The Christian Corner Ministries

Identity Crisis ( Part 2)

For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. (James 1:23-24)

Beloved, we live in a time when confusion seems to abound. We hear on the news media about gender Identity and how many of our young children are being confused with their gender. Chaos is the order of the day. People are looking for answers in the wrong places. As I observe what is happening to our society, I see there is a hunger in people’s hearts.

Deep inside, there is a hole. Many will try to find substitutes to fill that hole. This may bring satisfaction for a season, but knowing your Identity in Christ can help solve many problems in your life. It is an intoxicating and incredible experience when you know who you are in Christ and what belongs to you.

Let’s Learn From History.

As you well know, I like to read about history. My favorite topic is War History. In reading about Adolph Hitler, it is possible that he had an identity crisis in the natural. During his rule over Germany, there were some reports from his hometown of Döllersheim that disturbed him. Döllersheim was a village located in the nation of Austria. Among the villagers, there was talk that he had Jewish blood.

This news so enraged Adolph Hitler that he destroyed his village. Now, some historians may debate the fact that he had Jewish blood, but my question is, why did he destroy his own town? Was he afraid of the truth? (1) (Food for thought)

Another one who forgot his Jewish roots was Karl Marx. Now he had the best of both worlds. His parents converted to the Lutheran religion, so he had a Christian background added to his life. The enemy blinded him to where he took God out of society and created Communism. His lack of Identity caused ripple effects that are even affecting our younger generations (2)

Know Who You Are In Christ.

Considering the identity crisis of Adolph Hitler and Karl Marx, let’s learn from these examples. Beloved, we are in the last days. Let’s pay attention to sealing our Identity in Christ. Start spending time with his word and get it rooted deep within our spirits. As we meditate on the word and do what God requires of us, we will be conformed to his image.

In doing this, patience is the key to bear in mind. The change in our lives will not come overnight. There will be distractions and obstacles to overcome, but don’t be discouraged. You may progress gradually, but keep your hands on the plow. God is pleased with your progress; the important thing is consistency. There is a saying–Rome was not built overnight!

Above all, watch over the souls of your children and grandchildren. Teach them the word. Get involved in school board meetings—demand to know what is in the school’s curriculum and start making your views known. Start having family Bible studies and share the importance of following Christ. Remember, children are our most valuable asset and weapon. The word says that they are arrows. Let’s help point those arrows in the right direction so they can affect society with the word of God. (Ps 127:4)

Interesting links—

(1) https://www.amusingplanet.com/2019/12/dollersheim-village-that-hitler.html

(2) https://jewishstandard.timesofisrael.com/was-karl-marx-jewish/

Weekend Recap. (Week Of May 1)

Dan shall judge his people, as one of the tribes of Israel. Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that biteth the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward. (Gen 49:16-17)

Understanding the Prophetic word

A few thoughts on our week’s podcasts. We were studying the life of Samson and we covered the gifts and callings of God. In today’s program, we will look at a few things that stand out. How the Prophetic word was uttered to the Tribe of Dan. What can we learn from the Prophetic word?

Let’s look at Jacob when he prophesied over his children. He uttered a bittersweet prophecy to Dan. He saw his future and declared that he was going to be a judge, and in the next verse, he called him a serpent. (Gen 49:16-17).

Looking at this, this prophecy was fulfilled to the letter. Let’s look at some insights–

Samson was from the tribe of Dan. He later on, became a Judge. (Judges 13:1-5, Judges 16:31)
The tribe of Dan was the first tribe that got into nationwide idolatry, and it caused them to lose their place within the 12 tribes of Israel. Jacob’s prophecy came to pass, and It identified this tribe with the serpent, the devil. This and other sins caused Dan to lose his place with the twelve tribes. (Rev 7)

Take some time to listen to how Samson could have changed his prophetic destiny but played around with sin. Let’s learn from his mistakes and change our destiny for the better. So sit back and listen to our podcast lesson on the life of Samson.

Gifts and Callings–Part 1 (May 1)

A look at the gifts and callings of God. We will look at the life of Samson and how he was to impact his generation. Scriptures teach us the following–

As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. (Ps 127:4)

Bow and arrows were one of the choice weapons of the time. For the good, they were used to hunt. To provide food and protection for the family. On the other side of the coin, It was a weapon that was used as a tool of evil. To kill in cold blood and destroy families. Children are God’s secret weapon to impact generations. They are compared as arrows. As parents, we have a role in instructing our children to do the right thing.

Samson was a child who had an usual gift, but he was not raised right. His example gives us a valuable lesson in life. Children are valuable and they are our future. Let’s train them right and use them as arrows to impact their generation.

Gifts and callings—Part 2

A look at the Spiritual gifts and callings of God. God is a God of mercy, love, and judgment. An example was Moses. God gave him instructions to provide water to his people. In the first incident, he was obedient and followed God to the letter. (1) In the second incident, he let his temper and anger get the best of him. (2) Two times, God tested his people with the lack of water. The pressure was building up, and people were blaming Moses.

Can you blame Moses for losing his temper in the 2nd incident? Yet, in spite of Moses’s disobedience in the 2nd incident, God provided water. On one side of the coin, we see a picture of God’s grace, but on the other side –Judgement! This last incident cost Moses his life, and he could not enter the promised land. Let us learn from this example. A message to the fivefold ministry in the body of Christ–To whom much is given, much is required! (Luke 12:48)

(1) Exodus 17:5-6 (First incident), (2) Numbers 20:1-8 (Second incident)

God bless you. Thank you for dropping by. Feel free to share your prayer request. We want to pray for you.

Follow The Holy Spirit.

Daily writing prompt

What gives you direction in life?

View all responses

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me (John 10:27)

Greetings. This morning, My dear WordPress associates asked me what gives me direction in life. Without hesitation, I will answer that question with four words –Follow the Holy Spirit! He can bring answers to all of your problems. I understand that people use different kinds of methods in order to get guidance for their lives. Some will seek the counsel of friends. Others in business will listen to and read motivational books and DVDs. Nothing wrong with that.

When I was in sales, I enjoyed (still enjoy) listening to motivational speakers. I like to drop in some TED meetings and get blessed hearing the latest in the business world and the field of technology. Years afterward, I became a minister and now have a new perspective on life. I have witnessed how the Holy Spirit blessed me with extraordinary wisdom and insights.

While I do not know it all, I do know that I can depend upon the Lord to provide answers through his word. You can be blessed with his guidance and wisdom, also. Let’s look at some basic and easy steps to consider. Here are some useful tips–

Make sure your name is in the Book of Life. Having a relationship with Jesus is so vital. When we accept him as our savior, he will see us thru our problems and give us victory. (1)
Pray and ask God to give you direction concerning joining a church. Seek a Pastor who can teach the Word and help apply it to your life. Joining a church is very important because that is where you will find your calling and direction. Allow yourself to be mentored by others. Get to know your spiritual family.
Get baptized in water. (Matt 28:19) and in the Spirit. (Act 2:1-4)
Spend some time in Prayer and the Word. Jesus gave us an idea of how much time to spend in prayer. An hour a day is the ideal model. (Mark 14:37-38) Notice Jesus said to watch and pray. The praying part is having a conversation with God. The watching part is studying the Word to hear God’s voice. A helpful tool would be to pray the prayer of Ephesians (2) and Ps 112.
Start the day and ask God to show you his perfect will for the day. An optional but not required tool is the book entitled Prayers that avail much by Germaine Copeland. This book will enhance your prayer life. This book does it all for you. It gives you the scriptures and prayers to help strengthen your faith.( https://amzn.to/3B3gyPq )

Another thing to consider is knowing that not everyone is called to be a church minister. There are many ways to fulfill God’s calling for your life. For example, the Business world, Arts and Entertainment, would be a few fields in which God can use you. Remember, the Holy Spirit is your friend. When you become Born-again, you have a genius that lives inside you. So, that is my take of the day. I hope it helps someone.

(1) https://bit.ly/3nAAtSW

(2) https://bit.ly/1ZAPoFl

My Favorite quote

Daily writing prompt

Do you have a quote you live your life by or think of often?

View all responses

Greetings. I was asked by my WordPress colleagues what is my favorite quote. How do I live my life by it? How often do I think about it? I have quite a few quotes that I use. My favorite quote is when life gives you a lemon, you start making lemonade.

Living life can be full of disappointments. As a minister, I have spoken to many people who are discouraged and frustrated in life. I will start with myself as an example. I have repeatedly complained before the Lord about my frustrations in life, and he brings up another one of my favorite quotes (I have quite a few)—Stop and smell the roses.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

So, if you are frustrated, disgusted, and discouraged in life, take a deep breath. Stop and smell the roses. In life, we need to pause and count our blessings because believe it or not, we are blessed. We are blessed to live another day. Blessed to have 24 hours to make it profitable. Do an inventory of things to be thankful for, and I guarantee you will feel better.

Now, regarding my favorite quote–When life gives you a lemon, you start making lemonades. I like that saying because it gives me hope. How many times have we had goals, dreams, and visions in life? How many times has life disappointed us with failure in not achieving our dreams?

If you are in that category, you are not alone. Having a vision is what keeps people alive and motivated in life. There is nothing more frustrating than failing to achieve your goals. When that happens, reinvent yourself. Start making new goals. Learn from your past mistakes and let those rocks of obstacles lift you higher to your mountain of success.

How many of us have had our hearts broken by that special someone? We think that we can never recover from such a blow. The word of God says that he heals the brokenhearted. (Luke 4:8) I have had my heart broken many times in life, but my faith in Jesus keeps me going. He can turn my lemons into lemonade.

Whatever lemons you are facing, take a good hard look at how you can make lemonade. Discover where your gifts, talents, and skills are. Be creative and set new goals and visions. As you do this, life will be worth living. God bless.

My favorite holiday!

My favorite holiday? That is a good question.

Thinking about my favorite holiday, it’s hard to pick one. I have some like Christmas, New Year, Thanksgiving, and Memorial Day. Taking a wild guess, I would say Memorial Day. Memorial Day is special to me. First, because I am a Navy veteran. As a veteran, I consider the sacrifices and services that my fellow shipmates and soldiers have made for our country.

I love America and am proud to be an American. Yes, I know it’s not perfect, but I still love America. For those who have served in the military, I salute you. These men and women are special. Some have even given their lives so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have. We honor you, Veterans, and appreciate your service. You are the true superheroes that help protect America.

Picture of me and my wife Terry. (Approx. 1979)

The other reason I enjoy Memorial Day is family and food. I like to eat and cooking a good steak, burger, or whatever on the barbecue is exciting. Most of us have time off from work, and it’s a season of rest. A time to kick back and watch your favorite movie on TV.

In summing up my thoughts, Memorial Day as a veteran means a lot. As a family man, I like spending time with loved ones and eating. What is your favorite holiday? Feel free to share.

How to use social media.

Some helpful tips.

Social media is one of the greatest things that has ever happened to society. Think of the many advantages at your fingertips. Looking for your long-lost friends, getting in touch with family members, and even watching old TV shows are a few ways of having fun. For non-profits and businesses, it can be a gold mine.

My favorite is Facebook. Create a page and start posting. Advertising on Facebook is very affordable and can build up your page. If you are like me and don’t want to spend money, take advantage of Reels. They can be very useful and build up your audience. Another way is to make some contact with people from work, family members, and church members. In your spare time, make up a list of people. You will be surprised at how many names come up to your remembrance.

Want to have some fun? Start writing about things you enjoy. Make contact with other groups you like. For example, I am a classic movie fan and join groups and pages with similar interests. I, then, create a Facebook page on classic movies and start posting content on my page. Adding a blog is a big plus. You can create a blog for free at Google Blogs. Google is very helpful, especially when you post blogs on a daily basis. ‘

Start interacting with other groups and pages. Begin to start posting content from your page. You will slowly build an audience and get more likes. It may not come overnight; that’s why patience is key. Afterward, start to consider the Facebook live stream option. Get excited about what you are talking about. Let your audience know that you are on. Get them excited and engaged.

Getting back on the subject of Facebook Reels, it can be a great tool. Once you build an audience, it can boost your product or item. Consider using Vista Create. It is a useful app and Toonly animation. Vista Create is free and simple to use.

Toonly is not expensive and will add a boost to your business or non-profit. Don’t pay high advertising costs. Invest in Toonly. They have a tutorial that will teach you on Youtube. You can use this skill to help businesses and nonprofits advertise on the net. With technology, creating wonderful and funny characters that will draw attention is easy.

Adding these tools can be a boost on Tic Toc reels. Many times, a funny cartoon can build up an audience. It has worked for me. I did a Toonly cartoon, and it has generated 1500 (+) views. The best part of it is that it was free and added traffic to my website.

Other helpful vehicles such as Podcasting and Rumble can put money in your pocket. My favorite podcast is Spreaker. They have ads that can help you on the Spreaker podcast. Rumble will pay you for your video, but it takes time and patience. You have to build up your audience. Finally, consider going with affiliates. They can put some money in your pocket. Learn from the experts on YouTube and take advantage of their tutorials on affiliates. Hope this helps, and have a blessed day.

Helpful links–

1) Affiliate marketing… ….https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxPUwyQFoFI

2) Vista Create tutorial…https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yf8DPGTnxE8

3) Further information on Social media marketing—https://amzn.to/3HDh8Y1

4) Make some extra money on the net…https://www.userinterviews.com/r/llwtdgwwa

Disclaimer–Do your own research. Not intended to be financial advice. For entertainment purposes only.

Don’t Throw In The Towel!

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. (1 Tim 6:12) (1)

Do you have a loved one who you are praying for? Has that person gotten worse? How about that situation that doesn’t get better? If that is the case, you are not alone. Many are frustrated in their prayer life.

My word for you is not to throw in the towel! Let’s look at two examples in the word. These examples will help us understand the good fight of faith. We are in a battleground. War is not a pleasant word to hear, but the good news is that we fight to win. We are more than conquerors.

Sosthenes

Who was Sosthenes? Before we answer that question, let’s look at what the Apostle Paul was doing in Corinth. Paul was winning Jews to his ministry. One such case was Crispus, the Synagogue’s chief ruler, and many in Corinth were coming to Christ. Because of this, Paul probably heard threats being leveled against him. God spoke to him in a vision, telling him not to be afraid. Why was this? Because he had many people in the city. (Acts 18)

So, Paul continued with his work for the Lord. Meanwhile, Satan was busy using the Jews to stir up the masses . They arrested Paul and brought him before the Judgement seat of Gallio, a high Roman official. Sounds familiar? We have the same situation in Israel today. Israel has forbidden the preaching of the gospel. There is nothing new under the sun.

The Jews tried to accuse Paul of being a traitor to Rome, but Gallio saw right thru them, and the scheme backfired. Paul was protected and allowed to continue his preaching. Now, let’s answer the question- Who was Sosthenes? Scriptures tell us that he was the chief ruler of the Synagogue. (Acts 18:17) He was among the crowd of Jews accusing Paul.

When the religious mob’s plot failed against Paul, they turned on Sosthenes. He was the scapegoat and got beat up before the judgment seat of Gallio. This incident with the mob was a wake-up call for him. He saw the hand of God and got saved. Scripture mentions his name again, and he winded up working with Paul. (I Cor 1:1). A hardened Religious Jew came to the family of God!

The Synagogue of Satan

Behold, I will make them of the Synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. (Rev 3:9)

As you read Rev 3:9, you see the words “synagogue of Satan.” These are God’s words, not mines. Strong words from the Spirit of the Lord. Why were they called Satanic? Because anything that hindered the movement of the gospel was considered Satanic.

Notice the mercy of the Lord. He could have given them up to their destructive ways, but his grace and mercy prevailed. Their hearts got softened and winded up getting saved. Notice the words–I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. They went from being the Synagogue of Satan to a synagogue of God (Church).

It shows the power of Love. The word says that Love never fails. (1 Cor 13:8). Why? Because God is Love. He has no pleasure in the death of the wicked. (Ezekiel 33:11)
When you think of Hitler, we have a picture of evil personified, but Jesus loved him. We see a picture of God’s Love and mercy during an incident on July 20, 1944. It was World War II, and some High German officials tried to assassinate Adolph Hitler. They had the bomb in a briefcase and was put under a table during a meeting with the German leader. One of his officers moved the suitcase, saving Hitler’s life. (2)

What does this show us? God has mercy on even the wicked. Even if the wicked do not repent, God respects free will. His compassion and Love will be there. He gives them space to repent. If they die in their sins, they have nobody to blame but themselves. So, the word for today is—Not to give up praying! If you hit a wall, ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to pray. He is the genius that lives inside of us. I have enclosed a video that I recorded earlier. God bless.

(1) Courtesy of http://www.biblegateway.com

(2) https://www.history.com/news/july-plot-hitler-assassination-attempt-operation-valkyrie

Morning@

When do you feel most productive?

In the morning, when I drink my coffee.

Whether you are like me or not, we all have to agree….time waits for no one. Early mornings are a must for me. I try to minimize distractions and focus on my goals. During my time in the Navy, I learned to have a plan for the day. Many times, I write it down. Writing down your thoughts and plans helps you. It is a way to keep up with time management.

Time management is something we all need. We cannot commit everything to memory. It helps to write it down. I have missed appointments because of failure to write it down. Second, Prioritize! Again, relating to my Navy experience, I learned a lot. I worked as a supply clerk for a Navy Squadron. There were ratings on the order of aircraft parts.

AKO meant high priority. What are some AKO in your life? AK7 means it is not essential. What are some AK7’s in your life? Sometimes, we want to do everything in one day. I understand that, but sometimes, that can add stress to your life. Take a deep breath and schedule your AK7s for the next day.

At the end of the day, look at your list. You will be surprised at how much you can accomplish. Learn to be productive and add less stress to your life. Avoid distractions. They are a time-killer. Make every minute count, especially when serving the Lord. Life will be better, and you will manage to get a lot done. Hope this helps.

Note—Want more information about time management? Click on this link..https://amzn.to/3VxhIfQ

Weekend recap for the week of 4/23

Greetings. What a week it was. God was moving through a lot of revelations concerning finances. Tradition and religious chains were coming apart, and only time will tell the tremendous results of this fruitful revelation. As we study and practice this time-tested revelation, it will set many free from poverty and lack.

Phil 2:5 says let this mind be in you as was in Christ. We have the mind of Christ. The anointing that destroys every yoke, including financial lack and poverty, is present within us. We have a genius that lives inside of us, and that is the Holy Spirit. As we study Biblical prosperity, we know it does not come without a fight. We need to learn how to stand and receive God’s promises to fight the good fight of faith.

Take some time and listen to these teachings over and over again. Share this website with your friends and family who are struggling. We are an army, and we stand together. Below I have the week’s recap. I pray that it will inspire and encourage you!

Do you have a hardened heart?

While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation. (Heb 3:15) (1)

Beloved, are you hardening your heart? Are you listening to what the Lord is saying? Let’s look at the example of Jesus. As I read this, I marvel at the hardness of the religious leaders when they came to arrest him. Let’s look at the first example—

When Judas, the religious leaders, and Roman soldiers came to arrest Jesus. Jesus asked them— Who seek thee? They answered—Jesus of Nazareth! Jesus answered I am He. If you have the Bible in book form, some would have the word “He” italicized, meaning it was added. The Greek translation reads–I AM. The words I AM are proof that Jesus was God in the flesh. His words had power. That power knocked Judas, the religious leaders, and the soldiers down to the floor. At that, they should have backed away and left him alone, but their hearts were hardened. (John 18:4-9)
Another miracle was when Peter cut off the ear of Malchus. Jesus reproved Peter and told him to put his sword away. He then put the servant’s ear back in place, performing another miracle. ( John 18:10-11, Luke 22:50-51) Sadly, the people who wanted to arrest him did not change their minds about Jesus.
Jesus stood in the gap, interceding for the people who arrested him. He prayed to the Father to forgive them, for they know not what they do. Notice what he said–Forgive them. Praying for your enemies is a fundamental principle because the word is clear. Evil shall not depart from their house when you reward evil for good. (Prov 17:13)
The veil of the temple was torn in half. That veil was made of a strong material for any ordinary man to break and was huge. The veil was so heavy that it needed 300 priests to manipulate it. It was believed that horses pulled to each side could not tear it apart. The power of God tore that veil apart so that the New Covenant could be put in place. (Matt 27:51)
A tremendous Earthquake splits the rocks apart (Matt 27:51)
The tombs were opened, and the Old Testament Saints were resurrected and walking around town. Can you imagine John the Baptist, whose head got cut off, walking around with his head in place? That is a big miracle. (Matt 27:52)
Jesus’ body was not there, and an Angel moved the stone. Despite all these miracles, these religious leaders refused to believe. The part that amazes me is that the soldiers saw the blessing of the resurrection, took the money, and lied about the whole story. (Matt 28:1-15)
Alas, despite God’s mercy and grace, Israel was held accountable. After grace came Judgement, Israel and her temple were destroyed, and its people scattered. (Luke 19:41-44)

So, let’s learn from the past. Let’s check our hearts and take some time to remember God’s mercies and miracles. Guard your heart. God bless