I got the pleasure of attending The Outcry Tour this year and it was phenomenal. They proudly boast on their site that over 130,000 attended, 10,000 people were saved and 7,897 children sponsored.  ** Edited Note: Please note I do not support or agree with the teachings of Bethel or Hillsong Church, or all of the personal people's views on Christianity that was present at this event. To be honest, I didn't know, what I didn't know. 

Now I say all of that to say, that Crowder played “Lift Your Head Weary Sinner [Chains]” and it was better than any radio recording. I mean the whole band gets into it, complete with real-life chains, and it is just wow. Not to mention the lyrics, jaw drop. While listening to it this morning (for the third time in row) I just began to really think about something you have heard before, and I have no doubt said before.

THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE THAT IS IN CHRIST JESUS.
(Romans 8:38-39)

This life is pass or fail.

To pass it means you have accept that there is but ONE WAY to Heaven, and that way is by Jesus Christ alone the risen Son of the Creator of this world.

To fail means you deny this to be true.

We aren’t be grading by percentages of what we did right, and what we have done wrong – as the Bible says our righteousness is like filthy rags, but alas we have been made clean through the sacrifice Jesus made for us. Trust me, it can be hard to comprehend this some times. We are graded by teachers, we are graded by bosses, we are graded by parents; we are completely surrounded in this world by scales in which to measure ourselves on and against in a variety of ways, but His ways are not our ways.  It doesn’t matter what you have done, are doing, or will do, God CAN and will forgive you … pretty much He already has, it is just up to you to claim it. Do not ever think your past will dedicate your future, give it to God and He will make the impossible happen. Never stop getting  back up, no matter how many times you fall (Proverbs 24:16).

The above piece is entitled “All Is Vanity” (1982) by Charles Allan Gilbert based off of a verse in Ecclesiastes which states (depending upon which translation you look up) “Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.” Ecclesiastes 1:2 (KJV) Admittedly, when I was first drawn to this picture it was for the skull itself. As you may or may not know about me, I have a visual appreciation of (some) skulls equating them to the truth that we must be dead to the world around us, living for the Creator and also since the place where Jesus was crucified is called Golgotha aka Calvary, which translates into place of the skull.

Ecclesiastes was written by Solomon. THE SOLOMON. The man who knew it all (well mostly), had it all, could get it if he didn’t have it, and it is he who said, without God everything is meaningless (NASB). He did have bit of a nasty ending, all because he failed to keep this truth to be at the forefront of his mind. 

It’s is easy for us to get caught up in our day to day lives, to get sidetracked by working to pay the bills, or napping to relax after our  60+ hour work week, but truly without God, all of it is meaningless.

He is the one who created you.
He is the one who sustains you.
He is the only one who can save you.
He alone will judge you.

I write this not knowing if it is a message that can even be taught my mere words. It is a truth that perhaps one “knows in their knower” (as my diddy would say), when they come upon the realization within their own being. It may be something you realize more than once, as with the ups and downs in life, sometimes our walk with God follows the same pattern. However, the important thing is that we always return back to Him. That we continue to grow in His will and wisdom all the days of our lives, and that we share the truth of salvation with others.

Some of you reading this right now, may be wondering what this whole God thing is about – what can He really do for me … Peace and Life has that questions answered for you.

He Can Comfort You

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the
God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any
troubles with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.  2 Corinthians 1:3-4

He Can Give You Confidence

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret
of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through him who gives me the strength.   Philippians 4:12-13

He Can Take Your Worries Away

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.  Psalm 55:22

He Can Give You Eternal Life

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 parish, spoil or fade - kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to revealed in the last time..  1 Peter 1:3-5

He Can Help You

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weakness, but we have  one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin.  Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16

He Can Give You Hope

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.  Hebrews 10:23

He Can Give You Joy

Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.  1 Peter 1:8-9

He Can Provide For You

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.  Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?  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?  Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?  Matthew 6:25-27

He Can Give You Salvation

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.  Luke 19:10

He Can Forgive You

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.  Romans 8:1-2

Now, some of you reading this may be wondering what God CAN’T do … since He is after-all the Creator of all things and Christianity Today has that answer for you …

God can't get tired.

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary. Isaiah 40:28

God can't take on a job he can't handle.

Ah, Lord God! Behold, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for you. Jeremiah 32:17

God can't be unholy.

And one cried to another and said: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!" Isaiah 6:3

God can't be prejudiced.

In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears him and works righteousness is accepted by him. Acts 10:34-35

God can't break a promise.

My covenant I will not break, nor alter the word that has gone out of my lips. Psalm 89:34

God can't remember sins he's chosen to forget.

I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake; and I will not remember your sins. Isaiah 43:25

God can't make a loser.

Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ. 2 Corinthians 2:14

God can't abandon you.

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, he is the one who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

God can't stop thinking about you.

How precious also are your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; when I awake, I am still with you. Psalm 139:17-18

God can't stop loving you.

Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you. Jeremiah 31:3

So coram Deo my friends. Coram Deo.

While pondering recently on potential future permanent something, I came across the phase "coram Deo" which (per Wikipedia) “is a Latin phrase translated "in the presence of God" from Christian theology which summarizes the idea of Christians living in the presence of, under the authority of, and to the honor and glory of God.”

R.C Sproul (admittedly I know nothing much of the person), recently wrote the following blog article on coram Deo.

What Does “coram Deo” Mean?

I remember Mama standing in front of me, her hands poised on her hips, her eyes glaring with hot coals of fire and saying in stentorian tones, “Just what is the big idea, young man?”

Instinctively I knew my mother was not asking me an abstract question about theory. Her question was not a question at all—it was a thinly veiled accusation. Her words were easily translated to mean, “Why are you doing what you are doing?” She was challenging me to justify my behavior with a valid idea. I had none.

Recently a friend asked me in all earnestness the same question. He asked, “What’s the big idea of the Christian life?” He was interested in the overarching, ultimate goal of the Christian life.

To answer his question, I fell back on the theologian’s prerogative and gave him a Latin term. I said, “The big idea of the Christian life is coram Deo. Coram Deo captures the essence of the Christian life.”

This phrase literally refers to something that takes place in the presence of, or before the face of, God. To live coram Deo is to live one’s entire life in the presence of God, under the authority of God, to the glory of God.

LIVING CORAM DEO IS TO LIVE ONE’S ENTIRE LIFE IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD,
UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF GOD, TO THE GLORY OF GOD

To live in the presence of God is to understand that whatever we are doing and wherever we are doing it, we are acting under the gaze of God. God is omnipresent. There is no place so remote that we can escape His penetrating gaze.

To be aware of the presence of God is also to be acutely aware of His sovereignty. The uniform experience of the saints is to recognize that if God is God, then He is indeed sovereign. When Saul was confronted by the refulgent glory of the risen Christ on the road to Damascus, his immediate question was, “Who is it, Lord?” He wasn’t sure who was speaking to him, but he knew that whomever it was, was certainly sovereign over him.

Living under divine sovereignty involves more than a reluctant submission to sheer sovereignty that is motivated out of a fear of punishment. It involves recognizing that there is no higher goal than offering honor to God. Our lives are to be living sacrifices, oblations offered in a spirit of adoration and gratitude.

To live all of life coram Deo is to live a life of integrity. It is a life of wholeness that finds its unity and coherency in the majesty of God. A fragmented life is a life of disintegration. It is marked by inconsistency, disharmony, confusion, conflict, contradiction, and chaos.

The Christian who compartmentalizes his or her life into two sections of the religious and the nonreligious has failed to grasp the big idea. The big idea is that all of life is religious or none of life is religious. To divide life between the religious and the nonreligious is itself a sacrilege.

This means that if a person fulfills his or her vocation as a steelmaker, attorney, or homemaker coram Deo, then that person is acting every bit as religiously as a soul-winning evangelist who fulfills his vocation. It means that David was as religious when he obeyed God’s call to be a shepherd as he was when he was anointed with the special grace of kingship. It means that Jesus was every bit as religious when He worked in His father’s carpenter shop as He was in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Integrity is found where men and women live their lives in a pattern of consistency. It is a pattern that functions the same basic way in church and out of church. It is a life that is open before God. It is a life in which all that is done is done as to the Lord. It is a life lived by principle, not expediency; by humility before God, not defiance. It is a life lived under the tutelage of conscience that is held captive by the Word of God.

Coram Deo … before the face of God. That’s the big idea. Next to this idea our other goals and ambitions become mere trifles.

Scriptures for further study: Matthew 24:13; Romans 8:31-36; 2 Corinthians 4:7-16; Hebrews 6:9-12; 10:35-39

~~~~

Squee, isn’t it like the bestest phrase you’ve heard as of late? As you ponder upon what this means to your own life, I hope that you feel a sincere sense of peace and comfort, knowing that you are loved beyond measure, and that you are never without hope. I pray that you become willing, bold, and unshakable in your faith. That you will not be bound any longer by past sins or regrets, habits that you think can never be broken, but know that you are a new creation in Christ. His mercies are renewed every day, and that as a believer you have the HOLY SPIRIT INSIDE OF YOU; so victory is really yours for the taking to be claimed in the name of Jesus! 

This month I received quite the blessing, as you may or may not have seen yet, Loved + Blessed (a monthly faith based subscription box), included a copy of 31 Rays of Hope this month. To say that I am grateful, excited, and humbled does not begin to cover it. I am in awe of what the box is doing for people across the world, and I am joyous and expecting that the words penned in the book will inspire hope, and foster a better connection with the Creator of the world to those who read it. I’m an actual subscriber to Loved + Blessed, and surely do recommend you check it out for $10/month as a lovely little pick me up and truth reminder of His word. Not to mention a portion of the proceeds from the box go to helping the homeless (bonus!).

Growing up I was always told a hypocrite was one who “said one thing, and did another”. Quite the blanket statement, but as believers, we could all be grouped into this category, even-though we are continuously eager to be more aligned and in step with the Perfect One. Right?

I mean the biblical moral advice that we give to others, may always be more on point than what we do in our own lives. Eh? Recently, I heard a preacher as to go so far, as this is one of the reasons we should keep personal opinions and advice to ourselves, lest we don’t look like such. I’ve even gone so far as to say to friends after hearing that, do you want to know what it seems is the best option or what I would probably do that isn’t the best way … how about I just share both (as admittedly I have had no problem spewing commentary in the past). Now I find myself sometimes just telling them (who are believers) to seek God for the answer because He ultimately knows better than I, and I honestly don’t want to be included in the Matthew 23 version of the word. Alas, as Paul shares in Romans 7 we can all be a bit backwards at times. 

Broken Hallelujah by phasingirl on DeviantArt

But even so the first topic washes over the second and breaks way into a hallelujah, as in Christ alone our hope is found! There is an abundance of grace, forgiveness, mercy and love awaiting everyone all thanks to the Creator of the world, shown through the actions of His Son, and through the comfort of His Spirit, and just the  mere fact that we all taking another breathe in the very moment.

"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

May you take a moment this morning, regardless of where you are – what you are doing, just to simply thank Him for all that He has done, is doing, and will do. May peace rule in your life today, and may you be engulfed in His love, apt to show that same love to others. As believers we not only have the answer(s) to this life, but the key to life here-after, for all eternity. Thanks be to Jesus, for by Him alone we are saved and it is in His name we pray.

Now enjoy these bonus tracks that have been blaring through my speakers as of late!

 

Photo Credit God in All Things 

Me: Do the bugs feel pain from the bug spray?
Mom: Well they probably feel pain, but it more-so messes with the neurological system.
Me: Well I hope they don’t feel pain, perhaps they could just go out on some drug type trip.

This may sound like a conversation that I had with my mom when I was younger, but in fact it happened this week. We have these hard-shell bugs that come out in droves at night, have a sort lifespan, but awesome flying capabilities. Albeit bugs can be annoying, I still don’t desire for them to cause pain when they must be killed. Likewise, more-so important, I don’t desire for anyone to feel pain. So naturally it grieves me that the world around us is suffering. Their souls are crying out through words and actions for the need to know true love, that which is only offered through God.  

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
1 John 4:8

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.
1 John 4:16

It has been a little over a week since the shooting in Charleston at Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, in which rattled the core of believers of the faith, and non alike. If you work the Google machine, and search “Christians killed” under the news section, you will find many accounts of people being killed for their belief in Jesus Christ as of late. Though it might seem somewhat bleak, it is my thought that this will only get worse. As even as it is written in 1 Timothy, it is my desire that all people are saved, although I know that not all people will. It is important in this time of persecution that we, as followers of Jesus, lean to what we know … love. Our future is secure, body piercing saved our lives, and we should be fervently praying for the world around us, for the people who are committing this acts of hate … not dreaming of repaying them in kind.

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,  who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.
1 Timothy 2:1-6

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.
1 Peter 3:9

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:21

And as always, please never think that I write anything down in a finger pointing manner. All that I write are lessons that I have been taught, are being taught or even re-taught for the 50 millionth time in some cases. It is my desire to simply help you grow in your faith, in your walk, in your life.

May you, dear brothers and sisters in Christ, be at peace in the midst of the chaos and shift of this world. May you not look to the television, your bank account or another person as your source of comfort and security, but to God alone. Know that your salvation is secure in Christ, live for Him, seek His truth and share His message with the world. Live by grace, rather than by law, and know that nothing can separate you from His love. In the name of Jesus, we pray. ♥

It is with a warm heart that I am able to interview Theresa Tese, founder of Comfort Socks, whom I have had the pleasure of knowing for about two years. She is without a doubt a faithful and humble servant of Christ who has a sincere heart for helping those affected by homelessness. As such thank you Theresa for allowing me this opportunity! I hope you are doing well, and for those who have never heard of Comfort Socks before, I wanted to start off by sharing your video from the website. 

So, as a distributor of donated goods, what importance would you place on community to your organization, as well as, the well being of society as a whole?
Community is important for support to our cause. Local sock drives contribute largely to our sustainability. We also appreciate our national supporters. We couldn’t accomplish our goals without those who understand in their hearts, the importance of socks.

On the website you do go into detail about how Comfort Socks came about in the Our Story section, which reads as a true testimony of faith, calling, and a new life through/in Jesus. As you have almost 7 years under your belt, as an incorporated entity, how would you compare where you are now vs. then (as a company and personally)?
Some aspects of the ‘then and now’ have remained the same (the vision, the drive, the excitement of the mission). The NOW is a deeper relationship with what helping the broken really means, and also I have been touched by the ‘2/3 of the angels that did NOT fall’. The network of people all across our nation that truly care about their fellow man inspires me over and over again.  I have truly learned and solidly stand on, that when one is obedient to the call of the Lord, then He unveils deeper and deeper parts of the father’s heart. There is nothing like experiencing God in all three persons. So in short – It is so much more than socks!!

Did you have a passion to help the homeless before the change, or was it something completely new to you?
I always wanted to do good, but helping the homeless never crossed my mind until the Lord gave me this mission.  Recently the Lord asked me “Do you want to know why I have put caring in your heart for the homeless?” I excitedly said “Oh Yes, Please Lord”.  Immediately the Lord brought to my remembrance the night before I left home. I was 17 years old again, staring at myself in the mirror, experiencing the bruising that led me to leave. And then I heard the Lord say “You see, you never realized you were homeless then, but I, the Lord, have taken your hurt and turned it into a victory in your life.”

Do you believe that everyone has a specific calling upon their life? 
Yes

 If yes, how would you encourage someone unsure of what they should be doing to seek it out?
You must first be born again (be in relationship with Jesus), then seek the Lord and His will for your life. Do not ignore it once you have heard from Him, and rejoice in what He has placed in your heart. The Lord is our guiding light, PERIOD. He is our provider, PERIOD. He will never leave us or forsake us, PERIOD. Stand on Him always.

What about someone who knows what they should be doing, but is just fearful of taking a step out into the unknown?
Rejoice in what He has placed in your heart. Praise is powerful, Faith is necessary, and offensive prayer leads us to His destination quickly. Stand, love and embrace the Lord’s calling on your life.

What would be your inspirational Bible verse, quote and/or song of choice?  
Matthew 9:36  But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were faint and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

Song: From the Inside Out (Hillsong)

As we have a similar area of interest (homeless), what would you say (if anything) to counteract the very negative stereotypes that surround people who are affected by this?
We are called to love – it never matters what another does or did, it only matters what Jesus did.

Do you have a particular story of awesomeness that you would like to share about a particular group, event or person that you have helped along the way?
One of my favorite places to send socks is the church of the commonground in Atlanta, GA – this church is an outreach church that each week wash the feet of the homeless and  give them new socks and shoes. They also encourage those that have had their feet washed to wash the feet of others. So pure and powerful, we simply love it.

Photo used by permission of Comfort Socks

Lastly, is there anything else you would like to add before we close?
I appreciate the opportunity to share the spiritual side of our mission. Using such a simple thing to give comfort to the lost is such a profound thing, and it is totally God. We pray over every pair that leaves us, with full faith that His healing will touch the person whose feet the socks will cover.  I thank Him for you and your dedication to share His love. 

Thank you again so much Theresa for the interview! You are a true inspiration, and may you (and your entire organization) be blessed for that which you do.

If any of you would like to link up with Comfort Socks you can find them on all the different social media platforms, so you can spread the word to all you know about what a great thing they are doing via  Facebook, Twitter and G+. 

I am far from perfect, except through the blood of Jesus, but let me tell you about my perfect God.

This is the thought that has been swirling around in my noggin over the past 24 hours or so. So many times I have told God that He had to be mistaken to use me in the ways in which He has, the ways in which He will, because of my failings. Some of you who read this may be feeling the same way right now. Alas, God is perfect, and He makes no mistakes. He knows what He is doing, why He is doing it, and what outcome will be produced.

What He desires from us is a willing heart.

I do not put on airs when I say that I want all people to come to the saving knowledge of Christ. That I believe with all my being that there is one supreme God who gave the world a Son, Jesus, in which mankind could be saved, and that His Spirit is present in this age, resting within those who call Him Abba Father, governing towards the Creator’s will. That there is a place called heaven and a place called hell. One will be so splendid, no person can actually describe and comprehend its beauty, where as the other is going to be complete separation from God which no person has ever experienced except Jesus Christ himself, as He took His final breathes upon the cross.

May we not look to the downfalls of “I”, but focus on the “I AM”, that is our message.

And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
Exodus 3:14

He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.
Deuteronomy 32:4

As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD's word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. Psalm 18:30

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:16

"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."
Revelations 1:8

Companions in Imperfectness

Noah was a drunk ♥  Abraham was too old ♥ Isaac was a daydreamer ♥ Jacob was a liar ♥ Leah was homely ♥  Joseph was abused ♥ Moses had a stuttering problem  ♥ Gideon was afraid ♥  Samson had long hair and was a womanizer ♥  Rahab was a prostitute ♥  Jeremiah and Timothy were young ♥  David was an adulterer and a murderer ♥  Elijah was suicidal ♥ Isaiah preached naked ♥  Jonah ran from God ♥  Naomi was a widow ♥  Job went bankrupt ♥  John the Baptist ate bugs ♥  Peter denied Christ ♥  The disciples fell asleep while praying ♥  Martha worried about everything ♥ The Samaritan woman was divorced (more than once) ♥  Zacchaeus was too small ♥  Paul was too religious ♥  Timothy had an ulcer ♥ Lazarus was dead

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. 

To be labeled as a teacher or a preacher, albeit quite the calling, has on occasion given me the willies. First and foremost I do not believe I am such, although yes I do speak from time to time, and yes I write devotionals with the intent of helping others. However, I see that which I do as more so of a testimony experience type of sharing, rather than a Joyce Meyers, Charles Stanley, or Michael Youssef teaching platform, not to mention the verse in James which speaks on teachers being held to a higher standard. I, for one, know I still have many, many, many more things to learn and I am just not down with being called such it (cue human emotional reasoning). Yet and still, I was searching unknowingly for a label of who I am … what I do.

SERVANT

That is what I was so eloquently called this weekend by my mom (the one who prayed me through my most darkest of times), and admittedly I do like it. As the Bible states …

Mark 10:45
"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

Philippians 2:5-8
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Luke 22:24-30
 A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors.  But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.  For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. You are those who have stood by me in my trials.  And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

1 Corinthians 4:1
Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.

John 13:12-15
So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you?  You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.  For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.

Undoubtedly to be called a Servant for/of God puts oneself is in unparalleled company with the Perfect One right there beside you. Not to mention it encompasses that which we are called to do, be willing and able to be used by God 24/7. So yes, this is one label I can totally get down with. ツ

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)

Thank you Kelly so much for doing this interview with me (and it's your first, so exciting!). I was delighted to find out that you have published a book, God’s Gardener, which is available for free on Smashwords for e-readers and CreateSpace in paperback. The royalties of which will go towards donation copies of the book for hand out to those dealing with homelessness. As someone who has spent countless hours reading others works (for review on Tuannasgifts.weebly.com), how does it feel to be on the other side?

Very humbling. If someone had ask me if I would ever write a book, let alone about my feelings toward God, I would have laughed at them and said ‘I’m no writer’.

Starting out with the introduction, “God’s Gardener” has very strong language towards the principals of being a Christ-follower, as well as, the traits and truths of God. What would you say is the primary message of the book? What is one thing that you hope each reader comes away with?

I hope to inspire people to at least see what God has to say by reading his word. I know many people will say that the book was written by men, but like me, I believe they were inspired by God to write what he was telling them in their heart.

Also, I hope my life’s struggles will show people that no matter who you are or what you have done you can receive forgiveness. God’s promise is constant through out the Bible. Jesus said it many times in his ministries to people of his day. This can be found in the bible, written by eye witnesses.

I, for one, thank you for your bold honesty in reference to your past circumstances. Did you find it easy for you to pen down the words knowing they would be readily available for any and everyone to examine them?

I did have some concern, more for people who know me. Most family and friends don’t know some of the things that happened to me. I didn’t want to hurt any one, but I felt I could reach more people if I was honest about my own life, something they could relate to.

In God’s Gardener you are very open about your mental afflictions; some people say that the church says too little about this type of disease. What would you say to someone of faith who is struggling with depression, anxiety, bi-polar, etc?

I would tell them that pills are fine, but having God in my life has made me less worried about what other people think and more about what God thinks. He made me as I am for a reason.

I know from the Bible that Jesus will return after the gospel is preached to the whole world, maybe my book is helping to do just that. Maybe that’s why I am here the way I am. I have no regrets for the way I am, I feel it makes me more sensitive to how others must feel. 

In Chapter 6, the importance of gifts from God is delved into by showing examples of your own. What would be one of your favorite “gifts” that you have been blessed with? What would you say to people who say they are talent-less? How would recommend them to search out/find their God given gifts/talents?

I think my favorite gift is the ability to make something from what ever I have. My motto is ‘do the best you can with what you have’.

NO one is without talent. Whether it be singing, writing, playing chess, cards, making people laugh, helping other with their homework, cleaning motel rooms, or skate boarding. We all have something we are good at. That is a talent. My husband can’t change the oil but he can really bring model ships to life, detail a car to make it look like new, and he takes great photo’s.

To know what your talent is just look around you. Do you love to decorate your home, sew, doodle, garden, make flower arrangements, help your neighbors, donate your time to charity? All of these things are gifts from God. Talent isn’t limited to painting or sculpting. It’s anything your good at, that you like to do, and not what other people think, but what you think about it that counts.

Scriptures are used through-out your publication as a tool to meaning, and you explore their importance to your happiness in low times and as a guided example of who you are to become.  In other parts of the world right now, people are at risk to be killed just for having the Bible in their space – to where as some of our fellow believers write scripture down on tiny fragments of paper and consume them due to fear of persecution. What would you say to people who may look at the Bible as something outdated and no longer needed? How do you think your life would have been different if you didn’t have the scriptures to turn to?

For those who think the Bible doesn’t pertain to our day then I would say they have never read it. There are so many things in there that pertain to any situation you can imagine. God tells us exactly what we should do when we don’t know what to do.  As to those in fear for their lives, remember God is in your heart, mind and soul. If God is for you then who can be against you. People may kill the body but they can’t kill your faith and belief in God. If you love God more then your own life then you have nothing to worry about.

Even without the scriptures to read I still have God’s wonders around me. NO one can do what God has done. No scientist can recreate what God has made. Oh, they can clone things but they can’t make something out of thin air, they can’t speak anything in existence. Just the other day I discovered some itty bitty white flowers growing all over this field. The flowers were so tiny I couldn’t see them without getting up real close. I could just see white. Up close they are so delicate and perfect. What beauty. The birds wake me up in the morning with their singing and I love to watch the crocus come up knowing spring isn’t far behind. I could write my own words about such things knowing they had to come from someone who is mighty and very loving to give us such wonders, so I don’t have to have the bible to know what God has to say or done for all of us.

Lastly, admittedly I am a fan of end-times study myself, as you declare for us in your book, you are an amateur eschatologist. There is without a doubt prophecy being fulfilled in the world around us today, and people may be blind to it. What word of advice would you give believers and non-believers alike regarding to the ‘end of this age’?

I know it’s scary to think that things will change and there is nothing you can do about it, but there is a better place for all of us. Right now people are suffering, hurting, scared, alone and afraid for their lives, but just imagine what it will be like when Jesus comes down to be King of Kings. There will be no more anger, tears, hurting, suffering, loneliness, pain. No more worrying about where your next meal is coming from, how will you keep warm, what you will wear. No more fear. You will be loved beyond belief, happy like never before, young again, all your sinful past will have been wiped away. You just have to ask Jesus to come into your heart and make you a new person. Like Jesus told Mary Magdalena, “Go, and sin now more”. It will surprise you as to how much happier you will be. You’ll feel free for your burdens will be lifted, all you have to do is ask and have faith and belief that God will be there for you. Because HE IS.

Do you have anything else you would like to share?

As I said in my book, I don’t want to see God loose even one soul to Satan. God is love. Satan is not. He will make you think that God wants you to be happy getting high, having all the sex you want with whom ever you want, but in the long run you will only be letting Satan tell you what to do. Is that what you really want? Wouldn’t you rather have true love, caring, being blessed by the Lord with all kinds of wonderful gifts, both physical and mental? Remember, Satan is jealous of God’s power and he will do anything to make you hate him. Don’t let him. God is beauty and love, Satan is desolation and despair.

Again, thank you very much for taking the time for this interview. It was a true delight reading your book, and seeing the scriptures through your point-of-view via your story, past – present and future. I hope that your book and its truths reaches people far and wide, and that more and more are added into the court of believers with each person who reads it. 

Thank you for such wonderful questions. I was very pleased to answer them. Also, I thank you for reading the book.  I was happy to be God’s pupil and thankful for His inspiration. I couldn’t have written it without Him.

Many Blessings to all,

Kelly Carpo