by vatg4him

Fifty Shades of Chains

Nicole D. Hayes, Founder of Voices Against the Grain

Bondage. Whips. Trauma. Romance. ??? Fifty Shades of Grey, the 2011 erotic romance novel written by British author E.L. James, criticized for its poorly written prose, sold more than 100 million copies worldwide and has been translated into 52 languages. In a world that pushes limits to constantly satiate the flesh, the book has been repurposed into a movie to release in theaters nationwide this Valentine’s Day weekend. “Fifty Shades of Grey” seeks to thrill audiences with erotica and sexual fantasy without true intimacy.

But there’s no storybook ending here. In society’s crush with the world, they’ll find they’ve cheated themselves out of true love and true intimacy. Long after the characters’ chains are removed, the chains remain for viewers.

While those in relationship with Christ Jesus enjoy the true love and intimacy He provides, our spirits are pricked with an urgency to address the state of emergency that plagues our world and its inhabitants: the persistent satanic agenda at work. A satanic agenda of counterfeit and deception. While Christ Jesus came to bring us true freedom and love, Satan presents counterfeit freedoms that destroy.

Many have been lulled into supporting more worldly freedoms such as fornication, porn cloaked in this satanic agenda—only to be perplexed by the unintended outcomes (destroyed families, broken childhoods, emptiness, objectification, etc.).

Sex is good because God created sex—in the context of a loving, God-ordained marriage between man and woman. Satan seeks to pervert everything good and of God, particularly sex. Our overly sexualized culture has bought into the lies, even justifying it as “entertainment.”

Excellently stated by our friends and ministry partner pureHOPE in their blog post “From Selma to 50 Shades,” about counterfeit schemes, “good” is viewed as “evil” and “evil” is viewed as “good” (Isaiah 5:20). We stand with pureHOPE to pursue a world free of sexual exploitation and brokenness.

Voices Against the Grain delivers God’s truth to a spiritually blind, broken, deceived and dying world. We reveal Satan’s counterfeit schemes to help direct audiences to the One whose Word, who through relationship brings true freedom, true love: Jesus Christ. Like this song by Tasha Cobbs, our desire is to “break every chain” and bring restoration through the powerful Name of Jesus.

Authentic freedom (one that does not enslave) is found only in Christ Jesus. No other substitute. This is black and white. The world will always present counterfeit freedoms that operate in “shades of grey,” never delivering full freedom. They entice, offer temporary pleasure, then lead to life-long brokenness, enslavement and spiritual death.

Romans 8:5 tells us that, “Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” Furthermore, Romans 8:2 promises us that “because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” (New International Version)

Are you truly free—or are you chained by shades of grey?

Nicole D. Hayes is the founder of Voices Against the Grain, a bold teaching ministry launched in May 2013. Nicole’s purpose in creating “Voices Against the Grain” is to be light in darkness, to boldly instruct truth amid confusion so as to bring clarity and restoration.

02.04.15

by vatg4him

Searching for That REAL Love

Proverbs 21:17- Those who love pleasure become poor; those who love wine and luxury will never be rich. (New Living Translation)

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

There is an old adage that says, “the love we miss is often the love we took for granted.” In other words, love is unconditional. For love is without fault when administered through sacrifice. A notion we have come to know through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. This now lends us a helping hand to distinguish what is REAL and what is FAKE. Fake are the friends who stand by your side when YOUR money is an option. Fake are those relationships that bear no reciprocity FOR YOU, but remain unilateral FOR THEM. Fake is nothing, but an illusion. Hence, the need for real friendships that place OTHERS before themselves, or real relationships that are contingent upon TRUTH rather than the evils of selfishness and greed, or finding real satisfaction in being left FILLED rather than being left empty. Real love is unconditional, a promise given by our Divine Friend. Amen

About Herbert G. Bowen, Jr.

Born in King of Prussia, Pa., Herbert G. Bowen Jr., accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at the tender age of 5. An active member of the Central Church of God in Charlotte, N.C. where he resides, Herbert serves as a youth/discussion group leader, where he has preached and taught Sunday school, as well as Wednesday night service. In addition, he has preached at Second Baptist Church in Pottstown, Pa., Destiny City Church in Salisbury, N.C. Herbert is the youngest board member on the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Leadership Council, where he serves to lessen the costs of tuition for African American students. Moreover, Herbert serves on the pureHOPE advisory board, where his commitment to “wait until marriage” fits perfectly with PureHope’s mission to bring a Christian solution to an immoral culture.Finally, Herbert through the will of God writes weekly devotionals to combat the decreasing morality in the 18-30 age group a.k.a., “the transition gap.” This is an effort to re-introduce Jesus Christ to this spiritually starved generation. His devotionals go out to 2,000+ people and continues to grow under the Lord’s watchful eye. He is a graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Business Management.

02.02.15

by vatg4him

Dawn Over Dusk

John 3:21-But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.” (New Living Translation)

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

To wake up to the dawn of a horizon is heralded by most as a spectacular sight. To lay in a sea of grass gazing upon a starry night sky proves the magnificence of the Earth’s wonders. Two amazing views that demonstrate the beauty and work of God’s hands. However, like every coin there are two sides. Thus, with all the beauty held within this world, why does ugliness run rampant throughout it? Well, because good deeds are overshadowed by the cloak of night. For “all who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed” (John 3:20). It is there that our thoughts become unencumbered. It is there where actions become emboldened to satiate our desires. It is there where our courage multiplies by 10, to commit an act that normally would lie dormant. Therefore, may we live with the blinds wide open to allow the SON of MAN to come shining in. Amen

About Herbert G. Bowen, Jr.

01.29.15

by vatg4him

You Can’t Hold Me

John 14:27-“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” (New Living Translation)

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

It is an honor to be back after many asked, “Where are Herbert’s devotionals?” (In addition to Voices Against the Grain audiences, Herbert shares his devotionals to a growing reader list of 3,000+)

You didn’t make us, but God did. Hence, fall back into the dark pit from whence you came and be incinerated by the selfishness that was ignited through your flame. You can’t stop us, but God can. So, cease and desist your demands and decrees ‘cuz with God on our side our victory is guaranteed. You don’t understand us, but God does. Therefore, when He sees our spirits He blesses the path we tread, for we know that HE has already walked the journey ahead. You can’t break us, but God will. For He used you to bring us closer to HIM, before our lives became lost with the light in our eyes growing dim. So please remember that you helped us, which was constructed through God’s design. Amen

About Herbert G. Bowen, Jr.

01.28.15

by vatg4him

My Brother’s Keeper

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” “I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” – Genesis 4:9

“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you? “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ –Matthew 25:44-45 May each day we have breath in our lungs remember Cain’s question to the Lord and answer it with for ourselves with a resounding, “Yes! I am my brother’s keeper!” This pretension is indeed true. For we are not that different from one another. One similarity we share is that we were made God’s image.

For the Bible says, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” –Genesis 1:27 Some may say, I am just too busy to help anyone! I have problems of my own! Another similarity we ALL share. For the Bible says, “Yet man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward.” –Job 5:7 No fault of our own that trouble often finds us for it is inherent of our fore parents who disobeyed God and sinned and we therefore followed in their example.

Sin is still immanent and if we have the means to remove a burden from our fellow man, our brother or sister, may we lovingly do so as if it were God almighty requesting our assistance himself. If they are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them a drink. If they need a coat, find them one. You help them, you please God. You turn your back, you displease God. If we are going to give of ourselves, may it be from the heart otherwise we sin by giving begrudgingly. Our attitude may be as Cain’s in that we try to hide this sin from God but he knows. While we may not be the direct cause of someone’s detriment as Cain was to Abel, our lack of response to help when we have ability to is not great either. God showed his great love and mercy in forgiving us of our sins. We didn’t deserve it but “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8

May we remember the focus of the parable Jesus gave in Matthew 25 to love every person and serve anyone we can. Such love for others glorifies God by reflecting our love for him. In us, one who has yet to know Jesus Christ and accept him, may come to know him through our godly concern and actions for their well-being. Amen

About Jason M. Alexandre

Jason Melchizedek Alexandre was born in November of 1989 in Brooklyn, N.Y. His family later moved to Philadelphia, Pa., and he now resides in Limerick, Pa. In May of 2014, Jason obtained his Master of Social Work degree at Widener University. Professionally, Jason counsels persons who are homeless, parents, veterans, and others who suffer from various kinds of abuse. Although Jason’s career is Social Work, his spiritual passion is missions. Jason believes in actively answering the Great Commission call Jesus gave all Christians for the Gospel to be spread from person-to-person and nation-to-nation. Annually, Jason travels primarily to Haiti on a mission trip with Haiti Christianity Inc. Each year, Haiti Christianity, Inc., visits cities and/or villages in Haiti bringing children educational supplies, clothing, and medical supplies. They also facilitate conferences in which bible study, budgeting tips, financial planning and most importantly, evangelization takes place. Jason is currently the organization’s public relations director. Jason’s vision is for the gospel to continue to spread throughout the world and believes it is Christian’s responsibility to carry out this mission effectively. To learn more about the organization for which Jason volunteers, please visit www.HaitiChristianity.org.

01.26.15

by vatg4him

Ana’s Story: Our Treasures Within

Shame and fear about dark, past moments can keep us from recognizing treasures within that God wants to use. Ana Martinez, our dear Voices Against the Grain ministry team member, shares in 2-min message how Jesus gave her the courage to lay aside childhood sexual abuse and rape to truly see her treasures within. God bless you, Ana! Please view and share so others might be freed from their past. https://vimeo.com/114402583 (Video produced by Mariners Church)

01.22.15

by vatg4him

Strive to Trust Him

Today’s post is from the daily devotional book, Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young. Each devotional is written from the perspective of Jesus speaking to you.

STRIVE TO TRUST ME in more and more areas of your life. Anything that tends to make you anxious is a growth opportunity. Instead of running away from these challenges, embrace them, eager to gain all the blessings I have hidden in the difficulties. If you believe that I am sovereign over every aspect of your life, it is possible to trust Me in all situations. Don’t waste energy regretting the way things are or thinking about what might have been. Start at the present moment—accepting things exactly as they are—and search for My way in the the midst of those circumstances.

Trust is like a staff you can lean on, as you journey uphill with Me. If you are trusting in Me consistently, the staff will bear as much of your weight as needed. Lean on, trust, and be confident in Me with all your heart and mind.

Accompanying Scriptures: Psalm 52:8 “But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love forever and ever. Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him and he will make your paths straight.” (New International Version)

01.14.15

by vatg4him

How to Give and Receive Instruction

We can’t prosper in God’s things without honoring the instruction He gives us. What elements are essential to giving and receiving instruction? One, is having a teachable spirit. Listen to our founder’s six tips shared in this 8-min Church for Entrepreneurs podcast. Thank you to Church for Entrepreneurs founder, Amos Johnson Jr., for inviting Nicole to share a message on this great platform. We hosted Amos on our October 2014 show entitled “Starting and Doing Business God’s Way.” Listen here for “How to Give and Receive Instruction.”

01.13.15

by vatg4him

Protect This House

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. -1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (New International Version)

Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Some of us have been enjoying the exciting National Football League playoff games the last couple of weekends. Both the away and home team has a single goal in mind, which is none other but to win. Though the question raise is: which team has more of a chip on their shoulder? In other words, which team feels the most pressure to win at that particular game? Let me suggest the answer is the home team. I noticed a home fan holding a sign that read “PROTECT THIS HOUSE.” For the fans expect their team to produce a win at home which also means that if the team is successful in winning, then they protected their home turf from outsiders coming in and getting glory.

If we have trusted in Jesus Christ as our personal savior, the Bible tells us that God now resides in us through the Holy Spirit and our bodies are a temple for Him that we must love, honor, and protect. How we use our bodies is extremely important to God. Our minds, hearts, and other body parts he urges us to offer them to him as a living sacrifice each day. For the Bible says, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:1-2

So where do we start in protecting our bodies? For the unbeliever, it starts with a personal saving relationship with Jesus Christ. God’s wrath is still on you because of your sins if you have not trusted in his loving sacrifice of his only Son on the cross. For the Bible says, “very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:7-8

My friend, to reject that love and his gift for you is a tragic mistake. For the believer, we start protecting our bodies, God’s temple by the renewing of our minds in reading His Word every day. The Bible is alive and relevant in every way for every circumstance or situation today. I’m so glad that God gave us this precious gift! For it helps us see through the deceptive and subtle half-truths and falsehoods floating around in the world. His Word is a true guide for us. What we feed our minds will be planted in our hearts and what is in our hearts we will inevitably act out. It is my prayer that our minds and hearts reflect the Word of God empowering us to live our lives and honor our bodies in such a way that is pleasing to him. –Amen.

About Jason M. Alexandre

01.11.15

by vatg4him

Shape Up Your Prayer Life

Hello 2015! You’ve indulged in holiday treats both sweet and savory. You’re ready to get your physical self in shape through healthier eating and exercise coupled with fasting. But in what shape is your prayer life? If you desire to shape up your prayer life for 2015 and beyond, read our Gospel Today article that provides four key elements to enhance your approach to prayer. One tip: want what God wants. http://www.gospeltoday.com/blog/2015/01/11/shape-up-your-prayer-life/#sthash.jOtUbmXR.dpuf