Month: August 2018

Christian Life

30 Pieces of Silver Changed the World

Kristiann

Much like the vantage point of the photograph, Judas Iscariot had an obstructed view of all the potential Jesus had in mind for him.

In Matthew 26, we see how this man was overcome by satanic influence. It seems that there was greed, jealousy, bitterness and hatred afoot. He chose the dark side rather than to pursue the calling that would have been pleasing to the Lord.

When he went to seek out a price to betray the Lord, he was granted 30 pieces of silver. He was so bold to plot and plan and look for the first opportunity to betray Jesus.

When the time came, he went up to Jesus and gave him a kiss on the cheek. All the while, Jesus calmly still called him friend. I truly believe that if he had repented at that time, he would have been saved. None of us were there at his last moments and there is possibility that as he was preparing to hang himself he cried out in anguish asking for forgiveness. I’m not here to debate one way or the other on that. We do know that the Bible tells us it would have been better for the man that betrayed the Son of God to have never been born. And we know that God loves each and everyone of us.

We also know that the Word tells us that some vessels were created for clean and some for unclean purposes. It also states that the Father doesn’t want anyone to perish but to find eternal life through Jesus His son.

And clearly, we read that Christ could have called down armies of angels and spared him the agony of the cross.

But, I want us to evaluate the impact that one choice can make. One selfish, fleshly decision, was part of an event that changed the whole world. Even though Judas later felt remorse and threw the 30 pieces of silver back into the temple, the dye was already cast.

So may we walk as wise, not as fools, especially as this segment of time and opportunity is rapidly coming to a close. We will all be accountable for the good and the bad that we have done. May we remember to be quick to repent when necessary. May we be readily kind and show forth God’s grace to a world in need.

He said that whatever we do to even the very least, we have done it unto Him. Quite a sobering thought.

Christian Life

The Gift of Discontentment

Kristiann

So here’s something to think about, the gift of discontentment. That may seem strange especially in light of what the scriptures tell us, insofar as we are to be content in whatever state we find ourselves. However, what I am talking about is what begins when we are getting ready to be birthed into a new season of life and ministry.

When you get that unction and know that you can’t be still much longer, that’s what I’m talking about. It’s like your own spirit is lit on fire by the Holy Spirit and you know you can’t stay the same much longer and fulfill your destiny.

I know that many of us may find ourselves in this place. May we pray for guidance, humility and direction from the Lord. In fact, here’s a prayer inspired by the Holy Spirit.

Father, in the name of Jesus, guide and guard my steps. Get me off of the enemy’s frequency, I pray. Loose my tongue to speak only what you would say. Enliven my ears to hear only what you speak and the cry of those that I need to run to in order to lead them out of captivity by following the leading of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus name, direct every part of every path and make the crooked places straight today. Amen.

Christian Life

Angels of Mercy

Kristiann

The Father keeps bringing me back to something in my journal that He said I need to share with you.

Several years ago, I encountered angels. I actually only recently had the revelation from the Father that I truly was protected by the angels during the moments I am going to share with you now.

During my pregnancy, I endured a satanic attack carried out by a human being in which things were thrown at me, property was broken, I was slapped and pushed.

After things were thrown at me and I turned to avoid being struck on the front, I was slapped in the back. I, for some reason, turned around to again face the person acting on behalf of the enemy and was then pushed backward, tripping over the items that have been thrown.

The next thing I knew was that I was in the bathtub. I don’t have recollection of how I got into the bathtub. But there I was sitting upright in the tub and noticing I was bleeding from my toe and that some of the blood was on the tub.

What the Father recently revealed to me is that it was angelic intervention that covered me so I had zero awareness of the most frightening part of that incident and placed me safely in the bathtub.

Even though it was a very bad situation, God sent me help. In Psalm 46:1, He tells us that He is our refuge and strength and a very present help in our time of trouble. He was my help and strength that day.

If you’re feeling tired, weak or discouraged, please just look up and reach out to him with your whole heart. He says if you do, you will find Him.

P.S. My daughter was preserved that day. PTL! He has His eye on you, remember are a pearl of great price, yes, the very apple of His eye, one created in His image and likeness!

Christian Life

Thanks, Eastwood and Froggie

Kristiann

Bullying is a hot topic today. I dare to say that many of us have gone through some experience or maybe multiple of such that could be called bullying, humiliating, perhaps even evil. Of course mistreating anyone is at the core influenced by evil. But, let us remember that if we are His, God works even the darkest, most vile circumstances for our good.

So, I was thinking that I wanted to say thank you, in a way, to Eastwood and Froggie (not their real names of course – but whose real names and faces I still recall with utter clarity) from junior high and high school days. I transferred into public school for the first time in sixth grade, a traumatic experience in it’s own right. In seventh grade I had an alleged friend turn into an enemy who I had to face everyday. One day, I even got off at a different bus stop, just to feel safe. My bus driver, Donna (yes, that is her real name), also watched out for me.

Enter Eastwood…One day while walking across the grassy area after what I’m sure was another lonely and hideous lunch, waiting to get back to my own room in my own home, I feel this thing in the back of my tank top. Any guesses as to what it was? I bet you think something along the lines of a frog, lizard or water balloon….but I shouldn’t assume. No, it wasn’t any of those items but it was something filled with water, a condom. I turn around and there is Eastwood and some other boys laughing as I quickly remove and chuck the item. More about junior high I could tell; but that’s enough of that.

Moving on to high school…Driver’s Education classroom training…enter Froggie. Froggie was cute with his curly dark hair and overall features. He sat in the row next to me and would stare at me. Sure, yes, maybe he liked me but couldn’t admit it; but that doesn’t make it okay to mock one’s attire or physical attributes. I recall his monikers for me, “giraffe” and “chin” which he would call out to me not just in class but when passing by me around campus.

There are other incidents going back to Christian school days too; but really these are just a couple of instances to serve as a platform to say that God really does work things out for our good. After many hard times and struggles (brought on by self and others), I now have such freedom! Now, I don’t care what folks say about my clothes, hair, glasses, house or car. I remember, dear Dave Roever, a gorgeous Vietnam Veteran (look him up if you don’t know his story), who said, “Scars are a sign healing has taken place.”

Christ came to set the captives free. Freedom, from demons of torment, self-loathing, suicide, depression, homicide, being trapped by your own mind, I pray for you today. Move to peace in Jesus.

Jesus loves you so much, He experienced suffering so He could truly understand us. “He was a man of sorrows, bruised for our iniquities,” the Bible says and “tempted in all points…yet without sin”. He knows you better than you know yourself. Whether you are Eastwood or Froggie or someone being attacked and harassed, He shed His blood as a sacrifice, to save you and bring you into eternal peace with Him.

What are you gonna do about that?