Sunday, February 28, 2016
Is God Trying to tell You Something?
When God speaks, do you listen?
Scripture:
And God spoke to Israel in a vision at night and said, “Jacob! Jacob!” “Here I am,” he replied. “I am God, the God of your father,” he said. “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. Genesis 46:1-3 New International Version (NIV)
One of my favorite movies is the Color Purple. One of the many reasons that I enjoyed both the book and the movie versions so much is that Alice Walker created some very interesting characters who reflected strong, but flawed attributes. Although I really enjoyed most of the character portrayals, my favorite was Suge Avery.
Now one of the reasons she was a favorite is that she is a representative of many women, black, white and purple. No matter what your skin tone, you had to admire Suge. She seemed to have it all; talent, good times and a carefree attitude. Many would say she was a bad woman. I mean really, she was a juke joint singer and a hoochie coochie dancer and you might ask, why would anyone admire her?
The reasons are many but no matter if you loved or hated her, you had to admire her strong personality that allowed her to do what she thought was best for her and follow her heart. In a sense, she told the world “this is who I am and I going to do me.” Now if you think about the era in which this story takes place, this is unheard of from a woman. However, there was one person whose opinion of her she greatly desired, her father’s.
Suge’s father was a Pastor of a church; a church in the community that Suge had grown up in. When Suge decided to turn to the secular world to share her gifts, her father turned his back on her. Ultimately, this was the price she had to pay to do “her.”
In the movie there is one very pivotal scene that betrays who she really is. It is a beautiful Sunday afternoon and she says “I feel like sangin.” The next scene shows her at the juke joint surrounded by throngs of folks ready to hear her sing. She starts singing one of her favorite songs. But then, something happens.
In the distance, she hears an angelic voice singing what appears to be a song that Suge knows very well. “God is trying to tell you something.” Caught up in the moment, you can see the transformation in her taking place as both the power of the song and the Holy Spirit begin to take over. In the end, she makes her way back to the church and regains both her faith and her father’s love.
Saints, how many of you can’t sleep at night and you wonder why? Maybe God is trying to tell you something.
Be blessed and be a blessing
Prayer:
Father God, sometimes the road ahead seems dark and lonely. I often don’t know what lies ahead and because of the unknown, I become fearful. Forgive me Lord, for not trusting in Your word. Your word that tells me, “I can do all things through Christ Jesus.” Your word that tells me, “I am more than a conqueror.” Your word that speaks to me late in the midnight hour when there is darkness all around. Help me Father to be still and listen for Your voice alone. Father, forgive me for not standing on Your word and Your promise. Your promise that has been manifested in the lives of believers for centuries. Lord, forgive me for my weaknesses and my fear. Strengthen me and magnify Your power and Your presence in my life and in the lives of all of my brothers and sisters in Christ. May the power and the light of the Holy Spirit be magnified in our hearts this day. May those who I see today, see You working in my life. Thank You Father for never giving up on me and turning Your back on me. Lord, help me to be aware of the things that I do and say today, because we never know who is watching. We come together once again joining in fellowship and prayer, asking that You would continue to bless all the families represented here, on our prayer list and in our homes. Thank You Lord, thank You Jesus, in His name we pray. Amen.
Scripture:
And God spoke to Israel in a vision at night and said, “Jacob! Jacob!” “Here I am,” he replied. “I am God, the God of your father,” he said. “Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. Genesis 46:1-3 New International Version (NIV)
One of my favorite movies is the Color Purple. One of the many reasons that I enjoyed both the book and the movie versions so much is that Alice Walker created some very interesting characters who reflected strong, but flawed attributes. Although I really enjoyed most of the character portrayals, my favorite was Suge Avery.
Now one of the reasons she was a favorite is that she is a representative of many women, black, white and purple. No matter what your skin tone, you had to admire Suge. She seemed to have it all; talent, good times and a carefree attitude. Many would say she was a bad woman. I mean really, she was a juke joint singer and a hoochie coochie dancer and you might ask, why would anyone admire her?
The reasons are many but no matter if you loved or hated her, you had to admire her strong personality that allowed her to do what she thought was best for her and follow her heart. In a sense, she told the world “this is who I am and I going to do me.” Now if you think about the era in which this story takes place, this is unheard of from a woman. However, there was one person whose opinion of her she greatly desired, her father’s.
Suge’s father was a Pastor of a church; a church in the community that Suge had grown up in. When Suge decided to turn to the secular world to share her gifts, her father turned his back on her. Ultimately, this was the price she had to pay to do “her.”
In the movie there is one very pivotal scene that betrays who she really is. It is a beautiful Sunday afternoon and she says “I feel like sangin.” The next scene shows her at the juke joint surrounded by throngs of folks ready to hear her sing. She starts singing one of her favorite songs. But then, something happens.
In the distance, she hears an angelic voice singing what appears to be a song that Suge knows very well. “God is trying to tell you something.” Caught up in the moment, you can see the transformation in her taking place as both the power of the song and the Holy Spirit begin to take over. In the end, she makes her way back to the church and regains both her faith and her father’s love.
Saints, how many of you can’t sleep at night and you wonder why? Maybe God is trying to tell you something.
Be blessed and be a blessing
Prayer:
Father God, sometimes the road ahead seems dark and lonely. I often don’t know what lies ahead and because of the unknown, I become fearful. Forgive me Lord, for not trusting in Your word. Your word that tells me, “I can do all things through Christ Jesus.” Your word that tells me, “I am more than a conqueror.” Your word that speaks to me late in the midnight hour when there is darkness all around. Help me Father to be still and listen for Your voice alone. Father, forgive me for not standing on Your word and Your promise. Your promise that has been manifested in the lives of believers for centuries. Lord, forgive me for my weaknesses and my fear. Strengthen me and magnify Your power and Your presence in my life and in the lives of all of my brothers and sisters in Christ. May the power and the light of the Holy Spirit be magnified in our hearts this day. May those who I see today, see You working in my life. Thank You Father for never giving up on me and turning Your back on me. Lord, help me to be aware of the things that I do and say today, because we never know who is watching. We come together once again joining in fellowship and prayer, asking that You would continue to bless all the families represented here, on our prayer list and in our homes. Thank You Lord, thank You Jesus, in His name we pray. Amen.
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Hold on and Don't Let Go!
Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal. ~ Pamela Vault Starr
Scripture:
"He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. 2 Samuel 22:17-18 New International Version (NIV)
I used to wonder why some people settle for mediocrity. As I look around me at people in this world, I often wonder what causes a person to lose sight their hopes and dreams? I often ponder the hows and whys of why someone give up the spark within themselves that pushes them on to do great things.
Personally, I reflect back on the life of my maternal grandmother, Madea. Growing up, my grandmother was the epitome of the strong black woman. She was the center of my family’s world. She worked hard and loved even harder. She fought for the things she believed in, especially her family. Then one day, she just stopped fighting.
Now I don’t know what happened to cause this change. Maybe it was having to bury two daughters, one being my mother; and her own mother. All within a few years of each other. Maybe it was losing “Auntie, the woman who had taken my grandmother and great-grandmother in when they had no place else to go. Maybe it was the realization that her grandchildren, whom she cherished had grown up and moved on.
Whatever the reason(s), it was evident that my grandmother had just given up on life, put away her dreams and decided to die. Yes, it took three long years for it to happen, but happen it did.
I often wondered how this strong and powerful woman could just give up on her life so easily. Then I grew up and saw first hand how the things that happen to us can throw us for a loop and just make you tired. Tired of fighting, tired of loving, tired of living.
Too often I see people who have lost hope and don’t have anything to hold on to, lose their grip on life and just let go. Too often the things of this world will beat you down, leaving you bruised and confused, unable to stand the blows of the evil one.
For those of you who may be going through something, I come to tell you; hold on and don’t let go. To those of you who are feeling beat down by life, I come to tell you; there is shelter from the rain. For those of you who feel like all hope is gone; I come to let you know that there is still hope for a dying world. There is comfort for your weary soul. It can be found in the loving arms of Jesus and in the never changing word of God.
So Hold On, Be Strong, and Don’t Let Go!
Be blessed and be a blessing
Prayer:
Lord, we come to You seeking strength, guidance and a little more patience. Father, forgive us when we feel weak in our faith. Forgive us when we seem to give up and give out. Lord, we know that You are not a God of confusion. You have told us that You would never leave us nor forsake us. Thank You Lord for that word. Father, hide us under Your wings of salvation. Cover us in the blood. Keep us nearer God to thee. Lord, we ask that You would continue to bless our brothers and sisters. Those who are saved and those who have yet to get to know You for themselves. Lord, we pray for financial breakthroughs today. So many need so much, have mercy Lord. Breath on us Lord, cover us Lord, Have mercy on us Lord. We love You Father God and we are thankful for what we do have. We praise, uplift and bless Your holy name. As we submit our prayers and petitions in the precious name of your son Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Scripture:
"He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. 2 Samuel 22:17-18 New International Version (NIV)
I used to wonder why some people settle for mediocrity. As I look around me at people in this world, I often wonder what causes a person to lose sight their hopes and dreams? I often ponder the hows and whys of why someone give up the spark within themselves that pushes them on to do great things.
Personally, I reflect back on the life of my maternal grandmother, Madea. Growing up, my grandmother was the epitome of the strong black woman. She was the center of my family’s world. She worked hard and loved even harder. She fought for the things she believed in, especially her family. Then one day, she just stopped fighting.
Now I don’t know what happened to cause this change. Maybe it was having to bury two daughters, one being my mother; and her own mother. All within a few years of each other. Maybe it was losing “Auntie, the woman who had taken my grandmother and great-grandmother in when they had no place else to go. Maybe it was the realization that her grandchildren, whom she cherished had grown up and moved on.
Whatever the reason(s), it was evident that my grandmother had just given up on life, put away her dreams and decided to die. Yes, it took three long years for it to happen, but happen it did.
I often wondered how this strong and powerful woman could just give up on her life so easily. Then I grew up and saw first hand how the things that happen to us can throw us for a loop and just make you tired. Tired of fighting, tired of loving, tired of living.
Too often I see people who have lost hope and don’t have anything to hold on to, lose their grip on life and just let go. Too often the things of this world will beat you down, leaving you bruised and confused, unable to stand the blows of the evil one.
For those of you who may be going through something, I come to tell you; hold on and don’t let go. To those of you who are feeling beat down by life, I come to tell you; there is shelter from the rain. For those of you who feel like all hope is gone; I come to let you know that there is still hope for a dying world. There is comfort for your weary soul. It can be found in the loving arms of Jesus and in the never changing word of God.
So Hold On, Be Strong, and Don’t Let Go!
Be blessed and be a blessing
Prayer:
Lord, we come to You seeking strength, guidance and a little more patience. Father, forgive us when we feel weak in our faith. Forgive us when we seem to give up and give out. Lord, we know that You are not a God of confusion. You have told us that You would never leave us nor forsake us. Thank You Lord for that word. Father, hide us under Your wings of salvation. Cover us in the blood. Keep us nearer God to thee. Lord, we ask that You would continue to bless our brothers and sisters. Those who are saved and those who have yet to get to know You for themselves. Lord, we pray for financial breakthroughs today. So many need so much, have mercy Lord. Breath on us Lord, cover us Lord, Have mercy on us Lord. We love You Father God and we are thankful for what we do have. We praise, uplift and bless Your holy name. As we submit our prayers and petitions in the precious name of your son Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Sunday, February 14, 2016
Embrace Your Uniqueness
Embrace your uniqueness. Time is much too short to be living someone else's life. ~ Kobi Yamada
Scripture:
but my dove, my perfect one, is unique, the only daughter of her mother, the favorite of the one who bore her. The maidens saw her and called her blessed; the queens and concubines praised her. Song of Solomon 6:9 (New International Version)
As I think back to my childhood, I realize that many people thought me to be a bit strange. I was the type of child who would rather spend time with books than with people. Part of my reasoning was that books were my friends. Not so with all people.
My books didn’t judge me but rather offered a safe place of solace from what could be a cold and cruel world. I could find refuge in the pages of my books or travel to far away places that the other children had never heard of. My books could make me laugh, cry, and reveal a world far beyond my own little neighborhood.
Even now as I find myself in the throws of middle age, some people still think me to be a little strange. My family included. You see, I have moved beyond just reading books to writing them as well. I can often be found sitting in from of my computer into the wee hours of the morning, filling page after page with stories that make me laugh, make me cry, and see the world beyond my little own neighborhood.
And to make matters even worse, most of what I write is about God. Even my oldest son has asked why would I study religion as apposed to getting a degree in something more marketable like business or computer technology. He thinks I am wasting my time on a degree that won’t pay me as much as the others mentioned.
My answer to my son and to others is this; All of my life I have tried to please everyone else. My parents, my friends and even my associates. I had to reach the ripe old age of forty-something before I realized that the only ones I had to please, were God and myself.
So my friends, I embrace my uniqueness. It’s what make me happy. I urge you all to discover your uniqueness and embrace it as I have.
Be blessed and be a blessing
Prayer:
Father God, I come before the throne of grace celebrating my uniqueness. Thank You Father for giving me the wisdom to recognize the gifts that You have bestowed upon me. Thank You Lord, for allowing me to celebrate You in the things that I do. Lord, I pray that someone will read this message and see this prayer and realize that there is great rejoicing and celebrating in uplifting the name of Jesus. We are not placed here on this earth to please others, our mission is to please and serve only You. Thank You Father God for that honor. Glory Hallelujah. In the name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I submit this prayer, Amen.
Scripture:
but my dove, my perfect one, is unique, the only daughter of her mother, the favorite of the one who bore her. The maidens saw her and called her blessed; the queens and concubines praised her. Song of Solomon 6:9 (New International Version)
As I think back to my childhood, I realize that many people thought me to be a bit strange. I was the type of child who would rather spend time with books than with people. Part of my reasoning was that books were my friends. Not so with all people.
My books didn’t judge me but rather offered a safe place of solace from what could be a cold and cruel world. I could find refuge in the pages of my books or travel to far away places that the other children had never heard of. My books could make me laugh, cry, and reveal a world far beyond my own little neighborhood.
Even now as I find myself in the throws of middle age, some people still think me to be a little strange. My family included. You see, I have moved beyond just reading books to writing them as well. I can often be found sitting in from of my computer into the wee hours of the morning, filling page after page with stories that make me laugh, make me cry, and see the world beyond my little own neighborhood.
And to make matters even worse, most of what I write is about God. Even my oldest son has asked why would I study religion as apposed to getting a degree in something more marketable like business or computer technology. He thinks I am wasting my time on a degree that won’t pay me as much as the others mentioned.
My answer to my son and to others is this; All of my life I have tried to please everyone else. My parents, my friends and even my associates. I had to reach the ripe old age of forty-something before I realized that the only ones I had to please, were God and myself.
So my friends, I embrace my uniqueness. It’s what make me happy. I urge you all to discover your uniqueness and embrace it as I have.
Be blessed and be a blessing
Prayer:
Father God, I come before the throne of grace celebrating my uniqueness. Thank You Father for giving me the wisdom to recognize the gifts that You have bestowed upon me. Thank You Lord, for allowing me to celebrate You in the things that I do. Lord, I pray that someone will read this message and see this prayer and realize that there is great rejoicing and celebrating in uplifting the name of Jesus. We are not placed here on this earth to please others, our mission is to please and serve only You. Thank You Father God for that honor. Glory Hallelujah. In the name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I submit this prayer, Amen.
Sunday, February 07, 2016
The Gift of Wisdom
Wisdom is like a beautiful stained glass window. The more light shines through it The more brilliant the wisdom ~ John Christopher
Scripture:
For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness,"[made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6 (New International Version)
Lately, I have been fascinated with the word Wisdom. Wisdom is a derivative of the word wise. Wise means; Having the ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting; sagacious: a wise leader. As I have grown older, I realize that there have been so many things that have happened in my life that were the result of being foolish or; unwise.
Unlike many of you, I haven’t always been saved and because of that I have made some pretty dumb decisions in my life. I won’t go into detail but what I will say that because of being uninformed about the word of God, I thought I could live my life any way I wanted to. In the process of “Living My Life” I have said and done things that where harmful to me and to those I loved.
Recently, I shared with a friend how as a teenager, I rebelled against my mother in my attempts to “Be Grown.” I did and said things that I knew she wouldn’t have approved of. In the process, I changed the dynamics of our relationship.
Now I must say, that it took me some time to realize the errors of my ways, but the reality of my actions were that I hurt my mother in the process and caused her unnecessary pain and heartache. It took me years to realize what I had done and it broke my heart when I realized the consequences of my actions.
My mother, who died many years ago forgave me long before her death, but the shame of what I had done will be with me for the rest of my life. It will be a cross that I will bear until my own dying day. Now I know that I have asked for and received forgiveness for my actions, but it doesn’t change the facts of what I had done.
Saints of God, how many of you have said or done things that you knew were wrong in the name of being your own woman/man? How many of you made foolish choices because of your ignorance? How many of you wish that you could somehow change your past so that your present and your future could be better? It’s not too late.
The gift of wisdom is at hand. It called the Word of God. The Bible. Won’t you accept your gift today?
Be blessed and be a blessing
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 my mother who had 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:
For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness,"[made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6 (New International Version)
Lately, I have been fascinated with the word Wisdom. Wisdom is a derivative of the word wise. Wise means; Having the ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting; sagacious: a wise leader. As I have grown older, I realize that there have been so many things that have happened in my life that were the result of being foolish or; unwise.
Unlike many of you, I haven’t always been saved and because of that I have made some pretty dumb decisions in my life. I won’t go into detail but what I will say that because of being uninformed about the word of God, I thought I could live my life any way I wanted to. In the process of “Living My Life” I have said and done things that where harmful to me and to those I loved.
Recently, I shared with a friend how as a teenager, I rebelled against my mother in my attempts to “Be Grown.” I did and said things that I knew she wouldn’t have approved of. In the process, I changed the dynamics of our relationship.
Now I must say, that it took me some time to realize the errors of my ways, but the reality of my actions were that I hurt my mother in the process and caused her unnecessary pain and heartache. It took me years to realize what I had done and it broke my heart when I realized the consequences of my actions.
My mother, who died many years ago forgave me long before her death, but the shame of what I had done will be with me for the rest of my life. It will be a cross that I will bear until my own dying day. Now I know that I have asked for and received forgiveness for my actions, but it doesn’t change the facts of what I had done.
Saints of God, how many of you have said or done things that you knew were wrong in the name of being your own woman/man? How many of you made foolish choices because of your ignorance? How many of you wish that you could somehow change your past so that your present and your future could be better? It’s not too late.
The gift of wisdom is at hand. It called the Word of God. The Bible. Won’t you accept your gift today?
Be blessed and be a blessing
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 my mother who had 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.
