Letting Go (Part 3 Of 4)

In Luke 15:20 says, the Father ran toward the son and fell on his neck and kissed him; kissed as a token of his love and endearment; a sign of reconciliation and friendship; expressive of the strength of his affection to him. I believe they both wept and embraced each other. In order for the son to weep he had to let go of some things. Such as pride, resentment, rebellion, and stubbornness. These things may have been dealt with in the pigpen, at the lowest point in his life. However, the father’s forgiveness toward his son, and the son forgiving himself was dealt with in the loving embrace of his father.

Remember the prodigal son left home for a reason, whether he had a good reason or not, he felt he did. Whether he felt unloved, misunderstood, or unappreciated, he left with the intention of not returning. He felled into immorality and hardship. His so call friends were not there, when he needed them, they all abandoned him. Unable to provide for himself, stripped of any dignity or self-reliance he remembered his father.

In order to be set free from the pain, and torment you must let go of certain things. There’s an exchange that must take place. You must let go of unforgiveness, bitterness, and resentment. Are you willing to be whole in your body and your soul? If so then you must be willing to let go of the betrayal, rejection, let go of the verbal & physical abuse done to you. You must let go of self-condemnation, and guilt. You must forgive others and you must forgive yourself.  

Robe
Luke 15:22 says "Bring forth the best robe and put it on him."  In having the best robe placed on him, the Father was telling the prodigal as well as all observers that his position as son was being restored. There was no proving his faithfulness or sonship neither was there any punishment or demotion. He had learned a valuable lesson through the pain and hardship he had endured. It was an immediate demonstration of complete approval, love and mercy as well as protection - major benefits of being a son.

In addition, everyone was witnessing the Father's transfer of the prime inheritance (birthright) from the eldest son to the youngest son.

Joseph’s coat of many colors hinted to his brothers that Joseph would receive the birthright instead of the eldest son, Ruben. The garment was of many colors, not pieces, marking it as a priestly and royal robe. This robe similar to the prodigal son’s robe was intended as a mark of honor and rank, worn only by a chief and heir (Gen. 37:3).

Jesus had a woven robe, one piece not pieced together, that the Romans cast lot over. Jesus being the first-born, and Joseph being deceased, would have entitled him to the birthright, and robe according to Jewish tradition. This robe was similar to what the high priest wore.
(John 19:23-24)

Ring
In Luke 15:22 the father demanded the servant to put a ring on his hand. Once again we see this as the father's token of favor, and son ship to the prodigal.
Long ago, presenting a ring to someone was a sign of great affection and also a symbol of being placed in an office of authority; among the rich it was a sign of wealth and dignity.

Pharaoh removed his signet ring and put it on Joseph's hand when installing him into office in Egypt (Genesis 41:42).

“In the book of Esther the King took off his ring, the royal signet by which the decrees of government were signed, and gave it to Mordecai (Esther 8:2). The ring showed Pharaoh's affection for Joseph and the King's affection for Mordecai.  This transferred to them all power and authority necessary for the promotions they received, one as Governor and the other as Prime Minister.”
The ring placed on the hand of the Prodigal was evidenced of the great affection the Father had toward him. It also announced, once again, the transfer of inheritance, which would ordinarily have gone to the first-born.

Shoes
Luke 15:22 "Put shoes on his feet" In ancient biblical times only servants and slaves went barefoot. Therefore, when the Father ordered shoes to be brought out and put on the Prodigal's feet he said for the third and final time that the Prodigal was not to be treated as a servant, but as a son with all entitlements.

Moses and Joshua were asked to remove their sandals because the ground they were standing on was holy ground (Exodus 2:5 & Joshua 5:15). The shoes are a form of entitlement and covering, it had to be removed in the presence of God. Why? They were not entitled to stand before God on their own merits. It is only by His grace and mercy that Moses and Joshua could come into God’s presence. They were told to take off their shoes, not anything else. The shoes were not needed before God because He alone is theirs and our covering. He alone is the reason we can come into His presence.

All that the prodigal son received was given to him; he didn’t earn or deserve it. Yet, everyone was witnessing the Father's transfer of the prime inheritance (birthright) from the eldest son to the youngest son. But, what about the eldest son who didn’t leave home or transgress?...To be continued

Letting Go (Part Two)

Read Luke 15:11-19

Luke 15:17-18 says, “And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee.”

How does one get set free from sin? A person who received Jesus Christ as their Savior should know the answer. The prodigal son already knew the way home, back to the Father. He did three key things:

Verse 17 He came to himself (senses)
Verse 18 I have sinned (acknowledgement)
Verse 20 He arose (Repented)

First he came to his senses. He recognized that he had put himself in this situation. He didn’t blame his so call friends who abandoned him, nor his upbringing, nor his father (God), or brother (or sister in the Lord). He blamed himself. The prodigal son didn’t fall into self-piety. He recognized his condition and acknowledged that he had sinned against heaven and his Father. The prodigal son then arose, and came toward his Father.

We can feel sorry for ours sins, and we can ask for forgiveness. However, true repentance is turning away from sin. The bible says we are to flee temptation.

Why didn’t his father rescue him? The same reason our Heavenly Father doesn’t rescue us. Jesus Christ already paid the price on Calvary for our sins. He already rescued us. It’s up to us to accept it, and walk in that finished work, and not grab a hold of what Christ has delivered us from.

God loves the sinners, but He hates sin. Sin separates us from God. God’s love is not an excuse to sin, but a reason not to.

The consequences of Sin did not bring the prodigal son to hopelessness, and despair, but it brought him to His knees, it brought him to conviction and repentance. Remembering his father’s goodness and mercy drove him home.

I am reminded of the story of the drowning man. The drowning man’s friend, who couldn’t swim either, stood helplessly on the shoreline. He watched his friend frantically splashing his arms in the water yelling, “help” and then disappear and reappear in the water. A lifeguard near by watched, but did nothing. The friend asked if the lifeguard was going to save his drowning friend. The lifeguard continue to watch as the man went under the water a second time and reappear. The drowning man unable to scream any more took one last breath and under the water a third and final time he went. The lifeguard then jumped into the water and swam to where the victim was last seen. He then dive under the water and quickly emerged with the motionless victim. Once on shore the victim began coughing. His friend now highly agitated, asked the lifeguard why he didn’t rescue him when he first started to drown? The lifeguard said, “If I had tried to save him while he was drowning he would have frantically grabbed a hold of me and pulled us both under. I had to wait until he had no fight left in him, before I could truly rescue him.”

Our Heavenly Father waits until there is no fight left in us, until we have exhausted every means of self-deliverance. Only then when we cry out to Him; He reaches down and save us from ourselves.

The very things the son was seeking for in that country or world, he had at home; Liberty, Joy, Acceptance, Love, Purpose, Fulfillment, Wealth…etc.

Verse 20 says that his Father saw him from a distance. His father (Heavenly Father) saw him too; he saw him when in the far country, spending his substance with harlots, and in riotous living; he saw him when among the swine and husks. He saw us when we were in sin and rebellion. He saw us and he loved us, but He could not deliver us until we repented and turned toward Him.

The Father saw his son when he came to himself, he saw him in his progress towards him, and looked upon him with an eye of love, pity, and compassion, and ran to his son. Would our Heavenly Father do any less for you? No. Just because you don’t see Him, it doesn’t mean He doesn’t see you. Just because you don’t feel His presence it doesn’t me He doesn’t feel your pain and sorrow. If you would come to your senses, arise and draw near to Him, He will draw near to you.  He would run toward you and like the prodigal son, He would embrace you, and receive you with unconditional love…to be continued

Letting Go

Read Luke 15:11-18
In Luke 15:1-2 we read, “Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, this man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.” The publicans and sinners drew near to hear Jesus. The Pharisees and scribes, the religious leaders of that time also came near— to criticize him. The promised Deliverer has come. The blind see, the deaf speak, and hear, lepers are cleansed, demons are cast out, and the dead are raised to life. The Lord is visiting His people.

What the Pharisees saw was that Jesus violated their customs and traditions. He can’t be of God! They didn’t look at the miracles, and healings. They didn’t care to see the mighty move of God touching and transforming lives. All revivals have prematurely stopped because of this same hypocritical thinking, this same religious spirit.

The Pharisees murmured, saying, “This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.” Jesus tells them two parables, which sinners and Pharisees, publicans and scribes could accept, and relate to. One was the lost sheep, and the other was piece of silver. This is something they all had in common; they would all have sought out that sheep and silver for material gain. Now Jesus has their attention and he brings the story closer to home. This is not a story of financial blessing, but a spiritual blessing. This is not a parable of sheep or silver, but a story about a living soul that was spiritually lost.

The different characters; the Scribes and Pharisees represent the elder son, and the publicans and sinners the youngest son. The Loving, Merciful, and Forgiven Father represent’s Our Heavenly Father.

I like what Barnes commentary says, “The story of the prodigal is the story of one who goes from possessor, to prodigal, to pauper, to penitent, to pardoned.” The youngest son represents all of those who have been called by God and for whatever reason; they have placed one foot in the church and one foot in the world.

This cannot be a picture of the lost (unbelievers). A person lost, physically or spiritual does not know where they are. They need someone to show them the way, to rescue them. But, a child of God who chooses to sin know exactly where they are and they know the way back. They are not lost, but backslidden. If they choose to stay in a backslidden state they can become spiritual and permanently lost. If they choose not to repent they loose the ability to spiritually discern their physical and spiritual state. Now they have one foot in Heaven, and one foot in Hell.

Luke 15:11-12 says, “And he said, a certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.” When the young son came to his father to ask for his inheritance, in the Jewish culture of that day, it was like he was saying, “I can’t wait until you are dead!”  This was highly unconventional and was insulting of the father. This is what the Jewish leaders understood and in their minds, they would not have received the young son back into the family. This young man wanted the blessings and promises of God and also the pleasures of this world.

Verse 13 says he gathered all his things and he took his journey into a far country. He had no intentions of returning, if he did he would not have taken everything he owned. I don’t know why he left. Most young people leave because they don’t like the rules. The rules restrict them from doing what they want to do.

In Exodus 19:12 in the wilderness at Mt. Sinai God ordered bounds to be placed around the Mount, lest people touched the Holy Mountain and die. Those bounds where not there to keep the people away, but to protect them and keep them from a sure death. God still set bounds in our lives or commandments such as; thou shall not steal, thou shall not commit adultery, thou shall not have no other gods before me. These commandments or boundaries are there to protect us from the consequences of sin.

In Deuteronomy 27 & 28 speaks about how certain sins will bring a curse upon a person and their family bloodline. What kind of curses? Premature death, poverty, mental illness, diseases, bareness… The curses don’t just affect the person who committed them, but also their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, to the third and fourth generation.

Romans 6:23 clearly say the wages of sin is death. Sin will strip you from God’s presence, peace, joy, and mental and physical well-being.  

The son took his journey into a far country; which sets forth the state of alienation a sinner is in. He separated himself from anyone who could have helped him, Father, family, pastor, church, or Christians.

A backslidden person is not looking for someone to rescue him or her, but someone to understand and accept him or her. The world would say we understand and accept you. The church would say we love you, but we reject your choices and life style. The backslider takes that to mean that Christians reject them because of their lifestyle and choices. Which is a distortion of the truth. God loves the sinner, but he hates sin. God’s love does not give us a license to sin, but rather a reason not to sin.

This young man wasted his substance with riotous living. Verse 14 says, “And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.” Sin strips a man of all that is good and valuable; of the image of God, of the knowledge of divine things, of natural holiness, of moral righteousness, intimacy, purpose, and destiny.

Scriptures says, “He began to be in want.” Although he was already in need when he spent everything, he didn’t realize it until he needed something that he didn’t have, something vital to his physical or spiritual survival.

Famine is usually due to drought, or pestilence: It brings a scarcity of natural food. Someone who is in rebellion against God, will be spiritual famished due to a lack of God’s Word, and the Living Water to nourish and quench their thirsty soul. Material things can only fill a natural void, but never a spiritual one. It isn’t until we realize that we are in want, that we attempt to fill that need. The prodigal son in verse 15 joined himself to a citizen of that country although he was a citizen of another country. He joined himself to a famish country that had nothing to offer him, but disappointment and discouragement. He had dual citizenship, having one foot in Heaven, and one foot in Hell….to be continued

Filthy Garments

“And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?” (Zechariah 3:1-2)

Satan tempts us to sin and then accuses us of sin and unworthiness before the Lord, just like he did with Joshua. Thank God for God’s Mercy and Grace, which is clearly evident in the Old Testament as well as it is in the New Testament. All of us have been pluck out of the fire by God. We didn’t choose Him, He chose us and we accepted the nudging of His Holy Spirit to receive Jesus Christ as our Savior.

Zechariah the prophet has a vision of Joshua the high priest standing before the Lord in filthy garments and Satan there to resist or accurse him (Zechariah 3:3-5). Now Joshua wasn’t just a Levite or a priest, but the High Priest that could enter into the Holies or Holy, where the manifest presence of God was. If Joshua had so much, as a boil on his body he was unfit for service. Why something as minor as a boil? A boil is an infection under the skin, another word, a unhealed wound. You could not operate in the high priest position with an unhealed wound or blemish; No more than you can operate effectively today in ministry with an unhealed wound (Leviticus 21:21).

Zechariah, Joshua, and a remnant return from Babylonian captivity to their homeland, Jerusalem. The temple wasn’t being built. Zechariah realized in this vision that it wasn’t the lack of mortar or brick, or enthusiasm that kept them from building the temple, but a lack of healing and transformation. Joshua like so many others was a prisoner or product of his past. He was free physically, but spiritually bound.

There are Christians today, who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior, but their lives seem unchanged. The only significant difference is they are aware that certain behavior is sin and not a habit or personal choice. However they are still struggling with the very thing Jesus Christ went to the cross to deliver them from. They still commit the same familiar sins, struggling to change their filthy garments for a garment of righteousness.

In verse four the Lord says onto those that stood before him, “Take away the filthy garments from him.” If you notice, Joshua didn’t remove his own filthy garments, no more than we can— although we try. We attend church, dress appropriately and may abstain from additive behaviors (alcohol, drugs, cigarettes etc.), but those filthy garments represents sins not habits. Sin is something we cannot remove only Christ can and He has. Verse 4 continues to say, “I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.” Notice that the Lord said iniquity. There are three levels of sin. Isaiah 53:5 says, “He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities:

There is sin, the scripture says in Rom. 3:23, “For all sinned and come short of the Glory of God.” And if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1John1:9).

However, a transgression is a deliberate or practice sin that if continued will turn into a stronghold. A stronghold will eventually become an iniquity. This sin (iniquity) will pass down the bloodline from generation to generation. (For further information on subject read: Redeemed from the Curse by R. A. Vukovich)

Joshua could not remove those filthy garments; neither can religion or self-works. The Lord spoke to those who were with him (ministering angels) to remove the garments and replace them with suitable garments. Those who struggle over sin need to confess their sins to the Lord as 1John 1:9 says. Then ask the Lord to remove those filthy garments (sins) and exchange them for the garment of righteousness. The Spirit of God wants to set us free, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness so we can enter into the manifest presence of God.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1John 1:9). God does not just want to forgive you of your sins, He wants to cleanse, or wash away that sin. Another words set you free from the bondage of sin, and give you a garment of praise, and a robe of righteousness (Is. 61:3,10).

Spiritual Battles, Spiritual Weapons

The Israelites were greatly impoverished because the Midianites came into their land, stole their sustenance, and destroyed the increase of their land. They did not kill the Israelites, but they took their crops and animals, and oppressed them (Judges 6:6)

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The reason they were being attack was because they had done evil in the sight of the Lord (Judges 6:1). So the Lord removed His arm of protection from them for seven years. They would be so miserable that they would turn back to the Lord, which they did and he heard them— He always does. The Lord never leaves us we instead leave Him. The enemy is still using the same tactics today. He try’s to oppress and impoverished God’s people so that they would feel helpless and hopeless. The enemy wants God’s people to believe the lie that God doesn’t care about them or their situation.

When they cried unto the Lord, He heard them. The Lord sent them a deliverer, Gideon, to deliver Israel from the Midianites. Gideon rallies over 32,000 men to defeat the enemy. However the Lord tells Gideon, that the people are too many for the Lord to give the Midianites into their hands. Israel just might believe it was because of them and not the Lord that got them the victory (Judges 7:2).

The Lord tells Gideon that those who are too fearful and afraid, should leave and twenty two thousand do just that, leaving poor Gideon with only ten thousand men. The Lord then tells Gideon that there is still too many and to go down unto the water, and the Lord will try them there (Judges 7:4).

When it is all said and done poor Gideon’s army is reduced to a remnant of 300 men. These three hundred men were to fight a vast army that covered the valley like grasshoppers. These men had to be the bravest men on the planet. They definitely were trusting in the Lord to deliver them against all odds.

“And the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the children of the east lay along in the valley like grasshoppers for multitude; and their camels were without number, as the sand by the sea side for multitude.” (Judges 7:12)

Gideon divided the men into three companies, and he put a trumpet in every man’s hand, with empty pitchers, and lamps within the pitchers. (Judges 7:16)

If you notice they did not have any natural weapon to defeat the enemy.

They did as they were instructed, fearful maybe, but obedient. The three companies blew the trumpets, and break the pitchers, and held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands to blow with and they cried, “The Sword of the Lord, and of Gideon (Judges 7:20).“

Let’s take a closer look at what they had. They had a trumpet that was used to proclaim a clarion sound throughout the enemies’ camp, a proclamation of the Word of the Lord, “The Sword of The Lord and Gideon.” God’s word is a two-edge sword. They had empty earthen pitchers. 2Corinthians 4:7 says, “ But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”  This scripture in the New Testament is revealed in the Old Testament through Gideon’s three hundred men.

Once the earthen vessel (us) is broken, the light (Christ) can emanate out of us. The light that shined from those broken earthen vessel blinded and confused the Israelites enemies. The Israelites had weapons, but it was spiritual weapons that confused the enemy, causing their enemies to destroy and kill their own.

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds (2 Corinthians 10:4”)

The Midianites and Amalakites were obviously physical enemies, but they were influence or used by the same spirit that comes against Israel and Christians today. Another words we are in a spiritual battle and our weapons must be spiritual if we are to defeat the works of the devil in our lives.

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians 6:12).”

Many shall be deceived

1Timothy 4:1-2 says, “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;”

Jesus warned that in the last days, many shall be deceived and offended, and shall depart from the faith. (Matt. 24:10) When we are more offended by what God’s word says, then offending God, we are in grave danger of judgment as a nation, and as individuals.

(Matt. 24:3-4) (3)“And as he sat upon the Mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, tell us, when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? (4)And Jesus answered and said unto them, take heed that no man deceive you.”
Why did Jesus say to his disciples to take heed that no man deceive you? Could it be because Christians, disciples, pastors, anyone can be deceived or else Jesus would not have warned them to take heed?

Jesus warned that in the last days, many shall be deceived and there shall be a great falling away. This warning is not to those that are of the world, because they are already deceived. How could they fall away from the faith if they never had the faith? This warning is to Christians. Many false prophets where once devote Christians who once knew and walked in the truth, but became deceived and strayed from the faith. Jesus goes on to tell the disciples what will transpire in the end-times. However, he did not tell them the date or the time of His return, as many have falsely predicted.

(Matt.24: 5-8) 5”For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. (6) And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. (7) For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. (8)All these are the beginning of sorrows.”

Throughout the world nations have risen against nations for territory and domination. We know there are famines, pestilences, earthquakes, and a rise in catastrophic events. However, Jesus says these are the beginnings of sorrows not the end.

(9) ”Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. (10) And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. (11) And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. (12) And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. (13) But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. (14) And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”

Verse 5 says, ”For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” I have heard numerous sermons on this verse. Many believe that this verse refers to false prophets. It is true many false prophets have come, saying they are the Christ, and have deceived many. We may recognize some from our era.

Sun Moon (Born Mun Yong-Myeong on February 25, 1920 – September 3, 2012) Sun Moon and his family converted to Christianity when he was a child and joined the Presbyterian Church. When he was 15, Moon said that Jesus Christ anointed him to carry out his unfinished work by becoming parent to all of humanity.

Sun Moon believed and taught that Jesus was divine but not God; he was supposed to be the second Adam who would create a perfect family by joining with the ideal wife and creating a pure family that would have begun humanity's liberation from the sinful condition caused by Eve’s illicit sex with Satan. When Jesus was crucified before marrying, he redeemed mankind spiritually but not physically according to Moon. That task was left to the "True Parents" - Moon and his future wife - who would link married couples and their families to God.

Moon the self proclaimed Messiah was the founder of the Unification Church and of its widely noted “Blessing” or mass wedding ceremony. In his church doctrine, the wedding (or marriage re-dedication) ceremony removes couples from the lineage of sinful humanity and grafts them into God’s sinless lineage. After the third generation of intra-Unification Church blessed marriages, any children born will be free from the consequences of original sin. In 1997, about 30,000 couples took part in a marriage ceremony in Washington, DC. Officiated by Moon.

David Koresh (Vernon Howell) Vernon Howell claimed to have become a born-again Christian in the Southern Baptist Church and soon joined his mother's church, the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Vernon Howell legally changed his name "for publicity and business purposes" to David Koresh. Koresh is the Persian name of Cyrus the Great, a Persian King who is named a Messiah for freeing Jews during the Babylonian Captivity. His first name, David, symbolized a lineage directly to the biblical King David, from whom the new messiah would descend. By taking the name of David Koresh, he was "professing himself to be the spiritual descendant of King David, a messianic figure carrying out a divinely commissioned errand."

Koresh would annul all marriages of couples that joined the group, had exclusive sexual access to the women, and would also have regular sexual relations with young girls. There is no question that Koresh had multiple children by different women in the group. His House of David doctrine based on a purported revelation involved the reproduction of 24 children by chosen women in the community. These 24 children were to serve as the ruling elders over the millennium after the return of Christ.
                                                                                                     
These men like so many others were Imposters who claim to be Christ, or a prophet sent by God, or otherwise claimed to speak God's truth, when in reality they do not speak the truth and are not who they claim to be. But, they did deceive many. These false prophets had great followers in the United States. A country where bibles are sold and even given away, but apparently not read. It’s not hard to deceive those who do not read the word of God, or seek God through prayer.

We may read these profiles and shake our head that anyone could possible fall for such nonsense. Yet many have and will because they either hadn’t heard or refuse to believe the truth. However, these false prophets fall under the eleven verse “And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many” not the fifth verse, ”For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” Lets us take another look at the fifth verse again, which is different than false prophets.
                                                                                                     
Verse 5 says,” For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” This verse is not in reference to false prophets who claim they are the “Christ,” but it is about false doctrine. If it referred to false prophets Jesus would not have repeated this scripture differently in verse 5 compare to verse 11.

What this scripture is saying is that many shall come and say that Jesus Christ is Savior and they shall deceive many. Who are the many? Those people who profess to be Christians or Disciples of Christ. How can this be? If we do not read and study the word of God, we cannot know what is scriptural and what is opinion. This is why Jesus warned His disciples by saying, 4 “take heed that no man deceive you.”

An example of a widely accepted false belief: We are all God’s children. When the truth is we are all God’s creation. Only those who receive Jesus Christ as their Savior become children of God (Rom. 8:14, Gal. 3:26, John 1:12). Another example of a false belief that is widely being accepted is; we all believe or serve the same God. Yet, there are different Saviors, or multiple ones (1John 4:14-15, 1Tim. 2:5).

Jesus said in verse 13, “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Endure means to carry on or bare up under, it does not mean to give in to opinions and sinful temptations because of those who say they are Christian, but their lifestyle contradicts the Word of God.

May we be like the psalmist who said, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Psalm 119:11

References about the false prophets: From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Spiritually Shipwreck

Romans 12:2 - And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

I cannot help to think about how many people in the Body of Christ do not know the will of God for their life. Instead of inquiring from the Lord and seek His Word they seek help from the secular world who do not have the solution to their problems.

We seek secular psychologist and counselor to help advise and medicate us for a spiritual problem. We go to a medical doctor to be diagnosed with some medical condition and prescribe a life long drug to control not heal our condition. We seek advise from our unsaved friends and wonder why our relationship with our unequally yoked boy/girlfriend is missing something. We accept what the world (spiritually dead) says as truth and doubt what the Word of God say as the Truth. Are we so immersed in worldly pleasures, or bogged down by our circumstance that we don’t have time to read our bibles for the solution or pray through our circumstances? Are we spiritually shipwrecked?

Paul was a prisoner aboard a ship headed to Italy with others prisoners. The winter season was quickly approaching and sailing would be very dangerous.  Paul went to Julius (centurion) and said; “I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading (cargo) and ship, but also of our lives (Acts 27:10).”
Julius heard what Paul said, but he was more persuaded to listen to what the owner of the ship and the sailors said about the trip rather than a Godly man.  It would stand to reason that the centurion would take the advise of someone who knew about ships, especially the owner of this particular ship. However, Paul knew something about his God, and discerned that they shouldn’t go ahead with this voyage. The owner of the ship felt that they should move on to a better place to keep the ship for the winter.  No one listened to Paul’s warning and they began to sail the ship.
(Acts 27:13-20) The ship had not sailed far before the wind began to blow very hard.  It was blowing so hard that the captain could not turn the ship back.  They were caught in the middle of a terrible storm.  The sailors had to work hard to keep the ship from filling completely with water.  The ship was being tossed up and down.  Because the wind and waves crashed against the sides of the boat it felt like the ship was going to break apart.

It had been dark for many days.  No one could see the sun during the day or the stars at night.  The winds were still raging against the ship.  Luke wrote that they had given up hope that anyone would come and rescue them at sea.  Everyone was sure they were going to die at sea.  They had lightened the ship and threw overboard everything that would lighten the load. They no longer was in control but was tossed about by the wave and an uncertainty of where they were headed.

Have you ever found yourself in a turbulent storm that left you wondering if you will ever get out of it, and what will become of your finances, health, career, or relationship? If only we would have listened to that still small voice, or sought godly advise/prayed.

Everyone goes through trials, some more than others. If we are honest with ourselves we must admit there is something we did or did not do that brought us to this storm in our lives. God will allow the storms in ours lives to perfect us, but also to teach us how to trust and rely on Him.

The men on the ship didn’t heed the warning from Paul and found themselves in need of a deliverer. We will not know real peace until we accept Jesus as the Prince of Peace. We cannot be healed unless we allow Jesus to be our Chief Physician. We will never receive a miracle unless we step out in faith and trust our Lord to provide one. We will not know the Joy of being delivered until we see the need to be delivered by our Redeemer. We will not know who Jesus is in our lives until we see the need for Him to fulfill our needs. Jesus has fulfilled all things and yet we only go to Him for some things. Have we eliminated the solution by limiting God?

Paul stood up in front of all the men on the ship. He said, “Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship.”

Another words if they would have listen they wouldn’t be in this predicament. However, there are consequences for disobedience. They will be all right, yet they lost precious cargo, and the ship would be destroyed. When we go through a storm we too loose valuable cargo, sometimes we loose the very thing we are trying to hold on to. Most of the time it’s our peace or joy we loose, but that is our choice.

(Acts 27:30) “And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship…” verse 31 says “Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.” They were getting ready to jump ship because they believed the ship would crash, so they would rather take their chances in the turbulent waves. Even when we are about to crash, we must abide in Christ, we might be hurting, but we won’t die, but live and proclaim the works of God.

Verse 42-43 “And the soldiers’ counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any escape. But the centurion willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose.” The soldiers were willing to kill the prisoners then that any should escape.

We sometimes forget that we have an enemy of our soul the devil, which wants nothing better than to keep us bound and imprisoned in our circumstances. He like the soldiers want to steal, kill, and destroy if not our lives then our faith. We also like Paul have an advocate, Jesus Christ who intercedes in our behalf.

God had a plan for Paul’s life and no one was going to end Paul’s life before God’s work for Paul was done.  Believers can find comfort in knowing that God is in control of their life and their lives will not end on this earth until God’s purpose for his/her life is fulfilled. Even if the ship you are in is falling apart or crashing, you must abide in the ship and allow Jesus to be the anchor of your faith. In order for Jesus to be the anchor of your faith you must be anchored in His Word.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

“Where are the warriors, Lord?” Prophetic Dream

I would like to share a prophetic dream that the Lord gave me a while ago.  This dream reveals the condition of many of God’s people. I pray that the revelation, and interpretation of this dream will encourage us to take an honest spiritual inventory of ourselves, and not point the finger at others. May the revelation of this dream prick the hearts of many, and stir within you a deep longing, passion to know Him, and not just to know about Him.


In this dream I observed Christians wearing white karate style uniforms, working out. I recognized these Christians as spiritual warriors being trained by the Lord, prepared for the end time spiritual battle. As I drew closer to them, I noticed that their garments were soiled, and not as white as they should be. Some were off-white, others dingy white, grayish white, while others had yellow streaks on their garment. I knew that although they were warriors, their garments were a reflection of their relationship with the Lord. The closer their relationship was to the Lord, the whiter their garments were. I knew by the variance of colors that they were on different levels in their relationship with the Lord.

I observed them working out, perfecting their form and skills. They had been through some battles in their lives, but these battles only strengthened and helped prepare them. Nothing that they had gone through was in vain. This was God’s training camp.

I looked up to see strong beams supporting the building. However there was nothing fancy or elegant about the inside of this building. The building was rather plain or even crude in its design. There were only three walled sides, and the fourth side: the entrance was wide open, and there was no door. The building looked like the inside of a barn or stable, the outside less attractive. I didn’t pay much attention to the structure; it appeared to simply be a covering for His people.

We left there to a beautiful open meadow, rich and green, a place where one would want to live, and settle down. Here I saw much more of His people, but none of them were wearing warrior uniforms. I was troubled in my spirit, knowing quite well that some of these people were suppose to be spiritual warriors. But, they were all wearing black mourning clothes, as if someone they love had died. They were very busy, some carrying groceries, others’ walking to and fro. As I observed them being busy, I noticed they were busy doing nothing. Their black garments puzzled me, for I didn’t have the understanding as yet.

I asked, “Where are the warriors, Lord?” He pointed past the valley afar off into the distance, in the by-ways, highways, culverts, and remote areas. I saw people dressed as the first coming out to be a part of God’s army. I then woke up.

I prayed that the Lord would give me complete understanding of this dream, that I would neither add, or take away from what I have seen and understood.  Throughout the week the Lord gave me flash backs of the dream and the interpretation of what I did see.

He told me the valley that I saw, which was rich and green, appealing to the eye, where one would want to settle down, was the world. Many of these people were consumed by the things of this world, than the things of God. They have settled down and have become quite comfortable with worldly pleasures. Their time is consumed, but not by Him. Some were busy doing a work for Him, instead of allowing Him to do a work in them. This could account for one of the reasons their garments were black.

The other reason why some of the garments are black was because they are mourning the death of Christ. They are honoring a crucified Christ rather than worshipping a resurrected Lord. The victory was not in His death at Calvary, but the victory, the power, is found in His resurrection. They recognized that He died for their sins. They know Him as Savior, but fail to see Him as their Redeemer. That He has truly redeemed us from poverty, sickness, and death. Why can’t they see this? Because their eyes are on themselves; their circumstances, how they feel, what they see, rather than on Him and faith in His Word.

Those coming out of everywhere they had been hidden, the end-time spiritual warriors were dressed as the first. These were not in boot camp. Their garments were white, and their demeanor was different than the first. This is because they had been through the fire. Not only had they been through the fire and fought some battles, as we all have, they had learned how to be victorious. Who are these? They are the last days warriors, who get their orders from the Lord. Who are these? Like the children of Issachar (1Chr. 12:32), they have an understanding of the times and know what the “Church” should do. Who are these? They are the officers and generals, in God’s Army.

The building that looked like a barn or stable on the inside, the Lord said, “This is my Church. I don’t invest in a building, but in my people. Them I desire to adorn with precious jewels, that is pleasing to the eye (Is. 54:11-12).” There was no door on God’s Church, because Jesus said, “I am the Door you must enter into” (John 10:9). We who are the sheep of His fold, entered once into that door to receive Salvation. May we continue to enter in through that Door, to receive the fullness of Christ.

For they that do know their God shall be strong and do exploits in His name (Dan. 11:32).

Redeemed From The Curse

Kim was placed in foster care as a baby. When her first foster mother died, Kim was nine years old. She was placed into another foster home. The love and motherly attention she received from her first foster mother was no longer a part of her upbringing. Her new foster mother always belittled her. She would repeatedly tell Kim she was no good, and that she would never amount to anything. Kim excelled in sports and received good grades in school. Her foster mother would look at her report card and say, “They just gave you those grades to get rid of you.” Kim wondered why her foster mother disliked her. Kim tried to seek her foster mother’s approval, but to no avail. Kim decided she was going to college to make something out of her life, in spite of the word curses that had been repeatedly spoken to her. Kim knew she was not what her foster mother had said about her, and was determined to prove her wrong. 
The first man that told Kim he loved her, Kim believed him. Kim had never had anyone tell her they loved her before. However, Kim dropped out of college pregnant with this man’s child, who had now moved on to another victim.
Kim struggled to raise a child and work as a single mother. Kim eventually ended up on welfare. Her family increased from one child to two. Kim began to see her dreams diminished as her life took a downward spiral. The words spoken over her by her foster mother, “You will never amount to anything” was becoming a dreaded reality.
Kim received Jesus Christ as her Savior, and eventually by God’s grace came out of the pit she had dug for herself. Kim was able to get off of welfare. She went back to college and received her degree, and eventually a master’s degree. She was able to get a good job to support her family. However, there was always this haunting feeling that she couldn’t shake. That feeling she wasn’t good enough, or hadn’t accomplished anything in her life. She saw herself as her foster mother saw her, instead of how her Heavenly Father saw her. 
One day Kim read about word curses, and realized this is what her foster mother had spoken over her. She prayed, repented for believing a lie, and revoked those curses over her and her bloodline.

From the book "REDEEMED From The Curse" by R.A. Vukovich

Spiritual Warfare Part 2: Effectual fervent prayer

Have you ever received a prophetic word, but didn’t see it fulfilled? Do you find yourself fighting a never-ending battle, with only momentary victories?  

The Lord doesn’t just want us to defeat the enemy’s tactics, because the enemy will regroup and come back with a vengeance. We must destroy the works of the enemy. This is why in the Old Testament He told the Israelites to destroy their enemy by eradicating their entire tribe or race; men, women, children and even animals. There are keys to spiritual warfare in the scriptures. If we apply them, we will destroy the works of the enemy in our lives.

When Elisha was deathly ill, Joash the king of Israel came to see him. Elisha told him to take a bow and arrows, and he told Joash to put his hand upon the bow and arrow. Elisha then put his hands over Joash hands. He had a window open facing eastward and told King Joash to shoot the arrow through the window. After King Joash released the arrow Elisha said, “The arrow of the Lord’s deliverance from Syria: for thou shalt smite the Syrians in Aphek, till thou have consumed them.” (11Kings 13:15-17)

The Syrians occupied the lands to the east; those lands would be reconquered, and restored to Israel by this prophetic and symbolic act.
King Joash was obedient to take the bow and arrow  (weapon), and by the leading and guidance of the prophet Elisha he was able to aim the arrow in the right direction, where the enemies were encamped. Elisha hands upon the king’s hands were to represent the power, and guidance imparted to the bow shot as coming from the Lord through the prophet Elisha.

Elisha prophetically proclaimed to Joash that Israel would consume the enemy. Another word for consume is destroy. King Joash would destroy the Syrian’s defense and reclaim the land that was rightfully theirs.

This is also significant and spiritually symbolic of our lives. We are to reclaim and take back what the enemy has taken from us, whether it’s finances, health, our children, marriage, ministry, or calling. However, in order to reclaim, or possess what is rightfully ours, or the Lord’s we must first destroy, not defeat the works of the enemy. But how do we do that? Lets see what the rest of the scripture says.

“ And he said, Take the arrows. And he took them. And he said unto the king of Israel, Smite upon the ground. And he smote thrice, and stayed. And the man of God was wroth with him, and said, Thou shouldest have smitten five or six times; then hadst thou smitten Syria till thou hadst consumed it: whereas now thou shalt smite Syria but thrice.” (11Kings 13:18-19)

In verse 17 King Joash received a prophetic word from the prophet of God, that he would consume or destroy Israel’s enemy, the Syrians. Now in verse 19 Elisha says that Joash would only defeat the Syrians three times. What happened? There is a difference between defeating and destroying the enemy.

King Joash was just going through the motions, just doing what he was told. He was obedient but not passionate. There was no faith, zeal, persistent or a righteous indignation against the works of the enemy.

James 5:16 says, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

Elisha had previously said, “The arrow of the Lord’s deliverance.” The arrows in our own lives, is the word (scriptures) of God. These arrows are mighty in bringing deliverance when we declare and apply them over our circumstances. Through prayer the Holy Spirit guides us in discernment and revelation, so that the Word of God is led in the right direction, the enemy. We must hit the mark with fervent faith and persistency so as to not simply defeat the enemies’ tactics, but destroy his works once and for all in our lives.

King Joash used a bow and arrow, a common weapon during that era. Spiritually speaking, the bow is symbolic of our faith. When we stretch our faith using the word (arrow) of God, as a weapon against the enemy, we can defeat the works of the enemy. When we are persistent we will prevail and destroy the enemy’s works.
Jesus is a prime example of one who defeated the devil in the wilderness by saying, three times to the devil, “It is written”.  Jesus defeated the enemy tactics in the wilderness, but Jesus destroyed the works of the enemy at the cross by fulfilling the Word (Matt. 4:1-11).

Spiritual Warfare (Part 1) Are you part of the problem or part of the solution?

One day while getting ready for work I had the strangest feeling something wasn’t right. I looked in the mirror at my reflection. I was proud of my neatly pressed police uniform that I had recently retrieved from the dry cleaners. My police cap, with the Milwaukee Police logo lay proudly upon my recently trimmed hair. I had my badge on my shirt, my revolver, and baton was nested in their holsters on my worn leather belt. What could I be missing, I wondered? As I drove to work once again that feeling of incompleteness rested heavily on my conscious. Once again I checked for the obvious. My badge was fastened on my shirt, my weapon was secure in my gun holster with additional ammunition, and I had my handcuffs. So what was this feeling that something was missing?
Once I arrived at work I went immediately into the locker room, I had to know what was this nagging feeling. Role call would be soon. In role call you stood in line while a sergeant inspected you from head to toe to make sure you were fit and equip for duty. You didn’t want to be pointed out as one who was not equip, because you would never hear the end of it from your fellow officers. Finally I looked down at my feet, and to my horror I realized I wasn’t wearing my work shoes. I was wearing my favorite fluffy blue slippers. I was so comfortable in these slippers that I didn’t notice that the Holy Spirit was trying to get my attention.
Great, now I had to sneak into the captain’s office without being notice and explain that I really needed to go back home to retrieve something. I managed to make it into the office undetected, as I stood before my superior officer. Now how was I going to explain that I was unfit for duty? I tried to avoid the obvious, as I asked permission to go home and retrieve something. My captain stood behind a huge desk and looked puzzled as he asked me, “Why do you need to go back home?” Sheepishly I replied, “I forgot my shoes.” He looked over the desk directly at my fluffy slippers. He was composed like an officer should be, however I did detected a huge grin form on his face and with an affirmative nod of his head, I left for home. I think he didn’t speak, because he was afraid he would loose it, and burst out laughing. At least he could keep a secret. I never heard another word about it, nor did I ever forget my work shoes after that.
We can chuckle at my expense but how often have we attempted to fight a spiritual battle without being fully equipped, and then wonder why we our loosing grounds? We know that Ephesians 6:11-17 says, “11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:”
Fully equipped isn’t just referring to what we wear, but also having knowledge of whom we are battling and what we are to do. I realized that I couldn’t do my job as a police officer effectively unless I was fully equipped. To be fully equipped isn’t just having the equipment available, but taking a hold of it and applying it in our lives. I had to use what was at my disposal, but also I had to know when and how to use it.
In Judges 16:31 we read that Samson judged Israel twenty years.
Judges 16:9-11 says, “9Then the Philistines went up, and pitched in Judah, and spread themselves in Lehi. 10And the men of Judah said, why are ye come up against us? And they answered, to bind Samson are we come up, to do to him as he hath done to us. 11Then three thousand men of Judah went to the top of the rock Etam, and said to Samson, knowest thou not that the Philistines are rulers over us? What is this that thou hast done unto us? And he said unto them, as they did unto me, so have I done unto them.” (KJV)
First of all the Philistines were not their ruler, God was. Second, Samson was not the problem, the Philistines were. Yet, the men of Judah took and bound Samson instead of their enemy and handed Samson to the enemy.
Judges 15:12-13 says, “12And they said unto him, We are come down to bind thee, that we may deliver thee into the hand of the Philistines. And Samson said unto them, Swear unto me, that ye will not fall upon me yourselves. 13And they spake unto him, saying, No; but we will bind thee fast, and deliver thee into their hand: but surely we will not kill thee. And they bound him with two new cords, and brought him up from the rock.”
The Lord chose Samson to be a judge and deliverer over Judah. No matter how unorthodox his method was, he did fight the enemy, the Philistines. However, Judah perceived Samson to be the problem instead of part of the solution and the Philistines as their solution instead of being the problem (enemy). Samson’s own people (Judah) bound Samson with cords and handed him over to the enemy. Why? Because they didn’t like the way he did things. Samson wanted to eliminate the enemy and Judah wanted to live peacefully with them.
Church, we cannot live peacefully with the enemy. Whether he’s in our home, church, community or country. God has not called us to fit in but to stand out and fight the good fight of faith. We cannot afford to compromise our beliefs for the sake of peace or political correctness. However, we must recognize who the enemy is. He is not our spouse, children, boss, or other Christians, but the devil can and may use them (Those closes to you) to reap havoc in your life.
God’s people must never be fearful of the devil’s schemes or intimidated by those he uses, we must pray for discernment. We should be like the men of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what Israel (God’s people) should do…(1Chron.12: 32). There were many mighty men of valor, each having their own extraordinary gifts who had to make a choice, whether to fight with David or against him. We must choose our battles wisely. Remember, not every ones battles are yours. However, when you choose to fight make sure you are on the Lord’s side and not a part of the problem instead of part of the solution…to be continued
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Do you know the Holy Spirit?

I recently ministered at a conference where I spoke on the theme ”Do you know the Holy Spirit?” As I prepared for this conference the Holy Spirit began to show me areas in my own life that I had not yielded to the Holy Spirit.

I knew He was the Spirit of Truth spoken of in John 16:13. I understood without any doubt He was indeed my Comforter as spoken in John 14:26. The Holy Spirit was definitely my mentor and teacher. He opened up the Word of God with revelation, and inspiration I could have never known on my own (1 Corinthians 2:13). I also knew that the anointing, gifts and fruit were of the Holy Spirit.

However, I realized that after forty years of walking with the Lord that I had put the Holy Spirit in a religious box. I took Him out, as I needed Him, not realizing I needed Him all the time, not just when I preached or prophesied. He wanted to be more than my comforter, and teacher. He wanted to be my companion, a covenant friend that sticks closer than a brother.

He is that still small voice that we should not ignored. The blazing fire within that cannot be put out. He is the unquenchable thirst for more of God, the living waters. The Holy Spirit does reproves, helps, glorifies, and intercedes in our behalf. (John 16:7-13; Rom." 8:26)

When we pray we make known our request before our Heavenly Father in the name of His son, Jesus Christ. We give honor and praise to the Father and the Son, but we fail to acknowledge and honor the third part of the Holy Trinity, the Holy Spirit. Why? Because we fail to recognize who He is in ours lives.

He is not an It, Bird (Dove), or Goose Bumps. He is the Spirit of the living God. The Holy Spirit can be— Grieved and Quench. Ephesians 4:30 says,  “And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” 1Thessalonians 5:19 says, “Quench not the Spirit.”


Knowing the Holy Spirit attributes doesn’t address the question; do you know the Holy Spirit? To know the Holy Spirit is different than knowing about Him. If you admit you don’t know Him, as you should, then ask Him to reveal himself to you more and more. Invite Him into your prayer and study time, speak to him, and use your heavenly language to pray in the Spirit. But, most of all yield and surrender to His will in your life!

John 16:13-15 says, “13Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. 15All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.”

What are you waiting for?

There were two things I have always dreamed of pursuing in life. I've always wanted to be an author and I wanted to help people. As a child I would imagine being the hero or a secret agent who saved the world or some one. I would also write down certain thoughts or stories that came to me.

In the fifth grade when my teacher, Mrs. Cramer, pulled me aside and told me that I had a gift for writing and could write books. My heart leaped with joy. However, there was a problem. I told Mrs. Cramer, “I couldn’t be an author because of my grammar.” She looked me in the eyes, thoughtfully choosing her words and said, “That’s what an editor gets paid to do, correct errors. There are many editors, but few writers that have a gift for writing, and you are one of them.” I never forgot those words.

Years later I pursued a career in law enforcement as a police officer and eventually a police detective in Milwaukee. I was living out one dream of helping people, while the other dream of being an author lay dormant, but not forgotten. Eventually I left the Police Department and entered into ministry, still helping people, and saying, “Some day I’m going to write a book.”

One day I realized a dream remains a dream, until you make it a reality. It took a long time to achieve my dream, but by the grace of God, I finally fulfilled the dream of being an author. When I published my first book, “Masked” I gave a copy to a friend. She said to me, “My father was a wise man and told me three things I should do, before I die.” This friend shared those three things with me. One, she said, “Plant a tree, two write a book and three have children.” She then looked at me and said, “I know you have children and have written a book, but have you planted a tree?” Immediately my thought raced back into time, as I visualized the little lilac tree my husband and I had planted on our one year anniversary. Smiling, I answered, “Yes I did.” I then asked her, if she had. In barely an audible voice with a hint of regret she said, “no.”

 I went home and I thought on those three words, book, tree, and children. Why were they so important I wondered, and then it occurred to me?  Planting a tree would contribute positively to the environment. Writing a book would influence others long after I was gone, and having children would leave behind a linage, a part of me. I would leave knowing I had contributed something to this earth that would be evidence that I had been here.

I realize that my life belongs to the Lord, and He has a purpose and plan for each of us.  Whether you have one or ten talents, the Lord expects you to use what He gave you. What are your dreams and aspirations? What are you doing to bring it to pass? You will never be content until you fulfill what the Lord has given you.

Remember, it is not how you start a race, but how you finish it that counts. We all have a gift, God is the editor who corrects our mistakes, so what are you waiting for?