Don't Run!

God, in our shame, guilt, and acts of wrong things we know are just sinful we run from You instead of to You to deliver us from Satan's wrath of destruction. 

When we hide, darkness becomes darker! It is never too late or you are never too young or too old to live a life of freedom from sin and God's peace (trust and total dependence in Him to always be by your side). GOD IS LOVE! And many of us have the wrong idea about God too! 

He also laughs, has a sense of humor, and full of joy! Who would want to be around someone who is always serious, don't laugh or know how to have good, clean fun? None of us. If you think about it, most of us gravitate towards people who are fun. Well that's how Jesus is, if He wasn't, He would not have had that many followers- nor would He have so many jealous of Him too! Hint: the Pharisees! (Religious leaders of His day) 🤔 who wanted to do away with Him because of the attention so many people gave Jesus; and how they traveled miles to hear Him preach and teach! 

ROMANS 13:10-14 AMPC

Love does no wrong to one’s neighbor [it never hurts anybody]. Therefore love meets all the requirements and is the fulfilling of the Law.

Besides this you know what [a critical] hour this is, how it is high time now for you to wake up out of your sleep (rouse to reality). For salvation (final deliverance) is nearer to us now than when we first believed (adhered to, trusted in, and relied on Christ, the Messiah).

The night is far gone and the day is almost here. Let us then drop (fling away) the works and deeds of darkness and put on the [full] armor of light.

Let us live and conduct ourselves honorably and becomingly as in the [open light of] day, not in reveling (carousing) and drunkenness, not in immorality and debauchery (sensuality and licentiousness), not in quarreling and jealousy.

But clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah), and make no provision for [indulging] the flesh [put a stop to thinking about the evil cravings of your physical nature] to [gratify its] desires (lusts).

Out of the Mouth!

I just heard the most profound thing watching an old sitcom. Although I have heard the story of baby Jesus being born in a manger many times, I had never heard it told the way it was presented in this episode.

 

While watching “Mama's Family”, Thelma Harper (her stage name) played by Vicki Lawrence, happened to be in the midst of homeless victims who were gathered downtown to receive goodies from a group of college students. She showed up because her grandson took her wallet by accident. However, her grandson didn't go because the college group got wind the police were going to be there so they opted out. During the whole ordeal all of those present were all arrested for loitering basically in a public place.

 

Before she knew it, she was herded to jail with the rest of those present. After she realized what was going on, she refused to cooperate and be put in jail. She put up a good fight too; not physically, but by trying to persuade the police they were making a big mistake because she wasn't homeless. Thelma told them she only came downtown to find her grandson who had her wallet. She wasn't as persuasive as she would have liked and was put in the cell anyway with women, one child, and men; while standing at the cell door yelling, “I'm NOT staying in this cell with dirty, homeless people”.

 

After realizing what came out of her mouth, she quickly apologized to those in the cell and tried to smooth it over by saying, "I'm not saying you all in here are bad people, but I don't belong here"! Finally she gave up and the only child in the cell came up to her and said; "Miss? You can have my seat"! And Thelma humbled herself, knelt down and asked the little girl, "Sweetie, what are you doing in here?" The little girl said, "Me and my Mom are homeless and have nowhere to go. We were living out of our car until they came and towed it away." Then Thelma bowed her head and told the little girl that she would not take her seat, she would just sit in the corner next to this homeless lady. Once she sat down, this woman she sat next to said, " Hello Thelma!" And she quickly turned to this woman, to her surprise, she was a relative. Of course, she wanted to know why she was there, so she asked. The woman told her that when her husband died, she lost him and the farm; and at her age it was hard to find work. So for two years she has been roaming the streets. She responded; "You can't have an apartment if you can't pay the rent"!

While all of this was going on, the Mayor had called the police department and commanded the police officers to free the homeless people. The policemen were indifferent about doing so and remarked that it's election year and the Mayor wants to look like he cares about the homeless to get votes. They obeyed the Mayor's orders, attempted to release everyone; but Thelma, after hearing all of the stories of why so many were homeless, told the police they can't release no one - because none of them have no where to go. Yes, you guessed it! She argued with the police and refused to leave or let the people leave until they found some place for them to go. During this confrontation, the policeman had the cell door slightly open with the key still in the door and Thelma grabbed the keys, put them down her shirt, slammed the door; and told the police come and get them if they could. This time the policeman tried to persuade her that she didn't belong in the cell with all of these homeless people and that she was different then the rest. She softly said; " I know of a baby that was born in a barn. The parents tried to find a place to have the baby, but that was the only available place.” Without even thinking, the policeman said; Well lady, that's what happens when you are poor"! And Thelma said, "The baby I'm talking about was Jesus!" The policeman spoke before he thought, but actually, he spoke what he felt in his heart - and he tried to smooth it over also.

 

After much determination from Thelma, everyone was released; whereas, the show concluded with Thelma and her relative sitting on the couch thanking the local church for allowing all those in the jail to stay there until all of them were placed in a safe and clean place to live. In addition, Thelma told her relative that she would help her find a place of her own; however, she had to stay with her until that happened. 

 

The moral of the story, I gathered, is Thelma was in the right place at the right time not by choice; but by purpose (God's purpose) so those who have fallen can be restored - and because Thelma is woman of courage, grit, tenacity, love, and determination, God knows those are the ones He puts on the front line to fight and win battles. Thelma made sure her voice was heard, "LOUD AND CLEAR" that it doesn't take money or compassion, it takes a “WILL” to want to! No this is not a true story, but it made me think of all the times we are put in a situation just like Thelma; but many of us choose to walk away - because we are "Self-Centered", instead of "God-Centered"! 

Down on Broadway!

As I drove around my old community of my childhood, I reminisced of what was and how the community has become a disarray of decay and destruction; that used to be a community that flourished with love, gratitude, a deep respect and honor for God, as well as a community that appreciated the little things - and understood that struggles don't last always! 

                                                                                          Broadway School Yard that is still being used

There were family and friends that lived from Mulberry street (East) to Vine Street (West); and Presbyterian Street (North) to Sixth Street (South). There was one particular street that was wider than any street should be, without being called a highway; which was Broadway Street. Everything happened on Broadway - New Year's Eve bonfires, skateboarding, sledding, street dances, and worship services. It was and still is a street like no other, that if it could talk, would intrigue you of how much history has passed by on "Broadway"!

The community didn't come with it's problems; because it showed how we can become so enamored with worldly views, we forget about how God views us. As we all know, there are many blacks who looked white; whereas, they would disown their heritage so their life could be free of rejection and more of acceptance. "But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (I Samuel 16:7 AMP) Why did I mention this from a story that is about a community of love, and respect and honor for God? It's because one, God put it on my heart to mention this, and two, it shows us how we, again, separate and divide to promote and elevate our own ego and life, instead of trusting God to do it!

Broadway High School establishment that was the only school established to educate blacks in Madison.

I did feel sadness as I drove through the neighborhood that once was, no longer exist or flourish with those who made it our home. Ecclesiastes 7:10, Amplified version says: "Do not say, Why were the old days better than these? For it is not wise or because of wisdom that you ask this".

But, I also understand that we are not to long for the good old days either; because the past is gone and cannot be no more. We are to look forward to what God has in store for us and how we as the light and salt of the world are to make it better than yesterday.

"You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste (its strength, its quality), how can its saltiness be restored? It is not good for anything any longer but to be thrown out and trodden underfoot by men.

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.

Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a peck measure, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.

Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven". (Matthew 5:13-16 AMP)

So many of us have strayed from God and gone their own way and are in a valley wondering how to get out so they can find the comfort and joy they once had. It can be that way once again, but not without work on our part and without a true commitment to Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

                                    John Paul Park. Softball games were played by old and young alike since the 1930's            

"For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning". (Psalm 30:5 KJV) There is nothing that God can't do, but we have to understand, nothing will change until we change our thinking and attitude towards ourselves and others that the change we are looking for is already within us to stop believing that yesterday was better than today!

                                      Addition to John Paul Park that used to have slides, merry-go-rounds and swings.

I'm all in "Knots"!

As I have observed having babies out of wedlock, there is a separation that is causing destruction between the child, and parents. The Mother is complaining she is not getting enough child support or any at all, the Father is complaining he has to pay child support and can't live comfortably because it's taking all his money! The devil is busy! He puts things in other people's heads that is not true, and we as a society jump right in line and do what Satan describes over what God has laid the foundation of what a family should be.

I am the Door; anyone who enters in through Me will be saved (will live). He will come in and he will go out [freely], and will find pasture. The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows). (John 10:9-10 AMP)

Satan says, “Have sex, nothing will happen”! God says, “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord”. (Psalm 27:14 KJV)

This is not God's plan for us to be in strife ALL the time! This is the works of the Devil. Now think about it! You have no peace, no help, no security, and no money – well some have little money, but still it's not enough to keep the bills going and take care of the household.

I am divorced and have reaped the devastation of a single income verses two incomes. When I was married, there was NEVER NOT enough. We worked as a team, bills were paid, car notes were paid, and mortgage was paid. I have to say, I knew in my heart that it was going to be a struggle, so I didn't get a divorce until my children were almost out of the house, and even then, I have struggled financially, and it has affected my children also. So if you think I am speaking from speculation, think again. It's not a walk in the park to continue to have babies and everyone, including you suffers because of carelessness and selfishness of a mishap that could have been prevented.

 

As I have mentioned, I was married and we had two children from the union. What women are doing now is devaluing themselves and accepting mediocrity. YES, it is way less than God's best for you. I know I didn't have the talk from my parents of how valuable I am to God and how much He loves me enough for me to wait for God to place that right man in my life, as well as molding that right man for me! Nor did I have that with my children; but they did have a biblical foundation. And what I mean by that is they were brought up reading the bible, as well as going to church; because I was their Sunday School Teacher for ten years!

Now that I know and understand God's ways is the best way and how much He does bless a marriage and the children, I will have that talk with my Grandchildren or at least instill it in their parents to have it with them. I want to share a message in the bottle I was very blessed to read and hold dear to my heart from the Author, Pastor Levi Lusko that he told to his daughter:

Hold out for honor. You are worth more than you know. You are created in the image of God, and your value exceeds that of rubies or diamonds.

 

You are loved, and you are lovely. You are appointed and anointed to rule and reign with God as royalty. You are the head and not the tail; you are from above and not beneath. You are a leader, not a follower. Don't rush, don't hurry, and don't settle! Let God prepare you, and believe that He is also preparing someone for you.

 

No matter what is behind you, from this day forward, embrace God's plans for you. (Swipe Right: The Life and Death Power of Sex and Romance by Levi Lusko)

 

I am still single and knew from my divorce that I needed to heal spiritually, physically, and mentally, and I am holding out for honor, as well as letting God prepare me for someone as well as preparing someone for me!

Two are better than one, because they have a good [more satisfying] reward for their labor; For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie down together, then they have warmth; but how can one be warm alone? And though a man might prevail against him who is alone, two will withstand him. A threefold cord is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 AMP)

Here We Go Again!

There is not much many of us know about the Zika Virus, other than it is transmitted by an infected mosquito carrying the virus. This virus can also be transmitted through sex, blood transfusions, and animals. It is primarily affecting the fetus of a pregnant woman that causes the brain to stop developing as well as the head. Whereas, the baby's head is considerably smaller than the rest of it's body, causing it to be deformed! We also know there is no cure for it at the moment either.

I'm sure many are thinking, “God why is this happening?” The first thing that came to my mind is, “God is telling us something and we are NOT listening”! Sex has become a pandemic in this world; whereas, people are having too many sex partners and feel it's something to brag about. Men are fathering children through sex, but not actually being a father; and women are having babies by at least four to five different men and are not married to none of them. Pornography is over a million dollar business at the expense of young women and men being chained and beaten to perform sexual activity that numerous people are supporting the industry by purchasing the magazines, videos, and tapes. I know this is infuriating many who are reading this, but before you become outraged, begin a Bible study and a relationship with God to understand His hurt and pain by our bad behavior. Sex was created by God to be pleasurable and powerful between a husband and wife. But the thief (Satan) comes to steal, kill, and destroy. (John 10:10)

Anything God creates for our pleasure, Satan steps in, deceives us, and causes destruction. Yes, I'm talking about the Zika virus, but when I saw sex as a way of transmitting the disease, and you have to have sex to become pregnant, it sparked a big “SIGH” in me! We as a “human race” are still going around this mountain of affliction; and have NOT understood why we are in this circle of affliction and bondage to diseases that keeps them awake at night wondering if they will catch something by being sexually active to many partners! When you are sexually active to only “one” partner throughout your lifetime, you have pleasure, peace, and health that is placed upon you and your household by God! His blessings are forevermore and through eternity!

The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like total darkness. They have no idea what they are stumbling over. My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don’t lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech. Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path. Don’t get sidetracked; keep your feet from following evil. (Proverbs 4:18-27 NLT)

Before you say, "I Do"!

So you are planning a wedding. Making sure all of the logistics are in place, as well as the venues to hold the reception party, the photographer and possibly a honeymoon to follow. Weddings are a must in our society, but marriage is a Holy Matrimony between a man and women made from God to share a life partnership together that Serves God together, governs together, pro-creates together, and educates their children together.

 

 

It is a partnership, unlike a business partnership, where the two are the knot that should not be broken or undone by little things in life that can destroy the union ~ if you allow it to! The vows do say, "Let no man put asunder"; which means separate you. So why is the marriage institutions under attack today by Satan? Is it because we have all strayed away from God? Is it we try to be God? Or can it be we feel we can do it alone without anyone!

 

Now the Lord God said, It is not good (sufficient, satisfactory) that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper (suitable, adapted, complementary) for him.

 

And out of the ground the Lord God formed every [wild] beast and living creature of the field and every bird of the air and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them; and whatever Adam called every living creature, that was its name.

And Adam gave names to all the livestock and to the birds of the air and to every [wild] beast of the field; but for Adam there was not found a helper meet (suitable, adapted, complementary) for him.

And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam; and while he slept, He took one of his ribs or a part of his side and closed up the [place with] flesh.

 

And the rib or part of his side which the Lord God had taken from the man He built up and made into a woman, and He brought her to the man.

 

Then Adam said, This [creature] is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of a man. 

 

Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and shall become united and cleave to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

 

And the man and his wife were both naked and were not embarrassed or ashamed in each other’s presence.(Genesis 2:18-25 AMP)

 

 

Whatever the reason is, feel free to elaborate on those questions, but I know from my experience working with brides, they become too caught up in the planning, instead of focusing on the marriage. The event is one day; whereas, the marriage is a lifetime. I have seen many engagements break up before the actual wedding because of the disagreements that came about in choosing things that truly were not that important to flare up about. It could have been a good reason also; because neither one was truly ready to begin a healthy and lasting relationship or mature enough to work together in the planning.

It is necessary to the relationship to receive spiritual counseling before any marriage takes place to ensure the man and wife "to be" can disagree in love and still come to an agreement that is beneficial to both. If one is adamant about living in Chicago and refuses to listen or allow the other person to talk who wants to live in Boston; there is still work to be done; don't get married. If one wants one child, and the other wants three, don't get married; because one of you will be disappointed and unhappy in the union.

 

Marriage was and still is sacred in the eyes of God, so before anyone wants to argue the fact, have a talk with Jesus before you comment; because He is still on the throne and ready to give you the answer, in love, of righteous and just living among a people who have severely gone astray, causing a generation to develop that is in jeopardy of receiving the Kingdom of Heaven!

Children are a Gift from God!

NEVER EVER HIT A CHILD OUT OF ANGER! These babies are no where near your size or strength. What gives a grown woman and man the right to harm an innocent defenseless child. If you are that angry then walk away, calm down and then come back to correct this child. If it is a crying baby, and you do not have the patience and love to understand babies cry when they are hungry, wet, or sick, then be responsible and quit having sex! It truly hurts when I continue to hear on the news of Mothers and Fathers, (who are not married either), killing a child because they were crying, or hungry, or woke them up in the middle of the night! I usually don't vent, but this situation tears at my heart!

"Beware that you do not despise or feel scornful toward or think little of one of these little ones, for I tell you that in heaven their angels always are in the presence of and look upon the face of My Father Who is in heaven" (Matthew 18:10 AMP)
 

 

Children are a gift from God; they are his reward. Children born to a young man are like sharp arrows to defend him.

Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them. That man shall have the help he needs when arguing with his enemies."

(Psalm 127:3-5 TLB)

Remember anything you do unto a child that is detrimental, you do unto God. It is important to correct your children in love, but not abuse them or revoke them to anger! So if you are not man enough or woman enough to be a good parent, don't pro-recreate! If you were abused as a child and survived, please get spiritual help before you get in a relationship, because it will be very unhealthy as well as your parenting. If you did get pregnant and know in your heart you can't be a good Mother, put the baby up for adoption so someone can love them.

Abortions are not the answer, because you were careless knowing there could be a possibility of getting pregnant. I had an abortion and it took me a LONG time to get over that, so do not cop out in that area either! Ladies you have control over your body and it's time to stop the foolishness of trying to catch a cab, more or less that takes you places, but you end up no where!

GET SAVED, GET MARRIED, AND THEN HAVE BABIES!

I can't even put a picture on here of an abused child because it hurts so bad!