Blog

“If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in safe country, how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan?” (Jeremiah 12:5, NIV)

Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, mourned the devastation caused by Judah’s continual disobedience. In Jeremiah 11, God reminds the people of Judah of the promises and covenant He made with them. Like any agreement, there are specific terms that must be upheld.

To benefit from any agreement, you must adhere to its terms. God reminds Israel of the conditions of His covenant. Jeremiah 11:1-5 summarizes it: obey God and be blessed; disobey God and face judgment.   Even the prophet Isaiah wrote, “If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good t

Before embarking on his final journey to Jerusalem, where he would lay down his life as a redemption for the world’s sins, Jesus took his disciples to Caesarea Philippi. This location, formerly known as Bashan in the Old Testament and Mt. Hermon, held great significance for Jesus. It was not an arbitrary or spur-of-the-moment decision. He was heading straight to the epicenter. Here, Jesus declared, “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” (Matthew 16:18). Jesus was going to Ground Zero.

During my upbringing in the church, the preachers often emphasized the significance of Peter’s revelation of Jesus’ identity. They would passionately exclaim into the microphone, “God granted Peter the keys to the k

If you’ve been following the events unfolding in the “Christian” community on social media, you might feel as though you’re immersed in a dramatic television series or a gripping soap opera this year. It’s easy to be drawn into the countless stories and seek out the latest updates from the so-called “suspect” internet prophets or the new wave of YouTube bloggers who have assumed the roles of judge and jury, delivering their final verdicts on each scandal. This has been dubbed the year of exposure, as many have taken it upon themselves to unveil truths and bring hidden matters to light. For a brief moment, I found myself getting sucked into the drama, wondering what was going to happen next. Keywords: Robert Morris, Youngblood, Jakes, SA, Daystar… and now, Parsley. What a mess! A made-

The difference between the rose bush that produces an abundance of roses and the one that does not, the pruning process. We will produce much fruit when we allow the Holy Spirit to “prune” our lives. 

I did not realize it until this morning; God was answering some questions swirling around in my head recently about SPIRITUAL AND NATURAL PRODUCTIVITY as I prepare for a NEW YEAR. Also, confronting the issue of spiritual accountability for growth based on the gifts and talents that we have been entrusted with.

John 15:2, “He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that bear fruit so they will produce even more.

Have you heard the phrase “speaking truth to power”? It means having the courage to stand up for what you believe is true, even against leaders or authority figures. For Christians, it is the ability to SPEAK WHAT GOD’S WORD says is true. This concept is about not ignoring wrongs when you have the power to make a difference. Sometimes, it may be as simple as praying and watching God work. Other times, it may urge you to take action and speak out. The Bible is filled with people compelled to speak truth to authority.  

This fearless warrior, as I will refer to him, Jonathan, cannot turn a blind eye to wrongdoing. He will not bury his head in the sand like an ostrich when he sees injustice. Instead, he stands tall. Jonathan was a true friend to David. Although it

Why do I love the book of Nehemiah? The book of Nehemiah is a powerful reminder of the incredible feats one can achieve with the help of the Lord when driven by a genuine love for people and a heartfelt burden. When he heard that the walls of Jerusalem were broken down and burned to the ground, he cried, fasted, and prayed. But what’s truly remarkable is that he did not rush into action. Instead, he waited on the Lord for direction, demonstrating his patience and trust in God’s timing. It’s a lesson we can all learn from, reminding us that sometimes, the most powerful action we can take is to wait on the Lord. God opened the door.

The Bible says that he prayed night and day. He did not get an answer until four months later when King Artaxerxes released him from his role as cupbea

This morning, the words of scripture where Jesus said, “Watch and pray,” resonated in my spirit. When Jesus found his disciples sleeping in the Garden of Gethsemane, he told them to watch and pray.   

I remember something that was said about the late Evangelist Mildred Boyd. It was said that she would fast and pray on holidays. While others would enjoy holiday festivities with food, family, and friends, she would choose to fast. When asked why, she would respond, “Someone has to stay on the wall.”

In other words, someone should be praying when everyone else is relaxing or has their guard down. The Bible says, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” I. Peter 5:8 (NIV)

“Watch a

Although life is full of challenges and obstacles, the deliberate actions of others can serve as the fuel that ignites our motivation to keep pursuing our goals.

For me, it was my childhood pastor who always prayed and laid hands on me before I left for college. His wife would always say to me before I would go, “Don’t leave town before seeing me and the Bishop.” I also cherish the simple things in life, like when my mom used to make my favorite banana pudding for me to take back to my dorm. Banana pudding has always been my favorite dessert. During high school and college, my church youth director was a constant source of encouragement and support. She has since become a lifelong friend. Many people have invested in me over the years, and I am grateful for their belief and encou

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 su

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 o

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 grape

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 answer. 

“Teacher

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 w

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 least,

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 remors

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 doing.”&nbsp

Keep your Heart Pure. Your reaction matters.

Today, I am thinking about Joseph.  At the age of 17, he was separated from his family.  It was not because of war.  His brothers’ jealousy motivated them to do a most unrighteous act.  It was the fuel and the motivation that led them to not only sell him into slavery but also to fake his death.  The beautiful coat of many colors gifted to him by his father Jacob was dipped in animal blood and presented to his father.  No doubt, Joseph was his favorite son.  There were a couple of parents in the Old Testament who had a favorite child.  This is never advisable, but it sometimes happens in families.  Imagine the heartbreak and the devastation.

It’s difficult to fathom that envy alone co

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 d

“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. Ho

David, the King of Israel, had a reputation as a warrior who fought hard to claim his throne. It was uncommon for him to remain at home instead of leading his troops into battle. However, when he was not engaged in war, it seemed like those were the seasons where he made life-altering mistakes where God would hold him accountable for his actions. Perhaps he was bored, weary of fighting, or distracted?

Bathsheba proved to be quite distracting. “In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem.” (II Samuel 11:1) 

David must have faced a difficult realization when he observed Bathsheba from the palace

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 number.

“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.  Maybe,

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 bro

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