Tag: #godsword

Standing on God’s Word

Standing on God’s Word

Standing on God’s Word

“I promise that my Spirit and my words that I give you will never leave you. They will be with your children and your grandchildren. They will be with you now and forever.” Isaiah 59:21 ICB

Even with all the people in the world, its can still feel like a very lonely place. It can seem like no one understands or gets us. And that’s okay, because God does “get us” and His Word assures us we are never alone, no matter what. You know He has plenty of “rams in the bushes.” Take comfort in knowing, that God’s Word will never leave nor fail us.

The Word of God has been in existence since the beginning of time. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. No matter the season friends, it is our source of hope and comfort. Not only for us, but for our children and grandchildren. God’s Word is a necessary Holy invasion of the spiritual kind for our minds, as we respond in action through faith. Yes Lord send me, I will go!

“Lord thank you for your Word. It is our Daily Bread. Help us to stand with are feet planted firmly in your Word.  No matter what we may be going through, you are one read away. Help us to take your Word and place it in our hearts and mind. Let it move us to have courage, patience, and faith as we stand on your living Word today and everyday. 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.

Grandma’s Wisdom

Grandma’s Wisdom

Grandma’s Wisdom

“Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long-life bring understanding?” Job 12:12 NIV

December 18, 1991

 Grandma,

 In the time when you are weak God is strong. Take up the Whole Armor that you may stand in these evil days. Gear up with the Belt of Truth, then put on your Breastplate of Righteousness, on your feet is Peace shield yourself with Faith, protect your head with the Helmet of Salvation, and in your hand is the Sword, which is the Word of God.

 Love your Granddaughter,

 Jannie V. Cudjo

 I was twenty-two years old when I wrote this loving message to my grandmother. I found it in her Bible, still neatly folded between the pages. My grandma, Madea, Jannie V. Taylor Green passed away March 16, 2013. When I found the forgotten note, I took my time reflecting on those sweet memories of her and I laughing together, as I drove us to the grocery store. I would push the buggy as she went from isle to isle with her list in hand. And the cooking she would do, yep I just kept my plastic bowl in my car, cause I was gonna want to take some of whatever she cooked home. Even after all these years, I still get sentimental when I think of her. But I focus on those sweet memories that bring a smile to my face. I was blessed to have had her to share in a great many of the milestones in my life. She was always there with love and support for me.

Lately I have been thinking a lot about the wisdom my grandmother shared. She taught by example. She took care of business, stretching every penny. She always took the time to show me how to do thing. It was never a bother. I think she enjoyed teaching us kids. My grandmama loved me like the rock of ages, she loved me. Grandma knew God for herself and reminded me to keep Him first. Her selfless acts of love and prayers made room for my family’s dreams. She encouraged us to live life, and the importance of pushing through to fulfill our goals.

If you are blessed to have your grandma, show her love. Make the time to go by and see her. Don’t put off what you can do today. Give her those flowers so she can smell them right now. She needs to see your love in action: kindness, gentleness, joy, and laughter. Let there be no regrets of what you should or could have done. Friends, if we keep living, we too, will be those seniors needing all the love, understanding, and compassion others can give.

Allow me to share this short exert from my first book, Out of the Belly:

As I wiped the tears from my eyes, I took my finally loving look at my grandma, who was sleeping in the bosom of God. I knew he would take good care of her for the family and me. In my few moments standing there alone, I spoke in just a whisper, “I will carry the love and memories of you as long as I live. It will never be goodbye, and one day, if I live my life half as good as you did, I will see you face to face. Oh, what a reunion that will be. Until such a day, I will smile when I think of you. Oh, one more thing, could you do me a favor? While you are up there singing with the angels, can you keep an eye on me?”

Did I tell you she looked beautiful in pink?

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.

The Great Pretenders

The Great Pretenders

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!

The Great Pretenders

“A certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, and he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ Feet.” Acts 5:1-2 NKJV

The New Testament Church was bustling with enthusiasm and excitement and was attracting a lot of attention. Jesus Christ had risen from the dead, God’s Holy Spirit was evidence by a display of power on the day of Pentecost, and three thousand converts were added to the Church that same day. New converts were excited about the opportunity to be involved in God’s work. Many had traveled long distances to be in Jerusalem and stayed longer than expected, and others needed support. Those in a position to help, and willing to do so, sold property and gave it to the apostles to distribute to others as needed.

Ananias and Sapphire were captivated by the growth and interest in the church.  They saw it as an opportunity. Coveting power and prestige they played politics and conspired to tempt the spirit of the Lord. Sounds like an episode of American Greed to me. It’s a reminder that this kind of behavior and con is nothing new to the world.

Peter, who was filled with the power of the Spirit, knew instantly that Ananias was lying—not just to him but to God—and exposed his hypocrisy then and there. Ananias fell down and died. When Sapphira showed up, she, too, lied to Peter and to God, saying that they had donated the entire proceeds of the sale of the land to the church. When her lie had been exposed, she also fell down and died at Peter’s feet.

Why did God Judge them so Harshly?

We know they were likely true believers or church attenders because they were part of the community at the time. They were not outsiders. Which implies they were followers. Peter knew them by name. Their offering was accepted by the apostles in parallel to Barnabas’s gift. Their death brought great fear that seized the whole church and all who heard about what happened.

What is the lesson of these two great pretenders? GIVE WITH HONESTY.

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.