Values – Martine Brice

LIFE CONCERNS

Just when you thought you figured out the answers to all the questions, they came up with a new set of questions which sends you right back to the start again!

You never really know the whole story! There’s always a loophole, a hidden fact, an untold story, a dark secret or a misunderstanding! So never think for a second that what you think you know is all there is! The greatest investigators have fallen short quite often or they’ve succeeded in convincing the majority that they nailed that investigation! Because in the end for most, it’s all about convincing the mass public! The bitter truth lies in the palm of God’s capable hands! So as you watch others roaming blindly to get from point A to point B, if you can’t pray them up, compliment their strength or effort, lend a helping hand. If neither is possible just quietly get out of their way, let them do the best they can!

Also, did you ever stop to consider if there are any More people that you might’ve offended in your life, so much so that they’re struggling to live still while you’re wanting to be ready to exit? Seriously, do you ever wonder if you forgot one or some and neglected to lift them in prayer for God to intervene and restore them for you after you had made foolish mistakes that had lasting effects in their lives while you were lacking? Have you ever had a strong desire to give a healing hug to the whole world to relieve them all of the bitterness, resentment, pain and suffering that seems too clingy? I think different people feel this in different ways. This is why there are artists, writers, singers, doctors, teachers, etc. I guess this is mine!

The thing is that not everyone heals the same way but most do. Some others don’t want to heal, they prefer hardcore revenge on repeat if at all possible!

No one really cares why a person is evil, has a mean streak, is a criminal or has chosen the wrong path or actions unless that person has been ordered by God Himself or it’s a chosen profession that pays well. Honestly, some people made it their passion to try to get inside other people’s head just by asking them questions to get them to find or see for themselves who they’ve become or where it is they’ve landed in life. And from there they can choose to make an intelligible decision to mend their ways, pay the consequences or both.

Never rejoice over someone else’s failure or the fact that they’ve been caught. Just because they didn’t catch you yet, that doesn’t mean you’re innocent. FOR ALL HAVE SINNED AND FALLEN SHORT OF GOD’S GLORY AND ALL ARE JUSTIFIED FREELY BY HIS GRACE THROUGH THE REDEMPTION THAT CAME BY CHRIST JESUS. (Rom.3:23-24). Know this and understand it well, no one of their own volition wants someone who has done them wrong once or many times to be free of their offence unless God has occupied or preoccupied their heart through Jesus. That is the honest to goodness truth right there I tell you! Human nature cannot survive or overcome wicked traits without God’s gift of Salvation in Jesus. Since Cain it’s been proven lacking and since Abel it’s been proven a challenge. Jesus gifted us His ALL because he knew right off the bat that in order for us to succeed at any good thing in this life is OVER HIS DEAD BODY AND RESURRECTION. So He did just that in gifting us His Salvation.

Think for a second of some characters of the bible. Do you think anyone considered Goliath’s history, lineage or upbringing that turned him into a bully? You think anyone thought of what shaped Jezebel into an evil woman? Did people give second thoughts as to what provoked Cain into killing his own brother? Please, No! More often than not, no one cares. To care enough to find out why things or people are the way they are however is also to nourish the self for improvement purposes and to prevent human failure that comes by lack of instruction. Like the Haitian saying, “when your comrade’s beard catches fire, put yours to soak.” (Just as God used major and minor prophets, servants of old to relay messages to His people, so also God uses ordinary people today to reach others). As it is written in God’s word “My people perish for lack of knowledge,” Hosea 4:6. To become a caring being requires in-depth core values, built-in fruits of the Spirit, Godly characteristics and functioning armors of God. To be a good person inside and out, no one knows or considers what work effort has been put into maintaining it. From the bottom of the barrel all the way up to it’s brim, no one knows sacrifices made, shamed insults endured, scrapes or falls experienced. The present isn’t always as smooth as it seems. But who cares of such if not God’s servant!

There are some things that even God respects for the human being and will not cross its line. One of them is a weary and tired soul, He understands the need to rest. There’s rest in the final destination in life but there’s also rest in God’s bosom as He lead one in the right path throughout life and in ministry. Hence His word says “Come unto me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

01-18-2022
MBM-Tine Brice (ZAYIN)

LOST AND FOUND ETIQUETTE

We live in a world where even if someone professes to have respect for others they will not hold back, once angry they will use every profane word on their list to soil your very existence. Modern day ‘respect’ doesn’t exclude foul language, it welcomes it. Even in the most common institutions, organizations or high offices, foul language is the décor of many businesses. Etiquette has been kicked to the curb and a lack of ethics is strongly present. I found that this generation has little consideration and even less admiration and honor in that sense. The handful few that seem to be exempt within this generation appears lost or out of place to the watcher. Despite their efforts to remain pure in language, the majority outweighs them before men but not before God. So to them I give a standing ovation and encourage them to continue to struggle and win for their crown of glory that is awaiting them in heaven, but even on earth God will use them for great things! To those who forgot that they emanated from a mother but struts the earth as though lightning birthed them into existence I say, you know little of the curses that you spurt and their origin. (Even God said to curse not by His great name)! But consider this for a moment, if God went on a cursing spree no one would be left alive! His was not, is not and never will be empty words followed by rage with a side of turmoil drenched in emotions! When God curses it is definite and finite until there’s a (vol de face) a turn around, a show of remorse and repentance, a sanction served! It’s an absolute stand doomed from generation to generation, no one is exempt! Only the just, righteous men may be exempt like Noah and Lot. If God did not spare the angels after having sinned (2 Peter 2:4-11) what then do you think of constant disobedience to God? It can easily become a generational curse passed down because in His word, God did say that He punishes onto the fourth generation. Have you ever stopped to wonder how much damage one curse word germinates? (It can land you into the pit of hell without ever knowing why or how you’re there; so unlike the others who like to say not to judge them but to let God judge them, I say, go ahead and judge me as much as you see fit! Because you see, once God judges He also sets a condemnation whether you’re ready for it or not, then there’s no room or time for repentance. If God has said in His own words, “Judge not lest ye be judged” and you deem it necessary to go against His rules then by all means knock yourself out and then pay the consequences later and be held accountable for your actions)! The same goes for curses, He says to curse not those that hate and persecute you but to bless them, to disobey in this is also to agree to pay the consequences. Deuteronomy 28:15-68 is strongly recommended when praying on reversing the curses, be it generational or otherwise because of the compressed information within. Each person can find themselves on this guideline based on their life walk to make adjustments so as not to fall prey to one’s own greed or error. Because often times, one’s worse enemy is not just the devil but the evil within that lurks and seeks to destroy the Godly instructed core obedience that fuels and charges our daily walk. Being watchful isn’t only for outward happenings but most importantly for inner maîtrise de soi/self-control. It is better to examine one’s self, to make adjustments in character, daily walk, to control emotional upheavals because a vessel being used must always be ready for service. Hence we shouldn’t be using most of our time beating down self and others with curses that dig a deeper hole when the real problem is being fed through curse. The simplest things at times can be the greatest silent tower blocking one’s advancement. It is in one’s benefit then to knock off of the worry list the least significant excess baggages first so as to focus on the most troublesome ones. By that I mean, if it’s not of use to or benefiting your soul’s growth then it is recommended to be rid of routine destructive behaviors like cursing worse than a sailor in making a simple statement about what to eat or wear today! The mouth that eats all (types of) food should not (be quick to) speak all (types of) words-Haitian saying! Rather than showing lack of respect to self and others, you’re actually upholding self in high regards for others to acknowledge your self worth. In doing this you also give homage, reverence, and honor to God whom it is due. Because you are God’s servant and He uses clean vessels to reach lost ones, it’s of utmost importance to position yourself to be used by your Master at each, every and all given situations. He will not use a dirty vessel to put clean liquid in so your part is to remain clean and available by all means. Refrain from hiding behind curse words, build charisma. When conversing, say what you mean with words that explain your thought rather than words that vexes the opposing side. Be bold enough to speak using your mind’s learned capacity to voice your opinion in a respectable manner feeling confident in your ability to reach another’s lack of comprehension with exemplified words. You’ll find that the opposed was struggling to meet you there in understanding and even in agreement. Let your charm, character, and charisma speak for itself!

MBM-Tine Brice

THE SPIRIT OF GOD’S WORD

Jesus is the only one who can refile us. The devil has many tactics to defile us in our values, our attitude, our prestige, our hopes, our dreams, our intentions, our expectations, our desires, our ambitions, our faith, our Christian walk and if given the opportunity our very heart and soul. To resist evil and discern his techniques, it is of utmost importance to delve deep in God’s Word with constant devotion. So it’s not enough to just seek the Armors of God; (Ephesians 6:11-18) Helmet of Salvation, Gospel Shoes, Shield of Faith, Belt of Truth, Breastplate of Righteousness, Sword of the Spirit. More so it is required and even commanded to bind God’s Word upon our heart and tie them around our neck, (Proverbs 6:21). It’s strongly advised that we should teach them to our kids, whether we’re asleep or awake we ought to speak them in our house, walkways, doorposts and gates, write them on our hand, heart and forehead, (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). This is how deep within our hearts God’s Word should be engraved because it is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword. It can do for and within us what we’re unable to do for ourselves. Jeremiah must have experienced in part the power within God’s law, Word, statutes and command when he said, His word was in my heart as “fire shut up in my bones” (Jeremiah 20:9)!
How much and how deeply are you willing to let God’s Word transform your life today? …So after having been defiled by the wiles of the devil, remit your life and soul to Jesus, the only one who can refile that which was once defiled! In trusting God you won’t be put to shame for He holds true to His Word which is Yay and Amen. (2 Corinthians 1:20) A present help in time of need we find in Him, a light to our path, lamp to our feet, the good Shepherd that never loses a sheep, the lighthouse to our soul! Whatever the sin the blood of Christ cleanses! (Isaiah 1:18-20) Trust and believe that the Holy Spirit intercedes before God’s throne for us with sighs and groanings (Romans 8:26-27) still and take courage! Hence, let the Spirit of God’s Word move you to glory, for time is at hand!

MBM-Tine Brice