Tuesday, March 15, 2011

For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

[2 Timothy 1:7]

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear has torment. He that fears is not made perfect in love. 
[1 John 4:18]
 

 Eroding The Sands of Fear Through Faith

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

[Matthew 10:28]

 

The Bible declares that the death of a saint of God is “precious” in God’s sight.  Why?  Because He knows what glory is waiting for them on the other side of eternity.  The Bible does its best to give us a glimpse of that glorious place called Heaven, but in our finite understanding we could never fully grasp it all.  We have nothing to compare it to.  From what I can understand, I REALLY want to go.. don’t you?  Left to its own devices, fear will er rode our faith.  However, if we diligently seek the face of our God, our faith will er rode our fear.  Little by little it will dissipate and we will be free from its grip.  A fearless child of God is dangerous to the kingdom of darkness.  There is nothing they won’t do in the name of God.  Jesus left Word for us to “occupy” until He comes.  Do business until He comes.  Help somebody until He comes.  Pray through all seasons until He comes.  Work hard until He comes.  Minister love until He comes.  Enjoy the abundant life He died to provide for us until He comes, and right on into forever.  You know, Atheists are coming out of the closets.  I’m starting to see more and more billboards of their ‘beliefs’.  A great preacher had a discussion with an atheist who asked him what he would do if he died and found out that none of his “God” thing was true.  The preacher said, “Well.  I really wouldn’t have lost anything.  I would have led a good life, loved people, cherished my family, been a good citizen, worked hard…  He continued, “If I’m wrong, I’ve lost nothing, but if you’re wrong, you’ve lost everything”.  Whether we transition on, or He comes back to get us, we want to hear these words…

 

“Well done good and faithful servant .. enter into the joy of your Lord” …

 

… and that Beloved is Good News!

 

Y Stress? … U Blessed!

Enjoy your day…

Regina

 

Japan’s Earthquake Shifted Balance of The Planet

http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_thelookout/20110314/ts_yblog_thelookout/japans-earthquake-shifted-balance-of-the-planet

 

Video of terrifying destruction in Japan hits the web http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_thelookout/20110314/us_yblog_thelookout/video-of-terrifying-destruction-in-japan-hits-the-web

“The Trust of a Child”

 

“He Knows”, Karen Clark Sheard

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdnmkjGo0Y4

 

“Resting Place”, Dietrick Hadden

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkwUZ4kCRBo

 

“He Reigns (Our God Is An Awesome God)”, Kirk Franklin featuring Papa San

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkwUZ4kCRBo

 

“He Reigns”, Kevin LeVar & One Sound

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPDUvrKIRtY

 

“Here I Am”, Kevin LeVar & One Sound

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arJGD6qqPCo

 

“Power of One”, Israel Houghton

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlmOzJ4rGck

 

“Prayed Up”, Karen Clark Sheard 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgffKjjxXw8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday, February 18, 2011

  Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation. By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.

[Hebrews 11:1-2 New Living Translation]

Believing In The Invisible 

Today’s offering is short and sweet.  The world has a saying, “seeing is believing”.  That involves no faith at all.  That kind of attitude doesn’t excite God.  God gets excited when when we believe and haven’t see a blessed thing!  Remember,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Show Me”, Antwaun Stanley

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IInjwss-X0Q

 

“You Hold My World In Your Hands”, Israel Houghton

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtD-Z7S5EB0

 

“Worship You”, Antwaun Stanley

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRYsGYB7nGo

 

“Reason”, Antwaun Stanley

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JK6q3jOT3UI

 

“Teach Me”, Antwaun Stanley

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlcUS7FaCPI

 

“Let Go”, DeWayne Woods

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76o4xhxIKfs

 

Standing On His Promises”, Bishop Norman Hutchins

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RVAONfqaE4

 

“God’s Got A Blessing”, Bishop Norman Hutchins

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-6HpdmIiZM

 

“Battlefield”, Bishop Norman Hutchins

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GW9ejLoHw54

 

“Holy Ghost Power”, Chicago Mass Choir

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auyXYIuXo48

 

 

Friday, November 26, 2010

 God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent: has He said, and shall He not do it? or has He spoken, and shall He not make it good? 
[Numbers 23:19] 

…. AND IT IS SO…

Happy Friday!  I hope your Thanksgiving Day was as beautiful and memorable as mine.  Number 23:19 is a really strong statement.  If God said it.. it is so.  No matter what it may look like to the natural eye.  No matter what is going on in the economy.  No matter our age or affliction. If He said it, then it shall come to pass.  Period.  End of discussion.  The only dilemma I’ve had is determining if He said, I said it or somebody else said it.  Once I am confident that it was indeed the Lord’s will, I realize that it is a done deal.  Even when it does not make sense to my “senses”.. I have to remember He said, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways… (Isaiah 55:8).  In His Word, He made promises to His beloved.  He promised that we would be the “head and not the tail”… “above only and not beneath”  (Deuteronomy 28:13), “the lender and not the borrower”  (Deuteronomy 28:44).  He said He would “never leave nor forsake us” (Hebrews 13:5), and that the “people that do know their God shall be strong and will do exploits”  (Daniel 11:32).  He promised “that no good thing will He withhold from those who walk upright” (Psalm 84:11).  He never promised that we would never endure hardship.  As a matter of fact, we are admonished to “endure hardship as a good soldier”  (2 Timothy 2:10).  His Word is solid.  It is not like the word of a fallible human being.  Some folks mean well, but they are not all powerful, sovereign, or omnipotent. I’ve heard it said that many people judge God, based on the relationship they had with their earthly father. If that man was untruthful and untrust-worthy, they translate that over into their walk with God.  They will not give God their heart completely, because they are afraid they will be disappointed and hurt like they were with their natural father.  That can never happen.  Yes, we can be disappointed when we attach something to God that He never promised.  If we misinterpret His Word, that is not on Him.. it is on us.  God is so wonderful that He says “come, let us reason together” (Isaiah 1:18).  Let’s talk about this God is saying.  Let’s get this situation together.  Let Me recalibrate your heart, mind, will and emotions so that we’re on the same page. 

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.[Jeremiah 29:11]

“Shelter (Psalms 91)”, Jumelle

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wwt2mSjXxBw

“Faithful”, Hezekiah Walker and the LFCC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcKBhAjjsoI

“Show Yourself Strong”, Fred Hammond & RFC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3813XIhRJPY

“Take Me In”, Kutless

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0cuOawD_I8

“My Steps Are Ordered”, Fred Hammond and RFC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDcl-4wbhAE

“I Want My Destiny”, Fred Hammond and RFC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWEjrFxfaBE

“Breathe Into Me”, Fred Hammond & RFC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXiK1-84RHs

“I Believe”, Byron Cage

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SpTLNkz4lE

“Let The Word Do The Work”, Donald Lawrence

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PY1SYL5CepQ

Thursday, November 18, 2010

And Jesus said to them, Come after Me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. 

[Mark 1:17]

… and Jesus said… go get ‘em!

Sounds like we have some work to do doesn’t it.  Every single one of us has a ministry.  Something that God has placed in us.  An assignment.  A calling.  (Note… when I “call” my daughter Jah to take out the trash, it may not be glamorous, but God KNOWS it’s necessary! )  Some downplay what they have because it isn’t as “shiny” as what someone else may have.  I’ve heard people compliment me, and as I let them know what I admire about them, they say, “Yeah but.. “  ahhhh… “but“… such a large obstacle in such a tiny word.  Holding onto a “but” in our life can cause us to miss out on great blessings and opportunities.  There are people I know who are gifted and talented.  The have great testimonies that people need to hear, and yet their “but” is in the way.  People are dying and in need of a word from the Lord.  Everybody won’t receive from everybody, but everybody will receive from SOMEBODY!  My blessed Somebody, let that be you.  Use everything you have to the glory and honor of our wonderful Father.  He has done, is doing and will continue to do amazing things in this earth.  The Word asks, “when He comes, will He find faith on the earth?”  (Luke 18:8) .. Somebody who will get up off of the ‘but’ and just ‘be’.  Be that friend.  Be that dependable hard-working, employee/boss.  Be that virtuous woman.  Be that honorable man.  Be that faithful Christian.  Be that loving parent.  Be that respectful child.  Be that sweet, but no-nonsense relative.  Be that courteous driver.  Be that good wife.  Be that wonderful husband.  Be that good citizen.  Be the kind, generous, caring, creative wonderful person that God created you to be, and your ministry will flow out of the gifts and talents that are already in you. 

“Balm In Gilead”, Karen Clark Sheard

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5y0mUayAkM

“He’s Able”, Darwin Hobbs

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIAGWndg2Fw

“Jesus Is A Love Song”, Karen Clark Sheard

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vs0mB-RSV0c

“Pure Gold”, The Clark Sisters

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4H5E3PxkL8Y

“Endow Me”, The Clark Sisters

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkkTWq8XevM

“Its Your Time”, Donald Lawrence w/Vanessa

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuOcIigwVhs

“I Need Thee”, Bishop Paul S. Morton

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiLHo2oFNHg

“Cast Your Cares”, Donald Lawrence w/Lejeune Thompson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTQwem9kQjw

“He’s Preparing Me”, Daryl Coley

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpJ_0IxNoUM

“Yes”, Shekinah Glory

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obIT-By1VOU

“Let It Rain”, Bishop Paul S. Morton

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApjyAnt4-qE

“Don’t Do It Without Me”, Bishop Paul S. Morton, Pastor Marvin Winans, Pastor Marvin Sapp, Pastor Jentzen Franklin 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Clv06rP1TYc

 

 

HALLELUJAH! 

Live in such a way that those who know you but don’t know God, will come to know God because they know you. 

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man on the cross, then you will understand that I Am He.  I do nothing on My own but say only what the Father taught Me. And the One who sent Me is with Me—He has not deserted Me. For I always do what pleases Him.” Then many who heard Him say these things believed in Him.  Jesus said to the people who believed in Him, “You are truly My disciples if you remain faithful to My teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

[John 8:28-31]

BELIEF IN THE MIDST OF A SEA OF UNBELIEF

Good Morning Beloved,

What a beautiful day!  I hope you’re having a good one.  “The people who believed in Him”, grabs my attention in this text.  To fully appreciate this, we have to read the whole chapter.  Remember the woman caught in the act of adultury?  Yeah… this exchange occurred after that.  The Pharisees questioned Jesus… relentlessly.  They were always trying to find a fault in Him.  Hoping that He would slip up and say or do something they could use against Him.  What ended up happening?  People in the crowd heard the truth and believed on Him.  In the middle of all of the great thinkers, powerful leaders and naysayers, people still believed.  In our society, the “great thinkers and powerful leaders” have become increasing wise and subtle in their tactics.  Same spirit… different methods.  Their goal is still to discredit Jesus.  Another strategy that I’ve noticed is to make Jesus seem boring and “uncool” (which is crazy… Jesus is the epitome of “cool”).  Have you noticed how folks are able to take somthing that should be common sense, and completely switch it upside down? (good evil.. evil good) My family and I love Orlando Florida.  While on vacation at Universal Studios, it began to downpour.  We’re used to seeing that, but what caught my attention… was that there was an entertainer on stage.. and the show was not canceled.  In the midst of pouring rain, lightning, and thunder … nobody moved.  They continued to rock to the guy on stage who spoke of all that was “messed up”.  He talked about current events… the oil spill, the wars, the immigration laws.  His solution to the problems… “give me some liquor in a big ‘ole cup so you and me can be what… Messed Up!” … seriously… that’s what he actually said.  I thought about how many folks skip church when it rains, or if it is too hot or too cold.  If someone gets on our nerves or we feel tired we skip it.  Interesting.  Not only were these folks braving the elements to see their guy, but they were HAPPY about it.  Mind you… the vast population had no umbrella or covering, but they were smiling, laughing, dancing and jumping up and down in excitement.  Nothing “dampened” their joy.  This is how it was with “the people” who heard Jesus, and how it should be with us as 21st century disciples of Jesus.  Food for thought, how do we present Jesus in our everyday life.  Honestly, are we unwittingly presenting Jesus as boring? ..an afterthought?  Do we carry the attitude that I’ve had my “fun” back in the day, now I’ve settled down, gotten serious and I’m living for God.  Is there something that is more interesting to us than God?  Do we not realize that God desires to be part of everything that we are part of ().  YEP.  We are, as Paul describes, “an ambassador in bonds”.  Think of it like this.. we’re handcuffed to Jesus.  Wherever we go, He goes.. Whatever we’re doing .. He’s doing.  Does that strike fear or faith in your heart?  He’s our friend to no end.  He is not frowning at us as we relax by the pool.  He is not standing outside when we’re in the annual Board Meeting.  He is a part of us.. so is His Word.  The goal is soul winning and the Bible tells us that those who win souls are wise.  He will use our personality and His Word that is imbedded in our heart to reach those around us.  Jesus said He would never leave nor forsake us. He also said that whoever is ashamed of Him, He will be ashamed of in front of His Father and the Angels.  Stuff that tends to grab our headlines will be completely meaningless then.  We won’t care who’s sleeping with whom, how much so and so made in their last film, or the latest piece of juicy gossip.  It will all seem so silly.  We will see that it was all basically a distraction to keep us from what was truly important.  The Pharisees were well-educated and sharply dressed.  They appeared Holy men who had it “going on”.  Yet, people were able to look past their brilliance and see the Truth.  The good news is that we have the ability to do the same.  No matter what is going on around us, we are able to see Jesus.  We see His brilliance.  We believe Him even though we’ve never physically seen Him.  We know Him to be real.  We know His Word to be Truth.  We know that after all is said and done, He will stand alone … triumphant over every other school of thought.  We are blessed to know Him.  Let us be the ones who can stand in the storms of life, dancing, singing and smiling… knowing that the God of our Salvation has everything in control and will take that mess and squeeze a blessing out of it…

… and that Beloved is Good News!

Y Stress? … U Blessed!

Have A Fabulous Day

Regina

“He Reigns”, Kevin LaVar & One Sound

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPDUvrKIRtY

“Like Never Before”, William Murphy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aNRxUDxfsI

“All Hail The King”, Shekinah Glory

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwB-Q4F89RM

“Well Done”, Tye Tribbett & GA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3uwlVfReVA

“I Desire More”, Crystal Aiken

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3nWrD2nF9o

Friday, June 4, 2010

Jesus said unto him, If you can believe, all things are possible to him that believes.

[Mark 9:23]

 “Can U Believe It? .. Then Leap!”

Good Afternoon Beloved,

Happy Friday!  Mark 9 was a tough situation.  The man’s son was tormented by an evil spirit.  He knew what it was, but was powerless to help his son. This father was desperate.  He was broken hearted.  He didn’t want to “bother” Jesus with his problem, so he went to the disciples for help.  Evidently they tried, but were unsuccessful.  What I found interesting is that Jesus expected them to be able to cast out this demon.

“¹⁹ Jesus said to them,“You faithless people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”

wow… can you tell that Jesus was just a little… uhhh… perturbed at His people.  Not exactly the pushover society wants to make Him out to be.  He spoke with authority and power.  His love is boundless, and part of that love is “tough”.  His tone, gentle or firm fits the situation.  It is the same with us.  He knows when we need an arm around our shoulder and a good cry, and He knows when it’s time to dry up the tears and get to work. A muscle that is not used will eventually weaken to the point of uselessness.  Sometimes we need to have the boldness and honesty of that grieving father. “Lord I believe, help my unbelief“… At first glance, it looks like the man was “double-minded”.  I believe he was being honest. He knew this Man could do miraculous things.  Jesus was the biggest thing going in town.  Everyone knew of Him and what He had done.  The question in the man’s heart was not if He could heal his son, but could He heal his son.  Huh!?  In other words, I know you can do it Jesus… but can you do it for me?  I’ve seen you do miracles in other people’s lives.  I’ve seen you save their children, bless them financially, provide homes for them, heal their bodies, strengthen their marriages… but… can you do it for me? … will you do it for me?.  “It’s me, it’s me it’s me oh Lord standing in the need of prayer”… For some that sounds strange.  Like we our too focused on ourselves.  Balance.  There is a time and season for every purpose under heaven.  There comes a point in all of our lives when we must take inventory on our life.  Discover those areas that need ‘tweaking’ and those that require a major overhaul.  Going through our dreams and goals and making the necessary adjustments.  Yesterday, I saw a post by my dear sister Elise that read:

Just when I turned my FAITH up so I can’t hear DOUBT calling me. Now FEAR is banging on my door. I’m not sure if I can tune it out. It’s banging real real loud…

That really stuck in my heart and resonated with me.  I told her:

When Faith is turned up to block out the doubt that is screaming at us & fear is banging on the door ..<thanks Elise >.. let the WORD answer them.. “God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think according to the power that works in us” (Ephesians 3:20)

 We need to realize that Jesus wasn’t only talking to the traumatized father in Mark 9, He included ALL of us who trust in Him, in this conversation when He said, 

all things are possible to him (or her) that believes

When we “leap”, He will catch us…

… and that Beloved is Good News!

Y Stress? … U Blessed!

Have A Fabulous Day and a Wonderful Weekend!

Regina

“Awesome God”, Helen Baylor

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkCti5rDSEU

“My Life, My Love, My All”, Kirk Franklin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDlXyqo7Lb0

“Draw Me Close To You”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLNL49TFC_8

“Breathe”, Michael W. Smith

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oad8ov10AjY

“Awesome Wonder”, Trent Cory

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCo04_puOJ0

“It’s A New Season”, Israel & New Breed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDUrIVGak-A

“Your Latter Will Be Greater”, Israel & New Breed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6j5gTIXmsOs

“I Give Myself Away”, William McDowell

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4v5IXbEauM

“Closer/Wrap Me In Your Arms”, William McDowell

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qceQsAAyah0

“He Is”, William McDowell

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-sHDghuYa4

“Just Wanna Say”, Israel Houghton

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6N7d3A39rls

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Then said He unto me, son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they say, the LORD seeth us not; the LORD hath forsaken the earth.
[Ezekiel 8:12]

*******

So God created man in His own image, in the image of GOD created He him; male and female created He them.

[Genesis 1:27]

In The Image Of … Who?

Good Afternoon Beloved,

God made us… so He knows us.  He knows all of our thoughts, our imaginations, our secrets, our motivations.  That is both scary and wonderful.  Ever stop to think about what God sees in the course of a day.  The death, destruction, debauchery and decay, in the midst of the beauty, innocence, goodness and love.  The faithful among those who twist and pervert His Word at every turn.  Those who would create God in their own image, instead of recognizing that we were made in HIS image.  That thought is stuck in my heart.  God has made it so easy to know Him.  He has placed His own Spirit within us so that we can become more like Him, and He gave us His Holy Word that we can learn of Him.  The more we learn, the more assurance we should have.  I say “should have” because I know that there are people who have spent countless hours in bible study, only to still lead lives of confusion and self-destruction.  We need to have something else.  The Bible says that:

For unto us was the Gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the Word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.  [Hebrews 4:2]

Faith is something we all have.  We were all given a measure of faith by our God.  Even those who refuse to acknowledge Jesus as Lord of their lives have faith in something.  When our faith is focused, things begin to happen.  As a side note… do you realize that fear is actually faith in reverse.  Trusting and believing in the negative.  We need to take inventory of everything we’re afraid of… everything we’re afraid to do, and get to the root of what the problem is.  I used to be afraid to speak in public.  An unexpected benefit of working in theater ministry is that it completely killed that fear.  The root of my fear, was a fear of looking crazy or saying something foolish.  I was afraid I would fall or embarrass myself… I have experienced ALL of the above, so now… no worries!  I have several friends who have started various ministries.  All of them have the same things in common.  They all love God with all of their hearts, and they are all working toward their vision.  They are not sitting around, waiting for something to happen.  They are filing corporation papers, installing officers in their companies, producing Gospel Stage plays, writing books, etc. etc.  They are doing the “work” of the ministry.  They are all praying and seeking God for direction.  They are all “waiting” on the Lord, but they are not idle.  They have put their hands to the plow and are working in the vineyard. Their Father in Heaven who made them in His image, sees their labor of love, that for many of them, goes unnoticed by people.  He sees and He will reward them openly, because He sees Himself in them… you too.

…. and that Beloved is Good News!

Y Stress? … U Blessed!

Have A Fabulous Day

Regina

“I Wanna Know Your Ways”, Fred Hammond & RFC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGM9DxZkDCQ

“Inside Out”, Hillsong

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p2bXfNj3dvk

“Lead Me To The Cross”, Hillsong

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdq9Q8wJdjc

“This Is The Air I Breathe”, Michael W. Smith

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oad8ov10AjY

“Draw Me Close To You”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyl_AtOwauQ

“It’s Already Done”, Evelyn Turrentine Agee

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szWsf3FDp8g

“God Did It”, Evelyn Turrentine Agee

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGQyGQVM628

“Jesus Can Work It Out”, Cosmopolitan Church of Prayer (Original w/Diane Williams)

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LF6K-Iiqshg

“Jesus Can Work It Out”, Cosmopolitan Church of Prayer (UPDATED w/Diane Williams)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cfbyj6AdPBY

Friday, January 22, 2010

 May GOD give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of GOD and JESUS our LORD.  By His divine power, GOD has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know Him, the one who called us to Himself by means of His marvelous glory and excellence. And because of His glory and excellence, He has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share His divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.  In view of all this, make every effort to respond to GOD’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone.  The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our LORD JESUS CHRIST.

GROWIN’ UP IN JESUS

Good Morning Beloved,

I hope you’re having a wonderful and productive day today.  Rendering unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are His.  Meditating on this verse reminds me of our children.  Our ministry is full of these beautiful miracles of God.  All ages and stages of development.  We love newborns and toddlers. They are exciting to watch. Constantly changing.  Learning new things everyday.  How to sit.. to crawl…to stand… take those first wobbly steps.  New words.. phrases.  The first realization that they really understood the sentence they just said.  Pre-pubescent kids are fun too.  They almost have an unnatural wisdom and grow at breakneck speed.  And then come the “tween” and teen years.  At this point, between the hormones coursing through their little systems, and their insights and opinions on everything, as well as their need to question everything and everyone…. adults tend to shake their heads and pray for God’s strength not to seriously hurt their little darlings.  At that point, there is a pulling away that while normal can be very painful for both parent and child.  I used to tease my daughter Jah and tell her that she and her family were going to live with me.  Well, spiritually that is how we progress.  We start off as babes, excited growing by leaps and bounds.. falling… getting up.. skinning our spiritual knees… and crying because we don’t want the Father to touch it because we’re afraid it will hurt too much.  Then after He has applied the cooling salve of His healing ointment on our wounded places, we wonder why we spent so much time running from Him in the first place.  It is a time when our faith is on an all-time high.  We believe God and trust Him totally.  Simple child faith.  Then we enter our spiritual puberty.  This is a place where we’ve learned much, but our foundation is still being set.  We tend to stick close to the Word, and have no reservations crying out to God when we feel lost or need help.  Then comes adolescence… We’re “grown” now.  Not you, but somebody somewhere.  Now, we’ve heard every sermon, and could preach it better than the minister.  If we’re not “prayerful”, we can become distracted and cold towards the things of God.  Picking apart every scripture as if we have more knowledge, and spiritual revelation than the One who wrote the book.  I’ve heard people expound on certain verses by saying, “well, see it really didn’t mean that because there was an error in the translation and they “probably” meant to say…” Spiritual arrogance.  Remember, God’s Word says that “pride goes before a fall“ .  The sad truth is, once a person has made up their mind not to believe in the inerrant Word of God and trust it as final authority, their life has already begun a downward spiral.  The won’t have the peace and joy they once had.  They become cynical, angry, distrustful and judgmental.  All the time, their Father is looking on them with eyes of compassion and waiting for them to “come to themselves” and turn to Him.  The Bible tells us that “who the Lord loves He chastens (or corrects).  Chastening is never meant to drive the person away, it is for their own good.  I had an experience with my daughter when she was about 4 years old.  She stole a granola bar from the CVS.  She didn’t even eat granola bars at the time.  We were home before I saw the evidence of her theft.  I wasn’t driving at the time, but I went back to the bus stop and caught the bus back up to the store and asked to see the manager.  I told her to tell him what she had done.  “I sorry I stealed”, she said quickly handing him the bar.  She looked terrified.  Like she was about to be arrested.  Inside I was thinking, “that is the cutest thing… ahh .. my baby”.. but I kept a straight face.  The manager was very wise and instead of laughing it off, or downplaying it because she was just so darned cute, he gave her a good talking to on the seriousness of her deed, and made her promise never to steal again.  She is 21 now and one of most honest and trustworthy people I know.  Did I do that to humiliate her?  No.  I did it because I loved her.  I knew that in a few short years her “petty crime” would bring about stiff penalities and jail time.  We (the CVS manager and I) had to nip her little criminal act, before it actually became a real live crime spree.  For those who work in retail, shoplifting is an all to common occurrence… from the youngest to the oldest.  I’m sure he was all to happy to see one child taught such a valuable lesson.  It was worth the extra bus fare and the little inconvenience to raise such a remarkable young woman.  God is looking at us in much the same way.  His goal is a mature child of God made in His image and after His likeness, but developed after His nature.  This child that He can trust with His anointing.  That He can display as an example of His own handiwork.  That He can use to bless nations.

… and that Beloved is Good News!

Y Stress? … U Blessed!

Have A Fabulous Day and a Wonderful Weekend!

Regina

“Rain On Us”, Ernest Pugh

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4EH7-TQj0k

“Fall On Me”, Shekinah Glory

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xl_kqLlJKag

“All Hail The King”, Shekinah Glory

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwB-Q4F89RM

“Well Done”, Tye Tribbett & GA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3uwlVfReVA

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believes on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father.  And whatsoever you shall ask in My Name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  If you shall ask any thing in My name, I will do it.  If you love Me, keep My commandments.

[John 14:12-15]

What Do You Want? … The Price … Belief ..

I’ll give you peace, when the storm is raging.
I’ll be your light when the road ahead seems dim.
I have the power. Just put your trust in me.
Anything you need, have faith indeed.
Just ask, Just ask In my name
Just ask, Just ask in my name

I am the Lord, I can move all mountains
I’ll be your strength, when you’re weary, weak and torn
Believe in my promise. cast all your cares upon me
Anything you need, have faith indeed.
Just ask, Just ask In my name
Just ask, Just ask in my name

Chorus
In my name all things are possible
I’m able to do the impossible
In my name all can come boldly before me
Yes in my name
I am the father, Just put your trust in me
Anything you need, have faith indeed
just ask, just ask in my name
Just ask, just ask

Chorus

There is power
Power in the name (repeat 2X)
joy, in the name (repeat 2x)
love, in the name (repeat 2x)
I’ve got peace, in the midst of the storm.
I’ve got pe-eace in the name.
I’ve got joy in my name.
I’ve got love, its all in the name.
If your looking for love its all in the name.
Just ask in my name

[In My Name, Milton Bronson and the Thompson Community Singers]

Good Afternoon Beloved,

What would you do if God walked up to you and said, “What do you want?” … What would you say?  Is any of us really prepared for that question?  Well, we should be… because He said it already.   If we believe in Him, we will trust Him.  If we trust Him, we will obey His commandments knowing that He will not ‘steer’ us wrong.  His love for us is perfect and it is in that perfect love that fear is ‘cast out’.  When our existence is wrapped up in the love of God, we can ask for anything, because our heart will be so entwined with His heart that our requests are actually coming from Him… ummph… wow… (pause) …. that is our goal… with God all things are possible….

… and that Beloved is Good News!

U Blessed

Have A Fabulous Day

Regina

“In My Name”, by Milton Bronson & The Thompson Community Singers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fEQ5YL3rh4

“All In His Hands”, The Hallelujah Chorus

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ev3OPw2tvVo

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HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY TO MY SISTER-IN-CHRIST ALVINA… Her birthday was yesterday… my prayer is that the love of God continue to fill you to overflowing, that He bless all of your hope and dreams and that you are fulfilled in Him.  God bless you for the heart of compassion and love that you demonstrate for everybody who is blessed to know you every day. 

Love you my sister!

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I received a message written by Tyler Perry and … MY GOD! … I was so moved I had to re post… a powerful testament of what forgiveness looks like and the freedom that comes along with it.  It is a long, but worthy read .

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Subject: A Message from Tyler Perry – We’re all PRECIOUS in His sight

Hi there.

I know I’ve been a little quiet lately but I’ve been in silent reflection, quiet meditation, and prayer. Turning 40 is such a blessing. Especially because as I child I always thought I would die before I grew up.

If life begins at 40, then I owe the little boy that I was my life. Case in point, not long ago, I was brought a film to watch to see what I thought of it. It’s called PRECIOUS, based on the novel PUSH by Sapphire.

I sat at home watching this movie not knowing what to expect. After the movie was over, I sat there for a long time just thinking about what I had just witnessed. I watched all the things that Precious, a 16-year-old girl in the film, went through. I watched her mother be unusually cruel to her and I realized at that moment that a large part of my childhood had just played out before my eyes. It hit me so hard, I sat there in tears realizing that somehow, by the grace of God, I made it through. My tears were tears of joy, being thankful that I made it.

Believe me when I tell you, PRECIOUS is a powerful film. After seeing it, I had to be involved. I didn’t write it or direct it, nor am I making any money from it. Oprah and I both are giving any proceeds we would make to charity. I just wanted to get as many people to see it as I can. It gave me so much hope after watching it. For everyone who has been a Precious, male or female, this movie will make you so glad you made it through.

It took me through some raw emotions and brought me to some things and
places in my life that I needed to deal with but had long forgotten. It brought back memories so strong that I can smell and taste them. Like, when I was very young, my mother decided to leave my father…she had had enough of his insanity. She loaded me and my two sisters up in an old Cadillac that he had bought for her, and drove to California. When he realized she was gone, he called the police and reported the car stolen, as it was in his name. My mother was arrested and my two sisters and I were put in the cell with her. He and my uncle drove from Louisiana to California to get us. We spent several days in jail waiting for him. He bailed her out and couldn’t wait to get her into the car. He got into the back seat with us and beat her black and blue from California to Louisiana, as me and my sisters watched.  Even though I was only two or three, I know that this had to have some effect on me.

I’m tired of holding this in. I don’t know what to do with it anymore, so, I’ve decided to give some of it away…

Memories at 40: Not long ago, I was asked to speak at an engagement. I
walked in and I was told that they had assigned a person to take care of me while I was there. She walked up to me, all of 5’2″ of her, and asked if I needed anything. I looked at her and started to sweat. It took me back thirty-something years to her apartment. I couldn’t have been more than 10 years old when I went over to play with her son and Matchbox cars.
She opened the door in skimpy lingerie. There was a man sitting on the couch, smoking. She told me that her son was in the bedroom. I was there
playing with him about 20 minutes when I heard the man arguing with her.
He said he was leaving and slammed the door. She came into the bedroom
and told me that I had to go home. She told her son to take a bath and she locked him in the bathroom. I was at the front door trying to get out, when she came in and laid on the sofa and asked me if I wanted the key. I told her I had to go home as it was getting dark. She put the key inside of herself and told me to come get it, pulling me on top of her.

Memories at 40: “What the f*#K are you reading books for?! That’s
bull*#*T!”

“You F*#*ing jackass! You got book sense but you ain’t got no mothaf*#*en common sense! You ain’t sh*t and ain’t never gonna be sh*t!” I heard this every day of my childhood. As my father would beat and belittle me, he played all kinds of mind games with me. He knew I loved cookies as a kid, most kids do. So he would buy them and put them on top of the fridge and when I would eat them he would beat me mercilessly.

My mother was out one night, as she loved to play bingo, and my father came home…mad at the world. He was drunk, as he was most of the time.
He got the vacuum cleaner extension cord and trapped me in a room and
beat me until the skin was coming off my back. To this day, I don’t know
what would make a person do something like that to a child. But thank
God that in my mind, I left. I didn’t feel it anymore, just like in PRECIOUS. How this girl would leave in her mind. I learned to use my gift, as it was my imagination that let me escape.  After he was done with his rant he passed out. Since my aunt lived two doors down, I ran to her. She saw me and was horrified. She loaded her 357 and went to kill him. Holding a gun to his head, her husband came and stopped her.

Memories at 40: I got a call not long ago from a friend. He told me that a man that I knew from church when I was a kid had died and he didn’t have any insurance. His family was trying to reach out to me to see if I would pay for his funeral. I quickly said no, but I wish I would have said yes.  There is something so powerful to me in burying the man that molested me.  I wish I would have dug the grave myself.

Memories at 40: I was about 8 or 9 years old. I had a crush on a little girl across the street. She would come over to my house and we’d play.  She was about 12 or 13. One day she stopped coming and when I asked her
why, she told me that my father was touching her. I didn’t believe her, so I walked her into staying one night. We were both asleep — she was in one bed and I was in another. I opened my eyes to see my father trying to touch her and her pushing him away. I moved in my bed trying to make him think I was waking up. He looked over at me and left out of the room. Not long after that, he beat me mercilessly for something again. Another mind game set up, so I told my mother what he had done.  The blood drained from her face. We left that day. We were at my Aunt’s house and he came there about 1am. Not long after that we were back at home. Nothing would compare to the random, drunken, violent beatings I would receive from then until I was 19.

Memories at 40: We would spend the summers in the country, with my father’s adoptive mother. As a kid I was always sick. I had asthma and he hated it. He hated that I wasn’t strong and viral like him. He hated that I couldn’t be in the sawdust, pollen and the raw lumber like him.  He hated that I liked to read and write and draw. He hated that me and my middle sister were darker-skinned than him. He didn’t think he could make a dark baby. He just hated everything about me I guess. Anyway, I had to go to the doctor every Tuesday to get shots to control my allergies. When his mother found out she said, “Ain’t nothing wrong with that damn boy…he just got germs on him. Stop wasting all that money.”  When my mother left to visit some friends I heard what sounded like water running in a tub but it was sporadic. She came and got me out of the living room leaving my Matchbox cars on the floor. She said she was going to kill these germs on me once and for all. She gave me a bath in ammonia.

Grateful at 40: I was asked recently how I made it through all of this, (half has not even been told) and my answer to that is…I know for a fact that there is a GOD. When my father would say or do those things to me, I would hear this voice inside of me say, “That’s not true” or, “Don’t believe that” or, “You’re going to make it through this”.  I didn’t know at the time what “it” was, but today I surely have no doubt that “it” was GOD. That voice always gave me comfort. It allowed me to hold on. It kept me from being strung out on drugs, from dying when I wanted to commit suicide. It kept me from being a gang banger or drug dealer. Worse than all of those things put together, it kept me from being him. It brought angels to comfort me after every foul, harsh word
or every welt on my legs or back.  GOD, only GOD.

To know that the little boy that I was went through all that — he went through and made it. Then me, as a man…I have to take on the responsibility of forgiving all of those people. I owe it to that little boy that I was and, more than that, I owe it to the man that I am.  Think about it, as a child we have no recourse. We have nowhere to go.  We have to endure it. But as adults, we have choices. I choose to forgive with all my might. Forgiveness has been my weapon of choice. It has helped to free me.

If you’re having a hard time getting over something in your life, maybe you can try forgiveness too. It’s not easy, but it does bring forth healing. I know that there are a lot of people out there with stories far worse than mine but you, too, can make it. To those of you who have, welcome to life. I celebrate you. We’re all PRECIOUS in His sight.

TP

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