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Favor

Favor

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Favor

Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” Luke 1:30 ESV

The scripture today represents a pivotal moment of divine reassurance and grace. The angel Gabriel commands fear to leave, validating Mary’s role in God’s plan. It signifies that being chosen is a gift of unmerited grace rather than a reward for righteousness.

“Favour” in Greek is translated as chári, the noun meaning grace, kindness, or a favor done and as a verb it means to favor/support. To have favor means to be regarded with special kindness, preferential treatment, or goodwill, often resulting in unearned advantages, support, or opportunities. It signifies being held in high regard—either by people or by God—leading to blessing and tangible assistance in difficult situations.

Individual Examples of Favor in the Scripture

  • Noah: Found favor in the eyes of the Lord to build the ark and save his family.
  • Joseph: Experienced favor with both God and humans, moving from prison to Prime Minister of Egypt.
  • Moses: Known to speak with God “face to face” and was chosen to lead Israel out of Egypt.
  • Ruth: Found favor with Boaz, allowing her to glean in his fields, which led to her protection and marriage.
  • Esther: Received favor in the sight of King Xerxes, enabling her to save the Jewish people.
  • Daniel: Was given favor and compassion by officials in Babylon, allowing him to thrive in captivity.
  • Mary (Mother of Jesus): Described as “highly favored” by God to bear the Savior.
  • Jesus: Grew in wisdom, stature, and favor with both God and man.

Think about the favor the good lord has given you over the years. If you are like me so many thoughts, come to mind, that nothing but God could have done. Gods favor chases us down wherever we go friends. His scripture is proof. Psalm 23:6 says, “Surely, goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

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

Cloak and Dagger

Cloak and Dagger

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Cloak and Dagger

Jesus tells his disciples, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.” Luke 22:36 NIV

The synonyms for cloak and dagger, describes activity intense secrecy, mystery, or espionage, including activities of undercover and hush-hush. These terms also describe secretive operations of mysterious situations.

The scripture I shared today, marks a shift from their previous mission (where they relied on hospitality) as Jesus addresses his disciple of a future facing intense opposition, persecution, and the need for preparation.

In the scripture I shared today, Jesus is preparing the disciples for his impending crucifixion and the hostile environment they will face afterwards. “Cloak and dagger” can relate with themes of hidden motives, spiritual warfare, or literal concealed weapons used for divine purposes. While not mentioning literal “cloak and dagger” can be a battle against invisible or wicked forces.

These scenarios often highlight that God works through both open means and secret calculated tactics to achieve His purposes, requiring his followers to be both harmless as doves and wise as serpents.

My friends in times like these we need to adhere to the word which tells us to “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ephesians 6:11-13

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.

Wisdom

Wisdom

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Wisdom

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7 KJV

Wisdom is an essential and important pursuit. It urges us to acquiring wisdom above all else, placing it as more crucial than knowledge or material wealth. It emphasizes seeking understanding. The verse advises us to “get wisdom.”

Haven’t we all been there, thinking we were wiser than our parents. When you think about it, were you? Over the years my friends I found out that ma’am and daddy knew and understood so much more about life then I ever could. They knew there is nothing new under the sun. I have been blessed to tell them thank you for sharing with me. Do you realize that God can and does bring wisdom to us through other people.

When we exercise wisdom, we can save ourselves time, energy, and money in many cases. Get off that hamster wheel of going nowhere fast. Distractions my friends are going to come. We all know that. But even in those difficult times we have a God who tells us he is the way, truth and the light. Not our will but his shall be done in heaven as it is on earth. We have access to the way maker! And might I add who better to lead us?

Wisdom is not about words it’s the action of thoughtfully thinking things through and seeking the guidance of the Good Lord. Take to heart the scripture of how to use wisdom and what it can mean for your life, when you take that one pause. Of all the things King Solomon could have asked the Lord for, he chose wisdom.

How many of you have heard the quote, give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime. This is what wisdom is all about. The importance of getting an understanding where you are and that the great navigator sees in all directions. Glory to God! 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.

When There is Nothing Else

When There is Nothing Else

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When There is Nothing Else

My friends there are somethings that show the horrors of a world out of control. The tragedy of young lives lost. 8 children were killed in a mass shooting this past Sunday morning. The gunman killed seven of his own children and one other child during a domestic dispute. Two women were also shot, and one remains in critical condition. The mayor has called this the worst tragedy our history.

This Gospel song by Charles Jenkins and Fellowship Chicago, just continued to play in my head and I began to think about the family. To anyone who is going through something and you just don’t see a way out, this is for you.

The question is when you’re standing at the crossroad, what do you do?

When the world is on your shoulders, what do you do?

When your back is up against the wall, what do you do?

Where do you look when there’s nowhere else to look?

Where do you turn when there’s nowhere to turn?

Where do you go when there’s nowhere else to go?

You gotta remember, you’re in the master’s hand and he has a plan.

So, hold on and keep the faith! Greater is he that is in you than he who is in the world.

Keep the faith!

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.

Friend At Midnight

Friend At Midnight

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Friend At Midnight

Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose you have a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have no food to offer him.’ And suppose the one inside answers, ‘Don’t bother me. The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed. I can’t get up and give you anything.’ I tell you, even though he will not get up and give you the bread because of friendship, yet because of your shameless audacity he will surely get up and give you as much as you need.” Luke 11:5-8 NKJV

Do you know what it’s like to be woken up out of your sleep by a friend who is in need someone to talk with? As I woke up out of that good sleep, I direct my attention to listening, lending a helping hand, providing comfort, and sometimes just being a shoulder to lean on.

There have also been those times when I couldn’t seem to sleep myself, Jesus is a friend at midnight. In the still of the night, I have shared so much with Him.  Believe me, He will meet us where we are. By the time I am done talking my spill, I find myself yawning and falling back to sleep. It’s amazing what a little talk with Jesus will do.

In the passage, Jesus urges his disciples to ask, seek, and knock, promising that those who do so will receive, find, and have doors opened for them. Jesus uses a comparison of parents who know how to give good gifts to their children. Our God is the creator of good gifts. Friends “how much more” will our Heavenly give to those who ask Him.

This passage emphasizes that prayer is a relationship based on trust, and we are encouraged to approach God with bold, persistent requests. That’s it Friends let us continue to bring everything to Jesus in prayer and don’t forget to leave it there. 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.

His Amazing

His Amazing

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His Amazing

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:1-6 KJV

I pray everyone had a wonderful Easter holiday. Jesus came here on a mission; he was born to die. He died for you, me, and everyone in this world. He died on Calvary’s cross, but that is not where his story ends. He rose friends, with healing and saving power! He rose with total authority and victory over death and the grave! He is amazing!

Only our Amazing God could take a nothing and make something. He put this planet we live on in just the right spot. We are not too close or far from the sun.  he made the moon, stars, all the planets, animals, and he put everything we need on this earth. He made us in His image, starting with Adam and then Eve from his rib. We don’t have the skill set to duplicate what he does. When you think about it, He is amazing!

And though we walk through all kinds of valleys in this life, we are not alone. We have nothing to fear cause he is our rod and staff, the Good Lord is our strong tower. He is there to comfort us along the way. Yes, your tears are just temporary. Even though we may be sitting at the table with enemies, God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost guards everything around us, keeping us safe in his hands. Not only does he anoint, but he also appoints! Hallelujah!!

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

A Good Friday

A Good Friday

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A Good Friday

“But He was wounded for our transgressions; He was bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5 21st Century King James Version

Did you know, the crucifixion itself was one of the most brutal forms of execution, designed to prolong suffering. Jesus endured excruciating pain, not only from the nails that pierced His hands and feet but also from the weight of humanity’s sins. And yet, in His suffering, He continued to show love and mercy. Jesus came into this world because of love. Because of him we can have life and we can live.

Why “Good”? The term “good” is traditionally believed to be an old English synonym for “holy,” marking it as “Holy Friday”. It is deemed “good” because of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. He purchased salvation and demonstrated God’s love, setting the stage for his resurrection. Where would we be friends if he hadn’t come? 

If you haven’t excepted Him into your life. I wouldn’t wait another day. I would do it today. If you feel incomplete, like somethings missing or there’s something tugging at your heart strings. Say this prayer with me and receive Jesus into your life.

“Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe you died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust You as my Savior and follow You as Lord. In Jesus’ name, 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.

Heart

Heart

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HEART

“Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 NIV

My favorite portrayal of Davy Jones Locker comes from Pirates of the Caribbean: At worlds End, it came out in 2007. The cursed captain of the Flying Dutchman was tasked with ferrying souls to the afterlife. The part of interest to me was his heart locked away inside a “Dead Man’s Chest.” Why was it in there? Because he was trying to escape the unbearable emotional pain caused by the betrayal of his love, the sea goddess Calypso.

That part of the story got me thinking about how people lock themselves away. There are plenty of lifetime movies dedicated to the subject. Various reasons have brought them to a locked heart. They’ve forgotten what it feels like to live, love, and laugh. They are stuck in the past, with no map to get out. What about those who have misplaced their keys or just all together throw them away. Either way it can be a lonely existence.

When it comes to matters of the heart, it requires us to open our hearts to healing. It requires vulnerability, compassion, and the courage to face pain, transforming scars as we turn it into strength. Understand that healing is a conscious choice to move from fearful living to a loving connection.

Friends let Him heal, guide, and fill your life with purpose, love, and spiritual peace. Open your heart to being thankful for what He has already done and offers. Dedicate time to focusing on His presence within your heart. Our God is in a giving mood, are you ready to receive?

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.

Rebuilt From the Inside Out!

Rebuilt From the Inside Out!

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Rebuilt from the Inside Out!

“Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV

How many of you remember The Six Million Dollar Man? It was a popular American sci-fi/action TV series that aired from 1974–1978 starring Lee Majors as Colonel Steve Austin, a former astronaut rebuilt with bionic limbs after a crash, making him superhumanly strong, fast, and a secret agent for the OSI. The show followed Austin on missions against villains, featuring iconic slow-motion running and sound effects, and spawned a spin-off, The Bionic Woman, and several reunion movies. The shows still come on, and yes, I enjoy watching.

When I think about my title today, I don’t think about science fiction, I think about God’s ability to rebuild us from the inside out by transforming our hearts and minds through the Holy Spirit. His Word replacing old, broken ways with divine love, character, and truth. This spiritual metamorphosis involves complete surrender. It’s a new way of thinking, talking, walking, and living. As we see God’s beauty is all around us. Just look in the mirror. No, things aren’t perfect, but it’s what we make of it. It’s all about perspective. God does make the difference y’all.

“Though no one can go back and make a brand-new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand-new ending.”

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.

Jesus Can Work It Out

Jesus Can Work It Out

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Jesus Can Work It Out

“The Lord works out everything to its proper end.” Proverbs 16:4 NIV

Do you remember the song called; Jesus Will Work It Out? It’s been sung by many church choirs, gospel quartet singers, and many musical artists. I grew up listening to this song in my church as a child. The senior choir sung it with great joy and enthusiasm. The whole church was clapping their hands.

In my kiddie days, I reflect fondly on my response to the song too. Before I knew it, I was bobbin my little head, clapping my hands, and boy howdy did I sing to the lungs. How sweet it is to be loved by Jesus and to feel His Holy Spirit.

All these many moons later, I understand why the song brought joy to the hearts of those who sang and listened. Our God who remains the same yesterday, today, and forever more, has the power to transformer our lives at any age.

 Some of my favorite verse in the song are:

That problem that I had, I just couldn’t seem to solve, I tried and I tried but I kept gettin’ deeper involved, So, I turned it over to Jesus and I stopped worryin’ about it, I said I turned it over to Jesus and I stopped worrying about it, I turned it over to the Lord and He Worked It Out.

Friends, just move out the way, move out of the Good Lords way. Take your seat in prayer, not despair. Take your seat in faith, and do not faint. Take your seat in trust, stay His course. Take your seat in love, it lifts, fills, seals, surrounds, and comforts us. My battle, your battle, our battles are the Lords. 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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