Who Do We Believe In & Who Did We Forget?

God said in Isaiah 55:7-9, “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

 

Here is a thought: What if individuals are reincarnated into the opposite race from which they died? My wife informed me that upon death, we relinquish our physical bodies and become spirits. As spirits, the concept of color is imperceptible; thus, race does not exist. I assert that our spirits require a place to wait until the return of Jesus; therefore, heaven, hell, and purgatory exist. Since all are born with original sin, and even those who are saved must still undergo judgment before entering heaven, this remains my perspective. It serves as a reminder that God’s thoughts are beyond my comprehension. Two prominent examples are immediate forgiveness and patience, qualities I often lack. 

 

When thinking about reincarnation, I imagine that in the next life, those with certain privileges based on race might find themselves experiencing poverty to better understand what others go through. It can be hard for white people to fully grasp the experiences of minorities, because our systems are often designed to protect the dominant group. That's why they might not always see the struggles that other races face. They create the laws, hold key positions in business, and even control districts and properties that their ancestors may have acquired from others. Recognizing this can lead to a deeper understanding and empathy.

 

I understand that this idea might seem a bit remote, but it comes from my personal experiences growing up in America during the Jim Crow era. I saw firsthand how Black families and Indigenous peoples faced segregation, discrimination, and horrifying acts like deception, shackling, and violence—including whippings, lynching, and malnutrition—all because of their skin color. Poor jobs and living conditions, caused by unequal salaries and limited access to good education, have contributed to a system of oppression and repression, making true equality hard to achieve. Voter suppression hasn’t stopped. Even the Churches were segregated, and many of them believed that heaven was for white people. Yet, they ignored that Simon of Cyrene, a black man, helped Jesus carry the cross. Reflecting on these experiences makes me realize that my thoughts are more about deep emotional connections than anything else.

 

Throughout American history, some moments define not only the past but also continue to shape our present. Crispus Attucks was the first American to lose his life in the American Revolution, symbolizing courage and sacrifice. Oliver Cromwell, the brave black soldier, crossed the Delaware with George Washington, exemplifying heroism. Despite the incredible contributions of Black Americans—like the Tuskegee Airmen, who famously did not lose a single bomber during World War II and yet were denied Congressional Medals of Honor—their efforts often go unrecognized. It wasn't until 2007 that many of these heroes received the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor in the U.S., while the Medal of Honor remains the highest military award. Sadly, racism continues to hold back America’s progress, but recognizing these stories reminds us of the ongoing journey toward equality. Even the first elected Black President did not receive the respect he deserved; however, the inappropriate conduct of the current President is predominantly overlooked. America can elect felons, even though felons cannot vote.

 

Vengeance belongs to the Lord, who is always in control. Rest assured that everyone will be judged at the right time. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who was raised from the dead by God's power, and that the Holy Spirit, our Comforter, will stay with us forever. We’ve got to get ourselves together, people, or most of us will be headed for some rough landings.

 

The World isn't Tired of Its Leaders, The People Are!

We are living in a new era, often called the Trump legacy, which marks a temporary but significant period in our history. As he and his team work to erase aspects of history, their pride ironically means that their actions—through division, deception, and lies—will be remembered in the pages of history. I believe that future generations will look back with regret on how we got here. It’s disheartening and disappointing that many Americans seem to accept behaviors that seem un-American, almost like barbaric practices from less developed parts of the world. I wonder if the descendants of the immigrants who built this country ever imagined that current generations would behave shamelessly as leaders of our society.

 

The new criterion for running for office is primarily based on comparing candidates' levels of truth, fairness, and God-fearing. What we are seeing is a question of who will follow a leader who is dishonest, unfaithful, and speaks lies. It is considered acceptable for individuals to be regarded as the harshest, biased, and thoughtless, as they are deemed qualified candidates. These are spiritual enemies of the Kingdom of God. Their lusts are unwittingly using them for money, power, and authority, and they are willing to sell their souls in this short life for an eternal life in fire.

 

American citizens for good government are exhausted because they feel trapped in a cycle of political dysfunction, misinformation, and partisan gridlock that undermines meaningful progress and erodes public trust. We watch as vital issues—like healthcare, education, infrastructure, and climate change—are reduced to talking points or political weapons instead of being addressed through thoughtful, collaborative policymaking. Each election cycle brings promises of reform and unity, but those promises are too often drowned out by divisive rhetoric, lobbying influence, and short-term political gain. Citizens who care deeply about integrity, accountability, and the public good are left feeling powerless and disillusioned.

 

This exhaustion is not apathy; it’s the fatigue of engagement without reward. Many have written letters, voted conscientiously, joined advocacy groups, or even run for local office, only to see entrenched interests prevail. The erosion of truth in public discourse and the normalization of unethical behavior among officials add to the sense of despair. In a system where transparency is murky and consequences are rare, faith in democracy starts to fray. The people are tired, and a reckoning is soon to come. Like a pimple on the body full of pus, it will eventually burst, ridding the body of the toxic mess. Vote!

 

Yet despite this exhaustion, the citizens remain committed. Their frustration is rooted in care. They continue to hope for a system where facts matter, leaders are held accountable, and government truly serves the people. Their weariness is not surrender; it is the quiet resilience of those who still believe that better is possible, even when the road there seems impossibly long. Yet, those who are faithful know that nothing is impossible with God and that He keeps His promises.

 

 

 

 

Convocation Week (July 31 – August 3, 2025

     What a truly blessed experience it is to gather at the Word of God Church International Ministries in Columbia, South Carolina, to praise and worship together! We're celebrating, honoring, and openly showing our heartfelt thanks to the living God. Most importantly, God's Word is spoken among us. Remember, God desires a relationship with each of us, and with that comes responsibility. Building and maintaining meaningful relationships takes effort—effort that many of us might find challenging, especially since lasting connections require honesty, patience, and a lot of work. These are qualities that aren't always easy to embrace, and without the Holy Spirit, our ability to succeed will be limited. When victory is ours, it’s not just something we talk about, but something we should also show and live out. Let’s walk in the Spirit, be led by the Spirit, and live guided by the Spirit. The truth is, we will come out victorious—if we keep sin bound.

 

    The Sunday’s sermon focused on Victory and the influence of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Triune God, alongside God the Father and Jesus, His Son. This is a wonderful mystery: the Divine Triune is truly one. We can’t separate one from the other; all three are essential. Don’t worry about fully understanding it—just trust that the Holy Spirit embodies God’s character and persona. The Holy Spirit will share with you the Word of God that He hears. It’s important to surrender yourself to God in everything you do. Remember, God always wins. By following His will, we can also come out victorious. Sometimes we feel proud, thinking we’ve won some battles on our own, but let’s be honest—it's not just us. We need to be doers of the Word, not just listeners. Pride can hold us back, and that’s why submitting to God is so important—so that we’re not led astray by the devil, who wants to use us.

 

    I was truly encouraged by the sermon on the Holy Spirit. As I mentioned in a previous blog, I've been exploring the Holy Spirit’s vital role in my life. It’s inspiring to learn that there are conditions to experience victory through the Holy Spirit. Guest Speaker Pastor Ronald Critton shared his insights and understanding with the congregation, and I found myself learning even more from his words. I feel like He knew exactly what I needed and gently provided me with additional insights without feeling overwhelmed. It’s a beautiful reminder of how attentive and caring the Holy Spirit is.

 

What makes us eligible for the victory? Here are Seven Tenets

·      Psalm 119:133 – Order my steps in your word. The first thing we should do every morning is ask for God’s direction. Pray that no evil will have any dominion over you. Receive the power from the Holy Spirit to overcome any evil set against you. Evil is not of God. God will give you authority and ability to break the yokes of bondage.

·      Prudence, Wisdom, and Hope are the three sisters in Proverbs. Prudence is cautious. Don’t let the devil trick you into taking chances and risks. Don’t be impatient, arrogant, and think you’re going to get away with something. Divine Surveillance will see you even if you think no one will see you. Psalm 118:130 - Exposure. The entrance of Thy Words giveth light; I giveth understanding unto the simple. The light is a verb. Light gives understanding to the inexperienced and naïve. What examples can we rely on? Don’t use inexperience as an excuse.

·      Prevention Psalm 119:105 – Thy Word is lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. It preserves you from getting into things that are not of God, for God, and from God. Off limits.

·      Protection Psalm 119:11 – Thy Word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee. Don’t just quote Scriptures to look good. Keep the Word in your heart to avoid sin.

·      Psalm 37:23 The steps of a good man are directed by God, and God is pleased in his way.  Let God lead you, and you will be happy with the results.

·      Psalm 32:8 – I will instruct in the way you should live. I will counsel you with my loving eye. God will give you instructions for your purpose. People are living in defeat because they are not working in their purpose. Your profession is your resource, but God is your source. How can you, if you don’t let God guide you? You keep falling and losing. Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

·      Romans 8:14 - For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. God will give you proof. We are the children of God by faith in Jesus Christ. Let the Holy Spirit lead you and counsel you. Submit to Him and receive the victory. Your profession is your resource, but God is your source.

 

    I’ve learned so much this week, and I feel truly grateful that God allowed me to receive this knowledge. I also learned that evil doesn’t have a color; it possesses any human form that is open to receive darkness rather than the light of the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul stated in Ephesians 6:12, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." This verse emphasizes that people are not primarily fighting against human enemies, but against spiritual forces of evil. Yet, it appears that Christians are easy targets for those forces of evil. Why? Many so-called Christians don’t have love in their heart as Jesus advocated. If they did, America’s fabric wouldn’t be so tightly woven in racism and discrimination. Yes, I included this statement because I meant it. Look around, open your heart, and prove that I’m lying. At least, St. Paul repented and changed his ways.

 

I pray that what I’ve shared with you will serve as a gentle nudge to help you begin your incredible journey with the Holy Spirit.