Mad Style

Apart from my apparent dislike for the recent wave of shows that is sweeping the nation (pun intended), there are specific TV programmes that are worth gazing at and truly capture your attention. If the plot is flimsy and thin, there is something that you count on if the action is poor: fashion!! In the case of Gossip Girl (which is my go-to show for inspiration), I have a close second, which if most of you know me, is not a complete surprise. In fact, it's like a perfect match. Mad Men is my recent television series simply because of the outfits. Ah, the form-fitting, red-wearing, bumpits-teased honeycomb hairstyles return with a vengeance. The men wear sexy tuxedos (something every man should have a necessary male fashion staple), and the women wear a-line skirts and dresses, flowy cardigans, cat-eye sunglasses, and kitten heels.  Ah, j'adore! The essence and backdrop to the show is timeless. I've searched for countless photos to assist in my emulating the pinnacle of '60s vogue.

Also, to express how much I ardently admire the on-set costumes, I've added some show stills.

I seriously want the entire wardrobe. Not even joking. Now, this, this, is modest clothing that is chic, stylish, and trendy. Simply wonderful. If you ever got me anything like this, you would be my best friend for life 'cause you would know how much I adore vintage clothing.

Aggitation Aggrivation

First, I have to be foreboding and warn y'all: I am a little pissed off. (Yes, that word does exist in my voacabulary but no, it does not insinuate a horrible conduct.) I know that I am persecuted and that my so-called friends with whom I used to associate dislike me greatly because I became serious about Jesus and that didn't comply with their image of me. For some reason, they thought that I would be the typical Christian teen who wanted to join in with all the parties, alcohol, lawlessness, debauchary, drugs, and casual sex. And while my former peers were not exactly in that clique, the idea ran through their minds as we progressed grades and started growing older. Besides, most of my friends has comrades in older grades or siblings at least two years older, so that influence definetely affected their thinking, whether they are willing to admit it or not. And sadly to their dismay, I grew to be the atypical adolescent they, deep, deep down, knew I was. So when that character shined through, they grew repulsed at my new "identitity" and refused to mingle with me simply because I was a "religious freak". What truly astounded me is that they did not dare to think this of my other Christian peers, whom I also affiliated with and was part of a group. They laughed with them and hey, considered them to be closely related. But...not with me. Why? Well, I am not exactly certain as to the reason they purposely alienate me, but I believe the reason lies within the fact that I simply refuse to compromise my faith and that shines through everything I say, do, think, and act. So what happens when I try to became cavalier with them now? Heads clash and ideas brew heated discussions which eventually turns to enmity and profound aversion. It punctures my soul and vexes me when I attempt to share with them that their ideas or tenacious belief will not permit their ticket to an afterlife oasis and they respond with profound dislike. But I know what they're thinking: How is it that what I believe is any different from their's? What makes me think I know better than them? Or, frequently used, what makes me think that what I believe is better than what say, an atheist or a "fundamentalist" Christian (which, by the way, is no such thing) would believe? Truth be told, I can't convince them by my words that what I believe is the real thing. Words have no influence unless there is action and sentiments behind it. Sadly, they refuse to allow me to show them! I don't even get a chance to express myself to them! It's as if they are trying to shove their carefully-constructed lies down my throat, attempting me to believe that what I believe is a bunch of hullabaloo. Which, frankly, is not. But, in their minds, what I think about them is what they think about me. So I am facing a conundrum, you see. When I even begin to tell them lovingly, with unconditional love (which they mocked unashamedly at my dispense), they simply put a wall up and I crash into it face first. Somehow, looking at it from a different angle, I believe that what I am telling them is hitting a nerve, and when words hit a nerve, the immediate defense mechanism is offense (which they have displayed on numerous occasions), and then they begin to discredit Jesus and that the fact that He is a fraud. I try not to grow weary or hurt ot cry, but sometimes, I feel as though they are not directly targetting this at Jesus as much as they are directing this as me because I left their little clan to pursue my calling and follow Jesus. And since I am confident and not ashamed to post thought-proving statuses on Facebook (like, for example, atheism does not give you hope, joy, love, healing, drastic changes--heartfelt changes--, or a life of worth in the Creator's eyes like Jesus gives). When this comment aroused my peer's vocal (very vocal) opinion, I sense that now, it's not so much as defending themselves but trying to force me out of putting in my two cents. They don't even let me try to explain or give them the opportunity to really think; I think it's because they don't want to. I sense that they rationalize and based on my dispotion and temperment, they can't try to tell me that Jesus is fake or that I am a fraud in following and abiding in a fraudulent religion. I think they put up that imaginary (but existent) wall because if they search, if they really search, perhaps they will find exactly what they are so desperately trying to avoid.

I am aware that people make fun of me that I following and living in the realness of Christ's light and that I am oppressed verbally for my faith. But you know what? I don't, pardon my language, give a damn. Who cares what they think? Are they God? Do they tell me when I'm going to die and where I'm going to go? Do they rule over my life as a godlike supremacy? No, I didn't think so. So let them talk and gossip and speak poorly about me until their tongues fall off. I don't care; I really don't. When they reach that low point, when they hit rock bottom, and they will have no one else to turn to (because in life, friends aren't really friends if they agree with what you're saying just because you're friends. They're friends if they make you think and analyze the situation, attempting to see the light regarding this spectacle. They are your friends if they refuse to give you alcohol not because it's against the law to drink underage but because it's unbeneficial to your health.), they will either face it alone in dispair or lift their eyes to their Maker and surrender and ask for help. Talk about a humbling experience. One of the reasons why people refuse God is because they desire freedom and they think God doesn't give freedom. While freedom without borders is bondage, God won't allow you to recklessly ruin your life by doing whatever (after all, He is your Father and you are His child, so as your Parent, He won't allow you to be stupid); He will guide you in the right path, in the right direction, and in the right time. "But why would one need God anyway?" Alright then, when you get struck by the storms of life, we'll see how you fare. And as for my peers, I'll see where they'll be in a few years and then I'll see who has proved character, dignity, and integrity. Because most of them are just big talkers. People with character don't talk; they do.

Corrupted Vision

I have a confession to share: I don't particularly fancy watching the telly (oh, yeah, that's British slang). Part of the reason is because of my hectic and my demanding schedule. Part of it is because I recently purchased the first two seasons of Gilmore Girls, so that's occupying most of my leisure. But, the reason why I greatly detest to turn on the TV is because the TV, quite frankly, sucks. I was born in the '90s, so I remember vividly of the TV series that I idolized as a child, watching it avidly and religiously. Nowadays? The entertainment media is saturated in crude humour, overt sexual jokes that domineers the role of a women in a man's life, lowering her value and morale, criticizing faith and speaking disrespectfully regarding, what should be, respectable beings, and corrupting the minds of young children through subtle and innocent-appearing cartoons. And the tween series, excuse my French, is filled with lacklustre actresses who possess no amount of acting chops whatsoever and Hollywood milks the popularity of these  girls (and boys)  because they know that in maximum 2-5 years, that star of that tween heartthrob will not be a household name, but an unknown. When I was growing up, the shows I used to watch (and still do, thanks to Youtube) were not filled with corruptive ideas, images of disrespect and loveless families, and they were certainly not filled with God-bashing phrases. I am often filled with nostalgia because I do wish that the shows I greatly admired blossoming into the young woman I am today were still on re-runs. But no; instead, my mind is filled with Miley Cyrus's nasally voice on Hannah Montana, the audacity to present the practise of Wicca innocently and approvingly on Wizards of Waverly Place, and casual sex and blaspheme cusses on Gossip Girl or 90210. (I want to make it clear that I do not, in fact, watch Gossip Girl; I only look at cast and official photos to emulate Blair's envious preppy-Eurovintage style.) So, if you're like me, and you want to reminisce on your youth by watching your old-time favourite shows, I've conducted a thorough list of what I watched when I was learning how to ride a bike until I entered the horror-inducing world of pubescence. Some I wouldn't necessarily watch now, but it's still nice to revisit memory lane.

1. Sailor Moon
2. The Powerpuff Girls
3. Dexter's Laboratory
4. Rugrats
5. Smart Guy
6. Proud Family
7. Hey Arnold
8. The Weekenders
9. That's So Raven
10. Good Troop
11. DuckTales
12. House of Mouse
13. Arthur 
14. The Magic School Bus
15. Liberty's Kids
16. Boy Meets World
17. All That
18. Sabrina: The Animated Series
19. Two of a Kind
20. Lizzie McGuire

That is about the only ones I can come up with from the top of my head. I actually conducted a looong list back home and it's somewhere in my room...Anyhow, I hope you enjoy this list I made (I know it's not exactly my best work), and I assure you, the moment I arrive to that list, I will post it. The point I want to come across is that Disney and Nickelodeon Channel sucks in these days. They really do; I know that sounds pessimistic and somewhat cynical of me, but those aforementioned channels were so much more better in the '90s and early '2000s. It really was. It was a joy to watch TV (and not have to cover my ears or eyes from obscene matter). Now, I nearly want to upchuck my lunch when I see Disney or Nickelodeon make a phenomenal star out of someone who doesn't have a shred of talent.

Top 5: Oscars

I like watching the Academy Awards. I view the Oscars at the glammed out, Hollywood version of prom. It's like ultra-chic Hollywood prom, complete with elaborate and flamboyant dresses that costs more than a car or house. The jewelry can induce heart attacks when one learns the value of an emerald Chopard necklace or a Tiffany's wreath. The makeup and hairdos inspire prom looks for simple teenagers such as myself. But most of all, I like to watch and gauge the designs of what celebrities wear and begin to emulate their looks in simple works. What I particularly like about the 83rd annual Academy Awards is that the majority of the dresses were simple, timeless, and...gosh, wearable. Well, except for Cate Blanchett's horrible Givenchy dress that looks half futuristic warrior princess, half geometric avand-garde, and strangely unproportionate. From the hemline down, it was the soft lavender hem with the pearls that adds a femininity to a severe-looking dress. And thus, my top 5 looks of the 2011 Oscars.

1.

Mandy Moore's dress is very pretty. It exudes a forgotten poise that seems to be part of a bygone era. Aside from the obvious soft shade of peach, the dress itself is very simple and chic. It has crystals and the overall shape is munificent. Simply lovely. I would actually wear this to prom. And her minimalist earrings keeps it classy and cool.

2. 

Okay, putting aside that it's Chanel, the dress itself is extraordinary. It has a timeless silhouette and appears as something Princess Grace of Monaco would wear. The colour is universally flattering--a colour anyone can wear and pull off wonderfully. And the hemline is nice; not something that leaves nothing to the imagination. Michelle Williams captures the Audrey Hepburn red carpet elegance. 

3. 

A little flamboyant for my taste (it seems a little "loud" for my usual taste) but the colour looks divine on Halle Berry's dark golden skin. However, style suits her and attracts attention without swallowing her. And strapless dresses always accentuates shoulders and arms; a nice dress should always compliment and highlight a feature--no more, no less--to illuminate an aura around that captivates the crowd around you.

4.

This is absolutely ravishing. I cannot even begin to explain how much I adore this dress. Everything about this dress screams me: the hemline, the design, the colour, the opaque sparkling screen lying on her neckline (very becoming and age-appropriate for the 14-year-old Supporting Actress nominee), the shoes, and her makeup. Like, like, like! If there was a dress out there that realistically captures what I would wear to prom, this would be it. It reminds me of what Audrey Hepburn wore at the 1954 Oscars. 

5. 

A surprising and refreshing image change for Miss. Witherspoon. The very 1960s take is ultra-flattering. The big ponytail, the monochromatic dress, her expressive winged eyeliner, and her earrings brings the revival of the '60s to America, which, quite frankly, is a nice change to see instead of the majority of teenage girls dressing the same with the same skanky tops. There is just something about retro style that is chic, and this, is just pretty. Very Brigitte Bardot. I would wear that to a black and white gala, with that same hairdo and the same eye makeup. If only there was a like button to show how much I like it.

BONUS!

6. 

Of all the dresses and outfits the comedic co-host of the Oscars wore, this is perhaps my favourite. This dashing Oscar de la Renta dress is so fun, and the jewelled neckline is a surprising pop of bedazzlement. Plus, the little dangling strings makes we want to shake, rattle, and roll, just like she did. It was a real-life Princess Mia moment.

Basic Fundamentals: Part VII

I have arrived to the ending of this mini-series I've conducted on the basic principles that unsaved brothers and sisters and even believers should know. Many are rejoicing that I am not talking about my religious mumbo-jumbo; others are ambivalent. Whatever your thoughts may be, I assure you that what I am speaking of I had not only experienced them firsthand, but I am knowledgeable regarding my subjects. Despite the power, victory, triumph, and dominion we have as Christ's heir, the most important thing is love. God's greatest commandment is to love. Matthew 22: 37-40 expresses this: Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' God doesn't want power, faith, and results from us without receiving love first. It is, after all, the reason why God sent His Son for us, because He loves us. God's love is inexplicable, innumerable, and immeasurable. Ephesians 3:18 beautifully tells us the incalculable love of God: And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is. The core of the Gospel is to spread the love of Christ to all nations. People want love before they see the power of Christ. They don't want to see an all-powerful deity before they see an unconditional, authentic, pure, and real-loving God. The love of God is what attracts people to Christ and why they ultimately want to surrender their lives to Him--because He gives a love, a supernatural love, that is not of the world. And people sense that. They sense that the love that you have burning inside of you, that is a consuming fire, is not the type of love that is found within people on this earth. It is a supernatural love that cannot be explained through the 5 senses, cognitively, qualitatively, quantitatively, or scientifically. However, when this love washes over you and you are in that moment when the love of God is over you, you know it's real. That because God is love. 1 John 4:7 illuminates this reality: He who does not love has not become acquainted with God [does not and never did know Him], for God is love. addition, because we have Christ inside of us, we are told to love like Christ loves the world. Christians are required to walk in unconditional love. Without unconditional love, the anointing doesn't operate, you don't achieve the results you wait for because your heart is not in the right place and it is in spitefulness (the opposite spectrum of love), and you become a target for the enemy because unconditional love is an invisible forcefield against the enemy. When you walk in unconditional love, everything aligns up to what you speak because you walk in the unconditional love that God requires you to walk in. That speaking, unconditional love means loving regardless of the circumstance, and that oftentimes means tough love. Being a Christian doesn't mean going with the flow; being a Christian means being Christ-like, and Christ always displayed love but not in the way some people wanted (such as the Pharisees). Unconditional love means refusing to give money to a child that is reckless and foolish with money; unconditional love means speaking the truth even in troubling circumstances and environment ; unconditional love means walking in the road that provides results, even if you are lonely...but not alone; unconditional love means doing good, not nice. You love the person as a being, but you may not necessarily love what he or she is doing or how that said person is living his or her life. You love all the time, but you don't give in to people based on maudlin sentiments that appeals to one's emotions. Christ loves all the time, since He is love, but He often displayed tough love. The man at the pool of Bethesda who trifled getting well, Christ could have healed Him; He is powerful enough to do that. But, displaying unconditional love, Christ asked him is he truly wanted to get well, testing him. Why do Christ tests us sometimes? I admit, the walk of a Christian, or Christ ambassador, is not easy. It is filled with trials and tribulations, but Christ has overcome the world (the world in Greek translations means the burdens of the world, which includes sickness, debt, challenges, everything). John 16:33 says this truth: I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. So why does God tests us if He loves us? He tests us because He wants to make sure that our love for Him will remain and grow even in troubling times, when the sun isn't always shining. God wants to know that our love for Him, in return, is authentic, unconditional, pure, and real. God loves us when we were sinners, when we were in a hole that we couldn't climb out. The God of all the earth saw our insignificance and loved us and rescued us. God created the earth so He can have a family--you and I. God loves you. Never question that. Never doubt it. And if you do, then you know that it is from the enemy because the evil one is not love and does not give love. Since love is perhaps the central message of the Gospel, here are additional Scriptures to help you comprehend the abounding love of Christ.

If you [really] love Me, you will keep (obey) My commands. 

John 14: 15
 

Whereas the object and purpose of our instruction and charge is love, which springs from a pure heart and a good (clear) conscience and sincere (unfeigned) faith. 
 

1 Timothy 1: 5
 

And walk in love, [esteeming and delighting in one another] as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us, a slain offering and sacrifice to God [for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance. 

Ephesians 5: 2
 

[Let your] love be sincere (a real thing); hate what is evil [loathe all ungodliness, turn in horror from wickedness], but hold fast to that which is good. 

Romans 12: 9
 

Love one another with brotherly affection [as members of one family], giving precedence and showing honor to one another.
 

Romans 12: 10
 

Little children, let us not love [merely] in theory or in speech but in deed and in truth (in practice and in sincerity). 

1 John 3: 18
 

And you shall love the Lord your God with all your [mind and] heart and with your entire being and with all your might.


Deuteronomy 6: 5
 

Know, recognize, and understand therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God, Who keeps covenant and steadfast love and mercy with those who love Him and keep His commandments, to a thousand generations. 

Deuteronomy 7: 9
 

How precious is Your steadfast love, O God! The children of men take refuge and put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.

 
Psalm 36: 7
 

Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he knows and understands My name [has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love, and kindness--trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never forsake him, no, never]. 

Psalm 91: 14
 

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is (springs) from God; and he who loves [his fellowmen] is begotten (born) of God and is coming [progressively] to know and understand God [to perceive and recognize and get a better and clearer knowledge of Him]. 

1 John 4: 7
 

He who does not love has not become acquainted with God [does not and never did know Him], for God is love. 

1 John 4: 8
 

Such hope never disappoints or deludes or shames us, for God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us. 

Romans 5: 5
 

But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us. 

Romans 5: 8
 

Love does no wrong to one's neighbor [it never hurts anybody]. Therefore love meets all the requirements and is the fulfilling of the Law. 

Romans 13: 10
 

For God is not unrighteous to forget or overlook your labor and the love which you have shown for His name's sake in ministering to the needs of the saints (His own consecrated people), as you still do.
 

Hebrews 6: 10
 

Let love for your fellow believers continue and be a fixed practice with you [never let it fail]. 

Hebrews 13: 1
 

But if one loves God truly [with affectionate reverence, prompt obedience, and grateful recognition of His blessing], he is known by God [recognized as worthy of His intimacy and love, and he is owned by Him].
 

1 Corinthians 8: 3
 

But earnestly desire and zealously cultivate the greatest and best gifts and graces (the higher gifts and the choicest graces). And yet I will show you a still more excellent way [one that is better by far and the highest of them all--love]. 

1 Corinthians 12: 31
 

For whom the Lord loves He corrects, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights. 

Proverbs 3: 12
 

I love those who love me, and those who seek me early and diligently shall find me. 

Proverbs 8: 17
 

But God--so rich is He in His mercy! Because of and in order to satisfy the great and wonderful and intense love with which He loved us. 

Ephesians 2: 4
 

I give you a new commandment: that you should love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you too should love one another. 

John 13: 34
 

By this shall all [men and women] know that you are My disciples, if you love one another [if you keep on showing love among yourselves].
 

John 13: 35
 

He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love [for love waved as a protecting and comforting banner over my head when I was near him].
 

Song of Solomon 2: 4
 

And this I pray: that your love may abound yet more and more and extend to its fullest development in knowledge and all keen insight [that your love may display itself in greater depth of acquaintance and more comprehensive discernment]. 

Philippians 1: 9
 

Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins [forgives and disregards the offenses of others]. 

1 Peter 4: 8
 

Show respect for all men [treat them honorably]. Love the brotherhood (the Christian fraternity of which Christ is the Head). Reverence God. Honor the emperor.
 

1 Peter 2: 17
 

Who shall ever separate us from Christ's love? Shall suffering and affliction and tribulation? Or calamity and distress? Or persecution or hunger or destitution or peril or sword? 

Romans 8: 35
 

For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

Romans 8: 38-39
 

May Christ through your faith [actually] dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in your hearts! May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love. 

Ephesians 3: 17
 

[That you may really come] to know [practically, through experience for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge [without experience]; that you may be filled [through all your being] unto all the fullness of God [may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself]! 

Ephesians 3: 19
 

And may the Lord make you to increase and excel and overflow in love for one another and for all people, just as we also do for you. 

1 Thessalonians 3: 12
 

And above all these [put on] love and enfold yourselves with the bond of perfectness [which binds everything together completely in ideal harmony]. 

Colossians 3: 14
 

As a father loves and pities his children, so the Lord loves and pities those who fear Him [with reverence, worship, and awe]. 

Psalm 103: 13
 

And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you but [reverently] to fear the Lord your God, [that is] to walk in all His ways, and to love Him, and to serve the Lord your God with all your [mind and] heart and with your entire being. 

Deuteronomy 10: 12
 

But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. 

Matthew 5: 44
 

If you [merely] love those who love you, what quality of credit and thanks is that to you? For even the [very] sinners love their lovers (those who love them). 

Luke 6: 32
 

Therefore I tell you, her sins, many [as they are], are forgiven her--because she has loved much. But he who is forgiven little loves little. 

Luke 7: 47
 

I have loved you, [just] as the Father has loved Me; abide in My love [continue in His love with Me]. 

John 15: 9
 

No one has greater love [no one has shown stronger affection] than to lay down (give up) his own life for his friends. 

John 15: 13
 

Let everything you do be done in love (true love to God and man as inspired by God's love for us). 

1 Corinthians 16: 14
 

Hatred stirs up contentions, but love covers all transgressions. 

Proverbs 10: 12
 

May the Lord direct your hearts into [realizing and showing] the love of God and into the steadfastness and patience of Christ and in waiting for His return.
 

2 Thessalonians 3: 5
 

Beloved, if God loved us so [very much], we also ought to love one another. 

1 John 4: 11
 

Even if I dole out all that I have [to the poor in providing] food, and if I surrender my body to be burned or in order that I may glory, but have not love (God's love in me), I gain nothing. 

1 Corinthians 13: 3
 

Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily.
 

1 Corinthians 13: 4
 

It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong].
 

1 Corinthians 13: 5
 

It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail. 

1 Corinthians 13: 6
 

Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening]. 

1 Corinthians 13: 7
 

Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end]. As for prophecy (the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), it will be fulfilled and pass away; as for tongues, they will be destroyed and cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away [it will lose its value and be superseded by truth]. 

1 Corinthians 13: 8
 

And so faith, hope, love abide [faith--conviction and belief respecting man's relation to God and divine things; hope--joyful and confident expectation of eternal salvation; love--true affection for God and man, growing out of God's love for and in us], these three; but the greatest of these is love. 

1 Corinthians 13: 13 

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

The enemy hates love because he knows that love (God) is power. So when we utilize the powerful that has been distributes to us through the Holy Spirit, it equals defeat. Coupled with the anointing and power of the Word of God, he screams and pulls his hair out (figuratively speaking) because he doesn't know what else to do to bring you down, to bring the defeat to you. And he hates that.

Well, I hope this gives you a new but real perspective to what living for Christ is all about. It's not about having Jesus but living messed up lives; it's about living in Jesus and obtaining results wherever we go. We have freedom, deliverance, and power in Jesus--we need to live like it. If you have any more questions or are still wondering about certain things, please click the following links to certified preachers who have give me this knowledge so that I may disperse it elsewhere.

Creflo Dollar

Kenneth Copeland

God bless you!

Basic Fundamentals: Part VI

We sing the songs in church, we raise our hands in response to the heavy atmosphere of the Holy Spirit, we repeat the lyrics unrecognizing the power that lies within the blood of Jesus. Allow me to introduce you to the reality of the blood of Jesus.

10. Particularly popular around the Easter season, there are many popular animated cartoons about Jesus, His death, and His resurrection. Yet many Christian people, specifically pastors, skim over the part where Jesus was at the whipping post, where His blood was lashed out in gallons, spilling over generously. In fact, of all the things that Jesus did for you and me, this perhaps the most thing criminally overlooked. The anthem of Pentecostals is: there is power, power, wondering-working power in the blood of the Lamb (Jesus). But very, very few actually know what the blood of Jesus accomplished. First, you need to realize that life is in the blood. If we suddenly stopped producing blood--the essential fluid that flows within all of our bodies--surely, we would die, would we not? Life is in the blood. Now, Jesus came to give us life. Not just eternal life in Heaven, and while that's certainly part of it and important ( and not to be overlooked), it has been given too much emphasis to that fact that Jesus came to redeem our sins. He didn't come just for that; He came to redeem us of everything. Exodus 12:13 clearly illuminates the truth regarding the crucial significance of the Blood:...when I [God] see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you. This piece of Scripture is referring to the Israelites when it was time to prepare the journey to enter the Promise Land--the land that God has provided for His people. Although this is directly referring to the Angel of Death passing over the houses that has the blood of the lamb (notice to correlation between the blood of the lamb posted on the door posts and Jesus as the Lamb of God and how He poured out His blood), it should give you the assurance that when the Blood is applied on your life, for every situation, nothing can enter and you will not be harmed. As believers, we can boldly proclaim that we have a blood-bought right to be free of bondage, whether that bondage comes in the form of sickness, financial problems, relationship issues, confusion, or stress. Jesus’ shed blood purchased our deliverance from the works of the evil one. However, there is clear evidence that you can still be a Christian and still be messed up. That is not to say that that Christian may not love God; surely he does. Nonetheless, that doesn't excuse the fact that his life is still messed up. But it doesn't have to be. Jesus' blood purchased his freedom. John 8:36 says this: For whom the Son sets free is free indeed. So how is it possible that so many Christians do not have true and complete freedom in their lives? Simple: It is because that they do not abide in His Blood. If your resting place is not in the assurance and reality in the fact that Jesus invested His Blood in, literally, every single thing, then results do not follow. You rest in the uncertainty of whether Jesus is who He says He is, when you should be looking at the magnitude of your redemption. The Western culture has watered down the Gospel, dispelling all the relevant and applicable instructions. Instead of focusing on what the Blood accomplishes, churches dwell in mundane, boorish teaching on grace and mercy. Well, people, it's time to wake up from that spiritual slumber and give you the taste of the real Living Water--Jesus. When Jesus suffered those 39 whips, He invested His Blood in 39 main diseases, which from those diseases, every single disease is a form, or branched, from those 39 diseases. Cancer is a disease, but there are several forms of cancers; in this same light, Jesus' Blood covered over every single disease, illness, ailment, abnormality that is not of normal according to God's Word, corrupted thoughts, emotions, and feelings, relationships, financial instability, fear, doubt, timidness, double-mindness, worry, unbelief, depression, and confusion. Revelation 12:11: they [Christians, body of Christ] overcame him [the evil one, Satan] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony [by the words we use, our verbal authority]. When you say, "Through the power of Blood of the Christ Jesus, I am healed!" or "I am out of debt!", you say with absolute confidence. You say it because you know that you say it with power because there is power in what you are saying. The enemy wants you to keep you ignorant of the Blood because the evil one knows the power lying within the Blood and what happens when a believer applies in faith and confidence. The evil one knows the power in the Blood, which is why he wants to keep you ignorant of it, because if you apply it, he is defeated forever. The blood of Jesus means that the enemy is defeated forever. Forever. He can't torment, you, abuse you, confuse you, or attack you because by the power of the blood of Jesus, he is defeated eternally, never to come out the chains that bound him--the Blood! When you have a problem, a sickness, and failed relationship, or even confusing, wrong, or perverted thoughts, and you ask God why He didn't snap His fingers and make it all go away, God's reply is, "I sent you my Son". The sacrifice of Jesus is so powerful. Jesus did not suffer that inexplicable, indescribable, and unimaginable death just for our sins. No! That would only be scratching the tip of the iceberg. He accomplished so much more than that! Only a drip of the blood of Jesus could remove our sins; but His death was that gruesome and that painful because Jesus had every problem, every disease, everything that God put in hell (such as sickness, debt, confusion, worry, doubt, even, controversially speaking, homosexuality) so that we do not have to live or suffer with it. If we apply the sacrifice of Jesus only for our sins, then His death was in vain. So, you may ask, what did Jesus do while He "died"? He took everything that was on His shoulders during His death and put them in the pit of hell, never to return on God's people. So you see, the Blood of Jesus is the ultimate weapon and it is the weapon for our triumph over the evil one. The Word works and has authority because of the Blood; we speak the Word and it comes to pass because of the Blood; circumstances change when we abide in Jesus because of the Blood; and, most importantly, we access the same power that Jesus had on earth through His Blood. If you ask how this is possible, John 14:12 answers this query simply: I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. If you apply the Blood, live in the Blood, and plead the Blood, you shall see circumstances change, your body (referring to the physical aspect) restore to perfection, your financial state shall grow and increase, and your mind, soul, and spirit shall be like Jesus almost instantaneously. How? I am living in that truth.

Repeat this: BY THE BLOOD OF JESUS, I AM WHOLE, RESTORED, REDEEMED, AND FREE. THANK YOU JESUS THAT BY THE POWER OF YOUR BLOOD, I AM FREE FROM [insert dilemma, conundrum, or problem]. SATAN, THROUGH THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB, YOU ARE DEFEATED FOREVER. YOU CAN NEVER TOUCH, ATTACK, OR TORMENT ME EVER AGAIN.

Congratulations. You have made all of hell quiver. And Jesus is beaming because you are finally appropriating what He has been sent to do. To understand what the Blood accomplished means that the evil cannot employ more schemes to, eventually, bring you down and not believe what the Bible say. Jesus died for everything and His Blood invested in everything so that all you have to do is appropriate the Blood in faith and it comes to pass. Jesus died for that. 

Here is an except from a teaching by Creflo Dollar on the Blood:


Many of us know about the blood of Jesus on a religious, traditional basis only. However, we must have an understanding of, and faith in, the power of the blood in order to appropriate it in our daily lives. Then, when we release our faith in the blood through confession, we will have what we say. We can use our faith in the blood of Jesus to attack every negative situation in life.



Six ways the blood of Jesus releases power in our lives:


1. The blood of Jesus has the power to free us from every stronghold of the enemy.
2. The blood of Jesus has the power to protect us from the onslaughts of Satan.


3. The blood of Jesus has the power to give us absolute victory in every storm in life.


4. The blood of Jesus has the power to give us complete breakthrough in prayer.
 

  a. Christians who want to be successful must live a life of prayer.
 

  b. Commit to a specific prayer time each day, and be consistent.
 

  c. Pray throughout the day also.
 

  d. Acknowledge Him in the simple things in life. Let Him direct you in all that you do.
 

  e. When the feeling of heaviness prevents you from praying, plead the Blood of Jesus.


5. The blood of Jesus has the power to release, all the benefits of our redemption through Jesus, for us to enjoy:


  a. The Blood has redeemed us from all sin, but we must receive our redemption by faith.
 

  b. The Blood of Jesus does not give us an excuse to practice sin. Sinners practice sin, not Believers.
 

  c. We have been redeemed from spiritual blindness, sickness, disease, and poverty.
 

  d. He who was rich (in righteousness) became poor so that we who were poor could become rich (in righteousness) (2 Corinthians 8:9).


6. The blood of Jesus has the power to make us winners on the face of the Earth.

I sincerely hope that you realize the sacrifice of Jesus and His blood is not just some nice song we sing in church or an account we reiterate at Easter, stirring emotions. The Blood is powerful. If you apply it and expect your words bring power to whatever it is you just said, He will not let you down. God always works on behalf of His Word. Why? Because of the Blood.

Basic Fundamentals: Part V

The one really cool thing about God is His amazing, unending love. It it His love that compelled Him to send His Son for me, for you, because you were in a hole, a bottomless hole, a black abyss that no matter what you could have done, you could not have helped yourself purchase a ticket to eternal paradise. Without Jesus, without the Blood of Jesus that invested everything for you, we couldn't be well, whole, free, and be a child of the most High God. Isn't it wonderful to know that with Jesus, we have everything: freedom (from poverty, sickness and disease, brokenness, condemnation, guilt, emotional wounds, anger, selfishness, etc.); power; the ability to change lives with our actions and if we must, our words since it is our lifestyle and our actions that attracts others to our radiant love and light to Christ Jesus; and anointing.

9. Many people in their Christian walk fail to acknowledge that they have the anointing. Through the Blood, the blood of Jesus (that has given us blood-purchased authority), every Christian has the anointing. The anointing, according to Isaiah 10:27, is this: And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off his shoulder, and his yoke from off his neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing. The anointing is the ability to get results, claim victory, and to break yokes, iniquities, and burdens. Human understanding doesn't break bondages; wit can't see emotional wounds and scars; knowledge can't cast out devils or speak and command an illness to get out of your body. But the anointing can. And it does. Because of the anointing, which is the outpouring of the power of God flowing through you--a supernatural enablement--, you don't have to live with cancer, you don't have to suffer from strokes, you don't have to live below the poverty level, your children will never have to be sick, your husband shall never succumb to the false-powerful of prostate cancer, and you never have to be broken, wounded, and scarred anymore. (If you are a child of Christ), say this aloud: I AM ANOINTED AND I HAVE THE ANOINTING. The enemy does not want you to know this because it is a weapon the tramples and conquers over the powers of darkness. In fact, because of your verbal declaration, all of hell is trembling; thus the realization that you triumph over hell, not the evil one over you. Claim your anointing, accept your anointing, and live in the anointing. God have given you a supernatural enablement, a meet-help that exceeds the assistance the world could ever provide. The doctors don't know what's really best for you, and the people at the bank don't truly have your back or have your best interests at heart. Jesus does, and that is precisely why He has given you a supernatural ability to achieve results and victory. When you look around the world, all you see is sickness, brokenness, darkness, and poverty beyond belief. And when people look at you, and they see that you're not sick, you are prosperous in every arena of life, and you radiate a love that is not of normal, [selfish] human love; you radiate Jesus and it is because of the anointing  of Jesus Christ. When the world is sick, you have nothing more than the sniffles or a sneeze; you do not and you will not ever ever ever ever have cancer. When the world barely makes it through the current month, you have financial prosperity, changing lives with whomever you meet, marking an extraordinary difference in that life, and when you talk about Jesus, they listen and they take your words at heart because you have results and you exude the raw and powerful love of Christ even if you have millions; God's kingdom is not dependent of the world's economy and God isn't limited through the world. When you see broken people on the street, in the grocery, at the playground, you give a shout of praise to God that through the Blood, He has washed your emotional wounds and scars into nonexistence; you don't live broken or defined by your past. Because of the anointing and the power of Jesus Christ operating within you and for you, you can make such a difference, changing people's lives whenever you walk through the door, and you share the love of Jesus through your actions and your lifestyle. You make people stop and listen to you because obviously, what you're doing is working. The anointing allows you to live your life in the blessing of God. You will never be sick, you will never just be getting by, and you will never live broken again. Cancer cannot enter your body, the curse of poverty shall never inherit your home, and scars, wounds, and iniquities shall not reenter your heart. Jesus delivered you from everything on the Cross so it is in the pit of hell. That doesn't mean those things won't try but due to the power of the anointing, it cannot enter past a certain point. Say it out loud, say it with authority and make the enemy tremble at the sound of your voice (because he knows that when you speak, he is done and defeated), and make all of hell quiver at the the sound of your tenor: I AM ANOINTED AND I HAVE THE ANOINTING AND THERE IS NOTHING, NOTHING, THE ENEMY CAN THROW THAT SHALL EVER PREVAIL AGAINST ME. I AM A WINNER AND MORE THAN A CONQUEROR THROUGH CHRIST JESUS. I HAVE VICTORY AND I AM VICTORIOUS. PRAISE GOD FOR YOUR SON THAT HAVE GIVEN ME MY BLOOD-PURCHASED ANOINTING AND DOMINION OVER THE EVIL ONE. 

Praise God. Isn't that wonderful to know that, after God, you are the most powerful being in this universe? Apply your anointing in your life and rejoice that your trample over the enemy and there is literally nothing that can defeat you because you are empowered and you have the anointing in you. I want you to get one thing really clearly: at the Cross, because of the blood of Jesus, the evil one has been defeated forever. He can never ever recuperate or change anything about it. The Blood of Jesus bought you your supernatural enablement. Use it, so that Jesus' sacrifice is not in vain or useless. (We will discuss this in detail afterward, so you can really understand why it's so powerful and why the enemy is eternally defeated.)

Basic Fundamentals: Part IV

Please excuse my tardiness. I am usually quite punctual; however, I was preoccupied this week with something of monumental importance: university application. Since I am applying to an American university, there are certain guidelines that I must comply with, such as scanning a copy of my passport and attaining a student visa. Ah, the life of a college-bound teenager.

We have discussed the spiritual warfare and the enmity of the evil one. Now, we will ascertain the will of God for your life.

8. Although God has a different plan for each and every one of His children, there are certain things that God wants for you regardless of your colour, race, background, or gender (as in female or male). Despite that God may have a different calling for you than He does for me, there are things that God wants and desires and has given us when we received His Son that are worth mentioning.

a) Before I begin this segment, please, please, please do not begin your argument by saying, "I have seen many Christians who have lived this way." One thing that is part of God's plan for His children is wellness: complete and total wellness. In fact, God does not want His children to be sick; He has sent His Son so that we no longer have to be sick. Now, I know what you're going to say next: "I know lots of Christians who are/were sick"; "but if Jesus came to heal the sick, then why are so many people still sick?"; "I know lots of people who died from their disease, claiming it was the will of God"; or, perhaps the biggest lie of all, "I know lots of Christians who believe that they are healed, believing the Word regarding their healing". Ah, what are they acting upon the Word? Mhmm...different story now, isn't it? First of all, allow me to be perfectly blunt and honest when I say that Christians who die or live in their sickness are shallow, shallow, shallow! God's plan for His people is wellness, not sickness. Then why are so many in the body of Christ--a staggering 80%--sick? Because of lack of knowledge. What knowledge? The Word of God. Hosea 4:6 says, My people [referring to the body of Christ] die from a lack of knowledge (emphasis added). Notice that it doesn't say that people die from lack of love, trust, of faith for that matter. No, Christians die from a lack of knowledge of what God's Word says about their predicament. But, some say, God's healing Scriptures (predominantly referring to Isaiah 53:5) is a literal interpretation; God heals us spiritually. To that I say that there is no such thing as spiritually healed. God restores, but there is a difference between spirit and soul (perhaps you should learn the difference before speaking about it in your so-called argument against God's will for us to be healed). Let me shed a light on a heavily confused situation: The reason why many unbelievers (and believers for that matter) believe that being sick for Christ is godly is because the majority of Christians are sick. When they look around, all they see is sickness, sickness, sickness, so it would natural to assume that this is God's will for us. Only that would be a wrong presumption. The right thing to do is look at what God says about this in His Word. Mark 16:17-18, And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name . . . they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover; Psalm 34:19, Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all (this certainly includes healing); Jeremiah 30:17, For I will restore health unto you, and I will heal you of your wounds, says the Lord. As you can see, God desires for us to be healthy spiritually first, of course, but then mentally, emotionally, and physically. Why in that particular order? You must understand that healing is a choice; you either want it or don't. Secondly, healing is a mindset; it's a way of thinking. When you see a sprained toe, a cracked limb, or a disfigured part, you look at that body part (in faith) and you speak the Word of God over it, claiming your healing, working the Word. You can't believe something without putting it in action. If you believe that it's not going to rain, then surely you would spend time outside, would you not? In the same principle, if you believe that God is working His healing power as you speak His Word over you life, circumstances, and illness, you act as if you are not even sick. In fact, you reject the symptoms and the allegations the enemy is attempting you to believe (that you are sick, or if you are sick, then you are never going to get well and that the Word doesn't work). One thing that you should be absolutely certain about is the assurance of the Word. Isaiah 55:11 clearly decrees this: My word, which comes from my mouth, is like the rain and snow. It will not come back to me without results. It will accomplish whatever I want and achieve whatever I send it to do. The Word brings results, so speaking the Word over your physical body brings results. Perhaps not right away, but it does. If you have lived with a certain ailment for more than half your life, speaking it a few times per day will not make it disappear in two days. But speaking it whenever you remind yourself of that ailment, the result will come quicker. It all depends on your faith. Jesus spoke these words: your faith has made you well (Mark 10:52). You can't just think about your healing; you have to speak it. Jesus' sacrifice on the Cross was not in vain and it was not only for sin. It was for everything. Galatians 3:13 says, Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law...Jesus paid the price for us in full and for everything. Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, or in Hebrew translation, the curse of the world. What is the curse of the world? Sickness, poverty, brokenness, etc. Don't look at the Christians or people around you; don't focus on how sick they are and how broken they are and how poor or how stingy they are regarding money. Don't look at how your best friend, who is saved, complains about her pain yet rejoices in the Lord. Get this truth imprinted in your mind: God's plan for YOU is health and wholeness. Healing is a choice; healing is a mindset that must be worked at; and healing is working the Word in faith. Don't become discouraged when you see no results in a week, month, or even a year. God works behind the scenes; even when you think He isn't working, He's working. Think of this way: If God didn't want you to be well, then why would there be so many healing Scriptures in the Bible if God, the Creator and Author of the Word, didn't want you to be well? It's because He does. Why? Because He loves you. Matthew 6:10, says, ...Your Will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. In Heaven, we don't need healing; Heaven is perfect and we'll be perfect, so there is no need for physical wholeness. On earth, however, where it's full of flaws, imperfections, and brokenness, healing is something that everyone wants and essentially crave. No one wants to be sick. So, God's Will here on earth, as it is in heaven (wholeness of the physical kind as well), is healing. And if you find anyone who says that they don't want to be whole, well then, the only thing you can do is smile and say, "I will be well for my entire life and have nothing more severe than a cough." It will leave an impression that will have them thinking even after you leave because you rise above the brokenness of the world, which is exactly what Jesus overcame and redeemed us from. Then why are so many Christians still sick? Simple, because it is hard work. It takes discipline, renewing one's mind constantly, and to shed the old way of life. When you tell Christians that God's plan for you is to be well and they retaliate horrendously, they are offended because you are challenging their way of living. They think the way they lead their life is fine because they have Jesus. They don't realize that the Blood of Jesus was invested in their healing. Jesus' 39 whips was for the major diseases (such as cancer) and from those major diseases branches off to other ailments, thereby covering all diseases known and unknown to man. Since many hold that testimonial is the most convincing argumentative concept, who will unsaved people rather believe: a sick Christian or a physically whole and well Christian? I think the evidence speaks for itself.

b) In this life, we can't live without money. We need money and thus money is a necessity because it provides the essentials in life: food, water, clothing, shelter, and stability. So what is God's opinion of money? Or rather, financial prosperity? Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health [another Scriptural reference to healing and God], just as your soul prospers (3 John 1:2). Now, you must understand that prosperity isn't just about money; it's certainly part of it, but it is not the only thing. It is truth that you cannot serve two masters: God and money (Matthew 6:24) and the desire or yearning for money alone destroys a man's soul. However, money by itself is not a bad thing. In fact, money is a tool that is designed to glorify God. Unfortunately, there are many Christians who believe that having just enough, just to get by, or not asking for little, is okay with God. "We have to be humble and modest," many will say, but regrettably, they fail to realize what good things money will bring if brought on good and godly intentions. They want to buy the cheapest food, cheapest clothing, cheapest everything because they have to be "modest". Only they misconstrue the meaning between modesty and cheap. Just because it's cheap doesn't mean it's good. They have the poverty mentality, thinking that they are being poor for Jesus. Here are some biblical evidence for prosperity:

Jesus Christ "became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich." (2 Corinthians 8:9)

God has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant. (Psalm 35:27)

"The blessing of the Lord makes one rich." (Proverbs 10:22)

God is not selfish or stingy but "gives us richly all things to enjoy." (1 Timothy 6:17) If God didn't want us to have nice and rich things to enjoy, He would have said, "poorly things to enjoy". There is a reason why God says all these things in His Word. If you don't like it, then what are you going to do, scratch it out?

"The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord." (Psalm 33:5) Why did God create such abundance and give it to us unless it is His will for us to have it?

"The earth He has given to the children of men." (Psalm 115:16)

Christians are joint heirs with Christ. (Romans 8:17)

With Him God also freely gave us all things. (Romans 8:32)

We will reign (as kings) in life through Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:17)

The rich rules over the poor (Proverbs 22:7) so it can not be God's will for His people to be poor.

God "gives (us) power to get wealth." (Deuteronomy 8:18)

"For all the promises of God in (Christ) are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us." (2 Corinthians 1:20)

God teaches us to profit. (Isaiah 48:17)

God gave us instructions on how to be prosperous and have good success. (Joshua 1:8 & Psalm 1:1-3) Why would He tell us how if it was not His will for us to prosper?

God desires that we prosper. (3 John 1:2)

You should have "all sufficiency in all things" so you can "have an abundance for every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:8)

Christians have been called to freedom. (Galatians 5:13)

Whom the Son of God sets free is free indeed. (John 8:36) If you do not have financial freedom you are not truly free.

Human parents desire the best for their children. God is our Heavenly Father so surely He desires for us to have things at our disposal simply because He wants to bless us, just as parents bless their children with nice things.

Jesus said "how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things." (Matthew 7:11)

We are to ask the Father and receive that our joy may be full. (John 16:24) Being full equals abundance.

God loves a cheerful giver and most people need more than just what is necessary to really be one. (2 Corinthians 9:7)

He is the God of peace. Peace means "prosperity in every way" in both the Hebrew of the Old Testament and the Greek of the New Testament."The chastisement for our peace was upon Him (Jesus Christ)." (Isaiah 53:5)

"Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law" (Galatians 3:13) which includes poverty and lack.

The blessing of Abraham is supposed to come upon those who are in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:14)

"The Lord blessed Abraham in all things." (Genesis 24:1) (Abraham) was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold." (Genesis 13:2)

"God shows no partiality" (Acts 10:34) and He made several people in the Bible wealthy. Even today, there is no one who has had a great surplus than Solomon. In fact, the most richest man in America is not Bill Gates; it is a Christian man in Texas. But the devil doesn't want you to know that because he doesn't want you to know that God desires for you to have financial prosperity.

God says wisdom is the principal thing and commands us to get it. (Proverbs 4:7)

Jesus has been made unto us wisdom. (1 Corinthians 1:30)

Riches and honor come with wisdom. (Proverbs 3:16 & 8:18)

Instructions are given that you may lack nothing. (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12; James 1:4)

God "has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness." (2 Peter 1:3)

Jesus told us to pray that God's "will be done on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10) Heaven is a place of abundance.

See how evil the enemy is? He actually wants you to believe that God wants you stay poor or be limited by your corrupted way of thinking (i.e. we have to carry our cross, we have to be poor of Jesus, having nice things means that I don't love Jesus, or any other load of BS). Ask any Christian if they want to become rich? Most likely, the answer will be yes. (If they say no, punch them in the fact because they're lying.) Then, ask them, by the Lord's way? Then they will start arguing about the financial will of God for them. God's kingdom isn't based on the world's economy, so going to the bank, asking for loans, or borrowing from friends isn't the Lord's way of being prosperous. God doesn't want you to survive, but to thrive. In fact, God prefers you not to go to the bank because that means you don't fully trust Him and having an unbelieving heart in His eyes is wickedness (Hebrews 3:12). Psalms 118:8 clearly says, It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. Every person wants a Chanel or Louis Vuitton (for women, hopefully), a nice car like a BMW or a Mercedes, a nice house, nice clothes, and have a reputation of merit. But doing it God's way? Well...I don't think so. And thus, many flee to the bank, as if the bank is God, and they wonder why they're not progressing. Or, many Christians want only enough, enough to get by. To that I say, you are selfish! You are only thinking of yourself! There are children in Africa dying for food and water (or lack thereof) and people don't do anything because "the Christians are doing something about it". Are they? No, of course not, because they are stuck in their own personal bubble squandering about their own petty problems, such as only having enough. Having money is not a sin. Having money means you can sponsor many children in Africa, proving them a future and the knowledge that God loves them; you can provide orphans in Haiti a home. Do you not think that requires money? If Christians worry only about having enough just to get by, then they are selfish heathens. When you acquire money, you can help make a difference to one person. You should get money so you can help more people and thus lead more people to Christ. When people are in a crisis, people are willing to listen...especially when what you're doing is bringing results. One thing that I should also say is that tithing does not mean giving your money to God begrudgingly. In fact, sowing money in the kingdom of Heaven is a seed that will provide a harvest. Malachi 3:10, "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this," says the LORD of hosts, "if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows. When you sow your seed (money) in the kingdom of Heaven, God will provide a thrice-, seven-, even a hundred-fold blessing. (Fold means multiply; seven-fold means seven times the blessing.) God wants you to have money, desires for you have money in His way and without greed or selfishness. The will of God is for us to be fruitful in every way. (In case you have any questions regarding this field, go to www.creflodollarministries.org. He is known as the prosperity preacher because what he does achieves results.) Jesus Himself was not poor and if we are imitators of Christ, then we ourselves should not be poor either. How was Jesus not poor? First of all, He had a treasurer (a corrupted treasurer, but a treasurer nonetheless). A poor person doesn't have a treasurer because they have nothing to treasure. Ask a homeless person if they have a treasurer. Yeah, I thought so. Secondly, for the entire duration of His ministry, Jesus never worked to earn money to travel. From that, you should gather that Jesus already had more than enough to sustain Himself whilst going out on His mission on earth. Jesus never had to work in little shops along the way to earn money. Jesus had the riches in Heaven and He tapped into that on earth, just as we Christians should do as well. I will conclude as I ended the previous segment, who will unsaved people rather believe: a poverty-stricken Christian or a wealthy Christian who loves God more than all his assets and money combined (which many rack up to exceed a million)? I am confident that the evidence, once again, speaks for itself.