10 Reasons Why: #MyFriendFred

Hey Friends! This is actually a post from my husband! We would like to share with you all why we started the, "My Friend Fred," fundraiser/campaign. In this post, you will learn the heart, motives, and desires we had when we initially started this mission. The Book of 2 Corinthians was a huge influence in why we decided to try and get more of The Body involved in Fred's restoration. There is still much work to be done, but God has been so amazingly faithful!

1. So The Church would find comfort in all their affliction.

Chapter 1:4

"God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God" 

2. For the awareness of many brothers in affliction and their dependance on our prayer for their deliverance.

Chapter 1:11

"You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many" 

3. For Fred’s salvation, along with the proclamation of God's faithfulness and mercy

Chapter 2:14

"But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere" 

4. For the praise of God's grace in our hearts along with a strengthened hope of His glory to be revealed 

Chapter 4:15

"For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God"  

5. For the advancing of the Gospel and the increase of Fred's area of influence

Chapter 5:20

"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God" 

6.  So that people would be exhorted by his testimony and be able to see an example of sufficiency in Christ alone. 

Chapter 4:12

"For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus 'sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you"

7.  To open up a door for spiritual blessings on behalf of the givers

Chapter 8:4

"begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints"

8. For the demonstration of biblical principles that encourage The Church to function properly

Chapter 8:14

"Your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness"

9. For God's holiness to be put on display and His righteousness to be seen working in us

Chapter 8:19

"As we carry out this act of grace that is being ministered by us, for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our good will"

10. For a revival and refreshing of The Church's heart that we may more boldly live out the Gospel. 

Chapter 9:12

"For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you."

My Friend Fred

So... It has been entirely TOO long since I've consistently blogged. The LORD has been truly faithful, and has been teaching me so much these past two years. One of those areas that He has been dealing with me in is TRUSTING Him in every single area of my life. One of the ways he has been teaching me is not only through circumstances, but through people.

About a year ago, my husband and I met a man named Fred. He is a 62 years old street evangelist in Atlanta, GA. And he is FAITH-FULL!! I mean, in the same spot, at the same time, every day, at probably the busiest train station in Atlanta, Five Points. What really captures not only my heart, but my admiration, is that he is homeless and blind. He has endured affliction after affliction, but has clung to the rock that is higher than him. Psalm 61:2 "From the end of the earth I call to you, when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I." ESV

Though he cannot see, he makes his way to the train station at about 8am everyday. The location is extremely noisy, but his voice projects over all that is going on, proclaiming the truth of God's word. It's not a ministry of condemnation, but reconciliation. His life--the way God has graced him to live it--has not taught me a message about how God will prosper me, but how even in the hard, troubling times, there is a JOY to be found in God. There is a peace and a confidence to know that even the bad times are meant for my good... internally and eternally. I have learned that sometimes, in order to live by faith, the pillars that I have so comfortably leaned on, (money, jobs, people) MUST be torn down to help me learn to depend on GOD. If we're honest with ourselves, our American culture, has taught many of us, how to depend on ourselves and our parents. It's not until life gets tumultuous that we have the opportunity to learn that God is our strong foundation and refuge. Money, jobs, people etc. are all just resources that the True Source supplies! When all the resources are gone God still has an abundance of peace, provision, and power. These earthly, temporary thing come and go, but God does NOT change. James 1:17 "Every good and perfect gift comes from above, coming from the Father of lights with whom there is NO variation or shadow due to change." ESV

I've often wondered how I would fair being homeless. Yet even without a home, Fred is a person who remains faithful in little, and my prayer is that God will soon allow him to be faithful over much. Consider my friend Fred the next time you have to drag yourself out of bed to get to work, at your next unexpected financial expense, or when any undesirable life circumstance comes up. He has truly learned how to be brought low, while finding contentment in God. He is an example to all of us that joy abounds in our fellowshipping with our Father. There is NOTHING too hard for God, and with Him, you CAN endure and do all things through Christ who is your strength. Philippians 4:11-13 "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."ESV

Please be praying for our friend Frederick Brice, as we help him embark on this journey of physical and financial restoration.

If you would like to learn a little more about Fred's life and want to be a part of his restoration, please visit his gofundme account. Here's the link: http://www.gofundme.com/7rgdj4

Here's a short video about Fred. I hope and pray that it blesses you! 

Love,

❤ Kamaria

Getting Full?

This is not written to the unbeliever. This is for those seasoned saints. The ones who know all the right answers. Who have all the right verbiage and enough fake, phony smiles to make plastic. I am guilty of this.

What or who is filling you up?

Everyday we find ourselves getting full off something. Whether it's food, time with friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands, wives, pets, TV, music that doesn't glorify God, whatever. Finally, after all the time we spend doing other things, we spend 5 min in prayer, and 2 minutes trying to read His word. Then, we wonder why we don't feel like God is there. But God says, "Stop getting full off of other things, stop worshiping these idols. Worship ME." He says, "You feed your flesh more than the Spirit I gave you, Satan has tempted you with the cares of this world and you took every bait." Believer, child of GOD. Do not be deceived... Get full off God and the things of God... THEN operate from that place. You will see a major difference in how you pray, read, love and worship. Satan has many ways in causing us to be lukewarm, and modern American Christianity has fallen prey to his ways. Don't fall into the temptation.  

Jesus told Peter in Luke 22:31, "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat," BUT in Luke 22:32 He goes on to say, "but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers." Satan tries to sift us as wheat, but I just want to encourage all of my fellow brothers and sisters to, PURSUE GOD with all that you are. Jesus, our Great intercessor,  lives to intercede for us in Heaven [Hebrews 7:25]! I've realized that I can't just spend a few minutes in devotion in the morning and be, "okay." I've only be walking with the LORD for 3 years, but I've learned that, the more I grow spiritually, the more time I need with GOD. Geesh, what a hard lesson to learn, but I am so glad to have grabbed hold of this truth. It's so easy to get caught up in the cares of this world, but, Jesus is praying for us! Satan begs to have us, but Jesus continues to pray for those whom He calls His own. Don't be discouraged, we all slip up, but it's whether or not you choose to get up and fight. Take heart, remember that Jesus is praying for you. Be encouraged, for He has overcome the world John 16:33.


♥ Kamaria

Construction Zone

9/27/12

This was something that Holy Spirit spoke to me a while ago. It was so encouraging to me and just wanted to share. It's short and sweet! :^)

I'm looking around and I see a lot of construction going on. Makes me think of my life, it's a lot like that. God has blocked a lot out and has made detours so He could fix up, repair, remove, and build whatever needs to be done. And like construction, it doesn't last forever, unless someone stops paying for it... but Jesus already paid it ALL :) It may take a while for it to be finished, but in the end, it's worth it! The results are beautiful and people are amazed by the completed work, improvements and difference the builders made!! God is restoring this house!! :)

Philippians 1:6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. ESV

❤ Mari

Just a Vapor

Psalm 39:4-7

4 “LORD, make me to know my end,

And what is the measure of my days, That I may know how frail I am.

5 Indeed, You have made my days as handbreadths, And my age is as nothing before You; Certainly every man at his best state is but vapor. Selah

6 Surely every man walks about like a shadow; Surely they busy themselves in vain; He heaps up riches, And does not know who will gather them.

7 “And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You.

"Certainly every man at his best state is but a vapor." Even when you're at the top of the world, it still means NOTHING, you are still but a vapor, another person dying! [Wow...that's deep]. We store up riches yet don't know who'll receive them once we die... anything could happen to them! Our only hope is God [vs. 7]. None of these things here on earth really matter, no matter how good or fabulous your job is, how great or attractive your spouse is, how amazing or loving your friends and family are, it doesn't matter and it cannot get you into God's presence in the end. KNOW HIM for yourself! Surely every man is a vapor...you better know where you're going before it's too late.


❤ Kamaria

Cracking My Pride

Hey guys! I hope all is well with you! I'd like to share a piece of my life with you!

To make a long story short, I went to an O'Reilly Auto Parts store to have my wiper blades replaced and now have a cracked windshield. I won't go into too many details, but I am 99.99999% sure that the damage was incurred by the person attempting to change the wiper blade. This happened roughly 2 weeks ago.

So, needless to say, in the past few days, I have talked to the store manager, the district manager, and customer service...and have pretty much received the same treatment all the way around. When I say treatment, I mean... imagine being completely innocent, yet people are treating you like a thugged out, no good, convicted felon, con artist. Like you mean them nothing but harm! This is how I was treated. Sad, but true. Though I can continue to take this issue higher up the totem pole, Holy Spirit instructed me to, "Just let it go." When I heard that, I immediately tried to knock the thought out of my head! "NO, that can't be right! I'm almost in the position to have my windshield replaced! No, Nooo, Nooooooo!!!!!!!!!!" Hahaha! This made me even more frustrated because I knew this would be the right thing to do.

After praying with my boyfriend, Jonathan, I was led to begin reading 1 Peter, and "coincidentally," it lines up with and addresses this whole issue. Below are the links to some key verses for me at this time and how they applied to my life:

1 Peter 1:6-9 - You will be tested, but do not lose sight of who God is and where He is in your trials
1 Peter 2:19-24 - It's good to keep God at the forefront of your mind when enduring hard times. Jesus suffered for something He did not do but instead of retaliating, He entrusted Himself to His Father--GOD!
1 Peter 3:13-17 - It is good to suffer for doing good, if that is God's will. [I could have easily lied, schemed and manipulated in order to get the outcome I desired but chose to be a woman of virtue & integrity.]
1 Peter 4:12-19 - Don't think it strange or be surprised when you are tested, it is good to suffer for doing good, entrust you soul to your faithful God while going through it!
1 Peter 5:6-9 So be humble, consider God and pour out your heart to Him. Don't try to carry your own burdens, He cares for you and wants to help you! Watch out for the enemy, he's looking to destroy when you let your guard down, stand firm in your faith and pray for your brothers & sisters in Christ, know that they are experiencing sufferings too!

There are several instances in the Bible [including 2 Chronicles 10:4] where God instructed people not to fight, and they would obey, because I mean, let's face it, without God fighting with you, what good is fighting at all?!

At any rate, I have experienced many emotions/feelings in this time--frustration, pride, anger, unforgiveness, hate, hey... I'm just being real here! So looking back on it, I can see WHY God instructed me to leave the situation alone. It was really becoming a stumbling block, and it has taken everything in me to NOT react how the old me would react. Of course, I felt that it was not fair for me to have to pay for the repair costs since I was not the one who damaged my windshield. I mean, why should I have to pay for something I didn't do!? But you know what? Christ paid for something He didn't do as well. What He endured on the cross, and leading up to the cross, was not fair. Yet, He CHOSE to pay for something He did not do -- sin. He was perfect and sinless, yet He humbled Himself  and accepted ridicule, toture, mockery, beatings, all for love.

I know that letting go of the situation is the humble way out, which is why I've had such a hard time. I am so prideful in so many ways, but I thank GOD for showing me the RIGHT way.  A cracked windshield is not worth my life [holding on to my sinful pride], nor is it worth coming between me and God. I love Him more than anything on this earth, let a lone a car! So as I continue in this love walk, running the race of faith, enduring trials and tribulations, I find hope in knowing that My Savior has overcome it all. He has left His peace with me and has told me to not let my heart be troubled. So let's keep trusting Him, the author and perfecter of our faith!

❤ Kamaria

These 3 Things

This is  matter of fear and faith. Possibly, life and death! I was recently inspired by my boyfriend to make a list of 3 things I know for certain of God, and 3 things that I don't. I've found this to be so helpful and I encourage you to do the same! Just make a list of 3 things you definitely know about God and His character, and then jot down 3 things you are unsure of. I would suggest you do it now before you read mine. :-)

Personally, I think it's important to know the effect of the 3 things that you know for certain, and the 3 things you're unsure of. Knowing these things can help you either, reinforce the truth, or dismantle the lies, and knowing the TRUTH can help you spot lies! Ask yourself, what you must believe in order to do what you want to do and be who you want to be? Then ask yourself, what would happen if you continue to believe those uncertainties in your life? How damaging could they be to your physical and spiritual health?

With this list, I gathered a few verses to affirm whatever I know is true of God. I also got a few scriptures to combat WHATEVER lies I was or am believing, and I also ask myself, "In what ways do I KNOW the lies are lies in my own personal life?" Not just going off of what I may have heard or have been told by others. Believe it or not, God shows me things He has said or done that contradict the lies and He'll show you too! So in your thinking, make sure you take some time to remember what the LORD has done in your life! :^)

Here's my list:

3 Things I know

• God is faithful. Psalm 36:5; Psalm 33:4; Romans 3:3-4; 2Timothy2:13
• God is true & trustworthy. 2Samuel7:28; John 17:3; Proverbs 30:5; Psalm 20:7
• God is patient. 2 Peter 3:9; Psalm 86:15; Romans 2:4; Revelation 2:21

3 Things I'm unsure of

• God's sovereignty. Psalm 103:19; Philippians 1:6; Proverbs 16:33; Proverbs 16:9
• God's love FOR ME. John 3:16; Romans 5:8; 1John3:1; John 15:19-17
• Does God know me? Does He have a plan for me? Jeremiah 29:11-14; Psalm 139:1-4; Jeremiah 1:4-5; Psalm 37:23-24

 ❤ Kamaria