A MATTER OF FAITH: GOD vs. ZEN

ISAIAH 55:6
Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near.

A Christian seeking zen is what I would consider an oxymoron. I have often heard people speak of ‘zen’ and assumed its’ definition based on the context of the conversation; according to my “Google” reseach zen is a state of being. The goal of zen, based on this superficial research, is to achieve enlightenment; by enlightenment I guess they mean understanding. A Buhdist idea, embraced by those who do not know or understand Scripture, zen is not God’s way.

Christians are to seek Jesus. Many Christians have gotten into yoga as a way of relaxing and getting physically fit and have incorporated the vocabulary of Buddhist ideology. Jesus said “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34); what you are saying is what you believe. The words of the Lord should come out of your mouth not the words of the Hindu or the Buddhist.

The basis of yoga is stretching your body which requires you to redirect your focus from the cares of this world to what your body is doing. The flesh becomes a priority but the word tells us to be lead by the Spirit and not the flesh (Galatians 3:3, 5:16).

ROMANS 8:6 THE VOICE
A mind focused on the flesh is doomed to death, but a mind focused on the Spirit will find full life and complete peace.

If your goal is to become physically fit work.  At 120 years of age a physically fit Moses climbed a mountain to die.(Deuteronomy 34:7)  The less technology a person incorporates in his life, the more physical activities she does the healthier he or she will be.

I find it interesting that people love making bread from scratch but all they do is put ingredients in a machine and the machine does the rest! Kneading bread is work.

It is easier to go to the store and purchase tomatos but eif all you have an outdoor space where you can place a container you can grow your own tomatos but that requires work.

Once upon a time people did not need a gym life provided plenty of exercise.

I believe, people who are seeking zen are actually looking for peace and quiet in the midst of a stressful environment. Those of us  who are in Christ achieve this even in the middle of chaos because He is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

ISAIAH 26:3
You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.

Peace is not achieved by placing your body in a specific position and becoming one, what you get is a quiet time. Perfect peace is obtained when you trust God more than anyone and anything. 

PSALM 46:10
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. 

When I meditate I am not trying to be one with my body I am listening to the Holy Spirit. I do not try to be one with myself but I do focus on His word.

PSALM 119:99
I have more understanding than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation.

Meditation is not a yoga thing. To meditate is: to consider, to focus your thoughts on. Your brain is never thinking of nothing unless you are dead. Christians should meditate, consider, focus their thoughts on the Word of God.

PHILIPPIANS 4:8 THE VOICE
Finally, brothers and sisters, fill your minds with beauty and truth. Meditate on whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is good, whatever is virtuous and praiseworthy.

Again, referring to Google to obtain a definition of mantra I read: “(originally in Hinduism and Buddhism) a word or sound repeated to aid concentration in meditation”   Jesus said:

MATTHEW 6:7
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 

Mantras are vain repetitions, uselesss words: stop! There is nothing zen do for you but present a false sense of peace. For the Believer the Spirit of God porduces in you what many try to obtain via medititation without incorporating God’s word.

GALATIANS 5:22-23 THE VOICE
The Holy Spirit produces a different kind of fruit: unconditional love, joy, peace, patience, kindheartedness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, and self-control. You won’t find any law opposed to fruit like this.

Exercise is good but it is not necessary to stand on one foot to have love, joy, peace, patience and the rest of the fruit which is produced when the Spirit of God is in you.  Perfect peace is acheived when you know and focus on Himand not the cares of this world.

Does a person who is meditating for a long period of time receive answers to problems? I would suspect the answer is yes.  Who is the source of those answers?  Seeking “zen” and not Jesus opens the door to demonic influence. Psalm 46:10 states we acheive perfect peace when our mind is on the Lord. So what are you thinking about?    —written by Marsha L F Randolph

A MATTER OF FAITH reflects the opinions and property of the author MARSHA L F RANDOLPH. All rights reserved- do not use without permission. All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James Version of the Bible unless otherwise stated. Don’t miss weekly faith based post FOLLOW THIS BLOG and receive notifications when a new article is posted.
Please check out and subscribe to my YouTube Channel MY COUNTRY CITY PROJECT at NETTIE FR 




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BACK2BASICS: HOME MAKERS DO IT ALL!

There is nothing wrong with homemade anything. I think it is foolish to brag about having a stranger’s name placed on clothing you paid top dollar. Sewist place their “labels” on the clothing, quilts and other well made items they make yet becaue millions of people have not heard of them people complain about the price of whatever it is they are selling. Recently, I saw the picture of a store boght purse a sewist had embroidered initials on it was absolutely beautiful. While some people are impressed with MK on a purse this young lady had her intials on  hers, how unique!

Anything, of quality is made by someone, not some machine. Soaps, quilts, clothing and furniture when produced by a craftsman will last a long time.   Not everyone wants to dedicate the time to learn how to make their own things but there are many who do.  For those who choose dependence on manufacturers they are forced to pay far more than what they item is worth just to ensure a healthy profit margin from all involved.

For the past few years I have been giving birth to my inner maker. Some activities, like gardening, are cost effective others, like making my own clothes, have long term benefits but the upfront cost are more expensive. There is a satisfaction in making my own, and the idea that I am not dependent on someone else to provide things I need is an added bonus.

If you are a person who has to wear whatever the fashion world says is “in style” today then you will probably not want to sew your own clothes. For those individuals, such as myself, who have the same style year in and year out making clothes at home is the best deal.  Personally, I have trouble finding what I like in clothing stores. When I find an outfit I like the cost is prohibitive.

I see making things at home as a challenge.

Social media, YouTube, Instagram and even Facebook has introduced to me people all over the world who make stuff at home. It is encouraging, particularly becaue not everyone has reached the level of “master” craftsman. With the introduction of so many chemicals into our home from cleaners and pesticides to genetically modified foods (GMO) many people are taking the first step to a healthy lifestyle.

If you do a little research you will discover home makers, DIYers, do it all. Currently, I have a small garden, I make candles, soap and own laundry detergent; I make my own deodarant as well as skin and hair care products; I knit, crochet, and sew.  I am not close to being a master at any of these things though I am no longr a beginner.

The reward of making something at home occurs when you take the first bight of a tomato grown by you and you have memories of how good food tasted when you were a child. Someone asked me if I had made a blouse that I was wearing, he remembered the fabric but did not see the finished product until I was out and about wearing the finished product. When people say: “It is to hot in Miami to make your own deodarant,” I let them know I have been using my own deodarant for over 2 years now.

In the end Home Makers not only do it all but they do it healthier and better!    written by Marsha L F Randolph

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NETTIEOLOGY A compilation of ideas, opinions, beliefs and activities of Nettie a pseudo-fictional character created by Marsha L F Randolph. The author, Marsha L F Randolph maintains all rights associated with copyright laws; do not use post / articles without the permission of the author Marsha L F Randolph. All quotes should cite Marsha L F Randolph as the author.
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A MATTER OF FAITH: SIMPLY BELIEVING

COMING SOON! 

When did being a Christian become so complicated? Beyond yielding personal desires to the will of God it seems there are quite a few “do this and not that” requirements from church folk.

1 TIMOTHY 6:3-5 (King James Version)
If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. 

I annoyingly / tirelessly plead with people to study Scripture. There are many reasons why we hear different interpretations of God’s commandments today and some of them, are motivated by the ego of one individual, the church leader. For example: God embraces same sex relationships, a lifestyle the church leader participates in.  I am not encouraging people to avoid church but to obtain personal knowledge and understanding of what is written. HOWEVER, if your church promotes a doctrine contrary to Scripture then leave.

There are those who do not have a frist hand knowledge of what is in the Bible, though he or she may own one. Someone else interprets Scripture for them: a parent, a friend and or a church leader. Cults, any religious organization that perverts the Word of God, are formed using Bible verses out of context. Today we have: Black Churches, Spanish Churches, denominations and non-denomination churches, institutions that promote their uniqueness.

1 CORINTHIANS 12:25 THE COMPLETE JEWISH BIBLE
So that there will be no disagreements within the body, but rather all the parts will be equally concerned for all the others.

The King James Version of 1 Corinthians 12:25 states: “there should be no schism in the body” but there are. Church leaders make sure the programs will attract more members not necessarily to save souls but to keep the bodies they have in their building. People take more pride in the size of their church than they do the number of individuals who are strong in the Lord (Ephesians 6:10).  My church is not bigger than your church but the people in attendance are strong in the Lord and the power of His might.

Should we go back to the “Old School” religion? Ceartainly not! The churches of my grandmother’s day were plagued with hypocrisy, nepotism, and  false doctrine.

2 TIMOTHY 2:15 THE EXPANDED BIBLE
·Make every effort [Do your best; Be diligent] to ·give [present] yourself to God as the kind of person he will approve. Be a worker who ·is not ashamed [or will not be shamed] and who ·uses the true teaching in the right way [correctly handles the true message/word of truth; or holds carefully to the true message/word of truth].

We are cautioned from Genesis to Revelation to make God our priority.  Second Timothy instructs us to “make every effort’ to present ourseleves not to man but God.  Revisiting 1 Timothy 6, The Expanded Bible translation makes it clear: Problems within the body of Christ are a direct result of false teachings. 

1 TIMOTHY 6:3-5 THE EXPANDED
Anyone who has a different teaching and does not agree with the ·true teaching [sound/healthy words] of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that ·shows the true way to serve God [promotes piety/godliness]— that person is ·full of pride [arrogant; conceited] and understands nothing, but ·is sick with a love for [has an unhealthy interest in] ·arguing [controversies; debate] and ·fighting about [quarrels over] words. This brings ·jealousy [envy], ·fighting [strife; division], ·speaking against others [slander; blasphemy], evil ·mistrust [suspicions], and constant ·quarrels [bickerading; disputes] from those who have ·evil [depraved; corrupted] minds and have ·lost [been deprived of] the truth. They think that ·serving God [godliness; piety] is a way to ·get rich [make a profit].

Far to many “Christians” have been swept up by the excitement of church busyness. We have lost the ease of simply believing. Faith in God is a lifestyle not an activity. The Apostle Paul understood what simply belieiving meant, despite all of his credentials he said;  “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” (1 CORINTHIANS 2:2)

You have the ability to learn more about Creator God through the Son of God with the help of the Spirit of God if you focus on Him and not them.

A MATTER OF FAITH reflects the opinions and property of the author MARSHA L F RANDOLPH. All rights reserved- do not use without permission. All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James Version of the Bible unless otherwise stated. Don’t miss weekly faith based post FOLLOW THIS BLOG and receive notifications when a new article is posted.
Please check out and subscribe to my YouTube Channel MY COUNTRY CITY PROJECT at NETTIE FR 

A MATTER OF FAITH: USING YOUR GIFTS

Why are Christians suffering from not enough? Despite messages from the pulpit about: stewardship, being blessed to be a blessing and giving to avoid being cursed with a curse, Christians are living from pay check to paycheck. (Side note: read my eBook: “BROKE-en AND NOT A$HAMED” in which I share my opinion on giving from a Biblical perspective.)

God has given each of us talents, gifts, that when used as He designed are profitable; many use their gifts incorrectly. It is clear to me that drug dealers and individuals who illegally sell copyright products such as DVDs and clothing, have such gifts as: sells, marketing, administration and other sells related talent but they pervert it. Some people take advantage of their gifts and keep the profit to themselves. Not everyone will live in a mansion and drive a luxury car but those who do things God’s way will have all of their needs met lacking nothing.

There is no such thing as an overnight success. It takes time for talent to mature, this is the principle of seedtime and harvest time (Genesis 8:22). We must all learn how to use our God given talent His way.

MATTHEW 25:26-28
“‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.”

Take heed! Your gift is your gift however you will not be able to use it in the Kingdom of God. Why? Because, you did not trust Him to guide you.

PROVERBS 3:5-6 THE EXPANDED
Trust the Lord with all your heart, and don’t ·depend [rely] on your own understanding. ·Remember the Lord [L- Know him] ·in all you do [L- on all your paths],    and he will ·give you success [L- keep your roads straight].

Matthew 25:14-20 (see below) teaches Kingdom principles regarding God given talents.
It is important to understand that God’s definition of prosperity is not the same as man’s. We are blessed to be a blessing (Genesis 12:2) not to build bigger homes and churches.

Before we were formed in the womb God knew of us and what we were to be (Jeremiah 1:5). He gave us gifts, talents,, according to what He knew would be our ability. Jesus said:

MATTHEW 16:19
And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

LUKE 10:19
Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

MATTHEW 17:20
So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.

These are basic talents that all Believers have and far to many are not operating in. People like Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, Reverend Billy Graham, Reverend Franklin Graham and Andrew and Jamie Wommack are operating in these gifts which has given birth to other talents thus they prosper spiritually and financially.

Look at the entertainment world. These people struggle to remain relevant, have troubling relationships and have to pay people to keep quiet about their indiscretions. They do not have peace; they do not have joy; they do not have the love of God in their hearts. What they have will be taken away.

PROVERBS 13:22
A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.

The parable of the talents discusses 3 individuals. Each person had exactly what God knew he could handle. The reason why the person with one talent was living pay check to pay check is because, according to the master- he was lazy (see verse 26). The man was full of excuses! The bottom line is- he did not try. 

MATTHEW 25:
“Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’

In my ebook BROKE-EN AND NOT A$HAMED I discuss my opinion, based on Scripture and experience, on tithing. In my ebook YOU’RE NOT READY I discuss preparing for any type of emergency. MOVING FORWARD BY FAITH was my first ebook and is an equally important study, it is semi-autobiographical in that it was inspired by my becoming a writer.

As with all of my writings, I am not trying to tell you how to think or what to believe. My goal is to challenge you, the reader, to look at Scripture again and take the words personally.  If you are struggling financially perhaps it is because of that one talent you have been holding onto- LET IT GO!                                                                                   - - written by Marsha L F Randolph



A MATTER OF FAITH reflects the opinions and property of the author MARSHA L F RANDOLPH. All rights reserved- do not use without permission. All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James Version of the Bible unless otherwise stated. Don’t miss weekly faith based post FOLLOW THIS BLOG and receive notifications when a new article is posted.
Please check out and subscribe to my YouTube Channel MY COUNTRY CITY PROJECT at NETTIE FR  

BROKE-EN & NOT ASHAMED- Overcoming financial difficulties God's way without social intimidation or biblical fear. by Marsha L F Randolph- available via SMASHWORDS

MATTHEW 25:14-30

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord’s money. After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.
“So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ He also who had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.’  His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’

“Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.’

“But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.

New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

NETTIE-ISM: HE IS TALKING ABOUT YOU!

The Apostle Paul warns the individual Believer to be careful. Scripture is to be taken personally, it is to be read, prayed about and received as if Father God is speaking directly to “you”.  There are Believers who think they are to smart to be tricked, they don’t take Colossians 2:8 personally.  

COLOSSIANS 2:8 THE EXPANDED BIBLE
Be sure [Be careful; Watch; See] that no one ·leads you away [takes you captive; captivates you] with ·false [deceptive] and ·empty [worthless] teaching that is ·only human [L- according to human traditions], which comes from the ·ruling spirits [elemental spiritual forces (demons); or elementary teachings] of this world, and not from Christ

                                         xxx written by Marsha L F Randolph

NETTIE-ISM reflects the opinions and property of the author MARSHA L F RANDOLPH. All rights reserved- do not use without permission. All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James Version of the Bible unless otherwise stated. Don’t miss weekly faith based post FOLLOW THIS BLOG and receive notifications when a new article is posted.

NETTIE-ISM : A THOUGHT TO BE POSTED ON FACEBOOK

A FACEBOOK POST

FOR THE RECORD: I don’t believe things will happen as fast as many want. It takes time to build a solid case against ceartain people that will not cause a mass civil disturbance. Wisdom, not mental instability, directs the path of President Trump.
The demonic spirit of anti-Trump a stronghold that plagues Liberals, Democrats who do not see themselves as liberal, and various individuals who label themselves as “Christian” would create chaos if justice moved swiftly. Remember in the book of Job how God knew what Satan was up to? Job was attacked viciously but in the end Job was the victor. Jesus was attacked 3 times in the garden but He too overcame. In the end God always wins.
What will happen in the upcoming months: the media will loose it’s remaining credibility and people will start experiencing the benefits of more of their own money in their pockets. You feel better when you can buy your own fish and not have to depend on the government.
Don’t focus on the tweets, the Fake News awards or any of these other “marketing” distractions. The case is being developed against the crooks and when the charges come it will all make sense.
What pro-Trumpers should be looking at: What is Dr. Carson up to? What is Betsy Devos up to? Housing and education are two very important things illegals want. Things are happening that we are not paying attention to because we are focused on tweets!         xxx written by Marsha L F Randolph

NETTIE-ISM reflects the opinions and property of the author MARSHA L F RANDOLPH. All rights reserved- do not use without permission. All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James Version of the Bible unless otherwise stated. Don’t miss weekly faith based post FOLLOW THIS BLOG and receive notifications when a new article is posted.

A MATTER OF FAITH: SEEK FIRST

MATTHEW 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

More important than a new year is a new day, let’s not waste the opportunity. Jesus tells us in the book of Matthew to seek the kingdom of God first, this means that a His agenda should be our agenda.

I am not talking about reading 3-5 chapters in a book of the Bible today or praying firt thing in the morning.

MATTHEW 6:33 THE EXPANDED
·Seek first [Be concerned above all else with] God’s kingdom and ·what God wants [L- his righteousness]. Then all ·your other needs will be met as well [L- these things will be given to you].

Much has been written about the kingdom of God and much has been said.  It is not a physical place but a spiritual one that involves a lifestyle, Christians are citizens of God’s kingdom. The kingdom of God is not one of works but of trust, as citizens of His kingdom our behavior should reflect it.

Our concern is not about what people think but what He wants. Regardless as to what man says or who says it, our daily objective is: “Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10). The closer we get to the return of our Lord the more difficult this is.

When we live based on the world’s standards we are not trusting God. Even our family, parents included, can attempt to influence us to live against the will of God. Educators on all levels have been presenting information to students that goes against God’s word. Anti-Christ information that is being presented daily to all.

PROVERBS 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

But how do you trust God when there are so many churches presenting information that seems to be contradictory? By examining the essence of the speaker. The individual: parent, teacher, friend or church leader, is speaking from the flesh or the spirit.

GALATIANS 5:16
I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

Even I, from time to time, am plagued by my flesh- particularly on Social Media. Injustice angers me and I want to speak out but we are warned to not sin in our anger (Ephesians 4:26). As a born again soul I have to choose, daily, to walk in the Spirit. God’s kingdom is a spiritual kingdom thus we must allow our flesh to be subject to our spirit and not the other way around.

It is my responsibility to guard my heart (Proverbs 4:23) and in doing so I must be aware of what I hear and see. I must reject information that does not agree with God’s word no matter who is speaking.

EPHESIANS 6:12
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

NO! I do not believe people are demon possesed as some speak of. I do think we can all be influenced by anti-Christ ideology if accept false information. Satan is not omnipresent, let me say this again, Satan cannot be everywhere at the same time. There is a limited number of demons therefore they cannot be everywhere nor can they posses everyone.

Jesus said tradition make God’s word ineffective (Mark 7:13). Traditions can become a  stronghold on a church which morphs into traditions that go against the teachings of God. Spiritual strongholds must be challenged.

1 JOHN 4:1
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

Does the length of a woman’s dress make her more or less Christian? Is a man in a suit and tie holier than one in jeans and a t-shirt. It is surprising as to the number of people who focus on such and churches that have dress codes.

Individual knowledge of what is written will determine when, if ever, a prayer is answered.  Yes, it is important to have a place where you can fellowship with like believers. Your faith journey begins and ends with what you know, Jesus has to be your priority.

1 CORINTHIANS 2:2
For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 

— written by Marsha L F Randolph

A MATTER OF FAITH reflects the opinions and property of the author MARSHA L F RANDOLPH. All rights reserved- do not use without permission. All Scriptures quoted are from the New King James Version of the Bible unless otherwise stated. Don’t miss weekly faith based post FOLLOW THIS BLOG and receive notifications when a new article is posted.