Breakfast For Your Soul

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

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

 
These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may believe on the name of the SON of GOD.
[1 John 5:13]

“Believe”

Good Afternoon Beloved,

So simple… Believe in God.  I find it fascinating that all of life’s issues, at their very core, are rooted in this simple truth.  Where our faith rests we see the results.  If our faith is in our job, what happens when we lose our job.  If our faith is in our family, what happens when they aren’t there for whatever reason.  If our faith is in our talent, education, intelligence etc.. etc… what happens when we come to the end of our-self.  We will find our self in the same state as Solomon…“Everything is meaningless,” says the Teacher, “completely meaningless.” [Ecclesiastes 12:8].  When we shift our focus to the magnitude of God, it will put our life in its proper prospective.  Ever had a dream so big it paralyzes you?  I have.  I’m learning to take it one day at a time… one step at a time.  That is difficult for me because I can be impatient at times. What feeds my dream is the Truth that it is impossible for God to lie.  If He truly said it .. it will come to pass because He knows the end of the matter.  Our life is like a book well read and edited by God.  He knows every detail… every page… every chapter… nothing ever catches Him off guard.  When we read the Bible, we see the intimate details of the lives of those written about.  We see their triumphs and their failures, their strengths and their weaknesses.  Their struggles and their proclivities.  We watch as they take a mate or take a nation.  We see those who trusted in God and honored His people, and those who hated God and His people.  We are spectators, but lest we forget, those were actual people who lived real lives.  They had no way of knowing what the next chapter held for them.  Elisha was minding his own business when the Word of the Lord came to Elijah the prophet:

And it shall come to pass, that him that escapes the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapes from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay.  [1 Kings 19:17]

Now see what Elisha was doing at the time~

So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him. [1 Kings 19:19]

That was it… that was Elisha’s calling.  He had no idea what God had in store for him.  Elijah was right smack in the middle of his pity party after hearing of the “hit” that Jezebel had out on him.  He ran to a mountain, and God came to him and had a little conversation with him.  He let him know that he was not the only prophet left in Israel that had not lost their mind and worshiped Baal.  God gave him instructions on what he was to do next.  Elijah did not know it, but God was having him to train his successor … Elisha… but Elisha knew none of this!…  Wonder what God is speaking to someone about you and I… right now… God has you on His mind.

… and that Beloved is Good News! … (..Yes it is!  Because ultimately “all things work together for the GOOD to those who love GOD, to them who are the called according to His purpose” …Romans 8:28)

Y Stress? … U Blessed!

Have A Fabulous Day

Regina

 

“He Reigns”, Kevin LeVar and One Sound

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

 

“Be Magnified”, Fred Hammond & RFC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAdp9Cwmk6c

 

“He Meant It For My Good”, Dottie Peoples

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLABsFAxKb8

 

“Shut Up and Start Prayin’”, Candi Staton

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-f-GTJu721U

 

“Thank You – I Won’t Complain”, Fred Hammond & RFC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rS9cvxpMpCI

 

“Testify”, Dottie Peoples

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GCzJlhrRV4

 

“That Ain’t Nothing”, Fred Hammond & RFC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTeSuyN-oLM

 

“This Is The Day”, Fred Hammond & RFC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5fXhoxJqQQ

 

 

 

 

 

Monday, January 18, 2010

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

 
And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith GOD, I will pour out of My SPIRIT upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams

[Acts 2:17]

Dreams

Good Afternoon Beloved!

Sorry for the delay… technical difficulties.  Yesterday we commemorated a day set aside to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  All over the airwaves, I heard snippets of his timeless “I Have A Dream” speech.  I remember hearing his daughter, Rev. Bernice King say that her father was a prophet.  It was as though her were looking down the annals of time and letting us know what was coming.  I believe he saw the day and time that we are living in, but I believe he would have loved to have been able to experience some of the fruits of his labor.  The Bible is honest and balanced.  It lets us know that every day will not be sunny, and that we will not always “tiptoe through the tulips” or “lie on a flowery bed of ease” as my mother and grandmother used to say.  There will be difficult days, there will be days of preparation, (one of the most common complaints I hear from the young folks around me is that they are so “bored”.. I tell them they’re in prep time) there will be days so hectic we may feel as though we’re drowning.  Hold on… God did not bring you this far to leave you.  He is right by your side, no matter what you’re going through.  He gave us a dream.  Something to keep the fire burning with our hearts.  Something to give our life purpose and energy.  Age is no excuse to quit (you know who I’m talking to ahem… hint, hint ) … I often tell my friends that the “Five Blind Boys of Alabama” are still touring … after 55 years… so we have no excuse!  My sister-in-Christ Melanie Best is a prolific playwright and author.  She has a new play that will be performed at her church on February 7th called “Blessed and Highly Favored”.  It is an absolutely powerful production that deals in a sensitive manner with childhood bullying, low self worth and suicide.  There is a line in there that I really love and it has stuck with me.  A child asked why she couldn’t have the finer things in life if her mother’s dreams had really came true.  The wise mama tells her that “some dreams are for ourselves, some are for other people and some are for the whole world to benefit from, but the dream that comes from God will turn out just right”.  What a Truth!  No matter what it looks like in the natural, remember, “faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen”.  Trust God and hold on to your faith.  He is “well able to do exceeding, abundantly above all that you can every ask or imagine” … keep your dream alive…guard it from the assassins that have been sent by the destroyer to kill it.  “Fight the good fight of faith.”  Remember that “the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.”  We are “over-comers”!!! … I peeked at that end of the book and uhhhh…. we WIN!

.. and that Beloved is Good News!

Y Stress? … U Blessed!

Have A Fabulous Evening

Regina

Blessed & Highly Favored”, The Clark Sisters

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lzqak49CaQ

“He’s Able”, Deitrick Hadden

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSEBT8EDTuE

“Surely He’s Able”, The Ward Singers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JZShvKn04A

“I’ll Trust You”, James Fortune and Fiya

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

“I’ll Trust You”, Richard Smallwood & Vision

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HAO-7wBZTw

Beauty For Ashes, Crystal Lewis and Ron Kenoly

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Abe6wBB-JQ

“A Song of Strength”, Fred Hammond,

w/Joann Rosario (now Joann Condry)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7-XxVJNVHw

“More, More, More”, Joann Rosario (now Joann Condry)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3Iu6ByvrEA

Friday, January 15, 2010

“Submit yourselves therefore to GOD.

Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

James 4:7  

Good Afternoon Beloved!

HAPPY FRIDAY!!! 

I LOVE this verse.  It is really as simple as that!  I get a mental picture of an individual bowing in humble submission to the King of Kings, while that annoying enemy of our souls lies in wait behind them, trying every tactic in his bag of tricks to distract and destroy them.  Submission has developed a bad rep in our culture because it has been abused.  People who have been hurt, are twice shy about who they submit to.  Submission is completely voluntary.  There are no words to describe how awesome it is that the One who holds everything together in the Universe, has given us an option on whether or not we submit ourselves to Him.  Now the alternative.. well, it is not very good… but there is an alternative.  An eternity separated from God … courtesy of that fallen angel.  Our Heavenly Father has sent out a clarion call, “whosoever will … come”.   Bless the Lord!  He has already said that it is “not His will that any perish, but that all come to repentance”.  He said,

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

[Isaiah 1:18]

He has made it simple to make it into His presence and hard to miss, but the enemy has “blinded the eyes of those who believe not lest they see and believe”… our prayer is Lord open their eyes that they may see…

Father we thank You for the access You have given us into Your presence.  In Your presence is fullness of joy and at Your right hand pleasures forevermore.  You are the Source of everything living.  In You we are complete.  We have everything we need or could ever desire.  You have set us on high as example of the believer.  You’ve invested power, authority, strength, courage and wisdom within us.  The half of which we have yet to see.  You are doing something so marvelous in these last days, words cannot describe.  Even in the midst of global tragedies and natural disasters, we see Your hand.  We see Your provision for the poor and downtrodden.. people who have been relatively ignored for years, are now at the forefront of the global stage and for that we thank you.  Your Word declares that ALL things work together for the good of them who love You and are called according to Your purpose.   You have used even the earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, tornadoes that have wreaked havoc all of the world to work for the good of Your Beloved.  We may never fully understand on this side of heaven, but we believe Your purpose is far grander than we can ever imagine.  You have every situation no matter how out of control it seems… in control and for that we love You.  We trust that Your Word is being performed just as You said and we give Your name all the Praise, Glory and Honor… In Jesus matchless name… AMEN.

*******

oh and as a side note  ~

Do not be stubborn, as they were, but submit yourselves to the LORD. Come to His Temple, which He has set apart as Holy forever. Worship the LORD your GOD so that His fierce anger will turn away from you. [2 Chronicles 30:8]

Y Stress? … U Blessed!

Have A Fabulous Day and a Wonderful Weekend!

Regina

“Witches Invitation”, Carman,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKRV6Mpm6cw

“Revival In The Land”, Carman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-VfBxR0uss 

“I Hate You”, Mali Music

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjG1QxAk_Ag

“God’s Got An Army”, Carman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQZdIKPIse0

“All Hail The King”, Shekinah Glory

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

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

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

“Already Here”, Brian Courtney Wilson

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

“All I Need”, Brian Courtney Wilson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_SKO_pCn1A

“I Desire More”, Crystal Aiken

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

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

 “So obey the commands of the LORD your GOD by walking in His ways and fearing Him. For the LORD your GOD is bringing you into a good land of flowing streams and pools of water, with fountains and springs that gush out in the valleys and hills. It is a land of wheat and barley; of grapevines, fig trees, and pomegranates; of olive oil and honey. It is a land where food is plentiful and nothing is lacking. It is a land where iron is as common as stone, and copper is abundant in the hills.  When you have eaten your fill, be sure to praise the LORD your GOD for the good land He has given you. “But that is the time to be careful! Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the LORD your GOD and disobey His commands, regulations, and decrees that I am giving you today. For when you have become full and prosperous and have built fine homes to live in, and when your flocks and herds have become very large and your silver and gold have multiplied along with everything else, be careful! Do not become proud at that time and forget the LORD your GOD, who rescued you from slavery in the land of Egypt. Do not forget that He led you through the great and terrifying wilderness with its poisonous snakes and scorpions, where it was so hot and dry. He gave you water from the rock! He fed you with manna in the wilderness, a food unknown to your ancestors. He did this to humble you and test you for your own good. He did all this so you would never say to yourself, ‘I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.’ Remember the LORD your GOD. He is the one who gives you power to be successful, in order to fulfill the covenant He confirmed to your ancestors with an oath. “But I assure you of this: If you ever forget the LORD your GOD and follow other gods, worshiping and bowing down to them, you will certainly be destroyed. Just as the LORD has destroyed other nations in your path, you also will be destroyed if you refuse to obey the LORD your GOD.
(Deuteronomy 8:6-20)

Cure For Spiritual Altzheimers

Good Afternoon Beloved,

Whoa!  Can the Word get any plainer.  Can you tell the Lord meant business here?  One of the many awesome facets of God’s persona is that He is a giver.  He gave Adam and Eve the whole earth.  He gave them the power and authority to name every living creature in it.  He gave the prophets of old power to split seas, raise the dead, make ax heads float.  He has given us the power to “tread on serpants and scorpions and over all of the power of the enemy so that nothing could by any means harm us at all”.  Most of all, He gave us His only begotten Son for our redemption.  Giving is His nature and His delight.  He loves giving us not only what we ‘need’, but also our hearts ‘desire’.  If your heart’s desire is a better, safer home in which to raise your children, that doesn’t make the All Sufficient One nervous.  If your dream car is a Bentley, that doesn’t make Him blink twice.  People may have a problem with it and say “nobody needs all that”, but think about it… whether we take our last earthly breath and leave this earth, or the Lord should return, “Hoopties”, luxury cars, yachts, trucks, vans, bicycles, skateboards, alike will be left wherever they are, so drive whatever you want (long run-on sentence intentional).  His only mandate is that we not forget Him in the midst of all of the good stuff He has given us.  We hear much about how to praise God in chaos.  How to “look to the hills from whence cometh our help”  when the baby needs a new pair of shoes and the light bill is due, but what about when all of our bills are paid and things are looking pretty good.  Not everybody is broke… even in this economy.  Learning to honor God in a season of abundance is just as crucial as learning to trust God in a season of lack.  Even Jesus spoke to the issue when He said,

Now when JESUS heard these things, He said unto Him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow Me. And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, He said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of GOD. And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved? And He said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with GOD. Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed Thee. And He said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of GOD’s sake, Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting.

 

We’ve all heard of people with an abundance of material things, who believe they have no need for God… until the bottom drops out of their world.  Many have taken not only their own lives, but the lives of family members and friends because they lost their job, or hit a financial rough patch.  Those who have placed their trust in the living God, realize that situations change and God is Lord over whatever circumstance we find ourselves in.  This verse lets us know that whatever we’ve lost (or thought we lost), it will be replaced… in this lifetime and in the life to come… now that’s what you call “abundance”… just don’t forget to remember the SOURCE from whom all blessings flow!

… now that Beloved is Good News!

Y Stress? … U Blessed!

Have A Fabulous Day

Regina

*Regina, Ma & Tony (brother)

“Never Shall Forget”, John P. Kee & NLCC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82A1N_JUf7M

“My Joy”, Tye Tribbett & GA w/ John P. Kee

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1DVYpw1rRk

“Thank You, Mary Mary & Kirk Franklin (Kingdom Come Soundtrack)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9HTXT7TPnI

“My Mind’s Made Up”, Rev. Milton Bronson and the Thompson Community Choir

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mb90PTvNoiU

“How Can I Say Thank You”, Hezekiah Walker w/Monique Walker

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tW9AGEL8bE

“There Is No Failure In God”, Donald Vails

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

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

… the people that do know their GOD shall be strong, and do exploits.

[Daniel 11:32]

Good Morning Beloved,

This verse has been lodged in my heart all week long.  “Exploits” is defined by Merriam-Webster as, “a notable or heroic act”.  Exploit is one of those interesting words that can have negative or positive connotations.  It can be used productively, example: “exploiting our talents for the good”.  It can also be used to “make use of meanly or unfairly for one’s own advantage”… “exploiting the talents of someone else” .  It seems reasonable to me that the person who “knows” God, intimately will do wonderful exploits for God.  Remember “with God all things are possible to them that believe”.  “All things are possible through Christ who strengthens us”.  Exploits.  Sounds super-hero like.  It is.  The dictionary confirms that we can be ’heroic’, our God is “super”.  An interesting characteristic of a hero is that they don’t really believe they are a hero.  We are surrounded by heroes who have done exploits … and they would be the last person to tell it.  The pastors that have gone above and beyond pastoral care.  Pastors like mine (Bishop Cornell and Angela Hughes) who have taught parishioners and non-parishioners alike how to drive, taken them into their home when they had nowhere to go, babysat their children so that they could work, driven miles out of their way to help someone in distress, sat in hospitals, funeral homes, courtrooms and jails, as well as attending High School Graduations and officiating weddings.  Teachers who lovingly try to infuse their students with a love for knowledge and learning. Parents who without any previous relevant experience, manage with the love of God to raise children to be kind, generous, productive members of society.  Grandparents/Aunts/Uncles/Siblings/Cousins/Family Friends who have had to take on more active roles in child rearing for all sorts of reasons ranging from death to job constraints.  The work may seem “grungy” at times, but the Bible says, “be not weary in well-doing for you shall reap if you faint not”.  God is faithful.  He sees.  Even when all hell seems to be breaking out around us… we see from scripture that we are in good company.  Many of our biblical brothers and sisters were ‘ordinary’ folks, plucked out of obscurity and placed in the Holy Word of God.  Rahab was a prostitute who was only trying to save her family and ended up in the lineage of the Messiah!  David was a little shepherd boy who became the sweet psalmist of Israel and the greatest King they ever had.  He also had the honor of Messiah coming through his lineage.  His son Solomon was born into a situation reminiscent of relationships we see on the daytime talk shows of our day.  His married mother, slept with the king/man of God and ended up pregnant, king tries to trick the husband into having sex with his wife to cover it up, when that plan fails, said king sends the poor unsuspecting fellow into battle carrying orders for his own death!  Afterward, king marries the grieving widow, baby is born… baby dies.  The king comforts his wife and Solomon is conceived…. WHEW!  Can you imagine the talk not only around the kingdom, but within Palace walls.  The rivalries, jealously, anger and pettiness that must have been found there.  Yet the Bible says that God LOVED Solomon.  He blessed his reign with peace on every side and gave him wisdom that is unparalleled… even to this day.  Exploits… wonder what exploits we can accomplish today?  With God “all things are possible”, which means “NO THING” is impossible…

… and that Beloved is Good News!

Y Stress? … U Blessed!

Have A Fabulous Day

Regina

“My Walk”, Canton Jones

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1XwvAa7HFYU

“Victory”, Tye Tribbett & GA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFnp4fnCLgI

“Stick Up”, Mali Music

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYh-rcT784E

“Kingdom Business”, Canton Jones

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

“Power of One”, Israel Houghton

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

“Surely Goodness and Mercy”, Israel Houghton

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hlpui7Mxrlo

Monday, January 4, 2010

 
I hate the two-faced, but I love Your clear-cut revelation. You’re my place of quiet retreat; I wait for Your Word to renew me. Get out of my life, evildoers, so I can keep my GOD’s commands. Take my side as You promised; I’ll live then for sure. Don’t disappoint all my grand hopes. Stick with me and I’ll be all right; I’ll give total allegiance to Your definitions of life. Expose all who drift away from Your sayings; their casual idolatry is lethal. You reject earth’s wicked as so much rubbish; therefore I lovingly embrace everything You say. I shiver in awe before You; Your decisions leave me speechless with reverence.
[Psalm 119:113 Message]

*******

 I hate vain thoughts: but Thy law do I love.  Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in Thy word. Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God. Uphold me according unto Thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope. Hold Thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto Thy statutes continually. Thou hast trodden down all them that err from Thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood. Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love Thy testimonies. My flesh trembleth for fear of Thee; and I am afraid of Thy judgments.

[Psalm 119:113-120 King James Version]

VACATION!

Good Afternoon Beloved,

Happy Monday!… this Psalm makes me think of a nice, relaxing vacation.  It reminds me that in His “presence is fullness of joy” and at His “right hand there are pleasures forevermore”[Psalm 16:11].  God’s promises are yes and AMEN.  They are a done deal… forever sealed in Heaven and earth.  As we rest in the knowledge of who He is, we are better equipped to deal with people and who they are.  This verse and many others, never gloss over the fact that there are evildoers.  People who do evil just because.  No rhyme or reason.  There are people who are so bound in jealousy, envy and anger that they are really dangerous.  God has given us discernment to ‘feel out’ situations, and wisdom to handle them.  We are charged not to ignore warning signals that God places in our spirit.  It is for our own protection as is the law of God.  For an unbelieving world, the Bible is a rule book of ‘dos and don’ts’.  It assaults the lowly nature of our existence because that rebellious spirit does not want to be told what to do.  Even when it doesn’t know to do, it still does not want someone telling it what to do.  For the heart that declares a love for the law of God (His Word) we have found a refuge… a hiding place from the terrors of the world.  A place where we can be built up, and equipped to handle whatever happens in life.

… and that Beloved is Good News!

Y Stress? … U Blessed! 

Have A Fabulous Day!

Regina

“Vacation”, Canton Jones

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GlA_4J6FLo

“What You Want”, Canton Jones

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-25Xfrlmhpg

“Resting Place”, Deitrick Hadden

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

“Psalm 91″, Darryl Coley

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rf6zghs_B_Q

“Secret Place”, Karen Clark Sheard

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6×7Ed-n4pQ

“Take Me To That Secret Place”, Shekinah Glory

w/Desmond Pringle

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12i1bcHXmDc

“Shelter (Psalm 91)”, Jumelle

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

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

TIMING

Good Afternoon Beloved,

I love the Biblical account of David.  It is one of the greatest human redemption stories in the Old Testament.  Remember, this was before Jesus’ sacrifice.  God saw something in David so precious that He called him “a man after His own Heart”(Acts 13:22) … wow… that gets me every time!  What an honor.  David was no where near perfect, but he never let his issues separate him from his God.  Last night I saw a movie on television, that was a pretty accurate portrayal of the life of David.  It was saturated with David’s psalms and prayers to God, but did not gloss over his weaknesses and indiscretions.  It included terrible incidents in David’s life, such as when his son Amnon raped his daughter Tamar, incurring the wrath of his son Absalom who later killed Amnon, and years later took the kingdom from his father… briefly.  David’s love for his children (especially Absalom) is clearly seen throughout scripture. Not long after usurping the throne, Absalom meets his fate at the hands of David’s captain and David is put back on the throne.  So many happenings in one life!  All stemming from a young boy singing songs to God, while faithfully tending to his daddy’s sheep.  He could have never in his wildest dreams imagined that he would be God’s choice for King of Israel. Many years passed between the time Samuel anointed him as king and when he actually received the crown.  Timing.  We may never experience the level of drama in our lives some of the ”bible people” did, but we’ll have our own mountain-top/valley low experiences.  Realizing that perfect timing only comes from a perfect God will make our life so much more satisfying and productive.  I wish that I could have met my brother and his wife years ago.  I wish I could have met my sister and her husband years ago.  I wish I could have attended their weddings, sat in the hospital as their children were born, gone to the graduations, spent holidays together etc… etc.. etc.  They are all such wonderful people, and we would have really enjoyed each other.  However it did not work out like that.  They were all ’suddenlies’ in our life.  One day they were complete and total strangers, the next day we were family, feeling as though there was no separation.  I don’t know how or why 2009 became the year of “reconnection” but I’m grateful that it was.  Timing.  I don’t know what all The Father has in store for us, but His Word tells us that it is good.  The circumstances around us may be hard, but His promise is that He would not put any more on us than we are able to bear.  With every temptation, He has already provided a way of escape.  Every question has an answer.  We may not like the answer, but there is one nevertheless.  Some seasons in our life when we feel as though we’re getting cut left and right, it’s just God pruning us like a fruitful tree… that we will be able to bear even more fruit… healthy fruit… not corrupt, worm-laden, rotten fruit!  Each step we take towards God, we will find a new obstacle trying to block our path, but remember we are more than conquerors through Him that loves us.  The bottom line… no matter what….

“all things work together for the good of them who love GOD, to them who are the called according to His purpose”

(Romans 8:28)

Y Stress? … U Blessed!

Have A Fabulous Day

Regina

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

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

“I Give You Praise”, Darwin Hobbs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c48LkI0ZQTE

“Take Me In”, Kutless

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

“Breakthrough”, Israel & New Breed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVbsab0j3vE

“For Every Mountain”, Jackson 2 Mime

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

“Tomorrow”, King David Productions

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZBCv7ChP38

“Be Grateful”, The Hawkins Family

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUEkRp69aIU

“Son of Man”, Tye Tribbett & GA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzQuwfoeTx8

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong.

[Hebrews 12:13 New Living Translation]

Steering In The Right Direction

Good Morning Beloved,

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

I heard something yesterday that caught my attention.  A news reporter gave safety tips for driving in the snow.   One of the tips was to look where you want to go.  If you don’t want to go into the tree, keep your eyes off of the tree.  His premise was that you will go where your eyes are looking.  That stuck with me and this morning I thought, “ummph… that’ll preach”.  Where our eyes go, our bodies will follow.  Whatever we dwell on will eventually take on life become a reality.  If our mind is on McDonald’s fries, it won’t be long before our legs carry us to McDonald’s.  No one has ever “accidently” had an affair just coming out of the 7 eleven with a Slurpee.  It started off as a thought, some sort of plan… a break-down somewhere.  If we can keep our train of thought from getting ‘derailed’, we can keep ourselves out of a whole lot of trouble.  It is the holiday season and many people are traveling all over to spend some time with family and friends.  Not everyone has as wonderful a relationship with their family as I do.  I know that I am extremely blessed with a great bunch of folks.  Everybody doesn’t have that testimony.  Some are dreading the time they are about to spend with their people.  For them, one day is way too long… two days is misery… three days torture!  Wonder what would happen if they changed their prospective on the situation.  Instead of looking at it as a chore and a duty, why not look at it as a way to start over.  To enjoy them in all of their oddities and idiosyncrasies.  Time is flying and all we have is right now.  Family members are at war over stuff that happened back in the 80’s.  If the thing can be changed … change it, if not let it go.  Life is too short.  Forgiveness is another powerful weapon in our holy arsenal.  If Jesus could forgive those who nailed Him to the cross, surely you can forgive your sister for stealing your boyfriend back in high school… I’m just sayin’.  Just think of all of the recent deaths, young and old.  People who had gone Christmas shopping, gifts from them to their loved ones lying under the tree.  Folks with presents under the Christmas tree who will not be here to open them.  The verse tells us in essence to walk straight, so that others who are weak can walk straight.  Somebody is looking to us to see how to put legs to this Christian walk.  They need to see a real live sure ’nuff honest to goodness flesh-n-blood person love their spouse and honor their marriage vows.  They need to see someone with a well-adjusted state of mind, a good work ethic, a kind and generous spirit that reflects the love of Christ who walks in honesty and integrity.  That may seem to be a tall order… well … it is, but God’s Word assures us that, “we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us”. 

…. that Beloved… is Good News!

Y Stress… U Blessed!

HAVE A FABULOUS DAY!

Regina

my daughter Jah and I Christmas Celebration 2009 ~still not too late to get tickets for the show…it was postponed from last week.  It’s happening this weekend Sat., Dec. 26th (12:00p, 4:00 & 7:00) & Sun., Dec. 27th (5:00p) at Evangel Cathedral, 13901 Central Avenue, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774

www.evangelchristmascelebration.com

… hope to see you there!

“My Mind’s Made Up”, Rev. Milton Bronson and the Thompson Community Choir

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mb90PTvNoiU

“Thank You”, Rev. Milton Bronson, lead:  Kim McFarland

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

“Work On Me”, Tonex

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

“Available to You (part 1)”, Rev. Milton Bronson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4i7z3ga0Fdo

“Available to You (part 2)”, Rev. Milton Bronson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9Fg32AF-BQ

“Say Yes”, Shekinah Glory

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76125fjyaSI

Friday, December 11, 2009

For unto us a CHILD is born, unto us a SON is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty GOD, The everlasting FATHER, The PRINCE of PEACE.

[Isaiah 9:6]

“The Gift That Keeps On Giving”

Merry Christmas… There… that’s right I said it!  Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas!  I love Christmas!  Always have… always will.  I know that there is a new trend amongst believers to distance themselves from the Christmas holiday.  Some cite the historical background as “pagan” in nature.  Almost a sort of idol worship.  Others don’t like the “commercialization” of the season.  They feel that if we’re celebrating the birth of Christ, why does everyone get a gift but Him.  All valid points.  My daughter’s birthday is December 25th, and I know there would be some consequences and repercussions if she didn’t get a gift.  Just kidding…sort of.  She is an only child, but she doesn’t mind sharing, however, she would think it strange if I gave everybody a gift BUT her on her birthday.  That thought made me think. My prayer today was, Lord, what do you want for Your birthday?  When He tells me, I’ll tell you.  The other argument against Christmas is the, “no one knows when Jesus was born” sentiment.  Well, my grandmother had no idea when she was born.  She told me that the courthouse burned and those records were lost many, many years ago.  There was a dispute in her family as to whether it was 1899 or 1900.  Somebody along the way sort of picked a date (January 10, 1899) and that is the date we celebrated the birth of my beautiful grandmother.  Her date of birth was not as relevant as the fact that she WAS born.  Earth was graced with her presence.  She was a wonderful person and we appreciated her.  We celebrated her life.  I have the same take on Christmas.  I celebrate my Savior.  I give because that is part of His nature.  We are most like Him when we give out of a loving, willing, generous spirit.  I celebrate that at some point in human history the Father loved us so much that He gave us His Son…. 

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

[John 3:16]

PRAISE THE LORD for His wonderful Gift of Love!  Merry Christmas!

U Blessed!

Have A Fabulous Day and a Wonderful Weekend!

Regina

“Hallelujah“, Quincy Jone & All Stars

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DD8kW3BhdQA

“Joy To The World”, Whitney Houston (Preacher’s Wife)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulH6JlQJjuQ

“Who Would Imagine A King”, Whitney Houston (Preacher’s Wife)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYGu0dwl4Hk

“The Night That Christ Was Born”, Kirk Franklin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfBM9WNiO9s

“Now Behold The Lamb”, Kirk Franklin

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

“Jesus Is The Reason For The Season“, Kirk Franklin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Leeda9X17Y

WISE MEN STILL SEEK JESUS!