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Matters of the Heart

Matters of the Heart

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Matters of the Heart

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in me.” John 14:1 NKJV

Last week my husband Michael and I spent a week with his family in Georgetown, South Carolina as we prepare for his mom’s homegoing service. We had plans to go down to visit with her in April and again in August, but the Lord had other plans.

The service was filled with great sangin, there were people who shared sweet memories, and I can’t forget about the uplifting preaching. Before I knew it, I was on my feet given the Lord praise and thanksgiving. Let everything that has breath, praise the Lord! It was a beautiful service filled with love.

In this passage of scripture, I have chosen to share with you, Jesus spoke directly to his disciples. In the intimate setting of a Passover meal, which is also known as the Last Supper. Jesus tells them that one would betray him and tells Peter that he will deny him.

After the Last Supper, before He is arrested, Jesus assures His disciples to not let their heart be troubled believe in God, believe also in me. Even in His absence they would not be alone, because the Holy Spirit was coming.

In the face of trouble my friends, as we look at all the chaos that surrounds us. We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed, we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. We have a God who will come see about us his children. He reminds us, to not let our hearts be troubled. He does want us to worry, if we are believing in God, we must believe in Him too.  His love is the softest Kleenex for our eyes, and his arms are outstretched waiting to hold us tight. 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.

Smile, Your on Candid Camera

Smile, Your on Candid Camera

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Smile, Your on Candid Camera!

“The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.” Proverbs 15:3 NIV

For those of you old enough to remember this iconic song and show, “Smile! You’re on Candid Camera! Let me give you a little history about the show.  It was created, developed, and presented by Allen Funt. What I didn’t know was the show started on radio as The Candid Microphone in 1947. The show was on the air until 2014. The show involved concealed cameras filming ordinary people being confronted with unusual situations. Once the joke is revealed the victims were told the show’s catchphrase, “Smile, you’re on Candid Camera.” There were some funny episodes.

Unlike the funny and free-spirited watchful computer eye of Candid Cameras, God’s Camera’s work 24/7.  Now his all-seeing eye needs no batteries or charging chords. It is powered by the power of the Holy Ghost. In the book of Psalm 139, David praise God’s complete knowledge of him intimately and fully as a person.

God is all-seeing and all-knowing. The depths of the earth and the seclusion of the womb are two places that are concealed from human eye. But they are not hidden from God’s view. God sees and know our every action and thought. God is present and at work in every place.

Now I ask you, is their anywhere we can hide from the Lord?

We could ask Job, who was on a boat going the opposite way from God’s call of duty to him and then later ended up in the belly of a great fish. We can ask the three Hebrew boys who were in the fiery furnace, and the fourth man was one like the son of man. Maybe we can ask Paul on the Damascus Road whose eyes were open, as God used him for his service.

Where can I go from your spirit? There is no place we can go from the all-seeing eye “camera” of God. If I go up to the heavens, Lord you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn Lord, you are there. If settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me, “even the darkness will not be dark to you.
the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

So, in the Words of Allan Funt, Smile your on-God’s Candid Camera!!! 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.

Someone to Look Up Too

Someone to Look Up Too

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Someone to Look Up Too

And so it was, when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?” Elisha said, “Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.” 2Kings 2:9 NKJV

What a great scripture. Elijah was getting ready to leave this world and what Elisha wanted most was a double portion of his spirit. Elisha did see the chariot and horses of fire that separated the men, and he saw Elijah taken to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha picked up Elijah’s cloak and walked to the Jordan River. Elisha struck the water with the cloak, and it divided, just as it had done for Elijah. The other prophets recognized that Elijah’s spirit rested on him now. As God had decreed, Elisha would now be His prophet to the people.

Who are some of the people in your life you looked up too? This story of Elijah and Elisha was one of Mentorship. Here we have a beautiful journey of how Elijah took Elisha under his wing, teaching him the way of the prophets. Here are a few notable areas as it relates to them. Commitment, seek wisdom, and respect.

Elijah’s departure marked big changes and Elisha had to step up to continue his work. He had to adapt. Prepare for change. And when change came, he showed courage. Elisha trusted in the mission, even in difficulty. He learned from Elijah’s experiences and teaching. Elijah’s legacy impacted Elisha’s as he took hold of the mantle of his mentor, friend of whom he seemed to love like a father.

Are you a mentor? Are you being mentored? Jesus is a great example for our daily lives, as we come in contacts with others. Let love and kindness be your guide. Let love shine in. Be patient with others, as he was patience with us.  Help where you can and do things for the right reason.

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 Devil Went Down to Georgia

The Devil Went Down to Georgia

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The Devil Went Down to Georgia

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 NIV

Who’s not familiar with the title I am sharing today? If you haven’t heard it, I am gonna need you to pull it up on either iTunes or YouTube. The song “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” was written and recorded by the Charlie Daniels Band and released on their 1979 album Million Mile Reflections.

The song tells a story about the Devils failure to gain a young man’s soul through a fiddle -playing contest. The song begins as a disappointed Devil arrives in Georgia, apparently “way behind” on stealing souls, when he comes upon a young man named Johnny who is playing a fiddle, and quite well. Out of desperation, the Devil, who claims to also be a fiddle player, wagers a fiddle of gold against Johnny’s soul to see who is the better fiddler. Although Johnny believes taking the Devil’s bet might be a sin, he fearlessly accepts, and when Johnny finished playing, the devil bowed his head because he knew that he’d been beat. And he laid that golden fiddle on the ground at Johnny’s feet.

Ya know, Georgia isn’t the only place the enemy likes to steal from, he likes all the other states too, putting brother against brother, sister against sister, neighbor against neighbor, racial division, drama at the workplace, no peace in our homes, family members who don’t speak to each other, and that’s just the appetizer.

Showing up in the scriptures he is still doing exactly what he did then; wreak havoc, keep up confusion and messy!

In the Garden of Eden, he appeared to tempt Eve. A lot came from that meeting, as Satan set up deception that resulted in the fall of man.

Satan ask permission to test Job who was going through a lot, he losing everything, even his wife encouraged him to curse God and die. But he did have some friends who cared enough to sit with him through his trying times.

A hungry, thirsty, and tired Jesus was tempted in the Wilderness, but Satan meant his match when he faced God on earth. Jesus is our strong tower who took the power out of sin and the sting out of death. He rose with saving and healing power in his hands.

Satan is busy my friends, just look around. His plan is to divide, conquer, kill, steal, and destroy. But we serve a power God, and victory is ours, for our God is fighting our battles. Trust him and in his promises. Find comfort through His Word and though the weapon may form, it will not prosper!  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. 

Who is the Greatest

Who is the Greatest

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Who is the Greatest

“Jesus and his disciples went to his home in Capernaum. After they were inside the house, Jesus asked them, “What were you arguing about along the way?” They had been arguing about which one of them was the greatest, and so they did not answer. After Jesus sat down and told the twelve disciples to gather around him, he said, “If you want the place of honor, you must become a slave and serve others!” Then Jesus asked a child to stand near him. He put his arm around the child and said, “When you welcome even a child because of me, you welcome me. And when you welcome me, you welcome the one who sent me.” Mark 9:33-37 Contemporary English Version

The passage single handedly shows that Jesus knew his people, as he asked His disciples what they were arguing about. Naturally no one wanted to say, we were arguing about which one of us is the greatest. But Jesus was not about to give them the qualifications or structure for such a task, instead he kept his response simple, telling them that if they want a place of honor serve others. Jesus told them when you welcome even a child because of me you welcome me and the one who sent me. As I reflect positively on my kiddy days, I think of how carefree and worry-free days they were. All I had was to focus on was the next game to play or show to watch on the television. It was a simpler time then. Children are both impressionable and honest at the same time, and if you told them Jesus was coming to town, they believed you. And when we got a little older, all we wanted was to grow up, as I think to myself, now what was the hurry all about.

Jesus explains to his disciples, that what mattered was not who was doing the works but in whose NAME is the work being done. There is power in the name of Jesus. Did you hear me friends? I said there is power in the name of Jesus. There is Saving, healing, transforming, and restoring power in his name. Yes, use your talents, position, and influence to serve others.  Jesus is the greatest, He is: The bread of life, the light of the world, the Good Shepherd, the resurrection and the life, he is the way, the truth, the life, he is my friend, who won’t leave me lonely, he is my hope for tomorrow. He is the true vine, and like a warm blanket, I wrap him all around me. He set a sista free, and he loves me just for me. Amen.

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

Stand Back!!

Stand Back!!

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Stand Back!!

“And Moses said to the people, “do not be afraid. Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever.”    Exodus 14:13 NKJV

In this packed filled passage of scripture, the Israelites are trapped between the Red Sea and the Egyptian Army. Have you my friends ever been in the in-between?

We know the story that led up to this Chaotic Pharoh, who unwillingly let God’s people Go. Full of himself, he took matters into his own hands, kicking at the goad, his pride indeed went before destruction. As he and his soldiers went to rage vengeance on Moses and the children of Isreal. With what seemed to be their backs up against the wall, they were told to not be afraid and to trust God.

Have you been their friends. Back up against the wall, not knowing which way to turn. The Lord was already there to fight for them. What does it mean to stand back? It means to mentally withdraw from a situation to consider it objectively. Another way to define it is to temporarily stop being involved in a situation to think about it in a new way.

God tells the Israelites that He will fight for them.  God wants to see if we are willing to stand still and wait on him to bring supernatural deliverance. Even with all the Chaos and extra going on around us, we must be willing to be still and stand back so we can hear the Good Lord speaking to us.  One thing I can tell you about My God, He handles it all, nothing is too hard for Him. Stand back and trust that he knows just what and how to do what we need.

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 Hood

The Hood

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The Hood

“But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” Matthew 12:48-50 ESV

I am not just talking about our neighborhoods and communities, but the people who bring us together. They are the fabric of our lives. Those parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and those we call friend. This hood I am referring to is, brother and sisterhood.

This type of hood is filled with the laughter, conversations, and endless memories. It can be filled with some harsh judgements and misunderstandings that leave open wounds that need care for healing to begin. It is also Forgiveness, freedom, fulfillment, faith, family, and future.

The institution of the “hood” has been around since the bible days. The care and concern of coming together, kin or not, to help us find solutions. It is a bond of common interest, filled with fellowship, that continues to connect us all together.

There is such a man, who was the greatest example of the hood; Jesus Christ, who looked at this world along with his Father and Holy Ghost He saw our needs, and he wrapped us up in His sacrificial love, that the world never knew, but needed.  Friends we can never say God doesn’t understand, because he does.

Jesus showed his humanity to us through the scriptures: The Word said, Jesus wept, when Lazarus died. He experienced hunger, thirst and fatigue. He felt anger, sadness, and temptation. He went through pain and suffering. Whatever we have been through or going through, our God has been there in the flesh. Friend we can never say He doesn’t understand what goes on down here because he does.

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.

On the Winning Side

On the Winning Side

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On the Winning Side

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Joshua 1:8 ESV

The bible teaches that being on the winning side means trusting in God and following his lead. Victory comes from God’s Devine intervention. It is truly nothing but God’s grace and mercy. Scripture reveals to us that the power of God’s will was upon Moses, who answered Gods call and brought the children of Isreal out of Egypt. Job a wealthy man, went through some hard times, losing his children, and all that he had. But he had those who cared for him come sit with him, they were his support system. In the end Job was blessed with more than he had to begin with. Boy David had no fear, for he put his trust in God, as he met the giant through God’s power of a sling shot and stones. The three Hebrew boys, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, took on the fiery that furnace, but the word said the fourth man appeared like the Son of Man. For what is impossible with man, is indeed possible with God.

God’s grace in my life has open doors that man could not close. He took the chains of depression, fear, and anxiety off my ankles, and wrist. His love lifted me. He was that shoulder I could cry on; he was that listening ear that was open to me to talk, even in the midnight hour y’all when it got heavy, he assured me I was safe in his arms. And when I couldn’t walk, he carried me, His child.

I have often dreamed

Of a far-off place

Where a hero’s welcome

Would be waiting for me

Where the crowds will cheer

When they see my face

And a voice keeps saying

This is where I’m meant to be

I’ll be there someday

I can go the distance

I will find my way

If I can be strong

I know every mile

Will be worth my while

When I go the distance

I’ll be right where I belong

Down an unknown road

To embrace my fate

Though the road may wander

It will lead me to you

And a thousand years

Would be worth the wait

It may take a lifetime

But somehow, I’ll see it through

And I won’t look back

I can go the distance

And I’ll stay on track

No, I won’t accept defeat

It’s an uphill slope

But I won’t lose hope

Till I go the distance

And my journey is complete

But to look beyond the glory is the hardest part

For a hero’s strength is measured by his heart

Like a shooting star

I can go the distance

I will search the world

I will face its harms

I don’t care how far

I can go the distance

Till I find my hero’s welcome

Waiting in your arms…

I will search the world

I will face its harms

Till I find my hero’s welcome

Waiting in your arms…

by kC & JoJo, Hercules the animated movie

 

Can You Tell Me How to Get…

Can You Tell Me How to Get…

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Can You Tell Me How to Get

“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; He will neither fail you no abandon you.” Deuteronomy 31:8

Sunny Day,

Sweepin’ the clouds away.

On my way to where the air is sweet.

Can you tell me how to get,

How to get to Sesame Street….

How many of you remember that cute song from Sesame Street. As a kid I loved seeing all the different characters. Some of my favorites were: Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Count Dracula, Oscar the Grouch, Bert and Ernie, and Kermit the Frog. In those younger years it seemed like there was nothing they couldn’t fix. They talked about difficult topics from a kid’s point of view. And fostered Topics positive relationships, appreciation for nature, and the Arts.

The program used live actors, animation, puppets, and celebrity guests to produce skits and musical numbers. They were filled with learning and laughter. They were great childhood memories for me.  I often wondered as I sat looking at the show with my sister, how do you get to Sesame Street from Oklahoma.

As I put child’s play aside, I think of the seriousness of what God’s Word has both taught and provided to my life. Today’s scripture is a reminder to us all, that no matter where we may be trying to get, God goes before us, paving the way. Just the thought of that alone, brings a smile to my face. There are somethings only God can do.

God’s Word contains the state of man, and the way of salvation. Its doctrines are holy, precepts are binding, and decisions are unchangeable. Read it friends to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy.  It’s the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, and the soldier’s sword. It teaches, uplifts, reveals, strengthens, comforts, confronts, and seals. It’s filled with power, joy, hope, encouragement, and love.

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.

Press On

Press On

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Press On!!

“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.” Psalm 37:23-24 NIV

Happy New year my friends on this first Friday of January 2025.  I hope you have found time to reflect and pressing on in this new year. Today I want to share my thoughts on some shows I saw during the Christmas holidays.

I am not certain if you got the opportunity to see A Motown Christmas Special, it was hosted by Smokey Robinson along with Halle Bailey. It was a great look back at Motown’s contribution to “music.” With guest like Glady’s knight, The Temptations, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas. It did not disappoint.

However, there was one of the guests that held my attention, Jamie Foxx. There was something different about him. A calmness if you will that I saw in his eyes and heard in his voice as he sang. Several days later there was a new Netflix special, called Jamie Foxx, what had happened was….I was curious to learn more about what happened to him earlier this year when he was hospitalized. But I got so much more.

The special started with and introduction of him by his oldest daughter. He walked on the stage giving the audience a love sign. Everyone stood to their feet, clapping in celebration of his return. He started the conversation by saying he was happy to be alive and gave a big shoutout to Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta Georgia. This was the city where the show was filmed.  Then he began to tell his story. We all have a story.

It is still a mystery as to what happened to him. On April 11th he had a headache, he asked for an aspirin and before he could get it, he went out, he did not remember 20 days of his life. His sister took him to Piedmont Hospital believing there were angels there. Because she knew that’s what they were gonna need.

The doctor explained to her, that had a brain bleed, which lead to a stroke. But God is in the blessing business and on May 4th, his family’s prayers were answered. He woke up dizzy, and unable to walk. Full of disbelief by what he was told had happened. It was a nightmare right out of a movie script.  But this was no movie, it was real. Still not grasping the severity of what happened, He said, “I am Jamie Foxx, I don’t have strokes, that’s for old men!”

He was sent to Chicago to begin his rehab. Full of Arrogance and fear he said he didn’t want or need it! He didn’t want a second chance, “what was wrong with my first chance?!” He laid in that bed every day; he was given up before he got started. His therapist gave him a reality check, by taking him to see other patients who had no more chances and would not be leaving the facility. He cried, asking for God to bless them. His psychologist expressed the importance of talking it out, but he was angry, asking why this happened to him. But he knew it was God.

Eric Marlon Bishop, AKA Jamie Foxx, 57 years old was born in Terrell, Texas. Questioned God asking him why he was going through this, there are plenty of bad people in the world, he heard God say to him, they don’t belong to me, you do. God had blessed him with talent, fame, and money, but he had forgot about Him, and in his words, “he was blessed with a stroke.”

But he never lost his sense of humor. If he could stay funny, he could stay alive. He went on showing his talents by doing several impersonations making the whole audience and I laugh. Then he had his 14-year-old daughter come out to perform with him. She had also played her guitar to him while he was in the hospital. She came on stage and hugged her daddy with a sigh of relief, as she began to play, he sang, he cried, and I did too. She had always dreamed of them preforming together, the song was don’t take me now. I felt the song down in my soul.

The internet had put out all kinds of things about him, including he was a clone. Right there before my eyes and everyone watching he performed his talents going from one role to the next that he played. My favorite role was Ray Charles. I can see why he won the Academy Award. Then he ended things by singing and playing the piano, saying, isn’t it amazing God gave me a second chance. Thanking him every day, God is Good all the time and all the time God is good.

It is a remind to us all, that wealth is not found in the money, fortune or fame, but in good health. It’s easy to take it for granted. In the past I was guilty of just that. Imagine the doctor having to remind me, about keeping the salt intake down. Yes I was sitting in the movie theater with both popcorn and a pickle, but I learned and am very proud of myself. Taking care of ourselves must be a priority.  My health is my responsibility. We have this one life to live in this one body. Let’s do our best to take care of it, this includes our mind and soul.

We may stumble many times over, but God will never take his eyes off us. When it gets hard and we can’t seem to see our way, hold on to God’s unchanging hand. Press on!

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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