After the Storm: A Symbol of God’s Promise

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.

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


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


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

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

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 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. 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.

Beyond the Veil: In the Prayer Closet | Embracing an Intimate Relationship with God

Photo Credit: Pixabay

 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; Phil 4:6

During any time of the day, we have access to communicate with God through prayer. Oftentimes, life gets busy. Life gets hectic. We deal with distractions, and we lose our focus on Biblical practices such as reading the Bible, worshipping and prayer.

We make commitments to watching or participating in the latest sports activities, attending the biggest events and concerts, following the latest trends but do not feel the urgency to dedicate time to the Lord.

The Lord is always available to us. We have a direct connection to Him. We don’t have to worry about drop calls, static or a battery that needs to be charged. We don’t have to go through special protocols to gain His attention. He neither slumbers nor sleeps. Psalm 121:3-4 When we draw closer to the Lord, He reveals Himself to us in many ways.

Call unto me and I will answer thee and show you great and mighty things that you do not know of.

Jer 33:3

Photo Credit: Pixabay

The Roadmap to Tapping into the Realms of the Spirit

The Outer Court

In the Old Testament, the tabernacle in Jerusalem had three specific areas dedicated for prayer.

The outer court was the gathering area where everyone came to offer thanksgiving to God. It was the location where cleansing of sin and confessions took place, however the Israelites were not permitted to go into the inner court. It was off limits to those who were not established as a higher priest.

the tabernacle

Photo Credit: Pixabay

In comparison, the outer court, in our Christian lifestyle, resembles the religious practices, traditions and rituals where the average person sends prayer requests of petition to God, but they do not experience the presence of the Lord. They may believe God but have never experienced the presence and miracles of God. They may have repented for their sins, but they lack connection and relationship with the Lord. They may attend church but it’s only a religious practice. Their prayer life consists of asking God for help or for material things, but their prayer life doesn’t go much further than petition.

The Inner Court

The inner court was accessible to the worshippers who offered sacrifice and burned incense to the Lord. It is where the table, showbread and incense were located. This area was reserved for praising God which drew the Lord closer. It was a sacrificial praise of worship. There was a curtain or veil that hung as a partition which divided the room from the most sacred area of the tabernacle. This area was reserved only for the high priests of Jerusalem.

In relation to the inner court, in our walk with the Lord, we offer praise and thanksgiving. We have a need to seek and develop a deeper relationship with the Lord. You may have a desire to get baptized or develop a desire for fasting to draw closer to the Lord.

The Holy of Holies

The Holy of Holies was the most sacred area of the tabernacle. This was the area where the ark of the covenant was located. On Yom Kippur, which is also known as the Day of Atonement, the high priest would burn incense and offer animal blood sacrifices upon the mercy seat of the ark of the covenant to atone for sins. This area was in the deepest section of the tabernacle. The veil was torn after the resurrection of Jesus which means Jesus has lifted the veil of separation that allows every born-again believer to have access to the presence of God and receive revelation of the realms of His Spirit.

As you continue to seek the Lord in prayer, continue to grow spiritually through studying and reading the Word, living Holy, and applying Biblical principles to every area of your life, you will experience the presence of the Lord and gain access to a higher spiritual realm.

16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
17 If any man defiles the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

1 Corth 3:16-17

Prayer

Lord, Jesus we thank you for your guidance and protection. May our heart and mind be open to your plan, purpose and will for our lives. We diligently seek you with our whole heart and purge us from all temptations of sin. Draw us closer to you. May we hear your voice and walk in your ways in everything we do and every place we go. Let us dance before you in praise for in your presence is fullness of joy. May we lay down in precious rest wrapped in your peace and safety as we sleep. May we walk with wisdom and discernment with the Holy Spirit leading the way. Keep us from all harm and heal us from all sickness and disease. We receive the Blood of Redemption that washes us clean of all infirmities. We rejoice in your healing and wholeness of our mind, body and spirit. We thank you for another day and for the blessings that rest upon our lives.

In Jesus Mighty Name.

Amen and Amen.


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Additional Bible References | Digging Deeper into the Word

Just click the links below for direct access to the scriptures on Bible Gateway.

Matt 6:33

Psalm 100:4

Psalm 100:2

John 4:22-24

Psalm 42:1-2

Matt 6:9-13

Heb 4:16

Matt 6:6-7

2 Chron 3:16-17

Exodus 26:33

Matt 27:50-51

Exodus 27:16

John 14:6

Psalm 91

Psalm 84:10

Psalm 84:2

Exodus 27

Matt 7:7-9

Phil 4:6

Psalm 119:2

1 John 5:14

Jer 29:13-14