Thursday, February 24, 2011

Security in Jesus


When we are weak He is strong.

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalms 91:1

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You are probably wondering how to escape some of the attacks orchestrated by the devil. He attacks both our bodies and minds. We are really in a war. The devil disguises himself sometimes as a friend or a family member. You never know where he’s coming from and to escape from falling victims to his attacks, we have to be on constant alert; but being alert is not enough; you and I need divine protection.

Our Loving Father had already made provision for our attacks. He provided the blood of Christ. I don’t think Christians make proper use of His blood. Most of us accept our eternal life but that is about it. There is no limitation in Jesus. His blood gives life, security, and defense against our every attack. That is why it is so important to continuously ask God for His protection. You and I live in a world filled with people who indulge in satanic activities and people who don’t know about Christ. We are constantly exposed to their evil influences. When they talk to us these evil influences will manifest in subtle ways, and it’s almost impossible to detect. You may not know that it is happening because you cannot know from which background these people come from. Being alert is great but you and I need the blood of Christ. You have to stay close to God. That’s what dwelling in the shelter of the Most High means. You have to choose to remain covered by the blood. No evil can touch you if you are under the protection of Jesus’ blood. Such is the power of the blood shed by Jesus on the cross. Do you understand?

God protected His children through the blood of the Passover lamb when He struck down the firstborn of Egypt and the same protection is available to us today. The Bible offers us this protection as the way to overcome Satan and his evil forces: Let’s look at some scriptures:

1. “They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb” (Revelation 12:11
2. “It is the blood that puts away sin” (Heb. 9:26).
3. “First of all, the blood of Christ is a propitiation for sin”. In Romans 3:25
4. “Take away, then, the old leaven, so that you may be a new mass, even as you are without leaven. For Christ has been put to death as our Passover”. 1 Cor. 5:7
5. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Rev. 13:8
6. “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace”. Ephesians 1:7
7. “but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin”. 1 John 1:7

None of us is immune to the devil’s attack but we have a secret weapon in our battles: we have the blood of Christ. Glory! The blood of Christ regains for us all that Adam lost by sin, and brings us much more than we lost. We have eternal security. We have power over sins. We have protection against the devil’s attack and we have victory (in every area of our lives) through the blood of Christ. Start gaining access to all of the benefits of your coverage provided by the Blood of Christ and be blessed.

Praise the Lord!

Monday, February 21, 2011

Does God Heal?


Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.James 5:16

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Religious people follow every sentence with "If it's God's will" or "I'll just leave it up to God" or "God willing". I am here to tell you that Christians know that when it comes to your well-being, God is always willing. "Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well". 3 John 1:2. God's help is always within reach through prayers.He wants us to pray to him for help. In Luke 18:1 Jesus told his disciples that they "should always pray and not give up." and then Jesus asked "...will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night?" People say that miracles don't happen anymore but I am reminding you that they are constantly occuring. The power of God is still manifesting. Pray to God from your heart for healing and all of your other needs. Don't ever stop. Don't ever give up. God ants you well.

The Healing ministry of Jesus covers about twenty percent of the Gospel. Jesus taught his disciples how to pray and heal. He sent them to carry on his work. Wouldn't Jesus want his followers to pray for healing today? I believe He would.You need to continue to pray for healing and we (believers) need to pray for each other's healing. The bible is filled with healing scriptures: James 5:14-15 "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elder the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven."
James 5:16 we are asked to "confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." and then told that "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."
Mark 11:23-25 Jesus further instructs to forgive when we pray "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, `Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."

My dear friend, be assured that God wants you well, that prayers work and that miracles still happen. Don't you ever give up. Don't you ever stop praying.

Praise the Lord!

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Peace. Be Still….



Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

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First and foremost, each and every Christian must completely acknowledge is that the Holy Bible is truly the inspired and infallible, and uncompromising Word of God. Jesus says: you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free. “ However, you first have to know what the truth is before the truth can start to work to set you free. This is probably the reason why David said we must meditate on the words of God (in the Bible) so we can find out what their true meaning is and how these truths can apply to us. Meditating on the Bible means to think truly about it, to chew on each word of each passage, to try and figure out what the meaning of the words is all about. God loves us so much but we can fall in love with him unless we know Him. God knows everything about each one of us (Psalm 139) but we do not know everything about Him or His Trinity. Friend if you really want to get to know God, you would read HIS Word.

The word of God is ever true. It tells us in Hosea that people perish due to ignorance and lack of knowledge. Renewing our minds daily with the word of God is the key to abolishing that ignorance. I don’t know about you but when I was a baby Christian, I noticed that all my troubles started with fear and my fears were the exact results of my ignorance when it comes to the word of God and what the word say about the situation I was facing. I finally realized that when we grab on to the Word of God during times of agitation, it would settle our hearts and calm our souls. Jesus commands to not be afraid for He gives us His peace. What other assurance do we need? Some situations are rough and others are plain and simple intolerable. I get that, but no matter the trials, remember that God is bigger. He is more powerful. He cannot fail and that victory is yours. Do not let you heart be troubled. Take refuge in the Word of God for it is life. When the Word of God acts, God acts. When the Word of God delivers, God delivers. When the Word of God heals, God heals. God and The Word are one. Hebrews 4:12-13 tells us three things that occur we read Word: “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

God can see all things and nothing is hidden from His eyes, in front of His word and all issues in your issues (fears, doubt, pain, hurt, illness, disappointments) are wide open and the things you don’t even want to face are before him. Why would you fear? God loves you enough to have sent, Jesus Christ, His son to die for you and to replace your shortcomings and your dead areas with His resurrection power. Praise the Lord! You don’t have to fear another day. You don’t have to worry. It is going to be just fine. Read the word of God. Let it grow in your heart and mind and be blessed!

Praise the Lord!

Saturday, February 19, 2011

God is my Refuge and my Fortress


I lift up my eyes to the mountains, where does my help come from. My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD watches over you the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Psalm 121

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Having grown up in church and raised by a praying mother, I must have memorized this psalm when I was 2 or 3 years old. Perhaps, it was the way my mother joy seemed to be restored each every time she reads or perhaps the Holy Spirit was preparing me for my own destiny but the above scripture has always been special to me. Although I prayed these words numerous times over the years, it would take me many years to get a grasp on what it means to say the Lord is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. As look back at the experiences of my life and those I love to include sickness, lack, disease, pain, disappointments, heartbreaks, rejection and loneliness, there is no reason why I should still be standing other than the grace of God. God just would not give up on me. He simply refused to let me give up on myself.

As I take a look at the past year alone, I can’t help comparing where I was last year to where I am now, I can indeed say the author of psalm 144: 2 knows a thing or two about God. He is indeed my loving God and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield, in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me. Even when my stubbornness got me in many troubles, God always revealed himself to be faithful and I know now that He will continue to show his faithfulness in my life. Having God as fortress means that I don’t have to keep running around looking for help in all the wrong places anymore. I wish there was a way to capture with a camera the majesty and the astronomical work that God has done in my life, but believe it when I tell you that our heavenly Father cares deeply, watches over us actively, takes care of us faithfully, and love us unconditionally. When cornered with nowhere to turn, come boldly to the throne of grace, let him be your fortress, your rock, and your refuge and you will be blessed.

Praise the Lord!

Friday, February 18, 2011

Eternal Security



Can You Be Sure?

"For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ" Romans 14:10.

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There are more than 600 different denominational churches all with different doctrines, beliefs, and teachings. There is so much confusion in the world in regards to religious beliefs that is a result of the ignorance of God’s word. People are conflicted by the many different doctrines of religion, and they are so confused, they don’t know what to believe. My advice is to believe God, seek the truth. “For God is not a God of confusion, but of peace.” (1 Corinthians 14:33). It is the will of God for you to be wise, sound minded. Any person who is serious about salvation cannot afford to follow any of the many false doctrines that are being taught. But what is the truth? Who to believe? Which way to go? Our Lord Jesus Christ, who is our Savior, has already answered all of our questions by His suffering and death on the cross. He is the only truth. Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)He is the One to follow and the truth is found in the Bible.

Why is it so important to know the truth about eternal security? Because one day, we shall all stand before Christ giving account to our time here on earth. Judgment comes with a verdict and some people will get to be with Christ in heaven and some will be forever separated from Him. Forever is a long time to be without God, wouldn’t you say? You must know, without a doubt, where you are going to spend eternity. You cannot afford not to know. YOU CAN BE SURE. It is so simple. Just say yes to Christ. Believe that He is the Son of God who died, resurrected and ascended to heaven where is preparing a place for you. You need to start living for Christ. He believes you are worth dying for; therefore, living for Him shouldn’t be a problem. Your soul is worth more than the whole world and everything in it. Jesus says in Matthew 16:26, "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" Your soul is the part of you that is going to continue to live on forever throughout all eternity. You cannot afford to lose our soul and be eternally punished. You have got to make sure that you spend eternity in the loving arm of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Friend, you need to get ready. You need to be sure. You have got to put your affairs together today because “yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” (James 4:14) You must not make an error concerning your salvation in following what "seems right" to us, or that we "feel in our heart that we are saved" The Bible warns us about that in Proverbs 14:12, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death". Our feelings are not a safe guide, but only the Bible is. My dear friend today is the day of salvation. Come to Christ and be sure.

Praise the Lord!

Happy Birthday G. J. Essien. The Bible Tour family loves you. May God continue to bless you and may a relationship with Him is the focal point of your life!

Thursday, February 17, 2011

God will Make a Way....



"Then Moses led Israel from the Red Sea and they went into the Desert of Shur. For three days they traveled in the desert without finding water. When they came to Marah, they could not drink its water because it was bitter. (That is why the place is called Marah). So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, "What are we to drink?" Then Moses cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a piece of wood. He threw it into the water, and the water became sweet". Exodus 15:22-25

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Now we know the story of how God took the children of Israel from slavery out of Egypt victoriously and miraculously (there were the ten plagues and the crossing of the Red Sea), and yet His people still did not completely trust Him. After only three days in the wilderness without water they started to turn against Moses, they started to lose faith because they needed water to stay alive. They wanted to go back to Egypt. Moses cried out to God for help and what did God do? He came through for them once more. He gave Moses instructions. Praise God, and the bitter water turned sweet. It would have been so easy for God to turn His back on them, but again, He gave them an opportunity to see His glory.

This story touched me in many ways:
. First, the Israelites cried out to Moses, but Moses Cried out to God. We need to know who to cry out to in our times of need. Moses could have gone to Miriam or Aaron to find refuge when the pressure was on, but instead he went to the One who had the power to help. Praise God!
. Second, the story makes me think of the importance of obedience. Moses threw the piece of wood in the water just as God instructed and the water turned sweet.

Sometimes God is waiting on us to take a minor step in order to intervene in the situations and we go to church we hear about it. We turn on the television we hear about it. The car in front of us in traffic carries the same messages on their bumper stickers and we just don't see it. The Holy Spirit tries to lead us to the right path and yet we refuse to change and we complain and wonder why we don't get our victory. We need to learn to be more sensitive to the voice of God and live in obedience. We are serving a great God who has the power to change any situation. There are perks to walking in obedience. There is healing, and deliverance in walking in obedience to the word of God. Get acquainted with His word. Read your Bible until you understand God so well that trusting Him is no longer an option but the only choice.

Friend, learn to trust God. It is a choice worth making. Rely on His might and power and soon the situation of your life will have to change. God is waiting for you to take that simple step of faith. Will you come to Him today? Will you let Him make a way you? Will you accept His love? I pray that you do.

Praise the Lord!

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Filled to Overflow



I am acting with great boldness toward you; I have great pride in you; I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy.2 Corinthians 7:4

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There are various books about loneliness because many are those who suffer from it. I was invited to be part of a conference on loneliness recently and there were many young married couple in attendance. They were all surprised to find themselves feeling lonely so early in their marriage. It was quite interesting because single people assume that marriage is the cure of their loneliness.

Webster defines loneliness to be a feeling of separation that comes when we feel disconnected from somebody or a group of people; it is extreme sadness resulting from being forsaken or abandoned.

I found out through my walk with God that loneliness is first and foremost a spiritual problem that begins with feeling separated from God. I feel the loneliest when I am not in obedience with the word of God. Loneliness begins when the first man and woman (Adam and Eve) sinned and lost their perfect union with each other and with God. When we choose to sin and go our own way, we disconnect ourselves from fellowship with our creator and there’s no way a believer can find fulfillment and peace away from God. He created us to be intimately connected to Him. He created us to be in perfect harmony with Him. He created us to have a need, a longing to be with Him and other people, when we hide away because of our shame of disobedience we deprive ourselves from feeling His overflowing and comforting love.

I notice that many young couples fall into the same trap, they assume that their coming together will end the loneliness of their single days. One coming together in marriage, they assume that they only need each other and they alienate everyone including God from their lives. I know the pattern very well. Two of the most active members of a church get married (Youth leader and choir director for example)and soon thereafter, they disappear. They often reappear when they are having trouble conceiving a child or when they are in need of a home or when they are going through typical adjustment period that come with living together for the first time. It never fails. I see it a lot in our churches. I am not implying that church attendance is the cause, but it is usually a sign of problems to come. When we are removed/separated/distanced from our spiritual circle/our assembly/our church, we are more vulnerable to the devil’s trap. We have a responsibility to remain alert because the devil is on a mission to bring us down. “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” 1 Peter 5:8. We need each other and more importantly need God.

Whatever you are lacking or whatever is missing in your life today, Jesus wants to give it to you in overflowing measure. He wants to fill that void, the emptiness you have been feeling since your spouse walked away, since your parents died, since your fiancé chose yet again another over you. JESUS WANTS TO CURE YOU EVERYWHERE YOU HURT. He wants to restore your broken heart and re-establish the lines of communication between you and the Father that is why He gave His life. Get it? He died for your fulfillment. Go to Jesus with your emptiness, your need, hurt, pain or loneliness. He is The Source, the Author and Finisher of all things, the Alpha and Omega. He wants to fill your heart to overflowing. You will never experience the abundant life He wants you to have, the life He died to give you unless you are walking obediently with Him in an intimate and loving relationship.

I learn from experience that the most effective cure is to get right with God. Reconcile with your Heavenly Father through the blood of Christ. Repent and come back to His loving arm and never you will experience another lonely day in your life. there is no reason to be this lonely and hurt when you have the blood of Christ on your side.

“May God, the Source of hope, fill you with joy and peace through your faith in Him. Then you will overflow with hope and joy by the power of the Holy Spirit”. Romans 15:13

Praise the Lord!

Monday, February 14, 2011

Are you lonely?


God wants to comfort you

"No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you. Joshua 1:5

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Christians don’t like to admit that they are lonely due to the fact Church goers are always so ready to judge, and if they admit that they are lonely, the assumption will be that that there are living in sins. David, a man after God’s heart had moments of loneliness. Jesus was lonely the night of his arrest, that’s why he asked the disciples to stay with him. Friends, make no mistake, the reality of the matter is that we have all experienced moments of intense loneliness. I am going to be candid with you; there were times in my life when my loneliness was so o intense that it hurts. That’s right, loneliness is not a fun feeling, it can reduce us to tears and despair.

Why is a God who loves so much that He sent his son to die would let us be lonely? Why would a God who says that His thoughts towards us are greater, higher and more glorious than we can ever comprehend let us feel such extreme pain? God loves us and He promised that not even death could separate us from His love. Contrary to what people think, loneliness is not necessary results of sins. We tend to get preoccupied with the daily obligation of living that we neglect God, but He loves so much that He creates opportunities for us to run to Him, but what do we often do? We run to our love ones and our friends. There have been times in my life when I ran to friends and they were not available, or they simply didn’t care about my struggle of the hour, after all they were going through their own challenges. There are marriages that are destroyed because either or both parties don’t feel totally satisfied and fulfilled with the other. Your spouse was not created to play God in your life.

My friend, make no mistake, your spouse your children, your brothers and sisters as well as your friends are no substitute for the presence of God. We were created by love, to love. You and I need to make time in the presence of God a priority. We were created with a need inside of us that cannot be filled by anyone or anything other than God. It is unfair to put the burden on our love ones. The word of God in Matthew 11:28: says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” And we have to remember that and when we feel alone to run to God. Many people get in trouble when they chose sex, drugs and alcohol as a way to cope with loneliness. They often realized (too late) that no amount of sex, drugs and alcohol could provide the peace and fulfillment that God offers. The word of God in the above scripture reminds us that God will always be with us, and we need to welcome his presence in our lives.

The word of God in Exodus 20: 5 reminds that God is a jealous God and He does not wish to be an after thought. He wants to be everything that we need (source of joy, peace and love). God loves us so much that He created us with the need for him but when we decide to fill that void with other things, we soon realize that there are no alternatives to the comfort of our heavenly Father. Start your day with a word of prayer. Spend time in worship before you go out in the world and if you must get up 15 minutes early than that is what you need to do. If you wake up 1 hour early to exercise; I don’t think 15 minutes out of your day is too much to give God out of 24 hours. My dear friend if you start your day with God, and spend time in prayer and meditate on his word, you will find never have to be lonely another day of your life.


Praise the Lord!

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Where is the Kingdom of God?


Is it in Heaven?

“Nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'there it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you." Luke 17:21

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The kingdom of God is not something that would come in the future in heaven. The kingdom is active right here, right now on earth. Let’s look at some verses that indicate the kingdom is already actively functioning. In Mark 1:15, John proclaimed, "The time has come. The kingdom of God is near." Both these verbs are in the past perfect tense, which indicates that something has happened and its results continue. The time had come not just for the proclamation but also for the kingdom.

We have already been brought into God’s kingdom (Colossians 1:13). We are already receiving a kingdom, (Hebrews 12:28). Christ "has made us to be a kingdom" (Revelation 1:6). We are a holy nation (1 Peter 2:9) already and currently a holy kingdom. The kingdom of God is here, Jesus said. His audience did not need to wait for a conquering Messiah. God is already ruling, and we should be living his way now. We don’t yet possess a territory, but we do come under the reign of God. The kingdom is relevant because it is our future reward, but also because it affects how we live and think in this age. We prepare for the future kingdom by living in it now.

Friend, don’t wait for the return of Christ to claim the kingdom. Start living today. You can live forever in paradise on earth in the name of Jesus, while waiting for His "glorious and imminent return"

Praise the Lord!

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

I Believe in Miracles.....


The Miracle Worker is my Father!


Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

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God is powerful and always ready, willing and able to help us and be there for us. The promises in God are for us, His children. His Word is there for us to read, remember and believe. When we believe we will receive. We have seen many records of people who believed God and received His promises throughout the Bible. God has not changed. He is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). What He did for others, He will do for you. How big is God? He is not only bigger than any challenge we can face; He is also a loving, caring, promise keeping, and the greatest and only miracle working God. He has promised: "I will never leave you nor forsake you" Hebrews 13:5. The God that we serve is a miracle working God. I know this because He has worked many miracles in my life. Besides the greatest miracle of all (He sent his son Jesus Christ to die for my sin) He has done great things for me. There were many times I didn’t know how I was going to make it and yet He provided all that I need to include unconditional love, financial breakthrough in times of great needs, physical and emotional healing.

Are you a person who has not experienced the miracle working power of God? Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours (Mark 11:24). We can ask anything you want in the name of His son Jesus Christ and He will do it for you. Many are afraid to come to the throne of grace because they believe that God will send them away. They know the kind of life they have been living but God will not do it because you good but he will do it to glorify the son. We serve a forgiving God. He does not give us based on our deeds. He gives us simply because He loves us. Dear friend, you can come boldly to God. Let Him know what you need. He cares about every area of your life. You can tell him anything and everything. Nothing is impossible to Him. He wants to give you that abundant life you crave for and He sent his son to die for you. Surely he can heal every area of your life. Have faith in God. Believe in God miracle working power and you will experience the glory of his love.

Praise the Lord!

Monday, February 7, 2011

Do Not Fear


The Blood of Jesus Sets you free. Amen!

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

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Are you saved? Do you know the Lord Jesus Christ? If you do, the Bible urges you not to worry. People say that it is easier said than done, but I say that it a matter of practice. Christians must learn to trust God. The Word of God is the will of God. Christians forget at times, that God is the ultimate giver. He gave his son. It is desire to give us all that we need. We don’t have to beg, or cry. The word of God urges to seek the kingdom and the righteousness and everything else’s will be given to us. Everything implies all that we need and imagine. Everything is everything not just something and that include your current situation. God wants to provide for that pressing need but do you have the faith to ask and expect? My dear friend, have faith in God and you will see his glory. The situation that you are facing is not greater than God. When you approach God, everything is within reach. You do not have to fear. The above scripture reminds you that God is with you and will strengthen you as you passed through your tests. Be encouraged this morning. Know God hears your prayers. He cares about all of your needs and He is able and willing to intervene if you would just let Him in and rest in his presence.

Fear not, is not just good advice. It is n order. You are in disobedience to God when you worry. When you fear, you question God’s omnipotence. Faith and fear cannot co-habit. Make the choice to trust God word and let go of all fear and only then will you be able to live the full and purposeful life that God sent his son to die to offer you. Did you know that Fear Not! And be Not Afraid” appeared 180 times in the Bible? God would like you to have the peace that surpasses all intelligence if you would just accept it. I would agree with you, the world appears to be a scary place, but I can guarantee you that is not the way it was intended to be and despite the daily terror on the news, you are still under the protection of the omniscient and omnipotent God. He knows it all. Nothing catches Him by surprise. He never says, “I didn’t see that one coming”. He knows everything before it happens. You can rely on God’s omnipresence. He is always with you. Why would you fear? He is Sovereign: nothing is above Him. He is immutable. He will not go back on His word. He is good, just and merciful: He will do you right. Fear not! My friend. Fear Not! As you go through this day and every day of your life, know that the one who is with you is greater than what is against you.

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.John 8:36

Praise the Lord!

Saturday, February 5, 2011

My Thoughts about Haiti


Our family of eleven lived in various places before we settled in the United States, and between the poorest and the wealthiest country, we have visited and lived in some of the most exotic places on earth. It has been over two decades since I last visited Haiti and yet my eyes crave its exquisite beauty. My nose yearns for the sweet aroma coming out of each window as I take my usual evening stroll. Oh how I miss the white sands, deep blue water beaches! I miss the long days at the beach eating nothing but coconut. I hunger for my grandmother’ succulent Sunday brunch and I mostly miss the joy and hope that used to fill the air as people from various denominations crowded the already narrowed streets on their way to church. Regardless of where I have been I could never forget Haiti. My heart seems to always long for Haiti. This is the first time I am even acknowledging it. See, sometimes, we block memories because they are too painful. For years I resisted the urge to go back solely because I did not want to see what the land has become. I choose to remember it the way it was when I last saw it. Why do I tell you all of this? To make sure that you understand this piece is coming from a deep and precious place. It is coming straight from my heart.

Now, I may never have gone back since then, but I read every article I can get my hands on and listened to all the tales of siblings who have had the courage of returning multiple times in recent years and I have watched every documentary available and yet I remained silent about my real feeling over the years. One thing I learned from living there is to keep your true feeling hidden. As a people, we are not allowed different opinions by fear of retaliation. We were told early on not to discuss politic with anyone outside the house. I grew up during the “baby doc” era. Fear was the norm.

Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12: 2


I have kept my true feelings about the country hidden from everyone including myself. It wasn’t until 2009 that my feelings came crashing down like a tone of bricks. I found myself hysterically weeping after watching an episode of Law & Order. I was almost certain that I have watched every episode of that show over the past few years and they have told every story possible and I didn’t think any story could ever make me feel this way, but that episode brought to life a part of me I thought I buried. The episode entitled “Chattel” is so well written, so sad, and so real that it was impossible not to be moved by it. It tells the story of children purchased from Haiti for about $50 and they are brought here under the pretense of adoption by a circle of rich and powerful group of people. Once here, the children (all under the age of 15) are condemned to a life of slavery and malnutrition. Any injustice to children is something that makes me see red but this particular story ends when one of those children realizes that he will never be free. “Never be free” wow! Isn’t it what the world thinks of this suffering island and its people? They just don’t seem to be able to catch a break. Defeat should not be part of the Christian vocabulary. Change requires renewal of thoughts words and actions. Maybe things will turn around.


Despite rumors that Haitians are originally slaves from Senegal, I was taught in history class that the Haitian people were brought to the island from Guinea a country in Western Africa. Guinea belonged to the medieval kingdom of Ghana and later to the Mali Empire. Explored by the Portuguese in the 15th century, it came under French control in the 19th century, becoming a French colony in 1893 and a part of French West Africa in 1895. It is totally believable considering our past relationships. France occupied Haiti for more than 100 years, from 1697 to independence in 1804 (important to know that it was the world's first successful slave uprising). U.S. Marines occupied the country from 1915 to 1934 and I will not mention the U.S. constant presence since the early nineties. Regardless of the origin of the Haitian people, one thing is clear, they have been through some difficult times in recent years: from the dictatorship of “papa Doc” and “baby Doc” to various military coup and a multitude of temporary leaders and natural disasters to include various hurricanes and most recently the most devastating earthquake recording in history.

Not by might, not by power but by my spirit say the Lord.” Zech 4:6

When I think of Haiti, here is what come to my mind: “Unless the LORD builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the LORD protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.” Psalm 127:1


I am sure people do not want to hear this but those of us who believe the Bible is the infallible word of God know this to be true: Gaining freedom by making a deal with the devil can only be bad news. The people of God know that the enemy comes to steal, cheat and destroy (John 10:10). We learn from the beginning, Genesis 3:1 that the devil is a liar. We can never believe a word of Satan. He is unable to speak the truth without the intention of deceiving, and destroying. He is a master of destruction. The Haitian people take great pride in being the first nation to gain their freedom from slavery, but at what cost? Could it be constant devastation and pain? Is destruction, insecurities, and poverty all that Haiti has to look forward to? I believe not.
However, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, pray, search for me, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear [their prayer] from heaven, forgive their sins, and heal their country. 2 Chronicles 7:14

The world may not be aware of this but Haitians are spiritual, hardworking and resilient. The resiliency is something I am the most proud of, bar none. Haitians are able to withstand any tribulation. They never give up and never stop trying. They are also stubborn. It is their way or no way. Stubbornness can be a major weakness. If they could turn from their stubbornness for a moment, only then will they realize that they don’t have to work as hard. All they have to do is what the word of God urges us to do in the above scripture: humble themselves and turn from their evil ways. How simple is that? God promised to heal the country. God did not say if my people work had and rely on their “own” strength. God specifically say “I” will heal their land. The devil probably would not take it quietly. He will most likely come after the land with added force but scripture tell us in James 4:7, if we submit to God, resist the devil, he will flee.

So What do I really Think of Haiti?
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

I don’t care what you have heard (that stubborn heritage again); all Haitians want to go home. They want to show their land off to the world. They want to see change and the beauty of it is that they can experience that change if they would change tactics. After more than 200 years of doing the same old thing without results, (doesn’t it remind you of another group of people?) They have to try something new. Disobedience can only be corrected by submission and obedience. The Haitian people have to return to God. Only then will they experience His plan to prosper them and to give them hope and a future.

What Can you Do?

Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. James 5:16


Be at peace with each other. (Mark 9:50)
Love one another…” (John 13:34)
Stop passing judgment on one another.” (Romans 14:13)
Encourage one another.” (Hebrews 10:25)
Do not slander one another.” (James 4:11)
Be kind and compassionate to one another (Ephesians 4:32)

Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" John 11:40

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Jesus Calms the Storm


The disciples went and woke him, saying Master, Master we are going to drown! He got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters; the storm subsided, and all was calm. (Luke 8:24

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This is a story that we all know quite well. Jesus told his disciples to go to the other side of the lake with him, as they sailed, He fell asleep; all of the sudden a storm came out of nowhere. The disciples tried everything to no avail. They were all going to die, but they remember that Jesus was with them, they went down and woke him up and he ordered the storm to stop, and naturally, it did.

There is something about Jesus that brings changes. The mere presence of him brings calm, peace and change.


I don’t know what kind of situations that you are facing today. I don’t know how dangerous and desperate your situations may seem to be in the natural, but I know that Jesus' presence will bring you peace. There cannot be trouble in the Lord’s presence. All you need to do is call on His name. He is waiting in the wing, His desire is to come to your rescue but he will not interfere unless you invite Him. So what are you waiting for? You don’t have to go through this alone. Your friends can’t help you, your husband can’t help you, your intellect can’t help you, not even your money can help you but the name of Jesus is able to change situations and bring about amazing results. Don’t wait until the last minute. Call on Him right now and He will come to your rescue and calm your storms.

Praise the Lord.

Happy birthday G. Duverglas! Words cannot describe the joy I find in you and your family. I thank God often for the role you play in my life. I love you. We have faced some major storms, haven't we? God always brought us through. May the knowledge of His saving power never depart from you. May you never doubt His willingness to supply all your needs (spiritual, emotional, physical, financial). May His joy remain your strength every day of your life no matter the storms ahead. May His Kingdom be the focus of your life.