I’m grateful that some have taken an interest in this writing, but I must admit, though seemingly simple, this is no easy task. While the content presentation heavily consists of my own experiences, the study behind the stories requires much focus and intentionality. That said- huge shout out to the pastors and teachers who labor in studying God’s word so that they can be used by God to release to us sheep what He is saying to and/or about us. I’m beginning to see the dedication and commitment that goes into walking in those shoes. Please know, that I am not claiming nor am I suggesting anything about me, I’m simply saying I have a deeper understanding of their call.

As for me, the purpose of my writing assignments is to turn our focus from our human experiences to God’s divine glory and to accomplish this, I must be receiving more from Him than what I actually write and release. Second Timothy 2:15 (KJV) implores us to “study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” In this chapter, Paul is telling the reader (Timothy and me and you… 👀 yes you…) that we have a responsibility to study to understand the correct interpretations of scripture so that when we are spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, we are not speaking in error or saying things that don’t benefit others. One purpose of spreading the good news is to disrupt the sinful lives of nonbelievers and guide them to Jesus so that they too can experience their own life-changing encounter with Him.

The other way that I do this is by being careful to not publish words that are rooted in my flesh. This is a bit challenging for me because I feel so passionately about a lot of these topics and the more learn of God’s truth, the more I want to get people together for misrepresenting His word and adding to the confusion and deception that is already being spread… Now, there is absolutely NOTHING holy, righteous, or loving about the phrase “get people together…” So when I notice that my writing has such an underlying tone, I am obligated to pause and allow God to work out those flaws and fleshy residuals… I mean, I am still on the potter’s wheel… in fact, life with God is like a cycle of mold, fire, use, break, remold… and it continues until we breathe our last breath. Tangent aside, I say all that to say- I cannot and I simply refuse to release something that has my carnal mind embedded in it, regardless of people’s expected timetables. I have to answer to God for everything that I release and I don’t take this assignment lightly at all.

“But I say unto you, that every idle word man shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” Matthew 12:36-37 (KJV) The Greek word for “idle” used here means lazy, slow, and barren… the English definition that stands out means without purpose or effect. Simply put, writing and even saying things that are produced from my flesh will only be empty, meaningless, and unprofitable to those who read or hear it…. And just I don’t want them problems….

I began with all of that to say that this- the upcoming topic is going to be broken into portions because it’s just so much. I really had to be sure that I was writing the way and the things that God wants me to write… full of His truth, and completely supported by His written word. This next topic will no doubt challenge some things that you have been taught and may have even perpetuated yourself. My prayer is that through the discomfort and possible offense, we really take this opportunity to do our own study, just as Paul tells Timothy…. Not to debate, but to know how to completely comprehend what the scriptures mean. This way we can begin to correct some things that we do and say with the help of God’s Holy Spirit living in us, and we can really live and speak the truth of God’s word as a result of our good understanding…. So grab your forks folks, and sharpen your knives cause it’s about to get meaty… 🍴🙏🏾💚💙🤍