Today we mark the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. He was a father, a husband, a Baptist Pastor, and a defender of civil rights, not only for people of color, but I believe for all humankind. The nation, at that time, was divided when he so eloquently delivered his "I Had a Dream" speech from Washington, D.C., in front of the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 1963. Nothing has changed.
With Abraham Lincoln watching, I listened intently to a man preach from these steps knowing that something was being stirred inside of me. I watched black and white people hold hands and march together. I watched as they hugged one another. I listened to Peter, Paul, and Mary sing "Blowin' in the Wind," written by Bob Dylan. These changers stood up for a better tomorrow, realizing that hate and destruction never resolve issues.
Their cries did not go unheeded by those who grew up in the sixties. We still long for a peaceful society, and our children do as well. But one must understand that as long as Satan is ruling in the spiritual realm (which many do not want to acknowledge or believe-Eph. 2:2-4), our earth will never be at peace. Our hope only lies in Christ, our redeemer. Remember the words of our Savior: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33, NIV).
Let my poem "Beyond" minister to your broken dreams and your broken hearts today, and let us not allow Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination to be in vain.
"Beyond"
Isaiah 45:22 "Turn to me, and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other."
Let us look beyond the mountains, beyond the stars, to the heavens, beyond what our human eyes can see.
Let us look to our heavenly Father for the answers to the questions we have deep within.
Let justice rain down like a mighty river covering the land, the valleys, and along the shore.
Let us look unto ourselves first when we see something wrong with others, judging not, lest we be judged.
Let us look past our color, our physical differences to the one who sees us all the same.
For if we say we have accepted Jesus as our Savior, yet utter one word about our neighbor, we have fallen short of the will of our Father, who is in heaven.
Let us remember to forgive as we have been forgiven, to love as we have been loved.
Let us be an example to others as Jesus, our Savior, was.
My definition of "The Fringe"- imagine a pair of blue jeans cut off at the bottom, producing a fringy look. The fringe is not the whole garment, only a tiny portion.
They say there are two sides to every story or two sides to every coin. One side is what we call "heads," with the other being "tails." As I walked around throughout Christmas this year, it hit me deep inside that those I am around are kind, they smile when spoken to, and have, for the most part loving attitudes. I am blessed. But they are definitely "heads." And I know and believe that there are more of us in this great nation of ours than The Fringe of society that seems to voice opinions in very outspoken, sometimes belligerent manners, many times with destructive outcomes.
I was moved to tears by those standing on the streets with signs asking for help as I reached into my wallet. While driving away, I always asked God to lift them from their circumstance without judgment. But, then, there is the side which is called "tails." I fondly call this side The Fringe. I am aghast at The Fringe of America, continually criticizing and belittling many who need a loving heart. But, to ignore one's brother on the streets of America in any city is "tails." And a side note: Violence and destruction, from The Fringe, have no place in a civilized society.
In closing, as we, together, embark upon 2022, I hope that the light of the Holy Spirit will show you which side of the coin you are on, whether you project "heads" or "tails." There is a moral right or wrong, good (which can be very good) or bad (which can be very bad, bordering on the demonic). My question for you: Are you Heads or Tails?
We all will answer for what we do while on this earth, whether we want to believe it or not. But, for me—I am not—The Fringe, although I love my jeans with a fringe!
When I first started to get serious about my walk with Jesus, I read two chapters of my Bible a day. To read my Bible and understand it, I had to focus only on it. That meant no television and no noise.
Two chapters became easy, but to feed my spirit-man, I felt I needed more. So I read two chapters in the morning and two chapters in the evening. Then, I also began to say my prayers before work and whenever I felt prompted during my workday. Additionally, I began to feel the need to pray before I got in bed and then start praising God for what He has done in my life.
I know when it is time to do something different. I feel inside I need more, and then I realize it is time to make the change. Your spiritual life changes and grows with time and practice. I have had many changes.
Now I read my Bible at night and watch some teaching by a man or woman of God, someone I know who "walks the walk" not just talks a lot; a whole lot without bearing any fruit in their lives. You will know them by their fruit (Mathew 7:15-20, NIV). Six months ago, you couldn't make me watch anyone. Now I try to tune in to watch someone every morning. That time is the most peaceful, relaxing time of the day because my spirit is getting fed. I tried to "kill two birds with one stone," reading and watching at the same time and got nothing from it. How can you listen and read simultaneously and grasp what God is trying to say to you!
Make changes that you need to keep God first in your life. If you are unsure what changes to make, ask him for his help; the Holy Spirit will guide you.
Matthew 7:7 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."
Proverbs 18:20-21 (NIV) "From the fruit of his mouth a man's stomach is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied. So the tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
When I think of fruit, I think of bananas. I love bananas. I love their shape and color. I love the way you have to peel it, and I love the texture in my mouth. I also love to freeze them for protein smoothies. At Christmas, my mom always made banana bread. Everyone would rave over mom's banana bread, but she chose very ripe bananas for her recipe to achieve the perfect taste. But overripe fruit can cause harmful consequences when correlated to the words we speak.
Words. Be wise what and how you talk to those you love; don't ever do it through anger, rage, or a very nasty temper which can cause great harm. The Holy Spirit is listening—and so is God. Some words are rotten fruit that can and will backfire. It takes lots (it did for me) of PPT (Prayer, Practice, and Time) to overcome a foul mouth. Many times, I begged God to please duck tape my mouth or, better yet, shut it and let nothing come out; just like he did John the Baptist's father through his disbelief that he and his wife could bear a son at a very old age (Luke 1:11-25).
I was raised to be a proper young lady, but the enemy of my soul walked right in, sat right down, and took residence. As a woman, I grew up in the Helen Reddy era of the "I am woman hear me roar" generation. I had to have the first, last, and every word in the middle word. I was always right and never wrong. I feel confident my mother wondered what happened to the young lady I tried to raise in the world!
Suppose you are one, like I was, who has had a troubled mouth which bore rotten fruit. Pray and ask God to help you through the power of the Holy Spirit. A part of his job is to purge and clean us. So, just a thought to leave you with: there won't be gripping, complaining, anger, or tempers in heaven; no rotten fruit. What is in the heart always comes out of the mouth, and you will eat its fruit, and everyone around you will partake of it whether it is good, bad, or ugly.
Matthew 12:36 "But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give an account thereof in the day of judgment" (KJV). Sobering Huh?
God bless you all as we strive to be the best that we can through Christ Jesus, our Lord.
The Old Testament is sown together with stories of great evil and defeat, but then God divinely intervenes. These stories are greater in weight than any famous or beloved comic book story you could ever dream up; what is more, they are real. One has not truly "lived Jesus" until they have read about our icons in the faith, their journies, and overcoming belief in a righteous God. Truly, from Genesis to Revelation, it is the greatest story ever told. Humanity rebels, sins, and is redeemed. But, the horrific story we, most of us anyway, have seen play out on the world stage is not over yet. And then, God! My Redeemer lives.
I have been praying, fasting, and holding the Kabul Airport and Afghanistan situation up to the Lord these past days, as I know, many of you have. Afghan and American civilians look to the strong arm of America to help save them, no matter how they got to their current position in the world. America stands for liberty in every sense of the word. Still, sadly freedom is not what is being touted politically. Instead, a "strong-arm" of doing it our way or no way (Washington) has placed many in danger, and I mean a deadly threat that most will never experience.
I asked God to do something. I said, “Send one angel and wipe out this heinous ideology playing out through the Taliban, ISIS, and various factions in the Middle East. After all, in 2 Kings 19:35, one angel was sent to wipe out 185,000 Assyrian soldiers.” That is my passion for good versus evil speaking. But, fortunately, my spirit man (I am trying to have some godly reason at this time) tells me that God controls this situation. He has allowed this military and political blunder to occur for His greater purpose. One must understand that freedom is never free and that the souls who were lost who knew Him as Lord and Savior hold a place at the King's Table for eternity. No one knows precisely how many have given their lives yet, but the count is, so far, 90 killed, 150 injured, 13 American servicemen. God bless their families.
My heart grieves for the military who now serve in Congress who live by the "No man left behind" rule and want to put boots on the ground and go clean up this mess. What courage and conviction! If only they were in charge. If only we had a government that felt this way.
On the cusp of September 11, 2001, how could an American President look into a camera and tell Americans that we are assured the Taliban is doing the right thing (they are helping us!) as we watch war crimes unfold? Who drank this Kool-Aid? Honestly? God help us all because only God can get us out of this mess of loss of precious lives of men, women, and children. And you know what the big kicker is? It didn't have to happen at all.
I know my Redeemer lives, and no matter what anyone does, He will serve up justice to each and every person. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Hebrews 10:31, NIV).
Amen.
Charles E. Weller said, "Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country."
Exodus 6:2-3 God also said to Moses, "I am the Lord. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob as God Almighty, but by my name the Lord, I did not make myself known to them."
Do you know God as Father? Last week, I helped contribute to a memorial service for a friend who is now in heaven with the Lord. At one point in our friendship several years ago, pressed by the Holy Spirit, I was led to minister to him and ask him this question: Do you know God as Father? It was a new concept to his spirit.
Many years ago, I, too, was convicted in my heart to begin praying to the Father. The words conveyed to me were straightforward: 'Molly, you need to start praying to God the Father through Jesus the Son." Without understanding much of anything spiritual at that time except Jesus this and Jesus that and Jesus saves, and Jesus heals, I honestly did not quite comprehend the nature of "God, the Father." Still, I knew that God was the Father due to years in Sunday school. So, I was just obedient to follow my instructions in the way I think, believe, and process.
How would I make God the Father of my heart? How would He take that position? What took place, though, was miraculous. You see, I had not allowed God to take the role of Father in my heart. You know, the one who disciplines or provides or cares for you without any measure. My faith in Jesus Christ began the journey of God taking His rightful position in my heart. Without realizing it, I needed God to sit on my throne. I was tired of being in control and doing a poor job of my life.
I continued doing what I knew to do:
• My studies in the Word of God
• Praying
• Learning from those the Holy Spirit placed in my path
I tried to consecrate myself unto Him (without joining a nunnery!), and somehow, He began to take the position in my heart of more than I had thought possible. It took time, diligence, and grace (I have always needed an abundance of grace, it seems!), but little by little, God became my Father on earth, and I do what I am told, for the most part. Do I slip? Yep. Do I still sin at times? Yep. But I have learned that repentance (turning from sin and going in another direction) sets me free from guilt and shame.
I will leave you with the intentions of Jesus concerning the Father. While preparing to go to the Cross, He asked the Father to come and dwell with those He had given to him so that they would be one as he and the Father are one (John 17: 21-23). On the Cross, Jesus asked God, the Father, to forgive them (Luke 23:24). It has always been my goal to "follow" Jesus. If Jesus does it, Molly does it, but I can testify from experience that many times I followed "the father of lies" (John 8: 42-47-eye-opening). I ask you today: Has God, the Father, taken his rightful position in your heart? Ponder this concept to mature into God the Father.
Matthew 18:12-14 “What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off?”
The Oklahoma County Detention Center
Spiritually, I grew up in the late nineties. When the year 2000 hit, Christianity became a worldwide celebrity platform, mainly due to Trinity Broadcasting Network. The intention, I believe, was forthright with Paul Crouch having received a divine vision from the Holy Spirit. Christianity became a "who's who" in the Kingdom, and I benefitted from many teachings, but something inside me (PRIDE) began to want to be just like Joyce Meyer or Paula White or anyone who stood on the platform.
In prayer, I vividly recall telling God that I would be happy with reaching "just the one" if their life could be transformed by my story. But did I really mean that statement? Deep inside, I wanted to be on a big stage preaching the gospel, healing individuals, and bringing souls into the Kingdom.
It has been over twenty-five years since I turned my heart fully to the Lord, and I have learned much. I have been disappointed and hurt through my wilderness years (when no one was watching), but I have learned many things. I believed I was doing the right things all along the journey, but today I can look back, with great humility, realizing how much pride was hidden in my heart. God loved me too much to leave me with this massive problem and certainly would not use me due to it.
So here is the ONE I said I wanted to reach to be happy. The letter is from the Oklahoma County Detention Center. It is verbatim:
Molly June- 28-14
You're a Godly Woman or lady, whichever I mean, no disrespect, but I want to tell you how your book impacted my life and how I've learned a few new things about God and pleading in the blood of Christ. I've only been a Christian for over a year now. I have been struggling with my staying on the narrow path.
Your book is very powerful. I've read a lot of Christian books. They all have an impact, but yours I cried, and I felt different afterward. I know why the devil was trying to stop you from writing your book because it's a powerful book.
Will you please pray for me please I'm in a real tight spot. My life either way is on the line. I don't want to go into details, but I want my freedom back. I've really changed and gave my life to Christ. I Love the Lord our God so much because he truly loves me and has saved my life too many times, and wants to have me in Heaven with him.
I wish I had your strength and faith. Your faith, wow, it's so awesome how your faith is so strong. Again, thank you for your book, and I'm going to read it again. I've also told my friend and others about your website and your book.
God bless you,
In Christ.
You see, I was the "one" out of ninety-nine that needed a Savior, Jesus Christ, to rescue me. Prayerfully, this young man was saved and redeemed by Him as well. He was my "one." My prayer was answered. What more do I need to say?
The world couldn't cure me of agoraphobia and anxiety. The fear and panic attacks were crippling. Working became difficult. Paranoia would set in. I always drove on the far right-hand side of the road, keeping a weather eye for the next exit sign, my escape. I carried a brown paper lunch bag with me to breathe into when I gasped for air. Life was a living nightmare.
The Sordid Past
What the world offered me? Medication. My first Psychiatrist assured me that I was not going crazy. The world couldn't quench my problems with alcohol; it only numbed the pain. When I drank, I drank to get drunk. Men couldn't fill the void in my heart. I had had abortions and shock treatments. One weekend, I tipped a bottle of Jack Daniels up and drank it until I passed out, hoping I would die, but then I woke up.
"Why are you allowing this to happen to me" I cried out? God heard. My life was dismantled brick by brick until I had almost nothing left. I had no self-worth, dignity (what was that?), or self-respect.
Today
In 2006, based on a word from the Lord while taking a shower, I began a weekly bible study and charged $1.00 from anyone who would attend. In 2007, the ministry received a $10,000 check, and I began a 501 c 3 ministry: Jesus without the Junk.com. In 2010, the ministry received a $100,000 donation which further confirmed the call of God. Jesus without the junk.com has been privileged to help individuals tangibly through intercession and financially one by one, in prison and globally. Collectively, the ministry has given over 77,000.
Today, I don’t take anti-depressants. It has been twenty-nine years since I have had a social drink. My memory is fully intact, and I am healthy. I went back to college, on a word from the Lord, at 54 years old. I didn’t even know if I was up to the task. I hold a two-year Biblical Studies degree from Liberty University (with honors) and a BS in Religion (with a 3.79 GPA), except for my final Math credit! I was ordained a revered by my local Baptist Church in 2014 by a panel of eleven individuals (4 Pastors, two of which hold their doctorates.)
Jesus Christ has delivered me free from deep-rooted strongholds, patterns of thinking, and demonic spirits. You can read more in-depth details of my sordid life through The Stained Glass Window at Jesus without the junk.com. I was the 1 out of 99 who needed a Savior.
I am Reverend Molly Painter, and this is my "I Am" Story.
Luke 4:18-19 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
The Elephant Rope
As a man passed the elephants, he suddenly stopped, confused by the fact that these huge creatures were being held by only a small rope tied to their front leg. No chains, no cages. It was obvious that the elephants could, at any time, break away from their bonds, but for some reason, they did not. He saw a trainer nearby and asked why these animals just stood there and made no attempt to getaway. "Well," the trainer said, "when they are very young and much smaller, we use the same size rope to tie them and, at that age, it's enough to hold them. As they grow up, they are conditioned to believe they cannot break away. They believe the rope can still hold them, so they never try to break free." The man was amazed. These animals could at any time break free from their bonds, but because they believed they couldn't, they were stuck right where they were." Anonymous
How many of us are still held by the small rope of doubt, disbelief, or defeat in our minds and cannot move forward when Christ tells us all he came to set the captive free? There is hope if you feel trapped in your circumstances of life or bound by generational patterns of belief. Nothing can stand against the blood and power of Jesus Christ. Ask Him to help you. If He has done so much for me, what is it that you need?
God bless all of you this Memorial Day Weekend. Be safe, and remember God loves you!
A friend told me about The Chosen television series last spring (2020) while on lockdown. Several times, "Have you seen The Chosen yet? You need to watch it, Molly." Easter came the following year (2021), and I felt I needed a time of solitude with the Lord. Besides writing and working for JesusWithouttheJunk.com the only ministry duty left to perform was to deliver Easter bags stuffed with goodies (27) for the children on the Nourish NC program at the local school. Of course, I continued my daily work of caring for my eleven-year-old grandson, JC (my most important job!). During Passover week, the Spirit's prompting to watch was intense enough to get me to tune in on YouTube. It began a journey of rebirth I had not anticipated.
I hold a two-year Biblical Studies degree and a BS in Religion (lacking one Math credit!) from Liberty University. I was ordained as a reverend in 2014 into Gospel Ministry through my local Baptist church. I have tried to walk with Christ for the last twenty-five years closely. I thought, well, I will tune in and watch at least one episode; I have the time. I fast-forwarded through most of the first episode and then clicked on another and did pretty much the same thing. Then, for some odd reason, I skipped to episode five. I sat mesmerized. I wondered who is this Jesus that is being portrayed? Then, I continued with episode six. Tears streamed down my face as I continued to watch episode after episode. Then, after going back to view all eight episodes, I knelt before the Lord to repent for my self-centered pride. It is what I fondly call one of my “ice-cold bucket of water” in the face moments. Additionally, I grieved for other things that I didn’t realize had been hiding in my heart. I rambled on to the Lord, feeling liberated, reborn.
Clearly, God uses what He chooses to reach His children. His message hasn't changed, yet His methods have. The last portrayal and story of Jesus Christ that touched my soul on such a deep level was The Passion of the Christ. As I walked away from the theater years ago, after sobbing so loud during the crucifixion scene that a woman turned around a patted my knee telling me it was going to be alright, a voice whispered into my heart, "It was as it was." But The Chosen is a unique vehicle for this generation and is unequaled in its story-telling. Each episode brings one closer to what it might have been like walking, eating, breathing the same air, and learning from Christ.
Has literary license been taken? Is it exact in all instances? Overall, the body of work is nothing short of stunning. Do you know that this project is solely crowd-funded with the most significant donations ever? The back story of its creator, Dallas Jenkins, is awe-inspiring as well. The Holy Spirit has accomplished (so far) through this outreach what can only be touted as divine. If you want to witness the hand of God move, watch and learn about The Chosen. But don't listen to my advice; when the time comes, the Holy Spirit will give you your own “ice-cold bucket of water” in the face. He is no respecter of persons!
