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Although life is full of challenges and obstacles, the deliberate actions of others often become the fuel that ignites our passion to keep pursuing our purpose. I’ve seen this throughout my own life.

For me, it was my childhood pastor, who never let me return to college without laying hands on me in prayer. His wife would faithfully remind me, “Don’t leave town before seeing me and the Bishop.” I treasure memories of my mother lovingly making banana pudding—my favorite dessert—for me to take back to my dorm. During my high school and college years, my church youth director poured into me with encouragement and wisdom; today, she remains a lifelong friend.

Many people have invested in me over

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you are desperately searching for an answer to a life-altering problem but can’t find one? Life can throw many challenges our way, and as women, we often face unique experiences and obstacles. The journey can sometimes feel overwhelming, whether navigating career choices, balancing family responsibilities, or overcoming personal struggles.

In the story of the woman with the “issue of blood,” we see her determination to seek healing despite societal barriers. Her faith in finding a solution led her to touch Jesus’ garment, and she was miraculously healed. This powerful narrative reminds us of women’s strength and resilience in adversity. (Mark 5:25-34 and Luke 8:43-48)

Just like the woman who

The gospel of inclusion is often compared to the discredited doctrine of Universalism. Universalism is a theological belief that all humans, regardless of their faith, will eventually be granted salvation and enter heaven. 

The Gospel of Inclusion proposes that Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection paid the price for all humanity to have eternal life in heaven without needing repentance. It teaches that salvation is unconditional and doesn’t require faith in Jesus Christ as payment for sin.
It also suggests that all humanity is destined for heaven, regardless of whether they know it. According to the Gospel of Inclusion, only those who knowingly reject God’s grace after experiencing it will be separated from Him for eternity.

The gospel of inclusion runs counter

“Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.”  (I Timothy 4:16) Doctrine, what you believe matters. 

It is not an accident that against the backdrop of a rapidly escalating war between Israel and Hamas, there is a noticeable increase of false prophets and Bible teachers making their voices heard.  

Every day, we are reminded of the “horrors of war” as it serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact that armed conflicts have on individuals and societies. It serves as a constant reminder of the immense human suffering, loss of life, physical and psychological trauma, and destruction that war brings. The heart-wrenching stories of love lost. Countless images

As I look back on my life, I have noticed that the most anointed and effective ministers were those who had gone through difficult times and emerged victorious by trusting and having faith in God. Even when they walked through dark valleys, they placed their trust in God and emerged triumphant, with a deeper understanding of who God is and the amazing things He can do for those who trust Him. I have also noticed that some of the most powerful prayer warriors in the Body of Christ have gone through multiple struggles.

I have such sweet memories of my youngest child’s love for the church nursery and the fellowship hall. She was always so excited to go there because it meant it was time to eat! Looking back, I can’t help but chuckle at myself for packing her a lunchbox full of

It is a common tendency to assume how someone will behave based on their job title or position. However, this assumption may only sometimes be valid. The priest and the Levite, in the parable, may have had a bad day or were too occupied with their work to notice the wounded man lying on the side of the road. They may have assumed that he was already dead or were scared of encountering the robbers, only to experience the same fate. We cannot say what was going through their minds, but their decision to ignore the severely wounded man is evident.

The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)

As Jesus was teaching, a young man who was an expert in the Law stood up to ask a question. He was testing Jesus to see how Jesus would

In any race, the right equipment is crucial to your success. Imagine being given shoes that don’t fit properly, hindering your ability to run and jump with precision. The wrong shoes would become a stumbling block, causing you to trip and fall, ultimately losing the race. That’s why it’s crucial to have the right tools for success. With the right equipment, you’ll be able to perform at your best, pushing yourself to achieve greatness and come out on top. Don’t let ill-fitting shoes hold you back. 

I bet that is how young David felt when given King Saul’s armor to fight Goliath. 

“Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head. David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he

I absolutely love October in Florida. The weather is beautiful - a welcome break from the scorching summer heat. It’s the ideal time for evening strolls along the beach or through the neighborhood. I often take walks to reflect and ponder. October is a great time for introspection as we near the end of the year. Have I achieved the goals I set out to accomplish at the start of the year? Have I made a positive impact? So many questions come to mind during this time of the year.  

Each year presents fresh opportunities and challenges. If I had the pen in my hand while writing Chapter 2023, I would have written a beautiful story without many challenges or obstacles. Maybe I would have even won the lottery. Maybe not; Christians are not supposed to play the lottery. Or at

I’m unsure if it’s a fresh perspective of a Bible character or topic that most Christians have encountered numerous times or if it’s simply an improved awareness or understanding. However, it’s inevitable that whenever you delve into the Bible and study it, God reveals something new you haven’t seen before. 

Noah was more than just a man who constructed an ark. According to the Bible, Noah was a man who walked faithfully with God and was considered righteous and blameless. His name means “rest and comfort,” and the Lord favored him.

God selected Noah to present the first atoning sacrifice as an act of worship. This sacrifice ultimately led to God’s repentance once again. He first repented when he saw that his creation had become wicked and felt

Noah only learned about God’s plan to use a flood to destroy humanity just before he entered the ark for the last time. This was the only way for Noah to understand the purpose of building the ark. Despite not knowing God’s intentions, Noah obeyed the command to build the ark without question. This was all part of God’s plan to test Noah’s faith and obedience. The command to build a ship on dry land may have seemed strange to Noah, but he remained faithful and obedient.  (Gerhard Von Rad: A Commentary, 119-120)

I learned something new about Noah and his faith.  Most Christians know several scriptures about faith.  We walk by faith and not by sight.  Or we have heard preachers say, “Follow God even though you do not see Him or understand what he is

Not all wounds come from enemies.
Some of the deepest ones come from people who know our names, share our blood, sit at our tables, and once held our trust.

And when betrayal comes from that place — the place of closeness — the pain doesn’t just hurt… it reshapes you.

Unless God reshapes you first.

That is why the condition of the heart matters more than the condition of the circumstances. That is why how we respond matters even more than what we experience. And that is why the story of Joseph still speaks with such power today.

At the age of seventeen, Joseph was separated from his family

Today, I grapple with thoughts like “God can change any situation” and “God is in control” as I observe less-than-ideal situations. Though motivated to pray, I must also take action and do more. Perhaps a simple conversation with specific individuals could resolve the issue. I aim to discuss my concerns and reach an agreement. However, sometimes I am unsure if the problem is my fault or a situation beyond my control. It can be frustrating, but I remind myself that God is in control, and I must trust Him. This motivates me to pray even more fervently, and if I really need God to intervene, I know I must fast and pray with urgency. Ultimately, I trust that God will show me the way forward.

At times, we may experience situations where we feel powerless, and the weight of it can be

“Wearing a linen ephod, David was dancing before the Lord with all his might, while he and all Israel were bringing up the ark of the Lord with shouts and the sound of trumpets.’’ (2 Samuel 6:14-15)

“Now David was clothed in a robe of fine linen, as were all the Levites carrying the ark, and as were the musicians, and Kenaniah, who was in charge of the choirs singing. David also wore a linen ephod.” (I Chronicles 15:27)

An Attempt That Fell Short

In the initial effort to bring the Ark of the Covenant back, an unexpected tragedy dampened the otherwise festive occasion. King David and Israel, and the musicians rejoiced as the Ark of God was transported on a new cart.

David, the king of Israel, was known as a warrior — a man who fought tirelessly to establish and defend his throne. It was uncommon for him to remain at home while his troops went into battle. Interestingly, the seasons in which David withdrew from the battlefield appear to coincide with some of the most significant moral failures of his life—failures for which God held him accountable.

Perhaps he was weary of fighting. Maybe he was bored. Possibly, he felt he had finally “arrived.” Scripture does not tell us what was in his heart — only that when David stopped fighting outwardly, he became vulnerable inwardly.

Bathsheba proved to be quite the distraction.

Many people are familiar with the tale of King Solomon from the Old Testament. He was a wise leader who asked God for guidance, and God was pleased that he did not request the demise of his foes, riches, or renown. As a result, God bestowed upon him great riches and honor.

Well, that is the short Sunday school summary of this story.  Solomon did not just ask for wisdom. It is a little deeper. 

A Discerning Heart for the Administration of Justice

“Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties.  Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”  (Ephesians 6:12)

A Promise, Then A Problem

Moses sent twelve spies into the land of Canaan to report on the land and its habitants.  Finally, the children of Israel were on the verge of claiming their promised territory.  After leaving Egypt, they wandered in the desert for approximately 40 years. Now, they have an opportunity to see the Promise Land. 

Imagine their anticipation and excitement.  Maybe, they thought God would allow them to walk into the Promise Land without a fight. 

Random Thoughts

Today, I randomly flipped through my Bible.  I picked random scriptures from the Old and New Testament to read.  Normally, I am a little more focused, deliberate, and intentional. Isn’t that how we should live our lives? Focused, deliberate, and intentional.  I am not there, yet.  I am improving each day. (Smile)

I read about the later part of King David’s life. Immediately, the word, “CONSEQUENCE” came to mind.  The prophet, Nathan’s words came to pass.  “This is what the Lord says: ‘Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity on you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will sleep with your wives in

From his prison cell in Rome, the Apostle Paul wrote to young Timothy, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman who needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.”  (II Timothy 2:15 KJV)

Young Timothy needed to study God’s Word.   Today, it is more important than ever that consistent Bible study is a part of our everyday life.  Why?   Many counterfeit Christians, false prophets, and teachers mishandle God’s Word for personal gain.

I like to write positive blogs.  This seems a little negative.  I am not to point out everyone I think or know to be a false teacher or prophet. 

Today, my blog is just a simple, gentle reminder to encourage people to cultivate

Jesus served and ministered to people that most, including His disciplines would not to be bothered with.  Jesus extended himself to the social outcasts of His day.  When the Pharisees questioned why Jesus would eat with tax collectors and sinners, His response aligned with His divine purpose and calling, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Mark 2:17)   

In John 4:4, it says, “Now He had to go through Samaria.”  Why would He go through Samaria? Afterall, the Jews do not deal with or talk to the Samaritans. 

What is wrong with the Samaritans? Who are the Samaritans? Well, there is

Jesus was willing to go out of His way to see about people.  Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. (Luke 19:10)

The word seek in this verse comes from the Greek word “ζητέω zēteō” and it emphasizes the fact that Jesus was actively striving, searching and looking for the lost.

Save comes from the Greek word “σῴζω sōzō” and it means “to save, rescue, deliver; to heal; by extension: to be in right relationship with God, with the implication that the condition before salvation was one of grave danger or distress: – saved.”

Jesus was not passive about his mission; he was actively and aggressively searching for people to bring

I recently taught a Sunday School lesson to a group of elementary kids about the significance of the Bible. One of the main points I wanted to emphasize was that the Bible serves as a guidebook for life. It acts as a map or GPS to assist individuals in making important life choices and decisions. The Bible offers direction.

Also, I wanted the kids to commit to reading their Bible regularly.  The class was energetic, and the kids appeared distracted that day, so I am unsure if they “got it.”  One day, they will remember.  A seed planted today grows into something extraordinary in the future.  Sunday School was a huge part of my life.  As children, we rarely missed Sunday School.  Almost every Sunday during devotions, the teachers would

There were two women, Mary and Martha.

The Martha(s) of the world who are highly dedicated to ministry and service in the Kingdom of God must permit themselves to be Mary. For some, it is so easy to become a Martha. Jesus told Martha, “You are worried and upset about many things… (Luke 10:41) While Martha was stressed out, Mary recognized the value of sitting at the feet of Jesus.

Sometimes, you must prioritize your life and recognize what is essential and when it is just vital to be in the presence of God. The Bible says in his presence is the fullness of joy, and he will show you his paths – direction (Psalm 16:11); if there is joy in His presence, then you will find strength. Because the Bible says, “The JOY of the Lord is my

One of the clearest indicators that you are aligned with God’s purpose is the presence of peace. When your heart is at rest, your spirit is often in harmony with God’s plan. Yet, the opposite can also feel true—tension, heaviness, or restlessness might make you wonder whether you’ve stepped outside His will.

But here is the paradox every believer must learn:

Sometimes tension means you’re not on the right track
…and other times tension means
you