It is supposedly a happy time of the year when individuals are willing to listen to the story about His birth. We all know that Jesus was not born in any snow much less on December 25th. However, people in general seem to be more receptive at this time.
The story is told about Christmas of 1914 - World War 1. The French and British were fighting against the Germans. On this day they had a temporary truce to bury their dead, shake hands, exchange gifts. They even enjoyed a soccer match. The official war diary of the 133rd Saxon Regiment attest to this. This peace did not last long because some general disliked the truce.
Let us as a people let the Christmas spirit become all year round instead of just seasonal. God has called us everywhere to love our Brothers and Sisters thou diverse we are. I must hasten to remind us that He is no longer a Babe but our Intercessor in the heavenly sanctuary. He is making atonement on our behalf and all we need to do is accept through faith.
Let God rock your world. Be blessed!
Initiated to offer words of encouragement, peace of mind,love and hope as we travel along this callous world - Jesus is the answer for the world
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Sunday, November 13, 2011
God is still in control
Good morning! It is refreshing, despite the cold weather to be alive and in control of one's faculties. There are times when it seems that the world is closing in, but when my back is against the wall, I remember that the Father loves me with an everlasting love.
I am still concerned about paying the bills when expected funds do not come on time - However, God is an on-time God. Just when all seems lost, my God shows up on-time. Check out the words of Psalm 121,
"1I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
I am still concerned about paying the bills when expected funds do not come on time - However, God is an on-time God. Just when all seems lost, my God shows up on-time. Check out the words of Psalm 121,
"1I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
2My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth.
3He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
4Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
5The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.
6The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
7The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
8The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.
I hope that we will all remember to put God first - He should be our first resort and not the last resort. Even though things seem dim, God still reaches out to fallen man, to redeem, and save him offering eternal life. So let them continue to fight against you, they are touching the apple of God's eye and that is a serious offence - they just don't know it yet.
Let us continue to give the praise and glory and honor and acknowledgement to Our Creator. He permits things that at times seem terrible, but remember the devil has to try to wean us from God and cause us to distrust God. However, based on our allegiance and dependence on God , the devil is fighting a closing battle. Let us stay on course - "I can do all things through Christ, which strengthens me."
God is mindful of the sparrow that falls - He is even more mindful of our needs as human beings in need of a loving, caring Saviour. Let us not short change ourselves - live life to the fullest by surrendering to "the Author and Finisher of our faith."
Remember, regardless of how things seem, God is still in control!
3He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.
4Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.
5The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.
6The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night.
7The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul.
8The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.
I hope that we will all remember to put God first - He should be our first resort and not the last resort. Even though things seem dim, God still reaches out to fallen man, to redeem, and save him offering eternal life. So let them continue to fight against you, they are touching the apple of God's eye and that is a serious offence - they just don't know it yet.
Let us continue to give the praise and glory and honor and acknowledgement to Our Creator. He permits things that at times seem terrible, but remember the devil has to try to wean us from God and cause us to distrust God. However, based on our allegiance and dependence on God , the devil is fighting a closing battle. Let us stay on course - "I can do all things through Christ, which strengthens me."
God is mindful of the sparrow that falls - He is even more mindful of our needs as human beings in need of a loving, caring Saviour. Let us not short change ourselves - live life to the fullest by surrendering to "the Author and Finisher of our faith."
Remember, regardless of how things seem, God is still in control!
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Trusting Him is all that matters
We have now crossed the threshold from September to October 2011 - today is Wednesday, October 5, 2011. I spent the day doing house related matters as well as assisting with daycare. It is so great to relax in the evening after a day of toil.
The bills need to be paid and the funds are not forthcoming - people owe but are not paying. What do you do - the bills are not being deferred. Regardless of the situation I find time to
"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" - Proverbs 3:5-6.
Today the Lord answered prayer by sending an unexpected check just in time to pay a few due bills. My wife and I just stopped and praised Him - He is an on time God. It is interested that God has asked us through His words to have faith - without which it is impossible to please Him ( Hebrews 11:6)
I hope that irrespective of our status in life that we will not cease to praise God - in the good times and in the bad times. He asks us to ''Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else" - Isaiah 45:22. How different this world would be if man just learned to serve their Maker. We would love one another not in words but in deed and truth - 1 John 3:18.
Shalom!
The bills need to be paid and the funds are not forthcoming - people owe but are not paying. What do you do - the bills are not being deferred. Regardless of the situation I find time to
"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" - Proverbs 3:5-6.
Today the Lord answered prayer by sending an unexpected check just in time to pay a few due bills. My wife and I just stopped and praised Him - He is an on time God. It is interested that God has asked us through His words to have faith - without which it is impossible to please Him ( Hebrews 11:6)
I hope that irrespective of our status in life that we will not cease to praise God - in the good times and in the bad times. He asks us to ''Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else" - Isaiah 45:22. How different this world would be if man just learned to serve their Maker. We would love one another not in words but in deed and truth - 1 John 3:18.
Shalom!
Friday, September 30, 2011
Look to Him
I have not written anything for awhile. The latest video bar posted today is entitled " Look to You." This is a song by Whitney Houston in which the lyrics really show how God has been true/good to us even when all seem lost. I do not know what her situation is like presently, however, we all know how she has struggled throughout the previous years - drugs, marital issues, etc.
I only heard this song a week ago at a Prison Facility. This song was quite moving because it epitomizes the struggles that many of us are experiencing - it may not be drugs but other deficiencies/problems/intemperate situations. We are assured by Jesus that He will see us through regardless of the situation.
People, we are stressed everyday on all sides as we are assailed many times by the ploys of the enemies - Satan/ Devil/Adversary. We need as individuals and families to move together with the aid of the Holy Spirit. God wants us all "to prosper and be in health as our souls prospereth - 3 John 2.
Let Christians everywhere, look to Jesus - the Author and Finisher of your faith, He needs our hands and feet to work. Is there anyone out there, who wants to work for Jesus because He has saved you? I hope there will be many takers.
Remember, look to Him and He will bear you up!!
I only heard this song a week ago at a Prison Facility. This song was quite moving because it epitomizes the struggles that many of us are experiencing - it may not be drugs but other deficiencies/problems/intemperate situations. We are assured by Jesus that He will see us through regardless of the situation.
People, we are stressed everyday on all sides as we are assailed many times by the ploys of the enemies - Satan/ Devil/Adversary. We need as individuals and families to move together with the aid of the Holy Spirit. God wants us all "to prosper and be in health as our souls prospereth - 3 John 2.
Let Christians everywhere, look to Jesus - the Author and Finisher of your faith, He needs our hands and feet to work. Is there anyone out there, who wants to work for Jesus because He has saved you? I hope there will be many takers.
Remember, look to Him and He will bear you up!!
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Joplin –Missouri a long haul
“JOPLIN, Mo. -- A tornado killed at least 116 people on Sunday afternoon. It hit St. John's Regional Medical Center on the south side of the city and collapsed the roofs of two city fire stations. It also heavily damaged Joplin High School, which had its graduation ceremony on Sunday at Missouri Southern State University.”
On hearing this and other reports, I was appalled at the devastation that occurred. However, hearing and seeing pictures through the media did not adequately capture the damage done until one actually beholds it visually. I spent July 11- 22, 2011 in Joplin
(along with a Mary J. a cohort) working in a warehouse manned by the Adventist Community Services Disaster Response (ACS DR). The warehouse is operated by the “Mark S, Mark G & Kelly who have made it available to the ACSDR team. There was no accommodation for us during our stay in Joplin, thus we had to room in Carthage, some 20 miles away and commuted everyday to Joplin. I ran the warehouse for a week as the Warehouse Manager and Mary, as the Office Manager.
We (Mary and I) realized on touring the affected area that it was God’s protection that had sheltered many of these people – Such devastation would have probably claimed hundreds of lives if God had not extended mercy. Working in the warehouse was a thrill especially when we were assisted by the various groups (from churches, corporations, individuals) – volunteers came from MO, KY, TX etc. By the way, Mary and I are from MN. The real problem affecting the warehouse was the scorching heat– it soared as high as 111 degrees, not to mention the heat index. Sometimes, the warehouse had to be closed early because of the scorching temperatures – we wanted to ensure that our volunteers were safe. All the volunteers drank gallons of water daily while in the warehouse (operating hours while I was there was 8:30 am – 5:00 pm).
There is also a place where displaced people were staying affectionately called Tent City. Yes! People literally live in tents with their minimal possessions. You can just imagine
how uncomfortable it got when the daily temperature is above 100 degrees. Anyway with God’s help working through Mark, Mark and Kelly, along with the warehouse managers they are receiving assistance. The journey to recovery for Joplin is certainly long term – keep them in our prayers.
For a blow by blow description of our stay in Joplin visit Mary’s blog below:
It is indeed a blessing when we can unite and help the fallen or those in need of assistance. I hope that we as a people will continue to assistance others as God continue to bless us. Remember it is more blessed to give than receive!
See pictures below
See pictures below
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Psalm 23
My Brothers and Sisters sometimes it is hard for us to fathom/ understand all the happenings in the 21st century. However, we have a Creator and Savior Who is the Alpha and Omega ( the beginning and the end) - He knows everything and is the suitable Being to intercede on our behalf.
It is good to know that there is always Someone looking out for us, Who is concerned whether we live or die - Someone who desires the best for us. That being is Jesus - meditate on Psalm 23
"1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever."
Be blessed!
It is good to know that there is always Someone looking out for us, Who is concerned whether we live or die - Someone who desires the best for us. That being is Jesus - meditate on Psalm 23
"1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever."
Be blessed!
Monday, July 4, 2011
Dark Days Ahead
It has been quite awhile since I have visited my blog. However, the past months have been hectic but fulfilling. I notice that we are now experiencing a GOV SHUTDOWN. Wow! This is not an appetizing meal and surely not one that many people , especially the needy, (the class of folk who depend on the social services) will relish.
I pray, sincerely and fervently that some amicable agreement may be reached before things worsen. It is so true, the Lord had said in the Scripture that the poor will always be with us. One school of thought says that the world has adequate resources to meet the needs of the 6.9 billion people in the world - resources are just not equitably distributed.
It is interested to note, that in the Old Testament God had implemented the system by which people were to take care of each other. They were even to leave gleanings when they harvest so that the less fortunate could benefit. We are suppose to be our Brother's Keeper - look out for each other. However, " because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold " - Matthew 24:12. No wonder the world is in a mess! We have become more selfish, callous, blood thirsty, and love me, myself, and I - el numero uno.
I am happy that I have a God who loves regardless . He sent His Son to die for us - John 3:16. He promises that our bread and water will be sure - Isaiah 33:16. Although, there is a SHUTDOWN, and men play their game(s), God has promised to sustain and supply our needs not necessarily our wants. - Philippians 4:19. It would be great if the wealthy (few already do) among us would share some of their wealth to succor in alleviating the existing poverty - We are blessed to help others.
Isn't it welcoming/ heartwarming to know that God does not judge us based our hue, education, status, wealth - everyone can access eternal life through Christ - one is not deprived because he/she is poor. Praise God!! It would be well if everyone would read Matthew 25:35-40 and adopt the commission given,
"For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. "
My Brothers and Sisters go and do likewise! Have a blessed week!
I pray, sincerely and fervently that some amicable agreement may be reached before things worsen. It is so true, the Lord had said in the Scripture that the poor will always be with us. One school of thought says that the world has adequate resources to meet the needs of the 6.9 billion people in the world - resources are just not equitably distributed.
It is interested to note, that in the Old Testament God had implemented the system by which people were to take care of each other. They were even to leave gleanings when they harvest so that the less fortunate could benefit. We are suppose to be our Brother's Keeper - look out for each other. However, " because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold " - Matthew 24:12. No wonder the world is in a mess! We have become more selfish, callous, blood thirsty, and love me, myself, and I - el numero uno.
I am happy that I have a God who loves regardless . He sent His Son to die for us - John 3:16. He promises that our bread and water will be sure - Isaiah 33:16. Although, there is a SHUTDOWN, and men play their game(s), God has promised to sustain and supply our needs not necessarily our wants. - Philippians 4:19. It would be great if the wealthy (few already do) among us would share some of their wealth to succor in alleviating the existing poverty - We are blessed to help others.
Isn't it welcoming/ heartwarming to know that God does not judge us based our hue, education, status, wealth - everyone can access eternal life through Christ - one is not deprived because he/she is poor. Praise God!! It would be well if everyone would read Matthew 25:35-40 and adopt the commission given,
"For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. "
My Brothers and Sisters go and do likewise! Have a blessed week!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Another Dark Day
Saturday, January 8, 2011 was indeed a dark day for those adversely and fatally affected by the shots fired by a 22-year old. At least six died - including US District Judge Roll and 9- year old, Christina Green. Ironically, this 9-year old was born on "911"- I know the parents must be having a hard time reconciling what happened. The Christian community in general is still praying for these families and also that of Ms Giffords. I am praying daily for these families also Ms Giffords and family - it is all in GOD's hands!
It is disheartening that disgruntled people will arm themselves and venture out to kill/injury others. This seem to be a recurring decimal - over the years adults/kids have gone on shooting sprees. It is certain that there is a blatant disregard for human life.
Sin has really marred this world and its inhabitants - leaving a sour taste in our mouths. One may ask where was GOD when these atrocities occur? He is very much here with us, even when we do not acknowledge and revere Him.It is people's disregard/disrespect for others that help to foster these atrocities. The Creator ask us to love one another as He loves us. If this principle of love was entrenched in society it would be harder for individuals to just decide to take the lives of others - Love may prevail.
However, this good trait is not easy to cultivate outside of a GOD -led life which is expected from a Christian who is truly attuned with Jesus Christ. Assuredly, this is not an easy road because there is war between the carnal mind and the spiritual. We must not be naive to the fact that evil exists in this world, man is predisposed to sin -hence committing heinous acts are easy. Conversely, good also exists but as the Apostle Paul states , it is easier for us to do evil than good because of the our sinful predisposition.
I am only hoping that we all realize that we of ourselves cannot combat this evil influence without Jesus by our side. Let us confess our sins and allow Jesus into our lives - 1 John 1:9 We will not be able to change all the bad things that are happening but we can become unlikely perpetrators of such acts and possibly influence others to become good through our witness through Jesus Christ .
I indeed sympathize and empathize with every family that was bruised by this terrible act, last Saturday, but this act impresses me to send as reminder to us Christian the charge our Lord gave us in Matthew 28:19-20
- Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Let us all enlist in GOD's army and fight the good fight of faith - Put on the whole armor of God.
Be blessed!
It is disheartening that disgruntled people will arm themselves and venture out to kill/injury others. This seem to be a recurring decimal - over the years adults/kids have gone on shooting sprees. It is certain that there is a blatant disregard for human life.
Sin has really marred this world and its inhabitants - leaving a sour taste in our mouths. One may ask where was GOD when these atrocities occur? He is very much here with us, even when we do not acknowledge and revere Him.It is people's disregard/disrespect for others that help to foster these atrocities. The Creator ask us to love one another as He loves us. If this principle of love was entrenched in society it would be harder for individuals to just decide to take the lives of others - Love may prevail.
However, this good trait is not easy to cultivate outside of a GOD -led life which is expected from a Christian who is truly attuned with Jesus Christ. Assuredly, this is not an easy road because there is war between the carnal mind and the spiritual. We must not be naive to the fact that evil exists in this world, man is predisposed to sin -hence committing heinous acts are easy. Conversely, good also exists but as the Apostle Paul states , it is easier for us to do evil than good because of the our sinful predisposition.
I am only hoping that we all realize that we of ourselves cannot combat this evil influence without Jesus by our side. Let us confess our sins and allow Jesus into our lives - 1 John 1:9 We will not be able to change all the bad things that are happening but we can become unlikely perpetrators of such acts and possibly influence others to become good through our witness through Jesus Christ .
I indeed sympathize and empathize with every family that was bruised by this terrible act, last Saturday, but this act impresses me to send as reminder to us Christian the charge our Lord gave us in Matthew 28:19-20
- Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Let us all enlist in GOD's army and fight the good fight of faith - Put on the whole armor of God.
Be blessed!
Monday, January 3, 2011
Resolutions
Resolutions are plans that many people make at the start of each year. Yes, great plans are crafted with precision but how many of these plans actually bear fruit?
Some may fail because people are not serious about their resolutions. It maybe just a fad, because it is the thing to do. Some people did not look at the path/journey that would have to be taken in order to achieve their goal. Some may have become demoralized and traumatized. Whatever the reason for not following through may not be relevant, just the fact that you renege on your resolutions again.
I will hasten to say that many times it seems impossible to be victorious. However, remember that there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother - Proverbs 18:24. The point is all things are possible with God. Paul wrote in Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.
Brothers and Sisters we can see our plans coming to fruition by committing and surrendering our all to Prince Emmanuel. Is there anything too hard for God to do? Let us forge ahead with the assurance that as we make plans for the future that we commit them to the "Author and Finisher of our faith."
May the blessings of our dear Savior, Jesus Christ daily attend us as we resolve to do the right!
Peace!!!
Some may fail because people are not serious about their resolutions. It maybe just a fad, because it is the thing to do. Some people did not look at the path/journey that would have to be taken in order to achieve their goal. Some may have become demoralized and traumatized. Whatever the reason for not following through may not be relevant, just the fact that you renege on your resolutions again.
I will hasten to say that many times it seems impossible to be victorious. However, remember that there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother - Proverbs 18:24. The point is all things are possible with God. Paul wrote in Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me.
Brothers and Sisters we can see our plans coming to fruition by committing and surrendering our all to Prince Emmanuel. Is there anything too hard for God to do? Let us forge ahead with the assurance that as we make plans for the future that we commit them to the "Author and Finisher of our faith."
May the blessings of our dear Savior, Jesus Christ daily attend us as we resolve to do the right!
Peace!!!
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