NCarolinian

                    Representation or the idea of ambassadorship comes from the installation of dignity, self-worth and responsibility. I believe this begins in the family. If you do not have any dignity or self-worth, what is going to make you feel responsible about representing anything, especially your own family?            Lately, there have been several generations that expressed they don't care what or whom they represent.  This is a direct consequence of the standard or measure of dignity found within homes today. As I was growing-up, I carried a sense of worth for my own blood family. Wherever I went, whatever I did, whatever I said - I was representing my family and had a desire to represent them well.   I have heard it said, "If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything."           I encourage all of us not to believe the lie t...

                    There are consequences for our decisions. Then there are rewards concerning our work or service for whomever in our life.  Humanity has consequences for deciding to believe in Christ or not. Deciding to believe in Christ's sacrifice for one's life grants eternal life in Heaven with Jesus and fellow believers. Deciding not to believe in Christ's love gift will result in eternal separation from God in the Lake of Fire with all like-minded individuals. However, both locations will have their populations judged according to their works or deeds here on earth.           Jesus says at least twice, once in  Matthew 16:27  and then again in  Revelation 22:12  that He is returning soon with rewards.  According to the eschatological scholars I have studied, the prophetic mountain peaks still to come are -  The Rapture,  The Bema Seat ,  The Wed...

                    Country singer Chris Young sings a song called Voices . In this song he mentions all the sayings and advice that keep returning to his mind via the voices of his parents, friends and respected others. Nowadays, we have a focus on mental health, where the voices we hear and unfortunately pay attention to are toxic.           Have you ever discouraged yourself? I have. I have loaded up my mind with everything and anything that is going wrong in my world at the time and question how and why am I alive? Have there been friends or even family that have been an outside discouraging influence? After all that Job went through, his wife was no help, she said, " Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!" (Job 2:9)           I've had my share of pity parties and temper tantrums, even as an adult, but when the dust settles and God says, ...

                    Did you have an invisible friend growing up? One that went everywhere, saw everything, knew every little secret. One that celebrated every achievement and shook his head when he knew you could do better. I did and still do. About the safest place I can get away with saying that nowadays is in church or connected with my Christian walk. And this is appropriate because my invisible friend is The Holy Spirit.                     Jesus said He had to leave to the right hand of Father God in order for The Holy Spirit to come and indwell believers (John 16:7) . When this transaction occurred, two major benefits happened, two parts of the Triune God (Father God, Son and Holy Spirit) became Advocates for all believers. Jesus is our Advocate in Heaven (Romans 8:34) and The Holy Spirit who lives within the believer is our Advocate (John 14:16) .  "Who t...

                    Unfortunately, I am not a planner. Fortunately, my wife is a planner. For the majority of my Christian walk I have known God through my studies as someone who counted the cost before sending The Word of God in flesh, Emanuel, Christ Jesus. The enlightenment I am experiencing now in my life is God as The Planner.            God had and has a Master Plan in place. Scripture verses that speaks to this idea are - Isaiah 28:29, Jeremiah 29:11 and Ephesians 1:11 to name a few.  Isaiah 28:29 says,  "All this also comes from the Lord Almighty, whose plan is wonderful, whose wisdom is magnificent." Jeremiah 29:11 says, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" Ephesians 1:11 says, "In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who work...

                    From the moment humans are born they begin to decay, they begin to move toward a physical end, for "it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment." (Hebrews 9:27)           For some, Death is something to be feared and/or dreaded for Death is considered an absolute, The End. For those physically and mentally suffering in life, Death is often viewed as a release, be it the end of all things or not.           Whether one believes Death to be The End or there to be an afterlife, Death brings a cold, hard, painful and lengthy separation. For those in the non-believing afterlife camp, memories in the here-and-now are all we have of those that have passed. For the Christian, victory by Christ over death has guaranteed victory for the believer and secured the hope that all fellow family and friend believers will be seen again. "For we k...