Its my Birthday! All I can do at this moment is to give both honor and praise to our Father in Heaven. 50 of the years I have lived on this Earth, has been a blessing. Many of those years, I have witness some friends and yes, some very close relatives leave this Earth to be with our Father God. That's why to me, birthdays mean so much, although many of us take them for granted. Life itself is very short and very precious, it should always be lived to the fullest. Its a real blessing to be alive, while so many have faded away.To my friends and to some of my family members, who have wished me Happy Birthday, I say thank you!" For our lives are just, a like beautiful flowers who only bloom constantly, for a moment or season, then latter to fade away. May our years on Earth be as beautiful as a new born baby, a beautiful sweet blooming flower, a bird with wings or beautiful sunset over looking a sandy beach with white sand with blues seas. So that one day each of us shall reside in Heaven praising our Father, the all Mighty God at the top, his son Jesus on the his right side and his Angels singing well done!" May God bless each of you everyday and for as long as you shall live.
Charles
Mark 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. John 3:16For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 4:36
Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together
There are two things in, life that no one can never truly prepare themselves for, death and divorce. In my own life and from observing from afar other people react to death, divorce , breakups or job loss in different ways. Not many of us are mentally or physically able to handle the emotion or physical toll, that these things take on us an individuals. There are a lot of people in the world that are either mentally or spiritually weak and without the presence of God in their lives many are tempted to do wrong or some very strange things. When you read or hear about husbands or wives committing crimes to get back at their former spouses, then you know that they are spiritually or mentally weak and are attacked by the devil. Also when you see people that are afraid to let go because their fear of the unknown or the future without their former spouses , then you know that they weren't prepared for failure. What surprises most of us is, the after effect of the break up or divorce. That is when most us observe that our former spouses loving ways or emotions change when the break up or divorce begins. Its a constant reminder, when my mother would say to me or my siblings, when she would say, always prepare yourself to fight evil inside your home and the outside world.
That is why I thank God everyday, for blessing me with two very strong loving parents. Because if it weren't for them not only preparing me for my success and my failures I wouldn't be the man I am today. The way my parents raised me helped me become mentally strong and it also helped me to be not afraid to fail. When I think back on how my parents prepared me for the outside world, I notice that they focused more on my failures than my success. My mother was always a very confident person, she would make statements to me that still stick with me today. She would say ,"When God created man he didn't make any mistakes or your father and I didn't make no junk. The she would say I didn't raise any dummies, so stop acting like a dummy". I remember one day coming home from school and I was scared to show my mother my report card because I had a bad grade on it. She would look at me after reading my report card and said," Do you think of yourself as a failure?" Then I would answer her by saying I didn't know or maybe I thought wasn't smart enough to pass. Then she would look at me under her glasses then say son, you are not a failure. Sometimes even the best of us fail, real men or women always pick themselves up and then try harder again. I want you to try harder, because there is nothing in this world you can not do, if you just believe in yourself and believe that through God all things are possible. Learn from your failures, because they can prepare you to be strong when you succeed or when you fail again. Life has many ups and downs, but if you are prepared both mentally and spiritually ,then you can over come any obstacle.
She would go on to say, Your father and I are not only preparing you to be a success, but also preparing you to fail. When she made this statement it kind of puzzled me. Then I asked this question, Mom, why would you prepare me to fail? Then she would answer because that is when most of us make our serious mistakes, because of our lack of ability to handle failure. She would say if one can handle failure, then one should appreciate success, then not fail again. She would go on to say sometimes God allows us to fail or to loose something, because he has something better in store. In some other instances he just wants to teach us a lesson. He want us to know that what we have or achieved was not accomplished alone or by ourselves. If it weren't for his grace or mercy there would be no way any of us would be successful. If you have a job and get fired or its not a place you are happy with, be strong enough to walk away from it. This last statement also applies to a relationship or marriage , if it doesn't work out, do not take it to heart and be prepared to walk away. Also be aware of the other persons feelings. Do your best during any break up or divorce to not hurt any ones feelings, because that is when the devil becomes more active or destructive. Be careful not to let your emotions cause you to say or do something that you are incapable of taking back. My mother used to tell me to always be careful, because you never know the state of mind of the individual that you are separating from. She would go on to say that you never know what they might be thinking or how they are really feeling. Because," If It Never Works Out", she would say, always be man enough to walk away.
Be blessed and stay safe weekend,
Charles Matthew
17:20
He replied, "Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell
you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain,
'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for
you." Matthew
21:21 Jesus replied, "Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do
not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can
say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be
done.
One of the most wonderful things about writing for God, is that you get to meet some very interesting people along the way and many of them happen to be from different countries. Its amazing that the world wide web could connect you to people that you would never meet under normal circumstances.It just shows you the power that our Father, God has by giving man his greatest creations, the ideals to create.After all we are all creators in our own special way and when a thought comes to mind God then gives us the ability to do what ever we put our minds too.Which brings me to the topic of today,"In your own special way."Just a few weeks ago I met a very interesting young lady, who has great love for her deaf friends, the deaf community and communicating through sign language.Its my strong opinion that anyone who cares for the elderly, deaf, those with communication barriers or those who happen to be wounded because of war, are very special people and are real Angels of God. It takes a very special individual or person to deal with Gods wounded or impaired children.These are true soldiers or Angels of God and God is always please when someone helps the ones that are less fortunate than themselves. After meeting this very special person, I was encouraged to know that God still works in mysterious ways. He always put very special people in places where they are needed and all for the glory of God.
Some readers have asked me this very special question, "How does one who may happen to be deaf or one that has communication barriers give God praise? My answer to you or to anyone who may read this, if you are interested in praising God you should always do it , in your own special or unique way. The reason for my answer is because the word says,( Ecclesiastes 12:14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing,
whether it be good, or whether it be evil.) Which means what ever that is in your heart or mind, God will judge it rather its good or bad. One doesn't have to get on their knees or even speak, if they are incapable of doing so.God has the power to read our thoughts or minds and its our actions that God truly judges. If one wants to praise God, always do it pure of heart and in their own special way.(Ecclesiastes
11:9 You who are young, be happy while you are young, and let your
heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and
whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you
into judgment.)
May God bless you always,
Charles
Isaiah 45:18 For thus said the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the
earth and made it; he has established it, he created it not in vain, he formed
it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else. 1 Corinthians
4:5
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until
the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will
expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise
from God.
I don't know if you ever experienced when the spirit hits you, but when it does an unexplainable feeling over comes you. At that moment, you find yourself wanting to shout or scream for joy, because the Holy Spirit has taken over you. I know for those who haven't yet, been blessed with this feeling, are wondering how this feels. No it not like having your first child, not like getting a raise, not like falling in love and its not like winning a large sum of money.This particular feeling is unlike any feeling in the world and unless the spirit of the Lord takes over you then you wouldn't understand this feeling. When you observe some people in Church running or shouting glory from the top of their lungs, then you know that the Holy Spirit has taken over them. I have experienced this feeling for the very first time years ago, while listening to a gospel song. The music was wonderful and the message in the song at that moment touched my soul.
After I experienced that feeling I have found that the Lord our God communicates with each of us in his own way. Sometimes he does it through music, while other times through a sermon or message delivered by a Pastor, Priest or Minister.Then there are those other times when he uses other people such as our parents, friends, co-workers or a complete stranger to get his message across. God our Father in Heaven is like that and has always walked in ways we will never understand, but his way will always be effective. Today the spirit revisited me with a message from God encouraging you and I, to Reach Higher! I feel the reason this message was given to me is because for as I can remember, I always had a love for money and success. If I didn't make enough money or if I didn't meet my own standards I was always unhappy. During those times I found myself praying to God for money, material things and even for more success. Just like everyone else I desired a nice car or house and plenty of money . I really hated to struggle, so I was always on a mission to acquire more wealth or material things.
Until one day the spirit hit me and asked me this powerful question, "Do you think that Jesus Christ, Gods only son was concern with money,the finer things or luxury?" My immediate answer to this question was, no because what he has in Heaven was better than what was on Earth. Then the spirit said told me to Reach Higher. After the spirit left me I kind of felt ashamed. Why you may ask?Well because I set my goals to low. Instead of trying to go too Heaven, I was instead trying to acquire things here on Earth. Not realizing that I couldn't take those things with me to the after life and also that none of my money, savings or material things could get me into Heaven. My goals should have been higher and I limited myself by thinking worldly. I know for a fact we all do this by only thinking of our own success, while trying to acquire wealth or material things. In a sense there is nothing wrong with with that, but ask yourself this question shouldn't we all be seeking more, like joining Jesus in Heaven? He came to the Earth with nothing , then left it with power and glory. Isn't that a price worth paying for? And why can't we all be more like Jesus Gods, only son? Why can't we give to those less fortunate than ourselves when we have so much? Why acquire bigger homes, make more money than we need, while others suffer? Shouldn't our goals be higher? Shouldn't we all want to reach the higher goal of being with God? As you think about this message, I want you to continue to go after your dreams or desires and to go after those goals. But never forget that there is something more important than the goals you set for yourself everyday and can't be achieved with money or material things. Starting today reach higher, into Heaven as a child of God.
Have a blessed day,
Charles
Proverbs 28:20A faithful person will be richly blessed, but one eager to get rich will not go unpunished.
Proverbs 28:19Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty.
There are a few things in every ones life that either needs to be straighten out or fixed. My mother used to call those things priorities. I laugh when I think back on the way I use to be, because now I realize without my father or mothers wisdom, my life would be in very bad shape. When I was younger I had a serious problem, I enjoyed shopping and I loved the ladies. I enjoyed it so much that I forgot that I also had to pay my bills. But at that time without the proper clothes or shoes, you were not in style, (that was what I thought at that time). I was one of those people who had to have the latest clothes, shoes, televisions and my car had to be one that had every-ones attention. When my mother would come over to my apartment, she would look at it and say," Charles your apartment is very nice, but your priorities are all screwed up". She would say , Son you really need to save some of that money and for God sack please pay your bills!! As a younger person, I used to give my mother this puzzled look and think to myself," Mom does not know what she is talking about ". I really thought I had it all together. I was making good money, had a nice car, a laid out apartment, wore the latest clothes and I thought that all the girls loved me. I thought I was on top of the world and I also thought that it was all about me. It wasn't until my father pulled me to the side and said these very words that made me start realizing that I really needed change my priorities. He would say, "Son you do not have a pot to piss in nor a window to throw it out of". You think you have it made, when in fact all you have nothing. Your life has no direction or no purpose, until you realize that the things you possess are only temporary, then your priorities will always be screwed up. He would finish by saying you need to grow up and smell the coffee!Wake up you are not a child anymore, you are a grown man!
As a young man I thought that my father was a very mean man and those words really hurt my feelings. I think he knew that when he looked in my face. Then he said these words that I'll never forget, Son everyone in life has priorities. Everyone first priority should be having God as the head of their life. Son I didn't always take God seriously. I would always hear people talking about him and I knew he existed. But at that time I didn't think God played a major part in my life, really because I didn't know him. When I used to hear people talk about God I always avoided them. But not very long ago I was a young man like yourself, I thought I was on top of the world. I thought that I did not need anyone and I also thought that it was all about me. Then out of the blue I got laid off and I couldn't find a job. I got behind on my bills and then started to lose all the things I treasured. I lost my car, my apartment and even my girlfriend.You see without money there are very few women that will stick with you through thick or thin. I had nothing , so I thought that no one cared and I was on my own. I was about to give up then throw in the towel, until an old woman who saw me said these very words , "Give your life to Jesus son and your life will never be the same". That day I went to church and became saved. I gave my life to Jesus and latter married your mother. Now we have a house that's paid for, raised six beautiful children and have a beautiful life together that has been blessed by God. Son make God your priority and God will make your pathways straight. If you have God our Father in Heaven as the head of your life and recognize Jesus Christ, Gods son as your Lord and savior then all of your priorities will be the right ones. Because every decision you make will be guided by him.So get your house in order and make sure God our Father in Heaven is your main priority.
Have a blessed day,
Charles
2 Corinthians 10:2 I beseech you not to compel me when present to make a bold display of the confidence with which I reckon I shall show my 'courage' against some who reckon that we are guided by worldly principles.
As a Man Of God or a blog writer many times the spiritual lost or confused sometimes write in and ask me a question. Most of the time I write back and answer them directly .Then there are the special ones such as this one that I can't help but include in my blog. The reason why this one is so special to me, is because it's not only a question for me, but its also for our Father God. Its also a question that I have asked myself, many times while I was in prayers, when I was seeking an answer from God. This question, has been asked by millions, for more than a thousand years. Which is,"Why does God allow good people to die or suffer or why does he allow evil to go on?" Some may ask,why does he allow our beautiful children suffer or die at an early age? Why are some blind ,while others are deaf or some are rich or poor? The question we should all ask ourselves as we seek these answers from God, is do we really have the right to question our creator, our Father God? Or were we the first in history to dare to question the mighty God?
The reason why I ask these questions is because despite our science or so called technology what gives us the right to question God? Besides that even before any of us were born, any question that man may have thought of even today has already been answered by God. That's the real reason why the bible was created or written, to answer any question that man or woman would want answered. As much as I study the bible or have read different verses from the bible I never knew that God answered man directly or allowed his children to question him. That's one of the wonderful things about attending church, because if one pays attention to the Pastor, Priest or speaker they could always learn something helpful or new that may help them through this journey called life. Yes in the past God did answer a man directly and while he listen to this man (Job) particular questions, he also has questions of his own for those who dare question him.
In these verses, Job questions and calls out to God, Job 23:2- Even today my complaint is bitter; his hand is heavy in spite of my groaning(3) If only I knew where to find him; if only I could go to his dwelling!(4)I would state my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments. (5)I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would say to me.Job 30:20 I cry to you, and you do not hear me: I stand up, and you regard me not. After reading these verses one could clearly see that Job was angry and had questions for God. So much so that he questioned God from Job 23-37 before God answered him. I also find that even today, each of us may have a questions for God. Some of us would question or say if there is a God then why would he allow evil prosper, allow good people to die or children too die or suffer so young? Why Father why? If God did answer us would he answer is the same manner he answered Job? For those questions or others God answer is simple, Job 38-41 he answered Job and any of us that may dare question him. Please read it for yourself as I leave one verses that answers it all.(Job 38:1-4 (1)Then the Lord answered Job out the storm . He said: (2) Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge?(3) Brace yourself like a man; I will question you and you shall answer me.(4) Where were you when I laid out the Earths foundations? Tell me if you understand.) From these verses its clear to see, that God has a plan or purpose for anything that may come our way. We may not understand it, but he does have a reason and its for his glory.Why does our father allow certain things to happen? Its in his word and we must trust him, for who would know better, than someone who is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End? Have a blessed day, Charles
Daniel 2:37 You, O king, are a king of kings: for the God of heaven has given you a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory
Have you ever had or felt this overwhelming, indescribable feeling where problems are many, but solutions are few? This is when you want to walk into a dark closet or room where you can cry in private.You may get in your car and take a trip to no where just to get away. You may say to God this statement," Lord you said, you would only put on me only what I can bare".Well Lord, I am there or at that point right now and I am breaking down. I can't take no more! I am unhappy, my children are driving me crazy, there are no good jobs and my marriage or relationship's are falling apart. Every time I look around there is a new illness or a new problem to deal with. I am so tired of lies, empty promises and every time I look around I am being disappointed. What ever I try I fail at it miserably and I don't know my ups, from my downs. My problems or troubles are piling up on each other and its more than I can bare. Lord please help me I am Full! Please relieve or release me of my burdens or pain.
Being full isn't a normal feeling or occurrence and its not like having ordinary problems like loosing a love one to death, being fired or lay ed off from a job or being without money. Its a combination of worries, problems or troubles all rolled up into one. When this happens all one can do is fall down on their knees and pray. You are so stressed out that you begin getting dizzy and your emotions or thoughts are ragging out of control. Are you feeling this way right now or do you know what I am talking about? If so don't give up or worry and don't loose faith, because God has it already worked out. Let it go then, feel the presence of the Lord , because he has already heard your prayers. Just leave all of your burdens, problems or troubles with him and he shall set you free. Pray, then give it all to him and your days of being full, will be no more. Get Full on Christ Jesus our Lord and Savoir !
Have a blessed day,
Charles
Job 23: 9-11 …9When He acts on the
left, I cannot behold Him; He turns on the right, I cannot see Him. 10"But He
knows the way I take; When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.11"My foot has held fast
to His path; I have kept His way and not turned aside.…
Galatians 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty with which Christ has made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
