Breakfast For Your Soul

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me.  No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,
[Philippians 3:12-13 New Living Translation]

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And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a Man with him until the breaking of the day. And when He saw that he prevailed not against him, He touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with Him. And He said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me.  And He said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob.  And He said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. And Jacob asked Him, and said, Tell me, I pray thee, Thy Name. And He said, Wherefore is it that thou dost ask after My name? And He blessed him there.  And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved

[Genesis 32:24-30]

“Catch it… and don’t let go”

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Good Afternoon Beloved,

You know I used to smile when a good friend of mine would talk about “catching the Holy Ghost“.  It was as if He were running by and you had to tackle Him.  This biblical account blows my mind because some bible scholars have held that this “man” that Jacob wrestled with, was actually pre-incarnate Jesus ~

(http://www.biblestudy.org/question/wrestling-with-an-angel.html, http://www.hannahscupboard.com/jacob-prayer.html,http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=1&chapter=32

No other man or angel either, would have had the authority to bless Jacob/Israel the way that he was blessed.  Jacob… wrestled with GOD!  Wow.  Jacob was at a place in his life where he desperate.  Just think about what was going on.  His brother Esau was on his way to kill him and probably everything that looked like him (at least according to Jacob’s thinking… truth is the bible records that he was coming… not what he intended to do once he got there).  Jacob thought that even though Esau technically ’sold’ his birthright to him, was probably still fuming over his lost inheritance .  Jacob thought about the sense of betrayal Esau must have harbored towards his Mama for her part in all this, and his Daddy for not doing anything to stop it (even though he was tricked too).  There is a special bond between mothers and their sons, and that she could have had part in stripping him of what was ‘legally’ his must have been very painful.  All of that mixed together probably made for a very dangerous young man at one time.  Jacob had every reason to be afraid… very afraid.  At this time years had passed, and Jacob had two wives, two handmaids, and 11 sons.  He was willing to try ANYTHING.  As desperate for justice and revenge as Esau may have been, Jacob was just as desperate for mercy and salvation.  God blessed him beyond his wildest dreams.  Jacob sent all sorts of presents to Esau hoping to appease him.  He didn’t know if it would really work so he sent his family on in shifts so that if Esau started killing, some would have a chance of escape (notice Rachel and her son Joseph were last).  But God…!  Jacobs’ prayers were answered.  In the 33rd chapter we read that when Esau met Jacob he ran to him, hugged and kissed him and they both cried!  Wonder how the story would have turned out if Jacob had not set himself to seek the Lord.  If he had not held on for dear life that night.  All seemed lost.  I can’t imagine the terror in his heart.  The anguish in his soul.  He loved his family and now it appeared as though he was about to lose them all.  Desperation.  He held on.  I injured my toe/leg and thigh three times in a year… same leg.  The first incident from a pulled muscle while exercising, I smashed my toe running up the stairs trying to get dressed for the next scene in a play, and a few months ago I fell down steps… pitiful.  So I have first hand knowledge on the pain Jacob suffered as the ‘man’ touched the hollow of his thigh and moved it out of joint.  OUCH!  And Jacob didn’t have muscle relaxers and Tylenol, yet he was able to hold on!  What pain are we experiencing today?  What do we need to hold on to?  Thinking of what God has ahead of us, will give us the tenacity we are going to need in the days ahead to hold fast to our profession of faith.  To hold onto the promises of God…to hold onto our dreams…to hold onto our peace…to hold onto our joy… to hold onto the love that God has place in our hearts… once we have ’caught it’ … don’t let it go!  It will surely come to pass! 

…. and that Beloved is Good News!

“Hold On”, Tye Tribbett & GA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNo-qxqonkE

“Hold On.. Change Is Coming”, Sounds of Blackness w/ Troutman

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

“Farther Along“, Rev. E. Dewey Smith

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

“Never Give Up”, Yolanda Adams

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0et-zyoKLw

“We’ve Come This Far By Faith”, Rev. Donnie McClurkin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqP0_wtfKmQ

“Still Have Joy”, Tye Tribbett & GA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfJ2LZQbvs4

“Victory”, Tye Tribbett & GA

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

Monday, February 9, 2009

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

John 3:16

“Stand”, John P. Kee

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

“Lily in the Valley”, John P. Kee

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoqUoAcTlu4

“Stand Out!”, Tye Tribbett

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

“He’ll Welcome Me”, John P. Kee & Vanessa Bell Armstrong

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77BRVksaTdM

Proposal -Hosea 2:19,20 110 of 110   Jesus has made His proposal to the world, offering gifts of love and righteousness. The people of the world would be crazy not to accept his offer. February 9, 2009

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

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But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.”  It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit.  But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.  Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever.  Amen.

Jude 1:17-24

‘Persevere With The Peace-Keeper’

Good Morning Beloved,

We’re never alone… isn’t that great.  No matter where we find ourselves today.  There is One who is faithful, true and strong. 

Father, in the Name of Jesus bless Your child reading this today.  Strengthen their resolve to do what is right.  Give them wisdom, and multi-million dollar ideas.  Your Word tells us that You have given us the power the gain wealth.  Our prayer is that we are always sensitive to the leading of Your Holy Spirit and that we not forget You whether we are in times of hard struggle or great prosperity.  We pray, that we stay on the path the leads to righteousness, and never forget that the joy of the Lord is our strength.  May we also remember that when we are weak, You oh Lord are strong.  Help us never to forget the treasure that You have invested in our earthen vessels.  We know that greater is He that is within us, then He that is in the world.  May we remind ourselves, that You are able to do exceeding, abundantly above all that we can ask or imagine, according to the power that works with us …no matter what is going on externally. You told us that if we have faith the size of a mustard seed, that we can speak to the mountain, tell it to be removed into the sea and it would move.  You said that nothing shall be impossible for us.  Furthermore, Father, You have not given us the spirit of fear, but of love, power and of a sound mind.  You said that if we keep our mind stayed on You that You would keep us in perfect peace…

…. and that dearly Beloved… is Good News!

To those who are called, Beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ:  May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you. [Jude 1:1]

U Blessed

Have A Fabulous Day!

Regina

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James 5:16

Deuteronomy 8:18

2 Corinthians 4:7

Ephesians 3:20

Matthew 17:20

Isaiah 26:3

“Peace Be Still”, Vanessa Bell Armstrong

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

“Always”, Jason Champion

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EbbhI6c4Bg

“Hold On…Change Is Coming”, Sounds of Blackness

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

Fort Peace -Philippians 4:6,7 31 of 109   If your mind is being bombarded by fear and worry and doubt, seek the shelter of God’s peace by going to Him in prayer. May 27, 2007

Peace Rock -John 16:33 41 of 109   Even in the midst of a stormy sea of trouble, we can have peace in Jesus, a peace as solid as a rock. But if we give in to worry and fear, we will be in danger of sinking.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have confessed so well before many witnesses.

{1 Timothy 6:12 – New Living Translation}

Happy Monday! The HAWK is here!  For those of you who have never experienced the hawk… wow!  It is the type of cold that will make you want to go back in the house… and stay there until spring.  My legs were numb by the time I got to work… only to get here and discover heat distribution issues here in the office!  Brrrrrrrr!  Nevertheless, I made it!  Yea!!!  Some stuff you just gotta fight through.  Giving up should not be an option on some things.  I have found the old adage, “anything good is worth fighting for“, to be true.  We live in a time where life has been simplified for us in a way that can be detrimental to our development if we’re not watchful.  Everyday something is made quicker, easier, faster.. from food to technology.  That can make fighting a difficult concept to accept.  If what we want doesn’t come fast enough (in our own estimation), we can either give up, or become angry, bitter and disillusioned.  Disillusionment can lead to another state of mind …mere existence from day to day.  A good fight for a righteous cause, can build you up mentally, physically and emotionally. Some people have to fight just to get out of bed in the morning.  When they do…. they have won half of the battle.  We all have a battle of some kind going on…the key is knowing we have help. Ever seen a fight where someone thought they had back-up, but when it came time to “put up or shut up”, they were all alone?  That was usually the person who started the fight.  Our God is not like that.  He is there… right in the middle of it all.  Even if you’re in the fire like the three Hebrew boys, in a den of lions like Daniel, on a ship seemingly about to capsize like the disciples, or hungry in the desert like the multitude. Jehovah Shammah…”God is there”.  Whatever our fight, the first step is to ascertain whether this is truly our fight.  Remember, if we submit ourselves to God, and resist the devil he will flee from us… so that is one fight we do not have.  We need to know, that we are not in the battle alone.  Jesus promised that He would never leave us, nor forsake us.

Fighter -1 Timothy 6:12 90 of 103   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

Tye Tribbett “I Want It All Back”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUtJgU7sdd0

Tye Tribbett “Bless The Lord/’Son of Man”

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

For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him. 

  ….and that there is Good News!

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Father, in the Name of Your precious Son Jesus… God we thank You for who You are to us.  On this day Father, when so many are mourning and remembering the attack on our nation, we ask that Your Presence completely overshadow us.  Touch and comfort those who were directly affected.  Those who lost loved ones, family, friends, co-workers.  Those who were themselves in the attacked buildings.  Remember those who still have nightmares and paralyzing fear even to this day.  Those who are physically healed, but mentally ill. Remember my son in the Lord Jonathan, protect him and deliver him let him feel the warmth of Your presence and heal his heart.  Take the sting out of the pain of what his young eyes saw on that day.  I pray for complete restoration for him, his friends and all of those who stand in the need of a touch from You.  In the matchless name of Jesus I pray…. and it is so… I love You… AMEN.  

Here SHE is, the USS New York, made from the World Trade Center!

Good Morning Beloved,

Let it go… Sometimes we struggle with issues outside of ourselves that we need to let go of.  Other times, we struggle with ourselves.  That may sound strange, but there are times when when need to, as my friend Arlene says, “put ourselves out of the camp”.  Times of soul searching when we actually look at the person in the mirror and say, “what is your problem…. really”.  Whatever is going on with us, we have already been given the power and authority to deal with it.  Having the power and using it however are two different things.  Speak to yourself as if you were talking to an old friend that you love.  Let yourself know that you love you, but that some changes are going to be made around this camp.  You have too much going for you to allow anything (even you), to get in between you and your destiny.  Ignoring a situation will not make it go away.  It must be met head-on and dealt with.  Sounds easy?  Probably not.  Worth it?  Most definitely.  Procrastination is an old nemesis of mine.  It has haunted me for years.  I know that this is a problem.  Especially if it is something I really do not want to do.  I hate telling people no, especially when it comes to working in the theater.  I absolutely love the theater.  I joined a new cast some time ago, and I knew when I did that this was not going to work.  Nice people, but I was not supposed to be in that production.  I could not bring myself to back out.  I procrastinated for a few rehearsals, until I reached a point, that if I waited any longer, it would not be fair to them.  I was understudy, and made sure they would be OK, before gracefully bowing out.  That was hard for me. I’m making progress (pray for me), but the important thing is that, now I recognize it for what it is; and therefore am better equipped to handle it.  Believe me, it has taken years for me to get this far.  I have suffered unnecessary costs financially, spiritually, physically, mentally and emotionally, because I put off something, that should have been taken care of … but I didn’t “feel” like it at the time.  That is just one of my ‘weights’, or ‘cares’ that I have rolled onto the Lord.  Another beautiful part of God’s character is that He is super patient with us. He is with us for the long haul, and we will be all that He has designed for us to be… eventually.

http://www.thefaithspot.com/videos/id_1346/

U Blessed,

Have A Fabulous Day

Regina