Luke 8

Good morning Brothas and Sistas, 

Earlier this year the U. S. News and World Report listed the top 5 hospital in the U.S. (5) Northwestern Memorial Hospital, (4) The Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, (3) The Cleveland Clinic, (2) The Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD, (1) The Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA But today as we look at Mark 5, this hospital is called Mercy Hospital. You see this hospital is a very special hospital.

First of all, What is mercy? Mercy is forgiveness with passion or withholding of harsh treatment that one has a right to inflict. According to the dictionary, Mercy is a mission performed to relieve suffering. It is an event to be grateful for. It is the compassion or forgiveness shown to someone. Although mercy is a noun it is a noun in action.

Listen when compassion acts to alleviate suffering it becomes Mercy.

Here at Mercy Hospital of Mark 5 there are three patients that are admitted or treated.

1) The Demonized Man

2) A Diseased Woman

3) A Dead Child

At this hospital there is only one doctor that is always on call. The good thing about this doctor versus the others is that he is a specialist in all not some but all fields. This doctor is known all over the world as the Great Physician.

This doctor has never had a condition that he could not handle.

The first was a demonized man vs. 1, 2 Whom the demons dominated his life and when asked what his name was, he stated that his name was Legion for we are many. These demons controlled his thinking, emotions, and his will, whatever they suggested, he obeyed without resistance. Here he lived amongst the dead, the graveyard being his home, no clothes, cutting himself, etc.,

His condition reminds us of how much power Satan can have if we continue in a sinful lifestyle. I remember something that was said some years ago early in my ministry about sin. “That sin will take you further than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay.” There were those who tried to help change his condition and behavior, but no one could.

The second was the woman with the issue of blood for twelve years vs 26 we see that she suffered many things of many physicians and spent all that she had and yet no results. She had tried everything and every physician and no one could cure her. You may have been dealing with a problem or sickness like this woman, You’ve tried to go to every doctor that seems to know your condition, you have spent money over money just for the hope that they can help you and get disappointed when they can’t. Maybe you should try Mercy Hospital. I hear that there is a doctor who is able to do exceedingly, and abundantly above all that you may ask or think. Do you want to try Him?

The third patient was a dead child vs, 22-23 where a ruler of the synagogue whose name was Jairus, his daughter lying at the stage of death and while dealing with another patient, (who was the woman with the issue of blood), someone tells Jairus that his daughter is dead at the age of 12. The Great Physician turns and says that she is not dead but asleep. You see at Mercy hospital no one is turned away and this great physician takes in any patient regardless of color, creed or gender not even age is a limit. You see Jesus had a sign out on the front saying “Whosoever will, let him come.” no matter what the problem may be. John 6:37 says, “Him that cometh to Me, I will in no wise cast out.”

I can only speak for myself, but I’m so glad that I was able to visit Mercy Hospital several times in my life. Had it not been for the Great Physician I wouldn’t be here today, Because of his grace and mercy I have been forgiven and the punishment reduced.

In our modern day I know for me there are many specialists for usually one problem. When my sinus acts up, I have to go to my doctor who refers me to an ENT doctor who refers me to another specialist that strictly deals with that particular knowledge, then I am given medication that you find out the side effects can cause high blood pressure, swelling, rash, nausea, itching and in some cases death. Now you have multiple problems instead of 1 but with the Great Physician His medication side effects can give us happiness, love, peace, joy, contentment, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness.

Mercy allowed the blind to see.

Mercy allowed the Leppard to be clean.

Mercy allows paralysis to be able to move.

Mercy makes the withered hands become straight.

Mercy allows the deafness to hear,

Mercy allows the lame to walk.

Mercy allows the mute to speak.

There is nothing that the Great Physician can’t do at Mercy Hospital.

Have you tried Mercy Hospital?

Minister Antoni Washington

https://youtu.be/t4_sfgjRcfI

https://youtu.be/fR-e5KJzREc

"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8;32

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

Many married couples do not reveal all truth within their relationship. For most couples give the impression that everything is going well and they have nothing to hide. But in all actuality it may be the small things that we overlook or think that is not a problem can become an issue. The problem is that if we don't disclose everything to our spouse's especially from our childhood to adulthood it may come out later on in our marriage relationship. This in turn can cause what one may think is nothing minor to become something major.

These things are sometimes revealed over a period of time. What we may not see someone else does see. And when we are asked about it or if our spouse addresses it don't be so quick to dismiss it. The reason why is because our spouse may take it as though we did not reveal the whole truth and left certain parts out on purpose. Some of us do this because we fear losing the one you love may not want to continue to be with you.

Brothas and Sistas, we have to be transparent with our spouses regardless of the consequences. Not telling the whole truth can cause additional consequences because it gives the enemy a chance to use our past against us and bring a wedge between us and our spouses. Trust God for the outcome and be transparent. And remember the truth makes us free and brings healing not only to us individually but it brings healing to our marriages.

"Great marriages don’t happen by luck or by accident. They are the result of a consistent investment of time, thoughtfulness, forgiveness, affection, prayer, mutual respect, and a rock-solid commitment between a husband and a wife.” – Dave Willis

Blessings,

Minister Antonio Washington

Prayer of Faith

Lord, we thank you for our spouses. They are gifts from you. Help us to be as transparent as you would have us to be. For if we are transparent in telling the truth about our past the enemy can't use anything to come in between us. In Jesus name we pray.

"Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”  Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time," I Peter 5:5-6

Good Brothas and Sistas,

Sometimes when we receive too many accolades, we often become prideful. Many of us who were once thought to be humble no longer walk in humility. We enjoy the pat on the back and being in the limelight. Our fall from grace is so evident when we become angry about those that display the characteristics, we once held or get selected to do things we once enjoyed doing.

When we learn that all encouragement and acknowledgement is not meant to puff us up but to spear us on to greatness to glorify the Father and not our own selves we will not want to take the glory from our heavenly Father. When we love him and others the way the bible tells us to, we will not want all the glory for ourselves. Pride will cease when we take God at His word and not try to do things in our own strength Humility will come when we totally and fully rely upon our Heavenly Father.

The truth is we begin to think of ourselves as if we were on the same level with God. But God says in his word, “"I am the LORD; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols.” Isaiah 42:8 This scripture right here shows us that we need to remain humble and give all glory and honor and God. The glory does not belong to us.

We run to God or theology when we want God to fix us or it. We don’t want to live holy anymore. Some us think that just because we are Christians, we are supposed to be happy. Nowhere in the bible it says we are supposed to be happy. Pride would never recognize grace because it does not recognize humility. It takes great humility to recognize grace. It takes brokenness to recognize humility. It takes recognizing we are only sinners saved by grace to recognize grace.

We all need improvement. Change within does not happen overnight. It takes work. We need to repent on a regular when we sin.it shows humility when we say, “Please, forgive me, Lord. I was wrong. I broke your law. Many of us live lifestyles that are contradictory to the will, way and word of God. We would rather live like the world instead of immolate Christ. We have become flesh oriented instead of Spirit oriented.

The fact is we need to get back to our first love. We have drifted away. God loves his children and desires a relationship with us. He wants to dwell on the throne of our lives. The problem is we won’t do that. Sin can eat us alive becuase of our pride. It feeds off of us and grows throughout the body of Christ. For us to grow it needs to be cut off so that we can turn back to Christ. Pride turns us into something we were not created to be when we allow it. The world and it is things is so much more appealing to us. but Scripture says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33 

Brothas and Sistas remember....."Sin came through the pride of Lucifer and salvation came through the humility of Jesus." James Poonen

Have a blessed day!

https://youtu.be/b_RjndG0IX8

"But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me—and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace." 1 Corinthians‬ ‭15:10‬ ‭NLT‬‬‬‬

Good morning Brothers and Sisters,

Our message was great in our Life Group on Sunday morning as well as in church. In fact, both were so closely related that it seemed that they were almost planned to be this way. Pastor Ben Rivera is working on a segment entitled Embrace and basically we discussed different ways to approach people in our lives that we normally would have a difficult time addressing, and basically Pastor Michael Petrucci's message was "Are We Missional?"

I would encourage everyone to listen to his message at www.praisede.org.

Brothers and Sisters. this leads me to a testimony that I experienced on Friday. I had taken Ryan to the center and noticed a young mother standing in front of the office holding on to a grocery cart. She had a small child wrapped in a sweatshirt and about three bags of groceries in the front. She was talking on the phone and I could tell that the conversation was going South quickly. I asked her if she was okay and she said she was. I asked her if she had a ride coming. She said she did but didn't know when the public transportation would get there. I asked her where she lived and if she would mind if I took her and her child home.

It was really cold and windy outside and her child was just diagnosed at the medical center there with double ear infections. I knew she wasn't a Christian but that didn't stop me from letting her know that my God wanted me to do this for her and that He loved her. It was a short ride to her home but I couldn't imagine walking it with a sick child.

When we arrived, I helped her get her things to her house. She was very thankful. I remembered I had fresh produce from the Help Center, and I gave her some fresh fruit. I said, "Goodbye." and she ran back to me and asked if she could give me a hug and we stood embracing each other for awhile. I told her that it wasn't me that blessed her, it was God.

Brothers and Sisters, I'm not sharing this story to gain any glory. I just wanted to share how I could see God working in my life this last week. I gave God all the glory, honor, and praise and I thanked Him for the opportunity to learn from Him.

“But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me—and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭15:10‬

Love,

‭Kim‬

Prayer Time

Thank you for opportunities to serve others, Living the Christian life is not about us. It is about allowing your light to shine through us so that we can touch others for you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

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GOOD MORNING

The word hope is found in the Strong’s concordance. It is the Greek elpis. It is defined as to hope, hope for, put hope in, expect, an attitude of confidently looking forward to what is good and beneficial.

Peter starts out the conversation with his audience by first of all, admonishing them to praise God in the midst of suffering and trials, then he reminds them to place their hope in Christ resurrection through His death and thirdly he encourages them to have a sober and alert mind.

Let’s look at how Peter encouraged them to praise Him in the midst of their trials. He wanted them to Praise the Father, God and the Son for all that had been given to the new believers. Brothers and Sisters, the enemy's job is to get us to focus on the attack instead of the breakthrough we receive through praise. God's power meets us in the midst of praise our praise in spite of what we are going through. His presence is our shield us and indwells us when we praise Him in through our trials.

You know James and David had the same idea that Peter did when they admonished their audience to praise God while going through various trials. We, as believers, are to praise God through anything, even our sufferings. Our hope must come alive through our praise. James 1:2-7 says, “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; 8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

And let’s look at Psalm 34, which is one of my all-time favorite scriptures, “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the LORD: the humble shall hear thereof and be glad. O magnify the LORD with me and let us exalt his name together. I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked unto him and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. O fear the LORD, ye his saints: for there is no want to them that fear him. The young lions do lack and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing. Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD. What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it. The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all. He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken. Evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate. The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.”

Praise should always be a Christians first response when it comes to trials. It is our secret weapon in attacking the enemy when He attacks our minds through trials. Eventhough trials rise against the Christians. We are to remind ourselves that trials are no match for the ultimate weapon which lies in the mouth of the believer, which is praise.

Brothers and Sisters, there are some days I enter my quiet time with God with the weight of the world on my shoulders and I am distracted by the cares of the world. At that moment I have no hope. But I notice the minute I give way to praise, the weight is lifted. And in that moment I am reminded that Jesus not only shows forth His willingness to handle each one of my burdens but He reassures me of how capable He is of delivering me from my burdens. The melodies that go forth from our mouths when we sing back His promises to Him pierce the plans of the enemy.

Prayer of faith

Thank you Lord for praise. Praise is a powerful weapon to fight against our enemy. Help us to use it. May we always have praise on our lips. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

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https://youtu.be/h5Ua835sudU Slow Jam

"But Ruth said, “Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the Lord do so to me and more also if anything but death parts me from you.” Ruth 1: 16 - 17

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

I was talking to a young lady and I just happened to ask her if she was married and she said, "Yes." But when I inquired about her husband her response was very shallow. So when she inquired about different places she wanted to travel to I asked her, "Who would watch your daughter? Would it be your husband?" She replied. "No, my mother would watch her." I asked, "Is your mother watching your daughter because your husband is busy." She replied, "No." and I said, "I take it that you and your husband are separated." And she said, "Yes." She went on to give the reason eventhough I didn't ask. She said they were separated because he was repeating the same offense over and over. 

So I asked her "Do you love him?" and she answered, "Yes, I do, very much even to the point where I have reconciled with him four times for the same thing. "

This couple have been together thirteen years but have been married one and a half years. I asked her if she would be willing to take him back again and she said, "Yes." Then I asked her, "Why?" She said, "I love him very much even with his faults."

Brothas and Sistas, eventhough they were going through some issues in their marriage she loved him in spite of this one particular fault. She did not have justifiable grounds according to the word of God to divorce him but she decided to separate so that he can have time to get it together. Most people would have walked away by now but her love for him has withstood the test of time.

Brothas and Sistas, has the power of love in your marriage withstood trials? Has the power of love withstood the test of time in your marriage? Are you in it to win it? “God intends and expects marriage to be a lifetime commitment between a man and a woman, based on the principles of biblical love. The relationship between Jesus Christ and His church is the supreme example of the committed love that a husband and wife are to follow in their relationship with each other.” ~ John C. Broger

Take care till next week.

Minister Antonio Washington

Prayer of Faith

Dear Lord,

Thank you for your commitment to our marriages. Help us to trust you with our marriages. May we fully commit them to you as we stay committed to one another. In Jeus name we pray. Amen.

Nehemiah 1:6

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.

Nehemiah 1:11

Lord, let your ear 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.

Psalm 4:1

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David.

Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.

Proverbs 15:8

The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him.

Romans 12:12

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer

Good Morning Brothers and Sisters, I pray that you awoke today remembering that God is always in control. May we pray. Lord today is a day of anxiousness for many with our Nations Elections occurring today. Lord we trust that you are in control and that the outcome will be your will.

Brothers and Sisters, I too feel the tension in the air surrounding the anxiety of the election. The fear of how our Great Nation with fail or succeed depending on the outcome of today. I must admit this is the first time in all my years of voting that I felt such a heaviness about the outcome from both parties. From speaking to friends and family who do not all desire the same outcome, yet have nearly the same exact fears about the outcome should their candidate not be the victor. Its quite enlightening to me to see how very cleverly Satan has provoked each side of this election. He has not chosen 1 candidate over the other he has simply paid attention to both and paid and even closer attention to each of our fears, worries, needs, and concerns. Then he built his own platform of deception and anxiety and fear for each of us to distract us from God.

This is not to say that the issues and concerns that we each have no matter which side you are on are not real and that they don’t have real life potential for harm or concern. Yet what Satan has done is whip them up and stir them around in our thoughts and minds so loudly that we have forgotten the most important Fact of all of life. God is in Control. God is in Control even when we can’t see Him working. Even when we can’t feel the presence or experience the blessings even in the worst of storms God is in Control.

Brother and Sisters, all this worry and concern will not change the outcome of todays election, nor will it stop the civil unrest that we all fear will follow the outcome of the election no what who is the victor. Yet we do have one very important weapon that many of us have forgotten to activate. That is Prayer. God will always hear His Children! God will always see us through no matter the hardship, no matter the circumstance. God will always be the Victor over all circumstances and situations. God will always use what Man and Satan have planned for Evil for the Good of His Children.

Therefore, Brothers and Sisters, lets take back the power from Satan today and put our hope and trust in the one and only one that is in control, and will always work all things for our good. Let’s take that anxiety, fear, worry, despair, anger and all the range of emotions and lay them at the alter of our Lord God. Let’s come together as a nation of God’s People and ask Him to intercede on our behalf. Lets truly be one Nation Under God, in all matters and in all circumstances. All are equal and loved, valued and worthy in God’s eyes.

Lord as we close this time with you today It’s my prayer that we will all catch every anxious thought, every fear, every slander and turn them into a prayer asking for you Will to be done.

Till next week,

Love Tabby

There are so many effects for sin. The most immediate is guilt. We also have feelings of condemnation that stem from the enemy’s taunting us after we have broken God’s law. Sin always separates us from God just as it did with Adam and Eve. We no longer feel worthy to come into the presence of God. The guilt will make us physically hide, ashamed to go around those you are closest to where we are no longer free to avail yourself to those around us that may need encouragement or a friendly phone call.

The shame of sin makes us feel unworthy. After sin comes the effects of our sin. The effects of Adam and Eve had repercussions for all of humanity. Just as Adam and Eve tried to cover themselves, we often try to cover our very own sin. Nothing covers our sin but the blood of Jesus. Some of us go through great lengths for our sin never to be found out but God always knows just as He did with Adam and Eve, It was evident that he knew when He asked Adam, “Where art thou?”

Sin separates us from God. We no longer have the fellowship with Him that we once had. He becomes distant. We no longer feel the closeness we once felt. He is our life source but we will not feel that significant life giving source any longer until we repent and turn away from our sin.

When God asked Adam that question, I believe He knew exactly where Adam was. The question is, “Was Adam’s state of mind from getting caught up in sin so tainted with guilt and condemnation that he did not know where he was spiritually or positionally?” When we sin, it puts a damper on our relationships. I believe that those that are closest to us feel the brunt of it as well.

This happened with Jonah when he went to Tarshish instead of Nineveh and it affected all of those who were closest to him. “The word of the Lord came to Jonah with the command to preach against the wickedness of Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Kingdom (Jonah 1;1-2). But Jonah instead chose to flee from the presence of the Lord (Jonah 1:10).

“But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD. Then the LORD sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship. But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep. The captain went to him and said, “How can you sleep? Get up and call on your god! Maybe he will take notice of us so that we will not perish.” Jonah 1:3-6

Our disobedience makes us run from God’s presence and it affects others around us in ways we never thought was possible. The same happened with Adam and Eve. Their sin affected all of mankind. The only remedy or redemption came in the person of God’s Son. The blood of Jesus covered and still covers our sin.

When we sin, we don’t feel His Spirit calling us to serve Him as we once did. We are not as sensitive to His Spirit. Our sin will enslave us to the point we will love our sin more than we love Him. Therefore, we will choose our sin over Him and His will. It is also difficult for us to do God’s will because we no longer feel worthy. We don’t feel as though we are good enough to be used.

We become subject to the consequences of our sin through God’s discipline. We are walking in unrighteousness which allows us to be subject to the law’s curse. We are also subject to God’s wrath. Our sin eventually leads to spiritual death. The effects of our sin will show outwardly in us becoming prideful, fearful, self-justified and we will have broken relationships with our neighbors, loved ones or brothers and sisters in Christ. 

"Sin has the devil for its father, shame for its companion, and death for its wages." ~ Thomas Watson

Sistas Michelle

I Peter 1:18  “We were redeemed when the precious blood of Christ as a lamb without blemish and without spot.”

Good morning,

Only a  Holy God can forgive sin. Forgiveness of sins comes through His son Jesus Christ. Christ was the substitute sacrifice that took the punishment that we deserved. Here we have someone who knew no sin. God made Him to be sin for us who suffered in our place. When I look back at the Passover in Ex. 12:22 it’s similar to Calvary. God provided the Passover Lamb to atone for sin, as when the blood was applied to the lintel and the door posts of the Jewish home as God instructed. It was done in a form of a cross. When you look at the death of Jesus. He was hung on a cross. I Peter 1:18 says, “We were redeemed when the precious blood of Christ as a lamb without blemish and without spot.”

I remember a sermon that my first pastor preached years ago during Resurrection Week, and I remembered him talking about, “For Christ hath once suffered.” And He talked about the background of Jesus when a man was out in prison there was a certificate of debt that the jailer would nail to the door and it had the crime (of offense) one side and the penalty of the crime on the other side and when the prisoner has served his time it was written on the certificate, “Paid in Full”. It was proof that everything was met. So when I look at the question, “How can a holy God forgive sin? It is through the crimson word of Jesus that was stamped, “Paid in Full.” His once sacrifice was for sins forever. That is a blessing.

“My sin in the past: forgiven. My current struggles: covered. My future failures: paid in full all by the marvelous, infinite, matchless grace found in the atoning work of the cross of Jesus Christ.” Matt Chandler

Minister Antnio Washington

"The heart is deceitful above all things and is desperately wicked, who can know it?" Jeremiah 7:9https://youtu.be/6b1Cb_2Ls1E

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

What kind of words do we speak? Are they words of life or words of death? Has anyone ever said something to you or about you that had either a positive or negative affect on you? How did it make you feel?

The words that we speak to someone are a direct indication of what our hearts are really like. Look at Jeremiah 17:9. It says, "The heart is deceitful above all things and is desperately wicked, who can know it?" Listen whatever is in our hearts will eventually come out of our mouths. If there is envy is our hearts it is coming out. If there is jealousy in our hearts it IS coming out. If there IS covetousness is in our hearts it IS coming out. Brothas and Sistas, if there IS bitterness and hurt in our hearts it IS coming out. Guess what, IT'S ALL COMING OUT!

It does not matter how we look at it, we can't hide who we really are. "As a man thinks so is he." Proverbs 23:7 What we say reveals what is in our hearts. "For thy mouth uttereth thine iniquity, and thou choosest the tongue of the crafty.Thine own mouth condemneth thee, and not I: yea, thine own lips testify against thee." Job 15:5, 6 "Don't you know we continually fill each other with the tongue." Kay Authur "In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them." Proverbs 14:3

In Psalm 141:3 David asks God "to set a watch before his mouth." Proverbs 15:1 shows us how to speak to our children. "A soft answer turns away wrath." Proverbs 27:15 describes what happens when we constantly repeat ourselves or nag those around us. A continual dripping on a rainy day and a quarrelsome wife are alike." Brothas and Sistas, we can be bad witnesses to the world with our tongues.

Malign is defined as the direct intention or desire to harm someone without just reaction or cause. James 3:5, 6 says, "the tongue is like fire. It spreads igniting everything in it's path." It takes our focus off of Jesus. Galatians 5:15 says, "But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another." Bite means to cut, tear or crush with the teeth, devour, to destroy, waste, to eat up greedily, to engulf. We must remember that even after we apologize the scar, eventhough it is not visible, it still remains.

Colossians 4:6 says our words should be "seasoned with salt." Brothas and Sistas, please remember words tend to last. They can either be used as weapons or tools. Sad as it may seem some of us would rather tear down than to build up. The people we meet daily are either a demolition site waiting to destroy or a construction opportunity ready to build.

Brothas and Sistas, let's be mindful of the words we speak. "Remember that the tongue speaks only what is in the heart." Theodore Epps

Prayer of Faith

Thank you Lord for teaching us the importance of watching the words that we speak. Help us to speak words of life and not words of death. May we be mindful of the affect of our words on those we love. Lord, make us construction sites ready to build and help us to stop being demolition sites, ready to tear down" when it comes to talking to our loved ones and those around us that are watching our witness. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

https://youtu.be/_YJ4vddbJJo

Exodus 15:11 New International Version (NIV) 11 Who among the gods is like you, Lord? Who is like you—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders? 

Exodus 34:10 New International Version (NIV) 10 Then the Lord said: “I am making a covenant with you. Before all your people I will do wonders never before done in any nation in all the world. The people you live among will see how awesome is the work that I, the Lord, will do for you.

Deuteronomy 10:17 New International Version (NIV)17 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes.

Daniel 9:4 New International Version (NIV) 4 I prayed to the Lord my God and confessed: “Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments,

Luke 7:16 New International Version (NIV) 16 They were all filled with awe and praised God. “A great prophet has appeared among us,” they said. “God has come to help his people.”

Good Morning Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I pray that today you will be blessed and have your heart and eyes open to see all the Awesomeness God provides daily.

Brothers and Sisters, have you ever really considered how often you use this word "Awesomeness" or see it in text messages or hear it from others? My son has a thing about grammar and word usage, and punctuation. I am often one of his targets when it comes to punctuation and word usage he often quotes a High School English teacher who reportedly told his class that the use of explanation points and words such as awesome are over used he went on to say that in one’s lifetime these should only be used about 5 times In your entire life. I remember asking my son and He said yes you have used them all up for generations to come.

Now this may seem true some and may even sound reasonable. Well for anyone who knows me they know that likely the next 100 generations wouldn’t be able to use these such words, or punctuation. I have recently been rethinking this and maybe I do over use these words and punctuation when talking about everyday life; however, how could one know our God, and live a life that allows Christ to be the lead and not see all the Awesomeness there is to see.

Honestly if looking at it from that perspective then maybe we don’t use enough explanation points and adjectives such as awesome. Do we really find ourselves daily telling our God how Awesome He is, or His creation, or the work, blessings etc. that He has put in our lives? Now I understand maybe not saying how awesome this tragedy is, or battle that we are in, or crisis; however, do we really remember to go back to Him once he has brought us through the valley of despair, depression, heartache, tragedy etc.

When we are on the other side and maybe now place upon the mountain top do we stop to notice that footprints that we see are only 1 set? One set because he carried us through?

How many of us can say that when we are sitting on the mountain top with all the things in our lives is smooth sailing? Do we really take the time to say to our God how Awesome it is to be on the Mountain Top?

Brothers and Sisters, we are so richly blessed in America, in our living standards, in the freedoms we must worship the Lord without fear of persecution. We are so blessed to have so many choices such as which stores to shop, where to go out for entertainment, churches to become members in. We often have so many choices that we can have a hard time deciding about. Then we are still so blessed with freedoms, that are Awesome we can with touch of finger often change our minds completely often without consequence.

I know that I am being challenged in my own walk of Faith, and life to really take the time to recognize all the Awesomeness that I am showered with daily by our Great and Awesome God.

My challenge and my challenge for you is to make a conscious effort to recognize and offer up a Praise to God each day for 3 things that are Awesome in your day to day. I challenge you to do this and try to dig deep and find new wonders daily. Then challenge a family member, spouse, friend co-worker. As I believe that our day to day lives will be greatly enriched if we are trying daily to share the Awesome wonders of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Here are a few from me that I am shouting out to the world to say just how awesome my God is:Struggle - My son’s near-death car accident 10 months ago- Awesomeness that came out of that accident: A better relationship between my son and I. My sister and I have finally grown close, my Mom and I have become so much closer. My son is back to doing life, even though according to the doctor’s initial thoughts that 1. He may likely not survive, or 2. He will be in the hospital for close to a year with recovery. He was back to work in 5 months. Brothers and Sisters, see what Awesomeness you can thank our God for and share with a world that desperately needs some hope and some Awesomeness in it.

It’s my prayer that God be with you and that your heart, eyes and mind are focused on finding, sharing and praising God for all His Awesomeness.

Till next week,

Love Tabby

“And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.” Joel 2:25

Good morning Brothas and Sistas, 

One story in particular that comes to mind when I think about God’s redemption of disorder in my life is when my wife and I were separated and headed for divorce. My wife left me and was determined to get a divorce. Our son was only a year old at the time. I did not understand how the woman I loved so deeply could just walk away from it all.

I tried everything to win her back, but nothing worked. Eventually I gave up and I decided to give her what she really wanted by filing for divorce. Can you believe the day before our final divorce papers came, she called me to reconcile our marriage? The Holy Spirit had been speaking to her and working on her heart about our marriage.

We both became saved right after we got back together. And God called us to counsel other married couples and to teach Marriage Ministry. God not only brought order to our lives, but He brought order to our home, our marriage and our spiritual lives. The scripture He gave us was Joel 2:25 which states, “And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.”

There was another time, when I was out of work with a wife and kids. I began to argue with God about what He promised in His word about my situation which was, “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches and glory by Christ Jesus.” I was angry with Him because I felt He had yet to keep His word. We needed His help and we needed it right away! Why hadn’t he showed up! Well, the very next day I was called to interview for a position. Not only did I go for the interview, but I got the job the same day. Through it all, God remained faithful to His word! He brought order to our financial and my mental situation.

A third time I witnessed God’s provision is when I had been praying for an SUV. My wife kept trying to talk me into getting a particular make and model. She talked to me about the benefits of getting the vehicle and how good the reviews were. I wanted to wait to purchase and make sure the timing was right. I was just not sure about the payments.

One day I was on my way to my oldest daughter’s birthday party and a woman hit my car from out of nowhere. Both airbags deployed and my vehicle was totaled. I had some pain, so I was taken to the hospital. After I finally received the check to purchase a new vehicle, I had one day to return in my rental vehicle. I had issues with my credit, but we went to the dealership, and we were approved through a different credit union that we do not have an account with. But God!

I drove off the lot in my dream car and the timing was perfect. I needed to get something to get to work and to get home the next day. These experiences have consistently taught me to trust God despite what I see. The situation may seem hopeless, but we have a God of hope. 

Minister 

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)

“By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.” (Psalm 33:6)

“Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

(John 1:3)

“As it is written: "I have made you a father of many nations." He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed--the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.” (Romans 4:17)

“God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things--and the things that are not--to nullify the things that are.” (I Corinthians 1:28)

“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.” (Hebrews 11:3)

“Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” (Psalms 90:2)

“In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.” (Psalm 102:25)

“Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.” (Isaiah 40:26)

“But God made the earth by his power; he founded the world by his wisdom and stretched out the heavens by his understanding.” (Jeremiah 10:12)

“They exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator--who is forever praised. Amen. (Romans 1:25)

“And man was not made for woman, but woman was made for man.” (I Corinthians 11:9)

“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.” (Colossians 1:16)

“Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." (Matthew 19:14)

"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being." (Revelation 4:11)

“And he swore by him who lives for ever and ever, who created the heavens and all that is in them, the earth and all that is in it, and the sea and all that is in it, and said, "There will be no more delay!” (Revelation 10:6)

“But for us, There is one God, the Father, by whom all things were created, and for whom we live. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created, and through whom we live.” (I Corinthians 8:6)

“Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” (Genesis 1:2)

“Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance?” (Isaiah 40:12)

“He who forms the mountains, who creates the wind, and who reveals his thoughts to mankind, who turns dawn to darkness, and treads on the heights of the earth-- the LORD God Almighty is his name.” (Amos 4:13)

“You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.” Nehemiah 9:6

Good morning Brothas and Sistas, 

Many of us can create something but that means that we have to have something already created to make something else. Unlike God who did not have anything already created to create the universe. God’s act of creation is a huge deal because God created something out of nothing. Romans 4:17 says, “As it is written: "I have made you a father of many nations." He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed--the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.” God just spoke and it was. Psalm 33:6 says, “By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host.”

God’s power and might is so amazing. He is the master architect and finite creator. He was precise in everything that he did in creation. Isaiah 40:26 says, “Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.”

The triune God did not ask another being for assistance because He had the ability to do it on His own. “He who forms the mountains, who creates the wind, and who reveals his thoughts to mankind, who turns dawn to darkness, and treads on the heights of the earth-- the LORD God Almighty is his name.” (Amos 4:13)

He put love and wisdom into everything He created. After He created everything He sat back and saw that it was good. “Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good! And evening passed and morning came, marking the sixth day.” Genesis 1:31

Genesis 1:1:5 This one act shows God’s power and sovereignty. “In the beginning was the  Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:1-5

He alone has given life to everything. ““For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.” (Colossians 1:16) All things were created by Him. Nehemiah 9:6 says, “You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.”

God did all this for His glory. We were also created to glorify Him. "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being." (Revelation 4:11) His creation is spoken of throughout the word of God!

Blessings,

Sistas Michelle

Good morning Brothas and Sistas. 

Many believe that the kingdom of God should not be preached but rather Jesus needs to be preached instead. The church has been neglectful in its teaching on the kingdom of God. Many believe it is important in the gospels but not in the rest of the New Testament. The kingdom of God is not only in the future, but it is here now. The Kingdom of God was a major point of Paul’s teaching.

Paul taught that the Kingdom of God was not just merely eating and drinking but it as righteousness joy and peace in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17 “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. “Paul exhorts us to practice.

The Kingdom of Heaven is visible in the power of our resurrected Savior. For some reason people perceive the kingdom to be separate from Jesus. Jesus and the Kingdom of God are one in the same. To proclaim Jesus, is to proclaim the Kingdom of God. Jesus did not just proclaim the kingdom of God He embodied it.

Some believe that the Kingdom of God has been absorbed in the world. Therefore. it is no longer a part of the biblical narrative but it is only of the world’s narrative. Others believe that the kingdom of God is for future events. They believe God’s kingdom will be established when Christ returns. Wilson believes the kingdom is present today even if it is not full y present. Jesus preached an ever present and actual reality of the kingdom.

The Kingdom of God is present in our daily activities within the church. Paul also boldly preached about the Kingdom of heaven and Jesus. It was ever present in his thoughts. His activity is ever present when we live out the Kingdom of God in our actions. The activity of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost in our lives. Paul spoke of these three themes to the people He preached Christ to. He preached righteousness in the book of Galatians, peace was preached in the Ephesians, and joy was preached in Philippians.

It is our job as Christians to practice the characteristics of the kingdom. Many times, we are so caught up in the things if the world and that is what steals our peace and pour joy. It is not that the kingdom of God can’t be present now it is rather or not we are living out the Kingdom of God in our lives. We are called to be salt and light. Christ and His kingdom permeate in our lives when we practice these principles. They have to be applied to our daily lives.

As we study the characteristics of the Kingdom we develop sensitivity to see and hear the Spirit so that we can be naturalists of the Kingdom. When we engage in these practices of the Kingdom, we tap into God’s activity that lies within. We will begin to crave and walk in righteousness. Righteousness is considered the whole of life. It has nothing to do with a judgmental attitude but one that says, “I will live righteously because that is the way God intended us to live.”

We will desire to pursue peace because peace is a characteristic of the Savior in which the world is drawn to especially a suffering world. Peace extends from us spending time in the presence of our Savior. And joy is a characteristic that fills others with hope but joy overshadows doubt and fear. This is not anything like peace of the world which consists of absence of war. This peace comes from reliance on the Holy Spirit.

Joy is a characteristic that fills others with hope but overshadows doubt and fear. This joy is built upon fellowship with other Saints. Joy does not hinge or is not circumstantial. It is based on our freedom in Christ. The world should see how free we are in Christ and be jealous of what they see. Brothas and Sistas, the world should desire the joy they see in us. 

"It is His joy that remains in us that makes our joy full."- A. B. Simpson

https://youtu.be/zOkijBvJ5Yw?list=PL8D30C7C19015C141https://youtu.be/DC8FsIdVi9Y

"Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away." James 4:14

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

We spend so much time being angry and holding each other captive to things that was either said or done to us that we miss opportunities to love one another the way we should. One may ask, "Why should I forgive? You don't know what they did to me." You are right. We don't know but He does. We are in no way referencing or condoning abuse but we are talking about harbouring on the small things that we allow to keep us apart.

My Brothas and Sistas, we could be called home and yet we often take each other for granted not knowing what the future holds. "Life is like a vapor." James 4:14 We spend less time saying how much we love one another and we spend more time not forgiving and fussing with one another. Why can't we just hold and love one another as if we may lose each other?

Life is too short. On the other hand, we could live a long time if we choose forgiveness and loving beyond our faults. So let's take a cue from the songwriter and go all out to love one another as if tomorrow is not promised.

Till next time.

Minister Antonio and Sista Michelle Washington

Prayer of Faith

Dear Lord,

Thank you for our gifts from you, our spouses. Teach us to love them as though it could be our last time. May we not take them for granted. Give us the ability to love beyond their faults and our disagreements. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=797baed257084e8aJmltdHM9MTY3NjkzNzYwMCZpZ3VpZD0wYjdlMjgwZS1iODA3LTZkYmYtMTY1ZC0yNzc1YmMwNzZiYzEmaW5zaWQ9NTE4MA&ptn=3&hsh=3&fclid=0b7e280e-b807-6dbf-165d-2775bc076bc1&psq=Your+Tube+Christian+song+about+gifts&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cueW91dHViZS5jb20vd2F0Y2g_dj1jZkxHZnVJTm5HNA&ntb=1

Ephesians 4:1 "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received."

Romans 8:28 "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."

Proverbs 19:21 "Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails."

Isaiah 14:24 "The LORD Almighty has sworn, “Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen."

Isaiah 14:27 "For the LORD Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him?" His hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?

Colossians 3:16 "Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. stretched out, and who can turn it back?"

Good Morning Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I pray that the Lord awoke you today understanding that He has a purpose and Joy for your day and life no matter the struggles that we must encounter in this day we have been gifted. May we Pray. Lord I thank you for another day for another chance to be your light and messenger. I pray that you will walk before, beside, and behind and guide my every step, thought and word as I go into and through this day. Lets head over to the Grand Brew Masters Table and have a cup tea with Him this morning and share in His word and purpose and plans for each of us today.

As I awoke today He reminded me to go to the cupboard and seek out the Brew that He had intended for me to share with you today. He revealed to me that it’s important that I focus on the positive, while there is plenty of worry and stress, He has blessed each of us greatly with a Purpose and that we must seek the joy and Gratitude that can flow from such a high Purpose.

Recently I have changed roles and responsibilities at my job, I love the company I work for are we perfect far from it, but for the first time in my professional life and I have been in this career field for over 30yrs, I feel truly appreciated and that I fully belong. I can’t fully explain how much this means to me as a person who has always felt like I was just on the outside of acceptance in nearly all life circumstances. In my family I am the odd one out labeled the emotional one, the relationships catastrophe one, the too hard mom etc.…. In my professional life I have always felt less than as I don’t have a degree and I have always had peers with degrees, supervised people with degrees, and doubted my full ability to measure up. Any of this sound familiar?

In the past year God has put me in my heart and mind a new sense of courage to challenge these beliefs in many ways. I still struggle with many but in my professional life He has empowered me and surrounded me with His chosen people to encourage me to break those chains of lies. To really push myself to question and challenge the lies and deceit of the evil one. To seek Him and squash the self-doubt if only long enough to pursue one new career goal at a time and truly to seek out His given Purpose for me in my professional life.

I must be honest hear this was scary for me, but He kept on pouring this brew daily in my heart each time that there was an opportunity for advancement that He already saw me in and saw the good and the success He had planned for me in it. So, 2 years ago I took that, and I tried, and I failed. No, I was not awarded, the promotion was given to another. All the self-doubt and self-consciousness crept right back into my heart and mind. Yet He kept on pouring this brew and telling me not to sip the lies of deceit.

Once again, this same opportunity presented itself again, He again encouraged me and this time He added some extra sugar, and milk to my Tea, to encourage, and entice me to sip a bit more and to seek His Purpose and His way toward this new opportunity. So this time I sought Him with even great intentionality, and followed His lead and guidance and that of those He put in my path. This time the outcome was much different, I did get the new job. Then each day following He blessed me with new challenges and opportunities to prove myself worthy. Now one would think I would finally believe I was worthy of this role since He clearly orchestrated my success. Sadly, I must admit that old lies crept in and that old enemy of self-doubt moved back into my heart and mind. Now this time his residency was not as impactful, as I had learned some of the lessons that had been provided. I am so very glad to say that its influence was not as strong anymore, and for this I must praise Him with Gratitude and humbleness.

Fast forward another year, and a new opportunity presents itself at work for even greater influence and advancement, yet my soul was so very hesitant. I felt so much anxiousness and at the same time pressure from many to seek out this new role. They were all well intentioned people who thought that I was allowing the evil ones influence guide and control my expectations and abilities to be successful and accepted and considered for this new opportunity. So I went before our Lord and sought Him and His wisdom and guidance, and in the end decided that this is not what He Purposed or planned for me. Many were surprised and many were disappointed in my decision, but I knew it wasn’t His Purpose for me, so I chose to be Grateful for His discernment.

Now one may think the story ends here, but our God is much bigger than this!!! Within weeks of this discerning choice that was prayerfully considered and determined not to be for me He revealed His True Purpose and plan for my obedience and trust in Him. A new opportunity opened at my current company, one that I was so excited about and one that I am happy to say I was accepted and received. Since receiving this blessing, I cannot explain the Gratitude and sense of privilege and Purpose and Meaning and Blessing that I have been provided. This is not say that the enemy doesn’t come knocking, and doesn’t try to spoil the Brews of successful and fulfillment that I have in this new role as he does daily. However, our God is so much bigger so much more than the evil one could ever face. Our Lord has placed me with a Mentor, Supervisor, that knows Him, rejoices in Him, whose light for life and passion and Purpose are derived from Him. Our Lord has placed me in this safe place where I am prayerfully protected and encouraged and supported to be me. To allow my light and love of our Savior to shine daily. A place where I can fully explore the gifts and talents that He has poured into me to share and create, and encourage, bless, and grow others.

Brothers and Sisters, this Brew today is intended to remind us that God’s Purposes and Plans for us will always come to be. The road may be hard, and the road may have twists, detours, accidents, and delays. However, if we keep on drinking the Brew of seeking is Purpose with heart of Gratitude for the journey on the way to the land of our Good Purpose designed and intended for each of us individually He will see to that we arrive safely. 

I pray that this Brew and my testimony will bless and encourage you to seek Him and trust Him, for his perfect Purpose for your life, and that you too will chose Gratitude along the way.

Love and Prayers till next week,

Tabby

Matthew 5:13-14 (ESV)" Jesus said we are “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.” YOU are salt and light in this world. You have been called by God to bring light in the darkness in His beautiful name through your life, but it is not optional – Jesus said we ARE salt of the earth and light of the world."

Good morning Brothas and Sistas, 

God’s guidance is essential in our Christian walk especially when it comes to knowing the will of God. Most of us are led by the flesh in our daily walk. We often assume that we know the will of God when we don’t. Confusion is dominant in our lives when we don’t seek Him for guidance. Gods’ guidance in our lives is more apparent when we spend time in fellowship with Him. God is glorified when we are doing what He is calling us to do. We need more of God in our lives so we must rely solely upon Him.

Many of us do not obey the Spirit of God and we stay right where we are. Many of us want to stay here instead of going there. We are content where we are. We refuse to move elsewhere. We refuse to move from here to there because we do not like change.

Change is linked to progression. Progression is scary for most of us because that means that we are being challenged to grow. Growth is often painful, but it is necessary in order for us to follow God’s will for our lives.

Some of us are stuck in the four walls of our churches. We are not fulfilling the Great Commission which tells us to “go”. We like it here in our churches. It is so much more comfortable when God is calling us to be light in darkness and salt to a world that needs to know Jesus. We don’t want to go there to evangelize because it will cost us something. It will cost us our comfort and it will demand us to put forth some real change. But we complain about how our world is and why won’t someone do something. All the while God is calling us to be the change that we want to see!

Sista Michelle

Psalm 34:8, “O taste and see that the Lord is good.”

Good morning Brothas and Sistas, 

What God’s purpose might be in having designed the 5 senses:

I believe that the purpose may be to understand God and the senses that are given to help us know our adversary in more ways than one as David expresses all 5 senses regarding touch, speech, hearing, vision, and taste. Since we are created in His likeness, it very well may have been given for us being like God. David says in Psalm 34:8, “O taste and see that the Lord is good.”

I also believe that those senses are spiritual in the sense of sight to see His majestic beauty and to see in the spiritual world. Sound helps us to receive hearing and God’s word, listening to His voice only. Smell exemplifies the great aroma of His Spirit; touch involves feeling His presence. Taste as it relates to feeding our hunger for God’s word as it feels our souls which all can be done by prayer.

How can we use our senses to bring God’s glory?

The sense of hearing brings God’s glory with the music of worship and praise. II Corinthians 5:17. The sense of smell gives the fragrance of oil for anointing (Ex. 30:23,25) that was given with the birth of Christ etc., (John 12:13). The sense of touch includes the laying on of hands for spiritual anointing to do the work of the Lord. (Num. 27:15-23) The sense of taste of communion which is portrayed in the Lord’s Supper. (Matt.26:17-30) The sense of sight involves the beauty of nature and the children of Israel in reference to the tabernacle which brings God glory. (Ex.36:8-39)

How can our senses lead us astray from God if we are not careful? By allowing pride to sit in and becoming arrogant in our understanding of the senses can truly lead us astray because we would think more highly than we ought. Paul cautions us in Titus 3 not to take them for granted and use them in a negative way.

Blessing till next time.

Minister Antonio Washington

Prayer of Faith

Lord, we thank you for giving us our senses. May we use them to glorify you in all that we do. Help us to never allow pride to let us to use our senses to go astray. May we always realize that we need you for guidance daily. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

The relationship between a husband and wife in this day and time is much different than yesteryear. The divorce rate is 50-70%. And many of us have children involved and what we are going through puts them in the position of having to choose between mom and dad. We need to learn to say "I'm sorry", "I love you." " You remember don't you?

Now when you do say these things, don't be surprised if your spouse starts to wonder what you are up to eventhough it is nothing but you learning how to maintain and keep your marriage strong. Most marriages built on the wrong foundation such as appearances rather than what's on the inside (the heart), wanting a child rather than focusing on one another or other superficial things.

Most couples choose to live together before getting marriage. What ever happened to remaining celebate until marriage. I was watching a show on tv and it was based on a young lady who was looking for a date and she asked a couple of questions in order to help find a date for her. Well in reponse to one or two questions the young lady said she was celebate and that she wanted to ait until marriage so the host asked the men in the audience who would want to go on a date with her without wanting to get busy and not one man stood up. 

I remember when it was honorable to wait until marriage but now people want to live togehter and try it out as some have said, Sista, you are beautiful and uniquely made in the image of God. Respect yourself and value who you are. Wait on the one God has for you and maintan your integrity.

Until next time, 

Blessings,

Minister Antonio Washington

Deuteronomy 12:6 "There bring your burnt offerings and sacrifices, your tithes and special gifts, what you have vowed to give and your freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your herds and flocks."

Ezra 1:6 "All their neighbors assisted them with articles of silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with valuable gifts, in addition to all the freewill offerings."

Psalm 112:9 "They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor, their righteousness endures forever; their horn will be lifted high in honor."

2 Corinthians 9:9 "As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”

Philippians 4:18 "I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God."

Romans 12:6 "We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;"

Good Morning, Brothers and Sisters, 

I pray that you have awoken with a heart full of the truth and knowledge of how very loved you are by our Lord and Savior. His Great Love and Sacrifice for us is the greatest of Gifts we will ever receive. May we pray. Lord thank you for the gift of another day, another opportunity to serve you and love you and those you put in our path. Please speak through me today and share your words and heart. Amen.

Good Morning again. Let's see what todays brew of Joy found in using our Gifts from God. Each of us has a tea cupboard that the Lord so graciously fills and refills with many kinds of tea leaves. One shelf in that cupboard is especially important to recognize and utilize, and that is the shelf of God given gifts. Now I have heard many say that they simply weren’t gifted anything special. Sisters and Brothers and I am hear to inform you that you buying into one of Satan’s favorite lies when you say and believe that. God created each of us with a purpose and giftings. This means every human being, from the new born baby to the person that is not able to care for themselves at all due to disability or age. We are all gifted.

God wants us to each seek him out and find out what our giftings are if we really took a look at ourselves we would likely be able to identify them ourselves. Yet beyond that we must seek His wisdom and His will in determining how He desires us to use them to move the hearts of this broken world towards His Healing love and grace.

I am so blessed to know that one of my gifts is creating, as long as I can remember I have loved to find old things and make them new, or to write as I do here today, or create gifts for those I care about. I find such joy in creating and spending that time in that creative mindset and asking the Lord to bless the person or persons that will be receiving this gift. I love seeing the joy upon their faces when they see the final creation. Yet what brings me the most joy is knowing that my heavenly father is pleased and that even if that person doesn’t know Him I know He loves them and He has a purpose and plan for their lives.

Brothers and Sisters, this world can get us down and depressed and withdrawn, I know this all too well in a personal and intimate way. The enemy of our souls would like to keep us there. Yet I have found that if push myself just a little and start using my gifts as the Lord provided them for me, I can slowly crawl out from under that heaviness, if even only for a short time. Yet the more I do this and more obedient I am to the Lord in seeking how I am to use my giftings the more often I can push myself up and out of the heaviness of sadness and find joy. In the end joy will overcome the darkness and our Lord will restore our hearts to fullness and gladness. He only asks that we try and that we use the gifts, and talents and tools that He has provided us from day one. He will meet us in our sorrow and help us to find that joy. 

So, I pray Brothers and Sisters that you dust off that shelf in tea cupboard today and discover all the amazing brews of gifts that you have been blessed with. Then you will seek His wisdom and heart and heart to know when and how to share them with a hurting and lost world. I pray that once you begin to walk in this that you will see and feel the Joy found in sharing our Godly Gifts and become and encouragement to another.

Till next week, be giving and kind and joy and use your Godly Giftings to Bless one another.

Love,

Tabby

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

We are coming to realize everything in this life is temporary and falling apart and nothing is forever. So much so, we don't know what the next day will bring. Jobs are folding, people are losing hope, people are losing their lives and even their minds.

BUT there's a "Solid Foundation" in life that's sure and steady, Christ, the Solid Foundation for LIFE. (Luke 6:46-49; 1 Corinthians 3:10, 11)

When the storms of life rage, winds blow and our hearts become overwhelmed within us, we can run "to the rock that is higher than us." (Psalm 61:1, 2). It's in Christ Jesus that we are able to STAND. Human strength will fail but the Strength of the Lord will NEVER fail (Isa. 40:28-31); for the Joy of the LORD is our strength. (Neh. 8:10)

Storms blow in life to fulfill purpose These storms drive us deeper and closer into the face of God where our help comes from. (Psalm 121:1, 2) Our naturaChrist The Solid Foundationl affections and desires keep our minds from being set on the things of this world. When we ficus on what others have it controls our conduct and hinders God's progress and purpose for our lives. But as we cry out to God to teach us His ways. He leads us to His word that purifies our hearts to please Him but we must be willing to let go of our will and set aside our ways to walk a live in the progress and purpose of God. We must kearn tobe content with what we have, especially our intimacy with Christ in our hearts for godliness with contentment is GREAT Gain. (1Timothy 6:6) For God Promised He will NEVER leave us nor forsake us. (Hebrews 13:5)

The days are evil and extremely difficult and we don't know if or when things will change for the better but one thing we do know and we must not doubt is to "keep love in our hearts for God and for others. Brothas and Siatas, let's keep our faith rooted and grounded in God through Christ Jesus for without faith we can't please God. (Hebrews 11:6) and TRUST God. ONLY He can make everything alright!

Let hope rest in Christ who is our living hope. (1 Peter 1:3) Stand firm and stay rooted deep in Him because all other ground is SINKING Sand!

"We are BLESSED in Christ!"

:f you see any brother or sister commit a sin that does not lead to death, you should pray and God will give them life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that you should pray about that. 17 All wrongdoing is sin, and there is sin that does not lead to death."

Good morning Brothas and Sistas, 

There are many ways to look at the phrase “sin unto death” as written in I John 5:16-17. Sin unto death man continuous, unrepentant sin. Christians can sin to the point of the Lord’s judgement being brought on them in the form of death. If a person continues to sin for a period of time without repentance, they can cause their own physical demise in the form of death. Ultimately any sin will lead to death whether it be physical or spiritual.

In this text John was probably thinking about more than one type of sin. Some sins are an outright, blatant hit against what Christians stand for. These sins place a black mark on the Christian community. The sin against the Holy Spirit that was committed by Ananias and Saphira was punishable by death.

It is not our job as Christians to decipher which sins are punishable by death. We are to pray for any brother or sister overtaken in sin so that they may be brought to repentance. When we pray, we are not to go to the Father in doubt, but we are to pray confidently. Our desire in prayer for our fellow brothers and sisters is to begin to walk in the light again. We are not to be judgmental towards them but to lovingly pray for them.

But then again there are times when as much as we pray the person refuses to change. During these times it is not that our prayers are not being heard. God hears all prayers. The problem is that the person’s heart is so hard that they want to remain in that sin. And at that point it makes no sense to pray for a person who refuses to repent.

As Christians we have been called to a higher standard. Our Father, God, calls us to holiness as He is holy. We are not our own we have been brought with a price to glorify our father in heaven. When we continuously sin without regard for all that was done on the cross for us it as though we were never saved. The world looks at the unrepentant Christian and wonders, “Why should I get saved if they confess Christ and live as though they never knew Him.”

And because God is so holy that He cannot allow us to remain in unrepentant sin. God will at times remove those things that contaminant the body of Christ by bringing death to His people. Sometimes members of churches who will not repent and hinder the progress of a local church will all of a sudden die.

My mother ‘s church is the perfect example of that. Her former pastor died some time ago. He wanted his son to take His place as Pastor, but his son was not anointed to do so. His son caused so much confusion within the body. His mother caused a great deal of confusion with many of the other members. His mother refused to get out of God’s way.

Soon God finally took her home. The son was voted out as Pastor. He left the church. And my mom who was faithful in preaching and teaching the word became pastor. The church is starting to grow as a result of God restoring His church to holiness.

I believe whenever we get in God’s way and refuse to allow Him to do His work He gets tired of it. Everyone look at God as a God of love but there is another side of God that no one wants to talk about. God is also a God of judgement. And just like any loving earthly father He disciplines His children even if it means using death to get his point across especially when we refuse to repent.

In conclusion, God chastens us because he loves us. He cannot let unrepentant sin to go to the point that it affects the entire body. We are made in the image of God and must reflect His holiness. Christ desires for us to be His unblemished bride and will go to any length to preserve us. I believe the best thing for us to do is to walk in such a way that we are free from living in unrepentant sin.

When we live in this world we will be tempted to sin and sometimes fall but we must repent and turn away from those things that are displeasing to God. Sins that are not unto death allow others to pray for us in confidence knowing that we will be delivered. Not only is the confidence of those who are praying built-up, but our confidence is built up once their prayers are answered and we have been delivered through the power of prayer.

Brothas and Sistas, there is a vast difference between those sins and “sins unto to death”. There is no guarantee with sins unto death that our prayers will work. The Christian who once walked with God will no longer walk with God. But what’s even worse is they will no longer walk among those whose lives he/she could have influenced for the better if only they chose to repent. Our prayer should always be “Lord, make us sensitive enough to the Holy Spirit so we will listen and not turn to or continue in sin but turn away from it.”

Good morning Brotas and Sistas, 

There are so many consequences for sin. The most immediate is guilt. We also have feelings of condemnation that stem from the enemy’s taunting us after we have broken God’s law. Sin always separates us from God just as it did with Adam and Eve. The guilt will make us physically hide, ashamed to go around those you are closest to where we are no longer free to avail yourself to those around us that may need encouragement or a friendly phone call. The shame of sin makes us feel unworthy.

After sin comes consequences of our sin. The consequences of Adam and Eve had repercussions for all of humanity. Just as Adam and Eve tried to cover themselves, we often try to cover our very own sin. Nothing covers our sin but the blood of Jesus. Some of us go through great lengths for our sin never to be found out but God always knows just as He did with Adam and Eve, It was evident that he knew when He asked Adam, “Where art thou?”

When God asked Adam that question, I believe He knew exactly where Adam was. The question is, “Was Adam’s state of mind from getting caught up in sin so tainted with guilt and condemnation that he did not know where he was spiritually or positionally?” When we sin, it puts a damper on our relationships. I believe that those that are closest to us feel the brunt of it as well.

This happened with Jonah when he went to Tarshish instead of Nineveh and it affected all of those who were closest to him. “The word of the Lord came to Jonah with the command to preach against the wickedness of Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Kingdom (Jonah 1;1-2). But Jonah instead chose to flee from the presence of the Lord (Jonah 1:10).

“But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD. Then the LORD sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship. But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep. The captain went to him and said, “How can you sleep? Get up and call on your god! Maybe he will take notice of us so that we will not perish.” Jonah 1:3-6

Our disobedience makes us run from God’s presence and it affects others around us in ways we never thought was possible. The same happened with Adam and Eve. Their sin affected all of mankind. The only remedy or redemption came in the person of God’s Son. The blood of Jesus covered and still covers our sin. 

"It is a fact that the Lord Jesus has already died for you. It is also a fact that you have already died with the Lord Jesus. If you do not believe in your death with Christ, you will not be able to receive the effectiveness of death with Him - freedom from sin." Watchmen Nee

Take care. 

Michelle

"Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, 26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30 because we are members of his body. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband."

Good morning Brothas and Sistas, 

Hopefully everyone had a chance to enjoy Valentine’s week. Some also may have a celebrated a birthday during this week. Since this is a week of expressing love towards one another. One of the things that can make this an enjoyable week it to remember how you first met, your first song, your first dance your first getaway or your first kiss. What is the most exciting event that occurred on your first Valentines?

There are many couples who have gotten away from what it means to express love towards one another, We start off strong but then as the years go on we begin to fade in our love towards one another. Why is this so? Could it be that we have become complacent with one another where we are taking each other for granted as to think that person still loves us without expressing it or saying it. Brothas and Sistas, love is an action word not just a spoken word.

We assume the other person knows we love them without actually showing them. When we first met we showed love more so than just spoke love. We put the word love into action by hugging, kissing and touching. Remember how we used to say. “All I do is think of you, Always and Forever, and we used to have to pinch ourselves and say it this for real.” And how we used to gaze into their eyes and say, "You are beautiful to me and you are the best thing that ever happened to me." So all in all make this week a week to remember how to love with action.

MInister Antonio Washington

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfmSOE6pnbE

Psalm 62:3

How long will you assault me? Would all of you throw me down— this leaning wall, this tottering fence?

Joshua 8:1 "Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Take the whole army with you and go up and attack Ai. For I have delivered into your hands the king of Ai, his people, his city, and his land."

John 10:12 "The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So, when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it."

2 Timothy 4:18 "The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen."

Good morning, Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I pray that when you awoke today that you too were reminded that the battle is not ours, but our Lord’s and He will always overcome. May we pray. Lord, only you fully understand the battles that we each contend with daily and the feelings and emotions and exhaustion that is the result of real struggle. Lord, please pour out a Brew today for us that will restore our minds, body, and souls to keep standing in the gap and trusting in you and your truths. AMEN.

Please join me now at the Grand Brew Master’s Table for a Brew that will restore us from the battles of life this side of heaven. As I open my tea cupboard, I am seeking strength, clarity, endurance, anxiety reduction, and escape from the sadness, and fear of the truth and reality of cancer stealing and destroying one I love so dearly. I feel such despair, and loss and the final day of loss has not even come upon the horizon yet.

Brothers and Sisters, I do not know if you have even felt that the enemy is coming at you from every angle, that each time you find something to have gratitude and praise for that he comes with an even greater number of fiery arrows. Well, this is where I am at the present. It is lonely here its hard here, yet the outside world would not know the battle that sieges on in my soul outside of a few shed tears and moments of glimpses into my sadness. No, I must not allow the world to know that I am so fragile that I feel I will shatter like a teacup that has fallen from the top shelf of the cupboard, due to my careless placement on the shelf. I must keep a smile on my face and march into the daily battle as if I am invincible. Am I the only one to feel this way? I know in my heart and mind that the Lord will win all these battles, the monetary crisis and continued financial attacks of scammers, and corporations that have no concern but greed and disregard for me as a person. Even when the disease that is ravishing my mom (cancer) takes her from us that this is not the end and that’s just part of the Lord’s greater plan. The final battles and wars of this life will be won by our Lord God. I cannot help but feel defeated, broken and lost, and without the strength to continue on at times.

Brothers and Sisters, if you are in this place with me or heading here or even beyond here, I want you to know that we do not stand here alone. I know this and I am so grateful that the Lord reminds me of this when the battle ensues in my heart, mind, and soul. I am so grateful that He intercedes for us and sends us small blessings, or kind unexpected note from a co-worker, or a random act of kindness from a stranger. It may come in the form of a text from a friend just saying hang in there you are not in this alone. These are all little mini sugar cubes or pours of cream into our bitter brew of this challenging battle we are in the midst of, from the Lord. He will never forsake us or depart from us. As Psalms 23 tells us we are never alone in the battle of the wilderness, our Lord and Savior is always present.

Brothers and Sisters, I make you a promise today as I write these words today and I get up from this place to face the world today, I will choose to put on my Armor of God, Ephesians 6:10-18, and I pray that you will as well. Without it, we will surely feel and fear the battle with greater intensity and much less protection. I will also remind myself and you that the Lord has won the war we just must endure the battle. Yet we do not stand alone in the battle we have our Godly family, we have our God, and we have His word and his promises to rely upon daily. Please do not believe the lies of the enemy and feel you are alone in this. Reach out and seek the loving support of a trusted friend, dig into God’s truths, and place yourself before His throne and seek Him and He promises to meet you and me there every time and anytime.

I know this was a heavy brew but I also know that I am not alone in this kind of battle, and I know that someone else out there needed to know that they are being prayed for and that they are loved, and that the Lord has not and will not abandon them or me, no matter what the enemy of our souls and this world chooses to battle against us with today, tomorrow, or ever.

My prayer today is that we all take a moment to check in on a friend or just share in a moment of prayer for those we do not know who may be in a similar battle. That we seek out a moment and opportunity for a random act of kindness for a stranger or strained relationship, or for someone we just want to share some kindness towards. May the Lord our God, strengthen and restore, and hold us each close as we stand firm in His promises and provisions in and through this season of war.

Till next week,

Love and prayers,

Tabby

"We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.:"

Good morning Brothas and Sistas, 

First and foremost, I want you to know false hope is an expectation that is usually extremely unlikely to be satisfied. Which means you will more than likely use and lose your time and resources. I know when I was a little younger I had people tell me that if I continue to keep my grades up and make the honor roll I would be looked upon as the best in whatever field I chose to go into. Well, I took what my lithography teacher said about having high hopes of achieving that hope of success. I pursued and became the first African American at my high school to be the printer of the year.

Brothas and Sistas, I surpassed everyone in all the classes my teacher had. I remember a couple of students saying, “You really believe that you will become successful in this field? He is giving you false hope of achieving that.” I looked at them and said "Yes, I believe I will”  Brothas and Sistas, never give up.  The hope that God has provided for you is not merely a wish. Neither is it dependent on other people, possessions, or circumstances for its validity. Instead, biblical hope is an application of your faith that supplies a confident expectation in God's fulfillment of His promises. Coupled with faith and love, hope is part of the abiding characteristics in a believer's life.circumstances for its validity." John C. Broger

Minister Antonio Washington

"Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3

There are different aspects of leadership. The way we explain leadership is through leadership theory classifications. We gauge the way leadership is though about, perceived, studied, etc, These classifications are made to understand various characteristics found in leadership. The way a person thinks as they lead can affect how his or her followers respond to him/her.

Knowledge is power. When a person knows how they lead or what characteristics/character traits are involved in leading they can learn to understand themselves more effectively. When we understand our leadership style it helps us to lead more effectively. We learn most when we have the tools to study the characteristics of leadership. Knowledge teaches us to be better at leading.

I think that the behavioral paradigm changing it’s focus helps us as well as millennials understand our unique styles in leadership. What might have worked in the 1950’s may not necessarily work now. Focusing on how individual manage those they lead is important to allowing managers foster their understanding of various behaviors. Some behaviors need to change as society changes.

Much of the paradigms attempt to focus on the best leadership style. Doing this allows managers to look at their leadership style and maintain the positive behavioral characteristics and relinquish characteristics that can be detrimental to the team they manage. It is also important not to primarily focus on managing but rather focus on leadership.

These paradigms are important to study because we all need to understand our leadership style. I believe proper leadership focuses on getting to know and work with the people we lead while management looks at the work or business. In order for us to be successful leaders we have to learn to build and foster relationships instead of focusing on the business and getting the job done. Philippians 2:13 says, ““Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3 In conclusion we, as leaders, must learn how to effectively influence our team members. And we do this by knowing what works and what doesn’t in current leadership models. 

Michelle

Good morning Brothas and Sistas, 

God consistently shows his faithfulness towards us. One story in particular that comes to mind when I think about God’s redemption of disorder in my life is when my wife and I were separated and headed for divorce. My wife left me and was determined to get a divorce. Our son was only a year old at the time. I did not understand how the woman I loved so deeply could just walk away from it all.

I tried everything to win her back, but nothing worked. Eventually I gave up and I decided to give her what she really wanted by filing for divorce. Can you believe the day before our final divorce papers came, she called me to reconcile our marriage? The Holy Spirit had been speaking to her and working on her heart about our marriage.

We both became saved right after we got back together. And God called us to counsel other married couples and to teach Marriage Ministry. God not only brought order to our lives, but He brought order to our home, our marriage and our spiritual lives. The scripture He gave us was Joel 2:25 which states, ““And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you.”

There was another time, when I was out of work with a wife and kids. I began to argue with God about what He promised in His word about my situation which was, “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches and glory by Christ Jesus.” I was angry with Him because I felt He had yet to keep His word. We needed His help and we needed it right away! Why hadn’t he showed up! Well, the very next day I was called to interview for a position. Not only did I go for the interview, but I got the job the same day. Through it all, God remained faithful to His word! He brought order to our financial and my mental situation.

A third time I witnessed God’s provision is when I had been praying for an SUV. My wife kept trying to talk me into getting a particular make and model. She talked to me about the benefits of getting the vehicle and how good the reviews were. I wanted to wait to purchase and make sure the timing was right. I was just not sure about the payments.

One day I was on my way to my oldest daughter’s birthday party and a woman hit my car from out of nowhere. Both airbags deployed and my vehicle was totaled. I had some pain, so I was taken to the hospital. After I finally received the check to purchase a new vehicle, I had one day to return in my rental vehicle. I had issues with my credit, but we went to the dealership, and we were approved through a different credit union that we do not have an account with. But God!

I drove off the lot in my dream car and the timing was perfect. I needed to get something to get to work and to get home the next day. These experiences have consistently taught me to trust God despite what I see. The situation may seem hopeless, but we have a God of hope. 

Take care till next time

Minister Washington

https://youtu.be/t4_sfgjRcfI

Watch "Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam With Full Force - Someone To Love Me For Me" on YouTube

"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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:8, 9

Good morning Brothas and Sistas,

I am convinced that over 78% of married couples do not know the language that their spouse is speaking. Now just to put your minds at ease I am referring to the Love Languages. A lot of marriages fall apart simply because we don't know each others love language.

Why is it so hard for us to ask or to find out what language our spouse is speaking? Do you know how many arguments and frustration can be illuminated in our marriages if we took the time to do this? Instead of asking we would rather keep quiet and not say anything or be troubled on the inside to the point where we don't want to be around or near our spouses at all. And yet we spend hours telling others about how we feel and what our spouses are not doing rather than share what we are feeling with our spouses.

When you or I look at the love languages let's ask ourselves do I fit in and what is my spouse's language. When we look at the language we must then begin to make it happen. And that means we must begin to put action to work and communicate it to our spouse's.

Please look at the different aspects of love language to see what we should avoid doing. Ultimately, if we be honest with ourselves we all have engaged in one or more of these offences at one time or another in our marriages. The five love languages as outlined by Gary Chapman are:

Words of Affirmation

Quality Time

Receiving Gifts

Acts of Service

Physical Touch

My Brothas and Sistas, can we speak each other's love language and speak life into one another? This can and will happen if you are willing. Amen.

Till next time.

Minister AntonioWashington

Prayer of Faith

Father thank you for teaching us the importance of knowing our spouses love language. Help us to have open communication with our spouses so that we won't spend years living in frustration. Allow us to put each other first so that our marriages can be successful. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. 

God’s desire is that we may know Him through the person of His Son, Jesus. He wants us to know Him as a loving Father. Yes, He is a Judge and King but He is also loving and merciful. His love for us is revealed through the Word, which is His Son, Jesus. Many times we focus on the God who gives out judgement for our sins not realizing the reason He sent Jesus was so that our sins could be forgiven and His love could be displayed in all that Jesus did on the cross. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

God tells us that “The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, “Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” Jeremiah We see the love of the Father throughout God’s word we He often delivers His people from captivity. ‘It shall come about on that day,’ declares the Lord of hosts, ‘that I will break his yoke from off their neck and will tear off their bonds; and strangers will no longer make them their slaves.” Jeremiah 30:8

He also shows us his love through nature and how he cares for even the simplest of His creation and how He cares for us as well. Matthew 6:25-34 says, “Therefore I say unto you, Be not anxious for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than the food, and the body than the raiment? Behold the birds of the heaven, that they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; and your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are not ye of much more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit unto [a]the measure of his life? And why are ye anxious concerning raiment? Consider the lilies of the field,

how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God doth so clothe the grass of the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first his kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Be not therefore anxious for the morrow: for the morrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”

We have to see beyond the law in order to embrace the Father’s great love. God is love.” I John 4:8 But if we look at the beginning of that scripture, we see that there is a prerequisite for experiencing His great love. It says, “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” You must have the love of God in your heart in order to experience His great love. Once you know Him through the Son, you will experience His love.

And once again we learn of Him and His love though Jesus, the Word of God. The love that He has for His Son is insurmountable and it is the same with us. When we see Him as Luther later saw Him in life as a Father who gives and who share it changes our perspective. Luther thought that He was a God who just punished for sin but as he grew to know Him through the scriptures, He found out that He was so very loving.

He loves us just as an earthly father does. Scripture says, “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? Matthew 7:11 And as any loving father would. He wants us to dwell with Him in His love just as He desires that for His very own Son; Jesus, He wants the same for us. His love is so undeniable.

I know we see this loved exemplified in how He cares for us daily. He gives us our daily bread. He supplies all of our needs. “My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19 And lastly, He grants us favor when we walk in obedience to His divine word, the person of Jesus Christ. 

"Trust in the Lord with all of our hearts, and He will direct our path. Acknowledge Him in all our ways and He shall direct our paths.” Proverbs 3:5, 6

Good morning Brothas and Sistas, 

What does God means when He tells us “Do not Worry”. How is it possible for this statement to become a reality in our lives? What should we as Christians do in times of worrying? How should we respond to follow believers who are experiencing stress and anxiety?

Let's take a look at this......

1. How is it possiblefor this statement to become a reality?

In reference to the reality in our lives of "Do Not Worry", I believe that we would have to experience a little struggle or face adversity to know what it means to not worry. As Christians we sometimes worry more than the non- Christians and yet we have the word of God to rely on. In these times of worrying we should remember that we can’t add or take anything to make it better, but we should begin to” look to the hills from where our help comes from…” Psalm 121:1

2. What should we as Christians do in times of worrying?

We should also pray continuously. “We should trust in the Lord with all of our hearts, and He will direct our path. Acknowledge Him in all our ways and He shall direct our paths.” Proverbs 3:5, 6. With our fellow believers we should encourage one another. 

3. How should we respond to follow believers who are experiencing stress and anxiety?

We should help them understand that God has everything under control and that when we have anxiety we can complicate the matter worse because we are not willing to be patient and remind them that God says,” To be anxious for nothing but with prayer and supplication make your request known and the peace if God which surpasses all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Otherwise, we will stress ourselves out worrying about something we have no control over. Besides stress brings on many dis-eases such as ulcers, kidney infections, strokes, hearts attacks, and discontent.

Brothas and Sistas, "Do Not Worry! because, "Worry implies that we don’t quite trust God is big enough." Francis CHan

Until next time, Be blessed

Minister Antonio Washington

Good morning Brothas and Sistas, 

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him Jesus loves us so much He died in our place. He gave the ultimate sacrifice. He gave His very life. To give means to deliver in exchange; to yield to another, to surrender. Christ did not lose his life; He freely gave it. In fulfillment of the Old Testament picture of the sacrifice of the lamb., Jesus became the lamb who took away the sins of the world. He yielded His life for ours.

When we were utterly hopeless with no way of escape Christ came ai just the right time and ides for us. ; the just for the unjust; sinners who had no use for Him. Even if we were good we really wouldn’t expect anyone to die for us, though of course that might be barely possible but God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were just sinners. And since by His blood He did all this for us as sinners, how much more will we do for Him who declared us righteous.

Jesus is our kinsman redeemer. The definition of redeemer is someone who purchases back; vindicator or avenger. The Hebrew word for redeemer is padhah and gaal (go'el). A go'el was one who is nearest of kin who purchased back the forfeited inheritance for an Israelite who, through poverty sold his land or was to hold his land in possession for an impoverished kinsman until the year of Jubilee, when it would revert back to it's original owner. Christ who took on the form of man became our go'el and saved us from being disinherited forever. Back in the day, the goel's role was also to ransom his kinsman from bondage to the foreigner.

Just as unregenerated man was in bondage to Satan Jesus paid the price with his precious blood and became a ransom for our sins. Many years ago the goel also avenged the death of his slain kinsman as a point of honor. Therefore, Jesus, our Redeemer through death has destroyed Satan and has delivered us from everlasting slavery to him and from the shame of sin and brought us to a place of honor. Through salvation we are now called sons and daughters of the Almighty One.

"Therefore, having been justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1).

How is it that a righteous Savior can declare a filthy sinner righteous based on His merit alone. So many times others judge us based on our past and don't even realize that because of Him our past has been erased. It's almost like David Copperfield performing one of the greatest and most daring feats known to mankind. How is it that because of His redeeming blood the old man is continuously disappearing while the new man is being renewed day by day? Jesus the righteous judge brought forth His amazing love and paid the price for mercy. My verdict NOT GUILTY. John Walvoord quotes, "Justification. In popular usage this word means showing proper grounds for. In theological context, however, justification is the judicial act of God declaring one to be righteous by imputation of righteousness to him."

I heard somebody say, "We have been made righteous through justification". Justification means to absolve, to vindicate, or to set right. It is a judicial act of God based upon Christ’s completed work. It is also His divine declaration of “not guilty” expressed toward sinners. Yes, it's true, my Brothas and Sistas justification is the very opposite of condemnation. While it does not ignore God’s righteous requirements, it nevertheless declares that these requirements are all fully met in Jesus. How powerful is that? Praise Him!!! As worthless as our past sins can sometimes make us feel; we have still been declared righteous. Roman 8:1 clearly states, "There is therefore (for that reason or cause; consequently or hence) now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus." Hallelujah!!! Thomas Watson declares, "It is absurd to imagine that God should justify a people and not sanctify them, He should justify a people whom He could not glorify." (Thomas Watson) 

To be pardoned from punishment for sin and declared guiltless. A person is justified by the Savior’s grace through faith in him. This faith is shown by repentance and obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel. Jesus Christ’s atonement enables mankind to repent and be justified or pardoned from punishment they otherwise would receive. Brothas and Sistas, according to Marvyn Lloyd- Jones, " Our justification means not only that our sins are forgiven and that we have been declared to be righteous by God Himself, not merely that we were righteous at the moment when we believed, but permanently righteous. For justification means this also, that we are given by God the positive righteousness of His own Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Just the other day I was with one of my little Sista's from church and we were watching the movie, "The Grace Card" As I was writing this devotional I began to meditate on the scene where the man who had been found guilty of murdering Matt's son gave his life to Christ while he was in prison. He came to church one night when they had a service dedicated to giving each other "a grace card". All the years of Matt having unforgiveness in his heart against this man because of a crime that took his son away was diminished because Matt had realized the importance of being made righteous and being forgiven. Matt had now been justified by the grace card given to him by Jesus once he repented of his sins. Matt looked at this young man once guilty of a crime but had now been declared justified, "not guilty"and anger relinquished from his soul as he extended him the same grace card that he had been given.

In the scene the man's words were as follows:

"In another life I killed another man. I was a thief and a fool. The policemen very rightly were trying to bring me to justice, pursued me, I ran and I took this family's child away from them. It was prison that finally broke me. I surrendered my life to my Father. I sought to make a mends for the mess I made of that life. For penance I entered the mission field of Kenya. I paid society with eight years of my life. Justice was served but not to this family. I owe them a debt I can never repay. I cannot and will not go another day without facing them and accepting responsibility for what I have done." And then he apologizes.

Well Brothas and Sistas, we owe Him a debt we can never repay. Only Jesus can make a mends of our broken past and justify us. Justice is served through Him. So the next time someone brings your past up, tell them. "Don't judge me based on my past because I don't live there anymore. " Jesus has justified us through the grace card given to us at Calvary, Not Guilty. Never underestimate the power of grace that He has shown us through justification. Praise Him!!!!Now, let's take time to meditate on the words of this song. Be blessed.

"Not Guilty"by Mandisa

I stand accused. There's a list a mile long. Of all my sins, Of everything that I've done wrong. I'm so ashamed. There's nowhere left for me to hide. This is the day I must answer for my life. My fate is in the Judge's hands But then He turns to me and says

I know you. I love you. I gave My life to save you. Love paid the price for mercy. My verdict not guilty. How can it be? I can't begin to comprehend

what kind of grace would take the place of all my sin?

I stand in awe now that I have been set free and the tears well up as I look at that cross cause it should have been me.

My fate was in the nail scarred hands. He stretched them out for me and said, "Not Guilty."

[Chorus]

I'm falling on my knees to thank You. With everything I am I'll praise You. So grateful for the words I heard You say.

Not Guilty!

"You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?" Galatians 5:7

Good morning Brothas and Sistas, 

There are times when we've planned out our day. Everything runs smoothly at first and then the unexpected roadblocks comes. You can heed to the signs and go another way or make another decision. You could also ignore the roadblocks or move them out of the way.  

Questions that we may ask: Is there really something there? Is it dangerous? But the real question is, "Was the roadblock there to protect you or detour you? Are past experiences, emotions, other issues contributing to your decison? 

Nehemiah 2:14 says. "Then I moved on toward the Fountain Gate and the King’s Pool, but there was not enough room for my mount to get through" Nehemiah had his own roadblocks, there was so much debris and rubble. the walls were ruined, the gates were burned by fire, he had to deal with their wayward faith, their wandering hearts. Nehemiah said to them, “You know very well what trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire. Let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and end this disgrace!” Then I told them about how the gracious hand of God had been on me, and about my conversation with the king.

They replied at once, “Yes, let’s rebuild the wall!” So they began the good work." Nehemiah did not sugar coat the roadblocks that he was facing, but rather he was straight forward. In our marriages there are roadblocks that have come our way, and we need to know how to address them. Do we adhere to the warning signs or do we ignore them? Just like with Nehemiah, we need to look at the ruins in our mariages and decide weather to rebuild or stay in ruin. The first thing is to be honest with each other as to where we are with the ruins. The roadblocks can be there to have us look at where we are heading before going any further, we muist relize that roadblocks can save us from total destruction. When rebuilding our marriage, we need to make sure that we share and do everything with love. We can get straight to the point but it should be with respect to each other. Listen, once the debris are clear, then the road can be reopen to travel where God would have us to go. Let's not ignore what needs to be addressed or attended to, which are the roadblocks in our marriages, but rather take heed of our ruins and be willing to STOP, LOOK,and LISTEN to what the Spirit of the Lord is saying, so that we may move forward and be Blessed as well as being a Blessing.

Brothas and Sistas, pray to overcome your obstacles, pray to overcome your roadblocks.

Minister Antonio Washington 

1 Thessalonians 5:11 "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

Job 16:5 "But my mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief."

Psalm 10:17 "You, LORD, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,"

Acts 11:23 "When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts."

Romans 1:12 "that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith."

Romans 12:8 "if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully."

Colossians 2:2 "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 in Christ, and all who have found themselves here today.

I wanted to thank you for coming and joining me at the Grand Brew Masters table today our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May we begin our time together in prayer. Lord, I pray this morning that you will be the voice heard here that the words laid to paper today are not my own but that they are what you deem valuable and needed today for one or many. In your precious name I declare your sovereignty, grace, and divinity overall. Let us head over to the Lord’s Tea Cupboard and see what He desires for us to brew up today.

When the Lord awoke me this morning at first, I was not sure what Brew He would have me share as my eyes and body were not ready to be awoken. So as laid still and quiet I asked him as my mind was running through my own thoughts and feelings. Then I quieted my heart and mind, and simply asked the Lord what is the Brew to be today? I suddenly felt it. I felt a sense of encouragement, while yes, I would have been happy to go back to sleep, I would not have awoken feeling encouraged. I believe I would have awoken with a discouraged mind, body, and spirit. I am so grateful for the Lord’s patience and grace.

Brothers and Sisters, this world can be a challenging place to find truthful, God-inspired encouragement to sip on and fill up our souls. Yet we each have the ability to at no cost and no loss, and truthfully extraordinarily little effort to be this for one another. Have you ever considered how many encouraging and uplifting opportunities you chose to speak into the lives of others? Have you taken inventory of the negative or negativity that you can bring to those around wrapped up neatly justified from head to toe? We are each guilty of this and I venture to guess that we each have a circle of influence where we fall into this pit of discouraging spirit.

Brothers and Sisters, I want you and I want me to practice taking our minds captive in these times. To slow down the thoughts and feelings at the moment and ask the Lord what the reason for this challenge is. Then ask the Lord to help you find a way to turn your discouragement into encouragement either for yourself in the moment or for the situation.

I can find myself settling into discouraging feelings and thoughts and feelings at work at times when dealing with certain persons. Yet I have found that when I seek our Lord first, or sooner rather than later. What I have found by slowing my mind and taking captive my thoughts and speech is that the Lord provides me with so many more opportunities to share an encouraging word, or to celebrate a little victory. Yet this little victory feels like I just won the lottery. I cannot explain it why it works this way it is just a God thing. A few simple examples of how God has shown up in my life in this way over the past week. As I shared recently, I have changed roles at work, and I love my new role. Yet there is one person who always makes me feel like they would d be happy if I failed. Yet our Lord is bigger than my perception and my feelings. 

Over the past week, I have heard from people who are in my office, or in my direct sphere of influence that has encouraged me with their words and actions. I have been able to celebrate the silly small accomplishments of these people. I must say that the endorphins rush through us when we choose to find these opportunities. It is better than I could ever explain. So, Brothers and Sisters, I encourage you to take inventory of the Brews you have stored in your cupboard and discard those that are discouraging and replenish the cupboard with even the smallest of encouragement and God will pour increasingly into your mind, and spirit.

In closing today, I pray that you will be loved and be prepared to be the encourager that the Lord calls us each to be for one another in Christ Jesus our Savior. Seek out those opportunities. Make these moments happen, do not be afraid to be vulnerable and bold and speak encouragement into the lives of your encounter. There is no cost to you or anyone else to be an encouragement to someone else. Where on the other hand being a discourager can cause un-due harm, and gaping wounds in the mind and souls of others and this can seep into your mind and soul as well. The price and cost for this can be quite significant.

Let’s leave here today sipping in the encouraging words of our scriptures today and seek the Lord requesting his prompting and encouragement to us be His companion in this much-needed work in this difficult and often disappointing world till his return.

Love,

Tabby

  “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”  Proverbs   

When it comes to each human component, we have been given responsibility to take care and allow growth for each component. The way we care for each component reflects how serious our relationship with God is. When we realize that we are made in the image of God and we must glorify him in our body, our actions, how we speak and so on, then we will realize the importance in taking specific care of each human component.

Let take a look at the flesh for instance. The flesh encompasses our physical body as well as our sinful desires. We must take care of our physical body through exercise, eating right and getting proper rest. When we don’t take proper care of our bodies it is an indication of how well we care about how well the Holy Spirit can use our bodies to glorify the Father and do the Will of the Father. If our bodies are run-down, we can’t do all God is calling us to do. We can’t be His hands and feet in a world that desperately needs Him if we are not physically fit.

We can also walk according to the flesh, our sinful desires when we don’t adhere to the spirit, which is a human component that is receptive to the Spirit of God. It is our responsibility to make sure our spirit remains connected to the Spirit of God so that we can get direction and conviction from the Holy Spirit when we are outside of the will of God. Romans 8:6 says, “Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” When we fulfill our fleshly desires we sin. Galatians 5:16 says, “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”

Secondly, it is our responsibility to feed on God’s word daily. The mind needs to be renewed through God’s words so that we can think more like Him. When we make a point of getting in the word of God we allow our minds to grow spiritually which can lead to a closer walk with God and also open the door for us to be used more by Him to speak and preach the word. But it also makes us aware of the presence of God in our lives as well as the presence of God in the lives of others. Reading the word of God give us more spiritual discernment and gives us godly wisdom.

Thirdly, our hearts deal with the hidden intents and thoughts of who we are. Jeremiah 17:9 says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick, who can understand it.” The hidden intents of our heart need to be regulated and guided by the Holy Spirit through the word of God and God’s Spirit. When we act independently from Gods word the real us begins to show and it starts with what is hidden deep within our hearts.

Fourthly our souls, encompass our memory, self-awareness, conscience, and imagination. God breathed into us and the soul was formed within. Genesis 2:7 says,” Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breathe of life, and the man became a living creature.” The more time we spend in the presence of God our souls are refreshed. Our souls ultimately belong to God. Ezekiel 18:4 says, “Behold all souls are  mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is mine. …” He has just made us stewards over them to be nourished in His presence.

Lastly, the will deals with the intentions of the heart; the actions taken to do a particular action. It is our responsibility to make sure our will aligns with God’s will. Anything done outside of the will of God is sin. We honor God when we line up with His will. Proverbs 16:9 says, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” 

Michelle

James 1:2-4  "Consider it a sheer gift friends when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith life is forced into the open and show its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely, Let it do its work so you become mature and well developed, not deficient in any way."

This is a question that comes up more than most. It is also a question that some use as a reason why they don’t want to become believers in Christ, but also this question is brought up among the family of believers. C. S. Lewis, a great theologian has a book called, “The Problem with Pain.” In this book he states the problem with pain is that pain requires attention!!! You see pain insists on being attended to and the reason why we ask the question is because it’s personal. You remember the old saying that it can make us or break us, it can make us better or it can make us bitter.

James’ letter is written to believers for the purpose of living out the truth. In other words, if we say I believe or I am a believer, then why do we live as though we don’t. James was writing to the 12 tribes that were scattered abroad and were going through severe hardship. In this letter James doesn’t comfort them but rather he challenges them. Being a Christian does not make us exempt from bad things happening. He wanted them to learn how to trust God no matter what.

There are 3 things that James is teaching us in Chapter 1 in vs. 2-4. He speaks about the attitude towards our trials and temptations. In vs 5-12 he explains the ways to conquer, vs. 13-18 he talks about the origin (where it comes from) In vs. 19-27 he explains how to prepare ourselves as to withstanding the trials and temptations that we will face.

1. This is just a test

2. We need to just be strong

3. Just be patient for it’s all good

This is just a test: ( the emergency broadcast system)

The text says in the message:

"Consider it a sheer gift friends when tests and challenges some at you from all sides. James lets us know that we should consider it a sheer gift when, which indicates that it is going to happen. This is just a test, this is not an option, but rather it is inevitable, so we are going to have all kinds of trials whether it be a broken relationship, depression, sickness, loss of job, substance abuse, being laid off, wayward children etc. Listen, Job knew what it was like losing everything, he said “Though he slay me, yet will I trust him.” God allows the test.

And yet James says to “count it all joy” Are you serious how can I count those things as joy. Loss of a loved one. Even in the loss of a loved one the one who has gone home to be with the Lord feels joy when he enters His presence. The one left behind witnessed the life of their loved one who has gone on to be with the Lord and wants to experience Christ like their loved one did when they were lving so they give their life to Christ at the homegoing and experience the joy of salvation. 

Sometimes even when people are praying for us, we would rather runaway than to stand the test and pain. We rather give in and give up instead of trusting God no matter what. Listen not everyone is going to encourage you, many will look at your situation in a negative way, while only a few will look at it as being in God’s plan. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “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.”

Phillip Yancey in his book, “Where is God When it hurts?” states “As we rely on God and trust His Spirit to mold us in His image, true hope takes shape within us” a hope that does not disappoint, we can literally become better persons because of suffering. Pain however meaningless it may seem at the time can be transformed.

Where is God when it hurts? He is in us, not the things that hurt, helping to transform bad into good.

Just Be Strong

2. Be strong: you know that under pressure your faith life is forced into the open and shows it’s true colors. The Hebrew Boys, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego knew what it meant to be strong, they said to the king Nebuchadnezzar that even if God doesn’t deliver them they still will not bow down to him. They remained strong under pressure. When bad things happens to us James says that our faith life, (you know the one we profess) will be forced into the open and show it’s true colors. In other words people are watching to see what you do under pressure, just like Job, The Hebrew boys, Joseph. How do we respond when bad things happen, do we become beligerant, angry, do we quit. Joshua who was under extreme pressure and was encouraged by God to be strong and noticed that He said it 3 different times, Sometimes when being under pressure we tend to not want to trust God because we become unsure, and God has to remind us that He is with us. He reminds us that He will never leave us nor forsake us.

3. Just be patient:

So, don’t try to get out of anything prematurely, let it do it’s work so you can become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.” So instead of us trying to avoid these trials or trying to make them go away, we need to focus on how can I change the way I respond. Psalms 37:7 say’s “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes”. James is saying when bad things happen, let it do its work!!!, because this will mature and shape us to be what God has ordained. Remember all things work together for our good, and God receives the Glory.

The next time bad things happen, remember that He has delivered me before and He can do it again,

Remember He turned bones into armies,

He turned graves into gardens,

He turned my seas into highways,

He turned my mourning into dancing,

He turned my shame into glory,

He gave beauty for ashes.

Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People?

Because He is Sovereign

Blessings, 

Minister Antonio Washington