Despite what many may think, Donald Trump is uniquely qualified to represent America at such a time as this. Here's why I believe he is God's perfect choice to make our nation great again.
Positive Thinking is False Thinking...and a Few Thoughts on Joel Osteen's Latest Book
The power of "positive thinking" is a popular concept, and it seems to fit right at home in the Church. This is perhaps why some many mega pastors have authored best-selling books and preached international sermons on the topic. But my fellow sisters and brothers in Christ need to know that the concept of "positive thinking" is hogwash that cannot be entertained by disciples of Jesus Christ! (I mean that with as much sugar as my personality will allow.) Joel Osteen preaches it. Joyce Meyer preaches it. I've heard several other heavy hitters in the faith community preach it, and while it sounds great, positive thinking is false thinking. It isn't of God and there's nothing Biblical about it.
The End is Near: 5 Things You Need to Know about the Rapture
One thing that has been pressing on my heart lately is the “pre-tribulation/post-tribulation” debate that has creeped into the Church. For those who aren’t familiar with it, the “pre-trib/post-trib” debate includes opposing views on exactly when and how Jesus Christ is to return for His Bride.
Certainly, some would just plant themselves some place in the middle of these two arguments. Others would say neither argument matters – after all, as long as we’ve accepted Jesus, we’re good.
But here’s the truth: It matters! And what you believe (or don’t) can have grave consequences.
So, to bring you up to speed, here are 5 things you need to know and should begin to study about Jesus’ return.
Can You Be Separated from God's Love? YEP!
Yes. You read the title of this piece correctly. One can most certainly be separated from the love of God.
You may even be prepared to quote Romans 8:38-39 to prove me wrong, but you’d be surprised to know that it is that very scripture that proves this assertion to be correct. Truth is, while God is love and God loves us all, God’s everlasting, never-ending love does not apply to everyone. Some people can become separated from God’s love. This truth is spelled out in God’s Word. The issue is most, even professed Christians, don’t venture to read it to fully understand it. So let's explore...
Ummm...That Ain't in My Bible: Stuff Lukewarm Christians Say (Part 2)
Welcome to the second installment of "Ummm...That Ain't in My Bible". If you've had a chance to read Part 1 of this series, you know my entire goal is to examine and tear down some of the things non-believers and lukewarm Christians have been known to say when discussing or explaining matters of the Christian faith. I was inspired to write this piece because even I uttered some of these falsities and half-truths until I grew more committed to my walk with Christ and got serious about studying God's word.
So, in an effort to begin to speak the truth (and to help us graduate from lowly lukewarm status), in this installment I'm debunking a couple of phrases that tend to misrepresent God's attributes and Jesus's purpose.
Ummm...That Ain't in My Bible: Stuff Lukewarm Christians Say (Part 1)
I’ve been saved and a professed Christian since 2002, but I’ve managed to say and believe a lot of things about God and my faith that I’ve come to realize just simply aren’t true. Chief among these falsities are popular, albeit non-biblical phrases and contextually inaccurate scriptures often uttered by many Christians and non-Christians alike.
Certainly, I don’t believe most of us mean to say these crazy things. It’s just that we don’t know any better. And we don’t know any better because we’ve not taken the time to study God’s Word. And we don’t study God’s Word because we are perfectly content with being lukewarm ‘Church Folk’ rather than true disciples of Jesus Christ. As such, we allow something the world made up to infiltrate our hearts and minds and pulpits because it sounds good.
So, in an effort to begin to speak the truth (and to help us graduate from lowly lukewarm status), I’m dedicating my next series of blog posts to debunking popular phrases that are anti-biblical or just make absolutely no sense! Read on for Part 1.
How Jesus Wants Us to Judge Orlando and Other Tragic Events
When tragedy strikes, judgment from outsiders usually follows. We ask ourselves why it happened, and many are tempted to offer up an explanation. Jesus certainly says judgment is necessary in these instances. But it's important to understand whom He says we should be judging in the midst of tragedy and why. Here's how Jesus wants us to judge Orlando and other tragedies in our world.
What Your Single Friends REALLY Think About Your Engagement
It seems within weeks an engagement occurs, female friendships can begin to take a nasty, catty turn. According to my social media timelines, these cat fights rear their ugly heads because a single friend is now “hating” on the newly engaged friend. It's a sad state of affairs, people. So, this post is inspired by a lot of what I've seen play out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and much, much more. I’m writing this in love, and in an effort to help you repair and maintain important relationships. I also seek to help others who have to watch this stuff play out in our newsfeed maintain our sanity - ladies, we honestly can't take another passive aggressive status update or meme.
So, engaged ladies, here are four things your single female friends are most likely thinking about your impending nuptials.
Jesus Said MUCH More Than You Think
We know Jesus was born outside of Bethlehem and laid in a manger (Luke 21:4-7). He went missing in the Temple at age 12 (Luke 2:41-52). He began His Ministry at about age 30 (Luke 3:23). And we know He was was crucified around age 33. There are many gaps in the Biblical history of Jesus's life. Yet, what we do know about his ENTIRE LIFE is He did His Father's will to the letter (John 4:24; 6:38). He never stepped outside of God's will in action, nor did He speak on His own volition (John 8:28). And when He spoke, He constantly referred to what God had previously said in the Old Testament, including the things spoken through God's Prophets (Matthew 19:8; 21:16; 12:3, Mark 7:10; John 7:15..etc).
So, why are people so quick to attempt to justify their sins because, "Jesus didn't say it was a sin"?
God calls me "Female": A Few Strong Thoughts on Gender Identity
Cisgender: I literally JUST learned this term last week while reading an issue of Essence. In light of recent events, I've seen this term more often over the past few days. I've even used it a couple times in broader discussions on gender politics and social media debates.
But I don't self-identify with the term.
I am not “cisgender”. I am not a "cisgender woman". I am not a "cisgender female". I am a woman. I am female. That's it.