THE NEED FOR A MANAGER

 

(Joshua 1:8) "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success".

(Psa. 37:24) "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way".
(Prov. 3:5-7) "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil".

Manager - one who manages, handles, directs and supervises direction in order to help one achieve and be successful.

           In businesses, places of employment, schools, churches, homes, relationships, finances, etc., there are managers in position. Are they necessary? Yes! Someone is needed to handle the affairs of the company, business and lives of those involved so things run orderly and efficiently. Those without managers will find chaos, disorganization with finances, files, paperwork and much more. People don't always like being managed or instructed, but with their skills, they can get things from point A to point B successfully.

           Case scenario - Being a gospel artist, I find it necessary for me to consult my manager (which happens to be my brother) before I make any decisions or accept engagements. His advise enables me to be productive, in accordance and to be conscientious about matters that I may not be updated on or have knowledge about in the music industry. There are times when I may feel like making a purchase for upcoming events and he may advise me whether or not it's in the budget or not. I can choose to obey him and trust what he's advising me, or I can refuse his advise and do it my way. My refusal to be managed may cause me problems down the road. 

           God wants to manage our lives. He even left us a Management Manual to study called the

B-I-B-L-E. In addition to the Bible, Jesus promised that he would not leave us "comfortless" or without a teacher or guide and sent the Holy Spirit (our spiritual manager). His job is to guide us. When you are led by the Spirit of God, you are the sons and daughters of God. There have been times in my own life that I've heard the manager (The Holy Spirit) speak to me what to do and didn't follow the instructions. After repenting to God, you can rest assure that my lesson was learned and I had no problems following instructions the next time.

          God only wants the best for us. If boundaries or restrictions are present, it's because He wants to protect and provide what's best and is the best for us. Let us resist the urge in trying to be our own manager and allow God and the Holy Spirit to be it for us. We will find that our lives, plans, desires and steps will be brighter and better with them in the control seat. Our prayer should be, "MANAGE ME LORD! Not my will, but thine be done. Amen!"

S U P P O R T
 

Sacrificially Undergirding Projects Pooling Our Resources Together!
 

 

(Luke 6:38 -NLT) ^"Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back."

(2 Corinthians 9:7-NLT) ^"You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”

(Proverbs 19:17-NLT) ^"If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord—and he will repay you!"

         In the above posted video snippet, the prophet Elijah was sent to this town where there was a famine. This widow woman was told to prepare a meal (which was her last one) and she sacrifically gave what she had to eat and did as the man of God said for her to do.  She and her child were blessed with more than she could ever imagine due to her obedience and her supporting the man of God.  

          When we are asked to give or support worthy causes or others, it is natural for us to have reservations or be reluctant. Human tendencies usually causes us to rationalize and think of reasons why we should or shouldn't give or support when asked. When it comes to giving or supporting financially to those we don't know we sometimes fail to support. With so many scammers and fraudulent schemes happening today, being cautious is a good practice to employ. There are times when we're asked to support causes, it is a good practice to pray and ask God for directions.

          When you give, as if you are lending to God and His work, your reward or giving will not be in vain. Some may refuse to support because they don't know where their funds are being allocated or what purposes they are needed for certain projects. It's strange to me that when we go to our theme parks, recreational/social activities, pay our taxes,shopping, beauty care, parking fees, etc., we barely ask these questions. It seems as though the charitable/religious organizations are the ones which are questioned and usually have to give explanations to where there funds are allocated. When you give, as the scripture clearly says above, you will be given back more than you gave. Let us SUPPORT one another. One may feel, as the woman who supported Elijah, that what she had was only a small amount. When we give to those who are helping others, our reward is great! 

         (MY APPEAL) When I ventured out to begin My Praise Project in 2007, I had no funds available to start what God had birthed in me. I only had God's word that He'd provide and in obedience I stepped out on faith. I solicited support from family, friends, businesses and the response was overwhelming. Their support enabled me to fund my musical career and "Live" recording in 2007. At the beginning of 2013, I prayed to God if He'd blessed me to get a website to reach others for Christ. One of my loyal supporters came through and paid for the site to be created. God never fails! I want to do everything God has gifted me to do to reach the masses for Him. It takes financial support. Yes, when a person begin to ask for funds for religious purposes, there is a tendency for people to pull back but it doesn't have to be this way. I may not ask for myself, but I am bold to ask when it comes to the work of God. When you trust the God in a person who has integrity, there shouldn't be any doubts or questions in your mind if they will do the right thing about funds given in support of their cause. I need your support. There is so much I'd like to do to further My Praise Project and with your help and support, I can achieve my goals (listed on this website). Will you SUPPORT me? Thanks in advance for your consideration and your SUPPORT of My Praise Project Outreach.

May blessings run you down and your cup run over for your SUPPORT! 

 

I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW!

 

 

John 9:6,7 - "When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay. And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent). He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.

Mark 8:24 - "And he looked up, and said, I see men as trees, walking. After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored and saw every man clearly."

Prov. 21:2 - "Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the heart."

           The ninth chapter of St. John tells the miracle of how Jesus restored sight to a blind man who was blind from birth. Jesus did something we may have thought was distasteful to do. To spit in the dirt to make a glob of clay and place on the blind man's eye would not be something we would want done to us today. We would probably consider it an unsanitary practice. What was better? The man's sight being restored or the uncleanliness of the technique used? If I hadn't seen since birth, I would have had no problem with the technique. One thing that stuck out to me in this miracle was the fact that Jesus asked the blind man to do something as well. He told him to Go, wash in the pool of Siloam. He obeyed, washed and his received his sight. When Jesus tells us to do something, no matter how long we have been that way, it's best we obey to obtain the blessing and miracle he has for us. It doesn't matter how foolish and distasteful it may seem.

           There are many today who are walking around, blinded by the devil. Not physically blind, but spiritually blind thinking they are right in their own ways. Sometimes we can have physical vision or sight, but unable to see the things going on around us, among us and in us that are not according to how God would want us to be. Satan has caused blindness upon those who are not walking in the light of God's love and holiness. It takes the power of God to open our eyes so we can see clearly. When a person is in sin, it's as though they are walking in darkness, with no way of knowing where they are headed. It's difficult to see when you are in darkness. You have to be guided or directed to find your way where you are going. Jesus came to bring us into light out of the darkness of sin. He came to open our blinded eyes so could see where we were headed.

          Eyeglasses or contacts are available to us to help us to clear up our vision so we can see better. In order to do the will of God and obey Him, it is important that our vision is clear. We must not allow the things happening around us and in this world to dim our vision of what God has said or what He will do. When our vision becomes dim, blurred, distorted by elements in the air, allergies, we return to the Optometrist to get it corrected. When we get to the point where we are not seeing spiritually and allowing any and everything to happen around us because we lack clear vision, then we must opt to go back to our spiritual Optometrist to get our vision cleared up. As Jesus instructed the blind man to go wash his eyes so he could see, we may need to go back and wash our eyes so we can see clearly again.
           I can imagine this being the song this blind man could have sung after his miracle was wrought on him by Jesus. So much is happening in our world and we cannot allow our eyes to become dim by ignoring what's happening. The Word of God is unveiling before us and we must keep our vision clear and corrected to discern the times. Let us not allow the enemy to blind our eyes to make what is happening seem like it's not what it is. God wants us to see things as they really are and not what the enemy or others wants us to think they are. Let's keep our eyes checked so we may clearly see and discern the times we are in.

 

 

LIFE IS TOO SHORT!

(In memory of our beloved Rosa Galloway)

 

James 4:14 - "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will we shall live, and do this, or that."

I am sharing this writing by Erma Bombeck (former deceased host on ABC for many years). On yesterday, one of our loved ones passed away after much suffering and a bout with cancer. If we had known that her life would have ended yesterday, we perhaps would have took time to share precious memories, showered her with more love and care, reached out more to her or did more praying for her. However, even with all of this, God has the final word for our lives. He knew what was best for her. All of us would love to go back and redo a lot of things if we could. Since we cannot, we must make the decision to improve what we can today and that which is ahead of us. Tomorrow is a cancelled check. Let us do all we can to love a little harder, appreciate life more, forgive more and make every moment matter. We only get one shot at it--make it count! Time can't be bought back. Use it wisely. R.I.P. Rosa Galloway!  

If I Had My Life To Live Over

by Erma Bombeck

If I had my life to live over, I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded.
I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television - and more while watching life.
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."
There would have been more "I love you's".. More "I'm sorrys" ...
But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute... look at it and really see it ... live it...and never give it back.

 © Erma Bombeck

 

IS YOUR HOME "MOVE-IN" READY?

 

 

Matt. 6:29-21 (Amplified) "Do not gather and heap up and store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust and worm consume and destroy, and where thieves break through and steal. But gather and heap up and store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust nor worm consume and destroy, and where thieves do not break through and steal; For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Matt. 6:33 - (Amp.) "But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides."

Matt. 16:26 (Amp.) "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life (his blessed life in the kingdom of God)? Or what would a man give as an exchange for his blessed life in the kingdom of God?"

             If you are a homeowner or a first-time buyer where you have bought, built or is building a house, there are several processes involved before the big "Move-In" day! There are several types of homes one can choose from. We have the  new homes, "As-Is" homes and the "Move-in Ready" homes, If you are ones who are doing some "home-shopping" (as I call it),  you prefer choosing a homes. Move -in ready says that there is little or no repairs or work involved when it's time to move. There is only your furniture and belongings to move into the house. If the proper steps, planning, evaluations and inspections were ignored prior to the moving, then you will arrive at the location disappointed. There will be things on location which will hinder you from moving in due to lack of things not "move-in ready.

        As I view the things happening with what's going on in our world, it seems to me as though there is more concern about storing up treasures here on earth than preparing for our heavenly home. Reaching for things that will only bring temporary happiness, momentarily thrill or fame or temporary riches seems to be the fad these days. Trying to satisfy selfish wishes and desires takes the focus off of their desire to do the things which pleases God. The cares of this world and trying to satisfy our wants will certainly cause one not to think of the things God has planned for those who love Him.

           I'm reminded of a story told of a man who died and went to Heaven. As the angel toured him through the streets of Heaven, he glanced and saw beautiful mansions that were built. He surely thought that one of those he saw belonged to him. When the angel proceeded further and passed by those mansions, he took the man in front of a poorly, constructed shack at the end. The man wanted to know whose house did this one belong to? The angel replied, "This is yours. We did what we could with what you sent us." The moral of this story: "Don't neglect to prepare for your eternal home while on earth." If you want to have the best where it counts the most, start reserving and investing in it now. The things of the world will pass away but the things of God are eternal. Let's make sure that our life is hid in Christ and we have our business fixed with him. Jesus promised us that he was going away to prepare us a place that where he was, we would be also. He left us a plan to get there and it's up to each individual to follow the plan in order to obtain what he has prepared for us. Is your home Move-In Ready?" 

Alesia Snipes Sanders

EXAMINATION TIME

 

 

 

 

Psa. 26:2 - "Examine me, O Lord, and prove me: try my reins and my heart".

Psa. 139:23 - "Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts".

I Cor. 11:28b - "But let a man examine himself".

II Cor. 13:5a - "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith;

prove your own selves.

Examine - "To inspect, test, to evaluate, investigate to determine the condition, progress, knowledge or fitness of something or someone".

          If we be honest, how many of us like being examined? Whether it's by verbal or written tests, evaluations, physicals, etc., we may not like them but they are necessary. It allows us to see where our weaknesses, strengths, shortcomings, or whatever are found. By having these results, it will give us a clear picture of what we need to do to correct what's wrong. I love the cliche' "If it's not broke, don't fix it". May I add, "If it's broke, fix it"!

           Sometimes, it is necessary for us to examine ourselves. We may discover that we may fall short in areas we feel we don't want to admit. Pride, stubbornness and denial will cause us to miss the mark when we are examined. What will God see when He examines us? We must be honest with ourselves when results are given to us.

          Sometimes in being examined or tested, we may fall short of making the required grade or score to pass. Often, we may be given another chance to retest to improve our previous score. As believers, it is our duty to examine (not others) ourselves to see if we are passing God's inspection or examining process. Are we doing our best by trying to fulfill what He has required of us to do? Studying helps anyone who is about to be examined to have better results. We must make it a habit to study God's Word so when the time comes for us to be examined, we can excel in all areas.
          II Tim. 2:15 tells us to "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth". The Word of God is a one-in-all Study Guide if we take heed and do as it says. I've had test scores or results given back to me that I was ashamed of and not pleased with. My response was to try again to obtain better results. If I desired better results, I needed to study more, apply what was given to me to study and focus more to succeed at what I wanted to happen.

           Let us not despise examination time when it comes from God. When we are going through situations we may not clearly understand why, receive it as an exam. Exams don't last always. Some only lasts for a season. During that season, let's make up our minds to pass. Don't get discouraged or give up! If you fail, try and try again. Remember, tests only come to make us strong, wiser and better!

 

MIND YOUR MOUTH!

(Click link below to view video clip)

http://youtu.be/Bcm3BhrT5mA

 

Psa. 19:14 - "Let the words of mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer."

Proverbs 17:27 - "He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit".

Prov. 18:21 - "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof".

Matt. 12:34b - "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh".

          What great wisdom is given to us in the above scriptures! If we would only practice them and apply them is the solution to a lot of our problems we deal with. James tells us in chapter 1:22 "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your ownselves". The only way a person can really know what you're thinking or feeling is by what comes out of your mouth from your heart and mind. Yes, many can sometimes tell what you're thinking by your outwardly gestures, facial expressions, body language, etc. But what really counts and weighs the most is what is said.

           People read us when we don't even know we are being read and watched. What really affects us as well as them the most is what we say. When an alleged person is arrested, he is recited the Miranda rights by the arresting officer. Here are two of those rights:

1. You have the right to remain silent.

2. Anything you say can be used against you in a court of law.

          Sometimes, it is difficult for us to hold our peace when we are upset or there is disagreeable situations confronting us. Once we speak out, those words cannot be retrieved. It's like spilled milk- once out the container, it's over. You cannot return the milk back as it was.

In some case, it is wise to not say all we think or know (or think we know) until it's the right time and the right thing to say. If we seek God's wisdom, He will let us know when and how to reply. Prov. 15:1 tells us that "a soft answer turneth away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger".

          We must practice speaking words that cause calmness and peace. You'd be surprised at who listens at us when we are conversing with others. There was song years ago we taught to the kids at church that went like this: 'O be careful little mouths what you say, be careful little mouths what ye say- for the Father up above is looking down in love, O, be careful little mouths what you say".

We should want what we say to bring Help & Healing and not Hurt and Harm. You never know who may be listening so let us MIND OUR MOUTHS!

 

 

ACCESS TO YOUR ACCOUNT

 

 

(John 10:9) "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture".

(Romans 5:2) "By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God".

(Eph. 2:18) "For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father".

(Heb. 4:16) "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need".

Access - right to enter, use, permission or ability to enter to use

          Most of us have some type of credit, debit or bank ATM cards in our possession. It gives us access to our funds to make purchases or pay bills instead of using cash. For security purposes, the cardholder has to create a pin or "access" code to make any transaction. Without using the pin, the transaction is invalid or non-accessible. If you enter the wrong access code, you wont be permitted any transaction as well. Access codes/pins are also needed in entering your computer, internet social networks, automobiles, cellphones, ipads, entry into some offices or places of employment, etc. The bottom line is: Without your code, pin or password, you won't be granted permission (access) to enter.

           Before Jesus came on this earth to sacrifice his life for us on the cross, we had no access to the Father. The blood of animals and constant sacrifices of them were made for our sins. All of this was done away with after Jesus died, rose again and ascended unto God. Now we have access to the Father through his blood. We can enter into His presence because of the blood. It's a bad feeling when you get to the cashier and swipe your card and told that you have insufficient funds or the transaction didn't go through. This can only happen if one failed to deposit funds into their account to cover any future transactions or purchases or there is a malfunction in the entry process. In addition to this, you can check your account and see if the transaction cleared or was pending.

           Aren't you glad that we can come boldly to the throne of grace and know that our request (transaction) will not be denied? Our debt was cancelled and we were given full access on the account of Jesus! Hallelujah! The scripture tells us that His grace is sufficient for thee (II Cor. 12:9a) and His mercies are new every morning. Let us not allow the enemy to hack or steal our access code for any reason. Don't allow him to use strategies to make us think our "card" is invalid or not usable anymore. Jesus paid the supreme sacrifice making our heavenly account well-supplied so we may have access to God and the things He has for those who love and serve Him.

Remember your code JOHN 3:16 - MATT. 18:18, safeguard it and Use It as need! No Expiration Date!

OUR GOD - THE GREATEST AVENGER

 

 

Psa. 24:8 - "Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle."

Psa. 27:1b - "The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"

Psa. 46:1,2,7 - "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God od Jacob is or refuge. Selah."

Psa. 58:9 - " Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defense."

Luke 18: 7,8 - And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you, that he will avenge them speedily."

          Growing up, there was a game we played as kids called, "Tug-of-War". The object of the game was to see which team had the most strength to pull or "tug" the other one across the designated line to win. The captains of each team had the task of choosing from the participants who they wanted to be on their side. Usually, a rope was used and it was normally knotted at the ends. As the game progressed, each participant on each team had to use their strength in an effort to pull the other team across the designated line to be declared the winner. It was a fun game but it sure did extract a lot of energy from your body.

          It is so good knowing that we don't have to be afraid when our wars and battles come. We can depend on the strength of our God and be assured that He is the greater one and the strongest one. I loved watching the movie, "The Avengers" and enjoyed the massive strength displayed through the combined efforts of the team to conquer their enemy. My favorite Marvel character was "The Hulk". His strength was much visible and powerful than any other comic character in the movie. God is our avenger. It's something about having a lot of strength that makes you feel safe, secure, unbeatable and bold. You feel less cowardice when you are strong.

         God is our refuge and our strength when we are weak. We can call upon Him and he will show himself strong on our behalf. As he told Jehoshaphat in II Chronicles 20:17a -"Ye shall not need to fight in this battle, set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the Lord with you." Let us not try to rely on our own strength, but His strength. He is the almighty and can do what no one else can do through His power. Allow God to be on you team or "side". He wins every time and I'm on the Winning Team! HE IS THE GREATEST AVENGER OF THEM ALL!

HANDMADE & GOD-MADE

 

 

 

(Gen. 2:7a) "And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground."

(Jeremiah 18:4,6)"And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the Lord. Behold, as the clay is in the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel.

(Rom. 9:21) "Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?"

                I had the opportunity to view a potter create a vessel. He took a lump of clap and placed it on a round flat surface. He began to press a pedal underneath which made the surface the clay was on spin. As it began to spin and the wheels started to turn, his hands stayed on the clay, shaping it into a vase of some kind. I saw him add clay to the lump and oftentimes shave some off as it was spinning on the pedestal. There were also times he had to splash water on the vessel to keep it from drying out before time. When done, he lifted it off the surface with some tongs and placed it in a type of oven to dry and solidify. He showed us ones that were finished on his shelf. What beautiful vessels! Some had designs on them and some were painted with various colors. It was amazing to see how such beautiful vessels made of clay turned out the way they did.

           We are vessels made of God, formed and shaped for His purpose. As Jeremiah went down to the see the work of the potter being done, God wanted to show him how Israel was in His hands despite of all they had done contrary to His Will. We must remember we are made in His image, formed by His hands, and chosen for His purpose. If we refuse to stay on the wheel as God is making and shaping us, we can get marred, blemished and out of shape, not fit for His use. When we feel like we are "finished" in our eyes and not God's, we could become a vessel of dishonour.

           When trials, troubles, struggles, disappointments come our way, we may feel the urge to jump off the wheel and out of the potter's hand. This is not the time to get off the wheel. God is making us through all these things. We must remain in His hands as He is doing a work in us and through us. In the final process of Him making us, we will come out of the fire (the oven) as a vessel of honor, fit for the Master's use. Let us allow God to shape us, mold us, break us (if He has to) or remake us into what He wants us to become. Then, in His timing, we will be placed on His shelf of masterpieces for His purpose, His honour and glory to His name. Let us prayerfully and truthfully ask God to have His way in our lives, to mold us and make us, while we are waiting on the wheel, let us be willing and still for we are Handmade and God-Made!

 LOL! (LEGACY OF LOVE)

(Remember to mute media player at bottom right to listen to video posted)

 

 

(I Cor. 13:4a, 5a, 7, 8a) “Love suffereth long, and is kind; Doth not behave itself unseemingly, seeketh not her own; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things; Love never faileth.”

(I Cor. 13:13) "And now abideth faith, hope and love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

           Of all the things that a person can give, Love is the one thing that will outweigh anything else. How you treat people, not your wealth or accomplishments, is the most enduring impact you can leave on earth. Love leaves a legacy (something left behind to remember one by). What makes love our top priority is that it is eternal. When you love, you will give of yourself unconditionally not looking for anything in return. Christ demonstrated his love to us in a way no one else could ever compare. Love is not always about what you give in materialistic ways to express yourself, but sometimes it’s as simple as how you made someone feel.

There were many times (way back when) while mothering my small children, they would give me homemade cards or “stick man” pictures in their own handwriting. That left a huge impact on me. There were times as well while they were playing outside, they’d pick me flowers from the yard and bring them to me and say, “Mom, this is for you”. I’d put them in a cup of water as if the florist had delivered me a bunch of roses. That left a lasting impact on me as a mother. To this day, those expressions of love are still fresh in my mind and heart even now that they are all grown. Why? It wasn’t something they had to go and spend money for but the thought behind it and mostly how it made me feel. I will treasure those acts of love for life.

Loving in ways that does not require reciprocation is love that will leave a legacy. When love becomes a duty and a hassle, one may want to re-evaluate the motive behind their love. Love demonstrates by example and not for recognition. People may never remember who you are, what you did or gave, or what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel. That’s a legacy (something to leave behind)!

Jesus left such a legacy and impact on the world. We can look on his life and realize how much he really loved us. His love made us feel wanted, when others rejected and didn’t want to accept us for who we were. His love for us didn’t look down on us for who we were or what we had done, but loved us through our good and our bad. Let us find someone to reach out to this week and leave a legacy of love that they will forever remember. Let us share the love of Jesus by sharing the legacy of Christ’s love to them. They may never step foot in a church building or may never read the bible, but because we cared to share love it will leave a legacy of love that will last beyond any materialistic thing we could ever give them. Love leaves a Legacy!

 

COVERED?

 

Exodus 13:21 - "And the Lord went before them by the day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night."

Psalms 23:4 - "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me: thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Psalms 27:5 - "For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me upon a rock."

Psalms 56:11 - "In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me."

 

 

          There is a sense of security and peace of mind when you know you are covered and protected. Insured people don't have to worry about how they will repair their vehicle if they are involved in an accident or worry if they have enough to cover costs should unforeseen circumstances occur. Insurance is there to take the worry out of your life. So it is with having God in our lives. When we put Him first and include Him in all our plans, we can know that He will cover and protect us. We are covered by Him and the blood of His son, Jesus.

          The other day, I went to the store and before returning to my car, it started raining so hard. I make it a habit of keeping a compact-size umbrella in my purse in the event of rain. To avoid getting soaked, my umbrella provided protection from the wet weather. We get into our cars and go places with ease because we have confidence and feel protected in case we are in a mishap or accident because of our insurance. Insurance is a safety covering in case of accidents, loss, medical, etc. It's a good feeling of security to have knowing you are protected and covered.

          God is our Protector and provides the best protection to and for us. The children of Israel experienced His protection so many times after leaving Egypt and even during their time in the wilderness. We must not forget that no matter what seems to come at us or against us, God has His hands on us, around us, over us and with us to shield protect and cover His children. Even when we face unforeseen dangers, we are covered. You're in good hands with All-God! Covered?

 

TESTING 1,2,3!

 

 

(Rom. 8: 35) "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, sword. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us."

(Job 1:21b-22) "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly."

(Job 42: 10b, 12a)  "Also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning."

           How do we handle tribulations and tests? How do we respond when our world is turned upside-down? Do we buckle under or give up all hope? Do we turn to God or from God in our time of crisis? Do we allow others to dictate our course of action concerning the conditions of our struggles? Do we keep the faith knowing God will deliver us?

          Testing 1,2,3! This phrase is used in sound engineering or stage settings to make sure the audio and amplification of microphones, musical instruments, etc., are working and adjusted properly. It's call a Sound-check. If things are good, it's a go! It's important to the sound tech to have them "tested" to detect causes which can be corrected.  Let's take a peek back at Job's life. Job walked before God upright and blameless. He faired very well and was wealthy, yet loved God. Satan recognized this and wanted to prove (do a check test) to see if he was allowed the opportunity to touch him with tribulations and tests, he'd throw in the towel and stop serving God. Testing 1,2,3! Suddenly, all Job possessed (children, land, livestock, property and his health were taken away from him). What would we have done in this situation? One of my favorite verses Job quoted during this ordeal is (Job 13:15) "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him". There will be times when those who are the closest to you will try to get you to discount your faith and trust in God. Job's friends, and even his wife, were such ones during his time of trials.
We must know, that we know that we know, If God be for us, who can be against us?

           During our times of tribulations and tests, we must STAND, STAND, STAND. There will come times in our own lives when the enemy will attack us and try to influence us to turn from God. Testing 1,2,3! We must have confidence in who we believe and what we believe to combat his attack and evil schemes. Jesus warned us that in this life we would have trials and tribulations. Yet, he encouraged us by letting us know that he had overcome them and so would we. Remember that our trials, tribulations and tests come to make us strong and not meant to destroy us. You are more than a conqueror! God will not put more on us than we can bear. If it is there, it means that He knows we can bear it! Testing 1,2,3!

GOD + SIN (NO MIX)

 (Prov. 14:34) "Righteousness exalteth a nation: but SIN is a reproach to any people."

           On yesterday, which was observed as the National Day of Prayer, many of us paused to pray for this nation, our nation’s leaders and its people. I cried, “God retain your wrath and give us time to reach the lost to turn from their wicked ways (II Chron. 7:14).” In my reading and studying the Old Testament, I have noticed that the Kings and leaders of God's people started out doing what God had told them to do. Somewhere along the way, they allowed sin (disobedience to God's law) to enter and began to worship, serve and do the things God told them not to do. As long as the kings followed the statutes of God and obeyed Him, they prospered and God fought for them. When they turned from God and began serving other idols and gods, they lacked God's protection and provision. God's leaders and the people suffered great loss due to disobeying God.

         Anytime a nation follows after other idol gods and begin doing things that are an abomination in the eyes of God, look for things to spiral downward. There will be evidence of strange happenings never before occurring. When a nation refuse to repent and leaders of our nation won't hearken to God's Word, we stand in an opposing position with God. This is why there were prophets and seers who were the voice of God to warn the leaders about their actions. If they corrected their wrongdoings, then God's mercy spared them. Today, we still have people who are the voice of God and those who are standing in the gap for this nation (prayer intercessors and prayer warriors).

          We are in the last days and Jesus warned us of these times.  God frowns on and hates SIN. If SIN is in us or is committed by us, then it separates us from God. Just as oil and water doesn't mix, neither does God and Sin. We have to deal with God and the consequences for the choices we make against our disobedience to what He has required of us. Our position as Christians is to show those who are in SIN how to be freed from it through God’s Word and to allow them the opportunity to make the choice to accept cleansing through Jesus’ blood and His righteousness. We can't make people act right, do right or accept what is not ours to give. Our job is to present them the truth through His Word, pray for and with then and lead them to the cross. The rest is God's job and the work of the Holy Ghost.

         The Word of God does not condone SIN but shows us how we can be cleansed, delivered and how to walk in freedom from it. Jesus will return quickly(beginning scripture) to receive those who are without Sin when he comes. Our job is not to judge, condemn, hate or ignore those who are with sin, but to show them a better way out of SIN. Romans 3:23 “For ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God” Rom. 6:6 “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. GOD LOVES THE SINNER BUT HE HATES THE SIN.....GOD AND SIN DON'T MIX.

 

 

 

LET'S PRAY!

 

 

 

 

(2 Chronicles 7:14) New Living Translation (NLT)

¹⁴ Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.

 

          Today (Thursday, May 2, 2013) is observed as National Day of Prayer across our nation. People in all walks of life have committed themselves to pause and pray. Prayer is needed everyday and not just this particular day. However, because it has been recognized as a national day, let us join forces with others around this nation and pray. Our combined efforts together will make a difference. We can talk about, rant about and criticize what's going on and do nothing. We may not can change things on our own, but God has told us if we pray and seek His face, He will change things. Let"s Pray!

          On this National Day of Prayer, let us commit to praying for some or all of the following directives:

• Our Nation
• Our Governmental Leaders, (Local, State and National, and Religious and Civic leaders)
• Our Families and Marriages
• Our Churches
• Our Youth
• Our School Systems
• Unemployed
• Sick People
• The Military
• Ministries which assists others
• Gangs and violence
• Depressed People
• Parents
• The Elderly
• Agricultural Workers - Migrant workers
• Health care Workers
• Prison and Law Officers
• The Poor
• Children
• University Students
• The News Media
• Native People
• Single People
• Educators
• The Unborn
• United States neighbors
• Women and Men
• Physically disabled People
• Prisoners and their families
• Substance abusers
• Ethnic Communities
• Judges and Law Enforcement
• Homeless People
• The Athletic and Entertainment Industry
• Refugees
• Business People
• The Coming Generation

 

LET'S FORGET ABOUT "US" AND REMEMBER "JESUS"!

 

 

 

(Luke 23: 42-43) "And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise."

(Psa. 106:4) "Remember me, O Lord, with the favour that thou bearest unto thy people: O visit me with thy salvation."

(Ezekiel 16:60) "Nevertheless I will remember my covenant with thee in the days of thy youth, and I will establish unto thee an everlasting covenant."

          In the first scripture given, a convicted, guilty thief hung on a cross next to Jesus asking him to remember him when he arrived in glory. Isn't it just awesome that even in situations where nobody else can rescue us, Jesus remembers and comes to save us? What would have been our response to this thief knowing what he had done during his lifetime? Would we have remembered the act of his crime or the cry for help?

          There are people we meet or know who may never remember who we are, what we've done, where we live, what we have achieved or any of theses things that may matter. And you know what? It's all good! It is so encouraging through reading God's Word that He remembers. Some people try so hard to get people to recognize them by the things they say or do. All of this may be good in its own place, but what is most important? Is it important to us whether God remembers or man? As this thief was almost to die, he sensed that he had one more chance to obtain help and he didn't let what wrong he had done in his past stop him from reaching Jesus.

          When we forget about US and remember JESUS, we will find that whatever we desire or need can be obtained when we acknowledge him. If people never remember our name or what things we may have done here on earth; knowing God remembers should mean more! God never forgets!