Awareness – day 7

 

As I mentioned in the previous post I am currently reading another devotional series.

This is a 7 day devotional entitled

Seeking Wisdom‘ If you want to read the full devotional click on the hyperlink. If not just wait daily and for the next  few days for the completion of the 7 day devotional. I will post their devotional with my own reflection piece.

These Past 6 days these devotionals touched on: Awareness, Assistance, Advice, Assumptions, Acceptance & Application. Today’s subject will be on Awareness.

Associated scripture with today’s devotional:

 

“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”

Jeremiah 33:3 ESV

 

Jeremiah is one of my favorite prophets. He prayed often. He is also known as the prophet who cried often. There is a song which I sing at church which speaks of that.

The song is in Spanish it goes like this

“Como Jeremías, oraba y lloraba

así quiero yo, orar y llorar.//

//Dios le contestaba la petición que hacia,

asi quiero yo que conteste la mía.//“

In English it roughly translates to:

Just like Jeremiah, prayed and cried

That is how I want to pray and cry.

God answered the petitions he made,

That is how I want god to answer mine.

His prayers were always answered. He lived knowing that God would answer his petitions. He had faith. He believed. He trusted. When he prayed he didn’t say I hope. He was determined he said God I know you can….

We should all pray like Jeremiah. With so much faith, trust, passion, fervor and belief in the one true and living God.

This passion, this trust, this much faith and belief leads me to today’s last devotional from the series.

Day 7 Mala Ministries:

Affirmation

Be reminded today that God knows, understands and even cherishes your diligent pursuit of wisdom.  As you seek, He is waiting to be found, and wishes to reveal to you “great and unsearchable things you do not know.”  Our desperate search for answers can sometimes blind us to the ultimate answer – the source of all things. As we read earlier this week, King Solomon was wise to acknowledge the source of His blessings. If we believe whole-heartedly in the source, there is then no room for fear or doubt, for we know that “from Him and through Him and for Him are all things” (Romans 11:36).

With the pursuit of a goal comes obstacles, challenges, mistakes to be made and lessons to be learned. This journey is no different. We have learned over the last six days that the process of seeking wisdom entails being aware, asking for assistance, receiving advice, being cautious with assumptions, practicing acceptance, and perfecting application – all these actions must be performed deliberately and diligently, with focus and intention. That being the case, another “to-do” may not seem appealing; but you will be happy to know that when it comes to affirmation, the only action required is that we receive it with open hearts.

So to you, friend, God is speaking, loud and clear. He tells you that you can stand affirmed, assured and secure in the knowledge that though the answers to some questions remain uncertain, His supply of wisdom, strength and guidance is certain. It is vast and abundant, and knows no bounds. That promise, as stated in Jeremiah 33:3, is a clear picture of His limitless resource of wisdom, which is yours to claim.

My closing prayer.

Father God most high, only you are worthy of so much praise. You know created the heavens and the earth. You who created man and the animals. You who are the one true living God. Guide me in supplying wisdom, strength and guidance to those in need deer lord. Guide me to the be more like Jeremiah in my prayers dear lord. I will call to you with all my might so that just like you answered Jeremiah you can answer me. I will always keep my eyes, my ears, my mind and my heart open for you dear lord, willing and ready to receive your blessings and word. In the name of the father, the son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Advertisements

Acceptance – day 5

 

 

As I mentioned in the previous post I am currently reading another devotional series.

This is a 7 day devotional entitled: Seeking Wisdom‘ If you want to read the full devotional click on the hyperlink. If not just wait daily  for the next  few days for the completion of the 7 day devotional. I will post their devotional with my own reflection piece.

Associated scripture with today’s devotional:

 

“In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him.”

Ecclesiastes 7:14 ESV

 

One of my biggest problems is learning to accept when I can no longer do anything or seek answers to a specific question troubling me. Some battles are worth fighting, others you just need to learn to accept that it is what it is. The hardest thing to do sometimes is accept ones given circumstance.

This brings me to today’s devotional from this 7 day plan.

Day 5 Mala Ministries:

Acceptance

King Solomon came to be known as the wisest king who ever lived. Even with such a title and an abundance of wealth, he continually acknowledged the God of Israel as the source of all his blessings. But his acknowledgement of God didn’t stop there; in Ecclesiastes 7:14, we see that he also acknowledged the sovereignty of God when it came to the occurrence of unfavorable circumstances. Rain or shine, He acknowledged that God’s permission was extended to allow one as well as the other; so “no one [could] discover anything about their future.”

This concept of pure, humble acceptance was also evident in the life and character of Job. He was abundantly wealthy, and in the blink of an eye, it was all taken away from him. His response? “The Lord gives and the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord.”

In this life, we may ride the waves of joy for one season, only to be hit with storms of despair and grief in the next. And while some situations call for drastic action, some others only call for godly acceptance. In the book of Proverbs, Solomon states that to be wise in one’s own eyes is foolishness. Socrates said, “The only true wisdom is in knowing that you know nothing.”

To accept our lack of understanding and knowledge is to also accept the sovereign will and plan of God, which in most cases, is a mystery. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:9).

Ask God today to help you reach this level of wisdom, which exemplifies godly acceptance. In the midst of struggle, may these lines by Reinhold Niebuhr be your prayer:  “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference.”

My conclusion:

Holy father, god of mercy god of love, I lift my hands in praise to you. Thank you for the challenges I face, thank you for the love, thank you for the lessons. Thank you for teaching me when to accept certain circumstances and when to challenge them. Lord thank you for the guidance. Thank you. Amen.

 

 

Advice – day 3

 

As I mentioned in the previous post I am currently reading another devotional series.

This is a 7 day devotional entitled:  Seeking Wisdom‘ If you want to read the full devotional click on the hyperlink. If not just wait daily for the next  few days for the completion of the 7 day devotional. I will post their devotional with my own reflection piece.

Associated scripture with today’s devotional:

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.”

Proverbs 12:15 ESV

 

Socrates once said “To know, is to know that you know nothing. That is the meaning of true knowledge.”

Chinese Proverb Lao Tzu said “The wise man is one who, knows, what he does not know”

A Chinese proverb said “

“The wise man knows he knows nothing, the fool thinks he knows all.”

Plato once said “Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something.”

In other words we all think we know it all, but we don’t. It takes a wise man to realize that we do not know it all. We become fools when we speak just to speak. When one speak of certain subjects not knowing what one is talking about that is when we become the fool. Yet a wise man asks for Advice, and listens to the advice.

We have all been in situations where we needed advice, yet did not seek it. Not because we didn’t know where to turn, sometimes it’s pride, sometimes it’s you don’t want people in your affairs, sometimes the reasoning is pretty foolish.

It is important to ask for advice from time to time. With that said, This brings me to the devotional I read.

 

 

Day 3 Mala Ministries:

Advice

In a “hooray for me” and “heck with you” culture, we are always looking for self-fulfillment. Life seems to be filled with the pressure of academic requirements in our youth, societal acceptance when we are young adults, parental approval in life and career choices and peer recognition in our careers. The grade always seems to be a few notches higher than where we are. This keeps us in the endless pursuit of seeking and searching.

Let one of those dimensions of search today be for advice and counsel. Maybe it’s the old man at the corner bakery who serves you your morning tea. It could be a colleague who is three levels below you in the corporate hierarchy. It may be closer to home and in your inner-circle. The wisest thing you can do for yourself is to look around at the wisdom you may have ignored, because culture told you that it was in a far-off place, and tradition forced you to look at someone older.

Pray that God will allow you to be open to the counsel of the godly who are already in place. He equips the team before He selects them to play. Make a decision today to stop hearing the world and to start listening to the Word.

An older gentleman once asked Dr. Ravi Zacharias, considered one of the foremost voices of reason in the world, what he was doing. He responded with remarks regarding activity ahead and achievements behind. The older gentleman calmly replied, “No, you are making memories, so make them good ones.” That is advice that we should all be receiving and taking to heart.

Each day is a new day to seek and search, learn and leap. However, we need to pause every so often and ask ourselves what memories we are creating today so that tomorrow, we can look at yesterday and be grateful for the lessons hidden in those memories.  Time is indeed a canvas and the advice of others becomes the paint that can draw a clearer picture of what can be.

 

My closing:

Father God I love and thank you more than words could ever express. Today I glorify your name most high. I thank you for all that you do for me. Thank you for those you place in my path whom are willing and able to give advice. I find strength and comfort that these individuals whom you have provided knowledge and are of a blessing when I seek them for guidance and advice. Father may you bless them as well as provide us all with knowledge so we can be able to provide assistance and advice to one another since our knowledge comes from our experiences which we experience.

Amen.

 

Awareness – day 1

Currently I am reading another devotional series.

This is a 7 day devotional entitled: Seeking Wisdom‘.  If you want to read the full devotional click on the link. If not just wait daily for the next 7 days I will post their devotional with my own reflection pieces and prayers. I try my best to always include a prayer at the end of each post. I do so because prayer is just so important in ones walk. It is our direct line of connection to God.

Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you. Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you. Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure.”

Proverbs 4:24-26 ESV

 

This scripture is associated with the devotional. Before we get in to the message from the devotional, let’s look at the scripture. What do you take from this verse? What do you see. We need to be mindful of what we say, what come out of our mouths and how we say certain things is what I get from the first part of this verse. Then in the second part where the proverb tells us to look forward and look straight, is a reminder to me that no matter what we have been through in our lives we need to keep moving forward. The last part of this verse to me speaks volumes of how we walk in our walk. Think about what your doing, where you are going, why you are going that way, all the while looking straight ahead and moving forward. It’s the only way to surely know where one is going.

Did I loose you? Have you ever said or done something you regretted? We all have. This verse is gentle reminder that we need to be mindful in what we say and do, and how to keep focused, aware and know our surroundings and where we plan on going. My mistakes of my past, well that’s where they are in my past. As I walk my walk I need to be diligent in my actions, my speech, my everything not because of who is watching but because of My desire and passion to join God when my time comes. My words, my actions and my heart need to my in sync with the same goal. Living a just and holy as possible life so I can be with my creator. I need to focus On my destination, while looking forward to arriving to my destination, all the while reminding my self of where i came from, what i have done, what i never want to repeat so I can stay focused on looking ahead, walking forward.

We need to be aware!

This brings me to the devotional I read.

 

Day 1 Mala Ministries:

 

Awareness

In the pursuit of fame and in the search for significance, the material world consumes our pursuits and fatigues our desires. Every morning, people wake up and evaluate their past hope and their present situation, creating a mortal comparison that leaves them feeling more empty than full. The question you may have this morning is why your own efforts leave you wanting more. The answer is in the word of God, before the world of God. He who created the heavens and the earth sought it wise to make Him the only end of all pursuit.

A. W. Tozer once said that God never hurries. There are no deadlines against which He must work. Only to know this is to quiet our spirits and relax our nerves. Today, as you plan for the week ahead, reflect on the word of God and cherish through prayer the search for His wisdom; this is the correct use of the knowledge He gave you. To be an agent of wisdom, you must not exhaust yourself by seeking a new definition of His will; rather, enjoy yourself by showing a new demonstration of His will.

Pablo Cassals was a world famous cello player, and at the height of his fame, was asked why he kept practicing. His response was that he thought he was making daily progress. Genius has been described as the ability to focus on the task at hand. Becoming aware of your strengths and limitations is only possible through a deep awareness of God and His purpose for your life. David, the shepherd king of Israel, said: “I am constantly aware of your unfailing love. Awareness of this unending love is the beginning of wisdom.”

To be aware requires focus, and to be focused requires awareness. As you meditate today, ask God to help you become aware of His majesty. Your mind will open to possibilities and probabilities that you never even dreamed about. May your eyes be closed to all that distracts and your heart open to the abundance of His provision, which will set you on a new course.

My closing:

What a beautiful devotional about awareness. Just as this proverb reminded us. We need to be aware and focused. We need to always ask God for assistance, open to the possibilities to come. Your eyes need to be focused to the final goal. Reject distractions and anyone or anything that is leading you to deter back. No matter what happened in your past, when you trust in God, he will set you on the path you need to go to receive his glory and blessings.

Stay focused, stay aware, keep looking forward, remember where you want to go, remember and be mindful to what can take you off course, don’t fall in to temptation nor distraction, keep your eyes looking forward, trust in God and stay on your path with God.

Father God I thank you for another day, another opportunity to glorify you. I thank you for the air I breathe, for my ears that can hear, my eyes which can see, and all my senses which allow me to be aware of your majestic glory. I know my lord I am. It perfect. I have sinned before, I will no longer live in my past. Help me lord to keep my past just there so I can focus on you my lord and my walk with you. Help me lord to be aware of my surroundings, actions and words. Help me remain focused on looking ahead dear Lord so that I do not stray from your Path. I pray for whoever is reading this who needs this guidance in their lives. Lord I am asking that allow me to intercede for them in prayer, may these words, this prayer touch their hearts, their eyes, their ears, their soul so they too can be aware, look ahead, and continue their walk with you. In the name of the father, the son and the Holy Spirit Amen.

 

Success

WINSTON CHURCHILL once said “Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm. ”

We all have pivotal moments in our lives where we felt weak, unable to complete a task, like we are failing.  Yet Churchill reminds us that our success does not necessarily come from the final product.  Success comes from our ability, to pretty much learn from our failures, regardless if we failed once or one thousand times.  The key thing is to remain faithful, trust in what you are doing, have hope, believe, and find strength and enthusiasm.  Our success is a a combination of our strengths and our weaknesses.  Our failures are the reasons we can appreciate our success.

As we read the scripture we know that God wants us to succeed in life.  We know that by spiritually growing and using our faith & trust in the Lord we are given the strength we need  to fulfill His will for our lives.  This is where our true success comes from.   Relying on God’s words in the midst of any storms in order to achieve one’s success.

This post will feature bible versus on Where do we see where God gives us strength to succeed, Enthusiasm,  faith, trust and success.

• Verse page

” data-hasqtip=”0″ aria-describedby=”qtip-0″>1 Peter 3:13

 

Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good?

• Verse page

” data-hasqtip=”1″>Ephesians 6:7

 

With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men,

revive and comfort

​

“This is my comfort in my affliction: that Your word has revived me.” (Psalm 119:50)

DEVOTIONAL

In our afflictions, what we pray earnestly for, is escape. That is our comfort. God goodness is often weighed by how quickly He brings that escape.

God has a purpose for all our afflictions, and often He chooses to give us a different comfort—His Word. It is packed with promises, exhortations, and lessons we need to learn; God’s Word is the most valuable resource that a Christian can have in their life.

Are you cherishing and graciously receiving the comfort He gives through His word, or do you keep hoping for an escape from the situations that should bring you closer to God?

Let His word revive and comfort you.

I can’t recall where I read this devotional from.  I know when I read it, I saved it.  It not only gave me a sense of comfort, but I did feel a revival in my spirit.  I hope this devotional though not written by me, provides you comfort and a sense of revival.

When I find the source of this devotional I will update this post to give credit where credit is due.  God Bless.

Phoenix – Beauty from Ashes

​

“…he will give: beauty for ashes; joy instead of mourning; praise instead of heaviness…”

(Isaiah 61:3, TLB)

We have all been through times of mourning, pain, heaviness and ashes.

What God is telling us that despite the ashes he will give you beauty.

Despite the mourning, you will soon find joy.

Despite the heaviness in one’s heart, you will soon be able to lift your hands and praise.

What God is telling us that he wants us to trade our pain, our mourning, even the heaviness in our hearts which leave us broken for Healing.

He wants to give us beauty.

In Greek Mythology and in the Talmud we have the Phoenix. The phoenix is an amazing mythical creature.

The Phoenix is a mythical bird that is cyclically regenerated or born again. The phoenix obtains new life by arising from their own ashes of its predecessor. According to some accounts of the Phoenix, when the phoenix dies in flames and combustion. Then out of ashes the phoenix regenerates into a new and beautiful creature.

We see this illustration vividly in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. ***Spoiler Alert**** I am assuming that by now all have either read or seen the movie, but just in case…the spoiler alert notice is in full affect. There is a scene in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix where Fawkes the phoenix that belongs to Dumbledore dies. He turns in to ashes. Then emerges once again as a beautiful pillar of light, reborn as a new bird, a mystical magical bird with healing. Shining bright, whimsical, happy and care free.

This verse, though not making reference to the illustration of Fawkes, explains how God want’s us to renew ourselves from our ashes just like a phoenix does.

Just like beauty and this new beacon of light emerges from the ashes when a phoenix regenerates, God wants us to become new, renewed, loved, treasured, favored, beautiful beacons of light from our ashes.

The Key for our beauty to arise is that we have to be willing to get up, dust ourselves off, and give up the ashes. You cannot be beauty and still be within the ashes. You cannot have joy while still mourning. You cannot praise with all your might, with heaviness in your heart.

To Quote Elsa from frozen “Let it go, let it go

Can’t hold it back anymore”.

You have to let go of the old, to become the new shining beacon, pillar of beautiful light he see’s in you.

Today dear reader, are you willing to put your trust in God? Are you willing to trust him with the pain of your past? Are you willing to trust him with the heaviness that fills your heart? Are you willing to step out of the ashes? Are you willing to see your pain, and “let it go”?. Are you willing to forgive others and yourself?

Don’t waste another moment buried deep within the ashes. Today is your day. Now is the moment. leave it all in the past. Turn to God so he can give you the joy you have been missing. Turn to God so you an praise with all your might, Turn to God so that you can step out of the ashes and be this beautiful pillar of light you are.

Today, step out of the ashes and know that you are beautiful.

A Prayer for Today

Father God thank you for sweeping me away from my ashes. Thank you for cleansing me and bringing me peace and joy. Thank you for my beautiful family, beautiful home and the beautiful person I am because of you. I made my choice father to trust in you, to receive your blessings and healing to restore my life. I pray for the person reading this father. May you reading this, become the beacon of light God see’s in you. May you be restored into your full glory as soon as you step out of the ashes. I ask that God provides you with the guidance you need for healing, for joy and to remove any heaviness in your heart and soul. I pray for the strength for you to step out of the ashes, so you too can be beautiful the way God has intended you to be. Amen.

From Struggles to Hope.

​

Romans 15:13

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Below is a devotional associated with this verse from Daily bible app.

The Little Rose Bush from Daily Bible Inspirations

One of the things my great-grandma and I had in common was our tremendous love for flowers and plants.

So when she passed away a few months before my husband and I were married, I took some cuttings from a few of her plants so I could start my own to remember her by. The most special one of all was her heirloom tea rosebush. I took the cuttings home to my Granny so we could plant and tend to them until they took root…if they took root.

They did and by the time John and I said “I do”, the tiny bushes were ready to plant. Over the span of thirty-seven years those bushes have been moved four times and numerous cuttings have been taken from them to be shared with others. But on this last move the bushes had to remain in buckets for several months…something they don’t tolerate very well.

When I was finally able to get them in the ground I was nearly certain they wouldn’t make it. I was heart-broken. I know it sounds silly, but I prayed for those roses to survive. They seemed to be just sitting there doing nothing, but when I returned home after teaching in a Bible camp for a couple of weeks, I ran out to check them and…they were getting new leaves!!! They were growing!

Those rosebushes remind me of many things: My sweet great-grandma, my enormous and loving family, and the fact that even when things seem dead or hopeless, God knows better. With Him there is always hope and always joy if we will let Him cultivate it in us and trust in His timing.

Pray: God, let me see the good in all things in my life. Give me the courage to trust You to always know what is best. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Journal

What hurt do you need God to heal you from?

How has God used a difficult or painful situation in your life to bring about good and hope?

These Journal questions were at the end of this devotion. Now I read this devotional a few weeks back but i saved it and I kept going back to it because I can relate so much not just to the story, but these questions.

I have been hurt, we have all been hurt. At first I didn’t channel my hurt appropriately.

I didn’t go to God to heal me from my pain and anguish. I ran.

I have spoken about it in previous posts.

Yet after some time, after My kids, I used my pain to openly talk to others complaining about the same pain I once had.

4 years ago a friend of mine and I were discussing infertility.

At that point my oldest son was 2 and half.

During her venting she said to me, you don’t understand my struggle, you have a cute, doting toddler at your whim, I have nothing.

She was right, I did have my 2 year old. What she didn’t know was the years of suffering, miscarriages, pain, loss in hope, depression, medical procedures and tests that I have endured to get where I got.

I had decided to make lifestyle choices prior to getting my son.

I had to recenter myself and focus back in Christ.

I made dietary changes.

I made life changes.

I made spiritual changes.

I did the ultimate prioritizing in my life and eliminated toxicity from it.

I shared my struggle.

I shared my burdens.

I shared my stories of miscarriages.

She was shocked.

I may have said it in previous posts, but I rarely open up to people and share my stories and my struggles.

So I got outside my comfort zone and she was inspired.

She went ahead and decided to make some changes.

She decided to loose weight.

She decided to change her diet.

She made life style changes.

She also made spiritual changes.

She omitted toxic people in her life.

She got pregnant a few months after.

Ironically around the same time I did.

Though she found out about her pregnancy before I even suspected about mine.

Our kids are two weeks apart.

She needed that pep talk.

She needed to recenter herself with Christ.

She needed to make some changes in her life.

She needed to do her part like I did, for God to do his.

This is an example of how my hurt, my pain, my trials brought good, joy and hope, not just in my life but in hers.

Father God I want to thank you for your love. I want to thank you for my trials and my tribulations. Everything that I have been through in life has only brought me closer to you. Everything that i have been through has only made me stronger. Every form of suffering which you have healed me from have brought joy, good and hope to others. Sharing stories, sharing our difficult moments, can be of a blessing and inspire hope to others. Our trials and our life experiences are not merely our own, but for others so that they too can learn from them and be inspired to grow closer to you. Father you are an amazing teacher and healer, I thank you so much for all you do. Amen.

Happiness

​

The world is looking for happiness, yet they are looking for happiness in all the wrong places (wealth fame etc).

This was from a piece of a recent sermon by Pastor Hagee.

I was listening to his service in my living room and this struck out.

He referenced Luke 12;15 [15 Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.”]

We can easily get carried away with our possessions and our quest to happiness in life.

Trust me I know.

I tend to get so fixated on my “projects” that sometimes even though for those brief moments of joy, I get carried away and end up with a surplus of items.

I like to craft with my kids.

My kids have found an affinity to making things.

So what do I do, I buy a cricut.

I turn everything in to a project.

I want to make them everything.

home made cards, home made banners, home made party decors, home made holiday decor.

(I have spent and saved unequivocally the same amount lol).

My kids have found an affinity in painting.

So what do I do, I order canvases galore, paint, stencils and paint brushes

So what do I have? An Art gallery in their bedroom preserving those few minutes of happiness in self reflection and creativity.

I like to read.

I like to read thematically.

So what do I Have? A mountain pile of books to read, and a kindle/nook devices filled with books at my disposal to read.

I get lost in my books, I get transfixed in my books, I get happy reading.

Yet I have enough books to donate to a few libraries.

Many of us experience this, we try to fill a void with anything.

Books, toys, gaming devices, virtual worlds, alcohol, substances, fame, wealth and money.

These are the wrong places to seek happiness. The happiness we find are only temporary and short lived.

Stop using these fillers to fill the places in your heart that doesn’t belong to them.

Your happiness can be filled by the Alpha and The Omega, I AM, Yahweh, Yeshuah, Lord Almighty.

Be careful of these possessions filling your time.

They can hinder your growth, your walk and your relationship with Christ and your loved ones.

Father God I thank you today for your love. I thank you for your Mercy. I thank you for filling the voids in my heart with your words, wisdom kindness and love. Everything I have, every ounce of Joy I receive is all because you made it possible and for that I am eternally grateful. I do not want to be filled with an abundance of possessions which will only provide temporary joy. Instead I want the water that gives everlasting life and joy which only comes from you. Father I ask you to keep me grounded, keep me focused, despite the distractions. Amen

By My Spirit

​

“…Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty.”

(Zechariah 4:6, NIV)

I grew up watching wrestling.

Die Hard WWE (formally WWF) fan.

I always liked the strong powerful, tactful wrestlers.

Those whom were proficient and strong submission skills.

Those whom were bigger, stronger, muscular since all this in the wrestling world embodies not might, but power.

In baseball, fans follow the power hitters of the teams.

They give their all, their might and their strength in the game.

In basketball, we love the player who can shoot long range 3 point jump-shots and who’s offense skills are amazing on the court.

In football we rely on the speed, strength, endurance and power of the quarterback to lead our teams to the Superbowl.

In each of these instances what we fail to realize is that its not our might, our talent, our build, our strength nor our power for us to get things done.

It is by the Spirit of the Lord.

We need to put our trust in His spirit.

He can provide us with guidance in any thing we think of.

We need to realize that his spirit also resides in us.

It gave us our first breath when he breathed life in to Adam.

In Hebrew “ruach” means spirit.

I recently posted this from the Hebrew words series from one of the devotionals I was reading at the time.

In today’s verse it means breath.

When God breathes in our direction we can have amazing things unfold in our lives. Things won’t happen because of how talented we are, how are build is, how pretty we are or the people we are affiliated, it happens because God took a breath in your direction. God shifted things in to place.

With his every breath, promises are fulfilled, Healing comes, promotions, restoration they all come our way with his grace and love and just one deep breath.

We should stop depending on our might, our prowess, our physical abilities and carnal talents. What we should remember is by the Holy spirit, by the breath of God, by his will, is how things well get done. When we put all our trust and faith in God, the impossible suddenly becomes possible. When you remain faithful and trust in him, things will suddenly begin falling in to place. Your lives will begin to transform, healing will begin to take place, things that were broken, unfix able will suddenly become fixed.

The breath of God can fix and change things.

Father God thank you for breathing in my direction. Thank you for the restoration of my life. Thank you for peace. Thank you for healing. Thank you for the wholeness i feel within my body and mind. Today I receive you and your gifts. Today I will not rely on my own strength but in your breath, in your power in your might. Amen.

​ Sink or swim

​

Sink or swim methodology.

At an undisclosed “prestigious” location where like every other institution of the same kind emphasizes on clientele, care of clientele and the happiness of its clientele.

Your job description is constantly thrown at your face reminding you that the needs and care of the clientele is of the upmost importance.

Employee morale (at least in my department) is at an all time low. To think we didn’t think it could get any lower. We have collectively decided to boycott holiday festivities because we have once again been slighted.

We were given an hour notice to not take lunch to some on lunch training, yet still continue to work. With options in the surrounding area taking over an hour to deliver, we didn’t have any options to order, and since we are not allowed to use our cell phones we couldn’t order and have them call our cell while we wait.

In this short noticed meeting which occurred on Friday we were told that come Monday we were going live with a project. Now the timeline which was given to us a month ago suddenly disappeared. Location A- bigger population time line was spring 2018. Location b smaller population time line was end of December early January.

What we were blind sighted with was that both locations were going live on Monday. The problem with this is not only the shortened timeline, nor management being unreasonable nor unfair. The problem with this is that we did not have adequate training. We were given a one hour training that still didn’t capture the full intended implementation of a new workflow that was to start in 4 hours (business hours)

We addressed our issues and concerns to our supervisor whom basically said, yes thank you for your concerns but we are still going live. Then he kept making trump references. Comparing yourself to using trumpism isn’t going to help smooth out this transition. A supervisor who talks about wanting to support his team so that his team does not fail was not what we saw.

We saw a supervisor who wants to prove to administration a point. That his ideology of how a workflow is intended to flow will work. Productive training did not occur. Actual sit down training did not occur. We will either sink or swim once we clock in today.

This is a form of professional bullying.

Bullying is bullying. We have bullying in the professional environment. Bullying your staff without adequate notice to just change poof just like that. No one in our team saw this coming. We were blind sighted. What is crazy is it appears based on the dialogue that the other interdisciplinary teams we deal with will be blind sighted as well. I refuse to feel the wrath when I have to inform my practices I cannot do something without the new addition to my workflow entered. Oh man they are going to be pissed off.

The conversation kept flip flopping on the notion of whether or not they know or don’t know. Whether they are on board or not on board. Whether they will come on board or not after “we” can convince the head honcho. So wait, what? Yes my thoughts exactly.

We will be going live with something that needs to convince one of the top bosses. Um does anyone see a problem with this?

It’s Monday and I still have no idea what to do when I walk in

Will I sink or swim?

Sadly I’m already drowning and I have yet crossed the threshold.

sink or swim training

‘Quick and dirty’ method of new employee(usually sales personnel) training in which the recruit is pushed straight into the actual work environment, with little or no formal training. He or she has to learn fast and make good, or lose the job.

Sink or Swim

Lee Strobel’s the The Case for Christ

​

Lee Strobel’s the The Case for Christ.

When I received this book I was about to start a devotional series.

Something about this title caught my eye.

Something familiar about the author’s name caught my eye.

At the time I couldn’t pin point where I recognized the author, but as I delved it I realized aha, I have read some of his Articles in the past.

I have been raised in church my whole life.

I did have a few years where I ended up steering away.

My trials and tribulations were getting the best of me.

My trials and tribulations discouraged me.

I didn’t stop going because of gossip, or anything.

I stopped going because of life’s circumstances.

I moved away from the area I grew up.

Traveling back and forth without a car would have taken forever to get to my church.

I tried visiting other churches that were “near” but it would have still taken long to get to church.

I started streaming services to somewhat get the church feel, but that wasn’t enough.

Years later after having children, I returned home.

My circumstances, school, work obligations and lack of transportation and time kept me away.

now things are different.

My kids need this just as much as I do.

So I decided to read the Case for Christ.

I will not go into details, but in sum each chapter has a featured case study. The logistics of how that case either won or lost as far as evidence/approach and the specialists involved are concerned were applied to the Bible. The author wanted to know if you can prove specific events, if you can corroborate who Christ really is in a similar manner.

I found the reading to be rather interesting.

I found arguments and scientific evidences to be quite compelling and sound.

Historical evidences were contested as well as the credibility of the biblical texts.

At the end of this book I found myself more spiritually grounded.

I found my self academically happy since I find myself always researching articles and journals on several subjects of interest.

Questions that may have arisen in my life in the past, and even when i thought of circumstances in the past that I found were iffy, were contested, validated, and argued.

I was pleased.

I did exactly what the author asked me to do as a reader.

Have an Open Mind.

Look at the evidence.

Make your own private verdict.

The Verdict is in.

……

I feel a deeper, better understanding and have been inspired even more in my own personal walk with Christ.

Father God I thank you for allowing me to stumble literally upon this book. Your timing was perfect. This was not by chance that this book fell into my possession. I know I was meant to pick it up and delve deep and read. I thank you for this because I feel that this journey has given me profound understanding. This journey has allowed me to get closer to you. This journey has allowed me to think more. This journey is also allowing me to share this knowledge with others. Thank you. Amen.

Swimming against the currents.

​

Swimming against the currents.

The Courage to Swim Against the Current – Jer. 38:1-13

What we see here in Jeremiah is how to swim against the currents in order to avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing, be nothing.

Where am I going with this?

Lets explore what happened here.

The prophet Jeremiah (38 v2-3) made a prophesy ” “So says the Lord,

‘He who remains in this city will die by the sword, by famine, and by

virulent disease (pestilence), but he who goes out to the Chaldean’s [of

Babylon] will live and have his [own] life as a reward and stay alive. Thus says the Lord,

‘This city will certainly be given into the hand of the army of the king of Babylon and he will take it.’

When the Princes’ heard this prophesy by Jeremiah, they wanted to denounce it immediately, they wanted him killed.

They didn’t want to loose their land, they didn’t want to believe in this prophesy. So they begged the King Zedekiah to Kill Jeremiah.

The king didn’t order him to be killed, but instead told them to handle it themselves.

What did Jeremiah do?

he complied.

The princes’ lowered him into a cistern and left him there to die.

Jeremiah complied. He swam again the currents, metaphorically speaking since this cistern was dry and muddy, he said nothing, he did nothing, he did not fight, did not resist, he did not do anything. Nothing.

Had it not been for Ebed-melech the Ethiopian (Cushite), one of the eunuchs who was in the king’s palace, whom pleaded to free Jeremiah, he could have died. Ebed-Melech found some garments and went to the rope which brought Jeremiah down, and helped him out of the cistern.

Think for one second what Jeremiah was probably doing as he awaited his fate.

What would you have done?

Would you have fought back?

Screamed for help?

Try to escape?

Try to climb out of this cistern filled with mud?

Claw, and Climb and eventually slid back down for your futile attempts to save yourself?

I am sure many would have attempted.

Many would have fought back, Jeremiah I believe didn’t.

Jeremiah is known for being a man who had direct communion and reverence with God.

He prayed and cried a lot!

He prayed.

I believe in the bottom of the cistern He prayed.

He spoke to God.

God calmed him.

God said trust me kid, I am going to get you out of here, and when you come out you will deliver this message for me.

If you continue to read the rest of Chapter 38, you will find yourself reading that after he was taken out, the King asked to speak with Jeremiah.

He spoke to the king, he told him his prophesy, he even told him how he could be saved when the Chaldean come to take over.

Only God could have provided a dutiful prayer warrior with the calm, patience, and words in a time like that.

I believe, in the bottom of the cistern, He prayed.

Despite the temptation to panic.

Despite the unknown.

He put all his faith and trust in God.

God not only provided Ebed-Melech to get him out, but he also provided him the words he needed to speak to the King.

“A man’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone

understand his own way?” Proverbs 20:24

Jeremiah understood that. He understood only the Lord could take him out of his situation.

Many of us waste away our lives in the fear of the unknown, in fear of the “inevitable” in fear of our circumstances.

We should be living in our faith, trusting in our faith.

That regardless of what happens.

Whether we are dumped in a muddy cistern or a cistern fill with water.

We need to have faith in Abba father.

We need to swim against the currents….. The currents might be pulling us to panic, to attempt to save one selves, but swimming against the current means to put it all in God’s hands. Trust in God, have faith in God.

Sometimes we need to do nothing, say nothing, be nothing.

In trusting God, despite our circumstance, God can show you that 1) I am here 2) I will provide 3) keep trusting in me.

Ebed-Melech is a great example of how God used an ordinary person employed by the King with extra-ordinary courage. It took great courage to stand up before the King to plea for Jeremiah, when all the odds were heavily stacked against Jeremiah. All the odds were heavily stacked against him for even pleading for his prophet. Yet he did. He too swam against the currents. He was instructed by faith and courage to swim against the currents on behalf of a man of God. Ebed-Melech took a risk. He faced being criticized, being punished or even landing a spot next to Jeremiah. He risked it. He took a chance. He spoke against the evil deeds done by the prince’s accusations against Jeremiah.

Like Jeremiah, we all face criticism at one point or another. Just know that being criticized is not a problem, because it will always be there, now if you develop a positive way of dealing with it, then you know you are already swimming against the current.

“I do the very best I can, I mean to keep going. If the end brings me out all right, then what is

said against me won’t matter. If I’m wrong, ten angels swearing I was

right won’t make a difference.” – Abraham Lincoln.

Read this article: The Courage to Swim Upstream

Though this article gives the life cycle and process of a salmon; if you can pur your self in place of the salmon in this story you can take light the message in swimming against the currents.

For instance, in the article it mentions the following questions to place things in perspective:

How do we cultivate enough presence to identify these ‘personal obstacles’ where we get caught in our own eddy’s?

As we continue to swim upstream can we learn not to overly identify with the obstacles as they arise?

What tools do we each find that supports us to stay afloat when the

intensity of illusion and suffering seem to take up the space of the

ocean inside of us?

How how do we take these questions from the article to help our spiritual growth and swim against the currents?

How do we cultivate enough presence to identify these ‘spiritual obstacles’ while swimming against the currents and not giving in to the flesh or social norms?

As we continue to swim upstream can we learn not to overly identify with the obstacles as they arise, can we put our trust and faith in God and let him provide the solution?

What tools do we each find that supports us to stay afloat when the

intensity of our circumstances and suffering seem to take up the space of the

ocean inside of us?

How can we rely on His word, faith, and trusting in him to continue to swim, despite the criticism, despite doing nothing and saying nothing regarding the situation?

Father God I thank you today, tomorrow and always for all that you do and continue to do for our families. We are facing a hurdle right now and we are trusting in you to guide us. Many expect us to swim with the currents, but swimming against the currents towards you is always a better option. Lord I ask for you to send an

Ebed-Melech our way to help is in this situation. Lord I will trust in you for guidance and to overcome. For I know in you victory shall be ours. Amen.

Comfort / Prayers

Someone I know had their child rushed to emergency surgery.

As a mom my heart sank.

As a friend, I knew she was worried, nervous and yet praying.

I am going to change the names to John Doe, Jane Doe and Jr. Doe to honor privacy but the circumstance we all go through this from time to time so here is how I was able to help in my own way.

​

Jane Doe / John Doe,

I am praying for your son as he undergoes this procedure, and the two of you as well.

Know that I am with you in spirit.

I just want to reassure you both, even though you already know he is in great hands (God).

These scriptures touched my heart today and I want to share them with you.

• The Lord your God who goes before you will fight for you, just as you saw Him do for you in Egypt. And you saw in the wilderness how the Lord your God carried you as a man carries his son all along the way you traveled until you reached this place.

Deuteronomy 1:30-31

• The Lord holds his hand.

Psalm 37:24

I have a special prayer just for you which I recited because of these verses.

Father God, today we are thankful of this day you have given us and the hope from your word which gives us the faith to handle any obstacles before us. Today I lift little John Doe Jr, his Mother Jane Doe and Father John Doe in prayers while your son John Doe Jr undergoes surgery. Lord You are the God who has always gone before us all, you have fought for your children, and Just like you fought for your children in Egypt, I know today you will fight for your children both in the OR and waiting room. You will provide for this family the emotional, spiritual and physical comfort they need. I have faith that you will guide the doctors, and you will be holding the instruments during the procedure. Lord I have faith that through it all, you will not only be holding John Doe Jr’s hand, but his parents as well. Today as I work through the day and meditate in your word, I pray , trust and have faith that you will bring forth healing for John Doe Jr and a speedy recovery. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.

In light of the news, I was moved, I was inspired, and the word assisted me in uplifting this family in prayers.  We should rely more in the word, and use Gods word to lift someone up in prayers.  Sometimes we get stuck in a rut and we freeze not knowing what we can say to someone.  In those times, use the word, and with his word, God will provide words of strenght, encouragement and even a prayer.

YIRAH

​

So here is day 3 of the series is entitled:‘7 More Hebrew Words Every Christian Should Know’.

Day 3:

YIRAH: Which means FEAR

When my wife and I saw this red sky over our backyard in Georgia, we called our girls to see it too because we were in awe. We were in awe of the colors, the shapes, and the God who created this spectacular scene.

The Hebrew word we translate as “awe” is yirah, which also means “respect, reverence, and worship.” Yirah also means “fear.” I grew up thinking to “fear the Lord” meant to be afraid of Him, but as we watched this stunning sunset, I didn’t feel fear. I felt awe and reverence. I felt yirah.

Having the type of awe and reverence for God that motivates us to do His will is the beginning of wisdom. Do you fear the Lord today?

Additional scripture reference:

Read: 2 Corinthians 13:5

Try your own selves, whether ye are in the faith; prove your own selves. Or know ye not as to your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you? unless indeed ye be

reprobate.

Proverbs 1:7

The fear of Jehovah is the [a]beginning of knowledge;

But the foolish despise wisdom and instruction.

My commentary/prayer

Recently we had the discussion about reverence. We even saw a clip about it. The subject came up for the younger and newer members and even as a reminder to the older members of the meaning of reverence. The youth defined the word as to have respect in the house of the Lord. The author to this plan mentions other concepts of the word.

Father God I thank you for your love. I am in awe of you my lord. I am in awe of your greatness and magnitude. I am in awe of your love and mercy. I respect you dear lord. Thank you lord for allowing this author to explain these words so we could have a better understanding as we read your word. Amen.

PARDES

​So here is day 2 of the series entitled:‘7 More Hebrew Words Every Christian Should Know’.

 

Day 2

PARDES: Which means GARDEN

There’s a Hebrew word—pardes—that has recently been changing the way I read the Bible.

See, there’s a verse in the book of Genesis that describes God walking through the flowers and trees of the Garden of Eden searching for His people. The verse reads that “they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden.” The Hebrew word for “garden” here is pardes, a word rabbis also use to define the study of Scripture. For them, pardes is a garden, but it’s also an acronym of the four levels of understanding the meaning of every story in the Bible: P’shat(the simple meaning), Remez (the implied meaning), Drash (the deeper meaning), and Sod (the hidden meaning). Together, the first letters create the word pardes, so the rabbis say that studying the Bible is like being in God’s garden or paradise.

Okay, that’s a lot of info, but what does it mean? I like to think it means that whenever you read a story in Scripture or study a passage, you are walking in God’s garden. And just like in the Genesis story, He is calling out for you!

Additional scripture reference:

Read:James 2:17 Even so faith, if it have not works, is dead in itself.

Genesis 3:8 And they heard the [a]voice of Jehovah God walking in the garden in the [b]cool of the day: and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of Jehovah God amongst the trees of the garden.

My Prayer:

Thank you father for this devotional. The author is right, every time we read the word should be like walking in the PARDES with you. I want to immerse myself in the peace and tranquility of your presence dear lord when I read your word. I pray that you can guide me to not be distracted when I immerse myself in your word so that through your word I can find paradise with you. Amen.

MIDBAR

​

I recently finished a reading plan entitled & Hebrew words every Christian should know.  So I started this new devotional plan from one of my Bible apps using the @YouVersion plan.

The devotional series is entitled: ‘7 More Hebrew Words Every Christian Should Know’. 

So I figured as I go through my 7 day plans I will share them, like I did with the previous one. Knowledge is indeed power.

 

Day 1:

MIDBAR: Which means DESERT

Growing up in Australia, this is what I knew as the outback. It was flat. The ground was hard and barren. Temperatures in summer soared above 110 Fahrenheit. The air was hot and dry. When the Bible describes the wilderness or the desert of Israel, this is the image I have. Sometimes, when life gets hard and barren and it feels like God has disappeared, Christians will say they’re in the desert. While we see this as a bad thing, the Bible says the desert is where God lives and speaks. Throughout the Bible we see that the desert is where He spoke to Abraham, Moses, the Israelites, Isaiah, and on through Jesus. In fact, the Hebrew word for desert is midbar, which also means “the place of the word.” And midbarshares the same root word as diber, which means the “Holy of Holies.”

When we’re in the desert or wilderness, we’re actually closer to God than ever because in the desert we realize that we need to rely on Him for survival. Do you feel like you’re in the desert or wilderness right now? Is life beating down on you? Don’t pray for God to take you out of the desert—pray instead that He will hear His voice in the desert, and that in your wilderness you will find His presence, grace, and provision.

Additional scripture reference: Isaiah 54:10

For the mountains may depart, and the hills be removed; but my

loving kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall my covenant of

peace be removed, saith Jehovah that hath mercy on thee.

Additional scripture reference: Hosea 13:5

I did know thee in the wilderness, in the land of great drought.

My commentary:

I really do love learning the meanings to words especially in other languages. One can more effectively get the context of a discussion when one knows the meaning intended for a specific time period/ language / sect etc.

Thank you Lord for this new Hebrew word. Father I hope to not find myself ever again in a spiritual MIDBAR. Lord I thank you for your continued love, support and guidance. I am sorry for the times I have ventured into the spiritual MIDBAR. Thank you for taking me out of the MIDBAR, filling me with your presence and reminding me that you are always with me… even when I feel deserted. I love you. Amen

Day 7

​

So here is day 7 of the devotional series is entitled: seven Hebrew words every believer should know.

MEM: Which means CHAOS

During Biblical times, the sea had a negative connotation for the Jewish people. In fact, the Hebrew word for water—mayim—comes from the root mem, meaning “chaos,” which makes sense when you consider the Israelites grew up hearing that a flood wiped out the earth. Even to this day, you don’t find many houses or hotels along the 33 mile shoreline of the Sea of Galilee despite its picturesque waters. 
So why then does Jesus “insist” that his disciples cross the Sea of Galilee during a storm (Mark 6:45)? He sent them into the chaos! But then he came to help them by walking on top of the water—showing that he is in total control of ALL chaos.

Are you facing turmoil today? Remember that Jesus is in control of your chaos, and he’s calling you to get on top of the chaos with him. Are you ready to let Jesus take control of your chaos?

Associated reading:John 6:19American Standard Version (ASV)

¹⁹ When therefore they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they behold Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the boat: and they were afraid.

My Prayer:

Father God I thank you for another day and all that is in store for this day.  Lord I thank you for the MEM (chaos) that may arise for these instances are moments where we can grow together.  These moments of chaos unites us.  These moments of chaos brings my faith in you on a whole other level.  These moments of chaos are teaching moments on a carnal and spiritual level.  God I thank you, for I know that you do not give us anything that we cannot handle.  In the name of the father, the son and the holy spirit. Amen.

This concludes this series ” seven Hebrew words every believer should know”  I hope you learned and enjoyed this series which I decided to share as much as I did.

NEPHESH

​

So here is day 6 of the devotional series is entitled: seven Hebrew words every believer should know.

Day 6

NEPHESH: Which means SOUL

Sunsets remind me of Psalm 19, when David writes; “How clearly the sky reveals God’s glory … no speech or words are used, no sound is heard; Yet their message goes out to all the world and is heard to the ends of the earth”. Have you ever considered that your life is supposed to send this same message? In several places in the Bible we’re told to love God with “… all our soul”, a phrase that uses the Hebrew word nepheshwhich means “soul” and also means “life”, so we’re supposed to love God WITH all our life FOR all our life. This is not loving Him for an hour each week at church – it’s loving Him in everything we do in every minute of every day.

If you never spoke another word, would the way you live your life glorify God before the world?

Associated reading: Psalm 19:1American Standard Version (ASV)

The works and the Word of God.

For the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

19 The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament showeth his handiwork.

My Prayer/ Commentary:

Father God I thank you today for your love and mercy.  I thank you for constantly filling up my NEPHESH.  Every day dear lord I look forward to what you have in store for me. Thank you Lord for your guidance and for my salvation.  Amen.

SHALOM

​So here is day 5 of the devotional series is entitled: seven Hebrew words every believer should know.

Day 5

SHALOM: Which means PEACE

Whenever I imagine the city of Jerusalem in Bible times, I picture it being like NYC – loud, chaotic, busy … even messy and violent. But this was not God’s plan for a place known as His Holy City.

The word Jerusalem in Hebrew is Yerushalayim which is made up of two Hebrew words; yeru which means “you will see” and shalom which means “the peace of God”. So Jerusalem is supposed to be the place where you will see the peace of God.

In the Book of Revelation we read that the followers of God will live in a “new Jerusalem” in God’s Kingdom – and we will see the peace of God. Jesus told his followers that “… the Kingdom of God is within you”, which means the “peace of God” is within us.

Will the people around you see and experience the peace of God today because of you?

Associated reading: John 14:27American Standard Version (ASV)

 ²⁷ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.

My Prayer.

Father god thank you for the Shalom you bring within the depths of my soul.  Thank you for this lesson which you have provided for me to share.  I ask you for continued guidance and support as we continue to use our available resources to share your word. Praying for Peace (shalom) on earth.  Amen.

RUACH

​

So here is Day 4 of the devotional series is entitled:seven Hebrew words every believer should know.

Day 4

RUACH: Which means BREATH

We don’t often think abut breathing … unless we’re running out of air. But breath is an important theme throughout the Bible. The Book of Genesis says God made man from mud and put skin, muscles, bones, blood vessels, tendons, veins and hair in place, but the man was not a “living being” until God breathed into his body.

The word for breath in Hebrew is ruach which also means Spirit, so man only becomes a “living being” when God gives him His Spirit. According to the psalms, “… everything that has breath praise the Lord”, so to be alive we first inhale God’s Spirit and then we exhale praise. Inhale Spirit, exhale praise. This is life.

Do you have this rhythm in your life?

Associated Reading: Genesis 2:7American Standard Version (ASV)

⁷ And Jehovah God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

My commentary/Prayer:

Father God thank you for this amazing devotional, so far we are on day 4.  It is so reassuring to be reminded of that Had it not been for your RUACH we would not be able to breath.  Thank you for filling our lungs with your breath.  I love you. I thank you. I praise your. Amen.

TEFILLAH

​

So here is day 3 of the devotional series is entitled: seven Hebrew words every believer should know.

Day 3

TEFILLAH: Which means PRAYER

How often do we use prayer as nothing more than an emergency call or a cold call to God?

Too often we only pray when we need or want something from God – which is understandable considering the English word “pray” means to “ask or beg”. But the Hebrew word for prayer – tefillah – means to “self evaluate”. So to the Jews of the Bible, prayer was not a time when they asked God for things … it was a time when they examined themselves. They would use prayer as a way to compare their actions, behavior and attitude against God’s holiness.

Could this idea change your prayers today?

 Associated reading: 2 Corinthians 13:5American Standard Version (ASV)

 ⁵ Try your own selves, whether ye are in the faith; prove your own selves. Or know ye not as to your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you? unless indeed ye be reprobate.

My commentary / prayer(TEFILLAH ):

How great does it feel to TEFILLAH To our god? I love communing with him. Pouring out my innermost thoughts, pleas, petitions and concerns over others. As this devotion day, often times we do not pray enough. We pray with things are not going right in our lives. A few posts ago I mentioned we should seek the lord and praise him when times are good and when times are bad. Same thing goes when we TEFILLAH.

We need to always TEFILLAH and comunícate our love, concerns, pleas, petitions and conversations with God on a regular basis. Not just once or twice a week when we go to church. Not just once or twice a day (upon waking and before bed). We need to not cease in praying. We need to pray often.

I pray and commune with god every morning and every evening. I pray and commune with god the two- three times a week I get Togo to church. I communicate with God during my commute, even at work. Some of those time I kneel in prayer (church and home), some of those times I just pray as I do my things… these prayers are silent, said without anyone noticing I’m even praying while I work on my tasks, whether doing chores or doing my work. I pray for people on my commute in the same manner.

I’m not telling you what you should or shouldn’t do but only suggesting, if your not praying enough, know you can pray more. Only you would know if you are praying enough.

Father God I thank you for another day. Thank your for always being there for me when I need to chat with you or pray. Lord you are just so amazing in all you do. Lord I know that I could pray more and speak more to you. I know you listen even when I’m multitasking. Yet I do want to carve out more one on one time with you. I wan to live a life where I do not cease any communication with you. I am working on that my lord. I pray for the person reading his who may or may not be struggling with their prayer time with you. Lord guide this individual to help him or her find the time, the method and the ability to reach out to you and pray. Amen

EMUNAH

​

So here is day 2 of the devotional series is entitled: Seven Hebrew words every believer should know.

Day 2

EMUNAH: Which means FAITH

When I first started following God, I thought faith was an intellectual decision – I knew there was a God, so therefore I had faith. But the Hebrew word for ‘faith’ – emunah – is less about KNOWING, and more about DOING.

‘Emunah’ literally means “to take firm action”, so to have faith is to act. It’s kinda like a staircase; you may intellectually know the stairs go up to the next level, but until you climb the stairs you won’t experience the next level. What you do is more important than what you know. Don’t just believe in the stairs, climb the stairs.

What would you need to change today to ensure your faith was defined by what you did, instead of what you know?

 Associated reading: James 2:17American Standard Version (ASV)

¹⁷ Even so faith, if it have not works, is dead in itself.

My commentary : prayer:

Wow Emunah meaning faith. Not just in having faith but acts in faith. Recently in bible study we discussed what faith means to us. One of the notions that did come up was acts in faith. Having faith and acting in faith goes hand in hand. The author to this devotion explains that using the illustration of the staircase. It’s one thing knowing you have faith, it’s a whole other meaning in acting out in faith.

Father God thank you for this devotional. Lord thank you for allowing me to learn a these Hebrew words through this lesson. Thank you for the explanation of the word Emunah. Lord I hope I show that have taken Emunah in you with my works. May this mini series provide useful information to everyone reading this. amen.

Many of us take

HESED

​

So I recently started reading this devotional plan from one of my Bible apps using the @YouVersion plan.  As I went through the 7 day plan I decided to make note so that I could share here when I finish this plan.  We should all share in this journey towards growth.

The devotional series is entitled: Seven Hebrew words every believer should know.

Day 1

HESED: Which means LOVE

When I photograph mountains like these in north Georgia, a verse in the Book of Isaiah comes to mind that says: “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken”. The Hebrew word translated as ‘love’ here is hesed which is a hard word to define. Theologian John Oswalt says hesed is “… a completely undeserved kindness and generosity …”.

Hesed is not just a feeling, it’s an action. It “… intervenes on behalf of loved ones and comes to their rescue” according to Lois Tverberg.

Hesed is not romantic love. It’s faithful. It’s reliable. It’s a wife praying for years for her husband to know God. It’s a dad once again bailing out his drug-addicted son. It’s parents who lovingly care daily for their autistic child.

Today, you can rely on God’s ‘Hesed’ for you no matter what you face.

 Associated reading:   Isaiah 54:10American Standard Version (ASV)

¹⁰ For the mountains may depart, and the hills be removed; but my loving kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall my covenant of peace be removed, saith Jehovah that hath mercy on thee.

My commentary:

What a detailed and amazing explanation to the word HESED. Many of us read the Bible and do not look up words we do not understand. Many of us don’t look up the meaning or relations to the text. What many of us do (and yes I include myself here) is we read the text as is, we see a word we may not be familiar with the context and we just keep moving on. Doing so could put a damper on how we translate the passages we are reading. Doing so can intercept a message god is trying to relay to you. Let’s all take the time when reading a passage to look up meanings to words or phrases we may not understand present day.

Father God thank you for this devotional. Lord thank you for allowing me to learn a these Hebrew words through this lesson. Thank you for the HESED you give me. Lord I Hesed you too. May this mini series provide useful information to everyone reading this. Amen.

​Undivided Heart.

“You must always act in the fear of the Lord, with faithfulness and an undivided heart.” – (2 Chronicles 19:9)

In 2 chronicles Jehoshaphat appoints Judges for the people.

Why?

There was a divided Israel. He was building alliances between Israel and Judah, he was building alliances to improve the circumstances he faced, he built alliances to help in trade to sustain his people, he built alliances to end idolatry and the practices of pagan rituals, he was also teaching the people about the laws of the land and to observe the sabbath and the laws of God. Judges were appointed to ensure the laws were being followed. Judges were appointed to ensure the teachings of God were not being misconstrued.

It’s election time in NYC and legislators are running for offices throughout. Each legislator is responsible for the well being of their constituency, that the rights of their constituency are protected and that laws are created to help/ protect and improve quality of life for their constituency. Judges are appointed by we the people when we go to the ballots.

Right now we are a nation that’ is more divided than ever. In theory we were once known as a nation of being indivisible yet here we are. Divided by politics, still divided by race and class, divided by religion, divided by philosophy and even divided by the law and politics. To think during Jehoshaphat’s rein his goal was to end idolatry and pagan practices. Today’s problems in America are a bit different. A nation where we are all supposed to be equal despite our differences, are living a complete opposite to the reason the founding fathers came together.

This saddens God. Having a divided nation breaks his heart. What hurts him even more so than this is when our own hearts are divided. Torn between social constructs and social norms and our beliefs.

I am from NYC. I lived all of my life in the city. I am used to the hustle, the bustle and that fast paced lifestyle. It’s just something that’s synonymous to being a New Yorker. With that being said there are times where this lifestyle makes it difficult to practice our faith.

There is so much to do, so much to see, so little time. It’s difficult in our fast paced world to cultivate an undivided heart but the benefits are phenomenal.

When your heart is torn between the desires of the flesh and the desires of the Lord, we are placed in a predicament where we have to choose. We can’t want nor have both. A heart divided is easily weaken, can easily be misguided, can easily turn to one side or the other fully.

A heart that is undivided is powerful. A heart that is undivided focuses on purpose. An undivided heart desires just that one item it desires. The desires of an undivided heart has such a conviction, perseverance will prevail no matter the difficulty faced.

My pastor has a saying that those with one foot in their faith and one foot in the world is lukewarm. A church will not strive if their members are lukewarm. He would rather a house full of those with undivided hearts who are filled with passion than a house filled with lukewarm individuals.

The individuals with the undivided hearts as mentioned are passionate, dedicated and loyal to their beliefs, faith and practices. It is this loyalty that leads you to grow spiritually with God. It is this loyalty that allows the impossible to happen . It is this loyalty that can break down the chains holding you down. It’s this loyalty that can move mountains. It’s this loyalty leads to a complete happiness words could never compare to.

Move past the trivialities of life. Turn that heart into and undivided heart with reverence for the Lord with fear and exercise faithfulness.

Right now it does not matter the state of your heart. If your heart is divided I ask you to pray. Pray to build with Christ. Pray for a spiritual alliance so that you can grow and flourish spiritually. I ask you to pray for the cultivation of an undivided heart that will transform your life. Mend your heart whole reject world in singleness of purpose and align yourself with the word of God.

Pray with me:

Father, I come into your presence now, and I ask you to surround me. I ask for you to align my heart with your will. I come under your authority and your claim upon my heart, my soul and my life. I give myself to

you—body, soul, and spirit. I give my heart to you, in every

way—including the broken & divided places in me. I declare your authority over my heart, for you made my heart and you have redeemed my heart. I ask that you help me mend my heart so I can be whole in you. I want to but undivided having you as my primary focus in life. I want an undivided heart filled with your love and faith that is powerful in your works. Amen.

Thankful for His Grace.

​

Thankful for His Grace.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.”

(Ephesians 2:8)

Thank God for his grace.

Its by his grace, his mercy and our faith in him that we are able to be saved.

It is his gift to us, through our faith.

As the holidays are fast approaching the constant theme we will all be discussing are GIFTS. What should I get my kids and loved ones? What do they want? Oh how beautiful this gift I received etc. These gifts once given belong to the recipient. There are many ways to respond and react to such gifts. You can respond with gratitude either by giving thanks , sending a note or even reciprocating with a gift back. You could do nothing at all. You may not even like or want the gift. Maybe you already have received said gift by someone else. In short, once your receive that gift, before the gift can affect you in any way.

Spiritual gifts are kind of the same way. Once God gifts you with your spiritual gift, onces you are readily available to receive the gifts he has in store for your through his grace, favor, mercy via his forgiveness from our sins, his blessings, the joy and peace that could only come but through him, once that is available to you, once your receive it can his gifts affect you in any way. Its not a gift of monetary gains like the gifts you can give from one person to another but spiritual.

In order to receive these gifts from God you have to put some work in to. Its via your faith and trust in him which will allow you to receive his gifts. That’s when his gifts can affect you. It’s not simply just earned. Its not purchased, you can’t bribe your way towards his blessings. You have to receive it by your faith.

You have a chance today to take a leap of faith.

If you are ready to take this leap of faith to build a relationship with our creator and want to receive the spiritual gifts he has in store for you, repeat after me:

PRAYER OF SALVATION

Heavenly Father, I come to You in the Name of Your Son Jesus Christ. You said in Your Word that whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:13) Father, I am calling on Jesus right now. I believe He died on the cross for my sins, that He was raised from the dead on the third day, and He’s alive right now. Lord Jesus, I am asking You now, come into my heart. Live Your life in me and through me. I repent of my sins and surrender myself totally and completely to You. Heavenly Father, by faith I now confess Jesus Christ as my new Lord and from this day forward, I dedicate my life to serving Him.

Father, Thank you for your grace, thank you for your mercy, thank you for your kindness. I pray for the individual reading this whom took the leap of faith to build a relationship with you. May this person seek the spiritual guidance needed to build a relationship with you and to receive your blessings and gifts. God I thank you for the gifts you have given me in my life and my family. No one could ever do what you do. No one could ever fill me up the way you can. No one can provide the way you provide. No one could ever bring peace and joy the way you can. Father thank you for being the alpha and the omega. Thank you for your love. I hope to continue to follow your path and seek your counsel in all that I do. In the name of the Father, the son and holy spirit. Amen.

I’ll Never Forget That Sermon from Daily Bible Inspirations

​

I’ll Never Forget That Sermon from Daily Bible Inspirations

For you are all children of God, through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were immersed into Christ have put on Christ.

– Galatians 3:26-27

This devotional is something amazing.

It made me ponder of that Sermon I shall never forget.

The authors devotional reads as follows:

I was ten years old when I went forward to confess my faith and be baptized into Christ for the forgiveness of my sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Having been brought up in the Church I knew the reasons for and meaning of baptism. But one night at a revival meeting at our church it became personal. I realized the need for baptism.

The preacher’s message that night was not your typical sermon. The stage was somewhat dark with a spot light shining on him and a large box he had made into a ‘time machine’. Pretending to be a skeptic, he used the ‘machine’ to ‘talk’ to Noah, Abraham, Daniel, Mary, Peter, John and Paul; briefly recapping their relationship with the LORD and the hope they had because of their salvation.

After speaking with these people, the man the preacher was portraying realized he wanted that same hope. But he was afraid it was too late and he began to cry out, “I want to spend eternity with Jesus! I don’t want to be lost anymore!”

I knew right then and there I didn’t want to be lost anymore, either. I realized just how personal our relationship with Jesus is and I wanted that more than anything. I still do and I pray you do, as well.

Pray: Jesus, thank you for saving me from my sins through Your death on the cross. Give me a heart and mind that rejoices in that hope and a life that demonstrates the gratitude I feel every day and in every way. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

my commentary:

As mentioned early in this post, I too had that impressionable memorable sermon. I was a teenager, when my pastor preached on the subject “El que tengan oido, oigan. If you have Ears, Listen”. The sermon was in Spanish so I will paraphrase in English.

If you have ears, listen. How many times people speak to us, and we hear them, but we do not listen.

We need to listen, not just hear.

God calls upon us all the time. Yet not only do half the times we don’t listen, we can’t even hear him.

How are we to proceed with his call, his destiny for us, follow his instructions if we are spiritually deaf.

We have ears, we are made to listen.

That sermon will be forever ingrained in my soul. Its a mental reminder of when I am slacking. to Listen.

Though this sermon wasn’t my aha I will take my next step to enter the waters for baptism moment….this sermon was impressionable nonetheless.

The sermon that changed my life was a sermon done by another pastor in Puerto Rico. Its a church i visit each time i travel to the area.

Her sermon was about the subject of not wasting time.

I was at the age of baptism. The age more or less of understanding. Her sermon touched on the end of times, the signs were starting to show. That where will we be when the gates of Heaven open. Where will be when he descends down to call upon his children. Will we be saved? Will we be ready. I knew then it was my time. I knew then it was now or never.

A few weeks later when I flew back home I went to the waters.

Everyone has different reasons to go to the waters. Everyone has different aha moments. Everyone has different sermons that stick out for some reason or another. Whatever the reason is, its usually a valid one meant for you.

Father God I thank you for another day. I thank you for those memorable sermons. Thank you lord for each sermon are just as important as the next but these sermon stick in my life for reasons you are very familiar with. Lord I thank you for them. Amen.

To our Veterans

Give honor to those to whom honor is owed!” Roman 13:7.

Today I want to start off by giving God almighty all the glory and Honor. Every time we wake up we should be thankful and give glory to the one who has made it possible. Thank you Abba father.

Secondly in light of Veterans Day, I want to thank our beloved service men and women from past and present for their blood, tears, sweat and sacrifices they have made for this country. Thank you for your service from the depths of my heart and soul.

I dedicate this post to our service men and women all over.

My family and friends whom are veterans…. I thank you yet again for your service. What you did/do, not many have the strength, passion, valor or capability to do.

The reason that today you (reading this) and I enjoy the freedom to worship together publicly is because someone fought to gain, preserve, and protect that freedom for us.

The reason that today you and I enjoy the right to free speech is because someone fought to gain, preserve and protect that freedom for us.

The reason that today we have the right to vote because someone fought to gain, preserve and protect that freedom for us.

The reason that today we live in a democratic republic is because because someone fought to gain, preserve and protect that freedom for us.

Please remember Freedom is never free. Freedom is never Free. These selfless mean and women deserve our deep gratitude. So let’s thank God. Let’s pray for our veterans and active troops . Let’s thank Them.

Father God the honor and glory as always goes to you first and foremost. Lord we thank you for the many, many service men and women whom have fought , preserved and protect us. Lord I ask that you cover over each veteran under your wing of protection. May you bless our veterans for all that you have allowed them to do for us. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit Amen.

No Condemnation

​

“There is therefore now no

condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according

to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”

(Romans 8:1, NKJV)

Prior to your salvation you were at high risk of condemnation. God used his son Jesus to be our sacrificial lamb to free us, fully liberate us, break the curse of sin, free us from shame and condemnation. Jesus came to be the living example of purity, to be the living example of how we should be. He was the great example we should all follow.

Jesus loved with all his might. Even those who made false accusations against him. Jesus wasn’t violent. Jesus taught others non stop the word of God. Jesus was selfless. Jesus helped those whom were over looked in society. He showed empathy and compassion on the most sincerest levels ever recorded in history.

He helped the lame, the sick, the destitute, the their, the prostitute, the adulteress, the needy, the unclean, even gentiles and the sinner. He showed that salvation is not for God’s chosen people the Jews but for everyone too. For you, for me. Jesus teaches that god loves the sinner, but doesn’t love sin.

Wait! What?

Huh?

God loves the sinner, but doesn’t love sin??

How is that even possible?

Anyone who is a sinner can be liberated from that sin that is holding you down. Believing and trusting in Jesus you can be freed from condemnation.

So yes he loves the sinner. He loves you and I since we all are sinners. The act of sin he doesn’t love. Accepting Jesus as our lord and savior, seeking forgiveness, seeking change to be liberated from your sins can free you from condemnation. This is why he paid the ultimate sacrifice. So that you do not have to face condemnation.

He did this for you, for me, for all the Jews, for all the gentiles and Samaritans, for the whole world. To be freed for condemnation you need to:

first repent all your sins.

Accept Jesus and your lord and savior

Pray the prayer of repentance

Pray the salvation prayer

Find a faith based institution which has strong ties to biblical instructions

Try not to go back to your old way of things

Build a relationship with God.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.biblegateway.com/passage/%3fsearch=Psalm+51&version=NKJV&interface=amp

Repentance prayer:

Father, I believe You love me. Your Word says that it is your patience and kindness that leads me to repentance. So I come to You humbly, and confess my sin. I thank You that You forgive me by the blood of Jesus, and ask for a fresh cleansing of my body, soul and spirit. Teach me how to walk honestly before You in repentance every day. In Jesus name. Amen.

PRAYER OF SALVATION

Heavenly Father, I come to You in the Name of Your Son Jesus Christ. You said in Your Word that whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:13) Father, I am calling on Jesus right now. I believe He died on the cross for my sins, that He was raised from the dead on the third day, and He’s alive right now. Lord Jesus, I am asking You now, come into my heart. Live Your life in me and through me. I repent of my sins and surrender myself totally and completely to You. Heavenly Father, by faith I now confess Jesus Christ as my new Lord and from this day forward, I dedicate my life to serving Him.

Lord thank You for setting me free from condemnation. Thank You for your love, mercy and kindness. Thank you for trusting in me and filling me with your grace. Help me lord to see my life the way you see it. Help me lord walk your walk with out distractions. Amen.

Exceedingly Better

​

Exceedingly Better

He is the one who will build a house for me, and I will establish his throne forever. 1 Chronicles 17:12

1 Chronicles 17:1–15

Jeremiah 9–11; 1 Timothy 6

The Holidays are fast approaching. Thanksgiving is around the corner and yes I’m panicking because I have yet to begin Christmas shopping. Many of you are in the same predicament. Oh my, its fast approaching. What do I get this person, what do I get that person. AHHHHHH Hysteria begins.

I am not here to cause any hysteria though.

Just a gentle reminder.

No matter what we purchase for our loved ones.

Whether it is for the Holidays or even birthdays, none of it will have the same grandeur to whats to come.

God prophesied to David via Nathan that His descendants (Solomon) who he was notified would build the temple David wanted to build for God.

Even thereafter we see how he was instructed he would build David a house, a dynasty. That dynasty comes via Jesus whom as we know has prepared the way and his thrown will last forever.

Our greatest gift of all will come at the end of our journey. The gifts we give and receive may give short term satisfaction, yet with Jesus we will receive the greatest gift of all. Our salvation, at the feet of Jesus thrown, when the new Jerusalem oh how great is this gift from our salvation.

Father God, I thank You for the gift of Jesus in my life. Thank your for your love, thank you for your blessings. No amount of material things will ever surpass the greatness we have yet to receive. My lord I am over joyed with emotions, with gratitude for your generosity. Thank you for your gifts exceeds any other gifts imaginable. Lord we do not deserve anything which you are giving us and here I am thankful nonetheless. Here I am seeking forgiveness for any trespasses against you or any other which were not intended. Amen

Right Companions

​

Right Companions

“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

(Proverbs 18:24, NIV)

Having the right companions can make a difference in ones life.

Having the wrong companions can totally break you.

We have friends who can destroy you, then you have friends whom are family.

I have had the unfortunate and fortune of having both in my life.

There is a Spanish Proverb that states: “Tell me who your friends are and I will tell you who you are”. “Dime con quien andes y te dire quien eres”.

Why is this saying important?

1 Corinthians 15:33New International Version (NIV)

Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.

Whom we surround ourselves can impact our judgement and our character.

We need to understand that we are called for greatness. God had a plan for you before you were even born.

To achieve this destiny for you, you need help.

God can align you with the right like minded folks to help achieve this destiny.

so you can Manifest within your destiny.

It is important to connect with the right people .

Certain people were already chosen for your path to inspire you, challenge you, nudge you a bit and help accomplish your dreams.

Everyone has great potential.

A friend will motivate you, even when you lack motivation.

A friend will give you words of inspiration, at the adequate moment.

A genuine friend will not fail you.

I have had instances where I made bad choices in friends.

I have even made bad choices in significant others.

They may not define who you are as a person. But they can influence you, more than we realize.

I had a friend once who influenced me to try weed. Not a grand moment in my life.

I could have said no, should have said no, I knew i needed to say no.

I was persuaded, I tried it, I didn’t like it and we went on our merry way.

We are still friends, but now, I influence her.

She now is studying the word.

She now is teaching the word to her children and is actively engaged in her church.

She no longer smokes weed.

That weed didn’t define me, it may have once influenced by judgement, but it didn’t define me.

“Tell me who your friends are and I will tell you who you are”.

Same goes with alcohol.

I have had moments in my life where i was the influencing or the one being influenced to try alcohol.

I was in a bad time in my life, I was surrounded by friends whom were filled with negativity.

You know how they say misery loves company.

Well, we were miserable, and we kept each others’ company.

It was a lo point in my life.

As i write this i can clearly see the players involved.

I vividly remember the influences we had for one another.

“Tell me who your friends are and I will tell you who you are”.

Now as a mother, I sit here and I encourage my son to encourage his friends.

I am happy he elected friends whom have the same interests.

They are all passionate on social justice issues and politics.

They are all passionate in their little endeavors.

They have similar interests, but even on their differences they support one another.

He literally has a melting pot of friends.

There was a time one of his friends for school spirit wanted to paint their nails in the school colors.

When he first told his mom, he was nervous he would be made fun of.

So the mom reached out to the other moms and we all said, have him talk the fellas, we will talk to the boys, if they decide to join him in solidarity we will support them. If they decide not to, its ok, we will also remind them, it is ok to be different and not always agree with others, but we must respect our friends.

The kids agreed to show solidarity they would all paint their nails.

My husband was not cool with this idea.

I had mixed feelings on the notion, but will not be apart of the problem of judgement.

I allowed my son to do so in solidarity.

These kids have been friends so far 2 years and counting, their love and bond for one another is almost like an extended family.

Friendships should be like this.

Some friendships should allow you to get close to people; even closer than relatives.

“Tell me who your friends are and I will tell you who you are”.

I have friends whom I consider family, more so than my own.

These are friends whom have been in the trenches with me, seen me get out, some have even picked me up from the trenches.

I also have seasonal friendships, friends who show up from time to time, but that time, that season we were friends was meant to be.

Sometimes friendships last a life time, sometimes they last a season.

I appreciate both.

Each friend is someone we can learn from, your relationship can also lead to personal, professional and spiritual growth.

Always remember, One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character. Do not be misled, but remember, there are friends who do stick closer than a brother.

Father God Thank you for your love, kindness, knowledge and the friends you have placed in my life. Thank you for each person who has entered, remained and even left my life. You know the reason why those whom remain, remain and why those whom left, needed to go. Lord I ask for continued guidance where my friendships do not mislead me. I ask for you to cover and protect my children so that their friends do not lead them astray nor corrupt their good characters. May we have friends who’s like minded and our bonds are like family. May we be able to nourish each other and grow not only in the flesh but spiritually. Give us the strengths needed to release the toxic friends in our life, to be able to discern the difference and proceed accordingly. Amen.

Successful People Help the Poor

​

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy” (Proverbs 31:8-9 NIV).

I have used this chapter several times. I have made several references to the proverbial woman. Yet this verse here, before I ever understood it was affiliated with the proverbial women, I used as a reference point as to why I wear my heart on my sleeve. I’ve used this verse to explain why I stand up to I just and inequalities when I can. This verse here is my go to as a reminder of why it is important to be civically engaged.

Today though this devotion by Rick Warren gave me that warm and fuzzy feeling of comfort. My happy place. My happy place includes serving the under-served.

Below is hid devotional:

Successful People Help the Poor

by Rick Warren

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy” (Proverbs 31:8-9 NIV).

If you want to live a successful life, the Bible offers some countercultural instruction.

Serve the poor!

How could serving the poor help us be successful?

The Bible gives us numerous reasons why this is so, but here are just a few of them:

It’ll make you happy. “If you want to be happy, be kind to the poor; it is a sin to despise anyone” (Proverbs 14:21 GNT).

You’ll honor God. “Whoever mistreats the poor insults their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God”(Proverbs 14:31 NCV).

It’ll make you a better leader. “Leadership gains authority and respect when the voiceless poor are treated fairly”(Proverbs 29:14 The Message).

I’ve seen this in my own life. Some of you know my story. When I wrote The Purpose Driven Life, the book became a huge global success. It’s been translated into 137 languages.

And when you write a book with the first line of “It’s not about you,” it’s pretty easy to realize that any money or influence that came from it wasn’t meant for me. So, among other decisions Kay and I made at the time, we started Acts of Mercy, a foundation to help the poor and the vulnerable suffering with AIDS.

The book’s success was not about me; it was all about God.

Proverbs 31:8-9 particularly spoke to me during this time: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy” (NIV).

That’s what successful people do. They stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves.

Pastor rick Warren includes these questions in his devotion:

Talk It Over

Why do you think it’s so important that successful people help the poor and stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves?

How have you seen successful people in your life help the poor and the defenseless?

What can you do to more faithfully help the poor?

Now I am not asking you to answer Pastor Warrens questions directly to me.

I do ask that you think about them. Analyze yourself.

Reflect. I’m big about self reflect if you’ve been following my writings.

Honestly answer them to yourselves.

If you want to share more power to you.

If you want to let it marinade and resonate from within, that’s ok too.

I have already poured my heart here in ways I haven’t with others. So as part of my reflection to this exercise I’m going to share my thoughts and analysis.

Why do you think it’s so important that successful people help the poor and stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves?

Honestly the Bible instructs us to help the poor. The Bible instructs us to live a humble like. We see it throughout the New Testament. The disciples left their jobs, families and belongings in an act of faith. They followed Jesus. They spread news of his love, prophecy and sacrifice. They walked his walk with him, physically guided by him. Witnessing his humble dwellings, behaviors, acts of kindness and how he selflessly help others. His ministry was focused on serving the destitute, the needy, the poor. Walking this walk with Christ, we need to lead by his example. This is something that should come from within. Not everyone has that drive nor that desire to help. It’s a natural instinctive nature that few are called to do.

How have you seen successful people in your life help the poor and the defenseless?

I have several times where successful individuals help the poor and defenseless. These past two months we have witnessed it first hand if you have been following the recovery efforts since Harvey. Celebs have gone out their way literally even flying private jets to send much needed goods to those affected by these major natural disasters. (Harvey, Irma, Maria & Earthquakes). It’s such an amazing sight to see celebrities joining grassroots initiatives, rolling up their sleeves, delivering aid, food and water. What an amazing sight to see these influential successful individuals hosting or collaborating in benefit concerts with the goal of continuing to aid in relief efforts. This isn’t the only way someone “more successful” can help someone who is at a disadvantage. Not everyone has that financial security.

Those whom give their time in volunteer work. Whether your volunteering at a hospital, volunteering via a non profit organizations doing grassroots initiatives to teach and be apart of initiatives to bring forth awareness and understanding or even fighting for others on social issues. Standing up for someone while we are witnessing injustices and inquiries are other forms of ways someone more successful can help someone in need. If you have a platform to make a difference go ahead and use that platform. You could be the tool to help speak for the downtrodden or the ones who can’t speak for themselves. Buying someone a hot meal. Whether it is a homeless person or someone who just only has five bucks until pay day is another way. I’ve witnessed all of these forms. Even kids whom are academically more successful who help out other children whom are struggling is a way where someone succeeding in something can help someone in need. I’ve seen that in my kids, in the kids in my sons school and even with the kids at church the way they help each other out.

What can you do to more faithfully help the poor?

I feel to faithfully help the poor we need to show that love and compassion still exists. It’s a cause and effect theory. With every action there’s a reaction. If we could all be more compassionate, help our in anyway we possibly can, our love and compassion can lead to a small spark flickering. That spark could be that match that needed to strike someone’s faith to be reignited.

Look no answer to these questions are wrong. This is my self reflection piece to those questions.

Father God I thank you for your love. Thank you for the successes you have given me in my life. I may not be wealthy, I may just be getting by, but my success is not about monetary success. My success and accomplishments you have led me to them. Your words have also taught me to be humble and give back as often as I can and when I can. There are times where all I have is a dollar to my name, there are times I give up my dollar, there are times I hold on to it. Lord you know the reasons behind each instant. It pains me when I can’t help. Yet it fills me up in the depths of my soul when I can. Lord thank you for allowing me to be successful in areas where I can help. I may not be wealthy, may not be able to save the world, but I do feel lord that every man, woman and child can make a difference, with your guidance. Amen.

Before Creation

​

“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world…”

(Ephesians 1:4, NIV)

Before Creation

Before you were even thought of by your parents womb He knew that you would be here today. Before He formed the heavens and the earth, he knew your name. He knew your calling, He knew how you would turn out. He created you to strive. To go above and beyond. To exceed all the obstacles presented before you. You were made for more. He has chosen you and provided the foundation and rubric you need to get by.

While at times the enemy deposits seeds of doubt; he has deposited seeds of faith, trust and the greatness you need to survive. In order to tap into the seeds he has planted deep within you, you need to know, trust and believe this before you can act on your calling.

At times we are burdened with low self esteem. We feel like failures; we feel nothing is ever enough. We feel no matter what happens its never good enough or we just can’t.

Those seeds of doubt were not deposited by the creator. The enemy likes to intercede any which way he can so that you can loose out on your blessings, so you can loose out on the greatness you were destined to be.

We are gems, diamonds in the roughs. We were destined for more.

We need to focus, trust in the lord, have faith in him and meditate in his truth.

Listen to that.

Let that sink in.

Focus.

trust.

Have faith.

Meditate.

I will also add have confidence.

Focus on building the confidence you need so that you can understand what you were destined for.

Be confident in the fact that he already knows, you just need to open your heart, eyes and ears to this revelation.

You are valuable, more than you know.

Victory is yours.

Are you ready to fulfill the greatness that is predestined for you?

Father God, lord of wonders, Lord of creation, lord of love and of mercy, thank you for creating me, thank you for choosing me to be destined for greatness. Thank you for the building blocks, the blueprint, the rubric needed to excel in your name. Please lord I as for you to open my eyes so that I too can see the greatness you have in-store for me. Please lord help open my ears so that I may listen when you provide instruction. Help me open my heart so that I feel. Help me walk confident in you to full-fill the greatness you had planned before I was even a thought by my parents. Amen.

our daily bread

​

So I read this devotional from our daily bread.

I thought it was worthy of sharing.

Surviving the Wilderness.

Dennis Fisher

The message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed. Hebrews 4:2

Additional reading:

Exodus 17:1–7

Jeremiah 6–8; 1 Timothy 5

In the 1960s, the Kingston Trio released a song called “Desert Pete.” The ballad tells of a thirsty cowboy who is crossing the desert and finds a hand pump. Next to it, Desert Pete has left a note urging the reader not to drink the water in the jar left there but to use its contents to prime the pump.

The cowboy resists the temptation to drink and uses the water as the note instructs. In reward for his obedience, he receives an abundance of cold, satisfying water. Had he not acted in faith, he would have had only a jar of unsatisfying, warm water to drink.

This reminds me of Israel’s journey through the wilderness. When their thirst became overwhelming (Ex. 17:1–7), Moses sought the Lord. He was told to strike the rock of Horeb with his staff. Moses believed and obeyed, and water gushed from the stone.

Sadly, Israel would not consistently follow Moses’s example of faith. Ultimately, “the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed” (Heb. 4:2).

Sometimes life can seem like an arid desert. But God can quench our spiritual thirst in the most unlikely circumstances. When by faith we believe the promises of God’s Word, we can experience rivers of living water and grace for our daily needs.

Help us to place our trust in You, Lord. You are what our heart thirsts after.

Only Jesus, the Living Water, can satisfy our thirst for God.

You can make a difference.

Even the smallest donation helps reach people around the world with the life-changing wisdom of the Bible.

Three days after the Israelites left Egypt, the water they brought along was depleted. Finding no drinkable water in the Desert of Shur, they grumbled against Moses, and God miraculously made bitter water into good water (Ex. 15:22–25). Soon their food supplies ran out, and they complained again. God miraculously fed them with manna and quail (16:1–36). As they approached Sinai, they complained yet again of no water (17:1–2). God had already shown them He could provide the water and food they needed. All they had to do was to trust Him! (Deut. 8:2; Ps. 81:7–8).

Consider how God has been faithful to provide for your physical needs. How has He satisfied your spiritual thirst?

Now that you have read this devotion let me explain why I wanted to share this.

We live day in day out half the times we do not even acknowledge the amazing works God does in our lives on a regular basis.

We are always glad that our physical needs are met, we are glad when our spiritual needs are met, yet are you still quenching for more?

Or are you ignoring your blessings?

Recently I have come to my own realization that I want more.

I need more.

He is the living water whom can satisfy this thirst.

I do not want to just be hydrated long enough until I need more.

I want to constantly be satisfied by what he gives me.

If i could have an IV linked directly between us I would.

We need to remain in faith, we need to refrain from going into the desert.

We do not need to conform to the bare necessities, we should want more.

I am not saying lavish cars and things.

We should always want more of him and be dutiful for the works he does in our lives.

Even in our trials, tribulations and Hardships we need to edify our souls with him.

We need to be appreciative of his lessons.

We need to constantly seek him for guidance.

Thank you lord for this message and insight. Thank you for your love, mercy and providing me with my bare necessities in life. May this devotional be of a blessing to anyone reading this. May we all quench for more of you spiritually. Amen.

Still Get UP

​

Proverbs 24:16 The righteous may fall seven times but still get up, but the wicked will stumble into trouble

A few weeks ago I saw two posts from TD James and I was just moved. Both posts correlate with one another. Both posts have a cause and effect factor. Both post reflects agents of change within oneself.

One of the posts were about failure. The other was about change agents.

We have all been in a place where we have felt like complete failures. No matter what we do, no matter what we say, no matter what we just keep failing.

Right now I feel like I’m soaring everywhere but in my own home. I feel like I am free falling to my inevitable kaput.

Have you ever seen looney tunes?

I’m wild E coyote chasing after the road runner. I follow the road runner, thinking that I am going to get my prize, then low and behold I was so blind sighted by the prize that I didn’t pay attention to my surroundings. I didn’t realize I had stepped over the cliff, the road, the gravel, the sand, the desert are no longer beneath my feet.

I can see the road runner up ahead. I can hear it say “beep, beep” as he sets off into the sunset. Now I realize my desperation and my despair. I look below I see nothing, I look around and see nothing. I’m stories high and now I am free falling.

We’ve all been there.

I am currently there today.

I am spiraling down free falling at home.

Where did I go wrong?

We tend to have a bad habit in the midst of these trials to not seek God for guidance. Luckily for me I know better, based on my experiences, to know to seek and praise him in the good times as well as the bad times. Today I seek refuge in God to give me guidance, words or whatever he has for me to fix this situation.

Back to TD Jakes posts.

3 ways to fail at everything in life:

1- complain about everything

2- blame others for your problems.

3- never be grateful

Based on his points here is how I failed:

I complained about my situation at home:

I blamed everyone for my problem.

My six year old has become very sassy. He has become very lazy, he suddenly has become a smart mouth. He has become very disrespectful as of late. Instead of getting to the root of the problem I have reprimanded him. As a mother I feel his failures are my failures. I complained about our circumstance and fully blamed him. Whereas my lack of providing the guidance needed is also the problem. I too am to blame.

We all go through situations where our children do something and we react. Sometimes the built up stress of our every day lives are channeled at the wrong time. I need to assess myself as well as my child so we can stop blaming others. Accept responsibilities for our faults and move onward. Parenting and our walk in Christ are always evolving and something we learn from with each day, each event, each second.

The second post from TD Jakes said the following:

5 characteristics of change agents

1- clear vision

2- patient yet persistent

3-ask tough questions

4-knowledgeable & leads by example

5- strong relationships built on trust.

This is where I am trying to get to with my problem at home.

I need to see the bigger picture. See clearer. I cannot do this if I am raging. I need to be patient but get to the root of the problem, the interior problem within me and the interior problem with my child. Patience will be needed since that may take a little bit longer. I do need to ask the tough questions. To myself and my child. I will need to lead by my example and show him I too am learning, i too make mistakes but this is how we fix, learn and grow from these mistakes. I need to ensure that my relationship stays strong. Right now is the time to fix it before it gets out of hand.

Right now I need to focus on the bigger picture.

Right now the bigger picture is not loosing my son, getting him to respect and to have reverence.

Right now the bigger picture is also to work within myself and battle this battle I am dealing with so that I may not lose who I am.

Father God I thank you for all that you have given me. I thank you for your guidance. I thank God for allowing me to utilize writing as a self reflection as well as to reassess my actions. God this tool could also be used for others who may have similar yet different experiences. Though I felt this Morning that the road was pulled from under my feet, I know it was your guidance that made me realize what steps I need to take to fix this. Lord I pray for the reader reading this who has a similar situation. I ask you to give them the knowledge and wisdom to assess, reflect, distress and approach their circumstances in a christian like way. Father I ask for forgiveness for my actions, I also ask for forgiveness for my child. Father please guide us both when I approach him on this manner. Father guide the reader reading this, as they approach the battles they are facing. May we be reverent in your cause. May you provide words and comfort. Amen.

According to Your Faith

​

According to Your Faith

“According to Your faith, be it unto you” (Matthew 9:29).

Where does our faith comes from?

It comes from believing in God.

It comes from the trials and tribulations we undergo and how we trust in God to lead us from our problems.

It comes from hearing the word of God.

It comes from hearing of god’s amazing works.

Your faith will show you how to handle adversity.

Your trust in God is encompassed in your faith.

Your love in God is embodied in ones faith.

It is important to walk your walk in your faith.

It is important to understand that ones faith can help in ones own protection.

Every time I leave for work I saw a prayer.

As I am running around the house each morning getting my self and my children situated for the day I commune with God.

During my commute I meditate I pray and I try my best to stay in communion with God.

During the course of the day as I work I reach out to God thanking him for my workflow, thanking him for the ease in my work, thanking him for resolving situations each time they arise.

I put my trust and faith in him that he will guide and direct me.

Had I not had faith in God lord knows where I would be.

It is our faith that help us achieve our outcomes.

Father, thank You for Your hand of blessing in my life today. Each day my lord I open my

heart to You and trust that You have a good plan for me. Give me a heart

filled with faith and hope today. Amen.

Wisdom

​

“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.” – (James 3:17)

We are exploring different types of wisdom in this verse.

We all have the wisdom gained from heard of experience. We have the wisdom’s gained from advanced academic education and schooling. We all have our stories, our journeys, our experiences which we feel define whom we are and how much knowledge we acquire in our cyclic life. We have all evolved through the years and our wisdom reflects our mental evolution.

This chapter describes a different kind of wisdom.

It describes a “Wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.”

The wisdom described in this verse is the wisdom that comes through God, through his word, through the Holy Spirit. The wisdom from above is pure, is peaceable, is gentle, is reasonable, is full of mercy, filled with good fruits, is unwavering and without hypocrisy.

We can all attain that wisdom. We can be wise based on our experiences, but nothing is greater than gaining that pure wisdom from above.

Father God, Lord of Mercy, Lord of love, today I ask you to fill me up with your word and your wisdom. Today started out with a hiccup dear lord. Despite the carnal wisdom, to no avail my hands are tied and bound and I am at your mercy. I submit myself to you and ask you for the wisdom needed to proceed. I ask you for the wisdom to face the challenge before me. For only your wisdom can heal my circumstance and take me to the next step I need to take. I submit my pain, my worry, my fears, my doubts, my concerns to you. Please provide the wisdom needed to move forward. Amen.

Calm before the storm

​

“…And in an instant, suddenly, you shall be visited and delivered by the Lord of hosts…”

(Isaiah 29:5-6, AMPC)

Despite what’s going on my people throughout the Caribbean have placed all their faith in the hands of the Lord to deliver them from their current crisis.

We’ve all experienced calms before the storm. What we find after a storm spiritually and literally enters our lives is confusion, desperation, loss of hope, some feel defeat. After the storm is usually that time which is most critical. That is the time where God really sees where our faith and trust in him rests.

You either continue having faith until your lifted back up off your feet, or you loose faith and succumb to defeat. My islanders and Mexico, please do not succumb to defeat. Maintain your faith during this difficult process. Help is on its way, albeit not fast enough, and that really breaks my heart, but rest assured help is on its way.

The prophet Isaiah told the people of Israel that the lord of hosts will deliver them during heir times of need, during their struggles, during their battles in faith. The lord of hosts had moved, inspired many from all over to help each an everyone of you, myself included. In the name of our Lord you shall and will be delivered from this unfortunate circumstance.

Please I know your facing peril, struggle, starvation due to lack of food and water, facing despair, but please do not loose hope, do not loose faith. Many, especially here in New York are praying for you. We are trying everything we physically can to help from where we are. We have lost sleep and cried concerned over you.

It’s natural to worry and be concerned.

Yet spiritually we are praying and battling, helping so that everyone can be delivered.

I continue to pray.

I continue to have faith.

I continue to reach out to hear from my loved ones.

To the ones I haven’t heard from I pray they are being taken cared for.

I pray that our God is providing for them.

By Gods grace the islands will rebuild and shall rise.

You will rise despite the hurdles.

The lord of hosts will deliver you.

Father God I thank you for touching the hearts of many to go on and help those in need. Many have personal ties to the regions affected by the natural disasters and all they want is for their people to be ok. All they want is for their people to be alive. All they want is for their people to have sufficient means and provisions. Thank you for your love and mercy, thank you for moving the good Samaritans throughout the lands that are doing everything possible to help. I ask the same way you multiplied a basket of fish and a basket of bread to feed the 5000, that you multiply the donations sent to sustain the millions throughout the islands affected. I know you can make the impossible possible. I ask and declare healing for those I’ll in your name. I ask for your hand to guide and direct those on rescue missions to find people in dire need of help in your holy name amen.

Sleep

​

“In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You, Lord, alone make me dwell in safety and confident trust.”

(Psalm 4:8, AMPC)

I don’t know about you but I have not slept a peaceful nights sleep since Harvey, Irma & Maria destroyed the homes and lives of millions of people. Despite my concerns, despite my worries, despite my anguish I find comfort in knowing that My Lord will sustain and provide. I have so much to be thankful for. I am thankful for the few relatives I’ve heard from are doing OK. They are making do and surviving considering the situation. They have maintained their faith. I have maintained my faith.

I am thankful for the many individuals whom have organized venues as donation drop offs. The many volunteers whom have worked tirelessly morning, noon and night….I am thankful for. For the legislators fighting for us because they genuinely care….I thank you. I am thankful for the means and modes of transportation allotted to get the goods down. I am thankful that despite being late, additional help is underway. I find peace and comfort knowing that the spiritual warfare has many prayer warriors knocking down the enemy’s path to destruction. We shall continue praying, you will not defeat us. We may not be able to save 100% of the people but you will not take 100% of them from us.

We will pray, we will fight back spiritually and we will take care of our people. I find peace in knowing that God has our backs. God is our protector, defender, strength, shelter, peace, refuge and provider. No mater how the storms of life come against our people, Take comfort in God, trust in god and you shall find safety, peace and joy.

In times like these we dwell in his safety, peace, and confident trust. We need to focus on God’s word, declare his promises over you and those in the Caribbean whom are hurting. We need to dwell in him. He will provide the peace, protection and victory for those affected directly and indirectly.

Father God today I thank you for your promises of peace and safety in my life and those afflicted in the Caribbean. I chose to focus my attention on you. To be used by you in each way you need to be of a blessing to others. God I ask not just for a peace of mind which I desire and need, but that you provide peace, joy, nourishment, protection, provision, shelter, strength, refuge and protect our Islands. Father our hands here in the states are tied and we are limited in what we can do…but I sit here in supplication for those in need. My peace of mind will come, when I know that these people are doing better. In Your holy name. Amen.



To be Loved

We all just want to be loved.

Held close.

Looked out for.

Taken cared of.

Loved unconditionally.

We think of finding Mr. right to be able to fulfill these wants.

What many don’t realize is we have, yet we ignore it.

Yes my husband loves me, but there’s someone out there who loves me in a way he could never.

No not my kids and not my parents.

No I don’t have a side piece to fill in, what I have had been by my side from day one.

Yes my husband takes care of me, looks out for me, and holds me close when he can.

Yet there is someone who will take care of me in a way my husband never will. Who will hold me tight in a way my husband never will. Who looks out for me in a manner that my husband never will.

This person loves me unconditionally.

This person has loved me my whole life, not talking about my parents.

This person loved me from the womb.

This person loved me before I was even a thought of my parents lives.

This person knows me by name.

Everything I thought i was looking for and wanted I had it all along.

God loves me, and loves me unconditionally.

God provides, takes care of me, looks out for me and even hugs me.

Where is this coming from??

Today I saw a young couple showing a whole lot of public display for affection. My initial thought was “Get a room”.

My thoughts after that was “oh to be young, carefree and in love, man I miss those days.”

My third thought was ” wait, I am young and in love with someone who has never left my side, even when I walked away and turned my back, has always stood there.

I have that love I yearned for. Yet ignored the fact that I had it. We all go through this.

We tend to think that we don’t have it. Yet we do. Not only do you love me, you comfort me, you protect me in ways my husband never could. You guide me. You strengthen me. You lift me up. You bring me peace. You bring me knowledge. You bring understanding. You supply me with patience. You provide me love to share.

• I am an ungrateful child of yours.
• I am a selfish child of yours.
• Always wanting more than what you provide.
• Always comparing what others have and wanting it.
• Forgive me dear lord.

Father God thank you for loving me.

Thank you for providing for me.

Thank you for taking care of me.

Thank you for all that you do for me.

No one will ever amount to you. No one will I love more than you.

No one will ever be praised greater than you. I ask you for forgiveness for that brief hint of self doubt where I thought I didn’t have that love, that sweet innocent unconditional love that only you could provide. I love you too my dear lord. Amen.

Called 2 Serve

I have a Testimony I want to share with my fellow bloggers and readers.

I shared this with the Pastor of women’s ministry, but I had to share with you.

As many of you may know from one of my recent posts, I have been fairly occupied on relief efforts and family within these past few weeks. I have been working on some of my writings but I haven’t focused in them as mush as I did.

Despite being busy I have been documenting things because I want to share how amazing God is.

In planning my relief efforts with my church I reached out to 3 organizations to help transport the goods to the islands.

I spoke with the Lead from the group who was sending relief efforts for the islands (st Martin and neighboring islands).

I spoke to a local legislator and grassroots non profit organization whom have been mobilizing to send goods to PR Dr & Mexico.

I have also spoke to a friend who’s in s fraternity which I will not disclose for privacy reasons and respect, who with his fraternal organization and fathers missionary are sending goods to the remote hard to reach mountainous regions of PR.

Since Maria hit I have been reaching out to these individuals

I’ve been calling them every few days to make sure we still are a for distribution / pick up after our event.

So a few days prior to the event, I left another message for the coordinator, that day she called me herself and was like “hey, the staff said your church has begun separating and boxing everything ahead of time”.

So I explained to her what’s the game plan for the event we had on the 14th and how schools and the church will be collecting and we will be dividing the goods between both relief efforts for the other islands and Pr.

She then was beyond humbled and grateful because everyone else who’s donated directly to her haven’t separated anything which has taken a lot of time from the staff.

So she was going to send an email to patients not to bring clothes, but she said since we’ve already begun to separate she will take all the clothes we collect, plus whatever else we give them. She then said to me “I am curious what church is organizing this?”

When I told her our name she said “oh wow, God is so good, and works in mysterious ways.” I said that he does, then she said “she goes to (she stated the name to her church) In SI.”

I got emotional as well. She said “wow God using fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to help with this mission, she said she is beyond humbled. It is amazing how God unites people for a reason.”

Her original intention was to meet us at our event. Unfortunately conflict scheduling didn’t lead to that but what did happen was oh so magical.

As we got closer to the date we kept in communication to coordinate drop off/ pick up. She was so eager to meet the Pastor for opening the doors to the church to help with these efforts! She kept saying she wants to hug us all.

God is sooo good.

I’m crying again just retelling this …: this was my third confirmation that week that what we are did was worthwhile.

The Sunday prior to having this conversation with this woman of God to continue to work on logistics, I asked God to please tell me, did I bite more than I can chew? Can you (God) guide me?

I continued to ask God “Tell me something to know that I am doing what you called me to do.”

• Twice on Sunday he said only one word. Patience.

So I asked for guidance. He answered Patience. I had to sit and be patient.

The next two days was a Monday and Tuesday one of my sisters in Christ not knowing my plea sent me devotionals indicating that we are meant to serve.

These devotionals were the answers I was looking for.

I cried instantly…. because I knew he was telling me was true.

The first devotional she sent me was this:

We Serve Because We Are Saved

By Rick Warren

“It is he who saved us and chose us for his holy work not

because we deserved it but because that was his plan.” (2 Timothy 1:9a

TLB)

What struck out from this devotional were the following: (hyper linked the title for your review the whole

“You were saved to serve God. The Bible says, “It is he who saved us and chose us for his holy work not because we deserved it but because that was his plan” (2 Timothy 1:9a TLB).”

“God redeemed you so you could do his “holy work.” You’re not saved by service, but you are saved for service. In God’s Kingdom, you have a place, a purpose, a role, and a

function to fulfill. This gives your life great significance and value. “

While I read this I cried.

My friend stated that this whole devotional reminded her of me.

She stated this is what made her think of me “If you have no love for others, no desire to serve others, and you’re only concerned about your needs, you should question whether Christ is really in your life. A saved heart is one that wants to serve.”

He told me to be patient.

He answered my question.

I am a saved heart that wants to serve.

On Tuesday my same sister in Christ sent me the following:

God Has Work for You to Do

By Rick Warren

“It is God himself who has made us what we are and given us

new lives from Christ Jesus; and long ages ago he planned that we should

spend these lives in helping others.” (Ephesians 2:10 TLB)

“God calls you to a service far beyond anything you could ever imagine. You were put on Earth to make a contribution.

You weren’t created just to consume resources — to eat, breathe, and

take up space. God designed you to make a difference with your life. You

were created to add to life on Earth, not just take from it. God wants

you to give something back.”

I think it is safe to say he answered my plea.

Despite these confirmations the enemy was working. Closely too. He was using my loved ones. My husband then mentioned “what if you collect all these things and they refuse”.

So that night I prayed, really prayed, and while praying god said call I called the two locations we were working with to drop off goods. To reconfirm al lthe details I was working on and reconfirming what they needed, what was missing, what we had, what we were doing etc.

I rebuked the devil for instilling doubt, and said God you will provide… you will pave way to a solution, and we will get these clothes to those in need as was promised….. my confirmations all started with a request. He told me to be patient. Then after receiving doubt from my husband and receiving the many confirmations he told me to call. When I reached out to all the parties involved my nerves calmed. My thoughts eased.

By Thursday of that week (one week and two days before the event) my sister in christ sent me a message with another verse. She stated ‘Reading my daily morning bible readings, Mathew 20:28 came up. I wasn’t going to tell you but something told me to tell you, that once again the Lord brings these versus to my readings and that I should share with you. Its just confirmation after confirmation. Whatever happens on the 14th is because its how the Lord permitted it.”

Mathew 20:28 states: “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

The following day she sends me this:

Spiritual Maturity is Never an End in Itself

By Rick Warren

“Your attitude must be like my own, for I, the Messiah, did

not come to be served, but to serve, and to give my life as a ransom for

many.” (Matthew 20:28 TLB)

“For Christians, service is not something to be tacked onto our schedules

if we can spare the time. It is the heart of the Christian life. Jesus

came “to serve” and “to give” — and those two verbs should define your

life on Earth, too. “

Confirmation after Confirmation of How Great God is in answering our please.

The days leading to the event was running smooth.

Packages were being received in the mail from those whom ordered online.

Donations were still trickling in.

Many members have helped non stop on several occasions to get things done.

over 200 boxes were prepped, sorted and sent to both locations.

200 boxes which included food, clothing, feminine product, hygiene products, toiletries, elder care needs, medical supplies, school supplies, baby products water etc.

200 boxes which we hope will make a difference to the lives whom receive these goods.

The day of it was all hands on deck.

Members of various ages from the youngest of the crop to some of the elders.

All hands were on deck prepping, sorting, folding, boxing.

The men made the first trip towards the PR aid.

It took 45 minutes to load up the van.

The men onsite were plentiful and it took 5 minutes to unload all the goods for PR 110 boxes and 25 cases of water went to PR.

As the day continue we finished packing.

By the end of the day (4pm) We had 90 boxes ready to go.

The second site was unable to secure a vehicle big enough to pick up all the goods we obtained for them, so we took a road trip.

We got to meet our sister in Christ helping St Martin and the other islands.

90 boxes of essential items were dropped off to her.

Tears were shed.

Prayers were made.

Glory to God was proclaim.

My prayers were answered. We did not plan this event in vain.

We did not let the enemy win.

We succeeded in helping many for a great cause.

We are called to serve, and serve we did.

I am beyond humbled beyond words could ever compare with everything this experience has taught me.

Despite my fear and worries for my families back home.

Despite logistical planning and constant phone calls.

I am glad that God provided.

He showed yet again that all will happen in his time.

He showed that we need to patient.

He taught me a special lesson.

I am called to serve.

Father God thank you for this humbling experience.  Thank you for the lessons you have learned. Most importantly thank you for the reminders that Patience is needed and that I am called to serve. You are most kind dear Lord, you are compassionate and your mercy is beyond comprehension my Lord. I am thankful for guiding me through this experience which was stressful. Thank you for not allowing those seeds of doubt take over my heart and my mind.  I fully trusted in you then and I fully trust in you now. As in all I do; It is all for your Glory and your will to be done.  May others use this testimony as an example that in the midst of one’s storm we are to be patient and confide in you to lead the way. Amen

Faith In the Power of God

​

“That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of man, but in the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:5)

Our salvation is based on our own individualized actions. Our salvation is based on our own individual faith. We cannot have our faith be based on just one man, whether spouse, significant other or even our leaders in the church.

Our faith should be based on our relationship with God. Our faith should be based on studying the word of God. Yes seek those with wisdom in the faith for guidance, knowledge and references.

Do not supplement their faith with one owns. Their faith will lead to their own salvation, your salvation is not intertwined with anyone but God the father, The son and the Holy Spirit.

It is easy especially for those new in their spiritual walk to get tied to someone else beliefs and assume that because of my relationship with so and so in my walk I have already achieved salvation. It’s not that simple. We are all tested individually and henceforth our walks in Christ will have different trials and different tribulations. Our faith should not be based off of anyone within the flesh. Our sins can only be dealt with God. Knowing and understanding what God wants can only come from studying the Bible, following his way and truly searching with ones whole heart.

Father God I thank you for this devotion and this lesson. I thank you for reminding me that as a woman I am not bound or tied to the faith of others. I am bound and tied to my faith and relationship in you. It is easy to let others make decisions for you. It is easy for us to get distracted in this society. Lord I want to focus more on you. I want my faith in you to be because of our individual relationship. I want to continue to seek guidance here, knowing that their wisdom and guidance is nothing if my relationship with you is not where is should be. I love and thank you father. Amen.

Unsatisfied

​

Unsatisfied.

Why are we always unsatisfied.

Why isn’t what we have ever enough.

This conversation started with a conversation about hair.

Some who have curly hair, do not like it.

Some who have straight hair, do not like it.

Some who have kinky hair, do not like it.

On the subject of not being satisfied, many are not content with their physical outward appearances.

Many criticizes their own height (too tall/too short).

Many criticizes their complexion (too dark/ too light).

Many criticizes their size (too skinny/too fat).

We are made perfectly so, for us.

Whether we are too tall, hair is too curly, too skinny, too light, or any other possible combinations of why we may be unsatisfied with our outward appearances.

We were made in Gods image and yet we wish certain things were different.

Accept the way we were born.

Yes I am preaching to myself.

Accept who we are.

Embrace your hair.

Love your skin.

Be proud of who you are.

We are loved as we are.

We are loved despite our sins and flaws.

The other day I saw someone post about how difficult it is to please women.

To paraphrase it was a meme for men to just live, let things be and don’t bother trying to please a woman.

The meme stated: (again I am paraphrasing)

Don’t concern yourself on pleasing a woman. If God himself can’t please them what makes you think you can. The meme went on saying:

God made women as they are and still are not pleased.

Women trim their eye brows

Dye their hair

Cut their hair

Alter their body (plastic surgery).

It was a list of things women do to alter their appearances.

I wish I could remember who posted it and copy it here so you could see what I am speaking of.

I don’t fully agree that men should give up on women lol.

That’s a whole other conversation for another topic of how God wants men and women to be with one another according to the Bible.

Over all it was a meme telling men back up these chicks aren’t pleased with what God, God the alpha and omega, the creator, the I am….if he who created women can’t satisfy them, your just out of luck bruh.

Every now and then I like to throw in some colloquial terminology as a reflection to our current society.

Now think of the essence of that meme and what I started talking about.

We as people as individuals are not satisfied.

We all go through it.

We always want to nip/tuck/snip and change something about who and what we are.

We are beautiful.

We were made perfect.

Stop trying to make exterior changes when the real changes need to be made for within.

Father God thank you for being most generous, kind and loving. Thank you for creating me exactly who I am. I know I may complain about certain features. I am very sorry for that. I will accept who I am and how I was made because you have made me this way. I am perfect in your eyes because I was made by you. I ask for prayers for those whom lack self esteem. For those like myself whom are never satisfied. Help us work on that lord. Help is work on being accepting of what we have and whom we are. Guide us lord to search within to make the necessary changes from within to do your will. Father I do not know the complaints and necessities of the readers reading this but I ask that you help guide me and the readers in our respective paths to accept who they are as your children in their struggles, to become satisfied and to work from within to achieve this self satisfaction. Amen.

​ Comfort

​

Comfort

Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee

– Isaiah 49:15

When I read this scripture I must admit I was taken aback a bit. I was also slightly taken aback at the devotional it corresponded with. I instantly thought, “how can a woman forget her child and not show compassion for a child in a womb?”

Maybe I was raised differently. I put the needs of my loved ones before my own, especially my children. I rarely keep up with my doctors appointments, rarely purchase new items for myself, and if I do I feel guilt. I usually buy multi-functional items that my kids can use (i.e. Crafting / art supplies) i usually turn items i buy for myself into objects the whole family can benefit from.

So to see and read of mothers forgetting their children or not putting their children first troubles me at times. It troubles me because I just can’t understand why anyone would neglect their kids. I am not trying to pass judgement on anyone. For who knows they probably think “why can’t she take better care of herself and stop always putting her kids first”. Valid argument so I do not judge anyone. I respect and understand that our pov’s will always be different.

The devotional reads as follows:

Have you ever felt forsaken, forgotten, or overlooked? Have you ever had your closest friends, and even family, let you down?

As unthinkable as it may seem, as unnatural as it clearly is, it is possible even for a mother to forget or neglect her nursing baby. She may become frustrated, or exhausted; or she may simply put herself first and not consider the needs of her infant baby. There have been shocking accounts in the national news lately of mothers who even harmed their own infant children for selfish reasons.

But God speaks this unalterable, unmistakable promise: even if your own mother were to turn against you, or forget you, yet he will never forget you. Although in a fallen and sinful world, parents may neglect or abuse their children, God will always nurture and prosper and provide for his.

What a comfort to hear these words from our heavenly Father! Though circumstances may deteriorate, though fathers may disappoint, though friends may forsake, God will never let you go. He is the perfect, protective parent.

There is no trial that faces you, no temptation that overtakes you, no problem that afflicts you without God’s loving hand embracing you. Fall into his ever-present, compassionate embrace today and rest in the fact that he will never leave you or forsake you.

My narrative:

Though I was initially taken aback this makes perfect sense. I also feel I am clearly being spoken to. (No not in the aspect of neglecting my kids). The very first paragraph of this devotion hits home.

Yesterday I had a discussion about disappointments in people. Friends, colleagues and yes even family. We as people put too much expectations in others when we should be putting them in God.

Though the first two paragraphs talks about being let down by those we didn’t think would let us down. The third paragraph of this devotion reminds you that God got your back.

“….even if your own mother were to turn against you, or forget you, yet he will never forget you. Although in a fallen and sinful world, parents may neglect or abuse their children, God will always nurture and prosper and provide for his.”

In my mind I took out the words mother and parent and filled in the blank with the individual(s) whom have let me down based on my own expectations of them.

Last night I fell asleep disappointed in many. Today I rise feeling liberated in known that “God will always nurture and provide for” me.

Do you feel neglected?

Have you been disappointed?

Have you been ignored?

Fear not.

Despite your hurt.

“God will always nurture and provide for” you.

What I feel I was taken aback more from this devotional was not only the notion of how can someone neglect their children, but the fact that God works in mysterious ways and was speaking directly to me.

Thank you father.

I got your message.

If you feel this message is speaking to you directly.

Thank the father.

Praise him.

For as I write this I surely am praising him for he is just so amazing.

Dear lord I thank you for the words that you have allowed me to read but my own processing of this. Thank you lord for being just, loving, comforting and amassing. Lord we do not deserve the love and mercy you give us on a daily basis. I am grateful that you do. Today I confess my sins to you, my doubts and my supplications. I ask that you continue to guide me and the reader reading this to understand and accept that despite the challenges and disappointments we face in life that you will always be there to lift us up and remind us that “I Am Here with you my child.” Amen

Apology

I want to apologize first to my lord and savior for not writing and blogging about his word, love and mercy.

Second I want to apologize to the readers whom are lifted up when you read the words that the lord inspired me to write.

Since hurricane Harvey I have been campaigning on stop for relief efforts for all in need. Whether by providing information as to where to donate aid, time, monetary donations or goods. I have family whom recently moved to Texas, my heart was heavy, luckily my family do not live within the regions which were affected. Despite that blessing my call towards servitude never falters.

As Christian’s we are called to service. My calling is evermore present right now… the phone is ringing and Lord knows I’m answering any which way that I can.

Then hurricane Irma hit and destroyed Many islands which many of my relatives resides in as well as Florida where I have many relatives as well. Yet again my campaign continued to help any which way I could. Advertising relief efforts, advertising information…. any which way I am able to help I can.

Now Maria…..oh María…. you finished off what Irma started and now, because of you I haven’t had a good nights rest. I can’t complain I have it better off compared to my island folks, compared to my paisanos. My heart is heavy. Still haven’t heard from many relatives. Many are without power, without food, without water, without their shelters.

As I write this I fight back tears which I thought I no longer thought I had any left.

I fight back the worry of my family.

It had been a month and things are not looking well.

Pray for all the islands please.

Help anyway you can.

Seńor yo te doy gracias

I have moments where I just start writing.

Words come to my mind and I just have to pen them to paper.

If I don’t I loose it.

So on the train the other day, thinking and while i was thinking these words just kept coming.

 

Lo and behold this poem came about.

Hope you enjoy this.

 

​

Oh Seńor yo te doy gracias,

Por el amor que me has dado.

Tu Me has perdonado,

Y me has liberado

sabiendo mi pasado.

Oh señor yo te doy gracias,

Por su gran misericordia.

Aunque yo te falle

Mi dijiste no desmaye

Y me llenaste de su gloria.

Oh señor yo te doy gracias,

Por su gran bendiciones.

Me regalaste mis hijos,

Mi tesoros, mi vida,

Por supuesto te adorare.

Oh señor yo te doy gracias,

Por las Maravillas en mi vida.

En gratitude te exaltare

Su amor confesaré

Hasta que en tu trono ya yo llegare…

Gracias por su amor

Gracias oh señor

Se que no lo merezco.

Gracias por Su generosidad.

Gracias oh senior.

Gracias señor.

Te amo.

Prayers, using Gods Words to pray for others.

 

I was recently having a discussion with a colleague on how do you teach a child to pray?

How do you answer those “religious questions” with the children?

 

My first response was well, you need to read up on it first, study it so that you are not giving the kids wrong answers.  Its the same thing I tell my husband.  I have studied and restudied the Bible, with that being stated that does not mean that I know every finite detail of the Bible, I am comfortable enough to be able to answer specific questions.  When I myself am unsure or uncomfortable I read the Bible, research the topic and ask questions.

 

So for my friend I found Bible Versus to use as an example as to do a short prayer using God’s own words.

 

For Instance Psalms 17:8:

Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me  under the shadow of Your wings. Amen.

I replaced the word  me from the scripture with the person or persons I am praying for.  Reinforcing the prayers using Gods own words, which are Holy Texts.

Example:

• Keep our children as the apple of your eye; hide our children under the shadow of Your wings. Amen
• Keep our parents as the apple of your eye; hide our parents under the shadow of Your wings. Amen
• Keep our siblings as the apple of your eye; hide our siblings under the shadow of Your wings. Amen
• Keep our nieces/ nephews/ God children as the apple of your eye; hide our nieces/ nephews/ God children under the shadow of Your wings. Amen
• Keep our families as the apple of your eye; hide our families under the shadow of Your wings. Amen
• Keep our Pastors as the apple of your eye; hide our pastors under the shadow of Your wings. Amen
• Keep our church as the apple of your eye; hide our church under the shadow of Your wings. Amen
• Keep our friends as the apple of your eye; hide our friends under the shadow of Your wings. Amen
• Keep our islands 🇵🇷🇬🇩🇹🇹 as the apple of your eye; hide our islands 🇵🇷🇬🇩🇹🇹 under the shadow of Your wings. Amen
• Keep our country 🇺🇸 as the apple of your eye; hide our country 🇺🇸 under the shadow of Your wings. Amen

 

Here are other known scripture prayers and similar examples:

• Jeremiah 17:14
  Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise. 

ex: Here you can replace the Heal me to: Heal Ms. Smith, O Lord, and Ms. SMith will be healed; save Ms. smith and she will be saved, for you are the one I praise.  Add to it.  I pray that you provide guidance, love, understanding for Ms. SMith’s family during this difficult time. etc.

• “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:3

ex:Dear Lord who is faithful, please provide the strenght for Jane doe in her time and need so that you can give her the protection from the Evil one.

• “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1 

ex: God whom is our refuge and strenght, I ask that you be the refuge and strength for my friend xxx, who is in need of ever present help in her troubles.”

 

 

 

Here are other versus which can be used as prayers adding in the person or persons your are praying for:

• “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 mind in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

 

• Psalm 29:11 – The Lord gives strength to his people, the Lord blesses his people with peace.

 

• Psalm 119:165 – Great peace have those who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.

 

• Isaiah 26:3 – You will keep in perfect peace those who minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.

 

• Matthew 11:28-30 – “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

 

• 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.

 

• Isiah 57: 19  creating praise on their lips. Peace, peace, to those far and near,” says the LORD. “And I will heal them.”
  
• Mark 5:34 New International Version (NIV)  ³⁴ He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”

 

• Mark 6:56 New International Version (NIV) ⁵⁶ And wherever he went—into villages, towns or countryside—they placed the sick in the marketplaces. They begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.

 

• Luke 8:48New International Version (NIV) ⁴⁸ Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”

 

• Isaiah 58:8New International Version (NIV) Then your light will break forth like the dawn,
      and your healing will quickly appear;
  then your righteousness^[a] will go before you,
      and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.

 

 

The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9–13)

This prayer is the true classic. Most of us have said this prayer and could likely recite it right now. But there’s much more to this model that Jesus gave us than rote recitation. This is a prayer with real power: God’s kingdom coming, God’s will being done, all that we need for the day. It’s truly power packed. So, take a closer look at what it teaches:

“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.”

 

Jonah’s Prayer for Salvation (Jonah 2:2–9)

We may never be swallowed by a great fish, but we can still experience the shame and regret that Jonah felt after he ran from God. The prophet’s plea to the Father provides a poignant scaffolding for our own prayers of repentance. And remember that God heard and answered this humble, honest prayer:

“In my distress I called to the Lord,
and he answered me.
From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help,
and you listened to my cry.

You hurled me into the depths,
into the very heart of the seas,
and the currents swirled about me;
all your waves and breakers
swept over me.

I said, ‘I have been banished
from your sight;
yet I will look again
toward your holy temple.’

The engulfing waters threatened me,
the deep surrounded me;
seaweed was wrapped around my head.

To the roots of the mountains I sank down;
the earth beneath barred me in forever.
But you, Lord my God,
brought my life up from the pit.

“When my life was ebbing away,
I remembered you, Lord,
and my prayer rose to you,
to your holy temple.

“Those who cling to worthless idols
turn away from God’s love for them.

But I, with shouts of grateful praise,
will sacrifice to you.
What I have vowed I will make good.
I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the Lord.’”

 

David’s Prayer for Deliverance (Psalm 3)

This one was a tough choice because the Psalms are stuffed full of cries and petitions. If you ever want a primer for prayer, you can’t go wrong with this wisdom book. But we chose Psalm 3 because it provides a concise portrait of crying out to God in the midst of great stress. David’s words are no less relevant to our modern workplace and lifestyle as they were to his battles:

Lord, how many are my foes!
How many rise up against me!

Many are saying of me,
“God will not deliver him.”

But you, Lord, are a shield around me,
my glory, the One who lifts my head high.

I call out to the Lord,
and he answers me from his holy mountain.

I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.

I will not fear though tens of thousands
assail me on every side.

Arise, Lord!
Deliver me, my God!
Strike all my enemies on the jaw;
break the teeth of the wicked.

From the Lord comes deliverance.
May your blessing be on your people.

 

Hannah’s Prayer of Praise (1 Samuel 2:1–10)

When Hannah received the child she begged God for, her first instinct is to praise the One who provided. She wants to thank Him for His greatness and His deliverance. Too often we pray before receiving, but then forget to pray after God answers. Let this prayer guide you in thanks:

“My heart exults in the Lord;
my horn is exalted in the Lord.
My mouth derides my enemies,
because I rejoice in your salvation.

“There is none holy like the Lord:
for there is none besides you;
there is no rock like our God.
Talk no more so very proudly,
let not arrogance come from your mouth;
for the Lord is a God of knowledge,
and by him actions are weighed.
The bows of the mighty are broken,
but the feeble bind on strength.
Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread,
but those who were hungry have ceased to hunger.
The barren has borne seven,
but she who has many children is forlorn.
The Lord kills and brings to life;
he brings down to Sheol and raises up.
The Lord makes poor and makes rich;
he brings low and he exalts.
He raises up the poor from the dust;
he lifts the needy from the ash heap
to make them sit with princes
and inherit a seat of honor.
For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s,
and on them he has set the world.

“He will guard the feet of his faithful ones,
but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness,
for not by might shall a man prevail.
The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces;
against them he will thunder in heaven.
The Lord will judge the ends of the earth;
he will give strength to his king
and exalt the horn of his anointed.”

 

Here are some things to consider when Praying:

1. Address God’s rightful place as the Father

2. Worship and praise God for who He is and all that He has done

3. Acknowledge that it is God’s will and plans are in control and not our own

4. Ask God for the things that we need

5. Confess our sins and repent

6. Request protection and help in overcoming sin and satan’s attacks on us

 

additional resources:

• 5 Powerful Prayers Every Wife Needs to Pray over Her Husband
• 11 Encouraging Prayers for Your Son

 

I will end with the serenity Prayer:

God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
As it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
If I surrender to His Will;
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life
And supremely happy with Him
Forever and ever in the next.
Amen.

“Me Too”

 

Harvey Weinstein has been much of the talks lately.  Many are coming out whom have been directly affected by Harvey, and many more are coming out whom have been affected by others.  You and I have all seen the way they have been coming out.  #MeToo.

 

​http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/alyssa-milano-elevates-harvey-weinstein-conversation-50525732

 

The Me Too movement as you know came about as a response and to bring awareness to the situation at hand since the Harvey Weinstein controversy.  Since the first post about this situation “more than 53,000 people had left comments and thousands of women had declared “Me Too,” sharing their stories of rape, sexual assault and harassment across social media, including some for the first time.”

 

If you’ve been sexually harassed or assaulted write ‘me too’ as a reply to this tweet. pic.twitter.com/k2oeCiUf9n

— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) October 15, 2017

 

 

 

I too included a “me too” post for the very first time. I have never shared my story, but I have undergone sexual assault and harassment.   It took a lot for me to even write those two words because it meant admitting to myself that I am a victim of assault.  I never reported my assailants, nor would I at this point. One of them is deceased, the other was really young when he did so.  I was young myself and did not know how to talk about or process what I endured.  My post also shows my family a truth about my past which I never wanted to discuss, never have discussed with them, nor do I have any intentions to further discuss with them nor my spouse. 

 

Some may have seen it, some may have not.  Those two little words I wrote in solidarity for being victimized, but any further elaboration up to that point was not going to be given.  Many though chose not to admit their assaults or harassment in this movement.  Many are still unable to handle such memories or just want to bury their past deep down to the bottoms of the oceans. I do not blame them.

Reminder that if a woman didn’t post #MeToo, it doesn’t mean she wasn’t sexually assaulted or harassed. Survivors don’t owe you their story.

— Alexis Benveniste (@apbenven) October 16, 2017

I commend the women whom have been able to share their stories in public. They are stronger than I am for sharing their stories along side their Me Too.  

 

As I write this I can vividly see the faces of the two whom have harassed/assaulted me in my past.  I can vividly see where I was, what I wore, What was said and what happened after the fact.  I cringe at the memory. I feel repulsed by myself.

I couldn’t add more than those two words.

My family follow me on social media.

I didn’t want to disclose more than I did.

Saying me too, I said more than I ever did since my first encounter.

As mentioned earlier one of the assailants I was told passed away.  Died too young.  Died in a hit and run accident in Florida.  It was horrendous to hear.  I never wished either of the two any wrong.  I forgave them both. Though I am scarred by the memories…I forgive them each time I think of it.  The one who passed away shouldn’t have died the way he did.  He was on his way to get milk for his infant.  I cried at the news.  Like I said I did forgive him. In person at that.  (though I did leave him with a black eye and a few scratches to the face at our encounter).

 

Sometimes we are victimized not by strangers but people we know and associate with.  Sometimes its a relatives.  I thank God in my case neither are relatives.  They were people I have known though.  People I didn’t think would do such a thing.

 

What I ask is that Mothers of boys, lets teach our sons to respect women. Lets raise our boys not to harass or assault anyone.  Teach our children boundaries.  Teach our children respect overall.  Teach our children “personal space”.  Teach our children how would you feel if you were in those shoes?  Teach our children what If it were me your mom or sibling that this had happened to.  We need to make things personal in order to assess our feelings accordingly.  We need to hold ourselves accountable for our own actions.

 

Mothers of daughters, teach your daughters to speak up.  Teach your daughters to defend themselves.  I may not have been able to speak up or do something the first time.  The second time I did fight back.  I did not turn the other check like the bible says, and I have asked for forgiveness in that.  I did defend myself.  I did not report to any authorities of anything nor did I file complain.  I probably should have.

 

Remember to please not judge those victimized.  No one ever asks to be raped, harassed or assaulted.  It’s not something that one says Hi, I’m here, Pick me, Choose me, attack me?

 We need to respect the privacy of those whom admit they were victims; but do not want to disclose anything further than two words.

 

It is hard.

 

Here are affiliated articles on the #metoo movement.:

• the atlantic
• An activist, a little girl and the heartbreaking origin of ‘Me too’
• Incredible Image Shows How the #MeToo Movement Spread Around the Globe
• Why the #MeToo Moment Is Liberating, Dispiriting, and Uncomfortable All at Once
• Two moguls down. And the #MeToo movement is just getting started
• The ‘Me Too’ Campaign Was Created By A Black Woman 10 Years Ago
• For Some Sexual Assault Survivors, Harvey Weinstein News Can Be Triggering

 

Pslams 9:9

The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.

 

As with all that I do, let us end in a prayer.

Father God I thank you for another day to speak about a topic which is not spoken about often enough.  Lord you are my stronghold, in the good times and in my times of trouble.  Lord you are the stronghold to the many women whom have been victimized during the years.  I once again come before you and seek forgiveness for my transgressions on the issues I mentioned above and I forgive those whom have caused harm to my person.  God you know the situation that occurred, you know how it has affected me and why I choose not to disclose more than I did.  Lord I still want to forgive my transgressors and once again ask for forgiveness for my transgressions.  Lord I ask you provide strength and guidance to the many victims whom have yet found an outlet or confide in someone to discuss their circumstances and experience.  May they find refuge in you so that they too can forgive and move forward.  I know it is hard my Lord, but with you all things are possible.  Amen.

Un clamor al Gobernador de Puerto Rico

​

Gobernador con todo el alma te pido gracias por los esfuerzos que estás haciendo bajo estos circunstancias. Te pido por favor que mande alimentos y necesidades a los otros municipalidades que todavía no han recibido nada según los reportes.

Los gentes de los municipales de los montes, del sur, del oeste.

Officiales y leaderes de los municipales te lo reugo que no dejen que la gente sufran.

Controlen los que tan abusando con los precios.

Esfuerzen la ley para que no cojan ventajan.

Muchos necessitan attencion medico.

Muchos necessitan alimentos.

Muchos necessitan agua.

Muchos necessitan ayuda.

Te lo suplico con todo mi corazon y alma ayuda a la gente mas.

Give your all.

​

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”

(1 Peter 5:7, NLT)

Many of us in the northeast have family throughout the path of Irma. I know we do. We have family in PR, DR, St Martin, St Croix And Florida. We all have family in some of the other islands. Where am I going?

We have been praying for days now for all whom have been affected by the hurricane from when Harvey first popped up. This passed Sunday, before Irma really entered Florida many congregations throughout the nation prayed that it wouldn’t totally destroy Florida.

Our church prayed.

Your church probably prayed.

Many prayed.

What we did is we put our trust in the lord.

What is even more amazing is how this category 5 hurricane suddenly turned into a category 2 in the midst of its path towards destruction.

My friends are safe.

My family members are safe.

I trust and pray that many are safe today.

I trust and pray that the Lord has provided for the residents of Florida.

This is what the power of prayer does.

A call for prayer can block whatever the enemy has planned.

The meteorologists couldn’t even explain the drastic change in category, they couldn’t even begin to explain the sudden shift in the course it was headed.

My answer is plain and simple.

Faith. Trust. Love. God is in control.

We all have our worries to him. What could’ve been a catastrophe he made into a minor destruction.

You may ask why didn’t he get rid of the hurricane all together?

With everything we are to learn from this experience.

With everything God needed to remind us he is here and that we must always confide in him, trust in him and have faith in him.

Know that prayers still get answered.

He still listens to his children.

He protect those whom believe and profess his love.

Know that all things are possible in God.

If recent events haven’t made you realize that the end of times are near, my friend I pray for you.

Thank God for your blessings.

Thank God for your freedom.

Thank God for the simple things in life.

Father God we humbly come before you and Thank you for your amazing works. Thank you for being just. Thank you for being loving. Thank you for all that you provide. I humbly ask that we are able to help and provide for the many afflicted in these areas that were hit by the hurricane. May they find peace, may they be shown love. May they find compassion. May the see the humanitarian efforts being sent their way. May they get food, clothing, water and all the basic necessities to continue to move on. I pray for this nation, our leaders and the constituents as well. I pray that we can all provide for our country folk, I pray that you will be able to show your love and provide for them. Amen.

Unfinished

Philippians 1:6 Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

⁶ I am sure that the good work God began in you will continue until he completes it on the day when Jesus Christ comes again.

 

 

Luke 4:4-12 Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

⁴ Jesus answered, “The Scriptures say,

‘It is not just bread that keeps people alive.’”

⁵ Then the devil took Jesus and in a moment of time showed him all the kingdoms of the world. ⁶ The devil said to him, “I will make you king over all these places. You will have power over them, and you will get all the glory. It has all been given to me. I can give it to anyone I want. ⁷ I will give it all to you, if you will only worship me.”

⁸ Jesus answered, “The Scriptures say,

‘You must worship the Lord your God.
    Serve only him.’”

⁹ Then the devil led Jesus to Jerusalem and put him on a high place at the edge of the Temple area. He said to him, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! ¹⁰ The Scriptures say,

‘God will command his angels
    to take care of you.’

¹¹ It is also written,

‘Their hands will catch you
    so that you will not hit your foot on a rock.’”

¹² Jesus answered, “But the Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’”^[a]

 

Satan tries to deter you from what GOd has planned for you.  You cannot let him get to you.  In this second part of the series Mandisa elaborates even further.  Her testimony and illustration is below:.

Here is the 2nd devotional from Mandisa.

​

Unfinished

Devotional by Mandisa

I beat myself up…a lot. I would never talk to anyone the way I speak to myself sometimes. Ask me what my best qualities are and it would take me a long time to compile a list. But ask me what I don’t like about myself and buckle up, because I can rattle off that list in 3.5 seconds flat! I know I’m not alone in that harmful habit. I believe it is time for the children of God to stop wallowing in shame and regret, and start living lives of freedom, power, and authority. We do that by taking those destructive thoughts captive, and making them obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).

In Luke 4, Jesus was hounded by the devil in the wilderness. Rather than getting in a philosophical debate with Satan, each time Jesus was tempted, He simply spoke the Word of God and kept it moving.

“But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone.’ ” Luke 4:4 NLT

“Jesus replied, “The Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the LORD your God and serve only him.’ ” Luke 4:8 NLT

“Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the LORD your God.’ ” Luke 4:12 NLT

If it worked for Jesus, it works for me! Now when I hear those negative thoughts in my head, I am learning to respond with the truth of God’s Word.

When I sin and want to pull away from God in shame, after I repent, I’ll proclaim that, “I confess my sin and know that God is faithful to forgive and cleanse me. Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those that belong to Christ Jesus, like me. I am more than a conqueror, and nothing can separate me from the love of God!” (1 John 1:9, Romans 8:1, 37-39)

When I look in the mirror and don’t like what I see, I’ll declare that, “Because I look to God, I am radiant, and not covered in shame. I have a true beauty that goes beyond outward appearance, and shines from the inside out. My heart displays an unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God.” (Psalm 34:5, 1 Samuel 16:7, 1 Peter 3:3-4)

When I feel anxious and hopeless that I’ll ever overcome the struggles that I always seem to face, I’ll speak life by saying, “I celebrate the truth that God began a good work in me, and will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns. I am not a mess. I am not a failure. I am not a mistake. I’m just unfinished.” (Philippians 1:6)

I’m Still Here

Psalm 40:1-3 Easy-to-Read Version (ERV)

To the director: A song of David.

40 I called^[a] to the Lord, and he heard me.
    He heard my cries.
² He lifted me out of the grave.^[b]
    He lifted me from that muddy place.^[c]
He picked me up, put me on solid ground,
    and kept my feet from slipping.
³ He put a new song^[d] in my mouth,
    a song of praise to our God.
Many will see what he did and worship him.
    They will put their trust in the Lord.

 

How many times have we been in a situation that the only way to come out of it you needed to proclaim the name of Jesus.  We try to be superheroes.  We try to solve our own problems.  Yet we just keep digging our own graves deeper.  We keep forgetting that we need to call out the Lords’ name in praise and only he can take us out of our situation.

 

we have all had moments like these.  Experiences that have brought us to our knees in order to overcome them.

I recently read a devotional series from Mandisa, which talks about just that.

Let me share this Series with you.

 

Day 1:

​

I’m Still Here

Devotional by Mandisa

For three years, I was in a pit. Not a physical one like Joseph was thrown into by his brothers in Genesis 37. No, mine was a deep pit of depression that I lowered myself into by isolating myself from everyone who loves me (including God), and making bad choices that resulted in overwhelming shame.

Have you ever been there, in a pit of despair? Whether you were thrown in by someone else, or you lowered yourself in, a pit is a pit. It is dark, lonely, and often feels like there is no way out.

But there is! Our compassionate God specializes in reaching down into dark pits and pulling His children out. He’ll do the heavy lifting; our role is simply to look up and grab a hold of His hand.

Here are 3 things that God taught me about how to come out of a pit:

Freedom Flickers—While darkness can feel all-consuming, it only takes a flicker of light to dispel it. Light can be found in countless ways: scripture, an encouraging comment, a song on your local Christian radio station, etc. It only takes a spark. Ask God for that. Then keep your eyes open for it.

Family Flames—God calls us to community for a reason. As I sat, day after day, by myself, listening to the lies of the enemy, and my own negative self-talk, I sank deeper and deeper into darkness. I thank God for surrounding me with “Light People” who prayed for me, called, pounded on my door, and eventually accosted me at a movie theater parking lot. Like Jesus, they loved me just as I was, but too much to leave me that way. The members of the Body of Christ (meaning the family of God) are God’s hands and feet. If you don’t have people like that in your life, ask Him to send you some, then keep your eyes open for them.

Focus Forward—As long as I focused on the mistakes I made in that season of darkness, I would stay stuck there. Instead, I choose to look forward. I set my mind on the grace and forgiveness of God, and rather than thinking about how far I have to go, I simply take that next step of obedience. What is that step for you? Once you think of it, take it.

I’m still here, and so are you! That means that our stories are still being written, and I believe that the best is yet to come.

Tikkun Olam: Repairing the World

Tikkun Olam is Hebrew for repairing the world.

It’s Holy Week, Holy Saturday in fact. Yesterday Jesus died at the cross of Calvary. Tomorrow he will ride and leave his tomb empty.

Tikkun Olam. This is all I can think of. Why is this lil old Christian girl citing Hebrew words?

Tikkun Olam began as a verb “to make straight” in the Hebrew scripture. Rabbis have used this phrase, this saying in their legal discussions in the Talmud.

I am currently moved and inspire to write about how Jesus came in to my life in order to Tikkun Olam me. He set me straight, he saved me, he repaired me when I was broken, weak and in need. Thank you ABBA Padre.

Kaballist followers referred to Tikkun Olam as a concept of cosmic repair in the Middle Ages.

Today, some use the term Tikkun Olam in reference to social activism – to heal the world.

The Hebrew verb TKN (Tikkun Olam) is only found four times in the Scripture. Which means to make straight, establish, arrange, or repair.

In the book of Ecclesiastes, we see the verb TKN mentioned 3 out of the four times mentioned in scripture.

Before we get into those scripture let’s speak about the book of Ecclesiastes.

Purpose and Teaching:

The author of Ecclesiastes puts his powers of wisdom to work to examine the human experience and assess the human situation. His perspective is limited to what happens “under the sun” (as is that of all the wisdom teachers). He considers life as he has experienced and observed it between the horizons of birth and death — life within the boundaries of this visible world. His wisdom cannot penetrate beyond that last horizon; he can only observe the phenomenon of death and perceive the limits it places on human beings. Within the limits of human experience and observation, he is concerned to spell out what is “good” for people to do. And he represents a devout wisdom. Life in the world is under God — for all its enigmas. Hence what begins with “Meaningless! Meaningless!” (1:2) ends with “Remember your Creator” (12:1) and “Fear God and keep his commandments” (12:13).

With a wisdom matured by many years, he takes the measure of human beings, examining their limits and their lot. He has attempted to see what human wisdom can do (1:13,16-18; 7:24; 8:16), and he has discovered that human wisdom, even when it has its beginning in “the fear of the Lord” (Pr 1:7), has limits to its powers when it attempts to go it alone — limits that circumscribe its perspectives and relativize its counsel. Most significantly, it cannot find out the larger purposes of God or the ultimate meaning of human existence. With respect to these it can only pose questions.

Nevertheless, he does take a hard look at the human enterprise — an enterprise in which he himself has fully participated. He sees a busy, busy human ant hill in mad pursuit of many things, trying now this, now that, laboring away as if by dint of effort humans could master the world, lay bare its deepest secrets, change its fundamental structures, somehow burst through the bounds of human limitations, build for themselves enduring monuments, control their destiny, achieve a state of secure and lasting happiness — people laboring at life with an overblown conception of human powers and consequently pursuing unrealistic hopes and aspirations.

He takes a hard look and concludes that human life in this mode is “meaningless,” its efforts all futile.

What, then, does wisdom teach him?

1. Humans cannot by all their striving achieve anything of ultimate or enduring significance. Nothing appears to be going anywhere (1:5-11), and people cannot by all their efforts break out of this caged treadmill (1:2-4;2:1-11); they cannot fundamentally change anything (1:12-15;6:10;7:13). Hence they often toil foolishly (4:4,7-8;5:10-17;6:7-9). All their striving “under the sun” (1:3) after unreal goals leads only to disillusionment.

2. Wisdom is better than folly (2:13-14; 7:1-6,11-12,19; 8:1,5; 9:17-18; 10:1-3,12-15; 12:11) — it is God’s gift to those who please him (2:26). But it is unwarranted to expect too much even from such wisdom — to expect that human wisdom is capable of solving all problems (1:16-18) or of securing for itself enduring rewards or advantages (2:12-17;4:13-16;9:13-16).

3. Experience confronts humans with many apparent disharmonies and anomalies that wisdom cannot unravel. Of these the greatest of all is this: Human life comes to the same end as that of the animals — death (2:15; 3:16-17; 7:15; 8:14; 9:1-3; 10:5-7).

4. Although God made humankind upright, people have gone in search of many “schemes” (for getting ahead by taking advantage of others; see 7:29; cf. Ps 10:2; 36:4; 140:2). So even humans are a disappointment (7:24-29).

5. People cannot know or control what will come after them, or even what lies in the more immediate future; therefore all their efforts remain balanced on the razor’s edge of uncertainty (2:18;6:12;7:14;9:2).

6. God keeps humans in their place (3:16-22).

7. God has ordered all things (3:1-15;5:19;6:1-6;9:1), and a human being cannot change God’s appointments or fully understand them or anticipate them (3:1;7;11:1-6). But the world is not fundamentally chaotic or irrational. It is ordered by God, and it is for humans to accept matters as they are by God’s appointments, including their own limitations. Everything has its “time” and is good in its time (ch. 3).

Therefore wisdom counsels:

1. Accept the human state as it is shaped by God’s appointments and enjoy the life you have been given as fully as you can.

2. Don’t trouble yourself with unrealistic goals — know the measure of human capabilities.

3. Be prudent in all your ways — follow wisdom’s leading.

4. “Fear God and keep his commandments” (12:13), beginning already in your youth before the fleeting days of life’s enjoyments are gone and “the days of trouble” (12:1) come when the infirmities of advanced age vex you and hinder you from tasting, seeing and feeling the good things of life.

To sum up, Ecclesiastes provides instruction on how to live meaningfully, purposefully and joyfully within the theocratic arrangement — primarily by placing God at the center of one’s life, work and activities, by contentedly accepting one’s divinely appointed lot in life, and by reverently trusting in and obeying the Creator-King. Note particularly 2:24-26; 3:11-14,22; 5:18-20; 8:15; 9:7-10; 11:7 — 12:1; 12:9-14 (see also any pertinent notes on these passagoes link can be found in footnotes)

Outline of Ecclesiastes:

• Author (1:1)

• Theme: The meaninglessness of human efforts on earth apart from God (1:2)

• Introduction: The profitlessness of human toil to accumulate things in order to achieve happiness (1:3-11)

• Discourse, Part 1: In spite of life’s apparent enigmas and meaninglessness, it is to be enjoyed as a gift from God (1:12;11:6)

• Since human wisdom and endeavors are meaningless, people should enjoy their life and work and its fruits as gifts from God (1:12;6:9)

1. Introduction (1:12-18)

1. Human endeavors are meaningless (1:12-15)

2. Pursuing human wisdom is meaningless (1:16-18)

2. Seeking pleasure is meaningless (2:1-11)

3. Human wisdom is meaningless (2:12-17)

4. Toiling to accumulate things is meaningless (2:18;6:9)

1. Because people must leave the fruits of their labor to others (2:18-26)

2. Because all human efforts remain under the government of God’s sovereign appointments, which people cannot fully know and which all their toil cannot change (3:1;4:3)

3. Because there are things better for people than the envy, greed and amibition that motivate such toil (4:4-16)

4. Because the fruits of human labor can be lost, resulting in frustration (5:1;6:9)

• Since people cannot fully know what is best to do or what the future holds for them, they should enjoy now the life and work God has given them (6:10;11:6)

1. Introduction: What is predetermined by God is inalterable, and people cannot fully know what is best or what the future holds (6:10-12)

2. People cannot fully know what is best to do (chs. 7–8)

3. People cannot fully know what the future holds (9:1;11:6)

• Discourse, Part 2: Since old age and death will soon come, people should enjoy life in their youth, remembering that God will judge (11:7;12:7)

• People should enjoy their life on earth because their future after death is mysterious, and in that sense is meaningless for their present life (11:7-8)

• People should enjoy the fleeting joys of youth, but remember that God will judge (11:9-10)

• People should remember their Creator (and his gifts) in their youth, before the deteriorations of old age and the dissolution of the body come (12:1-7)

• Theme Repeated (12:8)

• Conclusion: Reverently trust in and obey God (12:9-14)

Now that we have an overview on Ecclesiastes, back to references of TKN:

Human endeavors are meaningless:

“What is wrong cannot be made right. What is missing cannot be recovered.”

Ecclesiastes 1:15 NLT

The author has described that we humans do not have authority to fully make things right, make things new, or repair. We are limited.

“Accept the way God does things, for who can straighten what he has made crooked?”

Ecclesiastes 7:13 NLT

Who are we? Can we really fix something that God has made, created? Allowed to happen? God has his reasons for why things go the way they do. We have to accept what we cannot change, we have to accept in our limited abilities and capabilities of the flesh. We do not have the power God has. We do not have God’s abilities.

“Keep this in mind: The Teacher was considered wise, and he taught the people everything he knew. He listened carefully to many proverbs, studying and classifying them.”

Ecclesiastes 12:9 NLT

We have to reverently trust and obey God.

““When my sanity returned to me, so did my honor and glory and kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored as head of my kingdom, with even greater honor than before.”

Daniel 4:36 NLT

In Daniel 4, Nebuchadnezzar has a dream, Daniel interprets it and Nebuchadnezzar‘s dream came to pass., he then exalted and glorified the lords name. Nebuchadnezzar was restored, straightened and renewed. TKN.

Consider what God has done: Who can straighten [Takkan] what he has made crooked?”

In the book of Deuteronomy we see where the concept of Justice and moral duty to society originates:

“Let true justice prevail, so you may live and occupy the land that the Lord your God is giving you.”

Deuteronomy 16:20 NLT

In the book of Amos we find a Hebrew prophet who condemned Israel’s disregard to Widows, orphans and foreigners in his time. Here he uses this reference towards doing what is rightness, to denounce Evelin, to love what is good, to turn towards justice for all the living.

“Do what is good and run from evil so that you may live! Then the Lord God of Heaven’s Armies will be your helper, just as you have claimed. Hate evil and love what is good; turn your courts into true halls of justice. Perhaps even yet the Lord God of Heaven’s Armies will have mercy on the remnant of his people. Instead, I want to see a mighty flood of justice, an endless river of righteous living.”

Amos 5:14-15, 24 NLT

Now that we have see. Peace, and setting things right or repairing with the Hebrew word Tikkun Olam, then came the concept of repairing the world peace. The Zohar, a book of Jewish mysticism, first appeared in Spain in the late thirteenth century. The author used tikkun olam to describe the cosmic benefits of when a Jew performs mitzvot.

A mitzvot is a commandment, referring to precepts and commandments commanded by God. According to the Torah there are 613 commandments. In the Bible we have 10.

Now back to the book Zohar, out of this book and cosmic benefits of following the commandments a new philosphy of thought emerged called kabbalah.

This new philosophy is birthed in the concept of how through the fall of Adam, the universe was “ruptured” in both the physical and spiritual realms.When a Jew carries out the mitzvot cosmic repairs are made in the invisible spiritual world. The benefits then “flow down” into the physical world and slowly repair the damage done on earth by the sin of Adam.

We know that through the fall of man in genesis, sin was born. Satan became the prince of this world. Willing and able to deter, destroy, manipulate all of God’s creation.

Kabbalist state with their philosophy of cosmic destruction due to the fall of man that God’s presence was scattered in the same way a clay pot is shattered and the shards scattered. These pieces were called “divine sparks.” Famed Kabbalist Isaac Luria (1534-1572) explained that the Jews were dispersed throughout the world in order to “elevate” these sparks and restore the unity of God’s presence.

As Christians we know that yes the fall of Adam and Eve birthed sin, yet the death of Jesus restore us, heals us, Tikkun Olam: Repairing the World, not the physical world but spiritual world.

For centuries Jews waited the arrival of the messiah, so a new Jerusalem can be formed, Where their king can ride up and rule for all eternity. The prophecy has been mentioned throughout the scriptures of hour our savior would come, live, be mistreated, pay for our sins and ride back up. (Isaiah 53).

Jesus did just that. The spiritual world is saved. Jesus repairs our hearts. Jesus repairs our souls, Jesus repairs our mind, Jesus repairs where we will spend our eternity…. as long as we believe in him, follow him, trust in him.

“The fact is, it was our suffering he took on himself; he bore our pain. But we thought that God was punishing him, that God was beating him for something he did. But he was being punished for what we did. He was crushed because of our guilt. He took the punishment we deserved, and this brought us peace. We were healed because of his pain.”

Isaiah 53:4-5 ERV

The phrase “tikkun olam” remains connected with human responsibility for fixing what is wrong with the world. It’s a trait that comes from within. People whom are passionate about fixing this world are invested in grassroot initiatives, working for the people, to stand up against anyone whom do not do right by the people. These people do community activism, work in social justice, some go into politics, go into health care, the legal system and even ministry, so that in the areas they believe and are passionate about they too can do right for the people. The problems of this world can be jeweled and mended if we all take the appropriate steps towards salvation. To love each other wholly they say the Bible reaches us. To respect one another as the Bible reaches us.

Jesus came to this world mend our hearts, save this world, to repair this world from the sin caused by the down fall of mankind. Jesus came by dying in our place for our wrongdoing, thereby wiping our slate clean and giving us shalom (peace)with God. Jesus is our Tikkun Olam, but what he comes to repair, is not this physical world but the spiritual world. Our battle is a spiritual battle. Our journey here on earth determines our spiritual journey.

Yet here we are today, Holy Saturday, and you are probably wondering where I am going with all of this.

When Jesus died at Calvary, his followers, his disciples were mourning, they felt broken, they were in pain. Some were probably questioning was this really the son of God? Some were probably questioning will he return? Some were just in pain. Loosing a friend, especially at a young age is never easy. They had to silently wait for what was to come next, while they mourned.

Put yourself in the place of Jesus ‘ disciples.

‘I just lost my teacher. I just lost my mentor. I just lost my friend. I just lost my best friend. I just lost my brother. I just lost my son, he was only 33.’

Let those words sink in for just a few seconds.

Have you ever lost a teacher you highly regarded and respected? A mentor who guided you? A close friend? Your best friend? Your brother or sister? Your son?

His disciples were in pain. Yes they believed his teachings. Yes they lived, breathed, witness and spoke of the miracles of Jesus, yet here, in this world, in this flesh, they were still in pain.

When someone dies, no matter how they die, at first it’s hard to accept that they are no longer with us in the flesh.

Recently I lost a dear friend. It was a freak accident in my eyes. In the eyes of the Lord, it was time. I do not need to know the why, the reason, no matter how much I question what did happen, how come he died, I have to accept that God has his reason, and his reason is not mine to know. Yet this death, hurt me, shook me to the core. This death shattered my home to a million pieces. This death caused pain we didn’t know exist. We lost a friend, a brother, a best friend, a teacher.

The pain was raw.

The pain was real.

The emotions were indescribable.

We have all lost someone.

Take these feelings and apply them to the disciples.

I was broken with my losses.

They too were broken.

We also become broken when we sin.

The day after the crucifixtuon of Christ , they too mourned. Their pain, their feelings were raw. Their anguish was real. They were broken. Despite their faith, despite knowing that the prophesy needed to be fulfilled, they were broken and in real pain, the same pain you and I feel when we loose a loved one.

Today, I can think of Tikkun Olam, Jesus repairing the spiritual world. Today in mourning, broken, in pain over the loss of our savior, channeling the pain the disciples must have felt today, I find hope, comfort and peace knowing tomorrow he will rise. Tomorrow he fulfills the prophesy. That tomorrow he proves that he is the messiah, that my sins have been forgiven, that he paid my debts. That I shall praise and worship his name because he has allowed me to have an opportunity to enter the gates of heaven. I have found the Golden Ticket…. my ticket is Jesus. He has repaired my world, he has repaired my spiritual battles, he has healed everything that was broken in me.

Jesus repairs. Jesus heals. Jesus mends. Jesus is my Tikkun Olam: he has repaired, straightened and healed me.

Thank you Lord for sending your only son to be our sacrificial lamb. Thank you for having him take my sins upon the cross. Thank you for allowing me salvation through your son. Lord this act has allowed us salvation. Allowed us a bridge and relationship with you. To be able to feel your spirit. To be touched by the Holy Spirit. To be loved and inspired by the Holy Spirit. To grow with you in our spiritual journey so we can join you when our time comes. Lord I know things will happen, temptations and test will come, the enemy will try to break me, but you have already repaired me. Today over two thousand years ago, the disciples mourned the passing of Jesus, tomorrow we shall rejoice and celebrate that we worship the one true living God. Amen

References:

◦https://jewsforjesus.org/publications/issues/issues-v20-n03/tikkun-olam-repairing-the-world/

◦https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/tikkun-olam-repairing-the-world/

◦ http://bible.com/116/ecc.1.15.nlt

◦http://bible.com/116/ecc.7.13.nlt

◦ http://bible.com/116/ecc.12.9.nlt

◦ http://bible.com/116/dan.4.36.nlt

◦ http://bible.com/116/deu.16.20.nlt

◦ http://bible.com/116/amo.5.14-15,24.nlt

◦ http://bible.com/406/isa.53.4-5.erv

◦https://www.biblestudytools.com/ecclesiastes/

While we were still sinners….

bible.com/406/rom.5.8.erv

Think about the ultimate sacrifice God has made for you. He sent his son, to pay for our sins, even before you and I were born. Jesus was our sacrificial lamb. He has redeemed us. He died so we too can join his father our lord one day in heaven. He died so we too can receive salvation.

He rose from the grave to fulfill a prophesy, a promise from God. To show God’s love, compassion and grace. To show that God wants all his children with him, saved in heaven. Not subject to be lost in the catacombs of hell, not to be destroyed by the enemy. The lord gave us free Will, we freely choose whether we want to accept him or not. Our choices determine if we can achieve salvation.

Jesus death at the cross of Calvary is not something to be taken lightly. His whole experience, the torment he had to undergo, the suffering, the beatings, the tears, the agony of his flesh, the name calling, the shouts, the hatred that many had towards him. He went through all this so we, you and I shouldn’t. He paid our debts, so when you make it to judgement day, you can go debt free. All you have to do is believe and accept our lord as your lord and savior.

All you have to do is start anew. Repent, believe, follow Jesus. Follow him with all your heart and soul.

Pray with me.

Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from you. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward you. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”

If you decided to repeat this prayer and repent of your sins and receive Christ today, welcome to God’s family. You are now my brother or sister in Christ.

Now, there are a few things you need to know to grow closer to Christ. Build your relationship with God. As a way to grow closer to Him, the Bible tells us to follow up on our commitment.

• Get baptized as Christ has commanded us.

• Tell someone else about your new faith in Christ.

• Spend time with God each day. It does not have to be a long period of time. Just develop the daily habit of praying to Him and reading His Word. Ask God to increase your faith and your understanding of the Bible.

• Seek fellowship with other followers of Jesus. Develop a group of believing friends to answer your questions and support you.

• Find a local church where you can worship God.

Good luck on your spiritual journey.

May God Bless you.

Holy Friday

Today we celebrate Holy Friday.  Today we commemorate the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at the Calvary. We Observe today as a part of the Holy Week.  Always celebrated the Friday prior to Easter Sunday (Resurrection Sunday).

In many cases; Holy Friday coincides with the Jewish Passover week.  Like Holy Thursday, Holy Friday is known as other names: Holy Friday, Good Friday,  Great Friday Black Friday and Easter Friday.

Whatever name you call today, we honor, observe and reflect the sacrifice God did.  This crucifixion of the Christ led to our sins being forgiven.  He died to fulfill the prophecy of the Messiah and paid the ultimate price so that Jesus can redeem us, God forgave our sins.

The story of the crucifixion takes place in Mathew 27, John 19, Luke 23 & Mark 15.  In these chapters we find not only the fulfillment of the Prophesy which Isaiah prophesied but the details of the crucifixion by these disciples.

Today let us reflect on forgiveness, for the Lord our father has forgiven us.  Let us reflect on Love, for the lord God loves us.  Let us reflect on the suffering, for in his carnal stage, Jesus suffered for you and I.

One of my many favorite bible versus is Luke 23: 24 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Jesus while being crucified, while in agony and pain, despite the humiliation and the lashings was willing to forgive them.  Forgiveness was the reason He was on the cross. The words “Father, forgive them” show the merciful heart of God.

Please Forgive anyone who has transgressed against you.  Please forgive any offenses made towards you.  God was able to forgive, Jesus showed mercy in asking for forgiveness in his most dire moment of his life.  Let us all do the same.

May you enjoy the Holy Holidays, may it be spent in reflection with your loved ones. Praise be to God.

Father God I thank you, thank you for fulfilling your prophesies.  Thank you for our salvation.  Thank you for the ultimate sacrifice paid by your son.  Thank you for Forgiveness.  Thank You for completing what You started in my life. I trust that no matter how dark things may seem, You are my shining light of hope. Thank You for working behind the scenes to carry me through to the place of victory in every area of my life in Jesus’ name. Amen

Holy Thursday

 

Today has many names that people refer to it.

Some call it Maundy Thursday, Holy Thursday, Covenant Thursday, Great and Holy Thursday, Sheer Thursday and Thursday of Mysteries among others.  Today is the Christian Holy Day which is the Thursday before Resurrection Sunday (also known as Easter).

Today we commemorate the Maundy (washing of feet), which can be found in the following gospels; John 13:1–17, Luke 22: 24-27 &  Matthew 26:14-29 where Jesus washes the feet of the Disciples.

Today we also commemorate the Last supper with the apostles  (which can be found in Matthew 26: 17-30, Luke 22: 7-23, Mark 14: 12-26  & John 13). Today is the 5th day of the Holy Week after palm Sunday.

 ^{Today I have reflected on all the wonderful blessings my lord and savior has provided.} 

Despite my pain, despite my suffering, despite my anguish, despite my heart aches, despite my sickness, despite anything that can attempt to bring me me down, I will Glorify and Honor my Lord.

 

Today I give praise for the life given to me, the blessings bestowed upon me, especially for the blessings I am not worthy of receiving, he deemed I was, so for that I am eternally grateful.  I lift his name in prayers and thank him for the path he has chosen for me, some days I agree, some I am confused, some I disagree, but this is the path he wants for me.

 

Today I reflect on the sacrifice he made for you, for me, for my children, for the Jews, for the gentiles, for everyone living, breathing here on earth.

 

I thank him for the guidance he has provided to allow me to grow spiritually and to allow my faith to grow in him as I walk with him.

 

The blood which was shed, the tears which were shed, all cleansed and washed my sins away.

 

The Proverbial son, the Messiah, the lamb of mankind, he brought us salvation.  No matter what we do, we could never repay the gift he gave us.  I will strive in my might to attempt to walk my walk as he did.  We may be persecuted, we may face trials and tribulations, but he did say it will not be easy.

 

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Regardless of what you refer today as, I ask you that you reflect in your walk, your relationship with your creator.  Today has many names, As God has many names as well. Regardless of what you call him, I ask that you reflect in him.

 

Father God I thank you for another day, for another blessing, for another opportunity to spread your word. God I thank you for the marvels you have bestowed my way, starting with the sacrifice you made for my salvation. May we continue to Honor you, today, always and forever in gratitude for you have done, continue to do and have yet done for us.

Amen.