DECEMBER 25TH

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

JOHN 3:16-17 KING JAMES VERSION
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

I am affiliated with 2 churches, one is a non-denominational Bible believing Jesus loving ministry and the other is non-denominational Hebraic-Roots ministry. In addition, I study the word of God independent of man and have been a Believer since the age of 9 and a Seeker since the age of 30; I was a Christian by the worlds standards since age 9 but I did not know the difference between God’s word and man’s traditions.

John 3:16 was probably the first Bible verse that ever resonated in my soul: “For God expressed His love for the world in this way: He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him will not face everlasting destruction, but will have everlasting life.” (The Voice Translation) It is this verse that has formed my Christmas celebration ideology.

I appreciate the fact that December 25th is not the day of our Lord’s birth. I appreciate the fact that gift giving has become commercialized. I appreciate the fact that the Christmas season is a time of stress or offense to some. I know I am not a pagan.

There are two times of the year that I look forward to: my birthday and Christmas. February 23, the date of my birth, is my “new year”, it is the day that I celebrate YHWH giving me life and allowing me to continue on my journey. My birthday is a time of remembrance, I acknowledge my personal victories, and look forward to what my future will bring. Gifts are not a priority but my children always bless me as do a few friends.

December 25th is the day the world has designated as Yeshua’s birthday. Jesus received gifts, not on the day of His birth but in honor of his being born.

MATTHEW 2:7-11 KING JAMES
Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.
And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.
When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.

The gifts were extravagant, expensive; one might refer to the gifts as top of the line “designer” products. My point is, gifts were given to Jesus.

We can’t give gifts to Jesus, we give our loyalty to Him. We can give gifts to each other.

LUKE 6:38 NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION
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.”

December 25th is a great day for giving to someone other than yourself. December 25th is a great day to give intentionally to someone you love and even to a stranger. It is also a great day for a BIRTHday party!

How can I celebrate His death and resurrection if I don’t acknowledge that He was born?

LUKE 1:28-35 THE VOICE TRANSLATION
The messenger entered her home.
MESSENGER: Greetings! You are favored, and the Lord is with you! [Among all women on the earth, you have been blessed.]
The heavenly messenger’s words baffled Mary, and she wondered what type of greeting this was.
MESSENGER: Mary, don’t be afraid. You have found favor with God. Listen, you are going to become pregnant. You will have a son, and you must name Him “Savior,” or Jesus. Jesus will become the greatest among men. He will be known as the Son of the Highest God. God will give Him the throne of His ancestor David, and He will reign over the covenant family of Jacob forever.
MARY: But I have never been with a man. How can this be possible?
MESSENGER:  The Holy Spirit will come upon you. The Most High will overshadow you. That’s why this holy child will be known, as not just your son, but also as the Son of God.

Am I celebrating a pagan holiday because I want to have an extravagant celebration in honor of my Lord and Savior? I don’t think so. Am I dishonoring Eloheem because I buy gifts for friends and family (or make them)? No!  What about the Black Santa face that is on my wall?

I know that Santa Clause has nothing to do with Yeshua. And I also understand that the inspiration for Santa Clause was not a Black man. But when I look at that Black Santa and all the Black angels that adorn my home I remember IT IS ALL ABOUT GIVING.

December 25th should be a designated day to not think about self but to think about others. It should be a day to give to people in a tangible way a symbol of your appreciation.

December 25th is a day of remembrance. I remember that Eloheem loved me so much that He sent His only begotten Son to the earth so that I would not perish and be able to spend eternity with Him.  Yes, I know this 365(6) days of the year but this one day I remember it with others.

You cannot be part of the darkness if you celebrate light. You are not sinning if you celebrate Christmas anymore than you are holy if you don’t celebrate Christmas.

MATTHEW 5:14-16 THE VOICE TRANSLATION
And you, beloved, are the light of the world. A city built on a hilltop cannot be hidden. Similarly it would be silly to light a lamp and then hide it under a bowl. When someone lights a lamp, she puts it on a table or a desk or a chair, and the light illumines the entire house. You are like that illuminating light. Let your light shine everywhere you go, that you may illumine creation, so men and women everywhere may see your good actions, may see creation at its fullest, may see your devotion to Me, and may turn and praise your Father in heaven because of it.

When people see your lights they know you are celebrating CHRISTmas, they know you are acknowledging the birth of Yeshua Hamashiach, Jesus our Lord and Saviour. (Yes, I know I am taking liberty with these verses but…) Even those who do not fully appreciate the spirit of the holiday and are more into the materialism of it have a flicker of light in their soul and December 25th is when the flicker gets fueled. Let your light shine.

NETTIE-OLOGY: It has been a long journey of prayer and reading but I have finally come to the conclusion: YHWH is not mad if we celebrate Christmas.                     written by Marsha L F Randolph


NETTIE-OLOGY /NETTIE-ISM reflects the opinions of and is the soul property of the author MARSHA L F RANDOLPH. All rights reserved- do not use without permission. Disagreeing with what is written is not offensive to the author a disagreeable comment will be deleted.

IT IS TIME TO KICK SOME BUTT!

NETTIE-OLOGY: If you don't fight you can't win!

MATTHEW 11:12 THE EXPANDED BIBLE
·Since the time [L -From the days] John the Baptist came until now, the kingdom of heaven has been ·going forward in strength [advancing forcefully; or subject to violence; suffering violent attacks], and ·forceful [or violent] people have been trying to ·take it by force [lay hold of it; or attack it].

Believers have always had to press forward in order to achieve. Now more than ever we need to be able to endure the attacks. It is not just your marriage, your money, or you stuff that is at risk of being taken away. Satan is systematically taking away your ability to live a godly life  via the political system.

The first weapon is of course the Word of YHWH.

EPHESIANS 6:17
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

But, there comes a time in which we must do more than just pray. If you do not fight, if you keep looking for peaceful resolutions to your problems you are going to remain in your mess. Fighting is a verb, an action word, it means you will have to do something.

Voting is a way of fighting. DON'T VOTE for people who support abortion. DON'T VOTE for people who deny the Word of YHWH in support of same gender marriage. DON'T VOTE for those who believe a man can be a woman or a woman can be a man. DON'T VOTE for people who want to stop Christians from being Christians in public.  VOTE ACCORDING TO THE WORD OF YHWH!

I am paying attention to the #ImpeachmentHearing, I even tried to watch some live. It is clear the Democrats, referred to by some as the demoncrats, are trying to take the country by force. President Trump consistently advances forward in strength, forcefully, advancing what is good for the country.

LUKE 22:36 KING JAMES VERSION
Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

We are in the ending of times. We should be like Noah, preparing for what is to come yet many are still in this wait and see mode. Stop waiting and start training, it is time to fight.

NOT ONLY DO WE NEED TO RE-ELECT DONALD J TRUMP but we need to elect men and women of integrity into Congress and our state and local governments. THE NEXT 4 YEARS ARE CRUCIAL.
                                          written by Marsha L F Randolph

NETTIE-OLOGY /NETTIE-ISM reflects the opinions of and is the soul property of the author MARSHA L F RANDOLPH. All rights reserved- do not use without permission. Disagreeing with what is written is not offensive to the author a disagreeable comment will be deleted.

REPENT AND BE HEALED!

NETTIE-OLOGY: There are those who expect YHWH to change a particular situation because someone prayed for him or her. I believe in the power of prayer however I also believe that many people don't get the answer they are looking for because they will not change.

TO REPENT IS TO TURN FROM.

Years ago I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis, the doctor suggested a begin a lifetime treatment of drugs I refused. I have fasted, prayed and had others pray for me as well. I believe I am healed, BUT.....

This morning I awakened to pain, this is nothing unusual, most of my days are influenced by discomfort. But, this morning I was talking to YHWH about my pain and how tired I was of dealing with it. I reminded him that He said my body was restored (a word He gave me last year) and that Yeshua endured 39 stripes so that I would be healed.

ISAIAH 55:11
So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

"If I send Your word back to You, Father, then everything You spoke should happen!" I challenged YHWH. Yes, I did!
He responded by pointing out all the things I know about diet and exercise and how I have not done what I need to do.  I am expecting my body to be compliant though I am in disobedience.   There are things I know I should eat and there are foods that I should avoid that will help my body heal. I know this.

We want YHWH to act like a magician, wave His wand and "poof" you have what it is you want. He is not a scratch off lottery ticket and prayers are not placed in genie lamps.

I believe answered to prayers can come and leave just as fast as they came because we have not repented.  You pray for healing and you keep smoking. You pray to fix your marriage and you continue not honoring your husband or loving your wife. You want your children delivered yet you keep calling them negative names and not teaching them the love of YHWH.

I know when I eat right and exercise as I should I feel better and then I stop. I really have not repented, I really have not turned from the ways that have kept me bound.

Repentance is a process. It takes time to change your habits, it takes time to adjust your attitude, it takes time to renew your mind.

ROMANS 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

One of the things I decided long ago was to not tell people what the doctor said. Even though I walk with the assistance of a walking stick, cane, I push myself to do what I can and when I can't I take a break. People will keep you doing what you have been doing, they will remind you of worst case scenarios leading you to doubt the word.

Knowing what I know about arthritis, auto-immune diseases in general, and my body I know that I am healed. I also know that the manifestation of my healing is influenced by my continuing to do this as the world does and not by following the Word.  I know that what I need to do, daily stretches, proper diet eliminating foods that can lead to inflammation and going to a chiropractor ($$$) are things that I can do.

The problem is never YHWH it is always with the Believer, His word never returns to Him not having done what He declared it to do.

                                                               written by Marsha L F Randolph

NETTIE-OLOGY /NETTIE-ISM reflects the opinions of and is the soul property of the author MARSHA L F RANDOLPH. All rights reserved- do not use without permission. Disagreeing with what is written is not offensive to the author a disagreeable comment will be deleted.

ARE YOU REALLY BLESSED AND HIGHLY FAVORED?

NETTIE-ISM: What does a blessing really look like? I believe I am blessed but many people would disagree. Most people who wear the t-shirts, drive nice cars, live in beautiful homes and have six figure incomes, would not see me as blessed. But, I have peace.

ROMANS 4:17-18
(as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”) in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.”

ISAIAH 55:11
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.

YHWH calls, releases His Word, things into existence. Many people today are making things happen that YHWH did not say should happen or at least happen in the way that people are making it happen.  He can give life to the dead (Romans 4:17-18) but that does not mean He will. If He calls something into existence it will become.  Christians are declaring an event in their life as a blessing from YHWH when it was actually an activity they forced to happen.

Christians have a lot of stuff but have a household that is troubled. If we are blessed of YHWH then we can be a blessing to others starting with those in our own household.  (Genesis 12:2)

Christians struggle on the job, they don't get along with coworkers and coworkers don't get along with them. When you are highly favored supervisors support and encourage you, coworkers respect you.

ISAIAH 42:16
I will bring the blind by a way they did not know; I will lead them in paths they have not known. I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight.  These things I will do for them, and not forsake them.

Being able to get a payday advance is not "favor" from the Lord it is a fruit from Satan to help you get deeper into debt. Biblical prosperity came from people working and receiving gifts.  God helped people get out of debt not get deeper in.

People who are blessed are obedient to the Word and will of Elohim.

LUKE 1:38
Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Who was Mary? A young girl engaged to marry a man and be like every other girl in the neighborhood. Being pregnant on your wedding day could lead to death. Today women would just have an abortion and 'thank God' for the ability to do so! Abortions are not a blessing they open the door to unknown trials and tribulations.  Mary chose to obey the Word of YHW which had attached a blessing to her obedience.

LUKE 1:26-30
 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee,  to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.  The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.  But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.

Can you really be blessed and highly favored if you are not obeying the word of God? I believe it is His mercy that gets you out of the mess you put yourself in: debt, bad marriage, disobedient children, difficult job and even poor health.

What about grace, our undeserved favor?   What about it?

EPHESIANS 2:8-9
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,  not of works, lest anyone should boast.

Grace comes from faith; obedience is an indication of what we believe and trust in.  If you believe in the word and trust it more than what people say you will live to please Him and not them.  YHWH's gift is not about material things but eternal life.

To be really blessed and highly favored is to know, trust and depend on Abba Father through Yeshua Hamashiach. The Apostle Paul tried passionately to convey this message to the people.

1 CORINTHIANS 2:1-2
 And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

I believe I am blessed, not because of the things I have but because of the peace and joy I have despite not having everything I want. I have the promises of YHWH  thus I know those desires I have will come to pass in time (Psalm 37:4) without the debt. I may not have done everything perfectly but I did everything as He instructed. His mercies are never ending. SELAH!
                                                                                     written by Marsha L F Randolph

ALL SCRIPTURES QUOTED ARE NEW KING JAMES VERSION publisher Thomas Nelson #biblegateway

NETTIE-OLOGY /NETTIE-ISM reflects the opinions of and is the soul property of the author MARSHA L F RANDOLPH. All rights reserved- do not use without permission. Disagreeing with what is written is not offensive to the author a disagreeable comment will be deleted.

HYBRID CHRISTIANITY

NETTIE-ISM:  Very few young Christians I know appreciate the infallible word of YHWH. It seems they have selectivity as to which parts of His words are necessary for today's living and which parts are outdated.

I blame my generation and the church; I grew up "spiritually" as non-denominational churches began to grow. I rejected the traditions that many denominations, such as the Baptist church my family came from,  held dear without evaluating why such traditions existed or how they developed.

MATTHEW 15:1-6 THE EXPANDED BIBLE
Then some Pharisees and ·teachers of the law [scribes] came to Jesus from Jerusalem. They asked him,  “Why don’t your ·followers [disciples] obey the ·unwritten laws which have been handed down to us [L- traditions of the elders]? [L- For] They don’t wash their hands before they eat [C- a Jewish ritual for ceremonial purity].”
Jesus answered, “And why do you ·refuse to obey [break; violate] God’s command ·so that you can follow your own teachings [L- for the sake of your traditions]?  God said, ‘Honor your father and your mother [Ex. 20:12; Deut. 5:16],’ and ‘Anyone who ·says cruel things to [speaks evil of; curses] his father or mother must be put to death [Ex. 21:17; Lev. 20:9].’  But you say a person can tell his father or mother, ‘I have something I could use to help you, but I have ·given [dedicated; devoted] it to God already [C- a practice known as Corban; see Mark 7:10–12].’ You teach that person ·not to [that he need not] honor his father or his mother. You ·rejected [invalidated; canceled; nullified] ·what God said [L- the word of God] for the sake of your own ·rules [tradition].

The Expanded Bible uses the term "rules" instead of "tradition" it makes it easier for the reader to understand the Pharisees and teachers (scribes) were following rules of religion even when it did not agree with the commandments of YHWH. I like the Expanded Bible, the comments are within the verse itself with the "L" -literal translation; "C"- Comment on the subject at hand; and even "T"-Traditional translation.

The dress code is an example of a tradition that has gotten out of hand, particularly with women.

1 TIMOTHY 2:9-10 THE VOICE
Women, the same goes for you: dress properly, modestly, and appropriately. Don’t get carried away in grooming your hair or seek beauty in glittering gold, pearls, or expensive clothes.  Instead, as is fitting, let good works decorate your true beauty and show that you are a woman who claims reverence for God.

The last denominational church I attended was one in which the women had a Pharisaical mindset of dressing. The rules were not written but implied:

• Don't wear the same outfit more than once a month.
• Your hair should be done Get your hair done before church- at least make it look "presentable"
• The best dressed women wore ensembles: hat, dress or suit and shoes.
• Some churches women must wear stockings, even when it was 90 plus degrees outside! 
• Some churches women were not to wear pants.

There were many such rules that turned many women, such as myself, away from  denominations and church in general. When non-denominational churches began to grow many returned to church coming "just as I am" as the song goes. But it was not just about what a person wore. Many Christians had lifestyles or knew of someone who had a lifestyle that the old churches preached against even if the church leader was living what he said was wrong.

I grew up aware of the hypocrisy in the pulpit, which included adultery and homosexuality.  I saw Church Leaders living prosperous lifestyles while their congregants lacked the basics. I refused to be a Baptist because like many people of color we grew up among Baptist.  I learned over the years there was a systemic problem in all the churches, this is why I am so passionate about personal Scripture study.  Many in my generation grew up with similar experiences and we have raised our children under this cloud.

Our children are raising children that do not appreciate the commandments of YHWH. Is it because the commandments are found in the Old Covenant and this was looked upon as not necessary?  We are New Covenant Believers.
Traditions are not commandments yet should we reject everything in order to do a new thing?  Is there any value in attending church dressed so as not to attract attention to yourself?  Should we look at our church leader as a shepherd or a buddy? Today we call the church leader by his first name as if we are best friends. Both parents and Shepherds are to be treated with respect but we have allowed our children to call us and them by first names- a new tradition.

A hybrid Christian picks and chooses what part of the Bible is acceptable based on his or her lifestyle.  Many of today's believers do the things that they believe Christians are expected to do:

• They own a Bible
• They attend Church regularly, or often enough
• They give money
• They participate in a church activity

These same believers do things that are not pleasing to YHWH.

• They are having sexual relations outside of the covenant of marriage
• They are living a homosexual lifestyle
• They have had an abortion 
• They do not honor their mother and or father
• They have not forgiven and refused to forgive 

These 20 something and 30 something individuals are following the crooked path my generation and the generation before me paved. Personal faith has been replaced by personality faith.  The infallible word of YHWH has been challenged based on the fallibility of the translators of Scripture. The Old Covenant has been challenged because the New Covenant is newer. All of this because generations before me had developed a do as I say not as I do mindset and my generation pointed out the hypocrisy.

The birth of liberalism within the political system is a direct result of the church turning their back on sin. Many Christians do not think it a contradiction to support a political party that supports abortion, transgender lifestyles, pedeophila and rebellion against authority.  The bottom line is there is no such thing as a hybrid Christian- either Yeshua is the Lord of your life or you are of your father the Devil.

ECCLESIASTES 7:16-18 THE VOICE
So my advice? Do not act overly righteous, and do not think yourself wiser than others. Why go and ruin yourself?  But do not be too wicked or foolish either. Why die before it’s your time?  Grasp both sides of things and keep the two in balance; for anyone who fears God won’t give in to the extremes.

                                   




 written by Marsha L F Randolph






NETTIE-OLOGY /NETTIE-ISM reflects the opinions of and is the soul property of the author MARSHA L F RANDOLPH. All rights reserved- do not use without permission. Disagreeing with what is written is not offensive to the author a disagreeable comment will be deleted.

WHY I DON'T GO TO CHURCH

NETTIE-ISM: I used to sit on the phone or at my friend Lynette's house for hours talking about the Lord. We would work our problems out according to Scripture and encourage one another  using the word of God.

MATTHEW 4:23
And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.

I learn something every time I attend a church but I don't learn what I need to know to get through the day.

It is amazing how many different ways a church can preach about giving without mentioning tithing. It seems, the larger the church the more bills they have the more the amount of money you give is linked to a problem you are experiencing.

• Having problems with your marriage? The church will encourage date night. After you have paid your bills, given your tithes and offerings use that access money to take your wife to a nice restaurant or if there is not enough you cook  a nice dinner for two.
• Can't pay your bills? Take this Small Group class and we will show you how to set up a budget which includes your giving, you can get debt free.

What if you are having problems even though you give "tithes and offerings"? Money was not the reason I stopped going to church, I give or don't give as the Spirit of the Lord directs me.
I was sitting in one church listening to one of my favorite preachers and he was not making any sense.  Now this particular church has themes, they would preach a series based on a theme and each Pastor giving the message would have to adhere to the theme. It was clear to me that Saturday, I attended the Saturday evening services, that the Pastor was struggling to keep to the guidelines the Senior Pastor had adhered to. I left that church because I don't want a cutisie message that would help me with nothing.

MATTHEW  10:35
And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.

The same was true with another church in which you heard the word from a BIG SCREEN! Unless you were in the actual place in which the message was preached. The one positive: Jesus was mentioned.

MATTHEW 24:14
And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

Had I not attended a church, before I moved south, that taught me how to search the Scriptures to solve my problems. Had I not attended a church in which the Senior Pastor preached the need to work on self by studying the Word and allowing the Holy Spirit to fix me.. Had I not attended a church in which the Senior Pastor called out the behaviors he saw in the body and explained why it was a sin and revealed how to correct it, I would not have known the importance of submitting to Elohim.

2 TIMOTHY 3:16-17 THE EXPANDED BIBLE
All Scripture is ·inspired by God [breathed out by God; L- God-breathed] and is useful for teaching, for ·showing people what is wrong in their lives [refuting error; rebuking], for correcting faults, and for ·teaching how to live right [training in righteousness]. ·Using the Scriptures, [L- …so that] ·the person who serves God [L -God’s person] will be ·capable [competent], ·having all that is needed [fully equipped] to do every good work.

There are so many super churches with super programs and mega budgets. Chicken dinners have been replaced with coffee and a pastry. Children don't come to church and learn how to sit and listen they attend their own service in which they can run around, play hoops sing and socialize all in the name of the Lord.  In some churches.

There are those churches, one in which I attended on an irregular bases, that taught about Scripture. It did not teach personal application but rather "this is what happened when".  Scripture was taught in context, a good thing, and commentary was presented in hopes of not offending the listener.
I learned quite a bit regarding the practices of biblical times and why various feast were carried out.  None of it helped me to submit to my husband when he was getting on my last nerve, which is why the talks with my friend were so important.

This was my personal struggle. I was attending church regularly, serving in the ministry, giving as the Spirit directed me and I was having a lot of problems. When I decided to attend church only when I felt the need to fellowship Hebrews 10:25 "forsake not the assembly of yourselves" was 'thrown' at me.  Attending church should help me be able to do what I am called to do. "That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Timothy 3:17 KJV.

I look around today and see people who attend church regularly and they live in what I would deem "survival mode".

HEBREWS 10:25 THE VOICE - and commentary
 not forgetting to gather as a community, as some have forgotten, but encouraging each other, especially as the day of His return approaches.
"The word translated “church” in English Bibles means literally “assembly of the called”; it implies that members have said “yes” to God’s call in their lives. We assemble because we are called into being by God Himself. Some people, for reasons only they know, choose to live their Christian faiths in isolation. When they do, they cut themselves off from the gifts, encouragement, and vitality of others. And perhaps, just as tragically, they deprive the church of the grace and life God has invested in them."

The Voice commentators assume that those of us who chose not to go to church are not being encouraged and do not partake of the gifts. The truth is I am not isolated from the ministry gifts and I receive more encouragement now than I did when I attended church regularly. And though I could do some things I was not able to utilize my God given gifts because it was not part of the church's vision; I was bound by man.

Finally, many churches ignore the topic of abortion, homosexuality, adultery and submission. Why would anyone want to fellowship with a place in which the full gospel is not being presented.

MARK 16:15-18
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.  And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

There are two churches I attend when I desire to be with other believers. But, it is not really fellowship when you go to church, hear the word and then go home.
                                                                          written by Marsha L F Randolph

NETTIE-OLOGY /NETTIE-ISM reflects the opinions of and is the soul property of the author MARSHA L F RANDOLPH. All rights reserved- do not use without permission. Disagreeing with what is written is not offensive to the author a disagreeable comment will be deleted.

SHOPPING ON LINE

NETTIE-ISM: I give up, I can no longer deal with the attitudes, the lack of help, the lack of order I am finding in many retail stores today. I would rather push a button and wait for the truck to bring my stuff to my house! Last week there was a discussion of self service lanes in stores. Apparently, the Publix grocery store is adding self-serve check out lanes and some people are angry about it. I stopped going to the Publix near me, and I am a Publix fan, because my last few visits were less than positive.

On my last visit, the cashier, after finishing up one customer and before starting on my order, greeted me with a "How are you" and then placed a large quantity of chips in her mouth. This is both rude and unprofessional. My daughter had to return an item because she discovered, before opening it, that it had been purchased after the expiration date. When she attempted to return the item she discovered it happened again, with the same iterm. I suggested that she speak with the manager this time, she did. He simply apologized and went on about his business. Years ago, under a different manager, had I done such a thing the manager would have personally made sure the item I purchased had the right date on it and pulled all expired product off the shelf. How interesting that we have never had this issue at Walmart. I have also noticed in the local grocery store as well as other stores employees, sales associates, are often complaining or socializing on the sales floor. Who cares about the customer these days?

Today I ordered some stuff online via Amazon Prime. I resisted shopping online for anything. I loved going into the store and having someone show me what the store had to offer. Though I hate the parking, the crowds and children running all over the place, the reward of walking out with something new was thrilling. Now I would rather buy it online. I still go into stores to get a general idea of what is available.

Here is what I experience when I shop over the internet:

1. I am able to look at every item I want for as long as I want without interruption; compare the prices of each brand; review the opinions of other purchasers f that particular item and pick what I want. With the option of taking it out of my shopping cart at the last minute and not having someone worry about taking it back.
2. I did not have to wait for a sales rep to finish talking to another sales rep to help me find what I wanted, cut the fabric I needed, unlock the cabinet that held the item I needed, or even take the item off of a shelf that I could not reach.. The description was there AND if I had questions there was on line help.
3. I did not have to deal with the cashier having an attitude or waiting for me to pull out my money or card as if she or he had somewhere to go
4. No one was counting how many items I had
5. I was able to successfully purchase my items with the press of a key. I did not have to carry anything to my car and then into my house because IT WILL BE DELIVERED. I can wait the few days it will take for the items to get here.

Yesterday, I went to Walmart because there are somethings I need to look at before I buy. That is why we will still need cashiers. If someone had been in the Fabric department I would have purchased some but no one was there and I did not feel like looking for someone who could find someone. There is an online store that sells fabric at a reasonable price that I plan on purchasing from.

NOW the holidays are upon us and the choice is shop on line or go to the store? With a few exception I will be hitting that "Check-Out" button with my keyboard I will be saving money and saving time. How will I save money, most stores are notorious for putting items in the path of the shopper that he or she did not plan or purchasing but will just because- I will not be doing that.

written by Marsha L F Randolph

NETTIE-OLOGY /NETTIE-ISM reflects the opinions of and is the soul property of the author MARSHA L F RANDOLPH. All rights reserved- do not use without permission. Disagreeing with what is written is not offensive to the author a disagreeable comment will be deleted.

WHY I DON'T SUPPORT WOMEN CHURCH LEADERS

NETTIE-ISM: Yes, I have been a part of a church in which the Senior, and only, Pastor was female; yes I have heard women preach powerful messages. I have stood in the pulpit personally preaching the word and I know what it takes to be a church leader. It is because of my personal experience that I do not support the practice of women leading in the church or the home.

The same verse that convinced me that a woman could be a Pastor is the one that I now use to confirm my belief that a woman should not be a Pastor.

JUDGES 4:4-5  NKJV
Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, was judging Israel at that time. And she would sit under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the mountains of Ephraim. And the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.

Deborah was clearly anointed to speak the word of YHWH she was a prophetess; she was also a wife.  YHWH commands women to honor their husbands and to submit to their husbands in every way; it would be accurate to believe that Deborah the wife of Lapidoth submitted to her husband.

EPHESIANS 5:22 NKJV
Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.

I BELIEVE, I am emphasizing this is my personal belief, that Deborah was 100% submitted to her husband as a woman of YHWH should be and because of this YHWH trusted her with His word.  Her husband, I BELIEVE, understood her gifting and did not stop her from serving YHWH.

But, Deborah did not go around ministering to the people the people came to her.  This is important because there are many women who minister to others and then interpret that as "I need to start a church".

Let me digress for a moment. Women know that they are "called" to be mothers and they have babies before they have a husband. YHWH knows what He has called us to do He has a specific order in which all things are done: we must wait until the husband finds us not get a  boyfriend to  sleep with us.  "He who finds a wife finds a good thing, And obtains favor from the Lord." (Proverbs 18:22) Women must learn how to be a wife and wait for a man who knows how to be a husband before becoming a mother- this is the way of Elohim.

The people came to the Prophetess with their problems. Deborah did not go to them to teach or preach the word of Elohim.  Deborah sat under a tree not in a building, holding regular services. I BELIEVE, in serving the people she did not neglect her wifely responsibilities.

EPHESIANS  5:22 -23 THE VOICE
Wives, it should be no different with your husbands. Submit to them as you do to the Lord, for God has given husbands a sacred duty to lead as the Anointed leads the church and serves as the head. (The church is His body; He is her Savior.)

It is written in Ephesians 5:23 "the husband is the head of the wife," (King James Version) and what I see in many ministries is women taking the lead of a household because of her ministry. I see women making their outside ministry a priority and their household, wifely, responsibilities secondary.  No where in the Bible does it tell a man to submit to his wife in regard to headship.  The husband is to lead his household as the Anointed, Christ, leads the church.  (Notice: I haven't even mentioned the children.)

Can women preach? Yes. Can women teach the word? Yes. Can women prophesy? Yes. Can a woman who has gifts from YHWH be the Senior Pastor of a Church? NO.

There were quite a few women who followed Jesus and who shared the Word with others. The woman of Samaria in John 4 evangelized and a community was saved.  Dorcas was a housewife, a homemaker, yet the impact she had on others was so great that when she died the people asked the Apostle Peter to do something and so he raised  her from the dead. These women served without titles.

ACTS 9:36-40 NKJV
At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did.  But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them.  But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up.

Women do not need a title to serve. Women do need to submit to the authority El Shaddai established in the beginning: YHWH- MAN-WOMAN- CHILDREN. We are so out of order today if you look around you will see how the children are suffering because of it. No family is perfect, which is why we need the Word to teach and a father and mother working together.

Women have assumed the role of head of the house and in the church. Men are yielding their responsibility  not as Lapidoth did when he allowed Deborah to lead men into battle. If you read the passage Barak, a man, also gave her permission to lead the men. There are somethings men allow women to do because of the anointing on her, it is specific to an activity. Deborah lead the way but she did not complete the task, another woman did- Jael, Habers wife. Scripture reminds us: no matter what the gifting we are wives first, the husband is our head.

I BELIEVE women can fulfill their GOD given purpose without a man made title.
                                                                          written by Marsha L F Randolph

NETTIE-OLOGY /NETTIE-ISM reflects the opinions of and is the soul property of the author MARSHA L F RANDOLPH. All rights reserved- do not use without permission. Disagreeing with what is written is not offensive to the author a disagreeable comment will be deleted.

IT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE

NETTIE-OLOGY: It does not make sense to me for a Christian to vote for a person who supports abortion or same gender unions.  Many say they don't but they vote for people who do, what is said and what is done conflicts.

PSALM 94:20-21 THE VOICE
Can wicked tyrants be Your allies?   Will You align with rulers who create havoc with unjust decrees?
They have joined forces against the life of the just-living, the right-seeking, and have sentenced the innocent to death.

In supporting a political party that is anti-God, pro-abortion, pro-same sex marriage and transgender lifestyles an individual separates themselves from God's word.

Many people don't realize they are in fact doing this because they simply vote along party lines.  They don't believe they are "liberal" even though the party they support is. They see themselves as Christian even though the political organization they support is blatantly anti-Judeo-Christian values.

HOSEA 4:6 KJV
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

How dare you? How dare you represent YHWH in the way that you do while ignoring the truth of His word? Men and women stand in the pulpits, week after week, proclaiming that GOD endorses same sex marriage. They declare that GOD supports abortion. The hearer of these lies are suffering because of it- they are slowly perishing.

People are not living their life as YHWH  would have them to live but as it pleases their flesh. It is convenient, it is comfortable, it feels good to laugh and joke with homosexuals, not have to worry about caring for a child because the baby was aborted. But like most of Satan's rules for living the pleasure is temporary.

I can point out loyal Democrats by the conversations they have, They are angry, experience long term frustration, hate people they really don't know and refuse to except personal responsibility for their life.  These loyal Democrats, who are really liberals, know of GOD, speak of Jesus yet have no personal relationship with either. The pulpit does not correct their opinion.

What troubles me is the number of "Christians" who hate President Trump based on what "they" say even though the Word of GOD says some very specific things regarding what "they" support and don't support.

• They say President Trump is a racist yet he is very pro-America and has done more for Black people than any other President aside from Lincoln, particularly Barack Obama.
• They say President Trump is a sexist yet women are doing very well under this President. AND, under liberalism, transgenders (males who could not win as males) are dominating women's sports. 
• They say President Trump rigged the election yet, all evidence points to treasonous behavior of both Obama and Clinton (Hilary),
• They accuse President Trump of being anit-Islam yet Democrats are clearly pushing an  anti-Christian agenda.

Loyal Democrats believe a lie mainly because they refuse to apply common sense, do the research needed and not listen to news outlets that are often having to correct what was said in a previous broadcast.

I know to many individuals who are loyal to the Democrat party. These people refuse to evaluate what they are being told and they are teaching their children the lies. What is worst the pulpit is also repeating the lies.

ROMANS 1:28 KJV
And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

If YHWH has stopped trying to help these individuals, allowing them to pursue their own ideology, how can we help them?

ROMANS 1:18-22 NIV
The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness,  since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.  For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.  Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools

                                                      written by Marsha L F Randolph

NETTIE-OLOGY /NETTIE-ISM reflects the opinions of and is the soul property of the author MARSHA L F RANDOLPH. All rights reserved- do not use without permission. Disagreeing with what is written is not offensive to the author a disagreeable comment will be deleted.
                                                       

RAISING A USELESS GENERATION

NETTIE-OLOGY: No Jesus, No peace -  Know Jesus, Know Peace:  it's just that simple.

Apparently there was a Climate Change protest day for students in which they were allowed to leave school and talk about how the world was going to end because of what adults are doing.  The problem is; LIBERALS ARE THE ONES DESTROYING THE PLANET- if it is possible to do so.

• Liberals created the fiasco in California where people are allowed to use drugs and go to the bathroom in public. 
• Liberals created the violent communities where guns are forbidden and crime is high.
• Liberals fly in private airplanes and jets all over the world to talk about air pollution and such.
• Have you ever seen the trash left behind after an organized LIBERAL PROTEST? 
• Liberals drink starbucks coffee out of disposable containers while complaining about plastic straws.
• Liberals have to have the latest cell phone which means they have to discard the old one, not to mention having an ipad, a Kindle, and a laptop  while driving a Tesla. What do they think happens to all the old batteries? 

The climate is changing: it is called SEASONS! For some people it seems hotter because they are having a hot flash! Their body climate is changing faster than the earth is.

Can mankind destroy the earth? We are not YHWH or gods we are His creation; in case of emergency He will intervene. LIBERALS DO NOT BELIEVE IN THE INFALLIBLE WORD OF YHWH.

Liberals are a godless group of people and they are spreading their beliefs not only to their children but our children.

Not only are they destroying babies before they are born and ending the lives of the elders under the guise of "euthanasia" , now they are destroying the minds of the children are born.

Liberals have convinced boys that they are not boys, girls that they are not girls. I saw an article recently in which a young person was stating her generation should not have children.

Are you not convinced yet that Liberals are of their father the Devil and the truth is not in them?

Young people were encouraged to skip school and protest the destruction of the earth because of climate change. The young people were blaming adults for the problem. In a speech given at the United Nations a young girl tearfully accused the leaders of not caring what happened to her.

Fortunately, not everyone believes the bull. Unfortunately, many of the people who do believe are making everyone else's life difficult by making laws that hurt the people more than the environment..

I am thankful that my children are adults, I am concerned because I have grandchildren who are subjected to the crap that is coming out of liberals many of whom are teachers.

The result of the foolishness being presented today is not a physical death but a mental death. Young people are being mentally annihilated.  I watched clips of young people protesting global warming / climate change and shook my head! Their brains have been washed with lies and they are headed for a major mental destruction when they discover how much they have been lied to.

If Yeshua does not come before the 10-12 year time line the earth will still be here and those young protestors will be adults. They will have to either accept the fact that they have been lied to or go deeper into the false narrative. Those who realize the truth will then have a choice to seek a better truth or experience an emotional breakdown. Many will be destroyed because their minds have been annihilated.

Only YHWH , the Creator of heaven and earth, know the how and when the end of time will be. Those who are born again will be saved. We are saved not by paper or plastic straws but by faith in GOD  through Yeshua Hamashiach. Without Jesus a person cannot have peace of mind. 

It is my opinion, Nettie-ism, that Liberals do not know Yeshua. Liberals do not fear, have respect for, Elohim, they are fools. Liberals are raising a useless generation.

PROVERBS 1:7
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.


 written by Marsha L F Randolph

HURRICANE HYPE

NETTIE-ISM: If there is one thing that I do know without researching- your vocal tones will influence a particular response. If graphics are added to your commentary then you can make a person believe that pigs are really flying.

A few years ago I stopped watching the weather channel. Although I take every storm seriously I do not take seriously the media reports. Social media will usually mention a weather disturbances occurring that I need to research. I am not a last minute prepper thus it takes a half a day for my household to be ready for any storm, evacuation is not a problem.
Once I know a storm is headed my way, I may glance at the media but I cannot stand the hype. My environment dictates how much prepping I need to do.

1. If there is more water than usual placed in the very front of the stores that sell it: a storm is coming.
2. If the car lots at the dealerships along US-1 are empty: the storm is definitely coming.

With the approach of Hurricane Dorian water was leaving the shelves before stores had set up their “hurricane supply” displays. According to Facebook friends hurricane Dorian was headed my way and it was going to be devastating. I needed to evacuate. The media was telling everyone it had the potential of being a category 5 storm. Maybe?
After a call from a family member I looked at the news. According to the images on this network Florida was going to be wiped out.  Although the “red dot” as I call it, which pinpoints the eye of the storm, was moving towards central Florida the red  “cone”, which revealed possible impact,  covered most of Florida. Just in case weather reporting made for dramatic television and sent many people in full panic mode. I reminded my family of what I have been saying for 20 years and also reminded them that we did leave before Irma came.
When I first came to South Florida I listened to the weather from June 1 to November 31, the official hurricane season, tracking every tropical disturbance that came off the coast of Africa or formed in the Atlantic- I don’t anymore. I can read a map and I can follow the weather reports without listening to television personalities give dramatic readings of “possible” impending doom and destruction. This change has allowed me to calmly and rationally prepare for weather events.
As of this writing Dorian is headed, yep, to central Florida after impacting the Bahamas (it is a Category 2). But as far as I am concerned the damage has been done. Many people who have loved ones here is south Florida are emotionally drained from the worry. Traffic is jammed in some areas as those who have been instilled with fear “did not wait until the last minute” to evacuate. The cost of staying away for days is going to anger many folks! Dorian is not expected to be a Cat-5 if it does hit US soil, maybe a Cat-3.
What the media did not talk about and we are now all praying for and preparing to help is the Bahama’s. They were hit with a Category -5 hurricane and I don’t think the media hyped that up days before impact.
When I lived up north I had to be ready for the snow, occasionally there was a blizzard. I knew the snow was coming so I got ready. Floridians are ready, for the storm because we live in a hurricane zone. There will always be people who refuse to get ready it does not matter if it is a blizzard or a hurricane.                                         written by Marsha L F Randolph

NETTIE-OLOGY /NETTIE-ISM reflects the opinions of and is the soul property of the author MARSHA L F RANDOLPH. All rights reserved- do not use without permission. Disagreeing with what is written is not offensive to the author a disagreeable comment will be deleted.

A HUSBAND'S LOVE

NETTIE-ISM: A husband should love his wife more than a wife loves her husband.

I had this thought this morning about a good husband. At first I thought it was more extreme but then I remembered Ephesians 5:25 “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it”. Yeshua died for the church. Scripture does not instruct a wife to do the same.

EPHESIANS 5:22-24 THE EXPANDED BIBLE
22) Wives, ·yield to [submit to; be subject to; L- to] your husbands, as you do to the Lord, 23) because the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ is the head of the church. And he is the Savior of the body, which is the church. 24) As the church ·yields [submits; is subject] to Christ, so you wives should ·yield [submit; be subject] to your husbands in everything [Col. 3:18; 1 Pet. 3:1–6].


In context, with the help of the Expanded version of the Bible, there is a reason for the wife to yield to her husband and the husband to love his wife. The husband is the earthly representation of Yeshua.

Side note: I have heard single women say “Jesus is my husband”. My response is: “You are not going to make love to Jesus.” However, it is clear that the man a woman marries should reflect the love of YHWH.

Wives are to yield their will to their husbands and this is difficult to do if you did not marry a man who loves the Lord with all of his heart and soul.

A man should know, believe and follow the word of YHWH. He should be yielded to submitted to the will of YHWH. His goal should be to marry a woman who can help him carry out his GOD given purpose, in doing so he will guide her, protect her and love her as the Messiah is head of the church.

The problem is: YHWH is not first in anyone’s life. Men who are “in” the church are, for the most part, taught man’s traditions and not GOD’s word. Women are influenced by the world and now see submission as a bad thing. 
                                                                                  Wrtitten by Marsha L F Randolph

NETTIE-OLOGY /NETTIE-ISM reflects the opinions of and is the soul property of the author MARSHA L F RANDOLPH. All rights reserved- do not use without permission. Disagreeing with what is written is not offensive to the author a disagreeable comment will be deleted.

THAT'S HOW WE LEARN- THAT'S HOW WE SHOULD LEARN!

NETTIE-OLOGY: History is full of mistakes.

Mistakes are the lessons that teach us what not to do, we can make the mistake or we can read about how someone else made the wrong decision.
Many parents today go out of their way to try and stop their children from making mistakes and when they fail do whatever it takes to cover up.

 Perhaps I should not say “parents today”. Enablers have been in existence for centuries.

Look at what happened when Moses went to the top of the mountain to spend sometime with God. Aaron accommodated, enabled, the people’s desire to serve some thing; they learned not to do that again!

It is better to go through history and learn from the mistakes other people have made than to ignore history and repeat the errors of the past. Unfortunately, liberalism is discouraging people from learning from what has happened before and is trying to dictate a new future. No matter how loud Conservatives yell: “Been there done that- it does not work!” Liberals are determined to press forward with their old “new ideas”.

ECCLESIASTES 1:9-11 THE VOICE TRANSLATION
What has been, that will be; what has been done, that will be done.    Nothing is new under the sun; the future only repeats the past.
One person may say of some idea,“Pay attention to this; it’s original!” But that same idea has already been expressed; it’s been with us through the ages.
We do not remember those people and events of long ago, as future generations will not remember what is yet to come.

Reparations will not make a person’s life any better than it is. Pulling down statues will not decrease the amount of prejudice and hate we see in the world today. Kneeling to protest a government that blessed you with the ability to earn millions of dollars will not lift the oppression you feel in your soul.

From the beginning of time the pursuit of fleshly, natural pleasures has left people empty. What has been consistent through out history, in every language regardless of one’s level of pigment, is that peace comes through faith in Elohim and a life yielded to His son Yeshua Hamashiach.  There really is nothing new under the sun.                                                  written by Marsha L F Randolph

NETTIE-OLOGY /NETTIE-ISM reflects the opinions of and is the soul property of the author MARSHA L F RANDOLPH. All rights reserved- do not use without permission. Disagreeing with what is written is not offensive to the author a disagreeable comment will be deleted.

THE BEST AND WORST "HOBBY" ADVICE

NETTIE-ISM: It is amazing how complicated hobbies have become!

Like many hobbies materials can consume the budget and discourage someone from starting. I once belonged to a Facebook group that had “budget” in its’ title, I discovered many of the members did not know what the term “budget’ meant. These hobbyist would discourage beginners from purchasing an inexpensive but good product in lieu of a more expensive one. If you are a beginner you should not be spending thousands of dollars on an activity you may not want to pursue.

I am not suggesting that a person should purchase the cheapest supplies. But, there are some things that can be purchased cheaply that can get you started. For example:

• Gardening tools can be purchased at the dollar store if you are planning to create a small area garden. You can also purchase small tubs and poke holes in them for containers. 
• A sewing machine from Walmart works just as well as one of the high end machines from a “brand store”. When I purchased my Brother JX2157 for $70 at Walmart I got the extended warranty and never used it. (That was 3 years ago). I suspect people have problems with most of their tools because they do not properly maintain them; they speak negatively about the equipment even though they treated the equipment poorly.
• I have had friends who have purchased cheap knitting “starter kits”. You would be better off purchasing knitting needles and a pack of yarn and watching a YouTube channel. And, you would save money.
• I learned how to make soap and candles by going to Hobby Lobby and purchasing the basics, with a coupon after watching YouTube and reading a few blogpost on how to make soap and candles. 

The worst advice anyone can tell anyone who is starting a new hobby begins with: “You have to…” I do not care how much money you have to spend, start at the beginning without the big investment.

I would love to grow, harvest and spin cotton. Last year I planted cotton and produced a few bowls but I also ordered cotton and an inexpensive drop spinner. I have been trying to learn how to spin cotton for months now but I really have not had the time to master on the skill. My total investment thus far- about $20 versus the thousands I could spin to get started.  It takes practice to spin as well as the people you see spinning fibers on YouTube.

The best advice I would give to anyone starting a new venture: Like buying a new car it is best that you “test drive” a hobby before you go all in.

Everything I do I enjoy and the money I have invested I do not regret.  My hobbies are no longer just hobbies they are businesses.
                            written by Marsha L F Randolph

NETTIE-OLOGY /NETTIE-ISM reflects the opinions of and is the soul property of the author MARSHA L F RANDOLPH. All rights reserved- do not use without permission. Disagreeing with what is written is not offensive to the author a disagreeable comment will be deleted.

YOU ARE NOT MY GOD

NETTIE-ISM: People need to stop worshiping these entertainers!

There is this song that speaks of giving a woman what she needs! It has a nice mellow rhythm and the singer is supposed to be sultry, I guess. When I first heard the song I kind of liked it, the music attracted me but then, as I always do, I started listening to the words.

This man declared that the woman had informed him of what she WANTED. I personally have a laundry list of wants, but I don’t really have to have them. I usually get my wants in the form of gifts for birthday and Christmas, sometimes I purchase them myself. This singer said: even though he knew what she wanted he gave her what she, his girlfriend / wife, NEEDED.

What I liked about the song by Dru Hill, was the words: “I promise I'll never hurt you’ I'll never make you cry, no.” No man should ever mistreat a woman and every man should make such a vow.

But, man cannot really give anyone what she needs. Because what each of us really needs is not a physical relationship but a spiritual one. YHWH supplies all that we need.

I don’t have to have my bills paid to live, even though many of us say “I need to pay a bill”. Homeless people live and they do not have bills.

The song continues and the singer declares: ‘he will never make a promise” that he can’t keep’.  The name of the song, after all, is: “Never Make A Promise”.  Never is a very definite term which is why old folks say: “never say never”.  Dru Hill, the singer is not Elohim, chances are he will break a promise, or two, or three.

Many of the songs that are being presented to the public these days are false fantasies. Many individuals, young and unfortunately old alike, listen to these songs and try to make them a reality. Young girls want to be that sexy woman the man whose record is a best seller sings about. The man wants to lip sinc his way into a females bedroom. Sometimes couples get married based on these fantasies and have disastrous results.

I listen to R & B. I like to think I have balance there is more information that is not R & B music going into my ears than there is music like what Dru Hill sings.  Today, there are radio stations that incorporate “gospel” music into their music play list; that is not proper balance.

If Dru Hill can make promises and keep them all why would you care about the irrevocable promises of YHWH?

I do not know who is popular now, most of the songs like “Never Make A Promise” are old, produced in 1977.  I see from various news blurbs that church weddings are out and themed weddings are in thus promoting the “promise” fantasy.

Tina Turner asked in a song: “What’s love got to do with it?” Janet Jackson asked in a song: “What have you done for me LATELY?” Neither one of these women followed Yeshua; one is a Buddhist and the other was raised Jehovah Witness and was (may still be) a Muslim.

"You've Been So Faithful" by Eddie James is a classic song about real love YHWH’s love. It’s not about giving a person what he or she wants or needs. This song explains what love has to do with it and shows what He has done for the Believer past, present and future. These are some of the lyrics:

As I look back over my life
I can see how Your love has guided me
Even though I've done wrong
You never left me alone
But You forgave me
And You kept on blessing
This I recall to my mind
Therefore I have hope
It's because of Your mercy that we are not consumed
Because thy compassions fail not,
They are new every morning
Great is Thy faithfulness
Great is Thy faithfulness
You've been, Lord You've been so faithful
(Even though sometimes I didn't do what You wanted me to do)
You've been, Lord You've been so faithful
(Even though sometimes I didn't say what You wanted me to say)
I can never repay You Lord for what You done for me
How You loosed my shackles and you set me free.
How You made a way out of no way
Turned my darkness into day
You've been my joy in the time of sorrow
Hope for my tomorrow
Peace in the time of storm
Strength when I'm weak and worn

Man, not even my husband can ever be my GOD. YHWH gives me the desires of my heart; His promises to me are irrevocable; Elohim will never leave me, He is my GOD and in Him I trust.

                                     written by Marsha L F Randolph

NETTIE-OLOGY /NETTIE-ISM reflects the opinions of and is the soul property of the author MARSHA L F RANDOLPH. All rights reserved- do not use without permission. Disagreeing with what is written is not offensive to the author a disagreeable comment will be deleted.

WHERE IS YOUR THORN?

NETTIE-OLOGY: It is not a pre-requisite for living but I really believe: We need some type of anchor, a reminder, that keeps us from becoming great in our own eyes.

2 CORINTHIANS 12:7 (KJV)
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 

The thorn is a fleshly thing, it cannot penetrate the soul nor can it destroy your spirit.

GALATIANS 5:16-17 NKJV
I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.

Look again at 2 Corinthians 5:17. “There was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me”. Who gave him that thorn? I believe YHWH allowed Satan to ‘bother’ Paul, just as he allowed Satan to attack Job. The Apostle says this is why the thorn is there:  “lest I should be exalted above measure.”

When people compliment me I am most appreciative BUT I have to caution myself not to “get the big head”! I don’t ever want to be so full of myself that my flesh takes priority over the Spirit that is in me. It is important that I be aware of the demonic attacks that are ever present but not give into them.

Satan can only influence the flesh: “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit”. 

Many Christians leaders, and I do mean “many” have fallen to the temptations of the flesh. These individuals have embraced the thorn in their side, reinterpreting it not as a “messenger of Satan” but a “new understanding of GOD’s Word”.

Pain from the thorn should lead you to YHWH for help. 

PSALM 9:9-10 (KJV)
The LORD also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. 

PSALM 91:2 (KJV)
I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. 

Where is your thorn?

Have you embraced it? Do you believe that this is the best you can do because ‘it is what it is’? Do you think you are stuck with what you have and therefore you have factored in your problems as a part of “life”?

Have you redefined what you believe? This is what many people seem to be doing these days. We see church leaders accepting abortions as OK with GOD. People who believe in JESUS as the Son of God endorsing same sex relationships.

The thorn challenges us. The thorn reminds us of our limitations. The thorn humbles me thus like the Apostle I am grounded by my limitations. 

2 CORINTHIANS 12:7   THE VOICE
To keep me grounded and stop me from becoming too high and mighty due to the extraordinary character of these revelations, I was given a thorn in the flesh—a nagging nuisance of Satan, a messenger to plague me!

I see quite a few “high and mighty” (see above) church leaders today. Pampered people who believe they have been delivered from the thorn. The Apostle Paul asked YHWH to remove the the thorn and He said: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”  These church leaders only reveal their weakness when they get caught, and then some of them justify their actions using the Bible.

2 CORINTHIANS 12:8-10 NKJV
Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

It is true I am biased when it comes to mega churches. I firmly believe that the Pastor is the Shepherded of the people and he cannot watch over thousands of people. It was Moses Father-in-law who told him there was too many people to manage personally. The Apostle Paul did not have a church but encouraged those who did.  Yeshua trained men to disciple others; He did not have a church though he ministered to thousands. The ideal church is small one hundred people is a large enough group for one man to oversee- fifty is even better.

I am not a church leader, nor am I a famous author. More people know me today than the number of people who knew me ten years ago. I receive a lot of accolades and encouragement and there are times when I struggle to remain humble. I really do believe I can write good stuff! (THORN- not all the time.)If I have to remain humble with five people telling me I am smart how much more effort does it take when you lead a mega-church?

What about if you are the C.E.O. of a major corporation? What if you are the General Manager of a business? What if you are the Office Manager? The Team Leader or the Shift Supervisor? What if you are the Head of the Household?  What keeps you humble?

What keeps you up at night talking to Elohim when all is well?

LUKE 22:39-43 (KJV)
And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. 

                                                                                      written by Marsha L F Randolph

NETTIE-OLOGY /NETTIE-ISM reflects the opinions of and is the soul property of the author MARSHA L F RANDOLPH. All rights reserved- do not use without permission. Disagreeing with what is written is not offensive to the author a disagreeable comment will be deleted.

FASTING

NETTIE-OLOGY: Today, I am starting a “public” fast, it is not a secret.

I have noticed that little “thoughts” have been trying to creep into my soul. (Not my spirit, my spirit is created in the image and likeness of YHWH. Nothing can creep into my spirit.) Because I have been so busy doing life according to my purpose I have not payed attention to the little things.

I am not fasting for a miracle or even a blessing. I really don’t know why I am fasting other than I need to do it.

I am fasting NOT FASTING & PRAYING. Normally I fast and pray however it seems foolish FOR ME because I am always talking to YHWH.  It’s more like, I am FASTING AND FOCUSING.

It is a public fast because I am blogging about it. I normally don’t tell people when I fast because it is a private matter between me and YHWH.

I am sharing my fast with people because churches have manipulated fasting. I have never attended a church in which a declared “corporate” fast was carried out by the entire church; it is not a corporate fast. People get caught up in Daniel Fast, Esther Fast and whatever other type of label they want to add to it. It is difficult to go to a job everyday and abstain from food, your body needs the nutrients.

I believe, it is more important on FOCUSING on the word of YHWH than it is what you did or did not eat. However, there are times when food becomes a distraction.

MATTHEW 6:31-34 (KJV)
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.  Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. 

It’s the bills! It’s money! That is why we go to work! That is why I sell stuff and try to improve my skills so that I can make more money. BUT GOD….

It is back to school time and parents are sacrificing one thing to make sure that their child has all the things he or she needs to start the school year off right. Yeshua said: “Take no thought!” But you do.

We think about the bills, the needs, the food because we know what is not in the bank account.

This year I eliminated over TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS IN DEBT!  I finally paid off my student loan and the seven thousand plus debt I owed in back taxes from a previous marriage was forgiven! The blessings came because I WAS OBEDIENT.  If it takes obedience to open the doors to my blessings then I want to obey!

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (KJV)
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)  Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 

In order to obey I must think like YHWH thinks. Eloheem does not think like we think (Isaiah 55:8-9). I did not ask ABBA for the money to pay those bills; I had prayed for a way to pay them, and others, years ago and then moved on. Part of obedience is casting your cares and not taking them back!

1 PETER 5:7 (KJV)
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 

How cool is that? We give all our problems to YESHUA and He takes care of it! But this is not what I have been doing. I have not been worried but I have not been giving my problems to Him either.

For the record: Complaining is not the same as casting.

I AM NOT EATING meat. No biggie right?  No meat is easy for me.

I AM NOT putting a time stamp on HOW LONG I WILL FAST.

I AM NOT establishing WHAT I WILL GIVE UP.  I suspect tomorrow will be a SOCIAL MEDIA FREE day since this blog has to go up today. It is possible that I could be on a water only fast; a “pure” fast.

Today, I started a fast because I need to make sure my eyes were on YHWH and not man. I am fasting because I need to make sure that I am trusting HIM with all of my heart and soul as demonstrated by my casting my cares on HIM. I am fasting because there is increased confusion in the world and some of that confusion was getting into my life and I need to nip it in the bud.

MATTHEW 6:16-18 (KJV)
Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; that thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. 

Yeshua said: “When you fast”, fasting is personal. It really isn’t something we should advertise. It is in obedience that I go public with my fasting, not to brag or tell someone they are doing it wrong.
                                                                                                           
                                                                                                     written by Marsha L F Randolph

NETTIE-OLOGY /NETTIE-ISM reflects the opinions of and is the soul property of the author MARSHA L F RANDOLPH. All rights reserved- do not use without permission. Disagreeing with what is written is not offensive to the author a disagreeable comment will be deleted.