What's the Verdict? Part I

I can't breathe.

Sweat is on my brow, tears are in my eyes, the next two days will determine my fate.

I am praying for peace, but the evidence, not just circumstantial, is STACKED against me. This is not only my trial in the court case of Satan vs. Brooks, in the state of Salvation, this is my life.

What is the prosecutor after? My soul.

Day after day the Judge and jury have heard startling testimonies and admissions, eyewitness accounts and been bombarded with facts, opinions and first-hand accounts-- some bolstering the defense while the majority piled up to do nothing but strengthen an already strong case on the prosecutor's behalf.

'Your honor, it's clear the evidence points to the undeniable fact this man is a liar, a thief, a murderer, a fornicator, selfish, a HYPOCRITE (he hisses) and a FRAUD!!'

The Judge shakes His head as if to agree with the prosecutor's claims. He's been there and seen each incident, each indiscretion, that was brought to the attention of the court. Guilty will most assuredly be the verdict read just one day from now.

A smile spreads across Satan's face . . . one of arrogance, one of victory, one that is only brought about by the supreme confidence you are right.

'Objection!' My defense attorney is not going down without a fight.

'Your Honor, I would like to call to the stand a surprise witness, one final witness.

Surprise comes over the courtroom. You can hear a Q-tip hit the floor. Everyone is floored by what they just heard. Satan is shaken, but still is grinning. Until he hears this.

'I would like to call to the stand . . . the defense attorney pauses for effect. . . Jesus.'

As these words hit the air, a great gasp erupts in the courtroom.

The Judge bangs His gavel, 'Order in the court. Order in the court.'

Satan jumps up and down and slings his briefcase, notes and files off the table. This isn't fair he shouts. He is fuming.

'One more word out of you and I will hold you in contempt of court,' the Judge firmly declares.

Satan cowers. The feeling of inevitable victory now swept away.

As if things couldn't get any more bizarre, the defense attorney takes the oath, placing His right hand on the Bible and promising to tell the truth, nothing but the truth so help him God.

He takes the stand.

Satan is blown away by what he's seeing.

'You can't allow this Judge. This isn't permissible . . . this isn't allowed! The defense attorney can not also be a witness,' he shouts.

'It's my court room,' the judge calmly, but with great authority, declares.

Jesus starts, but instead of a self-examination it's more of a monologue or declaration.

'Nearly everything Satan says about my client is true. Mr. Brooks has been a liar, a thief, a murderer and a fornicator, but he is not a fraud or hypocrite. He is human, he is my brother and he is my son. Ladies and gentleman of the jury and Judge, I would like to present three pieces of evidence.'

What will He present?

All eyes are fixated on Jesus. Then with a swivel of His right hand, he points to the pieces of evidence~ A, B, C.

With my very soul hanging in the balance, what could He possibly say?

I am doomed yet NOT without HOPE!

What We REALLY Mean!

*What We Say vs. What We Really Mean*

God I want your will. Please have YOUR way . . What we really mean -----> As long as it won't upset my routine and is what I want! See that box over there God? I would really appreciate it if you go get in it and STAY in it. Other than that, I worship You, trust You, give you ALL the praise.

Haven't seen you in awhile. Where have you been!? . . What we really mean -----> I haven't seen you in church in several Sundays. You'll never become as HOLY as me if you don't come to church.

I put Jesus first in every single thing I do . . What we really mean -----> I try to put the Lord first, but sometimes MY desires overcome my desire to please Him. I'm also human. I sometimes lose focus and act wordly vs. what I know is in my heart. I act like anything but a believer.

We need to pray for ________ (you tell this to 20 people) . . What we really mean -----> I'm going to gossip about them, but disguise it as a 'prayer chain' and as genuine concern.

I don't really have enough money to tithe. If I give 10-15 %, I won't be able to pay my bills . . What we really mean -----> I have enough to get by, but I TRULY don't want to have to become totally dependent on this God I supposedly/allegedly TRUST so much!!

I am SELF-MADE . . What we really mean -----> I have become my own idoL. I have replaced God on the throne in my heart. I make my own provision . . . I don't need God. Why trust the Lord when I know if I trust ONLY myself; I don't have to worry about anyone failing to come through for me. What a FOOLISH man I am. The enemy (satan) has deceived me into believing I am responsible for my own success. I can't even control the origin (my body) as I don't get to decide when I die or if I even have my next heartbeat.

Everyone is welcome in my church . . What we really mean -----> As long as you are the same race as me (all races: black, white, Asian, Latina etc. are guilty of treating people of a different race differently) dress the way I do, have the same sexual orientation, don't have tattoos, piercings and are someone I'm comfortable being around. Oh, you can't be an ex-convict, divorced or have any addictions of any kind. You may make some of my holiness go away or cause my halo to rust.

Visitors are welcome. We are SO happy to have you . . What we really mean -----> No one is going to even speak to you much less make you feel welcomed. You will feel shunned, not accepted, and won't want to come back. You'll think, 'Now, I remember why I quit going to church to begin with!'


I trust you God . . What we really mean -----> I trust You when everything is hunky-dory . . when things are going my way and nothing bad is happening in my life. I trust You UNTIL tragedy strikes. I trust You until one little thing goes wrong. I trust You until You allow something to happen that I, and after all my opinion is the only one that matters, don't feel is necessary, don't appreciate and don't understand. I trust you until (fill in the blank).

I want to thank the man upstairs for waking me up . . wanna thank Him for another day! . . What we really mean -----> I refer to Him as the 'man' because I want to be able to wrap my puny brain around an Entity (God) who is infinitely bigger than anything I can even come up with. I want to put Him on my level. See, I want God to be BIG enough to handle my problems, rescue me when I need Him, but small enough where He doesn't intrude on what I want to do, how I act, the attitude I have and how I treat people. Or we say man upstairs, because rap music and even country has infiltrated our boundaries and robbed us of the reverence and fear we once had for an UNSURPASSABLE, BEAUTIFUL, AWESOME, ALL-POWERFUL, ALL-SUFFICIENT God!! That or maybe we just want to say the 'happening' thing. Well hate to break it to you, but there is nothing MORE exciting, REAL, relevant, cool, tight, dope or 'happening' than His name. Capitalize it (what if Jesus was having a LAZY day and didn't FEEL like dying on the cross for us?!? Revere it. . love it . . believe in it . HIS name is WAY past wonderfuL!

I tweet and post on Facebook all the things I'm doing and all of my success. I retweet all the great things people say about me and my success-- never mentioning Jesus, the Lord, God, how blessed I am etc. Never or rarely giving Him the glory, instead keeping it as my own. . . What we really mean -----> I am a FOOL. Sadly enough, I may call myself a Christian, and may truly love Christ, but the devil has me believing 'I' am responsible for my own success, that I earned it. I share Christian thoughts, Bible verses and pearls of wisdom God has given me, but I don't attribute any of them to Him. Unintentionally, or intentionally, when we don't credit the source . . . we are being DISOBEDIENT even if what we share is a result of being obedient and/or a talent He has given us. The same goes for doing good things for people . . when we take the credit for it or promote all the things we are doing for people, we are not doing them with the right motives, need to do a self-evaluation and let God check our hearts! For the Christians, who share what God is doing in your lives, that's wonderful. That is encouraged and what He wants us to do, but when we share with others our gifts/blessings ($$, events, family, career achievements) and don't give Him the glory we turn ourselves into idols . . our blessings into idols.

Let's say what we mean and mean what we say and let BOTH of them pleasing to our Lord God, Savior and King!

BE ENCOURAGED

First, let me say in NO way is this letter written in any sort of condemnatory way . . . in fact, it's ALL out of love with life, encouragement and TRUTH, coursing through every word!

Here is the context for what God has asked me to tell you~ the message He wants delivered. (John 11:33-44).

When Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb, speaking his life back into him. I've felt how you feel before or at least similar! Like I said, more than once, I held the gun that would take my life as the devil sweetly and softly encouraged me to do it.

I thought of my family and friends and to be honest I thought of you. How could I witness to you the way I did about how great the Lord is and how He can change, radically transform, your life then snuff out the very life He gave me and make it look like everything I've ever shared with you was nothing more than a sham a big, fat lie!?

Satan is a LIAR!! God doesn't require us to do much, He does the heavy lifting, but I believe, and I say this with love and concern (love and concern shared by your family and friends), you HAVE to sit up!

See, He will do the rest. ALL He wants you to do is SIT UP!

I know what it feels like to know the devil is steadily shoveling dirt in on top of you and to hate it, but not enough to actually do something about it. And if you do hate it enough, not have the strength to do anything, in your own power, to change your situation. That's the GREAT news~ you don't have to do ANYTHING out of your own power.

I'm in no way, shape or form judging you for being upset, for being so discouraged and down. Life is hard sometimes. It sucks sometimes! Relationships end, people leave, jobs cease, friends die, we are let down by others and by ourselves and we're left picking up the pieces.

I can't imagine going through your current situation. But I promise you, if you just put one foot in front of the other and take ONE, that's ALL it will take is ONE, step . . . God will do what God does. (Eph. 3:20).

Even though this difficult place is on the opposite end of the spectrum as far as what you want, know God is using this for your good (Romans 8:28). He is sculpting a MASTERPIECE!! One that would make Michaelangelo blush a million times over!

You are a strong person with such a huge heart and you've overcome things before! You will do it again if you just press through until you reach the hem of Jesus' garment (Luke 8:40-48), letting NOTHING and NO ONE stand in your way, thus keeping you from the ONLY objective that MATTERS!

To be blunt with you, the devil has you right where he wants you-- down in the dumps, seeing everything as half empty instead of full and he has you tucked in what he believes will be your grave. It will NOT, in the mighty blood of Jesus/Yeshua (Hebrew), be your grave mighty child of God!

Instead, knowing 2nd Corinthians 12:9 is true and letting the Lord, even if you question and find yourself frustrated, mad and sad that He allowed this to happen, be YOUR strength! Matthew 11:30 is true, but we MUST give Him our burden in order for His yoke to be easy.

You are NOT alone~ PRAISE GOD!! You have many others who love you! Hang in there! I promise you, and I know from experience, if you praise Him in the storm, you will receive great favor and anointing, but even MORE importantly you will please Jesus (the King)! You trusting Him in the midst of the hardest/rockiest times in your life, utter chaos, will be a sweet aroma of praise to His nostrils and in doing so, you will deal a swift, violent, and INTENTIONAL kick right to the devil's face, confusing him and upsetting his plans!!

I believe in you . . . WE believe in YOU! We know you can turn this into another trophy in God's infinitely long and high trophy case. Remember that!? That's when the Lord took a HOPELESS situation, showed up, loved on me, reminded me who I am and not only took care of me, but reversed my situation, changed my attitude and like a new wineskin (Luke 5:36-39) FILLED me up with new hope, new LOVE and new BELIEF and knowledge that EVERYTHING is going to be OK!! (Jer. 29:11).

MIGHTY, AWESOME, FEARFULLY and WONDERFULLY made (Psalm 139:14) child of God, imago Dei (Image of God), allow His joy to be your strength!! (Nehemiah 8:10).

He WANTS to, desperately and with GREAT hope, belief in you and purpose, do the IMPOSSIBLE~ won't you let Him?

In the lion's teeth

The lion clutched his teeth around me.

I was paralyzed, hurt, dying and felt lower than low can feel.

What did I do to him? Why was he was so mad? His teeth threatened to turn me into his filet mignon. The worst part is I wanted them to.

The gun, a .38 special, sat on the bed as I was prepared to succumb to the devastation, heartbreak and pain this life can sometimes bring and that God mysteriously allows.

See, a marriage I never should've entered into (I wasn't ready & not in love~ no indictment of her), the death of my little sister, my Papaw, death of my little brother, loss of my job, loss of money, my own poor decisions . . . it all flooded my mind. All the loss had taken its toil on my life. It had snowballed and these final few moments would be an avalanche roaring down the mountain as I helplessly stood out in the open. It would kill me.

The only solution was to end it and the only prayer my life had left was the prayer the bullet would penetrate my brain, making this harsh life come to a shocking close. That and that God would comfort my family and friends, who would inevitably be crushed and ask the question, 'Why?'

There is always a WHY, but truthfully it can be as simple as believing the lion. Junior Seau, 43, was one of the best to ever put on a pair of cleats, was by all accounts a generous man of God, a philanthropist, was a multi-millionaire, had fame, respect, the deep love of his family and friends. He just sadly believed the lion. It doesn't mean he was/is WEAK, just means he made the wrong decision. Proof we must remain vigilent at ALL times. Believing the lion's lies can radically affect your life or sadly, tragicially end it!

Not the Lord, the Lion of Judah (Genesis 49:9, Hosea 5:14, Rev. 5:5 ), but satan, the roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1st Peter 5:8). That's whose jaws I found myself in.

I no longer had the strength to keep fighting. While suicide wasn't the best answer, it was the ONLY answer in my mind. The devil's soft whispers had lured me in. I listened long enough until those whispers turned into shouting. Did I literally hear voices? No, I didn't . . . although I do believe many, under demonic oppression/possession and bound up in the heavy chains of depression, do.

'Please Lord, forgive me. I tried to run the race. I tried to keep the faith. I tried to trust You. I tried to be the man you called me to be, but I have failed. Please let me still come into your Heavenly Kingdom. I don't have to have the nicest mansion . . . just let me be with you. Forgive your child for this heinous sin. Amen.'

In that moment, all the TRUTH, all the Scripture, all the worship services, all the sermons, all the pearls of wisdom had been swallowed up . . . they were less visible than snow in June. ANY glimmer of hope had been raped by doubt, any sign of life had been strangled and swallowed up by death.

I thought of ALL my family, my loved ones and I felt AWFUL for each one of them. I grieved for the grief that would smack them in the face when they heard the news as subtle as a sledgehammer serving as an alarm clock. I won't list everyone I thought of, but my Mom, Sister, Dad, Mamaw, Stepdad, niece (just had 1 at the time) and a select few friends entered my mind.

Damn, how do you explain to a gentle prayer warrior in her late-80s that her favorite grandson had killed himself or a 10-year-old niece her uncle is dead by his own hand? While my problems would be over, their's would just be beginning. Could I carry out the ultimate act of selfishness?

For the first time, I saw the first remnant of life. They LOVE me too much. God, the Author of life, had spoken life to me in my darkest moment. Just like my Dad shared with me about how his Dad would turn on the lights in the middle of the tunnel, because they were scared, so too had my Heavenly Father turned the high-beams on!

I not ONLY did not have to be scared anymore; I also could let the Light comfort and encourage me, seeing me through to the other side! The side where love and hope reside in the town of Future.

Then I thought of how much God loved me, thought of how this life was a personal gift from Him~ a present. That's why it's called that. I could not snuff out the second greatest gift He would ever give me (after salvation). At the moment, the great cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 12:1) and my Savior cheered me in, speaking waves of encouragement to flood my being.

With my bed drenched in tears, tears on my hardwood floors, snot pouring out of my nose, sweat on my brow . . .

I put the gun down. Mufasa had pierced His teeth into Scar's jugular vein. The father of lies was defeated in a battle for my earthly life.

Mufasa still had work for young Simba to do. Work ONLY Simba could do. In the last 3 years, I have experienced many of the greatest moments of my life. The Lord has continued to mold and shape me, I have gotten to know Him better and He is using my gifts, talents and very life to bless Him, give Him the glory and to better the lives of others through sharing His love.

I would have missed out on not just saying I TRUST the Lord, but truly doing it. I would have missed out on the sun shining brighter, my smile being bigger, the colors and hues of my world being sharper, reflecting the magnificence of God's faithfulness and love.

Now, I STILL have an amazing family, a woman I love, adore and will grow old with, beautiful children/nieces I adore/cherish. Life couldn't be ANY sweeter~ I would've missed out on ALL of it. All the smiles He used me to put on faces of others, all the unforgettable moments, all the hugs, the kisses, all the strangers' meals I've paid for as a small example of how God loves them, the times where I know my gifts and talents are being used for the ONLY thing they were ever intended to do-- glorify the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

All of these words wouldn't have been written, the strokes of the pen never would've touched the paper, these fingers would've been six feet deep in a box underneath the dirt.

Yes, the gun was loaded. The lion roared . . . our Lion, the Lion of Judah, roared LOUDER!

** If you are thinking suicide is the answer, please contact me @JMBrooks17 on Twitter. If you don't, that's fine . . . just know God is using ALL things for YOUR good~ Romans 8:28. Even if it doesn't seem like it! There is NOTHING too broken that He can't and won't fix! That He will RESTORE your life if you let Him. If you think He is responsible for all the pain, know He does allow terrible things to happen, but it doesn't mean He loves you any less. He is MADLY in love with you. If you are considering suicide, I want to tell you this. Jesus loves you . . there are people in your life who love you (and would be crushed if you make this decision) and I encourage you to find your purpose in life. Life can and will overwhelm us at times, but remember Hebrews 13:5, 'I (God) will never leave you for forsake you.'

Also, please I urge you quit saying 'Kill yourself or kill yoself~ I know you don't literally mean it, and it's meant to be funny . . . but what if by you saying that, the person actually did the shi*. How bad would you feel? How about we change that to 'Smack yourself.. smack yoself silly etc.' haha

I do not discount the pain you are feeling . . . I know it feels like you are drowning *you probably even have tears flowing down your cheeks right now* I have been there~ But I encourage you to take just 1 (ONE) step and God will take 99 to meet you. You can not control what happens in life, but you can ALWAYS control your reaction to anything that happens. Try not to be that ship so easily tosse about by the waves. (Eph. 4:14). Life is worth living~ it WILL get better! Hang in there and keep your head up!!

Was She an AngeL?

I caught her out of the corner of my eye. I walked faster, careful not to make eye contact.

As I scurried past her, I was almost annoyed. Maybe more uneasy than annoyed after all, I didn't know her. That's a lie-- I judged her. Normally, I don't, but I did. She was a homeless woman probably just wanting money.

Why was she crying? She must be a little coo coo as in she's crazy. No sooner did I walk about 20 feet before the Holy Spirit stopped me smack dab in my tracks. 'Go find her. You must talk to her.'

There was only one problem . . . when I turned around she was gone. I quickly scanned the area and, viola, there she was across the street (four lanes) in the big city.

Without thinking, I started darting across as traffic closed in. Good thing I didn't trip. When I reached her the guilt I felt for not stopping for this middle-aged black woman had been replaced by the natural, God-given compassion I had for her in my heart.

She was sobbing. Tears poured out of her eyes-- I opened my arms. She embraced me like an old friend. I just held her as she said, 'Thank you so much. Oh my God. Thank you so much. You have no idea how much this means to me.'

That's when it hit me. She had been given a blanket by a Hands on Charlotte (www.handsoncharlotte.org) group and she was overwhelmed somebody cared enough to give her something. Honestly, it could've been ANYTHING . . . just the act of love . . . was what meant more than the gift itself. But as cold as it had been (especially at night), a blanket caused more gratitude to come forth!

As she was in my arms sobbing as if someone had died, I prayed for her. I felt the Holy Spirit and heard the Lord say, 'Well done my son.'

I apologized for not stopping initially and for passing her on by. She told my friend and me how much she appreciated us talking to her. My friend shared how life/God has a way of humbling us and how that's something we all can relate to. All I had done was pray for her and she acted like, between that blanket and a couple of simple caring gestures, she had been given the world.

What a tremendous metaphor of my reluctance to stop at first and then heeding the call. In life, you might not have gotten it 'right,' or been obedient, the first go around, but there is usually another chance to redeem yourself. The past doesn't matter, but the condition of your heart and following through on good intentions, carpe minutam (seize the minute), definitely do. Will you get it right the next time? That's how we grow.

It was also a tangible example of how our spirit is often willing to be guided by God, but our flesh is not. I'm sure there were unseen powers/demons at work as we made our way down the sidewalk as she cried out.

Tears were in my eyes too, and flowed down my face, as I encouraged her to find someone she could live with, to find a job and find more purpose for her life. I shared with her how much Jesus loves her and He has not forsaken her! When I prayed, I asked for provision, for protection, for the Way-maker to do just that in her life-- make a way. To give her a revelation of His unconditional, relentless and whole love for her, His precious daughter, just that this would not be end for her.

She shared how she used to be a 'crackhead,' and how now, through God's deliverance, she was now sober and had been for about five years.

As we walked, and after I gave her some money, she shared a story about a rich man who was taunting her one day. Her response to his taunts showed more wisdom than he will likely ever have! She said, 'I may not be Donald Trump. I may not have as much money as Bill Gates, but I'm richer than you will ever be!'

At that moment, I thought of the verse Mark 10:25, 'It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.' Does that mean if you're wealthy you don't go to Heaven? Absolutely not-- it just means there is a certain arrogance that comes with the love of money, that causes a person not to deeply depend on God anymore, a condition that hardens your heart.

Money replaces God on the throne of many wealthy people's heart. Not all, but many. I acknowledge there are believers, who happen to be rich, who do love as Christ has called us to love and give out of the overflow of their heart and bank accounts, but it is more difficult.

What happened next blew me away. As I stood listening to great wisdom. The teacher, of the moment, continued.

'I go to church every Sunday. I tell God. . . You kept me safe Monday-Saturday, I will come to Your house and to say, 'Thank you on your day!''

Wow, what perspective!! A blanket was cherished like a million dollars and though she had very little, she did have an attitude of gratitude. I thought of myself and how I don't always go to church to tell Him thank You . . . most Sundays but not every single one. Then I thought of all the people, who have so much more, who have no desire to be in the Lord's house (much less with the prime objective being to tell God thank You).

This was a tri-fold blessing moment (TBM) where you bless God through your action, you bless the other person and you are also blessed. The best kind of blessing this life can afford along with simply knowing Him.

As my new friend walked off. I reflected, 'Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without even knowing it.' (Hebrews 13:2)

Did she disappear down the alley only to be reassigned in another place to test someone else's heart? Was she truly an angel?

She was to me.

The Feast~ Part III

Why is God's son/daughter rummaging through the dumpster?

Hear that!?! You are God's child, His beloved, the apple of His eye. No matter what you've done in the past, the lies you've believed, the sins you've committed, the times you've failed the King. You are STILL his child!

Each minute, each hour, each week, each month and each year Almighty God is inviting you to a Feast. What is the Feast? Him! The beauty of the Lord is you can have as much of Him as you want or you can have as little due to free will.

How many of us Christians, people who are arrogant enough to call ourselves followers (when often we ONLY follow our own selfish desires), get by on scraps? We will read JUST ENOUGH scripture, pray JUST ENOUGH, go to church JUST ENOUGH, listen to God JUST ENOUGH. There are MANY believers, who just 'go through the motions.' We will go to church every Sunday, pray at night and maybe listen to an inspirational song from time to time. . . and yet we never get to intimately know the One we are 'performing' for.

Christianity is not about performance . . . it is relationship. Sure faith without works is dead (James 2:20), but it's only through unmerited favor, unconditional love and relentless mercy we are called His children. It's not about what you're doing; it's about WHY you are doing it! 'You believe that there is only one God. You do well. Even the demons believe-- and tremble!' (James 2:19).

He wants as much of us as we are willing to give Him. He wants us to have more joy, more contentment, to fill us up with knowledge, wisdom, faith, love, compassion, but we can not have this deep satisfaction apart from Him.

So, the analogy of digging through the garbage to find enough to eat is symbolic of how we believe the king's attendant. Remember? 'The King no longer wishes for you to sit there and because of what you've done he no longer wants your presence at His feast.' That's a LIE!

What the devil doesn't want you to know is Jesus' grace covers it ALL. All the times you've been disobedient, operated out of your own selfish desires, all the times you ate the attendant's candy, chosen counterfeit over real, are not only forgiven by the King, but they are wiped from His memory (Isaiah 43:25 'I, even I, am He who blots out your trangressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sin no more!' Is that not unbelievable and extremely encouraging!?!

He still wants the abundant life for you (John 10:10). What's the abundant life? It's simple really. HIM. Knowing Him, Him knowing you, worshiping Him, loving on Him, letting the Creator of the Universe love you . . . that's the life more abundantly! I was, you were (maybe still are) that one sheep (Matthew 18:12) who has wondered away from the flock.

We only know the King because He wanted to know us first. He pursued us first. We were lost, He came to find us. Before we even knew how lost we were, He had already set out on his search to find us. That's how much He loves each one of us! Conventional wisdom says why would you leave 99 in search of one . . . guess what? Our God's love is anything but conventional! It's radical, it's powerful, it's transforming, it's unmerited-- NONE of us deserve it, so embrace it, quit trying to understand how it works!!

He still wants your fellowship, your presence, your love, Jesus wants YOU-- your soul, your heart, your time, your gifts, your talents, your very life!

'But not the King. He is, at this point, sobbing unbeknownst to his guests.'

God, the King, grieves for the lost, unbelievers, it breaks His heart. Yet many of us Christians either aren't affected by that or just don't care. We are surrounded by people, who are going hell, every single day and we don't ever say a word with our actions, with our mouth or with either.

'What's the King doing? He's left the feast. In His sorrow, he assembled a search party. Who are they looking for? YOU!'

'The guests don't even notice He's gone.'

We are sadly content-- no not all of us-- on just having the King's food. As long as we have His blessings in our life, which are not bad with perspective, some of us don't even notice the King is gone. Sure, we still believe, but we have turned His blessings, and gifts and talents, into idols. We may say we give God the glory, but our actions do not reflect it. We ONLY give ourselves, our loved ones, our possessions glory that should be, first and foremost, reserved for the KING!

I don't know about you, but the cry of my heart is to be the first one at the table to realize when the King's gone . . . when He's left the table. When areas of my life do not reflect His love, His mercy, His forgiveness and grace. When appearance-wise I may look like a Superman Christian, but in my heart the King is no longer on the throne. When I am doing good things, but I'm missing the Giver of Good while I'm doing them. When I no longer have a burden to want to be used to reach the lost with Jesus Christ, King Yeshua. When I no longer want to tithe to the church/Lord (because, if I do, I won't be able to pay my bills). When I have lost the desire to give to those less fortunate than me.

You are in a far away land, you have received an invitation from the King . . . will you answer it with a yes?

If so, pray this prayer~ I confess I'm a sinner. I confess I need a Savior. I'm asking you Jesus to come into my heart right now. I want you to be my God, my Savior, my Best Friend, my Teacher, my HOPE and Guide. I bind up satan in the precious blood of Jesus. I know I will fall down sometimes and I know that everyday from this day forth you will be with me through the good, through the bad and through the ugly. Thank you. It's in your name I pray AMEN

The Feast Part II

You hear voices. You hear footsteps. They are coming closer.

Your adrenaline starts rushing. From a distance, you think you recognize the visage of the King Himself. You must be dreaming!

He calls out your name. Though your lips can barely quit quivering long enough to form a reply.

'Is that you? Where have you been,' He asks with unbridled excitement coursing through every word.

Ashamed you hurriedly try to wipe the dirt from the dumpster off your shirt and throw the food you were eating back into it in attempt to hide what you were eating was trash.

He does not snicker. He simply reaches his hand down to you. You take it-- in that moment all the pain, disappointment and deep hurt, from missing the banquet, is instantly washed away!

Nothing else matters except these grains of sand in the hourglass. The King lifts you to your feet. All the King's men rejoice with Him.

He wraps His loving arms around you and begins to sob. Tears of Joy.

While you're happy . . . you're also overwhelmed and confused. Overwhelmed by the love you are being shown, yet confused because what about the message He relayed, saying you were no longer welcome.

You muster up the courage to confront Him about asked to leave the banquet. King or no King-- you feel you deserve an explanation.

'She told me that not only was that place not mine, to the left of you, but that you no longer wanted me at the feast. That she had heard of the terrible things I've done and that a person like that is not worthy of the King's presence.'

'I just don't understand. You sent for me from a distant land only to treat me like this?!?'

With deep understanding and concern He looks at you.

'This can not be. Tell me more," he says as the look that was once on his face is replaced with anger.

You describe her. What she's wearing, what she looks like, her beauty, her voice, her height. You tell the King everything. How cunning she is.

An immediate decree is given out, saying the messenger will be put to death. She is to be burned alive. (Rev. 20:10 And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever.)

The King interrupts.

'You are to come with me back into the hall where you will enjoy the same food you should've partaken in earlier.'

'Furthermore, you will live in a castle I will have constructed for you (John 14:2) 'til the day your earthly journey has come to an end. You accepted my invitation (John 3:16 For God so loved the world He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life) and you are now family,' he says as you can hardly believe the words hitting your ears.

How can this be? In a moment's time you went from being a stranger to the King to a member of His family. This is the BEST day you've ever had!

The Pauper has become a Prince. The King REIGNS!! (Psalms 45:6~ Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your Kingdom.)