Posted by: the warrioress | February 11, 2013

Black First, Disciple Of Christ Second…..I Don’t Think So!

This beautiful posting of Ron’s made me want to cry; it is just so powerful. I hope everyone is as blessed by it as I am. It really moved me. Please keep Ron in your prayers as he is a strong brother in Christ.

Ron "Big Black" Garrett's avatarRon "Big Black" Garrett

I find it absolutely hilarious that I’ve seemed to offend some in the black community in regards to my stance of considering myself a Christian before considering myself being a black man (referring to the looks and comments that I receive after I posted my thoughts on “Black History And The Unforgiving Spirit” Link to the article: http://ronbigblackgarrett.wordpress.com/2012/02/17/black-history-and-the-unforgiving-spirit/).

What is even funnier to me is that many of these black folk claim Christianity as their religion yet the continue to idolize their “blackness” and anyone or anything that they choose to fit into that category over the things of Jesus Christ and His teachings and when I point this fact out to them they seem to have no clue at what I’m talking about which leads me to reconsider who their true Father is for Christ has no preference for color and His word teaches us that His only consideration…

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Posted by: the warrioress | February 8, 2013

Jesus and the Lost

Love the Sinner

Love the Sinner (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

13 Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came to him, and he began to teach them. 14 As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him.

15 While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. 16 When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

17 On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” –Mark 2:13-17

Jesus was a friend to sinners. He knew that all have fallen short of the glory of God. Jesus had a love for the lost. He died for these and for each one of us, so that we might be redeemed of our sins and purified in the eyes of God.

When those who don’t know Jesus Christ are in the midst of their sin, they are lost. The lost are ignorant as to what Jesus Christ is expecting of them. Correcting their sin and expecting them to behave as the righteous do is putting the cart before the horse. One will be convicted of sin as he is changed from the inside out, through knowing Jesus Christ. We gently teach with love and compassion, those who are coming to know Jesus; we should assume that they will make many mistakes.

This doesn’t mean that we gloss over sin itself and make sin “okay.” Sin is not productive, right, or in anyone’s benefit. We must never make sin okay, but in focusing intently on the sin within the sinner, we reject and push away one who might find Jesus, as we once did when lost in our own sin.

There is a time to preach and rebuke sin to the sinner and that time is when we see even an inkling of a desire to live a life holy before God. A sinner who has accepted Jesus Christ will want to please God and stop sinning. He will reach out for help in order to try and do this, then our teaching, preaching, and rebuking will welcomed and appropriate — if we do it in love.

Rejecting sinners and condemning them before they have even had a chance to find Jesus Christ seems to me a sin in and of itself. Jesus handled the sinner in this more appropriate way:

(For the mobile viewer, click HERE)

Jesus was merciful, compassionate, loving, and judgmental after the fact, if anything. He did not condemn with hatred or angst. He did not accuse, judge, and assassinate the character of someone because of their sin. He did not reject anyone. Jesus would have abhorred behavior that exhibits bigotry and hatred toward another. He would have been disgusted by self righteousness, such as that exhibited by the Pharisees, who were the woman in the film’s accusers.

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Posted by: the warrioress | February 7, 2013

Boy Scout Ban on GLBT Children

The Boy Scouts of America ban against GLBT children is discriminatory and wrong.

Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. –Matthew 21:32

As a Christian, for me this Boy Scout ban isn’t about the morality of the act of homosexuality, nor is it even about one’s sexual orientation, based upon what the bible tells us.  Sin does not even enter into this matter. This ban is about judgment and condemnation; it does not show the love that Jesus Christ demonstrated to those whom many condemn. How have loving Christians been led so far astray from what the bible teaches?

Take such as, the story of the adulteress in the bible, or the prostitute, Mary Magdalene. Or how about Nicodemus, the tax collector? How were these imperfect, sinful people treated by Jesus Christ? Were they banned from His presence? Were they ordered to steer clear of Him?

No. They most definitely were not.

When they persisted in asking him questions, he straightened up and said, “The person who is sinless should be the first to throw a stone at her.”  – John 8:7

Jesus welcomed these people into his inner circle with love, kindness, and gentleness. He didn’t even rebuke them in a negative way, but just stressed that they should go and sin no more. He addressed the adulteress directly when He alluded to her current “husband,” but didn’t linger upon or give a lengthy lecture, nor reject her because of her sin. He absolutely didn’t tell sinners that they couldn’t be a member of His group and would have to be banned until they stopped their sinning. No, Jesus didn’t tell sinners that He was going to exile them until they got their act together, so why are we doing so?

Christians could learn a lot from the example of Jesus Christ, in this regard.

Later Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house. Many tax collectors and sinners came to eat with Jesus and his disciples. – Matthew 9:10

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Posted by: the warrioress | February 5, 2013

No Point

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Posted by: the warrioress | February 4, 2013

A Disciple of Jesus Christ


I’ve been watching another movie specifically about the life of Saul, the disciple also known as Paul in the bible. The movie demonstrates who Paul was before he became a disciple and decided to follow Jesus Christ. It shows how Christ changed his life from that of a blood-thirsty murderer and persecutor of those who followed Jesus, to someone who became devoted to spreading and sharing the gospel after he, himself, was converted.

Paul had a vision and was struck blind on the road to Damascus. Everything changed for him from that day forward. He knew then that this man known as Jesus Christ was real. Jesus asked Paul, why Paul was persecuting Him. I can only imagine the shock and awe of that moment! In the bible, Paul is telling the story of that moment to King Agrippa:

“I used to think that I had to do a lot of things to oppose the one named Jesus of Nazareth. That is what I did in Jerusalem. By the authority I received from the chief priests, I locked many Christians in prison. I voted to have them killed every time a vote was taken. I even went to each synagogue, punished believers, and forced them to curse [the name of Jesus]. In my furious rage against them, I hunted them down in cities outside [Jerusalem].

“I was carrying out these activities when I went to the city of Damascus. I had the power and authority of the chief priests. Your Majesty, at noon, while I was traveling, I saw a light that was brighter than the sun. The light came from the sky and shined around me and those who were with me. All of us fell to the ground, and I heard a voice asking me in Hebrew, ‘Saul, Saul! Why are you persecuting me? It’s hard for [a mortal like] you to resist God.’ “

I asked, ‘Who are you, sir?’ “The Lord answered, ‘I am Jesus, the one you’re persecuting. Stand up! I have appeared to you for a reason. I’m appointing you to be a servant and witness of what you have seen and of what I will show you. I will rescue you from the Jewish people and from the non-Jewish people to whom I am sending you. You will open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light and from Satan’s control to God’s. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and a share among God’s people who are made holy by believing in me.’ 

“At that point I did not disobey the vision I saw from heaven, King Agrippa. Instead, I spread the message that I first told to the [Jewish] people in Damascus and Jerusalem and throughout the whole country of Judea. I spread the same message to non-Jewish people. Both groups were expected to change the way they thought and acted and to turn to God. I told them to do things that prove they had changed their lives.” – Acts 26: 9-20

Look at Paul! He was as wicked as they come. Think about the many saints of God Paul tormented and had killed. Why did God choose this individual out of all people to become someone infamous who would minister to others and eventually die a martyr for Christ?

Paul was a devout Jew, who loved Jehova, but wasn’t a loving, gentle person.  He wasn’t humble or Christ-like by any means. If Jesus could change and convert somebody like Paul, imagine what Jesus can do in our lives. Imagine how He can change us so that we are the best we can be!

Paul was made a Christian by Divine power; by a revelation of Christ both to him and in him; when in the full career of his sin. He was made a minister by Divine authority: the same Jesus who appeared to him in that glorious light, ordered him to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. A world that sits in darkness must be enlightened; those must be brought to know the things that belong to their everlasting peace, who are yet ignorant of them. A world that lies in wickedness must be sanctified and reformed; it is not enough for them to have their eyes opened, they must have their hearts renewed; not enough to be turned from darkness to light, but they must be turned from the power of Satan unto God. All who are turned from sin to God, are not only pardoned, but have a grant of a rich inheritance. The forgiveness of sins makes way for this. None can be happy who are not holy; and to be saints in heaven we must be first saints on earth. We are made holy, and saved by faith in Christ; by which we rely upon Christ as the Lord our Righteousness, and give up ourselves to him as the Lord our Ruler; by this we receive the remission of sins, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and eternal life. The cross of Christ was a stumbling-block to the Jews, and they were in a rage at Paul’s preaching the fulfilling of the Old Testament predictions. Christ should be the first that should rise from the dead; the Head or principal One. Also, it was foretold by the prophets, that the Gentiles should be brought to the knowledge of God by the Messiah; and what in this could the Jews justly be displeased at? Thus the true convert can give a reason of his hope, and a good account of the change manifest in him. Yet for going about and calling on men thus to repent and to be converted, vast numbers have been blamed and persecuted. [Acts  26:12-23 ] (Source)

http://bible.cc/acts/26-14.htm
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

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Posted by: the warrioress | January 29, 2013

Love is my Decision

My Love

(Photo credit: Jennuine Captures)

And when they tell you that you’re crazy,
You’ve got to try to settle down,
You got to turn yourself around,
Life is more than just good times, and parties,

You got the moon in new york city,
You’ve got the whole world in your hands,
Too many cards from disneyland,
Saying that I was sorry, come one day,

But if, I ever have to chose, love is my decision,
With you I just can’t lose, stay here by my side,
Love is my decision, forever you and I,

I’ll tell you this,
If you should ever go away, I’ll know,
That I could never live a single day without you,

You are the one that lights my world up,
The one that money just can’t buy,
And now I promise I will try,
Maybe even a family together,

But if, I ever have to chose, love is my decision,
With you I just can’t lose, stay here by my side,
Love is my decision, forever you and I,

If, I ever have to chose,
If I ever have to chose,
(if, I ever have to chose, love is my decision),

Forever let me hear in my heart,
(stay, always by my side, love is my decision),

Forever let me live my heart,
(if, I ever have to chose, love is my decision),

I’m never going to let you down,
(stay, always by my side, love is my decision),

Forever let me hear my heart,
(if, I ever have to chose, love is my decision,
Stay, always by my side, love is my decision).

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Posted by: the warrioress | January 27, 2013

My Thorn in the Flesh

I’m dealing with a thorn in the flesh that increasingly frustrates me and makes me feel worn down, beaten, and overwhelmed. I’ve fought it again and again, without much success.  I don’t recall having this trouble to this extent in younger years.

“And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” -2 Cor. 12:7-10

My thorn is cursing/bad language/aka: cussing.

I don’t know why I have such a hard time getting a hold on this. It seems to become an issue when I’m pushed past my endurance/patience. I can feel my blood pressure beginning to rise. I know when I’m in danger of losing it and engaging in this ugly talk. Immediately, I began calming thoughts to myself, prayer, and try to focus on the fruits of the spirit — specifically self control. Sometimes these things help, but sometimes they absolutely do not. Sometimes I just plain fail miserably. The guilt is overwhelming each time that I fail.

I’m bothered by this in particular because of the following bible passage:

The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. – Luke 6:45

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6

This kind of filthy talk is no longer acceptable in my life. At one time, I didn’t care what anyone thought about how I speak and didn’t believe God particularly cared either. A few years ago, though, I decided to live according to how the bible tells me to live. Now, I am committed to living a life for God, for Jesus Christ, and completely belong to my Lord and Savior. I want little more than to do His will in every aspect of my life. I don’t want to be hampered by some bad habit that doesn’t seem to want to cease. I wonder if other Christians have trouble with this, and if so, why is this so hard for me to stop doing?

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Posted by: the warrioress | January 23, 2013

Feeding Frenzy

And the headlines read:  “Hillary lashes out!”

“Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, loses cool!”  etc., etc., etc.,…….

How utterly unsurprising. Her detractors are lucky she didn’t bite a chunk out of their carcasses.

It wasn’t enough for them to actually accuse Hillary Clinton of faking illness, when she had a blood clot near the brain! At that time, there was no apology offered, no shame in bearing false witness against one’s neighbor.

Fox News was continuous in its overt attacks on Hillary Clinton, insisting that she was dodging testimony over the tough questions related to Benghazi. They encouraged countless people listening to their lies to jump on their ugly bandwagon. When they all got egg splattered over their proverbial faces and the public found out about the blood clot, we remembered what Fox News put out here.

I also remember the word press bloggers who falsely accused Hillary Clinton of faking illness to avoid being questioned; there was no apology coming forth from them either! Their meal should have been a large serving of crow along with repentance for their lies, but no, there was only silence from the Peanut Gallery.

Today, we watched Hillary Clinton hold her own against hyperbole-babbling Republican’s like Rand Paul, and others who publicly got their hits in like sharks in a feeding frenzy, trying to tear off flesh and bone from their prey.

Hillary became emotional over one of the more absurd questions she was pestered with. It’s a sound bite at this point, thanks to the media, and what a sound bite it is!

Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) assailed Clinton for failing to read diplomatic cables requesting more security at the consulate, claiming that it was a fireable offense. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) suggested that administration officials had deliberately misled the American people by initially claiming that the attack had started as a spontaneous riot. As Johnson repeatedly pressed her on why she hadn’t discovered the cause of the attack sooner, an exasperated Clinton pounded the table and said, “With all due respect, the fact is we had four dead Americans. What difference, at this point, does it make?”
The dust-up clearly cheered her fans, and Clinton will leave office with her popularity at sky-high levels, despite a months-long campaign by the GOP to link her to Benghazi. (The low point was reached when prominent conservatives went so far as to claim that she had faked a serious illness to avoid testifying before Congress.) (Source)

Hillary Clinton should be the next president of the United States of America, in my opinion. If she doesn’t run for office in 2016, I will be extremely disappointed. This is her time. She is one tough cookie and would make a fine first woman president. God is blessing Hillary.

No one will run over that woman or take advantage of her. For me, anything Clinton is a good thing. I loved the Bill Clinton presidency and I know I will appreciate a nation with Hillary Clinton at the helm. I was very proud of Hillary today as she took on her accusers and stood strong despite the intent of her oppressors. What a gal she is! 2016 Hillary Clinton! Bring it!

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Posted by: the warrioress | January 22, 2013

GOP Is Angry!!

Self-control (fruit of the Spirit)

Self-control (fruit of the Spirit) (Photo credit: Joybot)

deliverance lives

deliverance lives (Photo credit: idropkid)

Umm….. not to be rude, but when aren’t they? Frankly, it’s becoming a little embarrassing, isn’t it?

I think it’s giving us Christians a bad reputation. Some of us are beginning to look unreasonable and bitter as a body. Let’s stop with the tantrums and the pouting and just grow up, shall we?

Barack Obama is our president for the next four years. So… moving forward…..how about the power of positive thinking, maybe? Let’s give the man a chance to run the country, shall we? 😉

Fruit of the spirit, GOP folks! Strive for the fruits of the spirit. We are to exhibit them in our daily lives, including our politics! lol. Sour grapes are not the kind of fruit I was thinking of either. What kind of fruit are you putting out here for the world to see? I have to check myself on a daily basis. I often find that my own fruit needs examination.

It’s a process, and it takes a lot of effort to learn how not to be angry. Is it really worth the rise in blood pressure? Why be angry when we can be happy and joyful in the Lord instead? Trust God and allow Him and President Obama to run the country. We can pray, vote, write our leaders,  inform ourselves, and even run for public office; that’s about all we are capable of doing.  Just don’t lose your joy along the journey!!

Fruit of the Spirit

Fruit of the Spirit (Photo credit: Martin LaBar (going on hiatus))

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Posted by: the warrioress | January 21, 2013

Inaugurating Our President – 2013

President Obama offered a fine speech today which gives our country a lot of hope. He addressed climate change, the promise of more balanced financial opportunity for all, the promise that we will not engage in continuous war, assuredness that we are all created equal and ramifications for that. He went on to stress that all of our children should be safe from harm, and that the principles of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness should be real for everyone.

I sense no evil or sinister intent coming from the mouth of the president. I feel no hate, fear, or anxiety emanating in my heart because he is president. I absolutely have not felt that Governor Romney would have been a better fit for our country and the needs of all of its citizens. I’m quite happy with President Obama. He certainly is not perfect, by any means, but I think he is a good man in his heart; I think he cares about America and all Americans. His intent is not to harm us.

Michelle Obama and the President’s daughters were lovely, as usual. It’s easy to see how much pride and love Michelle has for her husband and the girls adore and trust their father. If the President harms us, he’ll be harming his own too, and I know he’s not going to do that; I read various blogs and postings that say otherwise on a fairly regular basis and these sadden me. I sense much bitterness within the writers and deep resentment, negativity, and anger toward President Obama; I wish this wasn’t the way it is, but unfortunately, it seems to be exactly this way. I don’t know what to do about it — all I can do is pray for those who are besieged by these destructive emotions.

No president is going to give us everything we want. There will always be something or the other that we’re not happy thrilled with that he or she is for or against. Sometimes I think we expect too much from our leaders.

I’m watching what’s going on in America and am trusting in God‘s judgment and intent for our future because I know that God is in charge, no matter who is at the earthly helm of this nation and the world. God’s plans will be fulfilled in all their glory; I have absolutely no doubt about that. And it will all be good.

If you missed President Obama’s inaugural speech and swearing in, here they are in their entirety:

For the mobile viewer, watch President Obama’s Inaugural Speech & 

The Swearing in of President Obama  

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