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The Movie 12 Bridge’s Correlation w/American Culture & Why You Should See It:

Last week I saw a pre-screening for the new film 12 Bridges. I would give the film 5 out of 5 stars. We’ve been having some really good films lately that mirror the climate of American culture as it relates to how civilians view police officers. For example, Black & Blue looked at the idea of a Black police officer having to choose between her people, her morals, and members of her police department.

I’m not going to give away 12 Bridges because that would be unethical, but I will share some of my thoughts on it. It is a very suspenseful and unpredictable film that will have the viewers on the edge of their seats with every twist of the plot.
I love how the movie opened up with the reading of the below scripture:

For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. – Romans 13:4 (NIV)

When and how is this scripture applicable? Does the scripture mean that everything that everyone does in authority is correct? Does the scripture mean that God is in agreement with all that those in authority do?

Those questions have been raised in today’s American culture as it relates to many of the headlines we’ve seen regarding deaths of innocent Black civilians by police officers. The film is about far more than what we’ve seen in our headlines, but it provides a mirror on how we should respond to corruption in leadership? Should we turn a blind eye or should we hold accountable those in authority?

The film shows a very handsome, educated, heart-felt and well-meaning Black man played as the leading role by Chadwick Boseman. His character holds a strong conviction to get to the bottom of what’s going on in New York City by shutting down 21 bridges in order to solve a crime that resulted in the death of 7 police officers.

I also feel that Chadwick’s role mirrors African-American culture that shows over and over again how Afro-Americans who held strong convictions, often inspired by a relationship with God, have held America to a high standard as it relates to the morale of this country. Chadwick’s character does that very well. He is one who the film show’s in the beginning as very acquainted with injustice, hardship, and loss. Thus, he carries that strong conviction with him throughout his career. He, in essence, became the perfect person for the job through his experiences coming up.

You’ll have to watch the film when it comes out on November 22nd to know in full what I am talking about. Then you can come back and read this article again and say awe to yourself. What do you think the above scriptures mean? What would be your answer to the questions above? Comment below:

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Beware of Distractions:

The Bible warns against us allowing the cares of this life to choke the Word of God out of us. Thus, rendering us unable to produce the fruit in our lives that God has planted. There has been a lot of distractions in the daily media that can be used to choke the Word of God out of us if we aren’t careful in guarding ourselves against distractions.

Some of the main distractions I’ve noticed have been racism, sexism, and an overall religious spirit. There is this woke mentality where even believers are questioning truths about Jesus Christ due to the gospel in America being preached with racist ideas.

Jesus’ name was used on one of the ships carrying slaves from Africa. It is referenced as “The Jesus Ship” or the Jesus ship of Lubeck. This is a classic example of taking God’s name in vain. God’s Word is clear that God will not hold guiltless anyone who takes his name in vain (Exodus 20:7). We have to trust God enough to judge those who use his name for something that does not represent his character. This is why we have to get to know God for ourselves.

Also, the name Jesus was a common named during ancient times. Just because someone uses the name Jesus doesn’t mean they are referencing Jesus Christ of the Bible.  The Word of God was used to promote Black slaves in America to obey their masters, and Biblical principles such as anti-abortion and working are over-emphasized over the value of loving our neighbors in the Republican party which often identifies as Christian. If one isn’t firmly rooted in Christ and his Word for himself; how can he stand to continuing to trust in Christ?

It has been my personal prayer that the Lord would raise a standard against the false teaching and false ideology of anti-Christ being promoted in the Black community. The spirit of anti-Christ has attempted to, like a python, wrap itself in Black culture to choke out the word of God. However, this attack is a greater call for us as believers to do our diligence in studying the Word of God for ourselves and being open to learning about apologetics.

Finally, a Bible teacher and speaker whom I just recently became familiar with through his book, “Why Believe the Bible”, has spoken out against another teacher carrying the gospel simply because she is a woman. What type of foolishness? It’s simply a distraction. One distraction is to get Afro-Americans to devalue themselves and distance themselves from Christ; while the other is to get women to devalue themselves and become stagnant and bound up in not using our purpose to glorify Christ.

The final word on both of the above-mentioned distractions is that salvation is for all men including Whites, Blacks, Jews, and all gentiles. It’s God’s will that all men would be saved. This is clearly stated in the Word of God, and shown throughout the genealogy of God’s chosen people, the Jews. The Jews were not chosen because they were special, but because they were small (Deuteronomy 7:7.) They were chosen to be a figurative example of God’s commitment to his people. A greater covenant than what’s been shown to the Jews is currently available to all men through Jesus Christ. A good book recommendation to read up on these things is, “Every People and Nation: A Biblical theology of race” by Daniel Hays.

The second lie is simply ignorant especially for a Bible teacher or scholar. There is no special placement with God for being male or female. That means nothing to God. That’s why the Bible says there is no male or female in Christ (Galatians 3:28). There have been a few confusing scriptures when taken at face value however, but all we have to do is study it out to get the understanding. For example, women will be saved through child-bearing.

Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety. – I Tim 2:15

At face value, it appears that the scripture is saying women cannot be saved unless they have babies, but that leaves a lot of women out. Some women are infertile, others have not married and never will marry. How will they have babies in a God-honoring way? Well, that isn’t what the scripture is saying. When studied, in context, the letter is written from Paul to Timothy instructing him on how to respond to the false doctrine that had infiltrated the church at Ephesus that Timothy was given charge over.

There was a false god called Artemis. She was known for fertility and child-birth among other things. All of her devotees were women called, priestesses. They were infiltrating the Ephesian church putting fear in Christian women about not getting through childbirth safely if they chose not to worship her. That word saved in the Greek means: to save, keep safe and sound, to rescue from danger or destruction. Those who interpreted the scripture may have made the understanding clearer by using the word safe through child-bearing instead of saved. Safe is a word more similar to the Greek meaning of saved as we know it in the English language.

The Bible confirms the presence of worship for Artemis in Acts 19:23-41. There was a riot that started due to Blacksmiths and tradesmen being afraid that Paul’s ministry would put them out of business for making and selling the Artemis idols.

Looking up definitions of words, studying the historical contexts in Bible dictionaries, commentaries, and other reputable sources allows us to get a greater understanding of what the scripture is saying rather than taking someone’s word for it who has not studied. Unfortunately, some Christian teachers place their on biases in teachings relating to the scripture.

However, The Word of God will always confirm it’s meaning. It is better to believe and fear God and his Word than man. Don’t allow yourself to be distracted by the cares of this life, but instead, study to show yourself approved unto God a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed rightly dividing the Word of truth. My point is that you need to know God for yourself. You need to know what he says about you for yourself. You need to know that God values and loves you for yourself. Don’t believe the lies, and don’t allow yourself to be distracted.

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Christian Hip-Hop’s Response to Kanye West’s New Album:

First, I watched the “Jesus is King” documentary, which was essentially a performance of songs edited together. I could feel the presence of the Lord while viewing the film and listening to the lyrics. Many have had their eyes on Kanye since his release last week of the “Jesus is King” album along with the film. I’m digging the album thus far with my favorite track being, “We Have Everything We Need.”


​There’s been controversy as usual when a public figure decides to declare Christ. Many condemn in an attempt to verify if the person is really saved or not instead of allowing the person to simply live out their new life as a Christian allowing God to reveal the wheat from the tare in the end. The hope should always be for all men to be saved as God has clearly outlined as His will in 2 Peter 3:9.
There has been more positive response however in the Christian Hip-hop world starting with Da’Truth, who shared the below on his Instagram:

Lecrae Responded to Da’truth’s post with the below:

I like the balance of accountability that Da’truth brings in his statement with the balance of God’s grace bought in Lecrae’s statement. Both responses are important. Are gospel/Christian artists creating what they feel will be more acceptable to the culture or are they creating what God has placed on their hearts to share? Da’Truth’s question could be a great heart check question; while Lecrae balances the statement by admonishing us to remember God’s grace over any feeling of condemnation. As God’s people, we are to grasp the truth and do better with it, not wallow in condemnation because of our lack of grasping that truth sooner.

Eshon Burgundy warned the body of Christ on his Instagram account by posting a video stating, in short, that believers should watch and pray not rushing to make Kanye’ a leader immediately as it’s too soon to tell what his motives truly are. While Ruslan shared the below scripture as a response to Eshon saying in essence that at this point it doesn’t matter what his motives are because the gospel is being preached:

It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. 16 The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. 18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this, I rejoice.
Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, Philippians 1:15-18

Dee-1 is rooting for Kanye’ and his lifestyle change as a Christian. These have all been positive and well-balanced responses to Kanye’s new album and proclamation as a believer. What’s going through your mind as you view all of this? Leave your comments below.

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A Daily Trust in the Lord:

We should not just be trusting God for one thing, but trusting in the Lord should be our daily lifestyle. I believe one of the things God has been dealing with me about is a daily trust in the Lord. Daily trust in the Lord is one of the benefits of resting in God. Resting in God is birthed through journeying through various trials and tribulations and coming out as victorious. This is our inheritance in Christ Jesus.

God’s word provides specific encouragement in enduring through daily life challenges by faith. This restful faith ensures that everything God has promised us will come to pass. We should not be anxious about what God’s promised but instead live in a daily trust. We should not become angry, resentful or rebellious because God’s promise hasn’t come to pass yet.

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord, a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. – 2 Peter 3:8

The above scripture reminds us that God and humans do not think on the same wavelength as it pertains to time. God is extraordinarily patient when it comes to his promise to return to earth and judge the world. Why? Because he is waiting for other people to come into the kingdom of God. That’s his purpose in being so patient. He wants to make sure everyone he died to save will come to him and receive his salvation.

However, the same chapter in 2 Peter warns against those turning away from God in rebellion as if God’s promise is no longer relevant to them because things have been the same for so long. God wants us to know even though things may be the same for a long time; His word is still true and his promise still stands. We will discover his promise one day in daily faith or if we fall away as the rebellious; we will discover his promise one day in judgment and wrath. We have a choice. What will your decision be?

I’m choosing to continue to rest in daily faith and trust toward the Lord. When we are in this place, we will notice that things that happen that may have been seen as negative or disappointing by others will not affect us as much. Not because we are superhuman, but because our trust has become more firmly rooted in Christ Jesus. This is an amazing place to live in.

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I Agree w/Erica Campbell on Masturbation:

Recently, Erica Campbell has been very vocal about her views on masturbation. She shared her view on the Breakfast Club asking the question where does God go during masturbation:

“I know some churches say for the brothas. ‘It’ll keep you from slipping up. Go ahead and handle yourself. I’ve heard some women say, ‘I take care of myself before I go out on a date…”

She went on to share the beauty of approaching everything that we do from a position of purity within our hearts:

“I think about purity and purity happens before the actual action of whatever you do. Whatever you watch, whatever you listen to, whatever you do with yourself. Your mind being in a place of purity is very crucial. But I think in our society today, everything is sexualized. You could be selling chicken and there will be a pair of boobs there. It’s just everywhere. So, I think guarding your mind and guarding your thoughts and treating sex and sexuality as something beautiful that God created that’s supposed to be beautiful and otherworldly and you come together with somebody and your lives come together. It’s not so cheap.”

Finally, she shared that she just doesn’t have to masturbate as she has a fine handsome husband to be sexual with. I just have to say, I love what she shared. Erica has always given me hope in the arena of love and relationships. I adore the relationship she has with her Hubs.

In one article that I read she shared that she doesn’t know what it’s like for the singles, but she has her husband. Well, as a woman, who is currently single. I wanted to show my agreement with the idea of not participating in masturbation as well. Masturbation is something that I’ve shared that I’ve been free from since the age of 12. However, that doesn’t mean that I’ve never been sexually tempted. I’ve simply gotten to a point where I know I don’t have to give in to it.

Most times when single believers are tempted toward an act of masturbation or any type of sexual impurity; it isn’t because of the act itself, but a deeper underlying issue. A single believer may feel unwanted, rejected, unloved or angry at God for allowing him/her to be single for so long with such a high standard of waiting for marriage to have sex. To fill a void or desire to feel loved; a person may participate in a sexual impurity whether it is masturbation, pornography, air-humping or fantasying. It’s just a real thing that single believers will have to overcome.

Once, the underlying issue is dealt with, it honestly becomes easier to wait in a place of purity to experience sex in the right way—the way God has ordained for it to happen between a husband and wife. The problem comes up when a person doesn’t believe s/he can be free from sexual impurity and so s/he makes excuses to continue in sin. Humility in consistently seeking the Lord about the issue that caused the sexual impurity along with humility in inviting others in who can help with correction, accountability, and encouragement in purity will assist in dealing with the underlying issue. Seeing ourselves as God sees us will resolve any issues within how we value ourselves or the lack thereof. The more secure we are in the Lord; the more sexually pure we will be.

We also have to learn to value getting to know God intimately over self-pleasure. The Bible warns that in the last days people will become lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God.

They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 2 Timothy 3:4 (NLT)

The Word of God shares that the pure in heart are those who hang out with the Lord. If we value this hanging out in the presence of the Lord more than having our flesh temporarily satisfied; we will also overcome the lusts of this world.

A psalm of David. LORD, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? He who walks with integrity and practices righteousness, who speaks the truth from his heart, He who walks uprightly, And works righteousness, And speaks the truth in his heart; Psalms 15:1-2

If we continue to read in the above chapter, there is a level of purity and un-mixture that we can get to in Christ. When we are struggling in our flesh it doesn’t seem that way, but it is possible and our reward for walking in obedience to God is more of his presence. There is a greater longing, fear, and sensitivity that comes on us in that place. It makes us want to resist our flesh and continue to fight the urge to satisfy our flesh in impure ways.

That’s something we have to guard against. Masturbation and sexual impurity cannot become an idol in our lives that we are looking to for acceptance, worth, value, or comfort more than God. That’s idolatry. It’s a perverted form of what God created to glorify himself. God created sex inside of marriage to bond the husband and wife to one another, not to bond us more with trying to please ourselves. The Word of God also warns against a self-seeking and wicked culture:

Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. – 2 Peter 3:3

Scoffers are those who despise the law, boundaries, or authority for their own selfish gain. God’s way is not like that. God tells us to submit ourselves to the process of being a living sacrifice holy and acceptable to him which is our reasonable service:

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. – Romans 12:1-2

Finally, condemnation will keep believers in sexual sin. Condemnation is from Satan. It is used to make us feel as though we aren’t good enough to do things God’s way. We may be tempted to believe that holiness and purity are only for certain people because we may continue to mess up. However, the Word of God also says that a righteous man falls seven times, and seven times gets back up again. You have to keep seeking God to be free, putting up boundaries, and placing yourself in environments with godly community that will help you to overcome this area. God’s grace is available for those struggling with sexual sin. The Lord can keep us from falling in this area.

I am a personal witness. I’ve been delivered from fantasy lust for some years now. I remember God sharing with me one day saying, “You don’t need that crutch.” It was something I was using to still feel desired and wanted even though it seemed as though I was unwanted. I remember praying to the Lord saying, “I wish I was better for you. I wish I was stronger for you.” The devil will try to make you believe you aren’t good enough for God because you struggle with sexual impurity when the reality is you just need to be delivered from whatever is driving you to find comfort in the sin outside of God.

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Remember Your Why:

I believe God is in the process of promoting many of his people. I’m seeing peaks of some of what’s to come in my life, and it is awesome. In the excitement of promotion and new experiences, I personally believe its important to remember why I began. This is integral to maintaining character within the new space.

I am thankful that God allows reminders along our path to cause us to look straight up to him. Looking at the Lord is the ultimate reminder of why. I’m currently studying on people in the Bible who built altars to the Lord wherever they went. Altars to the Lord weren’t just something in the Bible that was for the local assembly of what we would call the church today, but it was for every situation, decision, and place where God’s people were.

We operate in the same way as a King David, who built an altar to the Lord on a threshing floor, which was an unfamiliar place for worship, and yet a necessary place of worship to save lives. In the story, where King David built the altar on the threshing floor he was acting in a place of worship to the Lord, but also a place of intercession for Israel. Israel was in the middle of judgment because David had erred in numbering God’s people.

David had gotten a little off in his position of promotion as the king, but God bought him back to his why by reminding him to build an altar. That altar is that intimate place of worship, fellowship, and raw communion with the Lord. Let’s seek the Lord to help us to continue to have a pure heart in remembering why we are being promoted. Let’s remember our dreams to intercede for others in a position that would bring God glory. Let’s remember that even though there are benefits and favor for us that the benefits and favor aren’t our total motivation.

Let’s not forget Matthew 6:33 has been our roadmap up until this point and it will continue to lead us on the right path. Let’s remember our why.
Read 1 Chronicle 21 to learn of David numbering the people and being corrected by God and told to build an altar.

Have you sensed or seen promotion anywhere in your life? How have you prepared your heart for promotion? Has God worked with you to prepare your heart for promotion?

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A New Level of Access & Favor:

I’ve been meditating on Esther and Mordecai during my quiet time, and I really believe that God has been using that story to communicate to me that there is a new level of favor, access, and open doors coming to his people that are willing to take the risk of unconventional obedience.

Unconventional obedience is not the norm. It’s obedience that makes us vulnerable and has obvious risks. For example, Esther was in a comfortable position as the queen of the kingdom she ruled over with her husband. She did not have anything to worry about, but her people were in danger.
Thus, she willingly made herself uncomfortable placing herself at risk to approach the king knowing that meant her very life would be at risk. She obeyed anyway being led of the Lord after a fast she had called for both herself and her people to go on.

They were fasting because an enemy of the Jews, Haman, had ordered by law that the Jews would be killed on a particular day of the month. Esther’s obedience along with the obedience of her elder cousin, Mordecai unlocked favor and additional open doors to the Jewish people in that region. Mordecai had been ridiculed for not bowing down to Haman. He’d been made to appear as a fool for his obedience to God instead of to Haman, but God was working behind the scenes for his good.

I believe that like Mordecai appeared to be foolish in holding fast to his conviction and getting in trouble for it; many of God’s people have been holding fast to their God-given convictions and they’ve appeared foolish for it as well. Perhaps, those holding their convictions were not promoted as fast. They had to settle in a humble place for a good while, but that is okay because we learn the Lord best in humility. Our trust grows in him the most in that humble place.

Haman was the very opposite. He was so full of pride. He needed to be humbled and God orchestrated the circumstance in such a way to do just that. Esther, who had already come from a humble place of losing both of her parents and being raised by her elder cousin, already knew how to humble herself. She humbled herself with fasting and prayer. She humbled herself to her king asking him to attend a banquet. Favor was already ordained for her. She just had to obey what God was showing her to do in faith that things would turn out well. The king’s response was, “I’ll give you whatever you want up until half of the kingdom.”

While the king was attempting to sleep the night before the banquet; God would not allow him to do so. He read up on how Mordecai had saved his life. Haman was consulted by the king on what to do to honor Mordecai. Mordecai’s enemy, Haman, was made his footstool. Haman had to parade Mordecai around dressed in the king’s clothes and riding the king’s royal horse. It was only the beginning of the shift of Haman being bought low and Esther and Mordecai being promoted.


The banquet took place. Esther asked the king for her life and the life of her people. Again, although she was comfortable in the king’s house. She made herself uncomfortable to intercede for her people in obedience to God. The king granted her request, hung Haman, promoted Haman’s estate to Esther, and Esther appointed Mordecai over Haman’s estate. Finally, the king gave both Esther and Mordecai his seal to reverse the law that had gone out to destroy the Jews. Instead, the law was re-written to place residents in fear of the Jews given them explicit right to defend themselves.

Had Esther not obeyed, she would never have experienced God’s favor in a greater way. Her people may have still been in bondage and danger of genocide. Had Mordecai not obeyed in honoring the king, he would not have been promoted and honored by the king. What is it that God is pricking your heart to do? In what ways can you display your obedience to God that are uncomfortable, risky, or unconventional, but you know if you obey, doors will be open and God’s favor will ensue?

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Fantasia on Submission:

I love Fantasia. She is one of my favorite artists not only for her sanging but her realness and vulnerability in allowing the public to see what God is doing in her life. I think it’s so encouraging. I remember watching a documentary special of her sharing her testimony on YouTube. More recently, she commented on The Breakfast Club on why most women cannot find a man and its because they are trying to be the leader. She shared that it is a generational curse that stemmed from women being forced into the male role due to irresponsible men who leave women to raise the kids on their own. She shared that women become so bold and bad that they no longer know how to be soft women.

I’d have to agree that Fantasia makes a very real and legitimate point about women being forced into male roles, and thus not knowing how to operate outside of that when a man comes. I’ve also seen single women who have no kids who have become just as hard because of not encountering men who want to fulfill the role of protecting, covering, and leading a woman. Thus, women say to themselves, they don’t need a man out of bitterness and hardness toward men not stepping up. I’ve talked about this before. Bitterness is a trap that prevents us from giving and receiving love.

The only grievance I have with what Fantasia said is that’s why most women are single. Many women have overcome the let down of not knowing or encountering mature men of God who are ready to step up to the plate. These women have overcome by simply trusting in God and re-shifting their focus from those men to hope in God that a real brotha exists.

However, because these women are also single; they get lumped into a category that I view as condemnation. Women are condemned by some of the church culture for being single as if there is something wrong with them for that. It is because they will not submit, their a Jezebel, or God forbid other very mean things that church culture implies and imposes as labels on singles.

This pressure to get from underneath the umbrella of singleness to prove worthiness as women can be very harmful to women. A single woman should not focus so much on submitting to a man but reviewing the man’s character to see if he is worthy of submission. It should not be that she is looking to submit to a man just to be married.

Thankfully, Fantasia and her husband shared a video later on their Instagram to balance out the conversation and provide more insight into the male perspective. In short, her husband shared that many men have abused the gift of submission using it only to dominate and control instead of modeling submission first. Mr. Taylor shared that he models submission first in his submitting to God by feeding himself with the Word of God and becoming knowledgeable in important areas. Then, he shows his wife and she willingly follows. This is the precedent that he set for his house and it’s working. He gave an analogy of submission being a beautiful song and dance between two lovers. Thus, it takes two to submit. It isn’t all just on the woman, but the woman and the man work together.

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Benny Hinn Places Emphasis on the Lord & the Gospel above Prosperity:

Benny Hinn recently went viral with a message clarifying his stance on the prosperity gospel. He says he believes the whole Bible, every part, including the undeniable fact that God does want to bless his people and that God will supply all of our needs.

However, he pointed to abuses of the prosperity gospel where manipulation is used to get people to give instead of provoking people to give from the heart. He went on to share that if one isn’t giving because s/he loves Jesus; s/he should not bother giving.

Hinn shared how he was concerned that many who taught the prosperity message weren’t focuses on Jesus. They were focusing on the idea of buying something that is wanted with giving. He shared he’d never ask anyone to give a thousand dollars again.

Finally, he shared a concern for when ministers promise a 100-fold blessing for giving a particular amount. He asked the question, “what if someone gives a thousand and doesn’t get the 100-fold blessing?” What will happen to that person’s faith? Will s/he fall away from God?

I believe Benny Hinn bought up some valid concerns including the value in brokenness that causes us to lean on Christ. I do believe that God is more concerned with the heart of man as God already promises to take care of all of our natural needs such as money, shelter, clothing, etc. I don’t believe we should place so much focus on money outside of being diligent with what God gives us to do to earn money such as work, ideas, and businesses.

The manipulation of some ministries has become somewhat of a gimmick that distracts away from the gospel. I agree with Benny that we should give out of our love and obedience to God. That’s how I give. I do not allow anyone to manipulate me out of money. I remember an example of a prophet coming to one of my old churches. He asked the audience to give $2,000 each for an anniversary celebration for the pastor. I was a college student at the time, who worked work-study and did not have very much income.

The prophet instructed someone to pass a microphone around to the whole church so each member could pledge the $2,000 in front of everyone that day. He instructed us to say we’d give $2,000. When the mic got to me and I was asked how much I’d give, my response was simply I don’t know yet. He said what do you mean you don’t know yet? You’re a member, aren’t you? I said yes. After that, he did not know how to respond. So, he asked me if the gentleman sitting next to me was my husband. I said no, he was my brother. He told me to pass the mic to see what he’d give.

He said $2,000. He said, okay, you’re covered by his $2,000. My brother did not have $2,000 and he was later corrected by one of the elders in the church for pledging what he could not give because they were counting on that. However, under the pressure, what was he to do?

I was familiar with the scriptures that warn to be careful what we vow because God will require us to pay it. Thus, I had my mind made up to give my best whatever that was and I believe that’s okay in the eyes of God. The Bible says that all that we do should be done as unto the Lord anyway not unto man. I did a little fundraiser at my college which allowed me to earn an extra $50. I put that together with other money I had and ended up giving maybe $200 at best. It was far from $2,000, but it was what I had. I gave it as unto the Lord and because I did also love my pastor and desired to honor her. She had no problem with what I gave either. Neither does the Lord have a problem when people give less than the money that’s being asked of them.

The Bible is clear that we aren’t to give out of compulsion, or reluctantly, but as we’ve purposed in our heart. God wants us to be cheerful with what we’ve given. He isn’t trying to drive us into a rut from giving.
We can still reap all of the good benefits of giving without giving out of being manipulated. Like Benny said the main thing is that we have a heart after God. If we seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness as the scripture says all things will be added unto us. Never allow someone to make you feel condemned for not giving a particular dollar amount.

Read the scriptures for yourself about tithes and offerings, and give that out of obedience. Allow yourself to be sensitive to God’s spirit when he places people on your heart to give to. This has happened to me before in the area of giving. God bought my former staff leader from I.V.C.F. (InterVarsity Christian Fellowship) to mind. He placed on my heart to sow a seed toward him.

I had not spoken with him nor seen him in years. However, he called me out of the blue shortly after God put him on my heart and explained he was starting a new ministry from his house and wanted to know if I’d sow a seed. I told him the Lord had already dealt with me, and I’d give him a particular amount. I was glad, happy, and cheerful to give as unto the Lord what I’d already purposed before I got the call from the gentleman. I will reap a blessing from that, but I already felt blessed because I was able to obey God.

God wants fellowship with us more than anything. The joy I got in fellowshipping with God to bless a previous mentor in my life was what made me cheerful. This is what I believe Benny Hinn is getting at. We simply cannot leave Jesus out of the equation appealing to men to get money so they could only get things.

Finally, Jesus warned in John 6 about this very same thing. He’d just fed men with 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread, and these same men began to search for Jesus after the feeding ordeal had ended. When they finally found Jesus; Jesus corrected them saying, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed, but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” – John 6:36

Jesus was warning them that people can search for him without actually wanting him, but that isn’t what he desires. He wants us to search for him to know him. He also wants us to trust him that all other things will be taken care of.

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for

God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7

“When you make a vow to the LORD your God, you shall not delay to pay it, for it would be sin in you, and the LORD your God will surely require it of you. “However, if you refrain from vowing, it would not be sin in you. “You shall be careful to perform what goes out from your lips, just as you have voluntarily vowed to the LORD your God, what you have promised. – Deuteronomy 23:21-23
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. Colossians 3:23

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Lessons Learned from Married at First Sight Season 9

The show is winding down and this week we’ll see who stays together and who does not. Below I’ve given my synopsis of who I think will stay together and why along with some lessons to be noted for those who wish to have an awesome relationship one day.

Matt and Amber
I saw the error in picking these two to be together from day one. Matt has too many unresolved issues and a pattern of running away from things that appear to be difficult or uncomfortable. So, his parents got a divorce and he was disappointed. Through his disappointment, he has not communicated with his parents in years. This was noted in the first episode.

My first question was why has he not communicated with his family? Why hasn’t he reached out even if they don’t want to talk with him? That is family. His family did not even know he was getting married, so his parents weren’t at his wedding. Matt has some real communication issues, and perhaps some hurt and bitterness toward his parents that he refuses to address. Instead, he runs. He ran to Married at First Sight hoping his marriage would fix his issues, but it didn’t. It only showed him that he wasn’t ready for the real work that marriage required.

His lack of ability to address his issues causes him to project on other people. This is why Amber is the problem in his eyes. This was shared when he said she was too clingy and how he just needed to getaway. Perhaps she is, but that doesn’t negate him taking his responsibility as a man. He just simply was not ready and thus, I do not believe he and Amber will stay together.

Matt should be working on the relationships God has already given him such as with his parents. He needs to find a way to honor his parents and love them and to be present in their lives in spite of their mistakes. He needs personal healing for himself and it will only be found in him facing his issues and taking responsibility. Only after he’s done that can he look toward marriage or else he’ll continue not to take it seriously as he’s been doing.

Iris and Keith
Big-ups to Iris and Keith! Did you all see the cute hug and multiple kisses where each one of them came back for more of each other? That’s what I am talking about! It seems like what they have is genuine, which means that since this show is pre-recorded and we’re just now seeing it; Iris more than likely has already popped open that cookie jar.

I’m proud of these two for actually not just jumping right in focusing on the physical only. They seem to have taken the time to get to know each other. After all, they were just strangers meeting at the altar. I’m proud of Keith for verbalizing that he wanted to honor Iris and wait until she was ready and share that he was not ready. He seemed to take this exercise very seriously and Iris too. She did not allow the peer pressure from others telling her to just give in and be sexual immediately so she would not lose Keith. Because what Iris seemed to place value on was real love and genuine connection, she was not willing to compromise and play the game of changing who she is to avoid losing someone.

That shows her strength and confidence in who she is as a person. That’s a great quality for Keith or any man to have. Many women are too afraid to take the stand she has and they simply play the game of changing who they are to be “loved.” When you know you’re already loved and you’re worthy of real love; you simply do not settle. If her being herself meant she may have lost this awesome man; it would have meant he just wasn’t for her. Iris realized that if Keith was really into her as she seemed to be into him; he would not leave her because she did not have sex with him within 8 weeks. Marriage means the rest of their lives or at least it’s supposed to.

I believe that both Iris and Keith were looking for more than just sex. I believe they were looking for life-partners. They have a lot of the same values, as shared by Keith on last week’s episode, and desires. They seem to also share the same purpose, as well as both of them, work with kids. Finally, they seem to have mutual respect for one another. I believe with these foundational things in place; they’ll be just fine and that they will stay together.

Greg & Deonna
Greg & Deonna are super lovely! Deonna has some obvious walls up. Sometimes she seems as if she can do with or without her husband, but her husband seems to love her. No matter what she throws at him in the form of her walls; his love breaks those walls right on down.

I love the way he looks at her, values, and respects her. That is everything to a woman. I’m pretty sure Deonna will say yes to staying married to him. Greg seems to be every woman’s dream. Perhaps Deonna just isn’t used to being loved like many of us, and thus it’s taking her some time to believe that her experience with Greg is really true. Well, this is a scenario where Deonna will have to become more open in showing Greg how much she appreciates him. As women, we do not want to take the awesome men God’s placed in our lives for granted.

Jamie & Beth
Hmm, what can I say about this couple? When two people just aren’t good for each other; they need to realize that and move forward. Everyone we date or seek to have a romantic relationship with will not be a perfect match, and that is okay. It doesn’t mean that one person isn’t worth love or vice versa. It just simply means; it isn’t a good match. I believe this sums up Jamie and Beth. They aren’t a good match. While Beth is a bit weird into her moon water and such; I don’t believe Jamie takes her seriously unless it comes to them having sex. That seems to be the main bonding point for Jamie.

While Beth wants everything. She wants a man to adore her. I feel like watching them together that Jamie sometimes appears to be speaking to a child when he argues with Beth. He said he wanted someone who was somewhat spontaneous and a bit of a wildflower, but it seems he cannot handle that. He seems to need a woman who is more reserved, laid-back, and quiet. He seems to want someone who also just wants to have a lot of sex while making him feel comfortable. I do not believe they will stay together, and thus they need to accept that they just aren’t a good match.

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