Faith 2 Lift U

God Determines Who Walks into your life

2008-04-13T15:57:00.003-05:00

Psalm 119:113-120 (New Living Translation) “I hate those with divided loyalties, but I love your instructions. You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope. Get out of my life, you evil-minded people, for I intend to obey the commands of my God. Lord, sustain me as you promised, that I may live! Do not let my hope be crushed. Sustain me, and I will be rescued; then I will meditate continually on your decrees. But you have rejected all who stray from your decrees. They are only fooling themselves. You skim off the wicked of the earth like scum; no wonder I love to obey your laws! I tremble in fear of you; I stand in awe of your regulations.”

There is a sermon that stays in my mind and resurfaces occasionally; it does not necessarily show up when I am struggling with an issue. At least I don’t think I’m struggling with one but maybe I am or, I am going to be and that’s why the Good Lord puts it on my heart and makes it fresh in my mind. (If an issue does come up soon I sure will let you know.)

It is a story Rev. Cowthran (my minister before we moved to Kentucky) told us one Sunday morning..."All the great minds in the world were gathered together to work on solving the problems of the world; war, poverty, AIDS, global warming etc. They had been working for a very long time and finally decided they should take a break, have some food, and return to tackle these many terrible issues.

While they were on break, a young boy entered the room, and when they returned, the young boy had put this massive dilemma together, the issues that had puzzled them were now completely in order and they were amazed. They questioned the young boy to determine how he had solved issues that these distinguished scholars were unable to unscramble. He simply told them that he had looked on the other side of these puzzling issues, found a picture of Jesus and when he put the image of Jesus in order, everything else fell into place."

I remembered that sermon as I thought about my scripture reading for today. When you keep the image of Jesus in order, everything else falls into place...it stays in perfect order. Originally I was thinking about how we continually seek to keep Jesus in the forefront of our lives...He keeps you looking for God in your life. The more you seek God and the things of God-the more you seek quality, the more you seek not just the hand of God but the face of God. The more you seek things honorable, the more you seek growth, peace of mind, love and truth around you, the easier it will become for you to decide who gets to sit in the FRONT ROW of your life and who should be moved to the balcony.

Observe the relationships around you. Pay attention to; which ones lift and which ones lean? Which ones encourage and which ones discourage? Which ones are on a path of growth uphill and which ones are going downhill? When you leave certain people, do you feel better or feel worse? Which ones always have drama or don't really understand, know and appreciate you and the gift that lies within your?

Life is like a theater-so invite your audience carefully. Not everyone is holy enough and healthy enough to have a front row seat in our lives. There are some people in your life that need to be loved from a distance.

It's amazing what you can accomplish when you let go, or at least minimize your time with draining, negative, incompatible, not-going-anywhere relationships, friendships, and fellowships! You cannot change the people around you…but you can change the people you are around! Ask God for wisdom and discernment and choose wisely the people who sit in the front row of your life.

God determines who walks into your life....YOU decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go.

Father, God bless all my family and friends in whatever it is that you know they may be needing this day! And may their life be full of your peace, prosperity, and power as they seek to have a closer relationship with you. Amen.

Psalm 119:108-109 (NLT) “Lord, accept my offering of praise, and teach me your regulations. My life constantly hangs in the balance, but I will not stop obeying your instructions.”

The Almighty Hand of God

2008-04-11T12:51:00.002-05:00

All of the wonderful, unbelievable, and sometimes supernatural things that happen in our lives come from the Almighty Hand of God. I am learning, more and more each day, that when you pray to God and believe in His supremacy, something unexpected always happens. Sometimes it is that miraculous occurrence that your prayers included or, it is the blessing you forgot to ask for, and it can even be the blessing of not getting what you thought you wanted or needed. Ultimately, you learn that the Almighty Father works everyday miracles in your life that you could not even fathom.

It is a proven fact that our lives would be so very incomplete without Jesus. This unparalleled gift from God, His Son, who died for our sins on Calvary. Who taught us the source of all power and goodness in all areas of our lives. Once you know the source of all power, you learn where to get the power and strength to withstand the storms in our lives. And, most importantly, each day you live in His will you learn about the schedule of God....that He is always on schedule and on time.

Colossians 2:-10 cautions us to not ".... let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.”
The Bible teaches us which way to go into righteousness and assures us the Our Lord and Savior will not let us ‘die’ in the wilderness. We learn, I learn each day how God blesses us when we obey, acknowledging that obedience is key to progress."

I know He has a schedule for my life.

I know my readers have been wondering why I have been very inconsistent in writing blog posts, but there was something stirring my heart that I had to do in order to rest at night. It was almost a compulsion, to the exclusion of everything else I was doing, except my daily scripture readings. Now, I feel I have done my best and I feel the compulsive stirrings of writing my blog. I know I lost some readers, and I feel pretty bad about that...but I have some wonderfully loyal prayer/study partners who have awaited a return to our daily thoughts. God bless you and I thank you for your support.

Loveable!

Deuteronomy 6:17-23 (New International Version) “Be sure to keep the commands of the LORD your God and the stipulations and decrees he has given you. Do what is right and good in the LORD's sight, so that it may go well with you and you may go in and take over the good land that the LORD promised on oath to your forefathers, thrusting out all your enemies before you, as the LORD said. In the future, when your son asks you, "What is the meaning of the stipulations, decrees and laws the LORD our God has commanded you?" tell him: "We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. Before our eyes, the LORD sent miraculous signs and wonders—great and terrible—upon Egypt and Pharaoh and his whole household. But he brought us out from there to bring us in and give us the land that he promised on oath to our forefathers.”

God Takes Care of His Own

2008-04-10T18:32:00.003-05:00

God is with us to encourage us
Thursday, April 10. 2008
“....Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."—John 20:29 (ESV)

Jesus had told his disciples of his death and resurrection and had been transfigured before them. Then, after his resurrection, he began a series of appearances before them that would accustom them to expect hi to be wherever they were. God’s Word teaches us that he is the same yesterday, today , and forever. We know that the broadcast signal of our local radio station is all over our home, so much so that we know we can place a radio anywhere in the house and the signal will be picked up whenever the radio is properly tuned to the station. Likewise, Jesus’ appearances conditioned his disciples’ minds to feel his presence when they could not see him.

“Strong Son of God, immortal Love;
Whom we, that have not seen thy face,
By faith, and faith alone, embrace,
Believing where we cannot prove.”

Hymn: “Strong Son of God, Immortal Love.”

Prayer: O Christ, our Redeemer and Friend, may we feel thy presence so near to us that our greatest desire is to be found acceptable in thy sight. Take our lives, our minds, and our hearts and use them to thy honor and glory. In thy name, we pray. Amen.

This devotion is taken from April 1958, “Today-Think on These Things.” I thought it was so interesting when I found this booklet from so long ago (almost as old as me) that spoke to what I was thinking and feeling on this day.

A comment I made to readers on this blog was, “God will take care of His Own. Those who want to hear Truth as it is spoken to Power will go and listen, those who want to remain in their current state of denial will not. The rest of us who know the truth must continue to Pray, and to God be the Glory.” That comment continues to dance in my heart. and then I found the devotional above...Wow, look at God Work!

It is a fact from Scripture that God leads His own. Christ says that His sheep hear His voice, that He knows them, and that the sheep follow Him. Romans 8:14 confirms this, saying, "For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God." So let us not ever think that God is not in the business of leading His people.

One of the quickest ways to place ourselves in a position where we can't discern the leading of God or hear Him when He speaks to us is to hide sin in our hearts. If we regard iniquity in our hearts, the Lord says that He will not hear our prayers. I feel He is telling me not to be side-tracked by all the controversy I am hearing lately. Be of good cheer because He will lead His people where He wants them to go. My heart is soothed with this thought.

Peace Be Unto You All!

John 14:23-24 (New International Version)Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.

God's Great Love

2008-03-23T16:17:00.000-05:00

John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

God's greatest Love invites up to five (5) things for you to think on this Easter Season:

The Price - of God's Love = His only Son
The Purpose - so who ever believes will not perish.
The Passion - intense Love dispensed from Heaven
The Parameters - of God's Love (?)
The Provision - for everlasting life!

John 10:16 "And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd."

Are You Lost or Being Led

2008-03-22T00:37:00.002-05:00

Exodus 15:22-26 (New Living Translation) “Then Moses led the people of Israel away from the Red Sea, and they moved out into the desert of Shur. They traveled in this desert for three days without finding any water. When they came to the oasis of Marah, the water was too bitter to drink. So they called the place Marah (which means “bitter”). Then the people complained and turned against Moses. “What are we going to drink?” they demanded. So Moses cried out to the Lord for help, and the Lord showed him a piece of wood. Moses threw it into the water, and this made the water good to drink. It was there at Marah that the Lord set before them the following decree as a standard to test their faithfulness to him. He said, “If you will listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in his sight, obeying his commands and keeping all his decrees, then I will not make you suffer any of the diseases I sent on the Egyptians; for I am the Lord who heals you.”

We've all had an experience in our lives, at one time or another where we find ourselves in an area that we are totally unfamiliar with; and sometimes we feel ‘stuck’ wondering why God left us here. It is a frightening feeling not to know where you are or which way you need to go. You have arrived in a wilderness where everything appears dried up with nothing that seems to be growing. You may have lived in this wilderness so long that you may have given up on anything ever changing and you feel that God has nothing more in store for you or, has forgotten you altogether. Then again, you may not be lost at all; you may be squarely within the Will of God.

Not all dry places in life are the result of being lost and not all bitter water is un-fixable by God.
What a relief it is when we are with someone who is familiar with the area! We don't fret when we are following someone who is leading us to where we are going, because we have confidence that they know the way. But sometimes, we could be wrong; sometimes we could be following someone who is taking us away from where we need to go unless we are following God.

Whenever God leads you somewhere, He has a purpose and a predestined place for you, even if the route is a long or a dry one. Sometimes God uses dry places as a place of preparation as He did for Moses and the people of Israel.

God told Moses that He would deliver his people to a land of ‘milk and honey’ yet first, He led them into a "wilderness” where they spent 40 years. He took them to a place where the water was bitter and if they had not called on Him, there would have been no water to drink. Thru this lesson, we know that a wilderness experience has a purpose. All too often, your wilderness experience is the doorway to your promise.

If you are in a wilderness right now, remember what you learned while there because it will be necessary to sustain you in your Promised Land. Do not faint or lose heart, ask God. You may be at the door of your promise and purpose. You may not be lost at all. You might be simply being led!

Moses was being led by someone who knew the way. Like Moses, you should always be careful to keep your eyes on Him, because if you don’t, you could surely lose your way.
So it is with my life and following Jesus. I can go through life with the calm assurance that He knows the way and that He is leading me. And I will be careful to keep my eyes on Him so I won't lose my way because Scripture tells us that He leads His own. Don’t let the enemy tell you that God is not leading you or that He does not care about the direction of our lives. God definitely does care, He leads, and He speaks on a regular basis; the question is, are we listening, and more importantly, are we obeying? Don’t ever think that God is not leading you, just make sure you are listening when He speaks.

With the Love of Christ -- Loveable

John 10:27-29 (New International Version) “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand.”

A Word from God from the Man of God

2008-03-21T20:46:00.003-05:00

Matthew 7:1-8 (New International Version) "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. "Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces. "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."

It seems that so much of the media has forgotten that although Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King spoke far more often in love than in anger; he invoked unity more often than discord, and he worked tirelessly to uplift folks of all colors, his words were often considered controversial for his time. You might think that the same cannot be said for Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright, but thousands of hours of other sermons Rev. Wright has preached, point to a thoroughly Christian message:

“The good news that’s coming is for all people! Not white people—all people. Not black people—all people. Not rich people—all people. Not poor people—all people. I know you will hate this… not straight people—all people! Not gay people—all people. Not American people—all people. …God’s good news isn’t just for Americans, it’s for all people. Say “all people”! Jesus came for Iraqis and Afghanis. Jesus was sent for Iranians and Ukrainians. All people! Jesus is God’s gift to the brothers in jail and the sisters in jeopardy. All people! The Lord left his royal courts on high to come for all those that you love, yes, but he also came for all those folk that you can’t stand”. - Rev. Jeremiah Wright

Trinity UCC and Rev. Wright, bring the unchurched and alienated to God and teaches them to live a life based on the teachings of Christ. The rhetoric serves a particular purpose in a particular environment to a particular group of people.

Most African Americans who are within that “Baby Boomer” age bracket are deeply offended that remarks--be they from a pastor or a communications mogul, or a former Vice Presidential nominee—cause this country to focus on race, and not the deep racial disparities that communities are forced to endure on a daily basis in this country. As Sen. Obama has stated, most African American men are ABM (angry Black men) from that era, who have given their best to a country they feel has not remotely attempted to address the disparities that exist. They are angry because they see only the same rhetoric that avoids addressing a deplorable and continuing condition.

So many citizens, not all African Americans, much like Rev. Wright have felt the same anger towards this country with its history and current circumstances. Some of us, like Michelle Obama, are even stating they are the proudest they have ever been America when they see a man like “Barack Obama”, rising to the top of the presidential race with a message of love, hope and unity. We might be disappointed with the statements Rev. Wright made, not because they are untrue or that they don’t speak to what many in this country feel. We are disappointed because the snippets are making some people feel hesitant about Obama’s candidacy, and they shouldn’t because it is the balance of the message that has elevated Obama to the kind of man he is today.

Reverend Wright was merely expressing his (and many others') displeasure with American policies. I do not believe he hates America or Americans. He IS an American, as are his family and his parishioners. There was fire in his words, and there is truth in his words. He said that "Hillary has never been called the "N" word. Truth; as hard as it might sound, a Caucasian person living in America, will not ever be confronted with the racial epitaphs as one who is born with darker skin and kinky hair. African Americans for the most part have experienced derogatory comments first hand, and we can be sure that she never will. We must face the truth, even if it hurts. And, it will only hurt as long as we keep denying it.

Will our country ever experience ‘damnation’ for the atrocities of it’s past, none of us know if it has or if it will; but God says, the Bible says, so who am I or you to say otherwise? Let's put aside of the dismembered segments considered hatred and bigotry by the media, there has always been a message of Christ’s Love in Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright’s messages that we should not ignore.

Many in this country are both damning & condemning a life long Doctor of Divinity that knows more about the Spiritual Realm then they could ever begin to comprehend! Rev. Wright has, by his own words, examined himself and his relationship to Our Lord and Savior regularly. We can all take a page from his book. Judge NOT that ye be Not judged!

You can hear the complete audio version of this sermon, “"The Day of Jerusalem's Fall." on The Roland Report at: http://odeo.com/audio/17889043/view

Or, you can view more substantial video clips on: http://www.youtube.com/profile_videos?user=TRINITYCHGO&p=r

Peace Be Unto You All, Loveable

Strength with ALL POWER!

2008-03-08T15:30:00.003-06:00

Proverbs 3:5-6 (New Living Translation) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”

I felt a tremendous stirring in my heart to get back to may faith blogging today. I also extend my sincere apologies to anyone who might have been looking for me during this absence but, “a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do!”

Seriously though, without God’s guidance, I do not know what I would do. What do you use for your life's compass? I consider myself as having a strong sense of discernment but I know that no matter how insightful, wise, experienced, or knowledgeable we may be, only God can guide our steps properly.

He asks us to trust him and his wisdom even when we cannot immediately see the rationale behind it. He calls upon us to recognize his presence, guidance, and grace in all we do. As we trust and as we acknowledge his presence, we suddenly realize that our paths are a lot straighter and our destinations are a lot a closer.

I guess that is why I had some remorse over not blogging since February but whenever I began my daily studies, I continued to reflect on this ongoing political campaign and I ended up working on community committee activities or blogging on the website for my candidate.Here lately I continue to ask God to please, give me the courage to not lean on my ownunderstanding. I don’t feel in anyway remorseful that my job is winding down, in fact, I feel a sense of release and edginess that it is taking, what feels like, a very long time. I know my thinking can be flawed and what I intend for good can blow up in my face. Nevertheless, for the same reason, I feel like the direction I am taking is a correct direction for me right now. Of course, that means that not all the things that are occupying my time right now will pay the bills.

In the name of Jesus, I continue to ask God to bless me with wisdom and insight as I seek to live for Him in today's confusing and immoral world. Unfortunately, we still proclaim a sovereign and all powerful God yet our conduct contradicts this doctrine. Some of us lack moral purity and, the absence sound thinking drive, us to a faithlessness that is unbelievable. I don’t know when it was that we started relying on therapists and psychologist instead of pastors and biblical teachers as heroes of the faith.

We just need to remember that the power for spiritual stability is ours in Christ as we allow the knowledge of His will to control our lives.

"Strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience" (Col. 1:11).

God's enabling is "the attaining of all steadfastness and patience”. When you are steadfast and patient, you are spiritually stable. Your responses are biblical, thoughtful, and calculated; not worldly, emotional, or uncontrolled. You bear up under trials because you understand God's purposes and trust His promises.

Read Psalm 18, trust God, and rely on the infinite power that is yours in Christ.

May today be all you need it to be. May the peace of God and the freshness of the Holy Spirit rest in your thoughts, rule in your dreams tonight, and conquer all your fears. May God manifest himself today in ways you have never experienced. May your joys be fulfilled, your dreams be closer, and your prayers be answered. I pray that faith enters a new height for you; I pray that your territory will be enlarged. I pray that you will enjoy peace, healing, health, happiness, prosperity, joy, true and undying love for God.

Peace and Love to you all!

Psalm 18:1-3 (New International Version) “I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I am saved from my enemies.”

What We Need to Run This Race!

2008-02-25T23:45:00.002-06:00

Romans 15:13 (New Living Translation) I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:30-33 (New Living Translation) Dear brothers and sisters, I urge you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to join in my struggle by praying to God for me. Do this because of your love for me, given to you by the Holy Spirit. Pray that I will be rescued from those in Judea who refuse to obey God. Pray also that the believers there will be willing to accept the donation I am taking to Jerusalem. Then, by the will of God, I will be able to come to you with a joyful heart, and we will be an encouragement to each other.

And now may God, who gives us his peace, be with you all. Amen

Loving My Way To Heaven!

2008-02-24T23:38:00.000-06:00

Matthew 22:37-40 (New Living Translation) “Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

I read some writings today that reminded me that Love causes us to have divine protection and authority over every problem, sickness, disease and yes, even the enemy. Jesus gave us the victory when He died on the cross and rose from the grave for our sins. But He told us to settle down and take up residence in His Love. Love is the only way to victory and it’s the main ingredient to make our faith work.

So I am fully resolved today to make sure I live in the Word of God and thereby, live in the Love of God which means I will just Love my way right on to Heaven.

Because ‘perfect’ love casts out fear, fear cannot remain where there is strong love. In this era that we live in, we sing a lot of praises to God but they are relatively new. So I am often taken aback when I hear one of those ‘old’ spirituals that I haven’t heard in a long time. Especially when I hear the words and realize how powerful they are....like the song, "Love lifted me. Love lifted me. When nothing else could help, love lifted me."

That song and a Black History Month epiphany that I had today truly emphasizes the power of God’s Love. I attended an event where I was listening to a panel of individuals talk about their experiences in this country, a country whose very foundation is Christianity. Remembering all the while that this country has a multitude of Christians talking about how they love God with all their hearts, yet, they can't stand to be around black, white, yellow, or red folks. I recognized that God is saying, No, you don't love Me - because these are Me!

This simple, very commonplace occurrence reminded me of how much God must love me to have given me ancestors who spared me from some of those horrors and the pain. Growing up, I only learned the Love of God and the songs of praise. I was almost an adult before I was exposed to the devastating bias of viewing different races in negative ways passed down to me either directly or indirectly. I was raised in a protected environment, in the south and the south side of Chicago, and we were all the same.

Racial prejudice is not genetically transmitted it is socially transmitted by word of mouth. It does not come from the Spirit of God. It has to come from the spirit of Satan, because the Scripture tells us that God has made out of one blood everyone to dwell on the face of the earth.
Love for one another should be based on God's Word which transcends color, gender, or nationality.

We are His children, if we are connected by the blood of Jesus and walk in love for all of God's people anyone who loves God also loves His children. You cannot separate God from His children so, if you treat any other part of the church badly, then you treat Him badly and it won't work. God's not going to cooperate with anybody who hates somebody else.

That is why the Bible tells us love never fails; love casts out fear, and helps us to walk in love toward one another.

1 John 3:18 (New Living Translation) “Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.”

1 John 4:7-8 (New Living Translation) “Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”

Can we continue to separate?

2008-02-23T13:40:00.003-06:00

Matthew 5:44-48 (NIV) “But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

The question in my mind is "Can we continue to separate church and the state (we live, breath, work and pray in)? I don't think so and that's where I have been this past week. Some of you won't agree with that....and I already know it!

“Barack Obama is a candidate of a different mold. He is international, inter racial, and inter-party. He has captivated the minds and hearts of a cross-section of Democrats, Independents, Republicans, men, women, blacks, and whites with his call for change and grassroots politics.[1]”

Ms. Brown spoke about the limited number of presidents she has seen in her lifetime, which made me reflect on the number who have been in office during my lifetime. As one of those ‘Baby Boomers’ born during Truman’s term, I will have lived under eleven before our next president takes office.

God wants you to walk in love, and even though people may come against you, they will not have any affect on you. That has been what I have been thinking about ever since I involved myself in political ‘stuff’. I have watched as the first, what I call viable African-American candidate, who has ever come close to possibly being elected maneuvers through the political process. I find myself so very proud that God has allowed me to see this. Especially when I think of the status of my personal health, I feel oh so privileged to be here in this place at this time.

Don’t get me wrong, I do wish I was in the midst of the excitement of Chicago, were I come from, where Obama comes from and where he goes to church (one that I have visited on numerous occasions and even watched on web cast). I have heard, from some of my politically active friends how much anticipation is in the air of the Windy City. Moreover, I think, if I was there I would be doing this and I would be doing that...or, I would be sitting at the computer as I do right now.

When you walk in love, you are kept in covenant and blessings are released on your behalf. I can imagine that Sen. Obama has had to prepare himself to decide what he would do every time he came up against adversity. What is the love way to go? What is the way that retains God’s way? Well, we all know that way is the way to insure God’s protection.

That is the way that will turn out successful and cause you to win in the middle of the test and trial. Neither Sen. Obama nor I know if this is the time God has set aside for America’s first African American President, but he and I both know that this is the time that God has set aside for these United States to see what a political contest ‘should’ look like!

Jesus said to continue in His way of love, in His style of love. If you keep His commandment – that is, if you love one another, as he loved us - then you are His disciple. He didn’t say just love; He said love the way He loves. It takes the power of God to do that. If most people had the ability to manifest divine power like Jesus did, they would heal people and minister to them.

But, then when they turn on them in the same manner that they turned on Jesus, they’d zap them to ashes. But Jesus did not do that...He didn’t render evil for evil. He rendered love for evil, and blessings for opposing words. He prayed for those who used Him despitefully. And, because of it, He had divine power and protection so that what they said and what they did had no affect on him.Pray with boldness and thanksgiving! Pray for an unequivocal victory! Pray for protection and health around the Obama family, friends, and supporters. Pray that undecided voters, where ever they might be, will seek TRUTH about the campaign, about Senator Obama's integrity about his policies and legislative work and not just accept spoon fed media sound bytes or the opposition’s manipulation of facts.

I simply say "pray for constant wisdom to be dispensed to those making decisions, would let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance."

Proverbs 13:20 (NLT) “Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.”

[1] Ariel Werner, Brown University , Class of 2009; Brown Students for Barack Obama GOTV Coordinator

Nothing Better than the Love of God

2008-02-14T21:47:00.004-06:00

1 Corinthians 13:3-7 (NLT) “If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing. Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance."

I remember one of my best sister-friends reciting this scripture when Mr. Loveable and I got married. It is so fresh in my mind; I think I can still hear the words coming from her voice. It’s a beautiful scripture and for me, sums up all of what ails this world. If we could just practice this scripture in our daily walk, the world would be such a different place.

We wrestle with the concept of God's love because much of the time we have a hard time loving ourselves and so, certainly have a hard time loving each other. Then I wonder, if we can't love ourselves, if we can't love our brothers and sisters in Christ, how can we comprehend the perfect love of God?

Only God's love is unfailing. Even the best, most godly people will let us down. But God never fails and His love never fails. Only God's love is unchanging. He is the same yesterday, today and forever, and His love is as unchanging as His character.Only God's love is unconditional. As much as we love our spouse or our children or our parents, our love can never be completely unselfish or with absolutely no strings attached. We are not capable of that kind of love.

But God is. There is nothing that we can do to earn God's love. And there is nothing we can do that can cause God to not love us. With our finite human minds we cannot fully comprehend the love of God, but we can accept it. You don't have to understand something to know that it is true. I may not be able to understand how God can love me, but I know He does, and that makes it so easy to love Him in return. He loves me, and that love is expressed in the grace, mercy and favor He has bestowed upon me all of my life. And it was best expressed when Jesus gave His life to give me the gift of eternal life

Someone sent me a valentine this morning that says, “So I'll trust in Him for leading each moment of my day. I will look to Him for His guidance ach step of the way.” A Valentine may play a love song for you, but God sings you the sweetest love song in the universe. The Lord God will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.

A Valentine may give you flowers, but God sent you the most beautiful rose of all, Jesus. A Valentine may take you out to dinner, but God has invited you to the most amazing feast ever given. A Valentine may bring you chocolate, but God provides you with something even sweeter, His Word.

How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! PSALM 119:103
A Valentine may love you for a lifetime, but God loved you before you were born and will love you for all eternity! Yes, He has loved us with everlasting love. It’s it a wonderful and blessed feeling?

I pray your Love Day was a Happy One!

Zephaniah 3:17 “For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”

When you Stumble...START OVER!

2008-02-13T14:56:00.005-06:00

2 Peter 3:15-18 (NLT) "And remember, the Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved. This is what our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you with the wisdom God gave him— speaking of these things in all of his letters. Some of his comments are hard to understand, and those who are ignorant and unstable have twisted his letters to mean something quite different, just as they do with other parts of Scripture. And this will result in their destruction. I am warning you ahead of time, dear friends. Be on guard so that you will not be carried away by the errors of these wicked people and lose your own secure footing. Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen"

The caption for this movie says, “How true that we laugh together, but cry alone! Send this movie to someone today. You never know whose life you might have silently and unknowingly touched.” Well I am sending it to each of YOU!

http://www.inspiringthots.net/movie/start-over.php

As I watched this movie, I thought about how wonders are all around us. The creator of the universe was born a human on earth! The Good News continues to be shared to this day! In this year of wonder and love, let's dwell on that, and appreciate the abundant wonders we find in our own lives.

And when we can’t, “Let’s just start over!” My friend Gail sent me this movie this morning and it was so close to where my heart and mind is today that I almost cried. I reflect with wonder on an event that happened more than two thousand years ago. A baby was born in a stable. Three kings traveled from afar guided by the star of wonder on their journey to see the newborn King. Shepherds paid homage. Angels sang. And God came to earth when Jesus Christ was born.

We take for granted all the ordinary things in life that, when carefully considered, we realize are truly wonders. The stars appear on every clear night, yet we seldom take the time to wonder at the incomprehensible size of the universe, or how those stars were hung in the sky. Our abundance of food nourishes us every day, but often we give little thought about how most of it grew from tiny seeds. Just because a baby is born into this world every few seconds makes the event no less a wonder.

What are the wonders in your life? They need not be significant at first glance. In fact, sometimes we miss seeing those real ‘wonders’ because we view that word as meaning something to surprised or in awe about. But think about our lives. Perhaps your wonder is a talent that has enabled you to enjoy a vocation that has given you fulfillment and supported a family. Maybe you think about how you met your spouse and reflect with wonder how that moment led to a happy marriage with the one person in the world who was meant for you. You might marvel at the change of seasons, like the transitions we have seen from 70-degree weather to severe ice storms. Or think of the positive changes in your children as they grow into adulthood.

I reflected on how God has blessed me with talents that amaze me sometime and that have had an impact on my community and the lives of people around me. And then I get a movie that reminds me that when I am in the midst of uncontrollable chaos, pain, or urgency that I should just start over. It also reminds me that my God is a patient God...He knows my frailties and will wait for me as long as I just keep trying...Start Over!

May the Love and Peace of God, Our Father be with each of you!

Isaiah 40:28-31 (NLT) “Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”

P.S. – You can check for a movie every day because I added it to resources!

Change is Good

2008-02-12T23:22:00.002-06:00

1 Peter 5:6 (New American Standard Bible) “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time,”

We all need change. Change is a part of life and anything growing is changing so I need to remind myself each day that I am growing. We do not do everything the same ways all the time, none of us do. We all get distracted; we get off track. We all fail at times. We all need to reassess how we are living our lives and, what kind of priorities do we have? Are we counting the days or are we making the days count. There's a big difference in that you know. We all need to position ourselves so that God can do a new thing in our lives.

You know that's what the word says. God wants to do a new thing in us. This year he wants to do something new in your life, just as He is doing a new and I believe a marvelous work in my life. Trust me, it is exciting too. God is not a boring God. He is not a same old, same old God. Whenever God wants to do something, remember -- He is the creative genius of the world and He wants to do something new, exciting, and different in your life.

I learned the hard way that you cannot put God in a box, by the way if you have God in the box He won't stay in there with you. He's an out of the box God. He always wants to do a new thing in our lives, to take us higher and higher. God is not the God of the ruts. If you're in a rut, you're not listening to God because He won't let you stay in that rut.

In 2007, you probably remember I had all these goals and I was going for something that I desperately needed to do. I was going to turn my life around and focus on bringing balance into my life. Well, I am still on that track. God is changing my life; He is creating a new “Loveable”. He is showing me some new things that I can do very well, some ways of using my skills and gifts in ways I had never thought about before.

The political bug has bitten me, and I see some things I can share with generations coming behind me that they need to know to make good and proper decisions. So just so you know, as far as my resolutions are concerned....I am not distracted to the point that I have gotten off track. Moreover, I am doing my best to MAKE THE DAYS COUNT!

Ephesians 3:16-20 (NLT) “I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”

Make A Joyful Noise

2008-02-09T23:17:00.000-06:00

John 4:24 (New Living Translation) “For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth”.

I tell you I have been having a wonderful time and I must keep reminding myself that I have a duty to read my daily devotions and write what I have learned in my blog....that just shows you how easily you can get diverted from your commitment. Even though what I have been doing is kingdom building, worshiping, and praising the Lord, it still violates my commitment because I need to give a few minutes to my commitment every day.

Although I did not really do any reading, I went to a ‘Red and White’ Prayer Breakfast this morning. You will not believe what a wonderful time we had, I mean the Spirit was all over that room as we sang worship songs and lifted praises and prayers to God. Maybe I did not say that right because it was the primary singers (The Golden Echos) a group that sings Christian Songs all over Paducah. You know, the kind of singers who make you sound good even when you cannot carry a note in a hand basket? The best way to describe them is to say each one belongs to a different church (no preferred denomination), and is probably the best lead singer at their respective church. So when I tell you those women can sing.....well, you just take my word for it.

Their ages range the full gamut, so you can imagine that some of them have been singing praises to the Lord a mighty long time. They ought to have an album they could make some real money but, they just go around town singing at various church functions and events in the community, blessing everyone everywhere they go.

Then we had, what my husband calls one of those “whooping’ preachers” You know the one from the old Baptist Church that roars and sings when he preaches. This one is young so he still does some teaching with his preaching but it is still reminiscent of that old time jumping, stomping, roaring, and singing all mixed together. In other words, we had a mighty fine time.

Rev made us glad we were worshiping and praising the Lord. He gave us a mighty word on top of all that. For me it was a time to rejoice and remember that God woke me up this morning, I had an angel watching over me last night and he kept me from harm; and all of the other blessings that we get so busy doing, that sometime we forget that when we are not thinking about God, He sure is thinking about us.

God Bless you all!

Psalm 100 (KJV) “Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.”

TEAM WORK IS DREAM WORK

2008-02-06T00:08:00.000-06:00

Ephesians 4:1-16 (New Living Translation) “Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. We must make every effort to keep ourselves united in the Spirit, binding ourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as we have been called to one glorious hope for the future. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.

However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ. That is why the Scriptures say, “When he ascended to the heights, he led a crowd of captives and gave gifts to his people.”

Notice that it says “he ascended.” This clearly means that Christ also descended to our lowly world. And the same one who descended is the one who ascended higher than all the heavens, so that he might fill the entire universe with himself.

Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.

Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing, and full of love."

One of the greatest tragedies of the century in the church has been has been the divisions that have remained among us. A great strategy for warfare is to divide and conquer. If it is possible to take the enemies troops and cause them to concentrate on several fronts at one time, it is possible to defeat them. There is one thing that I think Satan truly fears and works day and night to combat. It is that one thing which Jesus himself prayed for just before He went to the cross. It is the one thing that will convince people that the church has something exceptional that the world does not. It is the thing that baptism of the Holy Spirit is meant to accomplish.

It’s UNITY in the body of Christ.

When I speak of unity, I mean a oneness of heart, a similarity of purpose, and an agreement on truth. When our founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence, Benjamin Franklin stood up and said, "Gentlemen, now we must all hang together or assuredly we shall all hang separately."

I believe Satan is trying to defeat the church, by trying to "divide and conquer." The devil is no match for a united body of Christ no matter how diverse we may be. Satan's motive is division, his method is deception, and his mission is destruction. So, we must never forget that he wants to deceive us so that he can divide us and, therefore, destroy us.

Satan cannot defeat a united body of Christ because we do not have any vulnerable places where he can attack. We are covered and every side is protected. Even the gates of hell cannot prevail against a church united in the Lord Jesus Christ. But, one by one, divided against each other, any of us and all of us can be picked off.

Our national motto is e pluribus unum, which means "out of the many, one." Again, our founding fathers knew that we must forever be "The United States of America." God tells us His purpose that He predestines us to be conformed to the image of His son. In other words, His purpose in working in us daily through all of our life, is to remold and to reshape us.

Then we must walk worthy of our calling and remember that we have no claim to bring to God! We have no right to demand salvation! And, no power within us that can hold on to life! Only God's love can bring us life, hope, and grace. Only God's mercy can bring us salvation. Only God's gift of Christ can awaken us from the death-slumber of sin.

I pray we do not let a ‘political’ process tear us apart, or divide us along lines that ultimately divide the body of Christ. I pray we can agree to disagree and still love one another as Christ would want us to do.

Voice your choice with Love!

John 16:33 NIV "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Do you know where your Treasure lies?

2008-02-05T17:33:00.000-06:00

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." John 16:33 (KJV)

I think this cartoon is so profound, it’s like when we use to say, “a little bird told me’. Moreover, Mike has shown a really ‘sharp’ bird here. He’s trying his best to tell the captain he is wasting time and energy looking for a treasure and he has overlooked the real treasure. This verse asks us why we spend our capital, the real wealth in our lives, on things that really do not nourish us.

We should eat, or consume only what will let your soul delight itself in an abundance of spiritual joy. True nourishment! We ought to be listening and observing what the divine will of God is; so that we can fall in line with the true word of God, if we fully hear Him our souls are be restored.
I was reminded recently that, as the body of Christ goes, so the nation goes.

Christians truly determine which way this nation goes. The reason being is that God does nothing here on earth unless His children ask Him. When we ask Him in Jesus' Name, Jesus told us He would do it. When Jesus made this statement, He was talking to His disciples—that message is for us too, anyone who is a follower of Jesus. Hence, as we Christians act on the word of God by praying fervently for our nation, the hand of God will move on our behalf and bring our nation to victory. Therefore, as the body of Christ goes, so the nation goes.

Staying in prayer keeps us in faith and perfect peace. As long as we speak the word of God in prayer, faith comes, and we will not have any fear but in fact, we will have all the riches we can claim. Jesus told his disciples; pray that God's will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. As for us, if we look to Jesus, we will find that treasure chest we desire and become a treasure to God. And, I did not get that from a little tweety bird...I got that directly from the Word!

God’s Love to you all!

Exodus 19:5(NLT) "Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me."

Good Test....Great Testimony!

2008-02-04T02:24:00.000-06:00

Lamentations 3:20-25 (New Living Translation) “I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss. Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends, His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!” The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him.”

You and I may have thought we have gone through some trials and tribulations but I heard a man today that put all of my petitions to God in a ‘new’ light, a lesser light. In fact, his testimony was so powerful it made me feel as though my problems were the most insignificant issues known to man. Think about it, I heard a testimony today that made me feel like losing my mother at 13 and ‘back to back’ strokes in my mid-fifties seem like inappropriate petitions for me to convey to God.

God wishes to release His miraculous power in our life. And, for all eternity, I know He will lavish on us His honor and delight. The speaker in our church today proved to me today that some of us are “pulling 18-wheelers without air in the tires.”

This speaker even brought pictures, blown-up poster size so that we could see validity of his testimony. He had a large picture of himself when he was in the hospital in 2002 with a brain tumor that was removed. I believe he had Dr. Jesus in the operating room.

In 2006, he was hospitalized three times. One from high blood pressure, that was eventually brought under control. Then, he was in a train wreck where hazardous chemicals spilled and ate through the lining of his lungs. He had pictures of this awful train wreck. Last, but definitely not the least, he witnessed an accident, and while attempting to save someone else’s life – he broke his neck. The pictures of the accident brought tears to our eyes. Not only is he standing, I say he was preaching in a very animated style. He said that sometimes he still has pain, but not today. He laid on the floor to show us how he envisioned the crucifixion of Christ...he laid on the floor and then jumped to his feet to demonstrate The Resurrection. I know he has Dr. Jesus.

People in the advertising business have always known that one of the most effective ways of selling a product is to use a satisfied customer -- someone who can say, “I have tried this product and, it works for me, I can recommend it to you!” There Is something tremendously powerful about a person being able to say this is what Jesus has done in my life and what Jesus has done for me He is able to do for you.

A personal testimony does not relate views but news. People debate Scripture and argue over views of different natures, but when it comes to the personal testimony it is uniquely yours. We must never ever underestimate the power of a Christian testimony.

We are called to be witnesses and not lawyers; a witness is somebody who tells what he's seen and heard, a lawyer is somebody who argues a case. We are witnesses of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. My dear friend, a Christian with a glowing testimony is worth a library full of arguments.

Now, I'm not against a well reasoned presentation of what we call an “apology” for our faith. We ought to be able to give that defense of our faith, but there are many Christians out there who are not theologically trained yet they still can be a dynamic witness for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Bible says concerning the devil that those early Christians overcame him by the word of their testimony and those last day Christians will overcome him by the word of our testimony. We need to learn how to give our testimony and again I want to say you don't have to be a theologian to be able to give your testimony.

In this song "The Anchor Holds", Ray Boltz gives this testimony that I think is mighty powerful:

"I have journeyed through the long dark night out on the open seas.

By faith alone, sight unknown, and yet His eyes were watching me.

The anchor holds though the ship is battered.

The anchor holds though the sails are torn.

I have fallen on my knees as I face the raging seas.

The anchor holds in spite of the storms.

I've had visions. I've had dreams.

I've even held them in my hand.

But I never knew they would slip right through like they were only grains of sand.

I have been young but I'm older now and there has been beauty these eyes have seen.

But it was in the night, through the storms of my life,

Oh that's where God proved His love for me.

The anchor holds through the ship is battered.

The anchor holds though the sails are torn.I have fallen on my knees as I face the raging seas.The anchor holds in spite of the storms."

Take delight in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart!

Isaiah 40:31 (NLT) “But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”

You don't NEED to understand the plan!

2008-02-02T02:15:00.000-06:00

Jeremiah 29:11(NIV) “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

“And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.” Colossians 3:15 (NLT)

Things move out, make way for something else. It is a fact of physics that two things cannot inhabit one space simultaneously. This is OK. This is good. This is just how it is supposed to be.

So closings happen. And it’s good they do, for how else could openings happen and new opportunities come into your life? In the oft-quoted Scripture verse from Jeremiah, I am reminded that God really does have a plan for me, for us, and it is good. So I am fully prepared and I gratefully go with it and by doing so I go with God wherever He wants me to go.

Right now, I am so fired-up with the Obama elections that I am almost overwhelmed. It really is strange because I usually learn about the candidates just enough to make a personal decision and I am done. Long ago I was mildly involved in politics in Chicago (and that’s a political war zone) but it has been a long time since I felt compelled to work for a candidate.

I know enough about Obama to have made my personal decision to vote for him long ago; but now I need to study to be able to show him approved for the job he is going after. I have been reading everything as if I was going out on the debate team. Now if that isn’t going way back – like high school for me’-I don’t know what is. Those of you who have ever been on a forensic team know you have to study the opposing view as well or better than you study your position. I have been on it too!

Now I have my steering committee together and I’m ready to move. This town is not going to be easy though, and I know that. We’re in a Republican stronghold, where there aren’t any politicians, we have kings and bosses. Where people are fired for asking questions that might be embarrassing to the “king” or, you are not allowed to challenge the boss (run for office) without permission. I am certainly not accepting a challenge that I dreamed about; it’s one that the Holy Spirit just woke me up on night and said, “Loveable, this is what you must do.”

The Bible repeatedly reminds us that we are in a spiritual war with forces that are strong, malicious, and evil we should avoid every appearance of evil. Weshouldn't involve ourselves in anything related to Satan and his work. But we also need to remember that our Lord is greater than Satan and all of his evil angels. He is faithful. He will not abandon us to our enemy. He will strengthen us and protect us from attack if we will let him!

I don’t have the slightest idea why I am taking up this fight but I only know that the Spirit has placed it, like a huge brick on my heart. I thank Almighty God, for giving me victory over Satan through the sacrifice of His Son, his resurrection from the dead, and his promised return to take me home to heaven. I know He will strengthen me, empower me for the work ahead, and help me to overcome temptation and resist the deceptive enticements of the Evil One. I only want to worship, serve, and obey. To God be all glory forever in the mighty name of Jesus.

Pray for me as I will be praying for all of you! – With Love

Ephesians 3:3 (NLT) “As I briefly wrote earlier, God himself revealed his mysterious plan to me.”

2 Thessalonians 3:2-5( NLT) “Pray, too, that we will be rescued from wicked and evil people, for not everyone is a believer. But the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. And we are confident in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we commanded you. May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ.”

If you PLANT with tears, you will SHOUT with JOY!

2008-01-31T01:59:00.000-06:00

Job 42:10-12a (NLT) “When Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes. In fact, the Lord gave him twice as much as before! Then all his brothers, sisters, and former friends came and feasted with him in his home. And they consoled him and comforted him because of all the trials the Lord had brought against him. And each of them brought him a gift of money and a gold ring. So the Lord blessed Job in the second half of his life even more than in the beginning.”

I guessing you thought I had dropped off the face of the earth....Not! I am still researching and studying who the Holy Ghost is, that continues to be my devotional challenge. New things are happening in my life so quickly, I can’t seem to keep up. But let me assure you they are fun and I am having a ball. That’s because I am a workaholic and if I am not busy, busy, busy I feel a little lost. Mr. Loveable like to read and sleep, I enjoy reading but definitely not sleeping. Doing something to help someone, whether it is an individual or the community, is fuel for my life like no other. Now, straight out of heaven, I have new projects that wake me up in the middle of the night with energizing ideas. Wonderful!

God can turn any situation around regardless of how grave, how despicable, or how hurtful it may be. You all know I had something happening in my life that I needed God to turn around for me. So I am a prime candidate for and excellent example of restoration. When I look at Job, who had some terrible things happen to him, and I see where God turned them around I know my little challenges are nothing for Him.

It was about nine months from the time Satan attacked Job until things started to turn. Most will agree that when you're in the middle of tests and trails, it seems like ninety years. However, when restoration comes, your captivity begins to turn. How did Job's captivity turn? The Lord turned Job's captivity when he prayed for somebody else.

Here lies the first lesson to learn about restoration. If you want something good to happen to you, then you have to do something good for somebody else. That will always be God's principle. You might as well drill that in your head, I sure have it looming in mine: if you have a problem, find somebody else with a problem and help them. Maybe not even a problem, maybe just a challenge that you have the capacity to tackle. Anytime you give, it comes back to you. That's the law of God’s kingdom and it works.

When Job prayed for his friends, the Lord turned his captivity and restored everything back to Job, plus some. The word "restore" means to return what has been taken or lost, a renewal, recovery, restitution, revival, re-establish, healing, and a replacement. Those words describe restoration.

Now this shows you how powerless Satan is: the moment you pray for somebody else and start giving your talents to help someone else, not only are you inviting God into their affairs, but you're also inviting God into your affairs. And let me tell you, when God is invited into your affairs, He will restore, plus give you more.

God will restore to you double. The Lord blessed Job in the latter end of his life more than what he had lost. You may not be in your latter end right now, and of course I may or I may not be, but I can call those things that be not as though they were. Restoration comes by faith.

Notice what Job lost: his family, his health, and his money, but God restored double. I mean, the second family was better than the first, he had more money than before, and he was healthier than before. God gave him 140 more years, so Job died being full of years. I doubt that I will see anything close to 140 years but I know that what I have left will be wonderful because I have a God who is true to His word.

Remember, God will not do anything on the earth unless somebody invites Him. So invite God into your affairs just as I will continue to do and know, without a doubt, God will turn it around. He will restore BIG TIME!

Be Blessed!

Psalm 126:1-6 (NIV) “When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream! We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, “What amazing things the Lord has done for them.” Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us! What joy! Restore our fortunes, Lord, as streams renew the desert. Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest.”

Who is the Holy Spirit?

2008-01-27T23:49:00.000-06:00

John 14:15-17, 26 (NIV) "If you love me, you will obey what I command. 16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."

I really bit off a profound and complex subject when I started asking myself about the Holy Spirit today. However, really, do we know all that we should know about the Holy Spirit? Every since I gave my life to the Lord, I have heard, and invited the Holy Spirit into my life...but, what does that really mean? Is its purpose to insure that when I am “filled with the Spirit” that I speak in foreign tongues, shout, dance, and cry? We often call Him the Holy Ghost or, the Holy Spirit but is this a real person, a character, or a force? Does the Holy Ghost live in the atmosphere and come when we ask for it or, when we call?

What I have reinforced with this study is that God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In addition, all the divine characteristics recognized in the Father and the Son equally exist in the Holy Spirit. When a person becomes born again by believing and receiving Jesus Christ God resides in that person through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is not a vague, otherworldly shadow, nor an impersonal force. He is a person equal in every way with God the Father and God the Son. He is the third member of the Godhead. The Holy Spirit is a real person who came to reside within each of Christ's true followers after He rose from the dead and ascended to heaven.

The reason I can say that The Holy Spirit is a person is because The Holy Spirit possesses the true elements of personality. Because we usually associate personality with a body, it is somewhat difficult to understand the Spirit's personality since He does not have a material form made up of hands, feet, eyes and mouth. What we tend to forget is that these parts of the human frame are not characteristics of personality; they belong entirely to the body.

Personality, on the other hand, is made up of distinctive features or elements known as heart, mind and will. "Personality is capacity for fellowship. The very quality which was a strong feature of Jesus Christ displays itself in the Spirit, only more intimately, more profoundly." Being able to think, feel, and will, the Spirit has the capacity for fellowship, which is not possible if He didn’t have personality.

The Supreme Purpose of the Holy Spirit is not to make us feel good, speak in tongues, or shout; He has come TO TESTIFY AND WITNESS ABOUT JESUS! The Holy Spirit will use any Christian that will witness for Jesus regardless of their denomination. The duty of any Christian or Church is not to get the Holy Ghost to bless their agenda; it is TO GET WITH THE HOLY GHOST’S AGENDA. The Holy Ghost’s agenda is to witness, to testify about, and to glorify the name of Jesus Christ! Each of us can be a MIGHTY soul winner because the Holy Spirit lives in our heart. The Bible says that we are God’s temple and The Holy Spirit lives inside of us. He comes to us when we are baptized or when we accept Jesus as our Savior.

Now you might wonder, as I did, How can the Holy Spirit do all this? He speaks to us. It’s not normally in actual words, but sometimes it is how we feel. Have you ever done something bad or tried to do something bad but felt guilty about it? That sick feeling in your stomach could be the Holy Spirit encouraging you not to do that bad thing. The Holy Spirit also uses other people like friends, teachers, parents, books or pastors to help us know what is right. If we read the Bible we can learn how to behave and what is the right or the wrong thing to do.

The Holy Spirit is always trying to guide us to do the right thing, but sometimes we can get confused because we don’t know what is right or people that we trust are giving us different answers. If we aren’t sure we need to pray and study the Word and eventually the Holy Spirit will help make the right choice. A primary role of the Holy Spirit is that He bears "witness" of Jesus Christ. He tells people's hearts about the truth of Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit also acts as a Christian's teacher. He reveals God's will and God's truth to a Christian.

Jesus told His disciples..."The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you." (John 14:26)

The Holy Spirit was given to live inside those who believe in Jesus, in order to produce God's character in the life of a believer. I n a way that we cannot do on our own, the Holy Spirit will build into our lives love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Rather than trying to be loving, patient, kind, God asks us to rely on Him to produce these qualities in our lives. Thus Christians are told to walk in the Spirit and be filled with the Spirit. And, the Holy Spirit empowers Christians to perform ministerial duties that promote spiritual growth among Christians

The Holy Spirit also performs a function for non-Christians as well. He convicts people's hearts of God's truth concerning how sinful we are -- needing God's forgiveness; how righteous Jesus is -- He died in our place, for our sins; and God's eventual judgment of the world and those who do not know Him. The Holy Spirit tugs on our hearts and minds, asking us to repent and turn to God for forgiveness and a new life.

It is especially the role of the Holy Spirit to give us regeneration or new spiritual life, to sanctify us and to empower us for service. In general, the work of the Spirit seems to bring to completion the work that has been planned by God the Father, and begun by God the Son.

I pray God's Blessings on You All!!

John 16:13(NIV) "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.."

Acts 1:8 (NKJV) "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Peace is Possible in EVERY Situation!

2008-01-26T17:08:00.000-06:00

Philippians 4:6-7 (New International Version) “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

We're living in a "chronic heightened state of alertness and helplessness”, prompted by a "poorly defined ...danger that could strike at any time in any form without warning.” These types of feelings can be as unhealthy as they are unpleasant, impairing immunity, interrupting sleep, and intensifying everything from acne to ulcers.

Our God tells us, don't fret or worry; instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. I know, 'been there-done that!'

How do you respond when the world you live in is interrupted by fear, uncertainty, and danger? I suppose one of the most powerful scriptures in the entire Bible is found in Colossians 3:15 - Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart since as one body you were called to peace and be thankful. When we read those words, it creates an intense desire in each of our hearts because truth is, the one thing we want more than anything else in our life is peace of mind.

Peace. If we really look at the situation one of the reasons we became Christians and that we read the Bible, that we go to church, that we are involved in worship and serving the Lord is we believe that we can find inward peace. Peace can be very illusive it’s not just something that comes in out of the air, it’s not something we plug into, and it’s not something we can get from the wrong sources. Some people are trying to get peace in the wrong place thinking it is the way to peace of mind. Peace is what most people are looking for but they are lacking it because somehow it never seems to fall in place. Have you seen the bumper sticker that reads, "No Jesus, No peace"! Then underneath it are these words, "Know Jesus, Know Peace.” That's not only a clever bumper sticker; it's also Biblically accurate.

The kind of peace we really need and the kind of peace we really need to seek can only come for God. It can only be bestowed upon us by a relationship with Christ. It is not found in a program, it is not found in a plan but it is found in a person. You want to how to get that peace of mind?

This world is geared to rob our peace and everything in this world is programmed to take peace away from us. Everything we see on Television, everything we read in the headlines, most of the people around have something to say or do that robs us of that peace of God and the bottom line is Jesus wants us to live in peace! It is Christ's desire that we would live in His Peace.

John 14:27(NIV) “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

FAITH EQUALS PEACE ~~ FAITH IS A PART OF EVERY ASPECT OF LIFE!

Think of some things you did by faith today. My husband and I went to a prayer breakfast this morning by faith, (which by the way is the idea behind this post). I know you are wondering why I brought this up but it is freezing cold in western Kentucky this morning. We have what they call ‘black ice’ that you cannot see, but it is more treacherous and dangerous than anything I experienced in Chicago. We made it in one piece (although Mr. Loveable got there by the seat of his pants, trying to help me he landed you know where). We were going to pray and praise our God with our sisterhood/brotherhood and it never occurred to me that we shouldn’t be on that ice. That is until our speaker talked about peace, joy, prayer. and thanksgiving.

We cannot live apart from faith and the best way to strengthen that faith is through prayer, thanksgiving, and worship. So whenever I pray to my Heavenly Father (which I always do wherever I travel), I have faith that He will care for me; He will answer my prayer and for that I am always thankful.

I don’t understand why then, is it so hard for some to place their faith in God? He asks us to place our faith in Him and He, like a good father, is faithful in His caring for us. The Bible tells us that, “....according to your faith let it be done to you.” These times that we live in require us to have faith, in fact it demands our faith. Therefore, we need a faith that fully possesses us.

THE BIBLE TEACHES IN ROMANS 5 THAT FAITH LEADS TO PEACE.
Peace Be Unto You All!

Romans 5:1-5 (NIV) “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”

He Values a Humble Heart

2008-01-25T01:21:00.000-06:00

Micah 6:8 (New Living Translation) “No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

The Bible never grows old, stale, or boring to me. I find that verses I have studied 99 times yield fresh insights on the hundredth reading, which inspires me to keep on meditating on the Word. Previously, I use to read for content and understanding and this past year, when I started blogging, I said I would read more intently to memorize passages and study content. Well, I sure hope God doesn’t hold the memorization part against me cause I still, for the life of me, cannot quote passages from memory...not a one. I think because each time I read something, it sends me looking for something else; or someone asks me a question and I either answer it in a way that I am not satisfied with or, I don’t know the answer. Either way, I end up going to study and do research again. Now, that I think about it, God won’t hold me not memorizing anything against me. After all, He made me this way.

In the account of Jesus’ birth, I discovered a principle that recurs frequently in Scripture and I had to go back and re-think this: God often gives great revelations to those in lowly positions. So, a person’s worth before the Lord cannot be judged by his position, abilities, or popularity.
When you look at it, both Mary and Joseph were from common families, they probably seemed an unlikely choice for parents of the Messiah. Similarly, the Magi selected to receive the angelic announcement of Christ’s birth also lacked social standing—in those days shepherds are considered part of the lowest class. Yet God did not reveal His plans to these individuals on the basis of worldly status, but because their heart and attitude was right. The people He used were all humble followers who submitted to His will—whether the mission was bearing and protecting a young Jesus, or hurrying to worship Him where He lay in a manager, or getting out of town quickly and by a different route so they would not disclose Baby Jesus’ location.

When God guides man to take an important action, we might wonder why the person was chosen, including when He chooses us. We’re tempted to think; surely, He wants someone with better talent or more wisdom. In fact, many Bible characters, like Gideon and Moses, express that exact sentiment to the Lord. But, if we don’t allow a sense of inadequacy to stand in the way of obedience, if God chooses us for a task, we must believe He will also give us the strength and wisdom to complete it. All we need is faith, a willing, and obedient spirit.

I found a quote by Alexander Maclaren, one of Brittan’s most notable Baptist Preachers from the late 19th and early 20th century that was so profound to me. He says, "The world takes its notion of God most of all from those who say they belong to God's family. They read us a great deal more than they read the Bible. They see us; they only hear about Jesus Christ."

Therefore, Matthew 5:16 becomes so much more commanding, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."

The Bible teaches that God has given the world a right to evaluate us on the basis of our love for each other. We often meet and greet visitors to our church home, new people on trips and conferences, etc. As they come, how will they be received? Will they find conduct that commends our commitment to Christ and them?

John 13:35 (NIV), “By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

Therefore, we are a witness to the world and a testimony for our Lord. Now that is something to study and think on!!!

2 Corinthians 3:2-3 (NIV), "You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everybody. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts."

Dealing with Doubt!

2008-01-24T01:51:00.000-06:00

II Corinthians 4:8-10, 17-18 “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.” “ For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.”

Ann, you really got me to thinking about doubt, when we have it and why we shouldn’t. I asked myself some questions, and then I went to look for the answers. This isn’t my season for doubts, but this study session has really prepared me for the next storm. Because as we all know, we are either coming out of a storm, in a storm, or heading for a storm.

What are we to do when our hearts are in turmoil? There you are making your way through the week when you boss hands you the pink slip and you can't hear anything past the words, "This is your last day; we've cut your position." Or the phone rings and you hear the awful news that a loved one has been hurt in an accident. The results come back from the lab and your doctor says, "We need to talk - there's something wrong”. The grades are posted and your worst fear is confirmed - you failed the test. Your open your mail and read the bad news - someone else got the position you for which you had applied. You have to tell yourself a new series of messages dealing with handling your emotions and to help you to handle your emotions before your emotions handle you.

Every week people in the church have their hearts thrown into turmoil. I know all too well, because I just finished my most recent storm, I am sure you all remember. We end up wondering how we are going to hang on to faith and hope. What are we to say to each other? First, look at the words of Psalm 94:18-19 (NIV) "When I thought, "My foot is slipping," your steadfast love, O LORD, held me up. When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul." The Psalmist wrote about a near disaster in his life. He described it as a time when his feet went out from under him. Sooner or later, we find that life has moved us off the easy pathways of life. Psychologists sometimes describe this experience as anxiety. It's a kind of emotional free fall. Anxiety has been described as "a thin stream of fear trickling through the mind. If encouraged, it cuts a channel into which all other thoughts are drained. The worst of those thoughts were the ones that lead to doubting God".

We all have doubts. And we have to learn to defeat our doubts if we are to be all God wants us to be. There are many enemies but we are never without a friend. And though we badly hurt at times, we are not destroyed. All of us have a tendency to doubt, it is a human characteristic. When you doubt others, we call that suspicion. When we doubt the future, we call that worry. When we doubt God, we call it unbelief. When we doubt our selves, we call it inferiority. When we doubt what we are told on television, we call it intelligence!

Men typically go through a time of mid-life crisis when they doubt. They doubt their virility, their ability, and then senility! But James said that doubt can be a detrimental thing to a Christian. In James 1:6 he said, "The man that doubts is like a twig that is blown about by every wind". He said it is like a wave that is crashing back and forth, with no stability. So we need to learn what the Bible says about doubt. Why do we have doubts? Well, number one, doubt comes because of critics. Critics cause us to doubt God and to doubt ourselves. Those people who challenge our beliefs, those people who ridicule us, those people who scoff at us, and those people who want us to fail, those people who would try to impede our success and progress, cause us to doubt.

But I wonder if there is anyone who has reached the intelligence of mature manhood, and who could say he, or she, has only doubted for five minutes. It would be nearer the experience of some of us to say that we once believed for five minutes. We had five minutes once when the heavens were opened, and Jesus was standing on the right hand of God. But doubt-it is so inwrought into our fiber, it is so interfused with the very air we breathe, that some of us seem to do little else than doubt. Sometimes we doubt the efficacy of prayer, and sometimes the fact that Jesus Christ is risen. Sometimes in a silent universe, we doubt the pitying love of the Almighty. And I am curious as to how something like that is born, what does it mean, and how may we get rid of it--for no one can be content to be a doubter.

Sometimes doubt is born of argument, and of the clash of living mind on mind. The spark flashes when the flint is struck, and a flash illuminates the darkness. It may be a word spoken by a friend; it may be a point of view given in a college lecture; it may be a learned argument which has effects that never were intended; so, often suddenly and sometimes gradually, in ways, we can not trace and from hours we can not recall, the dark unhappiness of doubt is born.

Life not only prepares us to believe; it also often prepares to disbelieve. Sickness may do it with its attendant gloom, or moral battles fought and lost in secret or something basic flashing upon us in the life of someone of whom we thought the world. Then in that hour comes the argument-comes the suggestion-comes the random word. And it fits in with all that we have suffered, and gives a kind of logic to despair. So by the touch of the outward on the inward---by the voice that answers to unuttered voices, often at definite moments, doubt is born. Deeper than that, doubt may be created by the spirit of the age in which we live. For every age has its peculiar spirit and men must breathe it, whether they want to or not.

Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see”.

What it means to have faith is that my current beliefs must be firmly rooted in God and built upon what He says about the situation to trust Him enough to act accordingly! Whenever you take a step of faith – doubt is present! Things always look bad and become more difficult when you take a step of faith. Sometimes the difficulties are enough to make you doubt your original decision. You wonder whether you really heard from God or was it just your own imagination.

No one wants to fail or look foolish! But with faith, there will always come tests and affirmations! The tests will always cause you to question your previous decisions! The affirmations will always let you know you heard correctly. This is when faith really matures! Faith germinates with a word from God! Faith operates with explicit obedience! Faith believes that God always rewards! "Faith must be tested; because it can be turned into personal possession only through conflict . . . There is continual testing in the life of faith..." Every time that we chose to live by faith and follow God, we will be tested. Remember: Anything of quality is proven and tested and gets the Good Housekeeping seal of approval!

Passing the test also becomes the basis or foundation for further growth in faith. It shifts you to a new basis of living...LIVING FAITH. Abraham, as the father of faith, recognized that he had to really deal with doubt! Otherwise, he would have never had Ishmael! Remember, Abraham wasn't perfect and his faith wasn't perfect but it was God who never gave up! Abraham dealt with doubt just like you and I do! We can learn from Abraham because his is the basis of dealing with doubt through testing!

One of the privileges, rights, and blessings of the Christian life is the assurance of salvation. Yet, there are many who are plagued with doubts and uncertainty. Some ministers speak of a “notable transition from the realm of 'I think so' into the realm of 'I know so.'" God wants those who are doubting to make a transition in their life. When it comes to your salvation, it does not have to be "I think so," but "I know so!" God wants every believer to be able to sing (another one of my favorite songs), "Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine”.

It is not presumptuous for us to be sure we are saved when God is the One who makes it possible for us to be sure." God tells us we can know and He makes it possible for us to know. Yes, and we can say without any doubt that we are saved. To say that it is impossible to know if we are saved, I think is an insult to God Who has said in His Word that we may know.

Additionally, when we say, "doubting faith”, it is really somewhat of a contradiction, because faith and doubt are mutually exclusive. One cannot have faith and doubt at the same time. When we have faith, we no longer have doubt, and if we have doubt, we no longer have faith. When we think of doubt, we often think of "doubting Thomas”. All the disciples had seen the resurrected Christ...all but Thomas, and so, he doubted whether or not it was true. I don't know why he doubted, Jesus had promised He would rise from the dead. This is the same Jesus who he, along with the other disciples, had witnessed performing miracles before their eyes. This was the same Jesus who had raised the dead, and they had seen it happen. And yet, Thomas doubted. It reminds me of Christians who have witnessed the hand of God in their lives, and yet, when a trials and tribulations come along, they begin to question and doubt. I am guilty of that all too often.

There is nothing in this world better than 'being saved' than 'being saved and knowing that you're saved'. But even better than 'being saved and knowing that, you're saved'... is 'being saved and knowing that you're saved and knowing that you can never ever lose your salvation'. Jesus said in Matthew 10.22, "He that endures to the end will be saved."

Now... you're not saved because you endure to the end... you endure to the end because you're saved! Perseverance is proof of your salvation. And those who quit before they finish the race need to be saved.

I pray God will set all of us free of nagging doubts! And, for us to walk with a Know-So salvation rather than a Hope-So salvation.

The Old Ways have to GO!

2008-01-23T23:30:00.000-06:00

The Message says this best of all...Ephesians 4:17-32 "And so I insist—and God backs me up on this—that there be no going along with the crowd, the empty-headed, mindless crowd. They've refused for so long to deal with God that they've lost touch not only with God but with reality itself. They can't think straight anymore. Feeling no pain, they let themselves go in sexual obsession, addicted to every sort of perversion.

But that's no life for you. You learned Christ! My assumption is that you have paid careful attention to him, been well instructed in the truth precisely as we have it in Jesus. Since, then, we do not have the excuse of ignorance, everything—and I do mean everything—connected with that old way of life has to go. It's rotten through and through. Get rid of it! And then take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you.

What this adds up to, then, is this: no more lies, no more pretense. Tell your neighbor the truth. In Christ's body we're all connected to each other, after all. When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself.

Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry—but don't use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don't stay angry. Don't go to bed angry. Don't give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life. Did you use to make ends meet by stealing? Well, no more! Get an honest job so that you can help others who can't work.

Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift.

Don't grieve God. Don't break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don't take such a gift for granted.

Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you."

God said it all...!

Serving God with Love

2008-01-22T23:31:00.000-06:00

John 12:26 (NIV) “Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.”Boy, this was a wild and hyperactive weekend. Celebrations, duties, and responsibilities took hold of me and now I’m feeling guilty about my daily devotions that I resolved to keep up with; but Woo Hoo, I’m worn out! Met a lot of people and did a lot of reading, though not much reading of my Bible. This next week I will make up for it and concentrate on my studies and writing.

The literature I read most was information about Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It reminds me of reading my Bible, every time you re-read something you have a new revelation. I am starting to feel that he was an angel that God sent in answer to our prayers, but we didn’t appreciate what he brought for the world and we didn’t follow his blueprint...his dream.

Which brings me back to the assignments of Jesus’ disciples and apostles? One of Paul’s assignments was to develop, grow, or raise if you will, God’s people to be strong as the body of Christ must. Sort of the way we should raise and develop our children in full knowledge of our Lord and Savior. In 2 Corinthians, 12th chapter Paul needed to remind the church in Corinth that “children don’t provide for their parents. Rather, parents provide for their children.” And he assured them that he was willing to give them all he had as a good parent would but that, it seemed that the he more he loved them, the less they loved him.

That is really scary and unnerving to me....I sure hope God doesn’t still see us, His sinful children, as ones that the more He loves us, the less we love Him. I mean that is why He sent His Son to give His Life for us in the first place. God has blessed us so much in Jesus. Yet God longs to bless us even more. Why? God longs to bless us because ... he is a generous God ... because he is our loving Father ... because that is his nature ...and, because he wants us to be like him! God also blesses us to be a blessing to others!

We may never have to physically die for being a Christian, but daily we do need to die to the flesh... as we remember by faith that we have been bought with the blood of the perfect Lamb Who is working to perfect us. When we yield to God, we can see just how alive we really are. May God in His mercy fashion us into a people whose lives are pleasing to Him, and may we by faith let Him transform us from the ways of the world to the unblemished state of our Lord, the Lamb of God. It should be our privilege and joy to be a servant of the Most High God.

The title of “servant” is not meant to describe only those working directly for the church. Jesus’ promise from John 12:26— that God would honor those who serve Him—was made to all believers. We are to undertake every activity of our day as if we’re working for the Lord, so that servant hood becomes a way of life. A believer’s willing acceptance of the servant role is countercultural. The world teaches us to chase after power but advises ignoring opportunities to serve unless there’s a personal benefit. Like Jesus, though, the leaders of the early church saw things differently. These men were honored to refer to themselves as bond-slaves, the lowest of servants. They loved God so much that they were pleased to do anything in His name— feed the poor, make tents, wash feet, and even go to prison.

The Lord has placed each one of us in a position to serve others and thereby serve Him. The feet we wash, figuratively speaking, are those of our family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers; even the world. We must give our best effort to our relationships and the work we have been given in this world. To offer anything less is to refuse the life we have been called to live—a life of service to the most high God.

God has so richly blessed me, and I pray with all sincerity that He will please help me see the opportunities and ways that He builds into each day for me to bless others. I want Him to make me a conduit of His blessings and I pray that I can let Him know how much I love Him through my actions.

May God Continue to Bless Each of You.

1 John 4:6-7 (New Living Translation) "But we belong to God, and those who know God listen to us. If they do not belong to God, they do not listen to us. That is how we know if someone has the Spirit of truth or the spirit of deception. Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God."

Definately...A New Season!

2008-01-21T00:09:00.000-06:00

Galatians 6:7-10 (New International Version) “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

I absolutely love the song that says, “It’s a new season, it’s a new day. A fresh anointing is coming my way. It’s a season of power and possibilities. It’s a new season coming to me!”

Moreover, it is more powerful now than it has ever been, maybe because we are truly starting a new season and all that it means. I know I am headed in the right direction and when the Lord was speaking to me a few weeks ago, I know heard Him clearly and correctly.

One of the reasons I know now that I am headed in the direction that the Lord would have me to go in is because I received my affirmation in Sunday’s sermon. Not only did the choir sing my verification with this song, our Associate Minister broke the Bread of Life-speaking from Galatians 6:9KJV- “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Then, the Holy Spirit took control.

Minister Wilkins spoke about the past 7 years, or 2007, as being our year of completion making 2008 A New Season...A New Season of Blessings. She reminded us that in the King James Bible, Ecclesiastes 3:1 it states, “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:” Referring to Webster’s text book definition of “due” meaning “owed or owing as a debt, owed or owing as a natural or moral right." Other definitions include: “satisfying or capable of satisfying a need, obligation, or duty; having reached the date at which payment is required; required or expected in the prescribed; a normal, or logical course of events.” In other words, we can describe it as an expected occurrence - a scheduled blessing. We all know God is a rewarder of those who seek Him. We know that only God is in charge or in control of seasons; He changes times and only He can change our seasons.

She spoke on how we fought a good fight and met all the challenges of 2007....having so many ‘things’, we had to ‘go thru to get thru’ and now is the time to claim our season. Now it is time to walk, talk, and speak in our blessing. Yet, it isn’t time to give up the fight; stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. Get ready for your testimony.

Our ‘new’ words for 2008....Anyway You bless me Lord – I’ll be satisfied!!!!

Now you tell me, don't we have assurances that we are on course for 2008?

Now is The Turning Point

2008-01-20T21:30:00.000-06:00

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven."-Ecclesiastes 3:1

“Passion is at the heart of every worthwhile pursuit, and must be in the soul of every pursuer or else the pursuit is doomed to failure. Millions of jobs, possibilities, and paths through your life exists, and out of those millions there is one path in particular that you will travel forward into a better, more fulfilling life.”

Michael B. Dycus, Ph.D-The Rogue Professor

The Professor challenges us to think about our past goals, ideals and pursuits to identify that one thing that we have always been drawn toward, locate it---and pursue it with full force because... It belongs to us... It is ours! And as I pondered this discussion I thought, I should have it! God said He already gave me my gift, the one that is uniquely mine. Of course the problem is I can’t remember what it was anymore...I know it was there burning inside of me once upon a time but it’s gone now.

The Rogue Professor reminds me that pursuit of that ideal, or thing creates an exhilaration that replaces stagnation. That exhilaration creates a "Weekend Essence"( that "Woo-Hoo the weekend is here" attitude) which can become a daily mindset, creating more happiness, joy and fun. I cannot tell you how much I need that kind of hight spirits in my daily routine. Studying, reading other writer’s concepts and writing this blog, has brought a new level of exuberance and high spirits into my life, but I am not sure I want to be too zealous in the energy I put forth here. In fact I believe this is a outlet to rummage through years of debris to find my core and find that ‘new’ beginning or that prior pursuit that I laid by the wayside while I went on to tacke life challenges. You know job, education, births, deaths, marriages, bills, etc.

I just recently re-read the 16th chapter of Acts and noticed that God kept Paul from going into Asia, Paul didn't stay there praying and asking "why?" - he just kept moving (see Acts 16:6-10). For Paul, trying something and it not working out was no big deal. He believed that his gift to God was his willing heart and his mobility, and that God's gift to him was that He would always guide him to where he needed to be. As I think back, I realize what I have learned over time is that what God prevents, denies, or keeps us away from, is as much divine guidance as what He permits and opens up to us. Every door that didn't open, every opportunity I didn't get, every call that didn't come, is as much God's guidance as those blessings that came directly to me.

In the past I thought about this only as a way to maneuver through life’s challenges but now the Spirit is moving in me to use this analogy to explore future pursuits. Think about it!

In Hebrews 11:8 the Word says, "Abraham...obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going."

I am learning that God guides us by closing one door then opening another. Abraham didn't know where he was going, but he knew he couldn't stay where he was - and that's enough to create movement in your life. I am having this stirring feeling, knowledge that I can't stay where I am...every since I had the stroke I have struggled to get back to where I was. Now I feel that maybe that is impossible and my limitations may be the starting point of God's guidance. I think somewhere in my heart I knew that when I had the stroke, but some part of me was disobedient and I continued to struggle against it these past 2 years. I know I’ve experienced an inward stirring and restlessness in my soul. I realize that seasons have beginnings and endings but I didn’t feel it was time to leave this earth, otherwise God would have taken me, yet I still don’t know where my pursuits are. When a season is over, you sense that it's time to move but sometimes you just don’t know which way to go!

I believe God started the process when the stirring in my soul gave me resolutions to start the year off with, but what’s next I really don’t know. I think I need to get closer to my passion to identify the pursuit that is the core of my being. Therefore, my motto must be that there are “Millions of jobs, possibilities, and paths that exist in my life, and out of those millions there is one path in particular that I need to travel in order to achieve a better, more fulfilling life--I am in pursuit of that path today.”

PRAYER: Father God I bless your Holy Name and I thank you for the plans you have for my life. I promise to embrace change as an opportunity to grow and to affirm my oneness with You Lord. This New Year is destined to be one of promise and pursuits. This turning point can be marked in different ways and brings me into a greater awareness of the power of your Holy Spirit within me and of my ability to grow and change. Lord, I recognize life is about change. So my mornings will continue to begin and my days will continue to end in prayers of gratitude to You for all you have done for me. I am thankful for understanding that the changes which do come about are opportunities for my growth and for my good. I look forward to the next turning point in my life, knowing each change is a stepping stone to a deeper realization of my oneness with you Lord. In Your Marvelous Son Jesus’ Name.....Amen.

1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (New International Version)"There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines."

Wonderful World Built on FAITH

2008-01-19T00:16:00.000-06:00

Proverbs 22:6 (NLT) “Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.”

I am so proud of the children who were recruited to speak at the hospital today. The did a simply marvelous job. But also, our church family was something to really be proud of and a joy to know that you are a part of them. Almost all the church mothers showed up to support our children, if fact I would venture to say almost one fourth of the people in attendance was the Mt. Moriah church family. They came because we said ‘two of our children will interpret excerpts from Dr. King speeches....and they came out for support. I am sure the children felt loved, protected and supported because I know how I felt and I was not speaking.

I noticed what they have learned in terms of faith growing-up in the house of the Lord....they learned to pray. Before any of the activities began and people started coming in to the meeting room they took time out to pray with some of the other youth who attended, before any of us adults could get to them we looked up and there they were, talking to the God they have come to know and to love. Calling on His strength to see them through this event that they actually volunteered to participate in.

They handled it like pros, DeAndre’ lost his folder with his speech in it and Sharee, knowing this wasted no time in going first to give him time to find his papers, even though she was on the agenda after him—they were like pros! I presented a unique opportunity, they offered to meet the challenge and they did a fabulous job through their faith in Christ. Mind you, these are not the children that always get selected to stand out from the crowd, these are the children with great faith and great potential.

Psalm 27:13-14 (NIV) I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

Psalm 9:10 (NIV)-“Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.”

I was again reminded today that you can always rely on God, ‘because He is always faithful. God's faithfulness should cause you to strive to be faithful to Him. Even if you have not been faithful to God, He has promised to never leave or forsake you!

Not only is He tremendously faithful, He always has a plan for your life. It doesn’t matter how old you are, when He gets ready to use you He will! That thought in mind, I have to remember that He can do anything He wants to do, whenever He wants to do it simply because He is God! And when He gets ready to implement His plan for you, all you can do is Let Go and Let God. He won’t let you down, not if you submerge yourself in His Word and your faith. When you do that, the road gets easier and your way gets lighter. I remember my grandmother telling me that many years ago and you know-she was right.

It absolutely electrifies me when I think that the God of Heaven and earth can actually use me; and I can be an instrument to accomplish His Good and Perfect Will. Or even, that He might remotely want to use me. I wonder, if all of His faithful followers who love Him, trust Him, seek His name and banded together to take over the world...WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD IT WOULD BE.

Walk through the Valley of Weeping

2008-01-18T23:34:00.000-06:00

Psalm 84:4-7 (New Living Translation) “What joy for those who can live in your house, always singing your praises. What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord, who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs. The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings. They will continue to grow stronger, and each of them will appear before God in Jerusalem.”

When you loose what you love, you are supposed to go through 5 Stages of Grief; (1) Denial, (2) Anger, (3) Bargaining, (4) Depression, and (5) Acceptance where you finally say, “Not my will but Thine will be done”. Whether it is the loss of a child, a marriage, a job, your health, etc. when you turn to God He will give you the grace to embrace it, grieve it, express it, release it, and go on to become stronger. However, sometimes, we can release it without going through the other stages. Some psychologists deny that is possible but I know that it is quite possible. It is not that we are seeking a quick release, although some people do want a ‘quick out’ so as not to feel those feelings by going through the stages. Nevertheless, some of us accept God’s will, and in fact embrace God’s will.

I just lost a cousin who lives down in Alabama. In a way I not only accept that God has taken him but given the way he suffered during the last months of his life, I embrace it. I thank God because I don’t believe he deserved to suffer the way he did...he was a good man. He loved his wife and his family and he cared for them as well as any man on this side of heaven could care for their family.

I remember reading somewhere that we avoid reaching a point of acceptance because we fear the process. Then I read that because we have been taught that any show of emotion is a show of weakness, we stuff our emotions in to this emotional garbage can or on an emotional shelf. The problem is that only so much garbage will fit in the can or on the shelf. So you spend too much of your time and energy trying to keep the top on the can or bracing the shelf so it doesn’t break in half.

John 8:31-32 (New International Version) “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."” Knowing and embracing the truth regardless of how painful it is becomes a truly uplifting experience...it is freeing! It doesn’t matter how painful you think it will be, the truth sets you free. So if you are running from pain, if you are substituting some other emotion for the pain you should be feeling you are not following God’s way.

John 16:19-22 (New International Version) “I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.”

I’ll see my cousin again, as well as his brother. There is a time when I and his sister, and all the other cousins, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, mothers and fathers will be together again in eternity. Oh what a joyous time it will be!

May God continue to bless you real well!

Do I Really Want to be Holy?

2008-01-17T00:22:00.000-06:00

When I received one of my devotional emails a few mornings ago, it really sent my mind spinning. It was entitled "Answering the Call to Holiness", by Dr. Betty R. Price. The first thing that jumped into my head when I read it was “Do I really want to be holy?” We have heard so many negative definitions on being “holy” that I’m not sure I even know what it means anymore.

Some definitions indicate that this is someone who is out of step with society. This kind of person is often perceived as different, impractical, self-righteous, or just plain naive. For the most part, we have come to know this person as having achieved an unattainable perfection but a very achievable way of thinking and living that reflects our true purpose in life.

Perhaps the understanding of what is "holy" is what I need in order to really understand what is our natural and God given ability to achieve this goal. I believe that God would not give us a task that we could not carry out. “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” (Matthew 16:24). Everything I have read tells me that this scripture is the door to holiness and I am told it is grounded in humility and detachment.

We are accustomed to selfishness, maybe not in the negative sense of the word. Nevertheless, we work for our personal achievement, for our pleasure and for the fulfillment of our ambitions; we become self-centered when we live to please ourselves and not God. To deny ourselves we must live through Him, in Him, with Him and for Him only, this requires renouncing all the personal triumphs of our lives in order to let Christ reign in us, this calls us to live for the interests of God and not so much ours. We are called to renounce all the things of this world so that we can possess God.

Many Christians do not take holiness seriously. They, like me, did not fully realize that to be holy is a commandment from God. Since God has called us to holiness, we have to will ourselves to live the holy life. In 1 Peter 1:14 -16(NLT), we see God's call to holiness: "So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. Now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”"

To become holy means, to accept the good and the bad that comes our way. Just as when a couple gets married, they accept each other in good and bad times; in the same way when we establish a relationship with God we accept Him as He is, without having the right to make any demands, because whatever He wills is perfect and will mould us to His liking.

Jesus has asked us to accept the cross, to take up our cross daily, which is made up of all the contradictions that we find each day. By the merits of carrying the cross, we are humbled, we overcome impatience, we acknowledge our weaknesses, and we recognize the strength of God. No one has escaped suffering because this is part of our daily bread. Suffering is part of the training that we must undergo in order to become obedient, to be purified and to accept the Will of God. The cross is not a punishment it is a gift of God to make us holy. To receive the cross daily will give us great joy and understanding of God, who loved us so much that He became flesh to give His life for us.

And then Jesus said, “Follow me”. As we follow the Lord, we must imitate his life of Love and Charity, we must love God and our neighbor, we must be prepared to share with others our time, our love, our faith, and our belongings if necessary.

Holiness is a state of the soul which satisfies the plan of God for its Salvation. There are no human standards to qualify the holiness of someone. But we have been given the guides to holiness by Our Lord Himself. We are saved by Grace, not by any works that we can do but rather by what God can do in us if we submit ourselves to His Holy Will. To be Holy is to live according to the Plan of God.

Everything that refers to God is holy. Holiness is the very essence of who He is. Our lives should always exemplify what Jesus' life was like when He lived on earth, because He exemplified what God's life is...a life of holiness. This was best demonstrated when Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness. No matter what Satan tempted Jesus with, or how often Satan tempted Him, Jesus never yielded to him. That is the model we must strive to achieve.

Holiness is the quality of your life. It should not be confused with sanctification, which means to be set apart, and righteousness, which means right standing with God. God makes us righteous and sanctifies us through Jesus Christ; those are what He does. But it is up to us to be obedient to His call to be holy. So Christians can't do anything to be righteous or sanctified, but we are responsible for everything involved in making us holy.

It seems difficult, but we can be holy, just by following Jesus’ lead. It will take tremendous effort and it does not come overnight. We will have to go in the opposite direction of where our flesh or our mind may want to take us. To be victorious in living a life of holiness, we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit. We need the Holy Spirit, the power of God, to help us, stand by us, and guide us because Satan will oppose us whenever we commit to obeying the Word of God. We need the supernatural power of God because Satan is a supernatural enemy; and, it is a supernatural life that God has called us to. But, it is also a life of joy, peace, and fulfillment.

The act of holiness is not an impossible task. God would never tell us to do something or be something that is impossible to accomplish. We can be holy; we can count ourselves as dead to sin; we can overcome those temptations just as Jesus did because God has already made a way of escape, we just have to call on His Mighty Strength.

It's a fight all our life. It doesn't matter how many times we fall; we just get back up because one of these times, we're going to get the victory over that temptation so we can be right for God and live the life of holiness we were called to live.

1 Corinthians 1:2-3 (New Living Translation) “I am writing to God’s church in Corinth, to you who have been called by God to be his own holy people. He made you holy by means of Christ Jesus, just as he did for all people everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.”

CHRIST-like WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS...

2008-01-16T10:45:00.000-06:00

You know, I think God is trying to tell me something and I need to slow down, because I started 2008 like I was shot out of a cannon. Well I got an email this morning with this message, what do you think:

CHRIST-like WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS...

An Angel says, 'Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow

and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice.'
1. Pray
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.

10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns . If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety . If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19 Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good 'Thank you Jesus.'
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33 Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36 . Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before.

GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU.

'If God is for us, who can be against us?' (Romans 8:31)

My instructions were to send this to four people that I wanted God to bless and I picked anyone and everyone who reads my blog. That means YOU, because I don't want to limit blessings. Meanwhile, I'm gonna slow down (after this week is over) and practice all of these...please join me.

Keep it and Share it....Loveable!

Rev. Dr. King was not a Lightweight Gift

2008-01-15T01:09:00.000-06:00

Romans 12:6-8(NIV) “We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.”

"We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”

-Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Beginning a new year still has me thinking about how I can make 2008 the best it can be by being the best I can be. You know I told you I was going to begin by increasing the love in my heart and the God in my life. Tonight at prayer meeting we had an interesting conversation that reminded me of what my grandmother use to say...Be careful what you ask God for, you just might get it. The year is just beginning and I know what she was trying to tell me. I also know I have come too far to turn around so I just ask the Lord to give me the strength and wisdom to do what He has given me to do.

One of my 2008 resolutions was to ‘tithe’ my time for God, and when I made that resolution, I included blogsphere activities in my calculations. Well I am now running...no sprinting to keep up with an arbitrary schedule I had in my mind. However, my body says oh no, no, no! So my devotions and blogging has suffered.

Today, I am outrunning whatever it is that is trying to take hold of me (flu, cold, whatever). I am getting my youth ready to deliver a dynamic presentations at the Catholic Hospital’s King Celebration on Friday. I am jump-starting my commitment to weekly Sunday School, church service, prayer meeting, mid-week Bible study, and bi-monthly missionary meetings. While I catch my breath for a minute, I am meditating on January 15th as the day set aside for us to recall and celebrate the birth of Martin Luther King Jr., a man whose determined efforts to cease racial inequality made an indelible mark in the 1957-1968 civil rights movement. And then, I hear this God-awful comment from one of our Presidential Candidates, who says it takes a president to address the wrongs in our country...oh no candidate – it takes a God and a man of God’s own choosing who worked to make a difference, willing to give God his best and then go home to rest. God did not give us a ‘light weight president’, He gave us a ‘heavy weight’ minister.

This is the time of year where we can thankfully look back and see just how necessary and important Dr. King’s efforts were and how they have made our nation a little more kinder, gentler, and wiser. Comparing ‘then’ with ‘now’, then was a period of time where ignorance regarding the races tended to run rampant, and people were judged, not by their characters, but by the color of their skin. It was a time when our laws were unjust, and unnecessary hatred, fear and violence was perverting society's self-proclaimed status as a Bible-believing nation. King was also deeply concerned about people in poverty, but before he was able to continue with his plan of a Poor People's March on Washington, he was assassinated. That would have been far to radical for this country to bear....racial equity and poor people empowered?!

We can thank our Lord and Savior for loaning this angel to us, if just for a little while. Don’t get me wrong, I am aware that many people continue to rebel against new directions and continue to hang on to the old ideology. We have not eradicated the ills we live with in this world and there are still many people who don't want their old ways of thinking and living challenged. Dr. King was of course not the only individual in the history of the world to take a stand against injustice, but there is no denying. This was a man of remarkable courage and wisdom, who dared to make a positive difference in our world.

Sadly, some people today still do the same thing; refuse to enact positive change, not caring about what God would have them do. We do not have to share their positions with them.
Let us all consider making 2008 the best it can be by being the best WE can be. We can begin by placing love in our heart and by inviting God in to our life.

Please share this prayer with me: "Heavenly Father, help us to set fear, pride and ignorance aside so that we may live that victorious life You have in store for us. Wash us clean of past transgressions so that today can be the first day of a new life in Christ. This I ask in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen."

I pray the God of Love will shine on you this day!

Ephesians 4:11-15 (NIV) “It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.”

The Faith of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

2008-01-12T23:52:00.000-06:00

I cannot begin to tell you what I have done to my life’s schedule by laying aside rigid schedules for people and causes I am not compatible with and picking up those things that give me joy. I am overwhelmed with joy or should I say by joy...or more to the point...joy is about to run me ragged!

I agreed to help a friend plan a Dr. Kind celebration at one of our local hospitals. Of course, you know me, I decide, for all those important, youth development/improvement reasons that I should find some youth to give a dramatic presentation on Friday. Well that wouldn’t be bad but you cannot just give youth an assignment, tell them to learn and be at point “A” fully prepared and on time. What was I thinking?

Now what I really must do is try to put together excerpts from two of Dr. King’s speeches (one for a girl and one for a boy) because my mind said we needed two youth-one of each! Then I need to meet with these young people at least twice before the celebration and work on insuring their readings are dramatic and with feeling...I want them to more than read the speeches, I want them to be able to interpret the speeches...Why? That’s okay; you don’t have to answer that.

Dr. King was of course not the only individual in the history of the world to take a stand against injustice, but there is no denying this was a man of remarkable courage and wisdom, who dared to make a positive difference in the world. Moreover, it has been a wonderful learning experience for me, going thru his writings and speeches to locate some of his work the youth can present beside the overused “I had A Dream” speech. I had not paid much attention before, but all of his speeches have as much biblical references as his sermons. I mean I knew he was a man of God, but I guess the information was split between the two different sides of my brain.

I will use the “Drum Major Instinct” for one excerpted speech. One part that I really like is when he says, “And so Jesus gave us a new norm of greatness. If you want to be important—wonderful. If you want to be recognized—wonderful. If you want to be great—wonderful. But recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. That's a new definition of greatness.” Then the other speech will be his last before the assassination in Memphis...the one we know only too well...

“Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land! And so I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man! Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord!”

I wonder...did God share with him what was about to happen?

Be Blessed.

Romans 12:1-5 (NIV) “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer 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. For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”

Wear LOVE -- An All Purpose Garment

2008-01-11T01:41:00.000-06:00

Timothy 2:15 (NIV) “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”'

Colossians 3:12-17 (NLT) “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.”

I meant to tell you about the wonderful experience I had last night. I accepted and invitation to speak at a Methodist Church here in Paducah because the Pastor heard me speak during the world AIDS Day Celebration. He wanted his congregation to hear what I said and asked if I would deliver the same speech to his congregation on one of their Wednesday Family Nights at the church.

Needless to say, I have no idea where the notes are from that December conversation. I remember writing about my past service in preparation for the speaking engagement. When AIDS prevention and services, Substance Abuse, or even Battered Women was my mission, I kept and cataloged every presentation or speech. Now, when I do speak, it is either about Workforce Diversity (the program I work with now), or something about my faith or from my past life in mission work. I often talk about my faith, beliefs, and experiences and unless you make me, it is not anything formal. So with the group’s permission, I painted verbal pictures of my life back then. (I’m very good at that, talking I mean).

I felt led to talk about how I feel we wear LOVE when we represent our Lord and Savior. Normally I would not have spoken about the issue of death and dying given the age of most participants but I did...I had to. I was reminiscing about the difference between death and God in a room together versus death presenting itself alone. It is still a very powerful experience and I can feel how death with God is a peacefully intertwined excursion that is more concrete than elusive. You can not help but know He is present and that there is a ‘right relationship’ with Him...you can feel Him, there is a sweet, sweet aura, and smell in the room that is filled with the kind of peace that passes all understanding. From those experiences, I know He is Real!

One gentleman wanted to know how I could possibly exhibit my faith in a situation where my job was secular. I explained to him that I have always established a relationship with my clients...therefore; I can always be myself, totally congruent. It’s like that ‘Bible thumping, scripture quoting’ relative that everyone has...when you can’t get out of his/her way, you settle in and accept your fate. Same with my clients, some really appreciated and waited on me to bring my faith and prayers to their bedside; some I think wanted to see me but wanted me to leave all my baggage at home, but knowing that was not going to happen, they settled on acceptance of the whole me.

But, mostly we talked about the work that is yet to be done. Like what are the implications when we see teenagers coming to church with a new baby in the arms? It’s time to put on our garments of love and talk about HIV/AIDS, death and dying. We must embed in our love messages that the same behavior that brings another life into this world spreads a disease.

Churches that were willing to respond to people with HIV or an AIDS diagnosis are just as few and far between as they were twelve years ago....that is not wearing God’s love as we should.

Some people hold to the belief that AIDS is God’s punishment....I submit it is up to God to punish; our job is to wear the garments of Love and take God’s word to everyone.

I don’t know if the group I spoke with last night will start to move in a direction that supports this issue, but I got the distinct feeling they understood, empathized, and really heard my message. Some of them teared-up, others shook their heads in affirmation, and the quietness of the room spoke volumes. They also invited me back and many of the seniors just fussed over me for quite awhile. Now that I really enjoyed. It was like being in a room with family you haven’t seen since you were a little girl...they hug you, hang on to your every word, and literally wait on you hand and foot.

I pray that my God was just as pleased. As much of a treat as it was to be petted and pampered, my goal was to do His work and spread what I believe is His message of Love in a world that doesn’t see love too often!

Yours in Christian Love!

Romans 5:1-5 (NLT) "Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love."

Lean NOT on you own Understanding

2008-01-10T01:38:00.000-06:00

Psalm 56:10-15 (NLT) "I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me? I will fulfill my vows to you, O God, and will offer a sacrifice of thanks for your help. For you have rescued me from death; you have kept my feet from slipping. So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light."

My daughter has decided that she must travel to Florida and meet someone she encountered on My Space, at first I almost slipped into my old ways. You know, one of those yelling, hollering, screaming fits that we mother’s have when their grown children reach a decision you absolutely don’t agree with and that don’t feel good about in your spirit. There is so much danger in the world we live in that if I am not prayerful, it could take me over. She seems to feel that because this man is a Christian, and reportedly very active in his church, I should approve and support her decision. You and I both know that everyone who professes to be a follower of Christ's teachings isn't!

But, I spoke with the Lord a little while ago and I know that it’s praying time and then I need to leave this in the Master’s hand. This is the enemy trying to chip away at my faith and put a strain on my trust, simply because I made a resolution to trust God to order my steps for 2008. When you look back on my resolution No. 3, it is so very clear to me how and why this attack is coming.

In retrospect, I can clearly see God’s leadership, guidance and protection in my life since the day my mother died. Only A Loving God could have brought me this far and I am needing to turn loose now. Just God can take care of her, better that a mother or a father here on earth. So, I must go to God in prayer and trust in Him and Him alone!

PRAYER: Gracious, Holy, and All Mighty God, it’s your servant coming to you again Lord to beg your forgiveness. I know I have not always followed in the way you would have me to go but Father I ask that you forgive my transgressions and I thank you for allowing me another opportunity to do your will. I ask Lord that you bless my church family with a deeper knowledge and appreciation of your nature, character, and grace. In addition, please bless Pastor Cole that he may be able to continue to preach the uncompromising gospel, according to your will. Remove all fear and unrest that may be in my heart from the decisions the children you blessed my life with, and please Lord, take care of them; lead them, guide them, and speak to them so that the paths and decisions they make will be pleasing in your eyes. Grant them continued safekeeping, health, and most of all, knowledge of you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Psalm 91:2-10 (NLT) “This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you. Just open your eyes, and see how the wicked are punished. If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home.”

Inner Supply

2008-01-09T00:22:00.000-06:00

Proverbs 7:1-2 (Amplified Bible) “MY SON, keep my words; lay up within you my commandments [for use when needed] and treasure them. Keep my commandments and live, and keep my law and teaching as the apple (the pupil) of your eye.”

It is so easy for us to get distracted by the "world's delight" and fail to make progress in our walk with and relationship with the Lord. In this new year of 2008, I am resolved to set my sights on things that are higher and nobler.

As the time drew nearer for Jesus to give up His life, the going got tough for Jesus and those who

followed Him. The Pharisees sought to trick Him into "blasphemy" and put Him to death. People were all in for the free food for 5,000 or getting healed from all manner of sicknesses and diseases, but now He began to talk about taking up your cross and following Him. The Bible tells us that many who had followed Him followed Him no more. Jesus turned to the disciples and said, "Will you leave also?" Simon Peter quickly replied, "Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of life!" In 2008, I am resolved to follow Jesus no matter what my circumstances.

Today, just as it was 2,000 years ago, Jesus has many fair weather friends. If you don't believe it, just see how church attendance drops the next time it comes a big rainstorm on Sunday. Around the world there are believers who risk their lives by coming to worship, and in the West, we are deterred by a few drops of water. This coming year, I am resolved to seek first His Kingdom and righteousness, no matter who or what may oppose me.

I know that striving to keep these resolutions will reap eternal benefits! It’s like the squirrel in this cartoon, as long and you study and store up the Word, you have the food needed to get you thru the had times. And we all know, Hard times are coming!

Your Sister in Christian Love!

Psalm 119:40-50 (Amplified Bible) “Behold, I long for Your precepts; in Your righteousness give me renewed life. Let Your mercy and loving-kindness come also to me, O Lord, even Your salvation according to Your promise; Then shall I have an answer for those who taunt and reproach me, for I lean on, rely on, and trust in Your word. And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for I hope in Your ordinances. I will keep Your law continually, forever and ever [hearing, receiving, loving, and obeying it]. And I will walk at liberty and at ease, for I have sought and inquired for [and desperately required] Your precepts. I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings and will not be put to shame. For I will delight myself in Your commandments, which I love. My hands also will I lift up [in fervent supplication] to Your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on Your statutes. Remember [fervently] the word and promise to Your servant, in which You have caused me to hope. This is my comfort and consolation in my affliction: that Your word has revived me and given me life.”

Such is Life.....

2008-01-08T23:33:00.000-06:00

Mark 4:39-41 (New Living Translation) “When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!”

Such is life. . .

One moment you have shortage. . .The next you have excess.
One day you have nothing to do. . .The next you don't have time to get it all done.

One day the refrigerator is empty and you are hungry. . .The next you have a half eaten meal in front of you and you are stuffed.

One month you've got money to spare and you wonder what to buy. The next you've got a bounced check. . .

One moment you are full of energy and can't go to sleep. . .The next you are drained and can't get up.

One day you are the center of attention. The next you wonder if anyone knows you are alive.

It's the waves of life. They carry us up and down and all around.

Money, friends, your body, your relationships, your job, and the rest of the list, they all vary. They all go in waves.

It took me a while to really understand the statement, "The Kingdom of Heaven is Within."

No commercial can show you that. Commercials make you believe it's in the jazzy new car or the big screen TV. Yes, those things can thrill you for a moment, but it's only a wave. After a little while, the thrill is gone.

I have always recognized that if money and things brought happiness, then all rich people with things would be happy.

It ain't so!

We easily see how poverty can cause unhappiness, but we are deluded into believing that money solves all things. Life is full of stuff. I wouldn't trade my life with anyone, it's one of the most blessed that I know, but it's still full of stuff. One thing after another, one challenge after another, one situation after another, day by day, never-ending . . .

It's the waves and there is no stopping them from the outside.
You can only calm the inside, so that like a submarine, you ride deep beneath the waves.
Though a storm is raging, you are at peace.

Most are tossed and turned by waves.
Some like the submarine, ride deep beneath the daily storms in peace.
Some simply surf the waves and have a lot of fun.
Some drown.

You can't stop the waves; it's the nature of the ocean of life.
You can only choose which method you will use to handle them.

You can be tossed like most. You can drown like many. You can surf and have fun while you can, but even a surfer gets tired and there's nowhere to sleep on a surfboard.

To ride comfortably beneath the waves requires a ship containing breath that is not our own. That ship. . . . is not crowded.

I bet you thought Mr. D had done something to me for "ratting" on him. No, actually I was sick last night and he had to cover a couple of meetings for me. But, I had to ask (LOL)!! Bless his heart.

I got this email from a friend and I said, “Yep, that is me to a ‘T”. It’s the way things are flowing right now. I momentarily lost my handle on my health, and probably my mind. It’s like storms raging in my life, especially with my health. And, of course you know I relinquished the hold I felt the job and the people had on me and I know the enemy is angry. Like Lauren on Faith Fuel says, I'm taking all kinds of R.I.S.K.S. for 2008.

The way I have handled these tests that are coming at me really fast, because of the resolutions for 2008, I know I am solid in my faith. I am not taking anything for granted, I am really monitoring my responses like fear, resolution to stick with my decisions, special time to study (not just read) the scriptures. Now, the one aspect of the test that I did fail was returning to prayer meeting weekly...that’s where the enemy used my health against me – I didn’t make it this week but I know the tools he used to cause my failure and I know what to do so it won’t happen again. I am praying and leaning on my faith, knowing everything will come together in my life. God said it and I believe it!

Peace - Be Still! I pray you all will have a blessed day.

Acts 3:16 (Amplified Bible) “And His name, through and by faith in His name, has made this man whom you see and recognize well and strong. [Yes] the faith which is through and by Him [Jesus] has given the man this perfect soundness [of body] before all of you.”

2 Corinthians 13:5 (New Living Translation) “Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith.”

Share the Knowledge of Jesus

2008-01-06T20:10:00.000-06:00

Matthew 4:19 “And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men”.

I should be ashamed of myself but I’m not! I reported my husband to Pastor today and I am just tickled about it. I told you I want to take everyone to heaven with me, and especially Mr. D. He’s the husband of yours truly – Loveable. Now I won’t “out” my sweetie about his faith walk on the blog...these are my personal disclosures; let’s just say his life has been spent studying the Word and everything, I mean everything he can get his hands on that is remotely associated with the Bible.

He has been a deacon in the Baptist Church for about 5 or 6 years and he performs all of his assigned duties with enthusiasm. However, he does not speak those truths that he knows in his heart that "thus saith the Lord." Now I know that scripturally a deacon’s duties are to learn, serve and assist, while pastors, elders, bishops and evangelists have a duty to teach.

Nevertheless, he knows so much about the Word, and I think he should intensify his discipleship. I know, you are saying, "how can I make a judgment call about him?" Well, I am stepping out on faith, and I talk to my God enough to hear Him when he speaks. The first time I heard Him speak about Mr. D was when he first started attending my church. Now mind you, he had been encouraged to join the deacons at the church he attended before we were married. He thought his ability to avoid those who were focused on having him become a deacon was humorous.

During one of his first visits to my home church, one of the mother’s in the church spoke to him and of him as if he was a deacon and servant in the church, without ever knowing him. When he corrected her she said, “I am only saying what the Lord spoke to my heart, we will not approach you again. God will do it.” (She said this speaking of herself and to me.) And, we did not but God did!

The second time was shortly after he joined my church and met my pastor who said, “I can see you in deacon training”. Immediately after pastor said that, Mr. D started coming to church 2 minutes late and leaving 2 minutes early. You know what that was, right? It was so no definite arrangements could be made for a study time. (You need to know that my pastor at the time was one of those very determined, Southern Baptist preachers who does not take ‘no’ when the Lord has given them a task.) One Sunday, before the benediction, while preaching a sermon out of Matthew, pastor stepped down from the pulpit into the congregation next to Mr. D and repeated the words that Christ spoke to Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, as documented in Matthew 4:19.

Mr. D finished his training and was ordained a Baptist Deacon. He has a heart of gold and will do anything you ask him, but you must ask. Our new pastor on the other hand is a gentle, loving, humble, and unassuming servant. He doesn’t ask...he offers opportunities for you to serve. S o there you have the conundrum! Pastor will offer an opportunity to put your talents to work for the Lord...Mr. D has talents that the Lord can use for the building of His Kingdom, but will wait for the request to come.

Did you know that the Lord is an investor and He sows by putting talents in our hands, these are your God given skills and talents as represented by money, in the Bible? Therefore, God expects you to produce with what He gives you. It is not where you start that matters, but where you end up. You may not be a five-talent person; you may only be a two or a one talent.

Nevertheless, just keep multiplying the one or two talents God has given you and eventually you will have what the five-talent person has, possibly even ten-talent person.

Keep in mind that the best gift you can give is the gift of yourself. The material things, like those you got and gave this holiday season, will soon be used up, broken and forgotten. But, the gift of love and time invested in your loved ones will be kept and cherished in their hearts - and in yours - for the rest of our lives. When we give the gift of ourselves, we are truly being like the Christ. The one who loves us, and gave Himself for us, so that we could spend eternity together with Him. For that reason, we must also give the gift of ourselves for building of God's Kingdom.

The Great Commission is ever-present throughout Christianity and is the practice of making new disciples. This practice came into being at the beginning of Jesus' ministry as described in the Matthew 4:19. It held its importance all the way to the very end of his ministry. There Jesus instituted the Great Commission, commanding all present to "go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20a).

Jesus has incorporated this practice into the very definition of being a Christian, a disciple and experiencing discipleship. It is something we cannot and must not ignore...we need to place it at the forefront of all we do for Christ.

So, you still ask how I can make a judgment call on him, you men may not agree but it is because wives have privileges in this day and age!

Share the faith, love, and knowledge of Jesus with all you meet this year!

Matthew 25:20-30 (New Living Translation) “ The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’ “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together. “The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.’ “The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’ “Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’ “But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’ “Then he ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

What Time is it in YOUR Life?

2008-01-05T23:40:00.000-06:00

I am so excited that I can hardly write. I got my CD today...I cannot remember if I wrote about this song that Donna, Aileen and Melanie sang in church but I want you to know that song lit me on fire like I haven’t been in a long time. It was a song that gave me joy and sadness at the same time. Joy knowing that I have a God who is waiting to embrace me as soon as this life is over.

Who knows just how hard I have struggled to please Him, to do things right knowing that I am only human and I don’t have the capacity to be perfect like His son, but I’ve tried. You know that joy when a parent is cheering you on to do the best that you can and waiting for you to finish to be able to say ‘job well done’, I am proud of you and I love you.

Sadness because this life is over and you missed a step or two, you are leaving a sinner and for all those mistakes you made you don’t get a “do over” as the toddlers I once cared for use to say. It’s a sadness to remember that I have used more life than I can look forward to living. Oh but this song really speaks to me and I tried to put it on the blog so you can hear it but I can’t do it the way I have put other songs on, so I guess if you don’t know it you will find it on your own.

The song was recorded by the Dallas Fort Worth Mass Choir and it is entitled “What Time Is It?” I have to give you the lyrics and although you may not have the tune (which by the way reminds me of a Broadway love song), but the words stand on their own.

“As I ponder my existence what’s my purpose for residing with this in mind
Fate would have me to go under but there’s a reason for me being in this time
To everything there is a season and a time for every reason you’ll soon find
If you seek you will find in your life there’s a purpose and a time.
What time is it, what time is it in your life?

Now there’s a time to be born and yes we all have a time to die
There’s a time to plant and harvest a time to kill and even a time to heal
There’s a time to destroy tearing down of kingdoms
And a time to rebuild it up again
If you seek you will find in your life there’s a purpose and a time

What time is it, what time is it in your life?
It’s your life, and you better know the time.
It’s your life, it’s your life, and you better know the time."

So when and if you hear this song, remember that's Loveables song for 2008. I am resolved in 2008 to share the Good News of Jesus with people that He places me in contact with; I want to be passionate about bringing people with me to heaven.

I am learning each day What Time It Is!!

The Life of the Spirit

2008-01-04T16:13:00.000-06:00

Galatians 5:22-26 (New Living Translation) "But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another."

One of my good Christian friends sent this email today and asked me to share this message with either a young person or an old person-maybe it is the message that opens a door of improvement. Well guess what, it’s opening the door to improvement for me!

It says, “Tell me who your best friends are, and I will tell you who you are. If you run with wolves, you will learn how to howl. But, if you associate with eagles, you will learn how to soar to great heights. “A mirror reflects a man’s face, but what he is really like is shown by the kind of friends he chooses.” The simple but true fact of life is that you become like those with whom you closely associate – for the good and the bad.

The less you associate with some people, the more your life will improve. Any time you tolerate mediocrity in others, it increases your mediocrity. An important attribute in successful people are their impatience with negative thinking and negative acting people. As you grow, your associates will change. Some of your friends will not want you to go on. They will want you to stay where they are. Friends who don't help you climb will want you to crawl. Your friends will stretch your vision or choke your dream. Those that don't increase you will eventually decrease you. And then, consider this:
~ Never receive counsel from unproductive people.
~ Never discuss your problems with someone incapable of contributing to the solution, because those who never succeed themselves are always first to tell you how. Not everyone has a right to speak into your life. You are certain to get the worst of the bargain when you exchange ideas with the wrong person.
~ Do not follow anyone who’s not going anywhere. With some people you spend an evening: with others you invest it.
~ Be careful where you stop to inquire for directions along the road of life.
~ Wise is the person who fortifies his life with the right friendships.

This is such a re-affirmation of the wonderful time I had yesterday with my Leadership Paducah class. I met some new people, primarily from the Lower Town Arts district, that took my creativity, energy and interests to a new level...new people to meet, new things to share. And although I was bone tired at the end of my day, my mind was excited about new possibilities for this year.

You can see our evening in Lower Town on the ilistpaducah blog..., we toured all of Paducah’s communication vehicles, talked with bloggers and web designers, and I even met a young woman who knows enough about my blogging efforts to talk about ‘Faith 2 Lift U.

We met in an artistic studio (Bryer) and I am now fascinated with these beautiful quilts (again) and her hand painted fabrics. You should take a look at the marvelous work she does...truly a gift from God. Either all of the people I spent the day with yesterday have wonderful gifts or they are marvelous gifts from the Almighty Creator.

It was an extraordinary start for what I know will be a spectacular year...Come on 2008, I’m ready! I have chosen the Life of the Spirit to work in my life this year...I don’t want to just hold the spirit of faith in my or a sentimental portion of my heart to embrace and work this wonderful spirit in every aspect of my life. Subsequently, I want to explore hidden gifts that God has given me and investigate interesting things to do with my life. After all, the major thought I left the group with yesterday is that each of us is an original!

Almighty Creator and God of all of the universe, I praise you for your incomparable power and your incomprehensible glory. As I begin this New Year, I know that my future rests in your will, your grace, and your salvation. Please go with me as I journey toward this future. Please be glorified in the way I live my life today, this year, and for as long as you give me earthly life.

In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Christ is Returning Soon!

2008-01-03T00:18:00.000-06:00

Everytime my friend Mike sends me a cartoon, he
sends me in another direction with my studies and daily devotions. But I love it though, because I think God uses him to direct me to where He wants me to study.

I saw this image and I immediately began to think: We live in busy times. Sadly, for many Christians, church is an item on their checklist, and they think attending a service fulfills their “spiritual duty.” Besides, the job calls-right?

Sometimes we do not see the other ways that we can or should serve the Lord and be fulfilled. All to often we get so involved in the temporary things of this world, we loose sight of where we will spend eternity and time is running out!

As a result, God seems so distant, and either we don’t see it or we feel unexcited about His work in our lives and lack compassion for the unsaved or those who do not possess the worldly, material wealth we have accumulated.

Such believers find it easy to start thinking and acting in a worldly manner. But God desires an intimate relationship with His children-and we are all God’s children.

As in Bible times, He still has personal encounters with His people— sometimes to comfort or encourage; other times to guide or convict of sin. We must all get busy, time is wasting and Christ is coming soon.

Ask God for a personal encounter with Him. Spend time praising the Lord, confessing sin, and surrendering all areas of your life to Him. He’s worth it and We need it!!!

God's Peace and Love to you all!

James 5:5-12 (New Living Translation) “You have spent your years on earth in luxury, satisfying your every desire. You have fattened yourselves for the day of slaughter. You have condemned and killed innocent people, who do not resist you.

Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen. You, too, must be patient. Take courage, for the coming of the Lord is near.

Don’t grumble about each other, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. For look—the Judge is standing at the door! For examples of patience in suffering, dear brothers and sisters, look at the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. We give great honor to those who endure under suffering. For instance, you know about Job, a man of great endurance. You can see how the Lord was kind to him at the end, for the Lord is full of tenderness and mercy. But most of all, my brothers and sisters, never take an oath, by heaven or earth or anything else. Just say a simple yes or no, so that you will not sin and be condemned."

Only Faith will release the Power of HOPE!

2008-01-02T22:10:00.000-06:00

Hebrews 10:23 (Amplified Bible) says: " So let us seize and hold fast and retain without wavering the hope we cherish and confess and our acknowledgement of it, for He Who promised is reliable (sure) and faithful to His word."

Hebrews 11:1 (Amplified Bible) "NOW FAITH is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]."

I have learned that hope will not change your circumstances. It takes faith to release the power of God in order to change your circumstances. Hope will only keep you alive until things change. If you never bring faith to bear upon your circumstances, all you will do is live in hope. Your circumstances will never change.

I view hope is a magnificent goal setter if you allow it to be. What is your goal? My goal or objective is to make some significant changes in the way I lived my life in 2007. I want to be able to move, think, and participate the way I use to; to reach the top of the mountain in all areas of life without feeling that anything can or will hold me back. Everybody should have a goal. If you do not set a goal, you will never reach one. You must have something (a goal) for your faith to work to obtain. Hope sets the goal and faith achieves it, but hope alone really has no substance.

I have some pretty high hopes this New Year, and I know I will obtain the goals I have set for myself. I know that there is one critical piece thing I must keep in my plans, and that is to remain steadfast, as it says in Hebrews 10:23. You must be tenacious and hold on to your goals. Do not let go until your goal manifests; until it becomes a reality. It takes that kind of determined attitude. You must stay with it even if it seems to take forever (of course, I am not setting ‘forever’ goals for myself. But, I also know it may take a while for goals to reach fruition, but if you remain steadfast eventually, it will manifest as long as you aren’t striving for something insurmountable.

If you want to reach your highest hopes, you have to be steadfast. I remember learning this lesson when my first husband died and I had two children to raise. I hadn’t gone back to school then and I did not inherit a fortune. But, by the grace of God, I had faith that the Lord would help me finish school, raise my daughters, and grow in the grace and wisdom that I needed to survive this world. Oddly enough, there were many people that I encountered that could have made the road so much easier and it really would not have cost them anything; but people just seemed to be downright hateful. Yes, there were some who offered to go out of their way to lend a hand, and until I learned to remove my pride out of the way, I didn’t know how to accept their love and assistance. (I guess you know that I know better now!?)

Jesus said in John 15:18-19 (NIV): “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you."

Situations may arise in which you are unable to figure out what to do. We all have encountered this at one time or another in our lives. When you are walking in the Word and by the Holy Spirit, you are guaranteed to have divine, insights and inside information to guide you through to your goal.

II Corinthians 4:8-9 says: " We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed;” and I believe it. There have been many times in my life that I should have been destroyed, or crushed. But by my faith, it didn’t happen and it won’t happen....even now.

Jesus always comes to our rescue! Why? Because he knows the times we live in aren't easy. He
knows that the world we live is caught up in wickedness. That, however, is not the only reality. He gives us great victory through the power of his Cross because..... He promised us. No wonder we can greet each other with grace and peace....that’s if we want to.....because He already purchased them for us.

PRAYER: Father, please help me distinguish between good and evil as I confront them daily in my life. Make evil repulsive to me despite the many ways that Satan tries to make it look seductive. Thank you, Jesus, for coming to my rescue when I was a sinner, unable to save myself. Thank you for sharing your grace and giving me peace. And most of all, thank you for being there to take those things from me I could not handle and giving me strength to deal with the things I could handle through my strength and faith in you. Through the blessed Holy Spirit I offer my thanks and praise in Jesus' name. Amen.

1 Peter 1:6 (New Living Translation) So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while.

Prayer & Blessing to start 2008

2008-01-01T15:38:00.000-06:00

Christian Glitter by www.christianglitter.com

Peace and God's Protection from
Loveable & Family"

Revelation 1:8 (NIV) "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

From beginning to end, our God is there! What is there for us to fear? What can happen that can change this one undeniable reality? We belong to the God who is always there, who always cares for us, and who will always work to bring us salvation! No matter what happens to us tomorrow, or the next day, or the one after that, our destiny lies with the God who stretches from beginning to end and who secures for us life that never ends.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY:

Father God, thank you for the blessings of this past year. Please guide me as I seek to use your blessings in the coming year. Inspire my confidence about your future for me and fill me with joy because of your salvation. For all that has been good, holy, and gracious, I give you thanks and praise. For all the ways I've sinned, failed, or stumbled, I ask for your forgiveness. And for tomorrow, and another new day and another new year, I await with anticipation and gladness for I know that I will see them come or Iwill be at home with you where days and years no longer matter.

In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Please carry my love with you all of 2008...I love you all with the love of Christ!

An Attitude of Gratitude for 2008

2007-12-31T02:07:00.000-06:00

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."- 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Psalm 103:1-5 (New Living Translation) “Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!”

I think I need an attitude of gratitude for 2008. It is good to give the Lord thanks. Sometimes, even those of us who know the power of the Lord do not stop and think about the availability and covering of God. Today as you gather with family and friends to celebrate in the New Year, I encourage you press the pause button and reflect on the many, many blessings that God has poured out on you this past year. For the last couple of days I have been looking at that and boy, has He been generous!

Far too often, you and I are like nine of the ten leapers, who ran down the road leaping and laughing when they were healed. We receive God's grace and mercy; we experience His healing touch on our lives. He restores what the devil has caused to decay. And off we run, leaping, shouting and celebrating, but forgetting to simply say, "Lord, I Thank you." I want to be like the one who turned and ran back to Jesus, falling on his face and saying thanks. Lord, I am praying for you to help me develop an attitude of gratitude!

Remember when I said yesterday that I wanted to investigate those unnoticeable changes God has made in my life by stacking them together so I would know the totality of the changes He has made in my life? Well, first He spared my life. I have to believe He has a purpose for keeping me here on earth because I accidentally found out I was about to bleed to death. After two years of two strokes I had another health crisis in 2007. He didn’t have to keep me here but He did, and I need hear Him speak to me and tell me what He wants me to do.

In early Dec, I wrote a post of how the Spirit told me that Jesus wants me to boldly follow him. The way may not always be easy, but the destination is assured, and your way is always certain when God is in the plan. I’m reminded of that post when I think about how I will make room for new commitments in 2008. As I figure it, you should tithe your time the way you do your money, giving 10%. I know I have sinned because I have even missed some of my standard duties for the sake of a job that really doesn’t appreciate my loyalty and dedication. As the song says, next year I will “take back what the devil stole from me-I rejoice today for I shall recover it all.”

Resolution No. 1 – Allot my time (10%) to the work the Lord leads me to do for His Kingdom building.

In my meditations these past few days, I recognized that I haven’t done all that I could or should do to maintain and build on His blessings. I could go to exercise with the same faithfulness that I went to physical therapy. By not doing so my legs and hips are worse than they were earlier this year. I pray God’s power, in the name of Jesus, to work through any impediments to this resolution. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV) the Bible says, “Do you not know that your body is a temple 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 body.”

Resolution No. 2 – Take care of God’s Temple (my body), and do those things that I know will return my strength and energy to the highest level of functioning possible.

I heard a quote by Harriet Woods that said, “You can stand tall without standing on someone. You can be a victor without having victims.” I fully intend to be victorious in 2008. This is a brand new year; therefore, I believe that the Lord is calling us to a brand new place and I plan to put all of my efforts and trust in Jesus to get me there. Sometimes church folk make you feel that some people aren’t worthy of your time and friendship. But one of my lessons in 2007 is that if the enemy doesn’t get you then you will be wounded by friendly fire. So, treat everyone as though they were made by God (and they were), share your love with all of God’s creations and give your ultimate trust, (you know those vulnerable places in your heart) to God who will direct you where and when to really open up.

Resolution No. 3 – Don’t try to get ahead of God, wait until He speaks. Listen for His voice and be patient. “He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out....He goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.” - John 10:3-4
And finally, I want to expand my knowledge. There are books that I would like to read to answer some of the historical, theological, and general knowledge questions that sometime float through my head. I do not want to overload myself, focus on anything in particular, or set myself up for failure but, just in case God moves this job out of priority status in my life or, if He doesn’t, I want to acquire a little wisdom.

Resolution No. 4 – Read a minimum 12 books on the subject areas I mentioned. “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5 (NIV)

Well I'm ready for 2008 now! I plan to put on a pot of gumbo and head for church (starting my new resolutions) and I look forward to talking with you all next year!

God's Peace, Love and Mercy be with you Always!!!

Colossians 2:6-15 (New International Version) “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.

Getting Ready to Grow!

2007-12-30T01:45:00.000-06:00

Hebrews 4:14-16 (NIV) "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV) "The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."

As I was reading my friend’s post in her blog, Faith Fuel, I was inspired to think about how the hand of God has moved in my life this past year. Lauren started me thinking about how sometimes He makes major changes in your attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs, but more often there are small, unnoticeable changes that aren’t visible immediately. It is when you notice all these changes stacked together collectively that you realize the magnitude of what has happened with the direction of your life or, the changes in your behavior, attitudes, and beliefs.

I purposed to not only recognize the changes He has made, but to exert a determined effort to build upon those changes in my Resolutions for 2008. I already have a tentative list of resolutions I need to concentrate on in the coming year. And by my faith alone, I know God will empower me to make those changes; I can draw on His strength to accomplish these new directions. Where I am weak, He is strong!

Jesus has become our high priest. He said to come boldly to the throne of grace to receive mercy and grace that will help us in our times of need. Jesus, in His high priestly ministry, is going to be the one between us and the Father, as mediator taking our requests before God. He does this often because He knows how the Father loves us; and we have learned to love as Jesus loves, in the secret place of the Most High God, we stand always confident in the name of Jesus. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

I am expecting that by Monday, I will have all my solutions and resolutions documented and ready for implementation by early Tuesday morning. Pray for me and with me.

Yours in Christian Love....

Ephesians 6:10 (Amplified Bible) “In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].”

Death of a Prime Minister

2007-12-29T18:34:00.000-06:00

Acts 16:6 (NIV) “They passed through the Phrygian and Galatian region, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia;”

Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto
June 21, 1953 - December 27, 2007

I think we all have some semblance of fear of death, the unknown. When the Holy Spirit first taught me the power He has over death, I was working with people infected with HIV or who had been diagnosed with AIDS approximately fifteen years ago. This part of my life’s journey had me working up close and very personal with death and dying. At that time I saw, beyond a shadow of doubt, that faith and love in God made this transition beautiful. Without His amazing grace, love and mercy; without the peace that faith brings makes this transition tumultuous. I had the prividedge to experiencing, with sincere emotion, this time for many of the people I worked with and the assassination of Benazir Bhutto brought that reality back to me.

Although, Bhutto has been depicted as one of the world’s flawed leaders, she like everyother human-being is not and cannot be perfect. Only Our God, Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are the only perfect beings this world will ever know. She is not an Angel, so was she an American or a Satonic ‘Trojan Horse’?

On Oct. 18, 2007, Bhutto returned to Pakistan after more than eight years of exile. She stated that she knew her life and the lives of her supporters would be placed in jeopardy but, to see her country free from terrorism and to encourage the growth of democracy she felt her return was worth it.

I commend this lady for what she attempted to do, that is if she really attempted what the propaganda says. Whenever we have someone that is living and breathing on this earth, doing what is right for people and trying to set a good example we should be giving accolades. Of course it that is not the case, we should say that too. For those of us who were born and raised in the USA, freedom and democracy is the rallying cry.

This is a sign to look low as well, because anytime a cry is heard, it signals the existance of inequities against human kind...Christian or not. It highlights ignorance, hatred, envy, strife, jealousy. Iniquity is always there to shatter, or destroy and kill all the rightous things that God has taught us we have a right to do. We have the right to be good, to say good things and to do them as well especially when we do it selflessly. I don't know who is to blame but I know what is to blame. I pray that we can all learn something out of this, not add to the problem but unite to get to the solution.

Benazir Bhutto said, "I told him on my oath in his death cell, I would carry on his work." - recalling a visit to her father, former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, before his execution in 1979. Personally, I try very hard not to pass judgement on anyone, living or dead, but I wonder is this a mission or calling belonging to generations of her family? Will her children be the next generation moved to champion liberty for her people? Will the wars raging around this world escalate as a result of her murder? Will our country be drawn deeper into conflict because of this assissination? How many more Christians or Muslims will die as a result?

There is a general agreement as to what is right and wrong, fair or unfair in both, Islam and Christianity. Christians and Muslims share many practices, the most important of which is prayer and worship. It is in theological issues where the greatest differences exist. The nature of the person of Jesus Christ is absolutely central amongst Christians but, Islam denies that the Word came as or that it is documented in the Bible. For we Christians this is the total and utterly fatal flaw of Islam.

I have heard, from her own mouth, that she knew her departure from this life could be eminent. Yet, scripture says the word was forbidden in Asia. I wonder why? It makes my heart very sad to know that any human being left this earth without the knowledge and faith in Christ that guides me daily. (My faith is strong but my knowledge may not be what I would desire!)

My Prayers to the God I love, in the name of His Magnificent Son – Jesus, go up for this woman and her children.

1 John 4:1-6 (The Message) “My dear friends, don't believe everything you hear. Carefully weigh and examine what people tell you. Not everyone who talks about God comes from God. There are a lot of lying preachers loose in the world. Here's how you test for the genuine Spirit of God. Everyone who confesses openly his faith in Jesus Christ—the Son of God, who came as an actual flesh-and-blood person—comes from God and belongs to God. And everyone who refuses to confess faith in Jesus has nothing in common with God. This is the spirit of antichrist that you heard was coming. Well, here it is, sooner than we thought! My dear children, you come from God and belong to God. You have already won a big victory over those false teachers, for the Spirit in you is far stronger than anything in the world. These people belong to the Christ-denying world. They talk the world's language and the world eats it up. But we come from God and belong to God. Anyone who knows God understands us and listens. The person who has nothing to do with God will, of course, not listen to us. This is another test for telling the Spirit of Truth from the spirit of deception.”

YOU are a Present from God!

2007-12-28T02:26:00.000-06:00

Psalm 40:8-10 (NIV) "I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart." I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, as you know, O LORD. I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly."

As we exhort and exalt Jesus, I want you to remember...in fact, we all need to know we are appreciated, loved and prayed for, spoken positively of, and supported in every good thing we do.

The ability to worship grows out of love for the Lord. And since genuine love is always cultivated by learning about the other person’s character, the true root of praise is knowledge. That’s why God instilled in every believer a longing to know Him. We satisfy that desire by spending time with the Lord and by fellowshipping with other Christians. We also observe how the Father works in our life to meet needs and provides blessings. Discovering each new facet of His character deepens both our knowledge of Him and our understanding of why He deserves praise.

Experiencing God makes us fall in love with Him. And a person in love cannot help praising the one he cherishes. So we gratefully honor Jesus Christ with words, songs, dance, or whatever else appropriately expresses our delight in Him. Our devotion does not have to stay private or even remain confined within the church community. Each believer has a “biography” of the Lord to share with neighbors. It is a story of accumulated praise not only for how He has intervened in chaos, comforted in tragedy, and blessed abundantly, but also for the lessons learned. We share our adoration with the world so that others might come to know, love, and praise Him.

In a few days, a new year will appear. Let’s purpose in our souls to make our 2008 so much better than our 2007.

We’re King’s Kids…I know we can do it!

In Christian love and Fellowship!

Joy....the BEST GIFT!

2007-12-26T22:57:00.000-06:00

What is the difference between Joy and Happiness? Someone told me once that Happy is a roller coaster and Joy is inner stability and tranquility regardless of outer circumstances. They were right. I have had that gift of Joy for the past two days, being here with my youngest daughter and my husband. That special "Christmas Eve gift!" was the best gift, the most valuable gift, and the gift that has stood the test of time: the gift of time spent with those you love. We had the best gift you can possibly give.....the gift of ourself.

The material things we get and give year after year is soon used up, broken or forgotten. But the gift of love and time invested in loved ones is kept and cherished in our hearts for the rest of our lives. I wonder, if I had the money, the time, and the energy to travel through the shopping malls the way I usually do during the Christmas Holiday would I have been as content as I was this Christmas? For so many of our family’s past Christmas’ we were very Happy. Like the saying though, it was a roller coaster. By mid-January I would be chained to the calculator, trying to balance the checkbook and project how many months into the new year would it take me to break even. Or, I start in September making ‘things’ for gifts and taxing my imagination and creativity to insure everyone had Happy Holidays.

I’d like to think I have learned more, grown more, and strengthened my faith. Eventhough 2007 was very different...maybe because I have had so many health related issues block my path this year. I am just glad that God has allowed me to still be here waking-up each day. I do know that God has blessed me with an unparalleled awareness of what really is important.

Some people say we give gifts at Christmas to carry on the tradition of the Magi who brought gifts to Jesus. But I believe that when we give the gift of ourselves, we are truly being like the One whose birth we celebrate. The one who loves us and gave Himself for us so that we could spend eternity together with Him. This year my family and I spent quality tme remembering whose we are and what a wonderful time it will be when we enter the kingdom.

Thank God for the things you cannot buy with money.

2 Petet 1:10-11 (NIV) “Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

I'm Having A REAL Christmas

2007-12-25T09:45:00.000-06:00

These last few day have been wild. My husband was born on December 21st and I just cannot see him getting a "combination" presents - birthday and Christmas from me. Every year on his birthday, I am always trying my best to merge balloons and birthday streamers with Christmas trees, Christmas lights and the gift-giving stuff. It was harder this year than the previous 12 years because I move a lot slower than before the stroke. I keep thinking that he probably couldn't help but feel a little cheated when people are always so busy getting ready for

Christmas that his birthday was overlooked, especially when his children were young and the focus would have been on them. He is really much more sensitive than I am and I can remember trying to get my November 6 birthday out of the way before I started the Christmas chaos.

A couple of years ago, I saw a cartoon in the Atlanta paper that really touched my heart and made me think. It showed a little girl with a birthday hat on standing in the middle of a sea of gaudy Christmas decorations. The dejected looking little girl says, "You know, when your birthday comes at Christmas time, people just forget all about it." Standing behind the little girl, looking equally sad, is Jesus. "Tell me about it," he says.

Just like the little girl in the cartoon - and my husband in real life, Jesus' birthday is all too often forgotten about because of Christmas. What started out as an observance of Jesus’ birth has somehow morphed into gaudy decorations, parties, shopping, songs about decking halls and jingling bells, and some vague acknowledgment of peace on earth and good will toward men. And though the song is prevalent, we are so far from ‘peace on earth and good will among men’ it isn’t even funny.

I’m having a real Christmas this year. The kind I haven’t had since I was an impoverished, single mother trying to raise two children and go to school at the same time. When money was limited or, non-existent and there was no such thing as buying lavish gifts. Gifts you gave were hand-made, cooked, or just spending quality, loving time together.

But, the real Christmas is remembering the greatest and most costly gift we will ever be given. It is when we stop to take in the awe of the only child who ever chose to be born. We need to stop to remember this child came here to give His life up for you and for me!

Yours in Christian love!

Merry (Twelve Days of) Christmas

2007-12-24T19:32:00.000-06:00

There is one Christmas Carol that has always baffled me. What in the world do leaping lords, French hens, swimmingswans, and especially the partridge who won't come out of
the pear tree have to do with Christmas?

I was visiting one of my blogging friends who has several versions of this song on his blog; none of them were quite like this so I thought I would share with the blogsphere.

In fact, I have recently received all kind of emails with legends and rumors about Christmas stories. I do not know how true they are, and I never had a chance to do any research. But, because it makes as much sense as Santa Clause, I am going to enjoy sharing this folklore with the children until someone tells me better.

Twelve Days of Christmas Song!
From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone, during that era, wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the
children could remember.

-The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
-Two turtle doves were the Old and New Testaments.
-Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.
-The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.
-The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
-The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
-Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit--Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.
-The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
-Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit--Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.
-The ten lords a-leaping were the ten commandments.
-The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
-The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

The Legend of Candy Canes
Legend has it that in the 18th Century somewhere in Europe any public display of Christianity was forbidden. No crosses or Bibles were allowed and the Christians were greatly oppressed. One old man, a candy maker by profession, was particularly distressed by this. He loved the Lord with all of his heart and couldn't stand to not share that love with the world. His heart especially went out to the children when Christmas drew near and no one was allowed to have a nativity scene (or crèche`) on display in their homes.

He prayed for God to show him some way to make Christmas gifts for the children which would teach them the story of Christ. The answer was the candy cane. The candy cane was in the shape of a shepherd"s staff to show them Jesus is our Shepherd and we are His flock. A sheep follows his own shepherd, knows his voice, and trusts him and knows that he is totally safe with him. The sheep will follow no other shepherd but their own. This is how we are to be with Jesus if we truly follow Him (John 10:11; Psalm 23:1; Isaiah 40:11)

Upside down the candy cane was a "J", the first letter of Jesus' name. (Luke 1:31) It was made of hard candy to remind us that Christ is the rock of our salvation. The wide red stripes on the candy cane were to represent the blood He shed on the cross for each one of us so that we can have eternal life through Him. He redeems us and cleanses us with His shed blood - the only thing that can wash away our sin. (Luke 22:20).

The white stripes on a candy cane represented the virgin birth, sinless life and purity of our Lord. He is the only human being who ever lived on this earth who never committed a single sin. Even though He was tempted just as we are, He never sinned. (I Peter: 22) The three narrow red stripes on candy canes symbolized that by His stripes, or wounds, we are healed and the Trinity - the Father, Son (Jesus) and Holy Spirit. Before the crucifixion Jesus was beaten; the crown of thorns was placed on His head; His back was raw from the whip. We are healed by those wounds. He bore our sorrows and by His stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:3)

The flavoring in the candy cane was peppermint, which is similar to hyssop. Hyssop is of the mint family and was used in Old Testament times for purification and sacrifice just as Jesus sacrificed His life for ours. (John 19:29; Psalm 51:7) The old candy maker told them that when we break our candy cane it reminds us that Jesus' body was broken for us. When we have communion it is a reminder of what He did for us. (I Cor. 11:24)

If we share our candy cane and give some to someone else in love because we want to, it represents that same love of Jesus because He is to be shared with one another in love. (I John 4:7,8) God gave Himself to us when He sent Jesus. He loved us so much He wants us to spend eternal life with Him... which we can do if we accept Jesus in our hearts as Savior and Lord. (John 1:12; John 3:3,16)

Some people believe this story of the candy cane is just a legend. Others believe it really happened. We do not know for sure exactly how the candy cane was invented, but there is one thing for certain... it is an excellent picture of Christ and His love for you.

So there is your history for today. This knowledge was shared with me and I found it interesting and enlightening and just a little bit of fun. Now I know how that strange song became a Christmas Carol...so pass it on if you wish, maybe even treat it like a fairy tale for the children.

"Merry (Twelve Days of) Christmas Everyone....."and I'm going back to my stove to show my family some LOVE on Christmas!

Don't Worry -- Be Joyous!

2007-12-21T22:48:00.000-06:00

Philippians 4:19 (NIV) “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus”.

Hebrews 12:1-11 (NIV) “In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son. Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

Yesterday, one of the students who works with me in a job training/work study program attempted to tell me about the life dilemmas she is experiencing during this holiday season. I didn’t ask her what was troubling her so intensely; I felt I already knew in my heart of hearts. My inner spirit touched hers at that 'God-filled Inner Space' where we Christians tend to hear God speak to us, that inner space that we know only too deeply, and that guides our footsteps. It’s her health, her finances, and her children.

She recounted how she grabbed the Bible I keep in my office, to discuss something else with a friend, or possibly, family member and it opened to the book of Matthew, chapter 6. Now when you quote scriptures and verses, I don’t often know what you are talking about until you get me focused on content....then I usually know. We discussed it for a while then she said, “Write something in your blog about ‘worry” for me”. My mouth said okay, but my mind said I can’t but the Spirit will, and.....

The very first thing we must never forget is that God is in the business of turning raindrops into rainbows. Whether it’s the loss of a job, a financial crunch, a serious health issue, or a broken relationship, life’s storms can hit you unexpectedly causing fear and doubt. However, when your focus is on the Lord, these events won’t rock your boat. We must all learn that the trials and tribulations we face are opportunities for building endurance and relying on God’s power and provision, remember it’s only a test.

As a teenager and a new believer, I would pull out my second-hand Bible when needing God’s opinion on a matter. In the back, I found that there were words written in bold type with verses beneath (I didn’t know then that this was called a concordance). I’d look up a subject; write down the Scripture references listed, and then read them until I got my answers. This simple activity was how I began to build truth into my life. And, I truly believe that it was at this point in my life that God saw my faith building, and stepped in to supplant my deceased mother and absentee father. Believers who have decided to make God’s truth the foundation of their life need a place to start building. First, identify a point of need—some area that requires attention, my area was learning and building truth for my life. Those passages, on the various subjects, formed a blueprint of what a believer’s life should look like. It certainly shaped how my life unfolded from the age of 13 until now and The Holy Spirit provided the construction material.

One of the first scriptures that shaped my life was John 14:27 in which Christ Our Savior says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” I believed Him!

When painful trials enter our life, we can choose to trust or doubt our Father’s plan. Trust in the Lord is built upon three essential truths—His love, His wisdom, and His sovereignty. God’s love for us is:

* Perfect. He always does what is best for us in order to accomplish His goal, namely, our transformation into the image of His Son Jesus. The apostle Paul compared the Christian life to a race where we enter into strict training and undergo rigorous discipline. We must remember that optimal preparation for those who run to win the prize can be painful and even perplexing at times.
* Dependable. God’s love is an integral part of His nature. To act in an unloving manner would be to go against His character, and God never contradicts His own being. The Spirit’s presence within each of us confirms the Lord’s caring attitude towards His children.
* Consistent. Not only is our Father’s love perfect and dependable; it is also consistently demonstrated. The actions He performs or permits in our life—even the hardest ones—are all expressions of His love. This makes no sense to us if we assume that only peace and happiness show we have a caring Father-God. We must not overlook our Heavenly Father’s actions in time of trouble as well.

Using His guidance, strength, and wisdom, we install new truths in our life by practicing what we read in His Word. That’s how new ways of thinking will replace faulty ideas. It is a good idea to note—literally—the results of our obedience to God’s instructions. Remembering His provision and recalling how our faith has grown will inspire us to continue adding to our foundation of faith and truth. That means constantly choosing new areas in our lives to remodel according to God’s blueprint.

Scripture teaches us to regard hardships as part of the training process to build us up spiritually. When tempted to doubt, remember Calvary. God demonstrated His infinite and loving nature by sending Christ to die for us.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Matthew 6:25-34 (NIV) "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow, reap, or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.

Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

John 16:13 (NIV) “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.”

"The Front Row"

2007-12-20T23:10:00.000-06:00

It took a long time for me to grow-up and mature, to think about my shallow relationships with people, places, and things. That is when I remember really having a sense of self, what I needed to survive in this world, and how important it was to have God in my life each and every day. I thought everyone who professed to be a Christian was one, every one who said they had love in their heart had a heart full of love, and all those people that were important in my life really held value for my development. WRONG.

A good example was my best sister-friend with whom I shared all my triumphs and my heartaches. My day could not reach the mid-point without me grabbing the telephone to review today’s events and the status of my life. I had such a fond name for my friend but I know now I should have named her Ms. Me Too! Because she was my best friend you could not tell me she wasn’t in my corner, she wanted the best for me and we had to communicate on a regular basis so she could help me with this theatrical production that was unfolding called my life.

Looking back, I cannot believe I didn’t realize the drama and depression she generated in my life. I don’t believe she ever really heard a full conversation about anything I called to tell her. In fact, my discussions always changed into situations of her past, present or future. It was in the midst of my prayer time one day the Holy Spirit made me realize that I always felt worse after our conversations than I did before we spoke. I was absolutely flabbergasted when I awakened to that reality. When I received an email yesterday, regarding ‘who’ can sit in Your Front Row I was reminded of my past, present and future.

Not everyone can Be In Your FRONT ROW - Life is a theater so invite your audiences carefully.
Not everyone is holy enough and/or healthy enough to have a FRONT ROW seat in our lives. Some people in your life need to be loved from a distance. It's amazing what you can accomplish when you let go, or at least minimize your time with draining, negative, incompatible, not-going-anywhere relationships, friendships, fellowships and family! I still love Ms. Me Too, but she cannot be the first or last person I talk to during the course of my day. To be able to talk to her at all now I know all to well that I must talk to my God before, and after I speak with her.

Observe the relationships around you.
Pay attention to all your relationships; which ones lift and which ones lean? Which ones encourage and which ones discourage? Which ones are on a path of growth uphill and which ones are just going downhill? When you leave certain people, do you feel better or feel worse? Which ones always have drama or don't really understand, know and appreciate you and the gift that God has given you?

The more you seek God and the things of God.
The more you seek quality, the more you seek not just the hand of God, but also the face of God. The more you seek things honorable, the more you seek growth, peace of mind, love and truth around you, the easier it will become for you to decide who gets to sit in your FRONT ROW and who should be moved to the balcony of your life. Remember to tell yourself: You need a “Holy Ghost Takeover”...The more you have Jesus in your heart, the more you’ll see Jesus in your Life!

You cannot change the people around you....Don’t even try!
But you can change the people you are around! Ask God for wisdom and discernment so that you can choose the people who sit in the FRONT ROW of your life very wisely. Remember that FRONT ROW seats are for special and deserving people and those who sit in your FRONT ROW should be chosen carefully. I know I must get busy because I have allowed some people to sit on my FRONT ROW who definitely do not need to be there. Everyone cannot be in Your FRONT ROW.

PEACE & JOY TO YOU THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!

Proverbs 2:1-11 (NLT) “My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands. Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.”

How can God use me?

2007-12-19T23:50:00.000-06:00

As we get ready to celebrate Jesus’ birth, I am reminded that many around us are hurting more these days than ever; they’ve lost hope. Then my mind turns to the fact that “The Word became flesh” only because Jesus went out of His way to redeem sinners, lift the fallen, encourage the despairing, and minister to the sick, the lonely, and the forgotten.

It’s difficult not to be humbled by the thought of how God gets involved in the routine and redundancy of our day-to-day lives. And more humbling still, is in the fact that God wants to utilize me for His purposes. It’s sad, really—how so often prayer becomes centered around one thing—asking. As Jesus demonstrated in the Lord’s Prayer—our model—petitioning God was lower on the priority list. He asked for “this day our daily bread” after first recognizing God’s holiness and then demonstrating obedience to His will.

Jesus’ coming to this world, His very life illustrated the power in choosing to be used by God, rather than attempting to manipulate the Father for our own purposes. Through His work, the world has the opportunity for redemption and reconciliation to Him. He truly lived a life of service.

Paul says it best in Philippians 2:4-8, “Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but…humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross”.

If, as Christians, Christ is the standard by which we seek to live, then we should naturally look to His example. Few of us will face death because of our obedience to God’s will. But Paul’s message is clear—don’t merely seek personal gain; look for ways to improve the lives of others.
So if we’re truly seeking ways to be used by God, serving others is a great place to start.

Peter says that each one of us has received a “special gift”. And as good stewards of God’s blessings, we should employ those gifts to help others (1 Peter 4:9-10). Peter isn’t speaking of “some exceptional miraculous kind of thing. [He means] a gift that is suited to your personality.”

Sometimes, it is tempting to wait for some type of divine, unprecedented encounter with God where we learn our purpose on earth and our talents in one majestic instance. In reality, most of us will learn God’s purpose in much more slow and subtle ways. In the meantime, why not volunteer at a soup kitchen, a recovery center, or a battered women’s shelter? In leaner times, I remember the glorious feeling of taking a couple of jars of peanut butter and jelly to the food pantries.

Jesus often spoke about the poor, sick and disadvantaged—“the least of these”, He called them. In fact, it’s hard to turn through a page of the Gospels without Christ making at least one reference to the underprivileged in society. Why don’t we serve God by serving them?

If you spend some time working there, staying long enough, you’re bound to catch a brief glimpse of the love that motivated Christ to place himself in harm’s way. In those momentary glimpses, those brief interactions, God plants a seed in our hearts. Serving those who truly need it is addictive. I believe that’s the nature of being used by God.

The first small step of obedience begins with a journey, which progressively gains momentum and snowballs, much like an avalanche down a mountain, until we realize we’re not the ones in control anymore, but God is working through us. I can assure you that you will be humbled by the work that God accomplishes through you. I can personally attest to their benefits, having served more than 25 years helping people in need. And that’s the power of service. It’s not about us. It’s not even about those we serve. It’s all for Him.

I remain, Humbled by Service

He said, “In as much as you’ve done it unto the least…of these…you’ve done it unto me” (See Matt 25:40). So instead of keeping to ourselves this year, we should reach out to others – go ahead; make it your best Christmas ever!

I'm Seeking Wisdom and Learning

2007-12-18T23:46:00.000-06:00

Proverbs 15:14 (NIV) "The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly." Proverbs 18:15 (NIV) "The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out."

Gifted people sometimes act as if they know it all. I sure had my fill of them yesterday. That makes it hard for them to keep growing and developing. Being teachable is not so much having competence and mental capacity as it is about attitude. And, as I live and learn, I have come to know that things that initially make you successful may not be the things that keep you successful. Certainly, whenever you cease to view learning as an ongoing process and view it as an event you are truly doomed to fail.

A winning coach at UCLA, John Wooden who said, “It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.” He is so right! You need the right attitude to be taught anything. Nothing is interesting if you are not interested. One theory of human behavior supports the concept that people often, subconsciously, retard their own growth. Successful people view learning differently than those who ultimately end up unsuccessful.

Every stage of life presents us with lessons that we must learn. You can choose to learn them or, you can be closed-minded, you stop growing and those very same lessons will destroy you. In my very short lifetime, I have learned that everything you encounter in your life will bring you a lesson. When I tell people, you can learn from babies, trainees, those with a massive amount of experience and those with none.

I know that Dr. J. Konrad Hölè is controversial in his teachings and preachings but he has said some things that I think are worthy of our attention and even incorporating into our lives. One of the things he said was:
- If you cannot be ‘teachable’, having talent won’t help you.
- If you cannot be ‘flexible’, having a goal won’t help you.
- If you cannot be ‘grateful’, having abundance won’t help you.
- If you cannot be ‘mentor-able’, having a future won’t help you.
- If you cannot be ‘durable’, having a plan won’t help you.

Wisdom and understanding brings continuous questioning and discernment. I am guessing that is something I have always sought but, now I am learning that it is some that you cannot fully achieve. Learning and wisdom is a process not an event, a way of life not a period in your life. I choose to learn and I realize I do not ever want to cease to learn, never want to cease growing.

Sidney J. Harris says, “A winner knows how much he still has to learn, even when he is considered an expert by others. A loser wants to be considered an expert by others before he has learned enough to know how little he actually knows.”

Well, it’s time for me to go read some more and learn some more. I’ll tell you all about my new learning tomorrow, if the Good Lord is willing.

Be Blessed!

Proverbs 3: 13-16 (NIV) “Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she (wisdom) is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor."

The Power of MY Faith!

2007-12-17T23:26:00.000-06:00

My love and faith in God is rejuvenated each and every day that He wakes me up. Not just because He woke me up this morning, though that is definitely reason enough!

I had such a hectic day today, feeling tired guilty for not reading my scriptures today when I came home from the doctor’s office. I wondered what I would say today besides the fact that I am tired and guilty because I didn’t finish my lesson. But my friend Mike was God’s instrument to speak to me today....he gave me my message and I can go to bed now with a smile on my face.

Mark 4:13-21 (NIV) Then Jesus said to them, "Don't you understand this parable? How then will you understand any parable? The farmer sows the word. Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—thirty, sixty or even a hundred times what was sown."

He said to them, "Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don't you put it on its stand?”

A special Thank You and a Good God Bless You to Mike @ Joyful Toons.

Peace!

I Know He Lives!

2007-12-17T02:13:00.000-06:00

Matthew 15:11,17-19(NIV) “What goes into a man's mouth does not make him 'unclean,' but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him 'unclean. Don't you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean.' For out of the heart come evil thoughts.........”

I need to tell you all HE LIVES! As our youth choir was singing this Sunday morning in church, I think the words circulated throughout my body and brought, not a new revelation, but a new recollection that it’s all about Christ. The children were singing these words, “Because of who You are, I give You glory. Because of who You are, I give You praise. Because of who You are, I will lift my voice and say; Lord, I worship You because of who You are.” The Holy Spirit really moved in that sanctuary this morning, Sister D hollered, “It’s all about you Lord!” and felt her cry deep down in my bones. It’s not about what God can do for us, it is what He has already done, it is just who He is and that He is. It’s what we should do for Him.

Then the children sang, “Thank you for the Lamb, the precious Lamb of God. Born into sin that I may live again. The Sprit said to me that we need to practice an attitude of gratitude in our lives each and everyday. Instead of saying "Lord, please take this arthritic pain away from my hip," we need to be saying “Lord, thank you for this arthritic hip, and the legs and feet I walk with because the man down the street doesn’t have any”.

If we think on the good things of God and keep an honest heart before the Lord, it will cause our hearts to be soft before Him. Then, when we read the Bible and pray we will be able to plant the good seed of His Word in our hearts and mind. This, watered with faith and listening to the Holy Spirit will produce a bountiful harvest of good things in our lives and the lives of those around us.

I know that sometimes we all think so intently on where we are going, we forget to take a look behind us and see where we have been. My ‘all time, fall out and cry, jump up and shout’ record is by SWV (Saints with a Vision), and it says, “If I never live another day, if I never see another smiling face, if I never breath another breath or take another step Lord, I want to say thank-you. Thank you for all that you’ve done thus far, thank-you for being the God that you are, thank you for food on my table, I know you’re able, I wanna say thank you”

I will bless His Holy Name Always and Alltimes!

Philippians 4:8 (NIV) says, " Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

How did I become "Loveable"?

2007-12-15T19:12:00.000-06:00

1 John 4:7-10 (New Living Translation) “Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.”

During a recent retreat for Leadership Paducah, we had to name ourselves for one of those trust-building games that retreats are so famous for pulling off. So I spontaneously named myself “Loveable”. Let's face it: when it comes to seeing ourselves honestly, we are not qualified. We tend to either see ourselves as better than we actually are or, we are too hard on ourselves and see ourselves as less than we really are. Robert Burns, the renowned Scottish poet once wrote, "O the gift that God would give us, to see ourselves as others see us."

He's right, you know. It is very, very difficult for us to be objective about ourselves. For that reason, we need those who know us best and love us most to help us in process of becoming the man or woman of God that He intends for us to be.

In retrospect, I look at the definitions of this noun modifier ‘loveable’ and it includes - being of such a nature as to attract love; deserving love; amiable; endearing, easy to love or like; even attractive. I also view it as a noun, a person, and a place where your head is. Why would I define ‘me’ as such? That is the way I believe Christ enjoins us to be and to feel toward all humankind; especially the children and those less fortunate than we are.

The opposite position is hate. That is such a stron emotion and I cannot remember encountering anything in my life that I hate. I seem to have the uncanny ability to rationalize everything I encounter that I don’t like, to understanding hate and injustices.

To be honest with myself and with you, I don’t think I always come across that way. I am sometimes very introverted and not really engaging in conversations with new people I meet though I try to keep accessible body language; however, when it comes to my job I can be very gregarious, in essence extroverted. Having people who know you and love you and will speak to your growth process is extremely valuable.

Who are those people in your life? Are you leaning on them for advice, support and encouragement? Are you asking them to make sure you are aware of the "blind spots" in your life that can hinder your growth or compromise your witness? You need them in order for you to grow in your walk with the Lord! It’s these questions I am asking myself...pray for me and with me.

Lord, let me endeavor to be what you want me to be and let help me make all of my efforts pleasing in your eyes!

Be Blest!

Uncondition Love is Unconditional Praise!

2007-12-14T23:06:00.000-06:00

Lauren at "Faith Fuel" has so graciously awarded me The Colors of Friendship Award as one of so many, she describes as, "people who I know who are also trying to speak words of light and life because God has so touched their own life that they need to let the world know." This a very spirit-filled, insightful woman that is wise beyond her years. I don't know how she knows what I've been through but clearly she knows and she knows that what I have been through can spare many young women a lot of grief. So my thanks to you Ms. Lauren and please continue to share with us the faith to fuel our journey.
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Mark 12:30-31 (New Living Translation) “And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”

I don’t know about you all, but I’ll admit I am a card-carrying, hopeless romantic. I think I may be one of those people that are just in love with LOVE. (That’s part of how I got my name, but that’s another story.)

You’ve seen those romantic movies where just before the husband leaves for work in the morning, he wakes his wife to kiss her goodbye. She is soundly sleeping, but he wakes her up anyway, apologizes for waking her, but she says, "Oh Honey, I'm so glad you did. I can always go back to sleep." As he peers deeply into her eyes, you can see how his heart was touched by what she said and they lovingly lock eyes for a moment. What is seen in that brief moment can only be described as pure love.

They look at each other as if they are the only two people left on Earth, and it was as if they were each other’s entire world. Of course, neither of them are, and we all know that, but for a split second moment, you enter their world and are blessed with a feeling that warms you to your core. For most of us, that’s the 'book converted to a movie' version of love, sweet love!

Some of us are blessed with that kind of love after 10, 15, or 25 years or more of marriage. I know my husband and I (of 12 years) are...sometime. He would do everything in his power to give me anything I wanted or needed. I know that he might even give his life for mine and maybe I would give my life for his. That is unconditional love.

Most of us have some idea what being in love feels like. When we’re apart, we constantly think about the object of our affection and look forward to spending time together. We often relate stories and describe features and activities so everyone knows how wonderful this special person is. In a word, we praise our loved one.

It reminds me of the love my Lord has for me. When I meet Him and look into His eyes, I know that I will see an unconditional love that is beyond anything a human being could give. At that point in time, I will see Someone who DID give his life for mine. I thank you Lord for that sacrifice, and I thank you for the man you sent to share my earthly life.

I read a daily devotion today that says, “Our praise should not only please God, it should also produce joy and gladness in the streets among the poor! Why? Because praise invites us to not only applaud God for what he does, but to also join him in partnership as he does it. God's generosity, which evokes our praise, should stir our generosity, which in turn blesses others and leads them to praise God!”

King David was described as “a man after God’s own heart.” One of the well-known ways he sought to honor his beloved Lord was through praise. In Psalm 63:3 he says, “Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.” Not only did his words sing praises to the Lord, he would dance to express his passionate relationship for the Lord. Do we love God with the same unashamed enthusiasm David exhibited?

I know some people are more prone to impassioned displays than others, but too many of us allow our praise to be stifled by embarrassment. I remember the time that I let a job tell me that I could not talk about My Savior in the course of performing my job....it wasn’t politically correct and we might jeopardize funding if we violated that policy. Timid believers wonder what those around them will think if they sing loud. Others worry that co-workers or friends will consider them fanatical if they talk about God too much.But, guess what? The Lord is worthy of praise. He is our Friend, our Rock, and our Protector. What’s more, He saved us from death and showed us the way to salvation!

If we let ourselves get caught up in the opinion of others, we could forget that He is the only audience that matters. Ever since creation, the Lord has deserved and received praise offerings for His glory. Don’t be fearful or embarrassed. Give God His due.

My Prayer Today: Holy God, Almighty and majestic King, you are worthy of all honor and praise. You have done wonderful and mighty things. You have poured out your blessings upon me. You have kept your promises and provided me with the way of salvation. Please empower and strengthen me as I commit myself to bless, serve, and encourage others for your glory. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Peace to All!

You're in the Fight of Your Life

2007-12-13T01:04:00.000-06:00

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

I was reading the most recent issue of Ebony magazine that came in today’s mail. There were five very interesting questions asked of Kirk Franklin and I think his answers were profound. I say that because I am in that (safe to say) baby-boomer generation that hit the roof when Franklin’s first hit gospel record came out. Hearing him make a profound statement startled me because I really don’t remember when I ceased to criticize his work and start to feel it in my spirit. Now, as I think about it, I am a Kirk Franklin fan but it’s just the music that stirs me, I never expected Mr. Franklin to ever say anything that would cause me serious reflection. (Boy, the older I get the less I seem to be able to stick to the systems of beliefs prescribed for baby boomers. I keep changing/loosing my mind.)

When the writer asked Mr. Franklin why he had named his new album “I’m in the Fight of My Life”, he replied; “It seems like a lot of people are in the fight of their life. People are fighting for their family, their lives, their homes and their sanity to keep their peace of mind, and for faith to believe.” I thought, that’s might deep thinking for a baby –then I read on to find he is a 37 year old man!!

As I continued to think about the "fight" we are all in, I began to think about the turmoil that occurs when I can’t find a direct, immediate answer to my question or dilemma. I can look through the Bible from cover to cover and not find an answer so I just settle in with the Book of Psalm or Proverbs till peace comes. And it does come!

No one ever told me why, but everyone; saint and sinner alike can quote a least one Psalm (you know I’m talking about the 23rd). I think that is the second scripture we learn, and whether we move on to salvation or not...the first one we learn is, of course, Matthew 6:9-13 (or Luke 11:2-4). You know, I made a mistake in a previous post. I said I couldn’t memorize scriptures but I know these two very well. In fact, now that I think about it, I know John 3:16 too.

Anyway, as the interviewer went on to discuss with Kirk Franklin his music and his unwillingness to work with other singers who have great voices. He explained that he had no desire to mix Christian music with some of the music of today. He said, “My job is to channel that desperation (that people are dealing with) into the arms of Christ, that’s what I believe is really the true drug, the true antidepressant, not trying to do this thing (fight) on our own because we are not built to do it!" I said, “Praise God. This young man is doing what we all should be doing, channeling people into the arms of Christ.”

We need to prop people up and let them know they have to go through storms, and there will be days when you wonder how you are gonna make it but if you know who you serve and realize whose you are, you will have the faith to know God’s grace will see you through. Sometimes storms will make it necessary for you to come to grips with how well you know God. When you trust Him, you can say, like that old song, “Lord, don’t move this mountain, just give me the strength to get over.”

Often the worst thing that could have happened turns out for the best so, Stop worrying, God will provide what you need in ways that amaze you. When you're His child you're not the victim of circumstances. Your future is not in the hands of people, it's not in the hands of your creditors or, your doctors, it’sin the hands of God. And what He owns, He takes care of!

Author Unknown

When I say Good Morning I mean:

>> G - od
>> O - ffers us His

>> O - utstanding

>> D - evotion to

>> M - ake us

>> O - bedient &

>> R - eady for a

>> N - ew day with Him.

>> I - nspire others please, and
>> N - ever forget

>> G -od loves you!
(another cute email)

"You can give without loving, but you can't love without giving"

May God Bless You.

What is Wrong with US?

2007-12-12T02:00:00.000-06:00

James 2:17-19 (New Living Translation) “So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.” You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?

Have you ever been watching a television program, jumped up to holler “My God!” in disbelief and amazement at something you heard? Further, you think, and think, and think some more but you cannot come to grips with it? Yesterday, I was watching Dr. Phil talk about the plastic surgeon who operated on Kenye West’s mother the day before she died. The program had several people on who had surgeries performed by this Dr. Adams and they were discussing his misconduct, negligence, mismanagement of their health and his general unprofessional conduct and malpractice.

Mind you, one couple informed the audience about their visit to this doctor’s office to make right a surgery he had performed. Apparently, this couple understood that even doctors are human and can make mistakes, so they were there to get a mistake corrected. A conversation ensued that revealed this doctor was sick and dying. The woman said do you want my husband and me to pray for you and this doctor said, point blank “No!”

I felt like I was hit by the floor when I heard that! I have never asked anyone “can I pray for you”, I don’t know why, maybe I am not politically correct. In fact I know I am not politically correct...I always have continued to say Merry Christmas as a routine practice during December. In fact, all the years I worked for non-profit agencies who pride themselves on being PC, I would send cards with their greetings, as part of my job, then go home and send a second card from me and my family personally that was spiritual in nature (you know - not that fat guy in the 'red' suit).

Anyway, I always say, “I will pray or, I will be praying for you”. As I think about it, asking permission seems to be asking if I can continue to live in my faith doesn’t it? I mean, it’s between me and God how I live out my faith...you can say you wish I wouldn’t do something or, you hope I don’t do something but to tell me NO, DO NOT PRAY is crossing the line toward attacks the dignity of my faith and is offensive to me as a human being.

What would you do if someone told you..."DON’T PRAY FOR ME"?

Now there is already a question in my mind about how I would feel if someone had maliciously worked on my body, although my heart says I would be more like Christ. But that is not the focus of this post. The program, aside from it’s horror, brought something else to my mind

Thinking about all the other religions in the world (which I don’t know much about) that express their displeasure vehemently when you step over the ‘bar’ of their faith, plus their bar is set much higher than Christians, collectively. We allow discussions to occur about not praying in school, taking biblical information off public buildings that have been there for more than a century, taking the God we serve off the money he has provided us with and even taking His Name off anything relating to the country He helped us build. When we do that, or have done that in some cases, we find out later that laws were promulgated and we must live with them. Like being able to say a prayer at school. What is wrong with “Us”?

Keep praying for me (I love knowing someone is praying to God for me) and I will continue to pray for all of you.

Acts 4:29-32 (New Living Translation) "And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness. All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had."

Let's Examine Our Ways!

2007-12-11T13:35:00.000-06:00

“Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD.” Lamentations 3:40 NIV

I got one of those devotional e-mails from one of my Christian internet friends that I absolutely had to share. It is humorous while still being thought provoking. In fact, it took my mind back to when I made the commitment to publish a daily blog as part of my devotions. At one time, I would send an email to certain people on my list, but sometimes that was sporadic. With a blog, you usually are tied to an editorial deadline, that is part obligation and responsibility for starting a blog (I’m always afraid that one person will come to hear The Word or solution to a problem) and my loyalty and commitment to personal study of The Word, and its application to my personal life daily.

I have a really old and tattered bulletin that gives “Methods of Learning from the Bible”. I don’t remember where it came from, but I would review it periodically and give myself a check-up to test if I was following those methods regularly. And the answer...of course not!

Let me see how you might perform:
Hear – to be informed. Hearing the Word from godly pastors and teachers provides us, insight into other’s study of the Scriptures as well as stimulation our own appetites for the Word.
Read – to be healthy. Reading the Bible gives us an overall picture of God’s Word. Many find a daily reading program that takes them systematically through the Bible helpful.
Study – to be intelligent. Studying the Scriptures leads us into personal discoveries of God’s truths. Writing down these discoveries helps us organize and remember them better.
Memorize – to be skillful (my weakness). Memorizing God’s Word enables us to have it readily available for personal meditation, for witnessing to and helping others, and for overcoming temptations.
Meditate – to be fruitful. Meditating on God’s Word (thinking of its meaning and application to our daily life) enables us to release its transforming power and continually work within us. We must meditate on what we Hear, Read, Study, and Memorize.
Apply – to be obedient. Application of the Word of God to our daily life is a continual process that enables us to walk obediently in close personal fellowship with Him.

Those are good principles for really learning your Bible. Now, for the humorous story by Bishop Jenkins, I think it is one of those messages that stick with you and remind you of the “Methods of Learning the Bible”:

A guy rushed into a service station one day and asked the manager if he'd a pay phone. The manager nodded, "Sure, over there.” The guy inserted a couple of coins, dialed and waited for an answer. Finally, someone came on the line. "Uh, sir," he said in a deep voice, "could you use an honest, hard-working young man?” The station manager couldn't help overhearing the question. After a moment or two the guy said, "Oh, you already have an honest, hard-working young man? Well, okay. Thanks all the same.” A broad smile stretched across his face. He hung up the phone and started back to his car, obviously elated.

"Hey, just a minute," the station manager said, "I couldn't help but hear your conversation. Why are you so happy? I thought the man said he already had someone and didn't need you?" The guy smiled. "Well, you see, I am that honest, hard-working young man. I was just checking up on myself!"

If you're serious about walking with God, examine yourself regularly. Are you praying, reading God's Word, and renewing your mind daily? How about your attitudes? Are they slipping? Your attitudes send a signal before you've said a word. They're like traffic lights. Sometimes they flash red, which means 'stop, don't get in my way, I'm too busy to love, help, or care.' Sometimes they flash yellow, which means 'I'm touchy and out-of-sorts, I could go either way.' Sometimes they flash green, which means, 'Let's go, I'm with you, you can count on me.' The Bible says, "Let us examine our ways...and...Return to the Lord."

What needs to be examined regularly? "Our ways!"

(I guess I need to be working harder on memorizing the scriptures so that I can quote them instead of just being able to describe them.)

God Bless You!

by: Bishop Edward Earl Jenkins, Sr. Pastor and Founder
True Servant Worship & Praise Church
Trenton, New Jersey.
Bishop Jenkins - has been preaching the unadulterated gospel for over twenty years.

Evenly Yoked ALWAYS !

2007-12-10T23:03:00.000-06:00

(The Message: 2 Corinthians 6:14-18) Don't become partners with those who reject God. How can you make a partnership out of right and wrong? That's not partnership; that's war. Is light best friends with dark? Does Christ go strolling with the Devil? Do trust and mistrust hold hands? Who would think of setting up pagan idols in God's holy Temple? But that is exactly what we are, each of us a temple in whom God lives. God himself put it this way:

"I'll live in them, move into them;

I'll be their God and they'll be my people.

So leave the corruption and compromise;

leave it for good," says God.

"Don't link up with those who will pollute you.

I want you all for myself.

I'll be a Father to you;

you'll be sons and daughters to me."

The Word of the Master, God.

There is probably no other Scripture that has produced more conflict than this one. Most of us view this scripture as speaking on marriage but, it is not applied to to marriage only. This verse is a powerful reminder that when we make life-long partnerships and friendships with those who do not share our deepest values, we are endangering our own spiritual health.

Just as God would not allow the Israelites under the Law to yoke a donkey and an ox together because it would ultimately break them both down, Paul reminds Christians that the same is true in their deepest relationships as well. We need to select our friends with the same care and critical assessment that we use to select our spouses. I remember when I first met my husband, I had been a widow for seventeen years. I knew I had set the bar so high, being a single parent with two girls, that I needed to prepare myself to be by myself for the rest of my life here on earth.

Once you make that kind of decision, you learn to be get complacent and comfortable with yourself. I had to re-learn how to do a lot of things, that I really enjoyed on my own...to be alone but not lonely. When I was finally able to go to the movies, out to dinner and other fun activities without a mate, those assessment skills filtered into my selection of friends and acquaintances.

You know, when you are living the sinful life, you don’t really have the friends and life that you have fooled yourself into thinking. And, when you try to hold on to those friends, your life teeters between sin and salvation – or so you think. Your religion is not something you can pick-up or put down as it suits you. You are either in it, or you are not!

I know God’s will is not arbitrary. I know He wants what is best for me and I pray He will give me the wisdom I need as I choose my partners and my closest friends. I want to have God in the middle of everything to help me to help others live a life wrapped tightly in His Word. I need Him in ‘the mix” with me and my husband, me and my friends and me and my family. There we can share His blessings and grace and He can help us to capture opportunities to influence others to come to know Him, His mercy, and His salvation more completely.

Let Peace Guide You Today, and Every Day!

"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?" -- 2 Corinthians 6:14 (NIV)

Forgiving does not mean Forgetting!

2007-12-09T19:55:00.000-06:00

Mark 11:25 (Amplified Bible) "And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him and let it drop (leave it, let it go), in order that your Father Who is in heaven may also forgive you your [own] failings and shortcomings and let them drop."

Those of you who have shared with me in my daily devotions need to know that I didn’t miss my assignment yesterday. In the last week I have spent a lot of time trying to wrap my mind around, what felt to me to be two separate concepts on the same issue. These concepts and readings came from several sources and, at first, did not seem very congruent to me. Now I realize that the ‘enemy’ really didn’t want me to understand or to be able to integrate forgiveness into my being in the way the Holy Spirit was leading me.

Let me lay the foundation for my situation first. There was a time when I loved a family as if it were mine, and I felt in my heart of hearts that they loved me too. But then, a situation arose that brought a difference of opinion, and it was if I had slapped someone. Now mind you, I firmly believe that I presented my opposing view in the most loving manner possible. I made sure not to cast dispersions on anyone and simply outlined some strategic issues that needed to be reviewed and discussed, focusing more on clearing up any potential for confusion versus challenging positions.

Well let me tell you, I have been lied on, insulted, had my integrity challenged behind by back, contended with false rumors at (my church) home, just to name a few. I cannot even begin to describe the pain in my heart. I have never had anyone or anything hurt me so badly, but I prayed my way through. I don’t ever remember feeling this kind of disdain for any of God’s people in my life until now. And, just when I feel I can move past the hurt some other insult occurs and, when I try to address it, I’m told that I misunderstood. My pastor, husband, and other Christian Sisters and Brothers seem to be able to see what I see, they advise me to continue to pray. It’s too bad that I am not the kind of person who can lay my religion down for a moment....that was me once upon a time but, no more.

Anyway, this is the situation that precipitated my intensive study on forgiveness. I have always known that The Bible tells us we must forgive, if we are holding onto anything against someone, and only then can our heavenly Father also wipe our slates clean of sins. I have heard all my life that we simply must not hold grudges against people! But, I read an article that says if you think another person has a single grudge against you, then you must ask for an apology. If another person hurt you, you apologize. And I am thinking for what? The article says because you are holding a grudge!

God does not care if you are right or wrong. God said, to exercise forgiveness. God requires forgiveness, not just when we want to forgive. He does not say, you can forgive this but not that. God's forgiveness is unilateral. Bishop Keith Butler states that “Satan's number one tactic to destroy the body of Christ is to destroy families and relationships. If he gets us out of the Word of God in handling our relationships, then he will succeed. We must look to the Word of God to tell us how to be, while honoring His Word."

As followers of Christ, our character should mirror His character. We should be helpful to one another, kind and tender toward one another, understanding and loving. Most of all, we should be extending forgiveness to one another in the same way that Christ extends forgiveness toward us. In other words, forgive unconditionally. Many times, we won't forgive until the other person says they are sorry. Or, we won't forgive because we think somehow we are punishing the other person or giving them what they deserve. But the only person that is hurt by our unforgiveness is us. When you hold unforgiveness, you can't be forgiven by God, and you are the one locked up in hurt and pain.

Then I read an article in my missionary book by William D. Booth, Dir. of Religious Studies at Hampton University. He really enlightened me when he said, “Those who Christ has forgiven are expected be forgiving. Forgiveness for those of us in the body of Christ means fore-going the right to get back. When we leave the pay-back in God’s hands, we shift the control from the offender, back into the hands of the Holy Spirit."

But forgiveness (biblical) does not demand forgetting. A common error that occurs when dealing with the issue of forgiveness is our tendency to hold it hostage to the ability or willingness to forget the offending act. First of all, memory is crucial to a bona fide act of forgiveness. One must remember a hurt in order to forgive the hurt. No where in all of scripture are believers cautioned to forget an offense in order to forgive an offender. Secondly, God is the only One capable of not remembering our sins anymore. Finite creatures of dust or saints saved by grace, like us, do not have the capacity.

Another common error is to confuse forgiveness with reconciliation. Forgiveness and fore-going the right to pay-back does not put the offender in a right relationship with you. Just as repentance is the prelude to restoring a right relationship with God, so it is with humankind as well. Forgiveness certainly clears the way for reconciliation but unless the offender repents the offense or insult, there is nothing to insure that the offense won’t be repeated. As in our relationship with God, repentance makes authentic reconciliation possible.

The final lesson that I learned is that storing up the toxins of anger, bitterness, hurt, heartache, and malice puts me in both mental and physical jeopardy, stunts my spiritual growth, and most importantly, robs me of God’s Best. I just won’t have it! I just will not hold unforgiveness any longer! I am beginning my forgiveness with a choice to obey God's command. I feel in my spirit I have truly learned that when you open your heart to forgiveness, you open your heart to God's healing and restoration of your life.

I have made my choice today -- To forgive others-readily and freely-as God in Christ forgave me!

A Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for shaping my character and making me more like You each day. I invite You to work in every area of my life. I choose to forgive just as You have forgiven me. Show me anyone against whom I may be holding a grudge. Reveal to me anyone who has been hurt by my words or actions. Lord, humble my heart. Keep me true to my choices this day and give me the courage to quickly forgive others as a need arises.
I bless Your holy name – In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Matthew 18:21-22 (New American Standard Bible) - Then Peter came and said to Him, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

Follow the Bread of Life!

2007-12-07T15:17:00.000-06:00

VERSE: When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."-- John 8:12

THOUGHT: Are you walking in light or darkness? Can you clearly see your path, or do you find yourself stumbling along an uncertain path? Jesus wants us to boldly follow him. The way may not always beeasy, but the destination is assured, and your way can be certain. Most of all, you won't ever have to have a night light -- you're assured that even in the deepest darkness, you will have his light, the only light that gives life.

PRAYER: Wonderful and tender Shepherd, please give me a faithful heart. Even in my deepest moments of darkness and despair, I want to be able to find your Light and to share this life with others. In the name of the One who is never darkness, Jesus the Light of the world,
I pray. Amen.

This verse, thought and prayer was the email 'daily devotion' I received this day. In some ways it shook me up because I also got a call from my cousin in Chicago this morning. Of course during the conversation the question arose as to how each of us was doing, giving us an opportunity to fill each other in on the status of our mental and physical health.

You know, when you get into deep conversations, sometimes you cannot remember all of the details, especially the ones you want to remember. I think that what you do remember is what the Heavenly Father wants you to remember. Although our conversation was only a couple of hours ago, apparently the Father only wants me to remember that which I am going to relate to you now.

As we were talking about our mental and physical status and things going on in both our lives right now, I mentioned the senior members of our church that, God willing, I want to be just like, I truly want my life to mirror their lives on this earth. There are five (5) of them and they range in age from 94 years of age to around 65 years of age. The two who most came to mind I will call the minister (94 years young) and my momma (approx. 83 years young).

Momma has enough energy and power that she is all over the state, participating in everything church or masonicly related. The minister drives a tractor, makes a run from one state to the other to come to church with us and is going back to school for her Master’s degree (mind you she already has a couple of undergrad degrees). These are my role models.

Cous said, “I want you to hear my devotion for today.” It talked about how full your life will be if you seek the Bread of Life. I can’t remember everything it said verbatim, but the spirit of the devotion rang out in my heart like a clear bell. And then, when you look at the first email I opened today you know without a doubt that the Holy Spirit is telling me that the way I’m seeking can only be achieved if I mirror those lives that I admire most, and follow the lead of today's daily devotion that talks about and guides me to get closer to the "Bread of Life". I guess you know where I am headed now, right?

I Pray that All of You Be Blest by the Spirit!

And Jesus said, “This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” John 6:50-51 (KJV)

The Gift of Jesus

2007-12-06T21:45:00.000-06:00

Psalm 107:1-3 (The Message) - "Oh, thank God—he's so good! His love never runs out.
All of you set free by God, tell the world!
Tell how he freed you from oppression,
Then rounded you up from all over the place,
from the four winds, from the seven seas."

One thing is for certain. We all have a testimony to tell whether we want to tell it or not. God has done something in are lives that is unbelieveable, wonderful and amazing. And the most critical segment of that is we did not deserve it. He did not have to do it. We need to remind all of our friends, family and even the strangers that we meet...it is not the gifts of Christmas that satisfies our lives, it is love that makes the difference. And Jesus is Love thru and thru. Remember: God has already given us a life-changing gift. He has dealt very kindly with us.

We have received His Grace and peace many times over and it will deepen as we increase our experiences with Christ. The celebration of His birth is where we must focus our attention. Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. The best invitation we ever received! We were also given absolutely terrific promises—our tickets to participation in the life of God.

We can not afford to lose a minute in building on what we've been given, complementing our basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding, alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, warm friendliness, and generous love, with each feature fitting into and developing the other. Having these qualities active and growing in our lives, insures no grass will grow under our feet, no day will pass without its reward as we mature in our experience of our Lord and Savior, Jesus. Devoid of these qualities we can't see what's right before us, we might end up oblivious that our old sinful life has been wiped off the books.

So, friends, confirm God's invitation to you, his choice of you. Don't put it off; do it now. Do this, and you'll have your life on a firm footing, the streets paved and the way wide open into the eternal kingdom of God the Father and Our Savior, Jesus Christ. I'm so glad about it! And, I will celebrate the birth of Our Savior because of it this Christmas Season.

Be Blest!

"May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. Growing in Faith By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires." 2 Peter 1:2-4 (New Living Translation)

What is this TAGGING Anyway?

2007-12-05T00:44:00.000-06:00

Now this is really unfair and I have to say that Mary, at ilistpaducah, will pay for this. I am just learning about blogging let alone ‘blog-tag’ so I had to go do some research first. Now I understand that I must link to the tagger and post these rules on my blog. Then I share five facts about myself on my blog (some random, some weird.) I must then Tag five people at the end of my post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs. Finally, I let them know they are “tagged” by leaving a comment on their blog.

Well, needless to say I don’t have anything interesting to say about myself that everyone doesn’t already know, but here goes:

My husband and I have only been married for 12 years and I gave him a puppy (Sheppard + Rottweiler mix) for our 2nd anniversary that he named ‘Dantė’. Dantė is now our “only child” left at home and weighs as much as a radio station (104.5).
I sing in the choir sometimes on Sunday and I have a marvelous time singing but, I really can’t ‘hold a tune in a bucket’. My heart goes out to Alma who stands next to me....I can’t begin to tell you what impact I have on her beautiful voice.
A portion of my extended family is Panamanian and whenever they try to teach me Spanish, I accidentally switch to French (that’s the language I took in school). Don’t ask me why!
While I haven’t been an avid reader of novels for many years, when I do read, chances are that I'm reading something technical related to nonprofit management or something related to biblical studies.
I watch more television now since my stroke than I have ever watched in my life. I think I have formed an addiction to CSI (all of them), The Closer and Law & Order (SVU or Criminal Intent, it doesn’t matter since I’m watching reruns anyway). My greatest excitement is when a new episode comes on.

Okay, I guess I got thru that and now I have to tag someone else. I really don’t know any of the folks at all except that I enjoy reading their blogs. I sure hope you all take ‘tagging’ in stride.

My five are Lauren at Faith Fuel, Charles Cameron at Christ in all the Scriptures / The Theology of G C Berkouwer's Neighborhood, Deni at Embracing the Light, Ann at The Old Black Church, and Gina at Chats with an Old Lady.

Wow, now I am feeling like "What, I only get to tag five? I can’t stop now, I enjoy far more bloggers than that!" I want to tag all of them and get to know about all of them...oh well, next time!

God Bless!

Your Steps are not Your Steps

2007-12-04T12:59:00.000-06:00

A man's mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure. Proverbs 16:9 (Amplified)

When I was a college student, I had a course syllabus to follow, had a job to go to, a house to take care of and two little girls to raise, I could make lists, block out sections of time for certain things and stick to an agenda. We didn’t even have a PDA or computer or any of all the neat little tools we have nowadays. I am in a brand new world now and my life doesn’t stick to any kind of schedule. You know that saying, "Life is what happens while you're busy planning other things.” Well, I’m busy planning and my life is just happening!

I have a sister-friend that we will call Donna (of course, that is her name), who I admire and envy more than anyone in my life right now, except maybe Beyoncé with her fabulous looks and loads of money. Anyway, my sister-friend Donna works a job, has a husband, and is in the ministry speaking all over the state, not to mention several other organizations she’s in and tasks that she performs extremely well. And, I don’t see her using a PDA or that other electronic stuff, she just has a little ‘cutesy’ purse sized calendar and she keeps track of the whole world. You could say to her, “Let’s have a party in June 2008” and she’ll tick off all the things happening in June that might interfere with a party. Me, my PDA doesn’t have a list what is happening in June and, if it did, I probably would forget it anyway.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I am the type of person who likes to plan ahead as much as possible. Although I like to participate in many different things, I know I have to budget my time if I want to fit it all in. Whenever possible, I like to make lists, block out sections of time, and stick to an agenda. Of course, that all worked fine in my ‘former’ life. I think what I am learning is that God is teaching me how to be flexible and how to embrace change rather than hide from it or fight against it. I've had to learn--sometimes the hard way--that I am not the one who plots my course. I've learned that it is okay to have goals and ambitions, but I've also learned that God is the one who will fill in the details of how to make those goals a reality or if those should really be my goals.

For example, I knew that when my husband relocated for his job, I needed to stay put until he got on his feet so that if things didn’t work out we would be somewhat secure with the position I had back ‘home’. Well that was not God’s plan; he opened up possibilities for me that I may not have found if I had been too deeply entrenched in trying to make things happen of my own accord. Although there were times when I felt like I was making very little progress toward my goals, I know that every movement was directed by him.

When it comes to my goals, I always like to be moving forward. I am frustrated whenever I feel that I've come to an impasse, whether it be a health setback, or time constraints. God has shown me that the times He has stopped me in my tracks are not because He's decided to not let me continue forward. I think those times served to make me wait for God to provide me with a solid foundation on which I could set my feet for that next step along the way. I am thankful that he has been guiding every footsteps along my path.

So, instead of sitting here all day in the blogsphere, I’m gonna go enter my schedule for next year from my meeting last night and then, I’m gonna try to figure out what should be on my schedule for today. Maybe, today is the day that the Lord will tell me how to get rid of my financial woes, to move me along the path of full health restoration or maybe, it’s just to finish my Christmas decorations. After all, we are celebrating a birthday party, the birth of Christ in a few more days.

Be Blessed and God’s Love to you all.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. What does the worker gain from his toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him. Whatever is has already been, and what will be has been before; and God will call the past to account." Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 (New International Version)

I Refuse to be Discouraged

2007-12-03T11:05:00.000-06:00

Isn't it marvelous how God sends a word when you need it most? I spent my time yesterday reading scriptures and conversing with Him about where my life is now and what should be my current direction and, as usual, He sent a little poem via email from a friend I only know casually. It is so appropriate, beautiful and timely that I thought I should share it with you.

I refuse to be discouraged, To be sad, or to cry;
I refuse to be downhearted, and here's the reason why...

I have a God who's mighty, Who's sovereign and supreme;
I have a God who loves me, and I am on His team.

He is all wise and He's powerful, Jesus is His name;
Though everything is changeable, My God remains the same.

My God knows all that's happening; Beginning to the end,
His presence is my comfort, He is my dearest friend.

When sickness comes to weaken me, To bring my head down low,
I call upon my mighty God; Into His arms I go.

When circumstances threaten to rob me from my peace;
He draws me close unto His breast, Where all my striving's cease.

And when my heart melts within me, and weakness takes control;
He gathers me into His arms, He soothes my heart and soul.

The great "I AM" is with me, My life is in His hand,
The "Son of the Lord" is my hope, It's in His strength I stand.

I refuse to be defeated, My eyes are on my God;
He has promised to be with me, as through this life I trod.

I'm looking past all my circumstances, To Heaven's throne above;
My prayers have reached the heart of God, I'm resting in His love.

I give God thanks in everything, My eyes are on His face;
The battle's His, the victory is mine; He'll help me win the race.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit!

Philippians 4:12-13 (NKJV) - I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

My Smile is temporarily BROKEN !

2007-12-02T18:36:00.000-06:00

Numbers 6:24-26(AMP) “The Lord bless you and watch, guard, and keep you; The Lord make His face to shine upon and enlighten you and be gracious (kind, merciful, and giving favor) to you; The Lord lift up His [approving] countenance upon you and give you peace (tranquility of heart and life continually).”

This has been an immensely distressing couple of weeks for me. I am not sure what has my spirit upset and in turmoil, I just know that I am not my usual joyful self. Certainly my health has it’s customary aches and lethargical symptoms, but usually I am able to pray or meditate my way out of those slumps. Sometimes I immerse myself in a project that provides part-time employment for me but even that is not settling my mind and spirit these days. I feel like the smile I always have on my face is broken.

It seems I am looking for something I just can not put my finger on but it is missing in my life. Money and power can't be the void because I have never had either of those. My family has made a special effort to make me feel loved and though I truly appreciate their efforts somehow, its just is not enough. It's been said that each of us has a 'God-shaped hole' in our hearts and maybe that is what I am experiencing right now. I really do not know. I confess all known and unknown sin in accordance with my understanding of Philippians 4:6(NLT) – “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” So I expect the only thing left to do is Let Go and Let God; to wait on His answer as I strengthen myself in His Word.

As I was reviewing other sites today, I ran across a blogger (just look at how God works) who talked about the steps for an unsettled mind. She not only quoted Philippians; she cited four other steps to follow (I am so sorry that I lost the web site in the process of writing down the information I wanted to quote-anyone who runs across this blog before I find it, please let me know!):

Limit or Eliminate contact with negative people.
Do not discuss or make judgements in your mind in areas for which you are not responsible.
Identify the negatives in your life by things you can control & things you can't control.
Learn to look beyond (current) circumstances to the eternal.

Many people try to fill the hole with everything except God-and they fail. I know better, I have learned to not even go there. Once upon a time I would go to the mall and stay until I had eased the pain and filled the void. Aside from too much of every thing that we didn’t need, we came (or are, depending on how you look at it) close to bankruptcy. Like trying to put a square peg in a round hole, it just won't work.

I already know that God wants to fill that hole, I just need to work on my patience and wait until He does. I keep reminding myself that my time isn’t His time. I have a strong faith because He sent his only Son, Jesus Christ to fill that void in all of us. In Luke 11:9-10 Jesus says: "So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened." I am going to seek the One who died for our sins, and I know I will find that the vacuum is ‘soon’gone. So for now, I’ll add more minutes to my praying time, to my meditations and now even to looking for more religious blogs until I am back to myself again, ‘cause this is not the child of God that I am!

Please remember me in your prayers as I will remember you!

Psalms 34:18(NLT) – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”

Prevention is the Key

2007-12-01T22:04:00.000-06:00

Romans 14:10(NLT) – “So why do you condemn another believer? Why do you look down on another believer? Remember, we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.”

This was a very difficult day.....I gave that World AIDS Day Prayer Breakfast speech this morning. There is a part of me that experienced a lot of melancholy remembering that part of my past...all the closest, best loved faces flashed before my eyes. People that I grew to love as my earthly brothers and sisters, there were quite a few for whom I felt like their mothers. Many called me "OG" for Old Girl or Auntie Mamma as a terms of endearment, to some I was even called Ms. Diva because I love clothes and shopping.

I could not help but to keep hammering home, the very sad fact that AIDS is 100% preventable. So why does this disease continue to wreak havoc in our country? I do know two things that I feel I should holler from the roof tops: The message is still the same after 20 years and, AIDS is still 100% preventable yet it is completely out of control. Why is that? And if the message is the same one from twenty years ago, what will the message be twenty years from now?

Although I stated very clearly that I am not a minister, some people remarked about the preaching I did today. I think the Holy Spirit and some ghosts from the past took over since I lot of things I wrote down to talk about were never discussed and many of the things I talked about I don’t remember. But that is okay because a lot of people restated some of the things I said...maybe it hit home. I sure hope so!

As a Christian, I thank Jesus that my sins are forgiven. I and ask Him to please not use the unkind criteria, the insulting thoughts, the uninformed opinions, that impatient standard that I have once used against me. I praise His Holy Name because I know it will never be used against me.

Thank you Lord and Bless your name Sweet Jesus for forgiving me in spite of myself! I sure do not deserve it . . .

Pray for World AIDS Day

2007-11-30T23:03:00.000-06:00

James 4:11-12(NIV) – “Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?”

I worked over ten years for an agency that served HIV/AIDS clients and, during that time; I was considered a part of the HIV/AIDS national leadership. I’ve been gone for more than 10 years yet it seems like yesterday. A few years ago, when we first relocated to Kentucky, my husband disclosed my secret about that segment of my former life and I have been trying not to get involved ever since (I just burned-out). During that phase of my life, we were addressing some of the most horrific issues I have ever experienced. I worked when there were no treatments for this disease (only experimental), when the mention of the word brought panic and trepidation to anyone who came within earshot, and the funding that was available to serve those infected was miniscule. Back then there were ‘AIDS wars’; men against women, men or women against children, treatment versus prevention, etc. etc. etc.

I learned a lot during that phase of my life. Some knowledge was better than others were. This job gave new meaning to compassionate caring. I am one of those people who have always been blessed to live out my faith in both my personal life and my professional life. But watching very young people take their last breath was one of the most powerful experiences in my entire life.

We lost a lot of young people in those days. There were months where I attended three or four funerals per week. Being bedside when a really young person made his or her transition was tolerable when they were in a right relationship with God. And you knew when the relationship was right because you could feel and, almost see the presence of the Holy Spirit. My memory is very vivid between those times where I left a hospital or someone’s home with a sense of peace in my spirit, and times when I left in totally distraught and with more than a mild case of distress.

Another unpleasant area of knowledge I acquired was when Christians did not behave as I had always been taught that they would. Throughout my entire lifetime, the church has always brought the Good News of Jesus Christ. It was a beacon of light that shines God’s illuminating radiance on all of those who are broken, weary, and downtrodden. Churches who were willing to respond to people with HIV or who had an AIDS diagnosis were too few and very far between.

When a person’s home church would not respond or, a church member did not want his or her home church to know how HIV/AIDS had infected and/or impacted their family, it was my job to find a church community who would. That was probably just as painful, if not more painful as experiencing a ‘home-going’ where the relationship with God was absent. Far too often I recruited a church family to pray with and for a mother, father, sister or, brother who could not go to their church home to get their needs met.

I’m guessing that the reason I feel as though I just left that service arena yesterday is because there hasn’t been much change! I was asked to speak at a “World AIDS Day” Prayer Breakfast tomorrow, Saturday, December 1, 2007 and I feel as though I am dusting off a speech that I gave in 1993. The number of infected people and the number who have died has changed; but the issues, the message, and the requests from our communities, for faith-based leadership, remain the same.

In the face of a disease that is 100% preventable, our churches must begin to provide strong leadership through prevention education and to support those persons who are infected and affected by HIV. No longer can we afford the luxury of succumbing to the "NIMBY" syndrome: "not in my backyard”. Only when churches are willing to admit that people living with AIDS are not "them”; but us! Only when our churches recognize that AIDS is not confined to those outside the faith community, can we begin to be effective.

When we look out over the casualties of AIDS we see children homeless and orphaned; teens who due to a lack of information will become infected and who will not live to be 25; mothers who may be suffering from abuse and obligated to have unprotected sex with their husbands who are known to be infected. We must remember this one chilling fact -- there is neither a vaccine nor a cure.

The church can and should mobilize, educate and reach out, we can indeed be the balm "that heals the sin-sick soul”. We are all living with AIDS, and who are we? A totally forgiven, fully accepted, deeply loved, daily-empowered child of God. Once we fully grasp that, we will have joy like we have never known and we will grow strong in our faith and learn how to stop this disease.

Please pray for our communities for WORLD AIDS DAY; and everyday thereafter. And pray that a Heavenly Father filled with Grace and Mercy will touch our hearts and open them to all of mankind, living and dying with this disease.

God’s Peace to you all!

Matthew 7:1-2(NIV) – “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Is it HARD to Pray without Ceasing?

2007-11-29T18:39:00.000-06:00

John 14:16-17 (NIV)-And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of Truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

That ‘old-school’, Christian upbringing teaches you to be cheerful no matter what; "God is watching! Don’t forget to pray all the time; be thankful unto God no matter what happens." This recollection started me wondering about the various types of prayer, and that let me know I did not know and I needed to do some research. Once upon a time my view of prayer all the time meant being in ‘your prayer closet’ like my grandmother or, at best on your knees.

Now, I know that God in Heaven wants all of us who are with him in faith, praise and love to pray without ceasing. I can remember when that was very hard for me to comply until someone told me that my prayers should be conversations with God as if He were my Heavenly Father, which He is! Then I began to wonder why would God answer my prayers? After all, they were just conversations and then I learned that the biggest reason He would answer my prayers is because I have a personal relationship with Him. He was all I had on earth and in heaven.

Once I learned who He was, I wanted to follow God and have Him follow me everywhere I went. I learned to actually listen to what He said. God had the right to direct my life, and I welcomed him doing just that! When I prayed for things, it was a natural part of my relationship with God. I felt very comfortable coming to God with my needs, my concerns, and whatever issues were current in my life. I could share with Him my appreciation for the sunrise and the sunsets, beautiful flowers with fragrant blooms and even cloud formations that were particularly unique. Furthermore, I was totally convinced, from what I read in the Bible, that God wanted me to rely on Him in that way.

God offered to answer my prayers, as one of His children, and I received from him a peace that defied the terrible circumstances of my childhood. I learned to pray...at that time I learned that there were five (5) types of prayers. And I learned them both as attached components and as individual units.

1. Prayer of Praise, Worship, and Adoration: This is prayer centered wholly upon God and His majesty, glory, dominion, and power; His beauty and lavish love; His mercy and His Grace. I love this kind of devotional prayer where you are not asking for anything, you are just telling God that you love Him and thanking Him for all He has done.
2. Prayer of Penitence: Always, there should be asking for forgiveness of sin and personally, I always try to include those sins of commission and omission. Many people also tell me that Psalm 51 is the best-known prayer of penitence in the Bible.
3. Prayer of Petition: Asking God for something is a petition and since we are wholly dependent upon God for life and whenever we ask, we should remember to add, "Your will be done.” He wants us to ask Him for what we need, yet it pleases Him most when we ask for the Holy Spirit and the characteristics of Jesus.
4. Prayer of Thanksgiving: This is a prayer of appreciation for the gifts God has given us and, expressing our Thanksgiving should be a part of every prayer.
5. Prayer of Intercession: Christians strongly believe that this prayer of intercession is closest to God's heart because it reflects the teachings of Jesus, and His ministry is to intercede with the Father for humankind. I have learned that when we are praying for others we are most like Him. Praying while with the Holy Spirit is the highest level of intercession. Here we join forces with the Holy Spirit to intercede for others or ourselves.

Those five prayers are the ones I have known about since I was a young girl, probably in my pre-teens. In my investigation of the types of prayer, I have come across eight (8) that I either had not thought about as a type of prayer or I never even ‘knew’ about them (I need to say here that even though I have been around a long time, I have no problem and I frequently encounter new information that is not new, it just went over my head some years ago because I did not think it was valuable).

6. Prayer of Supplication: (Philemon 1:4,6,7NIV - I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.)
7. Prayer of Consecration & Dedication
8. Prayer of Committal (I Peter 5- Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.)
9. Prayer of Affirmation (Mark 11:23- I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him.)
10. COMMUNION
11. Prayer of Agreement (Matthew 18:19- Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.)
12. Prayer of Binding and Loosening (Matthew 18:18- I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.)
13. Prayer of Faith (Also called the prayer of Partition) This prayer is just between you and God. (Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hope for, the evidence of things not seen). First comes faith, we have to believe God gave us this gift, if we do then the substance or gift will follow.

So now that we have looked at the different types of prayers and the scriptures that are listed to show how God meant for them to operate, I can work on how I define prayers when I hear or say them. If I missed any, please drop a line and let me know. And guess what? I am going to say more than the customary five prayers a day (that was all I once knew), I’m raising it to ten so I will really be praying without ceasing. Pray for me (intercession will do just fine)! I pray God's Blessing on you all!

No Jesus....No Christian!

2007-11-28T12:01:00.000-06:00

Acts 11: 26(KJV) “And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.”

Okay, I relinquish myself to whatever label you want to place on the intolerant, narrow-minded, rigid, and slightly over-zealous Christian that I am, but I lost a lot of sleep yesterday about the survey report I read Sunday. The word "Christian" has lost a great deal of its significance in our country. And, I firmly believe that we (Christians) have been too tolerant, we haven’t spoken up enough to advocate for or against issues that continue to erode our faith.

Calling oneself or the label of ‘Christian’ is often used by people who envision themselves as being religious or having high moral values (now I might view that as a complement), instead of a true born again follower of Jesus Christ. Everyone I have heard or read discuss Christians as being intolerant and rigid (and I might debate this or defend our openness here). Many people who don’t believe or trust in Jesus Christ consider themselves Christians simply because they go to church or this country, the United States, where they live is a "Christian" nation. Spirituality, the concept of going to church, and serving those less fortunate than you, or even being a ‘good person’ does not entitle you to be labeled Christian.

Followers of Jesus Christ were first called “Christians” in Antioch (Acts 11:26) because their behavior, activity, and speech were like Christ. A Christian is “a person professing belief in Jesus as the Christ or in the religion based on the teaching of Jesus”.

A true Christian is a person who has put his or her faith and trust in Jesus Christ. A true Christian fully believes that Jesus died on the cross as payment for our sins and, most importantly He rose again on the third day to obtain victory over death and give eternal life to all who believe in Him. John 1:12(NLT) tells us: “But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.” A true Christian is indeed a child of God, a part of God’s true family, and one who has been given ‘new life’ in Christ. The mark of a true Christian is love for others and obedience to God’s Word

1 John 2:4NLT reads as follows, “If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth”.; According to 1 John 9-11 in the Message, scripture is interpreted as saying, “Anyone who claims to live in God's light and hates a brother or sister is still in the dark. The person who loves brother and sister dwells in God's light and doesn't block the light from others. But whoever hates is still in the dark, stumbles around in the dark, doesn't know which end is up, blinded by the darkness”.

We might agree intellectually that we all are sinners, but we only "know" this when we make a transition, are born again and God makes the Holy Spirit known to us! So how do we know for sure that we are truly Christians? "Christianity" is a broad term that encompasses a variety of religious traditions, but all of them subscribe to the belief that Jesus of Nazareth was "the Christ"-- that is, God's anointed. Christianity is about having a right relationship with God.

God has given us His unmistakable presence, which abides in every Christian, the blessed Holy Spirit. (The clearest description I have found is Ephesians 1:13-14[CEV-Contemporary English Version] - "Christ also brought you the truth, which is the good news about how you can be saved. You put your faith in Christ and were given the promised Holy Spirit to show that you belong to God. The Spirit also makes us sure that we will be given what God has stored up for his people. Then we will be set free, and God will be honored and praised.")

Remind you, His presence is not a secret. God has incorporated some signs in our life that gives witness to the Holy Spirit’s presence. Several interpretations of the Bible lists these signs, but for me the clearest, most concise interpretation is, again, the Contemporary English Version (CEV) which says; "God's Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled. There is no law against behaving in any of these ways.” (Galatians 5:22-23) Simply put, these characteristics affirm the presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer. If these characteristics are not habitual, there is a reason to be concerned about one's spiritual status. Other characteristics of the Holy Spirit's presence is understanding God's Word, desiring to read God's Word, a thirst to see others accepting, obeying and praising God through Christ, as well as a yearning to be with God's people (the church).

Now, maybe I am intolerant when folks claim to be Christian. I will claim that ‘narrow-mindedness’ as a critical component of my personal faith journey. But I believe Christianity is a very narrow road, filled with pitfalls and potholes. We fall down, but we get up. We ask God, thru Jesus Christ to help us get back up, promise we will do our best to not fall again and praise His Holy Name. Christianity is about believing that Christ died on the cross as payment for our sins, and on the third day He rose again. Your 'sin debt' is paid and you can now have victory over your 'sin nature' and walk in fellowship and obedience with God. That is true biblical Christianity.

Pray for me, as I will be praying for you!

1 Peter 4:16-18 “However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

Gimme that Old Time Religion

2007-11-26T16:14:00.000-06:00

2 Timothy 2:15-16(Amplified Bible) – “Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth. But avoid all empty (vain, useless, idle) talk, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness.”

I was reading an interesting article in Christianity Today that said there are Five Kinds of Christians. (http://www.christianitytoday.com/global/printer.html?/le/2007/004/1.19.html) Why does this world need to dissect everything we think, do, or say? In my mind, there are really only two kinds of Christians: The ones who are actively practicing their faith, and those who are not.

I was raised with that “Old Time Religion” so I have a hard time digesting it when people say, “I believe my God is no different from the God’s of other faiths and (He) would not shut-out people who don’t use the word “Christian” (Now, if the Spirit moves me I’ll be back to talk about this later this week). Well, if you are a Christian, doesn’t that mean you believe that Jesus is the Christ? Or am I just an old, intolerant believer whose upbringing defies some of the concepts in the thinking of younger generations. I hesitate to refer to it as ‘new-age’ thinking for fear that some of my readers will attach all of the various and diverse concepts involved with that discussion to my comments here....And, that is not what I am aiming to achieve.

The article stated that, “a great many devout Christians do not believe that anything good can come out of serious, academic, historical study. They just don't believe it.” Yet, without serious study, review, and application of the Word of Truth to the world we live in today the good, the rules for Godly living, and the devout faith we have grown to depend on will never materialize. Even the writer stated that he “struggle(s) to show again and again that when you really do business with the Bible at the fullest historical and theological level, then it is passionately and dramatically relevant, life changing, and community changing."

When he speaks of a biblical renewal within the church, my mind goes straight to ‘revival’.

Those revivals of my youth where you pitched a tent in an open field started a service that really drove people to their knees, fill their hearts with joy, and challenged them at every possible level. I want to see these old God-sent revivals in our life, church, community, and nation. Those revivals that came with that old time religion are more easily defined by the source—God. It was God coming to earth in all of His power, glory, holiness and love to cleanse and empower His Church, and to save the lost; nobody gets lost in the kingdom of God.

In some revivals, people sat quietly, experiencing the peace and love of God. In others, people would sing and rejoice, dance and shout. Revivals often had themes: prayer, holiness, repentance, joy, and empowerment. All those components were usually present in one way or another at each revival, but normally one theme is predominant.

The results of revivals are, the church is cleansed. Christians are set free to serve God with all of their heart, souls are saved—in large numbers; and the converts remained strong Christians throughout their life. Other frequent results were a positive moral change in the local community; healings; homes restored; a positive change in the local economy; people are sent into missions or called into ministry; just to name a few.

My question is if revivals have such a positive effect for the Kingdom of God, then why don’t we pray for more revivals? Revivals bring glory to God. Do we not care about that? Do we care that people are dishonoring God by not obeying Him….by not repenting? Do we care that Christ's teachings are neglected? Do we care that the Church is perceived as no different than the world in far too many cases? Do we care that people are going to hell...an eternity in the lake of fire? I don’t think we do. If we did, we would be on our faces day and night until God poured out His Spirit.

Christianity is a deeply personal issue for every single Christian but, the concept that you don’t have to study to show thyself an approved and worthy worker is astounding to me.

Let’s instigate a biblical revival within the church that will speak to the needs and problems that the young folk need to have addressed. I am not talking about simply a renewal of their private faithfulness, but a revival that really knows how to compete with all the other modern outlets that say, they will but they don’t, promote spiritual growth.

I think I have talked too long, sorry!
Please Be Blessed and Take Care.

Isaiah 64:1-2(NLT) – “Oh, that you would burst from the heavens and come down! How the mountains would quake in your presence! As fire causes wood to burn and water to boil, your coming would make the nations tremble. Then your enemies would learn the reason for your fame!” ~~~~~~AMEN!

When God Speaks!

2007-11-25T19:09:00.000-06:00

Psalms 95:7(NLT) “for he is our God. We are the people he watches over, the flock under his care. If only you would listen to his voice today!”

Matthew 11:15(NLT) “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand!”

The minister, who delivered the Word this morning, reminded us that the Lord has given us a roadmap. If we follow this roadmap, we should be exceedingly happy to give God quite a few Hallelujah’s (the highest form of praise) and lots of 'thank-yous' each and every day. We not only thank Him because we ate way too much during this holiday week. We should also thank Him because He has guided us along the way; He woke us up this morning as He has done every morning since we celebrated the dawn of this 'new' year. (If you think about it, we may get a chance to see another ‘new’ year because it is almost that time again.)

The sermon reminded me of all those times I could have gotten myself in trouble but I avoided it by talking to God before I talked to my husband or anyone else. And I listened when God spoke to me. Of course, when I wasn’t obedient I got myself into trouble. So many people look at me strangely when I say God spoke to me, and I am sure if He speaks to you as well, you know the looks. The thing is-we know when God speaks, because we speak with Him all the time.

I remember some time ago that I heard a sermon by Rev. Meeks, in Chicago. He recounted a vacation at Disneyland. He left his wife with the children to enjoy a little peace and some people watching. Just as he got himself settled, he heard a voice holler “Honey!” He was the only person, out of thousands of people who answered, although there were hundreds of couples in that park where the wife refers to the husband as Honey. Similarly, I could be shopping in a crowded store, separated from my children but when they holler “Ma!” I answer...I know my children’s voices, just as Rev. Meeks knew his wife’s voice.

When God speaks, I know His voice too! Why? Because I talk to Him all the time. When you converse with someone on a regular basis, you know the ‘sound’ of his or her voice. Additionally, the longer you are in close communication with someone you know his or her moans, and groans and burps, too!

Just like our children study the roadmap that you outline for them...we too must study the roadmap that God lays out for us. It is funny to me when I think about my child-rearing years and I remember when I could hear my children discussing what my reaction would be toward certain behavior. The oldest girl studied the roadmap well and spent a lot of time trying to explain to the younger, less obedient girl why she could get into trouble if I found out what she was planning or doing. The oldest girl spent her whole life studying the roadmap. The younger girl only studied that portion of the roadmap that agreed with her. Unfortunately, she stayed in difficult situations. (Thank God for change!)

We need to study God’s roadmap on a regular basis and give thanks. We need to follow that roadmap to the letter so that we don’t get lost, because our adversary the devil, knows that our roadmap and conversations with God are the secrets to the strength and victory of believers. If he can get us off track, our power and wisdom are reduced, and we definitely don’t want that to happen. So, it is essential to develop the habit of regularly meeting with God. If we speak to Him on a regular basis, we can be assured He will answer. We will find it easier to be like Him.

Don’t let your faith get stagnant! Peace and Love.

John 8:47(NLT) – “Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God. But you don’t listen (because/if) you don’t belong to God.”

His Grace is All She Needs

2007-11-24T22:12:00.000-06:00

James 2:13-14 (NLT)-“There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you. What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone?”

Matthew 7:1-2(NLT) - “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.”

His Grace is all you need, for His power is strongest when you are weak! Trust me...we all get weak sometimes. I wonder if it is because we are not divine beings, but human beings with our own set of frailties, is it by design so that we will depend more heavily on God’s grace and mercy or, is it because the enemy is busy drilling holes in our faith?

I sometimes think it may be all of the above but as a black woman of faith, I recognize that all of those issues have had an impact on my life at one time or another. My mother departed this life when I was only 13 years of age. If it had not been for the Lord on my side, and the body of believers He sent to watch over me, I wonder how my life would have ended.

Even if you do not subscribe to or understand the teachings of the Word of God, you can head in the right direction being kind to your fellow man (or woman)...it just makes sense. We help ourselves when we extend our hand to help one another. And for those of us who are believers, it is one of the ways that God uses us for kingdom building.

There comes a time in every woman's life when she has to take a close look at herself. Not at her circumstances, not at what she did, not how unfair life is, or at who made her do it. She has only to look at herself in all her glory and all her imperfections.

Have you ever admired a woman who has been through numerous changes in her life? Or have you made up in your mind that she is just messed up. Before you make the mistake of judging her as being ‘just messed up’, take a closer look. A woman who has endured the most unusual life is someone of wisdom, someone who has been chosen by God to go through some things that have (hopefully) made her stronger or, she has called on our Heavenly Father to beat back the enemy. But don’t jump to judgment.

Think of all the great women in the Bible: Mary Magdalene, Ruth and Naomi, the woman with an issue of blood flow, and Esther, to name a few who enjoyed God’s hand in their lives. Mary was a prostitute, a very uneasy woman. But by the time Jesus was done with her, she was His closest follower. Esther was unfortunate in marrying an abusive man, but by the time God was done with her, she had married one of the wealthiest men in the land.

Women can be so quick to beat one another down instead of trying to hold each other up. Before you wonder “What’s up with her?" ask yourself, "What's up with me?" The woman you are pointing your finger at could be your mother, sister, aunt, in-law, stepmother, niece, grandmother, great-grandmother, neighbor, friend, or co-worker, etc. That woman could be ME or it could be YOU!

Remember: Women are the carriers of life, not the channels of death. Let us build and encourage each other, as did Ruth and Naomi; make the sacrifices necessary for our community like Ester. Pass this to all the women in your life and the men in theirs. Encourage and love, forgive and forget, and trust that the woman that receives your love and understanding will be touched in some way, and go on to make a contribution to this world we live in. Teach her to have love and faith in the God who will see her through.

May the peace and love of Christ be with you always!

James 4:11-12(NLT)-“Don’t speak evil against each other, dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize and judge each other, then you are criticizing and judging God’s law. But your job is to obey the law, not to judge whether it applies to you. God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power to save or to destroy. So what right do you have to judge your neighbor?”