Rain Drops

Step-by-step instructions to defend your Christian faith. Learn how to prepare with the Sword of God.

Unspoken: “Can’t Even Love Myself “

This song blessed me so much that I had to share.

The words resonated so deeply in my heart…

There were many nights I ask myself and God, this very question.

“How can I love anyone, when I can’t even love myself?”

God answered me and said, “When you learn to let Me love you, then you will know how to love yourself…”

Ya’ll know, I’ve been through so much loss and heartache but God has truly loved me through it all.

I had to allow God to love me and be filled with His amazing love to understand how and why I must continue to love others…

Yes, even when they don’t or can’t love me back!

God will always choose me and that has to be enough!

And the sooner you realize that, God
will allow others to follow suit.

Don’t get complacent in the love and grace of God by desiring love from the world.

God is truly all you need!

And when you are ready,  He will send that person(s) who value you the same way and wants to share with you the very same love God has shared with them.

So be encouraged!!

God will not fail you!

Until then, know that

Jesus will:

“Pray for me,  Won’t turn away from me…
When I push Him away from me, He’ll stay right here with me…”

πŸ€·πŸ½β€β™€οΈπŸ’šπŸ™ŒπŸΎ

That’s love…

Click the image below to hear more…

Unspoken

Music credit to “Can’t Love Myself ” by Unspoken

Address to The Women’s Empowerment Ministries

To the Women’s Empowerment Ministries,

It has come to our attention that you are failing us in the Kingdom. You have lost sight of what it means to build up.

Personal vendettas have blinded you to see the world from a secular lens.

Testimony and personal experience should aid in overthrowing the workings of the enemy and lead to a closer relationship with Christ.

Unfortunately, a rebuke just may be necessary to deliver what God is saying to His people.

But undoubtedly, every rebuke must be rooted in love.

Here are two tips to consider:

1. Make sure your mission statement, purpose, and message on your logo and blogs match the intent, action, and words that come from your heart.

How can you empower some women and destroy others? If you beat down your right hand, to make your left feel better, you are not empowering at all. In fact, you are the problem.

We all make mistakes. Own them, repent, and do better. But don’t proclaim publicly what you secretly do not live by.

This does not mean you have ill intentions nor does it imply you are a bad person.  But it does show your character.  One that contrary to what you may think,  has always been crystal clear.

2. Examine yourself and rather than dwell on how you may look to others, seek out how you look to God.

Did your actions really empower anyone besides yourself?

Did you lead, by example, others to or away from walking upright with God?

When it’s just you and God, are you proud of your participation and the impact it had on others?

IJS…

I know. This doesn’t feel good to hear…

BUT

A real confession brings forth a real deliverance.

And I know ultimately, you want to do the will of God.

“Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world” 🌎 1 John 4:4

It’s not too late, sis.

Pray about it, we need you and still love ya!

Presented  in love and forgiveness,

The Women You Vowed to Empower

Blessings πŸ’š

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4 Stages in the Process of Suffering: The Series

How do we reconcile the evils of pain and suffering with a good and loving God?

Here is my revelation on how to deal with the Problem of Pain and Suffering …

In this 4-Part Series, navigate with me on my “Journee” to discover and answer the Problem of Pain and Evil.

This problem is by far the number one excuse to disbelieve and/or criticize the sovereign God.

I was one who believed God but struggled to understand the infamous questions of why and how a good and loving God allows so many evils in the world.

God led me on a “Journee,” that started in Israel, 2019, pushed through Babylon entering into 2020, and rested in the Fear of the Lord!

Proverbs 1:7 says, “Knowledge begins with the Spirit of the Fear of the Lord!”

Listen as I share my revelation from God …

There are 4 stages in the process of suffering that coincides with the walk of salvation.

1. Broken Heart

Psalms 34:18
β€œThe LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit.”

2. Contrite Spirit (Godly Sorrow)

Psalms 51:17
β€œThe sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.:

3. Repentance

2 Chronicles 7:14
β€œIf my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

4. Forgiveness

Colossians 3:13
β€œBearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other, as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”

This vlog will consolidate all 4 stages for your convenience.

For more details, please see each individual vlog for the academic and spiritual merge in study.

Listen as I walk through this process of suffering and share my testimony.

Click the links below:

Broken Heart πŸ’”

Contrite Spirit 😭

Repentance πŸ™‡πŸ½β€β™€οΈ

Testimony Part 1 πŸ—£

My Testimony Part 2 πŸ—£

Repentance πŸ™ŒπŸΎ

Forgiveness Part 1 πŸ’ž

Forgiveness Part 2 πŸ’ž

For Journee, Rest in Christ babygirl

Subscribe to my YouTube channel

God’s Ink YouTube

For more videos and content

For prayer or questions, please email me at marquia@gods-ink.com

Blessings πŸ’š

4 Stages of Suffering: Contrite Spirit Part 2

Godly sorrow is the only way to allow the Holy Spirit to air and cleanse wounds.

There must be a cleansing in order for the healing of Jesus’ stripes to restore our soul.

Listen to King David as he exclaims his contrite spirit …

Psalms 51

Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet went to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.

“Have mercy on me, O God,
    according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
    blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
    and cleanse me from my sin!

For I know my transgressions,
    and my sin is ever before me.
Against you, you only, have I sinned
    and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you may be justified in your words
    and blameless in your judgment.
Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
    and in sin did my mother conceive me.
Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being,
    and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
    wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Let me hear joy and gladness;
    let the bones that you have broken rejoice.
Hide your face from my sins,
    and blot out all my iniquities.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,
    and renew a right spirit within me.
11 Cast me not away from your presence,
    and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
    and uphold me with a willing spirit.

13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
    and sinners will return to you.
14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God,
    O God of my salvation,
    and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness.
15 O Lord, open my lips,
    and my mouth will declare your praise.
16 For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;
    you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
    a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

18 Do good to Zion in your good pleasure;
    build up the walls of Jerusalem;
19 then will you delight in right sacrifices,
    in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings;
    then bulls will be offered on your altar.”

Click the image below to hear my teaching on a contrite spirit (Godly Sorrow)

4 Stages of Suffering: Repentance Part 3

Repentance is more than. “I’m sorry,” but the decision to change your mind and turn from the wrong direction.

Dr. Hart Ramsey gives the best description as he uses the navigational meaning of the term repent to show how nomadic navigators expressed how to get back on course once it was revealed they had gone astray.

There are two Scriptures that references “repentance” in translation but the actual Greek is a bit different.

Matt 27:3-5

Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that. And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.”

According to The Blue Letter Bible (BLB) Lexicon, the word used in vs. 3 is “metamelomai” Strong’s 3338, meaning “to care afterwards; regret.”

Its root words metamΓ©llomai  3326 /metΓ‘, “change after being with,” and 3199 /mΓ©lō, “care, be concerned with”– properly means “to experience a change of concern after a change of emotion and usually implying to regret, i.e. falling into emotional remorse afterwards.”

Some translations record as “repent to self.”

However, in Matthew 3:1-3

“In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”

According to BLB, the word repent in vs. 2 is translated “metanoeo” meaning “to change one’s mind.”

Its root words are “meta” meaning “to change after being with;” and “noeo” meaning “think differently after.”

This is significant because Judas’ repentance did not occur after Godly sorrow, but after an emotional remorse.

It stemmed from his on discomfort rather than the realization of his wickedness in his action.

His response and reaction to return the 30 pieces of silver was his attempt to atone for himself rather than surrender to Christ, even while He was on the cross.

“So, what’s the difference between Judas betrayal and Peters?”

I am so glad you asked! πŸ˜‰

It is true, both disciples betrayed Jesus and repented …

BUT

Only one experienced Godly sorrow…

Only one accepted the truth about their wickedness …

Only one changed their mind about themselves and their deed …

Not solely because of regret or remorse …

But because what they learned about themselves, was the very reason Jesus went to the cross.

Judas felt bad because of what he saw and he, like Peter’s original mind, wanted to stop the plan of God!

He wanted to undo what was destined!

He tried to payback what he was unworthy to pay!

And THAT is why Judas’ repentance was rejected.

Peter realized he was wicked and changed his mind and ways …

He accepted Jesus’ crucifixion because he trusted his the Word.

Peter became the rock and Judas dissolved as he was; a curse, deserving of the tree in which he hung.

Click the image below to hear my teaching on Stage 3 of the process of suffering.

Resources:

Exerps from research paper entitled, “The Inevitably and Mystery of Suffering” Liberty University by Marquia Green


https://biblehub.com/str/greek/3338.htm

https://biblehub.com/str/greek/3340.htm

For more content, subscribe to my YouTube channel MrsGreenInk

For prayer and questions comment below or email me at marquia@mrsgreenink.com

Blessings πŸ’š

Marquia

4 Stages in the Process of Suffering

Part 1: The Broken Heart πŸ’”

How do we reconcile the evils of pain and suffering with a good and loving God?

Here is my revelation on how to deal with the Problem of Pain and Suffering …

There are 4 stages in the process of suffering that encompasses the walk of salvation.

1. Broken Heart

Psalms 34:18
“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit.”

2. Contrite Spirit (Godly Sorrow)

Psalms 51:17
“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.”

3. Repentance

2 Chronicles 7:14
“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

4. Forgiveness

Colossians 3:13
“Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other, as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”

This vlog will discuss the first of the 4 stages: The Broken Heart πŸ’”

Listen as I share my testimony and walk through the process of suffering.

Click the image below

Stay tuned for part 2: Contrite Spirit (Godly Sorrow)

Subscribe to my YouTube channel

MrsGreenInk YouTube

For more videos and content

For prayer or questions, please email me at marquia@mrsgreenink.com

Blessings πŸ’š

God’sInk’s Writing Guide

Hey there!

πŸ’šπŸ’šπŸ’šπŸ’šπŸ’šπŸ’šπŸ’šπŸ’šπŸ’šπŸ’šπŸ’šπŸ’šπŸ’šπŸ’šπŸ’š

Welcome to my world of writing!

Congratulations on taking the first step in sharing your words with the world.

And it’s an honor to help with your process.

First, know I am no one special.

Just a scribe with a passion for words and thought.

Please know this is just my version of an art that has been mastered by so many others.

Feel free to pick and choose what works best for you.

Okay, let’s do this!

I have two principles:

“Just write” and “It doesn’t take all your coins!”

What do I mean?

It’s simple …

I. “Just Write”:

The key to writing is to simply write!

Don’t worry about grammar when you start, save that for your first edits. 

This is how I do things:

1. Decide and answer:

“What are you are trying to say?”

“What is ultimately the message you want to convey?”

2. Brainstorm your ideas that capture your message. They will become your chapters.

3. Keep it simple.

8-12 chapters for a book that is not a romance novel or textbook.

Inspirational reads and self-help books should be moderate in length. 

4. Keep chapters an average of 3,000-5,000 words each.

Make sure they are synchronized. So, if you do one at 3,000, stay with that for all. 

5. Put “YOU” in your writing.

It should show your personality and be descriptive. Minimal slang, but keep it true to you.

Example

“Love is like the Miss Pearl  that everyone knows. She is always watching and waiting to be all up in somebody’s business. Sure, some may call her “gurl,” while others call her “gurl bye;” but all can be sure to call her something at some point in life. Depending on how well acquainted; depends on how well you are received. Miss Pearl tells no lies. If you are good to her, she will be good to you. But please understand, the opposite is true too. Oh yes, Miss Pearl is like the love that everyone knows, even if everyone is not well acquainted. “

You get me?

6. Try to include dialogue where you bring characters to life.

Give examples, testimonials, and/or activities.

Providing space for the reader to dialogue about questions or journaling is always good.

Make it interactive.

7. Choose a book that is similar to what you are looking to write and see their format.

I chose “Power of a Praying Wife” by Stormie Omartian and “The Agenda of Angels” by Dr. Kevin Zadai to mirror my format.

I kept what I liked and changed what I did not.

This includes where to put blank pages, foreword, preface, contents, cite page, etc.

You can do whatever you want…it’s your book!

Edits:

1. Freelance your first chapter. Say what you want to say. Then go back and review what you said.

Does it capture what you brainstormed?

Keep it to that main thought.

Example:

Chapter 1 = brainstorm thought

Brainstormed thought = “A tough few years after a divorce.”     

Chapter 1 title = “The Trying Years”

2. Spell check and grammar. Do your best and use online resources.

3. Identify a well-spoken, grammatically conscious friend or colleague you trust to proof read.

Have them use the comment tool in Word (or equivalent) to make corrections.

That way, you can see if the error was intentional to express personality.

4. Review and make the changes. 

5. Send to the editor.

II.It doesn’t take all your coins!“:

You can self publish through Kindle Direct Publishing by Amazon. I encourage you to read through it and see all that it offers.

They also offer self-creating covers with templates and generic images, but you can also upload your own.

I recommend going through local or independent graphic designers.

You can also go to Unsplash to find free images that you can use for backgrounds.

My editor is J.J. Murray and he is awesome! He is affordable and great at what he does!

You can email your request for editing through his website.

http://www.johnjeffreymurray.com

Go to the link below and it will give you all the templates.

Paperback Manuscript Templates

I recommend 6×9 but that is a question you can ask the editor.

Lastly, I recommend copyright your work.

There are many resources online, but I use eCO, Electronic Copyright Office.

I recommend it because its easy, affordable, and gives you peace of mind over the security of your work.

It will also register your work with the Library of Congress, which at the very least, is pretty cool!

This should get you started and of course I am alway here to answer any questions!

Email me or comment here …


Good luck and happy writing!

Blessings,

Minister Marquia S. Green

Christian Apologist. Author. Speaker. 

Founder God’sInk Ladies Tea Time Women’s Faith Group AdelphΓ© Ministries  marquia@gods-ink.com

“In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who ask for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” 
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)

25 Steps to Holy Living

1 Peter KJV

While in study, this is what I hear…

God is raising up His prepared people, and in so doing, the enemy is turning up his deceptions and distractions.

Do not be dismayed. Do not focus on the smoke; but keep your eyes on the fire! 


Join me in the study of the entire book of 1 Peter.

Take your time to read slowly and aloud, allowing the Holy Spirit to form your heart and soul with His Word.

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17

Then, read it again focusing on this order of verses:

1 Peter 1:2, 1:4, 1:6-7, 1:8-9, 1:13, 1:7, 1:21, 1:22, 2:1 (1st sentence), 2:5, 2:9, 2:15, 3:1-2, 3:5-6, 3:7, 3:9, 3:15-16, 4:1, 4:7-8, 4:19, 5:2, 5:5, 5:8-9, 5:10, 5:12b (last 2 sentences)


Write down the instruction God lists in each of those verses.

Take your time … and ask the Spirit of Truth to reveal His understanding.

Now pray this for each passage:

“Most gracious and supreme Lord of lords; King of kings, we offer up the highest praise to You. Father we thank You for Your Spirit of Truth that bears all understanding. We ask for the spirit of understanding to endow us, bringing us to revelation in Your holy Word. Thank You for speaking to our hearts and forming our souls in alignment with Your Word. We count it done is Jesus matchless name. Amen and amen.”

This is how we must live for Christ and walk in purpose!

EVERYTHING ELSE will be added unto you, THUS says the Word of God! 

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33

It is a promise of our Lord and “He who promised is faithful.” (Heb 10:23)

I love you and I hope this encourages you.

If you want to see change and more importantly, HAVE PEACE in your life, you must abide in Christ.

This is the best thing you can ever do …

SHOW THAT CHRIST LIVES IN YOU!

And I promise, you will have everything you desire that agrees with the Word of God and so much more.

I’m always in your corner!

Trust God!

Christ is calling you to greatness!

Tell me about your “Journee”

Please leave your comment below and if you haven’t already …

SUBSCRIBE BELOW

πŸ’šπŸ’šπŸ’šπŸ’šπŸ’šπŸ’šπŸ’šπŸ’šπŸ’šπŸ’šπŸ’šπŸ’šπŸ’šπŸ’šπŸ’š

“Study to show thyself approved”

PURPOSE: How A Godly Breaking Transforms the Heart and Renews the Mind …

There’s a place of brokenness that God will call you to. I didn’t quite understand this principle until I experienced it first hand for myself!

I had already experienced heartache from man and I had experienced enduring to establish who I was. I had even experienced warfare against spiritual wickedness and darkness. Last but apparently not least, I had experienced many trials and tribulations in discovering my purpose …

But Oh, my sweet Lord Jesus, I did not expect another “experience” of brokenness TO WALK OUT MY AFOREMENTIONED PURPOSE!

This breaking is one I have NEVER quite felt before IN ALL MY LIFE! (37 years in counting …)

But in the deepest part of my being, there is a subtle “knowing” that it isn’t my adversary behind this experience, but GOD!

When God reveals your purpose He also reveals who you are and where you’re going! And scripture supports this!

Let us dive into the Word …

Scripture reveals who Jesus was when He was baptized. He was identified as the Lamb of God, High Priest, and Son of God.

Let’s break it down

1. “Behold, there goes the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world” John 1:29.

When John the Baptist saw Jesus approaching him as he was baptizing in the Jordan River, his response identified the purpose of Jesus’ identity.

John’s purpose was to prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah by baptizing those who repented of their sins and believed in the God of Israel. John’s ministry was the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah: “He is the voice shouting in the wilderness, Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him!’ The valleys will be filled, and the mountains and hills made level. The curves will be straightened, and the rough places made smooth. And then all people will see the salvation sent from God.” Isaiah 40:3-5

Only the high priest could determine the lamb fitting to be sacrificed for the remittance of sin. It was the priest’s responsibility to examine the lamb, ensuring it is without spot or wrinkle so that it was presentable to offer to God the Father. John the Baptist, as the son of Zechariah, was fully qualified to identify such a lamb and when he saw Jesus, who he was as a priest concurred with who Jesus was as the ultimate sacrifice.

John baptized for the remittance of sin, but Jesus was without sin, so why did Jesus seek baptism?

This leads us to #2.

2. The Mikveh is a collection of living water that is used for ritual washing or ablution in Judaism. It is used in two ways:

a.) Tevilah – a full body immersion. The purpose of tevilah, according to the rabbinic oral tradition, is to remove ritual impurities. It was interpreted exegetically by traditional rabbis straight from Leviticus 22:6-7: “Unless he has washed his body in water, when the sun sets he shall be clean.” Rabbis and Talmudic Law expressed this text to mean that a full immersion must be accomplished just as the sun sets fully every evening.

b.) Netilat yadayim – washing of hands or feet by dipping a cup and pouring over the hands or feet.

Rabbinic tradition from the Talmud pulls primarily from the oral tradition from Sinai (Mishneh Torah Laws of Mikva’ot 1:2) suggests that every place the Torah speaks of rachatz–washing of flesh or clothing to purify the intent is of a full or total immersion in the mikveh.

Now, that we have this knowledge, it is plausible to conclude that Jesus was baptized not for the remittance of sins but to be immersed into the mikveh in preparation of His purpose as priest.

Jesus at 30 years old was entering into His purpose the day He was baptized by John the Baptist. This is significant because it is the age required to become a candidate for priesthood. The same oral tradition recorded in the Talmud suggests that when a priest is selected whether by birthrite or lot, three things must take place:

A.) The candidate must be immersed in the mikveh for purification.

B.) The candidate is anointed with oil representing the Holy Spirit.

C.) The previous priest, usually in the lineage of the candidate, declares that the candidate is his heir/son to whom they are pleased to pass on the mandate of priesthood.

John the Baptist was the son of a priest, Zechariah, which gives him legal right to perform such a ritual. His entire purpose was to prepare the way for the Messiah who will continue the mission but by the fire of the Holy Spirit. I would imagine the same connection between the two of them that caused John to leap in the womb was still leaping when he saw Jesus approaching him at the Jordan River. John 1:31-34 tells us that John did not recognize Jesus as the Messiah but was baptizing with water so that the Messiah might be revealed to Israel. God gave John a prophecy to identify the Messiah as the one in which the Spirit of God descends upon.

Then there came the dove … the Holy Spirit

John the Baptist quickly understood the identity and purpose of Jesus of Nazareth.

3. “This is my Son to whom I Am well pleased” identified Jesus as the Christ and solidified His purpose as priest. Jesus’ purpose has now been established acknowledging Him as Lamb of God, Priest, and Messiah.

All of this took place just before He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted.

Why?!

“To whom much is given, much is required”

The Spirit led Jesus to the wilderness to establish the final element of His purpose–His destination. Where Jesus was purposed to go, God had to test Him to prepare Him for His fate.

In the wilderness, Jesus fasted and prayed and met His adversary. The devil tested Him three times. Each time was an attempt to steal Jesus’ identity:

Test 1. “If you be the Son of God, turn this rock into bread.” Luke 4:3 (Lust of the flesh)

Test 2. “I will give you the glory of these kingdoms and authority over them…I will give it all to you if you worship me.” Luke 4:6-7 (Lust of the eye)

Test 3. “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the scriptures say, “He will order his angels to protect and guard you.” Luke 4:9-10 (Pride of life)

Jesus came out of the wilderness prepared for His purpose because He had been tested and passed. The enemy offered Him an alternative path with false promises and lies of a reward that he didn’t have access to. But Jesus stood firm on His purpose and trusted the Word of God.

Unlike Jesus, we fall to the sufferings of isolation and our fleshly appetite (lust of the flesh, lust of the eye, and pride of life) and we succumb to the lies of the enemy. In so doing, we have to repeat the wilderness and the test. But we don’t have to.

The enemy only operates in what we allow. He knows that in order to be successful he must penetrate the soul (mind, will, and emotions). The fight is all about the soul which is why Jesus taught that we must “love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” Matthew 22:37.

Fixate your soul on the Word of God, just like Jesus. Every twisted lie the enemy fashioned towards Jesus’ purpose and identity, Jesus responded with the Word. We must do the same!

When the enemy tempts us, we have to respond with the Word. We have to stand on faith that God is a good God and has good plans for our lives. We must trust the process is for our good and that when we finish, we will be ready to walk out the kingdom mandate on our lives. God will not fail us, if only we believe and trust that the equipping is necessary for our mark of the prize in Christ Jesus.

Now let’s fast forward three years through Jesus’ ministry and stop in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Gethsemane is on the Mount of Olives and literally translates as oil press. It is also known as the a place of agony because of the measure of pressure Jesus was under the night He was betrayed.

This is the place of brokenness that God allows us to enter so that we can be strengthened to fulfill all purpose.

It is important to note that Jesus entered this very place fully human. He was under the greatest pressure of His life and He was truly in agony. He asked His Father to remove this cup because of the pain that He knew He would suffer. BUT as He prayed and lingered in the presence of the Holy Spirit, He relinquished His will to do the will of His Father.

So often we are faced with the agony of pressure that is required to do the will of God. But do we relinquish our will for His will?

Jesus did in Gethsemane. And it was only the beginning.

Scripture tells us that from that moment forward, Jesus endured more and more suffering in obedience to the will of God. He understood His purpose and endured through the process until the end.

All of it was purposed.

The Via Dolorosa or Way to the Cross, where Jesus was beaten, degraded, humiliated, abused, mistreated, slandered, ridiculed, broken, shamed, and ultimately rejected by all to include God the Father.

Yes, I know many have never heard it put that way but God had to reject His Son on that cross because Jesus became sin for our sake.

When Jesus cried out, “My God, my God, why have thou forsaken me?” That cry came from a place of brokenness and rejection. But Jesus, as the priest and lamb, knew that God is close to the brokenhearted. So, He gave up His spirit entrusting His purpose was for His good.

Jesus knew who He was as the Son of God and yet He still faced the temptation and brokenness. His heart and mind had to be renewed daily to maintain His posture and submit to the will of God. And as our example, Jesus illustrates how to walk in who you are in Christ and how to walk in purpose.

Jesus endured until the end and rose with all power, seated on the right hand of the Father. His heart and mind stayed centered on the most important key–God’s purpose.

And because of Him, we can rise with Him and enter into His kingdom as priests, kings, and heirs to His throne!

So, beloved, don’t give up on purpose! Especially when the temptations increase and you enter into agony. Believe in who you are in Christ AND trust that God purpose is for your good and His glory!

You can make it!

And I’m preaching to the choir, y’all!

I can make it!

WE WILL MAKE IT!!

Endure until the end …

Selah

πŸ’šπŸ’šπŸ’šπŸ™ŒπŸΎπŸ™ŒπŸΎπŸ™ŒπŸΎπŸ’šπŸ’šπŸ’šπŸ™ŒπŸΎπŸ™ŒπŸΎπŸ™ŒπŸΎπŸ’šπŸ’šπŸ’š

4 Steps To A Christian Response

Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle towards everyone.

Titus 3:1-2

Hold my mule Lord, hold my mule!! Often times us Christians are approached with such worldly things that we may want to get out of character.

The clap back can be righteously warranted but deadly to your witness. As Christian’s we are held to a higher standard that is always on trial and in the public opinion, reflects the face of our Savior.

As unfair as it may be, we are ambassadors for our worldview and when we are out of line, it isn’t charged against us–but our God.

I know what you’re thinking…yes, we are human too! But we are called to a high call in Christ Jesus that is before us in our daily walk with HIM.

So in my many, many, MANY failed attempts to get this thing right, God uncovered 4 steps to help me stay on track and not allow my good to be evil spoken of…

Lets take a look …

Before we respond in words or actions consider these 4 simple questions:

1. What will God gain by my actions or words?

2. What will the enemy [satan] gain by my actions or words?

3. What will God lose by my actions or words?

4. What will the enemy [satan] lose by my actions or words?

The key is to maximize your response actions to ensure that God gains glory and the enemy loses glory.

For each question, write down exactly what your action or words will do. Be specific. Don’t leave anything out.

For example, if someone cuts me off while driving and I roll up beside them and curse them out:

1. God will gain a bad representation by His ambassadors. There is no glory because filthy language does not edify anyone. It does not reflect the compassion of Christ nor does it foster an opportunity to witness the Gospel as we are all instructed to do as priest. But if you refrain from such actions and ignore the unfortunate driving incident, God gains another soldier who has resisted the enemy’s test.

2. The enemy gains legal rights to the words that you spoke and gains leverage in the courtroom of heaven. Because you have succumbed to your carnality and behaved unbecoming of a priest of the Gospel, that serpent is welcome to eat the dust of your flesh. But if no fowl language or grievous act was committed, the enemy is resisted and must flee.

3. God loses an opportunity to be glorified because His character is not reflected. You will likely have to repeat this test until you pass.

4. The enemy doesn’t lose much because our actions were in agreement with worldly emotions and did not reflect the standard emulated by Christ. But if he is resisted, then he loses this battle and must flee from us.

The key to this exercise is to think with a Christ-like mind before you respond or react. Everything Jesus did, was not on “His own accord but was everything He saw His Father in Heaven doing” (John 5:19).

Ensure that whatever you choose, it guarantees that God will gain and satan loses. That’s it!

The best part is that it requires you to selah–pause, just for a moment. In every pause there is an inhale and an exhale that allows movement of the Holy Spirit to guide you. Breathe Him in! Let Him govern your next move and you will rest assured knowing that you gave a Godly response.

Just try it and see for yourself! I have to say–it has DEFINITELY worked for me in many occasions! IJS

Selah