Tag Archive: Ephesians

Death Knows No Color

https://www.pexels.com/photo/graveyard-grave-stones-gravestones-graves-7911/Dearly beloved:  May GOD’S grace, peace, love, mercy and protection be ever upon you.  I want to talk to you about an equal opportunity employer – DEATH!  Death knows no color, political association nor gender.  Death kills indiscriminately.  I was very troubled by the news that a young and attractive woman by the name of Justine Damond was gunned down by a police officer in Minnesota.  She was a white woman, but regardless of the color of her skin, her death matters every bit as much as anyone else. The bullets that pierced her flesh did not care whether or not she was white or black.  The country is stunned and for the first time in a long time people are beginning to realize that we are all at the mercy of the police.  Our crooked and broken system of law needs to change.  The chief of police resigned over the incident which is something that I have not seen in the cases of murdered black men.  Death knows no color, but people do.  And that hurts us as a society.  I found it both refreshing and encouraging that people of color spoke out about this tragedy and I pray that more will.  It is only when we are able to truly understand and empathize with one another that we can truly begin to heal as a people.  My country is so divided by hate and misunderstanding.  The vultures who are in power use that division to blind us to the truth.  It is only when we unite in love that we will triumph over hate.  GOD is LOVE and LOVE is GOD!!!  I don’t know what happened in Minnesota.  None of us do.  I pray that people reserve judgement against the officers involved.  Don’t be so quick to point fingers; For in so doing you could condemn an innocent man for an accidental death.  I am praying for officer Mohamed Noor and his family. (more…)

Missed Opportunity

https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-person-school-head-455/Acts 13:47  For so the Lord has commanded us:  ‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’

Dearly Beloved:  May GOD’s grace, peace, courage, strength and LOVE be ever upon you.  This is a very sad time for me.  My eldest brother passed away on November 19th.  I did not find out until two days ago.  He had been estranged from the family.  I loved him very much, though I did not show it enough.  I deeply regret not getting to know him better.  We did not grow up together.  He was nearly twenty years older than I. In his youth, my father immigrated to Africa in search of a better life for his brothers and sisters.  His parents had both died, leaving him as the eldest sibling, to raise his brothers and sister.  It was there in Senegal, Africa where my eldest brother was born.  My brother was the spitting image of my father.  My father sired a large family in Africa before immigrating to America where myself and my two younger siblings were born.  My mother is a Caucasian-American.  My father worked very hard and saved his money.  Eventually, he earned enough to bring his African born children to America.  I remember meeting my older brothers for the first time.  I was five years old at the time.  I had stared at their pictures before they came.  Father told me lots of heart-warming stories about them.  They were like rock stars to me.  And when the day came where I finally got to meet them, I was so excited.  I remember teaching them English and playing with them for hours on end.  They were all musical prodigies.  They had been performing since they were knee high to a grasshopper.  I loved watching them perform.  They would practice for shows at my Dad’s house.  Those were great times. (more…)

Spiritual Warfare

https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-wearing-silver-skull-ring-194087/Ephesians 6:12  “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

Dearly Beloved:  May God’s grace, love, peace and hedge of protection be ever upon you.  We are at war with forces that are unseen, but whose presence is felt.  I realize that my writing this piece may make me sound crazy.  Heck, it took my quite some time to believe it myself, but I tell you that there is a spiritual war going on all around us.  We are bombarded and besieged by dark forces on a daily basis.  Whenever we feel angry or sad, those are dark spirits plaguing our minds.  Likewise fear, doubt, worry and pride are all products of dark spirits.  And, it is important we recognize them so we can defend ourselves.

I have been engaged in a fierce battle these past few weeks.  I have been pouring over documents relating to my criminal case in preparation for an appeal brief.  It is very painful for me. (more…)

Love In Spite Of Hate

#allsoulsmatter http://www.rlmuzic.com/

Image Credit: www.rlmuzic.com ~ #allsoulsmatter

Mark 2:17   When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance.”

Dearly Beloved:  May God’s mercy, grace, wisdom, love and understanding be ever upon you.  I want to start by sending my deepest and sincerest sympathy and condolences to the family of my dear sweet friend Erica L.  It is with a heavy heart that I report that my friend Erica lost her long and hard fought battle with opiate addiction.  I had an overwhelming urge to call one of my family members a few days ago.  That family member was very close to Erica and battling the same addiction.  When she answered the phone, I began talking to her about her addiction.  I told her I loved her very much and that she needed to get help.  I asked her, “What is it going to take to wake you up?  Please get help. I am praying for you.”  That night, Erica overdosed and I was so sad and angry.  I called that same family member when I heard the news the following morning.  “You see?”, I yelled.  “What did I tell you?!   (more…)

Ignorance Is Not Bliss

Psalm 73:21-24  Thus my heart was grieved, And I was vexed in my mind.  I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You.  Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand.  You will guide me with Your counsel, And afterward receive me to glory.  

Dearly Beloved:  May God’s mercy and prosperity be upon you.
So many people are ignorant of the truth; blind to the facts of reality.  Billions of people do not know JESUS or His Word.  They are ignorant of the truth.  Such ignorance leads to eternal separation from GOD.  I can assure you that there is nothing truly blissful about being separated from GOD.  I never felt more alone than when I was separated from the truth that is JESUS CHRIST.   Back then, I felt only momentary happiness.  I searched for bliss unsuccessfully.  Being a father brought me immense joy, but there was always something missing…something that I needed to feel complete.  I tried everything – women, substances, money.  NONE of it made me happy.  I bought doodads and trinkets, all manner of luxuries.  Nothing I tried worked.  I was ignorant and blind.  But, for all my ignorance, I felt nothing resembling bliss.  I felt damp and cold.  I was shrouded in darkness and in desperate need of light.  I never once felt settled.  Nothing in my life was safe or secure.  Do any of you feel like that right now?  Are any of you lost?  Is there an emptiness inside of you that seems as though it can never be fulfilled?  Do you feel unbalanced?  Are you thirsty and hungry for universal truth?  Do you lack a sense of purpose?  Are you missing the final piece of the puzzle that is existence?  You’re not alone.  I know how you feel.  I used to feel the exact same way. I can empathize with you.  You are plagued by an awful and destructive disease called ignorance.  The bad news is it is debilitating and leads to death.  The awesome news is it is curable. You don’t have to spend the rest of your existence in your current condition.  What you need is a huge dose of the gospel of JESUS CHRIST.  That is the only medicine that can cure your disease.  Nothing else will work. Believe me, I tried.  I was chasing foolishness.  It was utterly absurd.  All I did was make futile attempts to find lasting joy, real joy.  Sound familiar?  I was doing nothing more than running in circles, chasing a fantasy. Until the LORD, He changed everything.

Once I learned the truth, I was finally free from the chains of ignorance. A whole new plethora of possibilities was suddenly opened to me.  I have been awakened by the light.  I am no longer blind.  I see things clearly now.  My perception of reality has been forever altered for the better.  Doors that I never even knew existed are open to me now.  Things that I could not fathom in my wildest dreams are happening to me.  Yes, its true that I am physically in chains, but I am mentally and spiritually freer than I have ever been.  “How?”, you ask.  I am no longer ignorant to the one and only truth that truly matters.  I know the the truth about JESUS and the truth has set me free.  HALLELUJAH!  PRAISE GOD!

One cannot truly and fully elevate and grow without knowing the truth.  Ignorance is a leg iron that holds unbelievers back.  It keeps them from receiving their inheritance.  They are cut off from blessings and positive opportunities.  The dark is blinding.  Walking in it handicaps people.  It throws them off course. Why do you think it is that so many people lack a sense of direction and purpose?  Because they are walking blindly in total darkness.  They can’t see where it is that they are going.  They think that the misery that they feel is all there is to life.  To them, life is nothing more than a compilation of setbacks, challenges, heartache, loss and ultimately death. They don’t understand that there is so much more than that.  There is joy, there is purpose, meaning and blessings.  They can’t see it because they are in the dark.  And thus, they are the opposite of being blissful.  They are depressed and they live each day mourning the loss of the fantasy life they dreamed of living.  All the hopes they once had have long since evaporated into the ethereal.  They are miserable.

Ignorance is not bliss.  It is a gloomy death sentence.  Many of you can relate to what I am saying.  You once were ignorant, but you don’t have to be any longer.  No, sir.  I know a way that you can turn that frown upside down.  I know a way that you can illuminate the darkness so that you can see your path clearly.  Open up the Bible, read it and receive the light of the truth.  You need the gospel Truth to set you free.  You need JESUS to light your way.  Why would you keep stumbling blindly in the dark?  Now, I will admit that the path to the light is not an easy one, but it is well worth it.  It’s rewarding and paved with glory.  There is plenty of JOY to be had in serving the LORD.  All you have to do is truly want it with all your heart, mind and soul.  If you will only submit and admit, then ask for forgiveness, you can be whole and enlightened.  Let the LORD shake off your ignorance so that you can be truly blissful.  Use the following prayer as a guide.  Say it to the Lord; mean it, live it and breathe it.
“Dear Jesus, I know that because of my sin I need Your forgiveness. I believe that You died on the cross for my sins. I believe You rose again so I could live with You. I want to stop living for myself and start living for You. I want Your peace in my life. I want forgiveness for my sins. Please come into my heart and change my life. I want to live with You forever. I want You to be my Lord and Savior. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
If you said it and you meant it; if you gave your heart to JESUS, then you are my brother or sister and I welcome you to the light.  HALLELUJAH!  PRAISE GOD!  AMEN!  If you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, please contact us.  We want to hear from you and assist you.
May GOD bless and keep you!  May you break the chains of ignorance!  May you forever walk in the light and be blissful!  Amen!
Love in Christ,
Randall
(A Man whose chains of ignorance have been broken by the Light)

Ephesians 4:17-32
This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil. Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

The Ripple Effect

Matthew 7:13-14 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it.  Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Randall Daluz shadow of a familyDear Readers:  I do not write about my children.  That is because I have tried to keep them protected from those who hate me.  I have done my best to shelter my family from the spotlight.  It is important to me, however, to share my experience with the world.  I have a son and daughters that I love very, very much.  They have always been and forever will be my heart and soul.  In 2011-2012, my family and I became homeless.  We were forced to live in a shelter.  For the first time in my life I could not provide for them.  We were destitute.  On more than one occasion, we ate watered-down soup.  I went without meals so that the kids could eat.  We had been struggling for a couple years.  I was working odd jobs wherever I could find them.  From time to time, I did things I am not proud of to make ends meet.  I did everything that I thought I could to keep from being a criminal.  When we landed in that shelter, I became desperate.  On top of being homeless, we lost our car.  I had not yet accepted the Lord.  Thus, I did not possess the mind I have now.  So, when I was offered a chance to make some quick money, I took it.  My intentions were pure and even noble in my own mind.  I did the wrong things for the right reasons.  I am not guilty of the crimes I have been wrongfully convicted of.  I am not a murderer. (more…)

Fight The Good Fight

Hebrews 12:14  Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord:

Randall Daluz | statue of MLK, Gandhi and other world peace leaders

Martin Luther King with Gandhi and other world peace leaders

Dear Readers:
I have been praying a lot for my country lately.  It was very hard to watch the video of police choking an unarmed man to death.  It was equally hard to see people rioting and looting in Oakland, California.  It was uplifting, however, to see all the peaceful protests across the nation; people of all colors coming together in a sign of solidarity.  Sometimes the most beautiful things come out of the ugliest situations.  America is a beautiful country, but we are plagued by racial disparities and class-ism.  There is no doubt that a segment of our society is being oppressed – not just colored men, but all underprivileged people.  Unfortunately, colored men seem to get it the worst.  Jim Crow is still in effect in our justice system.  People are still being lynched, but it is done in our courtrooms now and sadly, sometimes by police in the streets.  We can change if we put God in our hearts and soldier on.  We must not stop pursuing equality.  We must protest until we see real and lasting change.

I implore you to pray for our oppressors worldwide.  There will be a day of reckoning, a day of atonement, when God’s wrath and judgement will be meted out on the wicked.  It is not God’s desire that any of us shall perish or be condemned  to eternal damnation.  I pray that the wicked repent.  I pray that they change their ways.   (more…)

Let The Lord Be Your Armor

Ephesians 6:10-12  Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Randall Daluz _ Armor Of GodDear Readers:
We all face trials and tribulations in our lives.  Sometimes the odds seem insurmountable.  We feel defeated and lost.  Well, let me tell you something in case you didn’t know; Our God is greater than any problem we have.  He is mightier than any pressure we experience.  I want to let you in on a secret.  If you are saved, if you believe in the Lord God with all your heart and soul, you can never be defeated ever by anything… especially not man or the devil.  Hebrews 13:6 says:  So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (more…)

Fear Not! For GOD Is With You

Hebrews 13:6  So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”

Dear Readers:
I often share personal things that I am going through with you. I do this because I am currently going through a great trial – spiritually, mentally and physically. I look at it as an opportunity not only to share the gospel but also to show you the strength and wisdom God gives us through our trials. It is yet another testament to how mighty He truly is.  Praise God!

Randall Daluz Fear Not For God Is With You

As you might imagine, the situation I am in can produce a lot of stress, fear and doubt. But, glory to God, my Lord always helps me find peace. With the help of the Lord, I am able to endure things I never thought I could endure. People are often amazed at how calm I am despite my circumstances, but there are times when fear and doubt creep into my mind. The devil uses fear and doubt to shake our faith. Sometimes I lose sight of the fact that things of this world no longer matter, for I am saved by grace and thus I have eternal life in Christ Jesus. This week was one of those times. I was nearly blinded by fear and doubt. Something happened that made me feel hopeless and helpless. (more…)

Walking In The Light

walkinginthelightEphesians 5:8-14  For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth),  finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.  And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.  For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret.  But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light.  Therefore He says:  “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.”

The Lord is the light; when you bask in His light, you are basking in the glory of the Lord. Hallelujah!  It feels so good to walk in the light of the Lord.  My brothers and sisters in Christ know exactly what I mean.  The devil is afraid of the light, that’s why he walks and creeps in the darkness. (more…)

Deborah Jacobs

deborahjacobsphotoThis interview is a very special one for me. It was an honor to interview one of my mentors. I have met a lot of good Christians during my journey. All of them have been very encouraging to me. I have known Deborah for over a year now. We met at the Kennebec County Jail in Augusta. As with all people I encounter, I was very skeptical of her at first. She did not recognize me at first and I did not tell her why I was in jail. It had been a year since I had turned myself in. So, many people in Augusta did not realize who I was. Eventually, Deborah and I built a great rapport and forged a real friendship. The more I got to know her, the more I realized what an amazing person she truly is. The Lord is truly working through her. You can see his hand in everything she does and yet she is so humble. She and some other volunteers have helped me to realize that there are truly good and wonderful people in this world. I cannot stress how important it is to an inmate (or any sinner for that matter) to see that there are truly good and kind people who love them because God loves them.

(more…)