Interactive. Faith.

I’m learning that the theologians of our generation are being taught to put more faith into the commentaries, forums, and all other assortments of outside knowledge, than they put into the actual words of God. Why is that? The proof of this is extremely evident. Some of the smartest people I have met, with their infinite “knowledge” of the Bible in all its “proper contexts”…homosexual…drug addict…alcoholic..fornicating..and the list goes on. Why is that? And in this knowledge they have acquired skills that allow them to manipulate not only others, but themselves into believing that their behavior is acceptable. Why?

The Lord has really been speaking to me about the importance of trusting in His word. Truly trusting in His word. Somehow this walk of faith has turned into some sort of perverted game…or a hobby. There is no reverence, there is no deliverance, no correction, no change..just useless knowledge. I’m not going to say too much on this subject, but I will say this: Start reading and studying your Bible through the eyes and ears that God has given YOU. God can and will illuminate His word to you in a way that you have never seen before. It can have exactly what YOU need at the moment YOU need it. If you’re so caught up in what so and so said about the topic..you can miss out. Get rid of the technicalities. Choose to operate in true faith just as our forefathers. Don’t seek outside sources, gods, religions, etc..for a way to get closer to God. The only way to God is through Christ and the words in the Bible. Remember that. And only after this has been done can revival begin. It’s time for the prophets to be restored to the church: those who will not be afraid to declare the words directly from God’s heart. Despite the popular opinion.

That’s the BIG…{I.F.}

Can you read between the lines? For many it may be rather challenging so I’ll go ahead and point it out. Dedication and love. They go hand in hand. Though many try, I just can’t seem to grasp the idea of love without dedication. So the equation:

                                           LOVE=DEDICATION

Well before you get all excited and agree with me lol, let’s define these two words.

Dedication: devote (time, effort, or oneself) to a particular task or purpose; having single-minded loyalty or integrity.

Love: an intense feeling of deep affection (now this is clearly a shallow definition of love; but going in depth about that would require an entirely new note.)

That’s kind of deep huh? I love that “single-minded” part. That means that it is your decision to chase after whatever or whoever with all zeal despite what anyone else says about it. If you can’t do that, then you’re not ready for love. Period. If you can’t defend that person against your family, then your love is still a little shallow. Some people don’t think it takes all of that, but I like to keep it old school Bible days. This was God’s plan.

However, the Bible does warn us of these false ‘lovers’. Beware of the people who change with the seasons. Yes, it’s true that some people are there for particular seasons, but I’d like to further that by saying that some people change based on climate. Watch this: Seasons last longer or shorter depending on what region you are in. For instance, California is usually a blissful 75 degrees and sunny year round, but Alaska is in it’s winter season almost the entire year! Some regions have 4 seasons…some have 2 long ones. So, we encounter individuals who enter the summer seasons of our lives, where dedication is at a high point. But then it wears off. What happened?

Choose to be a consistent person, friend, daughter/son, boyfriend/girlfriend, husband/wife. Don’t be mutable and change with the seasons. Nobody likes that. but keep in mind, if you’re the one not being dedicated to whatever, then don’t rely in the weakness of your significant other’s loyalty to keep you together. Relationships take work on both parts…if one drops out, the other has no choice but to forfeit the game. Sad story.

{I.F}…you did your part.

So, maybe it was just me; but I took this seriously. All a man has is his word…and I gave mine. Declared this with all of my heart when I was 12 years old..and I still stand by it. As few do..

I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I am saved and dangerous. I am radically committed. I have the Holy Spirit power. The dye is cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am now a disciple of His. I won’t look back, slack up, slow down, back away or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure. I am finished and done with low living, side walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tainted visions, mundane talking, chintzy giving and dwarf goals. I no longer need man’s preeminence, positions, promotions, applause, or popularity.

Jesus has made my life right, first, tops, victorious. He is One to be recognized, praised, regarded, and rewarded. I now live by presence, lean by faith, love by patience, live by prayer, and labor by power. I have no doubts, no borders, no limits, and no fears. My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my God is reliable, my mission is clear.

I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, diluted or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, and meander in a maze of mediocrity. I WON’T GIVE UP, SHUT UP, LET UP OR SLOW UP, TIL I’M PREACHED UP, PAID UP, PRAYED UP, STORED UP AND STAYED UP FOR THE CAUSE OF CHRIST.

My destiny is irrevocable, my call is unchangeable, my boldness unstoppable, my compassion undeniable.  For I am a disciple of Jesus.  I must go ‘til He comes, give ‘til I am on top, preach ‘til All know, and work ‘til He stops. And when He comes to get His own, He’ll have no problems recognizing me. My colors are Crimson and Wheat and the devil, that joker is under my feet. And now my colors are clear, and that makes it clear. Doesn’t it? Doesn’t it? Doesn’t it? Doesn’t it? Doesn’t it? Doesn’t it? Doesn’t It?

Isaiah 54:17 No weapon formed …

The devil puts effort, time, and research into his attacks. He studies your moves. He finds out what your calling is supposed to be. He pin points your weaknesses. He is forming what he would believe to be the perfect weapon against you. Customized to fit your…”tastes”. Just for you, because he needs to see you fail.

So if he puts that much effort into us, why don’t we put as much effort into studying his tactics (john 8:44, 10:10). I mean come on, think about it. The devil has been around much longer than any of us…he has to be pretty good at his job. We can clearly see that his number one tactic is still working since he first used it in the garden, deceit (rev. 12:9). Now more than ever in fact! James 4 talks about resisting the devil. However, the first step to resisting is to not be ignorant. Paul tells us that we must wear the whole armor of God in order to withstand the enemy’s attacks.

The battle is real out here. You really are under attack. Know your enemy and don’t allow yourself to be deceived. Don’t dabble in the deceit of this world looking for new truths. Don’t be so caught up in “obtaining” the knowledge of good and evil that you neglect to see what is truly supposed to be revealed unto you. Take your time…walk with God through your garden of life. He reveals all things to us within time. And His time is perfect. Therefore, when the enemy does come…you will be able to defend yourself AND be victorious. Peace.

When a person has become a casualty to this sometimes crude war we call life, they begin to filter everything through the eyes of their “zone”. This zone is different for everyone as there are different ways to see every story. One may be serene while the other full of passionate violence. One may view a warrior as one who tried to create peace or as someone who causes turmoil. Perspective. How we perceive things is how we will receive them.

So take an average person. Add a few bumps on their earlier years of life. Shake them, break them, rape them of their dreams, and then leave them alone to fend for themself What happens? One of two things. Either they die a casualty or they become a fighter. Now most of us would choose the latter option. However, even the lives of those who are registered to fight are still endangered. They are still not safe. Why is this? Because of perception. Spiritually we are in warfare…daily, whether we fight back or are taken out as casualties. Life IS a war zone. With God as the commander, your perception may alter how you ultimately receive your orders. This can be fatal. The only way to break a person of this is by going back to the beginning and rebuilding a foundation.

This method is used in all military personell. They endure intense training that trains not only the body, but more importantly the mind. They train them to perceive everything with this thought : Obedience is critical; disobedience fatal. God said this to me: “When a person has been shaped in the afflictions of their iniquities, they perceive everything through that filter. A heart of affliction recieves only through affliction.” Pulling up at the roots may hurt, but once you’ve been reprogrammed, you’ll truly see the worth of allowing GOD to break you down after life ha already broken you, so that you can be rebuilt. Though fighting looks the same, perception can alter who you see as your enemy. Don’t fight God. Allow him to purge you so that you can fight with the weapon of love. That is the greatest victory. Peace.

God can’t effectively use you until youfully accept who and what He’s called you to be. Completely. Selah.

Stephanie M. Woodson (@SmwMuzick) has shared a Tweet with you:

“SmwMuzick: Only what you do for God, from your heart will last. #rememberthat” —http://www.twitter.com/SmwMuzick/status/81054423593398272