Monthly Archives: October 2021

Blessing and Cursing

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Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing

James 3:10

Blessing and cursing comes out of the same mouth and James the brother of Jesus exclaims that this should not be happening. Yet, it seems that we have grown accustomed to hearing both blessings and cursing’s. We even watch it on TV especially as the Holiday of Halloween draws near. Halloween is a pagan holiday to honor the dead and evil spirits. The occult practices during this time display magic, supernatural, and paranormal phenomena. Any form of pagan practices is dealing with false teaching of pagan gods. Some have entered the church today preaching a different doctrine than that of the Gospel of Christ. People are no longer looking to God for answers, but instead are seeking special prophets advise who are not Christians at all. We are not to glory in any spirit of the dead or any other kind of spirits. We are not to go and have our fortunes read or play games that seek the spirit world for advice. Any kind of divination, enchanter, charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits is an abomination unto the Lord [see Deuteronomy 10-12]. We should be aware that these practices bound a person to live a life of darkness where deceit and lying spirits control the individual.

Have you ever read about the prophecies of Balaam? I found this story amusing because of the donkey speaking to Balaam. In Numbers chapter 22 you can read the story about the prophecies of Balaam. Balaam was a mercenary prophet from Pethor. He was a prophet for hire. We have many prophets today for hire. Shepherds who are pastors claiming to be prophets of God but are not following the truth of the Gospel. Did you know that Balaam is referenced in the New Testament? We should heed the warning about Balaam who was a man who practiced divination. In other words, He predicted future events. Balaam was hired by King Moab to curse the Israelites. Can you imagine being paid to curse people? Yet, through generations we can witness this happening today through movies and in some cases within families who talk about being cursed. Is it any wonder why James states that the tongue is full of iniquity and sets on fire the course of nature that brings chaos rather than order in people’s lives [see James3:6]?

Yes, we can learn lessons from the story of Balaam. First thing we can learn is to bless and not curse others. Is it harder to bless then to curse? Some would say yes, but it should not be this way. Christians should be already doing this since they have the Spirit of Christ living within their hearts. If they do not have the Spirit of Christ living within their hearts, then they can pray for it after they have repented. If your focus is on something other than God, your heart is in the wrong place. It is what you focus on that causes you to speak out a curse because your focus is on gaining something you want, or you are angry about something. What can we do about individuals who constantly persecute or who harasses us? The apostle Paul tells us to bless those who persecute us [see Romans 12:14]. By blessing them, it will reveal the individual’s own behavior and help them back to the character of Christ. It is like the random acts of kindness policy we have seen and heard about in the news. We should all consider doing random acts of kindnesses.

Balaam received payment to curse the Israelites. He rode on a donkey with the princes of Moab. This was after God had visited and spoken to Balaam giving him specific direction on what he was to do, but Balaam ignored God’s instructions. God sent an angel of the Lord to stand in the way of Balaam. The donkey saw the angel and turned out into the field. Balaam hit the donkey with a stick and turned the donkey into the direction it should go. The donkey began and still saw the angel thus running into the wall and crushing Balaam’s foot against the wall. Balaam hit the donkey again. The donkey still saw the angel and had nowhere to go because of the angel of the Lord always blocked his path. The donkey fell with Balaam on top. Balaam got mad and started to hit the donkey again with his stick. That is when the donkey started to talk back to Balaam as to why he was being beaten.

The Lord had to open the eyes of Balaam for him to see the angel of the Lord. The angel of the Lord asked Balaam why did you hit your donkey three times? The angel of the Lord told Balaam that he had to stand against him because his way was wicked [see Numbers 22:32].  Despite Balaam’s disobedience, Balaam still ended up speaking the blessings of the Lord and not cursing the Israelites’. Let us see what the Apostle Peter had to say about Balaam when he was referring to false prophets and teachers.

Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;

2 Peter 2:15

The second lesson is to be aware of false prophets and teachers. They have no concern for those within the body of Christ, and they are intent on going their own way. They trap others to follow them into coveting after fleshy desires. They are deceitful in bringing in a stumbling block before God’s chosen people causing them to sin [see Revelation 2:14]. Sexual immorality is one of well-known sins in Christian leaders today. False teaching is a stumbling block when the truth has been told but is being ignored for personal pursuits. A true prophet will give the truth according to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. A true prophet will believe in the Bible as the written word of God. A true prophet will not be selfish but will follow Christ and lead others to follow Christ. A true prophet will not seek after their own best interest, instead they will be concerned with the wellbeing of others who are in the family of God.

The third lesson is to repent. Balaam would not repent and accept God’s word. Balaam was deceptive and he chose who he wanted to listen to. Balaam knew the truth but decided to find a way to be disruptive is causing Israel to sin. Balaam did not believe in God’s sovereignty. Balaam worship many pagan gods. He may of spoke God’s words, but his heart was not in what God spoke.  Christians need to be careful in what organizations or clubs that they belong to. Many organizations that say they are Christian based are promoting a different lifestyle that is not pleasing to God. Let us not be caught worshipping something else other than the true God who has given us His son Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. Be ye holy for I am the Lord your God [see Leviticus 20:7]. It is the Lord who sanctifies us. Be careful to not defile yourself, or your walk as a Christian. Keep yourself pure before the Lord. Bless and curse not and always look to Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith.

Secret Place of Security

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Because thou hast made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most high, thy habitation, There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come near thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

Psalms 91:9-11

There is a place of security that each human being desires. A place of peace, love, and joy. A place that is safe from all harm and you do not need to fear the “what if something happens.” A place where love reigns. Can there be such a place? Is there a secret place of security? I am always amazed at how our Lord takes care of His own. I have heard of some great stories of God miraculously saving people from harm. We do not understand what it really means to be in that secret place of security. We do not understand what it means to abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

Can we say the same as King David, “I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God; in him will I trust,” [Psalms 91:2]? Can we truly say this within our hearts? If you have said yes, then you are in that secret place of security. There is no doubt within your heart that you are dwelling in the secret place of the Most High. You are secured within His love and know that no matter what happens you belong to Him. Belonging to the Lord is the secret place of security. The promise is here in Psalms 91. He will answer you when you call upon Him. He will be with you when you are in trouble. Not only that but you will be satisfied with a long life, and He will show you, His salvation.

Long life and safety are an act of God. Many have a hard time of comprehending it because we have not experienced it firsthand. I went halfway around the world to finally see God’s salvation. My stepdad went just about all around the world before he saw God’s salvation. My stepdad dug his way out of a pile of rubble after a bomb hit the ground. He also escaped from a concentration camp during World War II. We have heard and read stories of the horror of World War II, but through it people walked out alive like my stepdad and Corrie Ten Boom. Corrie Ten Boom went on sharing her testimony around the world about God’s love and forgiveness. Corrie Ten Boom learned about the secret place to security.

If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, You’ll be depressed. If you look at God you’ll be at rest.

Corrie Ten Boom

Are you at rest? Are you looking at God? Those who are at rest with God are in that secret place. Those who are at rest with God have peace within their hearts. The work of righteousness is peace, and its effect is quietness and assurance as is stated in Isaiah 32:17. What about verse 18 of Isaiah 32, “my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.” Can you imagine a dwelling place that is a peaceful habitation? This will happen when our eyes are on the Lord. When we are under His shelter and not our own. It is good to know that He gives His angels charge over us. I can affirm this when I have experienced miraculous saving from death and harmful violence. Like a neighbor who wanted to hit me on my porch, but a force stopped her from hitting me. There was an invisible shield in front of me and I felt it, plus I was frozen in place and could not move. I have witness this three times in different circumstances, so I know that God sends His angels to guard us, and we do not see them.

We are not aware of them, but it is mentioned in Hebrews 13:2, “be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Angels unawares are ministering spirits sent from God to help those who are heirs of salvation. Have you ever wondered how Lot knew that the two men were angels that came to Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis chapter 19? Have you seen the movie Sodom and Gomorrah? Lot is warned by the angels to get out of the city because God was going to destroy it. Do not look back on iniquity for it is grievous to God and it should be shocking to you also. Immoral acts affect us all because it is destructive. Its aim is to consume at all costs. That is what was happening in Sodom and Gomorrah.

Destruction is all around us, yet with God there is peace and rest. We do not have to be afraid for we can abide under the shadow of the Almighty.   Psalms 91 can be our prayer from deliverance from destruction that is around us. We can have the assurance of safety in the arms of God knowing that He will deliver us from all evil and no plague shall come near us, for He shall give his angels charge over us to keep us in all ways because He hath set His love upon us and knows us. He will satisfy us with long life and show us His salvation.  Praise His Holy name, let us ever stay in the secret place of the Most High.  If you are not in that secret place, cry out to God in repentance.  We are all sinners in need of saving. 

Christ died on the cross for you and me to save us from the evil one and from the power of the evil one who is Satan.  Christ has freed us from that power of dominion, and we no longer must look back upon our own iniquity.  Asking our Heavenly Father to save us in the name of Jesus is the key to deliverance.  It is a commitment we personally make to stay the course in faith by believing in who and what Christ has done for each of us.  His love for us is real if you allow His spirit to move upon your heart and cleanse it.  This to me is a miracle itself that He alone changes the heart of humanity.  We will forever stay in the place of security when we make Him our refuge.

If you have been following this blog, today marks the [one year event | 52 weeks] of Daily in His Love. I like to thank all those who have followed me each week reading this blog. You are all special and I knew that our Lord will bless you richly with His love, joy and peace. I encourage you to stay the course and continue in the secret place of the Most High. Communion with our God is special, and I have also been encouraged to continue another year in Daily in His Love blog. We are living in an unusual time of uncertainty, but our God is calling us to draw near to Him as revelation begins to unfold and we begin to see many of the prophecies in the Bible come true.

Wasted Goods

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Give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest no longer be a steward.

Luke 16:2

The word stewardship is rarely used today. As human beings we yearn to possess or have something, and money is always at the heart of every situation in today’s living. We cannot survive without it, but can we get it unjustly, or without working for it? Maybe we should consider Mark Knopfler song “Money for Nothing.”

That ain’t workin’ that’s the way you do it

Money for nothin’ and chicks for free.

From lyrics of song titled “Money for Nothing” by Dire Straits

You would be surprised how many people are out “to make money by doing basically nothing. “ “Making lots of money for doing basically nothing.” Not everybody on this planet is fortunate to get money for nothing,” stated an article from Hosbeg.com. Today we have many scams artist who are out to get money for doing basically nothing. Millions of dollars are being spent just to curb fraud, so it is big business these days especially during Covid-19. Even the federal stimulus money has been hacked and not everyone is receiving the money that they were entitled to this past year. People now want money for doing basically nothing like the delivery man to which this song refers to. What is the mind set of gaining money from doing hardly nothing? Where does stewardship enter the picture. Yet, Jesus talks about it in this parable of the unjust steward in Luke chapter 16.

The steward was cunning in his action when giving the account of stewardship. Maybe we should take a step back and investigate the meaning of stewardship. The Strong’s Greek translation for stewardship is administration. This means management of your household affairs or the affairs of others. It means you are overseeing the management of something like a business. You might say this relates to the job you are doing for someone. You get paid for the services you provide to your employer. The work you put in is of value and therefore you are compensated. I learned this at an early age when I worked in an office at the age of 16. I had responsibility to perform and complete my duties what the job required. I got paid for the service I provided. I could account for what I did because the business continued since I was doing the billing for the business. One must manage themselves to become a good steward.

The steward in Chapter 16 of Luke became worried about what he would do when he no longer would be a steward/manager. He said, “to beg he would be ashamed,” [see Luke 16:3]. Changing jobs or having to train for a new job is not always easy. But there is more to the story here and it is not always easy to understand the full meaning of what Jesus was trying to convey here. Jesus commented that the unjust steward had done wisely and then he states that those of this age are wiser than the sons of light. Jesus further says go ahead and make friends for yourself by means of unjust wealth [see Luke 16:9]. What Jesus is saying is to go ahead and carry on with your behavior, but who is going to trust you with the true riches in the future. Remember the saying, “what you reap is what you sow.” Let us think twice about deceiving our brother and sister in the Lord when we are given the responsibility of overseeing them. Let us think twice about deceiving our employer as well.

Why think twice, because what you put your hands to ends up as wasted goods in the end due to unjust wealth you have gained. Jesus said it is money of unrighteousness. Money of unrighteousness is a part of coveting, and no servant can serve two masters. The heart of the matter is that you are serving money and not God. God who is all knowing and all seeing is looking for good stewards or mangers in the Kingdom of God. God is looking for faithful servants to rule over His household. I urge you all to read Luke chapter 12 and compare it with Luke chapter 16.

And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season?

Luke 12:42

The Lord is expecting that those who belong to him are faithful and wise stewards over their own household and to bless them in due season. How so many have fallen from trusting God to provide a way and end up following their own way of getting wealth instead of learning to manage their own household. Be thankful for what you do have even when it is nothing. I was so thankful for housing when the manager of the apartment gave us room for no down payment when we were homeless, but we had to trust God to provide us with a job to pay for that housing. That meant looking for work. God provided the job to pay for the housing. One does not go about abusing the situation when God answers prayer for housing as was in our case. We had to be faithful stewards in managing ourselves to be faithful in what God has given and look for a job. That was the agreement made with the manager. That is being a good and wise steward. That is doing the right thing and doing it fairly and not defrauding anyone. Having the right attitude goes a long way when we as people are wise stewards for the Lord and this also includes how we manage our money. May our money not become as wasted goods. May our heart be in the right place.

God’s All-Seeing Eye

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O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising; thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.

Psalms 139:1-3

Did you know that God is all-seeing? We just do not want to think about how God sees everything and is all-knowing and wise. I’m thankful that we have a compassionate all-knowing God. The word in theology is omniscient for all-knowing, all-wise, and all-seeing. Our God is the source of all human knowledge and science. We just do not want to admit it. Some of us do believe that God is all-knowing, but we may not believe that He is all-seeing. In fact, the all-seeing part of omniscient is one of the hardest parts to believe when all you see is suffering, pain, and death. Can we believe that our God is a refuge for those who are oppressed? Does God see our tears? Yes, He does. The revelation was revealed to John in Revelation 21:4, “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” God will make all things new, and this is our future, for He is the beginning and the end.

Our Lord Jesus spoke about how God does not forget anything not even the sparrows. All creation is seen by God, and this includes all of humanity. It is hard to believe that God would care for us on a personal level, yet Jesus said that even the number of our hairs on our head are all numbered [see Luke 12:7]. This is amazing. Have you ever Googled the question; how many hairs are on the human head? I did and found out that the “average human head has about 100,000 hairs.” Wow! And Jesus said in verse seven of Luke chapter 12 that we are of more value than the sparrows. Can you imagine the realization of our worth in God’s eye? God is definitely acquainted with all our ways for in Psalms 139 David the King goes into great length is describing God’s all-seeing eye. Nothing is hidden and darkness cannot hide from God’s all-seeing eye. Even David could not grasp the meaning of knowing that God is all-seeing, all-knowing, and all-wise, yet he spoke about it down to the point of his conception.

Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unformed; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

Psalms 139:16

David exclaimed that his substance was not hidden even when he was made in secret [ see Psalms 139:15]. There are many children in the world that are made in secret, but our God knows all about it. When I read Psalms 139, I was unsettled and had to re-read the passage. I could not get around that God really knew all about my conception. For some it is hard to believe when you are conceived out of wedlock you are known as the bastard child. Prior to 1960 a bastard child or love child was seen as immoral. Even in the 60’s people looked down upon a child that was born out of wedlock. The stigma of illegitimacy carried a bad report of criminal intent and social behavior that induced discrimination. This did not take into consideration conception through violence that many women experience. For the child it carries the theme of being unwanted and unloved, but in God’s eye everything about you as an individual was written down in a book.

God is all-knowing that nothing is hidden from His sight. He looks upon all the inhabitants of the earth [see Psalms 33:14]. Jesus tells us to fear the one who has the “power to cast into hell” [see Luke 12:5]. “There is no fear of God before their eyes,” said the apostle Paul in Romans 3:18. Paul exclaimed this after talking about how lost man is and how fast they are to shed blood. Can we so easily deny God’s judgement? There is a future account when we all will stand before God in judgement. The books will be opened, and judgement will be sentenced [see Revelation 20:12]. We cannot escape from God’s judgement. We must all believe in God’s Son Jesus and stay in our believe that Jesus is the way, truth, and the life. We cannot come to God except through Jesus, for Jesus is our covering from sin. His shed blood covers us so God will accept us and hear our prayers.

Make sure within your heart that you will be in the book of life and not in the other book. It is good to have the fear of the Lord upon our hearts to stir us into the right path of salvation. I praise God that he gave me a father who helped raise me here on earth. A father who feared God and had discernment to do the right thing through adoption. The Lord became our refuge in times of trouble when we had no money, no home, and little food. The all-seeing God came through because we believed in Him as our refuge. God provided shelter without no prepayment and how amazing and wonderful it was to be under God’s shelter of protection from the weather. Have you heard of the hymn written by Civilla D. Martin from Nova Scotia, titled, “His Eye is on Sparrow?”  Here is the first verse and chorus for you to read. Remember you are not alone for He watches over you.

Why should I feel discouraged, 
Why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, 
And long for heav’n and home;
When Jesus is my portion? 
My constant Friend is he;
His eye is on the sparrow, 
And I know he watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, 
And I know he watches me.

Refrain:
I sing because I’m happy, 
I sing because I’m free;
For his eye is on the sparrow, 
And I know he watches me.