Tag Archives: Christian Faith

After the Storm: A Symbol of God’s Promise

Posted on by yolandaberry
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During the time of Noah, the people were corrupt and evil. God commanded Noah to build an ark so his household would be saved from the impeding disaster that would take place. Noah was obedient despite the mockery and ridicule of the people. He understood the assignment and did what he had to do. When the flood came, he and his household were saved. God sent a rainbow as a promise that He would never send a flood upon the world again.

The rainbow is not only beautiful to look at, but it also symbolizes the Holy promise and covenant God made for generations to come.

In today’s world, this symbolic promise has been distorted and used as a representation of pride in the LGBTQ community. They have twisted and perverted the Holy nature and true meaning of what the rainbow represents for their own purposes. The rainbow is symbolically attached to living a sinful lifestyle as a mockery to God.

7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

Gal 6:7

If you notice, there are more commercials, movies and TV shows that support the gay lifestyle. In the past, it was not accepted but it has been a subtle, consistent and gradual process of change. Violence should never be used against anyone but hate crimes escalated. They used the Civil Rights Movement to push their agenda onto societal norms for equal rights. Currently, the LGBTQ community has their own stand on equality which is called the Gay Liberation Movement.

I was recently watching a Saturday morning TV show where a gay man wrote a children’s book which clearly imposed his narrative about his homosexual lifestyle of being different. It had a subliminal undertone that children would not be able to identify.

A few years ago, drag queens were accepted into the school system to read books to children during story time. The mind of a child is heavily influenced by what they see and hear. It is a tender age where their minds are shaped and molded by their environment. By imposing unnatural relationships onto minors, it brings up questions that they should not even be thinking about at their age. Whatever seeds are planted at a young age, influences every aspect of a child. It could be for the good or the bad.

Train up a child in the way they should go and when he is old, he shall not depart from it.

Prov 22:6

Although I’ve had and still have gay friends, I do not support their lifestyle, but I allow them to live how they chose with hopes that I can be an expression and reflection of God’s love as an example for Christ.

Jesus came to this world so that all may be saved but He does not condone sin. This message is not rooted in judgement but out of an act of love for the Lord does not want anyone to perish in darkness.

Whether you’re in a natural or unnatural relationship, fornication, pornography or adultery is living in sin. God is calling for repentance of the heart and mind and to turn away from sin.

I cannot speak on behalf of the LGBTQ community, but I do feel the majority has been sexually molested, abused, raped or assaulted which has caused severe emotional, psychological and mental trauma in their lives. If they were completely honest, it is deep-rooted anguish and pain which has caused them to choose a homosexual lifestyle. Others may just have a curiosity which opened doors to seeking out sexual experiences. However, this is my opinion and not facts, but addressing past experiences and seeking counseling may possibly help someone who is struggling with sexual addictions or sexual tendencies of the same sex.

The Lord heals all wounds and scars and can transform lives. It all depends on your heart posture and if you’re open to receive Him by faith. Sadly, there is a strong spirit of rebellion which is emphasized in community gatherings which highlights their disposition and aggressiveness to prove their sexual expression. Finding the Lord is a personal decision and cannot be pushed on anyone however, Jesus has compassion, grace and mercy and will patiently wait and will leave ninety-nine to seek after one who is lost.

Additional References

22 Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. Lev 18:22

26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. Roman 1:26-27

Knowing this first that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts.

2 Peter 3:3

9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 2 Thess 2:9-11

9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Corth 6:9-10

“If a man also lies with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. Lev 20:13

18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Prov 16:18

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things.

24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves:

25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:

27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient.

29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

31 Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. Rom 1:18-32

From the Crucifixion to Resurrection: The Journey of Christ through Tribulation to Victory

Posted on by yolandaberry
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Jesus, Christ
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.  Luke 23:34

The story of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ has evoked much emotion, contemplation, and reverence in the lives of the believer worldwide. This occurrence of sacrifice, love and forgiveness is the cornerstone of our faith. It’s a timeless event that transcends every aspect of our past, present and future which offers lessons in every area of our lives.

The crucifixion of Jesus reflects the betrayal, suffering and ultimate sacrifice. From the betrayal of Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus’s disciples, who sold Jesus’s life in exchange for money to the religious authorities which led to his arrest to the Roman governor Pontius Pilate, who ultimately sentence him to death in replacement of releasing Barabbas, a murderer and criminal, as well as the crowds who turned on him at a moment’s notice. The crucifixion was a brutal form of execution for the worst criminals.

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned everyone to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Isaiah 53:5

Jesus was forced to carry his cross along the roadside while he was mocked, beaten and scourged leading to being nailed to the Cross to suffer for the remission of our sins.

From the darkness of this event to the miraculous victory, Jesus rose from the dead after three days triumphing over sin, sickness and death. It is hope and the promise of redemption. It signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and life over death.

Through the resurrection, Jesus offers believers the hope of eternal life and the promise of redemption. It is a mirrored effect of compassion, forgiveness, and selflessness as we continue to be transformed into the character of Jesus for His glory as His message resonates with people of all faiths and backgrounds.

The power of the resurrection holds lessons for humanity. It teaches us the value of sacrifice and the importance of forgiveness and the transformative power of love. In a world plagued by division, disease, famine, war, strife, violence, and suffering, it is the power of love that conquers all.

As we take time to reflect on the resurrection of Christ, let us not dwell on the past but press on to the future with hope and faith. Let us embed the Word in our heart and let it guide us to a world of peace, justice, and compassion as we journey through life mindfully focusing and practicing the lessons Jesus provided and receiving the ultimate sacrifice through His love and eternal hope Jesus offers to us.

If you have not received Christ as your Savior and you want to ensure that you receive the gift of salvation, please take a moment and say this prayer out loud:

“Lord, Jesus, I acknowledge you as my Lord and Savior. I believe that you died on the cross for my sins and was raised from the dead on the third day. I repent for my sins, poor choices, and mistakes. Come into my heart and renew my mind. Mold and shape me the way you want me to be. I open my heart to receive the Holy Spirit to guide, teach, comfort and protect me. Release me from all evil and temptation. Thank you for restoring my life. I glorify your name Jesus, who is above all names. From this day forth, I live to worship you. I praise you and rejoice to be a part of your heavenly family. I understand that I am not perfect and will make mistakes along my journey but help me to walk and lead as an example of Christ.  In Jesus Name. Amen.”

Welcome to the family of Christ. He loves you, dearly. Although you may not feel any different after saying this prayer. Just know that Jesus has heard your prayer and He lives in your heart. You have been cleansed from all of your past sin nature. There is no guilt or condemnation in Christ Jesus. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Happy Resurrection Day!

Grace & Blessings,

Yolanda-

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Related Bible Passages

1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

John 11:25-26

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

1 Corth 15:26-27

25 For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. 27 For “He has put all things under His feet.” But when He says “all things are put under Him,” it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted.

1 Corth 15:49-52

And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we[a] shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.

Our Final Victory

50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Behold, I tell you a [b]mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

1 Corth 15:54-57

So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”

55 “O[a] Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Phil 3:20-21

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.

Isaiah 25:8

He will swallow up death forever,
And the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces;
The rebuke of His people
He will take away from all the earth;
For the Lord has spoken.

Phil 2:5-11

The Humbled and Exalted Christ

5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Resurrected Power: When Dead Things Come to Life

Posted on by yolandaberry
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tulips, flowers, spring

We have officially entered a new season and new year. We are in a midst of Winter which is always a tough time of year for me. I don’t like cold weather because it cuts me to the bone, plus the memories of shoveling waist high snow drifts during blistery snowstorms while frozen icicles formed on my eyelashes that crunched every time I blinked my eyes.

winter trees snow

Hibernation and the postcard view was the only part I truly enjoyed but overall, winter reminds me of lifeless things. Autumn leaves fall and dry up, trees are bare and naked. The darkness and gloom of a grey skyline in the middle of the day turns jet black before you even leave work. Winter reminds me of the dead things until the transformation of Spring arrives adorning cherry blossoms, violet and tulips with a welcoming, cheerful sunrise and peaceful sunset. It is where everything dead instantly comes back to life once again.

Just like in nature where dead things are rebirthed, there is a resurrection in life. The Lord will breathe on everything that feels lifeless – discouragement, lack of enthusiasm or motivation, weakness, or stagnation. The Lord imparts new life by the breath of His Spirit.

7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. Gen 2:7

22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. John 20:22

The Resurrection of Christ

The birth of Christ and the Resurrection are the most miraculous events that existed. Through birth, a Savior was born and brought peace to the world and through death and the resurrection Jesus saved us from our sins and gave us eternal life.


“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. 13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Rom 10:9-13

The Resurrection of the Dead

In Ezekiel, there was a valley of dead bones. God said, “Can these bones live?” Immediately the dry bones came alive. Ezekiel 37

It was through the Power of God, Lazurus was raised from the dead.

40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” 41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42 And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.” 43 Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” 44 And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.”

John 11:40-44

It was through the Power of God, that a twelve-year-old girl was raised from the dead.

35 While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further? 36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe. 37 And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James. 38 And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly. 39 And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth. 40 And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.
41 And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise. 42 And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment. 43 And he charged them straitly that no man should know it; and commanded that something should be given her to eat.

Mark 5:35-43

Many people may not believe this is possible but if you do not believe in the Lord resurrecting the dead than you do not believe in Jesus’ resurrection. Your faith is worthless and ineffective, and you are still in your sins. Your hope is lifeless. Life is fruitless and full of vanity.

13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corth 2:13-14

The Resurrection of the Body

It’s difficult to comprehend and grasp spiritual life because we live in an earthly body and everything that we experience is tangible. We have fleshly desires and do not want to control the flesh or abide by the obedience of God. However, when you receive understanding and revelation of the Lord, you will desire to live for God. It is the fruit of building a relationship with Him.

24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Matt 16:24-26

We will one day transcend from a physical world to a spiritual one so while we are still here, we should bury all the dead things in our lives – bad relationships, sour memories, bad habits and attitudes , wrong mindsets, and tainted emotions like bitterness, jealousy, anger, hatred, lust, fear, worry, anxiety, etc. so we can grow and nurture the things that give us life, joy and peace.

Not all flesh is the same. People have one kind of flesh and animals have another, birds and fish have another. There are also heavenly bodies and earthly bodies. There are also celestial bodies and terrestrial bodies; but the glory of the celestial differs from that of the terrestrial. There is one glory of the sun, another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differs from another star in glory. 1 Corth 15:39-40

44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 45 And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.

46 However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, and afterward the spiritual. 47 The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven. 48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are made of dust; and as is the heavenly Man, so also are those who are heavenly. 49 And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man. 1 Corth 15:44-49

Our Final Victory

 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.  So, when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 1 Corth 15:44-54

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Additional Bible References

We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Corth 5:8

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10

 But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” Rev 21:8

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:19

34 When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 35 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel’s will save it. 36 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? 37 Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 38 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” Mark 8:34-38