Thursday, September 23, 2010

For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but you have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waits for the manifestation of the sons of God

[Romans 8:15-19]

********

Let brotherly love continue.

[Hebrews 13:1]

Lovin’ Our Brothers and Sisters

… whew…

 Good Morning Beloved,

I was raised as an only child.  I knew that I had brothers and sisters, but I was 16 when I actually met my sister for the first time.  I enjoyed the attention of being the only kid in the house… some may say I was spoiled.. I say I was abundantly loved!  The relationship siblings share has always fascinated me though.  My friend Tina has a younger sister and a younger brother .  They were 18, 15 and 14 respectively when I met them.  I won’t tell their ages, but I was 16 at the time.  Today, when the three of them get together, I am amazed that nothing in their familial position has changed.  They all have children, three of which are grown, but together they are still the same Tina-Cathy-Raymond unit.  Tina still the big sister/Mama, Cathy still the out-spoken middle child and Raymond still the baby .. alternating between being protected and fussed at by his older sisters.  I have noticed that even when they are angry with each other, if some outside force tries to attack one, they must deal with the wrath of them all.  We are brothers and sisters in Christ.  We have no more say over who gets saved, as Tina had when her mother became pregnant with Cathy and Raymond.  It had nothing to do with Tina.  Like it or not, siblings were coming.  She had no control over what their personalities would be, how they would look, what their likes and dislikes would be, how much they would eat.  She decided to love and protect these little people who were encroaching on her territory.  They now have a bond that was forged through years of hardship, loss, death, poverty, family strife, trials and addictions.  They made it through with the help of the Lord and by sticking together.  As children of God, we need to transfer that same attitude to our brothers and sisters in the faith.  It is easy to say, “well, they’re just not saved”.  That is a “pat” answer.  Sorry to be the one to tell you, but a lot of people we write off as “unsaved”, are just as saved as we are… they are just dealing with another set of issues that need to be cleansed by the Blood of Jesus.  Cain killed his brother Abel.  God still referred to Abel as Cain’s brother.  We have some brothers and sisters that are doing some of the craziest things.  It is not our position to shoot our wounded, point fingers or throw stones at them.  That can be tough, but God’s Word tells us to “let brotherly love continue”. Continue to love them even when they have seemingly lost their last lil piece of mind.  Continue to love them when we don’t like what they did.  Continue to love them when we don’t “like” them.  Continue..continue.. continue.  Continue to pray for them.  Continue to cover them with the Blood of Jesus.  Continue to counsel them when we have the opportunity.  Continue to bless them and protect them when we can.  Continue to treat them as we would like to be treated when our ‘less than shining moment’ comes. Continue to pray that they will turn from their wicked ways and repent.  How?  By guarding our hearts from deception and bridling our tongues from gossip and slander.  By remembering that we are heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ.  If Jesus can pray for them and forgive their sins, we can too… He’s living in us right?  Yes.. He is.

…. and that Beloved is Good News!

 Y Stress? …. U Blessed

Have A Wonderfully Joy-Filled Day!

Regina

“The Power of One”, Israel Houghton

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8o990fWsNE

“Here I Am”, Kevin LeVar and One Sound

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

“What If I Stumble”, DC Talk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sO1Hk_5rKkA

“Lord Make Me Over”, Tonex

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

“I Give Myself Away”, William McDowell

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

Friday, October 30, 2009

The LORD your God in the midst of you is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over you with joy; He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing.

[Zephaniah 3:17] 

 HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!!

What a lovely day!  Today is my birthday and I am so excited!  Well, actually, I’m always excited over birthdays… other peoples’ as well as mine.  A birthday to me represents one more year God has graced one to exist on earth.  It signifies that there is still an assignment to be done and we have been given a little more time to complete it.  This morning when I turned on my computer, I had so many beautiful well wishes it was almost overwhelming!  Someone ”sang” happy birthday to me via e-mail.  I was just reminded of my God who also sings… and He’s not singing, “I’m gonna knock you out” .  He rejoices over us… I just never get tired of hearing that, because for so many years I got such a scary view of God.  A wrong perception of a Deity that could never be pleased, always frowned and stayed in a constant state of irritation.  God does get angry.. don’t misunderstand me, but I suspect He is a little more balanced than a lot of us were led to believe.  He is grace, mercy, truth and love.  He knows the end from the beginning.  He sees where we are, where we’ve been and where we’re going.  Nothing is hidden from His careful gaze.  He’s seen every tear and every smile.  He knows what makes us tick far better than we do.  I found myself reminiscing today about my childhood.  I have been putting together a collection of pictures for my new found family, and boy did it bring back memories.  I was that shy little girl in the back of the class that never talked.  I was the ‘dirty’ girl… the one with the wrong clothes and jacked up hair… the ‘outcast’ that was laughed at and talked about.  My 10th grade Social Studies teacher at Calvert Senior High, Mr. Thompson, wrote something in my yearbook that I have carried in my heart ever since.  He wrote, “Regina, sometimes those who do not make themselves the center of attention are often overlooked, it is those same people whose inner wonder is never known”  …wow… that statement girded my mind and strengthened my resolve that’s the power of a good teacher.  I always felt that there was something unique and beautiful about me, even while folks were trying their level best to tear me down.  The result was good because it made me appreciate people for who they are, and to see the beauty in them.  It caused me not to treat people the way that they did.  It gave me a desire to become a better human being.  I’ve often thought over the years, that if Mr. Thompson could see me, he would be shocked.  I probably never said over a handful of words during the entire year I had his class, now, you can’t shut me up.  I uploaded this message on ‘Facebook’ for the young people that are around me. 

“2 my fly youngins going through drama with crazy people -keep your head up, don’t let ‘em get you down, trust me in a few years you won’t remember half their names ;0)” …

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

That is the plain truth!  I have gained a lot of wisdom and insight in recent years.  I’ve learned that nothing is ever wasted and EVERYTHING becomes part of our testimony.  Remember, we overcome by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony… what we came through and WHO brought us over…. sing Father …. sing

…and that Beloved is Good News!

42 Baby! YEAH!!!!

“It’s Your Birthday”, Canton Jones

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esQki8wkbNk

“What You Know About Jesus”, Kevin Levar and One Sound

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76ZX0hm4RkE

“Stranger”, Pentecostals of Alexandria

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnAYF4rmwgs

“Step pon di enemy”, Papa San

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhhLSIELM9w

“I Can’t Flee From Your Presence”, Papa San

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8AjimwhHIQ

“Just Wanna Say”, Israel Houghton

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

“Victory”, Tye Tribbett

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blv47UxK6Zs

********

   

Don’t Forget…

our sister Elaine Hutchinson’s “Homecoming Queen”

This weekend only … phenomenal cast, great play!

Saturday, Oct. 31 (7:00pm)

and

Sunday, Nov. 1st (3:30pm) 

at

Harmony Hall 

10701 Livingston Rd

Ft. Washington, MD  20744

   Tickets will be available at the box office!

   I LOVE this play don’t miss it!!!

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4zlRzNBJuA 

 

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

 Next, Jehu got all the people together and addressed them:
      Ahab served Baal small-time; Jehu will serve him big-time. “Get all the prophets of Baal here—everyone who served him, all his priests. Get everyone here; don’t leave anyone out. I have a great sacrifice to offer Baal. If you don’t show up, you won’t live to tell about it.” (Jehu was lying, of course. He planned to destroy all the worshipers of Baal.)  Jehu ordered, “Make preparation for a holy convocation for Baal.” They did and posted the date.  Jehu then summoned everyone in Israel. They came in droves—every worshiper of Baal in the country. Nobody stayed home. They came and packed the temple of Baal to capacity.  Jehu directed the keeper of the wardrobe, “Get robes for all the servants of Baal.” He brought out their robes.  Jehu and Jehonadab the Recabite now entered the temple of Baal and said, “Double-check and make sure that there are no worshipers of God in here; only Baal-worshipers are allowed.” Then they launched the worship, making the sacrifices and burnt offerings.  Meanwhile, Jehu had stationed eighty men outside with orders: “Don’t let a single person escape; if you do, it’s your life for his life.”

(2 Kings 10:18-24) 

 ”The Beauty In Holiness”

Good Morning Beloved,

What a beautiful day!  I was thinking about the Majesty and Holiness of God.  He is the King of Glory.  King of Kings.  I never want to forget that.  He is my Heavenly Father.  He does love me.  He is my Friend that sticks closer than any brother.  He is patient, kind and loving….  and He is Sovereign.  The older saints used to say “Thank God for Jesus”.  Ever stop to think about that.  In the Old Testament, God gave a command and it was done quickly, or judgment was swift.  Idol worship was only tolerated for so long.  Everything and everyone connected to serving a false God was completely annihilated.  Even then, the Grace of God would patiently wait years.  He would send prophet after prophet to warn the people to get rid of them, their refusal meant death.  The idols these people worshiped were not harmless little trinkets, they were in essence worshipping Satan.  They practiced child sacrifice, self mutilation, and vile forms of sexual deviation.  In order for a body infected with cancer to be whole, the cancer has to be removed.  Idol worship was the cancer and had to be removed from the midst of God’s people.  Unfortunately for those killed, they refused to be separated from the cancer and when it was removed, they went with it.  What I found interesting is that Jehu told his soldiers to make sure that there were no servants of God in the Temple of Baal.  Question… what were the people of God doing in the Temple of Baal? Evangelizing  I don’t think so.   That thought made me fast forward to the 21st century.  Are there some places where the people of God should not be?  Are there some activities that the people of God should not participate in?  Are there popular cultural policies that the people of God should not be in agreement with?  Again, thank God for Jesus.  The beauty of living in a Democracy is that we have religious freedom, and we can serve God without fear.  The other side, is that there are so many religions and ideologies, that the people of God are in danger of becoming infected, and the Gospel watered down to be more ‘inclusive’ and ‘palatable’ for the ever-changing tastes of the culture.  We all have our “Mt. Carmel experience” where we have to make a decision to stand for the righteousness of God.  We are to be ‘in the world, but not of the world’.  It may be difficult at times, but it is not impossible.  We can live right.  God will never ask us to do something that He has not enabled us to do.  No good thing will God withhold from those who walk upright.  There is a price to be paid for rebellion… “the wages of sin is death”.  There is also a price for living for God, “…but the gift of God is eternal life”.  Remember, “God is able to do exceeding, abundantly, above all that we can ask of think according to the power that works in us”.

… now THAT Beloved is Good News!

U Blessed

Have A Fabulous Day

Regina

“Breathe on me”, (Words & Music: Clint Brown) Soloist: Todd Estes

Performed Live 2007 @ Faith Church Sherman Texas.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQJX-InxBro

“All Hail The King”, Shekinah Glory

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

“Psalm 8″, Richard Smallwood

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiYxodBRu7c

“Worship Medley”, Darwin Hobbs

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

Friday, December 26, 2008

And seeing the multitudes, He went up into a mountain: and when He was set, His disciples came unto Him: And He opened His mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.  Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.  Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.  Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.  Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.  Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.  Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are you, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake.  Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in Heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.  You are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.  You are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.  Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it gives light unto all that are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Matthew 5:1-16

VOICE OF THE MARTYRS ….

Twenty- year-old Sandul Bibi is in prison in Pakistan, charged with violating section 295-B of the Pakistani legal code, the “blasphemy” law. Sandul is falsely accused of ripping pages from the Quran. On Oct. 9, a large crowd of Muslims attacked Christian families at a church, throwing stones and firing guns. They were shouting, “Kill Gulsher and his daughter Sandul.” Sandul and her father, Gulsher Masih, were arrested after a mob from the local mosque surrounded their house. Loudspeakers from different mosques broadcast accusations that Christians had disgraced the Quran, calling Muslims to attack and burn their homes. The angry crowd threw stones at Sandul’s home. Christians believe Sandul and her father were targeted and arrested because they were aggressively winning villagers to Christ. To send a letter of encouragement to Sandul Bibi, click here.

 Back     Read more stories here…

Recent Articles

 PAKISTAN – Young Christian Woman and Her Father Imprisoned

 INDONESIA – Riots Erupt in Indonesia over Christian Teacher’s Alleged Blasphemy

 Send a Letter of Encouragement to Sandul Bibi

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 NIGERIA – Six Pastors Killed, 40 Churches Destroyed

 Bless Your Family and Friends With The Remember the Persecuted Shadow Box

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 Send Your Family and Friends an Illegal Bible Cover as a Gift This Christmas

 CHINA – House Church Leader Sentenced to “Re-education Through Labor”

Good Morning Beloved,

Happy Friday!!!   Welcome to the last Friday of 2008!

We are so blessed.  Christmas Day is gone, but “Christ-mas” need not ever end.  Did you realized that God’s people were called “Christians” as a kind of slur.  Unbelievers would sneer and say, “here come those “Christians”, or little Christs”.  They were so named, because they endeavored to do what they saw their Lord do… act the way they saw their Lord act, speak what they heard their Lord say.  I included the above headlines as a gentle reminder for us to pray for our brothers and sisters in hostile territories… at home and abroad.  Pray for their strength, their protection, their provision, their families.  Even if we cannot financially support them at the moment, our prayers are invaluable, and can go places we cannot go.  We are the Body of Christ and every part is significant.  No part is greater than any other part.  I found this to be true last Saturday.  It was the end of the second of three performances.  I had a very quick change and I was running up 2 flights of stairs with boths hands full.  I tripped on the robe I was wearing and banged my toe on the step.    Every part of my body felt and re-acted to the pain in my foot.  I made it through the end of the second show, and limped myself over the the nurse’s station.  Thankfully, it was not broken, but it still hurt.  The pain affected how I drove home (it happened to be the ‘driving foot’), how I walked, the shoes I wore, my mind (…because now I thought about how to avoid any movement that would affect that toe), and even how I knelt to pray.  Almost a week later, and it is still a little sore… but nothing like it was.  Well, the blessing, is that Jesus is our head, He sees all, is concerned about everything, and has the power to heal whatever is going on in His Body.

… and that my friend is Good News!

CosConstructionte -1 Peter 2:5 55 of 105   If we offer ourselves in service to the Lord, He already knows just the right place we are best suited for. November 18, 2007

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Good Morning Beloved,

I’m still in Thanksgiving mode.  I have a cousin, Mabel, who is a ‘Thanksgiving Baby’.  She is one of those ’seasoned’ saints who appear ageless.  I don’t even know how old she is now, but she has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.  She was raised by my grandma’s mother, in the country– on the same land where I was raised .  She was a hot to-male let me tell you.  She lived in an age where, if you wore red lipstick and make-up you were considered a ‘Jezebel’.  Mabel was (and still is) a strong-willed woman.  As long as I can remember she has been strong.  She is a little tiny, petite woman, but I’ve seen her intimidate grown men… she would fight them.  She has been married to “Al” just about my whole life (I’m 41) … they are a perfect match.  He was just as wild as she was. She was a gregarious and fun-loving party-girl who loved entertaining and ‘talking trash’… and so was he.  Al will tease you to no end, but it is all in good fun and we know he loves us.  Their house was party central… especially around the holidays.  Mabel was sweet, but you did not want to cross her.  She loved her children, but would not hesitate to .. shall we be politically correct and say “discipline” them.  I remember her children Elzie, Renee, Speedy and Vincent (yes, I’m calling you out cuz y’all were wrong and I’m still traumatized) ....leaving me in a hole that I fell into because they thought we were being chased by bullies.  My bright yellow knit poncho stuck on the branches in the hole and I couldn’t get out.  I was about 5 and they were not much older than me.  They eventually came back and got me, begging me not to tell.  Of course our parents ALWAYS knew when something was not right with us.  Mabel started asking questions.  She separated us and interrogated us one by one.  I was scared of Mabel.  I knew somebody was going to be in trouble.  I must have looked a sight with sticks and dirt in my poncho and hair all over my head.  She found out what happened and they were… uhhh…. ‘corrected’.  Of course they were mad at me for their…. ‘troubles’.  Isn’t it amazing how something so serious and scary at the time, can morph into a fond memory as we get older.  Many years later, at an appreciation service held for my mom by our church, I had the privilege to witness Mabel give her life to Christ… she was about 70 I think.  She is currently a faithful member of her church, with the same loving and welcoming spirit she always had, but now she has a glow that can only come from someone who has a relationship with the Lord.  Her steps have gotten a little slower, she has a few little health issues, but I have heard her talk about them as if they are nothing.  She is happy in Jesus and she told me that she has had a good life thus far with no regrets.  She is very wise.  You see, she realizes that everything in her past, has prepared her for where she is today …. and she is so grateful.  Tomorrow, I can’t wait to get to Baltimore with my video camera and capture this beautiful lady on film… yeah, and her kids and grand-kids are all right too…. God is so good, and His mercy endures forever!

…. and that is Good News right there!

U Blessed,

Have A Fabulous Day!

Regina

Grace Cafe - 2 Corinthians 1:20 3 of 103   All of God’s promises throughout the Bible are fulfilled in Jesus. The grace of God has been made freely available to us through the blood of Jesus. January 1, 2007

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yolanda Adams “Thank You”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ObMFJrQFwM

Shirley Ceasar “Jesus, I Love Calling Your Name”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cM5I7vPUn1I

Walter Hawkins “Thank You”

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

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

   Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever

Passage Psalm 23:6

(“Lord You Are Good”  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAGZ8HmiWCM)

Good Morning Beloved,

I see a beautiful word picture when I read that verse.  Goodness and Mercy ever-present with me, one on each side following me, with their eyes fixed on the future.  They see far ahead of me, and know that shortly, I will need them.  The bible says that:

“…or despise thou the riches of His goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? {Romans 2:4 KJV}.

“So it is God who decides to show mercy. We can neither choose it nor work for it”.

(Romans 9:16 NLT)

It is reassuring to know that God knows that we will mess up… It would be awesome if we NEVER made another mistake after coming to faith in Christ…. but, since we do… How beautiful that the mercy of God keeps God from killing us on the spot (like some of the folks in the old testament), and the goodness of God kicks in where we have the opportunity to repent, be restored and abundantly blessed.

Now THAT is Good News!

U Blessed

Have A Fabulous Day Child of God

Regina