MY BEING A CHRISTIAN- does it bother you?

MY JOURNEY: I have loved every Pastor that has crossed my path, I respect most.

I have explored the “Hebraic Roots” of Christianity for most of 2018. And I have embraced a lot of the teachings from my learning, using the names YHWH and Yeshua for example. I have: developed an appreciation of the prayer shawl, discovered the significance of a woman covering her head and even participated in the Sedar part of the “Jewish” Passover celebration. I have also seen how modern day Christians can go to the extreme and place themselves under the law.

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GALATIANS 5:22-31 THE VOICE22) it’s recorded in the Scripture that Abraham was the father of two sons. One son was born to a slave woman, Hagar, and the other son was born to a free woman, Abraham’s wife, Sarah. 23) The slave woman’s son was born through only natural means, but the free woman’s son was born through a promise from God. 24) I’m using an allegory. Here’s the picture: these two women stand for two covenants. The first represents the covenant God made on Mount Sinai—this is Hagar, who gives birth to children of slavery. 25) Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and she stands for the Jerusalem we know now. She has lived in slavery along with her children. 26) But there is a Jerusalem we know above. She is free, and she is our mother. 27) Isaiah wrote, Be glad, you who feel sterile and never gave birth! Raise a joyful shout, childless woman, who never went into labor! For the barren woman produces many children, more than the one who has a husband.28) So you see now, brothers and sisters, you are children of the promise like Isaac. 29) The slave’s son, born through only what flesh could conceive, resented and persecuted the one born into the freedom of the Spirit. The slave’s son picked at Isaac, just as you are being picked at now. 30) So what does the Scripture say? “Throw out the slave and her son, for the slave’s son will never have a share of the inheritance coming to the son of the free woman.” 31) So, brothers and sisters, we are not children of the slave woman, but sons and daughters of the free.

There is a faith that is based on obedience to laws that cannot be fulfilled (Romans 3:9-20). It is the promises of GOD that guarantees the blessings of GOD. His blessings are found in His promises: “thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). I chose a faith that is based on the promises of GOD, YHWH.

Like many churches that leave the  traditions of denominations I find that Hebraic roots ministries fail to help the believer apply biblical principles to every day living. We are in this world thus we must concern ourselves with the things of this world but not merge our souls into its’ ideologies. Though they do not consider themselves having a list of “thou shall nots” they have a list of “things followers of Yeshua should not be doing”- same song different beat. The assumption is: you will not fellowship / associate with people who do not believe like you do.

I want to enjoy life, and I do; what I do does not stop me from fulfilling my YHWH given purpose. I find it interesting that many leaders of the faith ignore certain facts found in Scripture: Solomon and his many wives, Jesus turning water to wine after the people drank all the wine available the fact that Yeshua told His Disciples there would come a time in which they would need to buy a sword (Luke 22:36). Like many “Christians” I live my life apart from the church folk who also keep their lifestyles separate from the church they attend; except I write about my life.

I always tell you to STUDY YOUR BIBLE, Scripture is filled with personalities and imperfect perfect people. I have learned, am learning, how to be a GOD pleaser which means people will deem me not a Christian. People cannot get me into heaven or keep me out of hell, my being a Christian will be evaluated by my submission to His will for my life.

MATTHEW 25:23His 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.’

                                                                          — written by Marsha L F Randolph

MY JOURNEY reflects the faith filled 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.

HAS FASTING BECOME CLICHE'

MY JOURNEY: February 25, 2019

At least three times a year churches do what is called a corporate fast, meaning the entire church is supposed to go without something for a period of time. I have never attended a church that held a corporate fast and the entire church actually fasted. And then there are those “professionals” who let the world know they are going without for the Lord. Fasting has become one of those charismatic church traditions that do not really impress GOD.

MATTHEW 15:1-6
Then the scribes and Pharisees who were from Jerusalem came to Jesus, saying,  “Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.”
He answered and said to them, “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition?  For God commanded, saying, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘He who curses father or mother, let him be put to death.’ But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, “Whatever profit you might have received from me is a gift to God”— then he need not honor his father or mother.’ Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition.

Your sacrifice of going without food, television or anything else does not impress YHWH. He who sent His only begotten Son to die a horrendous death for the sins of mankind is not impressed by your being hungry.

Your active participation in a corporate fast becomes irrelevant if the corporation is not in 100% agreement.

Like weekly church attendance and tithing, fasting has become an ineffective tradition.

PSALM 40:6 KJV
Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required. 

It is not that we are not required to give and to serve but it is about the motivation behind the action. Tradition is about what you feel you have to do. God’s love should place a desire within you to do something because you want to.

2 CORINTHIANS 9:7 KJV
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 

Fasting should be a time of listening to YHWH. It should not be a time of begging him for material things or things outside of His will. It should also be a time of repentance.

JONAH 3:7-8 KJV
And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water:  But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands. 

I often chuckle when someone tells me their church is fasting, the fast are planned thus even I, an outsider, know when it is going to happen. They fast before the major holidays so as to not stop anyone from feasting, rarely is it done during a time when most people are on vacation. Sometime in January, June and October most of the churches that practice corporate fast participate in these activities. Many church leaders give exceptions to various individuals for health reasons; in the book of Jonah the people of Nineveh AND the animals fasted.

Fasting occurs when I don’t eat or drink and cease from doing anything that stops me from hearing from and responding to Ruach, the Spirit of GOD. It is usually 3 hours of quiet time with my Bible, a pen and notepad and no food or drink. I fast because there is something that YHWH has spoken to me that I do not get- I fast for understanding.                         written by Marsha L F Randolph


MY JOURNEY reflects the faith filled 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.

GOD'S PLAN- YHWH'S GIFT

MY JOURNEY: February 24, 2019 It is the day after my birthday and God is still good!

ISAIAH 55:8 KJV
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 

For the past five years or so I have turned my birthday wishes over to YHWH. There are things that I want and, as I tell my daughters, there are things I could buy myself but I put off to get things that are needed. It can be disappointing to ask for things from people who want to buy you want you want but purchase the wrong size, color, brand or some other miscommunication. It can also be saddening to ask something from someone who simply cannot afford what you want.  As a Believer I know that GOD supplies all that I need (Philippians 4:19) and He gives me the desires (wants he planted in me) of my heart (Psalm 37:4).

I have plans for my future and my goal is to align my plans with His plans. I firmly believe that what YHWH has for me to do I am doing. The gift He gave me yesterday no man could have purchased. Yesterday I received knowledge.

PROVERBS 2:6 KJV
For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. 

As a wife I am my husband’s crown (Proverbs 12:4). As a mother I am an example of a godly woman to my daughters (Titus 2:4). As a prophetic Scribe called of GOD I am mindful of how other people perceive me. It is indeed a burden that requires wisdom, knowledge and understanding.

Yesterday, He let me know that I was on the right track. I am doing, despite my natural flaws, on the right path. Many people do not understand the peace and joy I have because they gauge success and happiness by the standards of man. He showed me the “despite” of my life.

Despite people not giving me things on my birthday I have all that I need. Despite some people not showering me with adoration I know I am deeply loved and appreciated. Despite those who love me not being able to buy me diamonds and pearls I have an abundance of stuff.  It is a matter of perspective.

PHILIPPIANS 4:8 KJV
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 

GOD’s thoughts versus man’s standards. When I look at my life, I am being honest, I have to remind myself to look at it from YHWH’s perspective. His thoughts and ways are not equivalent to how people think or what people do. It is a constant battle to not go out and purchase a designer something or other or wear the latest fashion garment- it is not my style but when I get around women I am tempted because I want to be “one of the girls”.

Yesterday, my birthday I was challenged to do things “despite”. Despite my aversion to children’s parties I went to one for a 3 year old and had a pleasant time and made the 3 year old happy (I also noticed a few things).  Despite the aches in my hip I walked across the street and visited my neighbor and enjoyed the company.  Despite my kitchen being a mess I went to bed and awakened to a clean kitchen and a pot of coffee.  And I learned.

I am forever grateful because despite who I am in the natural my GOD sees the me He knew before I was formed in my mother’s womb.

JEREMIAH 1:5 KJV
Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
HABAKKUK 2:2 KJV
And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. 

My birthdays are not like everyone’s birthdays because I am not like everyone. I am fearfully and wonderfully made and this my soul knows very well (Psalm 139:14)! YHWH’s New Year gift to me- TOTALLY AWESOME!   written by Marsha L F Randolph

MY JOURNEY reflects the faith filled 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: INVALID VALIDATED LIFE

NETTIE-ISM: The problem with living life validated by what “they” say is- It is not what He said.

What many people do, today, is paraphrase the paraphrase of someone’s Bible interpretation. In other words they misinterpret an incorrect interpretation of Scripture. I suspect this happens for two reasons:

1. People need to justify their self-centered lifestyles.
2. Some people want to appear to be really     intellectual and spiritual.

Our conscious will convict us, thus, we know we are wrong but “they” tell us it is acceptable and misrepresent Scripture to validate the wrong lifestyle.
You know there is something not right with your life because you are not satisfied; it is not "us" it is He that is in you that is contrary to what “they” say that invalidates your lifestyle.       —Marsha L F Randolph @Words2GrowBy

NETTIE-ISM reflects the opinions of Marsha L F Randolph 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. 

COURSE CORRECTION

MY JOURNEY: February 16, 2019 It is a new journey.

Out of curiosity I looked up the word salvation. You know: “Are you saved?” I was surprised, though I should not have been, Jesus is our salvation.  There is more thus I will be researching this thing called Salvation for a while, I believe it is the key to unanswered prayer.

I have become keenly aware of how GOD is moving in my life, I used to see it in others but could not see it in me. We are all good at helping others, most of us anyway while neglecting ourselves. You and I are not accidents, we have a purpose.

There are people who purposely or inadvertently try to stop you and I from being all that we can be. It makes it hard to move forward, perhaps that is why many of us change career paths in our forties or fifties. I have made several course corrections.

The Bible is filled with men and women who made course corrections. I think this is what salvation is all about; making course corrections. Salvation after all is help, deliverance and prosperity among other things. If I am saved then I have the help that I need- RIGHT NOW!

I share these thoughts as I look at what is happening around the world and in the United States of America and I am convinced that it is time we all made a course correction. It is time, as Believers, that we lean not to our own (or the worlds) understanding but trust in Him our Saviour or Salvation.

Some things are not going to get better until they get worse.

MARK 5:25-28 NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION
And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.”

Far to many Christians are spending their time, energy and even money on worldly concepts. But those who keep their eyes on Him and trust in His saving authority, power and grace will not perish. It is time for you to make a course correction.                               written by Marsha L F Randolph

MY JOURNEY reflects the faith filled 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.

DISCOURAGED

MY JOURNEY: February 13, 2019 God is with me in the storm and in the rain.

I have gone through so much and made it through the other side and then a problem arose and I became discouraged. Not all difficulties we face in life are life threatening, bankrupting or even relationship ending. Some times we just have a downpour of cares that you just do not feel like dealing with.

1 PETER 5:7
casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

First Peter is not the verse that came to mind this morning but it is relevant. If I, if you, are giving everything to Him, YHWH, then discouragement would not be an issue.

I have had a lot of storms in my life, obviously, I have endured them all. Yesterday, having come through a year of stormy weather, it rained. Common sense would tell me to put on my weather gear (Ephesians 6:10-18)but instead I became discouraged- I was tired of getting wet.

1 JOHN 4:17-19
Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.  We love Him because He first loved us.

GOD KNOWS. I know that He knows how I feel and what I am going through. God knows the heart (Psalm 44:21). Last night in my pre-self pity state I knew that I had to pray. Which is why in the middle of the night the Spirit made His presence known.

PSALM 32:7
You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah

It is Psalm 139 (see below) that comes to my soul as discouragement comes upon me it is the summation of those words that remind me of His love and his presence. My first emotions when I awakened were that of discouragement but as time moved forward I began to remember how he had blessed me through the storms I had just came through and what was happening now was just a little rain; rain helps things grow. The same GOD that kept me dry during the storm will keep me dry during the rain if I keep my armor on.

Discouragement is an indication that I have allowed the devil to influence my mind. Notice I said “I”. Family and friends and other people have no bearing on my victory but they can be tools Satan uses to take my mind off of Eloheem:

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

The problems always, always, always are exacerbated when I take my eyes off of YHWH (Matthew 6:33). In fact, as long as I am focused on Him problems are nothing more than rain drops. I don’t own an umbrella and I don’t know where my rain jacket is but even though I live in South Florida I rarely get wet from the rain. Last night when the Spirit reminded me that He was with me I knew in my heart no evil or plague could penetrate my armor. (Psalm 91, Ephesians 6). As a child of God how can I be discouraged when He promised to never leave me or forsake me.

Boldness and empowerment are tools YHWH has given His children to overcome fear and discouragement. Love and peace are gifts from GOD and we give Him all of our cares. How wonderful is that?   Written by Marsha L F RANDOLPH

MY JOURNEY reflects the faith filled 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.

PSALM 139

O Eternal One, You have explored my heart and know exactly who I am;
You even know the small details like when I take a seat and when I stand up again. Even when I am far away, You know what I’m thinking.
You observe my wanderings and my sleeping, my waking and my dreaming, and You know everything I do in more detail than even I know.
You know what I’m going to say long before I say it. It is true, Eternal One, that You know everything and everyone.
You have surrounded me on every side, behind me and before me,  and You have placed Your hand gently on my shoulder.
It is the most amazing feeling to know how deeply You know me, inside and out; the realization of it is so great that I cannot comprehend it.

Can I go anywhere apart from Your Spirit?   Is there anywhere I can go to escape Your watchful presence?
If I go up into heaven, You are there.  If I make my bed in the realm of the dead, You are there.
If I ride on the wings of morning, if I make my home in the most isolated part of the ocean,
Even then You will be there to guide me;  Your right hand will embrace me, for You are always there.
Even if I am afraid and think to myself, “There is no doubt that the darkness will swallow me, the light around me will soon be turned to night,”
You can see in the dark, for it is not dark to Your eyes. For You the night is just as bright as the day.  Darkness and light are the same to Your eyes.

For You shaped me, inside and out.   You knitted me together in my mother’s womb long before I took my first breath.
I will offer You my grateful heart, for I am Your unique creation, filled with wonder and awe.  You have approached even the smallest details with excellence;  Your works are wonderful;  I carry this knowledge deep within my soul.
You see all things; nothing about me was hidden from You As I took shape in secret,  carefully crafted in the heart of the earth before I was born from its womb.
You see all things;  You saw me growing, changing in my mother’s womb; every detail of my life was already written in Your book;
You established the length of my life before I ever tasted the sweetness of it.
Your thoughts and plans are treasures to me, O God! I cherish each and every one of them!   How grand in scope! How many in number!
If I could count each one of them, they would be more than all the grains of sand on earth. Their number is inconceivable!  Even when I wake up, I am still near to You.

I wish You would destroy all the wicked, O God.   So keep away from me, those who are thirsty for blood!
For they say such horrible things about You,   and those who are against You abuse Your good name.
Is it not true that I hate all who hate You, Eternal One?  Is it not true that I despise all who come against You?
Deep hatred boils within me toward them;  I am Your friend, and they are my enemies.
Explore me, O God, and know the real me. Dig deeply and discover who I am. Put me to the test and watch how I handle the strain.
Examine me to see if there is an evil bone in me,  and guide me down Your path forever.

The Voice (VOICE)
The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.

IN SEARCH OF PEACE

MY JOURNEY: January 31, 2019 It may not be the way other people do it but it is my way!

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

I am neither slow nor stupid; I am mindful. In his presence I am content (PSALM 116:11), outside of the presence of YHWH I can become troubled. Lately my peace has been troubled.

Many opportunities have presented itself that would be financially beneficial. I have not closed the door to them but am waiting for better understanding. All that glitters ain’t gold and not every good opportunity is a good opportunity for me.

Everyone has an opinion about what I should and should not be doing. People tell me I should have stayed in health care, working as a Licensed Practical Nurse; others said I should have not left H & R Block. Now I hear opinions as to how I should be selling my books, expanding my Tax Preparation business and even selling my crafts. It’s a lot of noise.

1 CORINTHIANS 14:33
For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

Like Peter, sometimes it is best to go fishing until you know what to do (John 21:1-6). I don’t fish but I have a garden and a sewing room- I go make something.

Some of the opportunities I have been presented take away from my time with GOD and family.  When I am: knitting, crocheting, sewing, quilting, embroidering, making candles or soap, or even gardening, my hands are busy but my mind is on Him. I talk to Him as I do what I do, I pause to hear His responses. I can stop crafting and even writing to address a family issue. 

A PERSON SHOULD NEVER BE TO BUSY FOR GOD.

MY JOURNEY: February 11, 2019 the journey continues

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.

This is probably my second go to Bible verse, Matthew 6:33 being #1. In 2018 I had to learn how to trust GOD no matter what, I still do. I had to trust GOD more than what people were telling me, what they experts said. And then I had to LISTEN.

JOHN 10:27
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.

This is what faith is all about. I must trust GOD more than people. I must know that He is, not will be, directing my path. I must listen to that still small voice (1 Kings 19:112) as he tells me what to do and when to do it and be ready (2 Timothy 4:2).

As the world moves forward obtaining peace is going to become increasingly more difficult. I have been presented with ways in which I can do what YHWH has called me to do and then some. I had to pause and think about the direction man wanted to take me in and the direction GOD wanted me to go.

PROVERBS 14:12 AND 16:25
There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.

Because I know my purpose, my gifts and also my responsibilities here on earth and I have done things my way I know that His way is better. Today I have peace.  - Marsha L F Randolph

MY JOURNEY reflects the faith filled 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.

IS IT A LIE?

MY JOURNEY: February 4, 2019 IT IS IMPORTANT

Today it is more important than ever that each person do his own study of history and Scripture; DON’T TRUST ANYONE to tell you what is true!

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.

Perhaps not trusting anyone is a bit extreme, however it is important that you not allow anyone to tell you something as if it was fact when it is presumption.    written by Marsha L F Randolph

MY JOURNEY reflects the faith filled 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.

YES, I HAVE GIFTS!

MY JOURNEY: February 9, 2019 I had gifts that I did not know what to do with.

As I approach my 59th birthday I look back and I see the struggles I had because of ignorance.
HOSEA 4:6

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.

It was ignorance, lack of knowledge, that lead me into an abusive marriage. It was ignorance that lead me to filing bankruptcy. It was a lack of knowledge that had me sitting under individuals who taught Scripture of convenience but not biblical truths that would help me grow.

Of course I am going to have difficulties in my life. There is a distinct difference between going to, hanging out and going through.  Far to often I have hung out in areas that I was not comfortable in because of fear of peoples opinions, of making a mistake (even though I was making bigger ones), or even of hurting someone’s feelings.  I have learned that I am not perfect and therefore will make mistakes which is why I need Eloheem. (see Psalm 23:4 below)

Now as I look back I understand my biggest problem was not understanding my gifts. EVERYBODY HAS GIFTS! The seminary can’t give them to you, the prophet cannot lay hands on you and transfer them to you. The Deacon Board, the Board of Trustees, nor the Church Leader can assign you gifts. Man can give you titles but only YHWH can give you godly gifts. What YHWH has given YHWH will teach (Psalm 23) and man cannot take away from you.

ROMANS 11:29
 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.

I have been taught by Eloheem, the Father, the Son and the Spirit; He has directed my path for sure. From listening to a radio ministry and confessing that Jesus is Lord in the 3rd grade to being baptized in the Spirit without any understanding of what it meant to speak in tongues, to finding a church to be baptized in, YHWH has ordered my steps. Every church I have been a part of has taught me something but they did not teach me how to use my gifts according to my purpose thus I lived a life harder than I could have had I known.

ROMANS 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

But, I know now and I have learned despite the lack of knowledge of those I sat under. Technically I am a “Minister” having taken the required classes on line and received the appropriate certifications; not to mention the other numerous ministry training and development classes. I am also a Chaplain, having taken the required classes and received the appropriate certifications. I have preached and taught the word of YHWH on more than one occasion for a number of years. None of what I did would be relevant except Yeshuah directed my path.

I now know that I am who YHWH says I am and I can do what YHWH says I can do because He is the one who gave me these gifts. Who gave you your gifts?                               written by Marsha L F Randolph

MY JOURNEY reflects the faith filled 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.

PSALM 23 THE EXPANDED BIBLE

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I ·have everything I need [L- will lack nothing].
2 He ·lets me rest [makes me lie down] in green pastures. He leads me to ·calm [quiet] water.
3 He ·gives me new strength [T- renews my soul]. He leads me on paths that are ·right [righteous; or straight]    for the ·good [sake] of his ·name [reputation].
4 Even if I walk through ·a very dark valley [or the shadow of death], I will ·not be afraid [T- fear no evil], because you are with me.  Your rod and your shepherd’s staff comfort me.

5 You prepare a ·meal [L- table] for me in ·front [the presence] of my enemies. You ·pour oil of blessing on my head [anoint my head with oil; C- oil was a means of refreshment in a hot, dry environment]; you ·fill my cup to overflowing [L- make my cup overflow; C- a cup of blessing].
6 Surely your goodness and ·love [loyalty; T -mercy] will ·be with [pursue; T- follow] me all my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord ·forever [L- for length of days].