The misconception of the Jesus is coming SOON concept

 Written by Netisha Alie-Grant (Author of Walking a Two-Way street & The Essence of Life: God, Them, & Me!” 

Listen to Podcast here! 

“So long I am hearing Jesus is coming soon and years have passed people have died, and He hasn’t come yet… is He really coming?!” -A common statement echoed by many. However is this truly what the statement means? Could it be that we have been misinterpreting this text? 

It was my pastor; Prophet T R Grant who helped me to better understand this misconception when he preached about this some time ago. Then the Holy Spirit used this seed to show me how to explain this further. 

Here goes…

In the English language there is a part of speech called adverbs and it’s job or function is to state: 

1. The manner (how), 
2. The place (where) and 
3. The time (when) of an action. (Verb) 

Revelation 3:11 (King James Version)

11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.

Revelation 20: 12 (NIV ) “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

In the statement Jesus is coming soon, the action verb “coming” is followed by “soon” which is operating as an adverb. However it is not stating a time (when) when Jesus is coming for the Bible says “no man knows the day or hour, not even the angels, only the Father knows…” -(Matthew 24:36) and it is definitely not stating the place (where) which is where Jesus will be coming, so then it is stating the manner (how) Jesus will return to the earth. 

The Bible confirms this by stating that Jesus will come “like a thief in the night,”. 

Revelation 16:15 (NIV)

15 “Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed.

The word “like” is used as a comparison (simile) saying that one thing is like or as another to create a more vivid image and increase understanding.

Some meanings of the word soon: 

“….in a twinkling of an eye… pronto…” -Oxford languages 

“Middle English sone, from Old English sona "at once, immediately, directly, forthwith," -etymonline.com 

A thief doesn’t tell you when they are coming and nor do they come announcing their arrival or when you expect them to come. It is a sudden ‘get in and get out’ kinda action, along with an element of surprise. Check out the robbers in the movies. Hence we must always stay as prepared as we possibly can. 

So to conclude, “Jesus is coming soon/quickly” isn’t a time for when He will return. So you can stop saying; “so long I’m hearing this and I am now old…” but instead do what the Bible said to do, stay awake, (ready, alert, prepared) watch, pray, and live for the Lord, because we don’t know the hour and it will happen so quickly we won’t see it coming. The only way not to miss it is to stay and live ready! C’est bon?! 

The Real story behind COVER Fashion Show

Written by Netisha Alie-Grant 

(Author of books: Walking a Two-Way Street & The Essence of Life: God Them & Me!) 

Listen to Podcast here!

Before I became born again (7) seven years ago I was a fashion model. An industry that tested me a lot since I always had a reserved side. Photographers asked me to nude shoots to which I refused, I modeled bikinis, gowns with long splits and even got lifted into a dress made from wood shavings, by two guys who saw me in my underwear while getting into said dress. 

It wasn’t easy, I felt exposed. I felt out of place! Looking back now I am still not sure what convinced me to keep going. Youthful bravery perhaps! Don’t get me wrong, I got to model some artistic designs and modest clothes just the same and met some truly amazing people. 

Photoshoot for Designer Rashid Walker 

However, a year before I completely surrendered and begin a relationship with God, I had this strange urge to COVER my body. It’s as if God was signaling me to take an ALTERNATIVE path. And so I did  because a year later I decided that the missing part of my life was total connection with my creator. 

This new walk has opened my eyes to two critical issues affecting our society and young people. 

1.Nudity 

2. Lack of uplifting Entertainment

Not everyone likes “Bacchanal” and Nakedness! And those people are deprived of genuine entertainment forcing them to retreat to other means of recreation while the world parades around with its own like they own the place.

Today I see a lot of women and men are getting more and more naked and leading our young people to believe if they are not part of it they are not “cool”. 

I also see that uplifting entertainment is lacking and a lot of our young people feel like being a Child of God is boring and that they have nothing fun to do. -Another lie to distract them from coming to God. Our God is a god of joy and internal satisfaction. Anything that comes from Him is GOOD and adds to you rather than take away from you. And COVER Fashion Show is a representation of that Joy, dismissing the lies that a life in God is boring and lacking. 

Photo shoot for American Designer Beautifully Created 

COVER Fashion Show is an Avenue that can address both of these issues by promoting MODESTY and showing believers that they can fellowship in a great and uplifting space where our God of Joy dwells. 

To me this is a MOVEMENT and a ministry! A quest to educate others whatever walk of life you’re on, that there is an ALTERNATIVE to the carnality! 

It will also show the world that we as children of God do have something they want and I can see people getting transformed and empowered at this event. It is my intention!

It was the great fashion guru Calvin S who said; “I never knew there were so many great gospel songs that are fun and entertaining…” after experiencing COVER in 2019! 

So though I feel the stigma attached to this event by many, I know that this event will serve its purpose in Christ Jesus! 

See you at COVER 2023 & beyond, because we are just getting started and the best is yet to come! 

COVER: Hide your flesh-Reveal your spirit! 

The Kingdom Spouse

 Written by Netisha Alie-Grant (Author of Inspirational Book Walking a Two-Way Street) 

The list…

He/she must be:

Holy,

Pure,

Prays well

Sound minded

Cooks well

Dresses well

Sees only me…

Listen to Podcast! 

The common mistake that many people make is to ascribe a Kingdom spouse to a perfect human being. However, if your spouse came perfectly wrapped how would you fit into that perfect world? 

A kingdom spouse isn’t without weaknesses nor is he/she without work. I know many may say, I have reached that stage in my life where I have no time to waste, and within reason this is true, however even with this level of maturity you still have a lot to learn and discover and life still has plans for you. So how do you know that in the face of life’s many seasons you’ll be firm enough to keep your current composure? Like you expect your kingdom spouse to be?

It is clear that some hide behind “the church” and the “name of God” yet still have unclean agendas. However here is my take on who a kingdom spouse truly is. 

First things first:

-Dismiss the perfect expectations: A kingdom spouse has weaknesses and imperfections-he/she is a human being who has the spirit of God but is not without weaknesses. Holding them as if they are flawless will only lead to disappointment when they do not live up to them. A guy friend once told me that I should wait for Jesus Christ to come back when I told him what I wanted in a husband. Lol! Focus on accepting the person for who they: Love has no reason! (A podcast episode you should definitely check out if you haven’t yet) 

-A kingdom spouse has a relationship with God. Now if I’m going to be honest and tell you they are not perfect then how do they differ from a worldly spouse? God is in them and they are in Him. The greatest difference that makes all the difference in the world. When you have a relationship with God and you seek Him diligently you take on your identity in Him, it’s how Abraham could have a son at an old age and was “madly” loyal enough to God to take that same son to the mountains to sacrifice him to God. Or how Noah could build an ark, David slay a giant…how all Jesus’ disciples could risk their lives to spread the gospel. It’s the connection with God that breeds a level of loyalty that is beyond this world. 

Thirdly, a kingdom spouse LOVES! 1 John chapter 4 verses 7 through to 21 tells us that we can only love because God first loved us (verse 19) that we cannot know or give love unless we know love itself which is God. If someone loves you, you will know it if you are connected to God and you really pay attention. This scripture (1 John 4:1-6) also tells us to TEST the spirit. Do not be blinded by looks (appearances) and sexual desires, but remain pure and the spirit of God will help you to discern & recognize who they are. You’ll know a kingdom spouse because you are one and it takes one to know one they say! Smile! 

So to answer the question of who is a kingdom spouse? It is a person who isn’t without fault, who is connected to God, so that the love of God is in them and flows through them to others. And how will you know them? Test their spirits and pay attention for “by their fruits you shall know them…”-Matthew 7:16-20 Ces’t Bon?! 

My Side of the Story

 Written by Netisha Alie-Grant (Author of Inspirational Book Walking a Two-Way Street) 

A conflict management skill to increase understanding and confidence in what we choose to accept or believe. 

Listen to Podcast here! 

Joseph was sent to prison because he was said to have made a move on his master’s wife.-Genesis 39:19-21

“19 Potiphar was furious when he heard his wife’s story about how Joseph had treated her. 20 So he took Joseph and threw him into the prison where the king’s prisoners were held, and there he remained. 21 But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him his faithful love. And the Lord made Joseph a favorite with the prison warden.” 

Why was the Lord with Joseph? Because the Lord knew Joseph’s side of the story! 

Daniel was sent to the Lion’s Den because he was reported to have gone against the king with His actions. -Daniel chapter 6. Even when the king had written his own laws he tried to save Daniel. Why? Because he knew Daniel’s side of the story. 

How many times do we imprison or write off others because of one thing we heard about them, without giving them an opportunity to give “My side of the story?!” Which is their side of the story? 

Every encounter between two people will always have two different perspectives despite of how true the end result is. The way each person views the encounter and what occurred will always be different, even when the final action is that same. 

So how can we truly ensure that we understand a situation enough to draw a rational conclusion from it? By listening to “both sides of the story” then making the decision. (I wrote a ‘whole’ book about this concept-Grab a copy on Amazon today!) 

The both sides of the story increases understanding; this is how you see it but this is how I see it, and makes for a more confident belief in your final judgement. 

In relationships we must always allow each party to share their side of the story if we want to increase understanding and curb assumptions. Too often we are busy forming our own judgements about others without even giving them an opportunity to explain why they did what they did or behave the way they do. 

The media is famous for giving us one side of the story, they always tell us someone killed, someone stole, someone went missing… however why did this happen? What does this story look like through the eyes of the “killer”, the kidnapper”: The perpetrator? 

One reading skill I teach students is called Cause and Effect and I have later come to realize that life is much like this concept. -Something happens as a result of something else: Cause and effect! 

We all see things differently based on our previous knowledge & experiences, even when we agree. 

-To solve conflict, it is great to allow each party involved to share their side of the story because the way you may have concocted the story in your head isn’t necessarily how the other party have done theirs.

So if you want to improve understanding in your marriage, your family, your workplace… with whomever, always create an environment (a safe space) to share your side of the story and let the other person share theirs, then from there draw your conclusions. You could even save a relationship this way instead of destroying it. C’est bon?! 

Do you have an Emergency Fund?

Written by Netisha Alie-Grant 

(Author of Inspirational Book: Walking a Two-Way Street-Examining the both Sides of the Story Before Making a Decision) 

Listen to Podcast! 

What is an emergency fund?

“An emergency fund is a bank account with money set aside to pay for large, unexpected expenses, such as:

• Unforeseen medical expenses.
  
• Home-appliance repair or replacement.
  
• Major car fixes.
  
• Unemployment.” _ Margarette Burnette

This fund can be kept in a savings account with high interest rates and easy access since it is exactly what it’s called: Emergency fund. You want to be able to access it whenever an emergency rises without hassle. 

What it is not:

Your emergency fund is a type of savings with the focus on emergencies. 

A savings is where you keep money for a particular goal which can be short term: for house, car, or a trip, shopping spree. 

Or savings for long term plan would include retirement, college funds…

How much should its be? 

I once asked an accountant friend of mine for a suggested amount for an emergency fund and she said at least (6) six months worth your living expenses. This you can know by tracking your spending for at least a month or two to figure out the average cost per month the. Multiply that amount by (6) six. (I have podcast episode on that.)

The concept of the Emergency fund can be seen in the parable of the (5) five wise virgins. They had the equivalent/enough of the cost of their journey, making them always prepared and prepared for a longer time than this who did have extra oil. 

This doesn’t have to be just for money. When you do groceries for example, buy some supplies in doubles if you can. That way you will always have the equivalent available to you. When their (5) five lamps ran out of oil they had more to keep them till their journey was achieved. Which was to meet the bridegroom. Matthew 25:1-13

May we look at every continuous expense in our lives and be sure to have its equivalent stored away like the (5) five wise virgins: An Emergency Fund. So whenever we run out, we will always have in reserve to keep going. C’est bon?! 

Is your mouth the devil’s Medium?

 Written by Netisha Alie-Grant (Author of Inspirational Book Walking a Two-Way Street) 

In the story of Job we see Job’s wife mouth is being used to speak the lies of the devil. 

When the devil went before God concerning Job, he told God that Job was only loyal because of God’s hedge of protection around him. -That if God had taken it away, Job would Curse Him.

Job 1: 1-11

10 “Have you not put a hedge(Z) around him and his household and everything he has?(AA) You have blessed the  work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land.(AB) 11 But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has,(AC) and he will surely CURSE you to your face.”

Later in the story we see that Job’s wife is made to echo the same lying/death statement that satan mentioned to God about Job in the beginning.

 

Then his wife said to him, "Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die." -Job 2:9 9

Is your mouth being used to speak God’s words of truth & life to yourself and others, or is the devil using it to speak his lies and death to the same. Selah! 

Proverbs 18:21 puts it this way: “The tongue has the power of life and death.” 

You might want to make a more conscious effort to #Watchyourmouth 

How to Deal with Criticism

 Written by Netisha Alie-Grant 

(Author of Inspirational Book Walking a Two-Way Street)

Listen to podcast here! 

All my life I have had to deal with being criticized. However I believe it got worst when I became a born again believer and more so a “pastor’s wife.” I could feel the eyes and thoughts about who I am and should be in this walk until one day after an intense outburst from one of my members, drove me to make a conscious decision that the only mold I needed to fit in was the one that God had created for me. 

From then, I silenced a lot of negative criticisms and decided to focus on the ones that were going to bring about advancement in my walk with God. And that’s all I heard. With that, please allow me to share my tips on how you can deal with criticism, knowing that it doesn’t matter who you are, criticism is completely unavoidable. Besides; 

Criticism is just a nudge to keep you grounded & help you think critically about yourself!  

Definition of Critical Thinking: “the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgement…” -Oxford 

My Tips on how to deal with Criticism: 

Treat criticism like an item you are checking out to buy in a store. Take it up, look at it, examine it, which country manufactured it? What are the ingredients used to make it? And most importantly, what can you get by using this product?

After you are satisfied that it can bring you some benefits and improvements then you decide whether or not you should take your “hard earned money” and buy it and make it become yours. -Taking ownership of it and including it in your space. 

That’s how you treat criticisms;

Take it into your hands, ask who is it coming from? How much do you value that person’s opinion? What are the details surrounding it? Can you use it to make you a better person or is it just a distraction, a direct attack on your character and peace of mind? 

Then and only then you will decide if you want to receive (buy it like that product) this over your life or not. If not, leave it at the store (with the one who gave it) and carry on with your life. Criticisms only become part of your life if you receive it. 

It is important to note that sometimes negative criticisms can come from within us. Thus, even so you can follow the same product-purchasing tips I mentioned. 

Do not be quick to disregard a criticism made about you, but rather always take time to explore (think critically about) it enough to decide (form a judgement) if it has enough truth and Essence to make you a better you or not. That decision (judgement) will determine the effect criticism has on you. 

What is most important to do when criticized is to stay true to yourself, especially in God and the very ones who negatively call you out with the aim to bring you to ruins will see God turn it all around for good. Then they will use the same mouth to praise you. For what the enemy meant for evil, God will turn around for Good. Job was criticized for sticking with God in tough times, Jesus was criticized by those who delivered Him to be crucified, (Luke 23) but He kept His composure and remained true to His assignment. -Much like Job, and in the end those who accused and criticized them were made to see the glory of God in their lives. Be encouraged! 

C’est bon?! Sounds good! 

The Power of The Secret Place!

 Written and orated by Netisha Alie-Grant- Author of Inspirational Book Walking a Two-Way Street & Podcaster on The Essence of Life) 

Key Life Area: Relationships

Create for yourself an atmosphere so godly that the “demons” cannot come near it! 

Listen to Podcast 

Scriptural Reference: Psalms 91: 9-10 “if you say that the Lord is your refuge and you make the Most High your dwelling… 10.  No disaster will strike no violence will come near your home…” 

Key points:

Definition: 

Demon -an evil spirit or devil, especially one thought to possess a person or act as a tormentor in hell. -Oxford Languages 

-As a child of God (I.e Engaged in a relationship with God) you have the authority to speak against demons being in your presence, to pray that certain spirits of the people be separated from you once they do not give God glory! 

Based on your relationship with them (family, friend…) you may (through God) love them and witness to them but you shouldn’t be a part of them. (Do not be deceived: evil company corrupts good habits” 1 Corinthians 15:33)

-Aside from speaking/praying them away you can also let your lifestyle and actions speak too. There is a saying that actions speak louder than words. Just by living your life for God, many people will automatically separate themselves from you because it is contrary to their beliefs. Does that mean that you may end up friendless? Perhaps, but as Gloria Copeland puts it in her book: Live Long, Finish Strong; “…it is better to be alone than to be surrounded by people who are dragging you toward an early grave.” 

Besides, God will send you like minded friends who value the same things you do in Him, to live and understand you. 

So stay true until He does! Better to stand by what is right than to follow the crowd or please the spirit of the people. 

Thus, take a look at your life, are you dwelling in the secret place of God where there is great blessings & protection? 

Are you living on the fence with one foot in the world and the other towards God? Or are you fully committed to speaking and living a fulfilling life as God created you to live, so much so that anyone contrary will either join you or separate from you? 

Fill in your answer: 

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————

If you are not in the latter yet, but desire to create that space so rich in Christ that your light shines so brightly, darkness cannot come near you, what steps will you take? 

Begin a relationship with God by praying; “Lord I acknowledge that I am a sinner, I repent of my sins, come into my heart, I accept you as my Lord & Saviour, from this day (mark the date) and forever. I want to dwell in your secret place. Clean me and renew me unto yourself and for your glory! In Jesus name I pray, amen!” 

Then: 

Read again and live out Psalms 91! Pray it daily till it becomes your lifestyle! 

Read & live 2 Corinthians 6:14 to 7:1 “…. Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” #CestBonSoundsGood 

Submit a prayer request! 

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When they say NO!

 Written by Netisha Alie-Grant 

(Author of Inspirational Book Walking a Two-Way Street & Speaker on The Essence of Life Podcast) 

Listen to Podcast 

The sooner we acknowledge that getting a “no” in response to our requests is a part of life, the sooner we will be able to move on when it happens. 

For some getting a “no” response could be normal. However, for others who are a lot more entitled and perhaps a bit insecure, it can be a very difficult fact to accept. 

Here are at least four (4) tips to help you get passed the “No” and successfully move on with your life! 

• Accept that you do not have control over another person’s choice. When God created us He gave us the gift of Freewill. It’s that part of us that makes us like Him. The freedom to choose. With it (freewill) we even reject God (say no to Him) all the time! We do so when we say no to praying, spending quiet time with Him or even to the instructions He gives us and that doesn’t change His love for us. 

Revelations 3:20 “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” 

God gives us the choice to say “yes” or “no” to Him. 

• Understand the why (reason) behind the “No” in order to understand how to process it. When someone tells you “no” and provides an explanation accept it for just that. Or even though they do not, still avoid creating stories in your head about why they said it. We sometimes speculate,  so try to be clear on the root of the “No,” to ensure you do not ignorantly destroy what could be a great partnership, by associating the “No” with a negative reason. This leads to my next point which is holding grudges and offenses. 

• Don’t hold offense but discuss it with the individual if you feel offended. Matthew 18:15 tells us; “if your brother has offended you go and confront him privately…” offer to have a civilized conversation with the person to be clear on what happened if it is important to you, instead of blowing things up because you may feel rejected. 

Lastly, 

• Learn from the “no” ! In my podcast introduction I always say; “…view life through a lens of learning rather than judging!” It is important to learn from encounters in life. What can I learn from this, how can I do things better the next time or what did I learn about the person? Once you have clarity on the root you can now examine the situation to learn from it. 

Life is about constant growth and development, and when they say “no!” It’s entirely ok! -Just an opportunity to learn and be better! #CestBonSoundsGood 

When my Spouse won’t Change!

 Written by Netisha Alie-Grant 

(Author Inspirational Book Walking a Two-Way Street) 

“Prevention is better than cure.” -A statement commonly used in the medical field to encourage persons to prevent themselves from contracting a disease instead of actually being infected, since it would require a lot more effort to cure the disease.  However,  for those who have passed the “prevention” stage and are already married, thus need a cure: this is for you.

 

Listen to Podcast 

So you are already married but your spouse is showing you a side of them you really need them to change. And with all your efforts to communicate that, they simply just aren’t having it.

What do you do? 

I have three suggestions for you: 

Let’s begin with the most common love scripture in the Bible after The Songs of Solomon. (Please check it out if you haven’t) 

1 Corinthians 13: verses 4 through 7 

“4 Love endures with patience and serenity, love is kind and thoughtful, and is not jealous or envious; love does not brag and is not proud or arrogant. 5 It is not rude; it is not self-seeking, it is not provoked [nor overly sensitive and easily angered]; it does not take into account a wrong endured. 6 It does not rejoice at injustice, but rejoices with the truth [when right and truth prevail]. 7 Love bears all things [regardless of what comes], believes all things [looking for the best in each one], hopes all things [remaining steadfast during difficult times], endures all things [without weakening].”

Are any of these descriptions of love reflected in your marriage? Knowing what love is from our scriptural reference above let’s reflect on the behavior we’d like our spouse to change so badly and ask ourselves the following questions:

1. Does that behavior stop me from Loving my spouse?
2. How many times have we disregarded what God has asked us to do but He is still there being PATIENT with us? 

Understanding that people can’t be forced to change, only God and themselves can do the changing, trying to encourage them to do so would be a good place to start. 

[Disclaimer: This is not a post that condones accepting sinful behaviours in marriage.]

Then attempt these three practical responses 

1. Accept (accept them for who they are or the habit they possess) Acceptance brings you to a place of almost being unbothered and is likely to give you peace about the situation. Simply come to terms with it for what it apparently is. Which is most likely a habit or part of the person’s personality. 
2. Adapt ( if you can accept it then adapt to it) Instead of fighting this undesirable behaviour from your spouse and getting frustrated over it, decide on how you can work with it or go around it. For example, hubby leaves the toilet seat up. Don’t get angry about that, he needs it up, and you need it down. So instead of stressing over him leaving the toilet seat up, simply put it down to use it or build another one for yourself if you can afford to! Lol! Yes, I said it! Adapt: if you can’t go through it, then go around it! 
3. Appreciate (see the desirable things they do and magnify them, shifting your focus from frustration to gratitude ) Taking these three steps is not just to make things easier for your spouse but it also helps YOU! When you choose to focus and celebrate the great things in the marriage, you are likely creating a better environment to yield the compromises and changes you want. This is healthy for you, your spouse, and your marriage. 

Managing conflict in your marriage doesn’t always have to be a fight, sometimes Love, as Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 13, endures all things with patience. 

Lastly, Please be patient with that version of your person in this season. As life takes us through different seasons, it brings out different versions of us. Sometimes your spouse's behaviour could be a reaction to something they are dealing with something that they haven’t gotten brave enough to share with you.

So be that LOVE Paul describes, in 1 Corinthians, you never know, your spouse might just change for the better in the process. 

#CestBonSoundsGood 

Listen to a song called Love by Travis Greene 

Link: https://youtu.be/EzIL7rfHtPg.  

Listen to the podcast episode on this piece here: https://anchor.fm/netishaaliegrant/episodes/35-When-your-spouse-wont-change-e1fi7u0