Are you prepared to die for your faith?

  

Many have heard by now the story of the young Christian Sudanese woman that has been sentenced to death for denouncing Islam and proclaiming her Christian faith.  The young woman, Meriam Ibrahim was convicted on charges of “apostasy” which according to Islamist means she has abandoned and even worst renounced her religion.  Additionally, she is eight months pregnant and has a twenty-month-old baby who is also being held in detention with her.  You may read additional details regarding her story and the heinous acts against Meriam here. 

The reality is many Americans; well most of Western Society is not “familiar” with religious persecution because of the freedom many have been granted.  Yet, when we venture to other parts of the world, it is a much different story.  In most former Communist countries, Christians have had to go underground with their faith.  Many Christians are currently martyred for their faith at an alarming rate and this is expected to increase during these end times.  Yet, this topic appears to be so far removed from the thoughts and the heart of many Christians in America.  Of course, there are many reasons as to why persecution is not in the heart of American Christians, much of which is because most Christians in America are following a different gospel - one of prosperity, wealth, tolerance, irresponsibility, fame and comfort. 

A seeker-friendly society that believes in doctrines such as “one saved always saved” is unprepared to handle any form of persecution.  The protection many American Christian’s perceive they have under the consitution is the largest illusion embraced today.  They have turned from trusting in the Father to trusting in the government.  They have turned from trusting in the Holy Spirit to trusting in their constitutional rights and their guns (no this has nothing to do about gun ownership).  They have turned from trusting in prayer to trusting in their ability to escape.  They have turned from truth to embrace deception because it satisfies their current lusts and desires.  They have turned from obedience to be disobedient and unholy.  Unless, truth is embraced and Christians truly seek the Father and not the “pastor” they will fall away from their faith and when the time comes to make the stand, they will be unable.  It is time to turn aside from the delusion of the “American Dream” of “Name It and Claim It” of “All Paths Lead to Heaven” of “It’s my Season” and lastly, “World Peace.”  Below are scriptures that enforce the mindset of all believer’s especially those who overcome these last and evil days. 

 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you” John 15:18.

“Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name” I Peter 4:16.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” Matthew 5:10.

"We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh" 2 Corinthians 4: 8-11.

Are you prepared to stand?  Will you be willing to suffer for Christ even if it will cost you your life, your child’s life and your loved ones?  Are you willing to endure the pain that will come with persecution?  Are your children prepared to handle your death?  Will they be willing to make the decision as well?  Examine yourselves and your faith knowing that you have made your election sure and are confident in the foundation of your faith and your hope. The apostles understood “…we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.  Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:3-5).

It is my prayer that the Father will bless Meriam with strength as she truly goes through this very tough trial, I pray she will be able to stand and not waver her faith like so many before her, that the Father’s mercy will keep her family and His grace will give her the power, strength and courage to suffer and not grow weak and faint.  I pray that her mind will be on heaven so that she will not look back at this wicked world in remorse for her decision. Instead, I pray she rejoices in the glory of everlasting life and knowing that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.  Greater is He that is in Meriam, than He that is in the world. 

In spite of what it may appear to be at this very moment, know great troubles will soon be upon the entire earth. May you work to be transformed in His image, studying and praying continually - Peace and Love! 

The day of the LORD

Many have heard "The Day of the LORD" and can usually associate it properly as the day Christ, Yahshua will return to the earth.  

I would like to ask the question however, are you prepared? The day in which He returns will be a day of darkness. The prophet Amos describes it as a "day of darkness, and not light." We also know that on the day of the LORD "...the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken" (Matthew 24:29). That day shall also come as a thief in the night so again I ask are you prepared?

While no man knows the exact day or hour of Christ return, those who have ears to hear are able to discern the signs and the seasons as given by the prophets in scripture. Additionally, the Most High has declared in the last days He will pour out His spirit upon all flesh and His children will not be without warnings of the end times which includes signs in the earth and the heavens (Joel 2:28-32). 

1). Do you know the "true gospel" and if so, have you believed on the one who was sent to atone for the sins of the world? 

2). Have you repented of your transgressions against the Most High?

3). Have you been baptized?

4). Have you received the Holy Spirit?

5). Do you know His commandments and do you keep them? 

6). Are you in fellowship with other believers? 

7). Are you preparing your heart for the days prior to His return?

8). Do you study often, pray without ceasing and fast?

Please examine your heart and your walk if you truly love Christ.  No one is truly saved except the one who endures to the end. In other words you can't start this walk and then stop or become complacent. No, you have to remain committed and focused on the reward that will be given which is ETERNAL LIFE!  What a great and precious gift that has been offered!  

In order to stand righteously in hope of reigning with Christ in His Kingdom when He returns on that terrible day, one must make a true change in their life. It does not matter what the world says, "you" must resolve within yourself to this very truth that there is one Living God and His son will soon return and reign so that all things can be restored back unto the Father (Colossians 1:20, 1 Corinthians 15:24-28). For those who believe in Christ, I pray you work to be transformed in Him daily - Peace and Love! 

For those of you who have never received the gospel, you may reach me via email. I will be more than excited to share the good news with you!!! 

Are you prepared?

It has been a while since I've posted to the blog and for several reasons. One of the biggest challenges for me is going through a period of silence from our Father.  During this most recent time of what seemed to be silence from the Father, I learned to be calm, focus on what He has already instructed me to do and then I waited.  

Many times we are very eager to do things whether it is writing, working, entertaining, traveling, helping others and the list goes on. We tend to get "caught up" in everyday life and do not recognize what we are so busy doing may not be in His will. For many, we do it because it seems right or it has become a habit. Because of our "busyness" we never take the opportunity to seek Him for direction (Proverbs 3:5-6). If our Father is silent or it seems He is not guiding us, then begin to evaluate your current situation, especially where you are spiritually and physically. Often, we will seek Him, but due to neglecting other areas where He's provided clear instructions we will not hear from Him. 

Remember, we must always be obedient - that is what sets us apart from the world and distinguishes us as His true "church" as holy and His chosen. I have found several areas in my life that require correction and I sense urgency to be obedient in regards to what I have been commanded to do especially in regards to physical strength and endurance.

I strongly encourage all believers and true saints of the Most High to get your house in order. This is a time where we must evaluate our spiritual walk so we may be found blameless before our Lord and before men. It is a time of preparation of things that are to come, of events foretold thousands of years ago that are happening right now.  It will be foolish to believe and scoff at Christ's return because it has not happened "yet." I ask the following of everyone:

1.  Have you made your election sure? Do you know who it is you serve?

2. Have you truly repented of your sins and given up those things that cause you to be at enmity with the Most High? Have you put aside all workings of your flesh knowing that one day you will give an account for how you lived? 

3. Are you obedient? Have you done what you have been called to do? Do you know your purpose? 

4. Are you in great physical condition? Can you handle the future suffering that will come upon humanity? Do you fully understand what may be required of you in days ahead?

5.  Are you in constant fellowship with other 'true' believers? This is daily communication, prayer, praise and studying with those who walk in holiness?

I know a time of grief is coming upon this land and so many are being lulled to sleep by personal goals, by enticing dreams and even lies and deception within the church. Be careful of who you are yoked with, who you follow, especially their teachings.  If any man is not preaching holiness at such a time is this - RUN for your eternal soul's sake. Do not remain with a congregation where the focus is based on works, prosperity and tolerance. The Lord is revealing the heart of men and it is time to make your election sure! 

I look forward to resuming my posts as I have been filled with many things to share. May you continue to be transformed in Him daily - Peace and Love!  

"For as much then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God" (I Peter 4:1-2).