Tag: #thearmorproject

Can You Dig It?

Can You Dig It?

Can You Dig It?

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV

Lord have mercy y’all, I know some of my uncles and aunties remember, saying these word “Can you dig it.” is an informal expression that means, do you understand what I am saying? I hear it a lot on some of my favorite 70’s television shows, like Sanford and Son, Good Times, and What’s Happening.

Now the scripture I have chosen today, tells us to trust in the Lord and not trust our own ways. Yep, I have my guilty shirt somewhere in the closet or is it in my storage container. Either way, I have tried it my way, time and time again only to have to come back to the drawing board. Yes, I was prideful and silly.  I was that hamster on that wheel going round and round and not getting anywhere. Same old same old. But one day I got tired of the insanity, I realized there was a better way. God’s way. His timing is perfect.

Even the best-laid plan we think we have friends, cannot begin to measure up to the magnificent plans of the Good Lord. God’s ways are not our ways, and his thoughts are not our thoughts. He can see so much further and clearer than we can.

We often will not understand how God is causing “all things to work together for good, but when we trust him with all our hearts, He shows us what making a way out of no way really looks like. Friends you don’t have to understand everything when you are trusting God. His word tells us to lean not to your own understanding. And when we acknowledgement of Him, our are paths are directed and lead.

Can you Dig it?! The scripture shares the lives of those who lived understanding that just that.

Solomon, God gave him great understanding, wisdom and a large heart.

The Sons of Issachar, these people were known for their understanding of the times

Job, learned to trust in God’s wisdom even when he didn’t understand why bad things happened.

Moses, a reluctant leader who led the people out of Egypt.

Ruth, a loyal woman who faced poverty death, and social discrimination

David, repented and had his words about God etched in history

Peter the Apostle, a man who overcame personal and spiritual struggles to show his belief in Jesus.

The benefits of trusting in God: Peace, direction confidence, and strength. Jesus prayed to his Father in the Garden of Gethsemane, asking him to spare him from the pain of his crucifixion, but he choose to put his fathers will before his own. “not my will, but yours be done.” Keep praying about it, trust in God, and keep the faith. You are on the winning side.

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.

A Life That Shows

A Life That Shows

A Life That Shows

“Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor.” Proverbs 21:21 NIV

Consistently throughout scripture God is portrayed as the giver of life, which distinguishes living organisms from inanimate things. Life is contingent upon the continuing, sustaining, “breath” of God.

This past weekend I attended a funeral with my husband. Not in the traditional sense. We were in his Semi Truck, along with two other drivers who all gave a trucker salute to the dearly departed in unison. It’s nothing like those diesels humming.

Sitting there in the truck I gazed out of the window seeing all the graves with various dates. With death all around, my thoughts were on life. What kind of life did they all live. What kinds of hurdles did they come through, the laughter, and love they shared with their families. “As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.” Proverbs 27:19

On of my favorite Gospel groups, Commissioned came out with a song called, A life that shows. It is from the 1989 album, Ordinary Just won’t Do. Let me share some of the words with you.

You need a life that shows, every single day in every way.  A light that glows. People deal with us every day, seeing us come and likewise go.  They listen to what we say and what you stand for they don’t know. A little upward show will let them know it’s the Lord you stand for. You need a life that shows, you need to be a light that glows.

Sometimes blending in is misunderstood, as being afraid or being ashamed. Take a stand my friend this you should. You belong to Jesus be proud you’re wear his name. cause you are his, go ahead and be a witness, go on and be a guiding light. You need a life that shows. You may be the only help that some will ever know. Be a light that glows.

Let your light shine before all men. So, men can see the way, you can show them to a brighter day, there is a world filled in darkness, maybe you’re the only light they’ll ever know. Let your light shine. 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.

I am the Warrior!!

I am the Warrior!!

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.

Hello

Hello

HELLO

“Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ Greet you.” Romans 16:16 NKJV

Hello in the English is the way I greet others, but it’s not the only way to say it.  In Spanish its Hola.  It is Konnichiwa in Japanese. Bonjour in French. Shalom in Hebrew. And Jambo in Swahili. Did you know that greeting can vary depending on familiarity and culture.

There are plenty of physical ways to say hello too.

Handshakes are common in America, Europe, and many parts of Asia and the Middle East. It’s also popular greeting in Ethiopia.

Bowing is a common practice in many parts of the world with Japan often being the most common. Other places are Thailand, Cambodia, and India.

Another greeting is with a kiss. Cheek kissing is widely another widely known way to say hello, particularly among the French. It is a classic way to greet friends.

In Romans 16:16, the apostle Paul issues a directive to greet one another with a holy kiss. This isn’t romance, instead it is loving, holy, and sacred.  This was also a common form of greeting among family and close friends, symbolized love, brotherly love, and fellowship.

All these things point to God himself, who by his grace offered us his hello and loving kindness going back to the beginning of time. How about this as a thought as it relates to the word, HELLO.

“To change a life, you don’t need to do anything grand. Sometimes all you have to do is just say, Hello. And don’t forget to smile.” 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.

You Got a Right to Change Your Mind

You Got a Right to Change Your Mind

You Got a Right to Change Your Mind

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge to him, and he shall direct thy path.” — Proverbs 3:5–6 KJV

What an awesome thought friends when it comes to the right to change our minds. We never have to stay in the shape we are in, we can choose to change it up ya know. Thank you, Jesus. You have the right to live free, to love, to laugh, to let go of things that benefit you not. You have a right to change how you feel about something, that may have been somethings but now it’s just nothing.

The bible is filled with people who had to some dramatic life changing encounters, slash transformations. Let’s look at a few who indeed changed their minds.

Moses who became more aware of the bad treatment the Jews received from the Egyptians. He told Pharoh, God said let my people go. Moses changed his mind. Samson, who was blessed with incredible strength. Even though he did his own thing at times, he had a moment that humbled him turning him to the Lord in faith. He changed his mind. Mary Magdalene is one of the most important figures in the gospels. She was a disciple and supporter of the Lord and the first to see His post-resurrection form. It was her that Jesus went to announce that He had risen again. But her story begins much differently. She changed her mind. What about Saul, who was on his way to Damascus.  His close encounter with Jesus, was the starting point of a new life. He changed his mind too.

You and I have decided that not only was change good, but it was necessary. You have a right to do better, stand taller, and be stronger. You have right to trust God with what’s on your plate, you have a right to praise him for all the blessings he has given you, and you most certainly have a right love, live, and laugh. Changing our mind is not just about altering our thoughts or beliefs, it goes far beyond that. It involves a deep look and willingness to challenge our own assumptions. It is where we humbly lay ourselves at the Lord’s feet. It is also an acknowledgement that we don’t have all the answers and yes, there is always room for growth and improvement in our lives. Changing our minds is not only a state of mind, it’s our response in action. It’s your right to choose. Yes friends, you got a right to change your mind.  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.

The Power of Forgiveness

The Power of Forgiveness

The Power of Forgiveness

“I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake; and remember your sins no more.” Isaiah 43:25 NIV

This week on my so good to know blog, I shared a story about two old ladies, whose meeting was long overdue. Hugging and crying I heard them both saying, “it’s been too long, we have wasted so many years.” Standing there holding on to each other for what seemed like dear life, they tried taking a picture, but neither one of them could hold the phone up. I stepped in an offered to take the picture of them. For a few seconds with their heads together, they froze with smiles and tears in their eyes. In their seventies they said to me, “nothing should ever make you so angry that you hold on to it for 30 years like we did. We wasted so many years being angry at each other, about nothing. We made a vow to each other that for the rest of our lives we will spend it loving each other.”

 Though the two ladies lost 30 years together, it was by nothing short of a miracle and grace of God that they made things right in their friendship. I saw a love the was lost and now found. I saw forgiveness and hope for tomorrow. I thought to myself what a beautiful site. The miracle of their forgiveness toward each other, has set them free. No weights there between them just sisterly love.

The topic of power in forgiving isn’t just food for thought for you all but for me and everyone else in the world. I admit those ladies, made me think about things I wasted time on by not forgiving.  As I thought about my life, I didn’t want to hold things for 30 plus years. There isn’t any freedom in that. In the scripture for today I am reminded that God didn’t have to forgive me, but he did. The word says, He who blots out our transgressions, and remember our sins no more. We have a forgiving God, who shows us by example what living free is supposed to feel and look like.

The power of forgiveness is a part of Gods plan. It is a gift that he gives to us, and we should be willing to pass it on to others. When we forgive, we detach ourselves from that “puppet on a string” mentality.  We take back our lives and own our right to be free indeed. Consider this thought, “Forgiveness has never been for THEM, it’s for 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.

Shake It Off!!

Shake It Off!!

Shake It Off!

“And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet.” Matthew 10:14, NKJV

The command to shake the dust off your feet appears only four times in the New Testament. In each of these cases Jesus is speaking to his disciples. Jesus told his disciples that they were to preach the gospel to everyone. And where they were received, they should stay and teach, and where rejected they had no further responsibility. Imagine it, they were free to walk away with a clear conscience, knowing they had done all they could do.

I feel like the scripture is telling us how to deal with people in our lives. The Word is our all-in-one resource toolbox, it has everything we need and more. Do you realize friends, how crucial our mental and physical health can be affected when we Do Not shake the dust off our feet, or simply, wash our hands of it and let it go.

The Disciples job was not to change people. Did you hear me friends? The Disciples job was not to change people, but to share a message of hope and healing by reminding the people they had choices, nothing like options. Amen. There was real help for their unique situations, they had the life changer and problem solver Jesus Christ. See Friends our job is to help with the planting and care of the things God puts in our hands to do, but at the end of the day, HE’S THE WATER WHO MAKES IT GROW.

 There was this story about an old goat who was grazing on the farm, when he accidentally slipped and fell in a well, that farmer tried all he knew to get the goat out but he failed. So he decided he’d give him a descent burial, so he took his shovel and began to cover him up with the dirt, but every time he’d throw dirt on the old goat, he’d just shake it off and pack it under his feet. Pretty soon, that goat was able to step out of that well. What is the moral of the story? No matter how much dirt you have shoveled at you, shake it off and pack it under your feet.  All of that dirt throwing is just making you stronger. Don’t you dare count God out. Where man puts periods, our God is full of commas, and like that old goat, your stubbornness means you will never give up on YOURSELF, no matter what anyone says or thinks.  Keep shaking it off friends and pack it under your feet!! 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.

You Got What It Takes!

You Got What It Takes!

You Got What It Takes!

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall the do; because I go unto my Father.” John 14:12 KNJV

The scripture shows us many occasions of people who had what it takes, and God used the resources the people had or owned to help them out of their situations.

Let’s look at a few examples: When God asked Moses to go deliver the children of Israel, he was afraid and wondered how we was going to do it. He used what was in his hand, and that was a rod. When the children of Israel were being oppressed by the philistines, David used his sling shot to put Goliath down. When a widow came to Elisha crying about a debt, the Lord increased her oil to sell and pay the debt.

Think about how far you have come this year friends. If you are like me, you may have not seen any of this coming, but our God does not half do anything. He has been with you and I all the while. He helped me to use what I had. Writing.

Over the years these undiscovered and even less talked about gifts have always stirred inside, I could always feel that there was something there. But I just kept on writing to Mr. Christ about me and my little world. Then one day he opened my eyes and put a fire inside of me that burned as I moved by faith and not fear, as I stepped humbly into my calling.

Having God in our lives is where it all begins dear hearts. Keeping our eyes open by paying attention as God shows us how to move. Stay in prayer as we trust God in all things, and I MEAN ALL THINGS. Keep a grateful heart. Know and believe in your purpose, stay with it. We gotta learn to be patient with ourselves, remember Rome was not built in a day. You are not alone; you and I have the Good Lord and those amazing cheerleaders who remind us not to give up. This journey we are on takes Love, adventure, creativity, laughter, with an attitude of optimism, along with no diggity no doubt.

YOU know I never was in the military, but I spent a semester in college Army ROTC. Back then the slogan was, BE ALL YOU CAN BE! As I think of us as soldiers of the Lord we are growing from the inside out. Here are a few more reminders that you got what it takes friends: courage, commitment, service, leadership, initiative, inspiring the next generation. Those are only some of the amazing things you are doing. God is working behind the scenes preparing you for that finale. I am so excited for you!

Do you realize you are actively living your dream right now? Even as you work toward your goals, you are in motion. As you head toward your destination, take time to smell the flowers. In other words, enjoy the journey. What a beautiful view. Keep love, a sense of adventure, creativity, laughter (lots of it), with an attitude of optimism, along with no diggity no doubt!

Remember, YOU GOT WHAT IT TAKES! God has not brought you this far to leave you. Stay positive, focused, and prayerful. Remember who you are and whose you are. Keep your head up. You were made with a purpose on purpose.  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.

Caravan of Love

Caravan of Love

Caravan of Love

“And let’s consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds, not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10: 24-25 NASB

What does the word caravan mean? According to the Merriam Dictionary, it means, a company of travelers on a journey through desert or hostile regions, or a group of vehicles traveling together in a file. You know this got me thinking of when I was a kid, how we would travel as a church to different cities for various programs. Look out the back window, I could see all the cars following one another along the journey. Even then I loved traveling with my family.

Also, friends, it’s nothing like family or friends coming together to share what’s been up since we last graced each other with our presence. I have family and friends who I need to meet and greet with RIGHT NOW. We have a lot of catching up to do. What better way than to breaking bread together, along with plenty of talking, laughing, listening, love, and support. But isn’t how it should be?

There are a lot of good things that can come from meeting together. It gives us a chance to listen or to be heard, support, comfort, and understanding. It can be that gentle push of encouragement that gets and keep us moving toward our goals. It can be a hug, as we are reminded that God is working everything out for our good. Day to Day fellowship is an essential component of Christian growth and perseverance. Did you know early believers were devoted to meeting daily in their homes for teaching, fellowship, worship, eating meals, and praying together. These things were done with a glad and sincere heart.

Before Jesus was crucified, He gave His disciples a “new” command: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35) This call to love one another is repeated multiple times in scripture. The demonstration of love allows the world to see who God is and what a transformed life in Christ looks like.  Love is the key.

The scripture says, “ If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not 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.” 1 Corinthians 13: 1-3 KNJV).

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.

Awesome!!

Awesome!!

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!

AWESOME!!

“For the LORD Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth.” Psalm 47:2 NKJV

The Color Purple a 1985 American epic coming-of-age period drama, was written by Pulitzer Prize winning novelist Alice Walker. This past Sunday I went to see 2023 musical version of The Color Purple. As I compare them both, I saw areas of abuse, both mental and physical, family squabbles’ full of misunderstanding, dreams of something bigger, and what seemed like unhealable wounds. There were unplanned friendships, visions of a better life wrapped in the hopes of God, freedom from the weights of life, to relearning to love ourselves where we are and the reuniting of two sisters Celie and Nettie. As much foot stomping and heading bobbing as I did, I do have to admit that these movies never fail to tug at my tear strings. In both movies I was able to connect with the actors and actresses who made me feel a part of their roles. They are awesome movies. I enjoyed the new musical adaptation a lot.

Our topic for today is called awesome. What does it mean to be awesome? It means to be someone or something that inspires a feeling of both fear and amazement. Doesn’t this sound like someone we know friends? God commands reverence and respect, He is the embodiment of greatness.

As I think about all the awesome things the Lord has done in my life. I know nothing but God could have done these things for me. I remember how I felt, I remember the weight, as I sat in the dark, everything seemed so bleak and hard. I felt so lonely. But thank God for Jesus, who brought the sunshine. He was the light showing a sista the way!! His awesomeness made a way out of what seemed like no way.

The song, He Reigns by Kirk Franklin, reminds me that no matter what we are going through, the awesomeness of God will always shine through. Some of the words say:

Our God is an awesome God he reigns from heaven above, with wisdom, power, and love. The song goes on to say, you’re marvelous and you’re glorious. You’re love has made me victorious.

We serve an awesome God friend. All through the Bible, we see evidence of God’s greatness, from the creation of the world, to the parting of the Red Sea, to the miracles of Christ, who through his death, burial, and resurrection has ALL power in his hands. Those who leave everything in God’s hands will eventually see God’s hands in everything. 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.