Crowned

 

2020 has been anything but glorious. In my last post, I vented about some of the hardships that I've encountered this year. As I got to thinking though, I realized that this year was filled with so much favor from God that it was important for me to not overlook. I am making my way through the book of Psalm. Earlier this week, I read Psalm 65 in the Christian Standard Bible translation. Verse 11 says, "You crown the year with your goodness; your carts overflow with plenty." When I initially read that, I thought "say what?" All the deaths attributed to COVID-19. All the lay-offs. All the closed businesses. All the canceled festivities. Still, the word of God is clear; God has crowned the year with his goodness; his carts overflow with plenty.

This verse makes it clear that despite the events of 2020, God has crowned the year with his goodness; his carts overflow with plenty.

2020 has been one heck of a year, and it's not over! Our hope is not to be lost in what has happened, for what has happened cannot be undone. Our hope is to be had in what lies ahead. For what lies ahead is unseen. We hope for what we do not yet have, but hope to inherit someday. 

Though I have lost much in 2020, I can say God has crowned my year with goodness; my carts overflow with plenty. Can you say the same despite whoever or whatever you may have lost this year?

#begrateful

Mi año

Lordwilling, if I am here to see 2020 end it will not be missed! I will keep my gripes about the year short, but man has it been a tough one. Even with the pandemic, this year has seen the end of more friendships or close relationships of mine, than in years past.

In fact, a few weeks ago I prayed to the Lord asking to leave relationships not meant to be a part of my 2021, in 2020. I didn't expect Him to answer me so quickly.

I had two relationships explode literally a week a part from each other. One with a person I considered to be a former best friend calling me out of my name, and trying to throw painful details I shared with her, in my face.

Rather than respond, I ignored her. 2020 has helped to teach me how and how not to respond. 

I spent a large chunk of the year behaving foolishly. Yelling, confronting folks in their faces, and just actin ignant. I allowed my temper to get the best of me at times, and some of the things that came out of my mouth were absolutely shameful. I found that my silence over the years helped to create a rage that laid dormant within me until this year. Controlling my rage has been an ongoing challenge for me, but...

By the time my former friend cussed me out, I had developed enough self-control not to go Laila Ali on her. Though it was hard, I am happy she never got the satisfaction of seeing my ugly side in that moment.

For every relationship that I lost this year, I cannot say that I gained another. What I can say is that I gained my voice, and having a voice is bigger than having a lot of friends especially if they don't know how to treat you.

Jas, has always been laid-back, quiet, and reserved without much to say. I learned early on how to suppress my feelings so that others could feel validated and happy. For most of my life, I have been the perfect candidate for bullies because I never spoke up for myself. 

...Until this year. This year I said no, and I meant it. When I didn't want to talk to certain folks I didn't. When I wanted to delete someone as my friend on social media, I did. No explanations, I just did. Protecting my peace became mandatory. And what I grew to discover was that the supposed people in my life who "luhed" me couldn't handle who I was becoming.

TRUTH

Why certain relationships in my life this year ended; because of the truth. The moment I stopped sugarcoating my words, stopped tolerating nonsense, and began speaking up for myself some of the people in my life couldn't handle it. I spent less time being silent, and became more focused on asserting myself through trying situations. People will tell you to be upfront with them, but the truth is that majority of them cannot handle the truth. They would rather feel good, than to be given an honest word. If your current circle of friends doesn't receive truth well, it might be in your best interest to release them. 

NEWS FLASH: AIN'T NOBODY BULLYIN JASMINE, PERIODT.

Listen, if folks cannot handle who you are becoming then they most certainly won't be able to handle who you will be. As my girl Marilyn Monroe once said, "I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can't handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don't deserve me at my best." And that ladies and gentlemen is what I like to call, real talk.

It's sad that when you're saying and doing everything people expect of you, everything is cool. The minute you begin to think for yourself and take some time to decide who you are, not who they want you to be, things change. Everybody isn't this way, but a lot of people who were associated with me were, and they had to go!

The parting words of those who were once close to me have hurt me, and every now and then I can feel pings of anger when I dwell on them for too long. They may even be able to say the same about my words...if I am being honest.

However, I cannot worry what they will say to try and disparage my name, nor should I care. With so much light and victory ahead of me, why or earth would I stop to turn back to see the past and those stuck there?

I won't. Cheers, to moving forward.

FORWARD

My health was something that I took for granted. My foot injury coupled by COVID-19 pushed a long pause button on my fitness routine. I wasn't eating properly and I needed to make some changes to my diet. During the Thanksgiving holiday, I pleaded with God that if he healed me I would make those changes. It has been nearly three weeks since I've had meat (My husband also decided to do this with me, bless his heart!) and I feel great. I can't see me ever giving up fried chicken completely, but I will admit that working out and eating healthy has me feeling at my best; and I am in no rush to forfeit this feeling. 

I am looking forward to the journey ahead, though I expect it will not be easy. Still, if God has brought me this far, he can surely take me even further...by faith.

 

Hijo...

Hoy es el cumpleaños de mi hijo. Él tiene cuatro años. No puedo creo que mi hijo tiene cuatro años. Oseas es muy inteligente y chitoso. Me amo mi hijo mucho. Le gustan leer libros y mirar la televisión. Espero hoy es un día bueno para él. ¡Feliz cumpleaños, Oseas!

Today, the son to whom God entrusted to me turns four-years-old. I cannot believe it. Mi hijo is four-years-old! Four years ago, I spent twelve hours in labor before the big push came to pass. Zay is healthy, smart, kind, and funny. He is thoughtful. He's an absolute Godsend.

Several months ago, he used to tell me all the time that he would never leave me. To which I would respond, "Yes, but if you do I understand." "It's okay to leave me, because at some point life will require that you must." I don't want Zay to be a momma's boy. I want him to be confident that he can be a man apart from me. 

Someday, Zay will have a wife. He will need to know how to lead her. How to be there for her. How to comfortably place her as the first lady of his life. In order to cleave to his wife...he must...he must leave me. If he never leaves me...then he will never learn how to cleave to his wife. So no, I don't want him to be a momma's boy, I need him to be a man. A strong man. For God, for his wife, and their family someday...

Although the day will surely come when I am no longer the first lady of Zay's life, it doesn't mean that I won't be rooting for him. No matter where he is. Or who he is with, I will always be rooting for the son to whom God has entrusted to me.

Conundrum

I don't always make sense, but I am not confusing. I am peculiar. 

I listen to Christian, Rap, Country, Rock, Hip-Hop, Pop, and R & B music, but not all at the same time. It really just depends on my mood. I'll sing along with Chester Bennington or Amy Lee all day, like they need my vocals. And in the next breath, I'm rapping to "Make 'Em Say Ugh," by Master P. I could try to explain how during a season of my life, Eminem's song "Lose Yourself," ministered to me; how it gave me hope in reminding me that in order to find my life, I would first need to lose it, but that's a concept some of y'all just won't understand. #ohwell

Often times, I see and experience God in ways that have involved secular music. 

I order books, and audio materials for people who don't look like me or think like me. The collection I manage has got something for everybody including believers, people of color, and queer folk just to name a few. I believe representation matters. When people peruse library shelves they should find materials that speak to them and their experience. You may disagree with someone's lifestyle choice, but that doesn't mean it warrants exclusion.

Librarians, Doctors, Nurses, Lawyers, Therapists, and so many other professionals cannot afford to be biased when it comes to the services we offer. The public we serve must feel comfortable coming to us as they are without fear of rejection. We are to accept them, and offer what they need and want.

I am also a follower of Christ. I believe the Bible has the power to shape my life on earth while preparing my soul for eternity through my actions. I don't keep a physical Bible at work because I've learned how to meditate on God's word, and carry it in my heart. 

Kindness goes along way, and some folks need to receive your kindness first, before they ever embrace your faith as their own. 

Life has taught me to choose kindness over religion, and to remember that Jesus didn't die for religion...he died for love. Until people feel loved where they are, and how they are, trying to shove Jesus down their throats won't work. People need to feel love. The question is will it start with you?

I may not look like you, talk like you, or walk like you. I am moody, competitive, overzealous, and just an overall hot-mess! But I will tell you this...I love me some ME. So does God. Heck, he loved me so much that He sent His Only Begotten Son to die for a wretch like me...and YOU! 

So that's it. I am a conundrum. The kind who is bold enough to live an untraditional, unorthodox, unscripted life for Jesus that's tailor-made and uniquely fitted for me. #saved

Mentorship

A mentor is an experienced and trusted adviser. Throughout the course of my life, I've had the honor of mentoring over several girls and/or young ladies. They've added so much joy to my life, and when our seasons ended, I have been sad. This morning, I was reflecting on having been a mentor to some of them and God reminded me that it had not been His desire that I would be in their lives for a lifetime.

Even with this, that doesn't mean that the role I was assigned has stopped impacting their lives. Some relationships are just seasonal, and though we may want to hang onto them for whatever reason, God knows best! God says otherwise.

Yesterday, I took a meal to the home of a young lady I am mentoring. She recently lost her step-father. Upon sitting and having a conversation with she and her mother, I learned that her mother and I are a lot closer in age. I assumed that her mother was so much older than me because of her wisdom and maturity, but I was wrong.

When I was leaving her home, the mother walked me outside to my car and thanked me for my relationship with her daughter. She said to me, if I had someone like you in my life when I was my daughter's age my life would have turned out differently. I was eighteen when I had her, and I didn't know anything. I didn't have guidance. My mother wasn't there for me in that way.

You don't need to have all the pieces to the puzzle to get started. The assembly comes in your willingness to see it through. Pay close attention to those around you because God very well may be calling you to serve as a mentor.

Stop thinking about what you need someone to do for you, and think of what you can do for somebody in need.

Exodus 35

Today as I was reading through the commentary for this chapter I felt somewhat overwhelmed and just over it. It's very hard for me to read about the specific details of the tabernacle and things God ordered to be built because I find it to be boring and un-useful to my spiritual journey. God reminded me that He's all about the details because concerning His word; He is in all the details. That He's very much a detail oriented God. He cares about everything. Everything matters to him. Everything has purpose. All of it. The smallest detail matters to him.

And all of it's useful to my spiritual growth and development because it's teaching me how to listen, obey, and be disciplined. Something that as of late, I've been struggling with. I have been speaking rather recklessly the past few days, especially. Last week, when my son was sick and I was working from home helping to care for him I was knocked off my feet. My sleep became irregular, and yet I was still going and going and well...you get the point.

I was frustrated. Running around. Doing this and that. Not taking time to just sit down! God through Exodus has taught me the importance of slowing down, and of resting. Earlier this year, I had done a great job at resting during the Sabbath which I choose to celebrate on Saturday. With COVID-19, I've gotten away from it. But on yesterday, I rested. I took my son over to my mother's home, and came back home after picking up my prescription. I bought two things yesterday, gas and that prescription. Whereas, I was very tempted to go and do some shopping, but I told myself that I wasn't going to do that. I told myself no. As hard as it was, it was such a great thing for me to have done.

Saturday is once again becoming a sacred day of rest for me. I also unplugged from social media. I removed the Facebook app from my phone, and attempted to turn off the notifications from IG because I am just over being inundated with notifications and messages that just don't require so much of my time or attention.

Cheers! To starting my week off with more of God and less of the world. 

It's All in the Details...EXODUS 25

So...I am making my way through the book of Exodus. I was excited to begin reading it at first, and I mean why wouldn't I be? The book of Exodus is one of the most miraculous accounts in the Bible; from the plagues to the parting of the Red Sea. Once the Israelites make it out, it's clear that God is committed to teaching them how they must live for Him. Exodus 25 marks the beginning of chapters where God is more or less instructing them on how he must be worshiped; he's teaching them the difference between right and wrong worship.

He instructs Moses to build an ark and gives him the specifications on what it must have. It's mind-blowing at all the details of this ark. I was reading it the whole time thinking, "God, I don't care about some ark you ordered Moses to build thousand of years ago. How does this speak to me today? How can I apply this to my life today?" What I discerned from the Holy Spirit more or less is that God is a God of details. He cares about the details. And if details matter to Him then they should also matter to us. 

Moses needed to humble himself and listen to God. He could have never been obedient to creating the ark, if he never took the time to listen to God. Sometimes, I am disobedient because I don't listen. I don't wait for instruction. I dive right into something without having listened to whatever God had to say about it first. To obey means that willingness is present. It also means that you've listened. Listening and obeying may go hand-in-hand, but having an open ear always precedes any instruction and/or action that may follow.

Okay God, now I get it what you wanted me to get from Exodus 25.

America, America

America, America

How much blood can you take? You seem to crave it more than Audrey II in your Little Shop of Horrors only this ain’t a play. This is America. Gambino tried to warn us, but we thought he was being Childish. #thisisamerica

America, America

In the beginning, how eager we were to fight your war not realizing that when slavery was over and we would need you to protect us the most, you’d remove our federal protections to allow the states to decide our fate. And in the absence of those protections came the 3k’s. #reconstruction #noacres #nomules #thesouth #whitesupremacy

America, America

We hear your constitution, but we know your story. Know how you use religion to rule and justify inhumanity. You decided to give Jackson the $20 bill. No wonder why all these years later, and we still weep. Tell me, how can you keep track of all these Trail of Tears? #natives

America, America

Don’t tell me to pray while you burn crosses on my lawn, deny me a right live, and continue to oppress me with domestic terrorism. Don’t tell me about God and how much you love him whom you’ve never seen, yet you see me every day and hate me. #religion #legalism

America, America

Stop asking me if I forgive while you assume no accountability for your actions and refuse to uphold justice. You want me to have hope in your grand juries, all while you plot, scheme, shake hands with and accept bribes from your grand wizards to continue systemic racism in high places from behind closed doors. #kkk #whitesupremacy #nothankyou

America, America

Stop telling me lies about how All Lives Matter when you offer federal protections for birds that ain’t even from here; all in the name of profit! My people, my people…in that case I say it’s time for reparations! #canadageese #slavery

America, America

My fist and my movement offend you, but I am not here for you! So in the air I raise both my fist and my words as I boldly declare that Black Lives Matter! #powertothepeople #therevolutionwillnotbetelevised

America, America

Uncle Ben has all the rice you could ever need, so how could you justify the shooting of a brown Rice at the hands of fear? You hunt down our boys, Till their lives you viciously take. ForEvers it seems you assassinate our men until they have no choice, but to be free at last. #tamirrice #emmetttill #medgarevers #martinlutherkingjr

America, America

Oh how you love your hoods. Had that yung boi down in Florida been wearing your favorite one, perhaps he would still be here eating skittles in his freshly painted condo, and minding his own business. #trayvonmartin

America, America

Nearly six years ago, I told you “I can’t breathe.” It’s as if my death meant nothing to you because in the distance I can hear another man saying the exact same thing before he commits his spirit into the Lord’s hands. Welcome home, George. #ericgarner

America, America

I know you think I’m a threat, but with my hands cuffed behind my back, my face to the ground, and your knee pressing down tighter and tighter on my neck as I say I can’t breathe, tell me as you’re killing me, who’s the bigger threat; you or me? #georgefloyd

America, America,

This is me. Melanin poppin, rhythm havin, full-lips havin, black man I’m lovin, black boi we’re raising, swagged out me! I ain’t goin nowhere. We ain’t goin nowhere. My weapon is my mind. My weapon is my pen. Ever observant and ever woke. Have you forgotten that the same Savior who died for you, also died for me? #EQUAL

John 4

Scripture breakdown using the SOAP method (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer).

John 4:24-

S: God is spirit, and those who must worship him must worship in Spirit and truth.

O: Worship isn't limited to singing songs and crying out to God. Worship is a lifestyle spent in trying to offer a blameless service to God in every area of our lives. 

A: I am one with God not because he is my natural father, but because I have been born again, which is precisely what Jesus explained to Nicodemus. In becoming born again, this gives me access to worshiping God in Spirit and truth. The truth requires confession. A willingness of me being honest and vulnerable to confess what's on my heart, what sins I have committed in an effort to turn away, and sin no more. I am human. I am going to sin, but in worshiping God in Spirit and truth, it helps me be conscious about my need to repentant daily; for without repentance there can be no true worship.

P: Father God, please help me to not be ashamed of confessing my sins to you. Help me also have the humility to confess my sins to others, and to remember that there is therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. My desire is to worship you in Spirit and in truth. Please help my spirit align with this desire when my flesh seems determined to overtake it. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Closing remarks: To worship God "in truth" is to worship him in a biblically accurate way--through the one who is the truth. The Father wants such people to worship him. God is on the hunt for those who will worship him spiritually through Jesus Christ based on the truth of his Word. [The Tony Evans Bible Commentary]

John 3

Scripture breakdown using the SOAP method (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer).

John 3:23

S: But anyone who lives by the truth, comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God.

O: This verse is preceded by Jesus sharing what it looks like for someone to live in darkness. It can be said that verses 22-23 are comparisons of each other in that Jesus sets up two ways of living be it by darkness or by light. Truth is in the light. Truth cannot hide, nor does it need to hide because the light that encompasses it, makes a way for it to be seen. There are several scriptures that make reference to the power of light. Jesus also tells us in Matthew 5:14-16 that we are the light of the world. He tells us further, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. 

A: It's clear that Jesus is not advising us to live by truth to appease ourselves or to impress others. No. He's encouraging us to live by truth, and to come to the light so in that--God gets the glory! These scriptures clearly supports this as well.

P: Father God, please help me to not succumb to my flesh and the temptation to live by darkness. Help me to seek the truth of your word, and to live in the light. Not in the shadows of my evil desires. In Jesus Name, Amen.

John 3:27

S: John responded, "No one can receive anything unless it has been given to him from heaven."

O: John the Baptist's disciples were beginning to feel threatened over the growing popularity of Jesus. John in his humility was reassuring them that the power displayed in Jesus could only come from God--from heaven. I love how confident and content John was in his ability to know what God had called him to do; rather than trying to compete with Jesus. It takes a lot of security and confidence to applaud the work of someone else, when people come to you trying to cast doubt regarding that person's ability and/or authority to perform said work. John goes on to say that, Jesus must increase and that he must decrease. It's almost as if John knew that his time was coming to an end. And he chose to have peace over it.

A: Jealousy is a strong thing. It can destroy our ability to have healthy perspectives when it comes to the success of others; in juxtaposition to how we view ourselves. If we're unable to be honest with ourselves and confess our sins to God, jealousy can destroy us. It's not just reserved for our haters. No. Jealousy is equal opportunity. It's for anybody willing to have or want it. If we don't check our hearts, our jealousy over others talents and gifts can be stopping us from achieving God's glory with the talents and gifts he's given to us to worship him.

P: Father God, please help me to celebrate others rather than questioning the ability to which you have given them to serve. Help me to pray for those in power, and in positions where they stand to help or hurt many; let not judgment rule in my heart. Help me also to grow in contentment with what you have given to me without the need to question or compare it to what you've given to my brother or sister. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Closing remarks: John knew that his job had been assigned to him by God; therefore, he was content to receive no more than what God wanted him to have. John was simply the opening act, expected to warm up the crowd and then get off the stage. Jesus was the main event, the star attraction. John's job was to point to and glorify the Messiah. And that's our job too. John was content with and grateful for his role. Are you? [The Tony Evans Bible Commentary]

John 2

Scripture breakdown using the SOAP method (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer).

John 2:4-5-
S: "What has this concern of yours to do with me, woman?" Jesus asked. "My hour has not yet come." "Do whatever he tells you," his mother told the servants.

O: Jesus, along with his mother and some of his disciples were attending a wedding, and they ran out of wine. Mary makes this announcement to Jesus in verse 3, and verse 4; well, that's his response to her! I just love how comical it reads. Basically, Jesus is trying to tell his mother to not put his gifts out on full display because it wasn't his time to display them. Yet, in verse 5, she says to the servants, "do whatever he tells you." There was something transpiring between Jesus and his mother that isn't recorded in these verses. Despite his original response to her, Mary knew her son enough to know that somehow, and some way he would find a way to fulfill her request. Whatever the nonverbal interaction between Jesus and Mary--it was effective enough for him to reconsider his first response, and to find a solution to the wine shortage without risking his identity. And to top it all off, the wedding celebration could continue without missing a beat; I'll toast to that!

A: As the mother to a toddler, I am beginning to see the special bond that my son and I share. The ways in which he gravitates towards me at times is overwhelming in the sense that the joy in my heart is running over. His thoughtfulness and care for my well-being, at such a young age, is so very endearing. That being said, I am reminded of the responsibility I have to not try and steer him in the wrong direction. To not rush him into situations and/or experiences before God says it's his time. My son has the right to tell me no, if what I am wanting of him compromises a directive he's received from God. God is no respecter of persons. He can speak to my child and reach him at his level, and as a Christ following adult, I should humble myself to receive God's word through my child. Hosea isn't less than because he's a child; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

P: Father God, I pray that in the same way you gave Jesus the creativity to devise another way to meet a need; you would also give that gifting to my son, Hosea, as life begins to introduce him to problem solving. In Jesus Name, Amen.

John 2:24-25:
S: Jesus, however, would not entrust himself to them, since he knew them all and because he did not need anyone to testify about man; for he himself knew what was in man.

O: Ain't no fakin with JC! He can spot a real from a fake. We can try and act pure, but Jesus sees through it! The scriptures tells us that Jesus gave to us the gift of the Holy Spirit as he was preparing to ascend to the Father. The Holy Spirit is a spirit of truth. Not of deceit. Not of maybe. Not of feeling...but of TRUTH. I love when I encounter people in life, who can just tell it like it is! Who can give it to me straight, no chaser. Here was Jesus Christ performing signs and wonders in people, but he knew they were not for him, per se. He knew they couldn't handle the fullness of who he was, and he accepted it. He didn't compromise his identity for immaturity, fear of others opinions, or doubt, but he also remained open to being gracious and merciful despite knowing the truth about human nature.

A: I've got some people who want to be associated with me for the wrong reasons. They see where I'm going, and they either want to ride on my coattails or try and stop me from getting there altogether. Sometimes, it's hard to discern what my response to them should be without being ruled with a need to be liked; to be accepted by them. That's what stands out to me about these verses...Jesus' confidence. He doesn't seemed bothered by the truth of man; while also being a great example for setting healthy boundaries with people. He knew what to give of himself to others and what to keep. Now that's social distancing!

P: Father God, please help me to remain confident and discerning as to who needs to be walking beside me on this new exciting journey where you have placed my feet. Help me not be moved by fear of others opinions or a fear of rejection. Let not a spirit of doubt stop me from pursuing your will for my life. There is some pain and betrayal ahead, but I trust that you will send me those who are from you, and are willing to stand in the gap with me. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Closing remarks: Spiritual growth is important because it expands our capacity to experience more of God. Jesus does not relate to all believers the same way. [The Tony Evans Bible Commentary]

John 1

On Monday, April 27th I began reading the book of John. This post is dedicated to summarizing John 1: using the SOAP method (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer).

S: "And John testified, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and he rested on him."

O: John was referencing Jesus Christ and testifying that he was indeed the Messiah. For many years, I always thought that a dove descended on Jesus because John 1 is such a popular book in the bible that I have heard many times, this was a mistake that I made. It wasn't until I took my time reading it that I realized it wasn't an actual dove that descended upon Jesus, but the Spirit who assumed a dove like appearance.

A: After I received the revelation about the dove it got me to realize that the Spirit of God can assume whatever form he desires. Doves are thought to be a sign of love, purity, and positivity; while crows are thought to be an omen of death. Crows serve as popular allegorical tropes for horror novels and/or movies. And yet, they're extremely knowledgeable and loyal. How can they too, not come from God? If he could send a raven to feed Elijah in his chosen exile, surely he can use a crow for something godly. For is not life and death in the hands of God? Then why have we come to fear it? Death. Why have we come to fear it? On Sunday, April 26th I was working in our den when I got up to stretch, and look out the window of our backdoor. Within seconds, a crow hurriedly flew up, startling the life out of me! In my timidity, I jumped. All while being captivated by the beauty of its black feathers, and its prowess. It was too big to balance itself on our line wire, but it managed to very gently balance itself enough for me to see its profile, before flying off into the distance. [In general, there have been a lot of crows in my neighborhood which we have attributed to the many deaths due to the coronavirus.] I know not, what message if any, it was sent to give me, but I choose to give God credit for having allowed me to see it, rather than receiving it as an omen from the enemy.

P: Father God, help me to see you in all the details rather than being quick to assign blame or credit to the enemy; for something that could very much be a part of your divine purpose for my life. In Jesus Name, I pray. Amen.

Closing Remarks: A Christian's testimony ought to accomplish what John the Baptist's testimony did: pointing people to Jesus so that they want to follow him. When you understand who Jesus is, you'll want others to know him. (This was taken from Tony Evans Bible Commentary)