Archive | February 2012

My Name Is

Feb7

It truly does matter what an item is made of; it is the elements of that item that makes it to be called what it is.  If it didn’t matter, then every item would be made of and be called the same thing.  If it didn’t matter what it was made of, we wouldn’t have carbonated water and citric acid for soda; we’d have water and water.  Or, we wouldn’t have a rose and a hydrangea; we’d have a rose and a rose.  And, yes, a rose is still a rose with our without thorns, but it is only called a rose because of the ingredients that makes it a rose.  Furthermore, it is not only called a rose; it is called a wild rose, a red rose, a hybrid tea rose, a hardy rose, a shrub rose, a cabbage rose, or a carpet rose all because of the other names [attachments, ingredients, diseases, breeding and mixtures] that makes it those types of roses.  However, its first name wasn’t rose; it was dirt and seed.  Selah!

In conjunction with the context of an initial thought about soul-ties, when we BE-come intimately involved with a person [in spirit and in flesh] we have then BE-come tied to many ingredients [if I may put it like that].  As the Prophet explained to me, those spiritual species [unconscious ingredients, particles you can’t see, spiritual diseases, breeds and genes] binds themselves to you and you take on their attributes distorting your true self-identity.  Those attributes didn’t just come from one person; they came from all the people that one person was tied to.  Unless we unfastened ourselves [spiritually] from the ties of that one person [and their attachments] we have no idea of who we actually are or the essence of our “true” name.

As people, our first name is not the name our parents gave us; that’s our second name.  Our first name is MAN, dust of the ground [dirt, powder, soil, air]; our second name is the name on our birth certificates.  And let the truth be articulated, we even lose sight of our second name when we bind our flesh and spirit to sexual, emotional, and psychological ties.  We become known [and named as] hysterical, schizophrenic, bi-polar, multiple personality disorder, sociopath, OCD, manic-depression and the host of all those NAMES that does not rightly identify us as God has created us to be.

My first name is MAN, dust of the ground; my second name is Angela Marie, and that name means Beloved Messenger, Bringer of Truth; and my prophetic name is Nataph, and that name means prophet who speaks by inspiration.  I AM what and who my name says I AM.

Who are you and what is your name? 

© February 28, 2010, Angela M. Smith

Bring Me to Him or He Has Bought Me? Part 2

Feb7

Yes, Ruth asked Boaz to marry her; to take her as his wife when she said, “spread therefore thy skirt over me,” because the right to redeem her (a widow) was his, being that he was a next of kin.   Boaz called her a virtuous woman!  We are not taught that a virtuous woman is still virtuous when she asks a man to marry her.  Selah!

“Was it his choice to cover her or not, or to take her hand in marriage or not?”  In accordance to Deuteronomy Law, it was not a choice to marry her, it was Law that when a kinsmen dies, without a son, that his next of kin marries his widow.  The widow was not permitted to marry outside of the family.  Boaz accepted her proposal and stated, “And now it is true that I am thy near kinsmen; howbeit, there is a kinsman closer to you than I” (Ruth 3:12).  Boaz continues by telling Ruth, “Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well let him do the kinsman’s part: but, if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, THEN will I do the part of a kinsman to thee as the LORD lives: lie down until the morning” (Ruth 3:13).

So, Boaz purchased Ruth as his wife because the nearest next of kin [who was already married] resigned his right to purchase Naomi’s land and her daughter in law (Ruth).  This kinsman refused lest there be contention in his own house and he becomes a corrupter of his own inheritance.  The kinsman thought he was just purchasing Naomi’s land.  Then he learned of the condition that if he purchased the “land” he had to marry the widow as well.  He then took off his shoe and gave it to Boaz in essence to say, “I can not redeem her because I will mar mine own inheritance; you purchase her for yourself.”  Boaz says, “Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day” (Ruth 4:10).

In present day when a Jew marries a woman, he throws the skirt or end of his talith over her to signify that he has taken her under his protection.  When going to the bed of their lawful husbands, through modesty, and in token of subjection, women go to the foot of the bed and gently raising the clothes, they creep under them up to their place.  In this particular story, Boaz didn’t throw his skirt, or talith, over Ruth; Ruth uncovered his feet on her own and ASKED him to marry her.  Boaz was not Ruth’s lawful husband by his initial desire and pursuit, but they became lawfully one through the purpose and destiny of God and Ruth pursuit of him.  It’s amazing that although Ruth and her mother-in-law planned her actions to marry Boaz, Ruth was yet called a virtuous woman. Selah!

I have come to learn that even though some biblical things have great merit, according to era and culture, it doesn’t always mean it is proper for today in all cultures.  Yet, on the other hand, all things are pure to him who believes it is.  What I’d like to know is would you do as Ruth did when she asked Boaz to marry her; to become one with her.  Or, would you rather be presented to your husband by God; to him who has found you – a wife – and have thrown his skirt over you?

© June 27, 2009 Angela M. Smith

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from The King James Version of the Bible

Bring Me to Him or He Has Bought me? Part 1

Feb7

For many years, I’ve heard it come across the pulpit (toward single women) that we need to keep working and gleaning the fields and our Boaz will find us.  It can be understood that he finding us is an indication that he was searching for and was interested in us in regards to marriage.

The scriptures state in Ruth Chapter 2, that when Boaz returned from Bethlehem he asked the servant in charge of the reapers who the damsel was.  Well, they told Boaz who she was, “And the servant that was set over the reapers answered and said, It is the Moabitish damsel that came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab: And she said, I pray you, let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves: so she came, and hath continued even from the morning until now, that she tarried a little in the house” (Ruth 2:6-7).

When Boaz understood that she was of his family, through marriage, he was kind to her.  Now, Ruth asked Boaz, “Why have I FOUND grace in your eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing that I am a stranger” (Ruth 2:10)?  Per Boaz, he didn’t take knowledge of her because he was attracted to her, had marriage on his mind, and wanted to be her husband, etc.  This is why, Boaz says, “It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother-in-law since the death of thine husband, and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore.  The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust” (Ruth 2:11-12).

Then Ruth said, “LET ME (I DECREE that I) find favor in your sight, my lord.”  Now, the endearing term of my lord was only addressed from a wife to her husband and in the scriptures was done once, to my knowledge, from Sarah to Abraham.   When Ruth said LET ME, she was announcing to Boaz that I want to be her who finds favor (be pleasing to you) in your sight (in the private place), my lord (my husband).

So, Boaz, knowing she was the widow of a kinsman, takes notice of her decree, but he tells her to come eat at mealtime due to the fact that she has labored all day long; not because he was interested in her betrothal.  I’ve been asked concerning this matter:

Are you saying that because he was kind to her, that he was interested in marrying her?

As far as I have studied, Boaz was not interested in her as a wife at the time he saw her in the field.  He inquired of her and came to know all the good that she had done concerning his family i.e. her deceased husband and her mother in law.  Then, he extended great favor to her because she was family.  For he even said, “The LORD repay you for what you’ve done, may you be richly rewarded by the LORD.”

Now, although there was a closer kinsman than Boaz, the plot or arrangement of Naomi was to procure Boaz to marry Ruth because of his wealth, but the plan of YAH was because of the lineage of the Savior.  In this case, Naomi strategically sets the plan for Ruth to engage herself to Boaz, by stating, “Shall I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you?”  In this passage – the Hebrew/Aramaic meaning of rest literally means safety, peace, wholeness, and no deficiency.  So in essence, Naomi was saying to Ruth, “Shall I not seek a place of safety, peace, wholeness, and no deficiency for you?”  Naomi knew exactly where Boaz would be that night i.e. working in the threshing floor.  She told Ruth to go prepare herself for him but don’t bother him until he has finished working, eating, drinking, and have laid down to sleep.  Go prepare yourself means, “Wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, and put thy raiment upon thee, and get thee down to the floor: but make not thyself known unto the man, until he shall have done eating and drinking.  And it shall be, when he lay down, that thou shalt mark the place where he shall lay, and thou shalt go in, and uncover his feet, and lay thee down; and he will tell thee what thou shalt do.

Precisely, when Ruth startled Boaz at his bedfoot, she said to him “I am your servant Ruth; spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman.” In the Hebrew translation, she was saying to Boaz, “Let thy name be called on thy handmaid to take me for your wife, for you are a next of kin to marry me.”  The scriptures says, “And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast showed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followed not young men, whether poor or rich.  And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou require: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman.”

© June 27, 2009 Angela M. Smith

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from The King James Version of the Bible

Finding a Church Home

Feb7

When looking for a church home, because we are not perfect mortals, I suggest that you look for qualities that you currently see in yourself, focusing specifically on those that can be improved vs. looking for our standards or expectations to already be in position.

The place I worship at is not what I prefer i.e. COGIC.  This particular group of people are hurt people, yet they love the Lord and believe in the Power of Love and Forgiveness.  What made me visit this minsitry is the invitation extended to me, after I had made an inquiry, while sitting in the barber chair, about any Christian Cafe’s to fellowship at.  Then, I kept going back because the young pastor is, in my opinion, a rarity in the Kingdom.  His teaching style is very unique and it draws you into a spiritual intimate place, that although you are in a crowd you are yet the only one there with the Master.  Selah!  One Sunday, I arrived late and as soon as I stepped foot inside the sanctuary door I was in pure worship mode.  The atmosphere was conducive for who I am and the mind-set I was in before I got there.  This pastor had set the atmosphere, as any “leader” should be doing.  Not necessarily with his voice, but with his presence.  Selah!

Not only was this pleasing,but the mere fact that he is a touchable pastor was encouraging.  He worked the food pantry; drove the church van when needed to; buys Sunday dinner for the congregants – ALL OF THEM; does street outreach etc.  He communicates with individuals as if they are his equal.  I like that a lot!  And, he keeps it so real in his delivery without being worldly.  There is one thing that makes me turn my face, and that is when the leader uses sexual subliminal messages and people who “gets it” thinks it’s funny, laughs at it, and then say AMEN!  Or when a leader’s language is so carnal minded and not spiritual or revelation minded.  This young pastor, named Pastor A. Wendell Brown, Jr., is both of the latter (spiritual and revelation minded).  Another thing that I truly like is this: he doesn’t BEG people to give.  This is when people GIVE happily, which makes it joyful!

Know this though:  you don’t have to bind yourself to ANY MAN’S ideology or theology.  What I tell those I counsel with is that if it doesn’t line up with the “revealed word and knowledge of God, it is a lie and the truth isn’t in it.”  With that, they are now on their own to do the right thing.  Selah!

Sometimes, just sometimes, we will pursue a great congregation that may not exist amongst us as a whole.  While it is true that the whole congregation is greater than the sum of its parts (each individual), it is also true that the parts are only total in its portion of the body and cannot justify the whole of the matter.  I see it like a puzzle.  Every piece of the puzzle is a complete piece and is significant in identifying its proper place in the whole of the puzzle.  If one piece is missing, the entire puzzle is incomplete. Therefore, although the part is powerful in its element, the whole of the puzzle is greater than a part that is only complete in part.  You may have a very difficult time locating a body of people that is WHOLE i.e. sum total complete together vs. individually whole.

I was reminded of something when I heard this statement, “I’m looking for a congregation that shares a sense of brotherhood and compassion for their fellow man.”  About two weeks ago, I was at my associate’s office and one of her clients came in, in much physical pain.  My associate is a Christian woman who runs a non-profit organization that serves men and women who are recovering addicts. Well, this recovering client had shared in private that she needed a bed and my associate came and asked me if I knew of someone who had a bed.

My first response, within mysef, was, “WHAT?  Don’t you have a bed?”  Then, I asked the young lady what was she sleeping on, and she replied that she was sleeping on a twin size mattress on the floor and that she was getting ready to have surgery and needed a bed.  I then told her to get some help and come to my home and get my bed.  They both stood in shock and speechless then asked what I was going to sleep on.  I told them that I will take her place and sleep on the floor (air mattress).

To mention, I didn’t only give her my bed, but she got the entire bedroom set.  The best wood framed product you can purchase.  I had only had it for 6-years and it still looked brand-new.  All that to say this:  I wasn’t going to give her or offer her anything less than what I would have for myself.  Now, I have a bad back from a 19-year old injury so sleeping on the floor or air mattress was not conducive for my back health.  However, I was compelled to exchange positions so that this young lady (who is working very diligently to get her life together) can have better than a mattress on the floor.  I didn’t know this woman other than she was someone who needed something that I had.

Now, this is the spirit of brotherhood and compassion in a church home (congregation); a family that you will not want to forsake assembling with because they don’t have all the pieces to the puzzle as you want them to have.  Selah!

© March 10, 2009 Angela M. Smith

The Tornado is Coming!

Feb6

Today during service, Prophet Kenner was talking about the things we expect from the LORD and he said, “Close your eyes and see the expectations.”  As soon as I closed my eyes, I saw a tornado coming towards me.  I could vividly see its funnel shape, its thickness, its color, and I saw it moving all within milliseconds.  I wasn’t afraid of its speed as I slowly opened my eyes and waited for revelation.  And this is what the LORD says concerning the tornado:  “It is not a wind of destruction that comes from the East.  This wind is coming from the West.  I AM sending you a “tornado of blessings.”  Expect it!  It is on the way!  Rise up to the wind and dwell in the “tornado of blessings” that I AM is sending your way.  Again, I say, IT IS on the way.”

Throughout scripture, we notice that the east wind yields destruction.  In Exodus 10:13, the east wind brought on locusts.  These locusts covered the face of the earth, it ate every herb of the land, and all the fruit of the trees that the hail had left behind.  However, the LORD sends a strong west wind [ a tornado], which took away the locusts.  This is the only time a west wind is mentioned in the scriptures.  This wind is coming to take away the hands that bind you; to take away the matters that come to horde and devour you; to take away the things that impede the enlargement of your territory.

As I encourage you, I encourage myself to embrace the tornado.  IT IS on the way, and with bountiful blessings!

(C) February 5, 2012 Angela M. Smith

What is a Professional Assassin?

Feb6

December 30, 2010

My Jordan randomly asked me a few days ago (December 25), “Mom, what is a professional assassin?”  I observantly answered him that a professional assassin is an exceptionally competent person who is trained with a high degree of skill and precision to murder by sudden or secret attack and not get caught. Here it is five days later and the Spirit of the Lord is speaking concerning his question.  One of, if not, the earliest-recorded occurrence of a “Professional Assassin” is the murder of the Moabite King Eglon, by Ehud around 1337 BC, which is described in the Book of Judges Chapter 3.

Judges 3:12-23

12And the children of Israel did evil AGAIN in the sight of the LORD: and the LORD STRENGTHENED Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the LORD.   13And he gathered unto him the children of Ammon and Amalek, and went and smote Israel, and possessed the city of palm trees.  14So the children of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years.  15But when the children of Israel cried unto the LORD, the LORD raised them up a DELIVERER, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man left-handed: and by him the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon the king of Moab.  16But Ehud made him a dagger which had two edges, of a cubit length; and he did gird it under his raiment upon his right thigh.  17And he brought the present unto Eglon king of Moab: and Eglon was a very fat man.  18And when he had made an end to offer the present, he sent away the people that bare the present.  19But he himself turned again from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said, I have a SECRET errand unto thee, O king: who said, Keep silence. And all that stood by him went out from him.  20And Ehud came unto him; and he was sitting in a summer parlour, which he had for himself alone. And Ehud said, I have a MESSAGE FROM GOD unto thee. And he arose out of his seat.  21And Ehud put forth his left hand, and took the dagger from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly: 22And the haft also went in after the blade; and the fat closed upon the blade, so that he could not draw the dagger out of his belly; and the dirt came out.  23Then Ehud went forth through the porch, and shut the doors of the parlour upon him, and locked them.

Although we can’t go around literally thrusting people in their belly unto physical death, we have a MESSAGE FROM GOD and can thrust the SWORD of the WORD into fat situations [spiritually, emotionally, psychologically] that is brought on by the oppression of sin and the enemy.  And we, the professional assassin, will [through the WORD] with a high degree of skill and precision murder that fat situation by sudden or secret attack and not get caught.  Watch yourselves you wayward sheep, you lying prophets, you pedophilic pastors, you provoking fathers, and you prostituting mothers…ALL the dirt [waste, filth, and grime] is going to overpoweringly ooze out.  SELAH!  NO ONE will be able to come in and see about you, because the assassin [deliverer] sent by God will do his job, shut the door AND lock it on the dead fat situation,  Then we who are delivered will rejoice in the victory from God Who is our salvation.