Breakfast For Your Soul

Friday, April 2, 2010

Who has believed our message?
      To whom has the Lord revealed His powerful arm? My Servant grew up in the Lord’s presence like a tender green shoot, like a root in dry ground.  There was nothing beautiful or majestic about His appearance, nothing to attract us to Him.  He was despised and rejected— a Man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief.  We turned our backs on Him and looked the other way.  He was despised, and we did not care. Yet it was our weaknesses He carried; it was our sorrows that weighed Him down.  And we thought His troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for His own sins!  But He was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins.  He was beaten so we could be whole.  He was whipped so we could be healed.  All of us, like sheep, have strayed away.  We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on Him the sins of us all.  He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet He never said a word.  He was led like a Lamb to the slaughter.  And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, He did not open His mouth.  Unjustly condemned, He was led away.  No one cared that He died without descendants, that His life was cut short in midstream.  But He was struck down for the rebellion of My people.
    He had done no wrong and had never deceived anyone.  But He was buried like a criminal; He was put in a rich man’s grave.  But it was the Lord’s good plan to crush Him and cause Him grief.  Yet when His life is made an offering for sin, He will have many descendants.
   He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord’s good plan will prosper in His Hands.  When He sees all that is accomplished by His anguish,
      He will be satisfied.  And because of His experience, My Righteous Servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for He will bear all their sins.  I will give Him the honors of a Victorious Soldier, because He exposed Himself to death.  He was counted among the rebels.  He bore the sins of many and interceded for rebels.

[Isaiah 53 New Living Translation]

So Beautiful!

Good Afternoon Beloved,

God is good and His mercy endures forever!  I hope this beautiful Good Friday finds you well and in good spirits.  What happened to my Savior on my behalf was ugly, but He is beautiful beyond all comprehension.  We will never fully understand the depth of His love, nor the agony of His Crucifixion.  “The Passion of the Christ”, by Mel Gibson was an excellent depiction.  I heard Jim Caviezel (the actor who portrayed Jesus), talk about his experiences while working on the film.  He was struck by lightning and left virtually unharmed, his shoulder was dislocated, he was left on the cross for hours…everybody forgot he was there as they broke for lunch… he was accidentally struck by the whip, (which left him with a permanent scar), he developed pneumonia and suffered hypothermia as sudden wind gusts rocked the cross he was on.  Talk about suffering for your art!  He believed so adamantly that it was a film that needed to be made, that to this day he has no regrets.  His prayer was for someone not to see him, but to see Jesus and be converted.  His prayer was answered… many people came to Christ as a result of this movie, including a Muslim actor who portrayed one of the soldiers. Countless lives have been changed, and Christians whose relationship with God had grown stale and stagnant were revitalized, and fell in love with Jesus all over again!  Powerful!  It reminded us that the price Jesus paid for us was staggering!  He died for us… can we live for Him? (umph..I heard you this morning Janelle..thank you for the reminder)  He rose again, so that we could rise with Him, so that we could be seated with Him in Heavenly places, and not us alone, but the invitations have gone out to all humanity!  “Whosoever will …” !

… and that Beloved is Good News!

Y Stress? … U Blessed!

Have A Fabulous Day and a Wonderful Weekend!

Regina

“The Blood”, Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, Crystal Lewis, Jaci Valasquez

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJHWjK8Ou8A

“He Decided To Die”, Rev. Donald Vails

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0UZkASPZfs

“There Is No Failure In God”, Rev. Donald Vails

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgWHfOuwZf8

“Oh The Blood”, Donald Vails Choraleers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgWHfOuwZf8

“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

“I Worship You In The Spirit”, Shekinah Glory

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rr3BuQfNyuU

“We Worship You”, Deitrick Hadden

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNhggDBzQC4

“In The Presence Of Royalty”, Byron Cage

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkCDtfed2fE

“Great Is Your Mercy”, Pastor Donnie McClurkin

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

“Mercy Said No”, CeCe Winans

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

“Alabaster Box”, CeCe Winans

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uq8VP9osGrg

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
[1 John 3:16]

The Passion of Jesus

Good Afternoon Beloved,

In just 10 short days we will be celebrating what is traditionally known as “Good Friday”.  I heard someone say, “What’s so good about it… didn’t Jesus die?”.  Well, yes… and that is good news for every blood-bought believer.   The fact that there was a day in our human history that our Lord and Savior was taken, brutally beaten, humiliated, mocked and nailed naked to a Roman cross on Golgotha’s hill is too beautiful for words.  He did not have to do it.  God could have wiped out all of Creation, and started all over again with a new Adam.  Instead He chose to lay down His life, and suffer all of this at the hands of those He came to save.  That is absolutely mind-blowing!  Awesome!  All of this at no cost to us. We could not pay for it even if we wanted to.  “The wages of sin is death”, but through His sacrifice, His gift, we have “eternal Life”. What does He want from us? …belief.. fellowship.. faith in him… obedience.  His desire is for us to love Him enough to place our trust in Him completely, and believe that His way is not only right… it’s better.  He would have us take our place in Heavenly places so that we can see as He sees.  Our wounded brothers and sisters battle-scarred and bleeding, tired.. losing strength and barely able to put one foot in front of the other, ready to give up.  He wants us to see those He died to save, sick and dying, completely hoodwinked, tricked, bamboozled, bewildered, frustrated, enraged, suicidal, psychotic, neurotic, depressed etc. Not only does He want us to see all of this, but to use the power and authority He invested in us to make a difference.  He wants a glorious holy church without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, full of love, compassion, honor, beauty and boldness.

… and that Beloved is Good News!

Y Stress? … U Blessed!

Have A Fabulous Evening

Regina

“He Reigns”, Kevin LeVar and One Sound

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

“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

“Healing”, Kelly Price

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eV4P7TI522o

“A Song of Strength”, Fred Hammond & RFC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ksl2mDf3c9I

“Washed Away”, Kirk Franklin & The Family

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4wma8cKLbI

“Awesome God”, Kirk Franklin and Nu Nation w/Papa San

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgBNQWR4a-0

“Jesus Paid It All”, Kirk Franklin & The Family

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

November 5, 2009

For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” [ Lev 19:18.]

[Galatians 5:14]

Do You Know and Love You?

*********

If I live to be a hundred
And never see the seven wonders
That’ll be alright
Should my tender heart be broken
I will cry those teardrops knowing…
I will be just fine
‘Cause nothing changes who I am
I am Rosemary’s grand-daughter
The spitting image of my father
And when the day is done…
My momma’s still my biggest fan
Sometimes I’m clueless and I’m clumsy
But I’ve got friends that love me
And they know just where I stand
It’s all a part of me
And that’s who I am
That’s who I am

(Sue Thomas, FBI Theme song)

Good Afternoon Beloved,

You may think, “man, that sure is a strange way to open a Christian devotion”.  I was in another room, when the show came on, and I thought, “wow, I could have written that song describing myself.  The only difference is my grandma’s name was “Ms. El-nore”.. and all my friends and kinfolk say, “AMEN”.  Self love has been stretched to un-Godly limits these days.  Some people are a little “too” in love with themselves.  There are some who are so self absorbed that the only time they do something for someone else is when it benefits them in some sort of way.  That is off-balanced and so not cute.  God’s Word is not talking about that kind of ‘me-me-me-me-me’ism’.  The Bible is balanced.  God knows that we can’t really love if our love tank is on ‘E’.  Ever met someone whose was running a little low in the love department?  How they feel about themselves (good or bad) will seep into every facet of their life.  It will affect how they treat their family, friends, church members, co-workers, even random people on the street.  For the child of God, it can be an even greater detriment. How many times have you heard of folks leaving, not only the church, but God Himself because of their encounters with loveless, bitter, angry saints.  Something is wrong somewhere and as we take inventory of our life we need to find out what it is.  Some people were told by people who held influence over them, (parents, “friends”, spouses) that they were no good, pitiful, stupid, ugly and that nobody would ever love or want them etc… etc…  Somewhere along the line they received those “death words” in their hearts, digested them, and they became a part of their everyday life.  We may have entered into the fall season, but it’s never too late to do a little “spring cleaning”.  Get rid of all that junk.  You are “fearfully and wonderfully made”.  We all came here with a crazy sin-nature, but we have a new nature now.  God loved you so much that He sent Jesus to die and if you were the only person on the planet that ever accepted Him, He would have still done it.

…. Now THAT Beloved is shoutin’ Good News!

U Blessed!

Have A Fabulous Evening

Regina

“I Like Me”, Kirk Franklin

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

“Son of Man”, Tye Tribbett w/Mali Music

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

“Set Me Free”, Myron Butler & Levi

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

“Lead Me Jesus”, Greg O’Quin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=896ZBM-GA9c

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

“ALRIGHT“

Good Morning Beloved,

My daughter hates when I say that.  It usually comes after repeated warnings and promised discipline.  “Alright” has come to mean, “I’m through talking and consequences are coming”.  No one likes discipline.  We were born with our own will.  Some are a little more strong-willed than others but we’re all guilty.  I remember hearing an account told by a Christian Professor.  His class engaged him in a debate on ‘absolutes’.  Their position was that there was no ‘right or wrong’.  They believed that what is right for you, may may not be right for me, and vice versa.  He gave his class an assignment they had three months to complete. A few finished the assignment on time.  As the time grew closer, frantic excuses started pouring in.  Many accused the Professor of being unfair, because they had so many other courses and responsibilities.  The good Professor changed the date and gave them a few extra days which many gratefully accepted.  When the deadline came, again he was met with pleas and more excuses, this time it was different.  They weren’t as passionate and desperate as they were the first time.  This time they were a lot more relaxed.  They believed that since they had gotten over on him the last time, this time would be no different.  Students were laid back in their chairs with looks of triumph on their faces. This time all who had not completed their assignment were given failing grades.  They were angry and accused the Professor of being a harsh, unfair teacher.  He reminded them of the grace he had extended to them (which they had agreed to).  They said he was ‘wrong’, he reminded them of their position … “no right and wrong remember”.  He also reminded them of the people who were able to finish their assignment by the first due date.  Sounds like God.  He gave us His laws and statutes.  We couldn’t uphold them 24/7.  So, Jesus came, wrapped Himself in humanity and walked among us teaching us how to live.  Then He gave Himself as a sacrifice… pure and holy.  His death, paid the price for our sins and put us in right standing with God.  He didn’t stop there, He was buried, went to hell, took the keys to death, hell and the grave, releasing the captives, and rose with all power in His hands!  Then He sent His Holy Spirit to help us.  He has given humanity chance after chance, time after time.  He is still given us chances… space to repent… ‘do over’ time and when He says, “alright”, we will all be without excuse… This why every brand new day He gives us is a gift.  Another day… a clean slate a chance for a new start.  A chance to be better then we were yesterday… a chance to be “alright”…

… and that Beloved is Good News!

U Blessed!

Have A Fabulous Day

Regina

 *warning look from Aunt Ellen to Jared & Bradley (Homecoming Queen, 2009)

“Never Seen Your Face”, The Williams Brothers w/ K&K Mime

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQwYnagGw1A

“I Have A Friend”, Clint Brown

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7i3GMSY6Dp4

“Here I Am”, Kevin LeVar & One Sound

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

“You Are My Hiding Place“, Selah

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Co6HXUN19AY

Friday, January 16, 2009

Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw Him, they worshipped Him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Deafening Silence From Heaven…

Ever experienced times when you wonder where God is?  You’re not ‘feeling’ Him.  He doesn’t appear to be anywhere around.  What is going on? What do you do?  Well, I’ve got great news… He didn’t go anywhere.  He is still as near as our next breath, whether we sense Him or not.  He said that He would “never leave or forsake us”… how long is never? During those times, we need to take stock in what is going on.  We start with us and move outward.  Are we doing what we did when we felt His presence?  Where is our focus?  Did we do the last thing we heard God instruct us to do?  Are we caught up in something we need to shake off and place on the altar?  Who are we listening too?  Are they strengthening our faith, or chipping away at it?  I’ve heard people say that if they could see Jesus they would believe in Him.  Here is an instance right in our very own bible, that tells us how 11 of Jesus’ DISCIPLES saw Him and some of them doubted!  This was a tumultuous period.  Jesus had been resurrected from the dead, and the leaders were so afraid that people would come to believe in this Messiah, that they paid off the soldiers, telling them to say that Jesus’ disciples had carried Him away.  They even went so far as to tell them that they would protect them from the wrath of the Governor (they could have been put to death for ‘losing’ this body).  To this day, that is a common thought among the Jewish people, and others as an explanation of what happened to the body of Jesus.  Anytime the question arises in our hearts, we would do well to remember that; “He is risen” (Matthew 28:6), He is “seated with God” (John 1:1-2), He hears our every prayer (proverbs 15:29, John 9:31, 1 John 5:14), He is “a very present help in times of trouble” (Psalm 46:1), and He is “making intercession” (Hebrews 7:25) for us. 

“Healing”, Richard Smallwood http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxjiWbEnuUQ

“Everyday”, Darwin Hobbs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spWfcFFxym0

Walk In The Light -1 John 1:7 50 of 107   The world around us is dark & scary & full of sin. But if we stay close to Jesus, we will be safe in His light. October 14, 2007

Angel Security -Psalm 91:11 40 of 107   Here is the verse in context. It is quite a promise from God’s Word. “If you make the Most High your dwelling—even the LORD, who is my refuge- then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” – Psalm 91: 9-12 NIV

Monday, January 12, 2009

Archery Tournament -Romans 3:23,24 97 of 107   Jesus is the only person whose arrow has ever hit the target of God’s standard of righteousness. If put our faith in Jesus, God counts our arrow the same as if it were Jesus’ arrow. October 12, 2008

Good Morning Beloved,

Romans 3:23 has been the source of many a serious debate.  Some feel that it gives people license to sin (as if they really needed one).  I believe that the closer we become to Jesus… the more space He takes up in our heart, the more like Him we will become.  Have you ever noticed when people hang with each other a lot, after a while they start looking and sounding alike; sometimes finishing each others sentences.  That is what happens with us.  It is a unique paradigm, God treasures our individuality and our differences, but our heart is changing to look like Jesus.  Our faith and trust in God, our love and concern for others, our integrity, our boldness are all traits found in Jesus, that God is cultivating in us.  It is a lifelong project that we are privileged to share with our Heavenly Father.  I heard someone say, “but God is a God a wrath too”.  Yes, He is.  No doubt about that, just take a little stroll through the pages of scripture, and you will see that God can get very angry.  Thank God for Jesus.  Mediator between God and humanity.  I like the picture of God as Judge and Jesus as the defense attorney.  When the accuser of the brethren lodges his case against us (some of which is true by the way), if we confess our sins and throw ourselves on the mercy of the court, the defense attorney rolls up His sleeves and shows the court the nail scars…case dismissed…the debt was paid in full!

… and that my Royal Sibling is Good News!

U Blessed

Have A Fabulous Day

Regina

********************************

Tye Tribbett “Sinking”:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvK1LfBxx7g

Tye Tribbett “Still Have Joy”:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfJ2LZQbvs4