As I said it my insides knew something wasn’t right, although culturally acceptable, so many people use the word, believers and non-alike it didn’t taste right coming out of my mouth … “well you know karma” is what I said, while having a conversation with someone on checking if something was accurately mine or not … which lead me to ask, does the word karma even have a place in a follower of Jesus’ life?

So, it originates from the Buddhist and Hindu religions, and it would be hard pressed to go a day without hearing or reading it, right?

Karma is defined as the following: 

 - action, seen as bringing upon oneself inevitable results, good or bad, either in this life or in a reincarnation: in Hinduism one of the means of reaching Brahman. - the cosmic principle according to which each person is rewarded or punished in one incarnation according to that person's deeds in the previous incarnation. - fate; destiny. - the good or bad emanations felt to be generated by someone or something

So in pursuit of knowledge, I worked the Google, and came upon a few other blurbs and blogs on the topic.

On Crosswalk there is a heartfelt writing, What’s The Difference Between Grace and Karma by Sarah Coleman:

“The Bible does not teach karma. It teaches grace. 
Grace is where you get what you don't deserve. 
Grace is unmerited favour. It is love and mercy 
bestowed upon us by God because He desires us 
to have it. As you can see, very different to karma. 
More like polar opposites.”

On Compelling Truth the question is asked straight forward, What Does The Bible Say About Karma? It concludes that, “It is only through Jesus' sacrifice that our good deeds will produce any real good” (Philippians 2:13). It goes on to share Galatians 6:7-8 that reads, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”

In 2 Corinthians 5:10 we can read that is says, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” Being told even prior to that in Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

These all point to what we, as Christians, believers of the One true God, and His Son (our Savior), should focus on .. the bigger picture (the reason we are here), advancing God’s kingdom, as there are only one of two possible outcomes for everyone once this life has concluded. The price of our sins have been paid, yes we may stumble and fall, but glory be, Jesus’s death and resurrection has set us free! So as believers of Jesus, we do not have to live by the fear or trappings of the idea of karma. The Bible is clear that good and bad falls on the just and unjust, but the way to secure your forever is to accept and declare the truth that Jesus IS savior, as by Him alone are we reconciled to the Father. No amount of good deeds or “right” behavior can earn our way to a blissful eternity. “It is a free gift, so that no man can boast.” While we should try (and try again) to do that which is right, and operate out of love, we do not have to live with the fear that karma lends notion to. 

Rejoice, I say, rejoice. Give thanks to the Creator for His wonderful plan, for Jesus’ obedience to the Father, and for the Spirit that guides!

For further reading check out “Reaping What You Sow: Christian Karma” on Crosswalk.com by Whitney Hopler.

Yeah, so to be held accountable I have been a SLACKER at writing lately. I mean have I written what I said I was going to in the previous post? Nope. Have a written any devotionals for perhaps a future book? Nope. However, I have been binge watching Netflix and doing some craftiness here and there. However, alas spring is here and it is time to get moving! So in honor of changes, regrowth and just to get some motivation, here are a few uplifting, encouraging and hope filled items to get you pumped for today and those that are to come! J

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.  In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. Jeremiah 29:11
1 Peter 1:3-6

  

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11

I know I am not alone in this. You are searching the internet, looking at some hilarious memes and bam, there goes one belittling your faith, cutting down the Savior of the world and stating they would rather not ‘hear’ about it.. that it should be kept to ‘oneself’.

It saddens me, but alas I guess everyone is entitled to their own opinion right?

Indeed, we all are, but this opinion aka the truth is very different from all others. We are not talking about what color you should wear this season … We are not talking about how you should style your hair... We are not talking about the best place to live at... We are taking about your SOUL and ALL OF ETERNITY. We are talking about having the cure against DEATH and ANNILATION, and it just so happens to be free of charge.

 Seriously, would anyone who knew of the cure for cancer or even the common cold, keep it to themselves? Ok, so I am sure there would be a few people, but for the most part no, we would share it until we were unable to share it any longer.

Now I agree, we, as believers of God should not berate people with the truth, we are told in Matthew, “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.” However, we are commanded over and over to try, to go out and share the good news with the people of this world. This is news of love and compassion and grace, all through the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

So sorry, but I am not sorry, nor will I ever be for sharing the message of Jesus Christ and I hope that one day, you are not sorry, that someone took the time to share it with you.

Regardless of believer or non, I do hope that you have a wonderful 2016, and may it be the best year yet. Of course, for all things giving praise to the Father, Son and Spirit, by whom we are created, saved and kept. 

Are we afraid to claim what/who we are in Christ? This is a question that I have pondered myself for quite some time. I mean I am by no means humanly perfect, I sin. As Paul writes in Romans, “For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.  For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.” Yet, as it is written “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17. So as such we do have the old vs. the new furthermore, evermore being made into the image of Christ.

For me, I know that the good within me (that which I do, show and share) is of God. As I, without God, displays a whole list of traits and habits that dare not be put on blast here (as Paul so simply states, evil). As Charles Stanley says (I shall paraphrase, via podcast 4.25.15 “Chosen Saints”), we should not boast ourselves sinners saved by grace, but rather saints of God (referenced chapters being Ephesians 1 – 4).

Well doesn’t that sounds a lot more bold, powerful and overall awesome?

As  Soul Shepherding shares here is a listing of who we are in Christ …

There is no condemnation for us (Romans 8:1)
We can never be separated from God’s love (Romans 8:39)
We who are many form one body (Romans 12:5)
We have wisdom from God (1 Corinthians 1:30)
Our labor is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58)
We are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)
We become God’s children (Galatians 3:26)
We have every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3)
We have the forgiveness of sins (Ephesians 1:7)
We were also chosen (Ephesians 1:11)
We are for the praise of his glory (Ephesians 1:12)
We have been seated in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 2:6)
We’ve been given the incomparable riches of God’s grace (Ephesians 2:7)
We who were once far away have been brought near (Ephesians 2:13)
We are built together as a holy building (Ephesians 2:22)
We may approach God with freedom and confidence (Ephesians 3:12)
We are light (Ephesians 5:8)
Our joy overflows (Philippians 1:26)
All our needs are met according to his glorious riches (Philippians 4:19)
We are holy and faithful (Colossians 1:2)
All things hold together (Colossians 1:17)
We have our hope of glory (Colossians 1:27)
We become fully mature (Colossians 1:28)
Are hidden all treasures of wisdom and knowledge for us (Colossians 2:3)
We are rooted and built up (Colossians 2:7)
We have been given the fullness of the deity (Colossians 2:9-10)
We come into reality (Colossians 2:17)
Our life is now hidden (Colossians 3:3)
We will rise from the dead (1 Thessalonians 4:16)
We can give thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
We have faith, hope, and love (1Timothy 1:1, 14)
We can gain an excellent standing and great assurance (1 Timothy 3:13)
We have the promise of life (2 Timothy 1:1)

So let us, as a body of believers, get out of our heads and into the Word. Let us delve into the truth of who we are in Christ, who we have been called to be, and what we have been chosen to do. May we not get caught up by past, current, or future failings, but operate in the grace, forgiveness and love of Our Savior, the Holy Spirit and blessed Father of all creation. 

Meaning and Derivation: Meaning and Derivation: Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist." It also suggests "to become" or specifically "to become known" - this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Shalom is a derivative of shâlêm (which means "be complete" or "sound") Shalom is translated as "peace" or "absence from strife." Jehovah-Shalom is the name of an altar built by Gideon in Ophrah. [From BlueLetterBible]

Then Gideon built an altar there unto the LORD, and called it Jehovahshalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.

Judges 6:24

I find it interesting that though Jehovah Shalom is used only once in the bible, the word peace is noted over 400 times in the Bible. It's main use is stating how God is the ultimate source for peace, He provides it freely and it is beyond all of that which the world can offer.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27

I have had many a conversation with people who have suffered/are suffering with depression, and although I have no "scientific proof"  other than the course of their lives (or unfortunate lack thereof) the ones that are better overall are the ones who turn to God when contrary thoughts enter their mind. They are the ones who seek His peace in the midst of clouded thoughts that they would be "better off dead" and cling to the truth that they have a purpose greater than what some echo is resonating through their  cerebrum. A wise note that I have taken from one of these children of God is to immerse myself in scripture for whatever is disturbing my peace at the moment. Anyone who follows me on Pinterest can attest that from time to time there will be an onslaught of verses all pertaining to a particular topic, whether it being kind to people who mistreat you (aka loving your enemies), loneliness, seeking God, trusting God, heartache, etc.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17

Use it peoples! Let us know just sit and wallow, but rather read it + trust it + claim it + live it + share it!

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
John 16:33

Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.
2 Peter 1:2

Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist." It also suggests "to become" or specifically "to become known" - this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Jehovah-Jireh is a symbolic name given to Mount Moriah by Abraham to memorialize the intercession of God in the sacrifice of Isaac by providing a substitute for the imminent sacrifice of his son. [from BlueLetterBible]

And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen.
Genesis 22:14

God provided a ram to be used in replacement of his long awaited  son, Isaac. God provided Jesus, as the ultimate atoning sacrifice. God provides us with life, the very breath that we inhale and exhale comes from Him. God provides us with everything.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Psalm 23

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
Matthew 6:26

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
James 1:17

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16

Thanks be to God whom provides for His creation, both those that acknowledge Him and those that do not. We give thanks for Your loving-kindness which transcends beyond human comprehension, and pierces the innermost parts. May we seek to know You more dear God, and mimic that same love, compassion, kindness, and grace to those that we met. In the name of the precious one, by whom alone we are saved, Jesus Christ. ✝

I am delighted to call this woman a sister in Christ, uplifter and friend, and additionally that she allowed me to share this here. You can find this lovely lady on Facebook, if you would like to reach out to her directly. SIC!

My love story

I was born and raised in Durban, South Africa into a very strict Islamic household. My mother was and still is the religious leader in our community. She converts people to Islam and runs a Madrasah (Islamic school) out of her home.

One of my earliest memories is being at Islamic school, covered from head to toe, reading the Quran. I remember distinctly sitting on my mother’s lap reciting the Quran and every time, I got to a particular phrase that I could not remember, and I was beat continuously. That’s when the fear began. I had to be perfect. Because I wanted to please my parents, I became one of her best students. My mother was so proud of me and there was constant chatter that I would continue this family legacy when she passed away.

In 1995 I came to the United States to attend University. In 1998 I had my first supernatural experience with God that completely transformed my life. That is the day that I realized that Jesus maybe more than just a Prophet. (In Islam Jesus is revered as of the Major Prophets.) I remained in a state of confusion and turmoil for 8 years. Could my entire life be a lie? I kept asking myself how this could be. I didn’t know who I was anymore! I had to find out! But, I was afraid to denounce Islam because of my family. Fear and loyalty had been imputed into me. As I child I would always say, “I was born a Muslim and I’ll die a Muslim.” I struggled to wrap my head around the fact that Jesus was God. It was against everything I was ever taught! Deep down inside, I knew that Jesus was way more special than what I was taught. He just felt right! But fear had a stronger hold. This was the beginning of my spiritual journey.

In June of 2006, I had another experience with God and He revealed to me in a vision: Proverbs, 3:5-6 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. [a]. There was no more doubt! I believed with all my heart! I wanted the world to know On June 13th, 2006 I was baptized.

My life has changed drastically since I have been born again! Has it been a smooth transition? Absolutely not! Was my family accepting of my conversion? No, they were not. During the early years, did I ever consider going back to Islam? NO! Never entertained that thought! You see, God became a very close companion. He was so real to me! He delighted in me! I did not know much back then, but I was certain of one thing: He loved me! I had never experienced a love like this! He was always near! We were in constant fellowship. I fell madly and deeply in love!

I began to meditate on the WORD of God and my mindset began to change. I learnt my rights in Christ! I became Christ conscious! I knew my identity! My mind was renewed! The fear that had bound me my entire life; left me! I knew who I was and the more I studied the Word, the stronger I became. The Word had taken root in my Spirit. I began to eat the Word veraciously! My thirst for the Word became unquenchable! I simply CAN NOT get enough!

One of my favorite scriptures is Hebrews 4:12, “that the Word of God is alive and active, sharper than any two edged sword, it penetrates even dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart”. This scripture really touches me deeply. You see no matter what walk of life you come from or what your past looks like, you are now a new creation in Christ. This Word of God, builds, breaks, removes, cleans, fixes, empowers, transforms and molds you into who God says you are. When this Word gets into your spirit, remnants of your past will not be visible. Your life becomes a wonder! No longer will you be bound by the opinion of man. The Word of God establishes you! I am unashamedly in love! A woman after Gods own heart, just like David. I would change nothing, irrespective of all the relationships I’ve lost. I’ve gained so much more!

Yesterday I shared the above image on my Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter. I still think it is funny, and not to mention, it contains mention of a verse, that is in one of my favorite “blocks of verses”, which is fully →

“But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”

Romans 3:21-24

Well I received a comment about the photo on Pinterest, and wanted to just felt led to write about it a bit. The comment was, “This is true but I also think that everyone is "perfect" in their own way... like perfect who they are. NO one is really perfect besides God."

As we all know language is changing, not only does a word mean what it originally meant (for years gone by), but in some cases it can actually mean not it actually, but be said for effect - the word literally is a good example. Not to mention I myself use [my own] slang a good portion of the time, so first lets examine what the word perfect means.

Merriam-Websters defines perfect first as, “being entirely without fault or defect".   

The scripture has a whole lot to say on perfection. Apart from Mr. Solomon's use of the word the verses all echo similar chords, how God is the only thing perfect and how "actions" and "thoughts" can be perfected by seeking and aligning oneself to God's will. As I believe it to be true, we (humanly) cannot be perfect, unless we are 100% of God (i.e. we will obtain true perfection in heaven | new earth | aka next chapter) should that "label" even matter then. Sure, we are all unique and awesome [I stand by that 150%], but alas are we ever actually “what we are destined to finally be” since we are “always being improved upon” until we are no longer here? 

The fact that we are not perfect is one of the reasons we follow after Him, so we can be more like Him. And yes, we are “made perfect in God’s eyes”, but that is because God looks at those who have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior through blood-stained goggles. The Father doesn’t see our fault, because He see’s what His Son did on our behalf.

Can I get an AMEN?

Now you may or may not know this, but actually my self-dubbed theme song is Perfect, written by Flyleaf and Matt Lewis. If I ever get a chance to speak stadium style, a la Joyce Meyers, I totally want that playing as I walk to wherever my final destination is in the building. Lacey Sturm belts out so amazingly exactly what echoes in my core. Please take a listen. 

Thank you dear Lord for giving us free will, for allowing us to choose You whole-heartedly, even though as a believer I (and many others) may wish our free-will was taken away so we could not fall. However, we thank you for giving us a way back to you, apart from ourselves - apart from Old Testament laws, one based on true love, obedience and grace. We yearn to echo that same love out to the world, may we be shining examples of You (Father, Son and Spirit) to those that we meet. May we seek to build each other up, instead of tearing each other down. May the word perfect not even enter our thoughts, unless we immediately associate it with You. Search us dear Lord, and make us more like You. In the name of your perfect Son, Jesus Christ, we pray. 

Want to read more biblical truth and personal thoughts about perfection?
Check out 31 Rays of Hope [A Month of Daily Devotionals] : Day Twenty-One "Better Than Cupcakes".

If I dared to give anything aside from jubilant praises for the latest Flyleaf album, “New Horizon’s” I should have my tongue cut out for complete disobedience of self. 

Okay, I have spent the last week reading the Hunger Games trilogy, so yes I would turn myself into a metaphorical avox.

It is a WONDERFUL album and it must be told (everyone should own it).

I was drawn to purchase this album first and foremost because the title track that was released a several weeks before the album itself. It simply just drew me in with some upgraded lyrically hidden secret and a wonderful video to boot. Of course, when the album was released, the bomb was dropped and it was announced that Lacey Sturm was leaving the band. Le sigh. To say I was a little disappointed would be an understatement, as I have never had a chance to see them live, but alas should-a, would-a, could-a.

As with all of the other Flyleaf albums, the vibrant tracks are infused with real life circumstances, state of the world addresses, personal battles and laced with the unmistakable mark of Spirituality.

Albeit not my intention to make this some sort of track-by-track album review, I would rather focus on one song particular. I cannot for the life of me, pick a favorite track – it changes from day to day or depending on my mood, or taken into consideration of what I am doing when the particular song gets blasted through my ear buds. Though there is one track, Saving Grace, which well speaks to a part of me that has always been and will also be …

Grace has been a theme I have been studying for a little over three months now and something I think we all struggle with is the duality between our earthly selves and that which we are called to be in Christ. As we are told in 2 Corinthians, we are new beings once saved, yet admittedly we still have to face this world every day, but likewise, we are made new in Christ every day. Sure, you might only make a profession of faith by water baptism once, but daily we are called to pick up our cross and follow Jesus. The grace that has saved us all, should we chose to accept it, is not just a one-time thing, it is an every day-forever thing. 

Grace can be translated into simply the love of God, the love of the Son and the love of the Spirit for us. 

As elementary as it is states with the chorus:

Save me grace

I'm sick of saving face

Will You hold me close?

You're all I want to know

Such plain words, grouped together in such a way to make sense of all that we are and all that we should be.

We are sinners, saved by grace, who desire to be purely loved and are called to live for Him alone.

May you enjoy your week, be a blessing to those you meet and have a quiet moment perhaps to reflect on what it is you want to know in this life.