Tag Archives: Christianity

A Heart of Stone

Posted on by yolandaberry
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Last night, I watched a man of God walk boldly into the streets of Portland, Oregon to evangelize and preach the gospel to a crowd at the Black Live Movement protest. He was sharing the word of God and preaching the message of love.

I watched with anxiety and great sadness on how the people rejected the gospel with such disrespect, anger, rage and disregard. They rejected, scoffed, and mocked him as he continued to preach the gospel.

The people blocked him from going any further into the crowd and told him to leave the area. I actually feared for his safety. As I reflected on what I witnessed through an online video, I’m reminded of how much Jesus had to endure as he walked through crowds of people who rejected his message as he traveled, preached and healed in the midst of persecution.

Unfortunately, not much has changed since then. Since we live in a fallen world, it’s too be expected, but it’s still very upsetting to see others reject a pure, genuine love. It’s an unconditional, agape love that the world is desperately searching so hard to find in people, places or things. I also realize how many people really don’t understand what love really is.

Love is a word thrown around very loosely in society, which has no substance, foundation or value. The world, in general, is void of love. 

Plain and simple, the devil is the master of confusion and the lawlessness experienced in this country is a reflection of the culture which honors and validates acts of disobedience, sin, pride and arrogance.

The world seems to be spinning out of control and erupts in chaos but God is still in control despite how we may think or feel at the present moment.

Sadly enough, society mirrors the disorder, injustice, pain, abuse and hatred that is not a stranger to the history of America.

If you look at a stone, it is unmovable and nothing can penetrate it. Depending on the size, it may be very heavy, but whether it’s a pebble, rock, stone or mountain, it’s made of the same substance. Nothing can pierce it.

After years of pain, anguish, frustration, anger and bitterness, a heart becomes hardened from life experiences, poor choices and decisions and bad situations or circumstances. Things may have happened unwillingly in your life which is not your fault but you’ve suffered the consequences, behaviors or decisions of someone else’s actions. Life is a painful journey and none of us escape life without heartache and pain. The only one who can heal the deep wounds, sickness or disease is Jesus Christ.

Ezk 36:26

A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh.

The Only Answer is Love

Every problem we are facing today relates to love. It’s the dominant force in life and without it humanity cannot survive.

The Lord values family and marriage. There’s a domino effect that starts in the home. The breakdown of the family has disrupted society, our communities and our nation. Whether your home is dysfunctional or operates under oppression, generational curses, domestic violence, teaches racism and bigotry in your household or have a lack of positive role models in your family, it allows children to run astray without discipline or guidance.

Prov 22:6

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

The severe neglect or abandonment of a child leads them down a road of mental, emotional or psychological anguish. As young adults, they fall prey into the world and tend to gravitate towards gang membership, crime, cults, corrupt organizations and abusive relationships. They search for anything to fill the void. Alcohol and drugs mask the pain but does not cure the original offense they faced as a child or along the path of adulthood.

The cycle continues as an adult but the devil is a liar. You can break the cycle of abuse, addiction, or rejection. You are not an outcast. You are not a failure. You are worthy. You are treasured. You are valued. You are loved.

The world is starving for love but doesn’t know or understand what love truly is, what it means or if it truly exists. The world has a perverted or distorted view or perspective on the meaning of love.

I Corth 6:19

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

It’s so disheartening to personally experience the love of God and then to witness so many people disregard or reject the truth of the gospel. The only one who saves you from the pain, discouragement, depression, anger or bitterness that you are trying to escape is Jesus. While others thrive in evil thoughts, bondages, and deeds of wickedness. The Lord is gracious and merciful to all those who desire a change of heart and mind.

What Does Love Look Like?

When you have love for yourself and others, you will not mistreat yourself or dishonor others. You will have self-control and walk with the fruits of the spirit.  You will have a desire to please God at all times. You will have integrity, morals and values that represent a Christ-like character. Even when you’re in private, you will have a desire to please the Lord while understanding that your priority is to honor the Lord regardless of your environment or surroundings. You will not be intimidated or influenced by others views or opinions. You will be truly set free from mental chains, bondage’s and worldly mindsets. This can only be accomplished through a heart transformation by the Holy Spirit. No prophet, preacher or teacher has the power to change your heart.

Acts 4:12

12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

You must come to terms with your sins and have an honest desire in your heart to open your heart to receive Christ.

Your ego, arrogance, lust of the flesh, pride, and rebellion will continue to lock you out of a relationship with the Lord but Jesus does not discriminate.

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Matt 7:7-8

Rev 3:20

20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

A Nation Divided Will Not Stand

When our society can no longer appreciate and value diversity of races, ethnicity and cultures as well as the opinions, beliefs and values other than our own, we will continue to bandage the lacerations of a culture that magnifies and gratifies sin, arrogance, and injustice.

When we can no longer communicate, listen or understand each other, we will thrive on distasteful behaviors, mentalities and attitudes influenced by the world system that is embedded in our music, entertainment, work culture and social norms.

When everyone has their own agenda and fighting for their own dominance and voices to be heard, we will continue to struggle with greed, power, wealth and fame for our own selfish motives and purposes.

It’s all rooted in fear. The only voice that stands is the voice of Jesus which is the foundation of love, peace and compassion.

When you know better, you do better. Every voice is screaming right now but be watchful and consider your ways and actions. Is it a reflection of love, joy, peace and compassion? We must be able to respect each other’s opinions without judgement, anger, animosity or disrespect.

Get out of your comfort zone. Lend an ear to people who don’t sound like you do. Share your story. Release your fears and negative emotions. Embrace courage and strength and mostly, focus on spreading love and compassion in a hurting, dark world.

Bible References:

Scriptures on Love

I Corth 13

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

Scriptures on Salvation

John 14:6

6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 10:10

Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy, but God came to give you a life more abundantly.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.

Scriptures on Communication

Col 4:6

6 Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Luke 19:40

40 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.

Scriptures on Servanthood

Rom 6:18

18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.

1 Corth 7:22

22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant.

Matt 5:10

10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Through the Fire

Posted on by yolandaberry
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And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord of hosts, that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered: and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land. Zech 13:2

We are truly living in perilous and challenging times. As we stand in the fire of adversity, trials, persecution, and affliction, the Lord stands in the midst of us in the heat of turbulence.

Zech 13:7-9 7 Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the Lord of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones. 8 And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the Lord, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. 9 And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God.

In the last days, we must continue to build our character to be able to withstand the persecution and adversity coming upon the Body of Christ.

Do not let the current climate environment, condition or circumstances intimidate or scare you. Remember who you are in Christ. Remember what He has brought you through during your wilderness season.

You serve a mighty God who is the creator of Heaven and earth. The Lord will never leave you or forsake you.

Regardless of gossip, slander, jealousy, envy, hatred, anger, shame, embarrassment or ridicule, the Lord has proven himself faithful in the wilderness. Through the wilderness, you learned how to fight the enemy. You were raised up in a boot camp for such a time as this.

Do not allow your focus to become blurred by the confusion of the time. You have an arsenal of admonition which is the Word of God. You can take down every attack of the enemy with the power of prayer, entering the courts with thanksgiving with praise and worship, studying the Bible and by the word of your testimony.

Never underestimate the God you serve. In the midst of the fire, the Father is training you for battle and shielding you from being scorched. You will be able to withstand the heat and pressure of spiritual warfare.

Isaiah 43:2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

I am reminded of the days when smoking was allowed in public spaces. I would always hate when I came home and smelled like cigarette smoke. The cigarette smoke lingered on my clothes until they were washed.

As a child of God, we stand in the midst of the fire and we are not coming out smelling like smoke. We will not look like what we have been through. The Lord is our sustained hope and protector. He will shield us from the fiery darts of the enemy.

In the Fiery Furnace

fire flame
27 And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king’s counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them Dan 3:27

Dan 3:17-30

If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. 18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. 19 Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated. 20 And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace. 21 Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 22 Therefore because the king’s commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flames of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. 23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king. 25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. 26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire. 27 And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king’s counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them. 28 Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God. 29 Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort. 30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon.

Confidence in Your Christ-Centered Identity

When you understand your identity in Christ, you realize your supernatural power and authority is a reflection of Jesus Christ. He provides you with the confidence to face opposition and persecution.

You have stability to dwell in uncomfortable environments or deal with difficult people Jesus provides the wisdom to maneuver the plans, schemes and plots of the enemy. His shield of protection covers every dart – whether words or actions from the enemy. You are not concerned about what people think or say but what the Lord has spoken, shown you and delivered you from. Allow the Holy Spirit to work through you.

The Character of Christ

Jesus was not timid, weak or quiet. He was a man who challenged the Pharisees with only one question that had them puzzled and confused.

Luke 20:1-8

And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came upon him with the elders, 2 And spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority? 3 And he answered and said unto them, I will also ask you one thing; and answer me: 4 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? 5 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then believed ye him not? 6 But and if we say, Of men; all the people will stone us: for they be persuaded that John was a prophet. 7 And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was. 8 And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.

He overthrew the tables and destroyed the temple when he found out they turned the church into a den of thieves instead of a house of prayer. Matt 21:12

Jesus was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. Isaiah 53:7

There are three words that come to mind when going through adversity.

The Patience in Longevity

When you are going through any trial in life, you need to embrace the patience in longevity. It’s a season of uncomfortable testing of your character that shapes and molds you while you face difficult situations and circumstances.

It is in time to draw close to the Lord in solitude. It’s a time to draw close in communications prayer with the Lord. It’s not the time to manipulate the problem that is blocking your way but to stand in the midst of the fire where the Lord performs His perfect work in you despite how you may feel.

His timing is not our own so you cannot rush the process of growth. You must learn to grasp the power of longevity ad focus on building your faith in God. Whether it be three months, six months or ten or twenty years, you have to keep your eyes focused on the Lord and learn as much as possible about Jesus during the season of testing and throughout your entire life.

The Pressure of Persistence

When you’re in the fire, you must apply the pressure of persistence. There will be resistance but when you constantly complain or murmur it only prolongs the trial.

When you apply the pressure of persistence, you strengthen the core of your inner man. You push forward regardless of your emotions. You may feel like giving up at times but if will fuel yourself with hope, you will find the strength to move forward. Without hope you fall short into despair and discouragement.

When you reflect on how the Lord delivered you from past situations, it provides you with the hope and faith to keep moving forward and you are less likely to focus on your current situation because you have a Godly assurance that God is working everything out for your highest good.

You may not understand why you may be going through it at the time, but in due season it will be revealed and it will all make sense.

The Grit of Endurance

Withstanding the fire of affliction for a long season produces the enormity of endurance. As a child of God, this is a training ground for the persecution coming upon the saints of the Body of Christ. As the temperature rises, you will need to have strength to endure the mocking, ridicule, hatred, judgement and slander. Are you afraid to stand alone? Do you appease men or appease God?

And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king’s meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king. Dan 1:5

8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. Dan 1:8

15 And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king’s meat. Dan 1:15

During any trial, the enemy uses schemes, plots and devices to cause confusion and division. He is a lover of death and destruction. He is very crafty and uses trickery but he is not creative. He will use the same attacks repeatedly to wear out the saints.

The Father is the only creator. The Lord is creative with all-knowing omniscient power. The Lord stands with you in the fiery trial of testing. The strength lies within resting in the Lord. It’s allowing the Lord to work through you and to continue filling your spirit with the Word of God. Praise is a weapon that surrounds your atmosphere with the Power of God. It cleanses the demonic forces of depression, sadness, despair, confusion and fear.

When you wait on the Lord, He is working behind the scenes so continue with prayer which is the ultimate relationship needed to endure the testing of your faith.

Whatever we may face in the coming days or months – disease and pestilence, war and human injustice, spiritual warfare, economic collapse, famine and persecution, we must not lose heart in our trials. We will be strengthened in the Lord if we do not grow weary in the faith.

The breath of the Lord will be the wind that carries the Body of Christ to perform His purposes and plans in the earth until he returns.

Endure. Endure. Endure…until the end.

Prayer for Strength and Power

Father, thank you Lord for being the head of my life. For standing with me in the fiery furnace of life and protecting and shielding me from the evil one who strives against my soul. Lord, be my defender and provide the strength, hope, and faith to endure the attacks of the enemy. You said in your word that you give me the power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy and nothing will by any means harm me. You hold all power in your hands. I receive the same power through the Lord Jesus Christ to crush the head of the enemy under my feet with all authority and power. I give you all praises and glory to the King of Kings and the Lords of Lords. I seal this prayer in the precious Blood of Jesus.

In Jesus Name, Amen.

Bible References

Read more on Bible Gateway here Micah 3

Psalm 91:1-2

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”

Eph 3:20

20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

I Corth 2:5

5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

Phil 4:8

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Phil 4:13

13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Gal 4:29

29 But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.

I Thess 2:4

But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.

I Thess 5:14

14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

I Thess 1:4-5

4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.

5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

2 Corth 4:6-17

6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;

9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

11 For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.

13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;

14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.

15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

Deut 6:17-18

17 Ye shall diligently keep the commandments of the Lord your God, and his testimonies, and his statutes, which he hath commanded thee.

18 And thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight of the Lord: that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest go in and possess the good land which the Lord sware unto thy fathers.

Deut 9:7

7 Remember, and forget not, how thou provokedst the Lord thy God to wrath in the wilderness: from the day that thou didst depart out of the land of Egypt, until ye came unto this place, ye have been rebellious against the Lord.

Deut 6:12-15

12 Then beware lest thou forget the Lord, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.

13 Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.

14 Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which are round about you;

15 (For the Lord thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the Lord thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth.

Deut 6:18

18 And thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight of the Lord: that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest go in and possess the good land which the Lord sware unto thy fathers.

Deut 6:21

21 Then thou shalt say unto thy son, We were Pharaoh’s bondmen in Egypt; and the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand:

Deut 1:30

30 The Lord your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you, according to all that he did for you in Egypt before your eyes;

Romans 16:20

20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

Exodus 15:3-4

3 The Lord is a man of war: the Lord is his name.

4 Pharaoh’s chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea.

Exodus 15:8-11

3 The Lord is a man of war: the Lord is his name.

4 Pharaoh’s chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea.

Exodus 14:14

14 The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.

Book of Philemon v. 21

21 Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.

Eph 1:21-23

21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,

23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

Isaiah 55:11

11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

The Pharaoh System is Broken

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Arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all these people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel. Joshua 1:2

As the Israelites waited to cross over the Jordan into the Promised Land, Pharaoh was in pursuit to destroy them. Pharaoh was a leader full of pride, arrogance, greed, and unbelief. He worshiped idols and did not believe in God, the maker of Heaven and Earth.

God sent several plagues upon the land of Egypt yet Pharaoh did not acknowledge God nor did he believe in him so he did not bow down to worship the Lord nor was his heart lead to repent for his evil ways. He continued to mistreat the people held in captivity and bondage due to his rulership.

Even after his son died from one of the plagues, Pharaoh did not submit to the Lord and his heart was hardened. His stiff-necked, stubborn attitude towards the Lord led him to pursue the Israelites even harder. However, God had a plan. The Lord performed a miraculous event that allowed a great escape in a situation that looked impossible to the Israelites.

It’s during the most impossible situations that the Lord delivers us out of the hand of the enemy. Pharaoh and his army drowned in the Red Sea despite the doubt and fear the Israelites experienced as they crossed through billowing waves held up high above them.

The situation we face today is not much different than Moses dealing with Pharaoh in the Bible. America was built on the backs of slaves similar to the Egyptian rulers of the past.

Whenever you have a leader who puts money or the economy before the well-being of their citizens and continues to ignore the problems of the oppressed, widow, and fatherless, it displays and highlights an enslaved system.

Unfortunately, some people are so conditioned by the Pharaoh system that they live and work in that they are willing to accept and rush back into a broken system that hasn’t worked for decades. Unfortunately, due to the lack of resources, many are forced to succumb to a system that does not have their best interest at heart.

Others accept the poor working conditions, corporate discrimination, low wages, workplace bullying, or lack of healthcare benefits and consent to a life “As is” because they do not feel they have the power to change it.

Instead of realizing the value of Godly leadership that reflects integrity and respect and leadership that honors their work ethic, commitment, and dedication, they fight and protest for things to remain the same when God is doing a new thing.

The times and seasons have shifted. Yet, the people are just like the Israelites who lived in the wilderness and grumbled and complained when God brought them out of Egypt after 40 years of slavery. They desired to go back to what was known to them as comfortable yet it was an enslaved system.

People have accepted this virus as the “New Normal” and have become comfortable in their ways once again.  Some feel it’s important to voice their liberties instead of taking precautions for safety. They are rebellious, defiant, and undisciplined and always want to go their own way despite continuous warnings. Heading to the beach, going to nail or hair salons, having house parties, or dining out at your favorite restaurants are not a necessity in times of crisis.

The Corona Virus has magnified the arrogance, disobedience, greed, pride, and ignorance of this nation. People are blinded by the chaos and devastation just like they were blinded prior to the pandemic with political rhetoric and useless pursuits.

The times and seasons have accelerated. The Lord has been patient yet the people have not honored or developed a relationship with him but instead ignored his laws in disobedience and continued to chase after material wealth, status, titles, and positions.

The virus continues to spread due to the greed of this nation and the ignorance of the people. It is an undisciplined nation that cannot standstill despite all their eyes has witnessed. Oh, the foolish men of the earth People have accepted this as the “New Normal” and have become comfortable in their ways once again. 

Americans snarl and groan rejecting a moment of stillness, safety, and protection in exchange for an act of disobedience and irresponsibility. You simply cannot throw people back into the workforce without appropriate measures which begin with available testing sites and safety protocols for their employees and staff. The CDC and OSHA guidelines containing new Corona Virus safety measures will need to be implemented into work environments before they demand people to go back to work. We all must come together to fix the problem before we can heal the economic wounds of the nation. It’s a complex situation that will take time, patience, and wisdom.

Due to the negligence of leadership, this situation has become a recipe for disaster. One will continue to repeat the same mistakes over and over again until they learn from their past mistakes and take heed to the lessons of the present. It will by no means be an easy process but we are all in this together and it will take everyone to do their part.

This is a wakeup call of judgment on all nations. They refuse to repent for their sins and let go of their idol worship just like the days of Pharaoh.

Judgment is upon the land. This is a wakeup call for repentance. Divine strategies come from the Lord. God’s priorities, orders, and plans are in alignment and are already set in place.

Will you continue to go your own way? Or will you continue to walk in your old mindset? And follow your own path? Or will you submit to the Lord, his truth, and his love for you?

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. Psalm 20:7

Related Scriptures:

Matt 6:24

No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

Jer 34:13-17

Thus saith the Lord, the God of Israel; I made a covenant with your fathers in the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondmen, saying,
14 At the end of seven years let ye go every man his brother a Hebrew, which hath been sold unto thee; and when he hath served thee six years, thou shalt let him go free from thee: but your fathers hearkened not unto me, neither inclined their ear.
15 And ye were now turned, and had done right in my sight, in proclaiming liberty every man to his neighbor; and ye had made a covenant before me in the house which is called by my name:
16 But ye turned and polluted my name, and caused every man his servant, and every man his handmaid, whom he had set at liberty at their pleasure, to return, and brought them into subjection, to be unto you for servants and for handmaids.
17 Therefore thus saith the Lord; Ye have not hearkened unto me, in proclaiming liberty, everyone to his brother, and every man to his neighbor: behold, I proclaim a liberty for you, saith the Lord, to the sword, to the pestilence, and to the famine; and I will make you be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth.

Isaiah 2:10-12

Enter into the rock, and hide in the dust,
From the terror of the Lord
And the glory of His majesty.
 The lofty looks of man shall be humbled,
The haughtiness of men shall be bowed down,
And the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day.

For the day of the Lord of hosts
Shall come upon everything proud and lofty,
Upon everything lifted up—
And it shall be brought low—

Isaiah 2:18-22

But the idols He shall utterly abolish.

They shall go into the holes of the rocks,
And into the caves of the [b]earth,
From the terror of the Lord
And the glory of His majesty,
When He arises to shake the earth mightily.

In that day a man will cast away his idols of silver
And his idols of gold,
Which they made, each for himself to worship,
To the moles and bats,
To go into the clefts of the rocks,
And into the crags of the rugged rocks,
From the terror of the Lord
And the glory of His majesty,
When He arises to shake the earth mightily.

Sever[c] yourselves from such a man,
Whose breath is in his nostrils;
For [d]of what account is he?

Isaiah 3:10-11

Say to the righteous that it shall be well with them,
For they shall eat the fruit of their doings.
Woe to the wicked! It shall be ill with him,
For the reward of his hands shall be given him.

Eph 4:17-18

This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

Psalm 96:13

Let all creation rejoice before the Lord for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his faithfulness.

Jer 30:23

Behold, the whirlwind of the Lord goeth forth with fury, a continuing whirlwind: it shall fall with pain upon the head of the wicked.

Deut 1:21

 Behold, the Lord thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged.

Joshua 1:2-9

Arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.

3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses.

4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and unto the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your coast.

5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

6 Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.

7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper withersoever thou goest.

8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Matt 12:25

 But Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.

Exodus 16:4

Then said the Lord unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.