Homosexuality and Christianity - Real Talk and Real Questions

So if I for religion reasons, and/or socially do not believe in premarital sex or agree with those that do it, am I a bigot? And it is also true that I should not in any way mistreat, discriminate, hate or unjustly have any bias towards all those that do so commit. It is their private business, and as a citizen I must still treat them equal,fair and just. And as a Christian, I have to love them. Even if I did or do so commit the same myself; premarital sex, too, that still wouldn't change the written doctrine of my faith, and depending on reasoning, excuses or self justification, may or may not be hypocritical. Likewise, the same reasoning can be applied to homosexuality and one's stance on it according to Christianity.

Most understand the first example, but not the latter. Why? Better PR? I'm not trying to be funny. I'm making real statements and asking real questions.

Let's talk born that way and choice. I can't prove that I was born heterosexual. You just have take my word for it. Likewise, I can only take all other's word for it that they were born the way they were. And I do. I've explained from a religious point of view in previous posts.

Now putting on my Pastoral hat and staying within the confines of Christianity and Judaism too for this matter, I have more statements and questions.

In the very first Chapter of the very first book of the Bible, it states that God made mankind in His likeness and image, and gave us; male and female, dominion. So while it is true that I have no power over what race, gender, eye color and so forth I was born with, how is it possible that something that I have to actively participate in, any can say that as one that is god like, I have no control whatsoever over? It is a real question. I sincerely seek a real answer. If one is not of these religions, the answers I've heard make perfect sense. But it doesn't at all to me make sense within these religions.

Discipline and self control is our entire religion. Such is the Kingdom of God. Authority and Dominion. Again. I'm not singling out homosexuality, I think the same about the above mentioned premarital sex and/or adulterers, when some who have committed say that they couldn't control themselves. I allow, as God does, for mistakes. And I get rebellion. But let's take the sin aspect out of the equation for a moment, and look solely at the control factor. How will a Christian explain?

If homosexuals never faced abject hate, and bias, and never had to fight for equality and civil rights, would we be talking about whether they were born that way or whether it is a choice, politically and socially? Would it matter?

It is certain, or maybe just to me, that all of us can choose whether or not we act on any feelings, even if we say we can't help the actual feelings, whether heterosexual or homosexual. And within each, do not we all choose which person we will or will not be with? I speak to those heterosexual, homosexual, and however any chooses to describe themselves, so please do not get offended when I say that we are not animals, at least not in the sense that I mean. If we are going to move past some stuff, we have to be open and honest and allow others to be open and honest, and freely explore, though with respect of course.

We know that there are those that were straight and then went gay, and vice versa. And we know that not every homosexual says that they were born that way, but some say that they were curious and or experienced things that led them that way. How does the gay community explain these?

In fact, when one is in a heterosexual relationship, and then starts a homosexual one, often you hear comments that they were suppressing their true self, and etc. I'm not commenting on whether that is wrong or right, but when it happens the other way, gay turned straight, you don't hear any comments about these suppressing their true self. In like manner, I have seen open discussions and appeals by gays to straight people, to try it and see, and no one says anything. But when heterosexuals, especially the religious, suggest in any way that a gay person should try or can be straight, they are completely ridiculed. Why? If one is born a certain way, and can't help it, then neither side should be trying to change or dissuade the other. Or, it should be alright for both sides of the debate, to make a case and an appeal to whomever. But it's highly hypocritical if one side is wrong to make such pleas, and the other is not. It is the same if any were to conclude that we do have a choice. Shouldn't we all have liberty to win others over to our side? I do not mean to make light of the situation. But seriously, per the title of this post, if I as a Christian truly believe that a soul is in danger, whether anyone else believes as I do, am I not obligated to speak my faith and try to influence and persuade? Of course, with love and never with hate or force.

Many say that one can not know until they've tried it. And also, that one can not speak about what they have not experienced. I highly disagree. But let's go with that. I can say the same of those that are not born again. As one born again, I willingly believe and choose of my own free will to live the Christian lifestyle, but I did not first choose Jesus. He chose me. I will continue to say and teach that Christianity can be used as a philosophy, but there is much more to it.

Last week, Harvey Levin was speaking on TMZ Live about Evander Holyfield's comments about homosexuality, which I won't specifically address because I do not know all of the facts. Now it's not that Harvey is gay that got my attention. It was what he said about himself, that made me pay attention. He admitted that he is not religious at all. Therefore, how could he possibly judge what Evander was saying? Now if Evander was talking public policy, where one's personal religious beliefs doesn't matter, then Harvey could absolutely speak and judge, especially as a lawyer (I'm a lawyer. Lol!). I would then understand and probably agree with Harvey. And even, concerning Phil Robertson of Duck Dynasty, I thought he was dead on, because Phil strayed outside actual scripture, and in some of the incidents, was demeaning, though I believe that was the past, and Phil will not change his beliefs but will stay in the Christian pocket, so to speak, now. But the firestorm became political, because many politicians and those in office now, that make policy chimed in, so I understood. But in Evander's case, depending on what was said, Harvey may be showing some ignorance, and his own biases. Still love him and TMZ, though :)

As a Christian, having no control over whom I love, I reject even more so than the sin issue, just as some homosexuals and certain others reject that it is sin. God gave me dominion. I sincerely want some one to address this. And there are specific people whom I adore that I would love to hear from. Some day I believe I will.

It's time to have real, non venom filled, conversations about all of these matters, and more. It's the only way we will ever as a people get to a place of understanding, peace, and love and compassion for all.

More to come..... and I await answers.

As said before, it's time for the Church to address everything, and as a Pastor I will, in truth and love.

Yulanda K. - Truth seeker. Pastor and Public Servant.

School Choice; Vouchers and Charter Schools. I've written a lot about these, but just a few more points....

The thinking is that since some schools are bad, that all parents that cannot afford private education, should be treated like one who can afford private education, and be able to choose the school of their choice, using the money they pay in school taxes.  It sounds reasonable, but see other points of view.

Most believe in equal opportunity. And most agree that education is the key. In order to make that happen, every community and person has to do their part. If a neighborhood school is not up to par, such that some parents of that community would choose another, by using public and not personal funds, why would that school be good enough for any child? If not good enough, the local school board should improve it, or close it down.

If choice, what happens when the so called "good" schools are overcrowded, and certain parents can not choose them, while others can? And then, what happens when there becomes disparity among the so called "good" schools?

Schools are usually judged by staff, curriculum, and activities, and by student behavior. If we are to judge by the first three, it should be quite clear that there has to be a demand that these be great every where. But if we are to judge by the behavior of the students, choice will not make things better.

If a neighborhood is undesirable, let's say, with their own money, people can move. But what if they can not afford to? We expect law enforcement to do their job and serve and protect those in that community, exactly the same as law enforcement would in the more desirable communities, and for all in the neighborhood to come together and find ways to be better. Being a public service, that is required and guaranteed to all in America, why should education be different?

The question becomes then, whose money does all the money allocated to public education belong to. The answer is clear that it belongs to the community, and not individuals, because every resident pays, even those that are without children. Should not those residents without kids, also have options about where their school taxes are sent if parents are given the choice where they spend their school tax dollars? That would only be fair after all, if they too deem that their neighborhood school isn't good enough. What if every one, including parents that opted and pay for private school, also were permitted to direct where their portion of school taxes went? The entire scenario surely could never lead to nation wide equality and fairness for all. And the children caught in the middle, society will eventually have to deal with any way, one day. It is much wiser to deal with them while they're young and still developing, for the better hope of us all. Care and concern for all, and every child, yours and theirs is just right. We must do so much more than just "deal" with them. I correct myself.

A sub topic within and pertaining to school choice, are charter schools, which are publicly and privately funded, but primarily privately run. They give another option to parents, and also give whole neighborhoods the choice to run schools outside of the public structure. These, across the nation have had a lot of success. What makes them different from what is written above, or vouchers, is that public funds can still stay within the communities. But I would caution all about possible accountability issues, and in introducing essentially business competition into public education. It is better to focus on making all American public education the absolute best it can be in the world among all nations.

Quality public education must made available for every child in every neighborhood. All schools, staff, school boards, politicians, parents and every student too, must be held accountable to the same standard. Though application may vary, we must demand equality. No exceptions.

Education is with out a doubt the head of the foundation of all equal opportunity and of that phrase that is being used often by Republicans recently, "upward mobility".  And yes, it is time to add Pre-K to the public education requirement, nationwide.

God Bless America. Do I have to say that good, quality education is major part of that?

Yulanda K. - Public Servant and Politician.

Think and Speak And So BE

We think. Therefore we are. Our thoughts matter. Fleeting ones are harmless. But unchecked, they gain strength. It is not the fleeting thoughts or head knowledge, as in information, that God judges. I know evil as well as I know good. My imagination is superior. But God shall judge the very thoughts of our hearts. That place where we with intent and purpose direct our minds, train our emotions, and eventually so then will act, is the focus. The root word of emotions is, emote, which means to move.

Proverbs 23:7
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.

We speak and create or tear down, and move things with our words. What shall we say?

Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

Mark 4:14
The sower (lords of the harvest) soweth the word.

Matthew 24:35
Heaven and earth shall pass away, but MY (God's) words shall not pass away.

The mind of the heart and the mouth is connected whether you use them together with purpose or not. Here is the whole matter.

Matthew 12:34
O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, SPEAK good things? for out of the abundance of the HEART the MOUTH SPEAKETHS.

35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Mark 11:23
For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall SAY unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall NOT DOUBT IN HIS HEART, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

And here is the heart of the matter, and sum of it all, and should be our daily, moment by moment prayer.

Psalms 19:14
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. 

Many receive these things today, religious and non religious people. The struggle with many is in what are the right things to think and say. And then, the struggle is in how do they discipline their mind and mouth to stay with that frame. This is where we are now.

Those that have reduced what things are right in to positive or negative, have done a grand disservice, and is not quite accurate, or at least not clear. Surely, one would have to conclude what is positive and what is negative, first. Short answer. Anything that God says is Good and positive. But it may not appear that way to you, nor be perceived by others that way. And that's the hiccup in the Word of Faith message, though it be right. Did you not read some of the things that Jesus said?

What is needed:

1) Meditate:

Psalms 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

2) Study:

2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

3) Train:

Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

4) Teach:

1 Timothy 4:11
These things command and teach.

2 Timothy 2:2
And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

5) Exercise:

Hebrews 5:14
But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. 

Acts 24:16
And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.

1 Timothy 4:8
For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

Meditate, Study, Train and Teach others, Exercise your senses daily, and Shew yourselves approved to God and man. Be. Manifest the new. From the audacity of hope, to the manifestation of glory, let us all go.

Graced and Sent,

Yulanda K.

The God Kind of Faith - Second Edition

The previous blog, The God Kind of Faith, is similar to this one, only without the scriptures. I wanted to allow people to study and meditate on their own, first. Here is primarily  the same post, with some additional writing and some study scriptures.

                          The God Kind of Faith - Second Edition

Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

The God kind of faith or Christian faith is more than mere belief. It is derived from knowledge of God's will and His truth. So, with that, there are things that people call faith, that are outside of God's way and will, and therefore is not faith, at least not Judeo Christian faith. It may be of another religion or philosophy.

But within Judaism and Christianity, there is a spectrum or ladder of faith; truth within greater truths; a matrix. From faith to faith and glory to glory we move until we just Are, and have our Being, even as God is, who can not get more glorious but is simply, I Am. This is biblical faith, though we that believe already Are now.  There is no need to climb rung by rung for whosoever will receive now that Jesus paid ALL. Just BE.

Faith can be applied to all that is available in God, as in full salvation, or separately to each part that makes it up, such as health and healing, wealth and prosperity, peace, joy, love, and above all, righteousness.

The Cross and its message is vital to Christianity now and forever. Part of that message is that it didn't HAVE to be. That is a truth often not taught or expounded on, for it is not a common revelation. It is seen in the life of Enoch. But first let's start with the faith of our Father Abraham.

Abraham had faith in God that no matter what, or how long it took God would deliver both himself and all of Creation and mankind. And so, he lived and moved by faith, not having yet seen that promise, such that even after death, he was delivered when Christ came, and died on the Cross. But he had to wait in Paradise. That sounds nice, but it was still a place of separation from God.

Here are some study scriptures on the Faith of Father Abraham and those kept in his bosom by following his kind of faith.

Galatians 3:8
And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.

Hebrews 11:8
By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

Luke 16:22
And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;

Luke 16:23
And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

Matthew 27:50
Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.

51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;

52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,

53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.

Now let us take a look at faithful Enoch, who was born before Abraham, before the flood, and just seven generations from Adam. Though before, Enoch took his faith a step further than Abraham and those that followed him did. He did not wait on any specific appointed time, but seeing the Lord's deliverance of the world afar off, he received it immediately, grabbed hold of it, and was instantly translated. What God will do for one, He can do for all. It only takes faith. Therefore, the Cross didn't have to happen. But too few will ever reach this kind of faith, so God's Goodness and Mercy stepped in, and casted the widest net whereby ALL men might be saved, the Cross.

Here are some study scriptures about Enoch.

Genesis 5:24
And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.

Hebrews 11:5
By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

(About translation)
Colossians 1:13
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

Jude 14
And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,

As said, not many will developed this kind of faith. Moses and Elijah are two others that did have the kind of faith Enoch had, and were instantly with the Lord. They were not separated from God. Though, Moses did actually die, leaving the possibility for his body and resting place to be disputed (See Jude), we know that he was caught up because he shows up in the transfiguration of Jesus on the mount as also did Elijah.

Here are the scriptures concerning there two men.

Elijah

2 Kings 2:1
And it came to pass, when the Lord would take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.

2 Kings 2:8
And Elijah took his mantle, and wrapped it together, and smote the waters, and they were divided hither and thither, so that they two went over on dry ground.

2 Kings 2:11
And it came to pass, as they still went on, an2 Kings 2:12
And Elisha saw it, and he cried, My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces. d talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

Mark 9:4
And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses: and they were talking with Jesus.

Moses

Deuteronomy 34:1
And Moses went up from the plains of Moab unto the mountain of Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, that is over against Jericho. And the Lord shewed him all the land of Gilead, unto Dan,

Deuteronomy 34:4
And the Lord said unto him, This is the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, saying, I will give it unto thy seed: I have caused thee to see it with thine eyes, but thou shalt not go over thither.

Deuteronomy 34:5
So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord.

Deuteronomy 34:6
And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Beth–peor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day.

Jude 9
Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.

Luke 9:28
And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he (Jesus) took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.

29 And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.

30 And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias:

31 Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.

Now, let us discuss the faith that we that are Christ's now presently should have. We are crucified with Christ and One with Him. Whereas Abraham waited, and seeing deliverance way off, received it after death. And Enoch seeing deliverance way off, received it immediately, there is even a greater faith that we that are alive now in Christ can and should have.

It is one thing to wait hold on and wait for you and others to be rescued, or received it now. But it is quite another to not wait, nor receive only, but to become rescuers and saviors ourselves. We can BE those deliverers, those tens of thousands of saints that Moses foretold of, and that even before Moses was alive Enoch saw, and save the whole wide world WITH Jesus, causing many to believe.  But whether some do or not, we can make a way for all to know and experience that Life is indeed Good, in THIS Life!

Here are those study scriptures for us believers now, and to come.

Jude 14
And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh WITH ten thousands of his saints,

Deuteronomy 33:2
And he said, The Lord came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand went a fiery law for them.

Nehemiah 9:27
Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies, who vexed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee, thou heardest them from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies thou gavest them saviours, who saved them out of the hand of their enemies. 

Jude 20
But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,

21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:

23 And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

Romans 8:19
For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.

Romans 8:21
Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

In this season, the truth that the Cross never HAD to physically happen, nor that there had to be any need for any of us to sacrifice time, talent, and treasure, is the most essential message. When there is no offense, or when both offender and offended, are willing to apologize, repair, and cease offenses. When the offender and offended are willing to forgive and repent respectively, which is reconciliation, then no sacrifice or cross is needed. However, our faith has to be such that we are ever willing to sacrifice and give all, even our lives for the greatest good; the Love and betterment of one and all.

Matthew 16:24
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

We are to be just like Jesus, who willingly laid down His Life, to pick it back up again. He didn't have to do it. But thank God He did.

Oh the Cross! Where you can't go against God and His commands, for you love Him too much. And you won't go against man, because the Love of God within you, causes you to love yourself, and all others, just the same. It is the perfect point. It is what I call the sweet spot, where there is no need ever to repent.

Mark 12:30
And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

Mark 12:31
And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

Romans 13:10
Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

Galatians 5:14
For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Peace to all and keep the faith! (Tavis Smiley shout out!)

Hebrews 10:38
Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

Hebrews 10:39
But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe (with the God kind of faith) to the saving of the soul. 

Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Graced and Sent,

Yulanda K. - An astonishingly awesome Pastor right now! I so love you all, even as God so loved all the world.  I have a word from the Lord. I live it! You can and will, too. I see it! I believe it!

The God Kind of Faith

Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

The God kind of faith or Christian faith is more than mere belief. It is derived from knowledge of God's will and His truth. So, with that, there are things that people call faith, that are outside of God's way and will, and therefore is not faith, at least not Judeo Christian faith. It may be of another religion or philosophy.

But within Judaism and Christianity, there is a spectrum or ladder of faith; truth within greater truths; a matrix. From faith to faith and glory to glory we move until we just Are, and have our Being, even as God is, who can not get more glorious but is simply, I Am. This is biblical faith, though we that believe already Are now.  There is no need to climb rung by rung for whosoever will receive now that Jesus paid ALL. Just BE.

The Cross and its message is vital to Christianity now and forever. Part of that message is that it didn't HAVE to be. That is a truth often not taught or expounded on, for it is not a common revelation. It is seen in the life of Enoch. But first let's start with the faith of our Father Abraham.

Abraham had faith in God that no matter what, or how long it took God would deliver both himself and all of Creation and mankind. And so, he lived and moved by faith, not having yet seen that promise, such that even after death, he was delivered when Christ came, and died on the Cross. But he had to wait in Paradise. That sounds nice, but it was still a place of separation from God.

Now Enoch took his faith a step further. He did not wait on any specific appointed time, but seeing the Lord's deliverance of the world afar off, he received it immediately, grabbed a hold of it, and was instantly translated. What God will do for one, He can do for all. It only takes faith. Therefore, the Cross didn't have to happen. But too few will ever reach that kind of faith, so God's Goodness and Mercy stepped in, and cast the widest net whereby ALL men might be saved, the Cross.

Moses and Elijah are two others that did have the kind of faith Enoch had, and were instantly with the Lord. They were not separated from God. Though, Moses did actually die, leaving the possibility for his body and resting place to be disputed. (See Jude) But we know that he was caught up because he shows up in the transfiguration of Jesus on the mount.

Now we that are Christ's now, are crucified with Him and One with Him. Whereas Abraham waited, and seeing deliverance way off, received it after death, and Enoch seeing deliverance way off, received it immediately, there is even a greater faith that we that are alive now in Christ can and should have. It is one thing to wait for you and others to be rescued. It is quite another to not wait, but become the rescuers and saviors ourselves. We can BE those deliverers, those tens of thousands of saints, and save the whole wide world, WITH Jesus, causing some to believe, but whether they do or not, make a way for all to know and experience that Life is indeed Good, in THIS Life!

In this season, the truth that the Cross never HAD to physically happen, nor any of us sacrificing time, talent, and treasure, is the most essential message. When there is no offense, or when both offender and offended, are willing to repent, apologize, and cease offenses, and forgive, respectively, and reconcile, no sacrifice or cross is needed. But we must all be willing to sacrifice and give all, and our lives for the greatest good; the Love and betterment of one and all. We are to be just like Jesus who willing laid down His Life, to pick it back up again. He didn't have to do it. But thank God that He did.

Peace and keep the faith! (Tavis Smiley shout out!)

Habakkuk 2:4
...the just shall live by his faith.

Romans 1:17
...as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Galatians 3:11
...for, The just shall live by faith.

Hebrews 10:38
Now the just shall live by faith...

Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Graced and Sent,

Yulanda K. - An astonishingly awesome Pastor right now! I so love you all.  I have a word from the Lord.

The Supreme Court Case of the Colorado Nuns Versus The Obama Administration

Concerning the case of Colorado Nuns versus the Obama Administration concerning religious exemptions with ACA mandates, and the Supreme Court injunction, as some may clearly see, it very important to me. I am looking down the road. If these Christians are successful, they are going to open a door, that will someday eventually back fire, and work against them.

Any employee forced to go outside of their employment to receive access to a legal option that is offered to others, whether they use it or not, is a violation of their civil rights and liberties; religious and other.

Christians must be objective. Some support these cases because they happen to agree with the spiritual position of these that have brought these suits. But what happens when some one or some group wants to be exempted, not personally, but exempted from supplying their employees with equality, per that employers personal belief (s), that are not Christian, even specifically against the Christian faith for example, and especially by owners or executives of mammoth corporations or organizations like Google or the Red Cross? Consider. Christians are setting themselves up, and tying their own noose, by setting a precedent.

There seems to be an element of desiring control over other people's personal lives, and it's not by the government this time.

The Third Party compromise, by the Obama Administration, and written into Law in the ACA, for non-profit, religious organizations, is right, and more than enough. It is such that the First Amendment, can apply to all, employer and employee alike, and also satisfy other Constitutional principles such as every American citizen's individual Right to Life and Liberty, and their Right to personally protect their own personal privacy, property and all their personal possessions.

There is nothing more private, and more of a personal possession than one's own body. Each must be allowed to choose what we will or will not do with it, and then and only then, can we each take responsibility for every choice. And if choice, then all must be given equal access to all legal options available.

Some are trying to promote their faith, over the beliefs of others, which means that they are promoting inequality, unequal treatment based on faith, which is indeed a violation of the First Amendment. Again. If this was about any one or entity being forced to personally administer or preside, I would speak and post differently. And I would defend those; all individuals and/or groups against any such violation. In this case, it is Christian employers that seek to violate.

The First Amendment is about an individual's right to personally choose, and not about the forcing of others to do or believe as any individual or Body does, which would include essentially forcing by the taking away of options from others that do or believe differently, especially via using the desperation of some, and strong arming them, by using employment and the need to earn a living as a tool. How many would comply with their employers just in order to keep a job, especially now?

In almost every job I have had, my religious rights have been tested. I am not ashamed at all of the gospel of Jesus Christ and I  wear it on my sleeve. In demanding my rights to freely and openly express my faith however, I have never forced others to do or be as I am, not even other Christians. It was quite the other way around each time. There is a difference. See the difference between my fight, and what the Colorado nuns and other persons and entities are fighting for. They are wrong.

The Colorado Nuns and others are not only wrong civilly, and per American principles, I believe they are spiritually wrong, too.  Jesus said to render to Caesar what is his, or to the Government what is the Governments, to presently interpret. He did not teach that Christians who venture out into the world as we are commanded to, should demand that the rules of society change first, before they reach out.

When the disciples of Jesus were sent out, they got dirty.  Jesus then just washed their feet. Every good work with and among those that may not believe as we do, takes much grace. It takes much grace to deal with the all the different, and contrary activities and lifestyles, so that we may effectuate real change, and not legal exemptions.

Christians look weak and not strong in cases like these. Jesus looked to be amongst every one. Would He have made a difference between those that use contraception, have abortions, believe in choices, or provide choices? No. No more than He did with the tax collector, prostitute, or drunkard; the main social ills of that time, and not turn them away. True. He did not supply wine to drunks or prostitutes to men. But He did not stop any third party from doing so either, nor did He stop the activities, or any from choosing to do what they did as public citizens, other than to preach the gospel so that they themselves would change internally and make different choices personally. He did not separate from them either, even while they were out of the way, for the hope and cause of change.

Choice is right.  If there were no choices in life, then it would be unfair to hold any one accountable or responsible. But according to America and God, we shall all be held accountable, because we as human beings all have the capacity to be responsible, just and right. And so, both the Constitution and God gives choice. America and the Church of God is built on freewill, and freedom. So shall it ever be.

God Bless that forever blessed First Amendment. It manages to legislate the biblical principle of "whosoever will let him come" and the God given principle of freewill forever. No one, not even these sweet nuns, can be allowed to take the power of these values and anyone's Constitutional rights away.

The Third party exemption is more than fair. I still so adore Justice Sotomayor. But she is wrong on this one. The injunction should be lifted, and there should be a clear decision in favor of the Obama Administration.

God Bless.

If you want to go after Roe v. Wade, do it. But an end run around the Law of the land, a Law that is right per the founding principles of America, with proper exceptions already in place, will not fly; can not fly.

Peace. Peace.

Yulanda K. - An awesome, wondrous, and jaw dropping Pastor, Politician and Public Servant right now! I so love both the Church and this great nation, America.

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