These section features inspiration and insights from the Holy Spirit while in fellowship. They will prove to enlighten, as the word says, “Iron Sharpens Iron”
-
Put Your Name On Me
September 21, 2023 This song stands out to me due to its humble sound, reminiscent of an era long past, almost akin to a ballad from the Old English period. What sets it apart are the words it employs, such as "wretch" and "shambles," which have fallen out of favor in today's vernacular. Similarly, terms like "signs and wonders" harken back to older Christian traditions, not frequently encountered in modern Christianity. It's evident that the songwriter must have experienced these signs and wonders at a young age. Even the word "overwhelmed" is not commonly used by today's youth, giving the song a distinctly old English tone. Amidst this, there are the modern words, "I was a label, no identity," which succinctly capture the state of today's youth. In an age of identity politics and the labeling of various social groups, it seems being merely human is no longer sufficient. The concept of Imago Dei has lost its relevance. "I was a sinner, thought I was over" reflects a contemporary usage of the term "sinner," often employed mockingly to undermine the traditional view of human nature and God's perspective on it. From this perspective, humanity is irredeemably flawed, and hope for individual or collective change is nonexistent. Life is seen as futile, with no prospect of redemption. Have we ever considered that people behave the way they do because they harbor a desperate sense of hopelessness and a belief that life lacks purpose, leading their broken hearts to a path of self-destructive behavior? This phenomenon can manifest in various ways. For those in positions of power who view people as pawns incapable of growth, they may continue to abuse and oppress. Alternatively, an intelligent college student, armed with statistical knowledge, might rationalize abortion as a logical choice because, statistically speaking, it may not seem sensible to bring a child into the world. While governments position themselves as caretakers of society, the reality often falls short of genuine care and concern for the governed. Consequently, when injustice occurs, some may adopt a nihilistic attitude, thinking, "Why should I care about my environment if they don't care about me?" This can lead to destructive behavior. The name Jesus represents a transformative power that begins within an individual. It's time we grasp how God operates. He initiates change at the personal level, altering not just external appearances but also hearts and minds—a gradual process. The name, the person of Jesus, imbues individuals with a new way of life, prompting them to live more virtuously and purposefully. -
Good Old Friends
August 21, 2023 Life can be whimsical at times. In 2017 and once more in 2022, I found myself in Jamaica. The first time, it was to celebrate Cousin Ashley's Sweet Sixteen and to meet my extended family for the very first time. It's moments like these that urge us to pause and truly grasp our emotions. Sometimes, understanding how and why we feel a certain way eludes us, but in moments of quiet reflection, clarity often emerges. In 2022, at this very same time, I stood at my father's funeral. Papa, Dad's lifelong friend from their younger years, had passed away just two days before. Today, in 2023, marks a year since Dad's funeral, Papa's departure, and six years since I first met my extended family - Sanjaye, Mark, Eric, and Lisa. New bonds have formed, and generations have moved on. Tell me, don't we all need a bit of faith? I certainly do. I'd like to honor the enduring connection between my father, Wesley, and my step-grandfather, Harold. This month would have marked Papa's 90th birthday and Dad's 81st. In their final days, they managed to exchange a few words, a testament to their enduring friendship. In this lifetime, we encounter numerous individuals, but only a select few friendships endure until the very end. So, in this month spanning from August into September, I've chosen to celebrate the essence of friendship. Yes, tears may fall, but from their lives, I draw profound lessons about the significance of these enduring bonds. -
Easter Bread
April 7, 2023And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.”- John 12: 23-25
I probably should have written this on Wednesday. It's not possible to get three days and three nights between Friday and Sunday morning. Paul says in Acts 17:30 that God at times winks at our ignorance. I think that's proof that God does understand our nature as humans to lean towards tradition. Another aspect of this season is the Easter Bunny. What does this have to do with Jesus? The bunny represents fertility, the ability to multiply abundantly. Instead of complaining about the Pagan roots that are stuck in Christianity, how about another perspective to stir the pure mind. "unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." - verse 24. Have you taken a look at the harvesting of wheat? It's more amazing and abundant than any rabbit can reproduce. Here we find Jesus saying unless a grain dies it cannot reproduce. Jesus was referring to Himself, unless He died He would not be able to multiply Himself. Unless He died other children of God would not be produced for earth to see God's glory. He had to die to multiply. God's idea of multiplying goes beyond natural fertility. It's spiritual - the concept of being born again, made new. Each person alive now has the opportunity to attain the nature and character of God. Jesus, our Messiah, was and still is the perfect example. He testified that God's word is true and fulfilled it through His death and resurrection. Though that was good enough, the aim was also for Jesus to have a bunch of Mini-mes. A replica of His nature, His heart, His love, His power and His salvation extending through all who believe. Jesus said, as the Father has sent me, so send I you. As Jesus abounds in the Father's Love so we are commanded to abide in the vine to bear fruit. Jesus has been multiplying Himself for thousands of years now and He will continue until the time appointed for His return. I'm grateful to have an opportunity to share in God's grand salvation plan of sending His Son to lose His life to gain the lives of humanity. No bunny can do that. I encourage all of us to ponder God's redemption plan this season. The Easter bunny doesn't represent this season for me, the Cross could, the Empty Tomb could, how about a field of wheat? How about wheat that in turn makes bread and Jesus is the bread of life and we break bread the Word of God and we share this bread (Jesus Christ) and whoever believes gains life. -
More Than A Second Chance
November 3, 2022Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; that is why she loved so much. But the one who is forgiven little loves little.” - LUKE 7:47
I often wondered why Aaron wasn’t punished for making the Golden Calf. Three thousand people died due to Him deciding to make the calf. He was Moses' right-hand man. When Moses was doubtful, God gave him Aaron. Aaron was called to be a priest, yet we find Him breaking the first commandment as it was being written. Aaron was in a place where God could smite him. Yet, he was forgiven and allowed to enter His purpose as Priest for Israel. How was that possible? Did God simply overlook the matter, was He favored above others? I never thought much about Aaron’s heart towards God. All I saw was a man who didn’t see the wrath of God, who should have seen it. I never thought about God’s heart/character in this situation. God chose to be merciful to Aaron. My thought was Aaron should have been disqualified from being a priest. That was my fleshy thinking. “You did not anoint My head with oil, but she has anointed My feet with perfume. Therefore I tell you, because her many sins have been forgiven, she has loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little.” Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”… - Luke 7:46-48. Aaron was called to make atonement for the sins of the people of Israel before the Lord each year. That means he stood in place as an intercessor. He was called to stand before God on behalf of the people and make atonement. I never thought about what his mindset could be. What was the state of his heart? Aaron knew firsthand what it meant to sin; he knew what it meant to rebel because he built the Golden Calf. He engineered it. He led God’s people into sin, and he watched many of them die. But now stands before God as one receiving grace. He knows the fullness of his sinful heart and the fullness of God’s love, grace and mercy. How much more qualified does he stand to represent the people? Because Aaron was deeply involved in the rebellion, he could not experience Moses' feelings of anger and frustration, similar to when Moses cried “Drink ye rebels” as he smote the rock. Because Aaron was a part of it, he would always have the heart to say God have mercy on your people and forgive us of our sins. He would not lose heart or become frustrated as the one who stands in place of God’s people because he was forgiven much. -
Guardian of Justice
July 19, 2020“He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints.” Proverbs 2:7-8
God is the guardian of Justice. Sometimes, I’d fear that we as black people will never receive the justice we deserve. But here, I see in the word - God guards the paths of justice. He makes sure justice is served. Then I remember the areas in history where God made sure justice was served. Let us take a look at some of the different points in history where God ensured justice was served. The full control of the Catholic Church over the people. At one time, only they had access to the word of God, but then came the Reformation. There was slavery, but then came the Emancipation Proclamation. There was segregation in the US, but then came the Civil Rights Movement and one more injustice was lifted. What’s my point? My point is that Reparations will be granted because God guards the paths to Justice. My hope is maximized because through these words and happenings, I see that God is Faithful. He is always watching the way of His people. For me, that means we are not left to our vices. We are not left to go astray. My heart wants to say why everyone, as the church lives properly, but Israel was the example for me – A new generation entered the Promised Land, proving the everlasting faithfulness of God. I thank you, Father. I believe you. -
Knowing Love
February 18, 2015 Did you know? God flipped the script when He sent Jesus into the world. Jesus’ coming was personal and inviting for the entire world. The World had been cursed by sin. I believe that’s why all over the New Testament we are encouraged to bless and curse not. According to Ephesians 3:19 “Knowing the love of God that surpasses all knowledge.” There is no greater love than the love Jesus has for us. My mother hurt me real bad, but God’s love is greater. Jesus’ loving sacrifice for me is far greater than any human love on earth. God’s love is eternal because He is eternal. The world doesn’t owe me. I owe the world love because Jesus loves me unconditionally. God loves me more. God makes mommy, daddy, husband, wife, family, and friends to express love. However, God is not an expression of love; He is love. God never fails. That is the same way love never fails!!! Father, teach me to love as your word commands in Jesus' name. Amen. Loving God leads to loving man. -
Finances
February 18, 2015 Many times, in the past, I made plans and I envisioned prosperity. I saw myself planning like Paul - sowing seeds - the word of God, and executing like Apollos - watering the seeds. However, I realized that it’s not about the planting or watering; it’s all about God giving the increase. It’s all about my Father’s will and purpose. My Daddy gives increases and raises; He causes companies to grow. I am nothing, my work is nothing, but Jesus is everything. All I have is in Christ and all outside of Him will fade away. Increase comes from my Father, not my skill or ability. That is why I’ve worked so hard and haven’t seen results in the area I wanted to see results. I now respect increase and money. Yes, money. My Father has all the money in the world and He will give it to me because He wants to and I’ll take it with a heart filled with joy. So what about Satan? What about him tricking me with money? What about him being the god of this world and using money to trap people? Satan said he’d give Jesus the entire world if he worshiped him. Jesus rebuked him sharply saying, "it is written, worship the Lord thy God and Him only shall you serve.” Jesus already owned the world. Adam and Eve were already made in the image of God. Satan is a thief. He uses deception to steal. We’re already wealthy and rich in Christ Jesus. His aim is for us not to feel otherwise. Satan is only a thief that comes in the middle of the night. What he says or feels doesn’t matter. I believe I’m rich because of Jesus. -
Noah Movie Review
August 4, 2014 I watched the 2014 version of Noah and sincerely, there is much to say. They started creation by saying, “in the beginning, there was nothing,” however the word of God says,“In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth.” Genesis 1:1
Because of sin, man seeks to forget his origin, not find it. It was disappointing to me because the movie portrayed God as being detached from His creation. God didn’t speak to Noah in a dream. He spoke to him audibly. He communicated to Noah. He related to Noah. He comforted him. God is all about His creation - Man. God interacts with us every day - “In Him, we move and have our being.” At the end of the movie, Noah’s daughter-in-law asks why he didn’t kill the babies and his response was that he felt love. He explained that the creator wanted him to use his will to choose life and not kill the babies. Sounds good. But it’s not true. God expressed His remorse to Noah. God let Noah know He didn’t enjoy seeing the dead bodies. God said next time He will destroy the world by fire and gave Noah the promise with the rainbow. The action in the movie - Noah - showed that man changed God’s purpose because Noah didn’t fulfill the duty by allowing his family to be the last on earth. It denied the second judgment to come when God will destroy the world by fire. In my opinion, the movie wasn’t an adaptation, it was heresy. Yet, God loved us so much that He sent His Son Jesus to die for us. God will always be in control of His creation. He initiated life. Because He initiated life, He guides and directs life. Paul says, “The love of God constrains us.” God restrains evil every day. Whatever evil is allowed to happen, there is a purpose is behind it. When God allowed Jesus to be crucified, though innocent, Jesus was paying the price for our pardon. “In the beginning, God…. -
God’s Promise: You are not alone
June 27, 2014Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. (Heb 13:5)
I woke up this morning with that word on my mind I'll not leave you or forsake you. What a promise; the promise of His enduring presence. Then I thought how is that?(Isa 57:15) For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
God live in the high heavens and He also lives in my trampled heart that He is continually repairing. That's a promise to remember!!! -
There is a First Thing
June 26, 2014But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. (Mat 6:33)
The Kingdom of God is not the only thing I seek, but it should be the first thing. Decisions I made in the past was for the kingdom to be the only thing I seek and promote in life. I remember I-Hop has a program for business owners. In life, there is a #1, therefore there are numbers 2 and 3 priorities. It has set me free to learn this because life is coming into a better perspective. I call it “Divine Order”. When I put first things first, I’ll begin to see the additional things added in this life, because I have life in Christ already. Spirit words in layman's terms. Divine: What God would like for you. New Dimension: Another perspective on life, a transition in the thought process.
