Tag: #outofthebellypodcast

Nothing Can Come Between Us

Nothing Can Come Between Us

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Nothing Can Come Between Us

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 NIV

The psalmist echoes Paul’s conviction that neither death nor life can separate us from God’s love: “I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there!” God is present everywhere. There is no place we can go and be cut off from His presence. The Bible also tells us that God, by His very nature, is love. And if God is love and exists everywhere, then it stands to reason that nothing and no place can isolate us from His love.

Paul relates a laundry list of things that could potentially have the power to barricade us from God’s loving presence: life, death, angels, demons, the present, the future, powers, height, depth, and anything else in all creation.

God displayed His great love for us on the cross. On Calvary, Jesus Christ triumphed over all things, including death and every living enemy, by offering His life in our place. When we receive God’s gift of salvation, we are “buried with Christ” through baptism and “raised to new life” by “the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.”

Paul continues, “You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. You shouting yet?

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.

C’mon!

C’mon!

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C’Mon!

“But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving.  I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the Lord.” Jonah 2:9 NLT

I have always been fascinated with the story of Jonah. Today’s scripture comes after Jonah was in the inoperable belly of a great fish. Let’s face it, he wasn’t going anywhere, and he had plenty of time to think about the actions that have led him to such a dark and smelly place.

But let’s look at the statement that got him out of there:

“But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving. I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the Lord.”

What does Jonah teach?  There is no place and no circumstances that we can find ourselves in, where we cannot connect with God through prayer to receive comfort and help from Him. Even with all the running away and carrying on that Jonah did, God still showed him mercy. In my own life I reflected on the grace and mercy the Lord has shown me. He has helped me through so many things. We serve a God y’all that can do anything but fail.

The songwriter said the words best,

“Walk with me, Lord
 Walk with me,
 Walk with me, Lord
 Walk with me

While I’m on this tedious journey 
I need You, Jesus, to walk with me”

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.

God Will Provide

God Will Provide

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God Will Provide

“I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.” Psalm 37:25 ESV

The phrase “never seen his seed begging for bread” speaks to the idea that the righteous and their descendants are provided for by God and are not reduced to begging for sustenance. King David writes about God’s faithfulness and provision for those who follow Him.

The psalm encourages believers to trust in God, emphasizes that God’s blessing ultimately rests on the righteous. It also highlights God’s care for the righteous and their families, suggesting that they are not abandoned or left in desperate need. It doesn’t necessarily mean they will never experience hardship, but that they are not forsaken or left to beg.

Let me take a few minutes to share a few things about my current company, Shreveport Job Corps. It is based in Shreveport Louisiana. Job Corps was established in 1964 as a part of President Lyndon Johnson’s “War on Poverty.” The program provides vocational training and academic education to low come individuals aged 16-24. This program is funded by Congress and administered by the U. S. Department of Labor. Job Corps was inspired by the Civilian Conservation Corps of the Great Depression era and was created by the Economic Opportunity act of 1964.

Despite all its successes throughout the years the company is facing challenges. Recently there has been a pause on center operations across the nation and over 25,000 students are in danger of losing trade, academic opportunities, and some a place to live while they prepare for the future. It also touches the lives caring and committed staff who some have dedicated over 25 years of service to their cause.We do this job because we care about students and want to see them win.

This program was founded on an idea that still drives it today, to have an opportunity in our nation’s workforce.There has been so much love and support for this program by students, staff, political and community leaders who recognize its importance. If you haven’t seen all the news, go to TikTok and type in Job Corps.

I remind myself of this one fact; God is in control. Friends no matter the challenges we face, or you may be going through in our lives, TRUST GOD and leave EVERYTHING in his POWERFUL HANDS.

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.

Father’s Day, Not Just Another Holiday

Father’s Day, Not Just Another Holiday

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Father’s Day, Not Just Another Holiday

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.”                    Psalm 103:13 NIV

Who’s not familiar with it’s a man’s, man’s, man’s world by the Godfather of Soul, James Brown. This song was written by James Brown and Betty Jean Newsome. Recorded on February 16, 1966. In 2010, the 1966 recording of the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Brown would later duet on the song with opera star Luciano Pavarotti in 2002. If you have never heard it, I recommend that you see and hear it on YouTube.

What an appropriate song for not just another holiday, Father’s Day. This is also Men’s Health Month. The theme is centered on closing the Empathy Gap in men’s health through advocacy awareness and action. The truth is men’s challenges are often overlooked. Men often fall prey to the darker side of political correctness and societal expectations. Men deal with pressures of judgement and emotions that go unaddressed, because maybe they been told to hold it inside, be a man, men don’t cry. Nothing could be further from the truth, just because you’re a man, it doesn’t mean you don’t have feelings.  It’s all a part of being human. God is there to give guidance and directions to not only help men, but their family too.

Here are a few Ideas to get the most out of Men’s Health Month:

Take the time to do Health Screenings

Add and keep healthy eating in your diet

Do social media posts to share positive ideas

Mindful Break Sessions give it a “pause” everyone needs a break.

Physical fitness, that’s it, Walk it Out!

Stay in Touch with Family and Friends

Laugh, laugh, laugh

 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV

Happy Father’s Day to all who wear the title in words and actions.

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.

Prayer Warriors

Prayer Warriors

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Prayer Warriors

“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16 NIV

Growing up as a kid I had been surrounded by some amazing prayer warrior women and men. My grandma, momma, lady circles, and deacons who prayed to the Lord with tears in their eyes, asking the Lord to come see about his people. They were all my examples of prayer in action.

In the Bible, prayer warriors are defined as individuals who are deeply committed to prayer and intercede for others. There were many examples like: Solomon, Hannah, John the Baptist, Paul, and Mary, the mother of Jesus. There was also David, who was know for his powerful prayers for his own needs and for the nation of Israel. Moses interceded for the Israelites, pleading with God for their wellbeing and forgiveness. Daniel who prayed three times a day, seeking Gods guidance and protection, and Jesu, who was the Model Prayer throughout his ministry as he interceded for his disciples and the people of the world.

My dad says it best, “prayer changes the condition of things.” I know this to be true. Let us all continue to lift each other up in prayer for healing in our minds, bodies, and for our nation and the world. There is power in the name of Jesus. I am praying for and with you.

“Faith and prayer are the vitamins of the soul; man cannot live in health without them,” Mahalia Jackson

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 Did Jesus Do

What Did Jesus Do

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What Did Jesus Do?

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 ESV

The scripture I shared, is considered a core message about God’s love and the offer of sacrifice through Jesus Christ. Jesus, the master teacher who taught Love, forgiveness, repentance, faith/hope, Humility, service, compassion, and the kingdom of God. He taught parables, and he was the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity. His death reconciled us back to the father.

He was a miracle worker who:

  • Healed the Sick and Disabled
  • Raised the Dead
  • Turned Water into Wine
  • Fed the Multitude
  • Calmed Storms

I know what he has done for me. He took those shattered pieces of my life and made me whole again. His Love lifted me up. He touched my mind giving me a new way of thinking. He forgave me when I failed him. Because of him, I can breathe again. He put joy and smile down in my heart. He walks, talks, and guides me on my journey.  He has fought my battles. He is my bridge over troubled waters and my hope for tomorrow. He is that friend who taught me how to love just being me. There is none like Him.

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.

Words You Can Live By

Words You Can Live By

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Words You Can Live By

“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Proverbs, Chapter 18: 21 NEV

A slogan is a phrase, usually only a few words in length, that is highly memorable. The goal of these words leave a lasting impression in our minds.

Let me share some famous slogans that I know you have heard:

  1. Skittles — “Taste the Rainbow”
  2. Red Bull — “Red Bull Gives You Wings”
  3. Maybelline – “Maybe She’s Born With it, maybe it’s Maybelline”
  4. Nike – “Just Do It!”
  5. Kellogg’s Rice Krispies — “Snap! Crackle! Pop!”
  6. Maxwell House — “Good to the Last Drop”
  7. M&M — “Melts in Your Mouth, Not in Your Hands”
  8. Capital One — “What’s in Your Wallet?”
  9. State Farm — “Like a Good Neighbor, State Farm Is There”
  10. Bounty — “The Quicker Picker Upper”
  11. Lay’s — “Betcha Can’t Eat Just One”
  12. Dunkin’ Donuts — “America Runs on Dunkin’”
  13. The U.S. Marine Corps — “The Few. The Proud. The Marines”
  14. The U.S. Army- “Be all you can be”
  15. Kelloggs Frosties — “They’re GR-R-R-reat”
  16. Campbell’s Soup — “M’m! M’m! Good!”

Did you remember some of the Slogans I shared? People have been shopping by these slogans for years.

What about the scriptures? There are plenty of words the scripture provides us, that we can live by every day. Words of strength, guidance, hope, joy, rest, peace, and love. God’s Word has everything we need to live our best life.

  • My God will supply our needs
  • Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean on your own understanding; Acknowledge him and he Shall direct your path.
  • God takes care of the birds of the air, how much more will he take care of you
  • The Lord is my Shepherd, and I shall not want.
  • I can do all things through Christ who is my strength.
  • We walk by faith, not by sight.
  • Let all you do be done in love.
  • Peace be still.
  • I am with you always
  • A joyful heart is good medicine.
  • For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Here are two more church marquee signs I saw online: One said, “God is like tide soap, He gets the stains out, others left behind.”and on more for the road, “why pay for GPS? Jesus gives directions for free.”

No matter what this life throws at us, we have the Good Lord. He is where all our help comes from. We can lean and depend on him. No other help I know.

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.

Skin Deep

Skin Deep

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Skin Deep

“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” I Peter 3:3-4 NIV

You may have heard the saying, “beauty is only skin-deep,” which means that while someone may be beautiful on the outside, their character—what’s inside, and more meaningful—isn’t necessarily attractive.

Several artists recorded “Beauty Is Only Skin Deep.” My favorite version is by the Temptations. The song was featured on the group’s 1966 first Greatest Hits album.

“beauty’s only skin deep, yeah, yeah, yeah, beauty’s only skin deep oh yeah!”

In the scriptures, the idea of beauty is often interpreted as a reminder that “true beauty” is not about superficial things, but about the character and disposition of the heart. It suggests that true beauty lies in qualities like kindness, patience, and a willingness to submit to God’s will. It encourages believers to cultivate inner qualities that reflect God’s character.

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.

Misfits

Misfits

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Misfits

“We’re the Messiah’s misfits. You might be sure of yourselves, but we live in the midst of frailties and uncertainties. You might be well-thought-of by others, but we’re mostly kicked around.” I Corinthians 4:10 MSG

Have you ever felt like you just don’t fit in? Or maybe people have told you all your life that you don’t belong, or you’re just not like them. You know, feeling like an outcast isn’t all that uncommon. Thoughts of what we are meant to be doing, and of course all the who what when where, why, and how are we going to get from here to there.

Maybe God called you to do something, maybe you’re not familiar, but that hasn’t stopped you from doing your homework. On the journey you are trusting God’s timing, you know it’s perfect. Keep on keeping the faith as you continue to learn and grow. Hey everybody is not going to get the vision God has given you, so stop trying to explain it and just live the dream with your eyes wide open. Just the other day, my beautiful daughter Cherelle and I were having the discussion on the importance of God’s timing. Did you hear me when I said its PERFECT?

I have been labeled as a misfit. But over the years friends I came to realize that those differences made me, me. Some of the best lessons are to just be yourself cause you are enough. I am a child of the king beautifully and wonderfully made by the hands of the Good Lord.

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.

My Folks!!

My Folks!!

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My Folks!!

“Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother- which is the first commandment with a promise- so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”  Ephesians 6:1-3 NIV

I would like to dedicate this Blog to my Parents, Rev. J.L and Doris Cudjo. I know they prayed for me. Thank God for momma and Daddy. I Love you both. My parents Dottie and Jimmie, as they call each other have been married 56 years. From their union came three girls. One born in Fort Worth Texas, another in Shreveport Louisiana and finally the baby girl, born in Oklahoma City Oklahoma. They made lots of sacrifices for us girls.

The scripture I have chosen emphasizes the importance of family and the respect due to those who have nurtured and raised us. Might I add, no matter how old we get, we are never as old as our parents.

What does it mean to Honor our Parents? It means treating them with consideration, respect, and love,  shown support and care for them as their needs change, watch our tone and mouth,  and avoiding actions or words that would belittle or disrespect them. Nothing is more troublesome than to see or hear a disrespectful child of any age.

The promise of long life and blessing is attached to this commandment. Think about it this way friends. When we honor our parents, which includes whoever had a hand in raising you. Let love lead the way and do what is right. Give your parents their flowers now. No regrets.

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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