Breakfast For Your Soul

Monday, June 13, 2011

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

[Genesis 2:7]

  The Very First Father

HAPPY MONDAY!!! ~SMILE~

In honor and celebration of Father’s Day.  I thought I would take this week to bless and encourage the fathers.  In order to do that, I have to start at the very beginning.  The Father of all fathers.  Our Heavenly Father.  Sovereign Ruler of Heaven and Earth.  The Great I AM.  El Shaddai, the All-Sufficient One. The Great God Jehovah.  His many names abound but we have the great privilege of calling Him “Father” in addition to all the rest.  He created ‘Adam’ and breathed the breath of life into him, thus becoming his ‘Father’.  He formed him with his own Hands and stood him up in his Holy presence and breathed INTO him.  He released a piece of His very own power into this creature, and gave him authority over this earth realm.  He gave him a great mind, with instructions for him to use it.  He gave him the task of tending to the garden and naming every animal in it.  Experts tell us that we only use about 10% of our brain… I believe Adam used all of his.  He would have to complete such a daunting task.  Adam was in essence ‘King’ of the world… and then God gave him his ‘Queen’ Eve.  Together the two of them, in concert with the King of all Kings ruled this earth in peace and harmony, until a jealous enemy entered in, deceived them both, causing them to lose their happy home.  Still, their Father watched over them.  He never stopped loving them, and He had already worked out a plan for their return back to into His presence.  Life for them changed… drastically.  Suddenly they knew pain, toil, sweat, hardship.. even heartbreak.  The first murder.. their first-born son, Cain kills their second-born son Abel.  The one they had so much hope in, crushed them to the core.  Sounds like us sometimes.  Things don’t always go the way we hope, or believe they are going to.  That is when trust kicks in.  We have to trust that our Father God sees all and He has already worked it out for our good.  It’s all good.  Does it seem good? Maybe not.  Does it feel good.. probably not… but it WILL work out FOR our good.  A job loss doesn’t feel good, but the new job with better benefits and a higher salary will feel mighty fine.  Trust your Holy Daddy.  Some may have had a poor example of a father, so trusting God as father may be a little difficult.  Take heart… God knows.  He knows what you’ve been through and He knows what you need.  He is processing you and when you come through, you will be as pure gold refined in the refiners fire.  You will be stronger, better, holier, filled with peace, joy and the love of God.  Your confidence will not be in what you can do, but what He has already done.  You will claim what is yours without fear. you will know who you are… a child of the Most High God.

… and that Beloved in Good News!

“My Life Is In Your Hands”, Kirk Franklin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIO5asigXvc

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

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

“Now Behold The Lamb”, Kirk Franklin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXzfhG9NvFw

” Step Aside”, Tamela Mann

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQ_t7ufogIg

“Total Praise”, Richard Smallwood

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vv9-WlymKg0

“Praise Is What I Do”, Shekinah Glory w/William Murphy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIPKnj-0Czw

“Let Go”, Dwayne Woods

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

“I’ll Trust You”, James Fortune

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRwQy2eQbJM

“It Ain’t Over”, Maurette Brown Clark

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXNhArf-MSk

“Never Would Have Made It”, Pastor Marvin Sapp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CklAwchIJ1A

“Great Is Your Mercy”, Pastor Donnie McClurkin

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

“God Is Here”, mime by K&K Mime

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

“Stand”, Donnie McClurkin~ Mime by K&K Mime

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dW7pX3Jw5SA

“Already Here”, Brian Courtney Wilson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YkmZBV6AXc

Good Morning Beloved:

Friday, June 18, 2010

 And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?  For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which He has spoken of him.

[Genesis 18:17-19]

Compliments of the Greatest Daddy of All Time!

Good Morning Beloved!

Happy Friday!  What a BEAUTIFUL day!  

This is the day the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it!  Genesis 18 is awesome!  It offers us a glimpse behind the scenes into a Holy conversation.  God talking about a man… Abraham.  He is about to pronounce judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah.  There is one problem…. Abraham’s nephew Lot and his family are living there.  God knew Abraham’s heart. He knew how much he loved his nephew.  At this point God is contemplating how much information He is going to share with him.  God decides to tell Abraham what He is about to do.  Abraham intercedes for the city, but in the end “bartered” with the Lord for the lives of his family.  Abraham was a man.  He had the same struggles, insecurities, fears as any other human being.  His only difference was the friendship he enjoyed with God.  He loved and honored God.  That made him a GREAT man.  He loved, respected and cherished his wife Sarah until her death.  He loved his kids.  He had a heart for his people and treated his servants well. A Great man.  We’re about to celebrate “Father’s Day”.  For many, this day is a source of pain.  For the millions who never had a good father in their lives it is a reminder of what they never had. (if that is you, take heart… God is your Father.)  For those who had good fathers, it is a time to celebrate and honor them.  Those men who, like Abraham love and cherish their families.  I personally applaud men like my Bishop.. Cornell Hughes.  A father of 9, grandfather of 14 (with another grand on the way).  A man who rose above his past circumstances to become a faithful husband, father, grandfather, leader and a wonderful person.  Or Nathan Harkins… a young man who had also made his share of mistakes, but married a precious young lady who had four children and has become an excellent husband and father… they will celebrate 10 years in a few months.  Another, is Major Coleman III… A great man who has raised two fabulous children.  Not only are they great people, but thanks to their dad’s involvement and encouragement have become great athletes as well. Allan Williams is another great dad who dotes on his little princess, and strives to be the best person he can be. He lives his life as an example of the believer in word, deed and conversation.  My daughter’s God-Father Angelo Parker.  A great friend who has been a fantastic God-daddy over the years.  He was at the hospital when my daughter was born and has always been close to our family.  He has blessed us in too many ways to even count.  Another special “dad” in my life, actually does not have any children right now.. Shaun Diggs.  I believe he will be an awesome daddy someday.  He has also been a good friend to our family for over 15 years and in that time has stepped in time and time again as a father figure and positive role model for my daughter, as well as the children of our other friends.  His presence is invaluable.  He can always be counted on to bring joy and laughter and a great gift! LOL! He is another great man.  Our friend “Mr. Eddie” Davis.  A man who lost his only son a fews year ago in a tragic accident, but who has become a father figure to other children…that makes him a great man.  Kids just love him.  My own father had many problems, but I honor him because he was my dad.  My personality, my love of all forms of music, my love of the dramatic arts, my unruly hair… I’ve received from him.  I don’t want to get into trouble naming names.. there are so many.  For those I did not mention, charge my head not my heart.   Good ‘ole Dads… keep up the good work!  We appreciate you, not just on “Father’s Day”, but everyday.  We may not tell you as often as we should, but you are invaluable and we bless God for you!  I’ve learned that the word “father” is mentioned 1511 times throughout the bible…that tells us father is important.  God has given you power.  He has invested authority in you to speak peace, blessing, and prosperity over the lives of those around you.  Use it.  God Himself gave the title that describes Himself to them…

… and that Beloved is Good News!

Y Stress? … U Blessed!

Have A Fabulous Day and a Wonderful Weekend!

Regina

HAVE

A

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!

Regina & Dad (Reginald)

“Father Me”, Shekinah Glory featuring William Spann

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTU81cT6h4w

Wrap Me In Your Arms, William McDowell featuring Blanca

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

“I Give Myself Away pt. 1, William McDowell

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

“I Give Myself Away (Here I Am To Worship) pt. 2, William McDowell

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovJTHO71aSk

“Thou Art A Shield”, Byron Cage

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sB6cFqCBMAE

“Faithful To Believe”, Byron Cage

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

“Bless The Lord”, Tye Tribbett & GA w/ Mali Music

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wdu7fb0g6Mo

Friday, June 19, 2009

“Increase”

The wise are mightier than the strong,
      and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger.
Proverbs 24:5

He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.

Isaiah 40:29

Good Morning Beloved,

There is nothing too hard for the Lord.

When that truth is imprinted deep within our spirit, there really is nothing we will not be able to do.  We read the bible and see people doing awesome things.  Moses parting the red sea, Elisha purifying poisoned food with meal, calling down fire from heaven and instituting a drought like Elijah, judging a nation like Deborah, saving a nation like Esther… just to name a few.  These people were used by God to bring judgment, and blessing.  They were ordinary people, used by an exceptional God to do extra-ordinary works in the earth.  They were in covenant with God, but we have a better covenant in Christ Jesus … we have the promises of God, and the power of the Holy Spirit living in us everyday.  Wonder what God wants to use us to do.  We are living in exciting times, we could be the generation that will actually see the Lord.  In the midst of chaos, God wants His house to be an oasis in the desert for the sin-sick soul.  Its going to take faith like never before, some serious soul-searching and putting everything within us not of God on the altar… and leaving it there.  We’re going to be asked to do somethings that our flesh will not like.  We may have to bite our tongues and resist the urge to ‘give folks a piece of our mind’ sometimes.  We may be asked to bless someone we don’t particularly like.  We may not understand what is required of us at the time, but the reward will be great.  “Eyes have not seen, nor ears heard neither has entered into the heart of humanity the great things which God has prepared for them that love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9 ) …

…..and that Beloved is Good News!

U Blessed!

Have A Fabulous Day and a Wonderful Weekend

From my heart to yours… To all of the Daddy’s, Grand-daddy’s, Pop-Pops, Big Brothers, Uncles, Pastors, Mentors, Coaches, Teachers, Co-Workers, Confidants … all who are instrumental in raising, providing for, protecting, disciplining, standing in the gap for, and speaking into the lives of not only our youth, but us ladies too.  For the cars you repair, and the computers you fix, the yards you maintain, and everything you do… THANK YOU!  I pray that you have a blessed Father’s Day Weekend! I want you to know that you are seen, appreciated and greatly loved! 

“No Limits/Enlarge My Territory”, Israel & New Breed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IY3eMHwIaFk

“He Reigns”, Kevin LeVar & One Sound

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

“Heaven Have Your Way”, Kevin LeVar & One Sound

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4F1x1OYSjY

Kevin LeVar & One Sound

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

“Oh Zion”, Fred Hammond and RFC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6vIxL7lxak

“Strength”, John P. Kee and New Life Community Choir

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYDCHeQ4gKE

Archer -Psalm 127:3-5 126 of 126   One way that parents can make sure that their arrows (children) hit the target of God’s plan for their lives is by instilling in them good, Biblical training in childhood. Proverbs 22:6 says Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Fighter -1 Timothy 6:12 90 of 126   I heard someone say that a good fight is one you win. In our fight of faith, we can take courage from knowing that God promises that we will win in the end. August 3, 2008

Watch Your Step -1 Corinthians 11:1 83 of 126   This is a cartoon for fathers. You must watch your steps and avoid Satan’s pitfalls, because your children are watching and following in those steps. June 8, 2008

Character Builder -2 Peter 1:5–7 81 of 126   Building Christian character can be a strain sometimes, but it is necessary to “keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 2 Peter 1:8 NIV May 25, 2008

Copyright 2009 Michael D. Waters

Belt of Truth -Ephesians 6:13,14 49 of 126   When you’re armed with the truth, you can stand up to the devil when he tries to steal your blessing. September 30,

Thursday, June 18, 2009

   So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when He adopted you as His own children.  Now we call Him, “Abba, Father.”

Romans 8:15

Good Morning Beloved,

This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it!

“Take The Limits Off”, Israel & New Breed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2N59NnXXYDo

“Father Me”, Shekinah Glory w/Pastor William Spann

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTU81cT6h4w

King James Version view cartoons in Biblical order Copyright 2009 Michael D. Waters

The Lord is my Strength -Philippians 4:13 121 of 126   Whatever weight we may have to lift, it is good to know that our older brother Jesus is there to give us His strength to lift it. May 10, 2009

King James Version view cartoons in Biblical order Copyright 2009 Michael D. Waters

Don’t Worry -Matthew 6:26,27 12 of 126   It can be easy to let yourself fall into the trap of worrying about money. We must learn to trust that God will take care of us, and provide for us, just as He takes care of the birds of the air. January 1, 2007

King James Version view cartoons in Biblical order Copyright 2009 Michael D. Waters

Balloon Popper -John 8:31,32 82 of 126   Satan’s lies can seem scary, but they are no match for the truth of God, found in His word.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colors.

[Genesis 37:3]

Favored One….

Good Morning Beloved,

We’re coming up on Father’s Day weekend.  That is topic that brings about a mixed bag of reactions.  I remember wishing one man a happy Father’s Day a few years ago, and he went on a 15 minute tirade on the disparity between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.  He wanted to know how come mothers got flowers, jewelry, clothes, and expensive dinners, and all he got was a tie (please be good to the good fathers/father figures in your life, and give them the honor they’re due… amen?).  I’ve been thinking about some of the fathers mentioned in the bible.  Nothing in scripture is ever wasted.  Every story, every parable, every event recorded has a significant purpose.  Because the Word of God is alive, we can glean from the testimonies of those highlighted, and apply certain principles to our own lives.  It is amazing.  The story of Joseph is one of my absolute favorites. His daddy Jacob doted on him.  He was the favored son because he was the first-born son of the ‘favored’ wife.  Remember, Jacob never wanted Leah in the first place… he always loved her sister Rachel and was tricked by the girls father into marrying Leah.  God blessed Leah to give birth to 6 sons and 1 daughter.  The two sisters went into child-birth competition, each giving her maid-servant to Jacob, and each servant had 2 sons (those children were legally considered theirs).  Then Rachel gave birth to another son, but she died shortly after he was born.  So that made 12 sons and 1 daughter Jacob had.  However, all of Jacobs’ affections were poured out on Joseph… and the other sons hated Joseph because of it.  His feelings probably intensified after the death of his beloved Rachel.  Joseph was blessed with a special gift, but he was a child.  He had to have known how his brothers felt about him because the bible says that they, “could not speak peaceably to him“.  Yet, he would say things to them like, “hey!.. y’all better be nice to me, cuz one day all y’all gonna bow to me … mommy and daddy too!”  (Genesis 37:5-10 Regina translation).  Jacob, unknowingly, set up the very scenario that had his son taken from him for the next 22 years.  It ended well though.  It was all part of God’s ultimate plan to save not only Jacobs’ future family, but families all over the land.  There are situations that happen in our life that we don’t understand.  There are no simple, pat answers.  The bible never said that bad things would never happen to us, but we have a blessed assurance, “that ALL things work together for good to those who love God, and to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).  Remember, Joseph was the favored son.  His dreams really did come from God.  Everything he saw was absolutely going to happen.  He could never have foreseen the life that he would lead… from overseer (for his father), to a pit (courtesy of his brothers), to slavery (sold by his brothers), to overseer (in Potiphar’s house), to prison (set up by Potiphar’s lying wife), to overseer (in the jail), to “Vizier”, or second in command in Egypt.  Probably not the path he would have chosen for himself.  If we could interview Joseph, I wonder what he would say.  As he was able to look into the eyes of his wife and sons.  As he was able to sustain his entire family through a severe famine.  Everything and everyone in Egypt was subject to him. Even Potiphar AND his wife…hello!? I believe he would probably tell us that it was well worth it.  Reminds me of another ‘Favored Son’… the only Begotten Son of God who came and was cruelly treated by those He came to save.  He was betrayed, maligned, mocked and beaten, but because of His willingness to go through all of that, we have been put back in right standing with God.  We have been given the privilege of being called His ‘siblings’… favored ones of the most High God.

….. and that Beloved is really Good News!

U Blessed

Have a Fabulous Day

Regina

“Blessed and Highly Favored”, The Clark Sisters

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

“No Weapon”, Fred Hammond

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HV4Hl3hLdU8

“Praise Him In Advance”, Pastor Marvin Sapp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvganA6nrf0

“Encourage Yourself”, Donald Lawrence w/Sheri Jones Moffett

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6yhgFxDQMw

“Faithful”, Hezekiah Walker

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTqIBTZix5w

“Farther Along”, Rev. Dewey Smith Jr.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7JGahCqGH4

The Lord is my Strength -Philippians 4:13 121 of 126   Whatever weight we may have to lift, it is good to know that our older brother Jesus is there to give us His strength to lift it. May 10, 2009

Concentration -Isaiah 26:3 34 of 126   There are plenty of voices in this world telling us that we are going to fail. But if we keep our attention on the Lord and His Word, and trust in Him, we will succeed. June 17, 2007

Patient Hen -Hebrews 6:12 27 of 126   It may seem that God’s promise is too big for you to receive. The hen cannot see any change in the egg from day to day, yet she patiently and steadfastly sits on the egg. Then one day, suddenly, the egg cracks, and she receives the fulfillment of the promise. April 28, 2007

Copyright 2009 Michael D. Waters