Tag Archives: salvation

The Pivotal Turning Point in America

Posted on by yolandaberry
Reply
College students in classroom, Education

This has been a horrific week. For the past few days, I’ve watched countless videos of Charlie Kirk’s debates. I don’t follow politics besides watching the debates prior to the presidential elections. Unfortunately, I have never heard of him until the shooting that took place a few days ago. I’ve been quite numb trying to gather my thoughts on this whole thing.

Freedom of speech will not be silenced due to the lack of intolerance of differences in views, perspectives, beliefs, opinions and values. No one should be murdered for their beliefs or viewpoints. No one should be murdered period. We have witness countless shootings in schools, churches, concerts, major venues, public transportation, and in the streets of our communities.

On the anniversary of 911 this is a tragedy to witness the extremes of the changes that have taken place in America. This is not who we are and not what we stand for. I’m disgusted with the violence in this country. I’m disguised by the celebrations taken place by someone losing their life. This is an outrage and has created a Holy Ghost roar in the Spirit. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Prov 18:21.

In the Last Days, many hearts will grow cold. Lawlessness will rise. In 2 Tim:31-5, it states “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

You cannot silence the Word of God. His Word is a two-edged sword; it penetrates dividing the soul and spirit. joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Heb 4:12

The truth digs deep and gets under the skin and exposes the evil and darkness in people’s hearts.

What I tell you in the dark, speak in daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the housetops! Matt 10:27

We will not bow to fear. We will not be silenced. We will not compromise our faith, freedom, values or political views. This country was founded on Biblical principles, morals and values. Let God arise and let our enemies be scattered. Psalm 68:1

God is jealous, and the Lord revengeth; the Lord revengeth, and is furious; the Lord will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies.
The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked.

Nahum 1:1-3

The Lord led me to read Nahum a few weeks ago. Nahum was an Old Testament prophet who has not been mentioned much or at all in church sermons. Nahum pronounced God’s judgement against the nation of Assyria. Nineveh was the ancient capital city of the Assyrian Empire. There was a great rise and fall in the Assyrian nation which was taken over by the Babylonians. In 612 B.C. Nineveh was destroyed as the prophet Nahum warned.

Ninevah, much like today’s modern cities in America, was full of evil, and wickedness just like in the days of Noah. Jonah was called to deliver a message of repentance to the city. Jonah called a fast upon the city of Nineveh. The people were delivered and turned back to God and the city was restored.

5 So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them. 6 For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.
7 And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything: let them not feed, nor drink water: 8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn everyone from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands. 9 Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not? 10 And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.

Jonah 3:5-10

We are on the cusp of a turning point in America. The warning signs are all around us. Will we stand for holiness and righteousness, or will the hearts of many grow cold and callus as we falter into perverse, wickedness which has taken place in this nation and around the world?

I believe in humanity. I know there are still a multitude of people searching for God and want to get saved and baptized, learn more about God’s character, promises and principles and to do the right thing in their life. There are many others who are living for God and living as an example for Jesus Christ. Charlie Kirk was a great example of this.

Hope is not lost. It is found in opposition, chaos, conflict and strife. We must learn to be tolerant of other people’s differences, beliefs, perspectives and opinions even if we do not agree with them.

Jesus did not come to condemn the world but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:17 God loves you so much that He gives you freedom of choice. You can believe how you want to believe, however “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. [In other words, you choose not to believe] And this is the condemnation that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” John 3:18-21

May our eyes be opened, may our hearts receive truth and fresh revelation of the Spirit and may our minds be transformed to the obedience of Christ. Let us carry boldness to stand in our faith, speak truth to the lost and stay prayerful with a repentance heart.

Much like in Nineveh, we must turn our hearts to the Lord to escape the destruction coming upon the land.

My heartfelt prayers and condolences go out to the family and friends of Charlie Kirk. He is resting with Lord in peace. To God be the Glory who is found in Jesus name!

Additional Bible Reading

14 If my people, which are called by my name, will humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chron 7:14

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Rom 12:2

18 The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Psalm 34:18

23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Luke 12:12

19 So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. Isaiah 59:19

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. Eph 6:10-20

4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Rev 21:4

Ye though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

Subscribe to the newsletter sent directly to your inbox for devotional-style encouragement and inspirational messages, purpose-driven tools and resources created for the Body of Christ as well as faith-based entrepreneurs, creatives, personal brands, non-profits and ministry organizations. Stay current with the latest updates and strengthen your walk in the Lord.

Subscribe Now

The Wind of Change

Posted on by yolandaberry
Reply
sunset, field

Everything is changing very quickly in this world. Unfortunately, I don’t have a high level of anticipation, like I did when I was younger, for the new year. What I can say is that times and seasons are shifting beneath our feet whether we want it to or not, but we should maintain a high level of expectation in our Lord for He does not change. He is unmovable and unshakeable.

The current fires in Los Angeles have brought extreme devastation to California. This situation will not only affect California but will affect the economy and nationwide home insurance policies. Whether the fires were caused by a natural disaster or started by arsonists, the God of the father of Abraham, Issac and Jacob is calling His attention to the sins of this nation. How will we choose to respond or react to this catastrophe? Will we throw our fists in the air and grow angry, callus or rebellious toward God? Or will we fall on our knees in reverence and honor to the King of Kings and intercede and repent on behalf of this country?

Hollywood is well known for its idolatry. The exposure and fallen out of explicit sexual exploitation, sex trafficking, pornography, parade of homosexuality, sexual addiction and sexual abuse in the entertainment industry is a prime example of a modern-day Sodom and Gomorrah. The spotlight is shining on Hollywood as they face tremendous loss and an overwhelming recovery effort in this heartbreaking tragedy.

I noticed while looking at the map of California that the fires were in a circle which I was referring to as the “Ring of fire.” These fires are a warning. The alarm has sounded. Will the fires be a pre-cursor to a devastating earthquake? Let us pray against an earthquake hitting the state of California or additional tectonic plates around the world.

In the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot was warned to leave the city before destruction and to not look back upon the city for else he and his wife would turn into a pillar of salt. In Genesis 19, Lot was warned that the land would be destroyed due to the sins of the people.

13 For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the Lord; and the Lord hath sent us to destroy it.
14 And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the Lord will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law.
23 The sun was risen upon the earth when Lot entered into Zoar.
24 Then the Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven;

Gen 19:13-14, and 23-24 
13 For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the Lord; and the Lord hath sent us to destroy it. 14 And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the Lord will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law. Gen 19:13-14

23 The sun was risen upon the earth when Lot entered into Zoar.

24 Then the Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven; Gen 19:23-24

28 And he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain, and beheld, and, lo, the smoke of the country went up as the smoke of a furnace.

29 And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelt. Gen 19: 28-29

History has a way of repeating itself especially when the lessons are not learned from the past. The vanity, greed and arrogance of man is embedded deeply in our culture. Celebrities are worshipped like gods. The music industry displays the demonic agenda boldly and proudly flaunts their wickedness on stage and within their lyrics as fans flock to their concerts to support them at any cost. Athletes are icons where fans rather attend sporting events than go to church. The movie industry plant seeds of witchcraft and evil to celebrate chaos, destruction and devastation as well as murder, crime, and torture. A woman’s anatomy has become a playground for lust and perversion. Children are no longer safe among adults. In reality, you have to keep a close eye on everything and everyone around you. Unfortunately, many innocent people suffer at the hands of evil men. We are in a spiritual war and it’s a real fight.

“For he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matt 5:45

Most don’t do anything until it affects them personally, but will we continue to be complacent with a blind eye or draw closer to the Lord? May the light of God shine amid darkness and awaken the blind.

The Lord says to the people, “Awake and come out of deep sleep and perverse darkness!”

“4 And the sword shall come upon Egypt, and great pain shall be in Ethiopia, when the slain shall fall in Egypt, and they shall take away her multitude, and her foundations shall be broken down. Ezk 30:4

7 And they shall be desolate in the midst of the countries that are desolate, and her cities shall be in the midst of the cities that are wasted.

8 And they shall know that I am the Lord, when I have set a fire in Egypt, and when all her helpers shall be destroyed.

9 In that day shall messengers go forth from me in ships to make the careless Ethiopians afraid, and great pain shall come upon them, as in the day of Egypt: for, lo, it cometh. Ezk 30:7-9

13 Thus saith the Lord God; I will also destroy the idols, and I will cause their images to cease out of Noph; and there shall be no more a prince of the land of Egypt: and I will put a fear in the land of Egypt. Ezk 30:13

15 And I will pour my fury upon Sin, the strength of Egypt; and I will cut off the multitude of No. Ezk 30:15

18 At Tehaphnehes also the day shall be darkened, when I shall break there the yokes of Egypt: and the pomp of her strength shall cease in her: as for her, a cloud shall cover her, and her daughters shall go into captivity.

19 Thus will I execute judgments in Egypt: and they shall know that I am the Lord. Ezk 30:18-19

Prayer for the Nation

Lord Father, we cast down our idols in honor to worship the one and only true God, “The Father God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob.” Forgive us for our selfish nature and disobedience. We repent and we turn away from sin. Wash our hands clean of all unrighteousness, cleanse our heart and renew our minds. Establish our steps to walk Holy as representatives of Christ. We pray for strength, courage and wisdom as we navigate through the terrains of life. May you uphold us with your righteous right hand and do not let us slip. We rest under the shelter of your wings.

May you provide strength, comfort and safety to all those affected by the current tragedies upon this new year and grant peace for those who have lost loved ones in the fatal attacks or L.A. fires. May you increase the strength and safety of the first responders and fire fighters and all those assisting in the care and outreach of those who have lost their homes. May you bring restoration and salvation to the loss. May the outpouring of the Holy Spirit be evident in the lives of your people and may the wind of the Holy Spirit be upon us.

In the precious Blood of Jesus. Amen.

The Miraculous Power of the Resurrection

Posted on by yolandaberry
2
Jesus carrying cross

We will never be able to comprehend the betrayal, rejection, persecution and physical pain that Jesus endured. After such a brutal beating and mocking, He was led to carry a cross by Himself to His death. The ultimate torture lead to the ultimate sacrifice for us.

The complete darkness of the age was blinded that He was the Son of God. They discredited the works of His hands and the miraculous miracles to deliver and heal the sick, cast out demons and raise the dead.

The resurrection power of Christ to defeat death and the grave and transcend to life embodies the everlasting hope and faith of the ultimate love for the remission of sins. Jesus paid the price and penalty for our freedom and redemption to escape all forms of bondage, sickness, sin and death in exchange for eternal life and abundant living.

May the hope and freedom of His resurrection encourage you to rise above any circumstance and face any challenge with a fresh level of faith towards the future understanding the cost of His sacrifice for the gift of life. May the renewal of this season breathe new life in every area of your soul.

The Resurrection Prayer

Thank you, Lord that you paid the ultimate sacrifice on the cross for my sins. You transformed darkness into light. May your Spirit illuminate my mind, body and spirit with understanding and wisdom as I continue down an unknown path as you continue to guide me along the way. I receive extraordinary faith, peace and power to rise above my present circumstances and to rebuke any challenges, obstacles or distractions that block your plan and purpose for my life. I pray for endurance to fight the good fight of faith and to carry the love of Christ in my heart and to expose the darkness and transcend to light in this world by your Spirit. To God be the glory!

In Jesus name, Amen.

Related Scriptures

Luke 24 – The Whole Chapter

Eph 1:7

7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s

Eph 1:17-20

17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[a] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms,

Eph 2:8-9

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

Eph 2:11-13

11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)—12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

Eph 2:20-22

20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

Luke 21:36

Matt 16:24-26

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him sent himself and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.

For what profit Aman if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?

36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”