The Holy One of Israel is our King

“Who is like you among the gods, O LORD— glorious in holiness, awesome in splendor, performing great wonders? Exodus 15:11 I Will Exalt You, My God and King We serve a God who brings forth miraculous visitations, astonishing and extravagant wonders! We serve a God who is merciful, gracious, slow to anger and abounding in love – so much love, so deeply true and loyal toward us! He is Elohim – Creator. He is El-Shaddai- the all-breasted one. He’s Elyon-the Most-High God. He is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent. Not even the highest heavens can contain him! The heavens declare His glory and handiwork! There are truly no words to describe or magnify Him! He is indeed indescribable. There are no words in the English dictionary to articulate how beautiful and glorious He is. The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forging iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.” Exodus 34:6-7 He’s glorious in holiness, He’s awe-inspiring, fearsome, amazing and remarkable. His Almighty power causes all to marvel. He is exalted far above all other gods. No other god or idol can compare to Him. He has no equal. He has no rivalry. Lover and Keeper over our souls. Author and Finisher of our Faith. For what God is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might? How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth! How great thou art! How wonderful is your name above all the earth? Who can’t fathom His knowledge, wisdom and understanding? I read this somewhere that I thought was so profound: Our finite minds cannot wrap themselves around His infinite mind and glory. I long for Him deeply. My soul and spirit thirst for you in a dry and thirsty land. My flesh yearns for you alone. As the deer pants for the waters, my soul pants after the living God! I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of the Lord than dwell in the tents of the wicked. Better is one day in your courts than a thousand’s elsewhere! Praise the LORD YAHSHUA!! He is the King of Glory! Psalm 24:8-9 - Lift up your heads, O gates! Be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of Glory may enter! Who is this King of Glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O gates! Be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of Glory may enter! What will I give to the LORD [in return] For all His benefits toward me? [How can I repay Him for His precious blessings?] Psalms 116:12

"A Heap Sees, but a Few Knows”

 

I used to hear older people say, “A heap sees, but a few know.” I didn’t fully understand what it meant then, but I definitely understand it better now. Lately, I’ve been hearing this in my spirit. I haven’t heard anyone say it in a very long time, but there is so much truth to this old saying. It implies that those on the outside looking in have no clue what others are going through. To illustrate, it’s like looking at the exterior of a beautiful, picture-perfect home and not knowing that it could very well be a house of horror. Hence, people will judge, condemn, lie on you, and draw false conclusions about you because they do not know your heart or the entire story, which only God Almighty knows and can judge. One day, I heard a preacher say, “The other half has never been told.” YES indeed! There are many sides to a story, but only the LORD and those involved truly know the TRUE story. If I told the whole truth, people wouldn’t be able to handle or accept it. All of the details will be saved for the big screen. Apparently, things can appear to be one way, but nothing is ever quite like it seems to be. Another saying I used to hear is, “All that glitters is not gold.” People are on the outside looking in: In particular, the Lord has blessed me with His abundant and extravagant joy and peace. People see me laughing through difficult times, grief, challenges, and suffering, but it’s all Him. Amidst my storms, His indwelling Spirit brings me tremendous joy and peace that surpasses all human understanding. All Glory to the MOST-HIGH GOD, the GOD of ISRAEL! I have nothing to do with it; it’s available to everyone, and that’s the beauty of it all. It will cost you something to have this kind of experience. Spending less time on the phone, texting, or social media and spending more time in His presence or studying the Bible is the answer. There is a price that most people are unwilling to pay; however, sacrifices must be made. You can’t do what you want anymore. Certain temptations, things, people, situations, and relationships must be rejected. Your YES to the Lord JESUS will cost you your life and will. Your life is no longer your own. In Luke 14, the Scripture tells us to count the cost. God stated that He would rather you be hot or cold and that if you are lukewarm, He will spit you out of His mouth. “So, because you are lukewarm (spiritually useless), and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth [rejecting you with disgust]” (Revelation 3:16 AMP). “He alone gives beauty for ashes, joy for mourning and praise for heaviness” (Isaiah 61:3). I don’t know about anybody else, but let me tell you the truth, I can’t face the day, tomorrow, or my future without YAHSHUA Hamashiach (Jesus Christ) of NAZARETH! God has brought me peace amid my storms, as only He can! Alleluia! Even after you have helped, blessed, and showed them the love of Christ, some individuals will despise and dislike you for no reason. This is demonic. However, we know that they hated Jesus and that all He did was save and help others. If you claim to be a Christian yet lack love, I’m sorry to break the news to you; you don’t know the God of the Bible, and you don’t belong to Him. 1 John 4:7-9 - Beloved, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God’s love was revealed among us: God sent His one and only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him.… The other day, I watched a movie about a mother who raised her two sons single-handedly. The father abandoned them, so she had to work two jobs to make ends meet. There were days when she fed her children without herself eating. She would go on different dates, but they would leave once they discovered she was a single mother. There were two scenes where she had a knife and was contemplating suicide, and in another, she was dealing with depression to the point that she couldn’t get out of bed. That could be you or me; in fact, all I could think of was God’s amazing, supernatural, and extravagant grace. I thank God for the promise of the precious gift of the Holy Ghost, our Comforter! I feel like shouting and dancing right now. Later in the movie, one of her sons becomes wealthy and famous. Unfortunately, many individuals will never understand or appreciate the sacrifices made by those who have achieved a certain level of success. They are just interested in the glitz and glamour. To that effect, they are blind to the anguish, suffering, and sacrifices that certain people endure behind closed doors, but God sees everything (Jehovah Roi). For the most part, I am a living witness and can testify that He will always bring restoration, restitution, recompense, and blessings and give us double for our trouble. This is from first-hand experience, not what I heard or read. So, how can someone pass judgment, speak harshly about others, or look down on them? God is watching and listening, and you will be held accountable for your actions. Your deeds will be returned back to you. I suggest you repent and turn away from this foolishness. Be careful. This is not the time for such folly, especially in these trying times we are experiencing. Things can appear one way but be totally different from what you may see. Many people lack discernment and need to pray for it. What is discernment? Discernment is defined as keen perception or judgment; insight; the ability to judge well. Some people might call it the ability to size people up. Many are fooled, tricked, and misled by the outer appearances of individuals with their crooked smiles. These good actors can appear innocent and pitiful with their foul, filthy hearts. They fool many but can’t fool the one, true, living, holy, and righteous GOD who will judge them for their evil ways. If that is you, again, I urge you to repent (ask God for forgiveness and stop your wickedness). Some base their opinions of you on what they have heard others say, yet they don’t know anything about you. They don’t have a relationship with you and don’t even talk to you or try to get to know you. Many have missed out on their blessing because of their preconceived notions about a person. Pray for a keen discernment so that you won’t be fooled! To summarize, don't pass judgment on someone if you don't know the truth about them, their circumstances, or enough facts about their story. That is dumb, ignorant, and messy, and God is displeased with this sort of behavior. This is why some are going through the same mess year after year. Check out this blog that I came across during my research which pretty much sums it all up: Beloved, just know that often times other people’s lives seem to be so much more exciting, so much more joyful, and so much more wonderful than our so-called hum drum lives; but that is not the case. People can see the outside of a situation but only the folk on the inside know what the real deal is. That spouse seems to be so much more loving than your spouse because what is reflected to the world is such a nice, sweet, caring, and tender-hearted person when in reality, that individual may be mean, hateful, uncaring, harsh and evil spirited. The other spouse knows who they really are; the kids know who they really are, and some acquaintances really know them, but you only know what you see. In public, they dote on their loved ones; in public they have the latest gadgets (cars, phones, clothes, etc.); in public they seem like God’s greatest gift. The house is spotless; the yard is manicured; the parties they throw are off the chain; they have the latest hair styles, jewelry, televisions, movies, and the like. The kids are in the most prestigious schools that money can buy. The pets even have their pet care appointments. Oh, how you wish your life was like theirs. Well hold on a minute there, partner! Heap sees; but, few know! Are you certain that what you see is what you want? That house may be a house of horrors. Every day there is an uncovering in the world. People that you would never think had issues are having their issues revealed. Do you really want what you see? On the news you can unmistakably hear the words, “They seemed like such good people – no one would ever suspect them of doing that!” Looking at the life you have and thinking that a mistake has been made is a slap in your own face. You have decided that the decisions that you made were not worthy and the choices you made about loving your spouse was erroneous. If your spouse loves you as you are, you are blessed. If your children adore the very moment you step in their presence, you are blessed. If your house is paid for or your mortgage is being paid and your financial needs are being met, you are blessed. If you have friends and they delight in you and you in them, you are blessed. If you are thinking otherwise, what does that say about you? Stop looking over the fence at someone else’s field. You don’t know what’s really going on! It looks good; it sounds like fun; everything seems to be sparkling; all seems to be well; but watch out “Sin is crouching at the door!” Genesis 4:7 Thinking someone else’s offering or life gift is better - opens the door up for sin. While you are lusting for their life, your life is slipping by. While you are admiring their children, your children are growing up feeling unloved. While you are grieving over someone else’s house, your house is falling apart. It takes work to work a marriage. It takes work to raise a child. It takes work to maintain a household. It takes work and a lot of it. If someone’s life is worthy of emulation, it’s because they put in sweat equity. You had better believe that they are worker bees and they will stand united to protect their investment. Be faithful over a few things and watch God give you authority over much more. If you keep pursuing someone else’s everything, you just may get what you ask for: an abuser, a cheat, an alcoholic, a debtor, a pornographer, a whoremonger, a liar, etc. You will never prosper trying to tear down another person’s life. You won’t get the good; you will get the bad. Remember the scripture, “Reap what you sow?” What has God blessed you with? Peace in your home? Now you want to upset that peace with something else? Has He given you obedient children? Now you expose your children to your greedy spirit and then all hell breaks out in your house. Do you have a job with benefits? Now you want a career where there is a “cut throat” policy in place. They don’t like you and you can’t stand them, but you are getting paid – even though you can’t sleep at night and your hair is falling out. What is this life but a vapor? Lusting after something better (you think) is such a waste of your time when God has already blessed you with greater. Father’s Word says, “You want things, but you cannot have them, so you are ready to kill; you strongly desire things, but you cannot get them, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have what you want because you do not ask God for it.” James 4:2

In Pursuit of God's Glory!

There is a righteous remnant who is seeking more and wants more from God. They are tired of the status quo. This remnant wants to see the signs, wonders, and miracles that the men/women of old saw. They want to experience His presence and the Kavod which is Hebrew for the weight of His glory. The kind of glory that the High Priest would experience when they entered into the Holy of Holies. When the weight of glory filled God’s house, the priests could not stand to minister. No one can stand under this weightiness and heaviness of His glory (2 Chronicles 5:14). As I have studied the lives of different men and women of God during this lifetime, I stand in awe of what many were able to accomplish; people like Smith Wigglesworth, one of his protege, Mother Mary Jenkins, Charles Finney, Evan Roberts (Welch Revival), William Seymour (Azuza Street Revival) and my Pastor John Kilpatrick from the Brownsville Revival, along with many others. These men and women have seen many raised from the dead, strip clubs shut down, people at mental institutions have their minds restored, police officers laid off due to crime rates dropping, and creative miracles where arms, legs, and hands grew where there was none. However, the most important thing is the souls. God’s desire is for none to perish. “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief” (2 Peter 3:9). Many are praying for an outpouring of His spirit because we know that Jesus is the only answer to the world’s problems today! One day, I was thinking, “Lord, why are we not seeing these kinds of manifestations like these men and women of God?” Although some are experiencing glorious and miraculous manifestations in different areas and spurts. Plus, we are just not hearing much about it. So, the Lord said to me, “It’s still happening.” I’m still moving by my spirit and according to My Word. He’s still working miracles, signs, and wonders. He’s still proving just how great and awesome He is! He took me back to a few outreach events that we implemented where we saw the Lord Jesus show up and change the region. He came into that region and changed the atmosphere. Here are a few instances: After having two Youth Empowerment Outreach (anti-drug, tobacco, alcohol) events in Pomona, California, which was considered a “hotbed” for gang activity, ceased in this area. My spiritual daughter, who used to be a gang member and gave her life to Christ, confirmed this. At these events, we prayed over the community and had gospel singers/rappers and speakers praise and worship God, lifting up the name of Jesus. God showed up, and when He did, things changed for the betterment. All glory to GOD! So, never underestimate your prayers and when you pray in your community. God promised us the power to tread upon serpents and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy (Luke 10:19). The effective, sincere, hot fiery prayers of a righteous man/woman avails much! (James 5:16). On another occasion, we went to a really bad, high-crime area where many are afraid to go. A group of us stood on the corner of Mack and Bewick in Detroit, Michigan, and prayed against principalities, powers, rulers, and spiritual wickedness in that area. Some of the people came to us with guns strapped to them requesting prayer. There were also some folks who gave us the side/evil eye. There were some people telling us that we shouldn’t be in that area. My Bible says in 1 John 4:4, “Greater is He that’s within me than He that’s in the world.” I advise you to be Holy Spirit-led. Always let the Lord Jesus lead, guide, direct, and order your steps. He will protect you wherever He sends you. Afterward, I checked the news often to see if any crimes had taken place, and there were no killings or murders reported for months after this outreach. All glory to God! We have prayed for individuals on their death bed and seen them come back to life after the doctor had given up on them. We have seen the sick healed, deliverance of depression and have believed for God to even raise the dead, which we have not seen, but have faith that we will. A young lady I prayed for was taken off of depression medication after being on it for years. I have witnessed healing in my own body. I was healed of a tumor in my stomach. Over a year ago, I couldn’t eat solid foods or certain drinks for 40 days and lost 49 pounds. I thought I would never eat a steak or a beef burger. However, God restored health unto my bones! Once, we encountered a raging storm and after going into prayer and spiritual warfare, we seen the storm/winds stop and so much more. Just this week, we saw a knot on someone's head shrink. We have seen plans of the devil aborted even lives extended through the power of prayer, fasting, praise and worship! Thank you, LORD JESUS! I know some prayers for which we’ve prayed have not happened for some because of their unbelief and disobedience. I have learned that God will not override our individual freewill as well. God is sovereign and will pour out His blessings on the just as well as the unjust. The Bible says that He sits in heaven and does what He pleases (Psalm 113:5). We see in the Bible where Paul had a thorn in his side which was some kind of illness that Jesus didn't remove and we see Jacob walked with a limp. We just don’t know why some are healed and raised up while others are not. Isaiah 55: 8-9 - “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. During the pandemic, the Lord led us to go to downtown Detroit and pray in front of the TCF Arena, where they spent $9 million to build a field hospital with 1,000 beds to treat thousands of COVID-19 patients, but after we went into spiritual warfare and prayed against this, they ended up only treating 39 patients, and it was closed down in a few months. All glory to GOD ALMIGHTY! I'm sure others were praying against this too. Although we have seen spurts of His glory and miracles, like others, I believe we will see an outpouring of His spirit and glory on a larger scale. There is a remnant who is believing that we will see hospitals emptied and people healed, minds restored in mental institutions, the dead raised, people coming out of the morgues, and crime rates dropping in these high-crime areas. The Lord revealed to me a while ago that there are certain things we will not be able to curtail because of sin, wickedness and the people’s rejection, disrespect and dishonor for a Holy, Sovereign and Righteous God. Although, He is long-suffering and full of compassion toward us. He has to judge sin. Let’s keep bombarding heaven and believe by faith that this will happen again in the mighty, awesome, powerful, and miraculous name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. He’s well able to do it!! He is a miracle-worker and promise-keeper indeed!!

Obedience is better than Sacrifice

 

Before I start, I want to share a testimony from my cousin. She recounted to me how the Lord had placed it upon her heart to call this young man. Have you ever been in that situation where the Lord gives you specific instructions to do and you're reluctant? You feel tired and don’t want to be bothered. Well, that was exactly how she felt. She was lying down and tired when the Lord spoke to her.  Still, she obeyed and called this young man. Little did she know that this man had a gun and was about to take his life. Because of her obedience to the spirit of the Lord, this young man lives today. She prayed for him, and God intervened supernaturally. Let's give God the glory. Thank you, Lord Jesus. You didn't have to do this, but you did. We're just so grateful, Alleluia. God deserves all the praise, honor and the glory!  I thank God for my cousin’s act of obedience. I’m so happy that she didn’t ignore or act like she didn't hear the spirit of the Lord speaking to her. 

And that is what brings me to my topic again; Obedience is better than Sacrifice. Let's look at two scriptures about obedience. The book of Isaiah 1:19 says, “If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land.” How many of you all want the good of the land? Another version says, “If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best of the land” (Isaiah 1:19 NASB). Alleluia, Jesus. I will take that promise.  I strive to be obedient.

I recall the story of how King Saul disobeyed God by not killing Agag, the Amalekite king, and saved sheep and cattle for a sacrifice. Here we see the Prophet Samuel cautioning Saul about his disobedience in the book of 1 Samuel 15:22. “But Samuel replied, 'does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord?' To obey is better than Sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.” 

God didn't want his sacrifices (animal sacrifices). God wanted Saul's obedience and submission to Him. That's just so powerful. Yet, Saul disobeyed and did otherwise, which cost him to be dethroned as King.  

I think about how many blessings some people miss because they just refuse to be obedient to what God is telling them to do, His instructions, laws and commands and then they ask the question, “Why am I not receiving certain rewards and blessings.” Sometimes we need to take self-inventory and reflect on the questions, “Am I doing what God asked me to do?” “Am I obedient to His will,” “Am I obedient to what He told me to do, whatever that might be.” If you have been disobedient, ask God to show you in what area you've been disobedient and help you do better and do what is right in His eyesight.  

I'll share a testimonial of a personal experience with a young lady. It was a while ago, just as my cousin, I was laying down resting my nerves and burned-out with people.  The Lord laid it upon my heart to call this young lady friend of mine, and I said, “Oh Lord, I'm so tired, I don't feel like talking on the phone.” How many of you all know that if we really love the Lord, we want to obey and please Him.  We want to do what He tells us to do. So, I made the phone call and told her what the Lord placed upon my heart... And the next day, she called me, saying, “You need to know that I held a hand full of prescription pills when you called me, and I was about to commit suicide. After you gave me that word from the Lord, that was what stopped me; I was ready to die.” Hearing this, I just said, “Thank you, Jesus.”  I began giving God the glory for saving her life. People are suffering; you just never know what they are going through. When God tells you or lays upon your heart to do something, do it. You never know which life you might be saving. It might be life-saving. 

I give God glory and praise for an ear to hear and obey His voice. This is not about us. Supposed I would have disobeyed and my cousin as well, things would have turned out tragically for these two precious souls of God. 

I thank God for those who are obedient and endeavor to be obedient. But some of you need to step up your game, obey God, do what He says that all might go well with you and that you might receive the blessings that He has for you. Deuteronomy 28 talks about the blessings of being obedient to His words, instructions and commands.  You can read that when you get the chance. The Bible passage also talks about the curses when you disobey His commands. This is the Word of God, not mine; Obedience is better than Sacrifice. If we are willing and obedient, we will eat the good of the land. He doesn't delight in our sacrifices as much as obeying the Him. Alleluia!

Help us to obey You, God; help us do what You tell us to do. We need Your help. “He is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in the time of trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

May God bless you and be with you and your family!

God is Not to be Trifled and Philandered With

Today I would like to discuss Leviticus 10:1 - ”And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not.”

What a privilege and an honor for Nadab and Abihu to be invited to participate in such a holy and sacred ceremony. Yet, it became a solemn day for these two eldest sons of Aaron, the High Priest. They had been drinking and were inebriated before going before the Lord. 

Moses specially chose them to go up unto the Lord along with Aaron, and the 70 elders. What a special invitation this was.

However, they offered up a strange fire which was common fire, a fire that had not been taken from the altar of the burnt offering as it ought to have been.  A fire that God did not authorize.  It had not been prepared in the manner ordered by the Law.  They chose to defile and disrespect it, which was dangerous.  They didn’t follow God’s instruction. This act of disrespect, dishonor, and disobedience caused instant death! 

I thank God for His only begotten Son, Yahshua (Jesus), our sacrificial Passover Lamb who died on that old rugged tree for you and me!  If it weren’t for the blood of the precious Lamb of God, many of us would be consumed!  Blessed is He who was, who is and who is to come!!!   We have a great High Priest who shed His blood, giving us access to the Holy of Holies, to God’s Throne room.

What did they do wrong?

1. Only one person was supposed to offer up incense.

2. The unauthorized sacrifice was contrary to God’s command.

The cost:

Fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them.

God is to be honored, and we need to approach Him as such. In Leviticus 10:3, God says – “Among those who approach me I will show myself holy; in the sight of all the people I will be honored.”.

Sadly, we see this same plight for the sons of the Priest Eli, whose wayward sons - Hophni and Pinehas took advantage of their priestly positions by bribery and corruption. Both had a tragic end, along with their father. Interestingly, this Priest was a descendant from the lineage of Ithamar, the fourth and youngest son of Aaron the High Priest. 

We thank the God of Israel, the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob for His son, Jesus, Savior of the world. However, we should never assume that we can use His blood to play or toy with the Holy One of Israel.

"The Love of Many Will Grow Cold”

Hearts Growing Cold

 

 

Jesus did say in the last days men’s hearts would wax cold and we truly see it like we’ve never seen before.  It really should not be a shock when we see those things which JESUS spoke about come to pass!  I have to remind myself of this.

 

“And,” Jesus said, “because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many 

will grow cold” (Matthew 24: 12).

 

2 Timothy 3:1–4 says, But, mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.

 

The word cold means lacking affection or warmth of feeling; unemotional. Callous means showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others and heartless means displaying a complete lack of feeling or consideration.  Boy, are we not seeing this behavior displayed right before our eyes?

 

I’ve looked in the faces of people possessed by demons.  I’ve had to deal with people whose hearts are callous, jealous, and downright evil.  Some smile in your face, but they despise you inwardly, just as Michal the daughter of Saul despised King David (2 Samuel 6:16).  I’ve been talked about, lied on, mistreated, dishonored, disrespected, envied, threatened, verbally attacked, but if God is for me, who can be against me (Romans 8:31)? I know there are other remnant believers who has gone through some of the same things. 

 

Lord knows, it could always be worse.  After writing this blog, my spiritual mother told me that a close friend pulled a gun out on her.  Lawd have mercy!

 

I must testify that the LORD has given me beauty for ashes and has honored me indeed and in ways that I cannot even articulate.  I give Him GLORY!  It’s dangerous to come up against God’s anointed.  We see what happened to Saul. Things did not end well for him at all. 

 

However, I’ve also ran across sweet, godly, thoughtful and precious men and women of God whose love and acts of kindness I will never forget. I forgive and bless those who have hurt me.  I have to bless my enemies and those who despitefully use and persecute me because this is what the Bible instructs us to do.  The LORD regularly reminds me that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, rulers, darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12).  However, I dare not fellowship or be in a relationship with those that despise me and wish me harm and not good.

 

2 Corinthians 4: 8-10-We are pressured in every way [hedged in], but not crushed; perplexed [unsure of finding a way out], but not driven to despair; hunted down and persecuted, but not deserted [to stand alone]; struck down, but never destroyed; always carrying around in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the [resurrection] life of Jesus also may be shown in our body.

 

Jesus said, you will know my disciples by the love they show toward one another. John 13:35-By this, everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you have love and unselfish concern for one another.”

 

One of the Hebrew words for love is Avaha, meaning to give. Christ love asks, how can I alleviate your burdens?  How can I help you and ease or lighten your load?  It encourages, inspires, builds up as well as rebuke.

 

The Bible tells us to love not only in words but in deeds (1 John 3:18). The word compassion means sympathetic, pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.

1 Corinthians 13

Love is patient, love is kind.

It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It does not dishonour others,

it is not self-seeking,

it is not easily angered,

and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight 

in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects,

always trusts,

always hopes,

and always perseveres.

Love never fails.

 

When asked what the greatest commandment is, Jesus said, “Hear oh Israel the LORD, our GOD is one!  Love the LORD your God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength! And love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:29).

 

Sometimes you can see so much jealousy, ugliness, wickedness, ungodliness, and evil to the point where it can overwhelm you if you are not careful.  The adversary wants you to think that everyone is evil, selfish, heartless, and mean-spirited, but that’s not the case.  You can’t magnify them or give these people your energy, time, or thoughts.  They will reap what they have sown.  The same measure they give will be returned to them.   

 

God still has a few good men and women in the world today; those who are honest, loving, caring, and kind with the sincere heart of the Lord Jesus.  I have been so fortunate to meet such people, and for that, I am super grateful.  Although, they are few and far  between (rare).  Throughout the Bible, we see that God had righteous men and women strategically placed in different places for different seasons and reasons.  He uses who He pleases to execute His will, promises and His Word!

 

Even though Saul resented King David, his son Johnathan was knitted together with David like a brother. They had a special bond/relationship. God used the prostitute Rahab to hide Joshua and the spies.  Her life and the lives of her family members were saved because of her act of courage. Elijah had Elisha, who attached himself to the Prophet Elijah and received a double portion of his anointing. Be strategic about who you attach yourself to. Ruth vowed herself to her mother-in-law Naomi who was like a mother to her and received blessings and rewards. Naomi’s bitterness was turned into blessings.

 

I want to urge you to continue to love, continue to do what is right and just. God will reward you in so many different ways - peace, love, joy unspeakable, divine/perfect health, prosperity, strength, protection, supernatural insight/wisdom/blessed marriage, and so much more!  You can’t put a price tag on God’s blessings!  There is not enough money in the world that can buy them.  HE is indeed faithful, loyal, and trustworthy! There is none like Him, none beside Him, and none to compare to Him!

 

I want to encourage you to set your gaze on JESUS, the Author & Finisher of your faith.  Lover, Keeper, and Bishop over your soul.

 

Who is like you, glorious in his holiness, fearsome and glorious and doing wonders? ... Who is like to thee among the gods, O Lord? who is like to thee?  

Exodus 15:11

 

God will always assign a special person to help you walk through difficult times in your life and will show you the love of Christ.  I’ve seen it countless times.  When one person doesn’t do what they are supposed to do for you, He will raise up someone else.  As the old saying goes, one monkey don’t stop no show.  He will always rescue and take care of His own.

 

As believers in CHRIST, you will be hated, persecuted, ridiculed, and talked about, but remember JESUS said, they hated me first, so don’t be alarmed or surprised. It’s a part of this Christian walk. This walk is not for the faint of heart. JESUS has promised that those who endure until the end shall be saved.  Hallelujah!

 

Know this; He will give you double for your trouble. The blessings of the LORD will overtake and overshadow you!  He will give you recompense, restoration, and restitution for all you’ve been through. I am a living testimony!  I’m not telling you what I read or heard.  I’m telling you what I know to be the truth! All Glory to You LORD JESUS!  He will give you beauty for ashes, joy for mourning and the garment of praise for heaviness   (Isaiah 61:3). HE is a MAN of HIS WORD! HE cannot lie!

 

Let me say the blessings of the LORD are overtaking me like I can’t explain or properly articulate.  God has carried me, held me up with His mighty right hand and outreached arms. God’s PERMANENT BLESSINGS are upon me and my household. I give HIM ALL the GLORY!!

 

Who wouldn’t serve a GOD like this?

 

While the haters hate, I have seen the LORD JESUS prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies as He promised in His Word and as He showed me in a dream.   People think they are hurting you but are only hurting themselves.  GOD sees their filthy hearts and will judge them accordingly.  Many will fool men but can’t fool the GOD of Israel, the GOD of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Blessed be HIS GLORIOUS name forever and forever!  Unlike man, God looks at the heart and not the outer appearance. 

 

Because I am a giver, and I endeavor to do right and just according to the Word of God, the blessings of the LORD are chasing me down.  I can’t even tell it all.  He said when we give, He will give back to us good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over.  He said He would cause men to give unto our bosoms.  Also, we are Sabbath and Feast-Keepers, which guarantee blessings and rewards on a whole different level.  Since celebrating God’s appointed Feasts, the spiritual insights have been beyond words.  Words cannot describe the personal intimacy and fellowship that has increased with the LORD. 

 

I love to help God’s people.  However, when it becomes one-sided and not reciprocated then we have a problem. There are some people who only wants to be on the receiving end. It doesn’t work that way.  We are supposed to help one another.  There are times when you have to draw a line in the sand and not allow people to take your kindness for weakness or take advantage of you.

 

GOD will always reward us when we do what is RIGHT (in His eyesight, not ours) and help His people.  However, if your heart is defiled and wicked, don’t expect certain blessings or answered prayers until you repent and get right with the LORD and those you have wronged. 

 

In my closing, people need to be cognizant of how they loosely throw around the words, “I love you.”  I implore you to research what the true biblical word love means.  Do you truly have the “Love of Christ”?  When I say these words, for me, it’s the God kind of love. Love is an action word, not just lip service.  Truthfully speaking, there is only a remnant who exudes this true authentic genuine love of CHRIST.  

 

I have watched how the elderly and less fortunate are mistreated, used and taken advantage of, and observed the social and economic injustices and inequalities in the world.  It’s really sad and displeasing to God, and He is taking notice.  Evil doing is a stench in the nostrils of a Holy God.  He will reward you according to your deeds whether evil or good.  

 

The Bible tells us that those who He loves, he does chastise.  As a mouthpiece of God, I implore you to repent and turn away from your wicked/evil ways while you have time and do what is right/just in His eyesight.

 

Jesus said I didn’t come to bring peace but a sword!  “Do not think that I have come to bring peace on the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword [of division between belief and unbelief] 

Mathew 10:34.

 

 

Nobody But JESUS!

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. Revelation 12:11

You may be asking, what do I mean by the title, Nobody but Jesus?  Well, I’m glad you asked.  With an unexpected loss of a loved one, a demonic attack against my body, having to serve as a caregiver, working on projects and looking at evil, wicked and ungodly people, and other things that I am not at liberty to speak on right now, let me tell you, it was a rough season. But I’m still standing because of nobody but Jesus! He has been my Rock, my Fortress, my Strong Tower. He has been my Wonderful Counselor, Comforter, Great Physician and my Therapist!  He is a Keeper!  He is the Bishop and Shepherd over my soul and a promise keeper indeed!  He is my Sustainer! He is my EVERYTHING! There are truly no words to describe HIM or MAGNIFY HIM!  There are no words that can really articulate what He means to me!

 

I thank GOD for the EFFECTIVE, SINCERE, HOT, FIERY PRAYERS of RIGHTEOUS MEN AND WOMEN THAT AVAILS MUCH 

(James 5)!  

 

It all started back in February. I went to my parents’ house to bring them some chicken from Boston Market. After warming up their food, I ate a small piece of the outside of the chicken.  It was kind of hard. Had I known what would have transpired from eating that small piece of hard chicken, Lord knows, I would have left that crap alone.  Lord have mercy! Trust me; it wasn’t even worth the forthcoming suffering. When I got home, it felt like it got stuck in my chest.  Let me tell you; it was the worse feeling ever.  My husband and I kept praying, and I kept drinking lots of water, trying to get it down, but it would not budge.  I thought I was going to have to go to the hospital or urgent care.  After continuing this for a few hours, it eventually went down.  Praise God! However, from there on, things got worse.  I couldn’t eat any solid food or swallow any pills for almost 40 days. This was the kicker, not being able to swallow any pills.  So, every time a doctor would give me medication in pill form, I couldn’t take it.  I had to call and ask them if I could get it in capsules or in a pill that I could open and pour on my food. It was getting tiresome. My body was super sensitive at the time.   I was stressed about taking any kind of pharmaceuticals or eating food, period. I would go into a panic attack because I had an allergic action to almost everything.  It was like a nightmare, but God held me up with His mighty right hand and outstretched arms!  What a mighty and awesome God we serve!!  Nobody but JESUS!!!

 

I went to various doctors, specialists, Urgent Care and went to the hospital twice. I lost 46 pounds.   I was losing weight really fast.  My mother told me that I was losing weight too fast like I could stop it.  This made me really nervous.  I didn’t want to look like a skeleton.  (I had prayed for God to help me lose weight, but not like this).  I will be more specific with my prayers from now on. 

 

We have to be mindful to speak life and not death.  For the Bible tells us that life and death are in the power of our tongue, and we will eat the fruit thereof.  Now, I never speak negativity over my life, but I did prior to this incident. I had to rebuke it and bind it quickly when I realized what I said.  Sometimes we can speak curses playfully and jokingly out of ignorance and wanting to be comical. However, I couldn’t help but wonder if what I said contributed to this physical attack. Thank God He knows that we are but flesh.

 

I contacted a lady who is a prayer warrior from a church I use to attend, and she prayed with me and suggested that I drink some holy water that a friend had given to her from a Pastor out of town.  She shared different testimonies of healing.  She even sent me a picture of her nephew, who the doctors had given up on. He had lost a lot of weight but was healed by the LORD and could eat a full meal a day after drinking the water. My faith was pumped up like it was on steroids. I couldn’t wait till the next day to get some solid food into my belly. I needed something that would stick to my stomach. I felt like I was starving. I was praying that I wouldn’t suffer malnutrition due to not getting enough nutrients through the little broth and small amount of my protein shakes that I could ingest. I collected the water from her and began to take sips throughout the day, saying, “in the name of JESUS,” with every sip.  I drank it for about two weeks, but still no healing.

 

I had no bowel movements for weeks.  Not to be gross, but my bowels were mainly mucus.  They are normal again. Praise God! 

 

In the meantime, I was still providing caregiving duties.  I was weak. I was tired. I was totally stressed out.  I was drained, but I stayed in God’s face!  I stood on my healing scriptures. I took communion when I could get it down. I stayed under my tallit (prayer shawl), and I reached out to prayer warriors for prayer. I would get on a 6 am prayer call almost daily, and whenever a word of healing was spoken, I would grab hold of it and stand on it with every fiber of my being.  It was hard work! There were days when I felt like I would pass out because my body was so weak, but God!

 

I called places to inquire about getting vitamin IVs to go in my arm because I lacked the necessary nutrients. My body began to reject almost everything for a while. I could only take sips of water at a time.  I didn’t want to become dehydrated.  It was a chore to keep the water down, stay focused and positive, and stay in the Word of God.  I ate the Word of God; I slept the Word; I diligently sought and stood on His Word. I meditated on God’s Word day and night and night and day!

 

I was managing until after about 21 days without solid foods. I would have given anything for pizza or a cheeseburger.  Oh, my goodness!  I was tired of watching others eat and enjoy their meals.  I would cry out like blind Bartemeus – Thou Son of David, have mercy on me (Mark 10:47)!

 

I watched my husband eat some of my favorite foods for a while before I couldn’t bear it anymore.  While I was eating chicken broth, he was eating pizza.   I had to repent, but there were many days when I wanted to slap my husband upside his head for eating and smacking in front of me and telling me how good the food was.  I spent my birthday at Urgent Care while giving all of my food gift cards to my husband and watching him devour the food like a savage. Finally, I started to get really irritable and cranky.

 

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers them out of all their troubles! Psalm 34:17

 

I am an alternative medicine kind of girl, always seeking out natural herbs and remedies, but even that couldn’t help me this time.  I could always rely on my herbal supplements, but my body was rejecting almost everything for a time.  Oh my God!  I had to literally trust God to save me.  All I had to rely on was JESUS.  Nobody, but JESUS!

 

That old serpent and adversary was tormenting me with negative thoughts. I couldn’t sleep in my normal position. I had to sleep with my head elevated, or else I would feel so miserable, so I wasn’t sleeping as well as normal.  Throughout this ordeal, after eating anything, I had to stay up for at least 4 -6 hours before going to bed.  All of this was taking a toll on me.

 

I was experiencing anxiety attacks.  I had to take progesterone and magnesium spray with me everywhere to rub my skin to help calm me down.  It was downright frightening.  I had never had anxiety like this.  It was worse when I was riding in the car and before going to bed. It was out of control, like panic on steroids.  It took so much out of me.  I was having heart palpitations and had to see a cardiologist for a series of tests. I thank God they didn’t find any issues.  Hallelujah!

 

He sustained me through this very scary and difficult ordeal as only He alone could do.  There comes a time when “Nobody, but JESUS” can help you!  Mama, daddy, husband, children, or friend cannot help.  The doctors were limited to what they could do, and some simply didn’t care. Some of them were terrible.  With all due respect, every health care worker is not a hero. I’ll leave that alone as another blog for a different day. However, there are some god-sent doctors, and one of them I must give kudos to is my new doctor, Dr. Dang. Right off the bat, she was able to help me navigate my symptoms.   May God’s permanent blessings rest upon her and her family.  Also, my precious husband, Pastor and everybody who stood in the gap for me!  

 

The doctors wanted me to do invasive testing, but I didn’t feel comfortable with this. My husband kept telling me to hang in there and wait on the LORD.  He kept telling me to trust God and have faith that He was going to heal me.  This all sounded good for a while, but then I got tired of hearing that.  I told him God uses the doctors to do their part, and I would just have to do what I have to do. Finally, after almost a month without solid foods, I didn’t want to wait anymore.  I told the LORD that He needed to make haste to help me heal me and not delay. Around the 40th day, I could smash up certain soups with meat and eat it.  Hallelujah!!!  I was ELATED, HAPPY, and beyond ECSTATIC!   Who would have thought that I would be this excited to eat soup?  

 

Hebrews 6:12 - We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who, through faith and patience, inherit what has been promised.

 

 

My husband truly prayed, fasted, encouraged me, and weathered this storm with me when I wanted to give up.  I thank God for him. Lord, knows I do! I spent many days in tears, crying out to God to make haste to help and heal me!  

 

My meals now consisted of malto-meal, soup broths, certain protein shakes, and water.  There were days when I couldn’t get much food or water down.  I was diagnosed with thrush and dysphasia, which made my mouth extremely dry and difficult to swallow.  It was terrible.  I never experienced anything like this before. Nonetheless, I knew things could be worse.  I had to fight and pray against the spirit of fear.  It was major spiritual warfare!  We had to put on the whole of armor of God.  The adversary was trying to tell me that I will never be able to eat my favorite foods again or my favorite lattes.  JESUS, not my lattes, please, sir!  I was reading comments and posts online about people not being able to eat solid foods.  People were saying how they would give anything to eat a hamburger again.  My husband kept telling me - you are going to eat steak, hamburgers and anything you want again!  He kept speaking life and healing to my body and kept going into our prayer room!  I thank God for a godly husband who could go to God and intercede on my behalf.

 

As I moved throughout the days and nights, driving, cooking, cleaning, etc. I would declare, “In the NAME OF JESUS!” There is supernatural power in that name. There is HEALING, DELIVERANCE, MIRACLES, SIGNS, WONDERS, BREAKTHROUGH in that name. I didn't only declare this once or twice. I was consistent. Like Jacob, I refuse to let Him go until He blessed me (Genesis 32:26)!

 

I would put on my praise music and bask in it.  I got in the presence of the LORD JESUS!  I got off the phone and social media.  When you are looking for a healing, you have to put out the negative people, doubters, and naysayers like Jesus did with Jarius' daughter that was brought back from the dead (Mark 5:21).  It was no joke.  This was a very serious time for me.  I laid on my scriptures and audio healing scriptures day and night. You have to eat, sleep, read and diligently seek His Word until you get that breakthrough and answered prayers!

 

It’s amazing how people can take a doctor’s prescriptions as directed, sometimes three or four times a day, but when it comes to standing on God’s scriptures on healing, they will do it only once and expect instant results. Sometimes, God heals immediately, and sometimes we have to endure the sickness for a season and for some even for a lifetime.   

 

I called and went to numerous Holistic places for some relief but found none.  I prayed day and night consistently - LORD, bring me some relief! Please, LORD! I kept writing in my journal - LORD JESUS, bring RELIEF NOW! The relief finally came. Nobody but JESUS! Three weeks ago, I enjoyed eating meatloaf and pizza, but I couldn’t eat the hard crust.  I ate homemade smothered chicken, a Five Guys burger, and I made a homemade banana pudding that was good to my soul. I was able to eat my favorite foods once again and my favorite iced mocha/caramel latte. Recently, I ate a steak.  Oh, my goodness. God, you are so awesome.  I give you praise, honor, and glory!  

 

Like the one leper, I return to you LORD JESUS to say THANK YOU! THANK YOU!  THANK YOU! Also, a special thanks to Dr. Dang for her kindness, concern, patience, and correct diagnosis.   

 

You shall live and not die but declare the works of the living God 

(Psalm 118).

 

Like many, I didn’t have the best earthly physicians or the best health insurance, but I had the GREATEST Physician ever, Dr. JESUS.

 

Key things that helped me get through this:

Effective prayer - Call on prayer warriors and the elders (James 5)

Pick up your sword – The Word of God (Ephesians 6)

Standing on healing scriptures (Proverbs 3:8)

Put out negative folks (Mark 5) – Surround yourself with people who have faith and who believe in God’s miracle-working power!

Praying in the spirit – Building myself up in my most Holy faith, praying in the spirit (Jude 1:20).

Keep a repentant and clean heart – (Psalm 51).

Laughter is like medicine.  Make sure to do your best to get your daily dose (Proverbs 17:22).

 

I don’t know why the Lord permitted this to happen.  However, I know that the scriptures say, “All things work together for good to those who love the Lord.”  I do know what the devil meant for evil God will turn around for good.  Because of the weight loss, I pretty much had to go out and buy a new wardrobe.  I’m truly grateful for that.  

Prior to this ordeal, I had begun eating better and cooking my own food, and I will continue to eat healthier because my body is the temple of the living God.  

 

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:38).

Devine M.