"What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." Mark 10:9

This pandemic has contributed to a lot of marriages going asunder. You see many of us married couples are working couples and a few are just one person working while the other is a homemaker. But let's look at the working couple. Here we have a couplewhere the husnabd and wife are working two different time shifts and they barely get to see each other and that's only when they both are in bed together for only a couple or so hours. One is coming in and the other is leaving out. 

They may spend some time together on the weekend if the job does not require them to work. Consequently, they have been working this schedule for a while and it has been working pretty good for them; so they say. You see, there is only one problem but they won't talk about it due to the fact that they don't want it to cause an argument but yet both parties are feeling distance between the two of them. but why rock the boat? It's been peaceful and all is well The bills are being paid and so forth.

And then comes the pandemic, No one is at work. They work from home now. Being home together and seeing more of each other sounds like it is a good thing in the beginning. But unfortunately it is not. Why? Because they like so many couples across the world are are now in close proximity of each other in passing and sleeping. Now they got to see each other all day lon...Seven days a week for nesarly two years. And instead of becoming close and becoming one it leads to frustration and lack of privacy. You get the picture?

In other words, many have blamed the pandemic for them being home together. Is it possible they have become comfotable being away from each other moreso than being together. You see, they no longer get to have coffee together or go on lunch dates with the persons at work which is usually the opposite sex. Let me explain..............

http://youtu.be/-xXiSvddlfA

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

I pray as we meet together you give yourself permission to forgive yourselves today. We have focused on the importance of releasing others from debts that we assigned to them after injury or hurt, loss of trust, and on and on. We have recently talked in the recent past about how if we don't choose to forgive those who are unforgiveable in our eyes it leaves a hole in our Tea Cups that Christ can repair. We talked about drinking that Brew of Bitterness and how it only shapes our ideas of the Great Potter in ways that are not at all who He is. We have shared that this brew of bitter un-forgivingness takes us to dark places that Satan likes to keep us in. It's a place where we can't see the beauty in Christ's gift to us upon the cross.

This morning I would like to share a new Brew with you so let's grab our cups and look at the stage of forgiveness that leads to complete freedom. I think we shall call this brew "Freedom for Me Brew". Now many people may think this is a brew set in a worldly view point but I want you drink this brew in slowly and don't trust me but trust the Potter and Creator Christ.

I tell you this from personal experience, this is one of the most humbling brews I have ever drank from. Many are probably still thinking this brew can't produce humbleness but I assure you it does just that.

Now let's take our first sip of this "Freedom for Me Brew". It's hard to forgive others that have wronged us and have disappointed us or totally destroyed our tea cups. Yet Christ says we are turn the other cheek and we are to forgive 7 times 70 and I don't think He meant the math in a literal way but rather in a spiritual way. Now for our next sip. Have you really considered what the cross and Jesus' dying upon it meant for you and I? Was it to just to atone for the sins of the world or was it meant as a very intimate brew for us each to consider and sip slowly in prayer and meditation with the Savior and Redeemer. Take a moment to slowly sip these truths and think about how they fit into your Tea Cup and your mindset of the cross and what it means to you personally.

Now as we take our next sip, lets' look at baptism. Through baptism, regardless of what your belief system says as a young child or if you believe you must be old enough to make the choice, let's consider what occurs in baptism. We and our Tea Cups are filled with grace, hope, joy, and the belief of redemption. Yet most importantly God says that when we come out of the water we are a NEW CREATION IN CHRIST.

So let's ponder on that as we sip our tea of freedom. If God allows us to be baptized and when we take our first new breath we are a new creation in Christ doesn't that mean the old me is gone and here stands a new me with a perfect and lovely and chip free Tea Cup of Redemption?

So then Brothas and Sistas, do we not allow ourselves to forgive ourselves? If Christ has forgiven us all our transgressions from yesterday, today, tomorrow and beyond are we honoring Him by what He accomplished on the cross if we choose to not let the old self die and take with it all the unforgiveness that we may have rightfully earned? I believe much of this is just bitter tea leaves that Satan pollutes our tea cups with. As I was processing through forgiveness in a discipleship counseling /mentoring I am taking, I came to place where I had worked out my forgiveness for those who had abandoned me, physically and emotionally hurt me, and so on and so on. It wasn't till recently that God had begun to have me recognize that there was a part of my heart and place where the great Potter couldn't get to do the last of the repairs on my tea cup for this season. It was in these prayers and conversations that He began to gently start moving closer and closer to this still very dark place in my heart. This place needed so much more work from the Potter than I could have ever know.

He began to question me and ask me if I believe and drink from Brew called redemption, salvation and forgiveness? Did I believe that what He had done on the cross was enough? I was so confused so I didn't understand. I felt as if He knew these answers. Yet He pressed on like you would a wine press to get all the good juices from the grape and leave behind on the thin skin that has no real purpose. I boldly asked out of desperation what was Yahweh asking me? He told me I was clinging to matters of the heart that displeased Him. He went on to say that these very things kept me from allowing Him to finish the current repairs to my Tea Cup.

I was now keenly aware that I was losing some of the sweetest brews as they dripped upon my lap whenever I was enjoying a magnificent brew from the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Yet I had to really press in and ask Yahweh to please disclose to me this part of my heart that I didn't even realize I was keeping from Him. He so gently took my Tea Cup in His hand and showed me the broken place.

I asked Him, "Lord what is it that I stored up there that keeps you from making my Tea Cup whole." In His most gentle leading and demonstration He revealed to me all the places he had repaired and how lovely they were now. He reminded me of how dark, chipped, broken and cracked they once had been. Then he asked me," Do you really desire for my full Tea Cup to be as lovely as much of it is now by His grace and forgiveness." I said, "Yes." without a moment's hesitation and asked, "How?"

Our Amazing God, Savior and Redeemer whispered softly,"You are holding onto un-forgiveness for yourself, expectations you have created and losses that you choose to hold onto. You are playing the blame game and I was the only player at the party." Sistas, at times and during circumstances I had allowed my flesh to lead instead of my Tea Cup filled with godly wisdom and navigation by the Holy Spirit. In these moments He asked me if I was willing to humble myself enough to turn these things over to Him once and for all. He gently gave me a vision of two choices.

In the first, I was walking in a life of freedom, drinking from the many brews He provided for all the different seasons and circumstances in my life. There I sat a very humble and hungry with me eating and drinking of the Father's fruits of the Spirit and sipping on some magnificent Tea. He gently spoke to my heart and said, "This is where I desire you to be and to come and replenish yourself always."

He then said to me, "But right now, this is not where you sit." He then showed me where I sat with all the my own un-forgiveness for myself. This was not a nice or tasty brew at all. It was so bitter and dark. Yet what I could see was me standing over Christ at the cross re-nailing His hands and feet to the cross over and over again. I was so saddened by this picture so I asked, "Why and how?" And said, "Oh, Lord take me from there. I have no desire in my heart to harm You.

That's when He brewed me the Brew of Self Forgiveness and Freedom. What He needed me to see was that unless I humbled myself enough to forgive not only everyone else, yet especially myself, I was living proof of a believer that didn't trust God enough with her own faults and failures ;perceived or real. I therefore was nailing my Redeemer to the cross daily. Brothas and Sistas, in that precious moment I confessed to the Lord, God that I had not chosen to be humble enough to trust Him with my own damnation. In those moments He took all that garbage and replaced it with a lovely Tea Cup that was no longer leaking.

I pray Brothas and Sistas, that you would search your own tea cup humbly and ask God to give you the power, will and strength to not only forgive those who have wronged you but also all the stuff that you hold tightly to, which is unforgiveness for yourself; the Brew is quite refreshing and a lighter load you shall carry. God will be able to entrust you with greater and better Brews of Life by making room in your Tea Cup for Him. Brothas and Sistas, pour in just the brew you need today, tomorrow, and beyond.

Scriptures to remind you of who you are in Christ this week:

1. Psalm 45:9 - "Daughters of kings are among your honored women; at your right hand is the royal bride in gold of Ophir."

2. 2 Corinthians 6:18 - "And, I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”

3. Ephesians 5:29 - "After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church

Dear Brothas and Sistas, I pray that this week God will reveal to you the things that He desires for you to release to Him humbly and with forgiveness of yourself, others and Him. As the peace and freedom that comes from this special but most challenging request may open your eyes and hearts for things that God has been trying to b less your with or move you into. In all these things I claim my humble forgiveness and that we each have full access to sweet Brothas and Sistas in Christ, Jesus as we are sons and daughters of the King of Kings. In His love and mercy. We ask all these things in Jesus Christ.

Till next week,

Love,

Tabby

Forgiven, Free, and Redeemed

https://youtu.be/mTxSsIhUjvA

"Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led around by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And He ate nothing during those days, and when they had ended, He became hungry. And the devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” And Jesus answered him,“It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.” And he led Him up and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, “I will give You all this domain and its glory; for it has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. Therefore if You [d]worship before me, it shall all be Yours.” Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’”

GM Friends of God,

Satan is always standing at watch, waiting to burst our spiritual bubble. He takes details very seriously and he waits to attack at our weakest point just as he tried to tempt Jesus in the wilderness for 40 days when He hadn't eaten anything. Forty days is a very long time to go without food. Of course, when those days had ended Jesus was hungry. (Luke 4: 1-3)

And everytime Satan tried to tempt Jesus with his attacks, Jesus quoted scripture saying, "It is written that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.' (vs.4) "It is written, get thee behind me, Satan." (vs.8) "It is said Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God." (vs.12) In (vs. 13) the scripture said, "And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season."

So Friends, we see here that if Satan tried to tempt Jesus tempts and Jesus quotes His own words from the scriptures, how much more will he try to tempt and attack us? Friends, Satan always attacks after we receive a great blessing, a victory or an answer to prayer. Satan also tries to tempt us to sin, just before we receive the blessing or reward, or our answered prayer that we were waiting for. Yes, Friends he works extra hard to stop those blessings by getting us to sin.

I told you he's very serious about details. He's a master planner, waiting for the right time to ambush us and we need to know what Satan opportune times are. Here's just a few, of course, we know there's so many more. He attack us when we are weak,down, depressed , lonely, going through trials and tribulations and the list goes on. So Friends, we need to be ready with the word of God at all times, just like Jesus was. He used his own word against Satan to win every time and we must do the same.

And remember friends that when you win a victory, Satan won't stop because you won that victory. Remember (vs.13) "And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a season."

No friends! If Satan fails at getting us to sin, he will try again and again, over and over, so we must be on our absolute guard at all times, especially after a supernatural blessing from the hands of God. "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour." (1 Peter 5:8) Yes Friends, Satan was defeated again and again in the wilderness. God has left us the tools of using his word against the attacks of the enemy. "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil evil day, and having done all to stand." ( Ephesians 6:13 )

Let's never forget, Friends, that we are on "Satan's Most Wanted List", so we need to take as much time in prayer as we did when we were asking God to answer our prayers, for whatever we were looking for from Him we need to thank God and praise God for the blessings. Always be on guard, Friends against his trickery, his tactics, his lies, and his deceits to get you to sin before your blessings. Don't ever allow the enemy to come in and pour water on your fire, Friends.

Yes, Friends, Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit that lives in us is cheering us on telling us, "Don't give up on our blessings, there just around the corner. " Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit,and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints." (Ephesians 6:18)

Peace and blessings friends,

Much Love

Renee

Prayer of Faith

Dear Lord,

Thank you for the fire that resides in each one of us because of the Holy Spirit. Help us to be aware of the enemy's tactics so that we will not allow our fire to go out. May we realize that we are more than conquerors in every situation. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. 

Trhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=sTqIBTZix5w

"Moses and Aaron fell down on the ground before the people of Israel. Two of the men who had explored the land, Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son Jephunneh, tore their clothing. They said to the community of Israel, the land we explored is a wonderful land! And if the Lord is pleased with us. He will bring us safely into that land and give it to us. It is a rich land flowing with milk and honey and he will give it to us! Do not rebel against the Lord, and don't be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us ! They have no protection, but the Lord is with us! Don't be afraid of them!" Numbers 14:5-9

Good morning my Brothas and Sistas,

Joni Erickson Tada states - “Faith isn’t the ability to believe long and far into the misty future. It’s simply taking God at His Word and taking the next step.”

Twelve Israelite spies returned to give their report of the Promised Land. Ten said, " Go! " Only two had eyes of faith. Caleb and Joshua focused on the bountiful blessing of the land. The other ten were too focused on the giants that they couldn't see the beauty of what God was giving them. Sistas, They forgot the "God factor". God told the Israelites He would give them the land and He had power to make it happen.

Is it easy to be like the twelve spies and focus on the giant negatives in our lives? How many of us lose faith in God's power to do a mighty work beyond what we can see? The truth is, we need to turn our eyes toward faith in what God can do and stop concentrating on what's wrong. We need to look at what's promising, not what's discouraging! By changing our focus, we will begin to see all the positive blessings God has provided and will provide for us in the Promise Land.

We can keep the faith in many ways!!

1. Be mindful to pray. Prayer is the ultimate communication with God. By praying, you are allowing God to hear your concerns even though He already knows them.

2. You need to read your bible. The bible is the word of God and by reading it you are getting valuable information regarding what God has to say about your life and how He feels about you.

3. Don’t forget to stand on God's promises that He has made to you in His word. Jesus promised to never leave nor forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5) By grasping onto the word of God and trusting in it, you can rest assured that you are in good hands despite what is going on around you.

4. Don’t allow the distractions from the world to lead you in the wrong direction. Please remember to stay focused and remember God is on your side regardless of the situation and He will pull you through it.

We must stay strong in God's word. It requires an ongoing active choice to select God. Also, keeping the faith not just in times of peace, but in times when life feels rough. In times when we want to give up or choose another path we must trust God. Sistas, continue to ask God for His guidance on an daily basis. The word states' in 1 Corinthians 16:13, "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong."

Faith is very important to have because without it, we can't please God. By holding on to faith during troubled times, you can rest assured that you will be okay. Don’t fall into the pit of questioning whether God still cares. If you call on Him with your whole being and mind God will answer you as long as you’re His child.

Talk to your next time.....

Prayer Time

Dear Lord,

We thank you for always being there at times when we feel so alone. You have been faithful even in the tough times in our lives and we praise you. We pray that our phenomenal Sistas would develop a faith that withstands every trial. We know that without faith it is impossible to please you. (Hebrews 11:6) Help our Sistas to look beyond what they perceive as impossible and look through the eyes of faith to know that you make all things possible. Please remove the mountain in their lives that seeks to hinder them from doing your will. We pray all these in your name, Jesus. Amen. 

https://youtu.be/FD6GW-Qu4E4

https://youtu.be/zDKO6XYXioc

Slow Jam

"Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." Matthew 10:16

"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world." I John 4:1

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

Contrary to what used to be the norm for parents to meet the young lady or young man that their son or daughter would date, in today's society it seems as though our children are left to fend for themselves. My wife and I count it a privilege on our part to meet, get to know, and question (yes we give them the third degree) our children's boyfriends/ girlfriends. We love our children and want to make sure that who they are in company with have the same morals and beliefs that we have. Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." I Corinthians 15:33

It is not enough for our children's friends to say that they are Christian and live like the devil once they are out of our presence. We need to see them actively involved in a church instead of just being an Easter Sunday or New Year's Eve regular. Just recently we had a young man meet us for the first time. He went on and on about God, church and the bible. My wife just as nice and kindly as she could said, "All of that is nice but what do you do when you are not in church, reading your bible, or talking about God?" In other words we need to know what your lifestyle is like apart from "Sunday morning or trying to impress "The Christian Parents" to get to the "Christian Girl or Guy." "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world." I John 4:1

It is sad to say that many parents feel as though they might appear to be nosy or overprotective when they are involved in their children's social lives. Believe it or not it gives our children a sense of pride and security to know that we are involved and we care about what and who they care about. Brothas and Sistas, if they live in our house and even if they don't live in our house we feel it is our place as parents to know the people they are hanging out with. We have even adopted some of the young people that they have dated as our very own.

Brothas and Sistas, we must make our children aware of the joys and pitfalls of dating. We also need to make sure that the person they are dating knows that we are aware of the relationship and are actively involved in our children's lives so that they won't feel free to take advantage of them. And yes, we even take time to meet their parents and get to know them. We need to know that their child is coming from a home where morals are being taught so that if our children visit their home we feel secure about it. If something happens to our children we do not want to be the parents who say, "I never met them." or "I did not know anything about them." "Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves." Matthew 10:16

We also lay down our expectations in the beginning so that there will be no misunderstanding of what is expected. We make sure that they know that they have boundaries and those boundaries are not to be crossed. This puts an effective hedge of protection around our children. Our children and the person that they are dating will know that they are being watched and are being made to be held accountable.

More importantly we realize who they date could impact the rest of their lives and ultimately impact their destiny. We cannot afford to respond haphazardly to the individual that can use his or her influence to get them out of the will of God. We need to be actively praying for and about those that will be involved in their lives before they come into their lives.

I said all of that to say my wife and I make it a point to play "Meet the Parents." That means we meet them, they meet us and we meet their parents. Brothas and Sistas, what about you? How involved are you with who your children date? Think about it.

Be Blessed until next time Brothas and Sistas,

Minister Antonio and Sista Michelle Washington

Prayer of Faith

Dear Lord,

We praise you for our children. Help us to get involved and know the people that they are involved with. Help us to follow through on boundaries that we have put in place to protect our children. Teach us to pray about who they will one day date ahead of time. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

https://youtu.be/rWPABE3gycs

Acts 16:34 New International Version (NIV)

One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.

Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her.

When her owners realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities.They brought them before the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar by advocating customs unlawful for us Romansto accept or practice.”The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully.

When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!”

Good Morning Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus. I pray that if you have stumbled upon this message today that weather you call Christ Lord or not that after reading this you will know you can be,and that He desires for you to be a part of his family. Also you can know that NO-ONE is too messed up to be saved by Him. Please know this you are not here by chance or circumstance. I plead with you to hear this well, Christ Jesus knew from before time began that you would hear and read this message. It has always been His hope and yearning that today you would call Him your personal Savior. So let's go grab our tea cups no matter what condition they are in and head on over to the Grand Brew Masters Table, where he awaits us with great anticipation.

I have been a follower of Jesus all my life, but a true relationship began for me nearly 23 yrs ago, as I always believed in God and had an understanding of Jesus, and what I believed to be the terms of getting to myself to heaven on my last given day upon this earth. Note "getting myself to heaven." In the church I was raised in we were taught that you don't break the big ten, and that the only way to heaven is through confession, and pennants and the hope that others would take it upon themselves to pray you into heaven from purgatory once you died.

With this understanding of heaven, salvation and the life that I was living made me feel as though I would never be able to meet Jesus or be called a child of God in Heaven. As I was a challenging child and teen, I had made poor decision hung with the wrong crowd and broke many of the big 10. Is this familiar to anyone?

Maybe this wasn't your story. Maybe your story is similar to that of my son. Growing up he was sold out for and to Jesus. He is exceptionally bright, and is now a grown young man. I am certain that he hasn't broke as many of the big 10 as I have, yet he no longer accept the truths of bible or of Jesus Christ. He has many intellectual questions, many that I can't answer. He doubts the validity of the scriptures due to skeptics in our modern day world. He questions God's Goodness with all the pain and hurt, and illness, cruelty, and savage violence and loss of the value of human beings by other humans. Is this your story you simply can't make intellectual sense of the truths of Christ and the Bible? You can't see God's hand is this world of corruption and pain, and injustice? Yes, that is your story? Well hear this God is chasing after you and not waiting or expecting you to get your "act" together before rescuing you! As we would never be able to get rid of all the stains of sin, only He can wash them away.

If that wasn’t your story, then maybe your story is that of many of the people in my family and extended family. Your belief is that you are a good person by nature and choice. You don't go around murdering. slandering, cheating, spreading evil and on and on. You simply live by a code of ethics and go about life hoping that you are changing the world for the better or at least not contributing to evil and chaos. Understand this God is seeking you out, He desires to show you that there is more to life than your doubtful spirit will allow you view, and understand.

What I believe is that even if your heart and life are filled with rebellion, poor choices and circumstances you are still worthy of being saved by Jesus. If you don't understand or accept the truths of the bible and even go so far as to question God's existence, value, love, goodness and knowing and all loving power; you are worthy of being saved. Beyond your worth in being saved you’re are being pursued by God. God is perusing you, yes, even those that don't believe that they need a Savior.

If we look at the bible verses or portion of a chapter from the book of Acts, and what Paul was writing about we see that there are 3 different types of persons that he is sharing their journey to salvation with us. I believe that most people will fit into one of these 3 general type of person(s) who haven't found their salvation in Christ Jesus. So let's take a look at each of them and gain a better understanding of how we can each relate to their salvation story.

Lydia- Lydia's back story is that she is a very wealthy woman who owns a fashion business. Lydia is from Asia where many other God's were served. There was basically a menu of God's to choose from where she grew up. Yet Lydia had a calling for a greater Truth, one that didn't expect perfection or that you would have to change yourself to be worthy. When Paul comes onto the scene she has already determined that God of Abraham is the only one true God. Since she is residing in a community of Jews she understands that there must be atonement for her sins, but since she was not Jewish she didn't have a means to do this. So when she hears Paul share the Gospel and the truth of the cross, she no longer was seeking a truth or way to intellectually she now understands God's salvation plan. Paul was able to speak to her spirit in a way that made intellectual sense and in that moment the Holy Spirit came upon her and she was saved, by the blood of Jesus.

The Gypsy Girl- Now I love Paul so much as he is so real and authentic. He is often viewed as the perfect Christian, always walking in the Spirit of Christ. I would say he is the next closest example of how to walk in the truth of Christ, after Christ himself. Yet in this bible extract we see Paul's human side, as this girl had been following him for days and taunting and yelling and being as disruptive and distracting as one could ever imagine. This young girl was filled with an evil demon. Many of us can relate to that, the demons of past, the demons of choices, the demons of our consequences or current situation. We see Paul loose his cool here and in the name of Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit he demands that the evil spirit leave her body, soul, heart and mind. In that moment she found the truth of her salvation, and was at once baptized and redeemed through the work of the cross and Jesus.

The Prison Guard- This one is so amazing to me, as we must first understand a bit of an explanation of the heart of this Prison guard to truly understand his conversion to faith in Christ. He was told by the authorities to take Paul and his two companions and safely in-prison them. Then we read that he put them in shackles within the cell. Now when we think of shackles or stocks we think of the 1700's and well that's not very comfortable but not horrible. These shackles were not like this at all. In order to be put in these shackles your body had to be contorted in extreme twists turns with no wiggle room for pressure or pain relief. In essence Paul and his two companions were being tortured. Yet Paul and his friends continued to sing and praise God. Then God knowing that the only way to reach this guards heart was through such a huge example of doing right and not taking the easy way out, and demonstrating acceptance of bad even if it wasn't just. 

God knew that Paul and his friends had done nothing wrong as they knew it too. Yet their hearts and actions were sold out to Jesus, so to be imprisoned for no crime was ok, as they knew God's justice would overcome in the end. So as we read in our verses about the Prison guard there is a large bang such as an earthquake, and all the prison cells were unlocked and all the chains and torture devices were set free. This guard was then so scared and felt such a duty to his job that he believed all the prisoners escaped. With his great sense of duty and knowing that he would be put to death for losing the prisons he was about to fall upon his own sword and take his life. At this very moment God shows up through Paul and stops him and assured him that all the prisoners were still there. The guard is amazed and then seeks to understand Paul's faith in Christ and gives over his life to Christ and all those of his household did the same.

Brothers and Sisters, as we can see here in our bible verses today God desires and God will continue to show up in your life and circumstances no matter what! He will create a way to use the intellect He gave you to rescue you from your own doubt and lack of faith. He will continue to show up and intercede on the behalf of the rebellious and be there to rescue you all you have to do is listen for His voice, and give way to stirring in your spirit, and you will be saved. For those that are duty bound and doing and being a good hard working person, that simple believes being good is good enough. He will show up over and over in circumstances and trials, and challenges in your life. He will do so to show you that when it all falls apart He is here to be your Rescuer and teach you that being and doing good, isn't enough but that He is enough!

Brothers and Sisters, I hope you can relate to one of these amazing examples of who you are if you haven't found Christ yet and may we pray that you will open your eyes to be rescued. I pray that if you are saved by the blood of Christ that you and I will walk out and live out our lives like Christ, so that He can uses us as He did Paul to save and rescue all those who are lost, and in need of the One True Savior- Jesus Christ.

Till next week,

Prayers and Love,

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Jeremiah 29:11

Good Morning Friends of God,

I have a word of encouragement for anyone who's going through right now. Friends, God's glory is all around us, even in the desert places. Moses spent forty years as a prince in Pharaoh's court in Exodus 2:1-10 Friends, I am sure you can imagine how different shepherding sheep in the wilderness was for Moses. Having had a life of luxury in Pharaoh's kingdom. Yet at the age of 80, he encountered the glory of God not at all in a lavish palace, but in a barren desert.

Friends, God's glory appears especially in the desert places of our lives. Moses accepted his situation and served where he was, then God's glory showed up. Friends, be encouraged in your desert state and serve wherever God has you because that's when God's glory often appears. Peace and blessings, Friends.

"It is through solving problems correctly that we grow spiritually. We are never given a burden unless we have the capacity to overcome it. If a great problem is set before you, this merely indicates that you have the great inner strength to solve a great problem. There is never really anything to be discouraged about, because difficulties are opportunities for inner growth, and the greater the difficulty the greater the opportunity for growth." Peace Pilgrim

Renee

Prayer of Faith

Dear Lord,

We realize that you meet us in the desert place and you take such good care of us while we are there. We grow up when we are there allowing you to peel away those things that hinder us from walking in your glory. We bring glory to you the most when we realize how frail we are and how powerful you are. We thank you for having such great plans for us. We pray these things in your wonderful name, Jesus. Amen.

https://youtu.be/kCSuw1zs8Kw

"The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong for the Lord upholds his hand." Psalms 37:23-24 (ESV)

Good Morning Brothas and Sistas,

The steps of a good person are ordered by the Lord whether they be good or bad steps. God will allow even our bad steps to get us to where we need to be. It is God's will that we reach our destiny.

Recently, I was at the mall and I stepped onto the escalator. I looked over and saw some other people climbing steps. I said, "What are you trying to say to me God?" God was saying that when we trust Him, our steps will flow much like this escalator. We are still stepping but with ease because we have allowed God to have total control.

Brothas and Sistas, I remember when I was young. I used to try to skip steps to hurry and get to the top. Sometimes I would miss a step and fall back down. Then I would have to start all over again. God is teaching me that in order for me to be elevated there has to be steps. The key is to avoid getting impatient in the process. We must take one step at a time. Even Jesus couldn't miss a step, He had to endure the cross. Calvary was a part of His stepping process. So if Jesus couldn't skip a step, neither can we.

Brothas and Sistas, it is important that we allow God to order our steps. We don't have to do it ourselves. Honestly, all we end up doing is making a mess of things and delaying the process, but because of Gods grace even when we fall short God uses that bad step as part of the journey. What A Mighty God We Serve!!!!!

Be Blessed,

Elder V

Dear God,

Thank you so much for loving us enough to order our steps. Even when we fall short and try to go our own way you don't discard us or push us away; you simply take the experience and make it part of the journey. We thank you for your grace and your mercy. God, your love is everlasting. Please help us, Father to be merciful with each other. Help us to learn from you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

https://youtu.be/qtZX7a44fMI

"I will lift up my eyes to the hills [of Jerusalem]—From where shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord,Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip;He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel Will neither slumber [briefly] nor sleep [soundly]. The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun will not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night. The Lord will protect you from all evil; He will keep your life. The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in [everything that you do] From this time forth and forever." Psalm 121:1-8 Amplified Bible

Good Morning Brothas and Sistas,

If you were ever confused about where your help comes from I believe this scripture makes it so clear. "Our Help comes from the Lord; the One that made the heavens and the earth" My God!!!

Brothas and Sistas, why is it that we look everywhere else except to the very one that created us ? We look to Momma, Daddy, friends everyone instead of going to the throne of the Only One and True Living God; the one who is both the Giver and the Sustainer of life. Wait a minute let me break this down just a little bit.

Sustain: To support the weight of : prop also, to carry or withstand (a weight or pressure)

God can support the weight of anything that you're carrying around in your life!!!! Help has already Arrived!! Help is not Coming, Help is Already Here!!

Listen, God is our Help. He is our Keeper! He won't ever go to sleep on the job. God will even keep us from going too far to the left. When things get hot God is our Shade. And when the Enemy comes for us God is our Protector....Hallelujah!! Hallelujah!!

Help Has Already Arrived!

Be Blessed,

Gina M

Prayer Time

Father God, we just take this opportunity to just Thank you. We don't want to ask for anything we just want to bless your Holy name and thank you for giving us everything that we need. You are truly our Present Help!!! In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

https://youtu.be/_jhYENBxRVo

https://youtu.be/XChomCwMa0E

Song of Solomon 4:1–15 (ESV): 4 Behold, you are beautiful, my love,

behold, you are beautiful! Your eyes are doves behind your veil.

Your hair is like a flock of goats leaping down the slopes of Gilead.

Your teeth are like a flock of shorn ewes that have come up from the washing, all of which bear twins, and not one among them has lost its young. Your lips are like a scarlet thread, and your mouth is lovely. Your cheeks are like halves of a pomegranate behind your veil. Your neck is like the tower of David, built in rows of stone; on it hang a thousand shields, all of them shields of warriors. Your two breasts are like two fawns, twins of a gazelle,

that graze among the lilies. Until the day breathes and the shadows flee,

I will go away to the mountain of myrrh and the hill of frankincense.

You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you. Come with me from Lebanon, my bride; come with me from Lebanon. Depart from the peak of Amana, from the peak of Senir and Hermon, from the dens of lions,

from the mountains of leopards. You have captivated(stolen) my heart, my sister, my bride; you have captivated (stolen) my heart with one glance of your eyes,

with one jewel of your necklace. How beautiful is your love, my sister, my bride! How much better is your love than wine, and the fragrance of your oils than any spice! Your lips drip nectar, my bride; honey and milk are under your tongue; the fragrance of your garments is like the fragrance of Lebanon. A garden locked is my sister, my bride, a spring locked, a fountain sealed.

Your shoots are an orchard of pomegranates with all choicest fruits,

henna with nard, nard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense, myrrh and aloes, with all choice spices— a garden fountain, a well of living water, and flowing streams from Lebanon.' Solomon 4:1-15

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

You remember how you first met? You couldn't stay apart from one another and no one could keep you apart from one another. You both constantly desired to be with one another every time you thought, ate, slept, woke etc., Do you remember the closer you got the more you felt the overwhelming love for him/her?

Now that you are married, the closer you are as the years go by, you drift further and further apart. When you look at Solomon 4:1-5, Solomon shines as he speaks romantic love talk to his wife in reference to how beautiful she is and all that he imagines in his desire for her. Solomon can't wait to get closer to her just as much as she can't wait to get closer to him. Solomon is saying, "The Closer I get to you the more you make me feel." Notices he says, "You have stolen my heart." twice.

This is how some of us as married couples used to be. We had so much desire, so much anticipation, and we were so much in love with each other. Brothas and Sistas, what went so wrong that we drifted apart? The passion we once had for our spouses can be restored if we are only willing to do what it takes to bring it back. Try getting closer to them by letting them know how much you truly love and adore them.

Till next time

Minister Antonio Washington

Prayer of Faith

Thank you for quality time with our spouses. Thank you for allowing us to get closer to one another in good times and in bad times. May we learn to pull together instead of drift apart. Help us to show our love daily to one another just as you show your love to us daily. In Jesus name we pray. 

http://youtu.be/-hbcD-u4pPY

Good morning Brothers and Sisters,

I pray that each of you have been experiencing a refreshing time with the Lord each day. I also pray you are certain that He is alive in you and is listening to you and your most loud or most quiet heart requests.

Dear Brothers and Sisters, this is a brew I think we often are afraid to speak of or share openly. I know in my home, church, or circle of friends I often feel like I need to be the one that has it together, that everyone's else's brews of sadness, loss, or pain are greater than mine. This thinking has brought me some brews of significant doubt and at times a sense that God was not listening to me and my own tea bags of trouble.

In my life most recently I have had to really stand firm in my faith. Someone very dear to me has become unemployed. This is devastating to this person, so I pull out the stinky brew of "Tabby needs to make it all better and she is responsible for fixing all that is coming apart." Well this brew lead me to another unpleasant brew of trying to play God in my own life and that of my dear loved one. Then Satan pours a bit more potency into the brew and has my heart and ears turning away from God so that I start believing that He isn't listening.

Also in my life here lately there has been tragedy after tragedy; to the point where I am trying to drink of the brews of the Lord; remembering His Truths and telling Satan to get behind me as Jesus did in the Garden when Peter cut off the ear of the soldier that came for Jesus. When I speak of tragedy it's not a word I use lightly. My family was saddened with loss of my mother-in-law and not knowing but trying to believe that she had been given one final chance in her last moments to change teams; to join Christ in eternity rather than the most earth shattering but only real other option, an eternity outside of love and joy of Christ.

Also a dear friend is saying goodbye to her husband after only 5 years of marriage due cancer that is stealing a lifetime of plans, joys, and hopes away. The time is drawing nearer with each passing day. The pain that this brings to her and close family members is almost too much to bear. To see my dear cousin and her spouse look at loosing another beloved family member for the third year in a row is a brew that can certainly shake your faith. This shaking can allow Satan's voice to seem to have reason and be more audible than our Savior Christ Jesus.

Then as we stand shaken, scared, fighting off doubt and trying to ensure our armor is in good repair as the battle is getting harder and darker God's brews and voice seem so still almost silent. We have been shook again in our world with more tragic news. A dear friend who has been the modern day Job in our lives who walked out nearly 7 years of pure torment, pain, and suffering both physically and relationally is finally back on his feet and again seeing the fruit of his suffering but Satan came in like the thief in the night that he is and steals away his young adult son; leaving him reeling with so much emotion, questions, and sorrow. This had to leave him wondering, I am sure, "Why God? Why now? He was getting his life together. He had a wonderful wife and baby.

Brothers and Sisters, again God's voice could so easily become silenced here. Yet he chooses to stand on the truths of Christ and the Brew that our God is all powerful, all good and He knows the reason and purpose for this tragedy. He and his family are doing all they can to keep certain that they are only choosing and drinking out of the God's Tea Box. They, like me, are trying to keep their ears turned towards God not just for explanation or hope, but to rest in His promises that He is perfect! Holding onto the knowledge that all the good and bad all work together for the Glory of the Lord.

Lastly, I must share of a young lady that I know who has the most direct line to Christ that I have ever had the privilege to be blessed to be in the company of. Now you might think this must be someone who has not see the trials and tribulations that you or I have faced or that I have shared today. Yet that is simply not the case. In many ways she is Job times expediential infinite numbers. She has been sick her entire life. She has had more surgeries than her loving and devout parents can even count. She has lost her life several times on the operating table only for God to say, "No your work on earth is not completed." So she returns for complex health issues, pain, and loss of her childhood. Yet her faith has never wavered not much beyond a moment of desperately needing God to step in and comfort her. She has always had the gift of evangelism long before she even understood what that meant. Yet I read an email from her mom just last night where she shared openly that they both have been struggling with tea cups of doubt and despair; feeling that God had left their presence, that He was no longer listening or choosing to be there to pour brews of hope, relief, comfort, healing and much more.

Yet as they prepared for another surgery with little expectation that it would be successful, this little angel prayed one last prayer and chose to drink from the tea pot of complete faith even when feeling that God may have stopped listening. She prayed not so much for the outcome of the surgery to go in her favor but that one matter that was nearly 100% guaranteed to be a reality outcome from the surgery. She simply chose to trust that God would choose to step in and if nothing else make this prayer heard and answered with a resounding, "Yes." Mom had an even greater prayer that this turmoil that was moving about in her daughter's body could be captured and that the doctors would find the reason for the extreme pain her young child has been in for months. Again mom not feeling as though she and God were any longer on the same communication lines prayed this prayer.

God showed up that day He answered both of their prayers. He let them both know that He had not turned an ear from them that He had not left or abandoned them. He also showed them that His promises were the same as is the same God yesterday, today, tomorrow and forevermore. Now God didn't stop here with what He allowed the doctors to accomplish in the OR was in their own; non believing, openly Atheist beliefs, nothing short of miraculous. They had no means medically or scientifically to be able to explain what God had accomplished that day in the OR while not having to cut her open one more time. he accomplished; the impossible. he accomplished the unexplainable. They couldn't even come up with 1 in a million or zillion chances that they would be able to accomplish what they had outside of the supernatural, "Our God."

This family, this mother, and this daughter who were feeling so beat down by Satan's lies, his cruel and evil ways were destroyed but now were replaced with a new found hope and belief in our loving God . They now knew that God had been listening all along but they had stopped listening with life's circumstances being too overwhelming. The crown jewel of this story is that the doctor who is a proud and professed Atheist was asked by a young girl still groggy from anesthesia and pain medication; "Did you pray for me? The doctor replied, "I did but not to same god as you." She smiled and said, "But my God answered my prayer and my mom's. Maybe you ought to reconsider my God." Amazing!!!!

Brothers and Sisters, what I wanted to share today is that no matter how far we feel that we are apart from the Lord and no matter how we may start to believe that He is not listening; the Truth is He NEVER CHANGES!!!!! We change; we move away, we stop listening, we stop drinking from the brews from His cupboard in our lives. We allow our minds to be tricked and deceived by Satan. We must do a better job of having God's brews on speed dial. We must keep the Keirig stocked with his brews to brew up a fresh perspective, so that we are drinking in His Truth and His Word, and His NEVER CHANGING CHARACTER.

It's my prayer that we will each take the time to re-center ourselves on His truths for our lives whether we are in the pit or upon the mountain or anywhere in between. Jesus went with us to the depths of hell on the cross when He died on the cross taking every believer with Him so that we could have life everlasting. Brothers and Sisters, know that if He had to go to depths of hell with you and for you again He would without a moments hesitation. I would say a Savior that loves me and you that much must not ever turn a deaf ear to our prayers and petitions.

May you each depart today knowing that Christ the King of Kings has a direct line into and for your life. Simply call out to Him and demonstrate the faith of the Job's of today.

Till next week may you feel His presence in each and every situation you encounter. Shower Him with praise and thanksgiving. Do this even if you are tempted to believe the lies that He doesn't care or listen to or for His people. May you be overtaken with His joy and love. Trust that He knows the plans He has for you and your life.

Challenge for this week: Find a verse of scripture that is your Life Verse for the season you are in at this time. Here are my two scriptures that God is working out in my life:

"Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Romans 5:3-4

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Can't wait to hear from

 you about your Life's verse(s).

Prayers and Blessings,

Tabby

http://youtu.be/2aYzc0Z0Z8Q

"Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, & I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul...Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the Lord, to do evil in his sight?" II Sam.12:7, 9a

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

Confrontation can be a real trip at times. Sometimes it can be one of the hardest things in life to do and to tell you the truth most of us tend to avoid it. Question. How many excuses have you made for things you won't confront?

Time after time the Holy Spirit brings things to our attention so that we can deal with them and quite often our response is to lie and pretend as though they don't exist. According to my spiritual father, “An excuse is a skin of a reason stuffed with a lie.“

The truth is we become too familiar and complacent with those things we won't confront in an effort to avoid the inevitable. The truth makes us free. The truth spoken in love makes others free. Amen.

Prayer of Faith

Dear Lord,

Please help us to speak the truth to those we love so that they can grow from it. You are an amazing God and we trust your word. Give us grace to understand and receive what others may say to us when it is you prompting them to come to us. We pray all these things in your most amazing name, Jesus. Amen.

Luke 23:42-43 “Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Here we have 2 criminals, one on each side of Jesus. I can only imagine the scenario. The one criminal railing and hurling insults and saying, “Aren’t you the Messiah? Why don’t you save yourself and us?” This criminal doesn’t even see his wrongful actions and looks at Jesus as Him being a criminal. The other criminal, after hearing Jesus say, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” He begins to see Jesus as to whom He claimed HImself to be and rebukes the other criminal by saying to him, “Don’t you fear God? for we are being punished for what we did and we deserve it, but this man has done nothing wrong. I can see the other criminal facial expressions and him saying, “Dude are you sick? You see just as that criminal realized he is sick, so should we.

This statement my brothers and sisters shows the validity that there are some who truly repent even in their final hour. This criminal had a genuine desire to repent as he realized who Jesus was and showed true faith even to the very last minute. Mark 2:17. Jesus says,

"It is not the healthy who needs a doctor, but the sick and He did not come to call the righteous, but the sinners."

Brothas and Sistas,  I’m so glad that I was once sick because I needed a doctor to heal me from the inside out. You see this criminal didn’t have time for someone to share the Romans Road of salvation. No, he said, “Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom”, He realized that he was sick and he needed a doctor. Jesus words to him was, “Truly I tell you today, not tomorrow or let me think about it, but today this very moment you shall be with me in paradise.”

Listen, had I not been sick I wouldn’t know that He is Jehovah Rapha – My Healer

Had I not been sick I would not know that He is Jehovah Nissi – My Banner

Had I not been sick I would not have known He is Jehovah Jireh- My Provider

Had I not been sick I would not have known He is Jehovah Shalom – My Peace

Had I not been sick, I wouldn’t know that I could look to the hills from which cometh my help, for my help cometh from the Lord.

Had I not been sick I wouldn’t have known that, “No weapon formed against me shall prosper.”

Had I not been sick I wouldn’t know that He is a mind regulator

Had I not been sick I would not have come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. So yes

Yes, I wasonce sick and my doctor, Jesus said I am healed.

Are you sick?

Minister Antonio Washington

https://youtu.be/pCo04_puOJ0

"But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield." Psalms 5:11:12

Good Morning Brothas & Sistas,

I am so thankful this morning!! God revealed Himself once again as "PROTECTOR" and I need to share. On yesterday I was laying in my bed on the phone talking to my sister and I kept hearing the sound of fire trucks I continued to talk and the sound got louder it was so loud that my sister thought it was my television. I mentioned to her that it sounded pretty close and something said "The Holy Spirit" text your daughter. So as I was on the phone I sent my daughter a text asking her was she ok (she lives about 3 min away).

Brothas and Sistas, about 10 min later I received a call from my daughter saying that her dryer caught on fire. She was in her bed and smelled a strong smoke smell so she walked around the house and once she entered the basement she saw the wires from her dryer on fire..She was able to get that fire out and then the bleach caught on fire thank God she was near the water and was able to get that fire out...

I am still praising God because it could have been a different phone call it could've turned out a different way. What If they were sleep? What if the kids were home alone? What If ? What If? What If?.....

Brothas and Sistas, My husband and I always pray for Our kids, Our family and Our friends. " The prayers of the righteous availeth much". We can't be everywhere but The All Mighty God..Sees All and Knows All and He can handle any situation.

Pray for the people in your life daily...Restore relationships even if it wasn't your fault, because God holds us accountable for our responce not the other person and most of all Tell the People in Your Life that You Love Them while they can still hear it give them roses while they can still smell them. Tommorrow is Not Promised.

Be Blessed,

Gina M

Prayer,

Thank you God for protecting and covering my family. I thank you that you never sleep nor slumber. Thank you Father for another opportunity to tell them that I love them. Thank you for being everything we need you to be even when we don't know there is a need. In Jesus Name I Pray..Amen          

"How beautiful you are, my darling!

Oh, how beautiful!

Your eyes behind your veil are doves. Your hair is like a flock of goat descending from the hills of Gilead. Your teeth are like a flock of sheep just shorn, coming up from the washing.

Each has its twin; not one of them is alone. Your lips are like a scarlet ribbon; your mouth is lovely. Your temples behind your veil are like the halves of a pomegranate. Your neck is like the tower of David, built with courses of stone on it hang a thousand shields, all of them shields of warriors. Your breasts are like two fawns, like twin fawns of a gazelle that browse among the lilies. Until the day breaks and the shadows flee, I will go to the mountain of myrrh and to the hill of incense. You are altogether beautiful, my darling there is no flaw in you." Song of Songs 4:1-7

Watch "HER - Isaac Carree (Official Audio)" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/pVW75IR2wBg

Watch "Yes. I'm Ready" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/op0_RAOt5vQ

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

One may be wondering, "Ready for what? Well, the question is, "Are we ready to be taught how to love each other?" There are marriages where one if not both, the husband or the wife, have never been taught how to love. It is sad but very true.

For instance, some men may have been taught to never cry, work hard, to provide for and protect their family so that they can give them what they never recieved during their young years not really knowing how to say, "I love you." with sincerity, not knowing how to express their feelings or show affection to those they love.

Ladies, maybe you never learned how to show love with words of encouragement. You may have been taught as a teen to just do what your spouse wants and don't ask a lot of questions because after all he is taking care of you/providing for you. On the other hand, you may have been taught to be independent or to never allow a man to do anything for you. Maybe you never learned how to be romantic or how to show the feminine, sexy side of you to your spouse and the list goes on, but you get the point. There were so many things that were taught that was wrong and so many right things that were never taught simply because we never saw these things exemplified in our own parents.

Brothas and Siatas, Are You Ready? Many marriages suffer because we don't know how to truly love, express our feelings, show affection or for the most part we don't want to learn. Let's learn how to do this thing called marriage right.

Solomon was a wise man who knew how to treat a lady right. He knew what to say and how to say it in respect to his great love for her. He showed her respect. He was not ashamed to show his emotions. He was caring and affectionate. He had true love and admiration for her. And he showered her.

Solomon taught us how to love in more ways than one. We can learn a lot from Solomon if we are willing. Some marriages are falling apart while others are holding on by a thread. Others are doing well but may need some help in changing the drummers beat. If by any chance you fit any of these categories, ask yourself how valuable is your marriage and is it worth saving.

Brothas and Sistas, let's follow Solomon's example. Let's make the adjustments in our marriages to make our marriages sustainable and give our children a sparkling example of what marriage should look like and something to look forward to in their own marriages.

Till next time take care.

Minister Antonio Washington

Prayer of Faith

Lord, we need you teach us how to love, encourage, and treat our spouses. Some of us have not had great examples of how to be a spouse in marriages and some of us are not applying the principles we have already learned. Please help is to do better so that our children will do well in their own marriages. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

http://youtu.be/HcnfT4arZtI

Colossians 2:15 - "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross."

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

I pray that each of you are holding tightly to the things God desires for you and you are feeling His love and care as you are releasing those things that keep you from real intimacy with Him. So let's grab our Tea Cups and open our hearts and minds to what God desires to pour into us today.

John 8:31-32 -"To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”

Colossians 2:15 - "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross."

Mark 8:33 - "But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

2 Thessalonians 2:9 - "The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie,"

Above are a few verses that God has had me looking at and study called the "Brew of Deception, lies, the old/dead me that no longer exists since I have Christ in my heart and life."

Brothers and Sisters, we may not all realize it but we each carry with us such a brew, even the strongest of Christian men and women. Those who we look at and say, "Why can't I just be as faithful or as together as him or her." Dear Brothers and Sisters, he or she has her own brew filled with their old self. They too have their own very broken tea cup in the cupboard of her heart too. You may ask yourself, how do I know this to be true? I know this to be true for a few different reasons:

1. He or she can be tempted by Satan as easily as you and I.

2. He or she too is susceptible to Satan and his wicked ways.

Brothers and Sisters, we all have chatter going on in our heads all the time. Some of it is good and some of it comes straight from Satan. Satan can use anyone or anything that is not of God to grab a hold of us; a situation or circumstance or disappointment. Then Satan plants his foot upon it and hold us in that dark place. That is unless we choose to quiet our hearts and minds to know God's truths as they are our greatest weapon against Satan. You see we don't have to reach for that old Tea Cup or the Brew of Deception and Foothold of Satan.

Does this mean that Satan will never drag us and our Tea Cups into the pits of despair, doubt, anger, etc..? Certainly not. Yet it does mean that within each of us Christ resides in us so we can to turn it around before the foothold is strong enough to pull us back into our old fleshy ways and patterns of behavior.

I struggle with this daily. Many of you have read my testimony so there are still some footholds from my old self that raise their ugly heads in my day to day life. I struggle with intimacy and being fully vulnerable in certain areas of life. This causes much stress in my marriage and life at times.

We simply must keep our minds still and quiet daily and allow God to flow through our hearts and minds. We must give Him first place in our lives in and through everything. This is so hard to do in this world. I believe it is especially hard for us as women who have so many responsibilities that are self ordained or put upon us socially. Yet, this is just one more tactic that Satan uses to keep us from drinking of the Sweet Brew Christ intends for each of us daily moment by moment.

I was recently in small group bible study where we were watching a video series called "Life Time Guarantee", by Bill and Marybeth Gillham. Marybeth shared a very practical way to Let GO and Let God!! You see if we choose to do that then Satan will have a less strongholds and footholds to grab a hold of to drag us back into that pit of despair and darkness.

So dear sweet Brothers and Sisters, I have a homework assignment for each of us. Annabel shared this simple but practical manner to release these strong holds, such as unforgiveness, fleshy patterns, past hurts, loss, etc., Brothas and Sistas, you choose the strongholds.

Homework Assignment- Letting Go and Letting God

3. Then release the balloon to the heavens. Cry out/speak to the Lord as it flies heavenward and let Him know that you have given this to Him and no longer does this/these strong holds belong to you.

5. Then take a piece of paper and write down what you are releasing to God so that Satan can no longer have access to it. It will be God's problem now.

7. Put it away in a place that you and God have the only access to.

Brothers and Sisters, I promise that if you follow through with this and trust God to take care of you in and through this fully the freedom that you will feel from the strongholds of Satan for each thing that you release to Him. I promise that God will set you free in new and amazing ways.

I pray that each of you will have an amazing week and be refreshed with a new Brew of Tea from Christ, Himself. Rest in His love and redemption.

Love,

Tabby  

http://youtu.be/3LXwwz4G3vE

“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God” (James 1:19-20 KJV).

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

I was doing my devotional this morning and the topic was anger. It made me take inventory of how I currently handle anger. But it also made me think back on how I handled it as a parent. I’m gonna be honest, I didn’t handle it so great. I let my temper get the best of me. My daughter gave me a run for my money and as a single parent I couldn’t afford to let her win.

There were times when I was able to verbally discipline her with grace and tact. But then, there were other times that I completely lost control and let it all hang out, if you get my drift. It was during those times that I disciplined with guilt. To see the look on her face reminded me of how I felt when those unkind words were spoken to me as a child. It made me recall how I hated the way it made me feel; like less than nothing.

Brothas and Sistas, I didn’t come from a family that held their tongue and during those times children were taught to be seen and not heard. To this day I hate that statement; it makes no sense. No wonder most parents don’t know who their children really are. We were disciplined more verbally than physically, yet it left more scars that would not be so easily healed.

Those curse words and belittling statements left internal emotional scars that damaged me for years. When I talk to childhood friends about our upbringing they say the same thing. No, we don’t resent our parents, God has healed our hearts. But we do regret our childhood upbringing; mostly because of the unkind things that were said during moments of discipline.

It was that hurt that I could see on my daughters face and I felt her pain. It made me rethink how I spoke to her, especially in the heat of battle. I had to remember that it wasn’t about me winning the battle, but the war over her soul. I couldn’t let the devil use me against my own child and break her spirit when my intention was to correct her in love.

Brothas and Sistas, I remember when I first read, Ephesians 6: 4, “Fathers do not irritate and provoke your children to anger [do not exasperate them to resentment], but rear them [tenderly] in the training and discipline and the counsel and admonition of the Lord” (Amplified Bible). This scripture changed my life and made me wish my father and mother had read it when I was a child.

I think as parents we sometimes think that because our children were born to our care, that we own them. We forget that they are gifts to us to be raised up for the glory of God and we don’t have the right to say or do anything we want to them simply because they are children. I have come to understand that if a child is not respected in childhood, they probably won’t be respected as an adult by their parents. And they won’t have much respect for themselves, which will leave them vulnerable to being disrespected by others.

Brothas and Sistas, we don’t want to break our children’s spirit and damage their self-esteem because we don’t know how to react to them in times that provoke anger. Don’t get me wrong children have a tendency to make us angry, but we should not be angry when we are disciplining them. We need to take a breather, walk away if you have to and gather your thoughts and then come back and handle the matter in love.

We must remember that discipline is a teaching moment when valuable lessons should be learned. Don’t let that lesson be that, your child is afraid to talk to you because you are a tyrant. Be gentle in your correction and listen to your child’s version of the matter and find out all of the facts. Then you will be able to make an informed decision about which form of correction is suitable to the situation, instead of just reacting in anger. The scriptures teaches us,“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God” (James 1:19-20, KJV).

http://youtu.be/JCQ-voCLaYU Dr. Stanley on Discipline

May God bless your

parenting and your family.

Love ya,

Audrey

Dear Lord, Thank you for the wonderful children you have blessed us with. May we respond to them in love and respect. May we be swift to hear and slow to anger so that they may see your Spirit shining through us as we rear them for your glory. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

https://youtu.be/ZbnI_GGalU0

"But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life." Romans 5:8, 10

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

God's mercy is designed to quicken us, to make us alive with Christ. The word mercy (eleei) means feelings of compassion, affection, and kindness. It is a desire to succor, to tenderly draw unto oneself and to care for. Two things are essential in order to have mercy and seeing a need and being able to meet that need. First of all, God sees our need and feels for us. Therefore, He acts; He has mercy upon us and God withholds His judgment. God provides a way for us to be saved.

Secondly, God is full of love (agape) a selfless and sacrificial love. His love goes so far that it loves a person that is ultimately unlovable. It loves a person even if they don't deserve to be loved. It loves a person that is utterly unworthy of being loved. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 His love is compelled to sacrifice itself for its' enemies. "But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life." Romans 5:8, 10

The bottom line is that Christ died for man. God loved man and wanted to save man but you see, He had a problem. The problem was that man had already sinned and broken the law. He had already committed rebellion against God. Therefore, the penalty of death had already been enacted and pronounced. Man had to die.

However, there was one way out of this dilemma. If the Perfect and Ideal Man would bear the penalty of sin for man, then His Ideal Death could stand for and cover any man who really trusted Him. This is exactly what Jesus Christ did. He was the Ideal and Perfect Man who loved God with all His heart.

Therefore when God willed Christ to bear man's penalty and judgment for sin He surrendered and sacrificed Himself. Brothas and Sistas, He died for man. He bore man's penalty and punishment for sin. He was perfectly obedient to God, the Father even in death. Jesus was raised up from the dead. His resurrection can stand for and cover every believer together with Christ. This right here exemplifies the "Vastness of God's Love" for us, my Brothas and Sistas.

"God proved His love on the Cross. When Christ hung, and bled, and died, it was God saying to the world, ‘I love you.’ Billy Graham

Until next time and Happy Resurrection Sunday!

Minister Antonio Washington

Prayer Time

Dear Lord,

Thank you for showing us the greatest act of love throughout all of mankind and history. You gave your life for us and we are forever grateful. Thank you for bearing our penalty for sin. There is no greater love. Amen!

https://youtu.be/Sc6SSHuZvQE

https://youtu.be/CjOIQnCbDU0

“Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.”

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

One of the core characteristics that most people look for when they are waiting on God for a mate is honesty. Most people want to know that you respect them enough to tell them the truth. So why is it so difficult to tell the truth when it comes to the one that God has ordained us to spend the rest of our lives with? We are convinced that most of us won’t tell the truth about ourselves because we don’t want to be found out let alone tell the truth about something that we are ashamed of. But the word of God is so specific when it comes to telling the truth especially to those who are closest to us.

It states, “Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.”

Lying was a part of the old us. Walking in truth is a part of who we have become because we have been created and are being renewed, refreshed and have been resuscitated in knowledge after His image. When we lie those things that have been covered through lies never properly heal because they remain in darkness and we have not allowed the healing presence of God’s light and truth to envelop those things that we need to bring to the surface. Some of our marriages won’t heal and move forward because of this very reason.

Some of us refuse to be truthful because we re concerned about the outcome. We are concerned that we may lose our spouse but the truth of the matter is that we might lose them if we don’t come clean. Did you ever think that they may already know and are waiting and praying for the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth because they want so much more for their marriage? God works best through our lives when Satan is not constantly beating down on us about those things that we refuse to share. Intimacy flourishes in a relationship where transparency reigns.

The word of God also says, “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

You see in both instances when we come face to face with THE TRUTH our lives have no choice but to line up with the One who embodies TRUTH. The only way that we walk in truth and see the importance of speaking the truth not only in our lives but into the lives of others and to others is to consistently live, dwell, and reside in truth. Amen.

"Truth has no special time of its own. Its hour is now - always." Albert Schweitzer

Blessings,

Minister Antonio and Michelle Washington

Dear Lord,

Help us to hold fast to (cling to, grip clutch or grasp) truth, your truth because you are the TRUTH. May our lives reflect you. May we speak truth to those that are closest to us and not lie to them so that Satan will not get a foothold in our marriages. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.  

http://youtu.be/ZeBv9r92VQ0

"This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live." Deuteronomy 30:19

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

I specifically want to talk to the Brothas today but Sistas you can listen in as well. Brothas, what have you spoken into your child/children lately? Fathers, are we speaking words of life or death into our kids? Our kids need to hear words of affirmation from us to help them excel to the next level in life. We can give our children years of blessings or cursing.

Joshua tells us that we have a choice, but he would rather that we chose life so that we may live and our children may live. My grandfather, whom I did not get to know very well, never really had a close relationship with his sons nor did he speak words of affirmation into their lives before he died. And because he did not, my father carried the same curse into his relationship with his six sons.

Now, eventhough my dad didn't speak words of affirmation my mother did. Not that I did not want to hear them from her, but there is something about when a man, a father speaks into his child's/children's life/lives. It gives a child that feeling of confidence that makes him feel as though he can do anything just because those words came from dad.

You see no matter how much I excelled in things that I did, I never got a word from my dad, nor did he show up for any of my awards ceremonies. Year after year I received no words of affirmation from my dad. And yes, I was hurt; absolutely, but my mother always kept encouraging me in spite of what she saw me and my Brothas go through. And that my Brothas and Sistas, is what kept me going.

I didn't hate my dad. I just didn't understand why he would not support me or tell me how proud he was of me. So instead of having anger and bitterness settle in I chose life and vowed not to be that way towards my kids when I grew up.

Brothas, our children need to hear words of affirmation/encouragement from us. They need us involved in their lives. They hunger and desire touch and affection from us as fathers. Don't get me wrong mothers play a big role in our children's lives, but Dad's we play an even bigger role in them being all they can be just because we tell them so.

Just so you know my dad came to my initial sermon some years back. That was the first time he came to anything to support me and after the service was over he actually said,"Hey, that was a great sermon and I'm proud of you." My heart burst with overwhelming joy as tears rolled down my face and I hugged my dad."

Brothas, that moment was more memorable to me than all of the other times he disappointed me. That one moment was what really counted to me. Fathers, speak words of life and not death into your child's/children's lives, so that you and your children may live.

"The Dignity of Fatherhood must be preserved. Our children need strong men. Real Fathers protect families, working together, supporting and loving one another. A child's chance to escape from anger and injustice begins with one man, The Father. Save our children, Save our families." Heritage Treasures

Til next time, Take care.

Minister Washington

Prayer Time

Dear Lord,

We praise you for the dignity of fatherhood that you have placed within each one of our Brothas that are parenting a child/children. Help them to speak words of life and not death into the lives of their children. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

https://youtu.be/H0wpP5o7xpI

Hebrews 11

"Faith in Action

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. ..."

1 Samuel 26:23

"The LORD rewards everyone for their righteousness and faithfulness. The LORD delivered you into my hands today, but I would not lay a hand on the LORD’s anointed."

Psalm 4:3 "Know that the LORD has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him."

1 John 4:18 "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."

Romans 8:15 "The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

Good Morning Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I pray that today finds you well and filled with hope and joy that the Lord is on your side and that all things will work together for His Good.

May we Pray, Lord I come before you this day humble and eager to share what you want in this Brew of Faith over Fear. Lord, you know all too well how easily fear can seep into our spirits and slowly turn our faithfulness in fearsomeness. Lord, please take charge of this Brew may it be Your words that are transcribed here and may they be honoring and pleasing to You.

Let's head on over to the Grand Brew Masters Table and see how we can choose sip in more Faith and less fear. I know how easily it is fall for the lie, to slip into the pit of despair and fear. The world we live in these days is so easy to make fear our default with civil unrest, a pandemic, schools not operating in the traditional manner, unemployment and the political climate.

Yet Brothers and Sisters, none of this is new God. If you look back through your bible all these things were true in His day on earth. The great political leaders were the ones who sent Him to the cross. Then there was the day at the well where the prostitute came and sought refuge from Christ as her peers and neighbors wanted her stoned to death. There was the man who had not been able to walk and Christ healed him where he was a social outcast his whole life till then. There are so many examples in our bible of such struggles and some much worse than we can even consider.

Yet when we look at bible hero’s we see that they over and over again chose to shift their thinking from sorrow and defeat and chose to stand with God, and in His promises. They chose to go into every battle small or large with the hope and faith that God made a promise and He would see to it that it was upheld.

Please remember that many of our biblical heroes were not giants or men of persuasion or power or esteem and wealth. They chose to rely on the greatest and most rich truth that has ever existed since the creation of the universe, God’s Word. You see none of us are so insignificant that we can’t make a difference in our own part of the world. We can usher in new believers and encourage those who are down trotted in their faith by choosing to do the same as our biblical heroes.

We simply must drench ourselves in God’s word, His Presence, His purposes, and His Promises. If we each choose to stand on these and take every step in faith and tell fear it is not welcome here anymore. With each step and each decision where we rely on Faith and not Fear we will become more confident and able to face even bigger giants.

I know from personal experience that this is not always easy or rewarding in the moment. It often comes with ridicule and pain and even sometimes loss. Yet we must remember that all this everything this side of heaven is temporary, and the Greatest of Rewards are to be received upon our entry into heaven. We will have some victories this side of heaven and for those we must be grateful and give all the glory and praise to God. He Promises that if we put our faith in Him, He will overcome all.

I pray that you find hope and encouragement in this Brew, I pray that you will begin to find ways to pour this brew not only for yourself daily but for all those you encounter in your day to life. Remember Brothers and Sisters be anxious about nothing and be prayerful about everything.

Till next week,

Love,

Tabby

Serve

Jermaine Dolly 

Hello Brothas and Sistas,

I have come to realize that it’s good to be a blessing, serving others while you wait on God for your promises and restoration, I know that giving in a season where you feel you like you don’t even have enough for your family, seems pretty ridiculous, but the scriptures states in 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 (NIV) Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

 “This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”

I whole-heartedly agree! I am a witness that giving, even sacrificially, is the key to overcoming your season of lack. I can’t explain how God is able to provide enough for us to give when it seems like we don’t have enough! But somehow in His amazing grace, He provides for us to do so!

I know firsthand, that when I refresh others, God does refresh me. So, I encourage you to give refreshment to as many people as you can in your season of lack. It doesn’t always have to been money. It could be a meal, a hug, a smile and even encouragement. Just give refreshment to someone who needs it.....hen watch God refresh you!

"The more you give, the more comes back to you, because God is the greatest giver in the universe, and He won’t let you outgive Him. Go ahead and try. See what happens." Randy Alcorn

Love,

Audrey

Prayer:

Father, please open my eyes to see your provision in my hands, in whatever form it may be. I want to be a blessing to others, just as you are blessing me. Help me not to allow the opportunity to help someone pass me by. Instead, show me daily where my gifts can be given to bring divine refreshment to someone else’s life. I thank you for continuing to refresh me in my times of need. You are truly my Jehovah Jireh, the One who provides for me and who loves me, indeed. In the name of Jesus, Amen!

https://youtu.be/X3N8zQpXHq8

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6, 7

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

As we look at our text we see that there is a charge here. The charge is "Do not be anxious about anything." In other words "Don't worry about anything and anything is what? Yes, Brothas and Sistas, it is everything.

Let's take a look at what the Philippians had to deal with.

1. They were suffering through severe persecution. (Phil. 1:18-19)

2. They were dealing with disunity and quarreling in the church. (Phil. 1:27, 4:2)

3. They had church members that were carnal, super-spiritual, prideful, and self centered. (Phil. 2:3-4)

4. They were dealing with some false teachers who joined their fellowship and yet were teaching against Christ. (Phil. 3:2-3, 18-19)

So as you can see there was little to no comfort for these believers. They were facing all types of trials, temptation, and trouble. On the norm; from a humanistic view many would fret or worry and begin to suffer from anxiety. Anxiety comes when a person is about to lose against an enemy or lacks food, shelter, clothing. It also occurs when a person is suffering persecution, abuse, threats, ridicule, or when he is surrounded by carnality, false teaching or arguments.

Even now in our world today, we have people who look at circumstances and are concerned. Brothas and Sistas, there is a difference between concern and anxiety or worry. Concern drives us to rise up and tackle the problems of life with courage and diligence. Worry or anxiety allows us to focus on the problem and lie down in defeat and discouragement.

Brothas and Sistas, the only way a person can keep from worrying is to tap into the supernatural power of God through prayer. Prayer is our only source of comfort and encouragement. We must learn how to stand still and find peace through prayer.

So Brothas and Sistas, P.U.S.H. Pray Until Something Happens....Your Breakthrough Is On The Way!

Be blessed until next time.

Minister Antonio Washington

Prayer of Faith

We praise you, Lord for giving us the ability to pray to you, Our Heavenly Father. We find peace whenever we take time to have a little talk with you. We expect great things from you because you are the only person who can do anything about everything we bring to you. You are so wonderful. Help us to P.U.S. H. past the pain, anxiety, and worry so that we will see our God given victory which lies ahead of us as we receive your great peace. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. 

https://youtu.be/Zp6aygmvzM4

Jeremiah 17:5-9 ESV

"Thus says the Lord: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord. He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited salt land. “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?"

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

What we do today has an impact on our tomorrows. There are times when we make decisions with out bathing them in prayer or even thinking about how they may affect us later on in life. As I mature in life my response to making a decision is a little slower. As I have sat and recounted the many times I have made poor choices and how they have reflected on not only my life but in the lives of those around me it causes me to want to get God's opinion on a lot more things than what I used to when I was younger.

Now don't get me wrong not all of my choices have been bad but I can't help to think about how much further I might be in life if I had chosen to act in a different way when it came to decision making. You see my Brothas and Sistas, we can't always do what feels good at that moment. We can't always make decisions based on our feelings at any given time, especially if we are angry at the moment. We should not make decisions under the gun or when we feel pressured to do so. Nor, should we base our decision on what others may think or say. No, No, not at all but our decisions need to be a reflection of our relationship with the most wise person we have had an encounter with, The Wonderful Counselor, Jesus Christ, Himself.

John 15:4-5 ESV / 112 "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."

Whenever we add Jesus into the equation our decisions will be guided by a sense of peace because the Prince of Peace has been added into the equation. Whenever we act independent of Jesus we become self reliant and we all know our self reliance gets us in trouble every time and chaos follows right after. And sometimes it takes years to repair mistakes and heartache brought on by our decisions. Now don't get me wrong, in the end we learn a great deal from them but if we choose wisely today we can save not only ourselves some stress on tomorrow but those around us will benefit as well. "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." Amen.

Blessings,

Sista Michelle

https://youtu.be/jLezBXk-cuo

"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you, loveyourenemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." Matthew 5:43-48

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

Loving your enemies is not easy at all. As I've journeyed through this Christian walk I have found out that enemies are closer than you think. Some enemies can be your family or someone you thought was a friend. Enemies come in many forms with many faces and the world says to hate them but Gods Word tells us to Love them and pray for them.

Brothas and Sistas, God knows exactly what He is doing because I don't know about you but I can't pray for a person and hate them at the same time. I can't possibly come before Gods Holy throne with malice in my heart especially when I remember how jacked up my life was both before and after Christ and God with all of His Love still opened His arms and allowed me to run into them.

Brothas and Sistas, If you are having a hard time in this area allow God to mend your broken heart. The first step is confessing to God how you feel and allow Him to minister to you like only he can. Trust me once God ministers to your brokeness you will soon find yourself praying for those that have hurt you and dispitefully used you. God's love is infectuous. The closer that you become with God as He pours His Love onto you the more you will find yourself pouring that same love onto others even those that have hurt you and once you've come to that place there will be such a peace in your heart that is unexplainable.

Remember: Let Gods Love Flow, Regardless whether you feel the person deserves it or not..God's Love is Unconditional and as His children we have to represent Our Father.

Be Blessed,

Gina M

https://youtu.be/n_aVFVveJNs

Psalm 25:1 "In you, Lord my God, I put my trust. I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me. No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause. Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths.5 Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior and my hope is in you all day long."

2 Kings 18:22 (NIV) "But if you say to me, “We are depending on the Lord our God”—isn’t he the one whose high places and altars Hezekiah removed, saying to Judah and Jerusalem, “You must worship before this altar in Jerusalem?"

Romans 9:16 (NIV) "It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy."

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

I pray that you find yourself in total dependence on our Lord Jesus. Let's grab our Tea Cups and set our hearts and minds on the Truth that our Brew Master desires to pour for us today. I don't know about anyone else but I will admit that dependence whether it be on God or anyone else is very difficult for me. I am sure some of that comes from being raised by a single mom who was strong beyond measure. I always recall feeling this sense that Mom wasn't sharing the real struggle with us and that somehow there was more than I could ever understand.

My mom raised us to be strong, independent women without the need or desire to be reliant on anyone but ourselves. There are surely many good lessons that I came to grasp as I grew into a young woman. I was certainly never afraid to work hard, never afraid to push through and be as autonomous as possible. Now this didn't serve me so well as a teenager as I became rebellious and demanded my independence. Also during this time my mom remarried and I only saw that as a weakness and viewed it as a betrayal to all that I had known for most of my life. This attitude continued on for many years.

Then fast forward several years and I have gone into the military, survived that experience, met someoen, fell in love, and got married. Then this independent attitude began to rear its' ugly side. As with most marriages not all was pretty and neat. We had real struggles and we each had plenty of baggage. Then what seemed like a common goal, a way to get us back to relying on one another and trusting and loving once again, a new war started. We fought infertility for seven years. Then with great elation and joy on March of 1993 during a blizzard our son was born. How I thought this would surely knit us back together and teach us to not only rely on one another but surely on God as we had prayed and cried out to the Lord for the privilege of becoming parents. Well, at least I thought we both were crying out in this way and that we were both seeking God and being dependent on Him to grant us this miracle. I also believed that this would save our marriage and teach us together where our alliances and dependences should be placed.

Now we fast forward five more years and what I believed we both had prayed for and had been blessed with was not the cure for our marriage. As a matter of fact, I believe that it was anything but in many ways. Not that this in any way was our child at fault, nor did I ever or will I ever regret the amazing gift that he is. No, I know that God blessed us with him as way to draw us to Him to teach us that we can have the desires of our hearts if we stop placing our faith and trust in humans and self full filling ways.

I then became the single mom and through all that I had to come to understand that my reliance and my dependence had to be set on Christ. I had to accept that independence as fashionable as it sounds and as sweet as it seems it isn't. It's bitter and grows bitterness within our souls, minds and hearts. Friends, what the Brew Master of our lives desires for us to receive is the Truth and in that Truth is where we will find that dependence, faith and reliance on the Lord Our God is the only place where we find freedom.

I so wish I could sit here this morning with my Tea Cup full of sweet dependence on Christ or that I could say to you that I finally got it or that I never choose the deceit or allure of independence or self reliance. I can't and I hope that doesn't disappoint you as things have been rocky for a the last week in my life. I have been called back to the basics by the Savior. He has had to sit me down and remind me that I was once again heading out with my self reliance. With my attitude of "Don't worry God, I got this you go and help someone else." He has reminded me that I can never be successful when I am running the race, when I am the choreographing the dance of this life. When I am being head strung and heading into the battle without the only winning battle plan.

I am reminded that in order for me to have peace even when there is a war raging within and all around me. I must lay down my "I got this attitude." I must completely come to a full stop, turn off the music and sounds that compose my life. I must sit in complete and total reliance and dependence on God. Now this doesn't mean that the war will be over more quickly or that I won't have battle scars, but what He promises is if I choose to align myself, my attitude, my purposes, and my will with His, then I will receive victory.

It's my prayer for each us that today we take up a personal inventory of our wills, desires and plans. I pray that we seek God to ensure that the Tea Party of our lives is the one that He is throwing for us. Not the one where we make the guest list, and decide who the haves and have not's are. That we fully make ourselves prone at the foot of the cross and allow Christ to be our total Dependence and Assurance.

Here's a practical way to come to an understanding of what Brews you are steeping for yourself versus allowing Christ to be Brew Master for you:

Ask Christ......

1. Is what you are striving towards always a helpless battle?

2. Can you align your passion or what you are pursing with God's word, promises, and character?

3. Are you being Christlike as you move towards this pursuit?

4. Ask Christ for confirmation that can't be mistaken for a falsehood.

In closing today I pray that we will each be in continual dependence and reliance on the Purposes, Plans, Hopes, and Dreams that our Mighty God set into motion before the world was ever created for each of us.

In Dependence on Christ

Love,

Tabby

https://youtu.be/4WcwZO9htds

The word of the Lord came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” “Alas, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.” But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.” Jeremiah 1: 5-10

Good Morning Brothas and Sistas,

I will never forget when I first read this scripture years ago. God was beginning to reveal that He was calling me into ministry. He would speak but I was ignoring it because I was terrified. I clearly heard the call but I kept saying "I hear you God but you can't mean me. You must be confused. I don't know what to say, I might mess it up."

And then I opened the bible and saw this scripture. Oh my goodness!! God said that He knew me before I was even formed in my mothers womb. He said that I was set apart just for Him and He had plans for my life and then He went on to say "Don't be afraid." I was so blown away!!! And it didn't stop there He went on to say that He wanted me to speak to His people and then y'all He said, "Don't say that you are too young." Brothas and Sistas, everything that God said to Jeremiah it was directly meant for me, especially when the scripture said that He touched Jeremiah's mouth and put His words in it.

Brothas and Sistas, God is so awesome that He knows all of our concerns, insecurities, and fears. God loves us so much that He sends us answers to all of our questions through His word. That's why it's so important to make time to spend with the Master. All of our answers are right there if we would only seek God.

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33

Brothas and Sistas, if God is calling you trust that He will supply you with everything that you need in order to complete the assignment that He has designed just for you.

Be Blessed,

Gina M

Prayer Time

God you are so awesome, loving and unfailing in everything. Thank you, Father, for not only using us for your glory but we thank you for equipping us for the assignment that you designed just for us. We thank you for taking the time to know us in an intimate way. You are truly God and God all by yourself. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

http://youtu.be/ZJpAZgXg7x0

'As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God." Psalm 42:1

"Christ is not a reservoir but a spring. His life is continual, active and ever passing on with an outflow as necessary as its inflow. If we do not perpetually draw the fresh supply from the living Fountain, we shall either grow stagnant or empty, It is, therefore, not so much a perpetual fullness as a perpetual filling." A. B. Simpson

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

It's so funny how God can lead you to a particular spot when you open your bible without a destination in mind. So I was lead to Psalm 42:1 and I thought, "Perfect scripture for the season that I am in." God is renewing me. When you are being renewed you must look to the one who is doing the work in you.

We must also recognize when God is doing a new work in us. Sometimes we sit in that dry and thirsty land almost to the point of dehydration when a wellspring of life has His hand out waiting for us to grab hold of it. Can you imagine a deer that's been running all day and is now in search of water, panting, and waiting to get just a little bit of water in its mouth?

Brothas and Sistas, when we pant out of exhaustion from the chains that hold us do our Souls really thirst for the source of our strength that cannot only release us from all that binds us, but equally refresh us in those dry places in life. When God is renewing us and taking us higher; to new levels sometimes He allows us to get really thirsty and parched. When we are at the point of thinking about how a few drops of water can start quenching our thirst, then we are ready to see God for who He really is; a God who is so loving that He doesn't want us to be stagnant.

Here is something else to think about. Water is meant to refresh and bring life to those that come in contact with it. It can be a wellspring of life to all that partake in it, but water that just sits and sits becomes stagnant and stagnant water stinks after a while. If we have no desire for the things of God and no passion for Him then we become like that stagnant pool of water just sitting around and doing nothing to refresh others that come in contact with us all day. As our souls increase its thirst for the true and living God (Psalm 42:2) we will see God at work in our lives. Brothas and Sistas, just how thirsty are you?

"How do you approach the thirst of Jesus? Only one secret - the closer you come to Jesus, the better you will know His thirst. Jesus thirsts even now, in your heart and in the poor - He knows your weakness, He wants only your love, wants only the chance to love you." Mother

Teresa

Love,

Sista Melissa

 https://youtu.be/ktsPuZvH-rQ

"But you will receive power after the Holy Spirit comes upon you." Acts 1:8

"Many Christians estimate difficulty in the light of their own resources, and thus they attempt very little and they always fail. All giants have been weak men who did great things for God because they reckoned on His power and presence to be with them." Hudson Taylor

Brothas and Sistas, there are many ways to receive power. Act 1:8 says, "But you will receive power after the Holy Spirit comes upon you." Acts 1:8

You see we cannot properly witness for Christ or be the witness that He is calling us to be unless we have allowed the Holy Spirit to wrap Himself around us and cloak us with the fragrance of His might so that others will be drawn to Christ in all His fullness. It's funny how many of us can receive additional power and stamina when we go the gym to work out or when we gulp down a power drink but neither one of these ways for acquiring power compares to that of receiving power from on high. In other words, we must position ourselves for Holy Ghost power!

Let's look at some ways we obtain dunamis power (strength, power or ability) via the Holy Spirit.

Consistent Prayer Time

There is nothing like obtaining consistent prayer time in the presence of the Lord. One on one time with the Lord is a necessity. This is where we get to talk one on one with the Lover of our Souls and the God of the Universe who only has our best in mind. He loves us and enjoys one on one fellowship with us. As a matter of fact, He craves it.

"The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness." Jeremiah 31:3

"Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends." Revelation 3:20

Bible Study

We must spend daily time in the word of God to obtain wisdom, instruction and encouragement. The bible is His love letter to us filled with inspiration so that we will be strong enough to ward off the invitations of Satan and become increasingly aware of the presence of sin in our lives and have the wherewithal to fight against it. When we spend time in the word of God daily we fortify ourselves to walk in victory on a daily basis.

"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." Psalm 1:1-3

Receiving and Applying the Word of God.

When we see the importance of being under the taught and preached word of God we will see the importance of spiritual growth in our lives. We remain in a baby Christian or carnal state when we don't avail ourselves to not only listen to but apply the spoken word. God has placed men and women within the body of Christ that He gives a prophetic word to for us. We cannot know the will and plans of God for our lives when we are not present to receive (presented with, be given) from Him. And then once we have received the Word of God we must apply it.

"My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you,

turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding—

indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.

Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse. Psalm 2 1-12

"Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long." Psalm 25:4, 5

Accountability

We walk in vitality, wisdom, strength and conviction for right living when we have the love of other Brothas and Sistas within in the body that genuinely care for us and will lovingly tell us about some things, warn us or tell us when we are wrong. There is no way we can make it in this world trying to do things on our own. We need the care and concern of those around us to keep us on the path to God's greatness and His best for us.

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up." Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

"Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted." Ephesians 6:1

Brothas and Sistas, position yourself for POWER! The power of the Holy Spirit can do what no other power can do!

"The Church is the Body of Christ, and the Spirit is the Spirit of Christ. He fills the Body, directs its movements, controls its members, inspires its wisdom, supplies it's strength. He guides into truth, sanctifies its agents, and empowers for witnessing. The Spirit has never abdicated His authority nor relegated His power." Samuel Chadwick

Lovingly submitted,

Sista Michelle

Prayer of Faith

Father, we are so grateful for the power and presence of your Holy Spirit within our lives. We know that we are unable to do your perfect will without the Holy Spirit. Help us to daily position ourselves for power by living in consistentent prayer, making ourselves available for bible study, receiving and applying the word of God and having others hold us accountable. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

https://youtu.be/bXp_XjkFofM

Read Matthew 24:14-30

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

There is nothing worse than a buried treasure hidden from those who need to benefit from what 's on the inside of it. Many of us have gifts that are just sitting there waiting for others to tap into them. Brothas and Sistas, believe it or not we don't get to choose which gifts we will use and which ones we will hide. As a matter of fact, when we have been anointed to do something no matter how hard we try to act like the anointing is not there others will see it and call us and it out. Lol!

And there is absolutely nothing we can do about. I believe that God deliberately shows others our gifting so that we can be held accountable in operating in the areas of our giftedness. In other words, "You can run, but you sure can't hide!"

The Hebrew word for anoint is mashach which means to smear, anoint. The word anoint means consecration, solemn or setting apart to an office. It means that you have been enabled, entrusted, and empowered to accomplish God's will. It also means you have been divinely-appointed.

The word gift signifies a notable capacity, talent, or endowment; something voluntarily transferred by one person to another without compensation of the act, right, or power of giving. The biblical definition of gift is a special divine empowerment bestowed on each believer by the Holy Spirit to accomplish a given ministry God's way according to His grace and discernment to be used within the context of the Body of Christ.

So let me ask you this.... if the Creator of the universe saw fit to divinely anoint and appoint You who are you to hide your gift from the One who has given His very best gift to save you?

Smooches,

Me

"For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace & of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!" Romans 5:17

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

Brothas and Sistas, we have been so conditioned to focus on the sin of the first Adam that we fail to embrace redemption from sin, which is the embodiment of the message of salvation, grace and righteousness imputed unto us by the second Adam. In other words our focus is off.

I thank God daily that His word says,"Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all." Romans 5:18 You see Brothas and Sistas, life in Christ was never meant to be a life filled with condemnation, religion, or rules and it was certainly not meant to be lived based on our own view of what makes us or anyone else righteous.

Faith in Christ alone has deemed us righteous. "And the scripture was fulfilled that says,"Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness and he was called God's friend." James 2:23 Hallelujah! We have earned the right to be called His friend simply because we chose to believe God through faith.

Religion apart from salvation and the law apart from the message of grace conditions us to primarily focus on not only our sin but every body else's sin which in turn has our focus on our own self righteousness without recognizing that faith in Jesus + nothing that we could ever do (the law) to gain His favor is what ultimately make us righteous. "And be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ; the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith." Philippians 3:9

Bottom Line: We no longer have to dwell on or in our past sin. Because of Him we now live guilt free! "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." II Corinthians 5:21

Prayer Time

Dear Lord,

We praise you for making us righteous even when we feel so unworthy. We know that it is because of your great sacrifice that we are so longer deemed unrighteous and we are so grateful. May we no longer dwell on our past sin but trust the fact that you have wiped the slate clean with all that is within us. In your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

https://youtu.be/tHm6xJkirdA

"The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18

"God uses broken things. It takes broken soil to produce a crop, broken clouds to give rain, broken grain to give bread, broken bread to give strength. It is the broken alabaster box that gives forth perfume. It is Peter, weeping bitterly, who returns to greater power than ever." -Vance Havner

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

We gain power over the enemy and his intentions to thwart the plans of God for our lives when we choose to forgive. Just the other day I witnessed elders of the church pray over a young lady that had been sexually abused most of her life by different offenders. Can you imagine living a life attracting the same people and eventually succumbing to the same attack over and over again? Brothas and Sistas, there are times in our lives when we attract what's already broken on the inside of us.

The definition of attract is entice, allure, lure, tempt, charm, win over, woo, engage, enthrall, enchant, entrance, captivate, beguile, bewitch, or seduce. Broken people often engage, entrance, captivate, and enthrall other broken people without even knowing it. Sex offenders who are among the broken often seek out and entice those who are vulnerable and have already been sexually abused. It is what they do.

Now before we could pray for this young lady the Pastor realized that the only way for this young lady to be free from the same attacks was that she had to be free from the familiar spirit that had her bound up on the inside. You see it was not just the fact that she had a familiar spirit of sexual assault looming over her but there was also a root within that made her vulnerable to these attacks. And that root was unforgiveness.

You see Brothas and Sistas sometimes in order for us to be free from attacks from future offenders we have to forgive those who have offended us in the past. We must understand that with a root of bitterness comes familiar spirits. These familiar spirits attack the same spirit within. Whenever we tend to attract the same type of people over and over again we need to be asking ourselves, "What is it within me that's either desperate, broken or carries a spirit of unforgiveness with it because I keep attracting those that are just as equally wounded, unforgiving, and desperate as I am?" Brothas and Sistas, it is a known fact that those who have been abused will always attract abusers if they don't first seek healing through forgiveness and a renewing of the mind through God's word.

As the elders sat there and lovingly spoke with this young woman about her recent rape they gently encouraged this young lady to go through a process of talking with her offenders as though they were present with her, calling them by name and targeting each offense that they were guilty of. It took some time but she named each one, called out their offenses and decided to move forward from that point. The truth is none of us can really ever move forward when we have made a conscious decision to live in the past daily.

That day that young lady went into that church angry, bewildered and broken but she came out bight, cheerful, delivered and smiling; all had been forgiven. Brothas and Sistas, each time we are offended we must make it a point to cross the bridge of forgiveness so that we can move from brokenness to deliverance!

"Leave the broken, irreversible past in God's hands, and step out into the invincible future with Him." - Oswald Chambers

Prayer of Faith

Dear Lord,

We thank you not necessarily for all that you do but for who you are. You are an amazing God. You forgave us and now we must forgive those who have wounded us in one way or another. Help us to cross the bridge of forgivenss so that we may move from brokeness to deleivered. It is in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

https://youtu.be/bpDsh2M5IqI

"And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint." Galatians 6:9

Good Morning Brothas and Sistas,

In the word of God we are given so many clues of what is to come. The bible says " Let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly" Paul warns us because he doesn't want us to be suprised when we begin to feel this way.

Brothas and Sistas, ministry is hard work. There is no other way to say it. I can't and will not sugar coat it and neither did Paul. There will be times in our walk with the Lord that we will want to give up and throw in the towel. We will become frustrated and disappointed and feel as though our work is in vain.

But wait a minute, the scripture doesn't just tell us not to get weary it goes on to tell us the benefits of holding on....

"for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint."

Brothas and Sistas , "We Shall Reap" if we don't give up!!! What an encouragement. Don't give up because in the Appointed Season "You Shall Reap" Hold on, Press on and most of all stay before Gods throne because your Season to Reap is coming!!!

Be Blessed,

Gina M

Prayer Time

Father God, we thank you for your word which is truly a lamp unto our feet. God, we thank you for loving us so much that you would allow us to reap. We thank you for the encouragement that you continually express in your word to your people. In Jesus Name I Pray. Amen.

https://youtu.be/76o4xhxIKfs

"Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." Philippians 2:3

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

There are times when we hold on to things past their extended warranty when God is requesting that we invest in a new model. One requirement of leadership is to "let go". Many times leaders will try to hold on to those that they have lead. Sometimes it is for sentimental reasons and other times it is to hold the person back from reaching their full potential. Many leaders don't realize that you have to release in order to gain.

Brothas and Sistas, whenever I have had the privileged of leading others I was sentimental about letting them go and it was sometimes difficult to let them go but God showed me that He was more than apt to replace what I thought I was losing. In the end we both gained. The ministries, places of employment, projects, endeavors, etc., that the Lord has entrusted us with to lead will never grow or become as successful if we are not willing to let go of those we have had the honor to lead, mentor or minister to. The truth is they gain, we gain. and our place of work, ministry, or endeavor will gain.

"But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:25-28

Here at Sistas Saving Sistas and My Brothers Keeper, whenever one of our ministry participants are being lead to move on God has lead us to pray for them and their new endeavor and then come along side of them to spur them on to greatness. We

feel it is our responsibility to continue to mentor and encourage them. We know that whatever we endeavor to make happen for them God will in turn make happen for us. In the end they will be blessed and so will we.

Brothas and Sistas, we have to learn how to release some things and people are one of them. We cannot hold on so tightly that we squeeze the life out of people. People can't and won't grow like that. There is a sweet release in "letting go". Amen.

Smooches,

Me

Prayer of Faith

Praise your name Lord, for your faithfulness. Thank you for teaching us the importance of letting go. Help us to nurture those that you send to us to lead, mentor and minister to and then release them. May we graciously come along side of them and spur them on to greatness without resentment or jealousy. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

https://youtu.be/3gjXBMC8-oM?list=PLoHLr08NwtZkohkWBpnmuUsaH1h3eopR1

https://youtu.be/FHG2oizTlpY?list=PLD7541336B0EF26A9 Slow Jam

Then she said to him, “How can you say, ‘I love you,’ when you won’t confide in me? This is the third time you have made a fool of me and haven’t told me the secret of your great strength.” With such nagging she prodded him day after day until he was sick to death of it. So he told her everything. “No razor has ever been used on my head,” he said, “because I have been a Nazirite dedicated to God from my mother’s womb. If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as any other man. "When Delilah saw that he had told her everything, she sent word to the rulers of the Philistines, “Come back once more; he has told me everything.” So the rulers of the Philistines returned with the silver in their hands. After putting him to sleep on her lap, she called for someone to shave off the seven braids of his hair, and so began to subdue him. And his strength left him." Judges 16:15-19

"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? " II Corinthians 6:14-15

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

It goes without saying we know what's best for us. Those of us that were once teens and become adults at a certain age do not mind reminding people that we are adults now. Therefore, we can think for ourselves, we do not need anyone looking over our shoulders, guiding and governing our lives, we are capable of making our own decisions, we know what car, house, or apartment to get and we know what's best for us.

Listen some of you have been told by those whom you love that you are not grown and do not know what's best for yourselves. The best part is not only do we know what's best for ourselves but we also know who is best for us. We know what job is best for us eventhough we work 18 hours a day and don't have a life. We know what car is best for us even if we have to go bankrupt. We know what apartment is best for us even if we can't afford it to the point that we don't have food in the fridge. We know what house to get eventhough we are one payment away from foreclosure. We know who we are to date and who to marry.

We say, "I know who I want." But we want someone that's cool but yet he or she is a fool. We want someone that's slick but they turn out to be silly. We want someone that is cute but they turn out to be cruel. We want somebody with money and yet be miserable. We claim we know who and what we want and yet we find ourselves hooking up with the wrong person and saying, "If only I had listened I wouldn't be with the wrong person."

Brothas and Sistas, the wrong person cripples you instead of challenging you. The wrong person is one who develops the negative side of your personality. If you are not careful the wrong person will have you messed up on drugs and end up pulling you down. The wrong person will have you hooked up with someone who will destroy your finances. You are hooked up to the wrong person when they need you to take care of them. They will say, "I can't make my car payment. Can you help me?"....only to use you. I have been there and done that.

Delilah was the wrong person for Samson. She made him sleep upon her knees. Look at the fatal consequences of his disobedience. Satan ruins Christian Brothas and Sistas by rocking them to sleep, flattering them by making them believe they are in a safe place, allowing them to have no sense of danger, and then robbing them of their strength and honor. This leads them to be held captive at the enemy's will.

While Samson was asleep he didn't know his hair; his strength was being cut off. It was done so silently and quickly that he didn't even miss his hair; his strength. Neither had he noticed that the Lord had departed. Many of us have lost the favorable presence of God and are not aware of it. We have provoked God to withdraw from us and are not yet sensible to the loss.

Brothas and Sistas, the enemy will press in day after day with words of urgency and compromising issues until your soul becomes vexed to the point of giving into someone and giving yourself over to someone or something that the Lord never intended for you to be hooked up to. He will get you to do something other than what you are called to do and be with someone that you were never ordained to be with. The very thing or things that you were in control of are now being overtaken by the enemy a piece at a time and before you know it you will be saying, "If Only I Had Listened."

Minister Antonio Washington

Prayer of Faith

We praise you for the many times you send people our way to warn us that we may be getting connected to the wrong person. Thank you for always looking out for us even when we are bing hardheaded and want what we want. May we learn the lesson that Samson did before it is too late and learn to wait on you for the right mate. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. 

http://youtu.be/HcnfT4arZtI

Colossians 2:15 - "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross."

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

I pray that each of you are holding tightly to the things God desires for you and you are feeling His love and care as you are releasing those things that keep you from real intimacy with Him. So let's grab our Tea Cups and open our hearts and minds to what God desires to pour into us today.

John 8:31-32 -"To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”

Colossians 2:15 - "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross."

Mark 8:33 - "But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

2 Thessalonians 2:9 - "The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie,"

Above are a few verses that God has had me looking at and study called the "Brew of Deception, lies, the old/dead me that no longer exists since I have Christ in my heart and life."

Brothers and Sisters, we may not all realize it but we each carry with us such a brew, even the strongest of Christian men and women. Those who we look at and say, "Why can't I just be as faithful or as together as him or her." Dear Brothers and Sisters, he or she has her own brew filled with their old self. They too have their own very broken tea cup in the cupboard of her heart too. You may ask yourself, how do I know this to be true? I know this to be true for a few different reasons:

1. He or she can be tempted by Satan as easily as you and I.

2. He or she too is susceptible to Satan and his wicked ways.

Brothers and Sisters, we all have chatter going on in our heads all the time. Some of it is good and some of it comes straight from Satan. Satan can use anyone or anything that is not of God to grab a hold of us; a situation or circumstance or disappointment. Then Satan plants his foot upon it and hold us in that dark place. That is unless we choose to quiet our hearts and minds to know God's truths as they are our greatest weapon against Satan. You see we don't have to reach for that old Tea Cup or the Brew of Deception and Foothold of Satan.

Does this mean that Satan will never drag us and our Tea Cups into the pits of despair, doubt, anger, etc..? Certainly not. Yet it does mean that within each of us Christ resides in us so we can to turn it around before the foothold is strong enough to pull us back into our old fleshy ways and patterns of behavior.

I struggle with this daily. Many of you have read my testimony so there are still some footholds from my old self that raise their ugly heads in my day to day life. I struggle with intimacy and being fully vulnerable in certain areas of life. This causes much stress in my marriage and life at times.

We simply must keep our minds still and quiet daily and allow God to flow through our hearts and minds. We must give Him first place in our lives in and through everything. This is so hard to do in this world. I believe it is especially hard for us as women who have so many responsibilities that are self ordained or put upon us socially. Yet, this is just one more tactic that Satan uses to keep us from drinking of the Sweet Brew Christ intends for each of us daily moment by moment.

I was recently in small group bible study where we were watching a video series called "Life Time Guarantee", by Bill and Marybeth Gillham. Marybeth shared a very practical way to Let GO and Let God!! You see if we choose to do that then Satan will have a less strongholds and footholds to grab a hold of to drag us back into that pit of despair and darkness.

So dear sweet Brothers and Sisters, I have a homework assignment for each of us. Annabel shared this simple but practical manner to release these strong holds, such as unforgiveness, fleshy patterns, past hurts, loss, etc., Brothas and Sistas, you choose the strongholds.

Homework Assignment- Letting Go and Letting God

3. Then release the balloon to the heavens. Cry out/speak to the Lord as it flies heavenward and let Him know that you have given this to Him and no longer does this/these strong holds belong to you.

5. Then take a piece of paper and write down what you are releasing to God so that Satan can no longer have access to it. It will be God's problem now.

7. Put it away in a place that you and God have the only access to.

Brothers and Sisters, I promise that if you follow through with this and trust God to take care of you in and through this fully the freedom that you will feel from the strongholds of Satan for each thing that you release to Him. I promise that God will set you free in new and amazing ways.

I pray that each of you will have an amazing week and be refreshed with a new Brew of Tea from Christ, Himself. Rest in His love and redemption.

Love,

Tabby  

 https://youtu.be/va5I6MOF-8M

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea blown and tossed by the wind. James says that that person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.”

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

Have you ever been to the beach and you were sitting on the balcony of your room or on the beach and you watched the waves come in and the wind blows? The harder the wind the stronger the waves. This is exactly how we sometimes are as Christians. We can be like the waves of the ocean.

James, the half brother of Jesus writes to the 12 tribes that were scattered abroad and to the Jewish Christians. Here we have what is framed within an overall theme of patience, perseverance during trials and temptations. James writes to encourage believers to live consistently with what they have learned in Christ. He wants his readers to mature in their faith in Christ by living what they say they believe.

I would like to propose that we all have been affected at one point in time not being able to make up our minds, being double-minded, or wavering. James talks about that because you see James has been there. It took him a minute to believe that his half brother, Jesus was the Messiah. So as you can see James knows what it is to be a double minded person.

Double-minded means wavering in mind; undecided. It means being torn in two directions; having two minds. No Christian becomes double-minded overnight. It takes time to develop an unrelenting desire to pursue a particular course, until we part ways with that thing which is stabbing at Jesus all the time, we will still continually find ourselves in a state of inner turmoil.

Wavering means to lose strength, determination or purpose, to begin to doubt. Let's look at the contrast in scripture.

James 1:1-8

Matthew 6:24 Hebrews 11:1, 3

He spoke of the one who wavers. A double minded person tries to serve two masters. As such he is unstable which means wavering. Listen we can’t be both certain and doubting at the same time as a double minded person. Now faith is being sure of what we hope for. By faith the universe was formed by God's command.

When the bible tells us not to waver it means don’t flinch as to what the word of God says. Isn’t it amazing how so many times we hold fast in the church but the moment we leave out from the worship experience we begin to waver. Listen God doesn’t move on our time but His time. You see we want to have the provision, but don’t want the burdens, we want the victories, but not the challenges. We want deliverance without even going into the fiery furnace like Shadrach, Meshack, and Abenego. When you have your mind made up to believe God at His word, you will not waver in your faith.

Lazarus had been dead for 4 days and there was a stone in front of the grave. Jesus says to Mary, “Did I not tell you that I am the resurrection and he that believeth in me shall never die And they said, “Yes.” Then Jesus asked them, “Do you believe this? Because if you do then I will bring him back to life and they said, ”Lord, I believe.”

Can God count on you to wait on the Lord and be of good courage like David? Can God count on us to trust in His word when others tell you that you should give up? In the book of Mark Jesus says, have faith in God whatever it is. If you don’t have faith you will never see His answer, you will never see His praise, You will never see His power. How do I know? Look at James 1:7, “He who doubts will receive nothing from the Lord. When your in a battle, the only victory you have is faith that overcomes the world.

The bible is filled with imperfect people and often times we want to emphasize on their imperfections. I believe we got it wrong. It is their faith that qualifies them not their imperfections. How do I know? In Romans 4:3 it says that, “Abraham’s faith was counted as righteousness unto him. Look there are a lot of imperfect Christians that don’t have faith but it is impossible to please God without it. Abraham being called by God didn’t waver but believed God. We want God to speak to us but the words of the Lord are right here in this book filled with verses, chapters, line upon line and yet we say I need God to speak to me. Open the book and His words will speak to you what you want to know and hear.

God’s delays are not God’s denials. Have you been waiting on the Lord for an answer? "They that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall run and not grow weary. They shall walk and not faint." Have you taken God at His word?" Don’t stop believing even when others say you should. They may give up, but don’t you give in. They may not endure but stand without wavering, hold fast to your faith. Carry on with the blessed assurance that Jesus is mine and that nothing and I mean nothing is too hard for God and that all things are possible but whatever you do, Don’t Waver!

Even if you have walked with the Lord for years, a double-minded life will avoid, bypass, dodge much of the good which the Holy Spirit wants to work in you and through you. What we as believers desperately need is to fully surrender our hearts and minds to the Lord.

Listen the reason why a wavering or double-minded person seems to have old habits hang on indefinitely, is because those old habits are the fruit of an unstable heart and mind. “Whatever a man thinketh so is he.” Proverbs 23:7 The only way to enjoy the joy and peace that God has for us is to get back to a single minded approach to Christian Living....so make up your mind! Amen.

"If you don’t make up your mind, your unmade mind will unmake you." Eli E. Stanley Jones

Have a great day!

Minister Antonio Washington

Prayer of Faith

Lord, we admit that we need to desperately make up our minds. Either we are going to faithfully serve you and believe what your word says or we are going to be double-minded. help us to walk by faith and not by sight so that we can please you and be a better witness to those that do not know you. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

https://youtu.be/U-UAP_LMpqc

"In Christ we too have been claimed as God's own possession, since we were predestined according to the one purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to the counsel of his will." Ephesians 1:11

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

One of the main tricks that the enemy uses to move us into a place of disparity is to use others to tell us that we are less than Elohim, The Creator, made us to be. As I grow older and just a tad bit wiser I am realizing that Satan doesn't use just anyone to do this but he uses those that are closest to us to do the most damage to our psyche. Take for instance Job and his so called friends. They taunted Job incessantly and told him all the things that he did wrong. And for a minute Job believed them until he remember that before time was created he had been predestined for greatness in spite of what his current situation looked like.

Let' s also look at the example of Miriam, the sister of Moses. Now the Lord had blessed Miriam with a nurturing gift. She took care of her baby brother even when he was placed in a basket and she was given the responsibility to get him to safety while on the Nile River. God even used her to make sure Moses biological mom would still be a part of his childhood by nursing him. She looked after him just as any awesome big sister would but as Moses began to walk in his destiny and rise to power and greatness Miriam began to get jealous. You see she no longer had the upper hand over her little brother. She complained about his wife and eventually complained about her younger brothers leadership decisions to God. Her comment was, "Has the Lord onlyspoken through Moses? Hasn't He also spoken through us?" Numbers 12:2

Whenever God begins to move us from glory to glory make no mistake about it Satan will rear his ugly head. His job is to get you to second guess the things that God has #1 already said to you through His word and by His Spirit and secondly to use his lies to distract you from your greater calling. And by doing this we sometimes walk around with unjustifiable guilt because those that are closest to us can't embrace where He is taking us because they are content in being stuck in where we used to be.

The problem with this my Brothas and Sistas is that we diminish who He created us to be to fortify someone else's ego. Their issue of being insecure should never ever become our issue when it comes to walking in our God given destiny and pleasing God. The solution: Pray for them. Refuse to lose your focus. And by Gods grace keep it moving! You have been preordained for greatness!

Your destiny is not reliant upon someone else ego being stroked. Your destiny relies upon you being obedient to the One who called, equipped, and anointed you to do HIS will. Amen.

Lovingly submitted,

Sista Michelle

Dear Lord,

Thank you for allowing us to realize that what others have to say about us should never rival or supersede with what you have to say about us. Help us to listen intentively to your voice so that we will know the truth about what you say about us and we will remain settled in it. We trust you Lord with all of our heart and want to be obedient to your will. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. 

http://youtu.be/O7ofQmeao9I

Good morning my awesome Brothas and Sistas,

"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."Luke 6:38

Brothas and Sistas, who is it that the Lord has laid on YOUR heart to be a blessing to today? Which person in YOUR neighborhood, grocery store, job, or church needs an encouraging word? Who is it that comes to mind in YOUR prayer time? Who is it that genuinely needs YOUR help? Who is it in YOUR circle that needs to know about a Savior that loves them unconditionally? Don't ignore the Spirit's nudge today. Girlfriends and Guyfirends, there is someone that Lord wants to supernaturally show Himself to and He wants to use YOU to perform a miracle in their lives today. He has a job for YOU to do. But YOU must first be open to His Spirit.

The Lord is not laying these people on YOUR heart by mistake. That subtle nudge is there for a reason and YOU need to adhere to it. He is not asking someone else to do it, He is asking YOU. The Lord does His best work through an obedient servant. Jesus was and still is a giver. And since we are all made in His image and exemplify Him most when we love up on others by giving of ourselves and our substance He desires for us to "Pay It Forward."

The term, "Pay It Forward " is a slang derived from a 2000 film based on the novel written by Catherine Ryan Hyde. In the novel and film people were encouraged to do good deeds for other people with the condition that those same people that the good deed had been done for would in turn do a good deed for someone else. Brothas and Sistas, if we indeed take time to apply this movie to our lives we would see that this movie really does have some spiritual significance to it.

And if we take a moment to think about all that Jesus does with us on a daily basis we would see that He is always giving of Himself to others and expects us to do the same for others in the process. That is why He said, "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."Luke 6:38

This is referred to as the "Law of Reciprocity" The Law of Reciprocity says when YOU give YOU will REAP a harvest. And Brothas and Sistas, if YOU give nothin' YOU in turn gets nothin'. Trust me, Girlfriends and Guyfriends, there are no deep theological truths to this thing. YOU either obey God in this area or YOU don't. YOU either want to be a blessing and be blessed or YOU won't.

Come on now, this is not that hard to understand, so let's all get a clue. "Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: “He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever. Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God." II Corinthians 9:6-11 And yes, how much we give is a direct result of how thankful we really are to God for all that He has done for us. In other words, when we meditate on His goodness we can't help but want to show our appreciation to Him by giving to someone else.

It is a known fact that whenever we put something in God promises it will not return void. And Brothas and Sistas, let me tell you the best way to honor Jesus on today and everyday is do what He did, does, and will always do best, GIVE. Brothas and Sistas, I implore (beseech, appeal to, call or pray for earnestly) YOU stop being stingy and "Pay It Forward". He has promised (declared that it will be done) that YOU shall receive (take into one's possession) a blessing. He wants to increase YOU. And it is all up to YOU. Amen and Amen.

Dear Lord,

Teach us the importance of "paying it forward". Help us to help those in need for your word says "give and it shall be given". You gave up everything for us. may we do the same for you and those you lay upon our hearts. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

http://youtu.be/HcnfT4arZtI

Colossians 2:15 - "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross."

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

I pray that each of you are holding tightly to the things God desires for you and you are feeling His love and care as you are releasing those things that keep you from real intimacy with Him. So let's grab our Tea Cups and open our hearts and minds to what God desires to pour into us today.

John 8:31-32 -"To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”

Colossians 2:15 - "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

"

Mark 8:33 - "But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”

2 Thessalonians 2:9 - "The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie,"

Above are a few verses that God has had me looking at and study called the "Brew of Deception, lies, the old/dead me that no longer exists since I have Christ in my heart and life."

Brothers and Sisters, we may not all realize it but we each carry with us such a brew, even the strongest of Christian men and women. Those who we look at and say, "Why can't I just be as faithful or as together as him or her." Dear Brothers and Sisters, he or she has her own brew filled with their old self. They too have their own very broken tea cup in the cupboard of her heart too. You may ask yourself, how do I know this to be true? I know this to be true for a few different reasons:

1. He or she can be tempted by Satan as easily as you and I.

2. He or she too is susceptible to Satan and his wicked ways.

Brothers and Sisters, we all have chatter going on in our heads all the time. Some of it is good and some of it comes straight from Satan. Satan can use anyone or anything that is not of God to grab a hold of us; a situation or circumstance or disappointment. Then Satan plants his foot upon it and hold us in that dark place. That is unless we choose to quiet our hearts and minds to know God's truths as they are our greatest weapon against Satan. You see we don't have to reach for that old Tea Cup or the Brew of Deception and Foothold of Satan.

Does this mean that Satan will never drag us and our Tea Cups into the pits of despair, doubt, anger, etc..? Certainly not. Yet it does mean that within each of us Christ resides in us so we can to turn it around before the foothold is strong enough to pull us back into our old fleshy ways and patterns of behavior.

I struggle with this daily. Many of you have read my testimony so there are still some footholds from my old self that raise their ugly heads in my day to day life. I struggle with intimacy and being fully vulnerable in certain areas of life. This causes much stress in my marriage and life at times.

We simply must keep our minds still and quiet daily and allow God to flow through our hearts and minds. We must give Him first place in our lives in and through everything. This is so hard to do in this world. I believe it is especially hard for us as women who have so many responsibilities that are self ordained or put upon us socially. Yet, this is just one more tactic that Satan uses to keep us from drinking of the Sweet Brew Christ intends for each of us daily moment by moment.

I was recently in small group bible study where we were watching a video series called "Life Time Guarantee", by Bill and Marybeth Gillham. Marybeth shared a very practical way to Let GO and Let God!! You see if we choose to do that then Satan will have a less strongholds and footholds to grab a hold of to drag us back into that pit of despair and darkness.

So dear sweet Brothers and Sisters, I have a homework assignment for each of us. Annabel shared this simple but practical manner to release these strong holds, such as unforgiveness, fleshy patterns, past hurts, loss, etc., Brothas and Sistas, you choose the strongholds.

Homework Assignment- Letting Go and Letting God

3. Then release the balloon to the heavens. Cry out/speak to the Lord as it flies heavenward and let Him know that you have given this to Him and no longer does this/these strong holds belong to you.

5. Then take a piece of paper and write down what you are releasing to God so that Satan can no longer have access to it. It will be God's problem now.

7. Put it away in a place that you and God have the only access to.

Brothers and Sisters, I promise that if you follow through with this and trust God to take care of you in and through this fully the freedom that you will feel from the strongholds of Satan for each thing that you release to Him. I promise that God will set you free in new and amazing ways.

I pray that each of you will have an amazing week and be refreshed with a new Brew of Tea from Christ, Himself. Rest in His love and redemption.

Love,

Tabby  

https://youtu.be/l3uIvXF3Dv4

"Therefore my dear brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lords work, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." I Corinthians 15:58

Good morning my Brothas and Sistas,

In order for us to pursue excellence we must first understand the meaning of excellence. Excellence means the fact or condition of excelling, superiority, surpassing goodness. Perfection means the act of perfecting, completion, fulfillment, finishing, ending, impeccability, flawlessness, and faultlessness. It is amazing how we excel in basketball, football, baseball, cooking, grooming ourselves, jobs, and businesses but there is little excellence in pursuing godliness. Instead we pursue perfection in the areas that the world deems important.

Listen Brothas and Sistas, perfection is not attainable and chasing it is pointless. Excellence on the other hand means not letting yourself off the hook, not cutting corners where it counts, and not coping out. It is being extraordinary which requires doing extra....and guess what? Extra isn't always easy. If you want to be a cut above your competition or to be an expert in your field or have a name that stands out among your customers or clients then you must strive for excellence. You have to know when you are giving too much attention to things that don't really matter and when to give extra attention to those that do.

II Corinthians 8:7 says, "But as you excel in everything, in faith, in speech, in knowledge, and in all eagerness and the love from us that is in you, make sure that you excel in this act of kindness too."

I Thessalonians 4:1, 11 says, " Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk) that you may excel still more..... So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God." NASB

Matthew 23:37-38 says, "Jesus said to him "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind, this is the first and greatest commandment."

Brothas and Sistas, from these verses it clearly shows that God wants us, His people, to abound or excel in both what we are (inward character) and in what we do(behavior or good deeds). It seems obvious that there is no way one can love God with all his heart without seeking to do his or her best to the glory of God. You see the pursuit of excellence is both a goal and a mark of spiritual maturity. However, for this to be true, the pursuit of excellence must be motivated by the right values, priorities, and motives. If we go astray the the pursuit of excellence can quickly become a mark of immaturity and a result of our own obsession with our own significance.

Brothas and Sistas, excellence means being your best. Excellence means being better tomorrow that you were yesterday. Excellence means matching your practice with your potential. Pursuing excellence comes from doing the best we can with the gifts and abilities God gives, giving our best to the glory of God. But it is done without the spirit of competition or seeking to excel simply to be better than others. Excellence includes doing common everyday things but in very uncommon ways regardless of whether people are watching. The reality is that God sees our work and rewards us accordingly.

"Therefore my dear brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lords work, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." I Corinthians 15:58

God Bless,

Minister Antonio Washington

Prayer of Faith

Dear Lord,

We praise your great name. Help us to pursue excellence daily. There are times when we want to cut corners or take the easy way out of doing things. The way of excellence can be hard but we know that we can do anything through you who strengthens us. Bless our efforts. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

https://youtu.be/Tq_TXy2Edp8

"Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." I Corinthians 11:1

Good morning Brothas and Sistas.

All of us are teachers in one way or another. We teach others daily without even knowing it. Many of us hold leadership positions in the home, workplace, and church. Therefore we are teaching in some capacity 24/7. We most effectively communicate to others what is involved in the Christian lifestyle by the way we live out our Christian walk. Our children and others are either drawn to or turned away from Christ by our example. The most effective way we teach is by example.

Now if we teach one thing and live a life that is contrary to what we teach it will profoundly affect those around us. Every one of us have someone looking up to us; younger church members, relatives, classmates, and even our children. What kind of examples are we setting when we say one thing and do another? When we don't demonstrate by our lifestyle what we are trying to communicate becomes a joke and is thrown right back in our faces. In all actuality we become a stumbling block to those around us.

Now we are not perfect just blameless because we will indeed make mistakes but praise God for a God who justifies us. "Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy." Jude 1:24 Therefore, we need to strive to live out what we teach. Not only are others watching us and holding us accountable but God is too. "For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, Whether good or evil." And guess what? So is Satan. He is standing there hanging on to every word that we say so that he can tempt us.

You ever notice that right after or before you teach a lesson or preach how much you become tempted to fail the very lesson or sermon that God laid on your heart to share. Brothas and Sistas, the only way we can live out what we teach is by applying God's word to our everyday lives. We must get the word in our hearts and apply it. "Thy word have I hid in my heats o that I will not sin against thee." Psalm 119:11 His word is what brings about change. Those around us will witness the change and want to change as well and then they will be moved to live out what has been effectively taught by example. Let's learn to live out what we teach!

"The most effective teachers are those who teach without saying a word." Sistas Saving Sistas for Christ

Be blessed until next time.

Denise Cole

Prayer of Faith

Dear Lord,

Help us to live out what we teach. May we be prime examples of how effectively applying your word brings about change. May others follow our example as we follow you. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. 

https://youtu.be/l3uIvXF3Dv4

John 5:1-9 “After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, ]having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had.[b] Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.”  Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

You know there are times in our lives where we don’t see how we are ever going to move beyond our current state. We are stuck. Our get up and go has flat lined and in desperate need of spiritual CPR. Many times the enemy puts so many stumbling blocks in our way that we can’t ever perceive what life would be like if we ever moved beyond where we are. We become spiritually crippled by life’s woes. And that’s how it was for the man at the pool of Bethesda.

Brothas and Sistas, the word Bethesda means house of mercy. The five porches served as a shelter for the sick, just as Jesus serves as a shelter to those who are spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically, and financially sick. The gate represents the doorway into our healing, into our deliverance, into our destiny. The pool represents purification, healing, and quenching of all those things that leave of lifeless. It brings vitality to that which is parched.

Verse 3 says, ”In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water;" Brothas and Sistas, they were waiting for a move of God just like we are waiting for Him to show up in our blind, lame and seemingly paralyzed state so that He can not only show up but so that He can show out. It goes on to say, “For an angel went down at a certain time (everybody say certain time) into the pool and stirred up the water." The word certain…is defined as determined, definite, fixed or precise. Brothas and Sistas, I like the word certain because there are times in our lives when God is specific in His timing. He is determined in the outcome He has set aside for us. His mind is fixed on our situation and He is precise in the favor that He was about to show towards us.

Verse 4 goes onto say “then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had. I like the phrase “stirring of the water.” You ever notice that just before a blessing comes our way…things get stirred up. It takes a stirring of the water; it takes a shaking to get to the making of what He would have us to be. Things have to be stirred up before we can be healed of all those things that bring about dis-ease in our lives. The biblical definition of well is to save, to heal, to rescue, to preserve. Jesus at just the right time will step in and save us from our sin, our problems, persecution and even ourselves if He has to. He promised to heal all our diseases but He goes on a bit further to heal us of our mental, spiritual and emotional problems as well. And He preserves us so that we may walk in the promises.

Verse 5 says, “Now a certain man (there is that word again; certain.) Jesus was specific to heal this particular man.) Whenever He does something He does it with purpose. This man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. Brothas and Sistas, it does not matter how long you have been suffering with a problem with just one visitation from Him and You will be made well.

Verse 6 says, "When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time." How many of us are in a condition right now? He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” Jesus is really asking, “Do you want to partake in the abundant life I have set aside for YOU?” “Do YOU want to move beyond your perceived invalid state and not only physically walk but walk in newness of life?” Do you want to move beyond your perceived invalid state?” Saints, our perception is everything. It is what holds us back; the way we look at a thing.

Verse 7 says, "The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” Oh, now there he goes looking at every perceived obstacle that is holding Him back from walking in his destiny. This is His skin of a reason stuffed with a lie…This is his excuse! But then Jesus comes back at him just as unconcerned and says, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” In other words, “You know what I don’t have time for Your excuses You either want some of this or You don’t. You either want to be healed or You don’t. You either want to move beyond where You are or You don’t. You either want the abundant life or You want to stay just right where You are at; which is nowhere. You either want to move into your destiny or you don’t. And guess what from out of nowhere in Verse 9 it says, “At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.”

Brothas and Sistas, it is just as simple as that. We just need to do what? That’s right....we just need to “Get Up!” Praise God!

Smooches,

Me

http://youtu.be/mjGqUAZKPjw

http://youtu.be/ICMPxpB_UPo (Slow Jam)

Philippians 2:2 "Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind."

Good morning to you both,

My Brothas and Sistas to say I love you to your spouse means more than just saying words. It requires action. In other words it requires doing and knowing.

Now you may be saying to yourselves, "What do they mean show your love by doing as well as knowing." My Brothas and Sistas, doing means more than just presenting little sentimental tokens. It means putting your "I love you" into action by listening, hugging, kissing, holding, caressing, going for long walks together, etc.

As for the knowing, well husbands there are certain days we should not forget such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, etc. Listen Brothas, the day after our anniversary we should be working on next year's anniversary surprise for our wives so that it is well planned out. This my fellow Brothas shows how much we love them by remembering their special days to express their value and worth to us.

We should literally be studying our wives and making a mental note of the things they desire. My brothas, this takes time and patience. Most of all it takes a listening heart and ear. Our wives love it when we lavish them with the things that they desire and no my Brothas this does not always mean that we have break the bank to do so. It is as equally important for the Sistas to make an effort to study us Brothas as well. We, Brothas like to know that our wives are paying us much attention.

My Brothas and Sistas, we should never be too busy or preoccupied to take time out of our busy schedules to make special days so very important for our spouses. Nothing says I love you more than putting time in with your spouse on those days.

“In marriage do thou be wise: prefer the person before money, virtue before beauty, the mind before the body; then thou hast a wife, a friend, a companion, a second self.”~ William Penn

http://youtu.be/hRjhBjmq5iE Featured in Poetic Pastries

(Awww, isnt that so special? Okay Sistas, we gotta step up our game. Where the Sistas at?......................................................................)

Until next time, take care.

Minister Antonio and Sista Michelle Washington

I'm a paragraph. Click once to begin entering your own content. You can change my font, size, line height, color and more by highlighting part of me and selecting the options from the toolbar.

http://youtu.be/jYpBgJHmGmw?list=PLWvahZRxLnLMSWeULnub0CCeQzvxGM8hB

1 Peter 3:4 "Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight."

Luke 12:7 "Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows."

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

I pray that you are well and secure in the love of Christ this morning. Today we are going to continue on a series we started back a month or so ago regarding the lies that Satan uses to keep us from the truth of Christ. I am sharing many of the lies that the enemy used to keep me from fully accepting the fullness and security of my salvation that was gifted to me by Christ Jesus upon the cross.

The lie that I would like us to throw from Tea Cupboards today is that we are not allowed to love ourselves. This very brew kept me swimming in brews of sin and self destruction for so many years. Yes, even after I had given my life to Christ.

Let's grab our favorite Tea Cups and gather at the Lord's table and dispel this lie and throw these tea bags of twisted tea out of our tea cupboards. Let's replace them with Christ's truth of how we are to love ourselves as He loves us.

We shall refer to this freshly steeped and refreshing brew as love and acceptance for ourselves in the eyes of our Lord. As we read in our verses today the Lord loves us completely. He knows every hair on our head and counts us worthy. In 1 Peter we read that our inner selves should be gentle and quiet as we are seen worthy in God's sight. I don't know about you but this Brew is a bit hard to swallow. It would seem silly almost foolish to think that the twisted Brew that Satan offers, self loathing, worthlessness, never will you be good enough....

Brothers and Sisters, add your own lies here.....________________ wouldn't be to bitter of a drink. Yet I found myself drinking this in daily, how about you? There are so many ways that Satan discretely gets this brew into our Tea Cups then into our Tea Cupboards.

Even well meaning believers can pour you this brew without any intent to harm you. The life messages we receive from the media, mass communication are always telling us we need to change this, add this, modify that, etc., Then we will have reached completeness. Sisters and Brothers, in Christ we remind one another to be humble, not to be proud, and to be meek in all things but evangelism.

These lies and well meaning truths that Satan took and added to his Twisted Tea too kept me in sin, loneliness, and despair. This brew is deadly, not just toxic. Not only is deadly to the physical self but it will kill the spirit in a few small sips. Let's look at how we can dispel these lies and accept the perfected beings we are in Christ Jesus.

Jesus never asks us to hate who we are in Christ. He says to shed the old self the old man that died when we went to the cross with Christ, died, and rose again. And because of this we have been redeemed and made righteous. He says to hate the ways of this world and to not be a part of this world but live life to the fullest in this world. We have been given the gift of righteousness. We no longer need to drink of the brew of self loathing. All of our past lives before Christ have been cleansed, forgiven and dispelled as far as the east is from the best. Christ poured out His blood for our sin, and in doing so He threw this brew and all the remaining tea leaves away. We no longer have to shop in the place of unworthiness. He has made us complete, in His image, in His perfection.

Now when drinking this new brew of love and acceptance for ourselves we are not to boast and be proud or stiff necked looking down on others. No we are to be down in the trenches building up one another up in Christ in God's truths through His word. Sistas and Brothas, the lies that Satan brings to our minds daily and tries to pour into our Tea Cups must be taken captive. We must be alert and intentional about hearing and discerning the Masters Voice from any other. This is the only way to live out a life of completeness and fullness. To know that we are loved and that He is love. To know that we are worthy and have worth. To know that even though we have faults, character flaws, and sin; all of this can be overcome by allowing our Savior to be our Brew Daily. He chooses to see us through a lens of cleanliness, truth, forgiveness, and everlasting Love.

Let us each take our thoughts and the lies that we were allowing Satan to pour into our Tea Cups of Life and dispel them once and for all. Let's begin a new today allowing ourselves the opportunity to allow truth and love to be poured into our Tea Cups. For Christ has done all the work for us, we are simply asked to accept and believe and walk upright in the truth.

My challenge each day and I pray that maybe it will be yours too is to be intentional about taking my thoughts captive. Not allowing the lies to linger long enough to be mixed in with my daily brew. Secondly, to be intentional about lifting another person's eyes away from the lies of Satan, to encourage them to look upon the Lord, Jesus Christ for their worth and love. When we choose to keep our eyes and hearts are set upon the truth and Christ Satan doesn't have a chance! This battle is already won and Christ is the Victor!!!!

May the love of Christ be with you this week. May I encourage you to ask Christ to help you clean out your personal Tea Cupboard. To take inventory, and whatever you feel you are lacking ask Christ to fill it. Whatever you find that doesn't match up with the truth of God and His word dispose of it. Ask Christ to take it from you for good and to free you from it. He is mighty and He will certainly do this for you. May His peace continue to lead you to the place of love and acceptance of who you really are in and through Christ Jesus. Enjoy your brew, sip it in and enjoy the peace and love it will provide.

Love in Christ and through Christ till next week,

Tabby

http://youtu.be/qGJ3Y0csZRE

"For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace & of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!" Romans 5:17

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

Brothas and Sistas, we have been so conditioned to focus on the sin of the first Adam that we fail to embrace redemption from sin , which is the embodiment of the message of salvation, grace and righteousness imputed unto us by the second Adam. In other words, our focus is off.

I thank God daily that His word says,"Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all." Romans 5:18 

You see Brothas and Sistas, life in Christ was never meant to be a life filled with condemnation, religion, or rules and it was certainly not meant to be lived based on our own view of what makes us or anyone else righteous. Faith in Christ alone has deemed us righteous. "And the scripture was fulfilled that says,"Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness and he was called God's friend." James 2:23 Hallelujah! We have earned the right to be called His friend simply because we chose to believe God through faith.

Religion apart from salvation and the law apart from the message of grace conditions us to primarily focus on not only our sin but every body else's sin which in turn has our focus on our own self righteousness without recognizing that faith in Jesus + nothing that we could ever do (the law) to gain His favor is what ultimately make us righteous. "And be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ; the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith." Philippians 3:9

Bottom Line: We no longer have to dwell on or in our past sin. Because of Him we now live guilt free! "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." II Corinthians 5:21

Prayer Time

Dear Lord,

We praise you for making us righteous even when we feel so unworthy. We know that it is because of your great sacrifice that we are so longer deemed unrighteous and we are so grateful. May we no longer dwell on our past sin but trust the fact that you have wiped the slate clean with all that is within us. In your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

https://youtu.be/HuWnYMofOJ4

“Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually!” 1 Chronicles 16:11

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

My husband and I have time set aside every Friday for date night. We have realized after 36 years of marriage that we must invest in our marriage. Time spent with my husband allows him to know my heart and me to know His heart. We gain insight and access to areas that we would otherwise not know about each other. By doing this we prioritize our relationship with one another.

This same thing holds true when we spend time in His presence; we make our relationship with Him a priority. When we make Him a priority, we gain insight and access into areas as He begins to share His secrets with us. There are things we would never gain insight into if we did not spend time with Him to get to know His heart.

I Chronicles 16:11 states, ““Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His presence continually!” The key word in this scripture is continually. The definition of continually is repeated frequently in the same way; regularly. What if my husband and I decided to do date night whenever we felt like it? Where would our relationship be? How well would we know each other intimately? Brothas and Sistas, we must spend time with Him on a regular basis.

Time spent in His presence is never waisted. Time Spent with God is time well spent.

“Closet communion needs time for the revelation of God's presence. It is vain to say, "I have too much work to do to find time." You must find time or forfeit blessing. God knows how to save for you the time you sacredly keep for communion with Him.” A.T. Pierson

Prayer Time

Dear Lord

We praise your name. We worship and adore you. Lord, we need and love you more than anything or anyone. Help us to make you a priority in all we do. We are nothing without you  and we need to know your heart  so that we can have the direction and peace that we need. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. 

"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." Romans 12:11

https://youtu.be/oJpWjv7UGqE

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

It's so easy to go through the motions without thinking about the impact of everything we do and how it affects the eternal. Some of us have substituted what we do for Him for having an authentic intimate relationship with Him. Brothas and Sistas, why do we do what we do?

I don't know about you but I sometimes get confused about my Christian walk. There are times when I think what I do is equivalent to how devoted I am to Him . Brothas and Sistas, nothing can ever replace an intimate walk with Him and serving Him out of devotion instead of serving Him out of duty or obligation.

The word duty is defined as a task or action that someone is required to perform. Brothas and Sistas, that one statement has as much passion and enthusiam as a thumbtack. It gives the connotation that we are being made to or have to do it. When we serve God like this we are not really serving Him at all.

The word devotion means ardent, often selfless affection and dedication, as to a person or principle. Brothas and Sistas, we owe Him selfless affection and dedication because He is worth so much than we give Him credit for.

"There is always the danger that we may just do the work for the sake of the work. This is where the respect and the love and the devotion come in - that we do it to God, to Christ, and that's why we try to do it as beautifully as possible." Mother Teresa

Will you choose devotion or duty? Brothas and Sistas, I urge you to choose devotion today. Amen.

Smooches,

Me

 http://youtu.be/6zZpogp6PX8

"But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

Too often some singles get caught up in what they see, the outer appearance right off the bat. They are looking at the physical appearance as opposed to the spiritual appearance (how a Brotha or Sista handles himself spiritually). They may actually fit the part and talk the part but deep down inside you must ask yourself , "Is he/she really the one?" A godly man or woman will first and foremost respect you. Not only will he respect you, they will respect your faith in God. When he/she respects your faith in God, he/she ultimately will respect you.

A godly man or woman will be more interested in getting to know you based on your relationship with the Lord. He/she will want to get to know you as a person. They will take their time with you and try not to rush or force the relationship. He/she will first get to know you as a friend and will not do things contrary to what is written in God's word.

If there is ever a time that you feel within your spirit that something is not right with he/she don't compromise it. Learn to listen to what the Holy Spirit is telling you about him/her. Mind how he/she respects you and your body first and foremost.

Believe it or not there are still some single men and women out there that will honor you and respect your body. For example, Anthony Evans, Dr. Tony Evans son is a single young adult man that's still celibate. When he dates women he does not look at them as a piece of meat but he looks at them for who they are as a person. Now that is a godly man. He does not like aggressive women because he does not like being pressured. He prefers asking women out on dates. Now, he does not mind phone calls but he would rather take his rightful place as a godly man and pursue the female.

Sistas, do not pursue a man. Let him pursue you. Whenever you pursue a man he will disrespect you hands down. You should never allow yourselves to be made to feel like a piece of meat. Don't allow him to come at you any old kind of way. He needs to be straight with you, without having a bunch of lines to throw at you. He does not need to have anything rehearsed or play a bunch of games when he approaches you. He just needs to be himself, he needs to be real.

And when it comes to marriage, godly men and women will not ask for a prenuptial either. Ungodly men and women tend to be selfish and more concerned about their stuff and what they can get out of the situation and the world. Godly men and women will always seek your best and give, give, give. Prenups are an excuse to get out of the marriage and they create a false sense of security for him/her. When you allow a prenup you are admitting to God and everyone else that the relationship may not work. It is a set up by Satan and a set up for a fall back plan for him/her. Later on down the road , when he/she feels like he no longer wants to be married, well after he/she gets your goodies and things don't go his way, that Brotha or Sista will have a fall back plan. It is his/her way of protecting his/her investment and it devalues the relationship and leaves him/her with a false sense of security about his/her precious stuff.

Brothas and Sistas, that right there should tell you what he/she really cares about. A godly man or woman will trust God for the relationship. If he/she spends time getting to know you, a prenup will not be an option. He/she will recognize that it all belongs to God anyway and he/she will not need to protect anything because he/she will know it was not his/hers from the git. Okay Brothas and Sistas, I am done for now but I will be back next week. Take care.

Minister Antonio Washington

Prayer Time

Dear Lord,

Thank you for giving us wisdom when it comes to relationships. May we listen to your Holy Spirit so that we can know your will and will choose not to go ahead of you. Help us to love and respect ourselves first and foremost so that we will know what true love and respect looks like in a potential mate. We know that you have your best in mind for us when it comes to a mate. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

http://youtu.be/dB4eC55dh-U

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

I pray that you have each had a week where you could sense that God was by your side if it were times of joy or sorrow. Brothas and Sistas, today I would like to talk about something that I had not put a whole lot of thought into until I was given a reading list for the summer. For a class I am taking this fall. That is what it really means when we declare that we are Christians.

You see when we make that statement of faith there is a story behind the scenes to the words and declaration we are making. When we say that we are His and only His we are saying that we are consecrated in Christ. In other words, we are saying to ourselves our families, friends, church, the world, but most of all to God that He now has permanent residency in our Tea Cups (also called our hearts). We have just opened up a whole new world to ourselves by inviting the Potter to reside here. In doing so we are giving Him complete and absolute reign over our lives and our Tea Cups. You see the Potter always knows what is best for us, sometimes that will come out in great joy or revelation or what we would identify as blessing. During these times it's very easy for us to accept our new lives; consecrated in our faith and trusting the Potter fully.

However do we see the Potter as being available and doing a good work in us when He allows trouble, heartache, challenges or even devastation to come our way? Do we then still praise His holy name to others? Do we then continue to have at least the faith and belief of a mustard seed? Do we still go to Him and ask for His leading and direction through the rough terrain?

Brothas and Sistas, I know I have been guilty of this, loosing or least believing that I had lost my faith or that it wasn't strong enough. I have also traveled down a different road thinking and feeling that I had lost my favor with the Master Potter or that He simply had shattered my Tea Cup and left me to my own devices and to the will and ways of Satan.

Here, is where Satan lays his greatest snares for us. It's in doubting our faith during time of struggle. Brothas and Sistas, we must not fall into this snare it is Satan's best weapon against us convincing us that we no longer have the faith we need and God has left us to our own devices.

Christ promises that He will never leave us once we have accepted and allowed the Holy Spirit, who is God the Father and Jesus the Son all wrapped up together. Brothas and Sistas, we will not be forsaken. There is no sin or power greater than our Lord and His promises. He will remain with us through troubled times. He even warns us that in this world we will find trouble.

We must change our minds about how we see our consecrated salvation. We must never give way to our feelings over our minds. Our minds are full of the truth and wisdom of the Father. Satan plays our heart strings like a harp to distract us and to cause confusion and doubt.

Brothas and Sistas, I plead with you that we would each hold one another up and remind one another that the King, the God we serve never will abandon us in the battles of life. He is not a good times only Savior. He is a Savior that steps in and carries us when we are too weak to go forward. He does it so gently that we often think or feel that we have done it in our strength. Please don't be so naive as to take the credit for what our God has done for you.

When we take something to the cross and we ask the Father to take the burden from us He always says, "Yes." It may not look or feel that this is true, but He is now holding you and all your burdens, your worries, your anxieties, hurt, and loss. He can be trusted with these things as He Loves us so much that He will never leave or forsake us.

Brothas and Sistas, I challenge you to sit and spend some time with the Father, the Great Potter, the creator of your Tea Cup. Ask Him to reveal any sin to you that you chose to engage in even after asking Christ to give you the strength to lay that down at the foot of the cross. Is there any place in your Tea Cup where you haven't allowed the Potter to enter and darkness rather than His light resides there? Do you remain in the same bad habit as I, laying my bags at the feet of my Savior, then not choosing to believe that I have enough faith at times to leave it there as if somehow I am mighty, wiser, and have greater, more full knowledge, and understanding of what's God life plan is for me?

In closing I want to share a vision that our Savior revealed to me about this very heart issue that I struggle with more often that I would like to openly admit.

I am standing before a cross and I have all my bags; insecurity, lack of trust, lack of faith, anxiety, worry about past and present sin, etc., Then I look and in my other hand is a hammer and large spike like nails. Then Christ says to me, "Go ahead." I am confused so ask Him, "Go ahead and do what?" He said, "You see my heir, my lovely and sanctified princess of the Most High God, you are going to nail me back to the cross." I say, "No, I would never do that. What happened at Calvary was horrible and I thank you for doing that for me." He said, "Daughter, every time you choose to pick up those bags that you placed at the foot of the cross you place a new nail in me upon the cross."

Brothas and Sistas, I must tell you this was the closest I have ever felt to the Lord, my God. I said to Christ, "That is not my intent." He said, "It's not anyone's intent yet you all do it on a regular basis." I asked for clarity. He gave me these simply words. "I got it, I got it ALL!!!!"

I then sensed the Holy Spirit telling me that I was relying on my own strength and the feelings of this world. I had fallen into common snare of Satan's. I had stopped relying on the faith of a mustard seed or the belief of the meaning of the cross from God's perspective but rather I was listening and following the world's definition of strength and truth. In other words I was listening to what the world says and teaches about what I should feel to be true.

Brothas and Sistas, I believe the moral of the encounter was that once I give over anything to God and Christ, my Savior it's theirs and I have no right to take it back. It now belongs to their holy hands. All I need to do is trust in Him and His Love for me. I am not to rely on my feelings as they are Satan's playground. I need to remember I am consecrated in Lord Jesus Christ and "He's Got It".

Brothas and Sistas, what He is saying to me and to you is that we must trust the faith that He has provided and spend our energy expanding that faith growing in the truth and knowledge of our Savior. Then we will have the faith to leave our stuff at the foot of the cross. We will then have the belief and trust in His strength to no longer continue to nail Him to cross over and over, but rather praise Him in the storm.

I pray that this devotional has given you heart a reason to accept your deliverance from any strongholds and to know you are consecrated in Christ and He in you. Therefore, no matter how bad the storms of life may get rely on your heart and don't allow your emotions to dictate what God's role is in these times. Brothas and Sistas, know that "He's Got It" and He never has plans to harm you or destroy you. Just remember we aren't God so we only get the pin head of a needles view of His perfect plan and purpose for our lives. So let's be in agreement that we will praise Him in times of joy and great blessing and that we will more importantly PRAISE Him in the storms.

May you be blessed and feel the strength of Christ with you always. And may you remember that Christ Himself resides in your so trust the leading of your heart and soul. Tell those feelings that they have no power over you and send them away firmly and Praise the Lord.

Till we meet next week. In Christ's Love and Consecration know that "He's Got it"

Love through Christ,

Tabby 

Isaiah 54:17 declares, “No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, said the LORD.” 

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

We must always remember that there is vindication for the righteous. We never go through anything alone. The enemy and others would have us think that we are fighting a losing battle, but God promises us that He has our back. WE ARE NOT ALONE!

Situations come in our lives to draw us closer to Him in times of trials, the closer we are to Him the closer we are to our victory. Isaiah 54:17 declares, “No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, said the LORD.” We have been deemed victorious because of who and whose we are.

One of the most popular and powerful weapons used for battle during biblical times was a targlum. This weapon was designed to torture and ruin the people of God but even this weapon was no match for God and His power when it came to His Servants. You see God has our back regardless of how powerful the enemy’s weapons may appear to be so Don’t Fret.

Prayer of Faith

Lord, we thank you for every victory won through you. We trust you with our very lives. You fight every battle for us, Therefore, there is no need for us to fear. We love you with our entire being. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

"How beautiful you are, my darling!

Oh, how beautiful!

Your eyes behind your veil are doves. Your hair is like a flock of goat descending from the hills of Gilead. Your teeth are like a flock of sheep just shorn, coming up from the washing.

Each has its twin; not one of them is alone. Your lips are like a scarlet ribbon; your mouth is lovely. Your temples behind your veil are like the halves of a pomegranate. Your neck is like the tower of David, built with courses of stone on it hang a thousand shields, all of them shields of warriors. Your breasts are like two fawns, like twin fawns of a gazelle that browse among the lilies. Until the day breaks and the shadows flee, I will go to the mountain of myrrh and to the hill of incense. You are altogether beautiful, my darling there is no flaw in you." Song of Songs 4:1-7

Watch "HER - Isaac Carree (Official Audio)" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/pVW75IR2wBg

Watch "Yes. I'm Ready" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/op0_RAOt5vQ

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

One may be wondering, "Ready for what? Well, the question is, "Are we ready to be taught how to love each other?" There are marriages where one if not both, the husband or the wife, have never been taught how to love. It is sad but very true.

For instance, some men may have been taught to never cry, work hard, to provide for and protect their family so that they can give them what they never recieved during their young years not really knowing how to say, "I love you." with sincerity, not knowing how to express their feelings or show affection to those they love.

Ladies, maybe you never learned how to show love with words of encouragement. You may have been taught as a teen to just do what your spouse wants and don't ask a lot of questions because after all he is taking care of you/providing for you. On the other hand, you may have been taught to be independent or to never allow a man to do anything for you. Maybe you never learned how to be romantic or how to show the feminine, sexy side of you to your spouse and the list goes on, but you get the point. There were so many things that were taught that was wrong and so many right things that were never taught simply because we never saw these things exemplified in our own parents.

Brothas and Siatas, Are You Ready? Many marriages suffer because we don't know how to truly love, express our feelings, show affection or for the most part we don't want to learn. Let's learn how to do this thing called marriage right.

Solomon was a wise man who knew how to treat a lady right. He knew what to say and how to say it in respect to his great love for her. He showed her respect. He was not ashamed to show his emotions. He was caring and affectionate. He had true love and admiration for her. And he showered her.

Solomon taught us how to love in more ways than one. We can learn a lot from Solomon if we are willing. Some marriages are falling apart while others are holding on by a thread. Others are doing well but may need some help in changing the drummers beat. If by any chance you fit any of these categories, ask yourself how valuable is your marriage and is it worth saving.

Brothas and Sistas, let's follow Solomon's example. Let's make the adjustments in our marriages to make our marriages sustainable and give our children a sparkling example of what marriage should look like and something to look forward to in their own marriages.

Till next time take care.

Minister Antonio Washington

Prayer of Faith

Lord, we need you teach us how to love, encourage, and treat our spouses. Some of us have not had great examples of how to be a spouse in marriages and some of us are not applying the principles we have already learned. Please help is to do better so that our children will do well in their own marriages. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

https://youtu.be/B07iK9uh9qY

Titus 2:2 (NIV) "Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance."

1 Peter 3:4 (NIV) "Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. Acts 20:24(NIV) However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace."

Psalm 119:37 (NIV) Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word."

Good morning Brothers and Sisters,

I pray that you each and your families and loved ones are safe and at home, and have not suffered or been lost by this most recent hurricane, Matthew. This Brew today is one that I continue to struggle with maybe you do too. I get good or feel that I am getting good for awhile and then like Hurricane Matthew I get blown off course. Lets grab our Tea Cups and head on over to the Grand Brew Masters Table for Tea Time.

Now this Brew surely comes in many different flavors, sizes and shapes. I have recently been going through lots of photos; some old some and some not so old. Reason being is that I found these really cool photo frames that are in the shape of puzzle pieces. Some are just the puzzle piece and the place for your photo, but others have cute sayings, quotes, bible verses etc.. I love them because to me that is what life is really. We are each puzzle pieces to the creation, life, and world that God Created. We will find that we fit in certain situations, relationships, careers, jobs, clubs, etc. for a season or maybe for a lifetime. Yet when we choose or when we are called by God to move on that section of puzzle doesn't fall apart. As God created it so that He can either sustain us without another puzzle piece or He has the next piece all ready to fit right in.

I have always found that aspect of God to be so amazing and comforting. There surely have been times in my life and I am sure yours too where you felt that your puzzle of life was complete. All the pieces fit well and you felt good. Then something like Hurricane Matthew came in suddenly all the pieces were no longer there or no longer fit together. Suddenly your are looking at your life, yourself, and those people, situations, careers, places teams and nothing seems to be a good fit anymore. I don't know about you but when these storms come I tend to start looking deep inside, then gradually move outward and upward.

I tend to start off with what I know is not the right the perspective. I start to feel insecure and start to feel sorry for myself. Then I move onto the next self loathing stage; the guilt phase. This is where I start to blame myself for everything that has gone wrong; even the most irrational things and circumstances. Then and only after lots of self hate and self loathing do I finally reach out and up to the one and only who really knows what and why and how. Does this sound familiar to you at all?

A real life example for me right now is that my son is looking for something that belongs to him that has financial value. He is hardworking and career minded and all around great young man. What he is looking for I don't have, nor do I know where it is, or why it's not with the person that I was told would have it. This all took place during one of those Hurricanes that blew all my puzzles pieces astray. I was left feeling like I would never fit in the big puzzle of God's plan for my life again, as I had failed God. I felt that I somehow was responsible for all the actions, non actions, and destruction that was going on in my life.

During this storm I will be honest I didn't even think much about these financial items of my son's as I was just trying to survive the storm. There were hateful words said to me about my character and why I wasn't in someone else's eyes good enough to hold this treasure of my son's. That's all I could recall. What was I to tell my son, I began to feel that pit of fear of disappointing him and letting him down once again. As during that hurricane that was one of worst battles for me.

To be honest I hadn't thought about these treasures in nearly 10 yrs till he asked me about them last week. That hurricane wind began to stir in my tea cup. I felt those brews of despair, self loathing and failure swirling around in my Tea Cup. Can anyone relate? Now it wasn't about the treasures for me really. It was about facing once again the betrayal that led to the hurricane that honestly nearly destroyed me and my relationship with my son. I was suddenly back in that place hearing those words of steel that cut me deeply. For a few minutes I sat in that old fear, that old self loathing, feeling like a failure of mother, and so much more. I feared that this would once again tear apart the newly, thriving, joyful puzzle of life and meaningful, deep real relationship that I have once again with my son.

Brothers and Sisters, I was so close to the pit and then I looked deep inside and I remembered that My God and Your God didn't leave me in that pit all those years ago. He didn't allow my world to completely shatter. He began slowly but purposefully rebuilding me and putting new curves and lines forming a new Puzzle for my life. He allowed my son to depart like the prodigal and return to me without needing to rehash the past but rather build a new future.

This is when I heard our God say to me that I can no more be responsible for that potentially lost treasure as I couldn't be held responsible for number of stars in the sky on any given day. He softly reminded me that my worth doesn't come from pleasing others, trying to fix the past or trying to erase or correct all my mistakes in this one lifetime He gives me to live. That I couldn't be held accountable for the lack of, or the poor choices and decisions that others made or will make. Not even when they ultimately hurt those whom I love.

He then filled me with the strength to own it and say I was sorry that I didn't have reasonable explanation for actions of others and that I didn't have the ability to make it all right. God did give me the strength to ask others for help in seeking his lost treasure. God gave me the strength to ask for forgiveness, and to not own or take on guilt from the hurtful choices of others. To admit that I felt like I failed my son to him. Yet, at the same time to say that I am not condemning myself no matter if the treasure is found and retrieved or not. God was good enough to have matured us both to accept this and to not allow it to alter the growth and new connections of our puzzled lives as we move through this new season.

Brothers and Sisters, what I really felt God sharing with me through this is that I am not who I used to be. I am not who I am going to be tomorrow or the next. I am not yet who I will be when He takes me home and completes the work He has begun in me. Yet, I am loved today and yesterday, and tomorrow and the next the same by the God who created me. He will always be on my side. There are no storms, no hurricanes, no loss of love, life, circumstance or relationship that will ever change who I am in Christ.

This was encouraging to me and it reminded me that my puzzle pieces of this life have a God given purpose and that is to share the love of Christ with a world that desperately needs Him. It also reminded me that he has gifted me the talent of writing and being real about the struggles of this life and about the Brews of Life that are filled with Joy to share and be real about that those Bitter Brews that we as Christian so often try to hide from the world. He made it clear it to me that sharing those brews is what really shows a lost and dark world that there is Light, there is HOPE and that Christ will take the darkest and most bitter brews that this life pours and turn them into the sweetest and brightest brews of our lifetime. Sharing His Redemption, Refining, and Restoring is what the Puzzle of Life is and what I am called as well as you to layout seek new pieces to add to the Puzzle of the Family of Christ with our story of God's saving grace in our lives.

I pray that you will have this same conversation with God and allow Him to reveal all that you are to Him and all that you are meant be in Him. May He reveal to you a glimpse of who and what He intends for you to accomplish in His Great Namesake.

Here is what I hope will help you break it all down when those winds start stirring up some life, heart and soul matters in your puzzled world.

1. Simply start the conversation with God

2. Remember He is a Big God and He can take our hurt and anger and lack of understanding

3. Remember that He promises to give Wisdom generously to all of us that earnestly, with a good heart and good intentions ask for it.

4. Be honest with yourself and others

5. Don't take responsibility for others choices or actions only yours

6. Don't allow yourself to sit in the pit of self loathing, guilt, destruction, ask God to give you whatever it is that you need to keep or start moving forward

7. Remember that God uses the storms in our lives to grow us, to nurture us.

8. Remember that He is the Potter and we are the clay in the Potters Hand as He forms and shapes our Tea Cups and prepares the brews that will be our life's story

9. Remember you are never alone and you are always worthy, loved, and valued in His eyes and always will be.

10. Never forget He designed the Puzzle of your life long before He spoke the world into existence so He knows how your Puzzled Life will look when it's complete and He doesn't create anything unworthy of His Love, Grace, and Salvation.

It's my prayer today that if you have never thought, discovered or believed that your worth is found in Christ Jesus that you will today and that you will never look back at the rags you wore before He clothed you in Righteousness without knowing that was simply part of refining process. The refining process that made you Bride to Christ an Heir to Kingdom of Heaven, and Royal Prince or Princess of the One True God, our Savior and King Jesus Christ.

Till next week,

Love,

Tabby

http://youtu.be/X63uSEe_ddk

"Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me." Isaiah 6:8

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

Isaiah 6:8 says, "Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here I am; send me." Brothas and Sistas, in spite of the fact that he felt unworthy to be used by God, Isaiah simply allows God to take his heart and his life by giving himself away to be used by God.

My prayer has been, "Lord, all that I am and all that I have to give to you is yours. Oh Lord, As the deer panteth for the water so my soul panteth after you. (Psalm 42:1) May your desire be my desire." Brothas and Sistas, I come to realize more and more that my life doesn't belong to me and when I think of the sacrifice that was made just for me, I have no choice but to give all of myself to be used and blessed by God.

The scripture says, "The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few." (Luke 10:2) God is speaking to each of us. Brothas and Sistas, He wants to know if He can use you. But in order for you to do so you must surrender all and give of yourself as a living sacrifice. "I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:1)

Brothas and Sistas, is your love for God so strong that it compels you to want to do His will. I remember hearing a song that said, "If you can use anybody, Lord you can use me." And if we really believe this, then why are there so few of us that are laborers. In vs. 2 of Romans 12 the writer Paul says, "Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

Is it possible that we have become too comfortable in this world that we've lost focus and are not willing to give of ourselves to God?

"We are prepared to serve the Lord only by sacrifice. We are fit for the work of God only when we have wept over it, prayed about it, and then we are enabled by Him to tackle the job that needs to be done. May God give to us hearts that bleed, eyes that are wide open to see, minds that are clear to interpret God's purposes, wills that are obedient, and a determination that is utterly unflinching as we set about the tasks He would have us do." Alan Redpath

Minister Antonio Washington

Prayer Time

Dear Lord,

Thank you for giving your all for us. Help us to give our all for you. You are an amazing God and we must live our lives wholly for you. May we daily give of ourselves to you as a living sacrifice. We pray all these things in your amazing name, Jesus. Amen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=uhTWW29VEqw

Nehemiah 1:4-11 "When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven. Then I said: “Lord, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you. We have acted very wickedly toward you. We haven not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.

“Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people areat the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.’

“They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand. Lord, let you rear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.” I was cupbearer to the king."

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

Brothas and Sistas. Nehemiah spent time praying before the God of heaven after hearing bad news...... and rose up knowing what action to take. I'm sure you've had a few wake-up calls in your life. (And I don't mean from your alarm clock!) Do you attend every event someone asks you to attend? We cannot be everywhere all the time. The Holy Spirit will guide us only if we ask for His true guidance. Always remember to respond to others by saying, "Let me get back with you or I need to pray about this event."

What is a busy Brotha or Sista to do about all of the opportunities, invitations, and decisions that come their way? We need to know whether or not it is God's will for us to participate before making a decision. We should sense whether or not the event is for us especially if we are experiencing a weird feeling within and we are not at peace.

Whenever we are out of the will of God, we get so disappointed about the event; meaning the event didn't turn out to be what we expected. Brothas and Sistas, make sure you pray before you go or attend anything because prayer sets forth protection on your life. Listen to God's voice first and foremost through consistent prayer.

"Prayer is not so much an act as it is an attitude -- an attitude of dependency, dependency upon God." Arthur Pink

Prayer Time

Lord, I need your guidance. From now on, no decision in my life will be made without prayer. Lord, I want to be in your will always. Help me listen to your voice always. Amen. 

https://youtu.be/Zv9qQEUZbYA

“Moses My servant is dead; now therefore arise [to take his place], cross over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land which I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel. I have given you every place on which the sole of your foot treads, just as I promised to Moses.No man will [be able to] stand before you [to oppose you] as long as you live. Just as I was [present] with Moses, so will I be with you; I will not fail you or abandon you. Be strong and confident and courageous, for you will give this people as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers (ancestors) to give them. Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do [everything] in accordance with the entire law which Moses My servant commanded you;do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper and be successful wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall read [and meditate on] it day and night, so that you may be careful to do [everything] in accordance with all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will be successful." Joshua 2-3, 5-9

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

As I was studying this text I noticed that God kept telling Joshua to BE STRONG..CONFIDENT and COURAGEOUS…. How many of you know that if God says something over and over there is a purpose and a reason and we need to Listen? I decided to look up the definition for these words.

Strong - able to withstand great force or pressure

Confident - having strong belief; having no uncertainty

Courageous - not deterred or get discouraged by danger or pain

Brothas and Sistas, God was saying, "In the journey to your Promise Land (Your Destiny) you are going to experience Pressure, Doubt, Danger and Pain." That's why He continually says Be Strong, Confident and Courageous. God wanted Joshua to know that things weren't going to be easy on the journey to the promise. God was helping Joshua to prepare his mind for the journey.

Brothas and Sista, so many people get excited about the Promise and they forget that there is a process. The thing about the Process is that it can't be avoided. The process prepares you for where God is trying to take you. The process is the training ground for your destiny. When a young man or woman joins the military they have to go through basic training. This experience prepares them for battle.

Brothas and Sista, your process is the preparation you need to be able to handle what God desires to give you. If we avoid this part of the journey we are setting ourselves up for failure. When you are faced with "Pressure", "Doubt", "Danger" and "Pain" remember its just part of the process. These things will build you up and strengthen you for what is to come. Remember that you are not in this journey alone. God is with You. He tells us to meditate on his word both day and night, do what it says and then and only then will we be successful in this process.

A Promise Without a Process is a Problem. Don't focus on the Process. Keep your eyes on the Promise and the One who gave you the Promise.

Be Blessed,

Gina M

http://youtu.be/hlKLfweCvhs

GM Friends of God,

"And now abideth faith, hope,charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity (love)." I Corinthians 13:13

Friends, we all want people to love us. There are books, songs, and movies about love. What amazes me is that some of us are so full of hate. Some of us hate our own family members; mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers and so on, all because we don't want to suffer long.

"Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up." I Corinthians 13:4

Friends, suffering long means to be patient, without boasting about whatever, or being proud hearted because none of us can do anything on our own. We know a lot about the worlds' way of love and lust but unlike lust God's kind of love is directed outward towards others, not inward towards ourselves.

Gods love is utterly unselfish.This love is not natural. It is possible only if God helps us. We walk around frustrated about things and stuff that keep us separated from our love one's I'm not talking about things that may pull us away from our walk with Christ, friend's most of you understand just what I'm talking about. "Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things." (1 Cor 13:7)

We were not always saved or have we forgotten the hurt, pain, disappointment we have caused others? No Friends, we have been snatched from the gates of hell!! Forgiven; because of what Jesus did on the cross!! I know it can be done.

If we would only open our hearts to the kind of love Jesus has for us God can help us set aside our own desires and instincts so we can give love while expecting nothing in return. You see Friends, the closer we come to Jesus the more love we will show others. Love is more important than all the spiritual gifts we exercise in the church. Yes Friends, love covers a multitude of sins. We should know this. His love covered our sin and is still covering ours. Amen.

Much love,

Renee

Dear Lord,

You are simply amazing and you have done great things in our lives when we put our trust in you. May we cling to you with all that is within us. Teach us to love like you love. May we walk in selflessness so that your love can shine through us. Help us to love the unlovable just as you do did with us. In Jesus name we pray. Amen,

http://youtu.be/18TYwQmOmJk

1 John 4:29 " We Love because He first loved."

Good morning Brothers and Sisters,

I hope that everyone has had an amazing week with God filling their Tea Cups with sweet brews or with brews that you can be certain will shape your life in a new and amazing way. Brothas and Sistas, today I wanted to talk about Love. It's a word that we all use very casually these days. I am certainly guilty of that. There are many ways we express it just with the infliction of our voice or the way we spell it. Also it can at times not be so obvious to the person receiving it because it often depends on what is going on in our hearts and minds when we express it.

When I think of love and God there are few favorite places I go to the first in the bible. My first memory verse I chose to memorize to help me be okay with me being me was and still is John 3:16. 

John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world He gave His one and only Son in order that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life."

· 1st Corinthians 13:4 - "Love is patient, love is kind, love is not Jealous, it does not boast, it does not become conceited."

· 1 John 4:29 - " We Love because He first loved."

· John 15:9 - "I love you just as my Father loves Me remain in My love."

With this month focusing on love I think it's natural for us to choose to shower those that love us back and walk along side us day to day with the hope and desire to be walking in a way that is pleasing and loving in God's eyes. Yet there are likely people in your life, workplace, community, or family that are much harder for you to reach out a loving hand to. I know I have family members and co-workers that I selfishly don't have the desire to take the time or initiative to love on eventhough Jesus chooses to love on me every moment of everyday. Now there is some serious flesh to be dealt with.

Now don't get me wrong it's not that I don't want them to know Christ and experience the amazing transformation, grace, and redemption I know He beholds for them. They are just people that may have hurt me, may have disappointed me, may have denied Christ to me so many times that I just feel that, "I'm not the one for the job, God." Brothers and Sisters, the brew I feel Him pouring in my cup this month of love is not necessarily bitter, sweet, hot or cold. This brew is mediocre as it matches my heart in reference to some of the people in my life. You see He is giving the choice to either spice up this brew by stepping out in faith in Him or allowing it to get cold and create a cold cavernous in my heart.

This month of love, candy, and golden hearts can also be an opportunity for us to choose to be obedient to our Father and love everyone as He has loved us or to worship the chocolate, golden, Hallmark, stuffed or animal idol. Which will you choose this month? Will you choose to open your heart to someone or something that God has planned and has been patiently waiting for you to choose to be obedient to through love? Will you seek out understanding from Him as to who or what it is that He loves and desires you to love?

Brothas and Sistas, as He loves you; all of you, the good, the bad, and the ugly. God never chooses anything over and above His children. I think He is inspiring me to find those cavernous places in my heart and let His will and His love melt them down till they are running and flowing with Godly love towards All!!!

Maybe take a few minutes out of this week, sit down the sale ads, the commercials about diamonds and gold hearts and seek out a Golden Heart of God's Love. Share that with someone you know or with someone new. Be intentional about showering someone with love who would not be expecting that from you this week. This doesn't mean to forget to shower those you are blessed with the opportunity to love every day, maybe even give them a bit of extra time or devotion this month. Let them know how very much you love them. Yet make it very intentional to let them really know how much Christ loves them and accepts them as they are for Christ doesn't expect or even desire an effort on our part to be perfect or have it all together before coming to Him.

The truth is we could never be independent of Christ. The cross is the only way to get and stay right with God. It's then that His Love makes perfect love within us. This love is so abundant, ever refreshed and refilled we can shower the world with it over and over through all the days till His return and never come up short of Christ's love.

I pray we will each dig deep within ourselves quiet our hearts and minds, seek God's face and the leading of the Holy Spirit to do some "Jesus loving". I pray that everyone that reads this or hears of this devotional will feel the great abundance of God's love for themselves, so that they are so overfilled with the Spirit. I also pray that His love gives you the desire to tip your tea cup of Love over and know without a doubt that it will never be empty.

As Christ's love pours out continuously and will throughout eternity. Therefore you can tip that tea cup daily and allow it to spill over everyone you know or encounter and share some "Jesus love" every day with everyone. May God bless and be ever so present in your hearts, minds and Tea Cups till we meet again next week.

In God's great abundance and love because we can love because He loved us first and promises to love us forever. Amen!

Love from the depths of God's own Heart,

Tabby

https://youtu.be/6uHsbB0-J-Y

"He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds." Titus 2:14

Good Morning Brothas and Sistas,

As I was looking out the window at our "Blizzard of 2016" I thought how beautiful the snow looks and how clean it made everything outside appear. This is something that man with all of his technology could never duplicate. This beauty I saw was truly a reminder of the Power of God and the Beauty of His Glory.

Brothers and Sistas, I also thought about how messed up we were before Christ. We were walking around in state of death because of our separation from the Father.....but the story didn't end there.... God sent His son Jesus and with the shedding of His blood He not only reconnected us to the Father but He purified all of our sins, and when we accept Him as our Savior we become just like the snow in the spiritual we become cleansed.

Salvation is just the first step. Yes, we accept Christ as our Savior. We have eternal life but then we have to work out our salvation; we have to endure a process of purification in our daily walk. God begins to remove things that are no longer suited for our new life.

God loved us so much that even when we allow ourselves to become dirty and defiled in this world that we currently reside in, all we have to do is ask God for forgiveness and it's covered. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." I John 1:9 God is so Awesome that He continually cleanses us on a daily basis.

Brothas and Sistas, I compel you that as you look out at the splendor of God's Beauty and if you know that your life needs some snow; you know, it needs some cleansing ask God to cleanse you and He will do it because we belong to Him. Amen.

Be blessed.

Gina M

Prayer

Dear Father,

Thank you for sending your Son to die just for us. We thank you for cleansing us and closing the gap that separated us. Father, we thank you for calling us your own and for your continual forgiveness. We love you and praise you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

https://youtu.be/GXbV1axOxZ8

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Ephesians 6:10-17

Good Morning Brothas andSistas,

Each morning we take the time to brush our teeth, wash our face and carefully choose and put on our clothes and shoes. Its a ritual, something we do normally. It's something we don't even have to think about. It's something that goes without saying.

So, why in the world don't we do the same thing with our "spiritual" garments? Brothas and Sistas, the enemy watches us and he attacks when he sees that we are naked.

A few days ago I was physically dressed but I was spiritually naked, the enemy saw an opportunity, and because I was not properly dressed my response to the incident that occurred was not godly at all. After I calmed down and the dust settled I was so ashamed of myself for allowing the enemy to use me to act like a total fool. Brothas and Sistas, because I wasn't properly dressed the "Old Gina" (my flesh) showed up in full affect. I was so disappointed in myself. I had failed the test.

The scripture says to "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes" That means we have to be fully dressed not just have on a few pieces of armor. Each garment serves a particular purpose. Each piece serves as a specific weapon to defeat the enemy. However, they work as a unit. I didn't see the scheme because I wasn't prepared. I was totally blindsided by the attack, but after thecattack I was able to acknowledge that it was truly a set up.

Brothas and Sistas, I plead with you to "Please Put on All of Your Clothes" both spiritual and physical. The scripture says that the enemy roams to and fro seeking whom he can devour." I Peter 5:8. The enemy is great at his job and he never changes his tactics. The same devices he has been using from the Garden of Eden he is still using today. He studies us, finds out our weaknesses and then uses them as a distraction.

Brothas and Sistas, whatever the enemy throws at us we still have the victory. God has given us weapons to destroy any stronghold that the enemy tries to set up in our lives. So let's Dress for Success!

"The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds." II Corinthians 10:4

Be Blessed,

Gina M

Dear God,

Thank you for preparing us for battle by giving us access to spiritual weapons so we are able to see the tactics of the enemy and defeat him. God, please help us to get into your word. Please help us to truly understand all that we have access to you. God, help us to start our morning seeking you and putting on each piece of armor before we even leave our homes. We thank you and praise you for being who you are and for all that you have done. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

http://www.fake.com://youtu.be/

"Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body." I Corinthians 6:19, 20

Good morning Brothers and Sistas,

How much of you are you willing to surrender to Him for your own well being? You know it is not so much in what we say, but are we willing to allow Him to be an expression of Himself through us? Many times we have made a public confession of surrender to the Lord but our actions speak louder than our words.

Brothers and Sistas, when we are not willing to take care of our bodies, minds and emotions we have not given full right of our entire being over to the Holy Spirit. Even if we don't say it verbally, our actions are saying, "Lord, I got this." If something happens to our temples there is no more expression of the Holy Spirit through us.

"Taking care of your body, your health, and your emotions is not selfish. Why not? Because your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. God has given you the job of taking care of yourself for His namesake. You are a tool of the Holy Spirit that He uses for His purposes. But if you damage that tool by running yourself into the ground until you are tired and sick and emotionally exhausted, then God cannot use you very effectively."

Let's listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and take better care of ourselves. Amen

“Respect, Love, and Value yourself. Always remember to be good to yourself by taking care of yourself. Make yourself a priority and know that it’s okay. Don’t feel guilty for loving yourself, first! You’re just as important as anybody else.”

― Stephanie Lahart

Prayer Time

We thank you for this amazing day and all that you are going to do in the lives of your people. May we learn the importance of taking care of our bodies (temples).We pray that we would listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit so that we can walk in victory today. We pray all these things in your precious name, Jesus. Amen.

https://youtu.be/INYXbaGOifM

https://youtu.be/SqmfPIJaf10

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

There are times when we feel like there is something keeping us from feeling peace and joy in our marriages. It often feels as though there is a disconnect because there are so many things coming up against us and our spouses all at one time. So why is there so much tension in some of our marriages?

Quite often we look at tension as a bad thing but you know tension can sometimes be a good thing. We believe that God uses those areas that bring tension to our marriages to not only bring us closer together in our marriages but ultimately it brings us closer to our destiny as a couple in Christ. Let's face it tension helps us to bring our attention back to God and His word. It helps us to rely on what He wants and desires for our lives rather than what we want.

Is it also possible that the tension we go through is God's way of motivating us to operate in our giftedness towards each other? Crisis can sometimes bring out the things in us that we would have otherwise never known were in us to bring about cohesiveness in our marriages. So once again not all things that we think are bad are bad for us. God uses everything that we go through; the good, the bad and the ugly to mold us and shape us after His will. Tension can be a good thing!

"No relationship is all sunshine, but once you’ve learned how to play in the rain, you’ve discovered the secret to surviving the passing storm together – 'Happy Wives Club

Blessings,

Antonio and Michelle Washington

Prayer of Faith

Dear Lord,

We thank you for the tension that arises in our marriages for we know that you are molding us and shaping us after your image through them. We know that you are using tension to move us towards our destiny and bring those areas of giftedness out so that we may be a blessing to our spouses. Thank you for your great wisdom in working all things out for our good and your ultimate glory. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

https://youtu.be/5ol1V-sj1gc

Psalm 34:10 (NIV) "The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing."

Job 5:17 (NIV) “Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty."

Galatians 5:10 (NIV) "I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion, whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty."

Isaiah 40:30-31 (NIV) "Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord

will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."Good Morning Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Praise be to God that we were granted yet another day to be here and make a difference in someone’s life for Christ. Let’s grab our tea cups and head over to the Grand Brew Masters Table for our Brew of the day. Has anyone else ever considered their walk with Christ much like caring for their car, their home, their health, their job etc…. If you have ever considered this what and how do you go about keeping your heart and mind aligned with Christ? What is that we are called to do to keep our Tea Cups and Tea Cupboards full, tidy, and ready? If you haven’t ever considered this idea do you ever get to a place where you don’t see, hear, or recognize the zeal, the commitment or the voice of God in your soul? Has anyone found themselves in either place? Do you currently reside here or have you even been here?

Brothers and Sisters, it is hard not to find ourselves in these latter days with the madness and evil that exists in our fallen world today. It is so easy to fall into the worldly view of it doesn’t matter if I seek to be like Christ in this world as I can’t make a difference as an individual. It’s easy to fall into the trap of questioning God and forgetting that He is God and we are not when we don’t get the answers we desire. When we don’t have the capacity as a human to understand His ways it’s easy to lean this way and allow the world to start pouring our daily brews when there are children suffering without hope for a cure, and terrorist groups killing the innocent in mass.

Jesus tells us in His word repeatedly that we will face hardship, and we will not understand all that we see and experience. How do we go from this place of passive faith, or lack of faith, or lack of action in faith? I tell you that this is current struggle for me. I find it hard to pray, hard to keep my heart and mind aligned with the things that I know are true and right. My life has taken some twists and turns.

Then the writer was sharing the truth behind this verse and hit me like lead balloon. “This verse was originally spoken to Jeremiah about the fate of Jerusalem. However, this promise is true in specials ways for us as well. God wants us to call to Him. God often waits for us to ask before He blesses us with what He longs to give us.” Heartlight Daily Devotions. Have you ever considered this? I surely had not in the way I believe this writer was sharing this word. For me it really made me sit up and realign my thinking. Why was I being so arrogant to expect that God would lavish me with what I wanted or believed I needed without any effort on my part? I had forgotten this relationship is just like any other; I must do my part and you must do your part if we expect to reap the harvest.

Brothers and Sisters, how do we go about making this alignment check? How do we go about re-ordering our steps and get ourselves back on the path of righteousness? Well, I have amazing news and truth about this for each of us. It is a very easy 3 step process:

1. Repent - We must first clear the deck, sit with our heavenly father and ask for His forgiveness. We must be completely and honestly do a good housekeeping our Tea Cupboards.

2. We must accept the grace and forgiveness that God provides. This is tougher than it seems in a few ways. Often we don’t feel worthy of the Gift of Grace and we must ask the Lord to refresh our hearts and minds to receive this. As if we don’t we can and ourselves in a kind of negative pride and place of arrogance. We can place our past mistakes, failures, poor choices etc. above God’s grace by saying," I am too_________________ of sinner for God to forgive me." Do you see we are saying that we did or who we were is greater than our God’s Grace, Crazy right, but we do it?

3. Choose every day and some days moment by moment to be a reflection of Christ in your choices, attitude, actions, struggles, frustrations and words.

Brothers and Sisters, as we come to a close today with our Tea Party it's my hope and prayer that each us will seek to be more like our Savior and each of us will seek to be aligned in our hearts and minds with the truth, love and grace of our Savior Jesus Christ!

Till next week, walk in Grace and Love, and be Grace and Love for a hurting world.

Love,

Tabby

Watch "Mix - MORE THAN ENOUGH ( the brooklyn tabernacle choir )" on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=RDdFPa_147idI&feature=share&playnext=1

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

The entire 23rd Psalm lets us know the LORD our SAVIOR. Our SHEPHERD gives us everything we need. When the LORD is personally, as the Psalmist says, "MY Shepherd", We WANT for NOTHING, for He not only supplies ALL our needs (Philippians 4:19) but also gives us the wants and desires of our hearts as we delight in Him (Psalm 37:4). He covers every need and want. That makes Him more than enough!

"HE MAKES me lie down in green pastures." He not only invites us to "Come to Him when we are weak and weary (Matt 11:28-30) but He knows when to literally MAKE us lay down for rest in the plentiful green pastures of life to renew our strength and to give us rest for our soul. HE LEADS us beside the still waters to not only refresh us in weariness but to revive us again; restoring our soul with healing and restoration by His Blessed Holy Spirit.

Then HE LEADS us in the paths of righteousness for His Name sake. Its ALL about the Lord, even His Holy Name! It's not about us. All that the Lord does is for His Glory; His Honor and His Praise. In all that He does for us, He WILL PROTECT His Holy Name and so should we!!

EVERYTHING we do ought to be done FOR the LORD! Everything we do ought to be WITH the LORD. And ALL that we do ought to be ABOUT the LORD our God thru Christ Jesus, our Savior and soon coming King! [John 8:50; 9:24; 1 Corinthians 1:31; 10:31; 2 Corinthians 10:17; 1 Peter 4:11; 5:11] Do all for His Glory; Do all to bring Him Honor, let everything we do point to Him!!

After all God: SAVES; PROVIDES; PROTECTS; HEALS; DELIVERS; COMFORTS; STRENGTHENS & KEEPS us; He's our LIFE; LIGHT; HELP; HOPE; PEACE, etc;

ALL He's Done, Doing and WILL do; He's More than Enough for us! It's not about us! It's ALL about Christ CRUCIFIED for our sins and RESURRECTED for our Victory! Let us GLORIFY the LORD in the earth and let us EXALT HIS NAME together among the nations. "When the LORD is our Shepherd, we'll truly need and want for ABSOLUTELY NOTHING because our Focus is Him. He is More than Enough!

Blessings,

Claudia Wright

Watch "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made - Matt Redman" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/4IqH4PPE-FA

Song): Fearfully and Wonderfully Made - Matt Redman

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

Have you ever noticed the creases of skin on your knuckles? I did about two weeks ago. Honestly, I really never noticed them before. They were just a part of my hand that I paid no attention to. But when I folded up my fingers, I saw how the excess skin disappeared.

I noticed that when I blink, the skin moves to assist my eyelids in moving. When I bend my elbow, the skin moves effortlessly, too. The skin folds have a unique purpose for our good and yet they go almost unnoticed. It made me stand in awe of the goodness of my God!

I know it seems like a small thing to take notice off but the real value is that God created us this way. And He took the time to think of all of these features to assure that the human body is able to function at its optimal best. There was a time, when I couldn’t move anything. I was bedridden for months. I had to practice blinking, yawning, and moving my limbs. I even had to practice sticking out my tongue because it too stopped moving.

God met with me every night at 2 a.m. so I could practice opening my hands because they were permanently closed. It took me years to recover but I am so gratefully that God took the time with me, personally, to show me that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. And I thank Him for taking the time to be my healer and physical therapist.

Prayer:

Father, I thank You, for you have made me like You. You have created me in Your image and likeness, and You have blessed me to function like You. My body is a loving representation of Your glory. May I use all my members to glorify You daily. In thename of Jesus. Amen!

https://youtu.be/jgQp4vsRjZg

"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." Ephesians 4:29

"And the people complained in the hearing of the Lord about their misfortunes, and when the Lord heard it, his anger was kindled, and the fire of the Lord burned among them and consumed some outlying parts of the camp. Then the people cried out to Moses, and Moses prayed to the Lord, and the fire died down. So the name of that place was called Taberah, because the fire of the Lord burned among them. Now the rabble that was among them had a strong craving. And the people of Israel also wept again and said, “Oh that we had meat to eat!" Number 11:1-4

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

The children of Israel were once slaves to Egypt. They lived in Egypt for 430 years before God sent Moses to tell Pharaoh to let His people go. Now God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines even though it was much closer for God said, "Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt. So God led them by way of the wilderness the Red Sea." (Exodus 13)

In Exodus 14 the Israelite's were put to the test of faith of the Red Sea. Notice what they said in vs. 10 -12

"As Pharaoh approached, the Israelite's looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the Lord. They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? Didn’t we say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians’? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!”

In spite of all God did for them the people responded by murmuring and complaining. When they began to face many hardships they forgot about God's provision and protection. They began to murmur and complain. The bible repeatedly refers to complaining in the Psalms, in the Prophets, in the Gospels, in the Epistles, and 3 times in the book of Hebrews. Listen Brothas and Sistas, God hates a doubtful complaining, rebellious attitude. He simply won't tolerate it. If we choose complaining as our lifestyle we can be absolutely sure that we will be sent to live in the wilderness.

The definition of murmuring is an overtly vocal or subdued expression of deep pain, grief, distress, discontent, dissatisfaction or anger. Murmurings at times functioned as prayers to God that called for action. The definition of complaining is to say something that expresses annoyance or unhappiness.

There is this story about this woman who prepared a new meatloaf recipe for her family's dinner. From the moment that she sat the dish on the table they had nothing good to say about it. What's this? Ooh, it smells funny. What are those things on the top? Why didn't you make it the old way? Do I have to eat it? Having reached her limit she picked up the meatloaf without saying a word, opened the patio door and chucked the meat, the dish and all over the back fence. What would you have done?

Someone may ask, "Who am I hurting when I complain?"

1. You hurt yourself when you focus on things that bring you down. You nurture a negative perspective or outlook on life.

2. You hurt God. Keep in mind, God hears your complaining and wrong attitude. When you complain you are denying that God can and will be in control of the situation.

3. You hurt the people around you. It's like breathing out toxic air. When you are griping it poisons the people around you. Few people keep their complaints to themselves. When you stir things up you surface new and negative thoughts in the minds of everyone within earshot.

Brothas and Sistas, sometimes God will take us on a longer route to receive our blessings due to murmuring and complaining. In the end God turns pride into humility. He turns doubt into faith and peace.

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Philippians 4:8

Till next time, be blessed.

Minister Antonio Washington

Prayer of Faith

Dear Lord,

Thank you for blessing us in spite of us. Help us to make it our business to stop murmuring and complaining realizing that we open the door to Satanic influences and delayed blessings when we murmur and complain. Help us to live a life filled with child like faith, contentment and joy. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

https://youtu.be/_jhYENBxRVo

https://youtu.be/XChomCwMa0E

Song of Solomon 4:1–15 (ESV): 4 Behold, you are beautiful, my love,

behold, you are beautiful! Your eyes are doves behind your veil.

Your hair is like a flock of goats leaping down the slopes of Gilead.

Your teeth are like a flock of shorn ewes that have come up from the washing, all of which bear twins, and not one among them has lost its young. Your lips are like a scarlet thread, and your mouth is lovely. Your cheeks are like halves of a pomegranate behind your veil. Your neck is like the tower of David, built in rows of stone; on it hang a thousand shields, all of them shields of warriors. Your two breasts are like two fawns, twins of a gazelle,

that graze among the lilies. Until the day breathes and the shadows flee,

I will go away to the mountain of myrrh and the hill of frankincense.

You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you. Come with me from Lebanon, my bride; come with me from Lebanon. Depart from the peak of Amana, from the peak of Senir and Hermon, from the dens of lions,

from the mountains of leopards. You have captivated(stolen) my heart, my sister, my bride; you have captivated (stolen) my heart with one glance of your eyes,

with one jewel of your necklace. How beautiful is your love, my sister, my bride! How much better is your love than wine, and the fragrance of your oils than any spice! Your lips drip nectar, my bride; honey and milk are under your tongue; the fragrance of your garments is like the fragrance of Lebanon. A garden locked is my sister, my bride, a spring locked, a fountain sealed.

Your shoots are an orchard of pomegranates with all choicest fruits,

henna with nard, nard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense, myrrh and aloes, with all choice spices— a garden fountain, a well of living water, and flowing streams from Lebanon.' Solomon 4:1-15

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

You remember how you first met? You couldn't stay apart from one another and no one could keep you apart from one another. You both constantly desired to be with one another every time you thought, ate, slept, woke etc., Do you remember the closer you got the more you felt the overwhelming love for him/her?

Now that you are married, the closer you are as the years go by, you drift further and further apart. When you look at Solomon 4:1-5, Solomon shines as he speaks romantic love talk to his wife in reference to how beautiful she is and all that he imagines in his desire for her. Solomon can't wait to get closer to her just as much as she can't wait to get closer to him. Solomon is saying, "The Closer I get to you the more you make me feel." Notices he says, "You have stolen my heart." twice.

This is how some of us as married couples used to be. We had so much desire, so much anticipation, and we were so much in love with each other. Brothas and Sistas, what went so wrong that we drifted apart? The passion we once had for our spouses can be restored if we are only willing to do what it takes to bring it back. Try getting closer to them by letting them know how much you truly love and adore them.

Till next time

Minister Antonio Washington

Prayer of Faith

Thank you for quality time with our spouses. Thank you for allowing us to get closer to one another in good times and in bad times. May we learn to pull together instead of drift apart. Help us to show our love daily to one another just as you show your love to us daily. In Jesus name we pray. 

https://youtu.be/fnqWzPcujl8

"For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose." Philippians 2:13

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

The other night I was watching a TV show and there was a race going on between four women. As fate would have it, one of the women fell after someone stepped on the back of her shoe. She lost her footing and it appeared that all her dreams of winning the race had came tumbling down. On the contrary, to everyone's amazement she got up and began to run the race again. She thought to herself, "I need to at least win some points for my team."

As she began to pick up speed she ran past the runner in next to last place. She then ran past the second place runner and before you knew it she was running neck to neck with the runner in first place. As she picked up speed she found herself in first place and ultimately won the race.

There was something within that young lady that would not allow her to let her dream of winning the race die. She knew that deep down within her was a champion just waiting to emerge. She knew that deep down on the inside that there was a lioness within and giving up was not an option. Giving up on your hopes and dreams is never an option. You may fall down but you are destined to get up. Never allow a temporary set back to cheat you out of achieving your dreams.

Remember: "Giving up on your dreams/visions because of a setback is like slashing your other three tires because you got a flat." Unknown

Brothas and Sistas, Keep It Moving! Don't Give Up! Amen.

Smooches,

Me

Prayer of Faith

Thank you, Lord, for not allowing us to give up on our dreams and visions. We know that without you we can't achieve those things that you have placed in our spirit. Help us to press forward regardless of how many times we fall. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. 

https://youtu.be/oNkrZsrV1sM

Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” John 19:28

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

Jesus has been on the cross for about 6 hours He has been Beaten, disrespected, disgraced and most of his body is pouring out blood from His head, His Wrist, His Side, His Feet, and His Back. And Jesus In all of His exhaustion lifted His body up which was not a easy task since He was hanging on the cross with nails in his wrist and the way that His feet were nailed the only way to breath deeply was to lift up His body speak and drop back down and what Jesus said was, "I'm Thirsty" I can only imagine how very painful this must have been.

Brothas and Sistas, Jesus was not only a healer but He was a teacher and even in His suffering He was teaching. The scripture says that

Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.”

I believe that Jesus wanted us to know that He was on an assignment and that every part of Gods plan had to be fulfilled every "I " dotted and every "T "crossed served as a purpose before His suffering could come to an end.

Many times we want suffering to hurry up and end but the suffering is part of the process not necessarily a byproduct of disobedience....In other words sometimes your suffering is not there because you've done something wrong, Jesus did nothing wrong however He had a mission to complete in order for Gods Perfect Plan to come forth.

It may just be that your suffering is attached to not only our blessings but the blessings of others. Brothas and Sistas, those two words "I'm Thirsty" spoke volumes. I believe that Jesus had to be thirsty for physical drink he was exhausted He had endured every painful act but I also believe that there was a bigger lesson coming from the cross in that moment. Remember that in Jesus ministry He was the one at the well with the Samaritan woman offering a drink that would cause her to never be thirsty again (John 4:14)and this was the same Jesus that openly said at a feast " If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink. Johns 7:37

This same Jesus that offered drink to others was now thirsty. What was He teaching us? I had to remind myself that while Jesus was fully divine He was also Fully human and on the cross He was representing us taking all of our sins past, present, and future upon Himself . Jesus took on the murderer, the liar, the thief, the Homosexual, the fornication, the cheater, the manipulator. Jesus was wearing every sin possible to man and I believe that He was showing us that when we are in sin it creates a "Dry Place" in our Spirit and this "Dry Place" requires Spiritual Water. So many times we try to use the things of this world to fill the dry places the places that only the Presence of God is designed to fill.

I also believe that Jesus was thirsty for His Daddy. During Jesus ministry the father and son functioned as a perfect team however with all of our sins upon Him the Father had to look away from His Son while Prophecy was being Fulfilled. I believe that Jesus was feeling like the scripture in psalms 42:1

As a deer gets thirsty for streams of water, I truly am thirsty for you, my God.

What Are You Thirsty For? and How will Your Quench Your Thirst? Will you quench it with the worlds devices that don't last or will you fill it with God who will never stop pouring into you? The Choice is Yours. 

"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality." Romans 12:9-13

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

The older I get the more I realize that taking time for those you love is extremely important. There are times when we stay so busy doing nothing that we miss out on times where we can build lasting memories. I visited my Mom about a week ago. Every time I see her I notice how it is getting more and more difficult for her to get around. She enjoys doing ministry and spending time with her family. She also enjoys cooking for her family which is one of the traits I seemed to have picked up from her.

My son came by her house earlier that day and unlike most times when we visit she had not cooked anything. She was in so much pain from her arthritis and illnesses she just could not pull herself together to make anything for his visit. Of course this bothered her. While I was there she kept trying to persuade me to cook with her. I knew she did not feel well and was so tired I kept trying to get her to rest. But eventually she lured me in there. I had the rare experiences of getting in the kitchen and cooking with her. It brought back old memories of when I was a young mom and would go over to have her teach me how to cook one of her famous meals. Thoughts in my head of things on my to do list kept tainting me to rush through the process but I knew within my heart that this time with her was more precious than anything that was vying for my time with her. 

I had the best time allowing the master teacher, my Mom, engage me in her best recipe for homemade spaghetti and toss salad. We talked about her health, the church she pastors, and the family. In spite of those voices trying to rush me through the process, I knew I was right where I was supposed to be. It was time well spent with mom. Brothas and Sistas, connecting with our loved ones is one of the best gifts in life that we could ever receive. Let's slow down a bit to invest in one another after all life is fleeting and none of us know how much time we have left. Let's embrace those God has placed in our lives with His grace, mercy and love every chance we get. 

“In family relationships love is really spelled t-i-m-e, time.”

—Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Love

Sista Michelle

Prayer Time

Lord, thank you for the gift of our loved ones. May our time with them on earth be special and purposeful. Let us not take those you have placed in our lives for granted. May they feel you presence , love, grace and mercy whenever we are with them. 

http://youtu.be/B2ER1WpG-e8

http://youtu.be/E-EiqfYRMI8

"Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification." Romans 14:19

"Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you." II Corinthians 13:11, 12

"The incentive to peacemaking is love, but it degenerates into appeasement whenever justice is ignored. To forgive and to ask for forgiveness are both costly exercises. All authentic Christian peacemaking exhibits the love and justice - and so the pain - of the cross." John Stott

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

I woke up with the word peace in my spirit this morning. Brothas and Sistas, peace is defined as the absence of war or hostilities, an agreement or a treaty to end hostility, freedom from quarrels and disagreements, having a relationship in peace with each other, and inner contentment to surrender to peace of mind.

When we begin to meditate on this definition, can we really say as Christians we surrender to peace? Can we live in peace with others even when we really do not want to? Or do we find reasons to keep strife going on or finding the little things that we dislike about someone keep quarrels going on amongst us? Romans 14:19 says, "Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification." That means we have to make a conscious effort to work at this thing.

I have a question for you. Who wants to wake up every morning in bitterness? Or better yet go through an entire day joyless, worried, and angry because they are not at peace? II Corinthians 13:11 says, "Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you."

Brothas and Sistas, we must allow God to search our hearts to find the reason that we are not living in peace as a Christians and do something about it.

"If thou wouldst find much favor and peace with God and man, be very low in thine own eyes. Forgive thyself little and others much." Robert Leighton

Love ya,

Josette Bolden

Prayer Time

Dear Lord,

We praise you for the great peace that you give us. Help our Brothas and Sistas to make every effort to do those things that lead to peace within. Allow our Brothas and Sistas to know that your peace will always be their indicator when it comes to decisions in life. Help them to have mutual edification for those they come in contact with. We pray your blessings upon them. For it is in the great and triumphant name of Jesus, that we pray. Amen. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxwC5ic-s6M&feature=share&list=PL83E8B245976AFF22

"But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." Hebrews 11:6

"Faith is to believe what we do not see, and the reward of this faith is to see what we believe." Augustine

Good morning,

Brothas and Sistas, genuine faith in God lives it out before Him. Faith is entrusting ones life to God. It's when we are trusting, depending, believing, sharing, fellowshipping/conversing with God and are diligently seeking God, we discover that true faith purposely lives before Him in prayer and devotion. When we do this on a consistent basis we are given the things that we hope for. And as a result we learn to trust God more and more as we grow in faith.

However, there is one thing to remember. And that one thing is God is not going to reward sinful, carnal so called hope. Nor is He going to reward a doubting Thomas. There is nothing worse than when we become double minded, "having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof", because we refuse to believe God, especially when we have seen His faithfulness time and time again.

For you see if He were to answer a doubting Thomas' prayers or carnal hope then those of us who are carnal or tend to doubt Him would begin to think that the life that we are living is acceptable to Him. Remember Hebrews 11:6 says, "For without faith it is impossible to please God." God does not approve sinful and carnal living no more than He approves a doubting heart. James 4:8 says, "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded."

"Our faith must be a genuine, living faith. After all is said and done, "Christ will always accept the faith that puts its trust in Him." Andrew Murray

Minister Antonio Washington

Prayer Time

Dear Lord,

We thank you for this brand new day. Please help our dear Brothas and Sistas, to walk in genuine faith. We pray that they will not choose to live a carnal life just wishing and hoping that you will come through for them but that they will trust you wholeheartedly. Help them to rely on how you have come through for them in the past so that they can know that you are truly a reliable God. We pray all these things in your precious name, Jesus. Amen.

                                                                       http://youtu.be/vK47InW6EhY

"Obey your spiritual leaders and be willing to do what they say. For their work is to watch over your souls, and God will judge them on how they do this. Give them reason to report joyfully about you to the Lord and not with sorrow, for then you will suffer for it too." Hebrews 13:17

"The very first thing which needs to be said about Christian ministers of all kinds is that they are "under" people as their servants rather than "over" them (as their leaders, let alone their lords). Jesus made this absolutely plain. The chief characteristic of Christian leaders, he insisted, is humility not authority, and gentleness not power." John Stott

Brothas and Sistas, let's develop a new kind of respect in God's presence and sovereign leadership in your life. When we were born, He gave us a unique real self. As we mature in Christ, God encourages us through our spiritual leaders to discover that wonderfully, unique person He made us to be. When we submit to God's given leadership, we ultimately submit to God's divine authority.

John Wycliffe quoted, "In order to the existence of such a ministry in the Church, there is requisite an authority received from God, and consequently power and knowledge imparted from God for the exercise of such ministry; and where a man possesses these, although the bishop has not laid hands upon him according to his traditions, God has Himself appointed him."

As children of God and as sheep to a shepherd, we must be willing to listen and do what our spiritual leaders ask of us. The task of church leaders is to help us mature in Christ. These men are sent by God with divine wisdom, authority, and a "heavenly commission. " They are given the responsibility to feed and nurture our souls, so that we may be well equipped to go out and do our Father's will. In obedience to God's word we must give our leader double honor and loving respect that is due to them.

Brothas and sistas I challenge you to ask yourselves this question, "Does my conduct give my leaders reason to report joyfully about me?" My brothas and sistas that is something to think about. Cooperative followers greatly ease the burdens of leadership. A shepherd leads best when his sheep are behind him.

Minister Antonio Washington

Our Daily Bread/Prayer Time

Dear Lord,

We thank you for the authority figures that you have placed over our lives. Help us to serve them with respect and diligence. Give us the patience and humility/meekness to submit to them so that they can have pleasure in leading us. We pray all thee things in your wonderful name, Jesus. Amen.

https://youtu.be/OdAkv2EoxIM

"Don't worry about anything instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ, Jesus." (Phil. 4:6-7)

GM Friends,

Prayer is so important because the enemy uses so many different tactics to blind us as Christians. Yes us, church folks, who think that we have it all together. The Bible teaches that pride goes before a fall, and I'm seeing Christians falling all around me, sadly they don't even realize that they have fallen, that's how the angel of light works deception.

And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 2Corinthians 11:14

Friends, if you really think you can outsmart Satan without the power of Jesus Christ working in you effectively, You are sadly mistaken!!!! And you have believed the lie of the enemy.

A few of the strategies the enemy uses are dimming your passion for prayer and darling your interest in spiritual things. Satan down plays them but the Bible tells us to, "Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might."Friends Not our might but God's Might!!! "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." (Eph.6:10-11)

Honestly a lot of times this is where we lose, because we want to fight people who we see. Sorry wrong answer!!!! It's not our neighbor, coworkers, our loved ones, No! Do you see the strategies of Satan???? Because now he's got a hold on your focus, which is another one of his strategies and you can't distinguish his manipulations and so now you end up focusing on the wrong Culprit, directing your weapons at the wrong enemy.

Yes Christians, Satan has hoodwinked us, bamboozled us, into believing his pretty fixed up lies! I know it looks good, but as they say, everything that looks good, ain't glitter! He wants to disintegrate your family, dividing your home, rendering it chaotic, restless, and unfruitfulness. Whether or not you live separate places or not he comes against our families. In (Genesis 3 1:1-7) man fell because he believed the lie of Satan and disobeyed God.

And the eyes of them both were opened and they knew that they were naked.......

Sin leaves us naked Christians! So either we fight the good fight, as the word of God teaches us or we fight in our flesh, which is a losing battle.

Praying Serious, Specific and Strategic Prayer, is the only way to win over Satan's tactics and it's the right way!!!!

I'm so glad that God's peace is not like the world's. It's not found in positive thinking, or absence of conflict, and it's certainly not found in good feelings. It comes from knowing that God is in control. And because our God is in control we can take everything to him in prayer. And you will be at peace. His word says so! Take God at His word. You can never go wrong with the word of God.

Be Blessed,

Renee

Prayer Time

Father, we thank you that we don't have to worry about anything all we have to do is pray about everything. You have given us peace in this Christian journey. Father, please help us to avoid the tactics of the enemy and just take you at your word. In Jesus Name I Pray. Amen

https://youtu.be/mC-zw0zCCtg

Good morning Brothers and Sistas. 

The definition of all can mean a slew of things to many depending on the person, personality or situation. Websters definition of all is the whole sum of. My definition of all encompasses my reason for being, what gives me joy, peace or brings decision to my indecision, and calms all my fears. When I was young, I would hear older folk talk about how Jesus was their “all and all.” I could not quite relate to that until I became much older and realized the significance of Him being in my life and having to rely on Him for everything. He IS the whole sum of everything in my life.

I found that He is joy in sadness, He is spiritual food when I am spiritually impoverished. And He always makes a way out of no way. Often times, I don’t know which way to go and if I sit in His presence just long enough, I find that the answers to everything that I am struggling with are right there in His presence. There are days I am driving down the street and praying and I feel His presence right there loving up on me and speaking to me.

There is nothing like the encouragement of a loving Savior to get me through the toughest of days. No one else or nothing else really matters when I am in His presence. Therefore, He is the very essence of my definition of all. He is everything to me. I know that I would not have survived on this earth long enough without the presence of God in my life. He is my All & All! What about YOU? Is He everything to You?

"If I look to any other source other than God it will ultimately dry out, God is my undying, relentless source for all that I've ever needed, will need or could ever dream of. He is My all and all! " Sistas Saving Sistas for Christ

Prayer of Faith

Father, thank you for always being there for me. Regardless of what I go through you are so faithful even when I am not. Thank you for keeping your word to me. Your promises never fail. You are my all and all. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

http://youtu.be/KS0tmCHK73s

"Hear my prayer, O LORD, listen to my cry for help; be not deaf to my weeping. For I dwell with you as an alien, a stranger as all my fathers were. Look away from me, that I may rejoice again before I depart and am no more." Psalm 39:12-13

Good Morning Brothas and Sistas,

God is a prayer answering God. There are times when we have been praying for something a long time. We must remember regardless of whatever it may be, God hears each of us and will always answer in His perfect timing. I understand that waiting can be hard, but I also know that God is always up to something in our lives while we are waiting. Brothers and Sistas, continue to stand strong and wait patiently for the LORD. He hears your cry and will answer.

Psalm 39:12-13 says, "Hear my prayer, O LORD, listen to my cry for help; be not deaf to my weeping. For I dwell with you as an alien, a stranger as all my fathers were. Look away from me, that I may rejoice again before I depart and am no more."

Brothas and Sistas, we must be like the widow in Luke 18. She was persistent! She continued to go before the judge, bothering him, and wearing him out. How much more will a holy and just God who is not bothered by us coming to Him over and over again hear and answer our prayers? I tell you Brothers and Sistas, He will answer us.

My mom gave me this card a few years ago. I just wanted to share it with all of you...........

Have You Taken It To Jesus?. Have you taken it to Jesus? Have you left your burden there? Does He tenderly support you? Have you rolled on Him your care? Oh, the sweet unfailing refuge, of the everlasting arms; In their loving clasp enfolded. Nothing worries or alarms. Have you taken it to Jesus, just the thing that's pressing now? Are you trusting Him completely with the when, and where and how? Oh, the joy of full surrender of our life, our plans, our all; Proving far above our asking that God answer when we call. Have you taken it to Jesus? Tis the only place to go if you want the burden lifted and a solace for the woe. Oh, the blessedness to nestle like a child upon His breast; Finding ever, as He promised Perfect comfort, peace and rest.

Brothas and Sistas, take it all to Jesus. Amen!

Much peace,

Renee

Prayer of Faith

Awesome God,

We thank you for the privilege of being able to come to you in prayer. Thank you for teaching us the importance of persistent prayer. Help us to wait on you for answered prayer because you are indeed a prayer answering God. Thank you for your consistency and moving on our behalf. For it is in the wonderful name of Jesus that we pray. Amen

http://youtu.be/UjmAOLhzUPM The Spoken Word

https://youtu.be/adH5OHs1jbQ

"Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up."

When the Lord saw that he had gone ober to look, God called to him from the burning bush, "Moses!Moses!" And Moses said, “Here I am.” Exodus 3:1-4

Good Morning Brothas and Sistas,

I love the story of Moses and how God showed up in the " Wilderness". Wilderness is defined as an uncultivated, uninhabited, and inhospitable region.Moses was tending the sheep handling his business and God shows up in a burning bush. I believe that God wants us to know and understand that whatever our current situation is He always has a plan.

Brothas and Sistas, I am sure that Moses had no idea that on that particular day he would be called by God. God uses any and every opportunity to get our attention in order to speak to us and through us. That's why we can't get caught up in what we see in the physical because God is always working in the spiritual and whatever God is up to it is for our good.

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

Food for thought: God used a burning bush to draw Moses attention. Notice the bush was burning but was not consumed. We may go through the fire but God will never let it consume us. What is He using in your wilderness to draw your attention to Him and will you surrender yourself like Moses by saying, "Here I Am?"

Gina M

Prayer of Faith

Thank you, God, for not only calling us but for protecting us for your glory. We thank you and praise you for taking the time to get our attention and focus back on you. Father, we thank you that you always have us in mind as part of your plan. God help us to discern when you are trying to get our attention and get us to surrender to your call. In Jesus name I pray. Amen

 https://youtu.be/ktsPuZvH-rQ

"But you will receive power after the Holy Spirit comes upon you." Acts 1:8

"Many Christians estimate difficulty in the light of their own resources, and thus they attempt very little and they always fail. All giants have been weak men who did great things for God because they reckoned on His power and presence to be with them." Hudson Taylor

Brothas and Sistas, there are many ways to receive power. Act 1:8 says, "But you will receive power after the Holy Spirit comes upon you." Acts 1:8 You see we cannot properly witness for Christ or be the witness that He is calling us to be unless we have allowed the Holy Spirit to wrap Himself around us and cloak us with the fragrance of His might so that others will be drawn to Christ in all His fullness. It's funny how many of us can receive additional power and stamina when we go the gym to work out or when we gulp down a power drink but neither one of these ways for acquiring power compares to that of receiving power from on high. In other words, we must position ourselves for Holy Ghost power!

Let's look at some ways we obtain dunamis power (strength, power or ability) via the Holy Spirit.

Consistent Prayer Time

There is nothing like obtaining consistent prayer time in the presence of the Lord. One on one time with the Lord is a necessity. This is where we get to talk one on one with the Lover of our Souls and the God of the Universe who only has our best in mind. He loves us and enjoys one on one fellowship with us. As a matter of fact, He craves it.

"The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness." Jeremiah 31:3

"Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends." Revelation 3:20

Bible Study

We must spend daily time in the word of God to obtain wisdom, instruction and encouragement. The bible is His love letter to us filled with inspiration so that we will be strong enough to ward off the invitations of Satan and become increasingly aware of the presence of sin in our lives and have the wherewithal to fight against it. When we spend time in the word of God daily we fortify ourselves to walk in victory on a daily basis.

"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." Psalm 1:1-3

Receiving and Applying the Word of God

When we see the importance of being under the taught and preached word of God we will see the importance of spiritual growth in our lives. We remain in a baby Christian or carnal state when we don't avail ourselves to not only listen to but apply the spoken word. God has placed men and women within the body of Christ that He gives a prophetic word to for us. We cannot know the will and plans of God for our lives when we are not present to receive (presented with, be given) from Him. And then once we have received the Word of God we must apply it.

"My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding—indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.

Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse. Psalm 2 1-12

"Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long." Psalm 25:4, 5

Accountability

We walk in vitality, wisdom, strength and conviction for right living when we have the love of other Brothas and Sistas within in the body that genuinely care for us and will lovingly tell us about some things, warn us or tell us when we are wrong. There is no way we can make it in this world trying to do things on our own. We need the care and concern of those around us to keep us on the path to God's greatness and His best for us.

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up." Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

"Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted." Ephesians 6:1

Brothas and Sistas, position yourself for POWER! The power of the Holy Spirit can do what no other power can do!

"The Church is the Body of Christ, and the Spirit is the Spirit of Christ. He fills the Body, directs its movements, controls its members, inspires its wisdom, supplies it's strength. He guides into truth, sanctifies its agents, and empowers for witnessing. The Spirit has never abdicated His authority nor relegated His power." Samuel Chadwick

Lovingly submitted,

Sista Michelle

Prayer of Faith

Father, we are so grateful for the power and presence of your Holy Spirit within our lives. We know that we are unable to do your perfect will without the Holy Spirit. Help us to daily position ourselves for power by living in consistent prayer, making ourselves available for bible study, receiving and applying the word of God and having others hold us accountable. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

"A large crowd followed and pressed around him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.” Mark 5:24-29

Good morning to my faith-filled Brothas and Sistas,

Brothas and Sistas, if the truth be told most of us would not have made it if it had not been for the Lord. Many of us know full well that if it had not been for the Lord who was on our side when the enemy came in like a flood, when trials hit, when we lost our jobs, and when family and friends forsook us even to the point of us almost losing our minds that we simply would not have made it through if it had not been for His grace and His mercy. It is incredible to know that whenever we go through a stretch of testing that He somehow, in one way or another brings us through it. We go through these things so that He gets all the glory and the honor. To go through means to continue firmly or obstinately from beginning to the end. In other words we go from point A to point B, from problem to purpose, from disaster to destiny, from victim to victory in Him. And until He says it's over, it ain't over.

I love the story of the woman with the issue of blood. She reminds me of so many of us because when catastrophe hits we just simply press our way through. Praise God most of us Sistas, we are tenacious like that! There is no time for us to throw a pity party or pull out the welcome mat for the enemy to just walk all over us and die. We press our way through whatever comes our way. Through sickness, through spiritual or emotional wounding, through temptation, through rebellious children, through financial and marital problems we become the lionesses that we were created to be.

This woman pressed her way through the crowd because she was determined to connect with the one man that could truly do something about her current state, her current drama, her current issue. To press means to exert steady weight or force against; bear down on. In spite of the very fact that there was another woman vying for His attention (Jarius's daughter) with her own set of issues, she exerted her way through the crowd because she knew that she had to do something just a tad bit more drastic to get the Savior's attention. After all she had been going through this thing for a minute. So she did the only thing she knew to do, she did what she had to do. She had to maximize the moment. It was now or never. It was a do or die situation, so she touched Him.

Oh, come on now, Sistas you know how it is when we have to do a little somethin, somethin extra to get a brother's attention in the midst of all others seeking a little bit of his time and trying to capture his eye. If we really want to have him for ourselves we have to amp it up so that all others will get dissed. Desperate times call for desperate measures.

After twelve years of bleeding she was spent. She was physically spent because she no longer had the energy that she once had. She was spiritually spent because within her soul she longed to be healed. And she was financially spent because she had wasted all of her financial resources paying physicians that could do nothing for her. That had to be frustrating. She knew that she had to look beyond the crowd, all of the critics, all of the years of her pain and frustration to get what she longed for and needed.

Finally, she got a clue and realized that she could not make it without one touch of His presence in her life regardless of the fact that she had an issue of blood. Back in the day if a woman had an issue she was deemed unclean Lev. 15:25-17. So the very fact that she touched HIM had to raise a few eyebrows. But she did it without reservation but with sheer anticipation. After years of isolation, shame, and hiding behind the four walls she finally got gutsy enough to move beyond all of her fears. She knew that she had to get to the one man that would look beyond her mess, her unclean state. Her actions showed forth her genuine faith in Him. And just like any good husband would, Jesus wants to know that we put full faith and trust in Him regardless of how crazy our issues look. Her faith is what moved Him.

Brothas and Sistas, when all other men wanted nothing to do with her, He was the one man who invited her into His company. And instead of disregarding her, He embraced her presence and encouraged her in the process. He never cringed or walked away in disgust. He welcomed her into His presence, He welcomed her into his space, Brothas and Sistas, HE welcomed HER and as a result of His awesome hospitality she was healed (made whole).

And this is what He does with us today. He draws us into His space regardless of our issues. He says, "Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee." Jeremiah 31:3 He wants to be our all in all. He wants to be the one we run to when times get rough and whisper in His ear, "Lord, I can't make it without YOU". And why not? Just like with any jealous lover those are just the right words to boost His ego. Those are just the right words to get to the heart of Jesus to make Him move expeditiously (done with speed and efficiency) on our behalf. He loves to hear the sweet somethings that we speak to Him when we are in His presence. And just as this woman pressed through we must press our way through to get to Him. We can't make it without Him. Never would have made it without you Lord, Never could have made it, without YOU, Jesus. I was broken, but now I'm healed. 

Prayer of Faith

Dear Lord,

We thank you for your healing power. We praise you that you can heal all our soul's diseases as well as heal us physically. Thank you for being Jehovah Rapha in our lives. We pray that our faith filled Brothas and Sistas would consistently come to you and wait on you for their healing. Help them to realize that your timing is not like our timing. Allow them to have enough faith to be believe that their healing is on the way. We pray all these things in your precious name, Jesus. Amen. 

http://youtu.be/HUaGoS2LW5g

"For this momentary, light affliction (this light distress of this passing hour) is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look at the things that are not seen for the things that are seen temporal (brief & fleeting) but the things that aren't seen are eternal (forever)" II Cor. 4:17-18

"For I reckon the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18)

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

He's brought us though some pretty tough stuff. The word says, "For this momentary, light affliction (this light distress of this passing hour) is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look at the things that are not seen for the things that are seen temporal (brief and fleeting) but the things that aren't seen are eternal (forever)" II Cor. 4:17-18

In other words, our pain is only temporary and we should never give permanent residency to it. Brothas and Sistas, never claim it as your own because whatever we give right to; we give life to. We were made to be powerful but never to be pitiful!

I heard somebody say, "On the other side of pain is power!" So the next time pain wants make you it's permanent dwelling place, hang a "No Vacancy" sign out because pain has no permanent place in your life! "For I reckon the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory which shall be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18) Amen.

Response: Moments of Reflection

Brothas and Sistas, that's such a great way to look at it. I deal with physical pain everyday from arthritis to fibromyalgia. Now I know there are many skeptics when it comes to that but it's neither here nor there. What God is teaching me is that this side of heaven there is pain and suffering. I can hear my great Lord and Savior saying, "It may seem, Kim that you have more than your share in vast ways." But He reminds me that all things come through Him and all things have a purpose to glorify Him. So He says "I will you use this pain to help others that suffer worse than you and you will you use this pain to rely more fully on Me. " I will you use this pain to show the world that if you have Jesus you can go through anything because you never walk alone because He is always at your side.

Brothas and Sistas, the alternative would be to lie down and give into the pain allowing my flesh to be my ruler and not the Lord, God who is creator of my salvation, my redemption, and my amazing God. I will not choose

to lie down and allow Satan's poison to settle in my heart. I choose daily, moment by moment at times, to continue to invite Him in and trust that this pain is nothing more than the Potter making me whole and blemish free so that when I stand before God and He can look upon me as I will be wholly healed, forgiven, and claimed by Jesus.

Prayer of Surrender

So Lord, I thank you for the struggles and the pain. Use me however it suits you to accomplish all great things through you, Lord. Thank you, Lord, for trusting me enough with my pain, trials and tribulations. My strength, hope, praise, peace, and rest is in your holy hands. Praise be to God for all things work together for your good. I deposit these heavy things at the foot of the cross and I know I never carry them alone. Amen.

"How beautiful you are, my darling!

Oh, how beautiful!

Your eyes behind your veil are doves. Your hair is like a flock of goat descending from the hills of Gilead. Your teeth are like a flock of sheep just shorn, coming up from the washing.

Each has its twin; not one of them is alone. Your lips are like a scarlet ribbon; your mouth is lovely. Your temples behind your veil are like the halves of a pomegranate. Your neck is like the tower of David, built with courses of stone on it hang a thousand shields, all of them shields of warriors. Your breasts are like two fawns, like twin fawns of a gazelle that browse among the lilies. Until the day breaks and the shadows flee, I will go to the mountain of myrrh and to the hill of incense. You are altogether beautiful, my darling there is no flaw in you." Song of Songs 4:1-7

Watch "HER - Isaac Carree (Official Audio)" on YouTube

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Watch "Yes. I'm Ready" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/op0_RAOt5vQ

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

One may be wondering, "Ready for what? Well, the question is, "Are we ready to be taught how to love each other?" There are marriages where one if not both, the husband or the wife, have never been taught how to love. It is sad but very true.

For instance, some men may have been taught to never cry, work hard, to provide for and protect their family so that they can give them what they never received during their young years not really knowing how to say, "I love you." with sincerity, not knowing how to express their feelings or show affection to those they love.

Ladies, maybe you never learned how to show love with words of encouragement. You may have been taught as a teen to just do what your spouse wants and don't ask a lot of questions because after all he is taking care of you/providing for you. On the other hand, you may have been taught to be independent or to never allow a man to do anything for you. Maybe you never learned how to be romantic or how to show the feminine, sexy side of you to your spouse and the list goes on, but you get the point. There were so many things that were taught that was wrong and so many right things that were never taught simply because we never saw these things exemplified in our own parents.

Brothas and Siatas, Are You Ready? Many marriages suffer because we don't know how to truly love, express our feelings, show affection or for the most part we don't want to learn. Let's learn how to do this thing called marriage right.

Solomon was a wise man who knew how to treat a lady right. He knew what to say and how to say it in respect to his great love for her. He showed her respect. He was not ashamed to show his emotions. He was caring and affectionate. He had true love and admiration for her. And he showered her.

Solomon taught us how to love in more ways than one. We can learn a lot from Solomon if we are willing. Some marriages are falling apart while others are holding on by a thread. Others are doing well but may need some help in changing the drummers beat. If by any chance you fit any of these categories, ask yourself how valuable is your marriage and is it worth saving.

Brothas and Sistas, let's follow Solomon's example. Let's make the adjustments in our marriages to make our marriages sustainable and give our children a sparkling example of what marriage should look like and something to look forward to in their own marriages.

Till next time take care.

Minister Antonio Washington

Prayer of Faith

Lord, we need you teach us how to love, encourage, and treat our spouses. Some of us have not had great examples of how to be a spouse in marriages and some of us are not applying the principles we have already learned. Please help is to do better so that our children will do well in their own marriages. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qw9WTjLR2rE

"[Made Alive in Christ] As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:5-10

Good Morning Brothas and Sistas in Christ,

I pray that you found hope and encouragement in the verses above for today and every morning as Christ's mercies are new every morning. I have titled today's brew, "A Brew of New Beginnings". As they are always just one sip away from us, yet they often seem so elusive. Why is that I keep asking the Lord that same question often lately? The response I receive is that I am trying to hold onto an old brew; one that will not give me or you life for today. He reminds and convicts me that yesterdays brew was only for yesterday. Much like the manna in the desert. If I try to drink yesterdays or even further back, I am sipping a spoiled brew as it's time was done and a new brew awaits me warm or cold but always refreshing always exactly what I need for today and today alone.

I felt this leading to really take stock in this brew and share this brew with you today. As many have children starting back to school or home school rearing up or some of you are sending of your precious one for the first year of school. I so recall that first day like it was yesterday when I dropped off my son to preschool for the first day. If you look up complete basket case or neurotic mom in the dictionary my face will appear.

My son not nervous really, he was much more so excited. I walked him to the class and within seconds a little boy, who from behind could have been his twin introduced himself as his new best friend and off he went; not looking back, not even a quick glance. I returned six hrs later after having accomplishing nothing at work except for going through a box or more of puffs plus. I arrived at his school, ran to him, he turns and says, "Mommy you need to go back to work, my school isn't done til 6 pm. It was a preschool/daycare. Wow, looking back I can see God's hand print in that moment.

Even that far back I was always trying to hold so tightly to the gifts that God had provided that I had no open, hands to give or receive, or eyes to see what He was trying to bless me with. I wasn't living in the moments He was creating for me. In all honesty, I wasn't just clinging to the joys I was clinging to the wrongs too, but that's for another day.

Recently, I had the great privilege of spending the weekend with eight other amazing God loving, truth telling woman. We were all sharing stories of our kids growing up, going to school and more. When several of us were reminiscing and wishing we could capture the time, save it and let it linger a bit longer. When one wise friend said to us, "I love watching my kidos grow, mature and change from one season to the next. "She so eloquently shared this perspective. I will paraphrase:

We should rejoice as we will have new blessings, new opportunities to speak truth and love as they begin to make these transitions. We can begin to see the fruit of our labor, sit back and know that we have done all we can to prepare them for what's ahead. We can't live in the past or we will miss all beauty and amazing things that God has laid out ahead of us. So let's show them that we believe that God is in all new things and He has "The Plan" all worked out. Let's show them that God always equips us with His love and all we will ever need in this life. Let's demonstrate with great anticipation for what He has for us next.

Now, that can be a hard brew to understand and accept. Yet it is what Christ calls us each to. He didn't go to the depths of hell and back for our righteousness, for our redemption, and certainly not for our salvation for us to simply cling to the past. He did not do it all for us to always be sipping on a soured brew that was only meant for that day or that season. His mercies are new every day. He desires to pour us a new day, new life everyday moment by moment, trusting Him for the next thirst we have to be satisfied.

He desires to be our everything. He desires for us to be excitedly seeking Him and all the new He has for us each day. I am not saying that we can't savor our memories, we just can live life through them.

Brothas and Sistas, it's time for us to leave the old steeped tea bags, open our Tea Cupboards and allow Him to place in our open hands what He desires us to hold to for this moment or season. It's time to only allow Him to be label maker and placer of the expiration dates on our favorite brews as He knows just how much we loved the last. So He will surely be there for us during the joyous brews and the hardship brews. Yet only He can add the right measure of sweet to our brews to make them grow us into the next season He has brewed for us. He desires to bless, love, refine, and Brew us the life He knows is best for us yesterday, today and every new morning a Brew of His gracious life for us through Him.

May we each be challenged this week to let go of whatever it is that we are trying to revive, trying to re-stir, trying so desperately to re-brew that sweet, sweet brew of brews gone past. Let's take our hands off the Tea Pot and lay them out before Him face up and open, ready to receive His new Mercies. A Brew for a new day, a new season, and new memories.

May you taste the sweet and amazing love of a New Brew from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ in each new morning, along with me.

Love and Ever So Eager to be Poured A New Brew in My Savior, Jesus, Every Morning,

Tabby

https://youtu.be/l3uIvXF3Dv4

"But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty." I Corinthians 1:27

Good morning,

Sometimes it seems as though the odds are insurmountable. There are things that we have been given in life's journey that can hold us back. Some of us are born with what appears to be a defect by the world's standards but God's standards are so much higher than the world's standards.

Passion is what drives us in spite of those things that are meant to hinder us. There are many times that God will use those that are deemed to be a misfit by the world to show His glory, power, and might to an unbelieving world.

There is a story of a young man with autism who had a passion to play basketball. He became team manager. He always wanted to play basketball but did not make the team. The coach of his high school basketball team decided to put him in a game so that his dream to play on a basketball team could become a reality.

In the beginning, it seemed as though this kid was not going to be able to make a basket. Attempt after attempt he would miss the basket. But the third try was a charm. All of a sudden he began making three point baskets. One after another, after another, after another he made 3 point baskets. The game was winding down and on the last shot of the game way down the court to everyone's surprise he made the last 3 point shot and became the highest scoring player of the game. He made 20 points in 4 minutes.

Brothas and Sistas, it does not matter what we are born with or what we are not born with, any defect or weakness that we may have God is able to use it for His glory and His glory alone to show His power and might to an unbelieving world. Truth is God "is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above that we could ever ask or think." Ephesians 3:20. He is just that amazing and powerful. So stop using your weakness, disability, or defect as an excuse not to do whatever it may be that he is calling you to because "Faithful is he who calls you that WILL also DO IT." I Thessalonians 5:24

Blessings,

Michelle

Prayer of Faith

We praise your name for making us the way you did. We realize that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Help us to use and embrace our weaknesses, defects and disabilities for your glory. We realize that you use our weaknesses to bring glory to your name in an unbeleiving world. Help us to not shrink in unbeleif but to fully rely on all that you want to do through us. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

https://youtu.be/7cxro6MnUdo

"And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." Luke 11:9

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

Sunday I attended an anointed church service and the woman preacher (Prophetess L.M.) called me to the front of the church. If you know me, you know my heart was in my mouth as I walked to the front. She began to confirm many things in my life and then she told me that God said, "All you have to do is "Ask" and He will give it to you."

As soon as she said this to me I knew that this message was from God. I must admit that I have no problem asking in prayer for anyone and everyone else except for myself. I have a problem asking God for what I want.

I began to seek and ask God, "Why am I like this? What is wrong with me God? I can trust and believe that you will do it for others, but for some reason I have a problem coming to you on behalf of myself."

The Holy Spirit whispered , "You' re afraid of being disappointed and you' re afraid that God will not give it to you because of that time when you asked him for that particular thing and it didn't come to pass." My God, I thought I had put that thing down. I thought I had released that !

Brothas and Sistas, the enemy is the father of lies and he is still trying to "kill, steal and destroy." John 10:10 The enemy knows that if I don't ask, I can't receive, "You have not because you ask not." James 4:2

God confirms in His word that, "If we Ask, we will receive it." It's right there in His word and "God is not a man that he shall lie." Numbers 23:19

Summary:

Brothas and Sistas, Ask God, Seek God, Knock and God will answer! Don't be afraid to ask Daddy for anything. We are His Heirs. Roman 8:17

Just Ask!!!

Gina M

Prayer of Faith\

Thank you, Father, that the veil has been ripped and we can come boadly to you without fear; asking anything in your name. Thank you so much for reminding us through your word that "we have not because we ask not." God, I ask that you remove any fear that we may encounter in asking you for anything. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

https://youtu.be/WinqwdNgdDc

"I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten-- the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm -- my great army that I sent among you."  Joel 2:25

Good morning!

My Brothas and Sistas, this is exciting news to know that we can begin again! We don't have to be cast down by the cares and affairs of life, right? May I ask you a question? Do you remember the joy that you had in your heart when you first ask the Lord Jesus to come into your heart? I sure do! I could hardly contain myself! I was bouncing off of the walls with the good news of the gospel and I could not wait to tell everyone what happened to me! I wanted everyone to be saved! I am sure that you can relate!!!

The Lord is able to restore to anyone of us the Joy of our salvation, and the years that the locusts have eaten. Now, I am not saying that one has to go around with a false grin on one’s face, but what I am saying is the joy of the Lord is an Attitude of the Heart! All one has to do is simply repent and cry out to the Lord, with a child- like faith and rededicate one’s life back to the Lord! He awaits the return of His children. Perhaps you are flourishing in the Lord, continue to do so ! Some suggestions to insure spiritual growth: Begin reading the Bible again, and praying to the Lord once again, singing and making melody in heart to the Lord again! Sometimes one has to learn how to encourage one’s self in the Lord! We have to put into practice the love of Christ, and we need to practice the presence of the Lord. Not only when others can see us, but when we are all alone with God!

Maybe you never had a relationship with the Lord and you are not at peace with God. Well my dear, if you would like to experience the peace of God, you have to first have a relationship with God. He said my peace I give to you, not as the world gives to you! Yes, my friend you can have the Peace of God by asking Him to forgive you of all of your sins and to come into your heart. " What can wash away your sins, nothing but the blood of Jesus"! Please return to the Steps to Salvation on the home page, and this will explain everything to you in more detail. We welcome you in advance into the body of Christ!

Finally, how did we do on our Spiritual Self- Assessment Exam? However, we did there is always room for improvement! Let us purpose in our heart of hearts to draw closer to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and each other. We must decrease so that He can increase! This year if we see someone down and discouraged, let us not leave them there but, let us encourage them and love them with the love of the Lord.

After all, how will they know that we are Christians? It is by our love. May God richly bless all of us, as we strive to serve the Lord in a more excellent way! Please have your way in us Lord! You are the potter we are the clay. So where are we in our Relationship with the Lord? I pray that we are at peace with God, and right in the center of His will!

Love & Blessing,

Sista Lakita

Prayer of Faith

Dear Lord,

Thank you for new beginnings. Thank you for those times when you ushered us into something great because we were willing to make commitments to you. You are so wonderful and we want to serve you. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

https://youtu.be/kOfbomJQZQw

Matthew 9:17 "Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved."

Brothas and Sistas,

Everyone gets excited about the start of a new year. Many find hopes in new resolutions and new desires that haven't been yet fulfilled. As we approach a new year, I want you to think about what is that thing you need to release before you enter into the next year. When you enter into a new season of life there is no room for the old stuff. Matthew 9:17 tells us, "Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved."

Old and new don't mix just like oil and water don't mix. So the question is what is it that needs to be released? Is it a person, a problem or a situation? Brothas and Sistas, really take time to think hard about the thing that you must let go of. Sometimes you have been gripping it so hard that it's difficult to release it so easily.

2022 is a new year and a new season that God has for you. It's time to release the thing that has come to mind. God has a plan for you in 2022 that will take you to new heights and new levels in Christ. Isaiah 43:19 says, "For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland."

The new things awaits you whether it be a new ministry, a new house, a new job, or a new opportunity. It's time to release and move forward. God desires for us to use the time he has given us wisely. God can do all things but we must be open to all that he can do. We must let go of some people, hurts, and situations that tried to take us out of the race in 2021. 1 Corinthians 9:24 says. "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it."

You made it to the finish line in 2021 and now a new race begins. It's time to renew your mind by letting go of the old and moving forward into 2022. God has many things for us to do. Let's stay focused in 2022 and be aware of the things that are trying to have us get out of the race for Christ. In 2022 let go of the old invite the new things in that God has for you and keep it moving . Brothas and Sistas, it's time to move forward. Amen.

Happy New Year

Be Blessed,

Sista Melissa

http://youtu.be/_qI2i0Ghm_w

"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?" Isaiah 43:19a

Good morning Brothers and Sisters,

I pray that everyone found some blessing and joy in the Christmas Season. I pray that we each took a few moments to reflect on all the blessings that we were provided in the past year from our mighty Savior, Jesus Christ.

I would like to start off with a few verses in the bible where we can discover what the word "new" means biblically.

2 Corinthians 5:17 says. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" and

John 6:53 says, "Jesus said to them, “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you."

John 8:12 says, "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." And John 11:25 "Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die;..."

Dear Brothers and Sisters, lets grab a fresh cup of Tea which spells salvation out for us along with a new life in and through Christ. As I ponder with my Tea Cup in hand, Praise God that it's a bit fuller than last year, I reflect and I start to give Him all the praise and glory He deserves. I am reminded that I can't earn this pretty Tea Cup that only He can pour life into it as well as blessing, redemption, hope, and healing.

I'm also reminded that the sweetener that He pours into my Tea Cup of Life is sweeter than any honey or sugar cane could be. It's sweeter than that new car, than that new house, than a bigger bank account....

Brothers and Sisters, new life, new beginnings, and redemption. It's so sweet but not overly sweet to the point where we don't want to pause in our drinking because it's our only hope, it's our salvation.

As I sat in church this Sunday and listened to Pastor "T" this week; he shared what God has given him in regard to the meaning of a new life in Christ. He shared that we get so caught up at looking in other peoples "Tea Boxes" to see what blessings, gifts, privileges, statuses or stations in life Jesus placed in their "Tea Boxes of Life" that we are blinded with envy or more often than not deceived by Satan, himself into believing that God loves others more than He loves us. How foolish and arrogant can we be? Does that not make us stiffed necked and ungrateful?

Each of our Tea Cups and Tea Boxes are filled by the Giver of eternal life. What we need to begin this new year with is examining our own Tea Cups and Tea boxes and look for the blessings that can be found through some of our most distressing or joyful life experiences.

Look at the growth that each struggle has provided us to grow closer to the Lord. It is hear that He patches up or even replaces our Tattered Tea Cups replenishes our Tea Boxes with new gifts, abilities, and new stories to share. You see more often than not we spend too much of our God given time looking at what is in another's Tea Cups. God wants us to focus on what He has provided in our Tea Cup to share our struggles and how God brought us through them.  God wants us to start this New Year out with giving Him the glory for life, it's struggles, it's gifts, it's joys, and also the times in the desert because through each of these experiences there are lessons for us to learn to grow

our faith in the Lord, our God. He wants us to look not only upon the hard times or the good times but also the everyday simple blessings we take for granted each and every day.

There are so many stories through the Book of Life (Bible) where God reveals this to us through his birth, his childhood and time of teaching

in the synagogue at only age 12. Throughout His ministry, life, and through His death and resurrection where He provided some large and small blessings as well as gifts to those who chose to put before Him their Tattered Tea Cups, empty or nearly depleted boxes and Tea. Also times where those who saw that their Tea Cups were overflowing choose to share. Then there were also those who had nearly but a drop of tea in their cup and not enough tea in their box but for one more weak cup of tea, but gave it all up for the opportunity to allow Christ to offer a blessing to another.

Brothers and Sisters, I am not one for New Year's resolutions for many different reasons. Yet I hope and pray for myself and each of you that this year our focus will be on asking the Lord to fill our Tea Cups with just what we need to grow and draw nearer to Him. Please understand that this may mean a season of Chipped Tea Cups or a Season of Shallow Tea Cups or even a Season with such an abundance of Tea that He sends us out to each and share of His New Year's Resolution.

Jesus' has always been the same and hasn't changed throughout History. we Jesus' New Year's resolution and daily purpose is to capture and restore the lost. It is also to take the time to gently restore the broken and give new life, hope, and a new Tea Cup and Tea Box full of salvation so that every dear person can experience the great fulfillment of His forgiveness, Grace, Restoration, Joy and Love. So I pray that we will choose to share our Tea Boxes with many this year. As we can be certain that the Lord will put people and circumstance and situations in our paths to give us an opportunity to help someone else gain their own Cup of Tea from our Lord and Savior .I'm looking forward to meeting with each of you with my Cup of Tea and you with yours, as we grow closer to the Lord together. I eagerly await to

see what flavors of Tea He will fill me with this year; bitter or sweet. 

I pray that I will be drawn nearer to Him and grow deeper in Love with

Him. I pray dear sweet Brothers and Sisters, the same for you.

The Lord has put it on my heart just now that someone that will be reading

this blog this week that has not made the decision to accept our Savior as

their own or that there are some who walk on the outside as if their

Tea Cup was being filled regularly by our Savior but their life isn't

authentic. I pray a prayer of intercession in this moment for whomever

this may be that you will choose to use the resources of this website to come to accept Christ as your personal Savior and that you will share that withs so that we can help you grow and understand what gifts, joy and blessings God has in store for you with your new life. For anyone who isnot walking in authenticity with Christ know that He knows your every thought and your every heartbeat; nothing is hidden from Him. It's my prayer for anyone in this situation that you repent and ask God for forgiveness, and that you too use the Godly tools of this site to help you restore or begin a new Life with Christ today.

As Pastor "T" said on Sunday, "To have Christ working in our lives in a way that is authentic and life changing and saving we often have to "Step out into the crowd" without fear of ridicule, or loss of friends or peers, or reputation. As these are earthly views and the only perception, belief or reality that we need to be focused on is our identity in Christ." Until we meet again may you be filled with Christ's love, redemption, and new life in the New Year with our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen

Till our Tea Cups meet next week be blessed, Happy New Year and here's to a New You in Christ.

Love,

Tabby    

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"Brethren, I count myself not to be apprehend but this one thing I do, forgetting those thing which are behind ,and reaching forward to those things ahead." Philippians 3:13

Good morning,

Brothas and Sistas, we are always so busy looking back to the past at times. We focus on those things concerning ourselves in reference to this things that happened to us. Other times we focus on those who hurt us. We hold onto grudges that keep us bound to the hurt instead of looking to the future.

Brothas ans Sistas, the future is the direction we are going in, we are moving forward everyday. We can never go back to yesterday. It is gone.....it is history. The only thing of the past is the memory of it. The things of the past are behind us .

We have to forget those things that are behind us so that we can progress forward. We stand in the way of what God has for us . We stand in the way of our deliverance. We stand in the way of our healing and most of all, we stand in the way of our blessing when we don't let go and move forward.

Brothas and Sistas, move out of your own way. Stop blocking the door of your blessing by standing in the way. We stand in the way when we don't trust God. Move out of your own way today and leave those things that are behind.

God bless,

Josette

Prayer : Father, in the name of your son, Jesus, we thank you today for all your blessing especially the blessing of loving us and taking care of us. So we ask you to take care of all our wounds that keep us bound from the past, those strongholds that keep us from progressing forward. Help us, Lord, to renew our minds to think clearly and to move out of our own way and trust you to guide us. We thank you in advance for what you are already going to do in our lives. We thank you and praise you in Jesus name. Amen.

https://youtu.be/sKKNC_Y6P6s

"The LORD'S loving kindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness." Lamentations 3:22-23

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

Each time that we open our eyes in the morning we are embracing a newness that we have never experienced before. Today will never be like yesterday because each day holds its own individual blessing. The scripture verse above says that God's compassions are new every morning. Brothas and Sistas, meditate on that for a moment. The compassion that God has shown us on yesterday will not be the same compassion that He will reveal to us today.

Oh, Brothas and Sistas, this thing is really getting good. Not only does God give us new compassion daily but the verse also explains that His loving kindness will never stop. My God! My God! The Creator of all, the One and Only, True and Living God will always show us loving kindness and on each new day He bestows new compassion for us. God will give us the dosage based on the current need and we can trust God because the verse also says "Great is Thy Faithfulness!!!" Not great is our faithfulness but Great is God's faithfulness. God is not like us.

"God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill." Numbers 23:19.

Brothas and Sistas, the more time I spend with God studying His word the more I understand who He is and who I am and the more time you spend with Him, studying His word, the more YOU will understand who He is and who He has created YOU to be. Amen.

Embrace your new day,

Elder Van

Prayer of Faith

Dear God,

Thank you so much for brand new mercies. Thank you for your great faithfulness! T,hank you for giving us loving kindness that never comes to an end. God you bless us with so much and we haven't even really scratched the surface of your grace and your mercy. Help us, Father, to be as loving to others as you are to us. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

https://youtu.be/U8wOTV1vktw?list=PLbIwq6HuKrKw9-c63LJcynWeuJ6IjxOpx

"As the deer pants for the water, so my soul longs after thee." Psalm 42:1

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

As we embark upon a new year. We would like to encourage you to run hard and deep after God. Make Him your number one muse. Psalm 42:1 says, "As the deer pants for the water, so my soul longs after thee." Psalm 42:1 The word pant means breathless. Yes, Brothas and Sistas, we must allow Him to take our breath away. Every waking moment with him should be one of total exhilaration and filled with expectancy for those things that He has in store for us. There is never a dull moment with Him when we follow hard after Him.

He is everything to us and should take priority in our lives. So many things are designed to take our focus off of Him and keep our minds filled with busyness and uncertainty. These things are meant to keep us emotionally drained ad faithless but Jesus gives us power from on high when we tap into Him, the only true and living Power Source.

In 2022 allow Him to be the guiding force in all that you do. He desires you to be enveloped with His presence. "Long ago the LORD said to Israel: "I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself." Jeremiah 33:1 As you draw near to Hum He will draw near to you and your once tattered and chaotic life will be filled with a peace that is indescribable. Please don't allow the cares of this world to take you away from Him any longer. Choose Him over the world and all of it's enticements. And then and only then will you experience His favor, joy, power, and peace.

On behalf of my wife and I, we pray that. We believe that God has great things in store for you. We hope that all of you were encouraged and blessed from the devotionals this year. We believe that God is able, awesome, and marvelous and He will do exceedingly, abundantly above all that you can ever ask or think." Ephesians 3:20

My wife and I have seen the power of God in more ways than one. We have heard how God has blessed so many people in different ways. As the year, comes to an end, may we allow God to make us clean, connected and in 2022. "Happy New Year to all of you, and may you enjoy a blessed 2022.

Minister Antonio and Michelle Washington

Prayer of Faith

Hallelujah! Thank you Lord for making our lives so much richer in 2021. We could not have made it through 2021 without you. We promise to trust you more in 2022. We desire to make you our all and all by following hard after you. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

https://youtu.be/AjkvbTfjNpg

Good Morning Friends of God's Amazing Gift Of Love,

A woman wrote a remarkable letter in which she pictured what it might have been like in heaven when Jesus was born on earth. It was what God always knew would happen she wrote, "The three were one and He head agreed to allow the fracturing of His precious unity for our sake. Heaven was left empty of God the Son." As Jesus taught and healed people on earth, He said "I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me....." ( John 6:38) "For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life. And I will raise them up at the last day." (John 6: 40)

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem it was the beginning of His mission on earth to demonstrate God's love and give His life on the cross to free us from the penalty and power of sin. I cannot imagine actually choosing to let go of the one I loved, with whom I was one for the sake of anyone else, the woman concluded. But God did so that I could have eternal life to live in His house with Him forever. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son." (John 3:16)

Love has a name. JESUS

Love has a place. Our hearts.

Love has a story.

And it's not finished yet.

Anon

Friends of God, What's your story of God's Amazing Love?

Blessings,

Renee

Prayer of Faith

Father in heaven we are in awe of your amazing love for us. Thank you for giving your only Son to save us from our sin. The birth of Christ, brought God to man; the cross brings man to God. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. 

https://youtu.be/LfgNR_aiSTg

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

I love, love, love Christmas! It is my favorite time of the year. I love everything that Christmas represents from the birth of our Lord and Savior, the wonderful nativity scenes, the beautiful lights, unusually nicer people, having extended family time etc., Now I have to be honest with you lately it has taken me a little longer than normal to get into the Christmas spirit. You know how it is. Sometimes life gets a hold of you and tries to squeeze the significance of the season out of you.

But you know what I am learning? As busy as life gets we can't allow the demands that it brings to squeeze Jesus out. And we certainly can't allow it to squeeze Him out of Christmas. So how do we make it our priority to keep Jesus at the center of the season.

1. We can honor His birth and the significance of it by not focusing so much on the hustle and bustle.

2. We can love, adore, worship and honor the giver of every good and perfect gift, Jesus, the gift of God to us, instead of making gift giving the highlight of the season.

3. We can spend as much time as we can with our loved ones because next Christmas is not promised to us.

4. We can reach others for Jesus. People need to be filled with the hope of the Savior especially around Christmas time.

My prayer for you today is that you will take hold of the significance of the season, allow the light of Jesus and the reason for the season to shine brightly through you, and slow down long enough love up on the gifts of all gifts, Jesus. Have a blessed holiday!

Smooches,

Sista Michelle

Prayer of Faith

Thank you, Lord for coming into the world to save us. There is none like you. We worship and adore you, the King of Kings and Savior of the world. May we make you a priority this season. You are so worthy of our adoration. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. 

https://youtu.be/6jroBAl3WW8

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”  Isaiah 9:6

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

As we approach the Christmas holiday, I trust we are not getting stressed out about what we plan to give or how much we plan to spend etc., Every year we say that we will not get caught up in the hustle and bustle. Brothas and Sistas, do we take time to realize what this day really means? Every year we say this and every year more people are still going over board with Christmas.

Brothas and Sistas, let's focus what Christ is to us and what He has done for us since we have given our lives over to Him. He is the reason why we celebrate Christmas. It is His birthday and the best gift we can give someone is the gift of salvation. May you and your have a wonderful and blessed Christmas and remember "for unto us a child is ......born.'

“Christmas is based on an exchange of gifts, the gift of God to man – His unspeakable gift of His Son, and the gift of man to God – when we present our bodies a living sacrifice.” ~Vance Havner

Have a blessed holiday!

Minister Antonio Washington

Prayer of Faith

Lord, thank you for the gift of your Son. So often we forget the true meaning of Christmas. May we never get caught up in the hustle and bustle but maintain our focus on you and it's true meaning. Yo are the reason for the season! In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

http://youtu.be/TUrgKclLWqM

 "If you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? & if you have not been trustworthy with someone else's property, who will give you property of your own?" Luke 16:11-12

Good morning Saints,

I was talking to the Lord some time ago about provision in some necessary areas. He began to share with me He had already made provision in the areas that I was seeking Him for but I just needed to tap into what He had already provided. You see I firmly believe that most of what we pray for we already have. Question.... What are we doing with the provision He has already provided?

Saints, are we really being faithful stewards of His manifold blessings? Hmmm. It kinda reminds me of the prodigal son. His father had already laid up an inheritance for him but because He chose to take tomorrows seed and squander it on today's folly he missed the whole purpose and point behind his father laying up an inheritance for him and was broke.

The term inheritance implies a bequest or provision. He foolishly used tomorrows provision for today and to be quite honest most of us have been guilty of this a time or two. Saints, money has a value system. Financial freedom and prosperity starts in our head. If we want to change the way we are living we have to change the way we are not only giving but the way we are spending and thinking.

The definition of insanity is to keep doing the same things expecting a different result. Our quality of life is often determined by the condition of our souls. Our behavior - how we view/spend money is a result of our belief system. Do we value the money He has given us? What is our view of money? Where does our belief system lie? Are we speaking financial growth and wisdom over our lives - Words of prosperity or poverty?

Saints, it is insane for us to have champagne taste with a koolaid mentality. We have to rethink our belief system and begin to apply His wisdom to our finances. When we know better, we do better. Amen.

Smooches,

Me

Prayer Time

Dear Lord,

You are a phenomenon within yourself. Thank you for the many promises that you give concerning our finances. Help us to be good stewards of what you have already blessed us with. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

http://youtu.be/4l4N7x1MJmY

"In all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose"(Romans 8:28)

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

A friend shared with me, a few Sundays ago, she was running late for church. That Sunday was Communion Sunday. That was also the Sunday they ended their Daniel fast. When she entered the church she turned down the aisle headed towards her normal seat midway of the far right of the church. But as she started walking down the aisle something pulled her back, she thought, "Maybe I shouldn't interrupt people to find a seat." Eventhough there were others still searching for seats, she decided to look for a seat in the back of the church.

As she surveyed the middle section and then the far left section, she noticed another co-volunteer that serves with her in the Children's Ministry sitting on the very last row of the far left section, so she decided to join them. Towards the end of the service her Pastor started speaking of Communion and explaining the process. She said her heart stopped because she suffers from OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) and basically she didn't want to eat bread that hundreds of people had touched. Her thought was, "Why of all the days would I sit on the back row? I never sit here. Eventhough I never sat on the front row, the middle was certainly better than the back...Wasn't it?"

Brothas and Sistas, she began to worry and pray. She sat there with her head down, her eyes closed and she asked God to forgive her for not receiving Communion that day. She told God how afraid she was and that she wished she could get over this fear for Him and receive Communion regardless of who touched the bread. As she was praying quietly, she was interrupted by a voice, she looked up and her co-volunteer had gotten up so he could get the offering baskets for the distribution and standing there was an usher, motioning for her to come towards Communion.

Huh? She looked around and everyone in the church was waiting for her to come forward. Yes, on that Sunday, as the Lord would have it; she was late for church, chose a seat out of her comfort, prayed to God about about her fear and here it was; she was the first person of hundreds to receive Communion. It was the 2nd seat on the last row at the far side of the church, where the Lord purposely sat her. She cried as she moved towards the front to receive Communion, when she returned to her seat she shared her story with her teenage son and he responded, " That was an eerie coincidence."

Brothas and Sistas, was it? No, this incident was not by chance. It was designed by God. God has planned our days from the moment we open our eyes. Just when we think that we are insignificant, God proves us wrong. It's easy for us to see the major things He does in our lives, but it's those little ones, those that are especially for you that confirms He knows our weakness, our fears and even our quirks, yet He loves us anyway! "In all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28)

Brothas and Sistas, are you in a difficult place? It has been ordained by God. It is not chance, but it is divine providence.

Take care,

Sista Friend

Prayer of Faith

Dear Lord,

Thank you so much for divine providence. So many times in our lives things happen and there is no expalnation for them. We know now that it is you weaving the details of our lives together for your glory and our good. You are so amazing and we love you so much. Thank you for having our best interest in mind. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

https://youtu.be/Ci-0k9GojM4

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

Not too long ago a family member suffered the loss of a close relationship. His hopes and dreams were all shattered with one conversation. Another close friend of ours husband walked out on her and her teenage daughter. She had just recently had her worst fears confirmed when someone told her that he had been seen with a younger woman. Brothas and Sistas, as devastating as these situations may seem I truly believe and know that God has something wonderful in mind after the pain. I also believe that He has a full proof plan in mind and that plan may be to protect you/us.

Believe it or not God IS NOT trying to punish you by moving people out of your life. You must remember "His plans are not to harm you, but He has plans to prosper you, to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 There are so many of us that choose not to believe this truth and we hold onto people that God never intended for us to keep. As a matter of fact, His desire is to bless us with something greater if we just let go. In other words, He wants us to let go of the unsavory to obtain that which is sacred.

The definition of unsavory is something that is ill gotten, fraudulent or a misrepresentation. The people in our lives that left or moved on were a misrepresentation of the sacred; the one that was promised. Any relationship that makes you doubt your self worth or question the value that He has placed on you as a son or daughter of the Most High misrepresents the promise that we are fearfully and wonderfully made in His, Our Creator and Lord's image. It misrepresents the fact that "we are complete in Him who is the head of all principality and power." (Colossians 2:10) Them walking out on you does not devalue you or your self worth in any way.

Brothas and Sistas, to settle for anything less than His treasured best that He has set aside for us would be ill gotten and a fraudulent representation of royal inheritance that He has assured us, that which is sacred (holy; worthy of veneration - dignity). You see there are times in God's infinite wisdom when He not only separates us from people but He removes them for our own good and His glory.

Now let's be honest, initially when the person is no longer in our lives we grieve. The sting of regret haunts us... the what if's and if only's.

Brothas and Sistas, our grief is real and it is completely understandable but how do we move from grief to obtaining His glory - His best?

Brothas and Sistas, there is no easy 10 step answer to this question. We must learn to take things minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day recognizing that He is right there with us in our pain. We must remember that He is Omniscient.....He is sovereign.....and believe it or not He not only ordains our pain but He ordains our loss....He ordains all that we go through. Amen.

Let Go of the Unsavory So That You May Obtain The Sacred!

"When someone walks out of your life, let them. They are just making room for God's best to walk in." - Sistas Saving Sistas For Christ

Smooches,

Me

Prayer of Faith

We are so grateful that you have set aside the sacred for us so that we may let go of that which is unsavory. Lord, you want what is best for us.... Help us to want the same. Help us to let go knowing that you are moving people out of our lives not to harm us but to protect us. You have our good in mund. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. 

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." James 1:2-8

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

Just a quick word of encouragement. We all are going through something in one way or another. Some of us don't know if we are going or coming. Some are going through grief or hard times. Family members going through health issues, trials or suffering loss in one form or another. We look at these scriptures and ask ourselves...."How in the world do I count it all joy when I got all this to deal with?" Here is the thing. Joy is not contingent on our feelings but it is contingent on our faith.

When I look up the word joy in Webster's it states that joy is an emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires : DELIGHT; the expression or exhibition of such emotion : GAIETY

or a state of happiness or felicity or BLISS.

But when I look at the biblical definition it states joy is an emotion that’s acquired by the anticipation, acquisition or even the expectation of something great or wonderful. It is anticipation from knowing God and what He is capable of doing in the midst of the trial. It is knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that He will deliver....He is more than able to deliver.

Now joy is a fruit of the Spirit. It is nothing that we can conjure up. It is not like happiness which is primarily based on circumstance for James says "count it all joy when You fall into divers temptations knowing that the trying of your faith worker patience...." You either have joy or you don't. You can't fake it til you make it with joy. You either got it or you don't.

My Brothas and Sistas, I want to encourage you that no matter what you are going through you can tap into this joy via the one and only source and that is no other than Jesus Christ, Himself via the Holy Spirit, for He is your joy!

Lovingly Submitted,

Sista Michelle

Prayer of Faith

Lord, we thank you for the joy you give us in spite of our circumstances. We want our joy to be complete in you. May the joy that you give radiate through us and spill over into the lives of those who need a touch from you. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. 

https://youtu.be/yZeO_8n1lpM

Good morning Friends of God,

"May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord." 2 Peter 1:2

Friends, do you remember a time when you wanted an abundance of all God had to offer? For instance....His grace and peace. I do and many of us have been there. Many Christians are still there; wanting God's abundance but they are unwilling to put forth the effort to get to know Him better through bible study and prayer.

I find that as I read His word and pray, putting Him first just like husbands and wives should do in a marriage, my relationship with Him grows and so will yours. In order to enjoy the privileges He offers us freely we must grow in our knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. The power to lead a godly life comes from God alone because we don't have the resources to be truly godly in our own strength.

I am truly grateful that God allows us to share in His "divine nature" in order to keep us from sin and help us live for Him. Divine nature is defined as manifesting the characteristics of God's nature. II Peter 1:4 says, "And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world's corruption caused by human desires."

Yes friends, it's by His Spirit that we are empowered to live for Him. I pray that God will continue to give us the grace and peace we all need to grow in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

“Once you have surrendered yourself, you make yourself receptive. In receiving from God, you are perfected and completed.” Fulton J. Sheen

Much love,

Renee

Prayer Time

Dear Lord,

Help us to realize that there is nothing we can do in our own strength. We need to rely on your divine nature in order to walk in power on a daily basis. May we put you first in all things. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

"The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:18

"God uses broken things. It takes broken soil to produce a crop, broken clouds to give rain, broken grain to give bread, broken bread to give strength. It is the broken alabaster box that gives forth perfume. It is Peter, weeping bitterly, who returns to greater power than ever." -Vance Havner

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

We gain power over the enemy and his intentions to thwart the plans of God for our lives when we choose to forgive. Just the other day I witnessed elders of the church pray over a young lady that had been sexually abused most of her life by different offenders. Can you imagine living a life attracting the same people and eventually succumbing to the same attack over and over again? Brothas and Sistas, there are times in our lives when we attract what's already broken on the inside of us.

The definition of attract is entice, allure, lure, tempt, charm, win over, woo, engage, enthrall, enchant, entrance, captivate, beguile, bewitch, or seduce. Broken people often engage, entrance, captivate, and enthrall other broken people without even knowing it. Sex offenders who are among the broken often seek out and entice those who are vulnerable and have already been sexually abused. It is what they do.

Now before we could pray for this young lady the Pastor realized that the only way for this young lady to be free from the same attacks was that she had to be free from the familiar spirit that had her bound up on the inside. You see it was not just the fact that she had a familiar spirit of sexual assault looming over her but there was also a root within that made her vulnerable to these attacks. And that root was unforgiveness.

You see Brothas and Sistas sometimes in order for us to be free from attacks from future offenders we have to forgive those who have offended us in the past. We must understand that with a root of bitterness comes familiar spirits. These familiar spirits attack the same spirit within. Whenever we tend to attract the same type of people over and over again we need to be asking ourselves, "What is it within me that's either desperate, broken or carries a spirit of unforgiveness with it because I keep attracting those that are just as equally wounded, unforgiving, and desperate as I am?" Brothas and Sistas, it is a known fact that those who have been abused will always attract abusers if they don't first seek healing through forgiveness and a renewing of the mind through God's word.

As the elders sat there and lovingly spoke with this young woman about her recent rape they gently encouraged this young lady to go through a process of talking with her offenders as though they were present with her, calling them by name and targeting each offense that they were guilty of. It took some time but she named each one, called out their offenses and decided to move forward from that point. The truth is none of us can really ever move forward when we have made a conscious decision to live in the past daily.

That day that young lady went into that church angry, bewildered and broken but she came out bight, cheerful, delivered and smiling; all had been forgiven. Brothas and Sistas, each time we are offended we must make it a point to cross the bridge of forgiveness so that we can move from brokenness to deliverance!

"Leave the broken, irreversible past in God's hands, and step out into the invincible future with Him." - Oswald Chambers

Prayer of Faith

Dear Lord,

We thank you not necessarily for all that you do but for who you are. You are an amazing God. You forgave us and now we must forgive those who have wounded us in one way or another. Help us to cross the bridge of forgivenss so that we may move from brokeness to deleivered. It is in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.

"God is our refuge and strength [mighty and impenetrable], A very present and well-proved help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains be shaken and slip into the heart of the seas, Though its waters roar and foam, Though the mountains tremble at its roaring." Selah. Psalms 46:1-3

Good Morning Brothas and Sistas,

God just laid this 'Powerful Scripture" in my spirit. I pray that it encourages you on this morning.

Have you ever watched a scary movie and the person in it is being chased and desperately trying to find somewhere that looks safe? Their not quite sure where this place is or what it will look like, but all they know is that they are in trouble and in need of a hiding place, a place they won't be found, a place that will protect them from the enemy.

God is our refuge (a safe place). When trouble reveals its ugly face God is the safest place to run. God is our strength (the ability to withstand or exert great force, stress, or pressure). Brothas and Sistas, God can handle what we can't. Trouble is not a problem for God, and if we trust Him in times of trouble it won't be a problem for us. God is "A Very Present Help" in Time of Trouble". Think about that for a moment....A Very Present Help. In other words when trouble comes God is there. He is not just a bystander. He is actively participating on our behalf.

My Brothas and Sistas, if you are facing a troubling situation in your life you are a candidate for God to show up and show off. I dare you to dig in the word of God and research Gods track record. Research how God delivered His people from Egypt and how He parted the Red Sea. Look at how God fed the Israelites in the middle of the wilderness without a pot, a pan or an oven. My God!!!! If He can do that, He can certainly handle any situation we may be in the midst of.  "Trouble Sets the Stage for God to Reveal Who He IS"

Amen,

Gina M

Prayer of Faith

Dear God,

You are our safe place in our darkest hour. We look to you to be our refuge. There is none like you. Through all of our trouble you are setting the stage for who you really are. You are our very present help and we can't help but to give you all the praise, all the glory and all the honor. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANLHbYMemE4&feature=share&list=AL94UKMTqg-9C2SV4TRBMAZffKrd2wSL5B

http://youtu.be/uoBpNjV4peU Old Skool Song. Sistas, Guess Who?

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:

If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Good morning to our magnificent Brothas and Sistas,

Brothas and Sistas, many times the best encouragement or support that you receive will come from your spouse. No one else can give you more encouragement than your spouse. We all need someone to tell us that we did a great job or we are really good at what we do. No one can be a better support system than your spouse.

So many times in ministry we fail to see the importance of encouraging each other along the way. Ministry can be a lonely trip and we need encouragement to fuel us as we go along for the ride. People come and go. Some of the people that the Lord sends our way to be encouragers for us may eventually move on and the only way that we can receive consistent encouragement is when our spouse is there to spear us on to greatness.

There are also people that we come across in ministry that tend to be very negative and we need our spouses to be a healing balm when we are under the weight of criticism. Encouragement from our spouses can strengthen our faith and allow us to really believe in all that God can be in, for, and through us. We need to be built up by someone that we can trust and that has our best interest in mind. Brothas and Sistas, a little encouragement can go a long way.

Tips for Encouraging Your Spouse

1. Tell them how well they are doing with the ministry that God has called them too.

2. Pay specific attention to their temperament. Ask the Lord to give you ears to hear what they are going through spiritually, emotionally, and mentally.

3. Listen to them when they are struggling with the demands of ministry.

Don't just take it as though they are being less spiritual because they are sharing their true feelings with you.

4. Plan weekly date nights/rendezvous to spend time together lifting each other spirits while at lunch or dinner.

5. Tell them how wonderful they look when they get dressed (or undressed for that matter ;-) ). Make it a point to compliment a new outfit, haircut, or hairstyle, especially when they are on their way out to do the Lord's work.

Be encouraged. Sistas, take care until next week.

Minister Antonio and Sista Michelle Washington

http://youtu.be/qPwIPN30EKM Advice on Encouraging Your Spouse

Prayer of Faith

Thank you Lord for the blessing you have given us in the form of our spouses. Help us to be ever mindful of them and encourage them daily. May we be a light to them daily when the world is beating down on them. In Jesus name we pray. Amen,

John 16:33 (NIV) “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Ecclesiastes 3:1(NIV) "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens."

Philippians 2:13 (NIV) "for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."

Colossians 2:2 (NIV) "My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ."

Good Morning Brothers and Sisters,

I pray that you are still relishing in the amazing truth of Resurrection Sunday. This is my favorite holiday as it is the reminder that I need daily to remember that I have been saved I am no longer condemned. Also, I am no longer in bondage to my past days. Let's grab our Tea Cups and head over to the Masters table and learn what He has for us today.

I can surely get busy each day and honestly outside of Good Morning Lord, thanks for waking me again today and go through my busy day without a moment with the Lord. I am not proud of this nor am I pleased with this routine. Have you ever found yourself in such a season?

This morning as I grabbed my Tea Cup and laptop to sit down and share a brew with you I was reminded that I need to slow down and remember that He is the giver of my daily order. That I have been so busy lately with work, relational matters, and even being sick that I haven't daily taken time specifically devoted to Him. Have you ever heard that from Him?

This really struck a chord in me as I sat before Him with my long never ending "To Do List" floating around in my head. Yet I heard Him clearly say to me I will order your steps for today. Then I heard Him say that I have an agenda for you every day. Then as my tea cup went to respond I found myself feeling torn. My heart and spirit knew what was right but my soul and mind where tugging yet another way. Have you ever felt this splitting within yourself?

So as I tried to wrestle with my own inner self I just kept asking Him, "Lord, please be my Brew Master, please pour Your will, your desires, your plans, your Agenda for my day into my Tea Cup for today and every day." Yet my mind continued ensuing this battle of the wills. With emails asking for completed work for ministries, asking for details on my ability to line up resources for Ministry work, thoughts of homework for bible study, and then all the ""To Do's for my work today and the weeks coming ahead. I quickly became overwhelmed. Have you ever found yourself here?

I sat in my chair, reading over and over the scriptures that God had given me for today's Brew. I began to really focus in on His direction and His Voice. He so gently said to me it's okay to have your Agenda, your commitments, and work. He then continued saying as long as you allow me to put each in its place and allow me to order your steps. I sat here thinking, "Wow, what a kind and generous God we serve. Not only will He save me and redeem me, He will allow me to make choices in how I spend my days." He simply asked that I allow Him to prioritize them and order my steps for each day.

I must say that there are many in this world that would say that our God is controlling and doesn't allow His people to their own person. Those statements are nothing but corrupt thinking and are not of Christ. Today's Brew is not about giving up on all that we desire to accomplish or to completely become nothing more that Christ robots, who are mindless and have no life in them. This is not what Christ calls us to and never has nor ever will.

We must remember that He created us with purposes, interests, gifts and talents. He simply is asking that allow Him to show us how He would have us use them. He is asking that we would allow Him who knows what is best for us. He knows when and in what order to use these gifts and talents daily. I am so thankful that our God is so generous with our time, hearts and minds.

As I sat here with Him trying to figure out how to understand and receive the Agenda for the day that He has put in order. I heard Him say, "Simply pray." Now that seemed to simple for me, so here is my plan. I hope maybe it will help you too.

Step 1- Awake and give praise for a new day.

Step 2 - Write out my list of "To Do's" for the day. (personal, family, work, ministry, etc.,)

Step 3- Sit with the Lord and review the very long to do list.

Step 4 - Ask Him to please intervene in this moment and help me to prioritize my day.

Step 5 - Be aware and sensitive to the Spirits leading. (this takes time and repetition)

Step 6 - Do my best to understand what His Agenda plan is and to be okay with changes to plan that directed by Him.

Step 7 - Spend some quiet time with the Lord and surrender each day and some days each moment to Him, His plans and purposes for life.

Step 8 - Give thanks and praise throughout the day as I have learned that if my will is aligned with His will my day is so much more productive no matter what other brews try to sneak in to my Tea Cup.

Well as we close for today, I pray that we will each make the decision to come, sit at the Brew Master's Table Daily, and lay down our wills, our plans, and our Agenda's and seek His Will.

Till next week may our wills and minds align with Christ Jesus and our focus be on His priorities, purposes, and plans for our lives.

Love,

Tabby

"I will lift up my eyes to the hills [of Jerusalem]—From where shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel Will neither slumber [briefly] nor sleep [soundly]. The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun will not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night. The Lord will protect you from all evil; He will keep your life. The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in [everything that you do] From this time forth and forever." Psalm 121:1-8 Amplified Bible

Good Morning Brothas and Sistas,

If you were ever confused about where your help comes from I believe this scripture makes it so clear. "Our Help comes from the Lord; the One that made the heavens and the earth" My God!!!

Brothas and Sistas, why is it that we look everywhere else except to the very one that created us ? We look to Momma, Daddy, friends everyone instead of going to the throne of the Only One and True Living God; the one who is both the Giver and the Sustainer of life. Wait a minute let me break this down just a little bit.

Sustain: To support the weight of : prop also, to carry or withstand (a weight or pressure)

God can support the weight of anything that you're carrying around in your life!!!! Help has already Arrived!! Help is not Coming, Help is Already Here!!

Listen, God is our Help. He is our Keeper! He won't ever go to sleep on the job. God will even keep us from going too far to the left. When things get hot God is our Shade. And when the Enemy comes for us God is our Protector....Hallelujah!! Hallelujah!!

Help Has Already Arrived!

Be Blessed,

Gina M

Prayer Time

Father God, we just take this opportunity to just Thank you. We don't want to ask for anything we just want to bless your Holy name and thank you for giving us everything that we need. You are truly our Present Help!!! In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

gGo to blog 1 page

http://youtu.be/Q87O_HenX3U

http://youtu.be/YOKq1VmEbtc Old Skool

“Marriage is a total commitment and a total sharing of the total person with another person until death.” ~ Wayne Mack

Malachi 2:14,15 "But you say, “Why does he not?” Because the LORD was witness between you and the wife of your youth, to whom you have been faithless, though she is your companion and your wife by covenant."

Good morning to you both,

Brothas and Sistas, as we seek to understand the marital vows let's look at the vows concerning "for better or for worse". Brothas and Sistas, what does for better or for worse mean to you. “For better or for worse” is a commitment by the marriage partners to rise-up together against those things that would threaten the marriage covenant relationship such as attraction for/from someone of the opposite sex towards a marriage partner, dealing with rebellious children, blended family conflict, etc.,

Believe it or not, there are some things that we just need to have enough spiritual gumption or perseverance to work through. Brothas and Sistas, it is never an option to bail out at the first sign of trouble or conflict. The Christian life calls us to a life of perseverance and commitment. We must learn the importance of prayer and trusting God when it comes to conflict in our marriages.

The Bible presents marriage as a divine institution. If marriage were of human origin, then human beings would have a right to decide the kind of marital relationships to choose. Marriage, however, began with God. It was established by God at the beginning of human history when He "created the heavens and the earth" (Gen 1:1). As the Creator of marriage, God has the right to tell us which principles should govern our marital relationships.

Commitment is a mindset, an attitude and a way of thinking that will enable you and your spouse to navigate through the still waters and the storms of a marriage relationship. Charles Swindoll (Strike the Original Match) compares working on marriage to remodeling a house:

It takes longer than you planned

It costs more than you figured

It is messier than you anticipated

It requires greater determination than you expected

Sometimes the only thing that keeps us going is hope!

Now Brothas and Sistas, there may be some of you asking the question: What if I am involved in an abusive marriage or a marriage where my spouse continues to commit adultery? Brothas and Sistas, let's make it clear it is never healthy to remain in a relationship with someone that is consistently abusive or commits adultery without genuine repentance. We are not giving you advice to divorce your spouse if this is occurring in your relationship because that is a decision that has to be Spirit led and it is your decision to make.

On the other hand, we have witnessed spouses being told that they are bound by their marital vows to stay in a marriage even when they have been victims of domestic violence and adultery. They have been made to feel guilty by being consistently reminded that they are called by God to forgive and love unconditionally regardless of how many times their spouse breaks the marital vows.

Brothas and Sistas, does “for better or for worse” mean that you are married for life — regardless of the violations committed against you in the marriage? The answer is No! Nor has it ever meant that. As we have said before, in counseling sessions some spouses have been told that they are called by God to maintain a relationship with someone even when he or she is repeatedly destructive toward them. We believe that in order for that spouse to maintain their physical and mental health they need to get to safety by removing themselves from an unhealthy relationship.

In order to have a healthy marriage their must be mutual respect for one another. We must seek God's direction for our marriages. That includes daily prayer with our spouses, a commitment to study the word of God together, and of course we must allow Jesus to be number one in our relationships.

In conclusion, when dealing with the marital vows, "For better or for worse" let's ask ourselves, "Am I responding to these vows God's way or my way?" Brothas, and Sistas, in order for us to have successful marriages we must respond to these vows in a godly way even when conflict arises. Until next time. Take care.

Minister Antonio and Sista Michelle Washington

Let's Pray

Dear Lord,

We praise your great name for the spouses that you have blessed us with. We realize that you have joined us together and for this we are so grateful. Please continue to bless our marriages. Help us to honor you by continuing to love the ones that we are with. May we always honor the marital vows that we made toward our spouses. We pray all these things in your praiseworthy name, Jesus. Amen. 

http://youtu.be/m1WQLipTwRQ

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

I was working on a book recently and God asked me to use a lesson that He taught me years ago to illustrate the value of building a secure home. It was "The Lesson of the Birds Nest”. At first I thought, "How is that going to help the Brothas and Sistas with building a strong, holy family?" Then I remembered the lesson that I had learned from the birds nest.

During a rough time in my life, when everything was such a struggle such as family, friends, work, school, and my health, I learned about the wisdom of the birds nest. On my way to school one day, I was riding the bus which gave me the freedom to enjoy the scenery, when I noticed high atop a tree a birds nest.

I had traveled that way every day and never noticed the nest before. As the bus passed the trees, I kept my eyes focused on the tree-lines along the road and every couple of trees I would notice more birds’ nests. The fact that there were so many of them surprised me, but what really caught my attention was that they were so high up in the trees. Another day I got a special treat along that same stretch of road when I noticed an eagles nest, sitting high atop a utility pole. It was huge and I thought, “Wow!”

God whispered to me, “Have you ever noticed that the birds and eagles don’t build their nests low in the trees, they are always near the middle or near the top?”

Before He asked, I hadn’t noticed. But now it made me think, "Hmmm, I wonder why?" I rationalized that it would only make sense to build them low to the ground instead of way up in the top of the tree. Then God interjected and explained, “It would make sense to you as a human, but as a bird or an eagle it makes sense to build far away from other predators that could invade the nest. Building low to the ground would compromise the safety of the nest and the birds that dwell in them.”

I had never thought about it that way. But then I began to ask more questions about the nest and God revealed some wonderful answers. He taught me about building a safe nest (home) and that, by His wisdom, the birds have the ability to build the nest, and it’s innate within them. They don’t use hammers, nails or a blueprint, they simply follow the wisdom of God. And that’s exactly what we should do when building our families and homes.

I thought about the fact that the birds and eagles don’t have hammers and nails, all they have and all they need are their beaks, twigs, and God’s wisdom. With these resources they construct some of the most intricate structures in nature. It’s amazing when you think about it.

One day while I was riding I looked up as I do regularly now, to see a birds nest hanging from a tree. My first inclination was to become sad, but God showed me that even though the nest was hanging from the tree, it was still in the tree. Then He went on to teach me that, the birds nest is a secure structure when built on the specifications of God’s wisdom. The only thing that will demolish or interfere with that structure is a man made or natural disaster. It is structured to withstand high winds, torrential rain, and even snow.

From the lesson of the “birds nest” I’ve learned that without the proper guidance from God we will never have stable secure homes and families. It takes God’s wisdom to help us see that a home worth living in is a home not built with human hands. Its foundation must be set by the Word and wisdom of God. He has the blueprint to our lives and only He can instruct us in how to build (create) safe and secure families and homes.

Can you just imagine the kind of wisdom and the time it takes for a bird to build a birds nest? The gathering of the twigs and the intricate details that must go into laying each and every twig in exactly the right way to intertwine them for stability so that the nest won’t be blown away. Or they could just go and get a bunch of twigs and drop them wherever and think nothing else about it, until the storm comes and the winds blow. But at that point it will be too late and they won’t survive the storm.

I have found out that love (God) is in the details. God has made sure that those little birdies would have a safe place to live. He didn’t stop with them and He’s done the same for every creature in nature, especially the ones He dearly loves, us.

Because Love (God) is in the details we need to mind the details. Sometimes we create families and homes with all the wrong kinds of people for all the wrong kinds of motives. Then we find ourselves suffering in our own homes, when our homes should be our rest haven and a shelter from the storms.

Proverbs 4: 5-9 reads, “Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have get understanding. Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor.”

Proverbs 14:1 reads, “The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.”

Brothas and Sistas, we need to be sure that we are building our house, not destroying it. For my single Brothas and Sistas, this means, choosing a suitable mate. Give thought to the right kind of man God wants for you to create (build) a secure nest (future) with. For my married Brothas and Sistas, be sure to respect your husbands/wives and raise your children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. This way you will strengthen your family and secure the nest (future). Just as God has given the birds a safe and enjoyable home, He wants us to have even more. Be mindful of how you’re building your nest (home).

Love,

Audrey

http://youtu.be/BankWBbMG6E

"Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that's where life starts. Don't talk out of both sides of your mouth; avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip. Keep your eyes straight ahead; ignore all sideshow distractions. Watch your step. and the road will stretch out smooth before you. Look neither right or left; leave evil in the dust." Proverbs 4: 23-27

"Teach me your way, LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name." Psalm 86:11

Good morning my tenacious focus filled Brothas and Sistas,

Focus is a word we so often hear when we are going for our yearly eye visit. Our friendly ophthalmologist wants to make sure that we get the correct prescription for our glasses or contacts so he takes us through the grueling process of taking many vision test. Sometimes when looking through the scope of the testing equipment provided our vision becomes blurred because we have yet to find that just right prescription whi