Do you celebrate your Spiritual Birthday?

Written by Netisha Alie 

Today marks exactly 2 years when I walked up to the altar, and openly accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour, in the presence of at least 200 hundred people. 

I had asked God a few days before to give me a date for this choice because I wanted to celebrate it every year. 

Date night yr 2 

It all began when I was 11 years old a lady was “preaching” to me about God, but after a few minutes I only pretended to listen out of respect. She said so much that day but all I remember is; it was during my summer break and she asking me the question “Do you want to give your life to Jesus?” 

I had very little time to process what she asked but of course I responded with a “Yes!” I had no clue what I was doing but I guess a part of me wasn’t going to reject God either. 

My life from there pretty much continued on a Two way street. I’d attend church regularly, try to live a decent life; you know-be good. But my lifestyle didn’t make a conscious effort to reflect Christ. 

I’ve gone to church on a Saturday night then hit the club a couple hours after. I’ve celebrated carnival Monday and Tuesday then go to church to repent and cry on Ash Wednesday, yet do it again the following year. 

I’d show compassion many times but sometimes anger, envy and maybe even selfishness would burn in my bosom.

Let’s face it, from 11 years through to my early twenties , I’ve gone through the period of making poor choices and allowing my emotions and flesh to dictate the better part of me. 

Are you a Christian? People would ask me; “I’m trying to be!” I’d respond. Very much aware that my lifestyle, though not outrageously carnal, was not exactly reflecting God’s divine plan for me. 

So in 2016, God saw it fit to give me a huge nudge. He always had His hands on me but this time He surely shook me up. 

I was first moved to another Church (one I made fun of initially) in August 2016. Then He convicted me so deeply through that church that I asked Him for the opportunity to renew our relationship.-The Date!

Three months in, the opportunity came and I grabbed it with a huge smile on my face. There were so many of us that day that the pastor  began to plan our baptism date. 

Ever since that day, my life has been changing. Daily I lose the desire for the things of the flesh, and my thoughts are being channeled in a different direction. 

I’m now connected to my Creator 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With each passing day His voice grows stronger and I became so dependent on Him that I’d ask Him for an outfit for church and He provided it. -Yes He is that real! 

One year after my decision I honoured my word to God and took the time to celebrate. I grabbed a godly book, towel and water, drove to the beach, rented a beach chair and basked in the amazing beauty before me. I fasted, prayed, laughed with Him, admired His creation and enjoyed His peace. 

This year I’m fasting two extra days, (fruits this time) and talking to Him as I reminisce on all He has taught me, made me and done for me in such a short space of time. And when I asked Him to show me how I can celebrate in another memorable way? He sends my husband to take me out on a date.

I don’t know how you view God and a life in union with Him, but I can testify that the closer I get to Him, the less things of the world appeal to me. 

Knowing true love and actually experiencing it is the best gift one can ask for. And as the song says; “ for as long as I shall live, I will testify to love... I’ll be a witness in the silences when words are not enough”

At 2 years going on a lifetime with my Saviour Jesus Christ, I only look forward to many more opportunities to celebrate my birthday in Christ. I look forward to the lessons He’ll teach me, the levels He’ll take me, and the ways in which He will use me for His glory. 

Do you celebrate your birthday in Christ? It’d be nice to hear how you relive that life changing moment! Please, do share! 

Spiritual Attacks or Consequences? What is the source of your circumstances!

"Sometimes the source of our limitations is ourselves and to truly know, we must be willing to reflect and identify it then pray and devise suitable solutions. "

Written By Netisha Alie

I’ve watched a bit of The Exorcist and Constantine movie and heard a priest saying he once prayed for a 12 year old who lifted up his “huge” desk in his office. However, none of it was truly real to me until my new walk with God! 

We walk through each day looking at ourselves and others and casting random judgements based on our own understanding BUT the way people behave, the things they go through, the circumstances of life we encounter are they truly random? Or is there a source driving it all? 

Online Photo

CONSEQUENCES: Let’s be honest with ourselves. We hear it all the time; “to every action there is a reaction” What you put out that you get in, “what goes around comes around,the Bible says “you reap what you sew...” Give and it will come back to you” need I say more? 

As humans we must understand these saying are not random but are actually true and meaningful. We cannot expect to keep doing certain things and not reap the rewards, good or bad. So when certain situations in life hit us we must examine ourselves to determine where it came from. 

Things can and will happen to us because of the bad horrible choices we make and there are consequences that we’ll eventually have to face.

My dad believes that great things are happening to him because he must have done something good or right in his life. There are others who probably share in this perspective and vice versa. 

Now surely bad things still happen to good people which has nothing to do with what they have done, but rather another source other than themselves is channeling that mess. 

Or the Creator allowing situations to help us grow, which in this case is “all things working together for the Good to them who are in Christ Jesus” Romans 8:28

SPIRITUAL ATTACKS: Whether you are an atheist, religious or believer of Jesus, especially a believer of Jesus Christ; Spiritual Attacks are extremely REAL! If you are experiencing certain situations in your life: recurring, random, unexplainable acts you might be under Spiritual Attack! The psalmist speaks of “bloody men” who “lie in wait for his soul...not for his transgressions nor his sin...” -Psalms 59:2-3

You do not have to do anything to get attacked in the spiritual realm. People see you and envy breeds from their hearts. The enemy sees the calling on your life and aims to destroy it. And that is enough motivation to make you a target.-Blocking the righteous seed. 

These attacks can come in various ways, draining finances, mental or physical ailments, "deranged" children or family members, (because those close to you will be used to get to you) generational curses, failing relationships, mind games, oppression on your job, even right in your church. 

There are various ways to be attacked spiritually and some of it is done through people, some through  mind games of the enemy and some through supernatural encounters. 

These situations can equally be your Consequences, but this is where channeling your source is paramount to gaining your freedom from it all. 

We wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers, rulers of darkness of this world and wickedness in high places. -Ephesians 6:12 This scripture is one of many informing us of the spiritual world that we are up against! Jesus’ 3 year mission was spent driving out many of said forces and liberating God’s people from them. (See the Gospels)

Jesus is no longer with us in the physical realm but He gave His followers the power to do the same through Him. -Freedom! 

This life is not permanent and while we’re here it’s wise to know what we are facing. We encounter and will continue to encounter challenges in this life but in order to truly deal with our circumstances we MUST know the root and sometimes it is physical and a direct consequences of our actions, while other times it is a spiritual attack! 

Ask God for the discernment to know the difference and may He free us from any and everything that is not of Him in Jesus' Name! 

Sometimes the source of our limitations is ourselves and to truly know, we must be willing to reflect and identify it then pray and devise suitable solutions.