Friday, October 28, 2011

But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and He that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

[Isaiah 43:1-2]

Another Year of Grace

But now thus says the LORD that created you, O Regina, and He that formed you, O Regina, Fear not: for I have redeemed you, I have called you by your name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you: when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon you.

In 21st Century venacular… “God got me“.  This weekend is very special to me.  I will be celebrating 44 years of life on Sunday.  It is exciting to me.  Many have not made it even 43 years.  I praise God for each and every year.  I heard a wonderful statement in the movie “Madea’s Big Happy Family”.. a character who was dying said, “I enjoy every day God gives me, and when I die I get to go and be with Him“.  What a beautiful view.. put’s everything in prospective doesn’t it?  We are here to show forth the glory of God.  He created us for fellowship.  He loves us.  Everything He put here is for our good and His Glory… it’s as simple and as wondrous as that.  Ever wonder how we came from one commandment “don’t eat from the tree that’s in the midst of the garden“, to Ten Commandments?  One word… sin.  Our first representatives fell, and a seed of rebellion was formed in them, and passed on to their children.  There is a God-shaped vaccum in the spirit of humanity that longs for the intimacy we once had as Adam and God talked together in the cool of the day in the garden.  There is also another seed in us that wants to live independent of the laws of God.  We have the freedom to choose which seed we will nurture and cultivate.  Some ignore their longings for God and try to fill that void with illicit sex, drugs, alcohol, work, food, activities etc.  They bypass His statutes, by declaring there is no God, or trying to revamp God into something more palatable and compliant.  A ‘god’ that will do what they say and give them everything they want, when they want it. The issue is a matter of the heart.  Oftimes, we don’t even KNOW what we want, and sometimes what we think we want, we couldn’t handle if it were given to us.  To have a “god” on our level is really to have no God at all.  We serve a God who is “high and lofty”.  The Word tells us that~

But as it is written, eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love Him.
[1 Corinthians 2:9]

 

 

“In Awe Of Your Presence”, Warren Caldwell

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37fn38yQeY8

“Encore”, James Fortune & Fiyah

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N85jlh85u9s

“Best In Me”, Pastor Marvin Sapp

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

“I’ll Trust You”, James Fortune & Fiyah

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0F7g4T4Lao

“Love”, Kirk Franklin & God’s Property

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUjm83JrG3c

“Real Love”, Kirk Franklin & The Family

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

“All I Need”, Brian Courtney Wilson

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

“Born Blessed”, Jimmy Hicks

http://youtu.be/1Pbrxab5OBc

“Move”, Jimmy Hicks

http://youtu.be/2EoiewVqoHo

“Back Up”, Jimmy Hicks

http://youtu.be/FXHaVK7ZNCs

Friday, November 26, 2010

 God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent: has He said, and shall He not do it? or has He spoken, and shall He not make it good? 
[Numbers 23:19] 

…. AND IT IS SO…

Happy Friday!  I hope your Thanksgiving Day was as beautiful and memorable as mine.  Number 23:19 is a really strong statement.  If God said it.. it is so.  No matter what it may look like to the natural eye.  No matter what is going on in the economy.  No matter our age or affliction. If He said it, then it shall come to pass.  Period.  End of discussion.  The only dilemma I’ve had is determining if He said, I said it or somebody else said it.  Once I am confident that it was indeed the Lord’s will, I realize that it is a done deal.  Even when it does not make sense to my “senses”.. I have to remember He said, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways… (Isaiah 55:8).  In His Word, He made promises to His beloved.  He promised that we would be the “head and not the tail”… “above only and not beneath”  (Deuteronomy 28:13), “the lender and not the borrower”  (Deuteronomy 28:44).  He said He would “never leave nor forsake us” (Hebrews 13:5), and that the “people that do know their God shall be strong and will do exploits”  (Daniel 11:32).  He promised “that no good thing will He withhold from those who walk upright” (Psalm 84:11).  He never promised that we would never endure hardship.  As a matter of fact, we are admonished to “endure hardship as a good soldier”  (2 Timothy 2:10).  His Word is solid.  It is not like the word of a fallible human being.  Some folks mean well, but they are not all powerful, sovereign, or omnipotent. I’ve heard it said that many people judge God, based on the relationship they had with their earthly father. If that man was untruthful and untrust-worthy, they translate that over into their walk with God.  They will not give God their heart completely, because they are afraid they will be disappointed and hurt like they were with their natural father.  That can never happen.  Yes, we can be disappointed when we attach something to God that He never promised.  If we misinterpret His Word, that is not on Him.. it is on us.  God is so wonderful that He says “come, let us reason together” (Isaiah 1:18).  Let’s talk about this God is saying.  Let’s get this situation together.  Let Me recalibrate your heart, mind, will and emotions so that we’re on the same page. 

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.[Jeremiah 29:11]

“Shelter (Psalms 91)”, Jumelle

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

“Faithful”, Hezekiah Walker and the LFCC

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

“Show Yourself Strong”, Fred Hammond & RFC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3813XIhRJPY

“Take Me In”, Kutless

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

“My Steps Are Ordered”, Fred Hammond and RFC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDcl-4wbhAE

“I Want My Destiny”, Fred Hammond and RFC

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

“Breathe Into Me”, Fred Hammond & RFC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXiK1-84RHs

“I Believe”, Byron Cage

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SpTLNkz4lE

“Let The Word Do The Work”, Donald Lawrence

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PY1SYL5CepQ

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 5, 2010

But Samuel replied,

   “What is more pleasing to the LORD:
      your burnt offerings and sacrifices
      or your obedience to His voice?
   Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice,
      and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.
 

[1 Samuel 15:22]

Good Morning Beloved:

The story of King Saul was tragic.  He was a man who ‘looked’ the part of king, but was completely inadequate for the job.  He was tall, handsome, imposing.  However, the Bible gives us insight into the pyche of Saul.  It lets us know that he was fearful, unbelieving, jealous and rebellious.  He knew better than anyone that he had no business being anyone’s king.  He tried to talk his way out of it at first, but relented and accepted.  He leaned heavily on the prophet Samuel, but when it really mattered, he ignored the Word of the Lord and dropped the ball.  He disobeyed a direct order from God.  The exuse Saul used was that “the people” wanted to save the best animals to be used as a sacrifice for God.  Saul was religious.  He had a form of Godliness but no relationship with God.  That was the difference between Saul and David.  Relationship.  When talking to Samuel, Saul referred to the Lord as the Lord “your God”… David’s communication with God was personal.  It reflected a heart that was tender towards God.  He messed up… big time, but he always knew how to turn back to God and repent…. truly repent.  Things have not changed in over 2 thousand years.  People are people.  We have the same decision to make everyday.  Whether or not we will obey the voice and Word of the Lord.  There is a blessing attached to obedience.  The Bible uses the phrase “to know” as a way to convey deep intimacy.  It is often used in scripture to describe the physical relationship between a husband and his wife.  A knowledge that is unlike anyone else.  “into -me- see”… A spouse is to have the access key into places within their mate that is off-limits to everyone else.  First of all phyically, but also emotionally, psychologically and spiritually.  No one should know a person better their spouse.  Every single believer has that same access to the Lord or Hosts.  Intimacy.  The closer we get to Him, the closer He gets to us.  Our lives begin to change.  In time, our priorities change.  Our thoughts begin to shift towards things that have eternal value rather than to be focused only on the temporary.  We begin to discover things about ourselves we never knew before.  Gifts and talents are birthed within us.  We become bolder, more sensitive, stronger, wiser, better… realizing that we “Never Could Have Made It”, (thanks Pastor Marvin!) without Jesus!  As I’ve heard Tye Tribbett say many times, “God’s way is not just right… it’s better!

… and that Beloved is Good News!

Y Stress? … U Blessed!

Have A Fabulous Day

Regina

“You Are God Alone”, Pastor Marvin Sapp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccpdk2bQF9M

“Rain On Us”, Ernest Pugh

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4EH7-TQj0k

“No Greater Love”, Fred Hammond & RFC

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBLYdxVe7Gg

“Never Would Have Made It”, Pastor Marvin Sapp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CklAwchIJ1A

“Great Is Your Mercy”, Pastor Donnie McClurkin

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

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by Me.
[John 14:6]

Good Afternoon Beloved,

What a beautiful day!  I pray your day is moving along wonderfully.  Recently, I found myself watching a television program where the host (a well known preacher), had been involved in some pretty public and scandalous behavior.  This person has blessed my life in the past and I mused over the affect his private/public behavior has had on those watching him… especially those on the brink of making a commitment for Jesus.  Like it or not, good, bad or indifferent… people are watching us.  We are the only Bible some folks have ever seen.  They want to see what kind of change can be made in our life from a book that is over 2000 years old, and a God that they cannot see with their naked eyes, or touch with their hands.  That my friend is a huge responsibility.  Then I had a thought.  It is our goal to live a life pleasing to God.  One that demonstrates His will, laws, and precepts as well as His heart.  However, regardless of the vessel that is used, whether it is clean, dirty or in between, it is no poor reflection on our God.  If Dr. X gives me a tour of the hospital, and shows me that there is only one exit door, I can’t get mad at him if during an emergency I try to find another door.  If I perish, I cannot blame Dr. X’s raggedy life… he had shown me the door, it was my responsibility to walk through it.  Remember, this:

“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of My Father in Heaven will enter. On judgment day many will say to Me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in Your name and cast out demons in Your name and performed many miracles in Your name.’ But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from Me, you who break God’s laws.’ (Matthew 7:21-23)

 

God is the ultimate judge.  If someone is doing something crazy behind the scenes, and they have taken up residence behind that sacred desk… God sees.  Our job is to pray for our brothers and sisters overtaken in a fault, love them, and to confront in love when led.  It behooves us all to live for that audience of One.  Some people may like it, but some may call you ‘holier than thou’, ‘prudish’, ‘narrow-minded’, ‘intolerant’ … whatever.  Remember, just because misery loves company, that doesn’t mean we have to be the ones to entertain it.  Jesus is the WAY.. if we follow Him we won’t be lost.  Some may have gotten a little confused, a tad ‘turned around’, but He said that He is “married to the backslider”.  He hasn’t moved, He is where He has always been… waiting and calling…

… wow…. breathe… and that Beloved is Good News!

U Blessed!

Have A Fabulous Day!

Regina

 ”Jesus Is The Light Of The World”, Hezekiah Walker and LFCC

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WH_opiNl7IA

“How Can I Say Thank You”, Hezekiah Walker and LFCC soloist: Monique Walker

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

“God Is”, James Cleveland & The Southern California Community Choir

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

“Thank You (I Won’t Complain), Fred Hammond

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXED4w5qS3M

“He’s All Over Me”, Georgia Mass Choir

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsAK8xQS0CU

“In Christ Alone”, Michael English

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6k8vADchMmM

“Midnight Cry”, All Star Choir

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opyy-mNXBX8

“Clean Me”, Lisa McClendon

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SL36v2TPM0

“Calling My Name”, Hezekiah Walker (soloist: Timiney Caton-Figueroa)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4SpgUHk5lw

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

HEY DC/MD/VA!!!!

The hit Stage play Homecoming Queen is back by popular demand … This weekend only

Saturday, Oct. 31 (7:00pm) and Sunday, Nov. 1st (3:30pm) 

at

Harmony Hall 

10701 Livingston Rd

Ft. Washington, MD  20744

Tickets will be available at the box office!

I LOVE this play don’t miss it!!!

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

Thursday, August 6, 2009

  And the messenger that was gone to call Micaiah spoke to him, saying, Behold now, the words of the prophets declare good unto the king with one mouth: let your word, I pray you, be like the word of one of them, and speak that which is good.  And Micaiah said, As the LORD lives, what the LORD says to me, that will I speak.

[1 Kings 22:13-14]

“Speak The Truth”

Good Morning Beloved,

The bible is full of intriguing events.  This story was no exception.  Here you have a good king, Jehoshaphat, King of Judah and a weak king Ahab, King of Israel about to go into battle together against the King of Syria.  We can tell by his actions that Jehoshaphat was a little nervous about an alliance with Ahab.  The first thing he asked him was if there was a prophet in town that could find out from the Lord if this was a good idea.  Ahab summoned ’his’ prophets — all 400 of them. Jehoshaphat may not have been a prophet, but he knew that these raggedy men were lying and about to get him killed.  After they went through all their gyrations and theatrics, Jehoshaphat asked Ahab if those were the only prophets in town.  Ahab told him that there was one more, but he hated that one because he never told him anything good.  Hmmmmm… wonder why… could it have been because there was nothing good to say about him?  Ahab could not see how his marrying an evil pagan wife (Jezebel), and leading the people of Israel into idol worship and sin among other things had made God angry.  Ahab had sealed his own fate. Enter Micaiah… a true prophet of God.  Regina translation, the conversation went something like this, “look here man, just go ahead and say some good stuff like all the other prophets”.  I believe Micaiah decided to have a little fun with them.  His initial answer to the king was dripping with sarcasm, and then it was like he said, “syche… dude you gonna die” … well he did not say that in so many words… read the story it is very interesting.  Hated by the king, mocked by the other prophets, even slapped by one of them, Micaiah stood his ground and spoke the truth.  Ahab had him arrested, instructing them to basically feed him bread and water until he returned from war…. of course he didn’t.  We don’t read what happened to Micaiah after his encounter with Ahab.  He pops us, says what he has to say and disappears.  The effect of his words were felt for generations to come.  God had pronounced judgement on the house of Ahab and everything connected to him died… Thank God for the mercy and grace of Jesus!  Speaking the truth, may seem to have disasterous consequences at times, but the alternative is so much worse.  God Himself will uphold a righteous person, but when we decide to bend, skip over or ignore the truth… we tie His Holy Hands in that situation.

Lord, who shall abide in Your tabernacle? who shall dwell in Your holy hill?  He that walks uprightly, and works righteousness, and speaks the truth in his heart.

[Psalm 15:1-2]

******
But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeks such to worship Him.
John 4:23

******

God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.

John 4:24

…. and that Beloved is Good News!

U Blessed!

Have A Fabulous Day

Regina

“A Song of Strength”, Fred Hammond & RFC

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

“Worship Medley”, Darwin Hobbs

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

“Breathe Into Me”, Fred Hammond

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hpl_906fqk

Shelter “Psalm 91″, Jumelle

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

]]> http://www.morningsoulfood.com/2009/08/06/speak-the-truth/feed/ 0 http://www.morningsoulfood.com/2009/07/21/faith-hears-truth/ http://www.morningsoulfood.com/2009/07/21/faith-hears-truth/#comments Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:33:33 +0000 FAVORED1 http://www.morningsoulfood.com/?p=662

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Pilate therefore said unto Him, Are You a king then? Jesus answered, You say that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth.  Every one that is of the truth hears My voice.

John 18:37 

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

Battle Prayer
By: Elzie Mayfield Williams

High above the clouded sky
my rescued soul rejoices
It bid my wretched self, good-bye
and arose above bad choices

I prayed, Dear Lord, Deliver me
He heard my urgent request
His grace took hold and set me free
and put my soul at rest

(so) I thank you lord, so very much
for sending forth your Son
and when I’m tested, I’ll seek your touch
for I know in my heart the battle’s already won

Good Morning Beloved,

Thank God for Truth.  Contrary to popular opinion, there is a Truth that never changes.  The Truth of the Gospel… God sending His son for lost humanity (John 3:16).  Jesus is the way, the TRUTH and the life no one comes to the Father except by Him (John 14:6).  He is the door (John 10:7).  Jesus told Pilate that everyone who is of the truth will hear Him.  They hear Him in their heart.  What He says will connect with their spirit.  My mother used to tell me not to argue with people over the bible.  No matter how well thought out your point, there are some who do not want to believe, and will argue, just for the sake of arguing.  They have already made up their mind, they do not want Jesus or the Bible.  We are admonished to “go into the highways and hedges and compel them to come” (Luke 14:23), but there is also a time when we will have to “shake the dust off of our feet and move on” (Mark 6:11).  We use discernment, to distinguish between the two.  Hearing and receiving the Truth is how we all became children of God.  By the same token, hearing and receiving truth is our answer to whatever question we are dealing with today.  Sometimes the truth hurts.  It is not pleasant to hear what we are doing, or not doing, that is contributing to the problem, but when we take heed change is inevitable.  It is worth the initial ‘hurt feelings’ if in the end we fix the issue.  Remember the ultimate goal is for us to look like Jesus… different looks, likes, dislikes, assignments, personalities… same Holy Spirit… same destination.

…. and that Beloved is Good News!

U Blessed!

Have A Fabulous Day

Regina 

“Here I Am”, Kevin LeVar and One Sound

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

“He Reigns”, Kevin and One Sound

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

“Well Done”, Tye Tribbett & GA

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

Balloon Popper -John 8:31,32 82 of 130   Satan’s lies can seem scary, but they are no match for the truth of God, found in His word. June 1, 2008     King James Version view cartoons in Biblical order Copyright 2009 Michael D. Waters Concentration -Isaiah 26:3 34 of 130   There are plenty of voices in this world telling us that we are going to fail. But if we keep our attention on the Lord and His Word, and trust in Him, we will succeed. June 17, 2007 Made To Fly -Ephesians 2:10 79 of 130   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.

Shepherd’s Voice -John 10:27 120 of 130   With all of the voices there are in our lives, from the television, radio, internet, etc. we need to remember to take time to listen to the voice of Jesus, our shepherd. April 26, 2009

Thursday, June 4, 2009

The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” “Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied.  It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.’” “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.”  The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too.  At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.  When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees.  Then the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”  He replied, “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.”  “Who told you that you were naked?” the Lord God asked. “Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?”

[Genesis 3:1-11]

Good Morning Beloved,

This morning I had a rousing conversation with my co-worker.  He describes himself as a political/news junkie.  He mentioned the topic of the middle eastern conflict … and that’s when it started.  He is a really nice person so it was not an ‘ugly’ confrontation.  He really does have a hunger to know God.  He was exposed at a young age to many religions.  He classifies himself as an agnostic, but he and his family regularly attend a spirited non-denominational church.  He is very intelligent and well-traveled.  I heard a preacher say once that many in the Body of Christ avoid witnessing, because we are afraid someone will ask us something we don’t know.  Prayer and spending time studying God’s Word is the cure for that.  However, the newest thing that has cropped up is the attempt to discredit the Word of God.  The old argument of inconsistencies, and the ole, “It was written by men” debate.  My stance is that God is God.  He is so much smarter than we are on our best day.  He knows how to convey His will to us.  Especially when that knowledge is crucial for us to have a relationship with Him.  His ultimate desire is to have fellowship with us …all of us.  The same relationship that He had with Adam in the Garden before the fall.  The way has been made.  Jesus is the way (Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by Me. John -14:6)  and the door (I am the door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture -John 10:9).  He is the ‘Door-Way’ to the very presence of God.  In the midst of all of the heated debates, suppositions, and speculations and drama… it will do our soul good to remember that.  The serpent is still talking in 2009.  His aim is to deceive as many of God’s precious creations as possible. God help those who have a limited knowledge of God’s Word. That snake can sound really convincing at times, but the truth is, he is not saying anything different than he said in the Garden of Eden … “Did God really say….” Our answer? … Jesus gave us the pattern when He was tempted in the wilderness …”It is written...“

That Family is Good News!

U Blessed

Have A Fabulous Day

Regina

“The Password”, Canton Jones

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TssgJ6J_ZaI

“Stay Saved”, Canton Jones

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

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

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

“Well Done”, Tye Tribbett

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

Sidetracked -1 John 4:2-3 124 of 124   There are a lot of differing denominations and factions in Christianity, but we all should be united in following Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the Word of God. Any group that is not following Jesus is on a dead end sidetrack. June 1, 2009

Shepherd’s Voice -John 10:27 120 of 124   With all of the voices there are in our lives, from the television, radio, internet, etc. we need to remember to take time to listen to the voice of Jesus, our shepherd. April 26, 2009

Power of the Cross -1 Corinthians 1:18 119 of 124   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

Open Book Test -James 1:5 115 of 124   Chapter one of the book of James speaks about the trying and testing of our faith. It is good to know that we can ask for and receive wisdom on how to pass the test. March 15, 2009

Pass The Ball -Matthew 16:25 114 of 124   We can never make the goal of salvation on our own. We can trust Jesus to take the ball and score the goal for us. March 8, 2009

Truth vs. Lies -Proverbs 12:19 111 of 124   Colossians 2:15 tells us that Jesus disarmed the powers and authorities…triumphing over them by the cross. The only weapons Satan has left to him are his lies, but they are no match for the truth of God’s Word. February 15, 2009

Copyright 2009 Michael D. Waters

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

1 Corinthians 14:33

Good Morning Beloved,

I hope your morning is moving along swimmingly.  This verse was talking about church government.  Paul was setting the house in order because there was a lot going on in Corinth.  He had to take a firm hand with them because they were ‘off the hook’ (DC translation for ‘wild’). 

Dear brothers and sisters, when I was with you I couldn’t talk to you as I would to spiritual people.  I had to talk as though you belonged to this world or as though you were infants in the Christian life.  I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food, because you weren’t ready for anything stronger. And you still aren’t ready, for you are still controlled by your sinful nature. You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren’t you living like people of the world? [1Corinthians 3:1-3]

 

Sound familiar?  People are people and have not changed since the first human family. The Apostle Paul didn’t give up on them, no matter how crazy they were.  The Bible says that the strong are to bear the infirmity of the weak.  A friend used to ask me why America was always sending money and resources to other countries, when so many were suffering right here in within our borders.  I would tell her that it came with the territory of being a “superpower”.  We here have resources in place.  It may not be easy to get them at times, but there are countries where there are no resources anywhere, at all.  Their children are starving in the streets, and death, decay and destruction are commonplace.  There are places where mothers are forced to feed dirt ‘cookies’ to their children.  There are places where children as young as five years old are forced into lives of prostitution.  The strong are to bear the infirmity of the weak.  We have truth and truth is an enemy of confusion.  Where truth is, confusion cannot stand for long.  The key is accepting the truth.  What is our mission?  What is it that we are trying to accomplish?  What is standing in the way?  Paul was ‘stepping to’  the Corinthian church with practical answers to the issues they were dealing with.  God has not changed.  His Word has not changed.  His methods may change, but He does not change.  We are The Church.  We have been entrusted with the great commission to, “Go into the world and make disciples”. We are to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit those in prison, proclaim the good news of the Gospel, encourage each other… its a big job, but God knows what we are capable of.  Remember, where God guides, He provides.  Remembering our purpose as individuals, and our purpose as the Body of Christ — The Church, will cut down confusion…. we’re on the same team and what affects one of us, affects all of us.  Too many lone ranger saints.  There is strength in numbers, especially when those in the number, are on the side of the Greatest Power in the Universe.  I heard a minister say last night that we, as individuals, can’t do everything, but every ‘body’ can do something…. even if it is as simple as cutting the neighbors grass, being a listening ear for someone in need, baby-sitting, or supporting those who are taking resources to other places.  Jesus said, “they will know us by the love we have for each other.”  It will take all of us standing together to strengthen the reputation of the Church.   Let’s love each other as Christ has loved us. He gave everything He had.  He is patient, long suffering and kind to us.  When we act as He acted we ‘confuse’ confusion.

… and that Beloved is Good News!

U Blessed

Have A Fabulous Day

(*Note:  I will be out of ‘computer range’ for a week… all of the “Morning Soul Foods” can be found on www.morningsoulfood.com. I pray that God bless you and keep you, His Grace saturate you, His love enfold you, His peace constrain you, His mercy abound in and around you, His truth fill you, and His blessings chase you down and tackle you real good)

Regina

“I Want My Destiny”, Fred Hammond

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

“Show Me Your Face”, Fred Hammond

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3TqOMLlk9M

“You Were Much Closer”, Fred Hammond

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

Copyright 2009 Michael D. Waters Trial By Fire -1 Peter 4:12 93 of 121   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

Jungle Guide -John 16:13 100 of 121   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. November 2, 2008