Open Letter - Christians Stand Up

As I have been looking at all of the events of this weekend I know that the heart of God is grieved.

When Jesus was asked which was the most important commandment he said,

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.’ This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.’ These two commands are pegs; everything in God’s Law and the Prophets hangs from them.” (Matthew 22:39-40 MSG)

and again

“The first in importance is, ‘Listen, Israel: The Lord your God is one; so love the Lord God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy.’ And here is the second: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.’ There is no other commandment that ranks with these.” (Mark 12:29-31 MSG) says,

And I have been waiting, desperately to hear people of God come out in force to denounce the lack of love that has transpired in the last 10 or some odd days since Trump has taken over the presidency. 

My heart is pained deeply because while some have spoken out our collective voice has not been loud enough. 

In Leviticus 19:33-34 (NIV) it says,

‘When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.

God's theme has always been love me and love people. In that order. In America we are all immigrants. Not one of our ancestors originated here in this country. I am the product of immigrants. And whether these immigrants are here legally or illegal it is our duty as people of faith to love them. We are blessed enough to live in a country where our poverty, our oppression, our hardship isn't any where close to that of these people who are running literally for their lives. 

America is built on illegal immigration. The pilgrims on the Mayflower sailed here to escape religious persecution. Is that not what we are taught in school? And the Natives who were here helped them survive. So now, hundreds of years later we shun those doing the same thing our nation is built on? How shameful and selfish is that? The Christians who sought shelter all those years ago have birthed the Christians of today who now wish to persecute those searching for that same freedom. 

My Message: This is an indictment on people who say they love and know the Lord. Your voice should be the loudest. If we know that God is love and that God is in us then we should exude love. Instead some of us are exuding hate and where hate is love cannot be. And if God is love and your heart is blackened by your hate where is there room for God? Many of us need to examine our hearts and our relationships with God. 

And your silence is support. Even if you don't think so. Jesus NEVER stood silent in the face of injustice. We have become to comfortable riding the middle ground but God says that it is better to be hot or cold then to be a lukewarm Christian. We have to choose a side and if the side you chose is NOT justice you will have a lot to explain not just on earth but in Heaven.

What's dangerous is that when we don't stand up for those being persecuted we open the door to being persecuted ourselves. Even God reminded the children of Israel that they too were once foreigners in Egypt. In that same way we could at some point be foreigners in another land and would want to be treated with respect.

To my persecuted brothers and sisters, regardless of faith, race and sexual orientation I stand with you when you are wronged, abused, shut-out. I may not agree with you on certain things but I do know that regardless of our differences no one deserves mistreatment of any kind. I say this not just because my people have been fighting this fight in this country for a long time but also because God is love, God loves us all, and He commands me to love you. 

I stand in solidarity.

The Unlikely Missionary

DHW

In God's Economy: Abundance Doesn't Always Equal Money

God promises us life and that life in abundance (John 10:10). Don't equate that with a promise of abundant money. There are too many stories in the Bible of people who lived abundant lives but were not rich (See the story of the Widow of Zarephath; See Hebrew 11) and those who were rich but did not live abundant lives (See the Story of the Rich Official who was seeking this abundant life). Jesus himself was a perfect example of that. Even Jesus had no place to lay His head at night (Matthew 8:20). Yet I doubt people will say He didn't live an abundant life.

So if abundance doesn't mean money what does it mean? 

Abundance means having a new life in Christ and living the life God has planned for you, not holding on to the things of this world but being blessed to be a blessing to others. What abundance looks like will be different for everybody because no ones life path is the same. God has a plan for all of our lives and our plans are not the same so why would the abundance in our lives be the same?

You can have many things in abundance. Love, happiness, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control are some. And yes money can be included in this. For some God gives a large dose of love in their life because that is what makes their life full. Mother Theresa lived off of love even though she had no great wealth. And she was able to pass that on to others. Her life was abundant. For some in order to have a full life they need to be surrounded by joy. For others they need security so God lets you know He is there with you always. For others joy and peace is in working toward something even though it may not be realized in their lifetime. John the Baptist, Paul, Peter and the other disciples are perfect examples of this.  

Everyone is different so our abundance is different. But God's promises are the same, that He came to give us this abundant life, that He has a plan to prosper us, and that He will supply all that is needed for this abundant life.

The problem is we apply worldly definitions to God's promises and we begin to covet or want the abundance of others.

And God being who He is will sometimes give us that thing that we want: be it money, fame, knowledge, power, etc but then we wonder why we aren't happy? Money, Fame, Knowledge, Power are not inherently bad things because for some of us they are part of our abundant life, just look at King Solomon. But that is not that path for all of us. And then we wonder, Why we aren't joyful, why we don't have peace. It's because that thing you desperately wanted wasn't part of your abundant life. The focus as was Solomon's focus was God and His Will for us. That is the key to abundant life.

Living an abundant means achieving fulfillment though Christ. We all want money but God and eternal life are the bigger prize.

The Unlikely Missionary

DHW

Extra: Go deeper and look at these other resources

• What Does it Mean to Have an Abundant Life? Some Thoughts on Prosperity
• Lesson 55: The Door to Abundant Life (John 10:7-10)

No Longer Slaves

In our lives it is easy to feel enslaved. To your job, by the government, by money, by your fears, by your own mind. I know I can get stuck in the trap of feeling like life is closing in and there is no way out.

And then I'm reminded that God has set me free. As a child of the Most High God, Galatians 5:1 (The MSG) says,

Christ has set us free to live a free life. 

So take your stand! 

Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you.

I AM FREE!

Let Paul's words be a reminder in these uncertain times that you are free, so stand firm in that.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Bethel Music has this great song which is the title and inspiration for this post. Whenever you feel bound listen to this song, read its words and come to know the freedom that exists through accepting the wonderful gift of salvation from our Wonderful Savior, Jesus Christ! 

Be Blessed!

The Unlikely Missionary

DHW

You unravel me with a melody

You surround me with a song

Of deliverance from my enemies

'Til all my fears are gone

From my mother's womb

You have chosen me

Love has called my name

I've been born again

Into your family

Your blood flows through my veins

I am surrounded

By the arms of the father

I am surrounded

By songs of deliverance

We've been liberated

From our bondage

We're the sons and the daughters

Let us sing our freedom

You split the sea

So I could walk right through it

My fears were drowned in perfect love

You rescued me

And I could stand and sing

I am a child of God...

Yes, I am

I am a child of God

I am a child of God

Yes, I am

I am a child of God

Full of faith

Yes, I am a child of God

I am a child of God

I'm no longer a slave to fear

I am a child of God

Bless Your Name Forevermore

Sometimes I hear a song that ushers me into the kingdom of God no matter where I am or what I am doing. And I have to stop and worship the Lord. That just happened when this song came on my Pandora playlist.

It says

From the darkness came the light,

Out of nothingness you made life

For before the world you were,

Bless your name forevermore.

Lord according to your plan,

You created every man,

Just to glorify you and

Bless your name forevermore

Then into the world you came,

By the power of your name,

And you washed my sins away,

Bless your name forevermore.

So i come before your throne

Through no goodness of my own

And i worship you alone,

Bless your name forevermore

I will bless your name(x2)

I will bless your name forevermore

I will bless your name(x2)

I will bless your name forevermore

-Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

Enjoy!

Praise Break: Turn It Around

I love basically anything Israel Houghton & New Breed and this song always makes me dance in my seat. Enjoy!

My Thoughts on the Abortion Debate

The ability to choose it under attack. But this is not the first time nor will it be the last.

I will be talking more about choice in March but in light of all that transpired and potentially will transpire I felt it necessary to address this sooner.

Starting from Adam and Eve with the tree, God has given us choice.

He's never tried to stifle it or take it back. And why? Because He didn't want individuals who felt forced or trapped into serving God. He wants our worship to be given freely. He has a personal cheer-leading section already. They are called angels.

He gives you the ability to freely choose how you want to live your life. An example of this is He let David have multiple wives even though that was a pagan custom David adopted from neighboring nations and it is not God's picture of marriage.

God of course has a direction he wants you to go that will bring you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11) but you ultimately have the ability to make the choice you want to make.

Today Trump reinstated the Mexico City Policy (click here for more info).

As a woman, abortion and reproductive rights are very important. We only get this one body and it goes through a lot. I have the right to my own body; safe and clean facilities; and qualified and ethical doctors. I am a pro-choice person because I believe having choices does bring life. Everyone is entitled to have the best information they can to make a well informed decision. Just because I may not like your decision doesn't mean anything.

I've never had an abortion but I have had a miscarriage. Losing your child (because both are a loss) stays with you forever. I remember the day I had to go in for my DNC like it was yesterday. And when I go to the gynecologist I'm reminded of it because they ask you how many pregnancies you've had and how many babies you have. I have to remember the date because it was a surgery and its now part of my medical history. You're not allowed to forget your loss. And even without the reminder I would never forget.

I don't think I would ever personally have an abortion just because I don't believe in that for myself especially after the emotional pain of my miscarriage. But who am I to tell someone else what is best for them? I'm not having their baby; paying for it, taking care of it, living with it. I don't know the potential health issues the child may have or what carrying the baby to term may do to the mother. I don't know their personal circumstances so I have no right to tell them what to do.

When we are taking away a women's right to autonomy over their own bodies we say that we are nothing but property to be controlled, vessels to be used, carriers and nothing more. That sets a dangerous precedent when we as Christians agree that choice should be restricted because God has set us free. Who are we to deny others freedom?

We create scared, trapped people who feel they have no other options. Just because we criminalize abortion doesn't mean people will stop having them. And then we hear stories of nightmare back room abortions. Babies left in garbage bags. Women and children who have lost access to quality healthcare and life-saving medicines. Children abused by a parent who didn't want them in the first place. Bombings at clinics. And how is this better?

Abortion laws are not about protecting babies, they are about imposing someone else's will upon another. Its about power. Its about the ability to tell someone I'm right and you are wrong. Its about self-righteousness and being able to puff out your chest to say you are better than.

No one is better than, remember There Are No Levels To This. When Jesus said to the crowd that accused the woman in adultery he who is without sin cast the first stone there was a reason. Because we ALL have sinned. Then Jesus the only one who could throw a stone told her to go home and sin no more (John 8:1-11 MSG).

So to my self-righteous Christians you are not without sin so put your stones down. God gives us two commandments:

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.

Matthew 22:36-40

Everything in God's law hinges on these two commandments. So examine yourself instead of trying to condemn others.

To my sisters who have had abortions and feel shame and condemned; God doesn't condemn you and neither do I. You are loved. You are not alone in this. You matter. Go forward in that freedom.

The Unlikely Missionary

DHW

In God's Economy: There are No Levels To This

I find that we live in a world of Grays. However God is very black and white. 

There is no gray. 

We are all sinners (Romans 3:23) and There is only one way to heaven (John 14:6, Acts 4:12). That's it. Plain and simple.

In this world we put levels on wrongdoing. There is simple assault, assault, assault and battery. Then there are degrees; 1st degree, 2nd degree. But in God's economy all sins are equal and they are all punishable by death. No ifs, ands, or butts.

And we are ALL born into sin. Just like we can get certain diseases from our parents, we inherit sin. It has been passed down from generation to generation. Every human being has sin, no one is immune.

Therefore to God it doesn't matter if you have a little sin or a lot of sin (whatever that means) even a speck of sin is too much and can separate you from the fullness of a relationship with God. That is why Jesus came (John 3:16). God sent his son to die so that his perfect sinless blood could be shed and cover your sins so that you would no longer be separated from God.

The sins you do are NOT what send you to hell because we already inherited that death sentence. The decision to not accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior is what seals your fate.

There are no levels to this and there are no other ways.

The Unlikely Missionary

DHW

Awesome God

I love the song Awesome God but one of my favorite renditions has to be the one sung by Helen Baylor. She has one of the most beautiful, powerful and sultry altos I've ever heard. And when she sings I feel the presence of the Lord.

So take this moment for this praise break and worship the Lord.

The Unlikely Likely Missionary

DHW

I WAS Scared of Trump

For a while I let fear of this new president grip me. I worried about the impact this would have on my life and what it meant for the safety of my husband, son, brother, father, and friends.

But then I remembered 2 things.

One: My ancestors have been through worse. We survived slavery, Jim Crow, Institutional racism to be a thriving and vibrant community. Closer to home, I just think of my own personal history. My mother was a new immigrant escorted to school by police during integration. She was an activist. She survived racism and discrimination. So, if she can survive all of that I have that strength within me too. So I need to put my big girl panties and keep moving forward. Knowing your history is so important.

Two: GOD IS STILL ON THE THRONE! I don't care who Trump and the others think they are but they ain't greater than God. We have to be careful who we give power to over our lives. He may be president but he is not the author of my destiny. He didn't create me and He ain't save me. Therefore, I need to tap into the one who matters, and that is my Lord and Savior. Because He's been here way before Trump and He will be here well after Trump is gone.

And I can already hear people saying, "Well why didn't God save us from Trump if He's real?".

Cuz that is not His job! 

God's job is not to save us from every screw up and bad decision we make. His promise is that He will be their with us as we navigate the aftermath (Deuteronomy 31:6 (MSG)).

The truth is I didn't vote for Trump but blessings and curses rain down on the just and the unjust. This basically means that good things happen to good and bad people and bad things happen to both good and bad people. When we are blessed we are all blessed in some way and when we are screwed we are all screwed together in some way. The difference is with God the blessings feel sweeter and the bad stuff isn't so bad because you know you are not alone.

So pray people and live your life knowing God is in control always.

God can give us beauty for ashes. So I WAS scared of Trump. Not anymore.

The Unlikely Missionary,

DHW

Repost: Faithful One

Originally post: November 5, 2010

I have been revisiting many of my old posts and I have found that my younger self is encouraging my older self.

In this post the words I typed back then are still so true today and I'm glad I could remind myself of that.

So without further ado... Faithful One Updated

Faith: You Have to Believe It To See It

True or False? The Bible Was Written by Man.

True! But so is every book that has ever been written. That does not disqualify the Bible from being true.

It is a collection of true stories by authors handpicked by God to tell his story. This is no different than an autobiographer writing their first hand account or a biographer writing the account of a person's life as it is being relayed to them by that person.

This has always been an interesting topic for me because all books are written by man but only the Bible's integrity is questioned on the basis of this reasoning. We take science books, history books, documentaries at face value. Other religious text are also written by man but their integrity isn't questioned in this basis either.

So why else do I think the Bible is true?

1) The story follows the children of Israel. The same Jewish descendants that exist today. They are the only group of people who have consistently witnessed and been an integral part of world history.

2) It has survived generations of exiles, captivity, hostile takeovers, book burnings, nomadic lifestyle, beheadings, imprisionments and cover-ups.

3) It explicitly states not to add or take away from the Bible (Revelation 22:18-19 MSG). With all the different authors, time periods, generations, and centuries this book spans to have that in the text shows me that there was someone along the way handpicking the stories to be included.

4) Other texts in history validate its contents mainly Jewish history.

5) Some of the authors of the Old Testament, especially Isaiah, referenced things they didn't experience but came to pass.

But there are so many versions? People say. 

My response is that versions in this case is synonymous with translations. The Bible was originally in Aramaic & Hebrew. That makes sense because all the writers are Jewish. Then it was translated to Greek. That follows the progression of history with the height of the Greek state. Then as it made its way through world power transitions it was translated to Latin during the Roman Empire and then when it made its way to England under King James it was translated to the King's English. This is the King James Version. And other iterations are the same text just in words that can help the common man understand it. It's in almost every world language. So, it's Not different versions just different translations.

In Summary: Yes men physically wrote the Bible. But God picked the writers and He inspired the stories they told.

Even after all this people will still question the validity of the book and that is fine. God does not need to explain Himself to us. Those who want to know the truth are the folks He wants to reach anyway. And those who seek it will find it (Matthew 7:7–8).

The Unlikely Missionary

DHW

For Every Mountain

Happy New Year Everyone!

There will be obstacles or mountains that we will face this year. Even time I hear, have sung or performed this song the Spirit of the Lord is activated in me to let me know, "Damaris God is with you and He will bring you over it so praise Him!"

The Lord is good,

a refuge in times of trouble.

He cares for those who trust in him

-Nahum 1:7     

It is in our praise that we experience the victory and blessings of God. It starts with reflecting on all the mountains He has already brought you over. The trials He has brought you through. The enemies He has removed from your path. The strongholds He has broken. And the praise bubbles up. You are blessed by the blessings you have already experienced. And your confidence in God is strengthened because if He has done it before He can do it again.

So as you listen, be blessed, reflect on what He has done and praise the true and living God for His love, faithfulness, and His presence in the good and the bad. 

Praise the Lord!

The Unlikely Missionary

DHW

Happy New Year!

Be Blessed & Know God has NOT forgotten you.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever

Hebrew 13:8

The Unlikely Missionary

DHW