Seize the day!

The Lord be with you this morning in a most powerful way.  He has gone out before you to prepare the day for you.  The table is set.  Your enemies have been dealt with.  You are not alone.   May He cover you with blessings,  mercy, Grace and joy as you go out ready for battle.  Victory Is yours! Seize the day and take the spoils! In Jesus name.

The Lord Bless and keep you

May the Lord bless you and keep you.
The blessings of God are far and beyond anything we could hope or imagine.  Have you ever wondered how something happened in your life?  Did you get that house or car in spite of your credit?  Did your enemies suddenly stop pestering you? Yes, it is a miracle. The Lord is blessing and keeping you.
The Lord does keep us in the palm of his righteous right hand.  Jesus said that no one could take us from Him.  The world may threaten us, but they will not succeed.  Saul chased David with weapons and men, but he had no success in catching or killing David.

May the Lord bless you and keep you! Amen.

Transfiguration

Matthew 17:1-8
The transfiguration.  On a mountain Jesus is changed and begins to shine as the glory of God.  With him stand Moses and Elijah who had gone on to glory much before him.  Some of the disciples see them and are amazed. Moses, Elijah and Jesus.  The law, the prophets and grace standing together. The Old and the New Testament.  The number of perfection -3. God's promise. All prophecy. All His work for us there on the mountain. We are saved through faith.  He sent hope to us in each generation.
Romans 15:13. "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him so that you may OVERFLOW WITH HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit".

So you think you have troubles? Meet Mephibosheth

War was raging between two Titans of the day.  The carpet was being rolled up on the former king's reign and a new day was dawning.  Man, oh man, does change always have to be so difficult?  Families were in danger, even children were being slaughtered.  During the battle of Mount Gilboa King Saul, and his reign came to an end.  Even his son, and best friend of the new king, David, was slain.  All the men fought valiantly and each side wanted to win, but the dye had been cast.  Farther away, a nanny heard how the battle was going and she grabbed up little 5 year old Mephibosheth and she ran as fast and as far as she could with her little charge.  In her haste and fear she dropped the little boy and didn't immediately notice that he had been badly injured.  In fact, due to lack of immediate medical care, he became crippled from that day.  Mephibosheth was the grandson of a king, the son of a prince and an heir himself.  In one day he went from a life of luxury, pampering, and having more than enough, to a life of fear, pain and suffering.  he had lost every member of his family, his home and his title.  this poor baby would never be held by his father, smiled at by his grandfather, kissed by his mother, bathed by the nurses, or fed the choice foods that he liked.  He lived this way for a long time. Then one day, David, who was now king, asked a servant of Saul if there was anyone at all left from Jonathan's family.  The servant remembered Mephibosheth, Jonathan's son, and King David sent his men to find him.  Now the poor Mephibosheth had gotten word that the king's men were looking for him.  What could he do? He couldn't run.  All the other members of his family had been killed.  Was it his turn now?  King David brought him to his castle, had him fed, bathed, dressed in fine clothes, and then he restored to Mephibosheth all the land of his father and grandfather.  He ordered to servants to work the land for his best friend's crippled son, and to care for him.  Mephibosheth ate every day at King David's table.

     There are times of trial in all of our lives.  We may feel completely deserted by God, but He has a plan for our lives.  Jeremiah 29:11 says, " I know the plans I have for you,  plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  No matter what your situation looks like, God hasn't forsaken you.  His plan for you is to give you hope, prosperity, joy, peace and salvation.  Maybe you don't see it now, but it's coming.  Have faith in God.

1.  Jonathan's good will, faithfulness and kindness came down to his grandson.  Remember that your actions, too, can have an impact on future generations.

2.   Perhaps Mephibosheth was dropped as a part of God's plan.  As a cripple, he posed no threat and perhaps it was that action that spared his life for the future.  Don't get angry when you are hurt.  Ask God what you are to do and then have faith.

3.    God didn't forget Mephibosheth.  He had a very rough start in life, but he did live, and he was blessed. He was given "hope and a future".  David once said, "I have been young and now I am old, and I've never seen the righteous forsaken and their children begging for bread."  Hang on.  God has not forgotten you.  No matter what you're going through, God has not forgotten you.  There is a plan and in it, you are victorious..

A Letter to My Brother

                                                    A Letter To My Brother

I’m having a difficult time writing this letter because my thoughts come so quickly and my emotions run so high when I think about our dad.  This morning I felt as though the Holy Spirit was pushing me to write it, so here goes.  I love our dad.  When I think of him I get wonderful, loving, happy, warm feelings.  He was my hero and he was my confidant.  He was funny and fun.  He had the biggest bear hugs that a person could give or receive.  We could talk for long periods of time.  Dad always did things for me.  Sometimes he did too much and sometimes he was over protective, at least to my way of thinking.  I know that he didn’t want to see me struggle or be disappointed, but that just happens in life.  You just can’t protect your children from life. It’s going to happen- to them, for them, and all around them. It’s a part of growing up.  I think dad knew that, but it didn’t stop him from doing his best to protect us and to be continually present in our lives. 

  Even though he’s gone now, I still love and appreciate our dad for so many reasons. 

     I know that he saved your life at age 8 when you fell in the lake.  He immediately dove into the lake to get you without thinking about his keys, wallet, or anyone else.  I remember his big dreamy smile the night you were born.  I watched him sacrifice for you.  He created special projects around the house and with the car so that the two of you could spend quality time together and so that you would be able to build things and make repairs yourself.  He loved you so much.  I remember the look on his face when you were little and you told him that you wanted to be just like him.  He took one last drag on that cigarette and he never smoked again.  I remember the look of pride on his face when you graduated from law school and joined the navy JAG.  His smile couldn’t be matched by a thousand suns.  You always brought him such joy and immense pride. 

     Let me tell you why I‘m writing this letter and making it public.  As you begin your new journey with the Lord, I want you to remember something.  When the disciples asked our Lord to teach them how to pray, the first two words he taught them were “Our Father”.  It occurs to me that when we pray, we get a picture of a father.  That picture depends largely on the person we knew, or didn’t know, as “daddy, dad, pop, or father”.  When children pray, “Our Father”, who do they see?  What image comes to their minds?  How do they relate to the word father? That is the only image they have to transfer onto God the Father.  How will they see our loving, faithful God?

     For us, we easily came to Christ because our perception of a father was one who was loving, kind, forgiving, a great teacher, protective, …well you know him.  But I ask myself each time I hear those words, “Who are the people envisioning when they say those words?”  Is it an absent father, or an abusive one?  Is it an unfaithful man, or one who never kept his word?  What picture do they have to transfer onto God, Our Father?

     As you embark on your  ‘Faith for Single Fathers” Ministry, I want you to know that I stand behind you.  I think that all our family, all of my friends and FB family members stand behind you.  Men fall, but it’s ok.  It’s our job as a community and as a society to help them stand back up.  I admire and respect what you are doing.  We are all praying for you.  I’ve often seen you beat yourself up when you felt that you’d made a mistake while raising your children alone.  STOP THAT.  You are amazing.  What an awesome example of fatherhood you are!  As you move forward with your single fathers breakfasts, bible studies, and your book on “What Happens When Fathers Fast”, know that we are all with you.  We are praying for you.  We are hoping for you.  Remember that when you begin to feel unworthy, that we are all unworthy, but GOD CHOSE YOU to do this work.  One day, when saying “Our Father”, many children will have a perception, a memory and a picture of a man who is a loving father whom God created, taught and ordained to be a daddy to His children.  One day, when our children begin with “Our Father”, all our children will know that God is Love. 

Be Blessed and encouraged in your –HIS work.

 Your sister, Lauren.

Jonah, rebellion, mercy and forgiveness

    Everyone seem to think that Jonah and the whale is a story about Jonah, and a whale. Maybe it is, but if we can get past the really huge sea creature, there could be something more. 
Jonah was a prophet who was called to warn the people of Nineveh that their sins and crimes were an abomination to the Lord and that in 40 days they would be destroyed. Jonah, as we all know, didn't want to do that. He hated Nineveh because they were the enemies of Israel. It has been said that the people of Nineveh (Assyrians) conquered and scattered the 10 tribes of Israel, among whom were members of Jonah's family. Why then would God send Jonah who was in such anguish about what they had done? Why not send someone else?
God is a forgiving God. He asks us to forgive also. Obeying God meant for Jonah, that he would be teaching God's forgiveness to wicked behavior to a people he wished would just die. It meant that he would have to witness and share God's love and forgiveness for people, and that he would have to see the people of Nineveh, whom he hated, spared, forgiven, restored. This story not only teaches us about the love and forgiveness of God, but that He wants us to love unconditionally and forgive unconditionally just as He does. It's extremely difficult to do that, but it's extremely important to God that we learn to do it and that we are willing to do it. That's how we become "One nation under God." Jonah needed to learn to forgive because God called him to do it. God didn't force him to do it, but He did encourage him to do it.
1. Jonah tried to run from God in pure rebellion
2. Jonah tried to hide his secret from the fishermen
3. Jonah willingly sacrificed himself so that the fishermen
would survive.
4. Jonah stayed between life and death for 3 days and nights
5. Jonah decided to ask God's forgiveness and obey God
6. Now Jonah had to show mercy and a way out of
destruction for his enemies.
7. Jonah saw the mercy of God several times during that
journey both toward him, and also toward his enemies.
8. God taught Jonah about mercy, forgiveness and restoration
9. Jonah is a story about rebellion, anger, unforgiveness and
hatred which changed to sacrifice, obedience, mercy and
forgiveness.
PRAY FOR YOUR ENEMIES. PRAY FOR THOSE WHO DESPITEFULLY USE YOU. FORGIVE. Get out of God's way, because His vengeance is more than you can imagine and HIs forgiveness is divine.
BELOVED, LET US LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

power and control

The Lord our God is all powerful, everywhere present, and all knowing, yet He doesn't control us. He doesn't treat us like puppets with Him as the puppeteer. He doesn't even try to exert his control over us. He doesn't force us to do one thing or another. He gave us dominion over the earth and He stepped back.

He does talk to us all the time. He warns us of trouble. He guides us into all righteousness. He protects us and leads us beside still waters. He doesn't FORCE us to stay anywhere, or to do any particular thing. He just makes certain that we know right from wrong.

*****If an all powerful God doesn't exert control over us, why then, do we try to control other people? The one who COULD control us, doesn't. The ones who CAN'T control others, try to do it all the time. Let's follow God's example and let's stop trying to control people in our orbit. We can love them, lead them, teach them, comfort them, but let's not manipulate, create fear, use control, or create alternative truth. If you see these control tactics, call them out. Don't be silent.

Beloved, Let us love one another.

Why does God let bad things happen?

Queen Esther discovered a plot by Haman to kill her people. 
- God waited until of his own free will, the Pharoah LET HIS PEOPLE GO.   The Pharoah changed his mind about freeing Moses people and became determined to recapture the Hebrew slaves. 
-David discovered King Saul was plotting to kill him.  Where was God?
- Satan asked to sift Peter like wheat, but Jesus didn't say, "NO" Jesus told Peter he prayed that his faith would nor fail.   Hey Lord, why not just SAY NO!?
God doesn't stop bad things from happening.  He DOES warn us and tell us what to do about it.
     He told Esther how to get permission to act first and save her people.   He told David to wake up and move. He told Moss to part the Red Sea and then close it up.  He told Peter to stay in faith. **God honors all His laws and promises.  Even the one about free will.  If the enemies of the people of God are determined to hurt God's people and refuse to listen to Him, he warns His people and tells them what to do. People aren't puppets and God isn't a puppeteer. He is our Father.
How valuable is free will to Him?  He sent His son to die for us.  It's about free will of EVERYONE, but  We still have the victory. Listen to God.  Follow his instructions.  PAY ATTENTION.  He WILL save your life, -maybe just not the way you thought. 
#His ways are higher than our ways.

When Peace Like A River (hymn with words and music) - Horatio G. Spafford

I've just seen jesus by sandi and larnelle

https://youtu.be/_yLgtd_kkxw

"Break Every Chain" Tasha Cobbs, First Baptist Church of Glenarden

Your help comes from the Lord

Psalm 121:1-2
I will lift up my eyes to the hills from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, who is the maker of heaven and earth.  He will not allow my foot to make a false step. He will never fall asleep because he lovingly watches over me.  He is the shade on my right hand.  The sun will not hurt me by day, nor the moon by night, he will restore my soul and guard me against all calamity.  He carefully watches over me both now and forevermore. "

Speak positive words of faith

Is there a difference between what you want and what you have faith to believe for?  Absolutely!  You can say, "I want a raise", but what you say is,"I'll never get a raise.  "Those people don't recognize my good work." Or What you say is,"I want a new car, but I'll never pass the credit check."  You think,"I want recognition at my job. Your words are, "I hate my job! I'll never get to share my ideas!"
   The bible tells us,"As a man thinketh, so is he."  Mark 11:24 says if we say to the mountain, get out of my way" and you BELIEVE WHAT YOU SAY,  you shall have what you say."
It's one thing to want something,  but if you speak negatively and with doubt and defeat, you won't move into your blessings.  You will have stopped yourself and stood in the way of your own blessing with the negative confession of your mouth. 
     If your child says," I'll never get a puppy, I can't take care of a puppy. It's too much for me.  Anyway, I hate puppies", would you get him or her a puppy? 
     Speak faith and positive words into your life.  God is listening and he wants to bless you.

Strong and courageous

Joshua 1:9
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid,  do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. "
     You are not alone. There is a reason for everything that is happening.  Trust in the Lord with all your heart and" lean not to your own understanding of things.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path."  You are not where you are by chance. God isn't asleep.  He didn't forget.  Sometimes a little discomfort encourages or ensures growth.   The chick doesn't get out if it's shell, nor the butterfly out of it's cacoon without a fight.  It is the fight that is a key factor to life, to survival.  Learn to fight God's way.  Then you'll always win.  "Be strong and courageous. .."

Stay strong!

Stay strong! The promises of the Lord are real and true. He never fails. Every time a negative thought comes to defeat you, plead the blood of Jesus and demand that it go.  Repeat a scripture verse, ANY scripture verse.  "The word of God is quick and alive, it is sharper than a 2 edged sword and is able to separate the bone and marrow and the soul and spirit."  HIS WORD IS POWERFUL! 

Temptations and faith

Satan will always focus on tempting and trying you. Don't give up and don't give in.  The reward for faithfulness is more than you can hope for.
  Your greatest weaknesses will always be your biggest test.  Imagine that you're a gladiator in the arena of life.  The heavenly spectators are watching intently.  They're sitting on the edge of their seats.  The demons are finalizing their bets.  They're not betting on you. 
Play the game.
Focus on the Father.
Pray without ceasing. Always give thanks. 
Rejoice in the Lord at all times.
Win.

You and goliath

David faced Goliath with the name of the Lord of hosts.  He said to his mighty foe, "You come to me with javelin, spear and sword, I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts ."  Remember, the battle is not yours, it's the Lord's.   David defeated the giant in his life because his slingshot was faith and his pebble was the confession of his mouth.  No matter who, or what your giant is, no matter what weapons they use against you, you go in the name of the Lord.  Hold up your shield of faith, lift up your sword- the Word and the Lord.  " Keep on your helmet of Salvation.  "No weapon formed against you shall prosper because the battle is not yours it's the Lord's. Even if the giant company, bureaucracy, political power, illness, boss, etc. come At you, then Like David, come at then in the NAME OF THE LORD. HE is the true giant.

Fighting our battles on our knees

The victory is already yours!  Your promised land is in front of you. Believe that God can do all things and you will see His glorious works. There might be Giants in the land, but we fight our battles on our knees and the Lord hands us His promises!🙌🏾 👏🏽 🙏🏾 ☝🏽 🏆 🏅 🎤 🎼 💃🏾

#Live Like Shirley

February 11, 2018 at 7p.m. My aunt went home to glory. She wasn't alone. We were there when she took her last breath. Throughout that Sunday there was a stream of visitors. Some had tears, some gave her hugs, some told funny stories, but all said thank you to Shirley Estelle Caldwell Blanton. In her lifetime she had been an emergency nurse, a neurology instructor in the nursing department and a public health nurse. She did a lot of volunteer work, and she belonged to the Delta sorority. She loved the color orange and she loved life. The thing that struck me the most, though, was that as she reluctantly moved into an independent living facility, she became determined to live, love and laugh while she was there. She had no idea of the difference she would make while she was living at Francis Asbury Manor.

As we sat with her, we learned that Aunt Shirley knew the names of all the nurses and of all the employees from the cafeteria staff to the activities director. She knew their children's names and their interests. her neighbors were happy to see her come into the dining room, or to join any activity with them. As we sat with her during her last day, we welcomed each member of the staff into her room when they came by, and we beckoned to each neighbor who had come to see how she was doing, to come in. Each person mentioned how much joy she brought into the facility and how special she was to each one of them. Some of them told short stories of the fun they had together, or the laughs they had during dinner or a walk down the hall. We began to realize that it wasn't a time of sorrow, but a time of joy. Even though we would miss her, we, too had memories of her cheerful greetings, her smile, her giggle and her zest for life. I'm telling this story because it struck me that we don't have to start big businesses, or join every protest or march to make a difference in the lives of others. We don't have to be a million dollar book author, or a famous singer to make a difference. We don't have to be a hero like the firemen, doctors, policemen and military men and women in order to make a difference. All we have to do is be ourselves, love our neighbors as ourselves, consider other people as more important than ourselves, offer kind words, smiles, comfort, and laughter when they are most needed. Those are the things that last. Those are the things that will live on in the hearts of others. Those gestures of kindness are free, but are priceless in value to those who need them and even to those who don't know that they need a hug, a smile, some encouragement, or a great conversation. I'm proud that Shirley Estelle Caldwell Blanton is my aunt, and I'd like to encourage us all to Live like we love our neighbors, to Laugh instead of griping, to Love whenever and where ever we can. #Let's Live Like Shirley.