Drinking Alcohol is not a sin...The attempt to become Drunk is the sin

This weekend I had the weirdest thing happen to me, I actually felt like it was a test. I have two facebook account, one that I have no friends on and one I do. I hardly use the one that I have no friends on, that when I got a text message saying Darnell McKenzie has tagged you in some pics, I was puzzled. When I looked at my facebook page, my other account had tagged me in some pics. To me it seem strange that a person would just hack into someone else account and tag them in some pics. And if it was an automatic thing, it was strange because they weren't my pics to begin with. But the pics were of me and my ex, instead of having a relapse I just remember the day. The pictures were actually of the last time liquor had ever touched my lips.

Alcohol was an addiction of mine that I was able to beat, Im not going say its my only addiction but I was able to concur this one with the help of God. I am going give a background of my addiction, then read some chapters. The first time I tasted alcohol, I was five and at a wedding. I was in the wedding party and everyone at the table had a glass of champagne to toast. I remember my expression when I first tasted and couldn't wait for the next toast. When that didn't happen and they were taking everyone's glasses I quickly finish my glass before they came my way. After that I would have Rum cake occasionally. Every time me and my cousins would go to a house party, we would bring our own bottle. Pass it back and forth between each other the whole night, drinking with no chaser. Even have people at the party ask for us to pour them a shot. That was my life and I was in denial that I was an alcoholic. The first time I stopped was when I was on a boarder line break up. My ex didn't like me drinking to begin with, but she deal with it. It not the reason we broke up but i began to have occasional drinks again. The second time I stopped was for myself, and I was able to stop with the help of God. Proverb 23:29-35 reads,

"Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has complaints? who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? Those who linger long at the wine, Those who go in search of mixed wine/ Do not look on the wine with it is red, When it sparkles in the cup, when it swirls around smoothly; At the last bites like a serpent, And stings like a viper. Your eyes will see strange things, And your heart will utter perverse things. Yes, you will be like one who lies down in the midst of the sea, or like one who lies at the top of the mast, saying: 'They have struck me but I was not hurt; They have beaten me, but I did not feel it/ When shall I awake, that I may seek another drink?'"

One most understand that drinking alcohol is not a sin. They are chapter in the bible which says you may drink wine. Read 1 Timothy 5:23.

"No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities."

A little wine can benefit ones health. But notice the verse says a little wine. When some drinks to become drunk, that when the bible states that a person has comited sin. take a look at 1 Corinthians 6:9-10,

"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God."

All things listed in those verses are a form of addiction. Addiction that the world paints as OK. That is why it is said in the bible not to fall in love with worldly things, because the world will paint the picture, that what a person is doing is ok. Titus 2:11-12 reads,

"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age."

Addiction are created to further a person from God. Where a person starts to become dependent on that thing to become happy. Instead of relaying on God for that happiness. The first time I quit, the thought going through my mind was I was using alcohol as a crutch and my ex was all the crutch I needed. With that statement in my head I had minus God once again from the equation of my happiness. So minus my ex, I became dependent on alcohol again. Not as bad as before but I still wanted to get drunk. Take a look at Hosea 4:11-12,

"'Horlotry, wine, and new wine enslaves the heart. My people ask counsel from their wooden idols, and their staff informs them. For the spirit of harlotry has cause them to stray, and they have played the harlot again their God."

When something becomes an addictions, it becomes a corruption of someone pure heart. Like the verse says, it enslaves the heart. I know I have stated in previous post that ones should not judge, and try to become peaceful with all that surround them, especially if you were once that person. In my mind, some people maybe saved, and the possibility your knowledge could benefit them. But 1 Corinthians 5:11-13 reads,

"But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone names a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner -- not even to eat with such a person. For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? But those who are outside God judges. Therefore 'put away from yourselves the evil person.'"

According to these passage, one is not to even keep the company of one as such. When one speaks of peer pressure, its because one absorbs the negative energy of those around them. But as I stated before, they are those exceptions where God place a person in your life to help. Even though me and my Ex had our rough times, she was the first key for me to beat my addiction.

Now when I say I have other addictions I am not talking bout drugs, as you see from above verses they are a lot of other addiction, that most people dont even consider an addition. Things that are capable of breaking a person down, and have a person sin, while knowing it is a sin, are those addictions. The next verse can actually be attached to any addictions. Proverb 20:1 reads,

"Wine is a mocker, Strong drink is a brawler, And whoever is led astray by it is not wise."

Look as it mention Strong drink. Now I mention that alcohol itself is not a sin. It is the one that is tamper with, to have a person drunk faster. Society and media will have a person feeling that, you need to drink to have fun. That is why the verse also says whoever is led astray is is not wise.

Furnace of Affliction

Link to Malice speaking on Furnace of affliction

Im not going type the whole thing, but after watching the video you see the reference chapters, Daniel 3:21-17.

The Furnace of Affliction is what I believe is what happen to me. I do not believe I smelled smoke, but I watch my whole world burn around me. Things that I leeched on, because I thought I needed them to be happy begin to vanish out my life. As stated before the last two years was a living hell for me. I sat alone many times wondering why everything was happening to me. It is like a breaking point in a person life, where everything has failed and they have no one to count on but God. Like in the video, it states some people actually reach out for him and some people stay in their ways. I stayed in my ways for a year, but I am example that God will not give up on you, even when one is hard headed like myself. Isaiah 48:10 states,

"Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction"

It is a test that God gives us as his children. And like any parent, he refuses to give up on them. It is not a punishment like some might feel at the moment. I will talk in my next blog about addictions. But the first time I gave up Alcohol it was not for God, which should of been the main reason. When I did that for him, I was able to stay on track and away from that addiction. Everyone in life has their flaws, but everyone must realize that to fix or partial fix that flaw they must seek God. Take a look at Job 5:6-8 which reads,

"For affliction does not come from the dust, Nor does trouble spring from the ground; Yet man is born to trouble, As the sparks fly upward.'But as for me, I would seek God, And to God I would commit my cause-"

Now a person is tested when they start to doubt, or they as I have stated taken a loan from the devil and feel their sins are ok. During my depress period there were times I question if God had any good intentions for me. I watched him take away a lot, but what he wanted to show me that I should not be dependent on anything but him.

Now another thing that can burn a person is actually a disease. They are a lot of things in the bible that people ignore. Like the unhealthy food section, some people believe that just saying a blessing over your food makes it ok to eat. From not eating healthy or drinking the right stuff people form cancer, heart diseases, diabetics, ect. Once a person has gotten to this stage, it is not too late to seek God, but it got to that point where he had do these things. Following God's words is like an armor against worldly things. That is what the furnace of affliction actually helps us realize. Take a look at Galatians 6:6-9,

"Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."

The key thing to look at in this verse is do not stress through the times you are doing good. As long as your doing it and do not lose heart, you will get your reward. I would always complain that I always there for people and I am still struggling, while they are succeeding. The reason for that was I lost heart, and losing heart is like pressing reset. Take a look at Romans 1:21-23,

"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. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man--And birds and for-footed animals and creeping things."

Knowing God and not recognizing him or questing him, can make a person a fool. It bring corruption back into a person life. A person should never question why God has put them in a certain spot, just realize he will get you out of it if you believe in him. 2 peter 3:9-11 reads,

"The lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long-suffering towards us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in Which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fevent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of person ought you to be in holly conduct and godliness"

When God makes a promise, unlike people of the world, he keeps it. It might not be on your time scheduled, but he will deliver his promise, the question is how much patients does one have. How much strength does one have not to give into the world's temptations.

That is what the furnace is, placing a mirror in front of a person, and actually helping them see them self. And God is hoping this realization will bring them to him. Sometimes it works and sometimes people are too stuck in their own ways to seek God. Or they feel they already have God, but the hand that is guiding them is of the Devil himself. At that point God steps in and try's to help a person acknowledge that. Like most kids, they think their parents enjoy punishing them. That is not so, Ezekiel 33:11 reads,

"Say to them: 'As I live ,'says the Lord God,'I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil way! For why should you die, O house of Israel?'"

There is so much God can do for a person to help them, but if that person refuses his help. He can not help that person. Look at Zechariah13:9.

"I will bring the one-third through the fire, will refine them as silver is refined, And test them as gold is tested.They will call on My name, And I will answer them. I will say, 'This is My people'; And each one one will say, 'The Lord is my God.'"

It just a test of a person strength and wiliness to call for him, and realize that they need him. Realize how a person is living is wrong and knowing accepting your Fathers hands is right.

Jealousy and Envy are forms of sin that sometimes leads to low self esteem.

Proverbs 27:4 reads,

"Wrath is cruel and anger a torrent, But who is able to stand before jealousy?"

One thing God wants us to do, is be happy with what he has provided us. But you will have people that stay unhappy wishing to have what another person has. I have been guilty of this, watching other people get ahead of me, instead of being happy with what God provided for me. While a person sits there dreaming and wishing to have what someone else has, think about how it actually effects them. Trying to be someone else and not accomplishing that goal, can sometimes lead to low self esteem. When a person looks at them self in the mirror, they should be able to see a child of God. But most people look in the mirror then watch TV, and see what the world wants them to be. And they become jealous or envy of others. 1 peter 2:9 reads,

"But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light"

That is how a person should see them self when they look in the mirror. Not be disappointed because another person said they should be this way, or upset because that person they like, likes another person. Then that person becomes jealous of that other person features. Be happy with what God provided you, because you are special in his eyes. Those are the only eyes a person should care about, then there might be another half that God provides.

They speak of the love of money being the root of all evil, but the next think is jealousy, envy and hate. Do people not realize that is why the devil was thrown out of the heavens. He was jealous of God. I am not going type the verses but look up Isaiah 14:12-14, as it talks about him being thrown out of the heavens. Now, everyone knows the devil use to be an angel. If God will throw one of his angels out for this emotion, why do you think he will let someone in that lived their whole life with this emotion. It is one thing to be humble and recognize someone else's blessing, but never wish them for yourself. look at Ezekiel 28:15,

"You were perfect in you ways from the day you were created, Till iniquity was found in you"

Everyone is born perfect in God's eyes. but the media and other people fill others heads that they have flaws. No matter what troubles one have, the one source of finding happiness or fixing problems is God. It is not wishing or hating on another person blessing. Sometimes the person you envy do not even realize their blessing them self. Realize when you envy someone else, you are really telling God, you do not like the work he put into you. James 3:16-17 reads,

"For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy."

We are all born pure, but things of the world corrupt our minds. We start to fell that the things of the world are the things to follow. The things we should worship and envy. Jealousy has us hate or want to be more like a certain thing. Hate leads to angry. The wanting can lead to failure and low self esteem itself. Things of the world play with our minds, and sometimes lead of into depression. Look at Roman 1:1,

"Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things."

Thats an example of when jealousy and envy sometimes can lead to hate or anger. A person spends time to judge and predetermine how another person is. Now Luke 6:41 reads,

"And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye?"

Why do most people not see the beauty that is within them. This image that is uphold by many on how we are suppose to be, and if you do not fit that description, you not wanted. That is another reason the two sins play a part in people life. Everyone wants to be wanted, they start to feel they are not accepted and want to be like the people who are. Look at Roman 12:2,

"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God"

Not what other people think of you, but visualize what God wants of you. How he sees you, do not let people rob you of that.

Never Burn Bridges

I am going start this by reading Romans 12:18,

If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

Bout three days ago I was asked have I gotten over my ex. While being asked this question I actually had a relapse. The person wanted some scriptures that may help them heal. So I said I would get back with them on that. I am not over my ex, in a way. I still Love her, you can not be in a relationship as long as we were and just stop loving someone, the fact she was able to move on, I cant speak on. But I try to pick my words when speaking on the this subject because in life you do not want to burn bridges with people. Even though she chose to completely close the door on our friendship, if she ever wanted to re open, it would be easy.

I have talked about learning to forgive someone no matter what they have done, and also being able to forget that situation too. Since I have gotten in depth in the bible, certain songs can play and I only think of good thoughts bout my past relationship. But I have also learn not to dwell on the past, for Ecclesiastes 7:10 reads,

"Do not say 'Why were the former days better than these?' For you do no inquire wisely concerning this."

I know that me and my ex had some good times, but me dwelling on those times not going help my present. So I just smile bout the memories and carry on with my day. It can be hard to do this, because I have at times after thinking bout what I have lost, become angry. That is a gateway for the devil. SO I try my best not to let that happen. When dealing with these type of situation, a person should remember Psalm 34:18,

"The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit."

I have gotten to the point where I was depress and just questioning why God would allow all of this. I was told once, that everything that was happening was my fault. Seeing all that I was seeing and hearing that, just put me in a deeper depression, but that what the devil wants. Job 17:11-14 reads,

"My days are past, My purpose are broken off, even the thoughts of my heart. They change the night into day; 'The light is near,' they say, in the face of darkness. If I wait for the grave as my house, If I make my bed in the darkness, If I say to corruption, 'You are my father,' and to the worm, 'You are my mother and my sister.'"

I at times felt like my purpose was just to be her company till that time, my purpose in life was done.Look how in this verse he mentions If I say to corruption you are my farther. Corruption represents depression, and calling it your father over God, feeds into a person sadness. Depression is an addictive thing at times. A person can become dependent on other people comforting them and form all types of pity parties. You dont want to do that, because you lose yourself as well as time. Proverb 17:22 reads,

"A Merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones."

A merry heart can cure depression, that is why a person must try their best to remember the good. You ever just look at a person and just think they are older then they really are. That hate, depression, stress, and other things can just wear down on a person youth. No matter how much a person has hurt you in  the past, you can not let that wear you down in either depression or anger towards that person. When that person walks out your life, if they ever choose to want to come back in it. a person should not put them through obstacles to just get back in it. We are to live peaceable with one another. It takes two to do that, but as long as you are trying and keep trying, that situation will never wear down on you.

How many people ever watch "The Simpsons". Ned, no matter what anyone says or does always tries his best to stay happy and friendly. That is how everyone is to look at life. James 3:18 reads,

"Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."

Hating someone, or refusing to see the good in someone doesn't hurt no one but yourself. Psalm 120:1-7 reads,

"A song of Ascents. In my distress I cried to the Lord, and He heard me. Deliver my soul, O lord, from lying lips and from a deceitful tongue. What shall be given to you, Or what shall be done to you, You false tongue? Sharp arrows of the warrior, With coals of the broom tree! Woe is me, that I dwell in Meshech, That I Dwell among the tents of Kedar! My soul has dwelt too long With on who hates peace. I am for peace; But when I speak, they are for war."

The main thing that matters in any situation is that you try you best to be peaceful with another person. I am going end with Exodus 14:14, which reads,

"The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace."

As long as you are peaceful, no matter what anyone does to you, God will take care of it. So when that person that hurts you needs you, welcome them back with open arms. Do not worry bout feeling like a fool for doing it. God will make sure that you are not one.

Art of war: The Devil strategy guide. How to see the signs and defeat him

I am going start this  blog with a look at 1 peter 5:8-11,

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by you brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen"

When I use to seek revenge on people, the first thing I did was study the person. Figure out their weakness, sometimes what a person feels is their strength is sometimes actually their weakness. That is what the devil does when he seeks after people. He studies you, to the point he knows what pawns to place in front of you to distract you. When I speak of using people strength against them, I have to go back to the fact God wants us to be humble.Being arrogant and humble does not go together, and the devil knows that. Some people, which includes myself at times, can hear certain things and their humbleness goes away and they feel they are better then everyone else. 1 peter 5:6-7 reads,

"Therefore humble yourselves under the might hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for he cares for you"

If you look back to previous post, and see how many other verses I have stated that mention God wanting you to be humble. Why do you think he stresses that in his word. Not to many people can actually build up the strength to resist giving into their pride. What one feels is their strength is actually a gateway for the devil, and he knows this about you, and he feeds off this. He eventually makes it your weakness, and drags you back to his side. He has some people who claim to be teachers, speak down to those around them. They start to feel they know more then those around them and forget they too were once lost as those who lack the knowledge. Titus 3:2-3 reads,

"To speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men. For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lust and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another"

God once to remind you, you were once that man that did not understand. The devil wants you to forget, and just have you feel that you are better then others. He does not care that you are preaching the word of God, because you are still committing a sin. Proverb 21:28 reads,

"A false witness shall perish, But the man who hears him will speak endlessly"

Even though you are preaching the word, people also look at your actions. As stated before, a person who speaks on the word but still sins, another man will feel, "well they speak of this, but they do this. So it must be ok." That why I feel I am still a student of the word, I never refer to myself as a teacher. You refer to yourself as a teacher, and your saying all your action are righteous. But if you can not be humble at all times, you can not accept that title. You have committed two sins at that. You dont know how to be humble and you are also being a hypocrite.

Another thing is the way a person shows his blessing. Matthew 6:5-6 reads,

"And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corner of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly."

Now the devil knows the word of the bible better then us. He knows it just like God, and he looks for our flaws. Those that like their ego boasted, have to put on a show when they have received their blessing. But what those this verse say. God says those are the ones who have already received, and just want attention. That is not what he wants, he rather have a one on one conversation with you in private.

A person can not fully enter the bible and find what they need, until they can look into the mirror and see all their demons. One thing I use to do, was go in the Bible on a mission. Find what I thought was disabling me to move forward in life. That another one of the devil plan, he has you finding things that is not your main problem. A person has to go into the Bible with a pure heart and acknowledge all their faults. Thats when God will show you the way to defeat the devil. When a person goes into the Bible blindly, they see what they want to see, and only the things that benefit their lifestyle. Psalm 32:5 reads,

"I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I have not hidden, I said, "I will confess my transgression to the Lord," And You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah."

God knows we sin, he just wants us to be able to acknowledge it, not try to sweep it under the rug. That exactly what the devil wants from us. The weakness of being ashamed, and not truly seeking forgiveness or even acknowledging the sin. Maybe not even know you action are a sin is a bonus for him. The devil is able to study everyone on earth, whether you say you are one with God, he seeks your weakness and he preys on it. Know your weakness, seek God to be able to turn it into a strength to defeat the devil.

Guilt - Blame Game = True Forgiveness

Whats the first thing that happens when a person feels guilty of something? They usually find someone else to blame right. No one wants to talk about their imperfections. I have always been an open book, and with some people it has crippled me. Its very rare that I keep a secret about myself, sometimes it is because I know the result of telling the secret or the secret does not just involve myself. But thats another story, this story has to deal with once again getting forgiveness from God. Like I have stated before, being comfortable with your sins, confessing them, asking for forgiveness not of just the other person but of yourself, then asking forgiveness from God is a step to happiness. Plus it takes away stress from a person life. When you try to bottle up something, at times it eats away your insides. I know I have like 1 or 2 secrets that eat at me. and stuff are put in my path most the time to remind me of the situation. And you start to feel guilty, one of the secrets I blame someone else for not letting me speak on it. Its common to find an escape goat when a person feels guilty. Look at Genesis 3:8-13, the first time the emotion of guilt was felt.

"And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. Then the Lord God called Adam and said to him, 'where are you?' So he said, 'I heard your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.' And He said, 'Who told you that you were naked?' Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?' Then the man said, 'The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree and I ate.' And the Lord God said to the woman, 'What is this you have done?' The woman said, 'The serpent deceived me, and I ate.'"

The first thing Adam did when questioned by God was play the blame game. He did not take responsibility for his own actions. Everyone has a mind of their own, and everyone has a mouth that can say no. So the fact Adam did not just stand up and say yes I did eat from the tree is the result of placing the blame on someone else, to "feel" less guilty of ones actions. But in result that is not the case. The second thing when Eve was question, she also became defensive and blamed someone else for her own faults. She said the serpent deceived her. Once again placing the blame on someone else. Now what if Adam and Eve took the blame for their own actions, do you think God would of forgave them. I mean it is said that of we forgive those who trespass who will forgive us. What if you harm yourself, don't you think that applies too? Do you think people have to learn to forgive themselves also? Why is it so hard for people to confess their sins and show their imperfections. I am not going mention any names but someone from my past use to drive me crazy because of this one thing, the fact they wanted to seem perfect in everyone else eyes they lied about things, but did not feel they were lying. But every time I might do something similar I was the worst person and the world plus a liar. That alone stress me, so it does not just stress yourself but it could stress someone you involve in this bottle up guilt. You have heard of people who die from stress, and the simple thing is to confess. If it not necessary to confess to another person, you can at least confess to yourself and God. Thats all God wants, is a person to learn true forgiveness. Genesis 42:21 reads,

"Then they said to one another, 'we are truly guilty concerning our brother, for we saw the anguish of his soul when he pleaded with us, and we would not hear; therefore this distress has come upon us.'"

Guilt brings stress, whether you want to admit that it is your own fault that the actions happen, it eats at your insides because deep down you know the truth. Sometimes people actions change because of guilt. They become paranoid, when the simple solution is to confess. Sin can destroy someone life, if that person lets it. God has the solution, and all he wants if you to be able to forgive yourself of your sins. The Devil is the one that has a person feeling guilty and he place obstacles in your way to make you feel God is punishing you. Now I mention how guilt does not only affect you, but also the person you may be lying to about it. Genesis 45:3 reads,

"Then Joseph said to his brothers, 'I am Joseph; does my father still live?' But his brothers could not answer him, for they were dismayed in his presence.

Read that, then look at what forgiveness does as you read Genesis 45:4-8,

"And Joseph said to his brothers, 'Please come near to me.' So they came near, Then he said: 'I am Joseph you brother, whom you sold into Egypt. But now, do not therefore be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here; for God sent me before you to preserve life. For these two years the famine has been in the land, and there are still five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvesting. And God sent me before you to preserve a posterity to you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and ruler throughout all the land of Egypt."

Through God Joseph forgave his brothers, and he stood in front of them and told them stop feeling guilty of your actions. Your actions had a purpose, do not let your guilt eat you up. Do not stress over what you did, God does not want that from you. He wants you to be able to live your life in happiness. look at 1 john 1:8-10,

"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not of us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us, our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousnesses. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us."

What worth is it to pretend to be perfect, fill yourself with guilt, and call God a liar all at the same time? What does a person gain from that, but acceptance by earth bond people. But is it true acceptance, if it is a lie that you tell? Look at psalm 32:3-5,

"When I kept silent, my bones grew old. Through my groaning all the day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was turned into drought of summer. Slelah. I acknowledged my sin to you, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the Lord' And you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah."

It eats you up insides and kills a person slowly. Shortening a person days on this earth. The reason a person sometimes looks older then they are is because they hold so much inside of them. All God wants is you to acknowledge what you have done. Not hide it away in shame, in the end you are the one living the lie, and you are the one hurting yourself. If you seek the acceptance of earth bond people over God acceptance, what are you really trying to accomplish. Look at 1 timothy 4:1-3,

"Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons. speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. "

Some people do not even realize they have departed and given into worldly rules. Like I said, once you seek the acceptance of those around you before God, you have heed to deceiving spirits.

Living stress free through God

I already have mention plenty of times that the bible states that you can either Love God or hate him. A person can not serve two. That means a person should never worry about what is in stored for them, because one that believes in God, knows he will look after them. Matthew 11:8 reads,

"Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest"

That is another promise that gives us, an opportunity to be released of stress. In this blog I am actually going use a story with someone who trusted in God, and God ended up taking care of them. Even when it seemed that what he is asking of us is not going go in our favor, we must always trust in him. in 1 King 17 Elijah was first sent to warn about the drought. After the drought God said in 1 King 17:2-4,

"Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, "Get away from here and turn eastward, and hide by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. And it will be that you shall drink from the brook, and I commanded the ravens to feed you there."

Now Elijah first had to go into this place alone, only trusting God's word and deliver a message he knew would upset the people he told. Afterwards God told him to hide and he would take care of him. God did not promise him a luxurious escape, but that what most people expect from God. We do what he ask and everything is sliver and gold. Thats not the case at all time, but when it does not happen people start to stress about life instead of just trusting God. Elijah was told that he had to drink from the stream and be feed by the ravens. 1 King 17:5-7 reads

"So he went and did according to the word of the Lord, for he went and stayed by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and mean in the evening; and he drank from the brook. And it happened after a while the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land."

Not luxurious but God took care of him as promised. To many this would be the bare minimum of being taken care of. How many people after going through this would still trust in God, or feel he has lead you a stray. Now God asked him to drink from the brook, knowing that they were about to enter a drought. These are things that God foresees and is also a test of ones will. Now 1 Kings 17:8-11 reads,

"Then the word of the Lord came to him saying, 'Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.' So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, indeed a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, 'Please bring me a little water in a cup that I may drink." And as she was going to get it, he called her and said, 'Please bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.'"

So even when the first blessing ran out, God provided him with another way to survive. And Elijah did not stress, he just listen to God and went. Thats what people need to learn to do. Be able to hear God's voice when things look down. He is there to look after us and sometimes it might not look like it, but he is there. even when we just see the bare minimum of life blessing. Now look at 1 King 17:12,

"So she said, 'As the Lord you God lives, I do not have bread only a handful of flour in a bin, and a little oil in a jar; and see, I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die.'"

In this verse it where most would worry, God has brought me to a place where there is nothing to eat. This is a poor woman that has no bread and is waiting to die. Instead of thinking negative, one must realize there is a reason that God put me in this position. Maybe this woman is not here to help me, maybe I am here to help this woman. Or maybe we are to help each other. 1 King 17:13-14 says,

"And Elijah said to her, 'Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me; and afterward make some for yourself and your son. For thus says the Lord God of Israel: 'The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the Lord sends rain on the earth.''"

Instead of stressing Elijah still had faith in God. He knew that there was a purpose that the two were brought together and knew God would not let him down. So he reassure the widow that things would be fine and to trust in the Lord. 1 Kind 17:15-16 reads,

"So she went away and did according to the word of Elijah; and she and he and her household ate for man days. The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the Lord which he spoke by Elijah."

Through this whole time all Elijah did was trust God and his word. Even when things looked at it lowest point, he did not stress, all he did was trust. Living through the word of God can help heal a person if they just trust. Stress is one thing that kills us and cause problems for a lot of people. Why do you think that is, It because of the Devil. He likes drama and chaos, and the fact that a person start to doubt God. That all it is when a person starts to stress and worry about life. They start doubting the word of God. The promise that God has given us as his children. As his children, he will take care of us. Do you ever doubt that your earth bond parents would do anything to make sure that you are ok. So why wouldn't God do the same thing.

Love + Patients = Happiness

 One thing I said I was not going do while doing this blog is degrade anyone else character. Sometimes I might use examples from my life to explain my journey and my connection with the verses. When I think of patients the first thing I think of is relationships. When a relationship is over, depending on what side of the break you were in, it takes a toll on you. But why are you really upset? Some might be upset because 1 Corinthian 13:4-7 states,

"Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoice in the truth; bears all things, endures all things."

I am not going go in debit on that, because that might be saved for another message. But one will start to question, if this is love, did that other person ever love me. I remember thinking after we broke up, they was plenty of times I wanted to leave and did not leave, because of love. And I felt true love was patient, so once it starts to destroy itself, one might feel like a failure that they could not keep it together. Think that is the main thing people feel, they started this journey with someone and it failed. That where all the hurt and frustration comes from. Then when that person finds someone before you do, you start to question that love even more, all the time one invested in the other. It got to the point I had to sit back and think, if I truly love that person, the only thing on my mind should be that they are happy. It might not be with me, but they are happy.

I actually had someone that I was talking to one time, and they did not feel like they were right for me. But that person wanted to see me happy, so they introduced me to someone that they thought was. At first I was upset and just thinking, they just trying to shove me off on someone else, but if you look deeper, they loved me enough to want to see me happy, even if it was not with them. I am kind of getting off track but bare with me, I am going get to the patients part. It might of been too little too late feeling this way, after my actions got to the point we could not even be friends any more, sorry I changed stories but talking bout with my ex, my action got to the point we could no longer be friends. But it dawn on me, she really is happy with this other person, why am I upset. I was upset because I lacked patients. The patients to believe that my happiness would return one day in another form. Take a look at 1 Corinthian 13:8-10,

"Love never fails, But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away."

Love can be destroyed by the lack of knowledge of what. Look at what the message is really saying. Is God not perfect? So when he is not in a relationship, the relationship is just in parts. Now the reason most people have failed relationship is because one rushes into it. Do not know the person whole background and does not seek the knowledge of their religion views, which has a person loving in parts. Not only does one lack God, they also lack patients.God promises us happiness in our life, we just have to have the patients to obtain it. Hebrews 6:13-18 reads,

"For when God made a promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no one greater, he swore by himself, saying 'surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiple you.' Ans so after he had patiently endured he obtained the promise. For men indeed swear by the greater and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute. Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuged to lay hold of the hope set before us."

Look at this, and see how it says he patiently waited and God kept his promise. It also says that God can not lie. That is the one thing people need to remember is, that God can not lie. Things may not start out the way most people would like but Ecclesiastes 7:8 reads,

"The end of things is better than its beginning; The patient in spirit is better the the proud in spirit."

People who are easily able to give up, usually do it because of a pride issue. That is a person down fall, they put pride of God. Most people will say "God wont put you in a situation you cant handle." But those same people are so quick to give up on that same situation. Do not misunderstand what I am saying. I am not saying happiness lyes with being with another person. One does not have to seek another person to become happy, if that is your only way of happiness, a person falls under lusting for worldly thing. Another person should love another because they first seek God's love first. Some relationships might start with out God, then they bring him into their relationship. I also want to point out, it does not matter when he enter the relationship, as long as he is there, things will work out. Roman 2:7 reads,

"eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality."

If a person does not give up on a situation and continues to be patient in that situation, what does this verse say? Now I am not saying stay in a love less relationship, I want to bring that up too. Because if you go back and see why love fails, if one side is doing good and the other is not, God will separate those two and reward the one that was good. It is not something God wants to do, like us he does not want to see a relationship fail. It is not in the bible that we have suppose to give one another heartbreaks or break up. Once you find that other person, one is suppose to stay with them. But in this day and age, we find ourself rushing to the next thing, and not being patient. Psalm 40:1 reads,

"To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of Davis. I waited patiently for the Lord; And he inclined to me, and heard my cry."

Even though at times it might not seem like it, God is listening to us. He might at times want to see the endurance of our patients. And sometimes waiting for something will have a person cherish it more. Another thing I want to address bout something I said, just because when the relationship was over, they other person found someone before you did, does not mean that you were the bad one. Maybe God has another test in stored for that person. The key thing for happiness is Loving God, enduring you patients for him, and then will come your happiness.

The Devil feeds off the mind of a fool

Those that refuse to change are what the bible calls fools. If you look through out the bible, when refering to a person who lack the willingness to understand the word of God, and what they really mean, they refer to them as fools. These people the bible ask you to stay away from. There is a difference from people who show that they want to change and people who do not. Like I have stated before, the devil sometimes loan blessing to people, so they can feel comfortable with what they are doing in life. They feel like the blessing are credited to God, so they return to their old ways, thinking its ok to break some of God's laws. Proverb26:11 reads,

"As a dog return to his own vomit, So a fool repeats his folly."

This does not mean people can not change. I personally have found myself breaking old habits, even though some people around me might not have believed I did. At times I would break habits and return to them because I was not getting any support. It got to the point where I realize, if I was not changing for myself then I wasnt going be able to completely change. Thats when a person wisdom comes in, a person can not change for another person, even if it is God. A person heart has to be pure in the transaction to change. You cant just say I am going change because it is in the bible, you have to make the change for yourself. Once a person is able to do that, they are able to completely take the devil out their life. Proverb 23:6-9  reads,

"Do not eat the bread of a miser, nor desire his delicacies; For as he think in his heart, so is he. 'Eat and drink!' He says to you, but his heart is not with you. The morsel you have eaten you will vomit up, and waste your pleasant words. Do not speak in the hearing of a fool. For he will despise the wisdom of your words."

I can be honest and say, I was that fool that someone wasted their time talking to. I had my own heart desires and only focused on that. That is the problem with some people, and that is what the Devil feeds off of, people desires. Even though it is what your heart wants, a person has to ask is their heart pure at the time. Because the heart can be easy access to the devil, and it can work against a person. When one loves worldly things over God, they start speaking the tongues of a fool. Fools most the time live off pride, read Proverb 14:3

"In th mouth of a fool is a rod of pride, but the lips of the wise will preserve them."

Even though the bible at times says to stay away from a food, God at times will place a person in their life to try and help them. But like I said before, when God sees that there is no help for that person he will remove that person from their life. It is not for a person to give up on another person, but God will give you the sign when one should leave. Even then God as that if possible to leave on good terms as said Roman 12:18,

"If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men."

But let me go back to how the devil with trick a person and have them feeling comfortable in their ways. Proverb 14:9 reads,

"Fools mock at sin, But among the upright there is favor"

Fools mock at sin, is that not saying that one looks at their sins as they can get away with two or three. as we read Proverb 14:10-12

"The heart knows it own bitterness, and a stranger does not share its joy. The house of the wicked will be overthrown, But the tent of the upright will flourish. There is way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death."

What seems right to someone is not always right. It is a trap set by the devil, to make a fool feel comfortable in his way of living. Proverb 14:14 reads,

"The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, But a good man will be satisfied from above"

The devil fills a person head thinking that their ways are ok, even though in the bible it says it is not. But you asked the why have I been blessed with all these things. Like I said it is a loan from the devil, and he has a person pay him back, by having others feel it ok to do one thing because this person is living good. The devil knows their are other fools who are simple minded and will not question what the bible says. They just see what is in front of them. Proverb 14:15 reads,

"The simple believes every word, but the prudent considers well his steps."

Not only are you letting the Devil call you a fool, he also calling you simple. Is that what you are? But you break commandments, which in the bible says is wrong. But you feel safe, why? Because you feel that you have been blessed. How have you been bless and your heart is not pure. I stated before, you can not be clean if dirt touches you. God states you must have clean hands. Devil feeds off a person desire of the world and he will give it to you. If he feels that will bring you to his side, he will disguise it to look as God's blessing. He does not care that he does not get credit for his work. He rather not get the credit. James 4:4 reads,

"Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God."

So does that look like blessing of worldly things would come from God. Be able to know the difference, seek knowledge with a pure heart and it may save you from accepting a loan from the devil.

Hypocritical people...are you really walking with God

The one thing I have learned from my reading is, God does not like hypocrites. So I try to make it as clear as possible when I write these entries, I am not completely with him yet, but I am trying my best. I refuse to be ones of those people who are set in their ways, and feel their blessing are from God. I am not judging no one, and neither are my comments subliminal messages to anyone. I say my prayers in the morning and think of a subject that is troubling my soul, I try to research but not all the times is what is on my mind the results of my reading. Proverbs 11:9 reads,

"The hypocrite with his mouth destroys his neighbor, But through knowledge the righteous will be delivered."

The last thing I would want to do is destroy someone else. My whole purpose for these blogs is to share to someone else my experience, so that it may help someone else that might be in my same situation. Sometimes people like to go through a journey with someone who has not been there before. Its like sharing the experience and being able to relate. Most people can go in the church and feel they have complete understanding of what is being said to them. I am not trying take anything from the church, but you still can find yourself walking into a house of hypocrites that are not looking out for your best interest. A couple days ago one of my cousins posted a status asking, "why is it important what I wear to church?". Now I have people in my family that are strict about what you wear and in my mind I have thought of them as hypocrites. Not trying to be disrespectful, but I remember one time my ex was questionable if she should come with me to church, because she was wondering if they were strict with what people wear. I think someone told me females aren't suppose to wear pants or something like that. I haven't came across that in the bible yet. But my feeling are, you judging someone who too the time to come to church and listen to the word. There are people who wouldn't even step foot in the church. Second, God as you not to judge another man, but that exactly what they are doing.

But for people who look at what I am doing and get upset with something I point out. Job 17:4 says,

"For you have hidden their heart from understanding; Therefore you will not exalt them."

Now I have taken the time to explain something from my eyes, but most the times the verses are clear as day. I'm not saying wanting to be rich and support yourself is a bad thing. Struggling is never a good thing or something to wish upon another person. But when a person lust for money, steps over other for it, Putting down others for it, do you really feel that is Christian like or the Devil has found a way to control you. If you have God truly in your life, they is no reason to lust for something to the point a person does something that breaks a commandment. Speaking of breaking commandments and money. I am a Seventh-day adventist, which means we believe the Sabbath is Saturday, I am not at this point and time going try convince you it is. That is not the point of my message today, but Exodus 20:8-11 reads,

"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all you work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord you God. In it you shall do no work; you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it."

Now I am referring this to people and money, because some people are afraid to tell a job they are working for or applying to, they can not work on the Sabbath because they feel they need the money. Are you not breaking an commandment, and are you not putting money over God himself. You have people who will convince their self that "God understands." But God says to keep all his commandments. Are you not being a hypocrite to break this one but keep the others.Which brings me back to 1 John 2:4,

"He who says, "I know him" and does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him."

Not only are you breaking a commandment, but you are lying bout knowing God. Lying can be tied into Baring false witness. Which Exodus 20:16 shows is clearly a commandment.

When I say the Devil speaks through people who think they of God, the people who are comfortable in their own ways because they feel they have received blessing from God. Continuing from the passage from Job17 look at verses 5-9

"He who speaks flattery to his friends, even the eyes of his children will fail. "But he who has made me a byword of the people and I have become one in whose face men spit. My eye has also grown dim because of sorrow, and all my members are like shadows. Upright men are astonished at this and the innocent stirs himself up against the hypocrite. Yet the righteous will hold his way, and he who has clean hands will be stronger and stronger."

If you play in dirt, do you not become dirty. So breaking a commandment is like playing in dirt. The verse says he who has clean hands will be stronger. So you can look at it he who keeps all the commandments. Does that not seem like God takes care of those who keeps all his commandments. Does it not seem if God see you NEED money, not WANT but NEED money, that he will provide. That is what I am getting at when I talk about one who lust for money just to have it. It is no problem to have money, but if you have to have money to make yourself happy, is that not giving into the worlds views of greed. To give into the worldly things or the world is giving into the devil and his plans for corruption of the humans views. Job 17:14-15 reads,

"If I say to corruption, 'You are my father' And to the worm, 'You are my mother and my sister,' Where then is my hope? As for my hope, who can see it?"

Feeding into the devil's plan for corruption is basically giving up hope on God. Proverbs 13:11 reads,

"Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, But he who gathers by labor will increase."

The devil will provide you the quick way to gain money with little to no labor. Going this route is basically testing God, like I said before one might feel it is a blessing from God, but one most look at their actions. Matthew 22:18 reads,

"But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said "why do you test me, you hypocrites?"

Are you not testing God by breaking a commandment to receive what you want. Why cant you have the patients to wait when God sees you need this blessing. My words can be summed up with Matthew 7:5,

"Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."

For many years I feel I was blinded by the Devil, even though I would criticizes people for falling into the media trap. I myself had did the same, stressing about things that need not to be stressed about. Before you think my words are hypercritical, ask yourself have you truly examined yourself. Are you really following the words of Gods, or just picking a choosing what is best for your "lifestyle". Just because everyone else choses to be a sinner, why is it that you would want to join that crowd. Is it that important to stand in on earth that you might be standing out of heavens doors.

Actions that become Gateways for the Devil.

If you have notice, from time to time I will revisit a topic. This is because God has tied in one topic with another for me. In my reading I have seen some subjects that have backed up another previous subject. The one things a lot of people have trouble with is that Devil's gateway. As stated before, a person can feel like they are doing every part of God's will, and start to become comfortable in their ways. Pride and becoming humble is something a lot of people have problems with, also just trusting God. The one fear that most people have is looking like a fool, instead of walking into every situation just know whatever happens God will justify the results.1 John 2:4-5 reads,

"He who says "I know him," and does not keep His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His words, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him."

Its common for people to say, "Only God can judge me." But what are they really saying. If you have to say that, that means you know you are doing wrong in your life. The Bible clearly states to be in his grace, you have to accept all commandments. James 2:11 reads,

"For he who said, "Do not commit adultery." also said "Do not murder." Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law."

So this is used as an example in the bible, but people still believe one sin is less then another. Why is that? Why can we be good to all man, but still be filled with enough pride not to humble ourself to others. When a person seeks forgiveness we do not grants it. A person who claims to be good is filled with so much anger that they refuse to stop hating another person. 1 John 2:9-11 reads,

"He who says he is in the light and hates his brother, is in the darkness until now. He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling for him. But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going because the darkness has blinded his eyes."

I have had this problem, when someone did me wrong, I had hate in my heart towards them. There was a time I said I was sorry to another person and they did not accept and my hate resurface. Why you think my hate resurfaced, because my apology was not pure. I apologized expecting something from the apology, if it was pure then when it was not accepted I would of been on my way. Instead I let my pride get the best of me, and it was a gateway for the devil. A Christian would just accept the fact that they had apologized and whether or not the other person accepted it, becomes between them and God. And this should also be clear, there is no difference between not liking a person and hating them. Dislike is just a kinder way of saying that you hate someone. No matter what someone has done to you, you must keep love with in your heart for that person. Understand this that James 2:10 reads,

"For whoever shall keep the whole law and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all."

Most the time when a person refuses to forgive or remove hate, it is because of pride. This is when a person begins to put pride before God's Law. So I am bout to revisit knowing the difference between God's blessing and the Devils loans. Job 35:12-13 reads,

"There they cry out, but he does not answer, because of the pride of evil men. Surely God will not listen to empty talk, Nor will the Almighty regard it"

This is when a light bulb should go off. If you know deep down that you are not being sincere, but your prayers are being answered, at this time a person should step back and realize they have just accepted a loan from the Devil. Understand what I am saying, I am not saying if your action before hand were of the Lord or during, I am saying if your prayer is not sincere and it is answered, you have just accepted a loan from the Devil. Understand the Devil feeds off prideful people and pride is very deceiving, it is written in Obadiah 1:3,

"The pride of your heart has deceived you, You who dwell in the clefts of the rocks, Whose habitation is high; You who says in you heart, 'who will bring me down to the ground?'"

The Devil will feed off of people with this type of mind frame. Those that think they are better then others. One must be able to keep a level mind set, no matter what the next man is like. Because it is not for us to judge another man to start with. Read James 2:2-4,

"For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in the fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, "You sit here in a good place," and say to the poor man,"You stand there," or, "Sit here at my footstool," have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?"

Judging another person is giving into evil thoughts. God is not of evil, so why would he associate himself with these things. If good comes from any transaction after evil thoughts, a person can then realize they have accepted a loan from the devil. A person must be able to trust all test of the lord, no matter what ones outer appearance may be, a person most accept all kinds as their brother. Like I said before, everyone has that weakness of refusing to be a fool. But if you can not walk into every situation blind and trust that God is guiding you, you have just given into the will of the Devil. You have let him corrupt your mind.

Corruption can come into many forms, but the biggest gateway for the devil is when one loves things of the world. It is said in 1 John 2:16,

"For all that is in the world- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life- is not of the Father but is of the world."

One must understand that the Devil uses the world as his playground. He places things in it that people feel they need to survive. Once they have obtained it, they feel that it is a blessing from God and become comfortable in their ways. Feel like bending the laws of God is ok. They look at them self and feel that if God has provided me these things, then what I am doing is ok. But this is not so, a person has actually let the Devil into their lives and feed on their emotions and their lust for worldly things. This causes one to start to lose their faith and sink deeper into a hole. Once the Devil is done playing with you and has felt that he has complete control, he destroys you or uses you to recruit more people into his life. 2 Corinthian 1:12 reads,

"For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly towards you."

The Devil enters people lives and have them see things for what they are not. He places people he has already ruined and has comfortable in their ways to teach others its ok to be a certain way. "Only God can judge me" is a saying we all use from time to time. Are you reading the bible? Is something you are doing in life contradicting the word of God. It is said that God has strict rules, why are you any different from another person. Take time to think about your actions and your "blessings". Are they really blessings from God or has the Devil tricked you into becoming part of his people. It does not matter if you are preaching the word, people are looking at your actions. People say, "Oh he is of God, and he is also doing this. So I can do it to and be of God." It takes away from the true word, and that is what the Devil wants, to take away from the true message of God.

Anger vs Karma vs Reap what you sow vs Revenge

A lot of people like to talk about karma, a true Christian would not use this word. Another thing, the action associated with karma in the Christian world, a Christian should not wish this upon someone or pray for it. Romans 12:17 reads,

"Repay no one evil for evil, have regards for good things in the sight of all men"

You can also tie this verse into my blog about forgiving others. One must not try to seek out revenge on another person, or wish revenge on another person. I have had this problem for awhile, where I have held grudges on other people for years at a time. I have even accomplished revenge on another person. It did not take away what the person did to me, or erase the action. So what is the point of seeking revenge on another person, there is none. Plus as I stated in previous blog, one must try to find the good in another person and try to understand why a person might act the way they do. God might of had you cross their path to help them in life, or to attempt to. The verse states to find good in all men. If a person refuse to change their ways, one must look at Romans 12:19,

"Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay," says the Lord"

With that said, if a person leaves well enough alone and carry on with their life, God will take care of any harm in their life. But one must realize it is not Christian like to wish bad on another person. Even if this person happen to make you cry. People have to realize that it is alright to shed tears, even if you are of the male counterpart. It kind of upsets me when one says when a male crys, they are refer to as weak. understand that Psalm 126:5-6 reads.

"Those who sow in tears, shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, Bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, Bringing his sheaves with him."

So it is alright to cry, but to be fill with anger afterwards can effect how God looks at the situation. For Galatians 6:8 reads,

"For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life."

Of the flesh is the same as worldly things, which God has stated not to be tempted to these things. Being tempted to these things is giving access to the Devil into ones life. Which will plant the seed to seek revenge on another. Once a person has seek revenge on another, it then causes problems in their life.Galatians 6:7 reads,

"Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap."

What a man sows, refers to what a mans actions are. Whether they are good or bad, God will see to it that the person is effected by those actions, whether good or bad. So if a person does bad upon you, a Christian should realize down the line that God will take care or it, but at the same time not wish of it on the person. Which is stated in Galatians 6:10,

"Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith."

As I have stated before, one must still try to be kind to all even if one does harm upon them. Another verse to look at to see what a person that seeks revenge is Proverbs 22:8,

"He who sows iniquity will reap sorrow, And the rod of his anger will fail."

Which is also another example of why anger is not good for a person. Take a look at Job 16:16-21,

"My face is flushed from weeping, And on my eyelids is the shadow of death; Although no violence is in my hands, And my prayer is pure. "O earth, do not cover my blood, And let my cry have no resting place! Surely even now my witness is in heaven, And my evidence is on high. My friends scorn me; My eyes pour out tears to God. Oh, That one might plead for man with God, as man pleads for his neighbor!"

Understand that I am not saying people do not have their weak points at time, but at the same time, God knows when your request is pure. As seen in this verse, a man pleas with God. He is obvious upset, but at the same time does not wish violence.

Know the difference between God's Blessing and the Devil's Loans

One of my favorite rap lyrics comes from the Clipse, dont know which one of them, I always get them mixed up. I am  ashamed because I am a big fan, but I know Malice has turn his life to God. The verse is "I tried being humble, humble get no respect" From this verse I learn now that the people who do not respect humble people is earth bond people. This is tied into my message so bare with me. The bible states that in psalm 113:6,

"Who humbles himself to behold the things that are in heavens and in the earth?"

Before I explain that verse, another thing I would like to state is, I have notice some people status messages on Facebook, which one day had me come up with this statement,

"Sometimes what we believe is a blessing from God, is really a loan from the Devil."

People sometimes will talk about what has happen in their life or how things are going good, just to later on be disappointed when their "luck" changes. But sometimes their "luck" stays the same and they get comfortable in their way. People that start to say "God knows my heart." and they do not take their sins serious, are the ones that the Devil will give loans too. This is too keep a person feeling that how they are living is ok. Just because a person is wealthy does not mean that God is looking out for them. What people forget is greed is a sin, and a verse most people recite is money is the root of evil. But they for get pieces of the verse, 1 Timothy 6:10 states,

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."

With that said, just because a person has a lot of money, does not mean they are being blessed by God. As stated before in Matthew 6:24.

"No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon."

So when a person says, "God knows my heart.", what are they really saying? In the bible, God has stated many times that his law is strict. So why would he decide to turn the other cheek for one person. It is one thing to know that you have not reached God completely, but when a person is settled in their way is different, it gives the Devil an entrance to their lives. Psalm 119:1-2 says,

"Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the lord. Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with the whole heart!"

To truly know that you are being blessed, a person must think like Psalm 119:7,

"I will praise You with uprightness of heart, when I learn Your righteous judgments."

A person most have the mind frame that they want to seek out God's knowledge and law.

But to relate how God blesses the humble, take a look at Roman 12:16

"Be of the same mind towards one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associates with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion."

People that feel that they are better then other people, do not set in good standards in God's eye. But you have people that will still put down others, for their own pleasure. These people will still feel that their blessing are from God. Psalm 147:6 says,

"The lord lifts up the humble; he casts the wicked down to the ground"

So if this is stated in the bible, why would God bless these people who are set in their ways. So one most truly observe their actions to determine whether if it is a blessing from God or a loan from the devil. If ones blessing is corresponding with a sin, whether it is before, during or after, this should be looked at as a loan. These people are stated in 1 John 4:5,

"They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them."

To further understand this a person can read 1 John 2:15,

"Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him."

Materialistic things of the world, meaning when people use greed to earn these things, it is not a blessing from God.

What separates you from a sinner

When I woke up this morning, My mind was actually in a another direction then what God laid in front of me. But what he laid in front of me ties into yesterday reading too. When I woke this morning, I thought about talking about judgement of others. I had read a chapter before but could not remember. Where the Bible talks about how these people were cast away because of their background and society status. I was looking for this chapter and came across Luke 6:22 which reads,

"Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, For the son of Man's sake"

Reading this it does tie into what I was looking for, but it is not the exact message I was looking for. But look at what it is saying about people hating you. When another person takes the time to build up hate against you, it is because you are blessed and they use one of the sins of envy against you. It is uncommon to not tie hating someone with the sin of envy. Most the time these people will sit and throw dirt on your name for their pleasure. One most understand not the let this damage or lower ones thoughts of one self. Nor should one look at this person a return hate. For Luke 6:27 reads,

"But I say to you who hear, Love you enemies, do good to those who hate you,"

This is something most people refuse to do. Which brings me back to what I said yesterday and another theory I go by. A person never knows what another person is going through, and you never know if it is your guidance that they need to better them self. These are things one must think of before they let anger set into their heart, because of what one feels or is saying about them. One must truly believe that what another person is saying about them is not true, and also realize that they are blessed.

I mention in another entry that when I wake, I pray for all those who have touched my life. Whether they are still in my life, no longer in my life, did me wrong in the past, or felt I did them wrong in the past. Luke 6:28 says,

"Bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you."

Something that is hard to do. It is hard because one lets anger set into their heart, and once a person has done this the cast away God from their heart. It is one thing to be at fault for not following God's word, but to let someone else control your emotions so much that one forget Gods words is only that person's fault. One must pray for that person and figure out what the source of their anger is. When you pray you must truly mean it. Do not do it just because the word of the bible says it, It has to truly come from the heart.

I also talked about giving people another chance. For if a person comes to you and ask for forgiveness and request to reenter you life, One most look into their heart and determine if this request is pure. Do not let anger cloud ones judgement. Luke 6:30-31 reads.

"Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise."

Like I said if someone ask for forgiveness, you have to search in ones heart to do so. None of us is perfect, and they is going come a time when you might do someone harm, and it going be you that is seeking that forgivingness from another.

But Like I stated in the start, what separates you from a sinner? Luke 6:32 reads,

"But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them."

Look at what that is saying. Just loving those who love you, does not separate you from those who are classified as sinners. You and a sinner is just alike if one can not look into their heart and find love for one that hates them. A person must dig deep sometimes to find an understanding to another hate, but they still have to look at the fact, they do not know what the source is. Maybe God placed you in this person life to heal that part of that person. I know someone once told me it takes two to change certain situations. Are you any better then the other person who refuses to change if you give up on them. Are you not just another person who has decided to give up on them. Luke 6:34 reads,

"And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back."

So because one was not responding the way one would like, one decided to give up on the other individual. But I am also going flip what that verse another way and talk about my life experience. I have in the past complained about, "I have done good for others, and look at my life. Nothing has fall in place for me" I have learned that I should do to others with out expecting anything in return. If God sees what one is doing is pure, do you not believe that one day it will be re-payed? People have to realize that patients is something we all most learn. Things will come to us when we need them. Rushing into things never turned out good for anyone. When one does something just because they expect something in return, they are no better then a sinner. One is basically saying that what they just did, did not come from the heart. I have had that problem before, throwing situations in another person face, "Well I did this for you, and this is how you treat me?" If another person can not see what you have done for them, it is not for them to see. In the end it is God who sees what one has accomplished and it is God who will reward another individual rightfully. The rewards from God are greater then any reward any earthly person can provide another. Luke 6:35 reads,

"But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to unthankful and evil."

One most understand that doing for another is never being a fool. The only fool is one that thinks and does like a sinner. The thing that separates one from a sinner, is thinking like God.  Luke 6:36 reads,

"Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful."