Introduction A True Living Witness Our spiritual-being is important for our well-being and maintaining through life.

This is what I live by to help me. I enjoy life, and have challenges like all of us. As we open ourselves and grow with others, we see we are not alone. I have endured and overcome trials. There are some challenges as growing up in a single parent home, in the city of Chicago where violence claim lives daily, surviving being mauled by a police dog-canine patrol, and currently an entrepreneur in a down economy, God has brought me through it all. During one of my many tests, I sought God and wrote about things I learned communicating with Him. From Him to Us, is a series of topics on several areas of life we can use to grow spiritually. It is spiritual enrichment and a supplement for lifes journey. It relays the perspective we need to see in order to fulfill His purpose for us .This is my blueprint of how to excel using the gift of God.

Chapter 1

Faith and Patience

According to Schedule
Everybody on earth has a schedule. We are pilots of the plane of life. The plane is the vessel that we are in to complete our destination; the same as it is with a spirit and a soul. We all have our arrival time and our departure time. During any point in our flight, we may get delayed; that means whatever was delayed wasnt meant to happen at that certain point. However, when it is time to go, there is nothing we can do about it because we are on Gods schedule. While we are in our plane of life, we will hit some turbulence. The turbulence is a wake-up call. We are not to panic when we hit turbulence, although thats the natural human reaction. If weve never hit turbulence before, how would we be prepared to deal with such a thing? Our life is designed to hit turbulence and go through different storms. This is why God equipped each plane with instruments to guide us. These instruments are our faith to guide us to where we are going. We dont need to see where we are in the storm, but because we have those instruments of faith, we do know where we are going. First Corinthians chapter twelve talks about spiritual gifts. The ninth verse of that chapter talks about the gift of faith. Just because a storm looks impossible to conquer, does not mean we wont make it through. Despite all the passengers that come in and out of our life, we must rely on our instruments of faith. The passengers are the different people we know and affect in our life. The passengers who know what we are going through may panic and attack our faith, but we are

not to be concerned with their worries or fears. We must rely on our instruments of faith all the way through the storm. Amen

Chapter 2

Wisdom
Spies for Satan
In this world we are living in today, we must be very alert because there are so many spies for Satan. He can be the most innocent-looking gorgeous woman, or the most innocent-looking handsome man. Satan can disguise himself into whatever form he wants. He can be a member in our congregation, or he can be our minister speaking Gods word. The only interest in his heart is to capture souls. He will try to speak to us as if he were God, but we will know when Satan is speaking, because his voice is very discouraging. When he tries to speak to us, the vibe in our soul will feel cold. Satan speaks in an urgent tone, as though he were in a rush. He is in a hurry because time is running out. Spies for Satan are our deceitful friends who will smile in our face, but who are plotting against us while smiling at us. He can be that businessman that we shake hands with everyday. God has his vessels just as Satan has his own vessels. Satans vessels are his spies that are transformed into so many identities to appear as if they were one of Gods chosen. When Satan sends his spies out, their objective is to get as close to Gods people as possible to try to win their souls. Of course, God is Almighty, so if we stay close with Him, we will know Satans spies when they approach. It is the same way as when an employee working for one company is spying on another company. He will not reveal his identity or true purpose. He wants to watch what the company is doing in order to attempt to operate his own business better. We are Gods employees, and Satan

has his spies watching us to try to defeat Gods company. If we work for God, well never be terminated or laid off. It might get to be hard on the job, but we must do our task and be aware of and behold Satans spies. Matthew 24:23-24 says, There if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Amen.

The Familiar Voice

This is for all of us who have asked, How does Gods voice sound, or How do we know when he is speaking to us? Does he have a deep voice? When he speaks to us, his voice sounds like a peaceful inner voice. He speaks in a calm tone. When we hear him speak, our bodies shall feel as if they were flushed with pure waters. We will feel cleansed and refreshed. If we hear any voices otherwise, which is the Devils voice, our spirit will feel dirty and uneasy. We will feel as if we were being rushed, and we wont feel at peace after the Devil speaks to us. The Devils voice sounds like a sneaky and deceitful whisper, and our minds will also become clouded and well be very confused. How do we differentiate our voice from the Lords voice and the Devils voice? First, when we pray to God and ask him for some results, let us ask him to open our minds and hearts so that we may be receptive to our Lords word. We have to be ready to receive and accept the answers our Lord will give us instead of trying to hear what we want to hear. When we try to hear what we want to hear, that is the Devils all access pass to speak to us. Let us not lean on our own understanding. All we have to understand is: God knows all things, has all the answers, and he knows best. It may not be what we want to hear, but it surely will be what we need to hear and need to know in order for us to progress.

Now, knowing all of these things that were written to us and also knowing the Scriptures, we will know our Lords voice when he speaks to us. Concluding with John 10:4; And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. Amen.

Class is in Session As we take our journeys through life, we are students on earth. Earth is the classroom we are in, and every situation weve been in was the class that we needed to take. We must take certain classes to meet the requirements we need for graduation. Graduation is the ceremony for those who succeed on Judgment Day. Each task in life is a gateway to a greater challenge. While we are in this classroom, we have been given the choice to excel or fail. God is the dean of all students on earth. Satan is the leader of peer pressure, and he attempts to influence everyone to fail just because he failed. Genesis 3:14 says, And the Lord said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life. While we are in class, the Bible is our ultimate textbook, and it is our guide through life. The preachers in the world are our teachers, but it is up to us to know the Bible for ourselves. After weve heard a sermon from the teachers, it is on us to read the Bible and do our homework. After weve completed our assignments, we have to choose what level we want to take them to. No one can make that decision for us. Although earth is the classroom were in, it is also a temporary inconvenience; it is a median split between evil and good. The choice is solely upon us to choose Gods gift of the Promised Land, or to eternally burn in the lake of fire. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death (Revelation 21:7-8). Earth is a two-way street. EARTH (Entering All Routes To Heaven, or Entering All Routes To Hell). Amen.

Answers to the Test

For every storm we overcome, there will be another one following. There will always be a calm before the storm, and the bright and better days never come before the storm. Each storm prepares us for greater challenges and greater success. We cannot get from one destination to another without going through whatever lies between us and that destination. Not only can we get through the storm and testify about the good news of Jesus Christ, but we can also recall what he has done for us and know that he is here again to go with us through the next storm. None of us would be human, nor would we be of God if we did not have any trials and tribulations. Jesus days on earth werent peaches and cream for him, so who are we to live a life free of trials and tribulations? For the next storm we shall encounter, let us say, This too, shall pass. Our life is a mission, and each of our missions has different stages of life. For every stage we go through, there are obstacles along the way. Not only do we have to surpass those obstacles, but also we have to complete the ultimate test at the end of that stage before we can be certified as ready for the next stage. The mission is still not complete. Only a stage of it has been accomplished, but for every stage accomplished, we have gained spiritual strength to make us capable of accomplishing the next stage. Once the mission is complete, we will appreciate every storm we went through in each stage, because without each storm, we would not be at the level we are at now. Once the mission is complete, everything will come back to our remembrance. We will see where every storm served its purpose. We did not understand it then, but we shall understand it now. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33). Amen.

Chapter 3
Fate

Already Written Nothing that happens in life is an accident. Regardless of how fortunate or unfortunate the situation is, everything happens for a reason. It was already written. Just as the book of Revelation is already written in the Bible, it only has yet to manifest. It may seem far-fetched and beyond our comprehension that what seems an unfortunate situation actually happened for the better. Just as it may have been sad for those who saw our savior Jesus Christ in his hour of crucifixion, that was already written and was happening for a reason. Just as Revelation 22:19 says, And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. That Scripture alone shows that this was already written. Just as Matthew 26:21 says, And as they did eat, he said, Verily I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me. It was already written that Jesus would be betrayed; or else he would have not known to say that someone was about to betray him. Although everything that happened was already written, this doesnt mean that were to do something foolish and then say, It was already written, It is written again, thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God (Matthew 4:7). When something happens that we cant understand, believe that

it happened for a reason, and know that it was already written. Nothing that happens is, was or will be a surprise to God. When good things happen for us, God is not going to say, Oh, you got a promotion! He already knew it; that day was written already. And when bad things happen, God still wont say, Oh, you have to appear in court today! No, it was already written. Nothing is made up as time goes on. Just as our date of birth was written, the same too is written for our day to die. Some people may say that some things can be avoided. Thats true, there are some. But there are situations we have no control of nor know the results of by means of our doings, that cannot be avoided. Just as Ananias and his wife Sapphira fell down and gave up the ghost for lying to God; it was already written.1 Verily, we may say that could have been avoided, but that was already written to take place, because God knew this was the choice they were going to make. In conclusion, nothing is a mistake; nothing can be erased, and nothing will be new to God. It was already written. Amen.

The account of Ananias and Sapphira is in Acts 5 in the King James Version of the Bible.

Call Waiting
This is the Lords calling to the chosen whom he has predestined to be called out of darkness to preach the gospel. He will come to us directly to let us know this is our calling. It wont come through a prophecy from someone else. Some of us may have been told by another preacher or by another individual that this is our calling, but it is not their call to tell us that we have been called. Not everyone is of the spirit of God. Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world (1 John 4:1). When we are called, we will know the calling when it comes. It is the same way as when we are on a phone call and someone clicks in on the other line; we can see who is calling, and we have the option to receive that persons call then, or not to receive it. It is the same when God is calling us. We can see he is calling us and know it is he who is calling us, and we have the opportunity to accept his call. It will make us feel like we have a promotion in the world. It wont make us feel like we are above anyone else, but it will make us feel that we have gained a higher and stronger connection with God. Our spiritual strength will be revived; we will have a more vivid sense of direction, and our faith will also be increased. We will see not with the human eye, but with the eye that is of the light of the Lord. This means we will be optimistic and see beyond and through what is presented to us. These are all the credentials of elite people in the world and of the Lord. Therefore are the called not elite?

Some people have gone to bible schools and institutes to be certified as preachers, but that does not mean they have been called. No one else can certify us as elite or called but our Father who is above. Not only is the calling for preachers, but also for all of us to discover our purpose to understand the calling he has for us. We will find our purpose by being in tune with our Lord and asking him for direction. Our purpose is what he has purposed for us through his will. Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began (2 Timothy 1:9). Amen.

A Fair Judgment
Throughout our walk of life, none of us will walk a perfect step. As much as we try to do right, we all are still sinners. We have the power to choose sin or to obey God. We are no longer slaves of sin as mentioned in Romans 6:22. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. Its not all about how many Sundays weve spent in church, how many other special services weve attended, or about how many sermons weve heard. Be not hypocrites thinking we are so holy and sanctified that we can place judgment on our fellow mankind. Matthew 7:3 says, and why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brothers eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye. None of us is in a position to place judgment and speak against what someone else is doing as opposed to how we do things as individuals. Only God can judge us. It is also written in Matthew 7:1, Judge not that ye be not judged. Verily, one should not contradict himself and say that he or she is a follower of Christ, and in the same sentence says they practice idolatry. Does walking in the light of Christ mean we cannot have fun and enjoy the pleasure and material things here on earth? No. To walk in the light of Christ means having faith, believing him, and being obedient to our Fathers word. No more, no less.

Some of us have asked this question concerning another: How can he or she say they have Christ in their life and then turn around and do the things they do? Once again, that is not the question for us to ask. Neither is the judgment up to us. We shall mind our own business and concern ourselves with our own lives. Just because a person is diligently trying to walk in the light of Christ doesnt mean that person is perfect. If he or she were perfect, then what good was it for Christ to die for us all? When Jesus heard it, He saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance (Mark 2:17). If a person is one to have so much to say about another person, then that person with the many sayings shall look at him or herself in the mirror. Some people have joined the church or supposedly become so involved in the Word that they label themselves as higher than others. We are all sinners just as our brethren are. No sin is greater than the other. We all fall short of the glory of God. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Amen.

360
Some of us here on earth have a desire to make a change for the better, but are afraid to change our surroundings or change the people we associate with. Some people afraid of what their friends or family would think of their change. Whatever reason it is that we are changing for, we need to take inventories of our lives. We will do this by re-evaluating what and who has been essential or non-essential to us. We also need to evaluate what is hindering us from making that change. We do not need negative people around us, nor do we need people around us who do not support the changes that we are trying to make. Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners (1 Corinthians 15:33). As we see, making this change is similar to what a panel of jurors must do in order to reach a common verdict. Everyone on the jury must meet on some common ground. That was said to reference how we need people around us who are supporters, believers, and who share common interests and are trying to move in a positive direction. We cannot be afraid of change! If we are afraid of change, we can never progress and will continue the same process just as revolving doors. Do not allow anything or anyone to hold us back; because this is a change we are making for ourselves and it is a change for the better. So if we are making a change to better ourselves, then why concern ourselves with others? It may be difficult to change because we are in this world where many are ignorant, foolish, and are caught up in worldly things. They cannot grasp the concept of change. But we, as believers and as children of God, shall not allow ourselves to be distracted by that. To the average person, we may seem weird, and he may laugh at us, but all who laughed at us shall also weep. Not weeping in tears, but they shall weep inside for the much success we have

gained from our change while they were laughing at us. They will still be in the same place they were when we first made our changewhich is nowhere. Of course, we are not to seek vengeance against them nor boastfully rejoice over them, but they have only proven themselves wrong by not respecting our change! Having this in mind, what shall we fear about changing our world? Amen.

Thief in the Night

The last days of the world are coming about, and if one has not gotten right with Christ, it is now the time to do so. Too many of us in this world are concerned with living for whats right now instead of living so that Christ may show us favor in the end. Now is the time to pay attention to our surroundings and notice how the signs of the end to come are showing. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh (Matthew 25:13). None of us knows when that day is to come, but we must realize the Scriptures must be fulfilled before the end comes. Although we know not when that is to be, we do know that these things must shortly come to pass as told in Revelation 1:1. Let us pay attention to what has been going on in this world in conjunction with whats written in the Scriptures. The Scriptures state that nation shall rise again nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes in divers places (Matthew 24:7). Is that not going on right now? No matter where we are: this day and this hour, we can look around and see these things taking place and being fulfilled. Let us be ready for his return. Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not (Luke 12:40). He will come when we are least expecting him because he wants us to be ready at all times and not to be ready just because we know he is coming. Thats just like saying, Oh, Jesus! I would have repented if I had known you were coming now. It is no good to repent only because we knew; we should have already been repenting of our sins even when we did not know he was coming. A restaurant owner or employee should not clean up the restaurant just because he knows the inspectors are coming. The restaurant should be clean at all times. Thats the same with us. Get right with Christ now before it is too late. We all have to stand before God on judgment day, and none of the things weve done or possessed in this world will matter. Where is our faith? Have we been with Christ all along? Do we now want to act like we know him just because this is judgment day? This is what we need to concern ourselves with. The time is now. Get right with Christ. The time is near, and yes, he is coming. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up (2 Peter 3:10).2 Amen

Chapter 4
2

Suggested supplementary reading to support these words: Luke 12:35-48

Strength

Golden Opportunity

This is to all of us with dreams. Most of us have some type of goal or goals we want to achieve. This was written to let us know that our goals are not far-fetched. Our time is coming, and it is not far away. No matter how long it seems weve waited, our time is coming if we only believe and keep waiting. Isaiah 40:31 says, but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. It will come when we are least expecting it, but we will be prepared for it simply because weve waited and believed. Once it comes, it will be our reward for our patience and strong desire to have it. Never mind what people around us are saying. When they doubt us or try to discourage us, let us use that to our advantage, for it is a spark to our motivation. Dont give up on saying, Its about to happen, nor give up on believing that its about to happen. Despite the pain of enduring, never give up on dreaming, because we need to dream in order to keep the dream alive. Our dream is our hope. Our hope is our motivation, and our motivation equals to manifestation. As we see, without a dream, there is no hope, and without hope there is definitely no success. The equation is simple. It is only the endurance that makes it seem difficult. As we endure, Satan will attempt to dismantle our faith and patience. He knows we have a vision, and he will try anything to give us a tainted vision. Believe it not. We serve a rich God, and we have no reason to settle for less. All we have to do is wait. We can wait; God can wait, but the Devil cant wait. Thats why he is trying to tamper with us and make us stop believing. It is only a matter of time. Be anxious for nothing, and do not be discouraged, no matter what! Those who dont believedont argue with them. Let them continue to not believe, for they will soon prove themselves wrong. The Lord said unto my Lord, sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool (Psalms 110:1). Amen

Chapter 5
Love & Morale

In The Midnight Hour

There are many people we have met, many we have fun with, and some we enjoy talking to, but very few, if any, that we know are our true friends. Everybody who smiles in our face and seemingly offers a helping hand is not necessarily our friend. There are some people who pretend to have an open ear to listen to our issues, but our words go through their ears with their having no intention of empathizing with us. Instead, our issues have now become everyone elses business. Instead of talking with us and keeping it between us, they have now talked against and about us. Weve all had some friends whom weve helped with anything in their time of need, but when we needed them, they fled the scene. Weve had some friends who abused our kindness, taking it for weakness, and they thought this was acceptable because they were our friends. Some of us may have had friends who became jealous of our accomplishments, and some who were jealous of the success we were trying to achieve. Some friends may have disrespected our relationships and marriages. There have been many treacherous things done to us by people who were supposedly our friends. Weve later discovered who our true friends were, and who those were who were pretending to be friends, but were the enemy within. Do not feel cast down, because we now can distinguish who is who because of what weve gone through with those who were claiming to be our friends. A true friend is there through the storm and also through the sunshine. True friends give us unconditional love, support, and comfort, and are always there for us. But such true friends can be counted on one hand. Luke 11:5-8 says, And he said unto them, which of you shall have a friend, and shall go unto him at midnight, and say unto him, Friend, lend me three loaves. For a friend of mine in his

journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him. And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee? I say unto you, though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. Amen.

Chapter 6

Understanding

Personal Relationship

Every individual needs to experience God through Jesus Christ for himself. There are no exceptions and no exemptions. From the poorest person to the richest person, we need to experience God for ourselves. No matter who a person is; that person cant live his or her entire life off of other peoples personal testimonies or off of different preachers sermons. Luke 4:4 says, And Jesus answered him, saying, it is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. We cant know what he can do for us if we never personally experience it. How can we tell someone what he will do for him or her if weve never experienced what hes done for us? Someone can tell us that God will get us through the storm, but if weve never sought him through a storm, how do we then know for ourselves that he will do it. Some of us may feel like we know God because weve attended every church service we possibly could. Thats not necessarily true. What good is it to hear all of those good things, and how can we comprehend if weve never experienced them? How can we sit in church and say, I know thats right, if we havent been a true living witness of Christ? This doesnt mean we have to go through the same exact thing another person goes through in order to understand Christ. This only means that once we ourselves have become living witnesses, we can relate to another persons testimony or sermon. We will never know until weve been tried! Even when weve been tried or will be tried, we will never know unless we ask to know. Hes made himself known to us, but it is important for us to find it in ourselves to know him. Romans 1:20 says, For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: That lets us know there is no reason for us to not know of his existence.

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

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