Tag: #thearmorproject

Cloak and Dagger

Cloak and Dagger

By | | Comments 0 Comment

Cloak and Dagger

Jesus tells his disciples, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.” Luke 22:36 NIV

The synonyms for cloak and dagger, describes activity intense secrecy, mystery, or espionage, including activities of undercover and hush-hush. These terms also describe secretive operations of mysterious situations.

The scripture I shared today, marks a shift from their previous mission (where they relied on hospitality) as Jesus addresses his disciple of a future facing intense opposition, persecution, and the need for preparation.

In the scripture I shared today, Jesus is preparing the disciples for his impending crucifixion and the hostile environment they will face afterwards. “Cloak and dagger” can relate with themes of hidden motives, spiritual warfare, or literal concealed weapons used for divine purposes. While not mentioning literal “cloak and dagger” can be a battle against invisible or wicked forces.

These scenarios often highlight that God works through both open means and secret calculated tactics to achieve His purposes, requiring his followers to be both harmless as doves and wise as serpents.

My friends in times like these we need to adhere to the word which tells us to “Put on the whole armor 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. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ephesians 6:11-13

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.

Forever Young

Forever Young

By | | Comments 0 Comment

Forever Young

“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31 NIV

The word young at heart, describes someone who is typically older who maintains a youthful spirit, energy, and positive outlook. They are active, adventurous, and have an optimistic mindset. The Bible portrays it as a way of maintaining joy, enthusiasm, and a teachable spirit. Key principles include rejoicing, staying active in faith, and finding strength in God, which renews one’s spirit like an eagle. God is our strength.

What being young at heart looks like:

  • Rejoicing and Cheering, encourages us to let our heart cheer on.
  • A Contented Spirit, focus friends on what is important. A cheerful heart is the best medicine out there.
  • Renewed Strength, God has the power to renew us daily in our hearts and minds. Every day we live we have a chance to do better, to think positive, and to lift others up with kind words along the way.
  • Being an Example, when you get older it can easily to forget how you might have felt about somethings in your youth. It’s nothing more refreshing and beautiful than seeing with my own eyes, a positive example of what growing older gracefully looks in the way a person speaks, conduct themselves with love, faith and optimism. To me it looks like what living one’s best life ought to look like.

Age is just a number. The soul does not count candles-it counts the moments that make us feel alive.

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.

Ain’t He Busy Y’all

Ain’t He Busy Y’all

By | | Comments 0 Comment

Ain’t He Busy Y’all

“Be sober-minded: be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” I Peter 5:8 ESV

“The enemy is busy” is a phrase often used in Christian contexts to describe the active, strategic efforts of Satan or spiritual forces to derail a person’s life, faith, and peace.

Ain’t he busy y’all? Heck yes, the enemy is busy, trying to both divide and conquer! He has a job to do when it comes to the race of men. And yes, friends he is working overtime to create confusion and distraction to keep us from focusing on the Good Lords purpose in our lives.

The devil is busy” is a phrase often used within to describe evil, temptation, or chaos that is actively interfering in our lives. It suggests that negative occurrences, personal trials, or overwhelming distractions are orchestrated efforts to break our faith, peace, or focus.

Have you ever heard the quote, “If the devil can’t make you bad, he’ll make you busy?” It means he will use those distractions to keep us from focusing on God, family, or purpose. So, Why Does the Devil Like to Keep us Busy? Because he does not want us to focus on our real source and that’s Jesus Christ.

My friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, put your helmet on. Protect your mind. The Scripture tells us, “Thou will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusts in thee.” Isaiah 26:3

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

By | | Comments 0 Comment

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. 

Can You Dig It?

Can You Dig It?

By | | Comments 0 Comment

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

By | | Comments 0 Comment

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!!

By | | Comments 0 Comment

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

By | | Comments 0 Comment

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

By | | Comments 0 Comment

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

By | | Comments 0 Comment

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.

Canadian Book Publishing

Menu

Latest Release

The Armor Project