Manhood (pt.2): Leadership as a Protector

A protector keeps those in their care safe and guards them from harm. And now in this world, we fight to do so not only physically, but also, and perhaps more importantly so, spiritually. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.(Ephesians 6:12 KJV). The spiritual battle we do not see, and at times, are completely unaware that we are even within a conflict.

A leading man of God is given the charge to protect, but it is vital to implement the proper safeguards for both physical and spiritual. Physical protection is a bit easier to accomplish as it is easier to manage what is visible. Security systems, cameras, guards, and other barriers can stop outside potential threats. While these things will not be as effective with spiritual opposition, there is still protection. Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Ephesians 6:10‭-‬11‭, ‬13 KJV).

Everyday is a new day to be exposed to new battles on the spiritual war front. As a protector, a man can arm and protect by equipping others with the armor of God which consists of truth, faith, peace, salvation, prayer, and the Word of God. Any battle fought without the necessary preparation can have deadly results, because without it one is exposed. This is yet another reason why fulfilling the duties of manhood is so important. As a leader, a man is to do whatever possible to reduce or eliminate the exposure to spiritual wickedness and the rulers of darkness. Live for God and instill God to provide spiritual protection!

Value (pt.3): Our Testimony

There may be many reasons to engage things to which we assign value, but if in any way we believe within our hearts that God would not approve or perhaps simply say "Wait", then we should first not engage and second, reevaluate why/if it is truly important to be experienced. Being mindful of the former, not engaging those things held in a questionable high regard, there is a scientific yet simple approach. Reciprocity. Not engaging may lead to an idle mind, so there should something set in place to busy the mind. And what or who better than God.

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

2 Corinthians 5:20 KJV

This verse explains that we are ambassadors for God. Simply put, we are physical embodiments or representatives of God. We are what people see and interpret God’s love from. As we were told when we were children, we must be on our best behavior. If not for us, then for those who may be watching. And thus, this should not be due to the nature of others opinions of us, but that of God. What truly matters, or is of value, is how our testimony will lead others toward the cross, as opposed to pushing them away. Kind words, understanding, and truth in its purest form used to combat resentment, judgmental thoughts, and deception, will yield optimum results. Whether it be an eternal decision or the fact that God was reflected, God’s will be done. That is what is important. That is what has Value.

We pray blessings upon all who have read. We invite you to follow us on social media as well! Be Blessed and Be a Blessing!

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Christian Legacy: Greater In God

Life is about legacy. A Christian legacy is the sum total of the good that you have done for God, and others. No matter where you've been or where you are, there is no better time than the present to make life greater. Greater for yourself and greater for others. This can be achieved by anyone. Even in times of trial, a simple smile can go a long way. Something minute such as an action of seemingly no immediate value may help someone else. Do the math.

Legacy is part of God's plan for our life. If there seems to be distance from God it is not because He walked away, but rather it is because we walked away. But by grace, God does not hold a grudge. He is there to help us. All we have to do is take His hand and walk in faith with Him. He knows the plans that He has for our lives (there is a plan for everyone) and for we who believe in Him and the power in simply saying His name, He desires abundant prosperity(Jeremiah 29:11). He is Great and can make our lives even greater than what they are now. "Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world" (1 John 4:4) which means having God makes us greater than anything that is outside of ourselves.

We must leave a mark on the world. What will yours be? Hopefully it will be one that shows that you are hand in hand with God and His ways. A life that reflects the search to adhere to the ways of Jesus Christ. For it is He and He alone who is the Way the Truth and the Life. He is the only way to the Father. And with that access to to the Father we have unlimited access to power from the Creator; therefore, we obtain access to anything in existence that will assist us toward the achievements of an appropriate legacy to be left behind.

Our legacy should be a building block for others. Whether or not we try to leave a legacy, one will be left. So it is very important that we leave a legacy that is constructive and not destructive, focusing energies on those things that will build us as they may be the very things to build another. Perhaps important so because the inverse is true in the way of destruction. We are meant to grow in God and help others do so as well. That which is of God, is that which will build us up and make us greater, and through us make others greater, and through them make the world greater. Legacy.

Where Is the Church? (pt.1) Christian Duty

"We've got to go and be a witness

To save the lost and fallen from the hit list.
Get this, give them total Truth, so they never will forget this
And they can claim a place where Holy bliss is..."

It is the responsibility of believers to bring souls to Christ. It is our mandate from God. In Matthew 4:19, Jesus declares that if we follow him, He will make us fishers of men- seeking to bring souls to Christ. We have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb of God and given a new life as new Creatures. How dare we deprive an unbeliever of the same Christ who saved our wretched souls from a deserved punishment. Who are we to the unbeliever but one whom not so long ago was standing in the same guilty place yearning inside for the scent of atonement? 

"For all have sinned and come short of Gods glory." (Romans 3:23) Therefore, we by ourselves were not good enough. We were not deserving, except by Jesus interceding for us and enduring the Cross whereby we were saved. We are no better than anyone on Earth- man, woman, boy, girl, black, white, saved, or unsaved. We are not perfect. Yet He who was, and still is perfect, saved us. 

Nothing elevates one above another, therefore we are all equal. Sinners needing God's grace. There is no one sin greater than the others. Sin is sin, and if one keeps the Law of God and sin not, save one sin, he still transgresseth the Law. (James 2:10). This verse, in a way, puts us all on a level playing field- all sinners seeking God's grace. We, as Christians though, are to help align the minds of the lost to realize how they can be found, and given newness.

If we are privy to the knowledge of someone falling to sin, it is only our place to help them and not judge. Because the same standard of judgment that we use against them shall be therein used against us. 1 Peter 3:15-16 (KJV) tells us sanctify the Lord in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason  of the hope that is in you with meeknes and fear: Having a good conscience: that whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they might be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. The NIV translates this verse by saying to revere Christ, and be ready to explain why you have hope. But to do so with gentleness, respect, and a clear conscience. Thus, causing those who spoke evil against you to be ashamed. Also, doing so would make us like Christ in word and deed, and give a good testimony and example as to what really being a Christian is all about.....

(We will revisit this topic in part 2 of this series. Until then we would like to invite you to follow us on social media. Thank you again for reading and God bless!)

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The Deception and the Truth

The deceiver is powerful. He has used his power to toppled many who have fought in yet the same fight as we- life. Breaking us down at our base for he knows that to do so will cause all else to experience his chaos and havoc with no falter and cause even the slightest of pressures to collapse the mind with the greatest of ease. Strong morals, Christian-based integrity and all characteristics of the same sort seem nill toward the cause of keeping a sound mind. But you MUST. Keep unto you a sound mind, for to do it not is to condemn your legacy and life's work to be tainted at the leisure of the dark one. Be heavy in your discernment, for too light a consideration in all matters leaves the doors to deception opened wide. Be sure to discern not only firmly, but most importantly, in the Spirit of God. As it is glorious to have sound mind and a compassionate heart, they both remain succeptable to the swift snares of the deceiver flung toward us liken to a dark arrow dipped in the lies and untruths devised by he who would desire nothing more than to see us fall. Perhaps doing so by the convincing offer which causes one to covet the bitter taste as though it were sweet, creating an addiction for the forbidden. The offer to be human. The offer to feel satiation where there is depravity; sight when blind, shade when scorched, speach when dumb. It is greatly pertinent to stay in and of oneself and remember that he, the deceiver is just that. Commit this to memory and forget it not, for he surely won't.
For as much strenghth that the deceiver has or rather would have it appear to be pressed upon you, it is not the will of the Father that you should fall. For this world and all thereof is His. By His hand was all made and by His Love it is HE, and not the deceiver, who has claim of us. He is the Truth. He is Love. He is Good. Therefore as He reaches to us we should seek for Him that we might receive Him. And thereunto, receive we Truth, Love, and Goodness. All these be the true desires of the heart. Upon these be the determining factors of ones rise or fall. Be ye drawn to them all together for the lack of solidarity is as the cooking pot being denied the stir if the spoon. For whatsoever ye are in search of actively, that shall one become even if only during the search. Where your focus is, there will your map be drawn to follow. But in all things seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His Righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. Surely, abundantly, pressed down, and overflowing.
All things of darkness are so due to the lack of something, and light is the presence of. Where there is Light no darkness can be. Darkness is weakened in the presence of Light.