Breakfast For Your Soul

Friday, June 4, 2010

Jesus said unto him, If you can believe, all things are possible to him that believes.

[Mark 9:23]

 “Can U Believe It? .. Then Leap!”

Good Afternoon Beloved,

Happy Friday!  Mark 9 was a tough situation.  The man’s son was tormented by an evil spirit.  He knew what it was, but was powerless to help his son. This father was desperate.  He was broken hearted.  He didn’t want to “bother” Jesus with his problem, so he went to the disciples for help.  Evidently they tried, but were unsuccessful.  What I found interesting is that Jesus expected them to be able to cast out this demon.

“¹⁹ Jesus said to them,“You faithless people! How long must I be with you? How long must I put up with you? Bring the boy to me.”

wow… can you tell that Jesus was just a little… uhhh… perturbed at His people.  Not exactly the pushover society wants to make Him out to be.  He spoke with authority and power.  His love is boundless, and part of that love is “tough”.  His tone, gentle or firm fits the situation.  It is the same with us.  He knows when we need an arm around our shoulder and a good cry, and He knows when it’s time to dry up the tears and get to work. A muscle that is not used will eventually weaken to the point of uselessness.  Sometimes we need to have the boldness and honesty of that grieving father. “Lord I believe, help my unbelief“… At first glance, it looks like the man was “double-minded”.  I believe he was being honest. He knew this Man could do miraculous things.  Jesus was the biggest thing going in town.  Everyone knew of Him and what He had done.  The question in the man’s heart was not if He could heal his son, but could He heal his son.  Huh!?  In other words, I know you can do it Jesus… but can you do it for me?  I’ve seen you do miracles in other people’s lives.  I’ve seen you save their children, bless them financially, provide homes for them, heal their bodies, strengthen their marriages… but… can you do it for me? … will you do it for me?.  “It’s me, it’s me it’s me oh Lord standing in the need of prayer”… For some that sounds strange.  Like we our too focused on ourselves.  Balance.  There is a time and season for every purpose under heaven.  There comes a point in all of our lives when we must take inventory on our life.  Discover those areas that need ‘tweaking’ and those that require a major overhaul.  Going through our dreams and goals and making the necessary adjustments.  Yesterday, I saw a post by my dear sister Elise that read:

Just when I turned my FAITH up so I can’t hear DOUBT calling me. Now FEAR is banging on my door. I’m not sure if I can tune it out. It’s banging real real loud…

That really stuck in my heart and resonated with me.  I told her:

When Faith is turned up to block out the doubt that is screaming at us & fear is banging on the door ..<thanks Elise >.. let the WORD answer them.. “God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think according to the power that works in us” (Ephesians 3:20)

 We need to realize that Jesus wasn’t only talking to the traumatized father in Mark 9, He included ALL of us who trust in Him, in this conversation when He said, 

all things are possible to him (or her) that believes

When we “leap”, He will catch us…

… and that Beloved is Good News!

Y Stress? … U Blessed!

Have A Fabulous Day and a Wonderful Weekend!

Regina

“Awesome God”, Helen Baylor

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkCti5rDSEU

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

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

“Draw Me Close To You”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLNL49TFC_8

“Breathe”, Michael W. Smith

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oad8ov10AjY

“Awesome Wonder”, Trent Cory

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCo04_puOJ0

“It’s A New Season”, Israel & New Breed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDUrIVGak-A

“Your Latter Will Be Greater”, Israel & New Breed

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6j5gTIXmsOs

“I Give Myself Away”, William McDowell

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

“Closer/Wrap Me In Your Arms”, William McDowell

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

“He Is”, William McDowell

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-sHDghuYa4

“Just Wanna Say”, Israel Houghton

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

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

(Philippians 4:6 ~King James Version)

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

{Philippians 4:6 ~New Living Translation)

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.

{Philippians 4:6 ~Amplified Bible)

Calm Down… It’s Comin’

Good Afternoon Beloved,

Well, it certainly has been an interesting couple of days huh DC/Metro?   I don’t know about you, but our family got a lot of overdue bonding done.  So special.  Well, we just experienced another Valentines Day, and for those who have no ‘love’ for this particular day of celebration…(pun intended)… you made it! Today, I had a strange song repeating over and over in my head.  The melody was the Sam Cook classic “Another Saturday Night and I ain’t got nobody”, but the lyrics were changed to, “Another Valentines Day and I ain’t got nobody”… far too many, ‘saints’ and ‘ain’ts’ alike sing this song.  Of course most of us are fortunate enough to have loving friends and family who adore us.  Every one of us is blessed with an eternal God who knows us intimately, yet loves us unconditionally.  “Love itself” is not the issue.  The thing is, that men and women of all races, faces and economic places are traveling in the same ship of singleness.  Many are trying desperately to abandon that ship for the “Love Boat”.  If I’m being honest, I know that feeling all too well.  I’ve even dipped into the sea of “anxiety” a time or two.  Not fun.  I’ve heard all the sermons (I’ve even preached a few of them myself ), and read a lot of books, most having to do with waiting on the Lord for His perfect timing and His “BEST” for us singles.  I’ve had the conversations with well-meaning married brother and sisters-in-Christ who try to convince me that I should enjoy this wonderful time of singleness.  In my twenties, that was cool… I hit my thirties and I was still there… riding with it … “chillin”… now… at 42… well…. let’s just say I’m not as ‘relaxed’ as I once was (!!).  Now we’re gettin’ a wee bit …dare I say it…anxious!  God’s Word is the same, as He is the same.  It is ever-evolving, but never changing.  It will be as relevant 100 years from now as it is this very minute.  I consider myself an upbeat, positive, glass-half-full type of gal, but I experienced a thought last night, that reminded me that I haven’t “arrived”… (wherever “arrived” is).  I was thinking about all of the messages I have heard on “waiting” and I said, “I just don’t wanna hear that anymore”… (that shocks you?… I know, I was shocked myself).  I walked into the living room, turned on the television and who should be speaking but –Pastor Joel Olsteen.  What was he saying?  You guessed it.  He was talking being content where we are, and waiting on God’s perfect timing.  His analogy: The single woman waiting impatiently for a husband.  What did this sweet, anointed, virtuous, powerful, gifted, faithful, seasoned preacher woman of God say? “shut-up Joel!” ….. awwww…. poor Joel.  He was preaching his heart out, but I was having a moment.  Thankfully, “moments” pass, but the Word of God will stand.  No matter how I happen to feel about a situation, the fact still remains, that God is sovereign.  He has a plan for my life that is better than anything I can even imagine right now.  Behind the curtain, He is doing something and soon it will be center stage where everyone (myself included)will be able to see.  Until then… (*sigh) I must… wait on the Lord and be of good courage and He will strengthen my heart.  No matter what… my heart will remain fixed on the God of my Salvation who listens, understands and cares.

…. and that Beloved is Good News!

Y Stress? … U Blessed!

Have A Fabulous Evening

Regina

“I’ll Trust You”, Pastor Donnie McClurkin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NInp9rLCeWc

“For Every Mountain”, Kurt Carr Singers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7YXaJKZunk

“Let The Word Do The Work”, Donald Lawrence

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pl0ld7anIC8

“Victory”, Tye Tribbett

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

“Love Him Like I Do”, Deitrick Haddon, Mary Mary & Ruben Studdard

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J26y3HpNn-8

“Stay Saved”, Canton Jones

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBXN1t7K2pY

Friday, July 24, 2009

 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
[Hebrews 12:1]

Good Morning Beloved,

Happy Friday!  They say a picture is worth a thousand words.  Trust God and run on!  Anything that is weighing us down needs to be shed off.  “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.” (Proverbs 17:22)  Ever notice how difficult it is to get motivated when you’re feeling a little down. There are people who just can’t seem to function due to a melancholy nature or oppressive circumstances.  Remember the Mary Poppins song, “a spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down”… well, that can be a key ingredient.  In the middle of whatever is going on, there is something sweet somewhere… find it.   Somebody, somewhere needs what we have and when we sit on it, it doesn’t do anybody any good.  Remember this story:

 
There was an important job to be done and Everybody was asked to do it. Everybody was sure Somebody would do it.  Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it.  Somebody got angry about that because it was Every body’s job.  Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it.  It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when actually nobody asked Anybody.

Sometimes, speaking from personal experience, we have to shake ourselves loose from the chains of complacency.  God will not do it for us.  It would be lovely to know in advance exactly what God is doing and why, it would sure make our lives easier.  God is not interested in us living on ‘easy street’.  No one lives there.  Not even the fabulously rich and famous.  We see the glitz and glamour, but we really don’t know how they are living, until we are there.  The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.  Ever stop to consider that maybe their grass is greener because there is more ‘mess’ over there.  What good is a 20 million dollar home if nobody lives there but the servants.  What good is a garage full of luxury cars and a closet full of designer clothes, if sickness, disease or addiction is consuming your body. What good is it, if you have a family that you can’t trust and no true friends.  We have lost many great celebrities over the past couple of months.  They left great possessions behind, but for their loved ones, nothing can replace them.  I’m sure Farrah’s son and Michael’s kids would much rather have their parent, then a house.  God knows how much we can handle.  At each new level, there is a new ‘devil’.  Something that we have never had to deal with before.  Ignoring it won’t make it go away..I’ve tried that.  Procrastination is not our friend.  It is a thief. Sin is our mortal enemy… that thing wants to kill us.  Kill our spirit, kill our good reputation, kill our hopes, kill our dreams, kill our self-worth, kill our relationships, kill our anointing, kill us mentally, spiritually, physically, emotionally, and psychologically. That little thing that doesn’t seem to be really all that bad, if fed will grow into a monster.  A good question to ask ourselves before doing whatever, is if we would continue to do it if Jesus Himself were to materialize in front of us at that second.  A sobering thought considering He is there.  Trust… strip… and lets go!

….Beloved, that is Good News!

U Blessed

Have A Wonderful Weekend and a Fabulous Weekend!

Regina

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

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

“Let Go”, Dewayne Woods

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

“Your Will”, Darius Brooks

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qxs0sfURZM

“Standing In Your Will”, Men of Standard

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOXVn6k_i4E

“The Question Is”, The Winans

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

“Ain’t No Need To Worry”, The Winans

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

“Cast Your Cares”, Lejuene Thompson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTQwem9kQjw

“Healing”, Kelly Price

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

 ______________________________________________________________________
Rex Barker (RexBarker@Joke-Of-The-Day.com) “Bridge Building,” sent in by George Z. from Milwaukee, WI

Once upon a time two brothers who lived on adjoining farms fell into conflict. It was the first serious rift in 30 years of living side by side, sharing machinery, and trading labor and goods as needed without a hitch. Then the long collaboration fell apart. It began with a small misunderstanding and it grew into a major difference, and finally it exploded into an exchange of bitter words followed by weeks of silence.

One morning there was a knock on the older brother’s door. He opened it to find a man with a carpenter’s toolbox. “I’m looking for a few days work” he said. “Perhaps you would have a few small jobs here and there. Could I help you?”

“Yes,” said the older brother. “I do have a job for you. Look across the creek at that farm. That’s my neighbor, in fact, it’s my younger brother. Last week there was a meadow between us and he took his bulldozer to the river levee and now there is a creek between us. Well, he may have done this to spite me, but I’ll go him one better. See that pile of lumber curing by the barn? I want you to build me a fence — an 8-foot fence — so I won’t need to see his place anymore. Cool him down, anyhow.”

The carpenter said, “I think I understand the situation. Show me the nails and the post-hole digger and I’ll be able to do a job that pleases you.” The older brother had to go to town for supplies, so he helped the carpenter get the materials ready and then he was off for the day.

About sunset when the farmer returned, the carpenter had just finished his job. The farmer’s eyes opened wide, his jaw dropped. There was no fence there at all. It was a bridge — a bridge stretching from one side of the creek to the other! A fine piece of work, handrails and all — and the neighbor, his younger brother, was coming across, his hand outstretched.

“You are quite a fellow to build this bridge after all I’ve said and done.”

The two brothers met at the middle of the bridge, embracing one another. They turned to see the carpenter hoist his toolbox on his shoulder. “No, wait! Stay a few days. I’ve a lot of other projects for you,” said the older brother.

“I’d love to stay on,” the carpenter said, “but I have so many more bridges to build.”

This is Rex Barker, reminding you that many (although not all) of your conflicts are reconcilable. Often egos take over, and we forget what even caused the conflict in the first place. If you were sincere friends with someone before, maybe you should rethink the situation. In abusive or truly hostile situations, often the healthiest thing is distance from the other.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

But as for me, how good it is to be near God!
      I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter,
      and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things You do

[Psalm 73:28]

*******

Why am I discouraged?
      Why is my heart so sad?
   I will put my hope in God!
      I will praise Him again—
      my Savior and my God!

[Psalm 43:5]

Dichotomy of Life

 

Power of the Cross -1 Corinthians 1:18 119 of 127   To the world, the cross of Jesus may seem like a foolish thing to put their faith in. But if they did, they would find that the cross has the power to save them from this fallen, sinful world.

Jungle Guide -John 16:13 100 of 127   This world can seem as a dark, impenetrable jungle of various doctrines and beliefs. But, we have the map of God’s Word, and we have a guide, the Holy Spirit, to help us find the path of truth. Trial By Fire -1 Peter 4:12 93 of 127   The Christian life is not a trouble-free life. We should be mentally prepared to face the challenges that we will have to face. August 24, 2008 Garment of Praise -Isaiah 61:3 91 of 127   All around us in this world is the spirit of heaviness, despair and depression. The garment of praise can protect us from these, even though it may look silly to some. August 10, 2008

Monday, June 8, 2009

   Then the Lord said to me,

   “Write My answer plainly on tablets,
      so that a runner can carry the correct message to others.

[Habakkuk 2:2 New Living Translation]

   So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

Galatians 6:9

Have A Fabulous Day… and DARE TO DREAM!

“Write The Vision”, Downsview Youth Choir At Mt Zion

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzs9EKP-hp8

“Psalm 8 (How Excellent Is Thy Name), Richard Smallwood

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_oZXnKVY24

“Hold on, Don’t Let God”, Richard Smallwood

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpDFvHrCoG4

“The Lord Is Able”, John P. Kee

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGGZ7Y6nvhQ

“He’ll Do It Again”, Shirley Ceasar

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

Made To Fly -Ephesians 2:10 79 of 125   God has a purpose and a plan for each of us, and in Christ, He has already given us all that we need to fulfill that plan. May 11, 2008

Thursday, May 26, 2009

After the death of Moses the Lord’s servant, the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ assistant. He said, “Moses My servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them. I promise you what I promised Moses: ‘Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you—from the Negev wilderness in the south to the Lebanon mountains in the north, from the Euphrates River in the east to the Mediterranean Sea in the west, including all the land of the Hittites.’ No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you. “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

[Joshua 1:1-9]

What Did He Say?

Good Morning Beloved,

God gave Joshua very specific directions didn’t He?  It would be nice if we received direct, step by step instructions from God Himself.  It would be nearly impossible to mess up… right? ()  I love the confirmation Joshua received.  Moses lead a multitude of people out of bondage.  He was their leader for many, many years and they knew that God spoke with him Face to face.  Joshua had assisted Moses for a long time.  He probably didn’t have a clue that God was prepping him to lead these people into the promised land.  He was content to serve Moses and when Moses died… well those were some pretty big shoes to fill.  God had other plans.  He gave Joshua his own ‘shoes’.  I don’t know about you, but I can get really comfortable serving in the ministry of others.  It excites me to see my brothers and sisters in Christ walking in their vision.  I love the theater and when someone asks me to participate I’m there.  However one of my close sisters-in-Christ challenged me one day.  I was telling her about the projects I was working on (three during the same time period), and she quietly said, ‘uh-huh, but what are you doing with the ministry God gave you?’  OUCH! (Thanks Denise) …. That was months ago, but her words grabbed my heart and have not let go.  She was the perfect one to minister to me about this, because she too is a person who loves to push others in ministry. She is always ready to lend a hand wherever she can, but still manages to keep her focus on the vision that God has placed in her care.  She has had her share of Moses-like mentors, and now she is a leader herself in the “Joshua generation”.  She has watched my theater ministry from the very beginning in the ’90′s.  We have spent countless hours talking about what God has placed in our hearts.  How to use what He has given us to uplift the Kingdom.  I believe she feels she has invested too much time and energy in me, to see me put Regal One Productions, Inc. on the shelf, and let it collect dust like a forgotten ‘what-not’.  I am blessed to be encircled by people who are moving forward in what God has placed in their heart.  Am I saying not to work with other ministries?  NOPE.  We all need each other.  I already have projects on my calendar that I can’t wait to dig into.  What I am saying is that we should not use helping others as an excuse not to do what God has told us to do because we’re afraid to do it (long run-on sentence intentional).  What I’m hearing in my spirit, is what God challenged Joshua… ‘Be strong and do it’…. well alrighty then ….

That Fam is Good News!

U Blessed

Have A Fabulous Day

Regina

 ”Anointed”, Eddie Neblett

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

“God Is Here”, performed by K&K Mime

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

“Breakthrough”, Israel & New Breed

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

“Nothing To Lose”, The Clark Sisters

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4GM–pJr6w

Faith Fuel -Romans 10:17 5 of 123   We need to have faith in God to get us down the highway of life, to the destination that God has planned for us. The Word of God is the fuel that keeps our faith moving along.

Copyright 2009 Michael D. Waters