“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul.” Hebrews 6:19 (NIV)

I read this article  just a few days after my beloved Pastor passed away to be with the Lord, then me being discharged from the hospital (an overnight stay), and on the same day that both my daughter and granddaughter moved away from my home.  No doubt the last couple of days have been extremely taxing; however, through it all God has been here with me.  He promises that He’ll never leave me nor forsake me, and though I may not understand why everything is happening right now, I do know that He is always true and He never makes any mistakes.  He who knows all things never sleeps nor slumbers; neither does He do anything without an excellent reason.

Earlier today, just prior to reading the article copy/pasted below, I cried out to the Lord and asked Him, “ How am I suppose to pick up the pieces and move forward when the remaining pieces doesn’t seem to fit nor make senses at all?”  His response was a reminder of Colossians 3:14 which states, “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (NIV).  I was quieted in my soul and my attitude became that with gratitude, thankful for God being my Shepherd. 

Below is an article that I believe also serves as a huge reminder of what we’re to have as an anchor to our soul, which according to the writer of the article, is hope.  The article was written by Bishop Vashti McKenzie and was posted on Streaming Faith’s Daily Devotional (1/28/10).  I pray that this article blesses you as it did me, bringing you encouragement and comfort and peace.   

The anchor of a ship is much smaller than the ship itself. It is usually a weighted object at he end of a rope or chain thrown into he water. The anchor keeps the ship from wandering from one location to the next or it keeps it safely in place especially in a storm.

The anchor for our soul is our hope in Jesus Christ. This hope seems like a little thing compared to the problems we may experience. Yet hope can keep you from wandering towards self-destructive activities. It can keep you in safe harbors and stable in chaotic conditions.

The winds may be a gale force and the waves 10 feet high but the anchor keeps you steady in rough seas. You may not be able to see the anchor below the waves. Hope will tell you what your physical eyes cannot see.

But trust me…It’s there!

Hope. This four-letter word is a paradox. You can’t take hope to pay a bill but it will help you to hold on until help arrives. It won’t get you a job but will keep you until employment arrives.

Hope will not put dinner on the table but it will keep you steady until food arrives.

In the book of Proverbs, the writer declares that hope deferred will make the heart sick. The psalmist sings that he puts his hope in God. It is where his hope comes from. This temple singer also encourages the people to put their hope in the unfailing love of the Lord. Paul tells the church at Corinth that hope is the third member of a trinity that includes faith and love.

The hope that is an anchor will keep our sols from being tossed to and fro by the turbulence of our times that competes with our pursuit of wholeness. It allows us to respond to the demands of the moment with resilience. God speaks to that hidden par of us so we can rise and fall with the tide without being destroyed.

We are a trinity of being- mind, body and soul. The soul is the deposit of the Eternal anchored by this Hope in the vicissitudes of challenge and change. Bishop Vinton R. Anderson writes in “My Soul Shouts” that the soul has no power to act but is the receiving entity that waits on God. The body and mind eventually fail.

The heart can be aggravated but the soul exists beyond the moment that our ashes are returned to ashes and our dust return to dust. Only God can find feed and touch the soul. Our sovereign Lord anchors our soul. It looks like a litter thing compared to the problems we face but this is the hope we have, the immutable ability of our divine Lord to hold that imperishable part of us, our soul.

“Slow your roll” today. Claim the hope of your faith. Sit quietly in the presence of God centering your thoughts on a power beyond yourself. You do not have to answer every ringing cell phone or knock at the door. Read Hebrews 6:19, ”We have this hope as an anchor for the soul.” 

Hope is like an overlooked twenty-dollar bill in the pocket of a garment. You didn’t know it was there and was not able to use it when you were hungry, broke or tired. Hope found will give you the confidence to continue against great odds. What looked like impossible becomes possible.

Hope will sustain you. Be convinced today that the condition in which you live will change because God has the power to hold you steady and will give you a new vision about the way things can be. 

 Article written by Bishop Vashti McKenzie on Streaming Faith’s Daily Devotional (1/28/10)

God bless!

© 2010, Living Under God's Favor. All rights reserved. This site is part of NWC Ministries.

Not everyone will understand the call that God has on your life, but will you still answer it anyway?

Sometimes the very people you’d think would be your greatest supporters are the very ones who will relentlessly try to instill doubt in your mind, but will you turn a deaf ear to them and an open ear to God?

When it feels as though unseen forces are working against you, and that’s because they are, will you still continue to press forward in the name of the Lord?

When your closest friends turn into your biggest haters and begin to slander you, mock you and speak all manners of evils against you, will you keep your focus and wait for God to vindicate you?

Will you obey God even when it hurts and even when you don’t understand?

Will you move when He tells you to move, although it may appear as though He’s moving you to a place that’s tougher, harder, and completely outside of your comfort zone?

Will you continue to stand even when the burden seems far heavier than what you can bear?

Will you still hope when hope seems hopeless?

Will you still follow God even when it seems unprofitable and as if you’re losing more than you’re gaining? 

Will you still be faithful when it seems as though people who serve God less than you do yet gets more from Him than you do?

Will you absolutely refuse to conform to what the popular majority demands and adhere to all that God commands?

Will you obey God no matter what the cost?

Will you still have faith though it seems as though your prayers have gone unanswered?

Having lost all, will you still give more?

Despite your ability to flow effectively in the spiritual gifts God has given you, and the praises of men you receive as a result, will you still humble yourself under the mighty hand of God? 

When people think you’re “super holy” because of the obvious anointing on your life, and begin to exalt you as a result, will you correct them and put their focus back on God and their relationship with Him?

Will you preach and teach God’s unadulterated, uncompromised, untainted Word?

Will you allow God to interrupt your day to go minister to others and do the things that He wants you to do though it may completely interrupt your plans?

Will you still talk to and lean on God even during the times when it seems as though He’s silent?

When He slays you, will you still trust Him?

When it seems like you’ve given all that you can, yet He says “There is still more that I require of you”; will you still follow Him?

 .

Ministry is nothing to take lightly.  It is a serious responsibility and it usually comes with a great cost.  If God called you to a particular ministry (preacher, fivefold, deliverance, etc), simply embrace the call then allow Him to lead you in how He wants you to walk in that call.  Don’t walk ahead of Him nor far behind Him, but rather with Him; allowing Him to cultivate you so that you can reach your full potential. 

Don’t be shocked if your friends and family members begin to scatter, GO FORTH ANYWAY!

If it seems like all hell is breaking loose in your life, GO FORTH ANYWAY!

Even if church members begin to ridicule you and try to make you feel insignificantly low, GO FORTH ANYWAY!

God has equipped you to be able to walk in your divine calling, effectively; however, it does require your trust and obey Him.  It also requires that you allow God to humble you, which is often a painful process; however, it is a much needed process.  We tend to want the crown without the cross, but the Bible says in John 15:20 that the servant isn’t greater than the master; therefore if Christ had to go to the cross before getting His crown, then so do we!  And us having to go through this process isn’t because God wants to make us miserable, but rather for us to become more intimate and dependent on God; which is absolutely needed in ministry.  Our “going thru” also makes us more wise, patient, stronger, effective, compassionate and more able to relate to those whom we minister to.  In addition, it’s also for our good, as we do not want our hearts to become prideful which can easily happen as God promotes you from glory to glory.  You want to always keep your eyes focused on the prize, which is Christ Jesus!  In Mark 8:36, Jesus asks, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”  You do not want to gain earthly things at the expense of your soul.  It’s not worth it.  Let God be God and you just trust Him.  He knows and is able to do much more than you could ever fathom, able to do exceeding, abundantly above all that you can ever ask for or think.

God bless you and your ministry!!!

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SCRIPTURES

“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Mark 8:34 NIV

“Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment.” James 3:1 NASB

“For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels and to men. We are fool’s for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong: ye are honorable, but we are despised. Even unto this present hour, we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place; and labor, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it; being defamed, we entreat; we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.”  I Corinthians 4:9-13

He said: “Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me; they and their fathers have been in revolt against me to this very day.  The people to whom I am sending you are obstinate and stubborn. Say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says.’  And whether they listen or fail to listen—for they are a rebellious house—they will know that a prophet has been among them.  And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or their words. Do not be afraid, though briers and thorns are all around you and you live among scorpions. Do not be afraid of what they say or terrified by them, though they are a rebellious house. 7 You must speak my words to them, whether they listen or fail to listen, for they are rebellious. 8 But you, son of man, listen to what I say to you. Do not rebel like that rebellious house; open your mouth and eat what I give you.” Ezekiel 2:3-8 NIV

© 2010, Living Under God's Favor. All rights reserved. This site is part of NWC Ministries.

Isaiah 43 is one of my favorite Scriptures and I wanted to share it with you today.  There is A LOT in this passage and I pray that the Holy Spirit leads you in comprehension, revelation and application in your life!

May God bless you.

Only ONE Savior

 ¹ But now, this is what the LORD says—
       he who created you, O Jacob,
       he who formed you, O Israel:
       “Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
       I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

 ² When you pass through the waters,
       I will be with you;
       and when you pass through the rivers,
       they will not sweep over you.
       When you walk through the fire,
       you will not be burned;
       the flames will not set you ablaze.

 ³ For I am the LORD, your God,
       the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
       I give Egypt for your ransom,
       Cush ^[a] and Seba in your stead.

 ⁴ Since you are precious and honored in my sight,
       and because I love you,
       I will give men in exchange for you,
       and people in exchange for your life.

 ⁵ Do not be afraid, for I am with you;
       I will bring your children from the east
       and gather you from the west.

 ⁶ I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’
       and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’
       Bring my sons from afar
       and my daughters from the ends of the earth-

 ⁷ everyone who is called by my name,
       whom I created for my glory,
       whom I formed and made.”

 ⁸ Lead out those who have eyes but are blind,
       who have ears but are deaf.

 ⁹ All the nations gather together
       and the peoples assemble.
       Which of them foretold this
       and proclaimed to us the former things?
       Let them bring in their witnesses to prove they were right,
       so that others may hear and say, “It is true.”

 ¹⁰ “You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD,
       “and my servant whom I have chosen,
       so that you may know and believe me
       and understand that I am he.
       Before me no god was formed,
       nor will there be one after me.

 ¹¹ I, even I, am the LORD,
       and apart from me there is no savior.

 ¹² I have revealed and saved and proclaimed—
       I, and not some foreign god among you.
       You are my witnesses,” declares the LORD, “that I am God.

 ¹³ Yes, and from ancient days I am he.
       No one can deliver out of my hand.
       When I act, who can reverse it?”

God’s Mercy and Israel’s Unfaithfulness

 ¹⁴ This is what the LORD says—
       your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
       “For your sake I will send to Babylon
       and bring down as fugitives all the Babylonians, ^[b]
       in the ships in which they took pride.

 ¹⁵ I am the LORD, your Holy One,
       Israel’s Creator, your King.”

 ¹⁶ This is what the LORD says—
       he who made a way through the sea,
       a path through the mighty waters,

 ¹⁷ who drew out the chariots and horses,
       the army and reinforcements together,
       and they lay there, never to rise again,
       extinguished, snuffed out like a wick:

 ¹⁸ “Forget the former things;
       do not dwell on the past.

 ¹⁹ See, I am doing a new thing!
       Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
       I am making a way in the desert
       and streams in the wasteland.

 ²⁰ The wild animals honor me,
       the jackals and the owls,
       because I provide water in the desert
       and streams in the wasteland,
       to give drink to my people, my chosen,

 ²¹ the people I formed for myself
       that they may proclaim my praise.

 ²² “Yet you have not called upon me, O Jacob,
       you have not wearied yourselves for me, O Israel.

 ²³ You have not brought me sheep for burnt offerings,
       nor honored me with your sacrifices.
       I have not burdened you with grain offerings
       nor wearied you with demands for incense.

 ²⁴ You have not bought any fragrant calamus for me,
       or lavished on me the fat of your sacrifices.
       But you have burdened me with your sins
       and wearied me with your offenses.

 ²⁵ “I, even I, am he who blots out
       your transgressions, for my own sake,
       and remembers your sins no more.

 ²⁶ Review the past for me,
       let us argue the matter together;
       state the case for your innocence.

 ²⁷ Your first father sinned;
       your spokesmen rebelled against me.

 ²⁸ So I will disgrace the dignitaries of your temple,
       and I will consign Jacob to destruction ^[c]
       and Israel to scorn.

© 2010, Living Under God's Favor. All rights reserved. This site is part of NWC Ministries.

Are you ready to go to YOUR next level?

Your Promised Land,

Your destiny,

Your place of blessing,

Your divine purpose? 

Well, the Lord truly desires that you enter AND possess the land that He’s prepared ESPECIALLY for you (your destiny). 

B     U     T

Before you can go, you must FIRST leave!

Leave what? 

Read the sermon highlights taken from my initial sermon entitled “Before You Go, You FIRST Got to Leave”.  Learn what you must FIRST do in order to successfully pursue and walk into your God-given destiny!  Visit www.sgomonline.org or simply follow this URL path to go straight to the article: http://www.sgomonline.org/faithfood/2010/06/24/before-you-go-you-must-first-leave/. 

I know you will certainly be blessed!

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© 2010, Living Under God's Favor. All rights reserved. This site is part of NWC Ministries.

The entry below is another entry from what I call The Vault Series, which are entries that I’ve written over a year or so ago on my eJournal at www.NaimaWilliams.com/blog.  The entry below was originally posted on January 22, 2009, and though that is the case, the principals and lessons to learn are still relevant to today’s issues.  I pray that you’re blessed by it and that the Heavenly Father brings you to a place of fruitfulness, obedience, and an abundant life to the full till it overflows, in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

January 22, 2009

One of the most pivotal moments in my life happened early last year.  At this time, I knew God was calling me to put away my selfish ways and to dedicate my life to Him.  I was already saved and had a prayer life; however, I was still trying to “do my own thing” and was far from living a surrendered life unto Christ.

One day during that time, the Lord had my sister to call me by accident.  It was nothing less than a miracle that I even answered the call because I was at work and I keep my cell on silence, in my purse and in my desk drawer.  When she called she was puzzled that I was on the other end of the line; however, I heard God telling me that there was something she MUST tell me that I NEEDED to hear.  Still hesitant, at that time, to fully trust God, I just told my sister “you might see me today during my lunch break” – all the while my spirit was actually screaming “YES U WILL BE THERE”. 

Needless to say, I was there during my lunch break, and what my sister didn’t know at that time was that I was in spiritual agony and deep depression.  Many people didn’t know it.  When I got to my sister’s, I’m not sure if I even said hi to her…I just grabbed her hands and told her to begin to pray.  I was mindful to keep my ears open waiting to hear whatever it was I was suppose to hear.  I didn’t know what it was but I knew God would let me know once I heard it.  The Spirit of God is moving through the prayer and eventually I began to pray.  We were on the floor by this time.  I began saying to God, “I am here…I am here!”  Still nothing.  I continued to pray, and being that my sister and I was doing what I call “tag team praying”, my sister prayed again.  While she prayed, the Holy Spirit had her say something that CHANGED MY LIFE!  She didn’t know it when she said it but I did by the power of the Holy Spirit.  The life-changing words were, “God, help us to fall in love with You.”  When I heard that, I knew I could now return to work and shortly thereafter, I did.

What was so important about that to me?  Well, first let me tell you I had a little “old school church” in me, and as a result, I would’ve never prayed such a thing believing that doing so was one step away from blasphemy.  I thought that being in love with God was something that was just suppose to happen and nothing you were to pray for.  Additionally I didn’t want the world’s definition of “love” but the true definition of love which can only be defined by its Creator.  Jesus made it very clear in John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commandments.”  I wanted to finally say “Jesus I love you” and know that I actually loved Him as He defines.  Ultimately, the prayer was so changing because, up until that point, I was very emotion-led.  Consequently, I would only do what I felt like doing in my heart at that time. 

Did it work?  Yes.  Jesus tells in His Word that whatever we ask of the Father, in Jesus’ name and believing we’ll receive it, we SHALL have it!  After I prayed that prayer for myself, it was not long after that He answered that prayer.  I’m not sure when I started praying that prayer, but the first time I did, I prayed it with a broken and contrite heart.  You see, I was tired of being miserable, and I was miserable because I kept believing the lies of the enemy over the power of God.  I thought that living a surrendered life meant signing up for lifetime boredom filled with rules impossible to follow.  Additionally, I didn’t know what to do with all these wild passions and lustful desires I had and that had intensified over the years.   All I knew is that God had a call on my life and after many years of running from that call, I had finally come to the conclusion that I would never be happy until I fulfilled my purpose by answering that call. 

Since then, my life has changed in ways I couldn’t even imagine at that time.  Now, my heart is flooded with such a great love for my awesome Creator that I often am unable to find the words to truly express the magnitude of it.  Furthermore one of the most exciting moments in my life was when I was finally able to say, “Jesus, I love you” and know I was actually loving Him by His definition.  I still pray this prayer periodically, but now it goes something like this, “Jesus, FLOOD my heart with love for You in such a way that it overflows onto Your people.” 

All of this happened from the one little seemingly-insignificant prayer request.  I thank God for the Holy Spirit and for using my sister to say something so simple yet so profound.  He knew that I would take it and run with it.  He knew that nearly a year later, I would be sharing this with you, and not just with you, but with millions across the world. 

I pray right now that if your life doesn’t reflect the true meaning of loving Christ that He helps you to fall deeply in love with Him right now in the name of Jesus.  May He penetrate and flood your heart in such a way that your life is completely changed – to the glory of God – in Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

Original post on www.NaimaWilliams.com/blog on January 22, 2009

© 2010, Living Under God's Favor. All rights reserved. This site is part of NWC Ministries.

Do you know a Christian who’s contemplating becoming a Mason? 

Do you believe something is conflicting between Christianity and Freemasonry, but you just don’t know the facts?

An elder at my church wrote a very enlightening article that I would like to share with you today.  The article is titled Christian Masons??? And I’ve provided an excerpt of it followed by the link to the full article.  Unlike several other articles written on this topic by people of one persuasion or another, this article provides documented truth and facts without emotionalism.  Therefore, you know that the information you’re reading is based upon truth and facts and not just one person’s opinion.  It provides you with clear, legitimized truth in a very digestible manner.

I’d recommend forwarding this article to every believer you know, especially those who are considering becoming a Mason (or even Eastern Star).  For the Christians whom you know who aren’t considering becoming Mason, send it to them anyway; as this will be something they can contain in their witnessing arsenal.  I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe (Ephesians 1:17-23).  I pray this in the mighty, matchless name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.

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Christian Masons???

Written by Elder Jonathan L. Williams

Should A Christian Become a Mason?

               Should a Christian be a Mason?  This is a seldom discussed topic in the Church, even avoided by some.  The average parishioner might be astounded to know just how many fellow worshippers have ties to freemasonry.  Many merely view freemasonry as a social organization with benevolent causes seeking to promote self-enlightenment and development, contribution to society, and friendship among the brotherhood/sisterhood.  Others contend that is evil or are cautious of any mysterious organization.  The purpose of this article is to provide biblical perspective to the issues pertaining to freemasonry. 

               Christians that oppose freemasonry will often cite its secrecy as a primary reason not to join, even insisting that any organization outside of the Church is unnecessary and evil.  The Bible teaches that God is love and we are therefore to help the disadvantaged.  The Shriners, a group within freemasonry, raise billions world-wide each year for its Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, specializing in burns, spinal cord injury, cleft lip and palate, and orthopedics.  This is one of a number of charitable causes supported by Masons.  How many churches raise significant funds for causes other than those which benefit the church or its pastors?  What is the percentage of the churches in your city that are united to sponsor large-scale charitable enterprises?  How much can the Church criticize this organization for its unified efforts aiding the disadvantaged?

               As stated, the purpose is not to criticize but provide insight into the Word of God on issues concentric to freemasonry.  Candidly speaking, Masonic Lodges in some communities give more money to social initiatives than churches within the same communities.  Sadly, many churches are more concerned with building funds and where they will worship than whether God truly honors their worship.  Churches invest millions of dollars in the edifice while investing only hundreds of dollars in the communities surrounding the edifice.  Many churches offer no outreach at all, giving only limited help to members.  If it is true that through benevolence freemasonry conceals its real agenda, likewise in many churches selfish agendas are hidden behind the stained glass and muffled by the sound of the praise service. 

               The question before us is should a Christian be a Mason?  This article is intended for those with a desire according to 1Pet. 3: 15 to, “Sanctify [or separate from everything else] the Lord God in your hearts and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear [of God].-NKJV” Though this article will only survey information relative to the topic, it will provide useful knowledge to anyone serious about growing in the faith.  2Tim. 2: 15 instructs us to “Study to show yourself approved unto God, a worker that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.-KJV”   It is dangerous to take a lax approach to study and growth in understanding the Word.  “My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge, because you have rejected knowledge I will also reject you from being priest for Me; because you have forgotten the law of your God I will also forget your children.  Hosea 4:6.-NKJV” As an aside, I suppose the latter part of that verse helps some youth minister better comprehend the trouble within the youth group.  While this article may be an interesting read it is faith food for the serious believer. 

            Having a bad feeling about freemasonry is not enough because feelings can change.  Freemasonry is not wrong because your minister preaches against it.  Freemasonry need not meet the approval of a stronger brother/sister in Christ.  It is validated or invalidated by the Word of God alone.  Before freemasonry can be evaluated according to Scripture one must gain insight into the organization itself.  The fact is that most know very little about freemasonry or its tenets.  Much concerning freemasonry is shrouded in secrecy.  Masons actually swear an oath of secrecy, so most of what is learned of it is shared by current or former Masons.  While this composition required many hours of research on freemasonry, it would quickly become a book if it included all the information examined.  A survey of the information will suffice the purpose of this article. 

What Do Masons Say About Freemasonry?

               Let us begin with what Masons say about freemasonry.  Any number of Masonic websites will share some basic information.  This article will quote Masons regarding freemasonry.  This way it cannot be said that an anti-mason group influenced the conclusions of this discourse.  Most of the following was gathered from www.grandlodge-nc.org.  First, Masons do not ask others to join.

 “Many good men over the years have had their feelings hurt because close friends whom they knew to be Masons never invited them to join Freemasonry. They did not know, of course, that these close friends were prohibited by Masonic law from issuing such invitations. A man must seek Masonic membership of his own free will and accord.”

              Further, going to a meeting will not guarantee membership.  Members are chosen through secret ballot.  Once selected the individual joins the Blue Lodge, the entry Lodge for all Masons.  In the Blue Lodge the Mason learns the craft of freemasonry.  Freemasonry is aimed attaining greater self and spiritual knowledge or as they refer to it, the light. 

The first degree is that of entered apprentice and during it the candidate is introduced to the basic principles of Freemasonry. As noted in an earlier chapter, symbolic use of various building tools is employed to impress upon him moral truths and doctrines. The degree is serious throughout and, contrary to some wild tales occasionally circulated, there is never any horseplay or frivolity involved (this is true of all three symbolic degrees). Upon completion of the degree, the candidate begins learning a catechism in which he must become proficient before he may receive the next degree.

In the second degree he becomes a fellow craft, learning still more of the principles and teachings of Freemasonry, especially of its close alliance with the arts and sciences. Again, he must commit a catechism to memory before proceeding to the next degree.

The third and final degree is that of master mason, teaching still more of the moral truths of the fraternity, culminating with an impressive lesson concerning the rich rewards awaiting all good men.

              Freemasonry is about learning as the words doctrines, teachings, and truths are mentioned.  Just as one earns a degree upon achieving a level of knowledge, a Mason is conferred degrees for successfully completing levels of learning.  Upon having earned the third degree in the Blue Lodge becoming a Master Mason, an individual can seek to further his Masonic education in other Masonic Orders, mainly the Scottish Rite or the York Rite.  The Masonic Lodge is a place where teaching occurs and lots of it!  

“The catechisms a Mason is required to learn as he progresses through the degrees are often, at the outset, regarded as considerable chores and candidates sometimes wonder why they are required at all. But, they serve useful purposes for the fraternity and—although he may not realize it at the time—they are particularly useful to the Mason all through his life.”

What Does the Bible Say About the Philosophies and Doctrines Adopted by Masons?

              Masons will generally argue that the path to enlightenment is the same as referenced in scripture.  John 1: 9 refers to Jesus as, “That True Light which gives light to every man that comes into the world.-NKJV”  The issue is whether the light of freemasonry is in fact the True Light or what is described in 2Cor. 11: 14-15, “For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.  Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers transform themselves into ministers of righteousness.-NKJV” In fact, John 1: 9 and verses like John 14: 6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No man comes to the Father except through Me-NKJV” are problematic for Masons because these verses assert that Jesus is the only true way to God, thus nullifying [cancel out] any other path to God.  On their website www.grandlodge-nc.org, the Masonic chapter of North Carolina contends

In a Masonic lodge, he will not hear one religion advanced as being superior to any other.

TO CONTINUE READING CLICK HERE OR GO TO http://www.sgomonline.org/faithfood/2010/06/24/christian-masons/ 

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The entry below is another entry from what I call The Vault Series, which are entries that I’ve written up until about a year on my eJournal at www.NaimaWilliams.com/blog.  The entry below was originally posted on August 24, 2009, and though that is the case, the principals and lessons to learn are still relevant to today’s issues.  I pray that you’re blessed by it and that the Heavenly Father brings you to a place of fruitfulness, obedience, and an abundant life to the full till it overflows, in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

August 24, 2009  

Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life (Philippians 4:6-7 MSG). 

Over the weekend, I taught at the monthly Bible Study we have for our Singles’ Ministry.  The lesson actually came from Joyce Meyer’s book The Battlefield of the Mind.  The two chapters I taught on were chapters 12 & 13 which are, “The Worried, Anxious Mind” and “The Judgmental, Critical and Suspicious Mind.”  From a personal standpoint, both lessons were very fitting to me since I was going through things that would definitely fall underneath the umbrella of these topics.   The class lasted for two hours and I believe we were all blessed by how God moved. 

After teaching that lesson, however, I was bombarded with a series of demonic attacks against my mind – especially as it pertains to my current circumstances.  You see, right now I am facing opposition on every side, dire circumstances as it pertains to my livelihood, medical concerns, my car is inoperable and I’m dealing with a lot of rejection.  Making it worst is that I had to deliver a ‘not-so-happy’ message to someone who’s really important to me and I am not sure of what the response may be.  To top this all off, the things God is telling me and showing me are completely opposite to what I’m actually seeing, yet, He wants me to trust Him.  Having all of this going on, needless to say, the enemy seized the opportunity to shoot arrows of ‘what ifs’ or worst case scenarios; all of which led to worries and anxieties.   

Though most of these circumstances didn’t’ occur overnight, it really hit me like a ton of bricks this weekend.  The reason why it didn’t hit me earlier is because God has been my focus.  What holds me together is His Word and His grace to grow through these turbulent times, keeping my eyes fixed on the Prize which is Christ.  This is the only reason I’m able to experience joy and peace during these times; for it is the peace of God that allows me to stand and it is the trust in God He is cultivating in me that allows me to stand strong.  Though that’s been the case, for some reason, after teaching the lesson it seems like the rest of God I finally entered into got disturbed.  It got pretty bad yesterday and it seemed like all the hurt from the rumors and rejection had came to surface yesterday during service and all I could do is cry.  Once I got home, the ‘what if’ scenarios replayed in my mind over and over again, and the next thing I knew, doubt and fear began to rear its ugly head.  I knew this was nothing but the work of the enemy; as my spirit was at peace (if that makes any sense) and I was confident in the actions I had to take.  What was tormenting me was the ‘what ifs’ and worst case scenarios that was repeatedly playing in my mind courtesy of the enemy.   

Later on in the evening I went downstairs to bake a cake (carrot) and I brought all my worries and fears into the kitchen with me (sad but true).  My usual routine when cooking or baking is to always bring my Ipod, Bible and notepad with me so I could listen to sermons / teachings, read Scriptures and/or write down notes God will give me.  As I put these things down on the kitchen table, there it was, a copy of the Pursuit of Peace Agreement I made for the class on Saturday (you can receive your own copy by clicking on the link).  I read it and signed it and began to speak aloud the Scriptures that were listed on the agreement (I have it on my fridge).  That then gave me the strength to fight the enemy by using the Word of God.  Every time a negative thought would enter my mind, I’d smack it down with the Word of God.  As I’m sure you can imagine, I was up quoting Scriptures most of the night. 

So here we are today, Monday, August 24, 2009.  I prayed and I started my day.  When I later went onto my computer, I received an electronic utility bill that was in the triple digits and was much more than I had.  Additionally, I called a former co-worker and asked him if he knew of a reason why a car wouldn’t shift into reverse and his response was that this is an indicator of something wrong with the transmission.  He gave me the least and the worst case scenario which then put me in a state of panic once I hung up the phone.  Lord, what am I going to do?  Where are YOU?  Next thing you knew, I was right back in worry and anxiety; however, this time they brought along a few of their friends.  Their friends were Hopelessness, Despair and Terror amongst others.    

Not too long after the pity party began, the Lord had one of my sisters-in-Christ call me.  I completely admit to you that by the time she’d call, I was a mess!  I told her how I was fighting worry since I taught the class (she was at the class) and some of the things that were going on.  The Lord used this sister to minister to me and she did it in such a way that the devil got real nervous real quick, to the point where he disconnected the phone call.  It was so obvious to the both of us!  You see, up until she began to minister, she spoke about her day and I spoke about my circumstances and our phone connection was fine.  As soon as God had her to serve me a big dish of ‘faith food’, the phone call got disconnected and her ministering was interrupted.  BUT GOD….we were able to reconnect and she continued to minister and I received what God gave to me through her.  After our phone call, it was like I remembered that I was and am actually in spiritual warfare and it wasn’t just about me.  The fact that the enemy tried his best to prevent her from encouraging me shows me that he was scared and desperate—wanting to keep me in the place of feeling closed in, alone and scared so that I would be no good to anyone!  His (the devil) disconnecting the call also shows me that I am right where God wants me to be for His glory and that I am one pinky toe away from my blessing and deliverance.  FURTHERMORE, the fact that I’ve been bombarded with these thoughts since I taught on Saturday just let me know that somebody received what they needed on Saturday.  Teaching and preaching is never about the person doing it; it’s always about everyone else BUT the teacher or preacher.  As a vessel, God pours into you for you to then pour into the hearers – so that God’s Word and Spirit can convict or strengthen the hearer/receiver and begin to transform their lives. 

I wanted to share this with you to encourage you.  Though temporarily my circumstances show a different story right now, I am actually blessed.  I’ve determined some time ago that I will pursue to live a rich, full, abundant life as only Christ can give (John 10:10).  God takes pleasure in the prosperity of His people (Psalm 35:27) and I take pleasure in God; for He is my reward.  He is teaching me to rely less on me and more on Him, His Word and His provision.  I cannot say that His ways are conventional but rather unconventional, yet I firmly believe when all is said and done, there’s a mighty testimony that will come from it and many will be edified while God alone is glorified!  I believe that the testimony He’s giving me will be so outrageous and so outlandish that there will be people who will not believe it at all.  However, YOU will be able to convince them otherwise because you are witnessing my journey through my eJournal.   

God bless you and I want you to know that you are actually a blessing to me.  You see, everything that I experience means nothing if someone cannot grow from it, and my sincere desire is not just to grow myself, but also to help many, many others to grow as well.  But do understand that the ability and anointing to effectively minister to others does come with a price.  Jesus says in John 12:24 that “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.”  This Scripture isn’t speaking of our physical death but rather our death to self (carnality, our desires, our will, etc.) in order to produce more or much fruit.  This process usually isn’t pleasurable; as you are like an olive that first must be crushed before the oil can be extracted and distributed to the masses.   

In closing, I just want to personally thank you for taking the time read my eJournal and I pray that the Holy Spirit met you right where you are and ministered to you.  I conclude by praying this prayer for you and your household….

Blessings for Obedience

  ¹ “Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the LORD your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. ² And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the LORD your God:
³ “Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country.
⁴ “Blessed shall be the fruit of your body, the produce of your ground and the increase of your herds, the increase of your cattle and the offspring of your flocks.
⁵ “Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl.
⁶ “Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out.
⁷ “The LORD will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways.
⁸ “The LORD will command the blessing on you in your storehouses and in all to which you set your hand, and He will bless you in the land which the LORD your God is giving you.

⁹ “The LORD will establish you as a holy people to Himself, just as He has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the LORD your God and walk in His ways. ¹⁰ Then all peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the LORD, and they shall be afraid of you. ¹¹ And the LORD will grant you plenty of goods, in the fruit of your body, in the increase of your livestock, and in the produce of your ground, in the land of which the LORD swore to your fathers to give you. ¹² The LORD will open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand. You shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow. ¹³ And the LORD will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them.

In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Deuteronomy 28:1-13 (NIV) 

Original post on www.NaimaWilliams.com/blog on August 24, 2009

© 2010, Living Under God's Favor. All rights reserved. This site is part of NWC Ministries.

He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.” Mark 4:26-29

One of the web ministries I have the awesome privilege of managing is My Faith Group Presents…SEEDS FOR LIFE at www.myfaithgroup.org/seedsforlife.  This web ministry is a place where you can expect to receive good Seed planted into the ground of your heart with the expectation of God bringing about a harvest!  Our web ministry mirrors the concept given in Jesus’ parable in Mark 4:26-29 (listed above); and in essence, our writers are Sowers who plant Seed (the Word of God) into the ground of our readers’ hearts with the expectation of God bringing about the increase whether by the gift of eternal life, gift of the Holy Spirit, encouragement, edification, inspiration, exhortation, comfort and most of all, a stronger and deeper relationship with God.

Our Sowers (writers) are Christian men and women of God who actively serve as clergy members, Christian leaders or in a ministry within their home church or community.  We do not emphasize “title” but rather relationship with the Father through the Son Jesus Christ. It’s all about Kingdom Building and lifting up the name above all names, Jesus Christ!

Below is the link to our Web Ministry: www.myfaithgroup.org/seedsforlife.  Please take a few moments to browse around and be sure to subscribe to this site and stay connected !

Be blessed in all that you do!

If you have a passion for ministering the Gospel of Jesus Christ via writing and would like to join our Sowers’ team, send an email to us at articles@nwcministies.com.  Please include the following: full name, contact info, name of church, current ministry and a writing sample.

Visit us at www.myfaithgroup.org/seedsforlife and be blessed!

© 2010, Living Under God's Favor. All rights reserved. This site is part of NWC Ministries.

The entry below is another entry from what I call The Vault Series, which are entries that I’ve written over a year or so ago on my eJournal at www.NaimaWilliams.com/blog.  The entry below was originally posted on February 11, 2009, and though that is the case, the principals and lessons to learn are still relevant to today’s issues.  I pray that you’re blessed by it and that the Heavenly Father brings you to a place of fruitfulness, obedience, and an abundant life to the full till it overflows, in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

February 11, 2009

He Met Me at the Funk Place

I woke up this morning greeted by yesterday’s problems.  Usually, I make it my business to let the glory of the Lord be the first thought of my day, however, today I was just more emotional than normal.  I was concerned about my children, my finances, and about people’s opinion of me.  I was feeling kind of down and found it hard to pray, yet I pressed anyway to pray because I know this is needed and wanted by my spirit.

While praying, God helped me to see that I cannot let my adult children’s decisions affect or distract me.  At the time, all of my children are battling something that has the potential of adversely affecting their lives and even their immortal souls.  Nonetheless, each of their struggles could be won by relentlessly guarding their thoughts, but unfortunately, they feel like they have the right to think or fantasize about whatever they want.  It was evident to me by their struggles that the warning that God had used me to give them a few Sundays ago was not being heeded, and this was beginning to really upset and affect me.

As for my finances, I have to remember that God always makes provisions for us when we act in obedience.  My current employment status is a direct result of my obedience to Him and I know He has me walking into my destiny.  He does, however, require my faith and patience and moreover continued obedience and faithfulness. 

Regarding people and their opinions of me, well, I can’t change what others are determined to believe or see.  I can only be me and strive to be the best me God wants me to be.  The fact of the matter is that God delivered me from people a few months ago; however it is up to me to remain free and not return to that bondage.  Allowing my identity to be formed and told by someone else is a degree of bondage – bondage that many fail to escape.  Your whole living and/or being is based upon what another person has spoken over you and has labeled you.

I lived that way before and it was debilitating.  I was finally freed from that when I allowed God to tell me who I was in Him and the purpose of my being and believed those things, and once that happened, I began to walk in power.  Now the words of others no longer have the same effect on me that it once did for most of my life because God’s given me my identity.  Don’t get me wrong, it doesn’t mean that I don’t at times get my feelings hurt by the words or perceptions of others, but I remember that it’s just that – THEIR words and perceptions; neither of which has any power in my life unless I give it power in my life.  Thanks be to God I learned that lesson, and now I know who I am and Who’s I am, and that my dear infuses you with an incredible power!

Back to my morning, by the help of the Holy Spirit, I began to realize I was meditating on my problem aka “worrying” instead of meditating on my Solution, and I needed to change this….QUIK!  I decided to go out for a little while to help me clear my thoughts, as well as pray for God to inspire and encourage me, furthermore to restore joy in me. 

More often than not, joy is a choice and I needed Him to show me how to choose joy even when I didn’t “feel” as though I had nothing to be joyous of.  That it appears that way, I know my “feelings” are often can be deceiving, which is why I am no longer emotion-led but instead I am Spirit-led.  Regardless of my current circumstances, God is still on the throne and He is working everything out for my good.  He has a wonderful plan for me and all I need to do is trust Him.

I drove to the park, all the while praying and asking God to touch me.  You see, God had given me visions and fresh ideas for new businesses and ministries, however, my current circumstances are critical as it pertains to finances.  Though I know new businesses and ministries take time, I also know that God has the power to turn everything around at the blink of an eye.  I needed Him to show me what to do and how to do it.  However, He reminded me of something earlier when I was praying in my bedroom – before I left.  He reminded me that He had given me the assignment of helping my Pastor with her vision for the new church, and that was still a priority.  He had sent me to that church to specifically support her in whatever she needed me to do.  This I knew since May 2008.  However, I didn’t know how to help until a few months ago.  He reminded me that all that He showed me would soon come to past; however, I must help her with her vision. 

I pulled into the park and found a spot overlooking the lake.  There was a gentle breeze so I rolled down all of my windows.  I sat in my car with my notepad, pen and my Bible.  I figured I’d listen to one of the many sermons on my iPod for encouragement before going sitting outside and writing.  I selected Joyce Meyers and listened to one of the podcasts I downloaded prior to leaving.  The topic of discussion was “Encouragement.”  I smiled because I knew God was blessing me.  She had a guest speaker named John Maxwell, who’s an author and preacher.  I listened to them as they discussed encouragement; thus, encouraging me.  The guest speaker shared a testimony that happened to him as a young pastor while attending a conference where Zig Ziglar was one of the speakers.  It was there, he says, that Zig said something that changed his life.  He said “if you help other people get what they want, everything you need in your life will come to.”  This supports the principle of sowing a seed into the harvest you want or desire.  If you want to get to your vision, help someone else acquire their vision.  This just solidified the confirmation God had given me regarding my involvement in realizing my beloved Pastor’s vision.  Thank you Lord.

That lifted my spirit, as I was sitting in front of a lake having the wind blow through my hair and watching the seagulls fly in the sky.  I knew God was ministering to me, encouraging me and restoring me.  What more could a girl ask for?  After I heard the teaching, I was inspired to write down my goals for growth in 2009 (an assignment for my family bible study I teach).   I then began to pray and praise and thank God for changing my attitude and for checking on “little ole me.”  I thank Him for meeting me right where I was and rejuvenating my spirit.  To God be all the praise, honor and glory!

Originally posted on www.NaimaWilliams.com/blog on February 11, 2009

© 2010, Living Under God's Favor. All rights reserved. This site is part of NWC Ministries.

The entry below was posted on January 11, 2009; however, I would like to re-share this in hopes of someone being blessed.  May the Father bless you and bring you to a place obedience, peace and joy, in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

January 11, 2009 

God is so awesome.

I woke up this morning, around 7am, with a very unusual feeling.  The Lord told me what I was feeling was righteous indignation.   As I continued to lay in the bed, I began praying, asking God to soften my children’s hearts unto obedience.  He let me know that part of their hindrance was from them entertaining the wrong thoughts.  Though I only listen to gospel, I let my 20 year old and 19 year old make their own decision (after first informing them); however, they cannot play anything but gospel in the house.  The Lord let me know that they entertain the suggestions made in these songs and allow their minds to wander wherever the songs take them.   Consequently, they are bombarded by unclean spirits trying to lure them to rebellion and other sinful acts.  As if that wasn’t enough, they then blame God for not delivering them not realizing He already has; however, they keep re-opening the door for these unclean spirits by the music they play.

I continued to pray and I asked God, ‘do i wake them up and tell them what you’re telling me?”  “Yes”.  “How do I wake them up?  If I just call their names like I always do, they will drag their feet and be like ‘o goodness, here she goes again’ and they will not listen.  How do I get their attention?”  Just then, the thought of cranking up the stereo really loud will get them up and certainly get their attention.  ”They may be upset.  Should I really do it, Lord?”  “Yes.”

So I found a gospel -hip hop song by Frontlynaz and cranked up my 130 watt system to full blast.  Afterward, I sat in the hallway to see who would come out of their rooms.  Within 90 seconds, all of them were up.  I then told them to be downstairs in 5 minutes.

I gave them what the Lord had given me.  Toward the end of our impromptu meeting, the words ”the Lord will confirm this during this morning’s service” slipped out of my mouth.  Huh?  I wasn’t expecting that.  After the meeting, I sought the Lord to be sure of this and He told me “Yes….your words will not fall to the ground.” 

Well, today in service my pastor, Dr. Christina Rouson, preached from Leviticus 6:8-13.  The title of her sermon was “Keep the fire burning.”  In summary, there were so many confirmations in that sermon, not just what I spoke to the kids about this morning, but also things I had spoken to them individually, throughout the week.  It was almost overwhelming.  The Spirit of God moved in that place.  I felt as though I could not praise Him enough.  I lost myself in praise, but when I finally “came to” (it’s altar call now), I noticed that one of my daughters was standing at the altar and she looked like she was getting delivered.  My God!  As I continued walking toward the altar (earlier in the service, I was walking around the auditorium a few times in praise), I noticed that I seen my other daughter up there as well.  Thank you, Jesus!  Then I noticed my two sons as well.  My goodness!  All 4 of my children was at the altar!  This brought me to my knees in praise, thanksgiving and worship. 

God is so incredible.  In addition to seeing all of my children up at the altar today (on their own), God had also delivered and strengthened me as well.  By the time I got home, I felt as though I could sleep like a baby; however, there was more.  The children had a different attitude and countenance.  To God be all the glory, praise and honor.

There are so many morals to this story but two Scriptures really cover it all:

1. “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” – 2 Corinthians 10:5
2. “Pray without ceasing” – 1Thes. 5:17

God bless you and enjoy your Sunday!

First posted on www.NaimaWilliams.com/blog on January 11, 2009

© 2010, Living Under God's Favor. All rights reserved. This site is part of NWC Ministries.