Tag: #psalm

Never Too Old

Never Too Old

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Never Too Old

“Once I was young, and now I am old. Yet I have never seen the Godly abandoned or their children begging for bread.” Psalm 37:25 NLT

This passage of scripture I have shared today highlights God’s faithfulness and provision for those who follow Him. As I grow older, I have seen first-hand, that I can learn new things, not to mention that my palette of interest has grown too.

Social media is filled with 50 plus people, cooking, dancing, singing, vacationing, giving positive message, funny jokes, and skits. After all you can’t live 50 plus years and not have some amazing experiences to share. Too be honest it is refreshing and encouraging to me to see folks my age doing their thang.

Age should not limit older people from pursuing their passions and achieving goals. C.S. Lewis said it this way, “You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream.”

Here are a few extraordinary things some older people have done:

80-year-old fashion model

91-year-old marathon runner

88-year-old active gymnast

90-year-old who earned a PhD

95-year-old who earned a bachelor’s degree, then at 98 years old earned master’s degree, and even moved into a campus dorm.

Ironman athlete and Nun at 86 years old

Climb Mount Everest at 80 years old

90-year-old who won a Nobel Prize

Water Skier at 100 years old

Riding Harley-Davidson motorcycle at 90 years old

Active dancer and yoga practitioner at 92 years old

Oldest Newlyweds at ages 103 and 91 years old

Skydiving at 100 years old

Drive a Formula 1 car at 79 years old

And that’s not all of the list, Isn’t that amazing? It’s a sign that adventures come at any age. It’s all about a mindset my friends. We can do all things through Christ who is our strength. Notice it doesn’t say anything about our age. The Longer I live the more beautiful life becomes. I certainly appreciate the simple things. We are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. Amen.

Who You With?

Who You With?

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Who You With?

“If it had not been the Lord who was on our side,”
Let Israel now say— “If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, when men rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us alive, when their wrath was kindled against us. Then the waters would have overwhelmed us,
The stream would have gone over our soul. Then the swollen waters Would have gone over our soul.” Blessed be the Lord, who has not given us as prey to their teeth.” Psalm 124:1-6 NKJV

This Psalm of Ascent is attributed to David; it expresses gratitude for deliverance from enemies. It emphasizes that if it were not for the Lord’s intervention, his people would have been overwhelmed by their adversaries. The psalm highlights the Lord as the protector and source of help, comparing their escape to a bird escaping a snare.

The psalm begins with a hypothetical scenario: if the Lord had not been on their side, the people would have been swallowed alive, overwhelmed by the wrath and force of their enemies, depicted as raging waters.

The tone shifts to praise and gratitude. The psalmist blesses the Lord for not allowing them to become prey to their enemies’ attacks. They compare their escape to a bird escaping a snare.

The psalm concludes with a declaration of trust in the Lord, acknowledging Him as the creator of heaven and earth and the ultimate source of their help.

Who you with friends? Is it the Lord who is strong and mighty, the Lord who is almighty in battle, He is the King of Glory. Not only will he fight for His children, He Wins!

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.

It’s the Little Things

It’s the Little Things

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It’s the Little Things

“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Psalm 103:2-5 ESV

Over the last few weeks, I have been thinking about gratitude and what it means to be grateful. Little things mean a lot and we must appreciate what we got. Being grateful means recognizing and appreciating the goodness of God and the blessings in our lives, both big and small. We can always start with our attitude by giving credit where it is due, to the Good Lord. And we can give a hearty thank you to those family members and friends who make it their business to encourage us with positive vibes we can live by.

The other day I had the opportunity to visit with my parents. I always have the best time, laughing and talking with them. My favorite part of the visit are the hugs. They are the stuff of legends for me.  In those moments, I think I am blessed to still have my dad and mom. I am so thankful to the Lord for them, and I do not hesitate to tell them that I love them every time we talk, or I am in their company. My favorite seat is right in between them on the couch as I share funny videos for us to laugh at.

Friends lets focus on the positive things, spend less time on what is lacking and more time on what’s matters most. The Word of God encourages us to cultivate a heart of gratitude and to express thanks in all circumstances, even in the midst of difficulties.

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.

Hills

Hills

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Hills

“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?

My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.

Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand.

The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.

The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.

The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.”  

Psalm 121 NSV

In this Psalm David knew his  help cane from the LORD. As a young boy he worked as a shepherd, tending to his father’s sheep. He displayed skills in music and fighting. He was the same boy who took out Goliath with a smooth stone and his slingshot.

David spent a lot of time in those hills, hiding from King Saul who had plans to cut his life short. Now a king himself, he reflects on those hills. Facing despair, grief, and loneliness, he was kept safe and alive. Even in the darkest places, God was still there, leading, protecting, and fulfilling the promises he had given him when he was a youth.

What do you see when you gaze upon your own hills? I see a God has carried,  providing, protecting, and helping me through the challenges.  He made a way out of no way. We are not alone on the journey friends. His Word reminds us that he is with us.

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. 

Exhale

Exhale

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EXHALE

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3 NEV

What does it mean to exhale? The dictionary defines it as an act of expelling or releasing. It can also metaphorically refer to expressing or releasing emotions or feelings.

Whitney Elizabeth Houston (August 9, 1963 – February 11, 2012) was an American singer, actress, film producer, model and philanthropist. Commonly referred to as the voice, she is one of the most awarded performers of all time. She broke both gender and racial barriers. In 2023 she was ranked second on Rolling Stone’s list of the greatest singers of all time. And we know this is true when she delivered an unforgettable performance of the Star Spangle Banner at Super bowl 25 in 1991.

In 1995, she starred in the movie, Waiting to Exhale. This romantic comedy-drama film was directed by Forest Whitaker. The film was an adaptation from the 1992 novel by Terry McMillan. It’s a story about 4 college-educated, middle-class black women who rely on one another to overcome several personal and professional crises. From that movie came several songs like, It hurt like hell by Aretha Franklin, not gon cry by Mary J. Blige, and my funny valentine by Chaka Khan. One more song comes to mind by Whitney Houston called, Exhale (Shoop Shoop)

Allow me to share some of the words and if you are like me, I hadn’t heard it in a good while, when you get some time, listen to it.

“Everyone falls in love sometime
, sometimes it’s wrong
 and sometimes it’s right, for every win
 someone must fail
but there comes a point when
 we exhale, sometimes you’ll laugh
, sometimes you’ll cry
 life never tells us the when’s or why’s
, when you’ve got friends to wish you well
 you’ll find your point when you will exhale, hearts are often broken when there are words unspoken, in your soul there’s answers to your prayers, If you’re searching for a place you know
 a familiar face, somewhere to go, you should look inside yourself, you’re halfway there
 Shoop, shoop, shoop, shoop be doop
 all you gotta do is say shoop be doop.”

The Psalms I am sharing today is an expression of praise, even with all the troubles the people  were experiencing, they beilieved God would bring them restoration and healing.  Our God is the Great physician, He is all-powerful and can heal us from the inside out. As we exhale, we do so as an act of expelling negativity and releasing ourselves to just trust God with our emotions and feelings.

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 It Gets Hard

When It Gets Hard

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When It Gets Hard

“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” Psalm 55:22 NIV

As we ALL know, life is filled with ups and down and the Word of God gives us inspiration to keep our heads up as we push forward. No matter what the challenges my friends, with God on our sides we do have the strength and resilience to overcome any challenge. How can we navigate those tight spaces:

  • In the midst of challenges find strength in the God in you.
  • When you fall, get on up and try it again, and again, and AGAIN!
  • Don’t let the storms of life extinguish your inner light or make you a mean person.
  • Setbacks are an opportunity in disguise to learn and grow.
  • Believe in the dreams you have and your ability to transform toward greatness.
  • Remember you are not defined by adversity, but instead how you rise above it.
  • The roads are paved with all kinds of challenging runs, but it’s not our swiftness or strength that keeps us moving its our willing and endurance.
  • Even in the darkest of night, the stars are still shining. Find the light within you and let it shine.

In the depth of our struggles lies and opportunity for self-discovery and personal growth. Embrace your journey and keep moving forward. Remember who you are and whose you are. You are a child of the King and He sees where you are at and where you gotta go. Trust him to lead the way.

The song writer reminds me that when it gets hard to remember:

I’ve had some good days, hills to climb, weary days, sleepless nights, sometimes the clouds are low, and I can’t hardly see the road.

But when I look around and think things over, all of my good days outweigh my bad days, and I won’t complain. The Lord has been so good to me, drying my tears, turning my midnights into day (you know trouble don’t last always) He’s been so good to me, Lord I thank you. 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.

Mirror Mirror on the Wall

Mirror Mirror on the Wall

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Mirror Mirror on the Wall

“Thou art fairer than the children of men; grace is poured into thy lips: therefore, God hath blessed the forever.” Psalm 45:2 KJV

I bet you can guess what movie my title for today is from. It’s the most recognize quote from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. It is a 1937 American animated musical fantasy film produced by Walt Disney Productions. Did you know that it is based on the 1812 German Fairy tale, by the Brothers Grimm. It was the first animated feature film produced in the United States in 1938. The movie had a budget of 1.5 million dollars, however at the box office it made 418 million dollars.

The scripture begins with a poetic and powerful description of the King, praising and exalting Him both for who He is and what He does. The psalmist begins by simply noting the beauty of the King, saying He is more beautiful/ fairer than all others.

“Mirror mirror on the wall who is the fairest of them all. The lord Jesus He is the fairest of them all!  He is the Word made flesh, who He heals, reveals, compels, he sets free, leads, saves, forgives, provides, and loves. He makes a way out of no way. He wipes our tears away and replaces them with joy. He is our bridge over troubled waters. He walks and talks with us. He is our strong tower. He has us in the palm of his hands. No more loneliness, He is the HOPE that took us through yesterday. He is the head of our today. And He is right there  preparing us for our tomorrow.

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.

I am the Warrior!!

I am the Warrior!!

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I am the Warrior!!

“God arms me with strength, and he makes my way perfect. He makes me as surefooted as a deer, enabling me to stand on mountain heights. He trains my hands for battle; he strengthens my arm to draw a bronze bow.” Psalm 18:32-34 NLT

“With my natural eyes, I pictured the armor of the Lord as a dull, stainless steel, metal body suit. Smears of blood were visible everywhere. I could see why a soldier would need to wear it. There on the surface, were enduring dents, dings, scratches, and deep gashes that represented the battles of life.  I was even able to see deeper things, like truth, commitment, honor, and protection. In my mind, I continued to look at this suit…it was a lifeless shell that needed a courageous soul to wear it. Sadly, it was at this point that I became aware of my spiritual nakedness and began to wonder where my own armor was. Embarrassed and in a panic, I began looking for my spiritual armor, but I was unable to find it. I let out a big sigh as I sat down at the table with my chin resting in the palm of my hand-only me, my thoughts, and the chill of silence.”  From my book the Armor Project.

It’s nothing like reflections y’all. Sometimes when I read through my books, I often think about the journey that led to this moment right now. Yes, I have had my share of doubts, wondering about the oppositions, wondering if I was capable, equipped, able, and strong enough.

The Word of God reminds me, that I am more than a conquer through him who loves me. Because of God, I am strong and have courageous! The Lord is my rock and fortress, he is my rock in whom I take refuge, he is my shield. He is my rod and my staff. He is the light of my salvation-whom shall, I fear? The Lord is my Song. Early in the morning and in the midnight hour. When I think of his goodness and mercy, I just have to tell it! I’ve learned to encourage my own soul in faith and through the power of God’s Word. Even when I didn’t know how, the Lord said, “I do.”  When I didn’t know when, he said, “trust my ways and my timing it is perfect.” Life lives in the power of the tongue. Let him speak to you and through you, and live. We are the Warrior! 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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