Monday, January 30, 2012
A Cure for the Blues
"I had the blues because I had no shoes until upon the street, I met a man who had no feet.” ~ Denis Waitley
Scripture:
For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody. Isaiah 51:3
Saints, do you sometimes find yourselves filled with the blues? You know your soul is singing "They call it Stormy Monday But Tuesdays Just as Bad", "Everyday, I Sing the Blues", or "Cry Me a River"?
Well I am here to tell you, when you find yourself feeling sorry for yourselves, or feeling sorry about your circumstances, I know a place where the you can find comfort. The word of God. The word of God is not just something that you read on Sunday and then forget about on Monday. The word of God has everything you need to chase away those blues.
When life seems to be getting you down, turn to your favorite scriptures, or your favorite book of the bible, (I personally find the book of Psalms to be very uplifting and encouraging). There is hope for today and tomorrow in the word of God. There is unspeakable joy and encouragement in the word of God.
There is a victory and a breakthrough somewhere in those 66 books that can chase away even the deepest darkest blues. All you have to do is look.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father, in the name of Jesus we come seeking a word to comfort our war torn souls. We come seeking peace and solace in Your word. We come seeking encouragement in Your word. Father, we know that You have said we can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens us. We come asking right now, for a word that can chase away our blues. Touch, bless, and anoint all of Your saints today. May each and every one of us find a word to hide in our hearts. Father, we love You even in our time of distress. We come giving You all praise, honor, and Glory. We ask these things in the name of Your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Scripture:
For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody. Isaiah 51:3
Saints, do you sometimes find yourselves filled with the blues? You know your soul is singing "They call it Stormy Monday But Tuesdays Just as Bad", "Everyday, I Sing the Blues", or "Cry Me a River"?
Well I am here to tell you, when you find yourself feeling sorry for yourselves, or feeling sorry about your circumstances, I know a place where the you can find comfort. The word of God. The word of God is not just something that you read on Sunday and then forget about on Monday. The word of God has everything you need to chase away those blues.
When life seems to be getting you down, turn to your favorite scriptures, or your favorite book of the bible, (I personally find the book of Psalms to be very uplifting and encouraging). There is hope for today and tomorrow in the word of God. There is unspeakable joy and encouragement in the word of God.
There is a victory and a breakthrough somewhere in those 66 books that can chase away even the deepest darkest blues. All you have to do is look.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father, in the name of Jesus we come seeking a word to comfort our war torn souls. We come seeking peace and solace in Your word. We come seeking encouragement in Your word. Father, we know that You have said we can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens us. We come asking right now, for a word that can chase away our blues. Touch, bless, and anoint all of Your saints today. May each and every one of us find a word to hide in our hearts. Father, we love You even in our time of distress. We come giving You all praise, honor, and Glory. We ask these things in the name of Your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Monday, January 23, 2012
The Year of the Open Door
Do the best you can where you are, and when that is accomplished, God will open a door for you, and a voice will call "Come up hither into a higher sphere.” ~ Henry Ward Beecher
Scripture:
for they did not believe in God or trust in his deliverance. Yet he gave a command to the skies above and opened the doors of the heavens; he rained down manna for the people to eat, he gave them the grain of heaven. Psalm 78:22-24 (New International Version)
Not long ago, I received an email from a very good friend in which the author spoke about 2012 being “The Year of the Open Door.” The premise of the message was that many great and wonderful things would come to pass for the body of Christ.
The author cited several scriptures that indicated that the year 2012 was a year of completion and blessings for those who have been faithful to the word of God. Now, I am not here to dispute the message that was given, but rather, I was reminded that each and every day can be a day of the “OPEN DOOR.”
So often we forget that even in the midst of our trials and tribulations, God can and will open a door. So often we fail to realize that even in the midst of our unbelief, he continues to bless, in spite of us. Too often we spend so much time standing in front of a closed door that we fail to see the new door He has created for us, the Open Door, waiting there for us to walk through.
Saints of God, yes 2012 is the year of the open door. That door has already been opened for us by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. All we have to do is walk through it.
Be Blessed
May your journey in this year be blessed, and may the Lord, Your God, visit you and lead you upon the path that He has designed for you. Follow the path of life, and you will fulfill your God-given destiny.
Prayer:
Therefore I say unto You, What things soever ye desire when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Lord, we come before You this day believing that You are the one and only true God. Lord, we thank You for remaining faithful to us. Father we give thanks to You alone for loving us and watching over us. Father, as we begin this year anew, help us always to put You first in all we do and say. Teach us Lord, how to remain faithful in spite of our circumstances. Help us Lord to remain prayerful and diligent in our service to You. Thank You Lord, for blessing us. Thank You Lord, for new grace and mercy. Thank You Lord, for the Blood. The Blood that washes away my sins. The blood that protects, heals, and sanctifies. Thank You Lord, for loving a sinner like me. May the prayers of my brothers and sisters be heard by You alone. May You touch the hearts and minds of all we have come before the throne of grace today. May we always give thanks to You first. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Scripture:
for they did not believe in God or trust in his deliverance. Yet he gave a command to the skies above and opened the doors of the heavens; he rained down manna for the people to eat, he gave them the grain of heaven. Psalm 78:22-24 (New International Version)
Not long ago, I received an email from a very good friend in which the author spoke about 2012 being “The Year of the Open Door.” The premise of the message was that many great and wonderful things would come to pass for the body of Christ.
The author cited several scriptures that indicated that the year 2012 was a year of completion and blessings for those who have been faithful to the word of God. Now, I am not here to dispute the message that was given, but rather, I was reminded that each and every day can be a day of the “OPEN DOOR.”
So often we forget that even in the midst of our trials and tribulations, God can and will open a door. So often we fail to realize that even in the midst of our unbelief, he continues to bless, in spite of us. Too often we spend so much time standing in front of a closed door that we fail to see the new door He has created for us, the Open Door, waiting there for us to walk through.
Saints of God, yes 2012 is the year of the open door. That door has already been opened for us by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. All we have to do is walk through it.
Be Blessed
May your journey in this year be blessed, and may the Lord, Your God, visit you and lead you upon the path that He has designed for you. Follow the path of life, and you will fulfill your God-given destiny.
Prayer:
Therefore I say unto You, What things soever ye desire when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Lord, we come before You this day believing that You are the one and only true God. Lord, we thank You for remaining faithful to us. Father we give thanks to You alone for loving us and watching over us. Father, as we begin this year anew, help us always to put You first in all we do and say. Teach us Lord, how to remain faithful in spite of our circumstances. Help us Lord to remain prayerful and diligent in our service to You. Thank You Lord, for blessing us. Thank You Lord, for new grace and mercy. Thank You Lord, for the Blood. The Blood that washes away my sins. The blood that protects, heals, and sanctifies. Thank You Lord, for loving a sinner like me. May the prayers of my brothers and sisters be heard by You alone. May You touch the hearts and minds of all we have come before the throne of grace today. May we always give thanks to You first. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Pushing Past the Pain
Painful as it may be, a significant emotional event can be the catalyst for choosing a direction that serves us-and those around us - more effectively. Look for the learning. ~ Louisa May Alcott
Scripture:
Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14 (New International Version)
This is the time of year when it’s not unusual to hear someone complaining about their aches ands pains. This is because in January, people often make resolutions that include losing weight by exercising. The challenge that most people with face is the aches, pains and strains associated with using certain muscle groups that haven’t been used in a very long time. The longer they have been sedentary, the harder it will become to stick with a regular exercise routine.
Now if they are smart and have the resources to do this, some will hire a personal trainer to help them reach their targeted goals. A personal trainer actually serves two purposes. The first one is to show us the correct way to do certain exercises and the second is to keep us motivated and help us push past the pain. You see, most of us are quick to quit when things become too painful.
This analogy also hold true in our everyday life as well. When relationships become too painful, we quit. When a job or task becomes too hard, we give up or quit. When our marriages begin to falter, so often it’s easier to just quit and walk away then to stay and fight. Even when we are faced with accomplishing our goals; just because other have told us “kid, you don’t have what it takes” or “I’m sorry, your book just wasn’t good enough.” Whenever we see that big old scary word DENIED, we are ready to pack up our bags and run to the safety of our own little corners rather then face the pain of rejection.
Today’s word simply states that Paul knew that he hadn’t reached his goal and that the journey sometimes will become painful. However he knew that at the end of his journey, there was a prize there waiting for him. He counted it all joy the pain he had already suffered and therefore he would continue to press on or push past the pain because he already knew, the victory was his!
You too have a personal trainer and his name is Jesus Christ. He can keep you motivated and can help you push past the pain.
Be blessed
PRAYER:
Father, when I look around me and see the beauty of Your creation, I realize that I have truly been blessed. I see the glow of the morning sun rising in the distance, I feel the coolness of the morning breeze, and I listen to the wind, whistling near my ear, and I just want to say thank You. Father, recent events have made me stop and look around at where I am and see from where I have come, but most of all, they allow me to see where I am going. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Lord, I come thanking You for the friends and fellowship that have been formed because of You. I thank You Lord for bringing so many wonderful Christians into my life whose love and support keep me going. They let me know that I am not on this spiritual journey alone and that You are with me always. Father, thank You for my angels who help me to fly when I forget I have wings. Thank You Lord, for all the prayer warriors that You have brought together in the name of Jesus. Glory to God, Hallelujah, Amen.
Scripture:
Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14 (New International Version)
This is the time of year when it’s not unusual to hear someone complaining about their aches ands pains. This is because in January, people often make resolutions that include losing weight by exercising. The challenge that most people with face is the aches, pains and strains associated with using certain muscle groups that haven’t been used in a very long time. The longer they have been sedentary, the harder it will become to stick with a regular exercise routine.
Now if they are smart and have the resources to do this, some will hire a personal trainer to help them reach their targeted goals. A personal trainer actually serves two purposes. The first one is to show us the correct way to do certain exercises and the second is to keep us motivated and help us push past the pain. You see, most of us are quick to quit when things become too painful.
This analogy also hold true in our everyday life as well. When relationships become too painful, we quit. When a job or task becomes too hard, we give up or quit. When our marriages begin to falter, so often it’s easier to just quit and walk away then to stay and fight. Even when we are faced with accomplishing our goals; just because other have told us “kid, you don’t have what it takes” or “I’m sorry, your book just wasn’t good enough.” Whenever we see that big old scary word DENIED, we are ready to pack up our bags and run to the safety of our own little corners rather then face the pain of rejection.
Today’s word simply states that Paul knew that he hadn’t reached his goal and that the journey sometimes will become painful. However he knew that at the end of his journey, there was a prize there waiting for him. He counted it all joy the pain he had already suffered and therefore he would continue to press on or push past the pain because he already knew, the victory was his!
You too have a personal trainer and his name is Jesus Christ. He can keep you motivated and can help you push past the pain.
Be blessed
PRAYER:
Father, when I look around me and see the beauty of Your creation, I realize that I have truly been blessed. I see the glow of the morning sun rising in the distance, I feel the coolness of the morning breeze, and I listen to the wind, whistling near my ear, and I just want to say thank You. Father, recent events have made me stop and look around at where I am and see from where I have come, but most of all, they allow me to see where I am going. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Lord, I come thanking You for the friends and fellowship that have been formed because of You. I thank You Lord for bringing so many wonderful Christians into my life whose love and support keep me going. They let me know that I am not on this spiritual journey alone and that You are with me always. Father, thank You for my angels who help me to fly when I forget I have wings. Thank You Lord, for all the prayer warriors that You have brought together in the name of Jesus. Glory to God, Hallelujah, Amen.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Take A Stand!
Remember, Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are stiffened. ~ -Billy Graham
Scripture:
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6 (New International Version)
So often in our quest to be accepted by the world, we begin to accept what the world accepts. Stop it! Take A Stand! We will go against everything we know to be true, to satisfy this intense search for acceptance by man and by the world. Don’t do it! Take a Stand!
Over the course of time, because we put our own needs and desires before what God wants for us, we are creating a problem that continues to perpetuate itself in each and every new relationship that we form. We are creating and establishing new generational curses for our descendants. We are crippling our children just to satisfy our own personal selfishness. We lose just a little bit more of our salvation with each new generation; because we have become so far removed from what God intended for our lives to be about.
Too often those things that others in this world accept as their reality destroy our choices and our belief system. Sex and not love is exploited everywhere. Things that we should find insulting and demeaning to us as women, are just overlooked for the sake of free speech.
Things that should only be shared between a husband and his wife are shared with the whole world watching including our children. In our quest to become more informed and more technologically advanced, we leave out a very important ingredient. Morality.
Even our children who are raised in the church must begin their battles earlier and earlier in life as they are faced with issues that an adult, let alone a child should have to face. How do you explain to your little one who looks up to those in authority not to trust anyone, including those in the church, in their own family, in their schools, and even the police, for fear of what might happen.
How do we explain to our daughters and sons that sex does not equal love and it’s not about self gratification but more importantly that they learn to give love through their actions and concern for others. How do we tell them that being a parent means more than creating a child and then being unable to give that child the emotional support that it needs. That it is not about the clothes on their backs, but the content of ones character that defines who they really are.
How do we explain to our children that life is just a fleeting moment but eternity is forever?
If we won’t take a Stand, who will?
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father, I come once again asking that you would forgive me of my sins. I have done things that I know were not acceptable to you, unaware that others were watching and learning from me. Forgive me Lord, for leading others astray. Father, teach me to walk in your word, to be a living testimony to you and not to the sins of this world. Father, may the things that I do and say be acceptable in your sight. May others see you light shining in me. Teach me Lord to hide your word in my heart. Father, we come asking that you would continue to bless your saints. Breath on us Lord, cleansing us, renewing your power and your strength within us and healing us. Bless your name Lord. We thank you Lord as we ask and submit our prayers in the Blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ, Amen.
Scripture:
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6 (New International Version)
So often in our quest to be accepted by the world, we begin to accept what the world accepts. Stop it! Take A Stand! We will go against everything we know to be true, to satisfy this intense search for acceptance by man and by the world. Don’t do it! Take a Stand!
Over the course of time, because we put our own needs and desires before what God wants for us, we are creating a problem that continues to perpetuate itself in each and every new relationship that we form. We are creating and establishing new generational curses for our descendants. We are crippling our children just to satisfy our own personal selfishness. We lose just a little bit more of our salvation with each new generation; because we have become so far removed from what God intended for our lives to be about.
Too often those things that others in this world accept as their reality destroy our choices and our belief system. Sex and not love is exploited everywhere. Things that we should find insulting and demeaning to us as women, are just overlooked for the sake of free speech.
Things that should only be shared between a husband and his wife are shared with the whole world watching including our children. In our quest to become more informed and more technologically advanced, we leave out a very important ingredient. Morality.
Even our children who are raised in the church must begin their battles earlier and earlier in life as they are faced with issues that an adult, let alone a child should have to face. How do you explain to your little one who looks up to those in authority not to trust anyone, including those in the church, in their own family, in their schools, and even the police, for fear of what might happen.
How do we explain to our daughters and sons that sex does not equal love and it’s not about self gratification but more importantly that they learn to give love through their actions and concern for others. How do we tell them that being a parent means more than creating a child and then being unable to give that child the emotional support that it needs. That it is not about the clothes on their backs, but the content of ones character that defines who they really are.
How do we explain to our children that life is just a fleeting moment but eternity is forever?
If we won’t take a Stand, who will?
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father, I come once again asking that you would forgive me of my sins. I have done things that I know were not acceptable to you, unaware that others were watching and learning from me. Forgive me Lord, for leading others astray. Father, teach me to walk in your word, to be a living testimony to you and not to the sins of this world. Father, may the things that I do and say be acceptable in your sight. May others see you light shining in me. Teach me Lord to hide your word in my heart. Father, we come asking that you would continue to bless your saints. Breath on us Lord, cleansing us, renewing your power and your strength within us and healing us. Bless your name Lord. We thank you Lord as we ask and submit our prayers in the Blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ, Amen.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
What Would Martin Think?
What would Martin Luther King, Jr. think about the black community if he were alive today?
What would he think about how we have become apathetic about the “right to vote that he fought so hard and diligently for? Would he shed a tear for each night that he spent in jail so that we could sit at home on Election Day, unconcerned about the politics of the day?
Would he hang his head in shame to know that the beatings that he took and the lives that were lost were all in vain because we do not care enough about the world around us to go out and cast our ballots for what we believe in?
Would his eyes cloud over in anger to know that the things he gave his life for, the betterment of his race, the advancement of the Black Community and equal justice, have all been for naught?
What would Dr. King think about our youth today? The youth that was born of a proud people who respected life, family and most of all God? Would he become overcome with rage to know that mothers, grandmothers, and sisters are only seen as sex objects in songs and videos?
Would he be vexed at the notions that safe sex and not abstinence, is taught in school. That sex outside of marriage is okay as long as you use protection and birth control?
Would he become appalled at the sight of our young men wearing clothes that were born out of a prison culture and young women wearing clothes so revealing that they leave nothing to the imagination?
Would he cringe at the realization that it is no longer the Klu Klux Klan who is killing off our black men but instead our black men who are killing off each other?
What would his thoughts be about the black mother who once protected their young like a lioness protects her cubs who has now has become indifferent about her children to the point that she would allow them to suffer physical, emotional and sexual abuse at the hands of her man just to keep him?
What would he see as he walked through a once thriving black neighborhood that was filled with prosperous black owned businesses? Boarded up, burnt out, and vacated buildings that were once at the very center of our black economy?
Would he look into the faces of our young men and women and see the next great leader who would guide the black community into our next victory? Would he be proud of the men and women whom we have chosen to be our political voices at the city, state and national levels to lead our causes and address our concerns?
What do you imagine he would say after visiting one of our neighborhood churches and seeing the lack of support that the church is giving back to the community? Would he be impressed with today’s mega-churches that have thousands in their congregation yet fails to help that same congregation with some of life’s most necessities like food, clothing, or housing?
Would the man who staged not one but two marches on Washington be impressed with the pastor who drives a Cadillac or maybe even a Rolls Royce while his congregation is forced to stand in the cold in the wee morning hours catching a bus to work each day?
How would Dr. King react to the notion that even though we are now in the twenty-first century not only are we discriminated against outside of our race but even within it? That the color of your skin, the grade of your hair, the job that you have are all factors that we judge one another by?
How would Martin feel as he looked into the eyes of the black father today? Would he see his own reflection? A man who believed in putting God and his family first or would he see a Godless man who shuns his responsibilities, leaving his children wondering when they will see their father again as their mother struggles alone to provide for them?
If he visited one of our schools, would he notice that the pledge of allegiance, our national anthem, and prayer are no longer allowed to be spoken aloud? Would he be horrified to see the next generation of our children fail because we have failed to provide them with an education?
Dr. King once said, “If you will protest courageously, and yet with dignity and Christian love, when the history books are written in future generations, the historians will have to pause and say, "There lived a great people - a black people - who injected new meaning and dignity into the veins of civilization."
Would Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. still think of us as a great people or would he turn his back so that no one could see the tears that he is now sheds as he stands on the mountaintop looking at today’s black man and woman?
I wonder, What would Martin think?
What would he think about how we have become apathetic about the “right to vote that he fought so hard and diligently for? Would he shed a tear for each night that he spent in jail so that we could sit at home on Election Day, unconcerned about the politics of the day?
Would he hang his head in shame to know that the beatings that he took and the lives that were lost were all in vain because we do not care enough about the world around us to go out and cast our ballots for what we believe in?
Would his eyes cloud over in anger to know that the things he gave his life for, the betterment of his race, the advancement of the Black Community and equal justice, have all been for naught?
What would Dr. King think about our youth today? The youth that was born of a proud people who respected life, family and most of all God? Would he become overcome with rage to know that mothers, grandmothers, and sisters are only seen as sex objects in songs and videos?
Would he be vexed at the notions that safe sex and not abstinence, is taught in school. That sex outside of marriage is okay as long as you use protection and birth control?
Would he become appalled at the sight of our young men wearing clothes that were born out of a prison culture and young women wearing clothes so revealing that they leave nothing to the imagination?
Would he cringe at the realization that it is no longer the Klu Klux Klan who is killing off our black men but instead our black men who are killing off each other?
What would his thoughts be about the black mother who once protected their young like a lioness protects her cubs who has now has become indifferent about her children to the point that she would allow them to suffer physical, emotional and sexual abuse at the hands of her man just to keep him?
What would he see as he walked through a once thriving black neighborhood that was filled with prosperous black owned businesses? Boarded up, burnt out, and vacated buildings that were once at the very center of our black economy?
Would he look into the faces of our young men and women and see the next great leader who would guide the black community into our next victory? Would he be proud of the men and women whom we have chosen to be our political voices at the city, state and national levels to lead our causes and address our concerns?
What do you imagine he would say after visiting one of our neighborhood churches and seeing the lack of support that the church is giving back to the community? Would he be impressed with today’s mega-churches that have thousands in their congregation yet fails to help that same congregation with some of life’s most necessities like food, clothing, or housing?
Would the man who staged not one but two marches on Washington be impressed with the pastor who drives a Cadillac or maybe even a Rolls Royce while his congregation is forced to stand in the cold in the wee morning hours catching a bus to work each day?
How would Dr. King react to the notion that even though we are now in the twenty-first century not only are we discriminated against outside of our race but even within it? That the color of your skin, the grade of your hair, the job that you have are all factors that we judge one another by?
How would Martin feel as he looked into the eyes of the black father today? Would he see his own reflection? A man who believed in putting God and his family first or would he see a Godless man who shuns his responsibilities, leaving his children wondering when they will see their father again as their mother struggles alone to provide for them?
If he visited one of our schools, would he notice that the pledge of allegiance, our national anthem, and prayer are no longer allowed to be spoken aloud? Would he be horrified to see the next generation of our children fail because we have failed to provide them with an education?
Dr. King once said, “If you will protest courageously, and yet with dignity and Christian love, when the history books are written in future generations, the historians will have to pause and say, "There lived a great people - a black people - who injected new meaning and dignity into the veins of civilization."
Would Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. still think of us as a great people or would he turn his back so that no one could see the tears that he is now sheds as he stands on the mountaintop looking at today’s black man and woman?
I wonder, What would Martin think?
Monday, January 09, 2012
Everybody Wants to be A Star
Everybody wants to be a star but nobody wants to do the work to polish it.
Scripture:
All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. Proverbs 14:23 (New International Version)
Recently I had a conversation with a friend regarding our writing journeys. We talked about how some people start on the journey with great zeal and talent, but after awhile if they have not received the recognition they believe they deserve, they will give up and quit. I find this to be true about quite a few things in life. We start our journeys with a desire to do well and achieve great things but over the course of time if we do not see the wanted outcome, we give up and quit. Having the desire to do something great is one thing, but actually having the tenacity to see it through is another.
If you look closely at successful people, you will see that contrary to popular belief, their successes did not come overnight. Recently, I watched the story of Jennifer Hudson and her climb to fame. She recognized at an early age that she had both the talent and the desire to become a great singer. She even made it to the pinnacle of reality television stardom on “American Idol.” However, after she was eliminated and the American Idol tour was over, she returned to a life of almost obscurity when she did not immediately obtain her dream. I’m sure it was enough to make her want to quit; but she didn’t. Instead, she dug her heals in and got right back out there trying to make her dreams a reality. And finally, she did.
I find this same reality to be true of so many wanna-be Christians as well. They accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and want to believe that suddenly they will become a superstar on their Christian walk. But then life continues to happen. The stress and strife that they thought would miraculous cease to exist remains and in most cases actually intensifies. Their faith is tested almost on a daily basis. And instead of staying on the battlefield to fight the good fight of faith, they throw down their spiritual weapons and return to the life they were most comfortable with.
What each of us must always keep in mind is that anything worth achieving will take hard work and perseverance, including a right relationship with God. Things will come against us that will try to turn us away from our chosen course. The key is remembering that there is no true success without trials and tribulations along the way and rather than give up and give in, we must stay the course so at the end of the journey we can hear these words:
“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.”
Be Blessed
Prayer:
I will Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto mine own understanding. In all our ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. Lord, we come before the throne of grace once again asking that You would forgive us in our unbelief. We come asking that You, who are rock and our salvation, would help us to starve our fears and doubts and feed our faith. Lord, I personally ask for forgiveness and direction for myself. I know that sometimes, we take You for granted and in doing so, leave ourselves open to attack. Lord, we stand before You again, putting on the whole armor of God. The belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, wielding our shield of faith and the sword of the spirit, and placing upon our heads, the helmet of salvation. Lord, let us always be diligent against attacks from he who seeks to destroy us. Continue to bless our brothers and sisters in Christ. Continue to anoint our leaders. Help us always to be able to call upon the name of the Lord in our times of distress. Thank You Lord, for Your faithfulness. Thank You Lord, for Your covering. Thank You Lord that You pick us up, when we have been knocked down. We will praise the name of the Lord at all times, and His praises shall continuously be in our mouths. Praise His name saints of God. Glory hallelujah, thank You Jesus, in whose name we pray, Amen.
Scripture:
All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty. Proverbs 14:23 (New International Version)
Recently I had a conversation with a friend regarding our writing journeys. We talked about how some people start on the journey with great zeal and talent, but after awhile if they have not received the recognition they believe they deserve, they will give up and quit. I find this to be true about quite a few things in life. We start our journeys with a desire to do well and achieve great things but over the course of time if we do not see the wanted outcome, we give up and quit. Having the desire to do something great is one thing, but actually having the tenacity to see it through is another.
If you look closely at successful people, you will see that contrary to popular belief, their successes did not come overnight. Recently, I watched the story of Jennifer Hudson and her climb to fame. She recognized at an early age that she had both the talent and the desire to become a great singer. She even made it to the pinnacle of reality television stardom on “American Idol.” However, after she was eliminated and the American Idol tour was over, she returned to a life of almost obscurity when she did not immediately obtain her dream. I’m sure it was enough to make her want to quit; but she didn’t. Instead, she dug her heals in and got right back out there trying to make her dreams a reality. And finally, she did.
I find this same reality to be true of so many wanna-be Christians as well. They accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and want to believe that suddenly they will become a superstar on their Christian walk. But then life continues to happen. The stress and strife that they thought would miraculous cease to exist remains and in most cases actually intensifies. Their faith is tested almost on a daily basis. And instead of staying on the battlefield to fight the good fight of faith, they throw down their spiritual weapons and return to the life they were most comfortable with.
What each of us must always keep in mind is that anything worth achieving will take hard work and perseverance, including a right relationship with God. Things will come against us that will try to turn us away from our chosen course. The key is remembering that there is no true success without trials and tribulations along the way and rather than give up and give in, we must stay the course so at the end of the journey we can hear these words:
“Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.”
Be Blessed
Prayer:
I will Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto mine own understanding. In all our ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. Lord, we come before the throne of grace once again asking that You would forgive us in our unbelief. We come asking that You, who are rock and our salvation, would help us to starve our fears and doubts and feed our faith. Lord, I personally ask for forgiveness and direction for myself. I know that sometimes, we take You for granted and in doing so, leave ourselves open to attack. Lord, we stand before You again, putting on the whole armor of God. The belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, wielding our shield of faith and the sword of the spirit, and placing upon our heads, the helmet of salvation. Lord, let us always be diligent against attacks from he who seeks to destroy us. Continue to bless our brothers and sisters in Christ. Continue to anoint our leaders. Help us always to be able to call upon the name of the Lord in our times of distress. Thank You Lord, for Your faithfulness. Thank You Lord, for Your covering. Thank You Lord that You pick us up, when we have been knocked down. We will praise the name of the Lord at all times, and His praises shall continuously be in our mouths. Praise His name saints of God. Glory hallelujah, thank You Jesus, in whose name we pray, Amen.
Wednesday, January 04, 2012
The Power of Positive Thinking
Remember, your mind is a garden. Your thoughts are the seeds. Your harvest will be either flower or weeds. ~ Mel Weldon
Scripture:
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. Philippians 4:6-7 (New International Version)
Saint of God, how often to you practice the power of positive thinking? By that I mean, do your practice thinking good and positive thoughts about the things that are going on in your life? Do you try to see the good in your situation or do you only the dark and dismal things that are lurking there?
All of our feelings, beliefs and knowledge are based on our internal thoughts, both conscious and subconscious. We are in control, whether we know it or not. We can be can be positive or negative, enthusiastic or dull, active or passive.
Now, I am not saying that we have to be happy about everything in our lives because there are things that happen that cause us great concern and it would be foolish to deal with these things or situations with the wrong attitude. What I am saying is that even in the midst of our trials and tribulations, we must learn to bring our thoughts into line with the word of God.
When we become anxious about our situations, or give in to our anger; hate or anxieties, we are giving that negative thing our energy and our power. When we find ourselves in situations that seem beyond our control, we must learn to give our power to the only one who is in control. God.
When we give ourselves over to Him, He will guide and direct our paths.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father let us not forget that even though we may be in the midst of a storm, You are right there with us. Let us not forget, that it is always darkest before the dawn. Let us always remember that You have said that You would never leave us nor forsake us. Father, help us to guard our minds this and every day.. When we grow weak and tired, allow a small wind, Your breath of life, to gently caress our faces, letting us know that You are right there with us. When we grow weary and almost faint, let the bread of life and the living waters, Your word, revitalize us. Father, even in our storms, we must always remember to stop and give You thanks. Even when life is assailing us, we must stop and praise Your name. Even when it seems like we don't have the strength to go a step further, we must muster the strength to uplift and exalt Your most holy name. My Lord, help us always to be mindful and protect our thoughts from the one who seeks to destroy us. Help us to remember to always guard our hearts and minds from those things that are not of You. Father, continue to be with those who are in the hospital, who are ill, who are grieving, who are faced with the challenges of the world. Father God I say a special prayer for my friends who are mothers. Strengthen them and give them what they need to protect their greatest gifts, their children. Lord, we realize that satan is out to destroy our families. We come standing in the gap and standing on Your word. We claim our children in the name of Jesus. We plead the blood of the Lamb over our babies and we refuse to give up on them. We ask and pray these things in the name of Your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Scripture:
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. Philippians 4:6-7 (New International Version)
Saint of God, how often to you practice the power of positive thinking? By that I mean, do your practice thinking good and positive thoughts about the things that are going on in your life? Do you try to see the good in your situation or do you only the dark and dismal things that are lurking there?
All of our feelings, beliefs and knowledge are based on our internal thoughts, both conscious and subconscious. We are in control, whether we know it or not. We can be can be positive or negative, enthusiastic or dull, active or passive.
Now, I am not saying that we have to be happy about everything in our lives because there are things that happen that cause us great concern and it would be foolish to deal with these things or situations with the wrong attitude. What I am saying is that even in the midst of our trials and tribulations, we must learn to bring our thoughts into line with the word of God.
When we become anxious about our situations, or give in to our anger; hate or anxieties, we are giving that negative thing our energy and our power. When we find ourselves in situations that seem beyond our control, we must learn to give our power to the only one who is in control. God.
When we give ourselves over to Him, He will guide and direct our paths.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father let us not forget that even though we may be in the midst of a storm, You are right there with us. Let us not forget, that it is always darkest before the dawn. Let us always remember that You have said that You would never leave us nor forsake us. Father, help us to guard our minds this and every day.. When we grow weak and tired, allow a small wind, Your breath of life, to gently caress our faces, letting us know that You are right there with us. When we grow weary and almost faint, let the bread of life and the living waters, Your word, revitalize us. Father, even in our storms, we must always remember to stop and give You thanks. Even when life is assailing us, we must stop and praise Your name. Even when it seems like we don't have the strength to go a step further, we must muster the strength to uplift and exalt Your most holy name. My Lord, help us always to be mindful and protect our thoughts from the one who seeks to destroy us. Help us to remember to always guard our hearts and minds from those things that are not of You. Father, continue to be with those who are in the hospital, who are ill, who are grieving, who are faced with the challenges of the world. Father God I say a special prayer for my friends who are mothers. Strengthen them and give them what they need to protect their greatest gifts, their children. Lord, we realize that satan is out to destroy our families. We come standing in the gap and standing on Your word. We claim our children in the name of Jesus. We plead the blood of the Lamb over our babies and we refuse to give up on them. We ask and pray these things in the name of Your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Monday, January 02, 2012
It's Still in God's Hands!
Live by faith, one day at a time.
Scripture:
The LORD also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, A stronghold in times of trouble; And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, For You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You. Psalm 9:9-10 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
I know that everyone is used to saying and hearing those inspiring words that usher in a new year, “Happy New Year!” But for me they bring new meaning to thanking God for allowing me to see a NEW YEAR! What some of you may or may not know is that recently I had surgery to repair two cerebral aneurysms. Needless to say on the day of the episode that I found myself being rushed to the hospital by my oldest son, I had no idea what was in store for me.
I had known for a number of years that the aneurysms existed but I always believed that if I didn’t bother them, they wouldn’t bother me and left it at that because I have always believed, it’s in God’s hands. As a matter of fact my own mother had died at the age of forty-three after her second aneurysm was not detected in time and ruptured. She survived after her first one was caught and repaired.
I share this information with you not for sympathy but rather to let you know that I never doubted that I would survive the surgery, but I will honestly say, I feared not having full and total use of all of my faculties following a procedure where the doctors would ultimately be placing little coils of metal in my head. You see, my mind ultimately defines who I am. Not in a literal sense but in such a way that allows me to recall all that I have learned about being a child of God.
You know little things like, I am more than a conqueror, I am the head and not the tail, all things, not some things, but all things are possible with God. Hidden in my heart for recall by my mind were the words that empowered me and instructed me as a child of God that enables me to know that yes, bad things will happen in life, but it is still by His stripes we are healed AND made whole.
So even though my life and my mind where in the hands of doctors, the doctors themselves were still directed by the hands of God! So to you I say:
Happy New Year!
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, I come before the throne of grace as a chastised child. Lord, I ask for forgiveness of my rebellious nature. Father, I come seeking the wisdom that can only be found in Your word. Teach me Lord, to become more Christ-like. Help me Lord to grow in grace and in favor. Teach me thy ways, as I seek the gift of life eternal in Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You Lord, for all things yesterday, today and forever more. Thank You heavenly Father for those whom you have placed in my life who have the wisdom and the love to see past my faults, just as You do. Praise be To God. Thank You Jesus. It is in Your name we pray. Amen.
Scripture:
The LORD also will be a stronghold for the oppressed, A stronghold in times of trouble; And those who know Your name will put their trust in You, For You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You. Psalm 9:9-10 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
I know that everyone is used to saying and hearing those inspiring words that usher in a new year, “Happy New Year!” But for me they bring new meaning to thanking God for allowing me to see a NEW YEAR! What some of you may or may not know is that recently I had surgery to repair two cerebral aneurysms. Needless to say on the day of the episode that I found myself being rushed to the hospital by my oldest son, I had no idea what was in store for me.
I had known for a number of years that the aneurysms existed but I always believed that if I didn’t bother them, they wouldn’t bother me and left it at that because I have always believed, it’s in God’s hands. As a matter of fact my own mother had died at the age of forty-three after her second aneurysm was not detected in time and ruptured. She survived after her first one was caught and repaired.
I share this information with you not for sympathy but rather to let you know that I never doubted that I would survive the surgery, but I will honestly say, I feared not having full and total use of all of my faculties following a procedure where the doctors would ultimately be placing little coils of metal in my head. You see, my mind ultimately defines who I am. Not in a literal sense but in such a way that allows me to recall all that I have learned about being a child of God.
You know little things like, I am more than a conqueror, I am the head and not the tail, all things, not some things, but all things are possible with God. Hidden in my heart for recall by my mind were the words that empowered me and instructed me as a child of God that enables me to know that yes, bad things will happen in life, but it is still by His stripes we are healed AND made whole.
So even though my life and my mind where in the hands of doctors, the doctors themselves were still directed by the hands of God! So to you I say:
Happy New Year!
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, I come before the throne of grace as a chastised child. Lord, I ask for forgiveness of my rebellious nature. Father, I come seeking the wisdom that can only be found in Your word. Teach me Lord, to become more Christ-like. Help me Lord to grow in grace and in favor. Teach me thy ways, as I seek the gift of life eternal in Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You Lord, for all things yesterday, today and forever more. Thank You heavenly Father for those whom you have placed in my life who have the wisdom and the love to see past my faults, just as You do. Praise be To God. Thank You Jesus. It is in Your name we pray. Amen.
Sunday, January 01, 2012
Let it Go!
Some people think it's holding on that makes one strong; sometimes it's letting go. ~ Sylvia Robinson
Scripture:
Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. Revelation 3:19-21
A few years ago I received a message from a very good friend of mine that was written by Bishop T.D. Jakes. I have read the message titled "Let it Go", several times. In this very inspiring message, Bishop Jakes talks about letting go of people who are not good for you, past pains and hurts that you may still carry, and a multitude of excess baggage that may be holding you back.
We as believers often times will prevent ourselves from receiving our blessings, our salvation, our deliverance, because we cannot "Let it Go.” We do not go before the mercy seat and ask God to forgive us for our past mistakes; we allow the world to tell us how we feel, how we should think, and what to believe. We allow the sins of our past to continue to be our sins of today.
God has given us the keys to the kingdom. He has given us a plan, a blueprint, a way out of the valley of the shadow of death. He is standing at your door right now. He is letting you know that he is only a prayer away. All you have to do is open up the door and let him in.
Won't you let him in today and let out those things that are preventing your from gaining entrance into his kingdom?
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, we come kneeling before the mercy seat, asking that You would forgive us of our sins and transgressions. Father, we know that there is nothing that we could ever do on our own to deserve Your goodness and Your mercy, but we come asking anyhow. Help us to look at our lives through Your eyes. Give us the courage and the strength to let go of those people and those things that may be holding us back from You. Help us to realize that everything that we desire isn't always what You desire for us. Father, we hear You knocking at the doors of our hearts this day. We ask You to magnify Your presence and Your power within us. Help us Lord, to be submissive to Your will and Your word, not only today, but each and everyday. Continue to touch those who have come asking for intercessory prayer. Touch the lives and the families of everyone reading this message today. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Scripture:
Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. Revelation 3:19-21
A few years ago I received a message from a very good friend of mine that was written by Bishop T.D. Jakes. I have read the message titled "Let it Go", several times. In this very inspiring message, Bishop Jakes talks about letting go of people who are not good for you, past pains and hurts that you may still carry, and a multitude of excess baggage that may be holding you back.
We as believers often times will prevent ourselves from receiving our blessings, our salvation, our deliverance, because we cannot "Let it Go.” We do not go before the mercy seat and ask God to forgive us for our past mistakes; we allow the world to tell us how we feel, how we should think, and what to believe. We allow the sins of our past to continue to be our sins of today.
God has given us the keys to the kingdom. He has given us a plan, a blueprint, a way out of the valley of the shadow of death. He is standing at your door right now. He is letting you know that he is only a prayer away. All you have to do is open up the door and let him in.
Won't you let him in today and let out those things that are preventing your from gaining entrance into his kingdom?
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, we come kneeling before the mercy seat, asking that You would forgive us of our sins and transgressions. Father, we know that there is nothing that we could ever do on our own to deserve Your goodness and Your mercy, but we come asking anyhow. Help us to look at our lives through Your eyes. Give us the courage and the strength to let go of those people and those things that may be holding us back from You. Help us to realize that everything that we desire isn't always what You desire for us. Father, we hear You knocking at the doors of our hearts this day. We ask You to magnify Your presence and Your power within us. Help us Lord, to be submissive to Your will and Your word, not only today, but each and everyday. Continue to touch those who have come asking for intercessory prayer. Touch the lives and the families of everyone reading this message today. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
