Education

I would like to speak briefly on the topic of education. I'll draw the picture and the conclusion is yours to decide. When you take away education you fail a community. You can't combat poverty with government assistance or any welfare program. Only with education can one free oneself from the grip and perpetuity of poverty. Closing schools on the basis of saving money is ludicrous to say the least and it speaks to the imprudent planning involved. How can there be no funds allocated to the institutions which undoubtedly will shape our future generation, society and communities? The first of budgets cuts started with the education if our kids. Kids are becoming to familiar and comfortable with the thought of a future unavoidable of despair. 

Closing schools rob the kids of hope. Especially when they see prisons being funded in its place. They know as well as you and I that no education means limited opportunity. The only difference is, as adults we know the significance. Is it possible that closing schools arouses antagonism? Does it not provoke a mental attitude among the inner city communities that they are predestined to be failures.  Furthermore these kids accept this conclusion and end up on an inevitable path toward welfare and crime. Very few make it out and the ratio isn't worthy of displaying. We have to put the brakes on this cycle of economical and societal despair. 

To think that because kids attend school they receive the same education and are equipped with the same tools as others isn't just a naive way of thinking; it is disrespectful in the highest regard. For example, two athletes enter a marathon, but one runner has the proper training and the other is running purely on impulse. I make that statement because I attended De La Salle HS and then Marion Abramson HS. I can ensure you that what I learned in one year at De La Salle was far superior to the latter. 

Due to the graduation requirements I was only liable to take one class during my senior year. It's fair to say I truncated my high school education for two years and picked up to barely make it across the stage for graduation. In hindsight, without a doubt, if I would have stay at the aforementioned I would have taken a different path in life. As silly as this may sound I'm glad I didn't. I would be here not stressing the importance of education. 

I know firsthand what a limited vocabulary will do a a young man's self esteem and confidence in a room full of his peers engaged in his brief as he painfully stumbles and stammers to the conclusion. Full of broken sentences, poor subject verb agreement and run on sentences that could be mistaken for a paragraphs. Dedication to education is imperative, as immigrants make there way to America they bring with them a hunger for a education that is only parallel and legitimately compared to the hunger of fame and praise that Americans posses. 

Stricter guidelines and regulations for kids who neglect school is not only needed but vital. If we need to implement school buses for schools with low attendance and a monitor to ensure kids are boarding the buses, a roll call present at every stop, why not? Make it happen! How about we add a stimulus package and incentives and or bonuses for current and new teachers. I think a loan repayment system as the military does would also be suffice. 

Education should be viewed on the same scale as the war. If we win the war but because of declining education we can't advance the country. The war was all for not and a slap in the face to those who served. I'm not that naive to believe that everyone will be doctors, lawyers and six figure salary compensated workers. I can ensure you if the possibility is there it adds incentive. Instinctually when humans are in situations where they know they are afforded equal footing, stress is replaced with confidence. 

There is no coincidence Americans ranks near the bottom in education and that due to immigration we are able to supplement the workforce with those who are hungry for education. Putting in the handwork has been replaced with get rich quick schemes and an attitude for having monetary value sooner than later. Higher education is becoming increasingly harder to acquire due to cost of tuition and the recent double in interest rates from 3.4 to 6.8. Spending money to make money has never been a realer quote. I'm not convinced education at an Ivy League school or prestigious university is any different from and HBCU. Reason being many of those graduates run our government. Enough said. I urge anyone reading this to study what you love. But if you are attending college for healthier compensation it's best you do your research before hand to avoid getting a degree that won't benefit you. Don't forsake reading and being educated outside your field of study, especially when it comes to politics: american and international. Educate yourself in the laws in your state and the amendments. Ignorance is never an excuse, and there is significant danger and delusion associated with allowing others to think for you. 

Color Barrier pt 1

Recently I was engaged in conversation and ancient slavery was the center of the discussion. If I may state that I'm not pro-black I'm pro-God and side with what's right regardless of color. I try to refrain from talking about problems that plague only the black community but in this instance I have to. Society has been well versed in the ills of slavery and the effects it has had on the nation as a whole. Slavery and oppression there after has put African or Black Americans whichever you identify as at war with the government and whites of all classes. The main reason I'm not a supporter of living continually with the scorn of slavery at heart is we become mentally enslaved and can't progress for holding onto the pass. In any situation where one's life is sacrificed or taken for the purpose of any cause those who paid the debt would like nothing other than progress made by those who come after them. Please don't expect this to be a black vs. white rant nor an abasement of blacks. Instead I'll be looking briefly at solutions and situations to get ahead and use history for it's intended purpose. To learn from, progress, and refrain from repeating. Because what would be worse than regressing in such an advanced age we live in. 

Adaption and perseverance are two characteristics that wholly describe blacks in American history. Society and the times have changed since the conception of America to oppress blacks but adapting to and persevering through has allowed us to make monumental strides in American history. Making more possible with less than one could imagine is evident throughout history, and common practice of God Almighty. Physically beaten down but mentally and spiritually strong at heart. I can see no sign of self-victimization hindering blacks in previous generations instead taking responsibility and manners into their own hands and standing tall for what they believe in. The black church was a chief in the black communities; a source of strength and spiritual regeneration. MLK mirrored Jesus Christ and his nonviolent movement helped advance the black community and it's people tremendously. Even those who weren't in church thanked God for the blessings. 

As I fast forward to the present day it seems as though as a whole we have hit a roadblock. Reason being, we have opportunities but fewer blacks a re taking advantage of them. Entertainment and fashion is becoming increasingly prevalent in this current generation. Black families and specifically speaking to men we have waned in progression sadly. Jail, non-stop murder, homosexuality, abortion and promiscuity has plagued the black man and population. Less fathers and role models. This is post fathers day and the number of fatherless families is a disheartening. Not these aren't problems in others ethnicities. It affects the majority of the black population from the underprivileged to the privileged. That's why these are such an alarming issues. But what is more important is the issue of education. Our communities celebrate when we are afforded opportunities others have had access to for many years prior. We call it progress and change. Lets call it what it really is, a government spoon feeding us necessities, rights and privileges. Education is essential to progression. Equality isn't just an even playing field. Equality is also access to the tools to compete in the field. Books, schools, teachers and resources are essential to all athletes in the field of academia. Those of us who advance and overcome the "hood" are charged with reaching back to help others. It's only right. Giving a man or woman hope along with the thought that someone cares about them goes a long way. Complaining about what others haven't done, examine what you have done. Sadly, many won't even help their own family members. 

How can this be alleviated? In my opinion, for starters ridding ourselves of a selfish and righteous attitude. Getting back to what church was: a place to help and heal those dealing with suffering and providing a family atmosphere. I remember the term "it takes a village to raise a child." Now we have forgotten the children and they are left to raise themselves. We need to get back to fighting for education equality as I stated earlier and stop schools from closing. Also providing more trade schools for high school grads. I fear many don't understand the significance of the steady decline in the black population. Coupled with a generation that have the wrong priorities. Yes there are many blacks attending college but don't turn a blind eye to those who aren't even finishing high school at the least. This is a call to action that everyone be responsible to oneself and those around them. Just because one doesn't ask for help doesn't mean they don't need it. The wall of pride has to sometimes be knocked down from outside because the occupant within isn't strong enough. 

Color Barrier pt 2

Does color matter? Obviously it does. Our society is plagued with issues on race and everyone is terribly afraid to discuss them. Myself on the other hand would rather put a magnifying glass to the issue. How else can a problem be fixed; it surely won't fix itself. I believe one key to life is to not worry proving others wrong but proving yourself right. Also not to get caught up trying to be superior to others but refuse to feel inferior to others. When will the black community overcome the stigma of race/color that society has attached to us? I won't sit here and say there aren't struggles associated with being black. I remember Hurricane Katrina 2005 and being called a "refugee" on the same soil I reside and pay taxes as a citizen. Also I live under the social blanket that "all black men are dogs." With good reason that title exist but its demeaning also. That's neither here nor there. There is a constant battle between dark skin and fair skin blacks. Which I think is ridiculous. Whatever happened to unity? I've had a guy tell me that I was jealous because he was fairer skinned than myself. My response was simply this: in the eyes of some you and I are still viewed as niggers and you're as shallow as a kiddie pool to make such a trivial statement. I have friends who will only date fair skin blacks which I think is terribly ridiculous. But those who are affected most are the children. When I see shows and little children who are innocent to everything in the world but have an inferior complex due to their skin color is heartbreaking to say the least. This is why I speak so heavily against this black vs. black battle that is going on. There are numerous scriptures in the bible where it states that God does not regard the person. Christians are made in the image of God. Just imagine if we disregarded the person and only the character and the heart of the person. This would be a much better world to live in.   

The race war within the black community is near the top of issues that cause concerns. How wonderful it is to be a race with a wide range of shades but we make it an issue that divides us. Many point back to slavery. I counter with the fact that slaves only sat in slavery so long before something was to be done. Furthermore, many said enough with excuses time for some action. So how long are we going to use slavery as a crutch? I urge you as you read this that our community has to come from under the umbrella of slavery. We need action. I wish I had the influence. I would make it my mission along with bringing people to Christ to unite the black community. In Matthew 12 Jesus answered the Pharisees and asked them how can a kingdom divided stand instead it would face desolation. So my question is this: how much longer will the black community be divided on the issue that is skin color which none have any control over. Murder, abortion and jail is depleting the race. Also there are more pressing issues like education which would alleviate the many ills affecting all. I can absolutely care less what hue your brown skin is. We're all beautiful. If you're not a genuine person with holy motives than you need to reexamine yourself. Color is really only skin deep. Don't be color struck.

A couple years back I struggled with race inferiority. I work in an area where there are fifty people and two percent of those are black. I asked myself what am I doing here and how did I get this position. I felt I wasn't intellectually or intelligent enough to be in this specific area. I'll describe to you how our imagination and early surroundings are the roots to the problem. Growing up as a black kid in the inner city you quickly realize the difference in opportunities offered due to skin color. Automatically we are prone to think we are superior or inferior to others; in my case I felt inferior. I was accepted into one of the top private schools in New Orleans but due to me feeling inferior I left no rug unturned to get expelled so that I could be where I was comfortable and in many instances superior to other students. Now I'm in the Air Force faced with the same problems. As I sat and pondered, there was no way out. So I imagined all of these situations where I would be embarrassed or shown inferior to others, just feeling lucky to be where I was. Every time there was an opportunity to advance I let my imagination display every possible scenario until I was convinced that there was no way so I retreated back to my comfort zone. There are vices, fears and issues that keep a stronghold onto us through a more significant issues (race/skin color). And once purged from the root the additional vices, fears and issues have nothing to feed on. We must put negative thoughts on a diet and starve them and in turn feed the positive thoughts giving them sufficient care to ensure growth. Our imagination turns molehills into mountains when we aren't equipped with the correct mental tools to analyze and fix problems. As I read the bible more and more I was assured that I'm not filled with a spirit of fear but a spirit of power, love and a sound mind 2 Timothy 1:7. Power to overcome, love to endure and a sound mind to analyze and act accordingly. 

This civil race war can be put to an end, but only when those involved are prepared to do so. I can honestly say that I fear many aren't prepared to. For the simple fact that it gives them a lifeline when life goes awry. We also support the television shows, music and entertainment that demeans our race. As I stated before we have to take responsibility for our future and stop hoping someone will provide an avenue out. Seeing that we are the ones dealing with it but we also add fuel to the fire by buying into the fact that one skin color is superior to another within the race is where the problem resides. Once we become comfortable with ourselves and love who we are created by God. Then and only then can progress be made. I recommend whenever a race issues arises or any for that matter that you read Hebrews 12 and consider Christ. The author and finisher of our faith. God bless. Love to all no matter the race. 

Pastors, Priests, Apostles or Disciples

Anyone who wishes to give the meaning of the scripture without taking it from scripture is against the scripture - St. Augustine. Caution to the reader! If you love your pastor, priest, apostle, prophet etc. dearly and get offended if anyone says anything in opposition to him or her. Do not proceed. By no means is this meant to be malicious or adversarial. If you have read any blog of mine be assured this one will be scripture laden. Foremost, God's blessings and love to you. Now, there are some awesome pastors, priests, apostles or disciples who preach the gospel; Christ and Christ crucified 1 Corinthians 2:1-2. Sitting here I think my chief concern is that ministers of the word have gotten away from the saving souls. Which is the most important job anyone can have on this earth. So I'm going to speak specifically to this. The crucifixion of Jesus was your provision to have a relationship with God John 17:1-3 not the source of your bank account and desires. Oh how wrong we have it. Seek first the Kingdom. Be cognizant of the motive in your heart. 

If you haven't noticed there are churches in abundance throughout America, but our nation is increasingly wicked, lovers of money and self, and full of pride. It was pride that turned angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels. - St. Augustine. I had someone tell me that God had yet to save them from pride. I was just as baffled as you are. One would think that with so many churches professing to have the Holy Spirit in every service we would have change in the congregation and communities. I can tell you the Holy Spirit is not a flash in the pan. Frankly speaking, what happens in our lives and this nation relies on God's House not the White House. When Jesus wept over Jerusalem his heart was broken for his people who were lost spiritually. When was the last time your pastor, priest, apostle or disciple wept over his congregation? 

I tend to visit Barnes and Nobles about twice a week. As I walked through on my last visit I noticed something that left me with disturbed.. To my amazement there were more self-help books written by popular pastors, priests apostles and disciples than there were Bibles, philosophy and books containing african american content. You may say it's harmless but please be objective, please. A man or woman who wears the title of God, which implies that they have received the anointing of the Holy Spirit and their life and words they speak are guided by God. So how can their image be posted on the cover of these books. My understanding tells me that they know their image will sell the book. By the way if you have read one, you have read them all. Their main source is the bible which you have yourself. Read it and live it! What happened to the power of God? 1 Timohy 6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

The Word of God and faith, read Hebrews 11, has been directing and lives prior to this wave of self-help books. If these books are of such importance and add value to one's life why not give them away. Between tithes and offerings, benevolence offerings tax exemptions and pastor appreciation day, personally I think it is ridiculous, and all the the other organizations that bring in money those books can be donations. But due to church tax exemptions they can't be writing off. Preaching is a passion and not a profession - Leonard Ravenhill. In Acts 6:3-4 the twelve called all the disciples together to discuss the ministry and serving tables. Seven men were chosen to handle the business so that they could give themselves continually praying and ministering of the Word. That was the only job that they partook in. Do you honestly think they thought about writing another book beside the Bible to supplement what they preached? Notice how wicked our nature is. When someone tells you they have been blessed by God we first think some job or material possession. But if God took all of their "blessings" would you still consider that person blessed? Matthew 19:24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. 

Maybe what they are trying to help you attain, be it self preservation, which Christians should posses none of, remember "deny yourself" Luke 9:23-24. When was the last time you heard a sermon on denying yourself? Or is it success, health, or whatever your heart desires please refer to 1 John 2:16. Jesus had nowhere to lay his head but the foxes had a den. We have it all wrong in America. God owes you nothing and we owe him everything. Do you know in Deuteronomy 3:26 God told Moses "Do not speak to me no more on this matter" in v. 25 Moses was praying to God. Anyone can accept when God says "yes." When we have learned to be submissive to God, you can accept when he says "no." Pastors, priests apostles or disciples tell the congregation that God's delay is not denial but it may very well be. How many of you have prayed for God to send you someone "special" you saw endlessly, received, than it wasn't what you expected and prayed for them to go away. 

Jesus appointed the twelve apostles and made Paul a minister and witness. Jesus said in Acts 26:18 open their eyes, turn them from darkness to light, from the power Satan to God so they may receive forgiveness of sins. Take a few mins if you have been in your church for some time now and think about those who attend every week including bible study but still live the same wretched life. The pastor says this person is saved. Please don't make a mockery of the Godhead. Many sit through church hear the Word of God then when church has concluded they are gossiping and carrying on. If God struck gossipers with leprosy as he did the sister of Moses for talking about his wife, churches would be healing meetings. Pastors, priests apostles or disciples should see to it that there is church discipline and not be absent to avoid hurting feelings. This one reason is why God and the Christian church is mocked. Malachi 2:17 when we say those who are evil are good in the eyes of God. Matthew 18 talks on church conflict and discipline, where has it been? 

1 Peter 4:18 tells that the righteous  are scarcely saved. Matthew 7 Jesus tells that those who profess Lord, Lord won't enter into the Kingdom. We are children of God but His Kingdom and riches aren't of this world which is wicked 1 John 5:19. If your pastor doesn't preach repentance and doesn't tell you that your sin puts you at enmity/ hostility with God shame on him. If your pastors continually tells you of the Love of the Lamb but he doesn't describe the Wrath of the Lamb Revelation 6:16. Be a Berean and get in your Bible. God is angry with the wicked every day Psalms 7:10-12. Jesus spoke more about hell than Heaven and false teachings for a reason. Jesus gave all and the same is expected of us as Christians and His gospel should be preached as instructed. Micah 6:18-19…. God is holy, loving, compassionate, and merciful! 

Abortion

This topic has worn at my heart for some time now and I couldn't put off writing about it any longer. One of the most ridiculous defenses I have heard in the response to abortion is "you're a man and you have no right to tell a woman what to do with her body." In a sense you are correct but since women aren't asexual and can't reproduce on their own I will voice my opinion. Furthermore when a woman does have a baby and a man tells her "since you decided to have the baby you take care of it since you wanted it." Neither statement should be used as justification to have an abortion or not take care of a child. On one hand it's why we have so many abortions and on the other the reason we have so many absent fathers. Absent father now there is a paradox for you. I think those two statements classify as pure unadulterated ignorance. There are only one hundred ways to prevent pregnancy, maybe I'm exaggerating but I'm not being facetious. If you haven't guessed it yet I am pro-life. This won't be a malicious attack on women at all, just a few reasons why I'm pro-life. The fact that our president is a professing Christian which I now beg to differ. His stance on this topic alone is why I was disgusted with his inauguration and the use of MLK's bible. He doesn't share the same passion or have the same views on a topic which MLK stood boldly against but you wouldn't know until you read and come across it as I did.

I often wonder what was the significance of Roe v. Wade if there is still deliberation going on in our society. To date the total number is above fifty million. Think about this, if society finally decides that abortion is legal there will be justification for all who did such and the doctors who go into the practice of since this is a lucrative medical practice. On the other hand, if not the history of America will be tarnished with infant genocide. When   I read my Bible the first blessing God bestowed upon man in Genesis 1: 28 was to be fruitful and multiply. Abortion is the adverse of that. So for those of us who are Christians and profess we love God but agree with abortion live openly in rebellion to God's blessing. One thing that leaves me completely baffled is when people say that pregnancy was an accident. Please help me understand how sexual intercourse which is an intentional act can preclude a pregnancy that is labeled accidental. Consequences follow actions be them good or bad. Supporters of abortion try to use as a red herring the horrific circumstance of rape or incest which only one percent of women have reported; I'm wouldn't be opposed to rape or incest and the percentage of abortions caused by these acts won't even cause a minor difference in the number of abortions. My prayers to those affected by rape and incest and may God have mercy on the perpetrators. 

 Abortion clinics are geographically located in Black American or Brown American, poverty stricken/ low income areas. Is this coincidence, don't be naive, please. Areas that have no shortage of below average education, employment and opportunities to succeed; also there is no shortage of abortion clinics. Did you know that blacks are now the minority once again and are out numbered by our Hispanic brothers and sisters? The saying goes number don't lie, among white women for every one thousand babies born 138 are aborted and amongst black women 501 are aborted, that's just about five to one. We have a black president but our population is in a steady decline. I quote " if you only know what one tells you, you know nothing at all." Along with jail and drugs blacks are just as impoverished as ever. Don't dare say if I made it you can, someone helped you make it; who are you helping? I don't have the physical power but spiritually I do so I commit myself to prayer for change and for my people to come out of their state of oblivion. 

“The Negro cannot win as long as he is willing to sacrifice the lives of his children for comfort and safety.” How can the “Dream” survive if we murder the children? Every aborted baby is like a slave in the womb of his or her mother. The mother decides his or her fate. - MLK

I was reading my Bible I was in Isaiah 49:15 Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet I will not forget thee. That verse cut deeply, why would God make such a reference; then at the same time we have mothers who do such. Let's look at Hosea 9:11 As for Ephraim, their glory shall fly away like a bird, from the birth, and from the womb, and from the conception; No birth, no pregnancy, no conception is this reference pure coincidence I think not. Lastly  Ecclesiastes 11:5 As though knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh them all. These references to the womb of a woman aren't coincidence, instead God uses them as comparisons to His chosen people Deuteronomy 14:2. Life is extremely precious. Without life you wouldn't be reading this, enjoying the family you love dearly, your walk-in closet full of clothes and shoes or upcoming vacation trips. Every life is valuable even those that aren't born yet and those to come. I could write ad nauseum about this topic, but I'll leave you with this. In China there is a one-child policy. Parents with more than one child don't get the same benefits as those with one child. In some cases mothers are forced to abort against their will. Can you imagine such? Or having to give birth at home and living secretly to avoid the government that tries to confiscate your child. Moreover ten percent of women in America are infertile, they consider women who have the option for abortion blessed. I pray that if you are pro-choice you reconsider your stance on this issue. God's Blessing and love to all.  

Deny Yourself

Why must we deny ourselves? The premise of this blog is to state why if we do deny ourselves we can get in line with our walk in Christ. Being a Christian isn't going to be a walk in the park. Philippians 3:18-20 gives an awesome illustration! As Christians we all strive to be like Jesus and have a mind as such. How many of us would wash the feet of our friends? I know right. Jesus spent forty days fasting in the wilderness with the devil beside trying to tempt Him. Most can't get from breakfast to lunch without getting hungry and not even thinking about Jesus. We can't resist the temptation of a quick dollar or scheme to get ahead. Would you want a Judas in your life, someone you consider a friend that sets you up to be killed; tempted by money! Can you stand to be ridiculed and thought to be crazy by your closet family members? One would be affected deeply to get slander from those we love so dearly. How would life be if you came to help others from peril and they shun you. Then they mock, ridicule and scoff at you. Then for the sake of others you are put to death so that they may live; knowing that they will be ungrateful and unappreciative. Do you still want to be like Jesus? Christian life isn't supposed to be glamorous. Matthew 16:24 tells us that if we are to follow after Jesus we are to deny ourselves and take up our cross. Pick up that cross and don't look back. Keep your eyes on Jesus and eternity alone.  

Everything man and woman wants to do in this world is contradicted by the Gospel unless your life includes exalting God and humbling yourself. Depression, anxiety, and suicide is on sweeping climb. We now have children and teenagers committing the act of suicide. My sympathy to their families. It is such a sad thing that children who haven't experienced life feel such despair that at thirteen they decide to kill themselves. How can this be? We are the richest nation but our citizens are poor and miserable, spiritually and mentally. How can someone living the "American Dream" be so desirable but many are in debt trying to obtain it, be so desperate that they are afflicted with alcohol and drug addiction to an extent that some are nearly unrecognizable in 5 years. We have gone wrong when we become self-centered, full of self-pity, self concerned and full of self interest. Isn't it a coincidence Jesus tells us to deny ourselves. 

Concerned with how peers and society perceives us has left many in debt, weary trying to please everyone and broken in spirit due to a search of happiness in impenetrable darkness tripped up by the devil (Proverbs 4:19). Drowning in weariness and sadness because we are devoid of pleasures or the pleasure we sought and attained aren't what we thought they were. Many will perish because they conceive that life can be managed without God; and if we do need God it's only in dire situations. God isn't a good luck charm or repair kit for our life to use at our disposal. If someone only came to you when they needed you, you would label them a selfish and opportunistic individual. Denying oneself can be a very contradictory statement but it is paradoxical also in a sense if we deny ourselves and live humbly under God we will have no worries. It is the way God ordained us to live. John 14:30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of the world cometh and hath nothing on me.  The devil couldn't bother Jesus and that is why we are urged to be like Jesus and deny ourselves. Why did Jesus say such, because He was doing the will of the Father whom the devil has no stance against. If we do the will of the Father how can the devil have hold on us. Quite frankly if I were not to exist this world would still go on without me. What are we owed by God? Pascal said this about God and man; "If he exalts himself, I will humble him, if he humbles himself I will exalt him and I always contradict him till he understands that he is an incomprehensible monster"

We are born sinners into a fallen and increasingly wicked world. We travel, if, without proper guidance or refusal thereof through life knowingly and unknowingly ignorant of God. The first being the worst. We search to no end for wisdom and knowledge of this world. Incurring debt because of schooling, embarrassment due to being misguided, frustrated by the lack thereof from peers and puzzled why we even wasted the time trying to figure out this complex and delusional world and its occupants. Somewhere along the line we are summoned by God Almighty to come to and find the wisdom we are seeking and few heed the warnings and wooing. Those who do, patiently and obediently along with humility and sincerity, garner the understanding that the wisdom offered by God is the only true wisdom needed to sojourner this interlude until the judgement of eternal life. We are back where we started born again in this world but this time with the wisdom we yearned for. Some luckily sooner than others but nevertheless at the culmination of peace and contentment injected with the love and guidance of God. Clinging to Him as children to their mother for nurturing all the days of our remaining life. We are ignorant to the world but forever in spiritual childhood for God is our only source that leads to eternal life. Matthew 15:3 lest we be as little children we can't enter Heaven.

As a fellow Christian I urge you deny yourself and give up yourself to God. Reason one, Psalms 115:3 But our God sits in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he pleases. Reason two, Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. Reason three, Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. I can continue on but what reassurance in those three verses. Lastly God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 33:11). God is our creator and is full of love and also severity and of he doesn't judge us accordingly He be contradicting Himself and we know such not to be possible (Romans 11:22). Everyday we are patiently waiting on the Lord, obediently following His laws and commandments and praying in the Holy Spirit. I say again when you take up your cross  leave this world cheerfully and not tearfully. Examine yourself 1 Peter 4:18 and if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? You can reference Matthew 7 also, few who profess Lord Lord will enter. I don't say this to scare you but to let you know that our walk with Christ must be meticulous and methodical. It's more serious that we can imagine. Pray!

Malachi 2:17 Ye have wearied the Lord with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?

As I concluded I would like to share 2 John 1:1, my little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. Many may disagree but don't let anyone persuade you that because you are "human" you can't help but sin. Try to live everyday of your life as if God was watching you continually, because he is. Greater is he that is in us that the world. Examining this verse, we are told to sin not; not sin less, it is cut off. Secondly if any man sin, not when we sin. If we believe the Bible to be the absolute truth we can live life not as sinners but as followers of Christ. Sinners live life doing such. Followers of Christ live as such not in sin and if they repent immediately. Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I live in the flesh I live by FAITH of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. God's love and blessings to all. A man intimate with God is not intimidated by men - Leonard Ravenhill.

The Narrow Road

As you read this I hope you are in good spirits and enjoying your day. As the title states I'll be talking to the narrow road. I'll try not to talk ad nauseam but I feel it needs to hammered home so forgive me in advance. The primary passage is Matthew 7:13-23. I'm sure many have heard or know it but not the seriousness in which it was stated. Don't take what I give you as the exact truth but examine for yourself also and gather a complete understanding. In v. 13-14 Jesus tells us which gate to enter for the wide gate leads to destruction and the narrow leads to life. Daily we should examine ourselves as Paul stated in 2 Corinthians 13:5. A proven tactic for me is such: I know God is watching me at all times, so the movies, television, music and activities throughout my day I bring into question is God going to approve of it or not. 

Reading this passage I wondered why Jesus prefaced v. 21-23  with a warning of false prophets. It makes all the sense, we all attend church and depending on denomination we have a priest, pastor etc. Leonard Ravenhill stated: "If Jesus had preached the same message that ministers preach today, He would never have been crucified." We look to them for guidance and deliverance of the Word and not all are who they say they are. Some are inwardly ravening wolves v. 15 and we shall know them by their fruits v. 16; v. 17-20 describes the fruits of a good and bad tree. The fruits I believe Jesus is warning us to is the gospel that they preach. In Acts 26: 15-18 Jesus informed Paul what he was to minister. Furthermore in 2 Corinthians Paul describes his ministry in full detail; but specifically 

2 Corinthians 4:16 and more closely v. 3 but if our gospel be hid , it is hid to them that are lost. Lastly 1 John 2:2-4 tells us that Jesus is the PROPITIATION for the sins of the world, and we know Him if we keep his commandments and those who don't are liars. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. I implore with all my strength to grab your Bible after a sermon to see that was preached if it was truth or not Acts 17:11. You alone are responsible for your relationship with God the Father and our Saviour Jesus Christ. 

May I detour shortly I pray you read Hebrews 12 in it's entirety but looking at v. 14 follow peace with all men, and holiness, without such no man shall see the Lord. Many profess to be a follower of Christ but their has no such peace or holiness; I can assure you the religion they follow, as scripture says, will not see the Lord. 

Moving onto v. 21 We can excluded all those of other religions, Buddhist etc., those who don't believe in Christ, all those of the world and those who have no regard for the Word of God. Jesus is very specific and says those who say Lord, Lord. That statement encompasses all Christians and he finishes the verse with only those who do the will of the Father. Not our will, but the Father alone. In v. 22 it gets more specific, those who prophesied in his name and performed wonderful works. Many of Christians outwardly live a strict Christian life, but God says he will judge the secrets of men. As stated earlier, God watches us consistently. Don't be deceived you cannot mock God; omnipotent and omnipresent He is! What rejection it will be to many when Lord Jesus Christ says: depart from me ye that work iniquity! That's why Jesus tells us to take up our cross and follow Him. When you take that cross there is no detours or shortcuts. When you are on the highway can you make changes to the highwasy as you drive to accommodate yourself? 

Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this judgement: v. 28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation

In conclusion many profess to be saved but are you saved from; lust, fear, doubt, anger, pride, covetousness, love of money, love of self, sensuality, boasting, unholy, false accusers, incontinent, fierce and despisers of good. Also Revelation 21:8. It's all in the Bible. If you have any of these I'm begging and pleading with you to humble yourself before God and ask Him to rid your spirit and life of any of these afflictions, so satan has nothing on you. Apply Galatians 5:22 to your life for there is no law against such. One last point on the terror of being away from God for eternity. In Mark 5 when Jesus went to cast the demons from the unclean man. The demon named Legion and stated "we are many" and they besought Jesus, asking urgently and fervently, not to send them out of the country back to hell but rather into the swine; where two thousand drowned. Not even demons want to go back to hell. That shows how terrible it is.

Hebrews 10:26 for if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of truth, there remainth no more sacrifice of sins.

I pray earnestly that you examine your walk with Christ, carry your cross and die to this world. My your way be narrow and your gate be straight. Leonard Ravenhill stated and I believe: The greatest miracle God can perform is to take an unholy person out of this unholy world. Make him holy then put him back into this unholy world and keep him holy in the midst of this crooked and perverted world. God's Love and Blessings to you. 

Seeking Judgement

I pray as you read this you are in good spirits. What a wonderful God we serve! There is this big misconception about being judged. I was listening to Paul Washer and he made a statement, "People tell me "judge not lest ye be judged. I always tell them, twist not scripture lest ye be like satan." At first thought I was like, clever come back! Then as I searched the Bible I came across some scriptures and as Christians we have an obligation to judge and be judged. Not in the context to send someone to hell. We are to judge the actions and not the person. Jesus said himself in John 7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgement. What that scripture indicates is that we are to first correct our actions and make right our walk with Christ, being blameless as possible in our ways. Then judging according to what the scripture says and not hypocritically.

You can't expect anyone to take you serious when they know you're not living the Word. When we are born anew and filled with the Holy Spirit we must not stand by and let someone go astray. There is a right way and a wrong way to go about this. Contrary to belief you can be stern and gentle at the same time. Pulling that person aside and politely and directly correcting their wrong and having an explanation on why you have done so. I use 2 Timothy 4:2 as a reference. God has no joy in seeing the wicked perish, and neither should you. No matter how we feel about the person. I encourage you to examine yourself and your spirit if you feel being concerned about someone lost is problem for you. 

1 Corinthians 6 :1 Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints? ² Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? ³ Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? ⁴ If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.

⁵ I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?

Main cause for this post is I read Ezekiel 3:17-21, which is powerful passage. I'm begging you to read it and adhere to it. In case you don't, for the sake of brevity it states that you must warn a man wicked or righteous of his iniquity, because if he  dies in that sin the blood is on your hands! So spread the Word of God and pray as Paul did for boldness. A question if I may, why wouldn't you warn someone lost? Where you not lost and in need of rebuke from your ways? Judgement rendered by someone who loves you with the intervention of God set you on the narrow road. 

It would be utterly selfish to let a soul perish if you can help. Does a fish know that he is wet? Well how can a sinner know if he is sinning if we ( Christians) refuse to tells him. I see too many people who sit and talk about others who are sinning and backsliding a let them be. Even if you know they don't want to hear it, tell them anyway. What bother is it to you other than rejection? If you ever get weary in  remember Jesus warned us that we would be rejected; and blessed we are when man hates us for sake of Jesus Christ, because greater is the reward in Heaven. I plead with you to pray for God's wisdom and knowledge so you are able to be of service to all whom you come in contact with. Also be ready to tell them how awesome our God is. Petition with them to repent and to find a church home. I don't know about you but I want everyone to experience what a relationship with God is. 

Brothers and sisters in Christ we all have at least one person we are thinking about as we read this. I pray you go and share God's word with them, that they won't perish. Don't let fear or a timid spirit, which you have not, dishearten you. When you are convicted by the Spirit to preach or spread the Word to someone, do so. In future occurrences when convicted, it will become easier to ignore the Spirit and God's will won't be done. Don't assume someone knows right from wrong, you may very well be the first person to help them out or they may be too proud or shameful to ask for help. Sometimes people want to know that those closer to them care about them opposed to hearing it from a stranger or passerby.  Martin Luther King stated: Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Be that light that gets someone out the darkness and the love that leads them to God.

I hope you didn't think I was going to end this without informing you of the importance of seeking guidance and counsel of those deeper in faith. Do you? You don't want to be lost like a ball in tall grass. Christians have to seek judgement personally, it is easy to be deceived when we have found God. When we rely solely on our heart we can fall susceptible to deception. Its a daily walk, not a one time thing. Do you think the devils just leave you alone; when you're on that narrow path is when you're important to the devils. Jeremiah 17:9 states: the heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked: who can know it. Don't act on a feeling alone. That is why we are to constantly pray and consult with God. No Christian is bigger than their prayer. Rid yourself of autonomy, shame and pride. Isaiah 1:17 tells us learn to do well, seek judgement, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless and plead for the widow . We have no chance at being perfect Christians and there is always room for improvement. When others take time to correct you for straying it's because God loves you. He knows you aren't listening and sends someone to give you a warning. Exercise your discernment and keep what is good. Hebrews 13:1-2 Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Now how are you going to explain to God being rude to one of His angels, whom he sent to bless and protect you. In closing, if we consider others before ourselves and love our neighbors as we love ourselves its hard to deviate from what God ask of us. God's blessings and love.

Discern the Word

I hate seeing the Word of God distorted for financial gain. It is with the preaching that is taking place in "churches" a term I use loosely. I spoke on it previously but I decided to be meticulous in my search and I'll share with you. Any scripture is KJV and I exhort you review for reference and study. Religious self help books are popping up everywhere. 1 Corinthians 2:14-15 tells us speak not in man's wisdom but instead the Holy Ghost. Which sounds like foolishness to a natural man who isn't spiritually discerned. The gospel is extremely contradictory to the way we want to live life. Humbling yourself, living a simple life and conceding autonomy fully to God. 

Within the church many are praying so God may be the provision to their banking account and desires of life. Who wouldn't pray to God if they thought their wishes could be granted. Luke 8:11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Why would Jesus sow a seed of anything else? Did Jesus not flee when they tried to make him king which comes with riches John 6:15? Whats on this earth that's not in the heavens? The church has never been this popular but been less powerful. Critical and cynical my comments may be, but there is truth. For starters, the church's popularity in America is booming but our family in Christ abroad are dealing with persecution and destroying of the church. Luke 6:22 blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil for the Son of man's sake. Luke 6:26 Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets. We love our pastors and shower them with gifts and the like. Now I'll leave you to decide which category you fall into. 

I was looking at some sermons of popular pastors online. I'll refrain from names. For any pastor to declare that disciples of Jesus were talking about abundance and riches in monetary terms and not spiritual and eternal life, I consider apostasy. For the sake of brevity, this is a blog and not a book I have to remind myself; we'll  look the influential prophet Paul. Looking at 2 Corinthians 11: 23:33 (please read) to point at a few, stoned, 39 lashes five times, beaten with rods and stoned; and called a babbler by philosophers. God willing we won't encounter this but to this day there are Christians who are. Our prayers for them. Imagine the state of his health, with little healthcare. Consider Paul's physical state. He had no wealth, do you really think abundance and riches where anywhere on his mind? In Acts 20 as he preached to the disciples v. 33 I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. Then in 

1 Corinthians 2:1-2 that he wasn't wise or excellent in speech but that he knew Christ and Christ crucified. So if ANYONE gives you a scripture from any epistle from Paul about abundance and riches in this life, go and pray that the Lord mat spare his life Galatians 1:8-9. Lest we not forget all he had was his faith in Jesus Christ and those praying for him. Neither did he have a bible he was living the bible. If health and wealth was a measuring stick of how much God favored him, he'd be in bad shape.

The glory of God is colossal and that is an understatement. God doesn't need to shower us with blessings to show as a demonstration. As we see with Job, God allowed Satan to bring ruin to his estate, death to his children and his wife pleaded with him to curse God. Wherever you are in your faith could you envision such happening to you? Reverting back to Paul, 1 Corinthians 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness. There it is that word foolishness again. 2 Timothy 4:3 Christians acquiring their own teachers to preach what they want to hear. The lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life. If the eye is evil then the body is full of darkness. Paul speaking of the Bereans, Acts 17:11 who received the word but searched themselves to make sure it was truth. Bad preaching corrupts character. Matthew 24 warns of false Christ and prophets. Also v. 28 tells us wherever there is a carcass the eagles will gather. That carcass being the false prophet, a dead man; the eagles, those who swoop in to eat what he is teaching.  Hosea 4:6 (please read!) There is a reason we are warned against mammon. One scripture I see used to deceive is Matthew 13:8 but if you read to Matthew 13:11 it is given for us to now the kingdom of heaven; what is sown in this life is to be compensated in eternal life.  It leaves me quizzical that Christians are eager  to prosper in this life, read 1 Corinthians 2:9. If granted a peek into the heavens one would faint upon first glance. 

As we concluded, be informed, looking to prosper is all about self-preservation. Don't think God doesn't want you to enjoy life, but do so seeking his kingdom only and if its thy will you'll have it. If we are going to follow any tradition in America I implore with you suffer for Christ and put others before yourself. As Christians we are to find glory in suffering not a burden. Matthew 24:13 he who endures is saved. Philippians 1:29 not only believe but suffer. Christians must sitting under preaching that convicts their spirit which is the first work of the Spirit John 16:8. Consider yourself because many will perish for disregarding the Holy Spirit Confession of faith in Christ has no merit. He finishes what he starts and the fruits of the Spirit are the true proof. The Bible is absolute or obsolete. Sow the seed and spread the Word. God's Blessings and love to all. 

Long-suffering

2 Peter 3:14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 15And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. 17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. 18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

When the true gospel is not preached and Christians are faced with catastrophes, natural disasters, financial woes or family matters and the like. Christians find themselves questioning God and his decision making and asking where was God in the time of trouble. First and foremost I would like to share Psalms 115:2-3 Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now there God? But our God is in the heavens; he hath done whatsoever he pleased. Scripture states that God does all for his own sake, which God states twice for emphasis in Isaiah 48:10-11; moreover our ignorance of the knowledge of God is evident because we can't fathom His greatness. That is why we are charged to have faith and lean not on our understanding. Galatians 5:22 states that long-suffering is one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. 1 Peter 4:16 says that Christians should be proud to suffer in the name of God. Realizing that this world is much more complex than ourselves and situations, we hope wholly in God and pray without ceasing. As Pilate questioned Jesus, he was reminded that the Kingdom of God is not of the world. That is why we keep on the armor of God and prepared for the spiritual war that is ongoing. Don't lose heart I urge you. God allows long-suffering for the sake of repentance 2 Peter 3:9. God Almighty, contrary to what many say to blaspheme his name, doesn't delight in souls lost.

Ridiculous it is for anyone to expect at the end of their long-suffering is an abundance of worldly gain. Charismatic churches and the "prosperity gospel" is a bane to the Christian faith. Who wouldn't want God if he would give them the lust of their eyes, lust of their flesh and the pride of life. For a person to think themselves to be blessed because they are enjoying benefits and fortune which others are not is ignorant to true happiness and blessings. Are you implying when yourself or others who don’t have these possessions you consider “blessings,” not blessed or less blessed? We should understand true happiness and blessings come from the wisdom, knowledge, and love of God; instead of praying for, we’ll know we are blessed without question and doubt. Continually praising and praying thanks to God. Earthly gain rusts and will be eaten by the moths; and what we entered this world with is what we will exit with. Furthermore for one to think that material gain is to be blessed, has entered the realm of unadulterated ignorance, Proverbs 1:32 provides proof. Mark 8:27-38 Jesus calls Peter "satan" for trying to hinder Him from his mission of suffering and fulfillment of God's will. Then explains distinctly that our soul is worth more than worldly gain. Jesus appeals to us to carry our cross and deny ourselves, additionally Jesus states that the laying down of one's life for a friend is no greater love. Not necessarily death but dedicating your life for the betterment of others. James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. I can flood you with scripture on humility ands service to others but I'm anxious to move on.

If we followed two commandments, we wouldn't have any problems with the others we truly believed in only one God, we wouldn't allow another "god" to come into our lives and take Hs place (idolatry).  If we truly worshiped that one God alone, then we would obey Him and we wouldn't sin against Him- i.e. if I really worshiped God, I wouldn't lie because I'd realize it was a sin against God. I wouldn't steal, I wouldn't covet, I wouldn't murder, I wouldn't lust because all those are sins against God and if I truly worshiped Him, I wouldn't worship something else. - Martin Luther

So you ask why I'm talking to long-suffering. My answer is this, the American Christian fails to realize that luxuries we are afforded. The gospel we preach about abundance, better life now and wealth will hold no weight anywhere else. Especially in countries and to people who have nothing else but their faith. Hearing such would sound like blasphemy to them. This distinct difference should be viewed by all Christians. We take for granted being able to worship freely and carry a bible. We ridicule other Christian denominations, make a mockery of the gospel to appease congregation and praise God not for His sovereignty but more-so for our own selfish gain. We are oblivious to the torment and persecution Christians in the eastern world and third world countries face daily. There needs to be a stop to the manipulation of scripture. Don't be found ignorant of or misinterpreting the scripture. If you have squeamish stomach stop reading now. April 2011 Vietnamese troops raped then killed four Hmong Christian women as their husband and children were beaten and forced to watch. Bishop Su after having served 15 years prior to, at the ripe old age of eighty years old, was hung by his wrist with wire while being beat with a board until it was reduced to splinters. Then he was placed in an enclosed cell in waist high water for days unable to sit or sleep. Lastly Pastor Wanna and his Christian congregation was sent to prison camps after being labeled as Christians for "reeducation programs" and all these events in the name of Jesus. There is a reason why China is on pace to be the country with the largest Christian population. Long-suffereing is the reason, why else would God let them for centuries practice and worship Taoism and Buddhism and so on. These aren't conjured stories thoughts of mine, they are from the book; Persecuted: the Global Assault on Christians. 2 Peter 3:9 KJV The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. As stated in 1 Timothy 2:1, before you start your prayer, say a prayer for others. God's love and blessings to all.

- Chaz Gerard Tyler

Fear Not

In this blog I would like to discuss a topic that is holding too many from reaching their potential that God has already planned for them. I will provide as always scriptures for reference. What causes fear? Too many broken hearts, parents who weren't there, fear of failure, or not being accepted. We all have life events and stories that attribute to our fear. Warranted it may be. We have every reason to fear and live in it. If I say I haven't  lived in fear at one point in my life is a lie if one was ever told. Then I realized there are two types of fear. First, fear of the Lord, not to be confused with being "afraid of." Luke 12:5 tells why we should do so. Secondly there is the fear that if we live in, it will be a hindrance to my growth and development, spiritually, mentally, and physically. Fear is a debilitating disease in my opinion. When fear is the deciding factor in our decision making we tend to be irrational in doing so. I pray that all who deal with fear overcome and are able to live life more abundantly. Never fear trying something new; amateurs built Noah's Ark and professionals built the levees in New Orleans.

Deuteronomy 31:8 And the Lord, he it is that does go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: FEAR NOT, neither be dismayed 

1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Did you know that consistently living in fear and being reluctant to overcome and conquer it will get you a first rate ticket to hell!? Revelation 21:8 You may ask, why would God send me to hell for being fearful. First if God is with you, who is against you. Secondly being fearful was never a characteristic of Jesus whom we are to follow. Lastly God didn't give you a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7).

Fear is lies you tell yourself. I can't, I'm scared to, I don't want to be hurt and the list goes on. Fear is being deceitful to oneself. We all know who's the father of lies and deceit. I rebuke satan in the name of Jesus. You can, you will and you must defeat fear. If you don't try because you are afraid to fail, you have failed already. If you enter a relationship fearful of being hurt, refer to Matthew 7:16. Can a bad tree bear good fruit? If God is calling you to be great and receive your blessing but you are too fearful to listen and act in accordance with direction. Fill your soul with righteousness or chance being overtaken by wickedness. The fault is yours.  Don't miss life and all blessings living in fear. You can't have faith and fear. Just as oil and water don't mix. Faith and fear don't mix either. 

Isaiah 41:10 “Do not FEAR, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

How does one conquer fear. May I disclaim that I am not an expert. But I will share what helped me. With any other problem, acknowledging it is essential. Next, sincerely and earnestly confronting that problem and taking it to God in prayer. May I add that fear breeds doubt, and you can't approach God in prayer with doubt in your heart (James 1:8). When you take it to God in prayer, you must have faith that God will free you of that "spirit of fear." If you want help you have to help yourself. When fear arises you must face it head on and pray your way through it. Fear is a tactic the devil uses to defeat you. Ephesians 6:13-18 is the "armor of God." Whatever you are dealing with, take your bible and find scriptures that pertain to what is afflicting you. Write them down and carry them in your purse or wallet until you memorize them. When that fear comes, use the Word of God to slay it! Say this prayer: Lord I give you the troubles of my heart. I know with you in my corner I can defeat fear. I was once entangled in fear but your Word freed me. I built a wall of fear but your Love knocked it down. I battled fear alone and the Holy Spirit came to my rescue. In the name of Jesus I declare this fear defeated. Amen. God's Blessings and Love to you.

- Chaz Gerard Tyler