Tag Archives: Blessing

Overcoming a Generational Curse Through the Power of Jesus Christ

19 Monday Oct 2015

Posted by in Bible, Christian, Christianity, Faith, God, Inspiration, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Life, Love, Spiritual

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Everyone has a family history that contains various traits that signify the genealogy and its uniqueness from others. Such traits often include physical characteristics such as skin color, hair color, and even eye color. A person is identified based on their genes and their family lineage. Family history also includes a person’s medical history which involves diseases and other conditions that are within the family structure.

In many cases, what a person’s familial history represents is a continuation of various behaviors or traits that are directly taken from the lineage in question. Often, a person is predisposed to medical illnesses and even personality traits because of the lineage that they exist within. It is as if a person’s heritage dictates who they are and certain aspects of their life that will show forth in the future.

Spiritually speaking, you and I were born into sin because of Adam and Eve’s disobedience. The bible says in Romans chapter 5, verses 12-21 that sin entered through one man. Adam’s disobedience is what caused sin to enter into this world. It was at that point that Adam passed sinful nature down to every human being that would be born. This means, that we automatically inherit sin as our nature because of Adam.

However, if you read further in this scripture, the Apostle Paul points out that it is Jesus Christ who has given us the opportunity to be reconciled to God rather than being condemned in sin.

Verses 18-19:

(NLT) “Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. Because one person disobeyed God, many became sinners. But because one other person obeyed God, many will be made righteous.”

What the above scripture shows us is that although we were born into sin, there is an escape and the one who gives us that open door is Jesus Christ. It is the acceptance of Jesus Christ that turns the tide and breaks the power of sin. There are many who remain bound because of their current sinful position, however, the advocate who is Jesus Christ died on the cross to save you from your sin.

Even as it relates to the aspect of a generational curse, the same power of Jesus Christ can nullify and change one’s original destiny. What is a generational curse? In its most simplistic definition, a generational curse is an ongoing occurrence of misfortune and malady. It is the constant state of being under the influence of a curse which usually results in a poor quality of life.

In order for a generational curse to be formed, there must be a seed or seeds sown into a lineage. Throughout human history, there have been many examples of seeds sown that later produced generational curses within family lines. For example, in the book of Exodus chapter 20, God gives a stern warning of what occurs when sin is allowed to remain within a family structure.

In this passage of scripture, God is speaking to the children of Israel when He says the following:

Verses 2-5:

(NLT) “I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery.“You must not have any other god but me. “You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me.”

Notice that in this passage, God gives the children of Israel the command not to have any other gods but He alone. Also, God says directly that the sins of the parents are essentially placed upon the children. At that time, idolatry among other sins was actively practiced among previous generations. As a result, those who were born were already predisposed to not only the same sinful acts but also the punishment that God would inflict.

Verse 6 however, gives the children of Israel an opportunity to have their potential punishment expunged:

(NLT) “But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands.”

God is saying in this verse that those who choose to love Him and obey Him will be among those who experience His great love. Essentially, they will be spared from the punishment that comes with disobedience. What occurred during the Old Testament was that children who were born within families that committed sin would experience punishment based on what their parents had done. However, this was usually because of the choice to sin.

Just like we have been born into sin because of Adam and Eve’s disobedience, the same sinful nature resides within each familial structure. This means that because we are already predisposed to certain sins, then the likelihood that we would act in the same sinful manner as those who came before us is quite probable. However, this is determined based on the choice to succumb to the sin within our family heritage.

At the end of the day, you and I have a choice to make. Just as the children of Israel were given an opportunity to obey the commands of God and to love Him, we have the option to do the same. Sin is the same as a seed in that when a sinful seed is planted, it will eventually resurface at a later date.

When the seeds of sin are planted throughout generations, then it can become a generational curse to others at a later point in time. The fact is, in my family and in yours, there are those who have sinned which means there are certain weaknesses that have the ability to invade our lives. However, the good news is that you and I can avoid such curses and predispositions through Jesus Christ.

Only in Christ can we break the generational curses that exist within our family structure. For example, if your Father was a habitual user of drugs, then you would be in the trek to do the same thing. However, by choosing Christ as your Lord and Savior, the generational curse and the possibility of committing the same sin can be broken.

Satan wants all of us to be bound by the sins of our parents and family members, or even to be bound by our own sins. However, the power of Jesus Christ can break every chain. You must realize that the choice not to follow the same sinful pattern of your parents is completely up to you. The seeds planted within your family structure do not have to define your destiny.

In fact, seeds of salvation, blessings, and obedience can be planted if you are willing to surrender to Jesus Christ. Do you know Jesus Christ as your Lord & Savior? If not, then you are already planting seeds that are based on sin. To turn the tide, there must be a decision to accept Christ and to have a relationship with God through Christ. If you are enduring a generational curse in your family, it can only be broken through Christ. Today is the day to break the chains through the power of Jesus.

Healing That Comes When We Submit Ourselves Unto God

24 Wednesday Jun 2015

Posted by in Bible, Christian, Christianity, Faith, God, Inspiration, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Life, Spiritual

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If you have followed the news lately, you might have seen various tragedies that have taken place worldwide.  One such tragedy that has overtaken the headlines in America, and throughout the world is the horrible murders of 9 individuals in Charleston South Carolina.  According to the news reports, a 21-year-old Caucasian male who purposely targeted an African Methodist Episcopal church with the intent to commit mass murder opened fire by shooting and killing 9 African-American individuals.  It was a tragedy that took the United States and even those watching abroad back to the horrors of racism on display in such a diverse society.

It has been out of this tragedy that conversation has shifted back to race relations between blacks and whites in America.  Much of this conversation has sparked anger, confusion, but also that of forgiveness and unity. It was the words of a victim’s family member that publicly expressed forgiveness towards the gunman who was responsible for taking 9 lives. In the statement of forgiveness, some have pondered how it was that someone could extend forgiveness for such a heinous crime.  However, even with such forgiveness, there remains a scar within a nation that has had a troubled history regarding race and other issues for centuries.

How do we respond when we see senseless tragedies that occur on a daily basis?  What is one to say when their nation is thrown backward into an upheaval that sparks hysteria and division? The answer lies in the one who has the ability to bring peace and direction, and that is the almighty God.

In 2 Chronicles 7:14 it says:

(NIV) “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will  heal their land.” 

In 2 Chronicles chapter 7, there is the account of King Solomon who has constructed a new temple, which was dedicated to God through animal sacrifice and worship.  This passage says that Solomon consecrated the temple to the Lord and provided burnt offerings. As a result, the Lord was pleased with this dedication and He appears before Solomon in verse 12. In this verse it says,

(NIV) “the Lord appeared to him at night and said: “I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a temple for sacrifices.” 

If you look at 2 Chronicles Chapter 6, verses 13-21, King Solomon is praying for the Lord to honor his Kingship and his ascendance to the throne.  It was King David who was the Father of King Solomon, and it was Solomon’s earnest prayer that the Lord inhabit and bless the temple that he had constructed.  It was also his supplication that God hear the prayer of the people of Israel.  Going back to chapter 7 in verses 15-16 it says:

(NIV) “Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.” “I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there.” 

What God is saying to Solomon is that because of the temple’s dedication and Solomon’s earnest prayer, He has and will honor his request.  In verses 17-18, God gives Solomon conditions for his prayers being answered when He says that Solomon must be faithful in observing the decrees and laws that God has instituted.  If he does so, then his throne will be established just as it was promised to King David.

This is important as it relates to what we are seeing in our world today.  There are so many tragedies and moments of confusion that are taking place daily, because of humanity’s refusal to submit themselves unto God.  In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God gave the blueprint for humanity if they desired to see healing within their land.  That blueprint involves a participation in turning away from one’s sins to follow after God in obedience.

Much of why we continue to see various acts of senseless tragedies both in America and worldwide is because, there are many who choose to live in sinfulness.  America is a prime example of a country that has balked against the decrees of God.  Sins such as homosexuality, murder, adultery, drunkenness, and all forms of disobedience are being endorsed and approved of.  As a result, the nation of America has been thrown into confusion over various issues that continue to plague the society.

However, just as God promised King Solomon, there is a promise for anyone who decides to be faithful unto God in obedience.  That promise is one of peace, and an attentive ear by God unto our prayers.  A nation that endorses sin, and turns a blind eye to godly values, is a nation that cuts access to God’s willingness to answer prayer.  To be clear, it isn’t just America that has shown examples of blatant sinfulness, but there are many nations that are choosing idolatry and sin over surrender and God’s way of peace. Verses 19-20 in 2 Chronicles chapter 7 gives us an example of what can and will happen to any nation that accepts sinfulness:

(NIV) “But if you turn away and forsake the decrees and commands I have given you and go off to serve other gods and worship them, then I will uproot Israel from my land which I have given them and will reject this temple I have consecrated in my Name.  I will make it a byword and an object of ridicule among all people’s”  

In verse 21, God said that the temple would become a “heap of rubble”.  What God said to Solomon was that if he chose to go in the opposite direction of being faithful and honoring unto God, then there would be consequences for the nation of Israel in addition to the temple being destroyed.  This also included those who would make the choice to serve other gods.  Even in today’s time, we can see both the blessings of any nation or group of people who follows after God and the curses that are caused by a degenerate and disobedient society. Some may wonder as to why the tragedy in Charleston South Carolina took place last week.  There are even those who are still asking the question of why September 11th took place nearly 15 years ago.

Here is what can be deduced from various moments of tragedy and that is, God will often allow certain things to occur to get our attention.  There are moments in which every nation receives judgment or warnings in order to bring order back into the land.  What God stated in 2 Chronicles 7:14 is that anyone who makes a concerted effort to walk in humility and reject their sinful ways, He will provide healing and forgiveness. This invitation is open to both the sinner and the saint which means we all have an opportunity to see healing in our lives and in our nation.  However, that healing can only come when we humble ourselves and seek the Lord for His ways.

The truth is, as the end times intensify, many nations including America will institute laws and precepts that defy God’s order.  However, the good news is that anyone who chooses can remain in safety by accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.  Any nation that promotes sin, is a nation that opens itself up to be cursed.  Various examples both past and present point to the erosion that takes place when disobedience reigns.  However, God always offers an alternative – that alternative is a life that is everlasting and full of joy.  The world cannot give you true joy, because true joy comes from a life lived under obedience unto God and in Christ.

Are you looking for healing in your own life? Do you see the tragedies that occur everyday, which are results of the sinfulness that continues to exist? If you have not given your life to Christ, today is a great day to do so. He can and will give you peace that you would never be able to imagine, however it is up to you.  Experience God’s healing and accept this gift of life.  It only comes when you and I submit ourselves unto a Holy and loving God.

Open Hands for Giving and Receiving

15 Friday May 2015

Posted by in Christian, Christianity, God, Inspiration, Jesus Christ, Life, Love, Spiritual

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ID-10037488The human hand is a body part that is designed to touch, feel, and grasp objects within reach.  There are generally two positions that a hand is capable of assuming.  The first is an open hand or open palm.  The second is a closed hand or closed palm.

Starting with the position of a hand that is open, it is a posture which assumes that a person is available to receive when they are in the position to reach or grab an item.  Open hands concerning body language usually profess one’s interest or openness to a person or situation.  As it relates to a closed hand, it symbolizes unavailability or a lack of openness.  One who has their hands full would not resemble openness because their hand is preoccupied with an object.  Body language concerning that a clenched fist or closed hand signifies that one is standoffish or unavailable based on their posture.

Our lives can also symbolize that of an open or a closed hand.  In Luke 6:38 Jesus is teaching His Disciples, and He gives the following statement:

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

As you think about giving, you can think of it as a two-way street.  This means, that when you give, you will at some point receive.  It can be summed up as the “law of reciprocity.”  The Bible mentions the principle of reaping and sowing in Galatians 6:7. To reap what one sows, means to receive based on what one has already given or put forth.  Starting with the element of giving, what does it mean to give?

To give, means that you are releasing what is in your possession.  Going back to the example of the human hand, if a hand contains an object and the hand is opened, then it is free to release said object.  In our lives, we too should release the things that we have within our possession.  Whether it be spreading the joy that we have to those around us, monetary donations, or giving of our time – God desires that we give to others.  Our society in today’s time has become built upon self-gratification.

Satan desires that we give unto ourselves, without employing the essence of giving to others. He knows that if life is consumed with selfishness and vanity, then at some point our self-indulgence will lead to both a physical and spiritual bankruptcy. This also includes giving to God what He is owed in praise and in worship with our very lives.  We as Christians are to have an open hand policy which means, that our lives are open to giving for the sake of Christ.  Giving of yourself is to provide nourishment to others, rather than hoarding what you have for yourself.

Proverbs 11: 24-25 says,

“There is one who scatters, and yet increases all the more, and there is one who withholds what is justly due, and yet it results only in want. The generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered.”

When you give, the Bible says in this scripture that you will increase or gain more. However, if you choose not to give, you will only find yourself wanting more.  This scripture says that the generous man will be prosperous, which means that abundance will be the result of giving freely.  The difference between those who are in Christ who give, and those who are not in Christ who withhold, is that those in Christ find themselves with more.  Those who live according to the flesh and their selfish desires, only live lives that are seeking more which leads to a barren existence.  So, you and I must give of what we have freely to God, and to those around us.

In addition to giving, we must remember that an open hand policy means that we can and will receive.  According to the scriptures given, giving will usually result in receiving. Whenever you give of what you have, you can expect to receive at some point.  Think of it as planting a seed in the ground.  If you plant a seed in profitable soil, at some point you will experience a harvest or growth of the seed that you planted.  This is a result of giving or planting the seed in the soil.

As Jesus said in Luke 6:38, “Give and it will be given unto you”.  It is important that we have open hands to give, but also to receive.  Sometimes, it may be difficult to receive from others because of pride.  It takes humility to accept assistance from those who are willing to offer it to you.  However, the key to also remember is that there are rewards that come with giving. According to Proverbs 22:9 it says, “He who is generous will be blessed, for he gives some of his food to the poor.” This scripture is using the concept of giving to those who do not have.  The key word in that scripture is “blessed”.

The point about receiving is, that there is a blessing that comes when you give.  To receive is a blessing that you and I must be open to.  A hand that is open to giving but closed when it comes to receiving does not invoke prosperity or blessing.  Rather, a person who constantly gives but does not receive cannot be the beneficiary of the law of reciprocity or “reaping what you sow”.

God desires that all of us experience both sides of giving and receiving. We live in a world that caters towards what one can receive, without truly giving to someone else. As Christians, God expects us to abide by His standards which involves releasing what we have for the benefit of others.  He also desires that we be open to receive His blessings which are apart of the process of giving. Walking in selfishness and hoarding what you have, only leads to a life of emptiness.

However, abundance comes when we utilize the principle of giving that God has instituted from the very beginning.  God gave Jesus Christ his only son, as a sacrifice for the world’s sins.  If you don’t know God, you can through Jesus Christ.  It was God’s love for you that gave you an escape from destruction. Release your sins before Jesus Christ, and accept His offering of salvation.  Then and only then will you understand the process of having open hands for giving and receiving.