Why do we like haters?

   When the word "haters" comes to mind, what do you think about? It is a common term in modern America, often referring to people who do not agree with you or your lifestyle. There's an odd saying "Make haters your motivaters," meaning "Let people's hatred drive you to keep doing what you're doing." (Hopefully, whatever you are doing to ignite hatred towards yourself is positive.) My favorite is "Haters make me famous," which speaks for itself, but I find it to be a ridiculously inaccurate statement. Ironically, the common theme within these statements is appreciation for haters. Why do we, instead of ignoring haters, choose to acknowledge their negativity to somehow better ourselves? There are two main reasons: people like attention and people like rebellion. One who is a part of the former, will not necessarily be a part of the latter, and vice versa.
   Everyone knows at least one person who loves attention, the person whose life revolves around others paying attention to them. These people I like to call "drama royalty" [drama kings and drama queens]. They conjure up drama just for the sake of onlookers- they might as well become playwrights! For example, when I was a preteen, a peer of mine announced that she would be appearing on a televised talent show. We all congratulated her; however I had my doubts about her validity. I had known this girl to be a consistent liar and attention- craver, so I questioned how she would get out of school for weeks to fly across the country for a TV show. Though my commonly sarcastic tone was traded for sincerity at that moment, she grouchily called me "jealous." Long story short, her dream was reality solely in her mind and never came to fruition. I realized that she only stated the possibility of fame to bring perceived positive attention to herself. My peer had used my perceived "hating" as a way to boost her ego by saying that I was "jealous" of her. Now, I say all this to show that hating isn't always authentic; it is sometimes falsely interpreted by people to get the attention that they desperately crave.
    The valid hatred that people may have towards you, comes from a biblical perspective. My favorite scripture about this is John 15:18-19 where Jesus says:

"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you."

Mind you, Jesus is referring to His children (chosen ones). He says the world should hate you, the world being those who are children of the worldly things (Satan's seeds). If you humbly contemplate what your life speaks about the gospel to unbelievers, you will find that there may be fewer haters than you thought you had. The only haters that a godly person should have are undoubtedly those who are against God. Hate should not motivate you to be famous, it should motivate you to be like Jesus who was hated by thousands, yet He sought no attention to Himself but to the heavenly father God. People who disagree with your job are not "hating" on you, and neither are you a "hater" for not liking something that someone else does. We must separate opinions from truth. Disagreements about life's decisions are inevitable, but Christ is the central focal point. A Christian who emphatically represents Christ [a cultural rebel] will certainly be hated by many, for the worldly are numerous and the godly are few. Anyone else is only hating their self by focusing unnecessary attention on people who don't actually hate them. Let your actions be a testimony to those worldly "haters," and settle disagreements with those godly people who are actually on your side. When you focus on your purpose in life, "haters" will be the last thing on your mind, for there is no room for foolishness when Christ is the center of your life.

Verse of the Day 4

ROMANS 12:16

"Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation."

Keywords:
haughty- exalted on high
lowly- humble
wise- intelligent, prudent

Summary:
No matter what your social, economic, or intellectual status is- you are to treat others with equal respect. Do not see yourself as a dignitary in comparison to others, but associate with humble people. You cannot be wise based on your own determination. God tells us to have humble spirits and thoughts.

Afterthought:
Often, people let themselves be defined by titles and do not wish to associate with those of a "lower status." This is against God's word because He wants us to love each other equally. He loves each of us despite our various sins and shortcomings; though, we really deserve death. Knowing that God has given us grace and His son died for us, we should definitely spread that love with disregard to levels of income, ethnicity, character, and possessions. Be humble and let go of previous assumptions or disagreements with a person to love them just as Christ loves you. Real love is unconditional- it asks nothing from the other person. Give freely what has been freely bestowed upon you. Thank God His love is unconditional!

Secret Symbols

   Lately, I've been having strange suspicions about symbols. I'm not sure what particularly sparked my interest, but I believe God is giving me a lesson in this. Being "in the world but not of it" implies that one should know what one is not a part of (obviously!). Symbolism is everywhere and has been for centuries, so I think we should not be so oblivious to its meanings. After all, you wouldn't visually represent something unless you were an advocate of it, right? Needless to say, I dived into research and reviewed some articles to educate myself and you guys as well. One phrase can sum up my reaction: "Oh my gosh!!"
   There are three well-known symbols I would like to talk about: the peace sign, the skull and bones, and the "rock star" hand gesture.

This symbol has been used all over the nation to mean "peace" but what you don't know is that its origin is quite diabolical., despite the innocent story told. Gerald Holtom, a 1950's peace advocate, originally designed the symbol to promote peace throughout a British nuclear disarmament movement. Supposedly, the lines were flag symbols (semaphore) for CND (Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament). A decade later, the peace sign was adapted by other peace-promoting youth; hence, the design grew to become ubiquitous. However, there is more to be discovered about the mysterious lines.

 

The above symbol, also known as the "broken cross," "crow's foot," or "symbol of the anti-Christ" is actually a cross with the arms broken, which symbolizes death and evil. During ceremonies and incantations, witches would drive an upside down cross into the ground and break the arms, signifying blasphemy and pure hate towards Christ. America and possibly many other nations have been fooled. In Germany, it is still used as a death rune. Read more from my source here: www.jesus-is-savior.com

 

Skull and bones have been a wild trend for radicals all over the world for many decades. To their oblivion, it was popular centuries ago around the circles of Satanist radicals. The meaning of this may be hard to follow because there is a whole back story on the religion of numbers, but I'll do my best to explain. An immediate observation is that the skull and bones relates to death (bones cannot be alive!) However, that is what most people think they understand it to be- again, there is always a deeper meaning. Beneath the mischievous smile of the skull is an "X" which holds great meaning in occult religion. It replaces the cross of Christ to become a symbol for the occult "christ" or Anti-Christ. "X" also has the Greek numerical value of "600" Why is this number important? Pay close attention...

Here is an original skull and bones (note the "322" below the image). The number "3" is highly revered as a sacred occult number. If you multiply the three numbers (3x2x2) the answer is "12." Now "12" is not a sacred number, but it is the addition of two sacred numbers (6+6). Thus, an occultist recognizes "322" as the numerical value of "66." Remember the "X" that equals "600" in value? Well, add that to the "66" and you get "666"- the mark of the beast, symbol of Anti-Christ! Weird, huh? Obviously this isn't innocent decoration. Read more from my source here: http://www.cuttingedge.org/news/n1980.cfm

Lastly, there is the all-too-familiar rock star hand gesture, or  "I love you" sign. It was formed by Helen Keller, (an announced Satanist if you check her history). She was blind and deaf, but she led others to be blind and deaf to Satan's trickery! Simply put, the two fingers sticking up signify horns. If you know anything about Satanism or read your Bible, you would be aware that goats are a major symbol of Satan followers. Matthew 25:32 speaks of the coming of Christ's judgment; it reads "And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth [his] sheep from the goats" Sheep are God's children; goats are seeds of Lucifer. Therefore, anyone gesturing his sign is saying "I love you, Satan."

   If you were wise, you would pay more attention to these things before letting it become a part of your life. Do not let Satan fool you! He is a jerk, a liar, a pest, and wants nothing but to harm your walk with the loving Christ. I hope that this enlightened you as much as it did for me. If you have any concerns, comments, or questions- feel free to contact me here or through email. Be blessed!

 

Verse of the Day 3

JOB 36:13-15

"But the godless in heart lay up anger; they do not cry out for help when He binds them. They die in youth, and their life perishes among the cult prostitutes. He delivers the afflicted in their affliction, and opens their ear in time of oppression."

Keywords:
godless- hypocritical, profane, irreligious
lay up- dwell in/upon
affliction- misery

Summary:
People who do not have God are resentful and don't ask for God's help to deliver them from troubled times. Therefore, let those who abide in the Lord call on Him when they are experiencing hardships or need encouragement. There is no problem too large for God- He created oppression as a test of faith to see that we depend on Him in both good and bad times. God is always reliable and just, so He will see us through.

Afterthought:
(A prayer for you) I pray that God will answer my cries for help and give me peace in a weary, corrupt land. I am blessed to be saved and have a loving God who provides all my needs. Let me not forget who is the source of my affliction and remember that because He put it there, He can also take it away. Thank God for His sovereignty! Amen. 



 

Verse of the Day 2

DEUTERONOMY 6:5

"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might."

Keywords:
heart- inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding
soul- seat of emotions and passions
might- force

Summary:
Give God your everything by putting in effort (force)! He doesn't want the leftovers after you've loved the world and everyone else; God wants to be first in your life. Not only should your thoughts be about Him, but let your emotions feel for Him! Despite common misconception, you can love God with emotion and passion (beyond that of an earthly man or woman!). There are so many ways and reasons to love God that simply reading the bible or saying "thank you Jesus" don't seem enough. Below, I have outlined the ways to love God (my notes from a love sermon), from the foundational relationship to the deepest connection.

6 Love Relationships with God:

1. Potter/ Clay- submit to God and allow Him to shape your life into something that brings Him honor
2. Shepherd/ Sheep- follow and trust God as your caretaker
3. Master/ Servant- serve God wholeheartedly and do His will
4. Friend/ Friend- John 15:15 "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know His master's [personal] business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you."
5. Father/ Child- He loves you not for what you do but because you are His child
6. Groom/ Bride- most intimate connection; love God passionately, find it delightful to simply be in His presence, and know Him personally, both publicly and privately

May this rest on your heart as you consider where you are and where you would like to be with your spiritual love relationship. God bless and love you all!

Verse of the Day

Foreword: Hello readers! I know I've been inconsistent in my post timing, which I've definitely been praying about because there is so much I have to say and so little time to put it down in writing. SO, I have decided to let life take its course and continue to persevere to at least give you a "Verse of the Day" since I do read daily, I can give you that much:) These are just daily blurbs that I will be reflecting on that I hope you will, too. Send me feedback how you love my blog, hate it, think it needs improvement- whatever! Be blessed!:)

TITUS 3: 10-11

"Reject a factious man after a first and second warning, knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned."

Keywords:
factious- dissentious; quarrelsome; causing, involving, or characterized by argument or controversy
perverted- turned from what is right; wicked
sinning- willful or deliberate violation of divine law

Summary:
You may warn a quarrelsome person twice, but after that have nothing to do with him because he is not given to Godly counsel, therefore, a fool. He will continue to sin and be self-condemned, for "the perverse in heart are an abomination to the Lord" (Proverbs 11:20). Anyone who sins, especially after becoming aware of the sin, is doing a disservice to himself because he has not pleased God.

Afterthought:
So... warn a man about his unprofitable ways once so that it might be a new idea to him, and a second time so that he might understand it. That is all that is required of you because God has chosen the day that your admonition will either change the man or fail to warn him of God's forthcoming wrath. Therefore, do not consider yourself obligated to correct a perverse man- only God can soften a man's heart. God is still pleased with those who have made an effort to warn such a man by spreading the gospel. Even if it didn't sound good to the punishable man, it did to God!

My Top 25 Edifying Artists

Following up on the music posts, I thought I'd share a list of some of my favorite artists who are all about edifying music. I could go on for days about many more, but I'll save the time and share just my top 25. The names are in alphabetical order because I find them all uniquely, yet equally talented. Comment below any artists you like that I have not mentioned. I love to discover new music!:)

1. Andy Mineo aka "C Lite"
2. Benjah
3. Cam
4. Da' T.R.U.T.H.
5. Deitrick Haddon
6. D-Maub
7. Flame
8. Fred Hammond
9. GI (God's Image)
10. Israel Houghton
11. Izzy
12. Jac Rip
13. Jai
14. Leah Smith
15. Lecrae
16. Pastor AD3
17. Sho Baraka
18. Stephen the Levite
19. Swoope
20. Tedashii
21. Trip Lee
22. Tye Tribbett
23. V. Rose
24. Yaves Ellis aka "Street Pastor"
25. Young Joshua