JOURNEY TO WORSHIP - A Christmas Psalm

The Magi brought gifts and worshipped Jesus for who he was. This is the essence of true worship--honoring Christ for who he is and willing to give him what is valuable to you. Worship God because he is the perfect, just, and almighty Creator of the universe, worthy of the best you have to give. (Matthew 2:11, NIV Application Notes).

O God, my Creator, I come to worship You

Today, I celebrate the birth of Immanuel (God with us)*

From Heaven to Earth, You came to be with me

Challenging, good and abundant, this long journey

From Hell to Win, Jesus is with me

O Jesus, my Saviour, I come to worship You

Today, I celebrate the birth of Love, Peace and Redemption

From Heaven to Earth, You came to be with me

Challenging, good and abundant, this long journey

From Hell to Win, Jesus is with me

O Jesus, my Healer, I come to worship You

Today, I celebrate the birth of Freedom, Joy and Victory

From Heaven to Earth, You came to be with me

Challenging, good and abundant, this long journey

From Hell to Win, Jesus is with me

O Jesus, my King, I come to worship You

Today, I give You everything I value: my life, my heart, mind, body and soul

From Heaven to Earth, You came to be with me

Challenging, good and abundant, this long journey

From Hell to Win, I'm on pilgrimage to worship Jesus

O Jesus, my Friend, I come to worship You

Today, I offer my dwelling place to You

From Heaven to Earth, You came to abide with me

Challenging, good and abundant, this long journey

From Hell to Win, I'm on pilgrimage to worship Jesus

O Jesus, Son of the Most High, I come to worship You*

Today, I give You everything I treasure: my family and friends

From Heaven to Earth, You came to be with us

Challenging, good and abundant, this long journey

From Hell to Win, we're on pilgrimage to worship Jesus

O Jesus,

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace,

we come to worship You*

Mission Accomplished: our journey to worship Jesus Christ

O magnify the LORD!

Today, the light of the eastern sky, guides us to the Light of the World*

[Isaiah 7:14 & Matthew 1:23, NIV; Luke 1:32, NIV; Isaiah 9:6, NIV; John 8:1, NIV]

WAIT FOR THE WIN

It is right to pray for a sign of God’s goodness. As David found, it may be just what we need. But let us not overlook the signs he has already given, the support of family and friends, the fellowship of other Christians, the light of each new day. And we can be confident that he knows our situation no matter how desperate it becomes, and he cares. (Psalm 86:17, NIV Application Notes).

Q: God, how long must I wait for what I want?

A: “Be still, and know that I am God . . . .” (Psalm 46:10, KJV).

Q: God, You know I'm not getting any younger, I didn't think I'd be waiting this long?!

A: Since before time began no one has ever imagined, no ear heard, no eye seen, a God like Me who works for those who wait for Me. (Isaiah 64:4, MSG).

Q: Surely I'm not asking You to do something that's outrageous and out of your scope of work, so what's the holdup?

A: But I'm not finished. I'm waiting around to be gracious to you. I'm gathering strength to show mercy to you. I take the time to do everything right--everything. Those who wait around for Me are the lucky ones. (Isaiah 30:18, MSG).

Q: Okay, but my friends and relatives got what they wanted years ago, don't You think it’s about time for me to get what I want?

A: I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen. When you come looking for me, you'll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed. (Jeremiah 29:11-13, MSG).

Q: Well, why does it appear that my enemies have everything they want?

A: Be still before ME and wait patiently for Me; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. (Psalm 37:7, NIV).

Q: I know I am not perfect. I also know that I seek You daily, I read Your Word, I study Your Word, I practice Your Word, I'm a vehicle of compassion, and I pray for others. Don't I qualify to receive what I desire?! Uuuuugh . . . I'm tired of waiting!

A: Why would you ever complain, . . . saying, "God has lost track of me. God doesn't care what happens to me"?

Don't you know anything? Haven't you been listening?

I don't come and go. I last. I am the Creator of all you can see or imagine. I don't get tired out, I don't pause to catch My breath. And I know everything, inside and out. I energize those who get tired, give fresh strength to dropouts. For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those who wait upon Me get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, they run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind.  (Isaiah 40:27-31, MSG).

God, there are moments when I get so anxious about my future, I start grumbling. Considering my résumé and credentials, I believe I should've already achieved certain milestones. I get so caught up in thoughts of where I think I should be, I don't give my entire attention to what You're doing right now. (Matthew 6:34, MSG).

Forgive me, O Lord, for being impatient and prideful. Please accept my sincere apology for not always respecting Your authority over my life. I know I shouldn't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow" and I am truly sorry for not honoring Your timeline. (Matthew 6:34, MSG). When I'm frustrated and life is challenging for me, please remind me to go off by myself. Enter the silence. Bow in prayer. Don't ask questions: Wait for hope to appear." (Lamentations 3:28-29, MSG).

God, I appreciate our conversations. Like Abraham, I can approach You and we can engage in a Q & A session.  Life is good because You show me "that asking for anything is allowed, with the understanding that" Your answers come from Your perspective. (Genesis 18:33, NIV Application Notes).

LORD, I am serious about finding You and I really do want it more than anything else! (Jeremiah 29:13, MSG). While I wait for my win, strengthen my faith and remind me that life is abundant because You reward those who earnestly seek You. (Hebrews 11:6, NIV). While I wait for my win, let me acknowledge all of what You are doing for me right now, and let me be grateful.

While I wait for my win, I wait for YOU, my whole being waits, and in Your Word I put my hope. (Psalm 130:5, NIV).

In the name of Jesus Christ...AMEN.

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

Calm down & stop fidgeting! God heard you at Question 1 and replied.

God is working; remain confident & expect to be wowed by God!

That is why waiting does not diminish us, any more than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don't see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy. Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. (Romans 8:24-26, MSG).

THE VALLEY - Chapter Two

Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Relieve the troubles of my heart and free me from my anguish. (Psalm 25:16-17, NIV).

From Spring 1999 to Spring 2003, I lived in Missouri's capital city. During that four-year timeframe I accomplished great things professionally, scholastically & community-wise. However, my personal life was terribly lonely and I felt miserable. My closest friends were miles away. I had to drive 2 hours to get to the nearest metropolis (and international airport). The social scene for a twenty-something single in Jefferson City was mundane. The dating pool was the size of a puddle. When it was feasible, I took advantage of every opportunity to escape small town USA.

By Spring 2003 I loathed living in Jefferson City, Missouri. I became so disgusted with my personal life that I spiraled into a deep depression. I hated going to work. I hated going to church. I hated going to sorority meetings. I hated doing community service. I hated talking on the phone. I hated life. I hated my existence. Life in Missouri was M-I-S-E-R-Y!

Loneliness wrecked my outlook so much that I desired to end my life. I no longer wanted to breathe. I'd look at paintings and wish I was an inanimate object whose sole purpose was to beautify an empty space on a wall. I preferred dying prematurely than having to live one more day in a godforsaken town with limited social outlets. I strongly believed that any progressive twenty-something single would:

• feel melancholy not being able to fellowship with close friends on a routine basis;
• be miserable shopping at a mall whose name was Mall; and
• feel dejected being able to count on 1 hand the number of singles available to date.

I knew moving to Jefferson City would be a lifestyle adjustment. But, I figured having familial roots there would help me acclimate. Having survived 4 years in Jefferson City didn't matter at my lowest point. I was prepared to die if the opportunity to permanently move away from a state of Missouri didn't reveal itself posthaste.

My life was challenging because loneliness triggered destructive thoughts of hopelessness. My heart was so troubled that I actually believed suicide was a sensible solution to my anguish.

Unbeknownst to me, life was good in the midst of my turmoil. When loneliness engulfed me, I read God's Promises For Your Every Need, and sought comfort in the scriptures focused on What To Do When You Feel Lonely and What To Do When You Feel Depressed:

• Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. (Isaiah 41:10, KJV).
• I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. (John 14:18, KJV).
• The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. (Psalm 34:17, KJV).

While I was hell-bent on taking my life, God (through the Holy Word) was unrelenting about saving my life.

Life is abundant because I'm alive today to share my testimony. My first and only suicide attempt occurred on a Saturday afternoon. Sobbing intermittedly, I sat down on my staircase and proofread the letter to my family. Before I could figure out the method of my demise, my thoughts were befuddled.

Where should I...?

How should I...?

What will this do to my family?

Today, I have no doubt that the Holy Spirit intervened within a matter of seconds on that Saturday afternoon. Though my faith had diminished to the size of a mustard seed, God changed my thought pattern instantly. I couldn't proceed with the act of suicide because I loved myself too much and I didn't want my family to hurt. I was totally displeased with my personal life circumstances, but I discovered some semblance of (self) worth.

As much as I like to keep a record of my writing, I cannot share the exact words of my letter. I held on to it for several years, but I decided to shred it because keeping a tangible reminder of the Malkia of Spring 2003 was unhealthy and unnecessary. Memories of the time I spent living in Jefferson City, Missouri are desolate. Yet, I praise God because I actually have memories. I am A-L-I-V-E to admit that: Life is Challenging. Life is good. Life is abundant. I know God is ever-present from my hell to my win!

Dear God:

I make intercession for people struggling with suicidal thoughts. A variety of issues--abuse, addiction, adversity, anger, anxiety, bitterness, bullying, depression, discrimination, disease, financial burdens, guilt, heartache, loneliness, racism, sexism, shame--give way to self-destructive thoughts. Somebody has wrestled with suicidal thoughts for years, months, weeks, days. For the person positioned in isolation, I pray against the mental strongholds trying to overpower their knowledge of You and Jesus' sufficient grace. (2 Corinthians 10:5, NIV; 2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV). Send them a divine message via twitter, television/online programming, telephone, song, letter, greeting card, facebook and/or e-mail. For the person wearing the scars of attempts 1 through 5, I pray they seek professional help and take advantage of preventative measures. Create a supportive network comprised of compassionate, empathetic and prayerful people to surround them as they take steps to heal. Convince them that self-inflicted wounds are not a viable solution, and help them learn that they have already been healed by Jesus' wounds. (1 Peter 2:24). I pray for people who have forgotten their value--move them from a state of misery to a place of hope. I intercede for the person who has no faith, bargaining for deliverance from their affliction--in the name of Jesus, I pray for an instant intervention and I ask that You implant a good seed of belief in their spirit.

O Lord, for the survivors coping with the loss of a loved one, I ask that You massage their hearts with comforting hands. Their grief is debilitating and they are trying to comprehend the reasons for such a departure. Someone is wailing:

WHY?!

I could have prevented this from happening!

WHY?!

How come they didn't talk to me?

WHY?!

I could've fixed the problem!

WHY?!

Why did they abandon me?

WHY?!

Their eyes are dim because of sorrow and affliction. Lord, they call upon You daily; they spread forth their hands to You, asking WHY?! (Psalm 88:9, AMP). In the name of Jesus, I ask that You keep their faculties intact because it's likely that WHY?! will rattle their brains for days, weeks, months and years. Relieve any pressure they've put on themselves, owning the blame for the departure of their loved one. When they are restless, cradle them in Your tender-loving arms and rock them to sleep. When they are in need of a sounding board, dispatch their genuine friends to their locale. When they are ready to seek professional help, lead them to an agency that will offer empathetic, insightful, and loving support. When their faith begins to dwindle, give them the energy and strength to reach up to You in prayer.

Lord, as difficult as it's been to write this testimony, I pray that my authentic and transparent expression of this particular trial gives hope to someone in desperate need of a win. Let this message serve as a record "for the generation yet unborn, that a people yet to be created shall praise" You. For You look down from the height of Your sanctuary, from heaven You behold the earth, and hear the sighing and groaning of people in need of Your help. (Psalm 102:18-20, AMP).

In the name of Jesus Christ...AMEN.

The cords of death entangled me, the anguish of the grave came over me; I was overcome by distress and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the LORD: "LORD, save me!" (Psalm 116:3-4, NIV).

HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION & SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, www.afsp.org
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention
• Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.com

BLOG PARTY -- CELEBRATING 1

On your feet now--applaud God! Bring a gift of laughter, sing yourselves into his presence. (Psalm 100:1-2, MSG).

From Hell to Win is celebrating 1 today! 

Dear God:

As I celebrate 1 year of blogging, I enter into Your presence with a joyful heart.  My clap, my dance, and my laughter are an expression of adoration for You!  O Master, I thank you for allowing me to blog "the book of Your wonders.  I'm whistling, laughing, and jumping for joy; I'm singing your song, High God." (Psalm 9:1 MSG).

Because of who You are in my life, I can party!  Over the past year I've survived challenges, I've shared Your goodness, and I've been awarded with Your abundance.  From Hell to Win, You've been ever-present!

I give thanks for all of the From Hell to Win readers.  Lord, You have blessed me with a fleet of angels that offer me encouragement, inspiration and love.

In the days ahead, it is my hope that the prayers I post on From Hell To Win will continue to glorify You, O God.  In the celebratory name of Jesus...AMEN.

Thank you for attending From Hell to Win's blog party!  Keep this party jumpin' and download your party favor: From Hell To Win

An extra-special thanks goes out to my Angel and friend, J-Finesse, the composer of From Hell to Win's theme song.

Peace & Love You More...Malkia

A VEHICLE OF COMPASSION -- Part IV

Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done. (Proverbs 19:17, NIV).

July 21, 2011

It's rare for me to catch the green light at the intersection of Fort Street NE and Auburn Avenue NE in Atlanta. Each weekday morning I stop at the traffic signal, and I observe the street corner activity. I always see a handful of homeless people sleeping under the viaduct. And a beggar usually approaches me once a week.

Prepared to clean car windshields with a bottle of glass cleaner and a crumpled newspaper, a man approached the car to my right. Before the man could utter a word, the driver had a conniption. She shook her head profusely, leaned against her horn, and motioned for the man to move away from her vehicle. The man paused, then walked over to my car and asked me for help.

Good morning ma'am! I live under the bridge over there. Do you have a penny? I'll take whatever you can give?

I gave him one dollar.

Thank you!

This incident occurred last Tuesday, and I'm still bewildered by the other driver's response to the beggar. I tried to gain understanding as to why the woman was so agitated by the homeless man. He did not accost me; he greeted me with a smile and made a simple request. He was set to perform a service if I agreed to help him. If the homeless man approached the other driver in the same manner as he approached me, her response seemed irrational.

As I sought clarity during my time of meditation, I revisited one of my favorite books of the Bible, Proverbs.  Several verses advise how we should treat the poor. However, Proverbs 22:2 resonated with me the most: "Rich and poor have this in common: The LORD is the Maker of them all."

As a Christian, I've been trained to demonstrate kindness and offer help to people in need. I will likely never know why the homeless man irritated the other driver and I must be mindful not to prejudge the condition of others.  It is simply my duty to acknowledge the humanity of God's people and be prepared to serve as a vehicle of compassion.

PROVERBIAL DISCUSSION

How would you have reacted in the situation?

Why do you think the other woman reacted the way that she did?

DOWNPOUR

"Have you ever traveled to where snow is made, seen the vault where hail is stockpiled,
the arsenals of hail and snow that I keep in readiness for times of trouble and battle and war?
 Can you find your way to where lightning is launched, or to the place from which the wind blows?
 Who do you suppose carves canyons for the downpours of rain, and charts the route of thunderstorms
 that bring water to unvisited fields, deserts no one ever lays eyes on,
drenching the useless wastelands so they're carpeted with wildflowers and grass? 
And who do you think is the father of rain and dew, the mother of ice and frost?
 You don't for a minute imagine these marvels of weather just happen, do you?" (Job 38:22-30, MSG).

I couldn’t figure out why I was irritable and quick-tempered, so I started analyzing what might have occurred to cause such a drastic change in my mood.  Last week, I experienced an “anniversary response” to an event that occurred five years ago.

Leading up to the summer of 2006, I was consumed by fury--I even had homicidal nightmares about the people who hurt me.

Saturday, June 10, 2006

I’m in desperate need to learn about forgiving and putting forgiveness to practice in my life.  I have already imagined the peace and freedom I can experience, if only I forgive.  If I can let go of anger, hatred and rage, my life would be less stressful.  I need your help God!  I need to heal from the pain/scars of . . . .  I need help in writing and speaking the words that will start the healing process.

On the evening of June 20, 2006, I wrote a letter explaining the suffering I endured for more than 20 years.  At the conclusion of my letter, I prayed that God heal me from the trauma I experienced as a child.

Sunday, June 25, 2006

During morning worship service, I kneeled at the altar and permitted myself to release 20+ years worth of tears.

Life is challenging because hurts of the past can devastate and embitter us to the point that we actually take ownership of someone else’s sins.  Life is good because we can call out to God in our desperate condition and God will get us out in the nick of time.  God will speak words that heal us, pulling us back from the brink of death.  (Psalm 107:19-20, MSG).  Life is abundant because a healing downpour from the LORD will change our useless wastelands (of anger, bitterness, hatred and unforgiveness) to fields carpeted with wildflowers and grass.  (Job 38:25-27, MSG).

Dear God:

I don’t for a minute imagine the marvel of a downpour just happens.  (Job 38:30, MSG).

Five years ago I willfully laid my burdens down at the altar.  I’ll never forget that Sunday because later in the afternoon a torrential downpour fell from the heavens.  Standing on the sidewalk in my Sunday best, I welcomed the rain because I actually felt cleansed in the downpour.  Symbolically, 20+ years of hurt and pain were washed away with every drop of rain that covered my body.

I don’t for a minute imagine the marvel of a downpour just happens.  (Job 38:30, MSG).

The summer of 2006 was a hellish season for me!  As much as I desired instantaneous healing, the process was not quick and easy.  For 3 years, I resided in the wasteland of unforgiveness.  I settled in the desert of isolation, voluntarily removing myself from activities that would aid in my healing.  I walked through the field of bitterness—“holding on to rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.”  (Ephesians 4:31, NIV).

O Master, I know You were responsible for charting the route of the thunderstorms that brought water to my wasteland. (Job 38:25, MSG).  Even though I lingered in a place of anger, bitterness, hatred and unforgiveness, You drenched me to provide nourishment and promote growth.

When I declared that I was ready and willing to change my course, You guided me to Your safe harbor.  You were right there, listening, when I prayed with sincerity.  (Psalm 145:18, MSG).  I wailed in distress morning, noon and night, and You heard my voice, O God.  (Psalm 55:17, NIV).  I sought the help of a licensed professional.  And, I purposely studied Your Word concerning deliverance, forgiveness, healing and repentance: Psalm 37, Psalm 51, Isaiah 1:16-20, Jeremiah 17:14 and 30:17, Matthew 9, John 5:1-14, Acts 7:54-60, Romans 12:17-21, 1 John 4:9-10.

I don’t for a minute imagine the marvel of a downpour just happens.  (Job 38:30, MSG).

The summer of 2011 is a winning season!  I appreciate the downpour of 2006 because it afforded passage to a land of lush vegetation.  From a weather-beaten vessel, You shaped me into an instrument of praise.

Thank you for the downpour!

In the name of Jesus Christ…AMEN.


I'll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. "When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen. "When you come looking for me, you'll find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I'll make sure you won't be disappointed." God's Decree. "I'll turn things around for you. I'll bring you back from all the countries into which I drove you"—God's Decree—"bring you home to the place from which I sent you off into exile. You can count on it.” (Jeremiah 29:10-14, MSG).

Anniversary Response: A sudden unexpected rush of memories, intense emotions and feelings of grief related to the anniversary of a traumatic event. More Formal Definition: From the National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: An increase in distressing memories of the event in the days leading up to and/or on the anniversary of traumatic events. These memories may be triggered by reminders, but memories may also seem to come from out of the blue while at work, home, or doing recreational activities. An increase in distress around the anniversary of a traumatic event is commonly known as an "anniversary reaction" and can range from feeling mildly upset for a day or two to a more extreme reaction in which an individual experiences significant psychiatric or medical symptoms.  (http://dying.about.com/od/glossary/g/anniversary_res.htm).

A VEHICLE OF COMPASSION -- Part III

Give freely and spontaneously. Don't have a stingy heart. The way you handle matters like this triggers God, your God's, blessing in everything you do, all your work and ventures. There are always going to be poor and needy people among you. So I command you: Always be generous, open purse and hands, give to your neighbors in trouble, your poor and hurting neighbors. (Deuteronomy 15:10-11, MSG).

Monday, June 13, 2011

While stopped at the traffic signal, I could see her through my side view mirror, walking through the lanes, waving at a few drivers.  No one was responsive to her plea for help.

During my commute to and from Downtown Atlanta, it is not uncommon for me to be approached by a woman or man pleading for food or money, so I assumed she was waving at cars to make such a request.  Before she approached my car, I opened my armrest console and grabbed my sandwich bag full of Honey Nut Cheerios.

Prepared to be generous, I rolled down my window and offered the woman 2 cups of a whole grain, naturally flavored, cholesterol-lowering, nutritious breakfast cereal.

But where’s the milk?

I eat these dry all the time.

Can you buy me breakfast?

This is what I’m prepared to give you.  They taste good!

She rejected my help because she couldn’t eat cereal without milk.  Outwardly, I identified with the hungry woman because she was a direct reflection of my ethnicity and gender.  Inwardly, I was totally baffled as to why a hungry person would refuse a free meal.

"You have your heads in your Bibles constantly because you think you'll find eternal life there. But you miss the forest for the trees. These Scriptures are all about me! And here I am, standing right before you, and you aren't willing to receive from me the life you say you want." (John 5:39-40, MSG).

Life is challenging because we overlook God’s blessings simply because their delivery is not packaged the way we envision.  Life is good because a close encounter with Jesus removes the scales from our eyes, and we receive sight to see Him standing right in front of us.  (Acts 9:18, NIV; John 5:39-40, MSG).  Life is abundant because Jesus is always prepared and willing to give us the life we desire.  (John 5:40, MSG).

Dear God:

All day long I’ve been puzzled by a response from a 15-second exchange.

How could she turn and walk away from a blessing?

I imagine You’ve made this same statement about me on countless occasions.  Although You appear at every intersection of life’s journey, I haven’t always accepted Your help.

How many times have I approached a blessing, rejected Your offer of new life and walked away?

How many times have You said ‘Malkia, taste and see that the LORD is good,’ and I willfully chose to starve?  (Psalm 34:8, NIV).

Yet, because of Your great love for me, I am not consumed, Your compassions never fail.  (Lamentations 3:22, NIV).  Thanks for not rejecting me, O God!  Thanks for saving me, Jesus!

As I continue to navigate this Christian journey, give me the visual range to recognize You.  Strengthen my commitment to imitate You.  (Ephesians 5:1, NIV).  Let not my heart be discouraged by today’s 15-second rejection.  Maintain my readiness to be utilized as a vehicle of compassion.

In the name of Jesus Christ…AMEN.

Jesus summed it all up when he cried out, "Whoever believes in me, believes not just in me but in the One who sent me. Whoever looks at me is looking, in fact, at the One who sent me. I am Light that has come into the world so that all who believe in me won't have to stay any longer in the dark. "If anyone hears what I am saying and doesn't take it seriously, I don't reject him. I didn't come to reject the world; I came to save the world. But you need to know that whoever puts me off, refusing to take in what I'm saying, is willfully choosing rejection. The Word, the Word-made-flesh that I have spoken and that I am, that Word and no other is the last word. I'm not making any of this up on my own. The Father who sent me gave me orders, told me what to say and how to say it. And I know exactly what his command produces: real and eternal life. That's all I have to say. What the Father told me, I tell you." (John 12:46-48, MSG).