Only one of my children participated in Halloween. He is now in his twenties. My two younger children, were never allowed to dress up and go door to door for candy. The funny part is, I did not allow my younger children participate because it was becoming too dangerous, it was not based on religion. There was a rampant change, candy had to be checked before you allowed your children to eat, and people were doing crazy things in the neighborhoods.
The malls would give out candy as a safe alternative to knocking on doors and I let my oldest participate one time, that was the last time. I have learned when you know better you do better. Halloween is not a holiday for Christians. I have heard the argument that neither is fornication, adultery, lying, or etc. but "Christians" participate daily. I find that to be funny and most likely true. But what other "Christians" do, does not have anything to do with what my household will do or not do. A standard has to start somewhere. Nobody is perfect. Do I judge others because they participate? Of course not, it is a personal choice. And I do not believe that those who choose not to participate should be judged. I believe there are more important things to consider in the world today, the election is pretty important right now. The senseless killings of black men seems pretty important right now. The rise of gangs, the increase of black on black murders, and the sexual exploitation of children seem more important topics of discussion. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. It is our choice. Joshua 24:15
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Funny thing happened to me this morning. I was washing my hands and when I looked down the water was dirty. I know that is normally the case, but it would not turn clear. Then I laughed, because I was using black soap!!
********************************** I was instantly reminded, we look clean on the outside, but when you get into the heart of us, it may not be so clean. We are not perfect people, we all fall short daily. It is important to "wash" daily. Cleanse yourself daily, ask Jesus to give you a pure heart and renew a right spirit within you. Study the Word of God. In my example above, I laughed and kept moving. I was not depressed, did not feel like a failure, was not worried what others thought, and did not feel "unclean". I realized although the water was still a little dark, my hands were washed and cleaned. I did my best. Remember, you will not always get it right and that is okay. Keep "washing". Psalms 51 Today, I and some other women are being celebrated. We are part of the 1st Woman on a Mission Award. I was nominated. As I sit here this morning, my thoughts are that of reflection.
I am reminded of a few things, but I will only share two this morning. First, people are watching you. You cannot talk the talk and not walk the walk; not that you get the glory but ALL glory goes to God. Second, as I think about the honorees, we all have different stories but we share a common bond. We all went through a test and it became a testimony, that inspired our purpose and mission. Our pain, tears, struggles, abuse, health issues, fears, doubts, poor decisions, and/or addictions led us to this day. Something happened....... for each one of us it was different, but it happened, and our lives will never be the same. I am honored that God would see fit to let me be in the company of such awesome women. ************* I want to reaffirm my mission. My mission is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, however led by the Holy Spirit. For God I live and for God I die. It is election time. I have watched the debates. I have seen some funny memes aimed at the candidates. I have seen people on opposite sides, bicker between one another. I was reflecting on the election and I have decided, it does not matter who wins. What?? Am I crazy? No, I am not. God reminded me, He is in control. I do not have to be anxious or angry at others based on how they feel about this election. God is in control. I pray for the candidates and I trust God. We have lost focus in this world today. We think man have power, but I beg to differ, God is in control. I made my election sure years ago and I choose Jesus! Will I vote? Of course, it is my right and others have struggled, even died for that right. Will I stress and hate others because they do not agree with my vote? Negative. Please vote!!! Most importantly, trust God, He is in control. Romans 13:1 When we send something to a printer we expect our document to look like the original. If you have a multi-function printer, you can even make copies or scan, but you still expect it to look like your original. Sometimes the paper will get jammed or the lines are misaligned, so you try again. ******************************* We as believers of Christ are to model the original. We are to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit daily. But what about those days when we just do not get it right; when we don't line up with the original, are we doomed? Of course not!! Try again. Jesus is the only one who is perfect, without sin. He was the propitiation for us. His death on Calvary, paid our debt, once and for all. He knew we would not be perfect, so He left us a guide, and just like the printer, you can try again. Study the Word. You can not duplicate what you do not know. Galatians 5: 22-23, 2 Timothy 2:15 ************************************************** In honor of those who have won the battle and those who are still in the process of winning. Father God, for the many who are dealing with breast cancer, thank you for strength, peace, and endurance. Keep them in your loving arms of protection and healing. Jehovah Rapha you are, and we honor you. Cover the families who have lost the physical body to Cancer and help them rejoice in knowing to be absent from the body is to be present with you. In the physical it appears they lost the battle, but we know they are healed and now with you. Thank you for peace that surpasses all understanding. Thank you for the survivors. They kept the faith, they endured the road traveled, and now they have a testimony of your healing grace. What a mighty God we serve! Thank you for healing! Thank you for healing! Thank you for healing! In Jesus name, Amen. Amen. Amen. When you go to make a purchase, most items have a code on them. There are UPC codes, ISBN codes, QR codes, and more. The code identifies what the product is, how much it will cost, and other identifying properties. Each code is individualize for that product. ********************************* You have a code. God created you, wonderfully and fearfully you are made! There is a unique identifier for you!! The price that was paid for you by his Son, the blood that was shed on Calvary cross, paid for your redemption! He knows everything about you! The plans that He have for you have not fully manifested. You may think you have arrived, but there is so much more!! Your code has not expired!! Your code will not expire!! Glory to God, He knows you!! He loves you!! You are His!! Luke 12:7, Matthew 10:30 I do not like to throw away food. Uneaten food is often placed in containers and stored in the refrigerator to eat on throughout the week. What will often happen, is some food is forgotten and when it is picked up later, it is not good for consumption.
**************************** Some of us store our Bible in a bible cover. We carry it around on Sunday, open it up, highlight the sermon scriptures, and make notes. When we get home the bible cover stays in the car or we take it in the house and place it down. What will often happen, is the food is forgotten. We do not consume the Word daily. We do not go back and read the scriptures/passages for ourselves. We do not digest the food. We pick up the bible cover and head to church the following Sunday, spiritually hungry. Why?? There is no need to be hungry when you have the food with you. It is like saying you have nothing to eat, but there is frozen meat in the freezer; you have to prepare the food. The recommendation this morning, stop storing your Bible in the cover and eat your food. It is strength for your mind, body, and soul. Open the container daily and partake of the fullness!! You will never be hungry or thirsty again. God is speaking to you. He is telling you to do something and you are not listening. You hear God but you are not listening. You are busy giving Him excuses.
Have you noticed that He is still speaking? He has not changed His mind. He still want you to do the very thing He created you for, but you are not listening. STOP. BE STILL. Do you honestly think He has told you to do that and will not lead you all the way? Do you really think He will let you fail? Really? He created you for such a time as this. You keep seeing other people doing the same thing He told you to do and you think it should not be done again. How many teachers in the world? How many preachers in the world? How many department stores in the world? So you think there can only be one author, one nurse consultant, one baker, one seamstress, one model, one of whatever He told you to do? I do not know who you are today, but listen and obey your Father. He makes provision for the vision. When somebody tells you about a movie or a book before you are able to enjoy it, it is called a spoiler alert. FB is full of spoiler alerts during football games and various TV shows.
********************* Spoiler Alert!! Revelation 22:20-21 NLT He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s holy people. *********************** He is coming back!!! No doubt about it. He said it and it is true. He is not a man that he should lie, or the Son of man that he should repent, if he said it he will do it. This book is Good News!! Even though I told you the ending, you should study from the beginning to the end. There is so much more to know. Find out how you can get ready. See how others made it through the difficult times. Learn about ways to love others. Read about the power you have over the enemy! I have not spoiled it for you, I just gave you the best taste. HE IS COMING BACK!! If you are not sure about where to start, pray. Find a bible study class at a teaching church. If you already belong to a church, start going to bible study or Sunday school. |
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