“I bet you have Shonlock on there”, I boasted to my husband when he told me that Spotify had dropped our Top Songs of 2019. Well he didn’t, but I had him on mine twice! Music is quite important to me and entwined with my faith and daily life. The second tattoo I had inked actually represents a truth to me, that no matter how disconnected or lost I feel, without fail if I put on some tunes and start singing to God/about God/for God, my mindset changes and I am again realigned and refocused. Unfortunately, I also see what evil can be spread through music, so it is critical we not blindly “listen to a beat”, but pay attention to the words that are drifting into our ear canals.

Now from some definitely NOT evil, glory to God, get your praise and purpose on tunes, my top 10 most played tracks of 2019...

#10. Elevated by Citizen Way

#9. Amen by Matthew West

#8. I Got That by Anthony Brown & Group TherAPy

#7. Drop It by Viktory feat. Canon

*Fun fact: One of my favorite ever lyrics is in this song, “The hole in your soul can’t cover with makeup”.

#6. WaveWalker by Citizen Way feat. Bart Millard

#5. Lullaby by Shonlock 

*Fun fact: This song was on our wedding reception playlist. 

#4. Olympian by Propaganda

#3. Like Never Before by Nicole C Mullen

*Fun fact: This song was *also* on our wedding reception playlist. 

#2. Boomerang by Rapture Ruckus

#1. Stardust by Shonlock

Did you make it through them all, if so then, yes – you do now know I like the beats & bass! Not always, but while driving, solo .. default. 😊

What did your top 10 look like?

May you be strengthened in your faith, and may your light shine bright as you share the message of salvation and truth of Jesus to others!

❤❤❤

One of the trillion topics that has been swirling around in my mind as of late is wisdom.
What it is?
Do I have any?
How can I get some more of it?
You know, that type of mental banter that leaves you teetering between feeling like an infant to a member of Mensa. I plan to write something more in-depth in the future about this topic, and perhaps even submit it to a few online publications (I share the latter for accountability purposes), but for now I present to you a wisdom centric Bible verse graphic blast. Enjoy!

A dear Sister-in-Christ Aubrey has started delivering devotionals via e-mail, and this one instantly touched my heart when I read it. As it hasn't escaped my mind since it was read earlier in March, I deemed it appropriate to share here. It is taken from Reasons For Hope.

Is SUICIDE an unforgivable sin? 

By Shari Abbott, Reasons for Hope

Recently I have received more questions than I wish to count about the eternal destiny of those who commit suicide.  Therefore, this question has been moved to the top of the Got Questions? queue and we’ll look at what the Bible says about suicide.  

In addition to asking if suicide is an unforgivable sin, the reader wrote, “I can’t find anything in the Bible about suicide.  I found Judas’ hanging himself..but nothing else. Am I overlooking it? I have heard two preachers preach very different messages about suicide.”  And another reader asked, “When a person commits suicide, do they go straight to hell like most churches teach?”

Let me begin by saying, I don’t believe that most churches teach a person goes straight to hell if they commit suicide (although there are somechurches that teach or imply that).  In fact, this is not something that is often addressed in most churches, and yet with the increasing rate of suicide it needs to be addressed.  Just last week, CBS News reported these findings:

 “ The suicide rate for girls and young women in the U.S. continues to rise at a pace far faster than for young males….The report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there were 5,178 suicide deaths among young people aged 10 to 24 in the U.S. in 2012. Suicide was the second leading cause of deaths in that age group, after accidents.The suicide rate increased for young people of both genders since 2007. And it remains three times higher for young males than young females.But the female increase has been steadier.

“Suicide rates for younger people have varied over the years, with a recent upward trend starting around 2007. There were 4,320 suicide deaths in 2007; the toll was 5,264 in 2013. Suicide rates for older adults tend to be higher, in the range of 15 or 20 per 100,000. Since 2007, suicide rates have increased for older age groups, too.” [1]

Is Suicide an Unforgivable Sin? What does the Bible say?

There are several accounts in the Bible of people who took their own lives.  Probably the two best known examples are Saul, who took his life to avoid the dishonor of being captured, abused and killed (1 Samuel 31:1-4), and Judas, who betrayed Jesus and then hung himself (Matthew 27:5).  Other people in the Old Testament who committed suicide are:

Abimelech (Judges 9:54) – to avoid the dishonor of being killed by a woman

Samson (Judges 16:28-31) – to defeat the Philistines who had imprisoned him

Saul’s armor-bearer (1 Samuel 31:5) – to follow his king, Saul, into death

Ahitophel (2 Samuel 17:23) – in defeat when he realized his counsel was not followed

Zimri (1 Kings 16:18) – in defeat to avoid capture

 Although the act of suicide is clearly condemned in the Bible, these men in the Old Testament were not condemned for what they did.

It should be understood that suicide is never to be a viable option for escape in times of difficulty and despair.  There is help…..family, friends, churches, online (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) and the best of all help, Jesus.   Scripture teaches us that Jesus’ grace is sufficient in all things (2 Corinthians 12:9-10) and that He is faithful to provide an escape from anything that threatens to overcome us (1 Corinthians 10:13).  Sadly, many Christians experience dark seasons of the soul and fail to find the comfort they need in Jesus.  And tragically, some have taken their own life.  This is why it is important to spend time in prayer and in reading the Bible, so, when a storm threatens to overtake us, we are prepared to find comfort and strength in Jesus and His Word.   The Bible will give us the answers we need to deal with all problems in life, and in prayer our faith will grow stronger and we can find peace and comfort.   These practices will build a foundation to stand upon in our darkest days.

With all that said, we must acknowledge that there have been prepared believers who have lost their “footings” and have fallen and have taken their own lives.  So is suicide a sin?  Yes, it is.  Suicide is the taking of human life.  However, in man’s vertical relationship with God, suicide is no different than any other sin.  And, while God can forgive any sin, He cannot overlook even one sin.  All sin must be paid for in order to receive God’s forgiveness.  

If a believer (one who has been redeemed and regenerated by Jesus) has committed suicide, it must be remembered that every one of the believer’s sins were paid for by Jesus on the cross.  The believer received God’s forgiveness for every sin (past, present and future sins), including the final sin of suicide, in their salvation.   Jesus has promised that He has prepared a place for those who are His and that He will come to receive them unto Himself (John 14:1-4).

For someone who does not belong to Jesus, someone who has not repented and trusted in Jesus’ finished work on the cross to pay for their sins, they have not received the forgiveness of their sins and God will judge them accordingly.  All sin must be paid for and if someone dies in their sin, they are already condemned. 

John 3:18  “He who believes in [Jesus] is not condemned [they have been forgiven and given the righteousness of Christ]; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (bracketed information added)

 This is a great reason for us to be diligent in sharing the gospel of saving grace with family and friends, and even strangers.  People leave this earth every minute of every day and without belonging to Jesus they will not enter Heaven.  We should always share the gospel, hoping that the Holy Spirit will work on the person’s heart.  Some will repent and turn to Jesus, but sadly some are very hard hearted and will stubbornly reject Jesus their entire life.  However, even for those there is always hope that before they take their last breath they will surrender to God and trust in Jesus.  The Lord’s mercy is available to all who will call upon Him and, if a person knows the gospel,  their heart can turn to Jesus even at the last moment of life.  An example of this is the thief on the cross.  He was saved in the last moments of his life when He trusted in Jesus as Lord (Luke 23:42) and given eternal life with Jesus (Luke 23:43).  So also can our friends and family do the same.  If they have a knowledge of who Jesus is and what He has done for them, they can turn to Jesus.  Therein lies our hope.  Continue to share the gospel of the saving grace found only in the Lord Jesus Christ with all who do not know Him.  

In conclusion:  Regarding Christians who commit suicide, we can rest assured that there is no sin which is unforgivable.  Because their sins were paid for on the cross by Jesus, and they have trusted in Him, they are forgiven sinners.  

Colossians 2:13-14  And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.

Jesus has forgiven our sins and given us His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21).  He has regenerated us in newness of life (Romans 6:4) and made us worthy to be citizens of Heaven (Philippians 3:20).  Remember always that we can find peace and comfort in Him, and when any Christian dies (under whatever circumstances) they go home to Heaven and be with Jesus (John 14:1-4).

Titus 2:14  who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed [sin] and purify for Himself His own special people…

Philippians 3:20  For our [citizenship/home] is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, 

the only wise God, be honour and glory 

for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:17)

So is it just me thinking this or does the world as a whole REALLY have zombies on the brain? Arguably the best reference to zombies would be in the musically styling’s of Family Force 5 (video below) and/or the biblical references that could paint believers as zombies – just not of the brain, human flesh eating variant.

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Colossians 3:1-4 (NIV)

Of course the above verses refers to a spiritual death (death of self), but lets not split hairs (just roll with it, you know you want to). ;)

As the chapter continues on …

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old selfwith its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:5-17 (NIV)

This truth is also written about in Romans 6.

What does it mean? Simply to paraphrase, you are a new creation. With that new creation/new life you are called to be a different person – just as if you were a new baby human from your mother’s womb. Be like Christ, kind – compassionate – faithful - forgiving, able to heal the sick, perform miracles as the Holy Spirit works through you and be completely of/about God.

Dear Heavenly Father, We come to you today thankful for what You have done for us and humble to be Your servants. May we boldly declare as a family YOU ARE GOD and not, by any means, be ashamed to speak the truth of You. Though the world around us is falling into decay, we know that You are still in control, and one day all will have to answer to You. In the name of Yeshua, ><>

SiC <3

“And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.” Luke 16:15

Person A: Volunteers several times a week for many years with a variety of organizations. 

Person B: Volunteers once in a while with no set schedule and no set organization.

So I ask, who is the better person … A, B or are they both the same?

Well that is really for none of us to now eh? For we do not to the heart of the people involved, only God does. People equate quantity with ultimately being better (whether it be money, physical possessions or time spent), but yet what if person A’s heart was just doing it for “outward gain and recognition” and never really “meant” any of it at all? Perhaps person B was a single mother of 3 who had to work 2 jobs just to make ends meet, but yet at her free moments turned them over to serving others, instead of wasting any moments sitting on a couch?

You may be able to fool the world with your outward appearance, words and acts, but God knows what makes you tick and what has come about to make you tick that way. It is one of the things that people mean when they say you cannot run from God.  But do not think of this as a burden, nor do not be scared. Likewise, as He does know ALL OF YOU, He still decided to send His son to die and be resurrected FOR YOU. He counted you special enough to be born, despite any self-serving actions, slight manipulations of people and unspoken evil thoughts about your fellow man you may have had or will have in the future; for it is in Christ we are MADE PURE – not through ourselves least any man should boast. 

Don’t run from who you are, don’t try to hide it. Should there be something in your life or within your make-up you feel you wish to/should change, seek God – ask Him to comfort and lead you to a solution of rectification. Every being mindful that we are commanded, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthy things” in Colossians 3:2, for that is when a believers mind can get all sorts of jumbled as we are NOT OF THIS WORLD.

I commend you all though, as we live in a generation where keeping your mind set upon God is not an easy task and in the months and years to follow, it will be ever-more difficult. However, your use tools – read your Bible – communion with others, be fervent in prayer and you, through the power of the Holy Spirit, will be able to withstand all that comes your way.

Dear Heavenly Father, We humbly thank You for sending Your son, Jesus, to die and rise again for the replacement of our sin. May we search ourselves for things that you find undesirable and may we seek You to search our hearts as well. May we not be motivated by outward forces, but my Your will, desire, correction and ultimately, love, for all others. May we allow the Holy Spirit to work through us, to better serve this space, for as so long as You allow us to be here. In the name of the perfect One, we pray ><>

SiC <3

Perfection. 

Does it exist on Earth? Nope, it doesn’t, but you know what does?
Forgiveness.
That which is available in the measure of uncountable numbers for all those who believe and who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

What has been granted to us all is the ability to start anew each day, each hour on a better path, realigned and refocused in accordance to the will of the Father. Trust me when I say God is not surprised when you fall, for it is written, “Before I formed you in your mother’s womb I knew you” (Jeremiah 1:5p) and “You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my way. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me” (Psalm 139:2-5).

Do not allow one (or even a string of) bad choice(s) derail you from what you from the truth of the matter. God loves YOU and created YOU with love for His glory. There is no dark hole or back alley you can hide in (in life) which would take you out of the view of the Father (as it says in Job 28:24, “For He views the ends of the Earth and sees everything under the heavens”). Sure, the sin of life can pull us away from God, but as the saying goes “it is not God who moves, but us from Him” – He will continuously be watching, regardless, as we are His children.  As so it is written, “He will not let your foot slip – He who watches over you will not sleep. Indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither sleep nor slumber” (Psalm 121:3-4).  

So I conclude with this, a favor, where-ever you are right now – as you read this, stop and thank the Father for keeping watch over you for it is written, “The Lord watches over you – the Lord is shade at your right hand; the sun will nor harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm – He will watch over your life. The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” (Psalm 121:5-7).

Dear Father, Thank You – Thank You – Thank You! Really what more can be said? You have given us life – and new life (salvation), shown us grace, forgiveness that has no measure, unconditional love, protection from the known and unknown, sustenance for all things and so much more! By the stripes of Your Son we have been healed from the depravity of this world and by Your Holy Spirit we find peace and comfort in this current age. May we never lose sight of where You brought us from and may we never limit where You may take us.  May we keep our minds focused on You and You alone for as it is written in Your word, “Set your mind on things above, not Earthly things” (Colossians 3:2). In the name of the King of King and Lord of Lords, Your son Jesus Christ – Emmanual – Yeshua, ><>

SiC <3