Search me “Thoroughly “

 Psalms 139:23-24 AMPC 

“Search me [thoroughly], O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

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How many of us are truly sincere about a heart change? Do we “really” want God to search us “thoroughly” and know our heart? I, personally do want to know; but I’m here to tell you, you won’t like it. We don’t see ourselves as arrogant, prideful, rude, angry, controlling, anxious, fearful, easily offended, unforgiving, quarrelsome, prejudice, or jealous. There’s more, but I’ll stop for now! These are just a few characteristics many of us have developed over the years from lack of a relationship with God. There is nothing else or no excuse that will uphold it! We look to our left and right (as the Bible puts it) instead of God for  the answer to our problems. I always say, we look horizontally instead of vertically- which is we look to people (whom God created) for answers, and we are all broken and some are shattered who are not wise enough to put all the pieces back together for themselves - how are they going to help you?

Look at us in this pandemic, we are all wandering in the wilderness (no path or direction) of what to do, how to proceed, and what will stop it! There is one answer, EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW and EVERY TONGUE CONFESS THAT JESUS IS LORD and repent and turn away from our wicked ways, and God will heal the land! 

Forgive and Forget?

Constantly telling someone what they are not does not boost their morale, it lowers their self-esteem. That saying, “sticks and stones may break my bones; but names will never hurt me” - names do hurt and can go deep in our hearts that linger too long in most of us until we get to know Jesus! 

Sticks and stones do break your bones and can even kill you, but so do words - they don’t physically kill you; but they kill you emotionally and spiritually!

When we are a born again Christians, we die to self and are resurrected in Christ as a new creature that puts our broken spirit back together little by little, which translates from Glory to Glory! 

Wonders happen through small steps; not leaps and bounds!  (Words of Wisdom from The Holy Spirit)

Now I’m going to advise those who are reading this and are parents, assess your childhood and how your parents made you feel (Good or bad) and truly listen to your words when you correct your child and become angry with them! What was instilled in you comes out and it is a viscous cycle of more broken spirits and a low self esteem generation!

Now I am going to ask you to do what Jesus commands us to do and that is forgive those who hurt you and pray for those who curse you so that He can forgive you of your sins and you can live with a heart that is full of righteous doing, saying and living! Whereas, if you do not forgive, you are tied emotionally to that person from the hurt and pain. That’s why Jesus tells us to forgive so you have freedom from it and and you can show love instead of anger and resentment to others! 

Matthew 6:14-15 AMPC 

14 For if you forgive people their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

15 But if you do not forgive others their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses.

Forgiveness is healing and makes for a glad heart and a healthy being! 

The Circle of Life?

Our Wisdom comes from reading the Bible
Job is a good place to begin!

I haven’t been on in a while, my brothers and sisters in Christ! I pray all is well with everyone. Many of us are laying to rest our loved ones, many of us are fighting an illness, many of us are rejoicing a new life; whereas many of us are seeking a new life from the loss of a job and diligently seeking a new one! 

Is it really the circle of life or God’s way of letting us know that in this life we will have trials and tribulations, joy and sadness, success and failure. As it says in Ecclesiastes 3:1, “To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven”. 

We do toil, labor and seek only to satisfy our own hunger to no avail! As King Solomon, the wisest man ever to live (whom God said there will be no other created as wise as him) says: 

Ecclesiastes 4:4-8 AMPC 

4 Then I saw that all painful effort in labor and all skill in work comes from man’s rivalry with his neighbor. This is also vanity, a vain striving after the wind and a feeding on it.

5 The fool folds his hands together and eats his own flesh [destroying himself by indolence].

6 Better is a handful with quietness than both hands full with painful effort, a vain striving after the wind and a feeding on it.

7 Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun [in one of its peculiar forms].

8 Here is one alone—no one with him; he neither has child nor brother. Yet there is no end to all his labor, neither is his eye satisfied with riches, neither does he ask, For whom do I labor and deprive myself of good? This is also vanity (emptiness, falsity, and futility); yes, it is a painful effort and an unhappy business.

You see, we seek things, money, and riches (meaning gold, silver, and diamonds) at the expense of killing animals and precious lives, including those who seek after theses things lives are lost as well. Because those who seek these things live well here on earth; but will they enter into Heaven where sin cannot reside?

Again, we are to work and receive money for our labor, but not at the expense of oppressing others and becoming arrogant and conceited in our riches and not share the wealth by helping those in need- without hesitation and contempt! 

Luke 6:24 AMPC 

24 But woe to (alas for) you who are rich (abounding in material resources), for you already are receiving your consolation (the solace and sense of strengthening and cheer that come from prosperity) and have taken and enjoyed your comfort in full [having nothing left to be awarded you].

I don’t understand why so many do not seek God, He is fun, loving, gentle, and compassionate! You have more to lose when you don’t seek God - the most important and set destination we ALL want to see, but sadly, many won’t, and that is Heaven! It’s a place of beauty where the sun shines everyday, it is peaceful and full of luscious greenery. It is also where no sickness, lack, anger, hate, or evil resides. And this is the best part; it is eternal! 

So our wealth is NOT in our money, our wealth is in our WISDOM that only comes from seeking a relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! 

Proverbs 8:11-23 AMPC 

11 For skillful and godly Wisdom is better than rubies or pearls, and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.

12 I, Wisdom [from God], make prudence my dwelling, and I find out knowledge and discretion.

13 The reverent fear and worshipful awe of the Lord [includes] the hatred of evil; pride, arrogance, the evil way, and perverted and twisted speech I hate.

14 I have counsel and sound knowledge, I have understanding, I have might and power.

15 By me kings reign and rulers decree justice.

16 By me princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges and governors of the earth.

17 I love those who love me, and those who seek me early and diligently shall find me.

18 Riches and honor are with me, enduring wealth and righteousness (uprightness in every area and relation, and right standing with God).

19 My fruit is better than gold, yes, than refined gold, and my increase than choice silver.

20 I [Wisdom] walk in the way of righteousness (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation), in the midst of the paths of justice,

21 That I may cause those who love me to inherit [true] riches and that I may fill their treasuries.

22 The Lord formed and brought me [Wisdom] forth at the beginning of His way, before His acts of old.

23 I [Wisdom] was inaugurated and ordained from everlasting, from the beginning, before ever the earth existed.

Justice should not be Sacrificial - But it isn't!

Peaceful Protest for Justice - Indianapolis, IN 

There are so many post, outrages stories, and acts of hate, being published about racial inequalities it's debilitating. Some of it is necessary, but most of it is meant to ignite more separation and division to prove a point or just to cause a pushback. We can post things until we are blue in the face from anger on one side of the fence and green on the other! There is only one way and ONE being who can put an end to it all - BUT that’s where the true test will come!

Which of you are so righteous and just that you will pass over into to Heaven without first facing “Judgement”? Forgiving, Loving your neighbor as yourself, feeding the hungry, and striving to be Christ-like?

Which of you feel your unrighteous deeds have gone unnoticed, feel you are in the clear, God is pleased with you, and will forgive your iniquities - yes that is being hateful, murder, anger, idle talk (gossip) - basically being in opposition to God - following Satans ways?

Deception and manipulation does not come from God, it is from the adversary, Satan. Whereas, many are deceived and manipulated into believing it's God's will and purpose to oppress, hate, and mistreat others. It is not His will nor is it His intention that any should perish, but many will; especially those who are prideful, arrogant and believe their riches, color or race , and material gain matter to God! I pray many will turn away from their wicked ways, because this is what God says:

Jeremiah 9:22-24 AMPC

22 Speak, Thus says the Lord: The dead bodies of men shall fall like dung on the open field and like sheaves [of grain] behind the reaper, and none shall gather them.
23 Thus says the Lord: Let not the wise and skillful person glory and boast in his wisdom and skill; let not the mighty and powerful person glory and boast in his strength and power; let not the person who is rich [in physical gratification and earthly wealth] glory and boast in his [temporal satisfactions and earthly] riches;
24 But let him who glories glory in this: that he understands and knows Me [personally and practically, directly discerning and recognizing My character], that I am the Lord, Who practices loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth, for in these things I delight, says the Lord.

Satan is very smart; But his intelligence cannot compare to God’s Wisdom and Knowledge, yet many, not all, will never know the depth of God’s wisdom and Love for ALL people due to, again, the deception and focus on worldly things more than Spiritual and righteous things. It begins with reading the Bible that changes a lost and wandering soul. By reading the Bible, you will notice a change in you that will give you a heart of flesh instead of a heart of stone - and establish a relationship with God!

Ezekiel 36:22-32 AMPC

22 Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord God: I do not do this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for My holy name’s sake, which you have profaned among the nations to which you went.
23 And I will vindicate the holiness of My great name and separate it for its holy purpose from all that defiles it—My name, which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned among them—and the nations will know, understand, and realize that I am the Lord [the Sovereign Ruler, Who calls forth loyalty and obedient service], when I shall be set apart by you and My holiness vindicated in you before their eyes and yours.
24 For I will take you from among the nations and gather you out of all countries and bring you into your own land.
25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleanness; and from all your idols will I cleanse you.
26 A new heart will I give you and a new spirit will I put within you, and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.
27 And I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you shall heed My ordinances and do them.
28 And you shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and you shall be My people, and I will be your God.
29 I will also save you from all your uncleannesses, and I will call forth the grain and make it abundant and lay no famine on you.
30 And I will multiply the fruit of the tree and the increase of the field, that you may no more suffer the reproach and disgrace of famine among the nations.
31 Then you shall [earnestly] remember your own evil ways and your doings that were not good, and shall loathe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominable deeds.
32 Not for your sake do I do this, says the Lord God; let that be known to you. Be ashamed and confounded for your [own] wicked ways, O house of Israel!

You see it’s not just being kind that changes anyone or anything it starts with a heart change that can ONLY be done through scripture!

Now my question is, “How many of you read and study God’s Word day and night?  This is where the change begins and this is how it will end inequality, racial dissension, and oppression of the poor and disabled! There is still hope and it's never too late to begin now!

Psalm 1

1 Blessed (happy, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather.
2 But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night.
3 And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity].
4 Not so the wicked [those disobedient and living without God are not so]. But they are like the chaff [worthless, dead, without substance] which the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the wicked [those disobedient and living without God] shall not stand [justified] in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous [those who are upright and in right standing with God].
6 For the Lord knows and is fully acquainted with the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly [those living outside God’s will] shall perish (end in ruin and come to nought).

God's Love is never glad about injustice, but rejoices whenever truth wins out! (I Corinthians 13:6 TLB)

What REALLY Does Matter?

Picture Courtesy of PWW - Shoes Matter 

• Shoes, clothes, and money matter; but they are NOT what we need! 
• Houses, cars, and food are essential in this society; but we shouldn't hunger and thirst after them!

John 6:33-35 AMPC

33 For the Bread of God is He Who comes down out of heaven and gives life to the world.

34 Then they said to Him, Lord, give us this bread always (all the time)!

35 Jesus replied, I am the Bread of Life. He who comes to Me will never be hungry, and he who believes in and cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me will never thirst any more (at any time).

• What we need is hope to seize the moments of despair and calamity!

Romans 15:13 AMPC

 13 May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope.

• What we need is small steps to victory that start with action, not empty Words, such as “Be kind”; whereas, injustice still bleeds out, especially among our world leaders! 
• What we need, is atoning of our churches who claim to know God, but refuse to have a felon attend their church, ignore a poor person and treat them with disgust, and lock the doors to people of color and show hate and contempt towards them! 
• What we need is a cleansing of the heart daily with time with God in scripture reading (not just a few verses; but at least an hour of reading and journaling, with prayer and thanksgiving) 
• What we need is a nation that is God driven, more than material driven! 
• What we need is Jesus, and we have EVERYTHING we will ever need! 
• When one of His sheep is unjustly killed, He pursues the ones who are at fault!

My nephew in the back and his friends, all dressed
up going to a school dance! The suites Matter

Jesus came so that none should perish and fall short of the Glory; but society as a whole has eliminated and oppressed black lives, so to Him, He will come back to ensure justice is served; but only those who refuse to believe God loves us, one and all, will receive judgment - under fire! 

II Peter 3:9 AMPC

9 The Lord does not delay and is not tardy or slow about what He promises, according to some people’s conception of slowness, but He is long-suffering (extraordinarily patient) toward you, not desiring that any should perish, but that all should turn to repentance.

There is still time, and He is waiting patiently to see hearts change, people sincere in helping their neighbors, and the lies, deceit, and hate stops - even in our churches! 

John 3:20-21 NKJV

20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”

Don't hide behind closed doors and be ashamed of who you are and who you serve due to

what people think, Expose the darkness and come into the Light; which is Jesus so you can be a true disciple - changing hearts, minds, and souls! 

Picture Courtesy of PWW - Money Matters 

Can I Get A Witness?

Picture Courtesy of Peaceful Protest for Equality
in Madison, Indiana June 12, 2020

Our World must realize, anything that needs improvement or has been hidden from view (darkness), must first be brought to the light in order to extinguish it. We can’t erase the past; but we can amend it! Injustice, oppression, and hate crimes are hidden from our view; however, in today's society, technology has bought it to light. It is being revealed at this time in life to bring about an awakening to all people and a necessary change - especially a change of heart.

Matthew 5:22 AMPC 

22 Things are hidden temporarily only as a means to revelation.] For there is nothing hidden except to be revealed, nor is anything [temporarily] kept secret except in order that it may be made known.

The time is now to trudge through the muck and mire of senseless killings, of our past  and present. The time is now to take responsibility for what went wrong in the past so as not to repeat it in the "now" and future! The time is now to turn to Jesus, if you haven't already. The time is now for our Pastors, Church leaders, and fellow Christians to take a stand and teach the true Doctrine, that Jesus suffered greatly - "To set the captives free!" We can march until our feet are swollen and sore; but if Jesus is not marching with you in your heart, then it is of no purpose or impact!

Picture Courtesy of Peaceful Protest for Equality
in Madison, Indiana June 12, 2020

Another important event that can lead us astray is what is written on Social Media and the Newspapers. Before you jump on board believing what you are reading, research who the author of the articles are, and the validity of its content.  Not everything written has weight or substance to the truth of the matter. There are many who write stories or events that can persuade you to think or act in opposition to facts. 

Matthew 5:23-25 AMPC 

23 If any man has ears to hear, let him be listening and let him perceive and comprehend.

24 And He said to them, Be careful what you are hearing. The measure [of thought and study] you give [to the truth you hear] will be the measure [of virtue and knowledge] that comes back to you—and more [besides] will be given to you who hear.

25 For to him who has will more be given; and from him who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away [by force],

Understanding of who God is, and what He has done for us is freedom to the mind, soul, and spirit - a peaceful state that is followed with faith in Him. In that state of mind, nothing or no one can take it away. What is debilitating is the opposite of freedom is bondage. 

This is what bondage looks like:

• Hate 
• Anger
• Worry
• Doubt
• Fear 
• Anxiety
• Envy
• Jealousy
• Murder
• Gossip
• Stealing
• Backbiting
•  Sexual Impurity
•  Covetousness
• Lust

These type of emotions are draining and keep you in anguish and turmoil; basically a very dark place! And it holds true, “Anything that is brought out in the open, has to either diminish or flee”.

Ephesians 5:11-13 AMPC

11 Take no part in and have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds and enterprises of darkness, but instead [let your lives be so in contrast as to] expose and reprove and convict them.

12 For it is a shame even to speak of or mention the things that [such people] practice in secret.

13 But when anything is exposed and reproved by the light, it is made visible and clear; and where everything is visible and clear there is light.

I know darkness fears light, because the Light (Jesus) allows you to "see" everything around you clearly and in clear view! The below scripture is only one of the many Bible verses of Jesus casting out demons, and how they begged Jesus not to harm them. Why? Because His Word is sharper than any two edged sword (Hebrews 4:12) - it slays Satan and heals you! Once exposed, the power of darkness is gone!

Picture Courtesy of Peaceful Protest for Equality in Madison, IN June 12, 2020

Matthew 5:1-13 NKJV 

Then they came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gadarenes. 2 And when He had come out of the boat, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, 3 who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no one could bind him, not even with chains, 4 because he had often been bound with shackles and chains. And the chains had been pulled apart by him, and the shackles broken in pieces; neither could anyone tame him. 5 And always, night and day, he was in the mountains and in the tombs, crying out and cutting himself with stones.

6 When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and worshiped Him. 7 And he cried out with a loud voice and said, “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I imploreYou by God that You do not torment me.”

8 For He said to him, “Come out of the man, unclean spirit!” 9 Then He asked him, “What is your name?”

And he answered, saying, “My name is Legion; for we are many.” 10 Also he begged Him earnestly that He would not send them out of the country.

11 Now a large herd of swine was feeding there near the mountains. 12 So all the demons begged Him, saying, “Send us to the swine, that we may enter them.” 13 And at once Jesus gave them permission. Then the unclean spirits went out and entered the swine (there were about two thousand); and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and drowned in the sea. 

What is so amazing about Jesus when He walked this earth, is that He never performed raising someone from the dead, casting out demons, or healing the sick without a witness. This was so others would see God's power within him to free those in bondage; and receive a glimpse of what the Kingdom of Heaven is like. Those who were freed, became believers in Christ and followed Him. I believe God is on the move in our lifetime, and I also believe He wants us to come together, united, in love, not separated and divided! 

Greater is He that is in you than He that is in the world! (I John 4:4) 

Hang TIGHT!

With all that is going on in our Nation, it is still imperative that we as true followers of Jesus continue to love, seek peace, and forgiveness! Yes, it is unprecedented, unlawful and evil things that are happening due to the evil within those who are committing these criminal acts.

Ephesians 6:12

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

We have to remember there is power in unity not division! We are to come together "Peacefully" as people, not separated as black men, brown men, white men, or yellow men; but the Human race, ALL NATIONS, who cares about the orphan, the sick, oppressed, widows and the poor in Spirit! It is our duty, our right, and our Christian doctrine to serve - THAT IS OUR PURPOSE IN THIS LIFE! People of any race should not live in fear, or be ousted from and around anything God deems loveable and valuable!

We all have One Father in Heaven, who will judge fairly how we lived our lives in this world that will determine our fate in the hereafter! Some will get there, many won’t- due to a hard and harsh heart and unrighteous living!

My honest prayer is we all turn our hearts towards God and become Christ like, who loves all people and shows no partiality!

The Final Judgment - Matthew 5:31-46 NLT

31 “But when the Son of Man[a]comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. 32 All the nations[b] will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left.

34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’

37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’

40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters,[c] you were doing it to me!’

41 “Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons.[d] 42 For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink. 43 I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’

44 “Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’

45 “And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’

46 “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.”  

Body Language!

This little girl behind my Granddaughter
is either bored or anxious! Not
sure, but look at the body language!

We listen (with arms folded) to criticize; instead of listening to understand. It’s instilled in us to pushback with our opinions, rather than seek to prosper in God’s wisdom that is full of knowledge beyond our human understanding - unless we humble ourselves and submit and commit to His will and ways! 

As mentioned in my blog titled; “Wise In his own wisdom”, You learn and receive more knowledge by listening than talking. It is proven than a person only receives about 225 words of knowledge from talking, and 500 words of knowledge from listening.

This must be a big defect in us, because God has put it on my heart again to write about seeking to understand His Word to gain Godly Wisdom; and the only way to receive it is to read His Word and listen to Godly advice! 

Proverbs 4:4-9 AMPC

4 He taught me and said to me, Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments and live.

5 Get skillful and godly Wisdom, get understanding (discernment, comprehension, and interpretation); do not forget and do not turn back from the words of my mouth.

6 Forsake not [Wisdom], and she will keep, defend, and protect you; love her, and she will guard you.

7 The beginning of Wisdom is: get Wisdom (skillful and godly Wisdom)! [For skillful and godly Wisdom is the principal thing.] And with all you have gotten, get understanding (discernment, comprehension, and interpretation).

8 Prize Wisdom highly and exalt her, and she will exalt and promote you; she will bring you to honor when you embrace her.

9 She shall give to your head a wreath of gracefulness; a crown of beauty and glory will she deliver to you.

Happy Mother’s Day!

I Kings 3:16-27 AMPC

16 Then two women who had become mothers out of wedlock came and stood before the king.

17 And one woman said, O my lord, I and this woman dwell in one house; and I was delivered of a child with her in the house.

18 And the third day after I was delivered, this woman also was delivered. And we were together; no stranger was with us, just we two in the house.

19 And this woman’s child died in the night because she lay on him.

20 And she arose at midnight and took my son from beside me while your handmaid slept and laid him in her bosom and laid her dead child in my bosom.

21 And when I rose to nurse my child, behold, he was dead. But when I had considered him in the morning, behold, it was not the son I had borne.

22 But the other woman said, No! But the living one is my son, and the dead one is your son! And this one said, No! But the dead son is your son, and the living is my son. Thus they spoke before the king.

23 The king said, One says, This is my son that is alive and yours is the dead one. The other woman says, No! But your son is the dead one and mine is the living one.

24 And the king said, Bring me a sword. And they brought a sword to the king.

25 And the king said, Divide the living child in two and give half to the one and half to the other.

Our loving Mother at 80 yrs. old 2017
Last year she passed over to be with God and she
has left a legacy of love, endurance, and giving!

26 Then the mother of the living child said to the king, for she yearned over her son, O my lord, give her the living baby, and by no means slay him. But the other said, Let him not be mine or yours, but divide him.

27 Then the king said, Give her [who pleads for his life] the living baby, and by no means slay him. She is the child’s mother.

Despite the oppression and criticism of the strong women I grew up with, they stood tall. When a child was sick with a debilitating disease or sickness, they refused to stay in that dark place and brought it to light through the faith and trust in Jesus - they defied the odds and nursed that child back to health and wholeness! 

I grew up with determined and faithful women who refused to see their children go hungry; even if they had to work four or five odd jobs to feed them - and they didn’t take a handout from the Government or any oppressor who undermined their faith and belief in Jesus. 

They seen the power of His resurrection and the power of His provision! The were steadfast and fixed in Jesus, who ALWAYS  heard their cry and answered! 

They were women of Faith, Love, and Trust. They are our Mothers and we hold them dear to our hearts ALWAYS AND FOREVER! 

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! I LOVE YOU MOM AND ALL THE OTHER STRONG MOTHERS!

The Armor of our Salvation!

Which one are you:

1. Indecisive 
2. Receptive
3. Argumentative
4. Passive

• If you are indecisive, you are probably still choosing which one you are. 
• If you are receptive, you are probably saying; “Why not. I’m going to play along”!
• If you are argumentative, you are finding ways to find fault or how ridiculous this is! 
• If you are are passive, you are in line with receptive; which in your mind you are saying; “Let’s do this”!

Are you wondering why I am asking you to consider your disposition or put another way, a developed character? It’s because many of us do not realize those in our daily lives influence our attitude and altitude of success or failure by being able to choose! 

Look at today’s world. Take for instance something as simple as buying Dove soap, When you go to a department store, there are at least 15 varieties to choose from. You usually buy the Dove white soap; however, the Cucumber and Green Tea smells good, and so does the Shea Butter and Warm Vanilla. Then you look down, let out a heavy sigh and say, “Oh wow, there’s more. Then you begin to wonder if you would be pleased with a new fragrance of soap! Well you won’t know until you give it a try!

Now if you give it too much thought, you can become frustrated and indecisive; whereas, being in that state of mind disrupts your “Peace” of mind - which escalates into being argumentative (which is a form of fear) because you are thinking, “Why do they have so many choices? All I came here for is some soap!” 

Philippians 4:4-7 AMPC 

4 Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice!

5 Let all men know and perceive and recognize your unselfishness (your considerateness, your forbearing spirit). The Lord is near [He is coming soon].

6 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.

7 And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

The reason why many of us don’t have “Peace”, is we are in the wrong Spirit! We are not allowing the Holy Spirit in us to lead and guide us in our choices, decisions, and even our words that bring about calmness in you and those around you! It’s a wonderful state of mind to be in - and nothing can penetrate it either; because it’s that powerful! 

Now let’s talk about receptive and passive that go hand in hand. Being willing and open is good to a certain point. It depends on what it is you are agreeing to do! Most people who are receptive do have a strong sense of character. They listen before responding and are in agreement of a change, with the exception, it will improve a condition or environment. However, those who are passive generally do not. The concept of passive is to please others to a point of acceptance - being in agreement to what everybody else is doing, you know, follow the crowd per say! 

We all get agitated and distraught many times in our lives, and over the years of my life, I have often wondered what being at Rest, being at Peace, and Leaning my entire human personality on God meant - as Paul spoke about often.

I Timothy 1:16-19 AMPC

13 Though I formerly blasphemed and persecuted and was shamefully and outrageously and aggressively insulting [to Him], nevertheless, I obtained mercy because I had acted out of ignorance in unbelief.
14 And the grace (unmerited favor and blessing) of our Lord [actually] flowed out superabundantly and beyond measure for me, accompanied by faith and love that are [to be realized] in Christ Jesus.
15 The saying is sure and true and worthy of full and universal acceptance, that Christ Jesus (the Messiah) came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am foremost.
16 But I obtained mercy for the reason that in me, as the foremost [of sinners], Jesus Christ might show forth and display all His perfect long-suffering and patience for an example to [encourage] those who would thereafter believe on Him for [the gaining of] eternal life.
17 Now to the King of eternity, incorruptible and immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever (to the ages of ages). Amen (so be it).
18 This charge and admonition I commit in trust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with prophetic intimations which I formerly received concerning you, so that inspired and aided by them you may wage the good warfare,
19 Holding fast to faith (that leaning of the entire human personality on God in absolute trust and confidence) and having a good (clear) conscience. By rejecting and thrusting from them [their conscience], some individuals have made shipwreck of their faith.

Now I know, it is our weapon of warfare against the evil spirits that are relentless in our thoughts to disrupt a sound mind. Once in that state of mind, the power is yours to keep you victorious in your mental health, your physical health, and your spiritual health! 

Nothing missing, Nothing broken!