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Keep Getting Up

Keep Getting Up

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This world is filled with all kinds of challenges. Some of them are easy to navigate while others take a compass, map, and GPS. And yes, there are many lessons to be learned along the way.

Our circumstances might knock us down, but they shouldn’t knock us out! This means that hard times will test you and try to break your spirit, but we must stay strong. Be the bouncy back kid! After all we Got Jesus and He does make the difference.

Test and trials will come for us friends, and when we fall, the most important thing we can do is get back up and keep getting up!

Every day I live, is another opportunity to learn and to grow. The Lord is our Shepard, and we shall not want. He is our leaning post and comfort in every kind of weather.

Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known 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.

Where There is a Will, There is a Way!

Where There is a Will, There is a Way!

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Where There is a Will, There is a Way!

The Apostle Paul In Romans 12:2, writes: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”This indicates a shift in how we think, see, hear, value, and act.

 The term, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way” is a famous English proverb meaning that strong determination and a firm mindset can help you find a method to overcome any hard challenge and reach your goal.

Friends make the Good Lord your highest priority, letting His values guide your daily choices.

  • Start your day with Him: Pray or read scripture before checking your phone or rushing into tasks.
  • Consult Him in decisions: Ask if your choices align with His will rather than just your own desires.
  • Integrate faith everywhere: Let your faith influence how you treat family and do your job.
  • Love above all else: Care deeply for God and show that same love to the people around you.
  • Trust through hardship: Lean on God for strength and peace when life gets difficult, rather than worrying.
  • Let go of idols: Do not let money, status, or distractions take the place of God in your heart.

Friends let me leave you with this encouraging quote about pushing through, “one day, you will look at your struggles and laugh. In the moment it seemed impossible, Nevertheless, you kept it moving, rock n rolling, and pushing on through!”

From a will and a way comes a spiritual shift in your thinking. You may notice your priorities moving from external validation to inner peace. You can finally feel the God initiated transformation in your heart, purpose, or direction. You have woken up with not only a renewed mind but a since of purpose through the Holy Spirit. awakening, renewing one’s mind, or transitioning from living by the flesh to being led by the Holy Spirit. Aren’t you glad you did? 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.

Spiritual Workout

Spiritual Workout

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Spiritual Workout

I remember those classic 80’s TV morning fitness shows, they were the first things on. They had cute outfits on, but I found myself whizzing on by. Of all the work out personalities the most famous person was Richard Simmons, with his Sweatin’ to the Oldies. Now this was a show worth stopping to look at for a few minutes. I remember those shorts and bedazzled tank tops. The man was a household name that made exercise fun and accessible for all body types.

Let’s look at the term, “Spiritual exercise” which refers to practices—ranging from prayer and meditation to disciplined routines—designed to strengthen your inner life, build resilience, and deepen your connection with your faith or inner self. If you are looking for an everyday routine to exercise your spiritual or mental “muscles,” you can find many apps to help you get started right now.

The Bible compares spiritual growth to athletic training, teaching that while physical exercise has some value, “training for godliness” is essential. We can start by responding like we know where are help comes from, as we recognize God’s strength rather than depending entirely on our own willpower.

Key biblical principles for achieving spiritual fitness include:

  • Daily Spiritual Discipline: Just as an athlete trains their body, believers are called to exercise their faith through regular prayer, worship, and meditating on scriptures.
  • Abiding in Christ: Spiritual fitness is not about self-effort alone. Jesus emphasizes that just as a branch cannot bear fruit unless it stays attached to the vine, believers must remain connected to Him to grow spiritually.
  • Honoring Your Body: The Bible also values physical health, noting that your body is a “temple of the Holy Spirit”. Caring for your physical health is viewed as a way to honor God.
  • Running the Race with patience: means enduring life’s spiritual and personal challenges with persistent perseverance. Rather than sprinting for quick results instead, focus on your long-term goals and refusing to quit despite pressure.

My friends God has the perfect individual work out plan for each of us. To make changes we must be willing to participate. “Health in both body and mind is real wealth.”

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 Greatest of These

The Greatest of These

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The Greatest of These

“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love never fails. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” I Corinthians 13:1-3, 8 & 13 NIV

What’s love got to do with anything you say, it has everything to do with it. The Lord knew exactly what this world needed. Love. And because of love He sent his only begotten son into the world showing us in real time love, mercy and compassion. Dear hearts, no matter what you are doing or trying to do in service to others, whether it be financial or time, without love we not hitting on nothing.

The “love chapter” is a common nickname for this chapter. It is famously read at many weddings. Written by the Apostle Paul, it defines true, selfless love as an action and concludes that love outlasts all other spiritual gifts. It includes selflessness, humility, kindness, grace, and endurance.

While frequently associated with romance and marriage ceremonies, the original text addresses unity and community conflict within the early church in Corinth. Paul wrote this chapter to emphasize that extraordinary spiritual abilities—such as prophecy or profound knowledge—are completely meaningless without a foundation of unconditional, sacrificial love (often referred to in the original Greek as agape).

The chapter is most famous for its concluding verse, the greatest of these, which elevates love above all other virtues. It famously states: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” At the end of the day love is not what you say; love is what you do. Love is an action word. 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 is Only a Test

This is Only a Test

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This is Only A Test

I’m showing my ages again y’all. How many of you remember this, “This is a test of the emergency broadcast system, this is only a test.” Launched in 1963 It was an eerie buzzing sound done on TV and over the radio. It played for 20 to 25 seconds. I remember the man cartoon figure low to the ground with a helmet on his head and binoculars in his hand as though he was searching for something.

The system was established to provide the president of the United States with an expeditious method of communicating with the American public in the event of war threat of war, or grave national crisis. Did you all know that in February 1971, the Emergency Broadcast System faced a major scare. A teletype operator accidentally broadcasted a real “Emergency Action Notification” instead of a test tape. This caused mass panic, as radio stations abruptly ceased regular programming at the height of the Cold War.

Although the system was never used for a national emergency, it was activated more than 20,000 times between 1976 and 1996 to broadcast civil emergency messages and warnings of severe weather hazards.

Tests are a part of the world we all live in. Whether it is faith, patience, in our minds, and peace. In our homes, on our jobs and everything in between. Nevertheless friends, we are not alone when test come. Jesus Tells us that He is with us. The dictionary defines A “test” is a way to find out if something works or how much you know.

1 John 4:1 command believer not to accept every spiritual claim blindly, but to critically evaluate teachings and leaders. Because many deceptive voices and false teachers exist, Christians must use discernment to test whether the underlying spirit behind a message truly originates from God. John warns against spiritual gullibility. He instructs the church to actively assess the source, character, and content of teachings rather than accepting them simply because they sound spiritual.“Testing the Spirit” refers to the attitude, teaching, or influence driving a person. Believers are to examine whether a teacher’s message aligns with the foundational truths of the gospel. Study to learn these differences.

My friends let me leave you with this thought, true spiritual maturity is measured by how quick you act in obedience even when it makes you uncomfortable. 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.

Leftovers

Leftovers

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Leftovers

In the book of John, chapter 6 verse 12, we see that Jesus feed 5,000 people with just five loaves of bread and two fish. No doubt a miracle of the Heavenly kind. And when everyone was full, He told His followers to gather the remaining food, so nothing was wasted. They collected 12 baskets of food.

I’m not gonna kid you I love me some leftovers. My favorite is Thanksgiving dinner, nothing like moms dressing with a little giblet gravy, some cranberry sauce, and don’t forget the rolls. Lordy be!

Leftover is something that remains unused or unconsumed. Most commonly, the plural form leftovers refer to the edible food remaining uneaten at the end of a meal, which is often saved, refrigerated, and eaten later.

Jesus cared about that hungry multitude, and he thought beyond just today, but for tomorrow. In Jesus relationship with people, he never gave us leftover or in other words the bare minimum. He always gave us His absolute best (love, focus, patience, and enthusiasm, just to name a few).

Giving God your best is a recurring theme in the Bible. It generally means prioritizing doing everything with a wholehearted, sincere effort. I get it friends our lives are filled with distractions and busy schedules. Overcoming these challenges often requires setting clear boundaries. It means deciding to put God first before the daily rush begins.

Giving your best to God means offering Him your time, heart, and talents completely. It is a way to say thank you for all His blessings. Give Him your very best every day. No sloppy seconds. Friends ask yourself this question, what would happen if God didn’t give us his very best?

“When we give God our best He will bless the rest.”

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.

Do Your Homework

Do Your Homework

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Do Your Homework

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 NIV

I used the phrase, “do your homework “ to my daughter Cherelle when she was a kid. However, as a young adult navigating in this big world of ours, I find myself encouraging her that whatever life decisions, plans, career moves, and everything else on her plate, to do her homework.

The phrase “do your homework” has two main meanings. First, it means doing school assignments at home. Second, it is a popular phrase that means to research or prepare for something before acting on it. This is useful at any age. This can be with just about anything we do, whether it is work, a business, finances, jobs, where we would like to live, traveling, and a whole host of other things.

The scripture encourages us to “study” this means to be diligent, strive, or do your best. Show yourself as tried and true aligning with the will of the Lord in your life through your actions. As a workman with no need to ever be ashamed. Doing our homework helps us to rightly dividing the Word of Truth. One thing I do know is that God loves the truth. We cannot know the truth if we don’t get in the Word and learn that truth with our hearts and mind. Knowledge is power and I know friends there is Power in the name of Jesus!

When God offered to give Solomon whatever he desired, he asked for wisdom and an understanding heart. Wisdom and understanding both can help us make good choices solve problems and live peacefully. When we take the time to do our homework in this life, it helps us to see that facts of a situation and the best way to handle them. They bring clarity, joy and better relationships. Amen.

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

God’s Band-Aid

God’s Band-Aid

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God’s Band-Aid

“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” Psalm 91:4 NIV

Do you remember the iconic Band-Aid song called “Stuck on You?” It features the famous lyrics: “I am stuck on Band-Aid brand, ’cause Band-Aid’s stuck on me!” Did you know the jingle was originally written in 1975 by the legendary singer-songwriter Barry Manilow. Yep, that song has been around for 50 years.

What is the job of a band-aid?  It is designed to protect minor wounds, cuts, and scrapes. It promotes faster healing by maintaining a moist environment, preventing scabs, and keeping out bacteria, dirt, and water.

God’s Band-aid is designed to not only handle minor wounds, but big gaping holes that are large and deep. His grace offering spiritual protection, forgiveness, and unconditional love. He acts as a shield against spiritual harm, granting peace to guard our hearts, and wraps us in His favor.

God gave us a wearable band-aid, that covers us from head to toe. The Whole Armor. The book of Ephesians 6:11-12 says, “put on the whole armour 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.”

God’s Band-aid releases, recovers, and restores. Friends, the safest place in the world is in the will of God. Get in it and stay covered. 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.

Something to Hold on To

Something to Hold on To

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Something to Hold on To

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23 NIV

How many of you remember playing tug of war in gym class? It was physical game in which two opposing teams compete in a test of strength and endurance by pulling on opposite ends of a rope, aiming to drag the other team a specific distance or across a center line. This game dates back over 4,000 years, the game has roots in ancient Egypt, China, and Greece. It was even featured as an official Olympic sport from 1900 to 1920. Today, it remains a heavily competitive organized sport governed by the Tug of War International Federation and is a staple event at The World Games.

When we need something firm to cling to, like that tug of war rope, the Scripture provides a steadfast anchor for our soul. Hold on tight friends, no matter what we are facing, we have King Jesus to help us. What season of life  are you navigating right now? When everything feels heavy, these scriptures provide a reliable anchor. They remind us that we never walking through the storms alone. I dare you to call on Him.

 Here are some other anchoring scriptures:

  • Colossians 1:17 (NIV): “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”
  • Isaiah 41:13 (NIV): “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you.'”
  • Psalm 46:1 (NIV): “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

Keep holding on. God Knows what He’s doing! Make up your mind that no matter what comes your way, you will do more than just survive, you will thrive despite it all. 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.

Come on Down!

Come on Down!

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Come on Down!

1 Timothy 4:15 (NCV) “Continue to do those things; give your life to doing them so your progress may be seen by everyone.”

 I’m telling my age again, how many of you remember The Price is Right? This game show premiered September 4, 1972, on CBS. Bob Barker was on the series’ longest-running host from its debut until his retirement in June 2007.

The most famous catchphrase of the show was “Come on down!” It was shouted by the show’s announcer to invite four lucky audience members to the stage. Some of the prizes included cars, living and dining room sets, swimming pool, televisions, refrigerator, jewelry, mink coats, and all-expense paid vacations.

Putting my own spin on the topic, Let’s look at it from a Christian perspective, like when God calls us to come on down to get our blessings by use our gifts for his service. Not only has he called us friends, He has also equipped us for the task. When we give over our times and talents to God, we embrace our divine purpose.

“Your willingness to serve God is as important as your service is to God.” Nothing like a willing vessel that says, send me, I’ll go. 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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