Tag Archive: Matthew

The Meaning Of Life

Author: October 10, 2015

gratisography.com/pictures/125_1.jpgJohn 15:5   “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”

Dear Readers,  Greetings and salutations to you, my brothers and sisters.  May the God of peace and love be ever present in your life.  As always, my love and prayers are with you.  Yesterday I was pondering the meaning of life.  The Lord our God has revealed to me the meaning of life in this world and even the ultimate meaning in the next.  It is no secret.  He reveals it all to those who read scripture; those whom seek knowledge, meaning and wisdom.  As I meditated, prayed and pondered the meaning of life and what it means to mankind, I could not help but realize how many people feel life is meaningless.  There are many more who have been misdirected or misguided.  Some pray to false gods.  Others worship money, power and instant gratification in the form of sex, drugs, material luxury or even violence.  They are driven only by lust.  This is why our world is so sick.  It is maddening to me because so few of us realize what the truth is.

I am currently surrounded by men who lack meaning.  I pray to my Lord often to help me to help them.  “Give me the strength, Lord.”, I pray.  “Open their ears and soften their hearts, please, Father.”, I beg.  Yea, though I know that more souls will be lost than gained, still I continue to do my best to lead people to the path of salvation.  For that is my purpose; That is my meaning here on earth. (more…)

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FOCUS

Author: September 12, 2015

gratisography.com/pictures/35_1.jpgMatthew 21:21-22  So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done. And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”

Dear Readers, The Lord can bring you into focus.  So much of our lives are unfocused and undisciplined when we are not focused on God.  How many times have you had a great idea for a business or a job you wanted?  Maybe when you were young you wanted to be a doctor or lawyer. Maybe you wanted to own a certain home or visit another part of the world.  Many of us had dreams that we never realized.  Why?  We lack focus.  We lack faith.  We lack the ability to believe in greatness.  We lack a proper relationship with God.  The Lord says, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” [Matthew 6:33]  You see, our life on earth is school.  We are here to learn.  When you deeply study the Word, you realize that everything that God does is meant to teach us.  By focusing on Him, we learn how to have faith and belief.   (more…)

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A Life Worth Living

Author: July 31, 2015

Randall_Daluz_serpentanddoveMatthew 10:16-20  Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore, be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to councils and scourge you in their synagogues. You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.

Dear Readers:  I have some astonishing news.  As many of you know, a judge made a politically motivated decision which wrongfully denied me a new trial.  Admittedly, the first two days were very hard.  I had a root of bitterness in me after my attorney gave me the news.  Through much prayer and fasting, the Spirit of the Lord reminded me to overcome my despair.  I am currently very much at peace.  Praise God!  You see, the Lord reminded me that I have a battle to fight for His namesake.  This evil and tyrannical, racist and unjust justice system is attempting to stop myself and others from publicly proclaiming the name of my Lord and teaching His Word worldwide.  They are trying to stifle our God-given creativity by silencing our faith.  I am here to tell you folks that fascism is alive and well in present day America.

The first couple of days, my flesh was troubled.  It caused me to focus on myself and how I have been wronged.  I was tormented and discouraged.  I felt victimized and defeated.  I prayed and cried to my Lord repeatedly and He answered my prayers.  On the third day, I instantly knew peace.  The Lord awakened my spirit and opened my eyes.  He put it on my heart that I have been anointed to serve Him.  Hallelujah!  He said, “Son, your captivity is necessary; for you have a mission to complete.”   (more…)

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A Time For Forgiveness: Thoughts On Charleston, SC Shooting

Author: June 26, 2015

Matthew 5:43-48  You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.  For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?  And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Photo by Stephen E Norton; APDear Readers,  Three days ago, a man walked into a church full of Christians (who happened to be colored), sat there as the Word of God was preached for some time and then opened fire, killing nine Christian brothers and sisters and wounding several others.  As I am writing this, I am still stunned.  I am emotional.  I weep not for my fallen brothers and sisters in Christ.  I need not shed tears for them; for they are at home in peace and love with the Lord.  Hallelujah!  I weep for their families.  I weep for their friends.  I weep for everyone who has lost someone to senseless violence.  I also weep for my nation, my beautiful America.  I wonder, why she is so cruel at times?  Yet, even while I am in the midst of such madness and confusion, I still see hope.  I still see God’s light shining through the darkness.  Praise His name!  Thank you, Jesus!  When I picked up the paper today, I wept again.  But, this time they were tears of joy.   (more…)

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A Stress-Free Life

Author: June 3, 2015

Randall Daluz - Keep Calm And Call On JesusMatthew 6:27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?

Dear Readers,  One of the devil’s most powerful and destructive tools is stress.  There are few things in this world which can harm you, age you, unsettle you and assault your mental and physical well being more than stress.  I am convinced that the leading cause of illness and death is stress.  Stress – like hate – is poison.  My current situation can be very stressful at times.  There are no vices in here to take the edge off.  One must learn to cope and combat stress naturally.  I have learned some techniques that I would like to share with you.

The first is prayer.  But, before you pray, it is best to calm yourself and clear your mind.  For me, the best way to do that is to simply breathe.  Sit down in a comfortable position.  Keep your body relaxed. (more…)

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THE POWER OF FAITH !

Author: May 23, 2015

Randall Daluz - Faith Like A Mustard SeedMatthew 17:20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.

Dear Readers,  The most powerful thing in this universe is Almighty God!  Do you know what the second is?  FAITH!  [Say it with me now…] FAITH! Hallelujah!  FAITH is what you need to believe.  FAITH is what you need to succeed.  For it is by FAITH that God’s grace is achieved.  Are you with me?  Shout “Amen!”  The reason I have peace in my heart is because I am learning to live by FAITH!  Glory to God!  Without FAITH, I would be lost for sure.  Think about the people you know who are faithless.  They are sad and angry, aren’t they?  They live depressed lives.  There is no point to life for them.  To them, the glass is always half empty.  Sure, some of them seem happy, but you can tell by the shallow lives they lead that they are not.  People who think that things make you happy lack true faith.  I know because I used to be one of those people. (more…)

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A Selfless Life

Author: May 13, 2015

Matthew 22:37-40  Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’  This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’  On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

Randall Daluz Put God FirstI had a conversation with my cellmate, Paul, over breakfast this morning.  Paul has only recently begun his walk with Christ.  Everything is new to him.  I have introduced him to a pastor friend of mine.  He now visits Paul and studies with him.  As a new Christian, Paul has loads of questions.  I do my best to assist him and answer all of them.  If I don’t know the answer, then I work diligently to find it. [I have yet to be completely stumped.]  Today, Paul and I discussed being selfless.  Recently, Paul expressed his lack of understanding in regards to putting God first.  My pastor friend and I both explained to Paul that if he puts God first, everything else will fall into place.  Paul was an addict.  The very act of being an addict is selfish.  I know Paul to be a very caring and giving man, but drugs change people.   (more…)

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The Ripple Effect

Author: March 19, 2015

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…)

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Twenty-One Martyrs For Christ

Author: February 18, 2015

"Stoning of Saint Stephen" by Filippo Lauri

“Stoning of Saint Stephen” by Filippo Lauri, c. 1651. Saul in the extreme right (click to enlarge)

Acts 7:59-60  And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Twenty-one Egyptian men were recently beheaded for believing in Jesus Christ.  Twenty-one brothers in Christ were murdered for our Lord.  I tell you, I am overjoyed for them.  For what better way can one die than for the name of Jesus?  We should count these blessed men as heroes, for they are true martyrs for Christ Jesus. Hallelujah!  Praise God!  Amen!  My heart weeps for their families, for I know what it is to suffer the loss of loved ones to senseless violence.  My prayer is that they realize how special those twenty-one men are.  I pray they feel joy at the thought of those twenty-one beautiful souls frolicking with Jesus in heaven.  Theirs is a place of endearment in the heart of the Lord for there is no greater tribute than to lay down one’s life in the name of Jesus.  I would like you to take a moment to honor these twenty-one brothers.  Pray for their families and praise God for their sacrifice.  I want the enemies of Christ to know that you cannot kill a Christian, for our souls are eternal.  True believers in Christ shall never die.  The devil has convinced you that there is victory in the death of Christians.  He has lied to you.  Oh, there is victory alright; but it belongs to Jesus, not you. (more…)

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Seek Ye First The Kingdom Of God

Author: February 6, 2015

Randall Daluz _ Girl Looking At SunsetMatthew 6:33  “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

Dear Readers:  What does it mean to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness”? It took me a little while to grasp that concept.  You see, I thought that by studying the Bible and praying, I was doing what Matthew 6:33 said; but I was only half right. We need to seek God in everything we do. We need to pray on every important decision we make.

I have been in three meaningful relationships with women in my life; two of them lasting for more than five years. My last relationship lasted twelve years. I still love them all very much, but our relationships were rocky. I was never able to make any of them a lifelong commitment.  There is no doubt that the love was real, but something was missing and I know what it was – GOD.  We needed God to make a solid foundation on which to build. (more…)

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Faith Shall Conquer Any Storm

Author: January 30, 2015

Matthew 8:23-27  Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him.  And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep.  Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!”  But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.  So the men marveled, saying, “Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?”

Randall Daluz Snow Storm City StreetEven the most solid Christians have their faith shaken from time to time. Such is part of the human condition.  Jesus never feared, for His faith was perfect.  The apostles walked with the Lord on earth.  They witnessed countless miracles; yet even they were shaken from time to time.  The Lord always comforted them and restored their faith.  And, after His resurrection, they were doubtless.  In fact, all but one died horrible deaths because they refused to renounce their belief in Christ.  They had pure faith.  Praise God.  I tell you, my brothers and sisters, that we can have that same faith.  I know that if I were to be asked to renounce my Lord or die, I would choose death.  If the State offered me my freedom in exchange for denying Jesus Christ, I would refuse it. (more…)

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Fight The Good Fight

Author: December 20, 2014

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…)

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