Popular Culture says Y.O.L.O. but Christ says NO NO!

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For the past couple of months I have been hearing and seeing the term "Y.O.L.O." and didn't think to ask what it meant. Because I don't keep up with the trends of popular culture very much, I just thought it was an acronym for something in hip-hop but really couldn't have cared less about its meaning. However, earlier today a guy sent me a message (through social networking) and his username was Y.O.L.O. and I decided to look it up. I found the above picture of Zac Efron with a Y.O.L.O tattoo on his hand. Also, Jenelle from MTV's Teen Mom has gotten one as well:

The meaning of Y.O.L.O. is interpreted in through a mixtape by rappers Drake and Rick Ross, titled "You Only Live Once" which has taken Hollywood by storm and although people used this term frequently in the past, it's taken on a brand of its own.

Ironically, this is a terrible message to impressionable minds, particularly those that have not heard what the Word of God has to say about this! 

The bible teaches us that everyone that accepts the gift of salvation through obedience by faith will not live once but TWICE!

• John 11:25 says: "Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.."

•  1 Thess 4:14 "For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him."
• Rev 20:5 "But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection"
• Psalm 71:20 " Thou, which hast shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth."

This tells us that believers in Christ will physically die to the sin of this world but Jesus will give us new bodies so that we can be caught up to meet him (1 Corinth 15). Do NOT fall into the lies of this world.. The lies of popular culture are satan driven! Jesus has overcome death & so shall we live again if we do the Will of The Most High. Popular Culture says Y.O.L.O. but to that, Jesus says NO NO!

Testimony: From Spiritual Rags to Riches

Follow @MoniceSharde I want to share my testimony with you so that you will have a better understanding of my journey to loving and obeying The Most High. 

I was raised by a single parent (mother) and had a close relationship to my maternal grandmother. My mother was considered the "black sheep" of the family because she never went along with traditions of man, well before she could understand God was calling her out from among her family. Although at that time, she didn't have a strong personal relationship with Jesus Christ, she always recognized that He was Lord and Savior and taught me to be humble, kind, respectful, reliable and trustworthy. She always encouraged me to pray and to lean on Him for strength. Needless to say, being a single mother was not easy for her and she fell into sin that threatened to steal her life. During this time, she was still very active in parenting and was "burning the candle on both ends" so to speak. I would pray daily that she became all that God had for her to be. I believed all she taught me and knew although I couldn't see Christ, He was my strength and was the ONLY one that could change/fix what man could not. So I held on to that faith and continued to pray my mother out of darkness. I went through elementary school, high school, trade school and into the working world holding on to Jesus and trying to build my relationship with Him, which my mom continued to encourage even when she was spiritually weak and wasn't depending on Him to change her.

In 2005, she came completely out from under satan's grip. For that entire year, she did her personal study to find out who Jesus REALLY was, without the influence of the counterfeit-christ that the Western culture's Pagan Rome-inherited teachings give. She began teaching me what she had learned and because I was falling away from Christ, I wasn't interested. The things she was learning about Christ wasn't what the world believes of Him. Yes, He is full of compassion, mercy/grace and love - He is also TRUTH and the darkness of this world is extremely offended when that TRUTH is spoken. It reveals that the walk we think we have with the TRUE Christ is nothing more than a crooked path with the counterfeit-christ of this world (satan). It reveals that ALL things are spiritual, righteous or wicked.. And that, if we decide to decline to accept the gift of salvation and our obedience that is required to effectively receive it, we will be eternally separated from Christ - which results in hell. This didn't sit well with what my eschewed understanding of Him was. It didn't allow me to feel comfortable in my sin nor did it make excuses for it. After a battle of 2 years (from the age of 20 til 22), I purposed in my heart to stop fighting what God was doing in my mother's life and accept Him-COMPLETELY- into my own.

Once I made this leap of faith- TRUE FAITH - I saw EVERYTHING differently. I was in college and once I saw the TRUTH, I no longer had the same reasoning for college as I originally did. Before, I was only in college to get a better career, have lots of money, and live the American Dream. Afterward, I was sickened by my original thoughts. I knew I wasn't in school for myself nor was to take a path I was passionate about when I had a wicked heart. I learned that my desires were to be aligned with Christ's PERFECT Will. So in this, I changed majors (from psychology to communications), after prayer and conformation about what I should do. I could no longer call those around me "friends" because I became too peculiar for them. I stopped dating because I don't want anything detouring my walk with Christ and unless the man is someone that loves the Lord with all their heart and follows His Will (including virginity or celibacy until marriage), I cannot date Him. My heart did ache because things were drastically changing but I also felt peace in knowing The Lord I serve was pleased with my willingness to change. 

Now, I am 26, building on my relationship with the Lord and asking Him to make my heart more and more in alignment with His Will, completing a B.A., and being a vessel to let as many as will hear about Jesus Christ and His love for us all if we just accept it!

Why "Acceptance" of Homosexuality is Wrong

Follow @MoniceSharde Last night, I was tweeting about why homosexuality is a sin to God. Earlier today, one of my followers (Carol) sent a link to me (via twitter) of her blog post, titled "Acceptance and Coming Out." The blog was about her daughter's choice to engage in bi sexual activity and Carol's journey of accepting it. She used scriptures to explain that Christ loves us all and that instead of her distancing herself from her daughter, she decided to accept this lifestyle and the mate her daughter has chosen. On surface, this ideology appears kind, meek and humble - as Christ has asked us to behave. HOWEVER, if we seek deeper in the Lord's Word, we will see that the REAL topic at hand is not rather we are to love someone or not... But if we are to ACCEPT them IN their sin.

I decided to write about this topic because for sometime, it was something I struggled with as well. I had many gay friends and once I became a follower of Christ, I was torn on how to deal with my relationships with those that were set on continuing in that sinful lifestyle. I felt that if I stopped hanging out with them, I'd be a judgmental person, yet if I continued being around them, I wasn't upholding my belief in The Word. After much study, prayer and experiences that provided the closure I needed on this topic - I understood that ending my dealings with them, yet continuing to love & pray for their salvation, was EXACTLY what God wants His Followers to do.

When people try to uphold the idea of accepting the sin of homosexuality, the misunderstanding of Christ's character is always used as "proof" that we are to be alright with this. Scriptures that speak about Christ's compassion and love and our duty to be that way as well (Romans 13:8, Ephesians 4:2, 1 John 4:7, Romans 5:8..etc) are often cited. Yes, Christ MOST DEFINITELY has compassion for us all and LOVES us ALL and we are to DO THE SAME. I am NOT here to dispute that fact! However, I AM here to explain how this can still be done without compromising the Word of God. 



Whenever we are in question about ANYTHING, we are to turn to the Holy Bible. It is infallible and will, most assuredly, give us the answers we seek.


In this case, its best to cover the characteristics of sin (1 John 5:17). The bible tells us that sin is the transgression of the Law of God (1 John 3:4). The entire law is founded upon the Love of God and our obedience to it by demonstrating love to Him and one another (Deut 30:15-16, Matt 22:35-40). This concludes that the ROOT of ALL SIN is SELFISHNESS. Because the bible has told us homosexuality is sin (Romans 1, Leviticus 18:22,20:13, 1Corinth 6:9-10) -we know it is ROOTED in selfishness. Paul gives all the characteristics of Love in 1Corinth 13:4-8. It tells us Love does NOT rejoice at WRONG-DOING but instead, REJOICES WITH TRUTH. It also tells us that Love NEVER ENDS.


According to the homosexual agenda, it is often quoted "Love is Love." However, now that we have a clear definition of what Love is, we can know that the idea of a homosexual "love" is counterfeit of the real thing. Rejoicing in homosexuality, which is sin, is NOT LOVE. The bible tells sin WILL BE DESTROYED (Romans 8:13, 12:2, Rev 21:8). Sin is not love. Transgression of God's Law is not Love. Christ told us in John 14:15 "If ye LOVE me, KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS." So we can move on from ANY confusion about homosexuality being a sin.


Now, how do we uphold our Love for The Lord and not be judgmental? The bible tells us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. If you are a follower of Christ, you do all you can to refrain from sinning. You repent daily and commit to doing all things in God's Will, which keeps you blameless from transgression. In this, mercy and grace cover your short-comings. This is the only way to love oneself. And you love your neighbor the SAME WAY. However, those that practice a homosexual lifestyle are NOT repentive, do NOT refrain from committing this sin and REFUSE to do God's Will. So it is not us that has REFUSED to love our neighbor. Its their sin that has REFUSED to LOVE us! We are blameless, they are not!
 In 1Peter 2:9, we are told that we are called OUT of darkness INTO the light. We are no longer to entertain sin. God has redeemed us from it and we are FREE! It would be insane to return to bondage once you are freed from it. Paul tells us to stay AWAY from sin (2Thess 3:6, Ephesians 5:3-11), having NO part of it or those that indulge in it!


Our LOVE for the Lesbian, Gay Bi-sexual, Transgender (LGBT) community should not waiver. However, we cannot be "friends" with ANYONE that is at WAR with GOD. We cannot "accept" their way of life, we cannot excuse their poor decisions. We are only to pray for them, in hopes that they turn from their wicked ways and repent, accepting the Love of Christ as we did.

Desires of Thine Heart

Follow @MoniceSharde We often hear the following scripture, in part, from Psalms 37:4 quoted: “Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” The beginning of this scripture is rarely repeated. SO people go out into the world and believe that, even when they are spiritually ill, can ask God for the desires of their (wicked) hearts and receive all they have asked for. When they don't, they either turn from God, use this as an excuse to be disobedient or accuse Him of not being affective. 



Many people believe that, due to the “prosperity movement” that has swept all the traditional churches – this scripture is speaking about financial wealth, the fulfillment of one’s goals, dreams and aspirations. The popular interpretation, in plain, is: if we attend church services and do good deeds, the Lord will give us what we ask for. But this interpretation lacks something… It does not address rather or not if the person asking has a pure and righteous heart! After all, scripture does tell us about those that have a FORM of godliness, yet deny the true power of God (2 Tim 3:5). Would Paul have warned us of this if he didn’t realize there would be people that “appeared” godly but their hearts were not pure? I don’t think so!

So what DOES God mean by “the desires of your heart?”  Well, let us take a look at what the bible says:

Throughout the bible, people have wanted things that were no good for them. For example, although God promised Sara he would fulfill her desire for a son, her impatience caused her to move faster than God’s plan and she DESIRED one sooner, so she had her husband Abraham sleep with the Egyptian (Hagar). We are aware of how messy that turned out (Hagar and Abraham’s son was Ishmael which is the “father” of the Muslim religion). Sara’s DESIRE within her heart was not something that was healthy for her and has resulted in a spiritual war that still affects mankind today!

Another example is of David’s son, Amnon. He DESIRED within his heart to have his sister, Tamar, which resulted in him raping her. This is clearly a distorted desire and by knowing the character of God, this would not be something He approved of, let alone would He EVER provide it.

Last, In Acts 8, Simon DESIRES to have the healing powers that he has seen the apostles have. He offers money for it and Peter tells him "Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money"

Side note: This disproves the "prosperity movement," in that, by giving your money to pastors and allowing them to deem it as tithes, so that you can be blessed is sinning against God. Don't you know that God has no dealings in the world's treasures? How is it that you so readily accept their lie that God will provide your needs by offering money to Him? Christ assure you that your NEEDS are going to be provided (Matt6:31&33)! 

Now, back to the desires of a wicked heart vs. the desires of a pure heart. Simon clearly had a desire that was not aligned with the LORD's Will. God would never grant this desire.

1 John 5:14 “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing ACCORDING TO HIS WILL, he heareth us:” < This scripture clearly tells us that God hears the prayers of those that seek for HIS WILL to be done over their lives.

SO when you hear Psalms 37:4, remember that the scripture begins with "Delight thyself also in the LORD..." Meaning that when you seek to please God, your heart is transformed and will be in accordance to His Will. The desires will no longer be your own but instead will reflect what His perfect understanding and non perishable gifts provide: Peace, Love, Joy, Discernment, and other SPIRITUAL GIFTS!

GOD'S WARNING TO CHRISTIANS

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Haughty at Heart

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Recently, I have encountered many followers of Christ that have a spirit of haughtiness. Yes, there is power in His name and yes, God tells us that we become part of that power when we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior. We know there are many spiritual gifts that come with accepting Him and being obedient to His Will. However, we are ALWAYS to behave humbly. The power is not our own and any blessings, favor and mercy we receive is for His Glory, NOT OURS.

Before you say that you have not ever behaved this way, I will list a few examples of what I mean:

David coveted His servant’s wife (although he was the king of Israel and possessed greatness above all, being blessed with great power by the LORD), and lifted within his heart a hatred toward his servant, Uriah, because he believed he was entitled to more than God blessed him with (2Samuel 11). HAVE YOU EVER FELT AND PURSUED GETTING MORE THAN WHAT GOD HAS CHOSEN TO BLESS YOU WITH?

Solomon, although given wisdom by God above all man, rebelled against God’s commandment and married women that believed in other gods, resulting in Solomon’s heart being turned away from God (1Kings 11). HAVE YOU EVER DATED, BECOME FRIENDS WITH, OR ENTERTAINED THE COMPANY OF SOMEONE THAT HAS OPENLY DISCUSSED OR SHOWN THEIR CONTEMPT FOR GOD (THROUGH ACTIONS) YET YOU CONTINUE TO BE AROUND THEM?

Peter, although he loved Jesus Christ, denied Him three times. Jesus told Peter that this was going to happen but Peter responded in disbelief, denying that the flesh is weak and prayer was needed to fight off satan and the temptations he floods man with (Mark 14:29&30,66-72). HAVE YOU EVER BELIEVED YOU COULD CONTROL A SITUATION AND FIGHT TEMPTATION WITHOUT THE HELP OF CHRIST? ONLY TO BRING OUR FLAWS TO THE FOREFRONT…

These are just a few examples of haughtiness. When the Spirit of the Lord is within you, it is important to obey it at all times. Do not believe that you are above God in any area, or above the temptations that satan sends to ALL MANKIND, including you! Christ tells us to remove the beam from our eye before we clear the mote from out brother’s eye (Matt 7:3-5). He is telling us that it is simple for satan to deceive and we (often inadvertently) attempt to make God’s power our own. In doing this, satan is able to reveal our flaws and snatch us from under the protection of Christ, JUST AS HE TRIED TO EXPOSE MAN’S WEAKNESSES AND IN THE PROCESS, SHOWED HIS OWN (covetousness, envying, jealousy, overall hatred toward man). Do we want to be as satan or as Christ?! The Lord teaches us, in John 8:44, that those allowing satan to rule them are those that do NOT abide in truth! When we abide in truth, we BELIEVE ALL THINGS THAT THE LORD TEACHES US…. We BELIEVE what the Lord says about satan’s character. We do attempt to prove God wrong, nor do we become as satan, lifting our hearts above God.

I ask that you evaluate your motives in ALL that you do. When you minister the Word of God, is it to bring souls to God, as a humble vessel… Or is it to become a recognized person within this world? When you say you love the LORD, are you willing to lay down your life for him, or are you saying this to make people believe you are a “good person?” When you do for someone, are you doing it in joy and knowing it is the Will of God, or are you doing it to receive a blessing in return? When you enter a relationship (friends, dating, marriage, etc.) are you looking to show the love of Christ to them or are you looking more toward receiving it?   

I pray for your understanding and growth regarding this topic!

God's Prescription for a Better Life

Follow @MoniceSharde Today, I was thinking about the commandments that the Lord left for His people to follow. I will address, in detail, the 10 commandments in an upcoming blog but right now I want to stick to just a few he left us that many believe are too difficult to keep. In Deuteronomy 5:33, the Lord says “Ye shall walk in all the ways of the LORD your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess.” Now, I’m aware that He was speaking to the children of Israel that He freed from Egypt’s bondage. However, wouldn’t these same words apply to us? Has the anatomy of man changed from then until now? Doesn’t man still face the same challenges from that time up to present day? Was God the same then, now and forever- holding the same love and concerns for us?

If you have answered yes to the following questions, then I’d like for you to continue on this journey of vindicating God’s character…

In 1Peter 2:9, Peter refers to followers of Christ as “peculiar people” and if you have ever declined to engage in particular behavior or activities as others that do not follow the ways of Christ, you have probably experienced the ridicule that comes with staying true to Christ’s Will for our lives (If you have not given your life to Christ yet and therefore, have not experienced this, I can assure that once you do, it will be easy to see and feel the separation of you and those that do not follow His Will). Peter said this to offer comfort to those that have felt ostracized from the world because they are different due to their obedience of the commandments of God, as Christ offered comfort to him and the other apostles when He told them (in John 15:18&19) -

18If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

19If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

Moreover, it is understood that there is a separation of those that follow Christ and those that do not.

But WHY does God say this separation is needed? Well, let us look around throughout just the United States and see all of the avoidable illnesses that people have. Obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes (type 2), migraines-headaches, stress and  insomnia are just to name a few. Ask any doctor and he/she will tell you that by keeping a proper diet, getting enough rest/do not over exert oneself, follow a consistent schedule and avoid “stress triggers” you can live a long and healthy life.

But wait! The bible instructs us to do the same things!

Deuteronomy 14 instructs us of what we should and should not eat. It also tells us not to over-indulge in anything and that when we do, it is replacing God (Galatians 15:16-21). The Lord gives us a very specific day of rest so that we can be away from the world and spend time with our family and commune with Him (Exodus 20:8-11). The bible also teaches us to be with like-minded people & avoid relationships with those that refuse His Will (Amos 3:3, Romans 12:10, Hebrews 3:13, Psalms 1:1 Matthew 7:6). Christ tells us that worrying changes nothing (Matthew 6:27).

In closing, I pray that the commandments of God are implemented daily and that you see the Lord is not trying to make life harder on you- but rather, make it easier for you. When a parent instructs their child to do certain things, the child may not understand why at the time but if they love their parent, they are willing to do it, in knowing their parent loves them and is trying to keep them from harm. Well, the same goes for our Heavenly Father. He instructs us to do certain things so that we are protected and can live happy, healthy and peaceful lives. Yes, many will look at us as “peculiar” but we know that the things God asks of us are only to help. It is alright if the world does not understand His way… The importance is obedience to His Will and he promises you will see the reward that comes from doing so, not only on earth but in Heaven!