Acceptance: Original Poem by Coletha Y. Albert

I grew up in a madhouse

I could not accept it

The insane at school

They gravitated to me

I would not accept it

I wanted the normal people

I wanted the calm people

I wanted the human people

I got the demented people

I got the blood suckers and users

The witch with the witchy face

Who spook about hair and lace

Whose lipstick was ruby red

Her face was white chalky paste

I was followed by the deranged

I was stalked by the strange

I was attacked by the insane

How could I accept it?

I couldn’t…

I sought the beautiful places

I sought the divine faces

In gardens I would write

In my dreams throughout the night

The heavenly visited me

The divinity covered me

The spiritual fed me

The adorations covered me

The guardians protected me

They covered my mind

So I wouldn’t see

The uglyness and beastiality

All around me

Then I met you and you accepted me

In physical formation you protected me

You lifted your hands and prayed for me

You covered me mentally

You covered me physically

You covered me spiritually

You lifted me up so I never hurt my feet

You lifted me up and eternally guided me

You accepted me

Little by little I have come to see

Just how much you have carried me

I look at the house on Heron Street

I see how much you have carried me

I look at the house on Beldart Street

I see how much you have carried me

I stood on those properties and you allowed me to see

The degradation and decay I had never seen

I looked at the monsters who haunt those places

The misery, the depravity in those faces

From old to young and even the pets

I see how you protected me and kept me from all that

I loved these entities

I wished them well

While they intended to drag me to hell

I accepted this truth, and it broke my heart

I apologized to the creatures as I planned to depart

Scurrying things

With rotted teeth

Mouth so twisted

They can’t even speak

Hideous things

Mentally gone

Physically gone

Spiritually gone

Annimated sure

But long dead

I could do nothing but bow my head

And give thanks for you

And all you have done

The acceptance for truth

Now finally won

I breathed in relief

As I crossed the border

Knowing I was delivered

From all this disorder

I didn’t really leave my loved ones behind

My love ones were dead things to be kind

It’s creepy

It’s cruel

It’s disgusting for sure

My whole neighborhood is a hideous cave

I left my offerings and rebuked the grave

Even Solange and Tina are dead

Maggots living off the corpses, cadavers

Acceptance is mandatory so you can see

Don’t spend your life confused just like me

I wouldn’t accept all the dead around me

I couldn’t accept they have the life in me

They are damned and I am free

I’ve learned to accept the life in me

I left the dead in their cemetery

It’s been weeks now

And I no longer grieve

They didn’t expire just last week

They’ve been dead for yearsssss

I just didn’t “see”.

Now I accept the living who now surround me

I am alive

I accept what I see.

Romans 8:11 is a Bible verse that states, If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you“. This verse highlights that the same divine power that resurrected Christ is now living within believers, giving life to their mortal bodies and promising a future physical resurrection. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9]

Key Aspects of Romans 8:11:

Indwelling Spirit: The Spirit of God is not a distant influence but a personal presence living inside believers. [8, 9]
Resurrection Power: The power that raised Jesus from the dead is the same power available to believers. [3, 9]
Life to Mortal Bodies: This indwelling Spirit will bring life to believers’ physical bodies, pointing to a future physical resurrection. [8]
Guarantee of the Future: The resurrection of Christ serves as a guarantee that God will bring about the future resurrection of believers. [8]
No Condemnation: This verse offers comfort and hope, providing assurance of God’s power and presence in the lives of believers. [8, 10]

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] https://www.esv.org/verses/Romans+8:11/

[2] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8:11&version=ESV

[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WPy4ydVyfk

[4] https://biblia.com/bible/nkjv/romans/8/11

[5] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8:11&version=CSB

[6] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8:11&version=NKJV

[7] https://www.bible.com/bible/111/ROM.8.11.NIV

[8] https://biblehub.com/romans/8-11.htm

[9] https://www.facebook.com/mybaysidechurch/videos/romans-811-the-spirit-of-god-who-raised-jesus-from-the-dead-lives-in-you-last-we/1279204069757502/

[10] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cT0YxgZQCVU

Matthew 12:43–45 describes Jesus’ parable of an unclean spirit that leaves a person, wanders, finds its former “house” empty, and then returns with seven other spirits, leaving the person in a worse condition than before. Jesus uses this parable to describe the fate of the evil, unbelieving generation of his time, explaining that outward reform without inner transformation and filling one’s life with good through Christ is insufficient and can lead to a more severe state. [1, 2, 3, 4]

The Parable Explained [1, 3]

The Spirit Departs: An unclean spirit leaves a person, searching for a place to rest but finding none in dry, desolate places.
The Return: The spirit decides to return to its former dwelling, finding it “empty, swept, and put in order”.
The Gathering of More Spirits: It then gathers seven other spirits, even more evil than itself, and they all come to live in the person.
A Worse Condition: The result is that the person’s last state is far worse than the first.

Jesus’ Application to the Generation

Outward vs. Inward Change: This parable illustrates that merely cleaning up one’s life or reforming behaviors without a genuine spiritual transformation is not enough. [2, 5]
A Call for True Filling: When the evil spirit is cast out, the person’s heart and life must be filled with something good, particularly by Christ and His Holy Spirit. [6, 7, 8]
Spiritual Danger: An empty or “clean” life that is not filled with the presence of Christ leaves a spiritual void that is more susceptible to greater evil. [2, 5, 9]
Judgment for the Unbelieving: Jesus applies this to the “evil generation” of his time, warning that their rejection of His message would leave them spiritually vulnerable and in a worse spiritual state than if they had not been touched by His ministry. [1, 2]

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] https://www.esv.org/verses/Matthew+12:43%E2%80%9345/

[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bRdAFZrkkc

[3] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+12:43-45&version=GNT

[4] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+12:43-45&version=NIV

[5] https://www.dashhouse.com/2003720return-of-the-evil-spirit-matthew-1243-45-html/

[6] https://www.walkingtogetherministries.com/2021/07/08/matthew-1243-45/

[7] https://www.reddit.com/r/TrueChristian/comments/1ft5aot/what_is_the_meaning_of_matthew_124345/

[8] https://adventproductions.com/article/12-jesus-encounter-with-the-blind-dumb-demoniac/

[9] https://www.bibleref.com/Matthew/12/Matthew-12-44.html

Ephesians 6:12 describes the Christian spiritual struggle as being against unseen spiritual forces of evil, such as rulers, authorities, and powers, rather than against human beings (“flesh and blood”). The verse emphasizes that true battles are not physical but spiritual, and it serves as a call to understand the true nature of evil forces operating in the world and to engage in spiritual warfare using faith and God’s word. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Key Elements of Ephesians 6:12

“Not against flesh and blood”: This signifies that the primary adversaries are not people but spiritual entities. [1, 2]
“Rulers, authorities, powers”: These terms refer to a spiritual hierarchy of evil beings that control and influence the world. [1, 3]
“Cosmic powers over this present darkness”: This highlights the immense power and influence of these negative spiritual forces in the current world. [1, 3]
“Spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places”: This further identifies the location and nature of the struggle, describing unseen, malevolent spiritual forces. [1, 3]

Implications for Believers

Understanding the true battle: Recognizing that human conflicts or difficult people are often manifestations of deeper spiritual influences, according to some interpretations. [5]
Spiritual warfare: The verse is a foundation for the concept of spiritual warfare, where believers engage in a battle with these evil forces. [3]
Using spiritual weapons: It underscores the need to use spiritual means, such as prayer and scripture (the “sword of the Spirit”), to fight these forces and live in victory through Christ. [3, 4]

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] https://www.esv.org/verses/Ephesians+6:12/

[2] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+6:12&version=NIV

[3] https://biblehub.com/ephesians/6-12.htm

[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5YzZglbaZ4

[5] https://thechristiancorner.quora.com/What-is-the-meaning-of-Ephesians-6-12

Romans 7:21 describes an internal spiritual struggle, where the desire to do good is consistently met with the presence of evil. The verse states, “So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand” (ESV). This passage, from the Apostle Paul, illustrates a universal human experience of conflicting internal forces: one’s inner being delights in God’s law, while another law, the “law of sin,” operates within the body, leading to a profound sense of internal conflict and spiritual defeat. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Meaning of the Verse

A Principle of Conflict: Paul establishes this as a “law”—a consistent, observable principle of his own experience—that when he intends to act righteously, evil is immediately present and tempting him. [3, 5]
Internal Battle: This verse introduces the ongoing spiritual conflict between the redeemed mind, which desires to follow God’s law, and the “flesh” or body, which is enslaved by sin. [3, 4]
Origin of the Struggle: Paul clarifies that this “law of sin” is not the Old Testament Mosaic law, but a powerful, inherent force that resides within a person, making it impossible to overcome on their own. [5, 6]

Context and Significance

A Description of Defeat: In the larger context of Romans 7, this verse serves to describe the state of human spiritual helplessness and bondage to sin, a state of “wretchedness” that precedes the solution offered in the following chapter. [1, 4]
Need for Deliverance: The struggle described by Paul in Romans 7:21 highlights the desperate need for divine deliverance, which is found in Jesus Christ as explained in the subsequent verses and in the next chapter, Romans 8. [3, 4, 7]
Hope in Christ: While Romans 7:21 describes the grim reality of the human struggle, it sets the stage for the hope and victory found in Christ, who delivers believers from this spiritual predicament. [4, 7]

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hq2Tm0l7Quc

[2] https://www.foundationsforfreedom.net/Topics/Disciple/Basic/LL/LL_TwoLives-Podcast.html

[3] https://www.esv.org/Romans+7:21/

[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZmi355UsH8

[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbFvVUw-5gI

[6] https://biblehub.com/romans/7-21.htm

[7] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+7:21-8:4&version=ESV

Blessings

Numbers 6:24-26 is a biblical blessing known as the Aaronic blessing, which says: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance on you and give you peace”. This prayer was given to Moses by God to be pronounced by Aaron and his sons to the people of Israel to invoke God’s protection, favor, and peace. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

Here is the passage from Numbers 6:24-26 in the New International Version (NIV): [5]

24: “The Lord bless you and keep you; [6, 7]
25: the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; [1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8]
26: the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” [2, 6, 7, 8, 9]

Key aspects of the blessing [2, 4, 6, 8]

Bless you: God’s kindness and favor upon His people.
Keep you: God’s protective presence and sustenance.
Make His face shine upon you: God’s approval, favor, and joy.
Be gracious to you: God’s loving-kindness.
Lift up His countenance upon you: God’s divine approval.
Give you peace: A tranquil heart and life from God, not the peace the world offers.

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] https://www.facebook.com/christomlin/posts/numbers-624-26-the-lord-bless-you-and-keep-you-the-lord-make-his-face-shine-on-y/495375755268435/

[2] https://www.bible.com/bible/compare/NUM.6.24-26

[3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgmdfDkhGq0

[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBWHRgF80p4

[5] https://www.bible.com/bible/111/NUM.6.24-26.NIV

[6] https://biblia.com/bible/nlt/numbers/6/24-26

[7] https://www.esv.org/verses/Numbers+6:24%E2%80%9326/

[8] https://www.facebook.com/michaelwsmithofficial/videos/still-the-scriptures-numbers-624-26/2411816995786549/

[9] https://biblia.com/bible/numbers/6/24-26

Isaiah 41:10 is a promise from God to the people of Israel during their exile, reassuring them that they do not need to fear because He is with them, will strengthen them, help them, and uphold them with His righteous right hand. This timeless message offers comfort and strength to believers today, encouraging them to trust in God’s constant presence and power to overcome difficulties rather than succumbing to fear. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

The verse in common translations:

King James Version (KJV): “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness”. [1, 3, 6, 7]
Christian Standard Bible (CSB): “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”. [1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8]

Key aspects of the promise:

Presence of God: God assures His people that He is with them, providing comfort in their trials. [1, 5]
Strengthening and Help: He promises to give them the strength and support they need. [2, 5]
Divine Upholding: The promise of being upheld by God’s “righteous right hand” signifies His powerful protection and support, even when they feel weak or stumble. [2, 9]
Source of Hope: In times of uncertainty and hardship, the verse encourages a shift from focusing on problems to trusting in God’s promises and enduring presence. [5]

Relevance for believers:

This verse is relevant for believers today because it reminds them that God’s relationship with His people is one of faithfulness and care, offering His power to guide and protect them through life’s challenges. Even when facing difficult situations like health crises, financial strain, or fear, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that they are not alone and can find peace in God’s strength. [5, 10]

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] https://www.facebook.com/jeremycamp/videos/isaiah-4110/1037784391242361/

[2] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+41&version=ESV

[3] https://www.bibleref.com/biblepassage/?search=Isaiah_41:10-14

[4] https://bibleproject.com/articles/what-does-isaiah-4110-do-not-fear-i-am-you-mean/

[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDcPvoRaA6I

[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SZZavixI50

[7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjVYvK5inQs

[8] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+41:10&version=CSB

[9] https://www.hopereflected.com/christian-living/monday-encouragement-isaiah-4110

[10] https://be-still.org/isaiah-4110-never-alone

3 John 1:2 is a Bible verse in which the Apostle John writes to his dear friend Gaius, expressing his prayer that Gaius would enjoy good health and prosper in every way, just as his soul prospers spiritually. The verse is a heartfelt expression of care from John, a spiritual father, for his “spiritual son” Gaius, wishing him holistic well-being while highlighting the importance of his spiritual well-being. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Understanding the verse’s meaning [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]

“Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers”

“Beloved”: indicates deep affection and a close spiritual relationship between John and Gaius.
“I pray that in all respects you may prosper”: is a wish for good fortune and success in every area of Gaius’s life, not just financially.
“And be in good health”: is a prayer for physical well-being.
“Just as your soul also prospers”: sets a spiritual standard. It implies that just as Gaius is spiritually strong and flourishing, John desires that his physical and overall well-being would match that spiritual health.

Key Contextual Insights

Spiritual Fatherhood: John refers to himself as an “elder” and Gaius as his “child,” emphasizing their spiritual relationship and the care John has for him. [2, 7]
Focus on Truth: The surrounding context shows that John is concerned with Gaius’s “walk in truth” and not just worldly success. [4, 7]
Not a Prosperity Gospel: The verse is not an endorsement of the prosperity gospel, which teaches that God desires and promises believers material riches. Instead, it’s a genuine prayer for someone to be well in all aspects, reflecting the spiritual health they already possess. [2, 4, 9]
Holistic Well-being: The verse suggests a connection between spiritual health and overall well-being, indicating that God cares about both our spiritual and physical lives. [2, 4]

AI responses may include mistakes.

[1] https://biblia.com/bible/esv/3-john/1-2

[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLQmR3utKqI

[3] https://biblehub.com/3_john/1-2.htm

[4] https://www.gotquestions.org/prosper-and-be-in-good-health.html

[5] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=3+John+2&version=AMP

[6] https://versebyversecommentary.com/2001/10/21/3-john-12/

[7] https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=3+John&version=KJV

[8] https://www.facebook.com/groups/bible7verses/posts/10008052705943013/

[9] https://www.facebook.com/drabeldaminamarathon/videos/3-john-12-explained-did-the-bible-teach-us-to-prosper-materially-abel-h-damina-t/489177917406435/

The Lord’s Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer, found in the New Testament (Matthew 6:9-13), is a Christian prayer that begins with “Our Father, who art in heaven…” and is a model for how Jesus taught his disciples to pray, asking for God’s name to be honored, for His kingdom and will to be done on Earth, and for daily needs to be provided, along with forgiveness and deliverance from temptation and evil. [1, 2, 3, 4]

The Text

Here is a common version of the Lord’s Prayer:

Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]

Key Aspects

Origin: It is taught by Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. [1, 3]
Structure: The prayer can be divided into two main sections: [2, 8]
- Adoration: Praising God’s name, kingdom, and will. [1, 2]
- Supplication: Asking for daily provisions, forgiveness, and protection from evil. [1, 2]
Significance: It serves as a foundational prayer in Christianity, providing a template for prayer and reflecting central Christian themes like God’s sovereignty and the importance of forgiveness. [1, 2, 9, 10, 11]