given him the ability to understand certain mysteries and things like that, I think to myself, "How come I don't know this? Shouldn't I know this? Am I still blind? What am I doing wrong? Should I study more? Am I studying or simply reading?" These things make me question my knowledge or lack thereof of certain things I guess I think I should know. Maybe I have some kind of complex or something I don't know. God has given me understanding on many things and I give Him the glory for that, but I don't know why I always compare myself to others, as of recently it's been primarily to brothers and sisters in Christ.

There are days when I wake up frazzled and not knowing what to do. Sometimes there are those days I don't even want to get out of bed, those days I hardly feel motivated to do anything, so I sleep late, and when I get up I feel horrible because I think to myself, "You wasted half the day again." I wonder to myself if I'm lazy or what. But when I wake up it's like a race for time trying to get things done before the day really is gone. Because of all this frenzy going on within me, even the slightest thing aggravates me. A spoon or fork slipping out of my hand, something as simple as trying to open something that doesn't, something not staying in place where I put it, things as simple as that some days really feel like the straw that broke the camels back, and I just breakdown crying. A deep sadness for some reason always stays with me.  I try and hope whenever I go out to not run into people from my past simply so I wouldn't have to be faced with, what I find to be an invasive insufferable question, "So, what are you up to these days?" I smile awkwardly when faced with that question and then I become very uneasy, wishing I could crawl under a shell and hide and cry. It shouldn't matter what anybody thinks of me, family, friends, anyone, but it does.

I question my value, my purpose, a whole lot, too much I believe. There are days I even wonder if I'm fit to spread the Gospel, honestly, more often I don't feel worthy, but still  there are many instances where I feel compelled to do so. My conscience has been really getting to me recently to the point where it overwhelms me. I make mistakes, and trust me when I say this, after I've made a mistake no matter how minuscule it may seem to others, my attitude can shift and change how i feel for the remainder of that day. I've struggled with depression a lot in the past and I feel my insecurities have really stagnated my growth and sometimes I feel it still does. Some days I can go from being really cheerful and waking up singing hymns or whatever cheerful song comes to mind, then end up being really gloomy later.  I can't remember a week that went by recently where I didn't start crying just out of the clear blue, just crying and crying. I think all of this stems from me wondering my self worth, my purpose, wondering which direction to go in life. I get puzzled on how I am able to encourage people and can't encourage myself. I don't know why I keep coming back to this place, everytime others have encouraged me and I feel I have finally got it all worked out and I'm better, then there's a regression.

Writing used to make me feel like I had purpose, it even filled the days and made me feel like I was doing something worthwhile, it doesn't anymore. I never used to really get super excited to write anything but whenever I did, I liked it while I was doing it, but now I don't feel much about it. I've been praying to God about removing out of me the desire to do things that aren't according to His will, to remove from me the propensity to be drawn to worthless things, maybe this is it, the desire to be a writer or whatever. It doesn't bother me, because even when I wrote and I feel like I was doing something of purpose, kind of like waking up to a career or something, it really didn't truly make me happy. I liked it, but I didn't feel truly happy or anything, most days I wondered why even bother nobody will read it anyway. 

I'm getting older, even though I'm still very young, but I have always been a person, at least, my family thought should "be somebody" and that pressure is always in the back of my mind, so much it makes me really sad sometimes, because I'm not what anybody expected I would be. I didn't go to college and later have some really impressive career, no, my life is simple, and if measured to the world's standard of success it's not anything to write home about. I have no life achievements that can be captured and shared on Instagram or twitter. I'm not brimming over with quirky little quips, memorable anecdotes or self made platitudes that will get a hundred likes on Facebook or a 100 retweets on twitter. I'm introverted most of the time. I don't have dreams or aspirations, but everytime I turn around the world is telling me I should, and also I should chase them down and accomplish them all before I die. I don't have a five year plan, or even a five minute one. I know for most this might be disgraceful or even something people might conclude as the reason for the sadness I mentioned earlier, but it's not, rest assured, it's not. 

No, my family  probably won't ever be impressed or feel proud of me and brag to people about my accomplishments in this life, but I'm starting to feel that it's okay, even writing that releases some of the pressure, kind of like that pounding pressure that has your tooth throbbing when you know you need to pay the dentist a visit, it's like that horrible feeling slowly subsiding.  I have prayed to God to remove my heart and mind off of worldly things and to place it in heaven. So, when those moments come when I feel cheerful or happy, it's not because I have a lot of money in the bank, because I most certainly do not. It's not because I have really  prestigious affluent friends or a fancy wardrobe or drive an impressive car, because I don't. It's because I found out what truly matters in life, it's that my soul prospers, even if my finances don't, that the inward man be renewed although the outward man perishes, that there is indeed richness in contentment and a person can indeed be content even if what they and many others had initially expected of their lives doesn't come to fruition. Most importantly, that I, like my Savior Jesus Christ, overcome this world. I know I will suffer in this life, we as Christians were marked for a bit of suffering 2 Timothy 3:12, and perhaps my deep sadness may simply be hinged on something that isn't really bad but a kind of cleansing of some sort. Perhaps me questioning my path in life is a product of a renewed mind, because in my mind before I was certain which path in life I wanted to take, and God wasn't on it. Perhaps, realizing that in order to truly find my life in Christ I will have to lose the one created by my flesh, the one I had been conditioned from childhood to believe is the correct, perfect, and  acceptable way for ones life to be. My understanding thus far and peace I have found in Christ Jesus is sufficient and for now that's all that matters to me, this is what I must remind myself whenever I start the whole comparing myself to others thing. It's okay to take a step off the beaten path. The truth is, we are not supposed to feel fulfilled and complete with anything this world has to offer. I think it's important that we examine by what standard we measure success, God's or this world's, because experiencing true joy and ultimately where we spend eternity depends on it. 

Where are the fruits?

There's a guy on my facebook who posted something on his wall that prompted me to write another blog post. The job he has is what he truly likes, it's something he's trained real hard for, worked endlessly, put in a ton of time, but things aren't turning out the way he thought they would, or the way he thinks they should. He said, "I feel like giving up",  his friend's made comments like, "don't give up" "stick in there", they said just about every thing they could to uplift his spirits. Somebody even threw out there, "It's always darkest before dawn" originality at it's best, lol.  He thanked them for their words of encouragement and said  how he's, "really been feeling down and that their words helped him to wake up a little, and be more positive". He goes on to lament about how he has, "worked so hard and been through too much to not see the fruits as yet", then he asked a very interesting question, "Why is God putting me through so much? Why me?", he added, "Don't see the fruits of  my labour". So where are the fruits of this guys labour? I mean he has worked by the sweat of his brow right? and still, nada fruits. What's up with that?


Many of us have felt this way so what he's feeling is nothing out of the average, we've all been there, well many have at least. Remember those times when you picked up a few extra shifts, worked overtime, woke up earlier than usual to get that proverbial worm, or fruit, which is it? lol. Some may have missed a few of their kids swim matches or soccer games, maybe even moved vacation down the calendar a few times to get that couple extra dollars. Lets face face it, most have burned the candle at both ends and expected to see the results after a certain amount of time, we would hate to find out it's all been in vain? But what if that is the case?

How do you know if what you've been doing is truly what you should be doing? Is it because your really good at it? Many people are good at many things, probably because of all the time and dedication they've put into it, or maybe it's just something innate, you know past down through the family genes or something. Perhaps it is what your suppose to be doing, maybe you need to change your approach, take a second look at your character even. Ask yourself why am I doing this? What is my motivation? Is God anywhere in this? Did I even seek Gods council before I went out and put my all into this? Many don't ask those questions. Most of us don't want to hear that what we love so much may not be God's plan. I know I didn't want to hear it, what I loved to do nobody could tell me that wasn't my calling, even though it ultimately replaced God. I assumed on my own that's what I was meant to do. Never asked God anything, pretty much listening to my carnal mind. I noticed a void, I enjoyed what I did but wasn't getting the results I expected. Was it God calling me out of whatever it was I was doing? Was it God trying to point me into the right direction? Was it Gods way of saying this isn't what I have planned for you.

  Many have dreams, many have big plans, many have have a colourful and impressive answer for that question, where do you see yourself 5 years from now? ( I hate that question by the way, on account of me not being a psychic) 5 years from now I hope to be wherever God wills. I'm  not saying we should go throughout life winging it every chance we get, but it's really not winging it if God is the driver. Not exactly been checking for God much before, he's taken the back burner to your career. Oh, you go to church on Sundays so you and God pretty much have an understanding? (you might need to check my post on the compartmentalizing christian). After you've "worked so hard" you wonder where are my fruits God? Ever heard of selfish ambition? James 3:16. Psalm 119:36, Proverbs 18:1 & Romans 2:8, there are more but read those and see if the cap fits.
God has been, and probably currently is, nowhere on your agenda. What if all you built all you worked so hard at, was built all on your flesh. In fact, what you do has consumed so much of your life that what you do has become your God. Oh, that sounds a little harsh? Or is it that your feeling a little guilty, your hearts been pricked? Remember God is a jealous God, but in a loving way.

What ever happened to denying yourself and taking up the cross? Many say that they are following Jesus yet they're carrying baggage with them. How can you carry your cross and baggage at the same time? Can you say yes and no at the very same time in the very same breath? Can only be one or the other. I don't have all the answers, I'm still growing and learning myself, what I do know may sound a little familiar, "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness", after you do that something totally amazingly fantabuloso happens, "and all these things shall be added unto you". Seek Gods will not your own, take that cross up, put all that excess baggage down or expect to get weary, and you might just be closer to what God has planned for you than you think. May God bless and guide you, and by choosing His will, supply you with those fruits you work so hard for. Let His will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.

Most Importantly

Seek the fruits of His Holy Spirit

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law" Galatians 5:22-23

Perfect Love!

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:3
"I am the good Shepard: the good Shepard giveth His life for His sheep." John 10:11

I decided today I'm not going to write anything, just share a video with you all, the video speaks volumes, it even caused me to tear up. Some of you may already know of the story in this video. I'm not certain when this came out, but I first heard of it back in the 90's when I was really young, might have been about 5 or 6, it's amazing the things I am able to remember. Somebody told me about this story and I've thought about it several times over the years, but never heard the story told anywhere else, never heard anybody ever mention it since the first time I saw it, so I thought maybe I made it all up in my head. I was really young and had a big imagination, didn't have many toys so my imagination kept me occupied and out of trouble. 
Yesterday I was on youtube and came across a video and read the description and was blown away,  it was the story I heard about as a child, it's real! I didn't make it up! Others know of it! I was so glad. Then I watched the video, and as I watched it I thought to myself, I think I even saw this when I was little but only remembered fragments, little snapshots in my mind. This story is sooooo touching if you don't feel something after watching this, I honestly don't know what to say. The message behind it is so beautiful and familiar. The narration is so awesome along with the video, really makes the video even more powerful.  Please watch, even share if you like. I would love to hear everyone's take after viewing the video. It's almost 20 minutes long but I promise you worth the watch. 

The Compartmentalizing Christian

One night I was having a discussion with one of my friends and he was telling me about a conversation he had with a friend of his the night before, he said how they were talking about the Tropic of Cancer and seasons and so on, but the minute he started talking about God and the Bible his friend said, "Why are you talking about God?". I told him I guess she would have preferred it if you waited for Sunday, the usual time allotted for discussing God by faux Christians. This reminded me of a familiar situation that occurred between me and a friend who claims to be a Christian. He attends church on Sundays but throughout the week he doesn't show any interest in talking about God or anything biblical, in fact he has a complete disdain for it outside of church or church oriented events. I live in a country where the majority are self professed Christians yet live ungodly lives, they say we're a "Christian Nation" when in fact we’re very very far from it, more like Sunday morning Christians and weekday do-your-own-thing Christians.

People here go to church just about every Sunday and if you don't go you’re not a "good Christian" or even a Christian at all, because a prerequisite in order to be considered a true Christian is your ritual attendance every Sunday morning in a Church service, ridiculous. Don't get me wrong, this is not to be mistaken with anyone thinking I am against attending church, it's good to fellowship with a group of other (true) believers, whether it is in a congregation on Sunday or a small group, for where two or three are gathered in God's name He's in the midst, Matthew 18:20. These type of gatherings are not bad, however if your intentions are far from God, if the only reason you're there is because "that's what Christians do on Sunday” you missed the entire point.

Throughout the week you rather not be bothered with any talk of God, but on Sunday your weeping and falling on your knees, singing and dancing, singing glory to God, jumping around. Persons like this God speaks very clearly concerning there actions, “I hate, I despise your religious festivals; your assemblies are a stench to me. Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them.  Away with the noise of your songs!  I will not listen to the music of your harps. But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!”  Amos 5:21-24

These persons think they can compartmentalize their praise and worship to God, separate into distinct parts, categories, or compartments, but God wants nothing to do with that type of attitude, He doesn't want you to be disingenuous but sincere and humble. You can keep your hypocritical praise, your empty songs, you can drop the pretense God isn't a fool. These are the persons who say that they're Christians, and zealously protest against poverty, racism, rape, homosexuality, sex trafficking, other sins and social injustices, but draw the line when it comes to fornication, adultery and the love of money. As long as you're not protesting against something their struggling against they're fine, a parameter is set when it comes to things they enjoy doing or don't see wrong based on their own understanding.

These are the ones who sit front row in the congregation yet lay beside other women husbands that very same night, knowing we are called to hate and reject and expose evilness. These are the ones that protest against murder, yet support pro-choice. These are the ones that will not entertain any talk of God throughout the week, yet they will be the first one in church Sunday morning tambourine in hand, they are fools thinking they will be blessed, thinking they are indeed secure to get into heaven because of their tithes and artificial praise, and disingenuous prayers. "And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward." Matthew 6:5.

We know God is loving, but who said God is tolerant of foolery, sin, wickedness, iniquities? Is he not just? Will he not pay each person according to their works? Pursue Truth! Pursue righteousness! Pursue wisdom and understanding! Live Holy for He is Holy! A lot of persons say, "But we're not perfect", which is true, however, the aim is perfection. God will sanctify those He calls. Jesus was perfect and we're to be like Him, though their may be times where we may fall we have God's grace and mercy to catch us like a net. "Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:" Romans 5:20. What a mighty loving God we serve.  Being a Christian is a way of life, it’s not words and works alone but a walk, praise and worship is not something you compartmentalize, you place aside for an hour or two at the start of the week, it’s to be woven into your daily life,  set in such a way that it becomes as natural as breathing.  I have my own struggles and know I need God’s help, grace and mercy  in order to walk circumspectly daily. Don’t be a fool or wise in your own eyes, thinking you don't need God. What can be done with a person who claims they already know God and has a relationship with him yet their actions contradict this?

"Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him." Proverbs 26:12

The Pursuit Of Humility &

The Perils Of Pride!

"Surely He scorns the scornful. But gives grace to the Humble." Proverbs 3:34

"A man's pride shall bring him low: but honor shall uphold the humble." Proverbs 29:23

"Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." proverbs 16:18

The word 'Pride' is mentioned 49 times in the King James Bible. What is Pride?  Why is it is so important that it was mentioned so many times in the Bible? Where does pride come from? How do we as Christians rid ourselves of it?

Pride by definition is a feeling or deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired. The quality of having an excessively high opinion of oneself or one's importance. Nowadays it's also synonymous with being Gay, i.e. Gay pride. I went looking for a pic on google of pride and well, I wasn't surprised that every gay image of the annual LGBT Pride Parade popped up, rainbows everywhere, even more of a reason why Christians should flee from this sinful thing called pride.

Many of us are guilty of wanting to flash around our new possessions, brag about our new promotion, new house, new car and new clothes, we long for popularity, to be the belle of the ball instead of giving glory to God we seek it all for ourselves. 

I've seen people who claim to be Christians that are musicians and say their in it to make a joyful noise unto the Lord, that they’re doing it simply to give God the Glory. On the other hand they go on about how they want grammy’s and fans and to be “successful”,  but which type of success are they pursuing, the worlds standard of success or Gods?

 Outwardly many of us put on the appearance of humility but inwardly we’re hoping to impress people, we find ourselves compromising in order to get people to like us. More of our attention is on ourselves, seeking attention instead of focusing on what we’re called to do, which is to give God the Glory in all things. God did not bless us with gifts/talents to uplift ourselves but to praise Him, instead we take opportunity with the freewill God lovingly supplies and try to seek praises for ourselves. I heard a pastor say that he read a book where the author said, “nobody can honestly say that their humble”, it’s true, and nobody can say, look at me I’m being humble, look at all the humble things I've done, the minute they do that their already contradicting what being humble is all about.  The author wrote that, “We’re people pursuing Humility by the grace of God.” We cannot obtain humility without the assistance of God, some attempt to but end up falling short every time. What in this life can we truly do successfully without the aid of The almighty powerful and loving God?

Where does pride come from? For all of us pride is innate, it's just another way sin manifests itself into our daily lives, we're all born sinners and therefore susceptible to all the different ways sin decides to barge itself into our lives. It’s in our nature/flesh to be prideful we were born that way, like the song goes, but don’t rest on your laurels and count this as an acceptable excuse. This battle between powers and principalities (which it is) can only be won with the help of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ along with  our willing co-operation. What we can do is fight against our innate nature to boast about ourselves , our accomplishments , our appearance, our possessions, even our knowledge of something. The Bible say’s knowledge puffs up, so even after obtaining a measure of knowledge whether it’s divine or worldly, we mustn’t  allow the Devil to take opportunity in our achievements  to make us boastful, hence making something seemingly nice a stumbling block. We must also be very careful try to bridle our tongue in every which way.  James 3: 1-18

So we know where pride comes from, and it’s certainly not from God. We should try to make an effort to move in the direction away from being prideful, but for many of us it's easier said than done. We've all had occasions where we knew we we're wrong about something and being so prideful we didn't want to humble ourselves and apologize. The other day a friend of mine was telling me how so much can be lost because of how we allow pride to overcome us, something so small can snowball into something huge simply because we refuse to swallow our pride. Pride is one of those trees that bare bitter fruits, like arrogance, boastfulness, haughtiness, conceit, vanity and so on. God doesn’t want anything to do with these things or people who partake in such things. We are called to be Holy like Him.

 The Bible said in the last day’s people will become lovers of themselves and that is very true today. Look around your workplace and schools and churches and so on and you will see for yourselves. People are being taught to love themselves instead of loving others. Jesus specifically said to Love (one another) the way he loves us, it is the greatest commandment. So many are blinded by these new age, new world, anti Christ standards that the world is polluting the minds of this generation with. People care more about their own happiness than that of others, having complete disdain to that which we are called to do.  Philippians 2:4 tells us to, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”  

 As I wrote this I thought back on the many occasions where my mouth and pride have become a problem for me on several occasions in my life, even recently a friend had to bring it to my attention, which is the reason I decided to write this piece today. Pride is taxing on each and every one of us, but God has supplied each one of us with the tools to defeat this ugly force, (prayer). I find myself having to pray a lot to be cautious of things I say and how I react to certain things and being boastful even about performing my duties as a Christian. Every now and again we can all use a big slice of Humble Pie, better that than to spend your eternity wishing you did. Be blessed and remember to ask God daily for guidance,  it will take some humility on your part but it’s always worth it. God Bless.

"How Can you believe, who receive honor from one another,and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God?" John 5:44

Strange Fruit

Good vs Evil

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:12

The Enemies Plan

In the beginning, the enemy hashed out a diabolical plan to destroy what God had created and saw was good.The enemy always had an agenda, right from the giddy-up, and that hasn't changed. His hellish m.o was to steal, kill and destroy via lies, of which he is the father of. Satan slithered his way up to Eve and seduced her with lies and  promises of  infinite knowledge, even though he knew that exposure to this was strictly forbidden by God, he still sold her dream after dream, and she bought it. It's easy for many now to call her names and say it was all her fault, but how many people alive today, if they were able to switch places with Eve, would have done differently? If anything, many now walk according to the flesh and their carnal minds, and probably would have tried to contend with God, saying  things along the lines of, "Why can't we eat from that tree God? What's the big idea? Why can't we just have a little taste? What's up with that God?" Some would probably even try to see if they can be clever and say, "Okay, if I did eat the fruit of the forbidden tree, you being God, if I got messed up wouldn't you be able to make a way to set me right again?" How many these days hasten towards what God warns us to stay away from, yet have the nerve to call Eve stupid or foolish, as though they are any better? In the Garden, the devil asked Eve if it was true that God said they shouldn't eat of every tree of the garden. Eve told him that God said they may eat the fruit of the trees in the garden, but they were prohibited from eating of the fruit, or even touching the tree in the midst of the garden, or they would surely die. That vile little  liar told Eve, basically, that God just didn't want them to be like Him, knowing all things, as if to say God had some kind of superiority complex or something. Satan pretty much called God a liar, when he said that they wouldn't die if they ate from the tree. From this point you can see how crafty and wicked satan is. The enemies actions are sordid, and  the way he plays the game is not so much for him to win, but for you to lose. You might think, well, that doesn't make any sense, how can there be a loser but no winner. Here is how. The devil cannot usurp God's power or  sovereignty as the Ruler over  the heavens and the earth. So, even if one was to lose somehow, more than likely as a result of disobedience, the enemy doesn't necessarily win anything at all, because his end has already been established, there is no reward in heaven for him. It is for many to meet the very same ending  purposed solely for him and his angels, that satan tries to play us all. The devil had the gumption to call God a liar. From this point you could see this dude was trouble, but Eve did not see this. Even though he told Eve something contrary to what she had already known God said they weren't to do, there was no suspicion in her mind that what he said was evil, because she was still unaware of what evil even was. Adam and Eve once being ignorant of good and evil in the garden, even though they were initially good, albeit completely unaware, they didn't do any wrong they just obeyed God without question. They were basically very naive, but it was a good thing, because they had a pure innocence, one we would be hard-pressed to find these days. Because of  their naivete they could do no wrong, up to that point evil was non-existent in their minds and hearts. Eyes now open, upon eating the forbidden fruit, they were made aware of many things, things they would have been better off not knowing. They always had free will in the Garden, that didn't just spring up after they left. Of course, because of  Adam and Eve's pureness, their innocence, their lack of knowledge of anything evil, they just used their freewill to obey God. That is really how we are suppose to be now, although we have free will, we are to take that and obey God. It may sound strange or even contradictory to some who believe they have a clear gasp on how freewill ought to work, but it all makes perfect sense. Many say, if given something freely shouldn't we be aloud to do whatever we want and not be forced to do otherwise? But I ask this, isn't that what God has aloud, for each to do as freely as they please? Because He has laws, has that obstructed you from doing whatever you very well pleased? Most, if honest, would rightly say no, because mankind follows the dictates of their own heart as suppose to following the laws of God in any event. Someone might say, then why would God give free will and then create rules for us to follow and if we don't then we are punished, wouldn't that be unfair and really a contradiction? On the contrary, the rules were given so order can be maintained, for our benefit. Imagine a society with no rules, would you want to live there? Also, the fact that God had laws put in place to be followed, and still gave free will, was not to confuse us, it was not to play games with us or to trip us up, it was so we would freely choose to love Him.
I imagine nobody truly wants someone to love them by force, but from a sincere heart. Knowing they could freely choose anyone else yet they still choose you, is a wonderful feeling and it's indicative to sincere love, God only wants the same. Is that too much for our Creator and Protector and Provider and Savior to have in return? Does He not deserve it? Does He deserve to be called unfair because of that? He could have had us like robots if He wanted, He certainly has the unlimited power to make us that way, and who would tell Him not to? He is God, but He didn't have it that way, even more of an example of how merciful and loving and fair He is. Though many will say He is not, it is quite evident that He is a fair and just God that loves us. What you consider unfair punishment is simply the consequences brought about as a result of the choices you made freely, with that same freewill you got. Had you chosen differently, you would have had different results. For you to lament, "Oh, if I do whatever I please and God punishes me for it, that's unfair.", is the same as touching a piece of  hot coal, and upon getting burnt you get upset at the hot coal because it burnt you, when your the one who picked it up not the other way around. I have heard this question more times than I can remember, shucks, I've even thought about it myself once ago before I had come to know God. "Why didn't God just make Adam and Eve obey Him?" I would have to ask a person who asked that question this, why didn't He just make the sky purple and pink?  Why not make the cows say meow and the cats say moo? Why, Why, Why? What concern is it of ours why He has aloud any of what it is He has aloud, and how He decides to do things? Would knowledge of that make you believe in Him? Would it make you repentant if you knew each and every one of the reasons God does any of the things He does? Ask yourself that.
There is a story in the book of Luke Chapter 16 verses 19-31. There was a rich man, a very snazzy dresser and he fared sumptuously everyday. There was also beggar named Lazarus who was filled with unsightly sores that laid at the rich guy's gate everyday. Lazarus was so hungry that he wanted, if only, to be able to eat the crumbs that fell from the rich guy's table. Dogs even came and licked Lazarus' sores. One day, the beggar died and was taken by angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. Being tormented in Hades, the rich man lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham, and Lazarus in his bosom. The man who was once of a very ostentatious affluent reputation in his life, but now in torment in Hades, cried out to Abraham,  for Lazarus to dip his finger in water, to cool his tongue. But Abraham reminded the rich man of how in his life he received many good things, but Lazarus life was filled torment. Besides all of that, there was no way Lazarus would be able get to him now because of the great distance between them. Seeing how horrible conditions were where he was, the rich man begged Abraham to have Lazarus go back into the world, to his father's house, and testify to his five brothers so they would not meet the same end he did. Abraham said, "they have people like Moses and the prophets there, let your brothers listen to them." The rich guy was like "no, if you send someone from the dead to warn them, they will repent". Abraham told him, "If they don't even listen to Moses and the prophets, they won't be persuaded by somebody who came from the dead". The story about Lazarus and the rich man is a cautionary tale, and even after many have heard this story they still do not repent. Even after many have been given the sign of Jonah, of preaching and teaching , they reject admonishment, they reject the Good News, they find no place in their hearts for the Gospel of peace and truth. So, really ask yourself if all these questions you have about how God runs things, if they were answered, would it make you repent? You have heard of the love God has for you, but does it make you genuinely sorrowful and repentant, or do you carry on living your life according to your will, which has rewards that are not favorable in the grand scheme of things? God really and truly not only provided a way to have us reconciled to Him, but He supplies each of us with help, in the form of His Holy Spirit. Isn't that loving? Ask yourself, why after leaving the club or the bar completely wasted, you made it home safely? Certainly it wasn't because you got the skills of a formula one race care driver. Many when they make it home safely after a night of carousing and drunkeness, they boast about how they got home safely because they're a  great driver. Not even acknowledging God's grace and mercy. Why when you were robbed the thief didn't murder you, certainly it wasn't because of his moral code, even though it is strange how some lawless people would commit an crime and not do another equally lawless act because they think that's crossing the line. Sometimes I wonder by what scales do they measure these things. Perhaps, you were shot at some point or injured in a car accident or injured some other way, Why didn't you die?  Because your lucky? Because you're a Harry Houdini? No, because God is sovereign! Why don't people ask the right questions? God is merciful and loving and filled with grace. God's mercy endures forever. God is longsuffering with us. It is not His will that any should perish, but how many are even concerned with His will? His good, acceptable and perfect will. How many? God doesn't force anyone to bend against their free will, because of that many hearts that constantly planning evil, the free will given has resulted in many horrible things happening. Their are rewards for whatever you decide to do with your free will. If you decide to pursue righteousness and to obey God, you receive good rewards but if you take your free will and do evil, what d you think your reward shall be. Do you think you should receive the reward of the righteous? Wouldn't that make God unjust? But He is not unjust, He is fair, and he fairly has given all free will and you can choose whatever to do with that, but it would be in your best interest to follow along the laws God has placed because those have more favorable rewards, than evil deeds. "For he that sows to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that sows to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap everlasting life."  Galatians 6:8 nkjv. Why not take what you have been given freely by a loving God and use it to to please Him who loves you so much, so in return for His love you love Him, without being forced to but by your own will, not because God wants you to repay Him or needs you to repay Him for His free love, but because He is worthy of our obedience, He is worthy of our praise. Upon eating from the tree they were forbidden to eat of, their eyes were opened, once that happened you could pretty much they say it all went downhill from there. That devil, being the deceiver that he is, came along and whispered lies into Eve the minute her eyes were opened. Adam also, eating of the same fruit, now was aware of things that he would have been better off not knowing. You know what's so amazing, even though God had seen all of this He still went looking for Adam, He still was calling his name, but Adam hid. Before, they were nor ashamed of their nakedness, Genesis 2:25, but now after tasting of the forbidden fruit, they were "in the know" and were ashamed at their nakedness and hid themselves. The moment  Eve then Adam took that bite mankind died, Genesis 2:17. Adam's death was not a physical death like some assume it was and would have you blindly believe, his death was a spiritual death which is far worse. Until the sacrifice that Jesus Christ made on the cross for our sins, the death Adam experienced and passed down to us was irrevocable. How interesting is it that the enemy was so pressed to have Adam know knowledge then, but now he is using every deceitful bit of trickery he can to keep mankind from obtaining knowledge of the Truth. The truth of life, the truth of reconciliation to God brought about through Jesus Christ. Does anybody want to know why? You must want to know, at least you should want to know. The enemy is pulling out all the stop's, using all of his resources to keep all in the dark. What is he trying to keep us away from? Why is it so critical that he work around the clock, sending out his wicked ones to lead us astray? Why does he make evil look so appealing? Why is it that he makes us think we can't stop being sinful? Why? Why? Why? You must want to know the answers. Truth is, most people aren't asking these questions, the devil would have it that way. The devil wants us to think nothing is wrong in our lives, that all we do, although it goes against God's commands,  it's all perfectly fine. Well it's not. The pains satan is taking in keeping the proverbial wool pulled over the eyes of mankind. The devil already knows the Truth, he's just trying to keep it away from us. Isn't he selfish! If you are unaware of the enemies devices and not so hidden agenda, here's a newsflash, he doesn't care about you or me or anyone. The devil tempts us, then after we have succumb to temptation he accuses us before God, now if that isn't rotten I don't know what is. This devil is really not looking out for our best interest in anyway, his repertoire is filled with crafty ways to draw us out and drag us down, he drew the blueprint on deception, his arsenal is packed to capacity with weapons constructed solely to destroy our minds and lives simultaneously. He will make us believe he has our best interest in mind, that he really wants us to experience joy and happiness by supplying us with material things. But check this, the enemy is fully aware that the things of this world cannot supply a person with true everlasting joy, only temporary satisfaction. The enemy is fully aware that true lasting pure joy comes from the Lord, but he would have you believe the other way around, that true joy comes from the things you acquire in this life and if you don't obtain these things, you're a loser living a sad existence and must find someway to keep up with the Jones', so to speak. The enemy wants each of us to sail into eternal damnation right along with him, loaded down with sin just as the day we came into the world. This is why satan makes it all so appealing to do what God opposes. The truly sad part is that even though God has supplied us with a way to be reconciled to Him, many are still walking down  that broadway to destruction. Earlier, when I mentioned if anybody had the opportunity to switch places with Eve and was able to face God, and perhaps was to get a little cheeky with Him and say, "Okay, if I did eat the fruit of the forbidden tree, you being God, if I got messed up wouldn't you be able to make a way to set me right again?" Guess what? God did just that. He created a way to set everything straight after the fall that day in the Garden. Of course, God being omniscient, foreknew all of what was going to go down and already had His own plan, a resolution which was already prepared for such a time like the fall of man. As the devil came up with his plan to destroy the world, God had another plan much greater than the enemies. Gods plan was a plan to restore life, peace and unity between Him and man. How did He plan on doing this? By using His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savoir!  God had always prepared a way  out for his people in spite of all the snares the enemy placed in mankind's path. As the enemy lies in wait, as many blindly go through life, God made a way for us to be redeemed, by sending the Great Redeemer, Jesus Christ, who showed us the biggest display of Love that the world has ever seen, He sacrificed His life For us. God has supplied us with the opportunity to obtain the life we lost in the Garden of Eden via Adam. As it is written, " Therefore, as through one man's offense judgement came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man's righteous act the free gifts came  to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous." Romans 5: 18-19. "...Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a Lamb without blemish and without spot. He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you." 1 Peter 18:20. The enemies number one plan is to keep us from coming to the knowledge of truth and the liberation that comes along with it. Where can you find this truth? Through Jesus Christ, "The Way, The Truth, and The Life"! John 14:6. The way to what you may ask, the way to eternal joy and peace and happiness. Jesus is the only mediator between us and God, He was the propitiation for our sins. Through Him we have a direct line to God by prayer. Sadly, for many the desire to please oneself supersedes the desire to please God. We should pray for the many that are still blinded, so their eyes may be opened so that they can see the eer of their ways and repent. So that many can be given new hearts and renewed minds in Jesus who is the Christ. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Ephesians 6:12 We ought to be well versed on the enemies methods of  trying to cause us to rebel against God. "Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices" 2 Corinthians 2:11. But what are some of Satan's devices? Satan is still setting the same snares, using the same lies, that he had from back in the Garden of Eden. He's still got the same old tricks up his sleeves. This dude even tried to tempt the Lord God, so you know he's out for the kill, he doesn't care who you are. That's why the time to wise up is now. "Gird up the loins of your mind!" 1 Peter 1:13. Be sober! "He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it." John 8:44. What sticks out to me in that verse is where it says, "he speaks from his own resources", God doesn't deal lies. The enemy on his own creates lies and then teaches them, creating his own  wicked philosophy. It's really no surprise that the tactics the enemy now uses to lure us in are as old as the hills, this is why she be able to beat him everytime. For many believers, when the enemy attacks, he will try to make you doubt every and anything you have come to learn, things like the authenticity of the Bible and the faithfulness of God, among many other things. The enemy wants you to become desirous to search other doctrines, but he will have you think, "Oh, I'm only seeking truth." but in reality he really just wants you to walk further and further away from what is already established as the living Truth found in the Holy Bible. He will have you raise questions about genealogies, even being led into disputes over things that can neither edify you or anyone. He will try to make you zealous for things that aren't good, practically making you a full on radical for iniquity. Making you so drunk on lies, you become violent all in the name of your new found belief , which is based on something that is contrary to the word of God. "Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness." Romans 6:13. The devil wants you exploring certain things that you really shouldn't be meddling with, being well aware of how weak the human flesh is, he knows that once he has cast even the slightest bit of doubt into your mind you may stumble. We must remember not to give place to the devil, Ephesians 4:26, or he will run wild. He will lead you into any direction, as long as it doesn't lead to God. Once you become so confused to the point where you, "exchange the truth of God for a lie" Romans 1:25, satan is glad. He will cause you to become doubtful about whether you are truly free from the bondage of sin. He will attempt to make you believe the old man has not passed away, but has simply been lying dormant until the right moment comes for you to be consumed with him again, and you be heavy burdened with that albatross of past sins once more. But it is written, "Who the Son sets free is truly free indeed" John 8:36. You are indeed free. Because you are tempted about a certain thing it doesn't mean you're still that old person. You are not your temptation. It is when you succumb to the wiles of the enemy, that problem begins. The Lord is faithful and will be present to catch you when you're faced with temptation. It is written that He provides a way out of temptation. "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13 niv. God can and will deliver you out of temptation. Do not cast away your faith and confidence, on account of some familiar, unnerving, unwanted, intrusive bit of feelings. Because you start feeling urges to practice certain things you have left behind, do not fret and begin to doubt thinking you were not changed and cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ, just know it is the devil at work. The devil will no doubt have under the notion that all those desires are natural,  and it's all you and you should stop suppressing those feelings and live your truth. One thing I have come to learn over time is that the enemy has no interest in truths of any kind, his sole interest is to destroy you. One of the tricky things he loves to do, and it has happened to me, is bring people from your past that meant you no good back into your life, and they start having an even stronger desire than before to be a part of your life. Sometimes it happens gradually and sometimes you start bumping into them everywhere or all of a sudden they start emailing you or calling you, strange thing is, they really have  nothing much to say. You must never believe any of the lies the enemy will whispers to you. The Sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,  must be with you always, within. The enemy will say, pick that phone up and call so and so, and if you don't call then they won't talk to you anymore in life and you wont be happy, you need them, you won't be able to live without them. You may find yourself building your entire world around someone, to the point where you can imagine your life without them and when it doesn't work out, and reality hits, that you will indeed have to live your life without them, you start slipping into depression, and start having suicidal thoughts. Maybe it isn't even a person, maybe it's something else, drugs or something. The enemy will have you think you can't go on without whatever it is that's destroying you. There is only one thing a person cannot live without and that is God. I know the times I thought about ending my life were very dark moments. I would slip in and out of depression and just wanted the feeling of sadness to end, and the only thing that came to mind that I felt would put an end to my  misery was taking my own life,  fortunately, those feelings of killing myself subsided. I know it only could have been the Lord helping me there. We make the mistake in our lives of making gods out of people, some even turn their job into a god. We got to be very careful and constantly examine our lives and see if we have gathered any idols hidden in our hearts. Suicide is a very sad thing. To know that a person was so broken that they took their own life. That they did not believe anything, not even God, could pull them out of whatever it was that had them burdened, is a very very sad thing. I find myself commiserating with persons whoa are suicidal, being suicidal a few times in my life. When I think of what suicide is ultimately, choosing death over life, it could be fair to call not following Jesus, who is life, very suicidal, and if you look at it that way, in which I do, the amount of people out their that are suicidal are too many to be numbered. It's safe to say people who commit suicide, the ones that were believers, have cast away their confidence, and the ones who never believed, rejected the truth and gave up.There are those cases where people are led by the enemy to take their lives after something horrible that they feel has happened that have brought shame to themselves and caused irreparable damage, permanently tarnishing their image and is to much to bear, so they cast themselves onto their sword like Saul. The desire to end your life will never come form the Lord, always from the enemy, the Lord wants you to endure to the end so you may receive your just reward, the enemy wants you dead. The enemy will try to get you to twist scripture to justify the wrong things that you are doing, and that is evil. He will have you believe purity and obedience to God is some antiquated idea. He mostly wants us to think that God's commandments are burdensome,  but God has said that His commandments are not burdensome, that His yoke is not heavy, 1 John 5:3. The devil wants us to fold, he wan't us to think that the world and all that it has to offer right now is whats real, and there will be nothing after, no reward as promised by the Lord, so why suffer. The Lord cannot lie. The enemy wants us to count God's promises as slack but they are not, 2 Peter 3:9. He's making many believe that it is impossible for one to live righteously, but God has said what is impossible for man is possible for Him. Many will be led down the path of destruction because they trusted in satan and not Jesus. A constant theme that has been going on from century to century in movies, plays, books, games, etc, is good versus evil. One thing we can all attest to, is that Good prevails more often. In this spiritual battle that is going on right now, one thing is certain, in the fullness of time when all is revealed, God will prevail! "And I say unto you, that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Matthew 16:18 kjv. The other day as I was reading the book of Jeremiah, and there was a verse that really had me thinking about God grace and mercy and how He truly only wants us to seek Him with all our hearts, how much He loves us. "'Return, backsliding Israel,' say's the Lord, 'I will not cause my anger to fall on you. For I am merciful,' says the Lord, 'I will not remain angry forever. Only acknowledge your iniquity, that you have transgressed against the Lord your God, and have scattered your charms to alien deities under every green tree, and you have not obeyed my voice,' say's the Lord." Jeremiah 3:11-13. God wants us to confess of our wrong doing and to return to Him, to trust in Him. He is waiting with opened arms, with mercy and not judgement for those who flee from iniquity. The devil, however, wants us to do our own thing and he wants us to believe that his way is the correct way and not the Lord's. satan wants us to be fearful, but he does not teach the fear of the Lord which produces great things like wisdom and knowledge, no, satan wants us to be fearful of everything else. He wants to lead us through fearing him and thing's of this world, to a life of eternal damnation. Satan will try to corrupt anything he can get his hands on, he wants to mislead us not help us. He will have you believe that since the majority of the world is doing something it must be alright with God. Satan teaches that God won't punish everyone who particiaptes in acts He has already declared are fruits of the flesh. There is eveidence in the Bible that shows how God has destroyed entire nations for those things, yet people still want to deny God's righteousness and His justice, denying the power. Still, many call God unfair, simply because they want to do as they wish and recieve the reward of the righteous, when the righteous has suffered under the wicked and is deserving of the promise. This verse in the book of Ezekiel 18:25-29 is an awesome verse and one of my faves, it is a verse that can help many to understand God's righteous judgements, "Yet you say, 'the way of the Lord is not fair.' Hear now, Oh house of Israel, is it not My way which is fair, and your way which is not fair? When a righteous man turns away from his righteousness, commits iniquity, and dies in it, it is because of the iniquity that he has done that he dies. Again, when a wicked man turns away from the wickedness which he has commited, and does what is lawful and right, he preserves himslef alive. Because he considers and turns away from all the transgressions which he commited, he shall surely live; he shall not die. Yet the house of Israel say's, 'The way of the Lord is not fair'. O house of Israel, is it not my way which is fair, and your way which is not fair?". The trouble is, many lean on their own understanding, which we are warned against. Truthfully, not everyone is walking in unrighteousness, but the ones who are will be judged for it. The other evening when I was in young adults group, the topic was fornication, and a young man said, "well everyone is doing it" I guess that means it's alright because everyone's "doing it", we should all jump on that hell-bound bandwagon. There is a reason, the Lord said, "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." Matthew 7:13-14. This scripture shares why you should not be deceived when you see the masses drawn to something that the Lord clearly spoke against. The path of least resistance is the path many take. Not many wanna bother with denying themselves, the enemy have made many believed they are entitled to certain things no matter how bad it may be. The enemy teaches, do whatever you please, the Lord teaches deny yourselves, take up your cross and follow Him. We must trust in the Lord, he wants and knows what's best for us. Choose on this very day whom you will serve. The time has come when it truly matters who's side you're on. Choose the side with one true God, the loving merciful faithful Savior. Repent of your sins. Open your Bibles and allow the Holy Spirit to write the Truth onto your hearts. "He who testifies of these things says, 'Surely I am coming quickly!" Revelation 22: 12-20 nkjv.

S.O.S: Brotherly Love

Save Our Souls!

"And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh." Jude 1:23. 

The other evening at church a youth pastor visiting from out of town shared a wonderful message, and at the end of his message he showed a clip from the movie, "Titanic". The clip from the movie was where the people were drowning and screaming out for help, and in one of the lifeboats there was a woman that wanted to go back and help the ones that were still alive but the others on the boat didn't want to risk being pulled down into the freezing artic waters so they unanimously opted out of that plan. In another lifeboat there was a small group that went searching for others and got a few, but many had already died.

The pastor wanted us to gather from the scene how important it is for us as Christians to go out and save persons that are crying out for help, and to not sit by in our 'safe' little bubble looking out at what's going on around us and think to ourselves well we're safe why risk it, why should we even attempt to save there souls, we're fine right where we are. That's the wrong attitude to have, and it's selfish when we're called to be 

selfless. 

I'm certain God didn't intend for us to sit by twiddling our thumbs waiting by for his return while there are many out their that need to be saved, and brought into His Kingdom which is at hand. I fully agree with the pastor we should not sit idly by as friends and loved ones drown in their sins knowing God has supplied each one of us with knowledge of his word.  He has equipped us with tools of understanding, faith, strength, utterance, love, patience, vision, wisdom,  and so many other things to go out and rescue as many as we can.

Physical and Spiritual Babylon.

I wanted to pose this question to see the pastors response. What if they don't want to be saved what do we do then? How do you rescue persons that love drowning or are unaware? What about those persons that are crying and reaching out for help from drowning yet their feet are entangled, and although we may try to help them it's difficult. They want to be saved, but their still clinging on to things they need to release from their lives, like bad habits, bad company, unhealthy relationships, sinful acts, things that have been holding them back from God.

 In ancient times, the Israelite's we're lead into captivity in Babylon and they cried out for help from the Lord. Today there are people that are also in Babylon but a spiritual Babylon, the difference is the Israelite's  new they we're in bondage so they cried out for help, they looked around and could see the situation they were in and cried out and we're given help by God. Today people don't know they're in bondage so most of them don't cry out, and when you tell them that they are in bondage they still refuse the truth, hence not wanting to be saved. The word of God say's how there are people who love the darkness! So now what do we do when we come across these persons? The word of God say's, if people reject those that are sent on his behalf  then they are rejecting His Son and also rejecting Him our God! Is it safe to say then that we are casting pearls before swine? Wasn't there a point when Jesus during his ministry sent out seventy people and his disciples to spread the gospel and told them if wherever they go if they were rejected they we're to shake the dust off of their feet? Does this still apply today?

Some might say give up, it's hopeless, that person will never be saved. We must remember the word always, "One sows and another reaps". Yes indeed, there will be many times when people don't receive the gospel, so goes the last days, but we must not loose heart or become discouraged thinking our work is in vain. Remember, "He who watches the wind will not sow and he who looks at the clouds will not reap. Just as you do not know the path of the wind and how bones are formed in the womb of the pregnant woman, so you do not know the activity of God who makes all things. Sow your seed in the morning and do not be idle in the evening, for you do not know whether morning or evening sowing will succeed, or whether both of them alike will be good." Ecclesiastes 11: 4-6

This is something I need to remember too, because their have been times when I felt certain people are so far gone nothing can help them, but we mustn't let the enemy get into our minds and stop us from doing the work our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ told us to go out and do! He's "not mindful of things of God but of man"!

"Do you not say, 'There are still four months and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are ready white for harvest!" John 4:35 

Be blessed, continuously pray for friends and loved ones and neighbors! Remember to listen out for their S.O.S! 

The Big Bang Query

Picture is from
 http://grist.org google.com 

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth", Genesis 1:1. Is there really anything more that is needed to be said in response to the question, "How was the world created"? or "How did we get here?" Who would even attempt to negate what is written in scripture about how all things were created? Sadly, many people do. They have decided to labor under a delusion that the entire world was created after some huge cosmological explosion that occurred millions of years ago, namely, evolution. One second there was nothing, nada, zilch; the next second out of the clear blue, or the clear black, we got: trees of different kinds, different mammals, birds, fish, horses, lions, worms, spiders, and humans, all from molecules floating around that existed before we came here, that is what evolutionist's want us to believe. 

"All things bright and beautiful all creatures great and small, all things wise and wonderful the Lord God made them all". I grew up singing that song. The ocean, sun, moon , stars, galaxies, and planets, and so many different species were all strategically, meticulously, and intelligently made by God; but there are people who would say that believing a living being created everything we see is just plain bananas; bananas by the way, evolutionists's also believe just popped out of nowhere. It's strange that one of the most famous parts of the theory of evolution, is that humans evolved from monkeys or apes. How can that be when it is clearly written in scripture that each thing God created can only produce after it's own kind. A monkey can only produce another monkey, apes can only produce other apes, apple trees can only produce apples, a shark can only produce another shark. So, if one was to believe evolution, a pear tree should produce lamb chops as well. The reason so many refuse to believe the truth is because they, "Suppress the truth in unrighteousness" Romans 1:18 nkjv. Evolution versus Creationism has garnered much attention all across the board, specifically from the atheist community who apparently have decided to make it their life's mission to try and debunk any and everything Christians say is fact. By questioning the source of creation you are also questioning the existence of God. By denying what God has said about creation in the Bible, the Genesis account of creation, you're calling Him a liar, ultimately placing yourself in a position where you feel you are able to contend with God, which is truly a very unwise decision.

On many occasions atheist's and other non-believers have mocked Christians for not being able to prove the existence of God without using the Bible or any biblical text; or mentioning the word faith. When we tell them to simply look around, there is evidence of God everywhere, they laugh and mock us. Really, there is no answer we can give them that will ever be to their liking, because they simply refuse to believe the truth. As Christians, our credible source when refuting things like evolution, is God's Holy Spirit, and the Bible has been inspired by the Holy Spirit, thus it is the final authority so we refer it. "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." Hebrews 4:12 kjv. "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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17 nkjv. I challenge an atheist to try and create a solid argument for evolution without searching for evidence to support their claims in the pages of  Darwin's, "On The Origin Of Species" or  without referring to any scientific terms or formulas, or talking about fossils and things like that,  it is simple, they cannot.

We trust in the word of the Lord, simply put, it is our sword. Ephesians 6:17. As it is the sword of the Holy Spirit and the Spirit dwells within us, it is our sword.Who goes to battle and leaves their weapons behind? It is why we put on the full armor of God, Ephesians 6:11-18, of course not leaving behind the greatest weapon, prayer. People try to dispute the claims in the Bible, but how can they really, when the Bible declares what will happen tomorrow and it happens. Many things that have been prophesied in the pages of the Bible have occurred and will occur; still many think it's an unreliable source. Truthfully, when tackling anything in this life, seeking God's council is most reliable, and one way to do that is by studying His words coupled with prayer.

Those who reject God as being the answer for who created everything, have decided to exchanged the truth of God for a lie, Romans 1:24. It is written in the book of Romans that, "Because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened." Romans 1:19-21 nkjv. In each and every one of us God has placed some knowledge of Him, some inkling that He is the source of all life. As children we asked many questions. Why is the sky blue? Why is the ocean blue? Why are the leaves green? Who made the sun? Who made the stars? We have asked these questions and deep within each one of us the answer had been planted by God. A child would never assume their pet cat created the ocean and the sky, or their hamster must have made it rain with bolts of  lighting and crashing thunder; no child would ever draw such conclusions. If they believed that their pet hamster created the universe, that is because somebody has taught them that, but not God. When people started creating gods of the ocean and the sea and things like that, those are the fruits of a darkened heart. Idolatry which is covetousness, a fruit of iniquity, a fruit that is produced by a person who has decided to reject the truth. In spite of God showing us what is manifested in us about Him, many still have decided to reject what God had made known of Himself to us, becoming fools by their own hands, serving the creation rather than the Creator, being like those who's god is their stomach as mentioned in the book of Philippians 3:19.

The argument of evolution is really easy to debunk because in all honesty, if a person were to sit down and look at all the countless theories which really only lead to a myriad of other theories and questions to which there is no end,  a person would see that evolution really doesn't provide a feasible answer to how all things were created. Ironically, by eliminating the only real and true answer to the question,  "How did we all get here?", evolution is the answer that provides no answer at all, so you're pretty much back where you started. For example; if tiny atoms or whatever it was that exploded or drifted or harlem shaked or whatever, during the big bang, were there before creation, who created them?  The whole theory of evolution presented by Darwin lacks even a minuscule bit of verity to it, no wonder even he abandoned this theory later in life.

Honestly, for lack of a better word, the idea that the entire world came to be through evolution is stupid, wait, that was the perfect word. Let's say, if a person decides, I'm going to have a case study on a painting and I'm going to do this by taking a group of very prestigious scientist's and artists alike, and place them in a room and then tell them to find out how the painting was created. Right away of course, somebody, if not everyone in the room, would say it was painted by an artist, duh. I would ask, "Okay, great job. Now how did you draw to that conclusion?" pun intended; they would state the obvious. In order to make the shapes on there it must be from somebody who knows geometry. A person could come up with many more questions like, how did the paint get there? Did the little molecules or particles of paint drift towards the canvas and make the picture? For the fun of it let's say the answer was yes, the little paint molecules drifted onto the canvas and as a result we have a piece of art that would have even Thomas Kincade in awe. Then who created the paint in order for there to be particles to drift? Ah hah, that would be the next obvious question. Obviously there was a person, an artist, who selected the colors from a variety of  other colors, deciding what colors would be suitable for the painting. What about the canvas, how did that get there? One question could lead to another question; but the obvious answer when you look at the finished product is, somebody created it. Nobody led the scientist into an empty room, switched off the lights, then switched it back on and there was the Mona Lisa, no, that would be crazy, also, creepy. It's the same with the world, with all its intricate magnificent designs, a very intelligent designer must have been the one who put everything in it's respective place. Even the human body is filled with many different amazing details, just exploring our d.n.a alone would blow your mind. Yet there are people out there who expect us to believe it all just happened. Bang! Boom! Kablaam, and then here I am writing this and there you are reading it, it's probably the most illogical theory ever. If one simply goes outside, perhaps to a zoo, or an aquarium, a park or a beach, really anywhere, if they sit and look around they can see many amazing things that couldn't have possibly just popped there a million light years ago by some process of mutation, natural selection and genetic drift, there would just have to be a creator, and there is, God.

Many ask the question, "If God did create the entire world, who created Him? The answer is simple, no one did. I heard an atheist ask once when faced with that reply, "Then doesn't that support our claim that something can come out of nothing? If you say nobody created God then you contradicted yourself." However, that really isn't the case, and honestly trying to explain that to a person who has a hardened heart is futile, because in order to answer that, a person will begin to mention things that only one with the Holy Spirit of God can comprehend, things that a non-believer considers fallacy because of their hardened dark hearts. Nobody created God because God is not a part of  this world, He's not a part of time and space like we are. Where God resides, in His perfect and wonderful domain, there is no time only eternity. God is an eternal being, He is the One that was and is and is to come, end of story. Many times in scripture God speaks about there being none that He answers to, no one that He seeks council from, none that He has to repay. " Before me there was no God formed nor shall there be after Me. I, even I am the Lord, and besides Me there is no savior.'" Isaiah 43:10 nkjv. "“Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel, And his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: ‘I am the First and I am the Last; Besides Me there is no God. And who can proclaim as I do? Then let him declare it and set it in order for Me, Since I appointed the ancient people. And the things that are coming and shall come, Let them show these to them. Do not fear, nor be afraid; Have I not told you from that time, and declared it? You are My witnesses. Is there a God besides Me? Indeed there is no other Rock; I know not one.’” Isaiah 44:6-8 nkjv. One of my favorite books and chapters in the Bible is the book of Isaiah, in it, there is a verse where God declares, "Indeed before the day was, I am He; and there is no one who can deliver out of My hand; I work, and who will reverse it?" Isaiah 43:13 nkjv. Before the day was, God was here, "I am He", that alone speaks volumes about creation and God. God is the sole source of life, being the (only) Creator of all life forms. God was never a pupil, He is the source of wisdom and knowledge. God isn't a servant, He is the Master. There is none greater who can tell Him , "Come let me chastise You". God has answered those who have questioned Him time and time again, one of the best replies from God is in the book of Job, Job 38 to be exact. God starts out by asking Job, "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the world? Tell me if you have understanding." Job 38:1 nkjv. Who can face God and answer that question? Job couldn't, he knew he wasn't there. That question God asked and all the questions He asked in Job 38-41, can be directed to all atheists and other non-believers, none of which I am sure any one of them can answer.

Let say there's a blind man, and he over hears two men talking about the sky; one man said that the sky is certainly blue, the other says the sky doesn't exist. Being uncertain the blind man decides in his heart  he’ll go with the idea there is no sky, technically he hasn’t seen it, right?  Well, the sky is real, and it’s still there all day everyday. The blind man here is no different from a person who is spiritually blind. In fact, there is always a spiritual meaning behind the physical miracles Jesus did in the Gospels, and healing the blind man was one of them. Whenever something physical has happened in the Bible to God's people it's either a replica of something Spiritual that has happened, is happening, or that will happen. If a Christian goes to a blind man (spiritually blind) and says, "God is real!", and someone comes along and says, "He's not!", the spiritually blind man will believe there is no God because He’s blind to the truth, technically he hasn’t seen God, right?. Well, God is real, and He’s been here even before the first day on earth was declared. Both also share another thing in common. True vision for the visually impaired and spiritually blind individual can only come from Jesus Christ. Jesus is able to restore the visually impaired man's vision, and He is able to give the spiritually blind man sight, making the him now capable of discerning and accepting  the truth. It’s difficult to get a person who believes in evolution to believe that God created the world, without first having the veil removed from their eyes, and honestly I think it would be nothing more than casting pearls, because these persons are fully convinced in their minds that God doesn't exist. If you believe that the earth was formed from atoms, and humans evolved from apes, you're spiritually blind, but Jesus is able to help you if you do not allow your heart to be harden. As it is written, “But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God should shine upon them.” 2 Corinthians 4:3-4. That light is the truth, that light is Jesus Christ, who is here to set people in spiritual bondage to sin free. Atheist are not exempt from the healing power, forgiveness and mercy of Jesus Christ, no sinner is; but like all who sin and fall short of the glory of God, they must be born again and believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and the One Who is able to wash away our sins reconciling us to the Heavenly Father, God, our Creator.

There are people out there who believe that God did create the world, but still can't help but to wonder about certain things. Even Jeremiah questioned God about His Judgments. God was asked in the book of Jeremiah 12:1, "Why does the wicked prosper? Why are those happy who deal so treacherously?" The Lord's reply to Jeremiah is that judgement will come to them, because they have refused to hear His words, because they have followed their own hearts, they worshiped and served other gods. God said they are not to be proud, but give Glory to Him before His wrath is unleashed and it is too late. God is a God that would much rather you rend your heart than your garments, Joel 2:13, "And tear your hearts, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and relents from sending calamity." How many obey though?

It is really no use disputing anything with a person who denies the existence of God, especially when they become hostile, it is even commanded in the Book of Titus 3:10-11 that we ought to, "Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned." Also it is said,  "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God." Psalm 14:1. But why do we still go on to others and preach the gospel when faced with so much adversity and rejection, when it seems that there are more divisive persons out there warped and content with sinning, than those who are actually sincerely interested in the truth? It is because those who are of God's flock hears His voice, and we are the ambassadors of Jesus Christ, so when we start sharing the truth, no matter what, those who are indeed of God will hear the things of God and be separated from the crowd. As written in the book of 1 Corinthians 3:7,  neither the one who plants or the one who waters is anything, it is God that gives the increase. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God, Romans 10:17. 

So, we as believers holding firm to His truth, which is the only truth; and trusting in the promise, simply do the work in obedience to the Lord, who said we ought to go out and preach the Gospel. Believers were created by God to be His witnesses, "'You are my witnesses,' says the Lord, "and My servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He'" When someone is on trial what role does the witnesses' serve? They are to give truthful testimony to the questions that are asked to them. Unlike a trial held in a court of law where a witnesses' testimony  is based on what they saw, Christians testify by their faith, which consists of the evidence of things unseen, case in point, God. Is God on trial? Not exactly, but, "certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God, and Lord Jesus Christ." Jude 1:4 nkjv. Because of that, we as servants and witnesses of the only living God, make it our life's mission to establish the truth about God, by sharing the Gospel and sending out clarion calls for repentance. "In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established." 2 Corinthians 13:1.