Month: September 2023

You Gotta Be Born Again

You Gotta Be Born Again

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Together with kindness and in understanding, let’s take this time to self reflect. I am here to inspire, encourage, and remind you that God has given us the most important weapon we have to fight the enemy, His Word.

Now let’s dress our soul like we dress our bodies, EVERYDAY!

You Gotta Be Born Again

“Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” John 3:4 ESV

When my daughter was born, Lordy I remember it like it was yesterday. My doctor was Gaylon L. Daigle. He delivered babies on every Wednesday. I am not sure what that was all about, but every time I went for my appointment, he either was delivering a baby, had delivered already, or getting ready to deliver a baby. Believe it or not, I was no exception to that rule. My daughter was born on Wednesday, June 23, 1999, at 6:57pm, 7oz 4pound and eighteen inches long. So many memories leading up to her birth. When she was finally resting in my arms, I felt an indescribable feeling of joy as I thanked God for her. As I looked down into her beautiful peaceful face as she slept, I thought to myself, “this is what unconditional love looks and feels like.”

The only music playing at the dinner table was “Barney’s Greatest Hits.” Let’s me see if I can remember the words to that Barney song: “I love you, you love me, we’re a happy family, with a great big hug, and a kiss from me to you, won’t you say you love me too.” A bib was everywhere in the house, in the car, and at grandma and great-grandma’s house. Cold teething rings in the refrigerator, sippy cups in every color, she had her favorites.  Baby wipes took the place of napkins. I can’t forget about my Trusty dusty fold down stroller which was a must as we stayed on the go. Oh yes, my multifunctional diaper bag, also known as “my purse.”

The classic passage in the Book of John answers this question of what it means to be born again. Nicodemus, whose name means “victory of the people,” was a prominent Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin (the ruling body of the Jews). He had come to Jesus in secret and at night with some questions.

As Jesus talked with Nicodemus, He said, “‘I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.’ ‘How can a man be born when he is old?’ Nicodemus asked. ‘Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, “You must be born again.” (John 3:3–7). The phrase translated “born again” can also be translated as “born from above.”

Why does a person need to be born again? So, we can have eternal life. When we are not born again, we are separated from God. How does the new birth come to be?  By our action of acceptance, as we choose Jesus Christ as our Lord and personal Savior. Ephesians chapter two reminds us that by grace we have been saved, through faith, not from ourselves, but the gift of God. Jesus paid the penalty of sin when he died on the cross. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.

Remember friends, we are each other’s keeper and the only time we should be looking down on someone is when we are helping them up.

Humpty Dumpty

Humpty Dumpty

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Together with kindness and in understanding, let’s take this time to self reflect. I am here to inspire, encourage, and remind you that God has given us the most important weapon we have to fight the enemy, His Word.

Now let’s dress our soul like we dress our bodies, EVERYDAY!

Humpty Dumpty

“God, pick up the pieces. Put me back together again. You are my praise!” Jeremiah 17:14 MSG

How many of you all remember Humpty Dumpty? Humpty Dumpty is a character in an English nursery rhyme. He is portrayed as an egg. The first recorded version of the rhyme dates to late eighteenth century England.

The modern-day version of this nursery rhyme goes like this:

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall; all the king’s horses and all the king’s men couldn’t put Humpty Dumpty together again. With the help of the Lord and spiritual insight, let’s take another look at this nursery rhyme from days of old and apply it to our lives today. Let’s break it down shall we.

Humpty Dumpty, what’s in a name you ask? We all know now much it means to have someone call us by name or for us to call others by their names. When God says, “I have called you by your name. You are mine” it means He fully knows who we are, and He claims us as His own.  When he calls you, will you answer.

Sat on a wall, the dictionary defines this phrase as moving from a standing position to sitting. The rhyme does not go into details of what he was doing up there while he was sitting. We just know he sat. However, using my imagination, I see him surveying the land, people, or just taking a break. Now while he was up their taking a break, his eyes got heavy, and he fell asleep. And instead of lying with his back against the wall with some kind of safety net, he laid back he fell. A few spiritual questions arise in my head friends: When you need a leaning post, who are you leaning on? Who can hold us up with one hand and wipe away our tears with the other one? When we take a sit, do so on the hopes and promises of Jesus Christ.

Humpty Dumpty had a great fall, have you ever had a great fall friend? I have. I called myself just doing things my way. That was the wrong attitude right from the start. I’ve made mistakes, plenty of miss-takes, I have had my share of bumps and bruises. See I was Looking up from inside the dark holes, there were chains about my ankles. Depression and anxiety held me captive, but there was King Jesus full of wisdom and mercy as he reached down in my dark whole and lifted me. He touched me. Yes, he brought back the sun among those dark clouds. Amen.

All the king’s horses and all the king’s men, by virtue of Who He is as Creator of all things, God is the sovereign Ruler of the universe. Everything is under his command. He has all power and all authority, and He entrusts roles for his purpose. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

Couldn’t put Humpty Dumpty together again, this is where we get down to the nitty gritty friends, what was missing in their attempt to put him back together was the source. When we are broken, the word describes the Lord as a potter, and we are the clay, we are the work of His hands. He has the power to put us back together again. Piece by piece. We as the clay pot must pass through the fire, for the hotter the furnace the finer the vessel. God sees us as not just marred clay, but fine porcelain. Even in our brokenness, Jesus Christ our potter can put us back together again. Amen!

Remember friends, we are each other’s keeper and the only time we should be looking down on someone is when we are helping them up.

Laying on God’s Couch

Laying on God’s Couch

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Together with kindness and in understanding, let’s take this time to self reflect. I am here to inspire, encourage, and remind you that God has given us the most important weapon we have to fight the enemy, His Word.

Now let’s dress our soul like we dress our bodies, EVERYDAY!

Laying on God’s Couch

“Lord every morning you hear my voice. Every morning, I tell you what I need, and I wait for your answer.” Psalm 5:3 NCV

In my own imagination, I have made it to my appointment at the GOD Can Do Anything Counseling Center. He has lots of people to see from every walk of life who all need His help too.  He has so many credentials, KOG (King of Glory), LOL (Lord of Lords), BMS (Bright and Morning Star), LW (Living Water), WC (Wonderful Counselor), He is a Mediator, and teacher. He is the way, truth, and life. This charming little old lady who was about 4 feet tall, wore a white pants suit with colorful purple and pink beads around her neck. Her thick wooly gray hair was pulled back into a graceful bun. With a dazzling smile and friendly voice, she said, “Jannie, He will see you now.” She opened the door to let me in, as I enter the room I head toward the red-colored couch. It felt as comfortable as it looked.  Laying down and with all my worldly duties on pause, all I could see was those classic black sandals as I began with, “Hello Dr. Jesus.”

There is nothing like talking with the Good Lord about the things that are our minds and in our hearts. One thing I am sure of, is whatever I share with him, I will never hear it in the streets. Yes, friends we serve a confidential God. Since I could remember, I have always talked to Him out loud. I remembered to put that Mr. in front of Christ because that was how I was taught to respect my elders. He has always welcomed me to come just as I am and to be myself. Over the years I have come to him with my troubles, fears, and sorrows. But I have also come to him with sangin, dancing, and celebration. I am grateful for all the long talks I have been able to have with Jesus Christ.

Talking with God is about building up our relationship with the man who has known us since before we came into this old world. Jeremiah 1:5 says, “before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.” Isn’t that so profound to be known before you even got here? Nothing but God could have such power.

As you sit or lay and talk with Jesus for a while, remember these few things:

·      He is your friend. Greater love has no man than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.  John 15:13

·      We are loved, for God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

·      Let nothing separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39

·      Give Him praise. Glory to God in the highest, great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. Psalm 145:3

·      Take it to Him.  No matter what it is. I’ve learned friends there is power in the name of Jesus. For without faith, it is impossible to please him, for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6

·      Be willing to wait. Having done all you can do, be willing to wait on His timing, His way. They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Amen.

Remember friends, we are each other’s keeper and the only time we should be looking down on someone is when we are helping them up.

This post is dedicated to my sister and friend, LaFonda Iverson.

No Worries

No Worries

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Together with kindness and in understanding, let’s take this time to self reflect. I am here to inspire, encourage, and remind you that God has given us the most important weapon we have to fight the enemy, His Word.

Now let’s dress our soul like we dress our bodies, EVERYDAY!

No Worries

“In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears.” Psalm 18:6 KJV

How many of you remember the song, Hakuna Matata? This cute little song came from the movie, Lion King. The words Hakuna Matata is a Swahili phrase meaning, “no trouble” and “no worries” This animated musical drama was produced by Walt Disney Pictures in 1994. Along with an all star cast, the movie made 968.5 million dollars. It is still one of my personal feel good favorites.

We all know the story, King of the lion pride, Mufasa along with his queen welcome a newborn son Simba. Mufasa’s brother Scar coveted the thrown and conspired to kill his brother. He then tricked young Simba into believing that his father’s death was his fault, telling him to leave and never return. Leaving he eventually found friends and learn the truth about his uncle Scar. Simba takes his rightful place as king and the circle of life continues.

Like this story, life is full of highs, lows, and challenges. Even in the mist of the journey, we can have peace of mind, knowing we are not alone in our struggles. Scripture reminds us, “Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought 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 meat, and the body than raiment?  Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?” Matthew 6:25-26 KJV

Hakuna Matata friends!

Remember friends, we are each other’s keeper and the only time we should be looking down on someone is when we are helping them up.

What it Takes

What it Takes

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Together with kindness and in understanding, let’s take this time to self reflect. I am here to inspire, encourage, and remind you that God has given us the most important weapon we have to fight the enemy, His Word.

Now let’s dress our soul like we dress our bodies, EVERYDAY!

What it Takes

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

“Seeing and feeling my own human frailties as I succumb to the mounting pressure of my thoughts. I recognized I was a part of the problem. I have faith in everyone and everything, but what about faith in myself? Only God could love me like he does, despite my failings and mistakes. He’s always been there with me through it all. He never gave up on me. I owed Him and I owe myself. After all, hadn’t he been there for me, just like he promised? Didn’t he help me up when I fell? Didn’t he surprise me with blessings I knew I didn’t deserve? Yes, he believed in me, even when I couldn’t. Praying to God with tears in my eyes, I sadly acknowledged my lack of faith and ask God to help my unbelief. Exert from The Armor Project.

I have come a long way friends, and I still have a long way to go on this journey. But I am thankful to be moving and submersing myself in the things of God. How sweet it is to be loved by him. Part of my journey in faith dealt with my actions to pause, be still, and wait. All things I was not good at. I made a lot of hasty decisions without thinking. Yes I was just in my own way.

Let me share a few thoughts on faith with you:

Faith as a Gift, The book of Corinthians, chapter twelve speaks of faith as one of the nine gifts that are given by grace and are not based on our worthiness or personal ability. All those gifts are given by the Spirit of God, which may be drastically different from what we think we are capable of. There are different kinds of gifts, services, and works, but in all of them the same God is at work. The gift of increased faith carries a notion of confidence, certainty, trust, and complete assurance in God for His purpose.

Saving faith, this faith is implemented when a new believer accepts Jesus Christ as their personal savior. This includes repentance and baptism. It is in faith that the new believer’s journey begins. Growth of our faith is contingent on not just fitting God into our already busy schedule, instead it sheds light on how necessary it is to put him at the top of the priority list. Study of the scripture and prayer time are great places to start working as you build a personal relationship with God.

Faith of a mustard seed, the scripture says, “if you have the faith of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20. Did you know that those mountains can be things like: fear, doubt, negativity, procrastination and distraction to name a few? The mustard seed is only about one or two millimeters. It’s so tiny, and is one of the smallest seeds on the planet. They come in a variety of colors from yellow, white, and black. The bush can reach an average height between six to twenty feet. Now how can such a small seed grow so big? They grow best in cooler weather. The savory flavor of mustard complements our hotdogs, hamburgers, sandwiches, and potato salad. This healthy vegetable gives us mustard greens, which just happens to be my favorite kind of green. The largest production of mustard seeds come from India. They also have properties that may help to reduce asthma attacks, certain symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, and lower blood pressure. I can see why Jesus chose this seed to show us that big things can come out of small beginnings. Just a little faith can do amazing things in our lives.

People of faith, Able offered a better sacrifice than Cain, Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death, Noah prepared the Ark, Abraham showed obedience, and the fiery furnace was no match for the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The woman with the issue of blood believed if she touched the helm of Jesus’ garment that she would be made whole, and how about Gideon, who along with 300 soldiers and slaughtered the Midianites.

Friends what it takes is our faith in action and a willingness to trust God in all things. Keep the faith. The most amazing things in life tend to happen right at the moment you’re about to give up. The book of Isaiah 40:31 says it best, “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Amen.

Remember friends, we are each other’s keeper and the only time we should be looking down on someone is when we are helping them up.

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