Jesus Didn't Name His Followers "Christians"

But don't take my word for it.  

It's written in the Bible when and where the disciples were given that name. In Acts 11:26, believers in Jesus Christ were referred to as Christians. And, it wasn't given as a compliment, but as a harsh nickname.

Jesus referred to those who followed His teachings as His disciples, and gave the great commission to the twelve to go, and make disciples of all people (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15).

What has happened during the 2000 years since Christ's time on earth has been nothing short of incredible. I use incredible for sheer lack of a better, more descriptive word - and it's not positive. But it bears my overall view of the blasphemous actions that have been perpetrated against human beings broadly, in the name of Christianity,and more specifically, in the name of Jesus for centuries.

Because of the vast discrepancies between what "Christians" do/have done and what the Bible actually teaches, I have struggled with whether or not to identify myself as a Christian.  The teachings of Christ and what has been taught in the modern day church that bears His name, are far from each other.  What I've discovered is, many people don't know this because they get all of their "Bible" from the pulpit.

I came to terms with not needing a label years ago and divorced myself from denominational-ism. Just couldn't find any one of the hundreds listed in Scripture. Instead, I focused on what Jesus said about the characteristics of His true church. And there are many references. One of my favorites is found in John 15. Jesus is the vine, and His believers, are the branches...and He has chosen us to bear good fruit...and we are to love one another! WOW! Further, through the Apostle Paul in Galatians 5, we are given the actual attributes of the fruit... the fruits of the Spirit (the Comforter who also teaches us and provides us with the power to do the will of God); verses 22-26 breaks it down:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. (New International Version)

Focusing on what Jesus said, through the Holy Scriptures, has helped me move beyond traditions that have no meaning, and practices that do not demonstrate the Love of Christ. I have come to the conclusion, through my own study of the Word as I have sought the truth, in the face of all the falsehoods that are still being preached from pulpits - where congregations uphold and worship men and material goods and are encouraged to do so because they've been hypnotized into believing these "spiritual leaders" are appointed by God - that I'm simply a believer in Jesus the Christ who taught us to love one another. 

So Christians don't necessarily have to love one another, or follow the teachings of love thy neighbor as themselves, or doing unto others as they would have others do unto them. Their actual origins are false. Man made. Or, at the very least, they have gone astray.  But if anyone reading is interested, the good news is - it's not too late to get back on track. 

If you're interested in following Christ, you will probably have to leave your comfort zone. And you MUST study for yourself, and pray for the Spirit of the Living God to guide you. You might be criticized, and worse. But that's how you'll absolutely know you're headed in the right direction.

But don't take my word for it. (John 15: 18-25)

Today, and Forever - Let there be Love!

The devotional calendar - appropriate for today & forever!

There are probably a million verses that tell of the infinite lifespan of love, when love is real.

I've learned, happily, that love - true love - never dies. And at the risk of sounding trite, I can testify that love breathes on through us and those we bring into this world and others we  touch. In fact, love multiplies!

I am a student of this thing. I'm also a teacher and facilitator - a mediator, a person who seeks to sprinkle in exact proportions, the love and knowledge of love to others as they have need.

I can't say enough about love - I am today, and every day, full of it! Grateful to have had copious amounts of love throughout my 6 plus decades on this planet, even during times when I didn't appreciate it. Humbled because, my God! I know I am so unworthy!

As broken as I am in the flesh, I stand with my head held high because I am whole in the Spirit! I recognize the Power that allows me to stand - is Divine. And my gratitude today is heightened by the memory of the dear soul, the late, great, R. Lamont Wynn, whom God sent in human form to woo and ask me for my hand over forty years ago. We married on this date, in 1979. It was Super Bowl XIII (Pittsburgh Steelers 35, Dallas Cowboys 31)!!

When I reflect on the 31 years, 3 months and 18 days we shared as husband and wife, all I can do is smile. I learned  of the wonderful, complex, intricate, awesome and sometimes mysterious ways of Love - God's Love - through that union. Please believe me that love and loving is better, stronger, and freer because of the peace and joy I have within. Because of the Love I receive beyond measure daily - from the Original Lover of my soul!

There is no disappointment too great, no sorrow or burden too heavy, and nothing that cannot be forgiven when there is love everlasting, rejuvenating, regenerating and replenishing the heart, mind, body and soul.  I pray love everlasting for all!

Something We Can Do to Increase Love in 2019

"Day Ones" and "Riders"

In today's speak, your  'A-1 from Day 1' or 'Rider' (as in ride or die) is a best  friend from the start - until the wheels fall off. I've written elsewhere in this blog about my ever-evolving understanding of myself and my friendships over the years. And I have amassed quite a number of friends throughout my life.

But there was a moment, coming upon five years ago, when I realized who my real friends are. My father was ill for a brief time at the end of 2014, and died in January of 2015. I had moved to the east coast and most of my friends and family were on the west coast. During the days before my father's memorial service when people typically gather in support of the family, we were surrounded by beloved friends and family. They were so loving, and took care of my mother and us.

It wasn't until afterward, when my husband asked me about the absence of some specific individuals who were my friends - that I realized something I hadn't even thought of:  my actual Day Ones had shown up for me and my family in our time of bereavement. Friends I'd known for over 40 years - college roommates and classmates from elementary and high school. People with whom I hadn't even been in constant communication; some only via social media - some via their spouses who are on social media. These wonderful folks rallied when my family needed them, and came all the way through.

Their love and devotion through the years cannot be quantified, and I can't thank them enough. Nothing is more precious than friends who truly stand by you, defying the separation of space and the passing of time, under any circumstance. So when I reflected on my husband's query - about the folks who were missing, who knew and had had fellowship with my father and mother - who knew that my father had passed away, I had this revelation: the people with me here now, will be with me for the whole ride.

I'm grateful. And I declare that I'm a rider for each of them!

This Season in which We are Living

Boaz Ministries

In our experience at Boaz Ministries, we find that intentional communion with the Lord is a powerful thing. As believers we not only have the blessed assurance that God is real - we also have clear, irrefutable proof that He moves in our lives. Each of us has a testimony of His grace, mercy and love - transforming lives and changing hearts - handling situations in circumstances that seemed impossible. God is mighty!

This season, as we move into the new year - let us pray for a deeper connection with our Lord. In a world where there is no peace and very little love for humankind, let us draw closer to Him, to loved ones, and people we meet. Let us be intentional change agents in our communities, brighten the corners where we are, spread love, and the message of hope. For there is hope. If you've been praying about starting an outreach or in-reach in your community or church - go for it! Or join in the work the Lord is already doing through other change agents. You will know them by their character. Don't be discouraged by obstacles, and don't expect things to be easy - serving others isn't convenient. But when God is involved - He gives us His strength.

We've been given talents and treasure - and while we yet have breath, we still have time. Let us use our time in service to those who are suffering, abandoned, abused and under served. This is the whole message of the gospel of Jesus. It's always been about love, and there is no law against it (see Galatians 5:22-23).

It's Just Not Safe Out Here Anymore...

It probably never was, really. Safe, that is. There was a time when we as human beings, and our "things" were saf-ER. But today, as 2018 comes to a close - the curtain is pulled back, and the man is exposed, the wool once covering our eyes is fully off, and what I declare today is - the times we live in are full of evil!

Thanks to modern technology I've been hacked a few times. There have been attempts to steal my identity. I, and my family, have been the victims of ongoing scams and crooked schemes that seem to get more and more outrageous - and more easy to identify at the same time. Just for giggles, seems like these unfortunate minions lived to harass, humiliate and frighten me and my loved ones, besmirch my name - to extort money - to trick me, try to bleed me dry (but I am not wealthy) and leave my whole life, credit and whatever reputation I have in complete shambles! With no success.

In my observation, there seems to be an increase of soulless individuals - demons - whose only purpose in their miserable lives is to use their brains to discredit, manipulate and harm others. All for filthy lucre. *money*  I used to say that these folks could do so much with their imaginations to make positive moves and do good in the world...and get a legitimate paycheck. But legitimate is not what they want. They love the shadows, they love the darkness - and they ENJOY hurting others.

They work for the devil himself. And they work feverishly around the clock to devise more devious ways to ruin peoples' lives! I report everything that's suspicious. And I pity these folks in the Day of Judgment.

I pray for protection from the evil in this world daily. I have no fear. And I live my life with the assurance that God's got me, my family, friends and loved ones. My God is greater than anything and everything out there. I'm safe in Him and He continues to block the attacks against me and the ones I love. But for those who have no spiritual protection in this wicked world - I urge to get sheltered in the Lord... because it's just not safe out here anymore!

#AWynnforDBowe

Mr. and Mrs. Derek C. Bowe, Jr.

My second daughter got married Sunday, November 11!
We are overjoyed to welcome another wonderful young man of God into our family!

Blessings upon the newlyweds as they begin their journey of marital love. The Lord has smiled upon them - I am a witness of His faithfulness in answering my fervent prayers for my children.

God is great! God is real!

Amen!

Proud brother, escorting his sister down the aisle.