Guess what, we as Christians confessed, believed and used the tongue that was in our mouths to do so.

Now, the same tongue that we confessed and said we believe, is the same tongue that Jesus said we can ask the Father what we will and He will give it to us; if it is in accordance to His will (John 16:23).

It’s the same tongue that Jesus said that if we say “unto this mountain, be thou removed and cast into the sea” it will happen (Matt 17:20; 21:21, Mk 11:23).

It’s the same tongue that can rebuke the devowerer, command demons to leave, and be able to raise the dead. It’s the same tongue that Soloman in all of his wisdom said that the power of death and life lies in it (Prov 18:21).

So, in saying that, why aren’t you using it as the spiritual tool God designed it as? Remember, in Genesis God created the heavens and the earth – and He used just His mouth to do so!

Forgot? Hmmm, let’s see, “and God said “let there be…” Go read Genesis again and meditate on it.

Start using your spiritual tool – your mouth, today. It’s just waiting for you to open it!

Be Blessed!
Tereciah V. Smithen-Quintana
Copyright 2011

As I was driving and reminiscing about our time together, I started thinking about
the times we are spiritually drained and need some encouragement but we are hesitant to let others know what is going on in our lives.

“Even in laughter the heart s sorrowful; and the end of that mirth is heaviness (Prov 14:13 KJV).

And sometimes we go through this Christian walk so consumed with our lives that we fail to give comfort, aid or encouragement to other Christian brothers and sisters.
We have to learn how to not only encourage others, but encourage ourselves. When we see or hear things going on in the lives of others, let’s pray for them. We don’t need to know the details. We shouldn’t need someone to tell us to pray for them; and we don’t have to let whomever know, we are praying for them.
We should just do it.

As Believers in the Body of Christ, let us spiritually lock arms together and pray; believing that what we ask for shall come to pass.

The prayers of the righteous does availeth much!

So, how about sending up a prayer right now for a brother or sister in Christ? A ministry, a family, a friend, a sick person, a church, a pastor, a child, a situation, the government. It can be short; it can be long. Whatever it is, let it be sincere.

“Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad (Prov 12:25 KJV).

Ephesians 3:16-19 NIV
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Be Blessed!

Tereciah V. Smithen-Quintana

…lay out in the open in the town square of your local city with everyone able to look at you, with your hands and legs tied in front of you, with a Lego model of the United States map next to you?

…cook your food over human excretement; walk around your city disheveled and unclean; look and act like a bond servant (slave).

…tell your leaders that the country/city will be destroyed if they repent not?

Would you? No?
What if you could see the nation’s destruction clear as day and wanted to warn them?

Well, what if God told you, you had to, and gave you no choice? What if you had to take on the sins of a whole nation and portray God’s vengeance of the land?

Some of you may say God wouldn’t do that, but when He’s trying to get peoples attention He can do what He wants. He did it with Ezekiel (2), and Ezekiel didn’t like it (3:14). Most everyone thought Ezekiel was crazy. In today’s terms, we would say, “that he had issues.”

Can you imagine saying within yourself you’re not going to say or do a certain thing God has commanded you and lo and behold, you find yourself opening your mouth and saying the very words you don’t want to speak? It’s as if your mouth or body was moving on its own accord?

So it was with Ezekiel; had no choice in the matter. He was chosen, commanded to portray the destruction of the Israelites as messages from God; each degrading, humiliating and lonely example.

Today, God is asking us to do simple things for Him, like spread the gospel, feed the hungry or help the sick, follow His commandments.

Sometimes doing what God has asked us of our free will, is a lot easier to do than something He has commanded us to do without a choice.

Take sometime today and ask yourself, “What has God asked me to do that I haven’t done? And then take action.

Take sometime to read the book of Ezekiel today!

Be Blessed!

Tereciah V. Smithen-Quintana
Copyright 2012

I had an assignment from Him that although I was doing it, I was harboring doubts as to the responses I would receive. He asked me why was I harboring doubts if He asked me to do it? Instead of negative responses my mind were conjuring up, the response may actually be favorable!

At times we tend to think in the flesh instead of the spirit. Sometimes in this walk we forget what it means to have FAITH. Sometimes we have to renew our mind with oldies but goodies (scripture) and rejuvenate our faith.

So here is an oldie but goodie for you. I hope it blesses you as it did me.

Hebrews 11
1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

2For by it the elders obtained a good report.

3Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

4By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

5By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

6But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

7By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

8By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

9By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

10For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

11Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

12Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.

13These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

14For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.

15And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.

16But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

17By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,

18Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:

19Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

20By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.

21By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.

22By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.

23By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment.

24By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;

25Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

26Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

27By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

28Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.

29By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

30By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.

31By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.

32And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:

33Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.

34Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

35Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:

36And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:

37They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;

38(Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

39And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:

40God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

Now you have gotten your word in for the day, Be Blessed!

Tereciah V. Smithen-Quintana

9And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
10As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

But honestly speaking, do you ever get tired of being nice? Ever get tired of individuals taking your covering of Christianity as a rug of weakness? Ever ask God “why?” “Why do you always have to be the one doing the right thing? What about this person or that person, God? Why do they get to be mean; not help with family; not speak to others; not visit that family member that no one wants to be bothered with?” Why, Lord?

Ask yourself this: “Why NOT you?”

Sometimes it’s not fair. Period.

Sometimes you are not in the mood to hear “one more scripture.” You know what God word says, but honestly, you’re not “feeling” it. Nope, not today.

God is merciful and everlasting. There are times he has us in situations to be a blessing to others. Remember, it is not about you, but about Christ that shows in you, in the work you do.

He’s growing you and maturing you. Don’t worry about others.

Matthew 5:41-44 says,
41And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
42Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
43Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy.
44But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

So go ahead, have a good cry on God’s shoulders. Tell Him how unfair it is and how unappreciated you feel. Wait for Him to dry your tears and then, go do what you know is the right thing to do. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Just know that “if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth [and know better], there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins” Hebrews 10:26 KJV.

Be Blessed!
Tereciah V. Smithen-Quintana

Recently God placed on my heart a desire that would require a leap of faith and a step out of my comfort zone. although I was not disobedient in carrying out His wishes, I was harboring negative implications. See, I was focusing on what wrong may and could happen instead of the Good that would happen because of my obedience.

God had to remind me that if He gave me the desire for me to act, and He gave me confirmation, then my doubting was in vain. It was saying I didn’t fully trust His way of doing things.

Then He brought me to an oldie but goodie scripture: Hebrews 11 -all of it.

Sometimes we forget what it means to trust God and have true faith. Sometimes we have to shake our bodies from being twisted and shaken like a boat in the wind with thoughts of doubt. Sometimes we have to pull out the “oldies but goodies” scriptures and renew our mind and spirit man with the Word of God. Because at the end of the day, without faith, it is impossible to please God.

Read Hebrews 11 here and renew your mind today!

Be Blessed!
Tereciah V. Smithen-Quintana

The word Instruction is defined as a {1} Procedural [set] of orders or directions: {2} Knowledge or information imparted.
In Numbers 20: 7-12, God gave Moses 3 specific procedural orders, which he did not follow. Moses was to 1. Take the rod 2. Gather the people and 3. Speak to the rock. Instead Moses in his anger (at the Israelites), and also in his past experience, took the rod and smote the rock –twice. The end result was the same; water flowing from the rock to nourish the people, but how it was done was not God’s way. It was Moses’ way.

Once before the children of Israel complained about the same thing to Moses, about not having any water to drink. They were in a place called Rephidim. In Exodus 17 vs 5 & 6 we see where once before, Moses used the staff/rod to smite the river which they crossed over coming from Egypt (The Red Sea), and at the rock at Horeb.

But God’s instructions for Moses on that day were different from when He gave him similar instructions before. Moses heard God’s instructions but he didn’t listen. Moses assumed the instructions were the same as before. Not only that, but he had it with the complaining, ungrateful Israelites.

a. I Cor. 10:4 explains that “… the Rock was Christ”. And “once [he was] smitten at Rephidim (Exod. 17:6ff.), He did not need to be smitten, [or] crucified, again. To smite the rock twice was to imply that Christ’s death on the cross was not effectual or sufficient for time and eternity.”

b. We can hazard a guess that “Moses was not aware of the significance of what he had been ordered to do, but nevertheless God held him responsible for not obeying Him exactly. Obedience to His will is vitally important, whether we understand His purpose or not.”

How many times have God given us specific instructions that we fail to heed, or we rework to our own satisfaction? Our actions bring forth the same results in the end, but now there is disharmony between you, God and the Holy Spirit.

Reworking God’s instruction to fit our ways is called SIN. Sin is anything that is not of God.

But you say, souls are being saved, lives changed, people delivered and God’s work is being done. And so it may be, but, the vessel, you are marred; contaminated. Tinged with filth; filth in the form of disobedience; Sin.

Harsh isn’t it?

2 Timothy 2:20-21 KJV says 20But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
21If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.

For a better understanding let’s read it in the amplified version of the Bible.

2 Timothy 2:20-21 AMP
20But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also [utensils] of wood and earthenware, and some for honorable and noble [use] and some for menial and ignoble [use].
21So whoever cleanses himself [from what is ignoble and unclean, who separates himself from contact with contaminating and corrupting influences] will [then himself] be a vessel set apart and useful for honorable and noble purposes, consecrated and profitable to the Master, fit and ready for any good work.

God’s word says obedience is better than sacrifice. And that the sacrifices of God are a contrite spirit: a broken and a contrite heart.
What does it suffer a man to gain the whole world and loose his soul? Or in other words, what does it suffer a man to have all these godly actions but still lose his soul?
God’s directions have a purpose behind them. It is not for us to know, just for us to follow. We must learn not to deviate from them because it can lead to dire circumstances, as it did with Moses.

Wouldn’t it be sad if we did all this work here for the kingdom of God and when you die you still couldn’t enter into the fullness of God because of disobedience? Guess what it happened to Moses. Moses was not allowed to enter the Promise Land even after all the things he went through with the Israelites. No matter how many times God had spoken through him, done miracles upon miracles and how much he worshiped him. God was disappointed with Moses and his lack of faith. God didn’t look on his actions but his obedience – or lack of disobedience.

So, what do we do? Go to God. Repent, and ask for forgiveness. Ask Him to how you exactly where you went wrong. Then ask Him to give you the strength and will to remove self from out your life and replace it with His will.

Take the time to sit before and just listen. You may have to get use to just listening to God for awhile. We all lead busy lives and sometimes we have to re-train our minds, body and spirit to once again, sit before the Lord and not fall asleep or get fidgety or think of a million other things you could be doing.

Take the time to read Psalm 51. Ask God to create within you a clean heart. God is love and He truly loves us. He does not desire to hurt us, only take care of us, but we have to follow His decrees. He said he will find those who diligently seek Him. He’s waiting for you.

Be Blessed!
Tereciah V. Smithen-Quintana

Note: Section A and B above in quotations is referenced from Biblegateway.com, special note section

For many Christians Good Friday is celebrated as the day Jesus was crucified on the cross. But was it?

In Matthew 12:40 Jesus said “Just as Jonah was 3 days and 3 nights within the belly of a whale, so shall the son of man be 3 days and 3 nights within the earth.”
Friday afternoon to early Sunday morning is not 3 days.

So why is his death celebrated on a Friday; Tradition?

Tradition is defined as the handing down of statements, beliefs, legends, customs, information, etc., from generation to generation, especially by word of mouth or practice: A continuing pattern of culture, beliefs or practices.

Am I saying the celebration of Jesus’ death for the sake of the world is bad? God forbid, no! His death was God’s ultimate show of love for mankind. We should glory in that day, but as Believers in Christ we should be knowledgeable of the Word for ourselves and not always rely on what traditions of man says or has done.

In the book of Matthew all through chapters 26-28 the story of Jesus’ betrayal, crucifixion and resurrection is told. In the books of Luke chapters 22-24; Mark 14-16 and even in John 18-19 readers can read about the events that took place. Let’s start at the beginning.

• Two days before Passover starts Jesus tells his disciples He will be betrayed and crucified. Matthew 26:2

• Jesus keeps the Passover with his disciples (Matthew 26:17-18) and once again mentions one of His disciples would betray him.

• Jesus is taken prisoner and stands before Caiaphas. All this happens the 1st night of Passover that year. Matthew 28:45-57. Jesus also tells Peter before the night ends and the cock crows he will betray him 3 times. Matthew 28:34 & 75

• Jesus is bound and taken to Pontius Pilate, the Roman Governor the next day. Matthew 27:1-2

• Jesus is crucified. Matthew 27:35

• From the 6th hour to the 9th hour darkness fall over all the land. (God is no longer with Jesus the Man because of the all the sins of the world that Jesus now bears. God is truth, light and love. Jesus, the Man feels and knows that God is no longer with Him, and therefore cries out, “My God, my God, why hast though forsaken me?”)

Special Note
Hebrew Time Table

Jewish days ran from 6pm to 6pm

When the Jews spoke of “hour” in reference to time, it was usually in a 3 hour time block.

1st hour = Sunrise – 9am
3rd hour = 9am to 12noon
6th hour = Noon to 3pm
9th hour = 3pm – Sunset

• Jesus gave up the ghost (died) around the 9th hour. Luke 23:44-46

• Joseph of Arimathaea begs Pilate for Jesus’ body to bury. Luke 23:3-54 & Matt 27:57-58

Question – Why did Joseph of Arimathaea do this?

Hebrew law demanded that a person that was crucified, or hanged, could not remain overnight on a tree/cross. If they were, the land was cursed and defiled (Deuteronomy 21:22-23). Also, Jesus had to be buried BEFORE 6pm because (1) the Hebrew days ran 6pm to 6pm. And (2) because the following day was the 1st day of the 7 days the Jews ate unleavened bread during the Passover. In other words, it was a High Sabbath day (not a Sabbath day but an important day during the week during Passover). Exodus 12:15-20 goes into more details but it must be noted that the 1st day of the 8 days of Passover was considered the Day of Preparation. Meaning, the Jews were preparing to go into the 7 days of eating unleavened bread.

• The next day after the Day of Preparation, the Chief Priests and Pharisees go to Pilate and request he places guards at Jesus’ tomb. They to remember His words of rising within 3 days time. Matthew 27:62-63

If Jesus’ crucifixion (when He died) was on a Friday, and the Jews Sabbath starts on a Friday, from sundown (6pm) to sundown Saturday 6pm), and it was unlawful for them to do any type of work or anything for that matter, the Chief Priest, who were to uphold the law, and the Pharisees would have been in contempt of the law. The same law they were crucifying Jesus over. They would not have done that. They would not have been able to conduct business – go before Pontius on their Sabbath day.

• Mary and Mary Magdalene goes to Jesus’ tomb after the Sabbath ends and as the day begins to dawn towards the 1st day of the week. Matthew 28:1
So let’s put this together. If Jesus rose in the early morning hours of the 1st day of the week, Sunday, and He stated He would spend 3 days and 3 nights in the grave, when was He actually crucified? You do the math.

Jesus rose Sunday morning in the wee hours before dawn. A Jewish day runs 6pm to 6pm.

So, counting backwards, 6pm Saturday – 6pm Friday = Day 3. 6pm Friday to 6pm Thursday = Day 2. 6pm Thursday to 6pm Wednesday = Day 1. Jesus gave up the ghost around 3pm on the day He died. Joseph of Arimathaea pleads with Pontius to get Jesus’ body so they can bury it before sundown (remember the two thieves, their legs were broken to hurry their death along). The following day was an important day. It started the 7days of unleavened bread during the 8 days of Passover.

So once again, is it tradition that we celebrate His death on a day that doesn’t seem plausible?

Where have all the celebration and gift giving and Easter bunny and plastic eggs come from? Can we not honestly say man made a way to make a profit from Christ’s death?
Many would say “It doesn’t matter what day Jesus died on. What matters is He died for us and He ROSE!”

And, I agree with them. But I also am of the opinion that as Believers in the Body of Christ, we should be knowledge of the Word of God and how it pertains to our lives. Paul said in 2 Timothy 2:15 to “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

As you celebrate Easter this year take the time to ask yourself, are you doing tradition, or are you doing God?

Be Blessed!
Tereciah V. Smithen-Quitnana

The holiest week in Christendom: What is it? When is it?

It starts with Jesus entry into the city of Jerusalem on the back of a donkey, climaxes at His betrayal by a trusted friend and follower, to the culmination of His death and resurrection on the cross.

The week runs from what the Christian body refers to as Palm Sunday, which is the Sunday before Passover (from the Jewish observance) to the following Sunday – Resurrection Sunday; or widely known as – Easter Sunday.

With Christianity being the largest religion in the world, all, if not many, will be celebrating this holy occasion. But how many of them (you) know the significance of Jesus being crucified during the Passover? Let’s find out!

The Jews celebrated Passover from the 14th day to the 21st day of the month of Abib/Nisan. This celebration is one of their holiest observances, as it commemorates God delivering and bringing the children of Israel out of Egypt.

We all know the story; but we should remember the details, for they are important to Jesus’ death and resurrection.

For each household the children of Israel were to kill an unblemished lamb and place the blood of the lamb over the doorway and frame (Ex 12:7). The lamb represented a sacrifice, the blood a covering from God’s judgment. God executed judgment against the land of Egypt on that particular night by striking down every firstborn of man or beast of the Egyptians (Ex 12:12-13).

When the Angel of Death came to the homes of the Israelites he passed over them because of the covering of the blood of the lamb, and did them no harm: to mankind or to beast.

It was important for Jesus to be crucified during the Passover (His time was at hand. Matt 26:18) because of the parallel and significance His death was to mankind. Jesus was The Lamb of God. The unblemished Lamb of God and just as the lamb(s) that were slain by the Israelites hundreds of years before were unblemished; Jesus had to be of the same character. He had no sin.

Jesus’ blood that was shed when He was beaten, whipped and disgraced was the covering for all mankind. He took a multitude of sin – for the whole world – and His shed blood covered us against Gods judgment upon mankind, just as He passed judgment upon the Egyptians.

So now, when God looks at us, He sees the Blood that Jesus shed during His trial and on the cross. God sees redemption.

The Passover was God’s 1st covering for His chosen people, the Israelites. But Christ’s crucifixion and shed blood was God’s covering for all mankind and those who choose to believe in Him.

John 3:16-17: KJV
For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Be Blessed!
Tereciah V. Smithen-Quintana