Privilege of Entitlements

Because of a mundane life, humans gravitate toward entitlements. Can such a statement holds true if humans infer the lucid Scriptures instead of burying their lives into self-absorbed concerns? In other words, as humans our natural instinct conditions our belief system toward privileged beings, and Scripture even validates such with certainty.
Remember, our Creator placed the first humans in a garden filled with every necessity needed to sustain life. For instance, this garden had plants that produced fruit-bearing trees, nut-bearing trees, and all sort of vegetable for consumption. Even the perfect weather existed in which there was no need for rain to sustain this perfect habitation because a mist came from within the garden for sustainment. After creating such an environment, Scripture revealed, “And God saw everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good…” (Genesis 1:31) Without a doubt, the Creator transformed a swamp into a perfect environment for humans to exist even before He created them. Therefore, the presence of humans linked to this prefect environment prompts a privileged entitlement just from the existence of humanity. The Psalmist reiterates this same theme: “What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visits him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:” Psalms 8:4-6. To further placates this privilege of entitlements, one must grasp the functionality of humans. For instance, we tend to forget that Lucifer (the chief of angels) was sentenced to Earth for the crime of attempting to overthrown God’s dominion. (Revelation 12:9) So in the mist of Lucifer’s residence (Earth), God recreated this magnificent garden giving the domain to humans impliedly removing it from Lucifer.

Therefore, the functionality of humans interchanged with that of angels. For instance, prior to Lucifer’s expulsion from Heaven including one-third of the angelic population (fallen angels), these beings served the Creator, God. Ezekiel 28:14 shed light on the role of Lucifer indicating that he was an anointed Cherub. Cherubim occupy unique positions in Scriptures. In Genesis 3:24, Cherubim protected the entrance into the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve were expelled. Also, when Moses made the mercy seat and placed it in the Holy of Holies of the Tabernacle, God’s glory rested between two Cherubim. Therefore, Cherubim served as servants of God to safeguard definite things. So the interchangeable functionality of humans comprised of serving God and protecting Kingdom work on Earth like Lucifer and the fallen angels once performed.

Yet, humans, the lesser creature than angels, must refrain from the same path as Lucifer of wanted more or wanted to swap places with the Creator. Remember, the privilege of entitlements as an anointed Cherub led Lucifer toward disloyalty and betrayal. Lucifer obtained a Theo Ego complex while serving God when he declared that he will replace God as recorded in Isaiah 14:12-14:
“You said in your heart, I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” Notice that the stars of God are actual angels, “throne on high” and “mount of assemble” can easily mean power, the term “of the clouds” indicates shared recognition and finally, the term “make myself like the Most High” explains Lucifer’s ultimate purpose of wanting to rule like his Creator. 

Likewise as humans, we must remain as servants of God while acknowledging the privilege of entitlements without this Theo Ego mindset. As noted in I John 3:1, Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. As sons of God, we must avoid the selfish egos leading to “I will do this or do that” mentality without God’s will and guidance. We should never want to replace our Creator in any form like receiving services from others or wanting others to credit our authority. Humans must appreciate their humanity. They must knowingly understand that they too are privilege beings serving in Lucifer’s relinquished position because of his obsession with the “I will’s” the Theo Ego.

The lucidness of Scriptures reminds humans to continue your services to God in whatever you do. Therefore, as you minimize your selfish ego, you must stop becoming self-absorbed in unhealthy events. Mostly, realize that your Creator has already solidified your privilege of entitlements by giving you dominion over his creation which is Earth and everything that he created here. So protect his Kingdom by living His will as with oneness notably as sons of God, the lessor of Elohim unlike the fallen angels.

Turning Water into Wine

TRUE PURPOSE

   

The awareness for a purpose creates simplicity in our complex existence. Yet, some individuals never realize their purpose and allow the complexity of life to overshadowed the true reason for living. So I encourage you to ponder about your purpose for a few moments. Do you know your purpose? Are you somewhat hesitant about your purpose? If so, I encourage you to think about the Apostle Peter who definitely demonstrated similar hesitation when he heard that the Savior had risen from the dead. Do you remember his actions - displaying bewilderment when the women delivered the message of the empty tomb and running to the grave to find an empty tomb? He eventually escaped to his safe haven of fishing, his passion. Yet, from this passion, his purpose evolved, allowing him to realize the simplicity of following with a meaningful life. 
       As you study the Scriptures, with a focus on Peter after the resurrection, you will notice a baffled young man who returns to his comfort zone for answers. Yet, the Savior met Peter in his comfort zone to refocus him about his purpose. The setting occurs on the shore of Galilee where Peter, John, and other disciples fished all night without any success. Afterward, the Savoir appeared on the shore and provided specific direction leading to a huge catch. When the group came ashore, the Savior had a healthy meal waiting. After the meal, the Savior and Peter had this dialogue.
          
So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jona, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.  John 21:15 KJVA

       I believe the repeated question by the Savior defines Peter’s purpose. Remember the group had just caught a large quantity of fish numbering 153 fish and after eating the prepared meal, the Savior asked Peter, “Do you love me more than these?”  Many times one will question your love to reciprocate the same love. In other words, the person wants to hear a similar affirmation of love from the recipient. Nevertheless, this question suggests an unnoticeable love known as comparative love. Comparative love determines a relative effectiveness to unfold a purpose, because this love compares to something tangible. The comparison includes the love for Christ likening to the love for possessions. Since the Savior asked Peter this question three consecutive times without variation, the emphasis of the question resonates on the comparison “more than these.” In other words, the phrase “do you love me more than these” means, will your passion for fishing ever interfere with my purpose. Remember, fishing for Peter was an intricate part of living because it produced an income and enabled him to sustain his life style. So, Jesus never took the fishing duty from him, but created opportunities with fishing by multiplying his catch. I tend to believe that Peter continued this profitable skill to enhance his ministry instead of forsaken such a skill just to focus on ministering. Likewise, even the Apostle Paul maintained his trade of tent building while ministering.
       Therefore, purpose synchronizes with passion. So one must use passion to grasp his purpose. Passion and purpose work simultaneously to enable stability when uncertainty ventures in your path. Instead of forsaking your passion when you are unsure about something, learn to incorporate your passion as a benefactor to bridge opportunities. Notice that the Savior encouraged Peter’s passion by multiplying the catch, then he replied “feed my lambs” of which he stated three times.  The Savior’s dialogue with Peter includes two actions -- love and feed. Love demonstrates your inward passion for something; whereas, feed expresses an outward purpose to benefit someone else. For growth to occur, one must tap into your passion, like fishing, in order to feed someone as a purpose. Notice the parallel in how the Savior utilizes the catch of 153 fish when he states “do you love me more than these.” If you affirmed your reply with I love you more, then you must demonstrate such love by feeding my people as a purpose for love. Without a thorough understanding of your passion, you will fail to develop your purpose and fail to aid others as well. Then you will only aid self by continuing to use your passion as you feed your selfish never-filling appetite.
         Finally, as a believer you must grasp how to incorporate your passion to render a purpose. So if you are waiting for your purpose to do this or do that, and lack clarity about your passion, then ask yourself, “Do you love me more than these…then feed my lambs.”

The Essence of Life

Human life can become complex with its obligations both written and unwritten. Yet, I believe the Creator’s original design intended a simple way of life centering on your ability to worship from HIS chosen purpose. One can easily discern the original purpose in Scriptures before the fall of man. “And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the Garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.” (Genesis 2:15 KJV) From this verse, notice the simplicity of God’s original design. 

          The Master Designer, God created the ultimate garden with an array of flowers, bushes, and trees, which produced all kind of fruits both edible and nonedible. Just imagine in one location, you could see all types of fruit, vegetables, and nuts. For instance, this paradise had plenty of fruit-bearing trees like oranges, bananas, apple, figs, and tangerine. Also, it contained nuts-producing trees of all kinds like pecans, almonds, walnuts, as wells as edible vegetables – carrots, tomatoes, spinach, collards, etc.  Here, the Master Designer created man in HIS image and placed him, an intelligent being like HIM for the sole reason to cultivate and nurture this paradise.  Therefore, the Garden of Eden provided the ultimate worship center as man performed his only specified task of maintaining and cultivating these plants and trees for producing fruit. In this garden, man found harmony with meaning as he performed this specified purpose “to dress and to keep it.”

          Today, we perish in this complexity of life when we move from our simple purpose to our ego driven-passions.  Similarly, the tempter (Lucifer) turns us away from God by feeding our ego of selfishness.  When you observe the scenario with humankind and the serpent (Lucifer) via the conversation with Eve. You will notice the shifting from simple to complexity purposed by Lucifer. “The serpent said to the woman, ‘Surely you will not die, for God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will open and you will be like divine beings who know good and evil.’” (Genesis 3: 4-5) Planting such a thought in ones’ minds quickly moves you away from cultivating HIS purpose to desiring your own garden. Likewise, the tempter used this same technique with the Savior. In Matthew 4:3, “The tempter came and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become bread.’” If you analyze the tempter’s routine, you will notice a similar pattern with each person he entices. The tempter reminds you of self-fulfilling outcome, which entices you toward selfish desires instead of God’s will. In other words, the tempter wants you to move from dependence on God to independence from God. While Adam cultivated the Garden of Eden, the tempter used the terms “you will be like divine beings” in other words you will have no need for God for you will become God. Likewise, the tempter used the same tantalizing words with Jesus, “If you are the Son of God.” How often do we feel unfulfilled from lack of purpose or we feel our job seems meaningless because we have yet to prove ourselves or to establish who we are among others. Again, the tempter uses ego driven-passions to move us from God’s dependence to our independence while thinking we can control the outcome if we do this or that.

        Recognition of our dependence on God becomes the key that will open the simplicity of harmony and peace that awaits us. We must realize our true purpose of being ourselves and fulfilling that simple task of cultivating the work where God puts us right now, instead of where we want to go. Whether you are a student, employee, or retiree, you must execute this simple purpose to dress and keep the fruit of your life pleasing before God so ultimately you will remain as God intended – sons of God.

Example for Children

This truism extends blessings...

This truism extends blessings from generation to generation by creating an eternal marking upon one’s offspring. Take a look at your past photos of your parents and even your parents' parents. Can you identify similar features that you share with each of them? If one recognizes physical resemblance, what about the intangible similarities to include characteristics and traits that you share? Because of such a profound connection with self to one’s family, the Savior proposed a unique question to his disciples when questioned about who is the greatest in the kingdom. He placed a child in midst of them followed by this statement: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” (Matthew 18:1-5) Although, this lesson explains humility, the Savior points the disciples to their younger selves when they too were children of innocence. So notice that this truism reminds us that a blessed child results from a righteous parent who never forgets his child-like spirits.  The need for greatness and outward distinction becomes less in the child’s mind than the adult way of thinking. A child incurs the dependence on his parent less than an older self. So a child develops into adult-like traits By imitating his parent. Consequently,  the humbleness of mind as demonstrated in selflessness returns when one has a child-like spirit. As one resonates his child-like spirit, it will lead to righteousness, resulting with blessed offspring.

If one subscribes to old idiom, “the apple does not fall far from the tree” meaning that children are like their parents. I can definitely agree with this idiom; simply because I see my father’s ways and behavior as I interact daily with people. So as one avoids the pitfall of self-centeredness and gravitate toward a humility mindset, your child will tap into positive experiences instead of negative experiences as life unfolds. In other words, a person gravitate toward his parent’s action under life stresses from a learned behavior instead reacting in one’s best interest under such challenges. For instance, if one seeks aspiration to have a blessed child, then one must demonstrate how to bless others through humility to implant such behavior in his child. Remember, the writing of Apostle Paul to the Philippians, as he explained humility in describing the role of the Savior: "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." (Philippians 2:5-9) As Jesus imitated his Father through humility, likewise; the recipient of a blessed child emanates self-effacing for his child to replica.

Remember that a heavenly mindset allows you to impart the same selfless life style to your child. So the formula for a blessed child evolves around you living the same child-like life in front of your child. Equally, the child will repeat the same imparting to his child, reflecting a child-like spirit comparable to the truism – “The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them." (Proverbs 20:7 NIV)

Lessons Learned from my Father-n-Law

I grasped a new revelation regarding the role of a father as Rev. Rufus Grant (pastor of New Beginnings Missionary Baptist) explained the difference of a hireling and a shepherd during Sunday service. Although, I have heard similar sermons about the “Good Shepherd” but today his message unfolded a new revelation from an unlikely Scripture. “Let the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation, which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the Lord be not as sheep which have no shepherd.” (Numbers 27:16-17). This verse provides the necessity of a shepherd for the congregation likewise each family needs a shepherd to aid with the growth of the family. During his sermon, I thought about the role of a father like the Good Shepherd for a congregation. For instance, Rev. Grant listed five points in his comparison of a hireling:

     1. The hireling is a hired person who works for money. Hired individual only considers the gain that he receives during the course of his serving. 

     2. The hireling as a hired person lacks the value of working because his heart centers on the profitable gain of monetary value.

     3. The hireling runs away when the work faces opposition.

     4. The hireling lacks faithfulness if such service become unprofitable.

     5. The hireling seeks only self-gratification.  

Unlike a hireling, God places a father in charge of the family. Likewise, a father must value his role wholeheartedly. He must demonstrate an unwillingness to relinquish his family responsibilities despite oppositions. In John 10:12 (NIV), “the hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it.” This Scripture reveals that a hireling runs away from the sheep when the wolf comes comparably a father faces the wolf unwavering while protecting his family with an attitude that he will lay down his life for them. As demonstrated in John 10:15… “I lay down my life for the sheep.” Since, the wolf symbolizes any issue that bring hard times, the father serves as the resilience for the family while each family member explores the various opportunities of life.  

Unselfish love drives the will of the shepherd unlike money for the hireling. The monetary profit for a shepherd generates an irrelevant commodity since a shepherd’s perception coincides with a heavenly outcome. Likewise, the father views his family through the eyes of love while making decisions from the heart instead of a selfish mindset. 

Ultimately, the father through love becomes the center of gravity that sustains a family for each member to live life fully and abundantly. So I encourage fathers to awake to this new revelation and fulfill your shepherd's roles in the family. 

Reasons for Groaning

For verily in this we groan, longing to be clothed upon with our habitation which is from heaven:
2 Corinthians 5:2

What if no person ever dies? If persons live forever on this earth, will we have a need to grow spiritually? We noticed that in the New Testament that we groan for a heavenly presence while on earth echoing a need to exist beyond this earthly realm.

Groaning can easy communicate a painful effort of moving from one state to another state. Such occurred to me after a knee surgery when I accidentally rupture my patella tendon playing basketball. During rehabilitation which immediately occurred the next day after surgery, I literally cried from the excruciating pain as I tried bending my knee. I wanted to rest but the bending of the knee to a certain degree became paramount to prevent freezing. Therefore, my groaning resulted in exercising the knee at the prescribed level that eventually enabled me walk again.

Equally, life situation causes us to groan and to escape such groaning ones must recognize the need for growth. The groaning provides a glimpse of being clothed in your heavenly body while living on earth. Therefore, life situation that causes us to cry on earth brings us closer to the growth needed for heavenly preparation. So instead of criticizing your situation just embrace these earthly circumstances with groaning while realizing that each groan enables growth needed for heavenly profits. As noted in Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.