the upper room

What type of relationship does God want with you?

2012-02-07T15:28:00.000-08:00

i am going to leave in about 30 minutes to attend a women's bible study group. i am actually going to give a exhortation on my relationship with God. i was asked to minister on Friday night during prayer. on the way home, I asked God for a word for the women. God provided the Word. Holy Spirit and I discussed it and it was settled. I love God. God opens doors to minister and if you seek God for the Word, God will provide the Word and God will use me. when you spend time with God, God will reveal God's purpose and plan. write the vision and make it plain, the one God has placed on your heart.

here are the verses to meditate on.

John 6.35,48-51; Isaiah 9.6c; exodus 33.11a; john 4.14

the lesson follows after...

what type of relationship does God want with you?

1. i want to complete the sentences in your life.

John 6.35a and Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life."

2. i want to feed you with my Word daily.

John 6.35b whoever comes to me will never be hungry

3. i want the presence of my Spirit to fill you more and more each day.

John 4.14 but those who drink of the water i will give them will never be thirsty. the water i will give them will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.

4. i want an everlasting relationship.

exodus 33.11a thus the Lord used to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.

i hope you can find the place where God is calling you to be. you do not have to wait until ash Wednesday/Lenten season to begin, you can start now!

are you doing what you were born to do?

2012-02-01T15:55:00.000-08:00

i am reading the book of Exodus. it is historical and enlightening. i am definitely learning to appreciate how a temple is designed by God and it has me think about the temple of my body and the place where i worship with other believers. as the temple was constructed, well actually the tent of meeting, because it traveled with the children of God, God gave Moses specific instructions. each person whom God wanted to participate in the temple building and even the attire for the priests was given divine insight from God.

are you walking in your call?

are you utilizing all of the gifts that God has placed in you?

have you discovered all the gifts that God has placed in you?

has God blessed you with a employment or ministry opportunity that you did not inquire about or you did feel optimistic on obtaining?

Exodus 38.22

Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that the LORD had commanded Moses.

God, I am your child. I am chosen. I am created in Your image. God, You have blessed me with talents. I know that greater is He who is in me than he or she that is in the world. God I want to complete all the work that You have instore for me. I, thank You for this opportunity. in Jesus' name, amen

do you really trust God?

2012-01-21T09:22:00.000-08:00

Psalm 25.1-2a To you, O Lord, i lift my soul. O my God, in you i trust;

i found these 2 verses a few seconds ago. they summarize how i am viewing life in 2012. i want to do what pleases God. i want to get high fives, chest bumps, sweet whispers in my heart, mind and soul from God. i want to hear daily, 'this is my beloved daughter in whom I AM well pleased. how can one reach this point? when you desire to improve the level of intimacy you have with Abba. when you make sure each day you say, 'good morning, God,' and just start from there with soaking, prayer, and bible study. its whispering to God throughout the day and talking to God when you get home from work, to unwind. its opening the journal up and recording prayers prayed, prayers answered, advised given by Holy Spirit, and blessings from God. each persons walk with God is unique and special, yet i know that we should each pray...

Lord, i lift up my soul to You. You are the Alpha and the Omega. You are my rear guard. You are the lifter of my head. God, i trust in You with all my heart, mind and soul. and i thank You that You shall continue to perfect that which concerns me. in Jesus' name, amen

do you have time?

2012-01-15T18:57:00.000-08:00

i know it is Sunday and I've been resting from a nice worship. maybe i am a little pumped up from an hour of exercise, nevertheless i am on the edge. people i know are complaining that they do not have time to spend with God. i want to say, 'are you kidding me?' how can someone make time to go to work? exercise? spend time with their family? and spend time with their friends? ...yet when there is a discussion of did you do pbs (personal bible study) today? did you sit in God's presence to listen and talk about what you studied and your day? did you attend weekly worship? and bible study or Sunday school? people are like...i am busy. as Christians we should not take advantage of God's grace and mercy. whatever you need for motivation, you need to act on it.

what do you have to do?

do you not appreciate the God who loves you unconditionally?

do you not want to get to know the God in whose image you are created?

do you not want to develop an intimate relationship with God?

do you not want to truly enter in the presence of God at home?

Psalm 34.8 O taste and see that the Lord is good! Happy is the wo/man who takes refuge in God.

God, i want to know You for myself. I am committed daily to spend time with You. God i want to taste and see that You are God. God i want to be happy. I shall take refuge in You. in Jesus' name, amen

ready to be truthful

2012-01-06T15:34:00.000-08:00

i am excited about 2012. i do not want to do what i want to do. i want to do what God wants me to do. my expectations is not what i want, it is what God wants. my desire is to do the will of God. i do not want to please anyone except God. i do not care if anyone is not happy that i am not dancing to the tune that they are playing. my soul hungers and thirst for righteousness. even when people get me upset or i get upset, i run away mentally and/or physically and regroup with Abba. i want to walk through it so i can go back on the path that God has for me.

Daniel 9.3 - 5 then i turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and supplication, with fasting and sackcloth and ashes. i prayed to the Lord my God and made confession saying, "O Lord, the great and terrible God, who keepest covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, we have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from thy commandments and ordinances;

are you ready to repent?

are you ready to stop making excuses about not having time for God and wondering why nothing in your life is not going right?

are you going to spend more time with God than you do watching television, going online, utilizing your cellular phone, or even spending time with your family?

God is a jealous God.

it is time to stop being spoon fed.

read the Word yourself. believe the Word yourself.

pray the Word yourself. live according to the Word yourself.

live the holy life that God is calling you to live.

you are to old to want someone to pray for you. when will you pray for yourself?

stop saying that you can not hear God's voice and you won't even read the Word of God. how can you hear God's voice when you do not even pray and do bible study in a quiet setting?

will you pray the verses in Daniel 9 and pray them sincerely?

Psalm 27.8 Thou hast said, "seek ye my face." My heart says to thee, Thy face, LORD, do i seek."

seek God now!

what did you learn this year?

2011-12-30T14:39:00.001-08:00

this afternoon, i shared two things with my friend about what God taught me this year.

1. God told me to study my Word, pray, trust me, and do not share what you are going through with anyone.

this made me stronger because i finally understand 'be still and know that I AM God.'

Holy Spirit used people to minister to me specifically to my needs.

2. Christians can insult you spiritually, emotionally, and professionally.

i learned to lean on God 100% more.

every human, (non) Christian is equal.

en route to and from prayer tonight and tomorrow, i will continue this reflection in my journal.

as you look at James 1.2-4, ask Holy Spirit to help you write in your journal.

2. my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; 4 and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing. 5. if any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God who gives to all generously and ungrudingly, and it will be given you.

Abba, i thank You for allowing me to endure each day in 2011. God help me see what You wanted me to learn through each trial, each testing of my faith, so I can could become a better me. God I am glad that you want me to become mature and complete, lacking in nothing. God i pray that You provide me wisdom today and each day of my live so that my life may personify the promise of Colossians 3.23. in Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.

being today, i also pray that you will commit to daily prayer and bible study so you can grow and mature in God today and each day of your life. let your faith, trust and hope in God grow...

are you getting enough rest?

2011-12-19T14:00:00.000-08:00

exodus 33.15a,17b six days shall work be done, but the 7th day is a sabbath of solemn rest, holy to the Lord. and on the 7th day, I rested, and was refreshed.

i love Sunday's. i rise and do pbs, personal bible study, and prayer. i exercise. i love going to Sunday school and worship service. i enjoy worshipping with other believers and how we minister to God collectively and individually and God reciprocates our behaviour. after service, i relish going home and resting. i even cook on Saturday's so i can just heat up my dinner and rest. cooking takes a lot of energy and i will cook while doing chores on Saturday. God exerted wisdom when God said your body needs to rest. i try to get 8 hours of sleep a night, yet Sunday provides opportunity to take naps and to rest in God's presence.

give God back the sabbath. worship in the temple then bring your temple home and rest. you will appreciate the restoration that your body receives.

God, you created 7 days. God i want to rest on the 7th day. God help me prioritize my life according to your Word. God i want to be refreshed with solemn rest. i thank You God for new beginnings. in Jesus' name, amen

advent

2011-12-03T09:27:00.000-08:00

tomorrow is the second Sunday of advent (November 27th to December 24th). this year's theme for advent is 'Preparing the Way.' advent is the season wherein Christians prepare their hearts to welcome Christ, the fulfillment of God's promise to the world. it actually helps people refocus on Christ. so many people ask me what does Christmas mean to me. i tell them, i celebrate my Brother, Jesus' birthday. i sing Jesus the Happy Birthday song and i tell Abba Father why i am grateful for intimate relationship we have with God because of Jesus.

what kind of impact does God have on your life? do you allow God to be interactive in your life? when you rise each day, do you say Good morning God...speak for I am listening?

the psalmist (42.1) stated that 'as the deer pants for the water brook, my soul thirst for You, O God.

God has a word for you each day of this advent season and each day of your life. i admonish you to spend an hour with God for bible study, prayer and worship in the morning and in the evening. fellowship with the God who created you in God's own image.

are some Christians lazy?

2011-11-26T15:22:00.000-08:00

en route to prayer last night, i talked to my neighbor / friend. after we caught up on everything we came to the point where i asked, 'why do people say they want to get close to God, yet they do not want to spend time with God?' he raised an eyebrow. 'how long will people be satisfied with being spoon fed (only eating what is fed at church: service, Sunday school, bible study)?' he retorted, 'what about the pastors' who want the congregation dependent on them more than God?' i never thought about that. i said, 'i am sick and tired of malnourished Christians. i tell people, an hour with God (prayer and bible study) and an hour of exercise. whatever you are going through there is a word in the bible to minister to that need. you have to meditate on it. you have to ask Holy Spirit to help you understand it. you have to pray the word until it becomes alive in your life. you have to heed the advise that the word of God and Holy Spirit gives you.

Psalm 25.4-5 show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all the day.

You have to be committed to the One who was committed when John 3.16 became a reality. You have to be committed to spend time with God so you can get to know the One in whose image you are created. You have to be committed to spend time with God and trust God so your faith and trust in God can increase.

when your trust and faith in God grows, then you become a stronger Christian. don't you want your testimony to change. don't you want to be the one who leads someone to Christ rather than pointing to another person or church to lead them? will you ever open your home to have weekly prayer meetings as the disciples did in the New Testament?

when you do pbs (personal bible study) daily, let Psalm 25.4-5 be a daily prayer.

don't you want to live for God daily. Give yourself to God...so God can use you. (voices of Eden gospel choir at UNC - Charlotte)

giving thanks

2011-11-22T18:20:00.000-08:00

the nation is giving thanks on Thursday for the relationship between Native Americans and Americans, for what they have, for the relationship of family. i am not sure. i met a third grader today who told me that he does not celebrate Thanksgiving. as a Christian, i thank God daily for mercy, grace, and love...for another day to live...for being able to fulfill my purpose and my call...for an intimate relationship with the Potter. on Thursday, i will write 30 sentences in my journal about why i am thankful for being a Christian.

what are you thankful for? does God receive thanks from your lips and your life daily? does your life emanate thanks to God daily?

be anxious for nothing but in everything with prayer and supplication with THANKSGIVING, let your request be made known to God... Philippians 4.6

open your heart to Abba and say thank You. as you worship God, in spirit and in truth, you can relax in God's presence and share everything on your heart. When you trust God with everything, God will exchange your concerns and faith with Peace, love and truth.

(i have returned to adding a video clip/worship song: i beleive you move led by jaye thomas).

seeking God

2011-11-15T04:42:00.000-08:00

i have a confession to make. i love index cards. on index cards, i place scriptures that i am wrestling with. scriptures that i am praying. scriptures that can help me become a better me. scriptures that are a source of healing, deliverance and renewal.

i found a index card with many scriptures yet i just gleaned Psalm 143.10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.

every day when i rise, i ask Holy Spirit to teach me after i meditate on verses for 15 to 20 minutes. God is God of my soul. i know that God has my best interest at heart and the more i trust God, the more my faith in God will increase. God is refining me when i submit to God's will. i want to reside on level ground.

God, teach me to do your will, for You are my God. Holy Spirit lead me on level ground. i shall hide Your Word in my heart so that i may not sin against You, myself or others. in Jesus' name, amen.

veterans day

2011-11-12T13:46:00.000-08:00

veteran's day was very significant yesterday. the call occurred where 24 hours of prayer, praise and worship occurred from Detroit, Michigan. it was an awesome experience to intercede on behalf of the nation for repentance, deliverance, to hear from God. I'm glad it was and still being web cast on www.godtv.com/thecall.

veterans' day was also a day set aside when we remember and honor the members of armed forces who have trained in all 4 branches to fight on behalf of the united states of America. i texted a few of my friends who volunteered. one of my girlfriends text me back and said happy veterans' day. i did not want to accept the gratitude because i fight with prayer, supplication, worship and fasting. God commands us all as Christians to "pray without ceasing...the heart of the king/queen flows like rivers in the hand of God...if my people who are called by my name."

are you a veteran? have you been praying? do you put on the armor of God daily? are you equipping the angels and your household?

what are you wearing?

2011-10-29T03:27:00.000-07:00

2 Peter 2:9-10 but you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, that you may declare the wonderful deeds of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. once you were no people now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy but now you have received mercy.

every morning, during quiet time, i pray Ephesians 6.10-18 and i also ask that the angels of God protect me ('You will give Your angels charge over me because You care for me'; and 'the angels of God encamp round about those who fear Him.' i feel totally secure because i have also asked God to order my steps in God's word.

this weekend, while Christians, Catholics, and farmers are celebrating Harvest, some people in the world are celebrating Halloween. i have already seen costumes. people have asked me will i distribute candy. i stated that i do not celebrate Halloween. i am not answering my door.

as a Christian, i am glad that i am chosen. i am called. i am a queen. when i pray. when i soak in God's presence, i can adorn myself with a tiara because i am royalty. i can enter in and worship in God's throne room. i appreciate that God inhabits my praises.

God i am glad that i am a royal priesthood. i am a holy nation. i am chosen by You, God. You have called me out of darkness into Your marvelous light. i received Your mercy. God i thank You that You will continue to perfect that which concerns me. in Jesus' name, amen.

create in me a clean heart, O God,

2011-10-16T16:48:00.000-07:00

psalm 51.10 - 11. create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. do not cast me away from Your Presence and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. (nkjv)

God, make a fresh start in me, shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life. Don't throw me out with the trash, or fail to breathe holiness in me. (women of faith: the message bible).

i pray these verses over and over. i want the old me to die. i want the new me to live. i told God today, 'i stopped on the path You had for me because i asked You a question You wanted me to answer.' today i answered the question and i started to move again.

each day, i ask God to soften my heart, unclog my deaf ears, take the planks out of my eyes and the scales also.

i want to become the woman of God that God has called me to be.

made by God

2011-10-10T18:17:00.000-07:00

i am studying the book of exodus. i am at the part where God is providing discrete instructions on how the tabernacle of God is being made. i am not trying to be selfish. i still study the verses as if it was 3 - 5 verses i study any other day. if you think about it, God took God's time to build us and we are still being made into the women / men / children of God that God is creating us to be. the more i yield to God. the more i study the Word and pray the Word. the more i say, 'not my will but Yours be done.' the more that i walk as a child of God and not as a beggar or peasant in the throne room. the more that i embrace the commands and promises of God, the more i am transformed into God's image. God is the Potter and i am the clay.

Psalm 139.13-14 says for it was You who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother's womb. i praise You, for i am fearfully and wonderfully made. wonderful are Your works; that i know very well.

open your heart to the Father. the Father wants to reveal God's self to you.

God wants you to experience the Shekinah glory

Peace in the storm

2011-10-01T13:31:00.000-07:00

it is Saturday October 1st 2011. God has helped me survive a week of trials and tribulations. I am grateful for the Peace of God's presence. i love that each time i stood on and cried out Psalm 91, i was covered under the shelter of God. i am not one to brag and complain about what i am enduring. (when i did feel worry, i asked those close to me to intercede on my behalf). i pray and i listen to God's voice. i stand on the Word and i stand still because i know God is God. September has been tumultuous and i am grateful that even though the travel through the 30 days of September has involved physical/spiritual/psychological and emotional storms, i saw the glory of the Lord. i felt God's presence. i heard God's voice.

i know who i am in God. no matter how much i endure, i know that i shall grow closer to God. i shall develop spiritual muscles. i shall run and not be weary. i shall walk and not faint.

Psalm 73:28 But it is good for me to draw near to God; i have put all my trust in the Lord GOD, that i may declare all of Your works.

as you draw near to God, repent of your sins (James 4.8). God shall forgive you. trust God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. declare the Word of God over your life. obey the Word of God. hide the Word of God in your heart so that you wont sin against God. (Psalm 119)

do not compromise your relationship with God for temporary pleasure. draw near to God. pray Psalm 42.1 daily

the covering

2011-09-23T19:24:00.000-07:00

a few weeks ago, i attended a worship service. the minister had admonished us to pray psalm 91 daily as we enter a season of maturity. (God is tired of us pouting about promises that we are still waiting to come. it is time to walk forward onto the path and steps that God has ordered for us). i was pumped and i am still pumped. i went home and wrote the verses in my prayer journal. i made it personal.

Psalm 91.1-2 states she/he who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, who abides in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the LORD, "My refuge and My fortress; my God, in whom I trust."

God is calling us to new levels of intimacy. God expects to draw near. we sing, 'draw me nearer, nearer Precious Lord to Thy precious bleeding side.' we have to draw near to God.

is God your shelter?

do you realize that there is protection even in God's shadow?

do you find refuge in God?

do you stand behind God's fortress?

how much do you trust God?

pray the Word.

live the Word.

believe the Word.

the truth

2011-09-13T16:18:00.000-07:00

the last blog posted, on this page stirred up in me for weeks, yet i finally put on the blog what i pray about and wrestle with. i guess i need to talk more about what irritates me in this world we live in. its like sending a text or email to someone who always seems to busy to talk to you until they have a need, yet they make time because the message you sent stirred up something in them.

i wonder if i always have to cause someone to turn over the tables in order for them to speak to me or will they stop being selfish and take some time out for me. when i was younger, my brother used to say, 'you don't call me, i don't call you.' i think i am going to start living by that motto for this season. my prayer is that i never get so busy that i forget to make time for myself and for others.

it reminds of the time i lived in Ithaca new york. God told me that you are in the wilderness, just me and you. i needed the wilderness. it made me stronger. it made me more contemplative. it helped me grow. i want to grow. i do not want to be the same person i was in June. God told me that when summer arrived.

Jeremiah 29.11-14. For i know the plans that i have for you, declares the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. then you call upon me come and pray to me, and i will hear you. you will seek me and find me; when you seek me with all your heart. i will be found by you, says the Lord, and i will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where i have driven you, says the Lord, and i will bring you back to the place from which i sent you into exile.

a familiar text yet a daily prayer that i want God to fulfill in my life.

a new day

2011-09-12T07:06:00.000-07:00

this entire weekend, NYC has been inundated with 'remember.' its ironic that the nation wants us to remember what people did to us, yet the question i want answered is, 'how do the other nations memorialize what we do to them?'

we receive limited information about the many people that the USA harms, yet we stereotype races of people who retaliate on our soil. the USA has a lot of sins to repent for. instead of just allowing the chaplain or invited minister that opens each day on the house and senate floors with prayers, the elected officials need to seek those same ministers, in accordance with the Word, for directions and guidance on the creation and passing of laws that affect the nation and countries that the USA invade.

it hurts my heart that our elected officials won't pass bills or create bills because of the color of the president's skin or because party bickering. do they not realize that we shall all be judged for our actions? do you not realize that when you make and pass laws that does not benefit a majority of the people, you will be held accountable to the One in whose image you are made? do you not realize that the Word still stands and that one can lose their sanity just like Nebuchadnezzar did for disrespecting God?

people need to remember what 2 Chronicles chapter 6 and 7 says about returning to God and God responding to prayer. 2 Chr. 7.15 is a famous passage yet there is so much more.

if the nation would live by 'In God we trust' as the money states imagine what Proverbs 3.5-6 and Psalm 23 would be as a blanket on the nation.

holy communion

2011-09-04T19:24:00.000-07:00

i was sitting in church today and i said out loud what i was thinking, 'when do we get communion?' my friend turned around and looked at me. i said, 'its my favorite part.' i am not sure why i did not do it at home? a few times at home, i will have some sprouted wheat bread, some grape juice and my Word. i will turn to the scripture and reenact what Jesus did with the disciples in the upper room. it is cool because HS (Holy Spirit) will reveal to me sin that i unconsciously committed and i will confess it. thereafter i break the bread in remembrance of what My Brother, Jesus, did for me and bless and drink the grape juice, in remembrance of the blood shed that forgives my sins and protects me each day as i seek the covering.

when the organist started playing, 'let us break bread together on our knees,' she turned around and said, there is your favorite part. i smiled back. at the altar, i repented for my hyperactivity and God forgave me.

Mark 14.22-26 states:And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke [it], and gave [it] to them and said, "Take, eat; [fn] this is My body." Then He took the cup, and when He had given thanks He gave [it] to them, and they all drank from it. And He said to them, "This is My blood of the new [fn] covenant, which is shed for many. "Assuredly, I say to you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God." And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

I pray that you take the communion that you have with God seriously. God wants us to have a pure heart when we approach the communion table. Spend time with God before and after the communion. it will change you forever.

3 buckets of water

2011-08-29T11:00:00.000-07:00

my girlfriend from Orlando called me on Sunday morning. she was watching the news and she wanted to provide some color commentary. i was patient. i wanted to return to my quiet time. because of the storm, i was worship God at home rather than with other believers. it was cool though because God's presence filled my bedroom.

she admonished me to fill the tub with water and/or have buckets of water available. i asked, 'why?' i knew why. i was just being fascias. she said, 'if the power goes out, at least you will have water to cook, to bathe, and to flush the toilet.' she testified how she had been through 3 tornadoes and the last one left her without power for 4 days. i admonished her to spend time with Abba in the word, in addition to have an awesome worship. before hanging up, she told me she would call me last night to see if i experienced any ramifications.

i retrieved 3 buckets and i filled them up. i left them in the lavatory. i text ed her stating that i heeded her advise. she said okay.

i am unsure why i filled up the buckets. i listened to her advise based on her experience. i had asked God to have mercy on me even before the storm started. i said, 'God, please keep my power on, my telephone working, my water pure. and my home safe.' God honored my prayer. this morning, a few plants were laying down yet they shall rise again.

i have 3 buckets of water to utilize over the next few days.

Proverbs 17.17 states A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

God. I thank you for my friend whom I love. God help me be a friend with and through Your love. in Jesus' name, amen

storms

2011-08-27T08:28:00.000-07:00

a few weeks ago, i was in the midst of tropical storm Emily. the skies were grey and cloudless. the rain poured like an uncontrollable faucet. my heart cried out to God for people to seek Peace and help from Abba and not in things made in this world. i also asked God for mercy, grace and protection for my family.

this week, the storms name is Irene. the prayers are similar. i do not yield to worry or doubt. i find peace in God's arms.

Philippians 4.6-9 states: Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you.

the media can sensationalize about a lot things, yet people need to be obedient in terms of mandatory evacuations and/or staying inside your homes during the storms.

pray Philippians 4.6-9 until you believe the Word of God. let the Peace of God saturate your heart, your mind and your soul.

a continual prayer for forgiveness

2011-08-14T18:48:00.000-07:00

last summer, i took a journey to Toronto, Canada. i took my journal, bible, clothes and money on a the 7 day pilgrimage. i was blessed with a good book by John and Carol Arnott. the book challenged the believer to seek forgiveness for unconfessed sins in ordered to open the believer's life to blocked blessings and to healing, physically, spiritually, emotionally and psychologically. yesterday, in the car, i was reading praying for healing by Che' Ahn. as i read, Holy Spirit had reminded me of some unconfessed sins that were hidden in my heart. i was so happy.
john 20:23 states: "if you forgive anyone of her/his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."
my prayer life has evolved this summer. instead of complaining about how someone treats me, i just intercede for them. i explain to Holy Spirit how i felt about there behavior towards me and even ask Holy Spirit for feedback on how i may have responded differently. nevertheless, i pray for God to direct them. i also ask Holy Spirit to help me. i ask God to reveal any sins that i committed against them; i receive God's forgiveness. i want to be a mature Christian. i want to become the woman of God that God is calling me to be.
one of the foundations of Christianity is the agape love of God. everyone knows that John 3:16 is one of the most famous verses in the bible. yet Jesus' love is based on forgiveness.
i admonish you to pray john 20:23. live john 20:23. breathe john 20:23.

God, what plans do you have for me?

2011-07-17T15:46:00.000-07:00

last night i was talking to my friend. we talked back and forth about what dreams we had to accomplish. i told her what was on my heart. she told me what was on her heart. i asked her, 'did you ask God, 'God what are your plans for my future?'' we both laughed and then she said no. i continued, 'i know we have dreams about what our future looks like, yet we should be asking God so we could be on one accord with God's will. for example, it it like going to college, majoring in an area for 4 years, earning a degree and we finally hear or acknowledge God's voice that says, 'i did not tell you to major in that.' and we go back to school, and say okay God, can i have some more money to major in the area you have called me to major in.'' she said okay. i saw here mentally nodding her head.

i encouraged her to pray Jeremiah 29:11-14 daily until God reveals God's plan for your life. even when the plans are revealed, keep praying because the verses hold an eternal promise.

Jeremiah 29:11 - 14 (RSV) For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me; when you seek me with all your heart, I will be found by you, says the LORD, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, says the LORD, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.

be open to the voice of God as you meditate on these verses. Ask Holy Spirit to reveal God's plans concerning these verses. Start walking in, living the Word, so you can become all who God is calling you to be.

as the deer pants for the water...

what's on your mind?

2011-07-08T19:59:00.000-07:00

Philippians 2:5-7 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bond servant, [and] coming in the likeness of men.

i have been praying these verses every day this week and last week. in addition, i have made sure that i get dressed with Ephesians 6:10 - 18 with a splash of the Blood covering and being surrounded by the angels of God.

do you think people realize the importance of being dressed with the Word of God daily? do people realize that we have power with the Word of God? do people realize that 'my Word shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish all that i send it out to do?' do people realize that Christians do not utilize all of power that Jesus admonished that we used in Matthew 28:16 - 18?

so...let us start living the life that we are called to live.

live the Word.

pray the Word.

decree the Word.

hide the Word in your heart so you won't sin against God, yourself, and others.

Lord, i want to have the mind of Christ Jesus. God as You increase, let me decrease. Order my steps in Your Word Lord. I want more of You Lord, in Jesus' name, amen

resting in God's promises

2011-07-01T06:31:00.000-07:00

yesterday, i was telling my mom about a good friend that God blessed me with. i said, 'mom, i appreciate her as a friend because out of all the years that i have been a Christian, she is the first and only person to say to me, 'you need to have someone interceding on your behalf on a regular/weekly basis; and do not be afraid to ask for prayer.'

when you ask God for iron in your life, God shall provide iron. the iron is the Word of God, prayer, worship, praise, and 24/7 Christians.

on Wednesday morning, i asked the iron in my life to pray for me because i wanted to find true rest in God. i felt empowered by the prayers that were lifted to the heavens on my behalf and by the angels of God which are assigned over my life. God is an awesome God.

1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about you.

as i sought God's face in my room, i leaned on and cried out to God the promise in Heb 4:16

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

the peace of God rested on me. the presence of God filled my room. i was actually able to sleep in the arms of God.

Holy Spirit has been admonishing me to pray more and more for myself and for people.

Abba, i pray that your people remember that you want all of our anxieties because You are a caring God. God help them remember that they can confidently approach the throne of grace and receive the mercy and grace to help them. in Jesus' name, amen

as God's people we have to learn to trust God more

specks and planks

2011-06-26T03:34:00.000-07:00

yesterday, i spent a few hours with my mom. as we were running errands, i was explaining to her what happened this week at work. i said, 'ma, my colleagues have been complaining about another colleague, yet they do not look at how they annoy people also. no one is perfect. everyone has areas where they can improve in.' its not until i was meditating on Romans 15:1-3 this morning until Holy Spirit reminded me of a parable that Jesus told about specks and planks. 'why do you worry about the splinter/speck in your sister/brother's eye, when you have a beam/plank in your own eye?'

Jesus had a way with words. instead of saying 'judge not and you shall not be judged, Jesus smoothed it out into a parable.' (Jesus actually told us about judging specifically). the best thing about the bible is that the bible is a mirror. you can see your sins, your faults, your weaknesses, your strengths, what you need deliverance from, what you need to confess, who you need to forgive, all with the help of Holy Spirit teaching you as you read and meditate.

i want to be a healthy, well rounded Christian, walking in my call. i know that i can not become the woman i am called to be without yielding to the power of God, the Word of God, the will of God. humility is a lifestyle. patience is a lifestyle. increased faith is a lifestyle and a prayer request. the psalmist said, 'Your Word have i hidden in my heart that i might not sin against you.' if you do not study the word, live the word, seek the face & glory of God daily, how will you do the will of God who sent/created you?

Luke 6:41-42. 41 "And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye? 42. "Or how can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me remove the speck that [is] in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the plank that [is] in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother's eye.

Abba, please help us see the specks and planks in our own eyes as we study your Word daily so we can also seek Your face for repentance and deliverance. Lord we want to be light and salt in this earth so that Your people may be drawn to You. God help receive Your forgiveness. As You increase God, help us decrease. In Jesus' name, amen

God show me Your face

Father's day

2011-06-19T14:12:00.000-07:00

last night, before i turned in, i asked God to wake me up at 5am so i could worship at my mother's church. (i did not realize it had been 3 months since we worshiped God together at her church. Abba tapped me at 505am. i worshipped God with all my heart, mind and soul. i want/ed God to inhabit my praises. i closed my eyes, stood in God's presence and worshipped. it was awesome. i felt like i was on the dance floor with God and no one else was there.

john 4:23-24 23. But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for such the Father seeks to worship him. 24. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."

i went to the farmer's market after church and i saw all these people socializing. i asked God to transform there desires to want to sit with God daily, to worship God in spirit and in truth, to be taught the Word of God under the tutelage of Holy Spirit, to find a church home where they can fellowship with other believers. God wants a intimate relationship with us.

genesis 1:26-27. 26. Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth." 27. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

when i woke up from my nap, God told me to call my father. we talked for a few minutes. i thanked God for the suggestion. when i hung up, i said, 'God, i am so sorry. i did not tell You happy Father's day.' God accepted my apology. i began to thank God for creating me in God's image. i thanked God for being able to know and hear God's voice. i thanked God for being able to experience the glory of God. i thanked God for the love of God which increases daily into my life and heart.

Abba, we thank You that we can worship You in spirit and in truth. we thank You God that everyday that You bless us to live is Father's day. we thank You God that You are our Father and Mother God. we thank You God that we are made in Your image. we thank You for our earthly fathers and mothers. in Jesus' name, amen

God we are grateful for Your mercy towards us.

happy Holy Ghost day

2011-06-12T20:45:00.000-07:00

those are the 4 words i asked the worshippers to say to their neighbors before they sat down during praise and worship today. a few days ago, i was looking through the bible for the first appearance of Holy Spirit. i found the occurrence in Genesis 1:1-2

1 in the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, 2 the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters.

so Holy Spirit first appeared hovering over the formless void (we are not formless voids. we are made in God's image), as a wind, yet Holy Spirit has a very operative part in the lives of the believer (part of Holy Spirit's bio is in John 14 - 16). Holy Spirit became more interactive in the life of the believer after Jesus ascended into heaven. Acts 1:4-5; 2:1-2

1:4 while staying with them, he ordered them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the promise of the Father. "This," he said, "is what you have heard from me; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."

2:1 when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 and suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.

God wants to purify us. the more that you yield your will to God's will, the more time you take each day to study the Word, to confess the Word, to accept the Word, to live the Word, to repent and seek deliverance, the more the Word, power and Spirit of God transforms you. i have learned that the more i seek God's face, the more God reveals who God is, who i am called to be and who i can become by repenting, yielding and obeying God.

Holy Spirit, let the wind of God's spirit fill me. God i shall sit here patiently until i received the baptism of the Holy Spirit as promised from God. Holy Spirit sit on me. Abide in me. Create in me a clean heart O God and renew a right spirit within me. God i hide Your word in my heart that i might not sin against You. in Jesus' name, amen

God we want more, more, more of You

open the eyes of my heart Lord

2011-06-03T18:53:00.000-07:00

a few weeks ago, one of the worshippers at church gave me a compact disc (CD). she said, 'i want you to hear one of my favorite songs." a few days later, i put the CD in my laptop and i played it. open the eyes of my heart Lord began to flow in the living room. my soul and my face smiled. i love that song. as i was printing out information on my computer, i came across a scripture that probably gave birth to the song. it is found in Ephesians 1:18:

i pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He (God) has called you, the riches of His (God's) glorious inheritance in the saints.

this was on one of my prayer cards. i will record this verse on my heart and in my journal. i am so thirsty for God. i want to see God face to face. i want to experience the glory of God's presence. i want more of God. we were created in God's image and God wants to have an intimate relationship with us.

God open the eyes of my heart so that i may be enlightened. God i want to know the hope to which You have called me. God i want to experience the riches of Your glorious inheritance in the saints. in Jesus' name, amen.

open the eyes of my heart Lord...

have you really been praying?

2011-05-27T14:06:00.000-07:00

on Sunday, i went to my friend's church. i had only visited on Holy Thursday and i wanted to visit at least once more before next Holy Thursday. the church had just returned from a retreat, so i prayed and asked God to provide a Word for me. (i attended my men tee's graduation on Saturday night). as i drove through the central new york clouds slowly, i asked God to raise the clouds. even as i drove, i thought of the clouds as the glory of the Lord filling the heavenly throne room.

God had healed me on Friday night during prayer. i had an awesome quiet time at home each day on the weekend and awesome worship in the car round trip. i just knew that God had a Word for me. during the sharing of the Word, Holy Spirit had challenged me to pray for people and tell them that i was praying for them if the person asked why i was touching their shoulder. (i decided that just laying one hand on their shoulder and praying in my heart would be cool).

one of my students had asked me to pray with him last week. this week i prayed for three students and two colleagues. i witnessed God provide healing. they told me that felt better. i am glad that God is enlarging my vision. i want to be used by God.

James 5:13-16 are any of you suffering? they should pray. are any cheerful? they should sing songs of praise. are any among you sick? they should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven.

Abba, help us realize that we are vessels made by the Master Potter. God help us remember that You want us to do greater works than You did. God help us remember that we are light, salt, and children of the Most High God. in Jesus' name, amen

hungry

2011-05-17T19:41:00.000-07:00

Psalm 42:1-2 as the deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God. my soul thirsts for God, for the living God. when shall I come and behold the face of God.

i was so hungry for God's presence on Sunday, i could not stop thinking about God. i did pbs (personal bible study). i was hungry. i exercised. i was hungry. i ate my oatmeal with some herbal tea and a glass of orange juice. i was hungry. i took the bus to Sunday school. i was hungry. I'm sitting in the sanctuary, ready for the lesson to start, worship music flowing through the air, and my heart crying out to God, 'I'm hungry'. I'm whispering to God throughout the lesson, during praise and worship and throughout the service. Holy Spirit is whispering back to me, 'worship Me with all your heart, your mind and your soul. I shall come to you. I AM I AM.' i pour myself to God in spirit and in truth and God pours into me. the presence of God arrived and hovered in the temple. i am grateful for God's response. i want more of God.

Lord, my soul thirst for you. You are the Living water. You are the living God. God i desire to see Your face and live. Speak Lord for I am listening. I shall wait until you come. in Jesus' name, amen

an indescribable hunger

2011-04-25T18:49:00.000-07:00

tonight at prayer i did something different. i read a chapter in a book about the secret of holiness. two psalms were referenced, psalm 15 and psalm 24. there were other verses like Hebrews 12:14. i am so hungry for God. even as i was laying on my bed, before prayer, my soul cried out, 'seek My face.' my spirit called out to Holy Spirit until i rose to seek God's face. my soul was not satisfied until i worshipped, i meditated on the Word, i prayed the Word and i bowed in God's presence. we were created to worship God, to lift up God, to dwell in God's presence, to feast on the Word, to sit at God's feet. we can have this intimate experience each day. as we walk in the Spirit, live in the Spirit, and not fulfill the desires of our flesh. i die daily. i want to do God's will.

Psalm 15:1-5 states: O LORD, who shall sojourn in thy tent? Who shall dwell on thy holy hill? s/He who walks blamelessly, and does what is right, and speaks truth from her/his heart; who does not slander with her/his tongue, and does no evil to her/his friend, nor takes up a reproach against her/his neighbor; in whose eyes a reprobate is despised, but who honors those who fear the LORD; who swears to her/his own hurt and does not change; who does not put out her/his money at interest, and does not take a bribe against the innocent. s/He who does these things shall never be moved.

God, i want to sojourn in Your tent. God i want dwell under the shadow of Your wings. God i want to dwell in Your holy hill. God i want to walk blamelessly. God i want to do what is right. God i want to speak truth from my heart. God i do not want to slander anyone with my tongue. God i do not want to do evil or reproach my neighbor. God i do not want to engage in reprobate behavior. God i want to honor those who fear You. God i shall not be moved. i shall stand in You. in Jesus' name, amen

whose name do you come and go in?

2011-04-16T18:05:00.000-07:00

tomorrow is the national Christian celebration of Palm Sunday. it is one of the days that churches are crowded because everyone wants palms. i went to the supermarket last Saturday and the floral shop had a palm display. i silently prayed to God that people would go and listen with their hearts, minds and souls and not try to substitute a commercialized palm.

the nation needs to hear the Word of God.
the nation needs to listen to God.
the nation needs to repent of our sins.
the nation needs to get delivered from the slavery of sin.
the nation needs to seek God.
the nation needs to cry out to God until God answers.

my prayer is that people realize that when we lift our hands, our palms to God, and worship God with the fruit of our lips, God inhabits our praises. God needs commitment from those who are made in God's image. we need to return to God. we need to return to God. we need to return to God.

mark 11:1 - 10
Now when they drew near Jerusalem, to Bethphage [fn] and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples; and He said to them, "Go into the village opposite you; and as soon as you have entered it you will find a colt tied, on which no one has sat. Loose it and bring [it]. "And if anyone says to you, 'Why are you doing this?' say, 'The Lord has need of it,' and immediately he will send it here." So they went their way, and found the [fn] colt tied by the door outside on the street, and they loosed it. But some of those who stood there said to them, "What are you doing, loosing the colt?" And they spoke to them just as Jesus had commanded. So they let them go. Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their clothes on it, and He sat on it. And many spread their clothes on the road, and others cut down leafy branches from the trees and spread [them] on the road. Then those who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: "Hosanna! 'Blessed [is] He who comes in the name of the LORD!' [fn] Blessed [is] the kingdom of our father David That comes in the name of the Lord! [fn] Hosanna in the highest!"

O magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt His name together!

have you been resting?

2011-04-08T12:46:00.000-07:00

i am a advocate for rest. i want to get 8 hours of sleep a night. i want to rest for 30 minutes everyday when i get home before i do anything. i love to soak in God's presence for 30 minutes a day, not only to hear God's voice. i want to relax and think about life. am i fulfilling my purpose? am i doing God's will or my will? am i pouring God's love into the hearts of all the people that i meet? am i spending time with God? am i taking care of my body? am i eating well - balanced meals? am i loving God with all my heart, mind and soul?
if you do not take time to rest daily each day, you will never learn the answers to these questions.
Psalm 37: 7a states Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him;

during this Lenten season and each day of your life, i admonish you to Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for God.

Abba, my prayer each day is that i rest in You and i wait patiently for You as i rest. God i want live in the Peace that You provide. not my will God, Your will be done in my life. in Jesus' name, amen

how great is our God!

2011-03-26T08:32:00.001-07:00

last night i went to prayer, calm yet excited. prayer was later than usual because my godmother made the request. i ran in the sanctuary early to prepare it. i put on the soaking music. i smiled at God. i found a place to put my things. when i returned, i was ready. my bible, my journal, yet most of all my heart, my mind and my soul was open up to the Spirit of God. i repented of all my sins and God forgave me. my Spirit within me leaped. i knew tonight would be special. 'How Great is our God" began to play on the piano. i searched for it on my mp3 player because i did not want to mess up. i played the song and the song played with the piano. it was awesome. i thought about the greatness of God in my life.

yesterday i took a mental health day. i ate. i exercised. i read. i watch TV for an hour. yet i sought God in the afternoon. i knew it was weird bc i usually seek God in the am and in the pm. it was still cool bc after pbs (personal bible study), i had time to worship God in Spirit and in truth, after i prayed the promises of God and the text for yesterday's lesson. i felt like i was at a praise party. my heart danced. my Spirit groaned. i longed to stay at God's feet yet i knew that i would experience more of God as i worshipped and sought God's face with other believers.

as "How great is our God" played, i looked for a scripture to speak to the song. i found Psalm 77. i read the entire psalm with the same authority that Jesus did when He said, 'today this scripture has been fulfilled.' i was moved by verses 13 and 14
13. Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary (in holiness, away from sin and guilt). Who is a great God like our God? 14. You are the God Who does wonders; You have demonstrated Your power among the peoples.

God, Your way is in the sanctuary. We are temples of the living God. God create in us a clean heart and renew a right spirit within us. God as You increase, let us decrease. God, You are a great God. God, You do marvelous wonders on earth and in our lives. God, You have demonstrated Your power amongst us. God, we thank You that You continue to reveal Yourself to us in the Word, in praise and in worship. in Jesus' name, amen

i pray that your Lenten season transforms your life permanently.

unplugged

2011-03-21T18:09:00.000-07:00

During this Lenten season, i opted to engage in two activities: exercise with my Nintendo wii for 30 minutes a day (in addition to my regular 30 minutes of exercise) and pray for 30 minutes in the afternoon/evening. i guess it has been about two years ago when i realized that i have a lot of items in my home that i have never used. i vowed even then that i would begin to use all the items. i believe it is not fair to say, "God, can i have permission to purchase this item." if you have items collecting dust at your home. thus, when my godmother suggested that i purchase a Nintendo wii and the wii fit plus, to diversify my workout, i was all for it. i have a lot of exercise equipment and i figured it would create some diversity since there is a personal trainer who keeps you in check. so i purchased the wii fit with the plus on black Friday. it began to collect dust. i repented. after i figured out how to use it completely, even to the point where i can read the newspaper and check the weather forecast worldwide, i am really reaping the benefits. last week, i actually emailed my girlfriends who do or do not have a wii to encourage them to exercise there bodies during this lent season and beyond. two of them accepted the challenge.
the other Lenten challenge was to pray for 30 minutes in the evening, after i arrive home from work. i am not sure about you, yet when i come home from work, i sit down for 30 minutes and ponder everything i have endured. i realized that instead of unwinding by watching the news and learning what else needs prayer, i can just pour my heart out to God and/or soak in God's presence.

this morning when i woke up, the wii would not come on. i plugged and unplugged it like the manual stated. so i had to do an alternate activity until further investigation. when i went home, i unplugged and plugged again. i asked Holy Spirit what to do. HS said, 'look behind the entertainment center.' i looked and observed a grey wire unplugged. HS said, 'plug it in.' i plugged it in and the wii light came on. i whispered, 'thank You God.' God whispered back, 'your welcome.' i checked in with my trainer and continued with the agenda. HS said,'make sure you mention this in your blog.'

today was a long day. i did not arrive home until after 7, yet God blessed me with a ride home and i was excited about prayer. my heart was heavy, yet the presence of God greeted me when i opened the door. i put some soaking music, hung up my coat, retrieved my journal and bibles, and put my phone on the charger. i allowed the music of God to minister to my soul and i searched for two of my favorite scriptures...

Psalm 42:1 as the hart pants and longs for the water brooks, so i pant and long for You, O God. 2 my inner self thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall i come and behold the face of God?

1 Peter 5:7 Casting the whole of your care (all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.

God met me in the living room. my heart, my mind and my soul was open to the Presence of God. i was before God's face crying out to God all the concerns that God had place on my heart. all the concerns, pains, were lifted off of my heart and transferred to God's.
seek God's face...
seek God's face...
seek God's Word...
God will meet you...

...get plugged into the Word of God, the presence of God and the face of God.

follow the voice of God

2011-03-12T19:17:00.000-08:00

i am not sure if i chose the right title for this bible reflection, yet i know that this year of the Lord, 2011, i have continued the same behavior i started in 2010, in the rear of my journal, i write down what God tells me. its actually fun because it makes your more conscious of God's voice. at the end of the day, 'I'm like HS (Holy Spirit) i have not heard from Abba today.' and God responds, 'Monique, did you forget what we talked about earlier...' i actually need to get my journal now and record because if i forget one day, I'm like HS can you remind me about yesterday. it's cool because God has an awesome memory.

anyway, ash Wednesday was 4 days ago. we are in this holy season of lent. everybody always wants to know 'what are you giving up for lent?' I'm like, what are you doing to increase your level of intimacy with Abba? have you asked God how to be a better Christian? this is when the conversation gets silent.

my prayer is that people would spend time listening to God's voice. how would you do that? prayer and bible study. you read God's word, meditate on it for 15 to 20 minutes and HS to explain each verse (John 14-16( HS has a purpose in our lives)). pray the verses, pray the promises, pray the commandments, repent of any sins and/or ask for deliverance from any sins mentioned, be receptive to the revelation from HS.

John 10. 14 I am the Good Shepherd; and I know and recognize My own, and My own know and recognize Me-- 15 even as (truly as) the Father knows Me and i also know the Father--and i am giving My (very own) life and laying it down on behalf of the sheep. 27 the sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice; and I know them, and they follow Me.

God, You are the Good Shepherd. God I am glad that You know and recognize me. God help me recognize and be more aware of Your presence in my life. God i want to know You just as You and the Father know each other. Thank You Jesus for giving and laying down Your life on my behalf. God help me hear and listen to Your voice. God i want to follow You daily. in Jesus' name, amen

lent is coming

2011-03-03T03:19:00.000-08:00

ash Wednesday is next Wednesday, march 9th 2011. lent is a season of reflection. it is time where you look at your relationship with God and say, 'how can i be a better me?' you ask God several questions: 'Lord, what behavior can i add or subtract in my life to make me a better me? Lord, is there something or someone i need to fast from? Lord, do you want me to stay away from electronic devices for 46 days and listen to the voice of Your Word and Your Spirit?'

i do not believe that Christians taking lent seriously much less life. if we seriously sought God, to find out God's will for our lives, life would be...

this morning during prayer and bible study, Holy Spirit said, 'let's start lent now.' i said okay. i chose two behaviors that i wanted to engage in and God approved of them both. the most exciting thing is, i look forward to engaging in those behaviours for the rest of my life.

Mark 6:46 states And when He had sent them away, He departed to the mountain to pray.

Lord, i want to go away from the world and be with You. Lord, i shall study Your Word for it is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Holy Spirit teach me on the mountain as i steal away to pray. I am Your sheep. i know Your voice. in Jesus' name, amen

soaking in the secret place

2011-02-24T14:01:00.000-08:00

Psalm 91:1 S/He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

i have been under the weather, off and on, for over a month. i am actually feeling better today than i have felt pre-illness. yesterday, i decided to go to a prayer group. i did not want prayer, i just wanted to be in the presence of other's seeking the face of God. i hear God daily. i hear God even as i type this blog. Holy Spirit encouraged me to go and just dwell under the shadow's of God's wings. it felt good. i mean i was a bit antsy, yet once i relaxed i just felt God engulf me. the reservoir, of my body, got the tune up it needed. i went home feeling good. i usually like to soak in God's presence at home, yet i encourage you to soak in the presence of other believers'. when you soak in God's presence, you are strengthened, ministered to, and made whole.

Abba, we pray that You teach us to relax in Your presence. God we want to dwell in the secret place, O Most High. God we are honored just to dwell in the shadow of the Almighty. Father, forgive us for all the sins we have committed by thought, word, and deed against You, ourselves or others. Lord, we want to love You with all our heart, all our mind, and all our soul. in Jesus' name, amen

a Friend of God

2011-02-09T00:42:00.000-08:00

last week, i took a pilgrimage to Kansas city Missouri. i needed to hear from God. i know, i know, you are saying, 'you can hear from God in Brooklyn.' i wanted to get away from my familiar environment so i could...touch the hem of God's garment and admit it was me. i was so happy. God promised me favor before i left and God proved Godself. i received extra snacks/beverages, i was able to check in at 1130am at the hotel, God met me at the altar of my heart. i was broken and God healed me. i sinned and God forgave me. i needed a Word and God spoke pages into my heart, my mind, my soul, which i transcribed into my journal. God desires an intimate relationship with us. we become holy, the more we spend time in the presence, the Word, yielding to the hand of God. God wants us to worship God in spirit and in truth.
Psalm 25:14 states: The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.

God, I want to be Your friend. God i reverence, Your holy, righteous and matchless name. God reveal to me Your covenant as i study Your Word each day, in Jesus' name, amen

intimacy with God is an awesome experience available to all of those who seek God's face. whose face are you seeking?
its been real.
meb

is your bible dusty?

2011-01-18T04:16:00.000-08:00

i remember, well actually i cannot recall the exact date, yet when i was younger, i saw this bumper sticker. it made me laugh and it convicted me simultaneously.
how can your bible be dusty?
you only use it on Sunday's and/or Wednesday's (whichever night is bible study at church).
it is a just a show piece in the living room.
you think its the ark of the covenant. only levitical priest can touch it and you do not accept your call as a heir and joint heir with God.

nevertheless, there is a problem. we have illiterate Christians who are not walking in the promises, blessings and anointing of God because they do not know the mandates, commandments, which must be followed for the promises, blessings and anointing of God to take hold of your life.
you must read the bible for yourself.
you must study the bible for yourself.
you must ask Holy Spirit to teach you, as you study the Word of God, so you can understand.
you must pray the Word of God to receive instruction, wisdom, knowledge and understanding.

in order for your heart to be softened, the scales to fall from your eyes, your ears to unplugged, your lame legs to received life, you must seek God. you cannot just learn about God through worship and prayer. how can you know what to pray if you do not know the word? how can you worship a God who you do not take time to get to know through reading the Word of God.

Psalm 119:105 (NKJV) states: Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.

are you walking in darkness?
are you living in darkness?

Father, forgive us for thinking that praying the prayer of salvation was enough. forgive God for not working out our soul's salvation through daily bible study, daily prayer, and daily worship. forgive us God for complaining about what You do not do for us as believers when we do not take time enough to study the promises of God in Your Word. forgive us God for being lazy Christians. Holy Spirit i am committed to sit at the feet of God each day for bible study. teach me, help me understand the Word of God, so i may understand who i am in You, in Jesus' name, amen

its been real.
meb

pure speech

2011-01-11T07:02:00.000-08:00

I am not sure if there is anyone out there who desires to let your Light shine brighter than ever before. it sounds nerdy right. it's just that i want to be on one accord with Abba. each day, i rise I'm like, 'Abba, what's up? what do You want me to accomplish today?' throughout the day, i am like, 'God, are we good? is there anything we need to talk about? any sin that i overlooked or person i need to apologize to?' at night time, i will take out my journal, and record what i learned from God. i will record all the revelations i received. i will ask Holy Spirit to help me remember anything i forgot. i sleep best when i talk to God. God truly is a Holy Counselor (Is 9:6).

A few weeks ago, I learned about a scripture that I became a part of my daily prayer request. Zephaniah 3:9-10. I have been praying Psalm 19:14, yet these two verses make me happy also. I want my speech to be pure. I even pray it on behalf of the worshippers of the church I worship at and all the people of color. This verse is important because we make impressions on people by how we speak, with our lives and with our mouths. Many of my students ask me why I do not have a tattoo. I explain to them that my life is a tattoo. If you cannot tell them I am a Christian by the life that I live, I am not doing something right. I feel that if I do not wear a cross, have a 'Jesus loves me' button or 'Jesus loves me' t-shirt on, or a 'honk if you love Jesus' bumper sticker on my car, one should still be able to tell that I live for God.

Zephaniah 3:9-10 "Yea, at that time I will change the speech of the peoples to a pure speech, that all of them may call on the name of the LORD and serve him with one accord. From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia my suppliants, the daughter of my dispersed ones, shall bring my offering."

God, change my speech to a pure speech. Lord, reveal to me as I study Your Word each day, words that I can speak and pray into lives of people I meet and my own life. Lord, each day I live, I shall call on Your name. I shall serve You. Lord, let Your love flow through me, as I offer to You each day, my will. God, as You increase, let me decrease. in Jesus' name, amen

have a blessed, productive and peaceful week.
meb

a new year: 2011

2011-01-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

i did not wait until 2011 to seek God differently. it probably began midyear 2010. i am so hungry for Abba. we are created in God's image. God gave us two gifts, Jesus, so we can access every thing, and Holy Spirit, so our intercession, understanding, knowledge of God would be awesome.

how does one improve their relationship with God? i need to realize that i am the bride of Christ. i am a lover of God. i need to prepare for the return of the Bridegroom. i need to start living differently.

Ephesians 3:16-19 i pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. i pray that you may have power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you hamy be filled with all the fullness of God.

Zephaniah 3:9-10 at that time i will change the speech of the peoples to a pure speech, that all may call on the name of the Lord and serve him with one accord. from beyond the rivers of Ethiopia my suppliants, my scattered ones, shall bring my offering.

song of Solomon 8:6 set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is strong as death, passion fierce as the grave. its flashes are flashes of fire, a raging flame.

2 Timothy 2:23 have nothing to do with stupid and senseless controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.

Malachi 3:10-12 bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in my house, and thus put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts; see if i will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing. i will rebuke the locust for you, so that It will not destroy the produce of your soil; and your vine in the filed shall not be barren, says the Lord of hosts. then all the nations will count you happy, for you will be a land of delight, says the Lord of hosts.

in 2011, i pray that you would pray, live, embrace, the word of God spoken in all 5 of these scripture selections. do not limit your relationship with God. your relationship with God should be more than going to worship and bible study weekly, blessing your food and forgiving sins of people. your testimony should be one of the psalmist in psalm 42, as the deer pants for the water brook, so does my soul thirst for you...

18 inches of blessings

2010-12-27T15:14:00.000-08:00

on Saturday afternoon, i received a text from NYC government. blizzard warning in NYC from Sunday December 26th at 6am to Monday December 27th at 6pm. i prayed that people would not be paranoid, run to the supermarket and buy a $50 shovel and cases of water they never drink even when its 90 degrees outside. this morning, the end result was 18 inches of snow. after a few minutes, i was like, "God, i want 18 inches of blessings in my life." how could i reap blessings? a few hours later, i went to the upper room and i had prayer, praise and worship. it was fun. reading scripture, praying scripture, singing love songs to God, realizing that i am a lover of God and i am God's favorite. it was awesome. why do people wait until church service to worship God in spirit and in truth? God does inhabit the praises of people made in God's image.

John 4:23 - 24. But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth."
Exodus 33:18 Moses said, "show me your glory, I pray."

God, yesterday the world celebrated Jesus, yet Lord even now we realize that as true worshipers, You want us to worship You in spirit and truth, each day that we live. God we want more of You. God we want to experience the glory of Your presence. God as the deer pants for the water brook, our souls thirst for You O God. God we are grateful that You shall inhabit our praises. in Jesus' name, we pray, amen.

O come let us adore Him

2010-12-23T01:47:00.000-08:00

O come let us adore Him (3xs) Christ the Lord
For we behold and bless You (3xs) Christ the Lord
And soon You will be coming (3xs) Christ the Lord
We give You all the glory (3xs) Christ the Lord
O come let us adore Him (3xs) Christ the Lord
For there is no one like You (3xs) Christ the Lord
And You'll bring forth Your justice (3xs) Christ the Lord

We adore Your name Jesus, Your beautiful name Jesus
we adore Your name Jesus, even so quickly even so quickly come.
Christ the Lord Christ the Lord Christ the Lord You are Christ the Lord.

My soul sings My soul sings My soul sings how I love You

I have been singing this praise and worship song for 6 to 7 weeks. I can actually sing it all year. God is so worthy! Imagine if we celebrated advent all year! We are the Bride of Christ. We await the return of the Bridegroom. I am so grateful for the privileges that I have as a Christian because of what my Brother, Jesus, did on Calvary. God is worthy! You are wwwwwooooorrrrttttthhhhhyyyyy God!

the Hebrew bible states: Isaiah 9:6 For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

God, I am grateful that Jesus was born for us. God all authority rests on Jesus' shoulder. The same authority Jesus gave us to go out and make disciples of all nations. God, You are a Wonderful Counselor. You are a Mighty God. You are Everlasting Father. You are the Prince of Peace. Lord I pray that the authority that You have given each believer would be utilized through the power of God that dwells in us. God I pray that would establish and uphold the justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. God I am grateful for the zeal of the Lord of hosts. in Jesus' name, amen

have a blessed and worshipful Christmas...

take care of your body

2010-12-11T17:54:00.000-08:00

this has been the longest week of my life. why? i have been sick. real sick. i do pbs (personal bible study) with a fight, i only stretch, refresh, bathe, work, go to after school job, come home, drink tea, and sleep. i felt so drained and i was like okay God, i have a lot to do but my body is shutting down. so last night, i went to urgent care. i asked God to give the doctor wisdom and insight because i wanted the best treatment available. i got some medicine and i rested. this morning, i received more treated and instead of working, i rested again for the rest of the day. i have to take care of my temple. i have to realize that i am not superwoman. i have to listen to God. i have to listen to my body. later this evening, i did go outside and sweep the front and dump all the trash in the house. what was the symbolism? i was feeling better. i wanted my surrounding to represent how i felt. i am definitely sitting at the feet of God so i can truly understand where i am in life and where God is leading me in the promise land.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 states: Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.
God, my body is Your temple. Holy Spirit teach my how to take care of my body effectively. God i want to glorify You in my body and my spirit. they belong to You. In Jesus' name, amen
its been real.
meb

safe in God

2010-11-28T16:27:00.000-08:00

i am grateful that i did not have to go to work on Thursday and Friday. i felt tired. i know that my body needs rest so i gave it rest. i rested on Thursday for 2 hours. i rested Friday for 3 hours and i rested Saturday for 3 hours. i rested Sunday for about 5 hours. i felt the most rest when i sought God's presence. i feel assured when i know that God is cradling me. i was never breastfed, yet i am comforted by I AM. God gives me the assurity that is indescribable. the psalmist of Psalm 91:1-2 knew what i felt this morning during worship and each time i enter into the secret place
1. You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, 2 will say to the Lord, My refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust."
i can not apologize for the security i feel. i know that God always has time for me. i know that people are busy. i know that i trust God the most because when i want to wrestle with stuff that i am experiencing, God is there to wrestle with. God is truly a Holy and understanding Counselor.
Abba, we want to live in Your shelter. Abba, we want to dwell in the safety of Your shadows. Abba, You are our refuge. Abba, You are our fortress. Abba, we trust You. in Jesus' name, amen

testify

2010-11-07T15:13:00.000-08:00

Psalm 66:5 states: Come and see the works of God; He is awesome in His doing toward the sons of men.
this verse is one of twenty verses in the 66th division of Psalms. we reviewed it this morning during Sunday school. this verse stuck out to me because each day in my journal i record the works that God does in my life. the works could be prayer request that God answered. the works could be blessings that God has given me because of mercy and grace dispensation. the works could be blessings in response to praying and believing the Word of God over my life.
nevertheless, i challenge you daily to record the works that God does in your life. it will definitely put a smile on your face.
Abba, we are grateful for the works that You perform in our lives daily. God, You are awesome towards Your daughters and sons. thank You thank You thank You. in Jesus' name, amen
have a blessed and productive day and week.
meb

an answered prayer

2010-10-27T18:51:00.000-07:00

in October/November 2009, i started writing down all of my prayer request. i wanted to be more aware of the concerns i laid at the foot of the cross. January 1st, 2010, i started writing in the rear of my journal, all of the prayer request that God had answered. a few months ago, i categorized all of my prayer request, and began to pray each prayer until God answered them. its been so much fun. (unrelenting prayer by bob sorge) i love wrestling with God. i have concerns and i want God to really be my Shepherd. i trust God a lot. we talk about everything. Holy Spirit will explain answers until i get it. i know that i want God to have 100% of me. i offer my body as a daily sacrifice.

Luke 18:1-8 Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, saying: "There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. "Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, 'Get justice for me from my adversary.' "And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, 'Though I do not fear God nor regard man, 'yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.'" Then the Lord said, "Hear what the unjust judge said. "And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?"

i encourage you to trust God, trust God, trust God. God wants to address all of our concerns. allow your faith to grow as you pray each day.

God I am glad that as Your elect, You shall respond to all of my prayers. Thank You God that the prayers of the righteous availeth much, amen.

total submission to God

2010-10-11T06:55:00.000-07:00

this weekend i did something i have not done in a long time, i escaped from all my responsibilities. how did i escape? i knew the deadlines of everything that was in my life and i submitted and/or addressed everything that needed my attention. thereafter, i packed my bag,printed my boarding pass, and waited to leave. my soul, my heart, and my mind, was hungry for rest, restoration, revival. i was so happy for the chance to get away. i whispered to God. thank You for the airline special. thank You for the savings to pay for the rental car, food, and other necessities. my only goal was to go to the wilderness, to hear from God, to look for the burning bush. i prayed without ceasing to make sure that God knew the matters of my heart.

Psalm 116:1-2. i love the Lord, because He has heard My voice and my supplications. because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore i will call upon Him as long as i live.

have you ever bathed in God's Word? i mean meditate on the Word and allow the Word to speak life, convict, comfort, guide and order your steps. the Word of God is the Bread of life. God's Word can and shall meet all of our needs. the bible is filled with blessings, promises, covenants, and commandments. you will never know what they are unless you sit at God's feet daily. God is waiting for the fellowship.

God, we love You Lord. Lord, we are grateful that You hear our voice and our supplication. Lord, we rejoice in that You incline Your ear to the voice of our heart. God, we shall call upon You as long as we live. In Jesus' name, amen.

order in my life

2010-10-04T09:40:00.000-07:00

you know how you are suppose to consume 4 to 5 vegetables a day and 3 to 4 fruits a day. well i have been falling short. i can eat fruit but i have been falling short on the vegetables. God gave me a great idea. eat a fresh salad daily for a meal. i thought that is so cool. a salad for a meal is filling and healthy. so each week, i trek to the farmers market or supermarket and buy Romain lettuce, tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumbers, and i go home and make 5 salads for the week. i need some raisins or craisins to spice it up. i am happy though. i have been wanting to decrease my caloric intake and this is helping. i can eat the salad for dinner or lunch and i am good. God is so smart.

i also started giving one hour back to God. i used to do my personal bible study (pbs) for 30 to 45 minutes and call it a wrap. i realized that i want more of God so i stay for an hour. whether i soak, or just listen to God. its all good. sometimes, we just talk more about the scripture i meditated on the morning and/or prayed about. i am definitely seeing the benefits. i still have time to workout and eat breakfast before i leave for work.

proverbs 16:3 is one of my favorites bible verses: commit your ways to the Lord and He shall establish your thoughts.

i want to be organized and if God can help me, i want to be. yesterday, i needed help writing a 7 to 10 page paper. i asked God how to map it out and God told me what to do. when i write the second paper between tonight and tomorrow. i know God is going to help me out again.

Lord, i am glad that i can cast all my cares on You because You care for me. Lord, help me remember that You know what is best for me. in Jesus' name, amen

i need prayer

2010-09-26T15:23:00.000-07:00

this morning, Holy Spirit woke me up early. i tried to adhere to God's voice. i meditated on the Word. then each verse, i wrestled with the command, the blessing, the promise. i responded with repentance, praying for deliverance, praying the blessing and/or the promise over me. i felt good. i kept thanking God over and over and over because the Word of God excites me. i feel good when i understand it. i feel good when i realize that God has provisions for me to live on earth, yet if i do not glean the Word, seek God's face, listen to God's voice, i can not and will not walk in those provisions. after a while, i decided to exercise. i was greatful for 40 minutes before preparing for church. my body is sore from yesterday's chores yet it is no excuse to not to stay in shape.

as the morning progressed, i realized that i needed to talk to God more. i didnot want my prayer concerns to interfere with worship, so i prayed a little and focused on worship. when worship was over, i jumped on the bus, so i could go home. i talked to God from the bus stop to the house. on the bus, i just thanked God for the Word and the worship. i put my stuff down and ran into my room.

i poured out the rest of my heart to God and i asked God if it was okay for someone else to pray for me. God placed my friends face in my heart. i texted her and said, 'do you mind praying for me?' she called in a few minutes and i told her my concerns. she restated what i told her and allowed You to lead her. Your loving arms surrounded me and You told me to 'Receive My Peace. I AM here.' i wanted to cry. God's love for me/us is undescribable. God whispered in my ears as the prayer went into praise and i shared some of what HOly Spirit said. she prayed some more and then the conversation ended. i was before God just saying thank YOu. after a while, i got my journal to record the experience.
i was glad that i talked to God first and i was glad God allowed me to share my concerns with a fellow sister in Christ.

the bible says:
1 Peter 5:6-7 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

God, help Your children remember that humility is healthy and necessary to maintain a sweet relationship with YOu. God help Your children remember that they can talk to You about everything and You shall respond. in Jesus' name, amen

yom kippur

2010-09-18T14:11:00.000-07:00

i am a Christian. i love Abba with all my heart, my mind and my soul. i love spending time with Abba each day because i want to become the woman that i am called to be. i know that God is truly a Holy Counselor. i talk to God about everything. God is never busy and God's counsel is sound. i donot have to double check because God's testimony is practical. God will talk to me about everything i.e. from what i wrestling with in the daily Bible study, to how effectively clean my room, to the importance of me being more respectful to people.

nevertheless, God has blessed me with some real friends(that is another blog). one of my former teachers is my friend. she is Jewish. i try to send her and her mom a card, with a prayer from my heart, inside to them, throughout the year. yesterday, i looked up yom kippur. why? i met a Messianic Jew, a Jewish Christian, last Saturday who said the weirdest transition from becoming a Christian was going from 7 observations to 2. i knew what Passover was because i celebrate it as much as possible. i am not going to go down the list. so i looked up yom kippur (Leviticus 16:1-34; exodus 30:10; Leviticus 23:27-37; 25:9; numbers 29:7-11). i know that is a lot of scriptures yet it is so rich, you can read it and just ask Holy Spirit to help you understand the Word so it can live within you. if i just focus on Leviticus 16, i appreciated the significance of Jesus. when the veil of the temple tore in two on resurrection Sunday, i received the privelege of studying the Word myself; Holy Spirit teaching me the Word; the privilege of having a real relationship with God, with no priest; Jesus praying on my behalf continuously; the access to all the principles, proverbs, and blessings in the Word of God. in the old testament, the priest had to go before God with unblemished animals, clean clothes, a right heart, and follow God's steps to properly intercede on behalf of those who sinned. if the priest sinned, the priest could have an untimely death, the Presence of God.

so yom kippur, there was a lot of sin to repent from: the sins of Aaron's sons, the sins of the people building a golden calf and basically saying the calf brought them out of bondage and not Yahweh. the entire nation is suppose to engage is this time of repentance, remembrance, rest and restoration. Christians can actually participate in this high holy day. think about the bondage that God has brought us out. think about the golden calf's that we build and God destroyed or still needs to be destroyed. think about the priest that we are. when you become a Christian, you become a priest, a temple of the Holy God.

Leviticus 16: 29-34 "This shall be a statute forever for you: In the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether a native of your own country or a stranger who dwells among you. "For on that day the priest shall make atonement for you, to cleanse you, that you may be clean from all your sins before the LORD. "It is a sabbath of solemn rest for you, and you shall afflict your souls. It is a statute forever. "And the priest, who is anointed and consecrated to minister as priest in his father's place, shall make atonement, and put on the linen clothes, the holy garments; "then he shall make atonement for the Holy Sanctuary, and he shall make atonement for the tabernacle of meeting and for the altar, and he shall make atonement for the priests and for all the people of the assembly. "This shall be an everlasting statute for you, to make atonement for the children of Israel, for all their sins, once a year." And he did as the LORD commanded Moses.

God, we thank You that Jesus is the atonement for our sins. God we thank You that You can deliver us from any behavior, person, place or thing that does please You. God let this mind be in us, which was also in Christ Jesus. God perfect those things which concern me. God i hide Your word in my heart that i might not sin against You. in Jesus' name, amen

journaling

2010-09-13T09:55:00.000-07:00

i carry my journal with me wherever i go. in reality, my journal, my planner, and my bible, travel with me wherever i go. i love to record: revelations that i received from Holy Spirit, prayer request, answered prayers, poetry, Black history facts, Women history facts, my to do list, concerns, reflections from work/rest/play, random thoughts.
i have written in my journal since i was young. i have a large collection. it tells a story of my life. how i have lived. whom has influenced me. strengths. weaknesses. dreams. dreams deferred. disappointments. setbacks.
i like to pick up my old journals and see if i can detect growth, sarcasm, insight, wisdom or understanding.
i tell others about the benefits of journaling. some people make excuses. some people prefer digital journals. nevertheless, let your story be recorded about the pages of your life...
Psalm 119:16 I will not forget Your word.
in the books of Deuteronomy and Numbers, God admonished Moses to write. how will you remember what God has taught you and brought you through? How will you recall the Word God has given you to fulfill?
Lord, i do not want to forget Your Word. Your Word is truly a Lamp unto my feet and a Light unto my path. in Jesus' name, amen

decluttering clutter

2010-08-30T15:47:00.000-07:00

this summer one of my main focuses was clean, clean, clean. there are many facets to cleaning. you want to go through your belongings and see if there is anything that you need to donate, discard, utilize (recycle, renew, or reuse). it has been an adventure. i am happy with my progress though some days it seems as if i go faster than others. today i even wondered if i should stay in one room until it is complete, yet i did not want boredom to hit me so i just rotate. and play my favorite songs or sermons in the background or just sing from my heart.

Proverbs 16:3 Commit your works to the LORD, And your thoughts will be established.
this verse is at the top of every to do list that i have. i love when Holy Spirit will whisper in my ear, anything i have skipped.

Nehemiah 4:6 So we built the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.
this one verse is the a segment of one of my favorite stories in the bible. it reminds me that when i trust God, wait on God, obey God, repent when i know i have sinned, and listening to God so i can be happy.
basically the verse just talks about stamina. i want to have stamina and encouragement to live each day.

for each room in my home, i wrote down a list of things that i need to do. each time i complete a task, i cross it out and write PTL. this list is encouraging because when i clean up, it seems like the time goes by yet i wonder where did the time went.

it seems like this is the first jumbled blogged i have written yet, i need to return to the clutter.

Lord, i thank You that You give me a mind to work. God i commit this day to You so You can establish my thoughts. In Jesus' name, amen

Am I prejudice?

2010-08-23T08:48:00.000-07:00

I think it was two weeks ago. I was watching a television show which was reporting the results of a the study conducted by a sister with a doctorate on "white bias and children." After the show was over, I shared with my mother how some of my students are prejudice. Most of my students are multicultural. When I listen to the students talk to each other or about each other, they judge each other based on the color of their skin, the type of clothes/tennis shoes they wear, the texture of their hair, the personal hygiene, etcetra etcetra. The judgement based on skin color is at the forefront because news show I had watched.

I wonder if parents teach there children to be bias. I wonder if parents talk to their children about being bias. I wonder if adults are dealing with their own bias issues.

one of my favorite stories in the bible is when Jesus talked to the Samaritan woman. (John 4:4-10 But He needed to go through Samaria. So He came to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour. A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give Me a drink." For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, "How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?" For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. Jesus answered and said to her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.")

Some of us need to go the well of God and ask God for a drink of conversation. I asked God all the time to help me. I do not want to not have a relationship with someone because of previous relationships different ethnicity's or genders had with each other. Jesus is the ultimate role model. Jesus related to everyone from all walks of life. I asked Jesus to daily to help me relate to people from all walks of life.

Have you been to the well?

a closer walk

2010-08-15T17:19:00.000-07:00

i love the summer. each morning it is a similar routine. go for a walk, lift weights, do some calisthenics, bathe, do pbs (personal bible study), pray, read read read, do chores, garden, read, read, journal, relax. some afternoons, i am also able to go for a second walk and/or do some stretching exercises. does it ever amaze anyone how you gain weight over a certain period of time and it seems longer when the body fat is being summoned off your body through aerobic and non aerobic exercises?
this is probably the first summer that i have not read 5 books a week. its okay. its not a sin. i am happy that i have read a nice assortment of books. after i finish reading any book, i always journal 5 lessons learned from each book. life has a lot to teach you and books can teach you also.
i guess i should be telling you the names of the books i read. i am to lazy to retrieve my journal. maybe next week. lol.

Psalm 86:11 Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.
i have been praying this psalm a lot this summer, this year. as a Christian, i know that transformation occurs at the heart. God can not use or transform me if i have a hard heart. each morning i pray, create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. so each morning, when i am sitting with God, i meditate on the Word and ask God to forgive me any sin related to the verses. i ask God to deliver me from any behavior that does not glorify God. i ask Holy Spirit to teach me; i really want to understand the Word of God. i want to fulfill the purpose for which i am created.
God, teach me Your ways, O Lord. Lord, I want to walk in the truth of Your Word. God unite my heart with You God. God I reverence Your name. in Jesus' name, amen

have a blessed, peaceful, productive week!

fully blessed

2010-08-10T08:12:00.000-07:00

yesterday, i ran a few errands with my mom. i actually enjoyed the day because i only spent $5.38 at chik-fil-a. as we were walking to one store, i read her t-shirt. it said fully blessed. i asked her what Psalm 32:1 said. i knew i may not get an answer but i asked anyway. i actually felt naked because i usually bring my journal, my planner and my bible with me wherever i go. i left all three at home. when we returned home, i forgot my desire to find out what the verse stated. as i sit even now, the following morning, at the public library computer, i have found out what it states:

Psalm 32:1 Blessed is s/he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. (new international version).

this verse is comforting. you know how one of the first verses you learn, memorize and live on is 1 John 1:9 if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. well if you connect these two verses, Psalm 32 reminds us that we are blessed because God forgives our transgressions and Jesus covers the sins with the Blood.

i love God. God establishes a one on one relationship with us and the relationship is developed with time, patience, hope, faith, love, forgiveness. The Word, the Blood, submission, deliverance, repentance transforms all who are committed to walk in the Spirit and live in the Spirit and not fulfill the desires of the flesh.

are you fully blessed?

i asked for intimacy

2010-08-01T17:43:00.000-07:00

When I was in high school, I wanted to take my relationship with God to another level. I did two things, I studied every young person who had a relationship with God in the Bible and I studied the different ways that God talked to people. I even made my first covenants with God. It was a covenant that changed my life for ever. i love about the Lord My God. God loves us. God desires an intimate relationship with the human beings that are created in God's image. the Bible is a testimony of how creation related to God. Creation has relationships with God through salvation, via Jesus, faith, hope, trust, and love. It is a daily walk with bible study and prayer, prayer and praise, and just dwelling in God's presence.

The bible states in:
Revelations 3:20 "Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door I will come in to him and dine with him and he with Me.

God, please help me be aware when You knock on the door of my heart. God open my ears to hear Your voice. God, You stated that My sheep know my voice and the voice of a stranger s/he will not hear. God, i want to dine with you each day that i live. God, i am glad that we can dine together in prayer, in worship, in bible study, in soaking. In Jesus' name, amen

hunger for holiness

2010-07-25T13:21:00.000-07:00

i am on a mission. i want to know what God wants me to do with my life. i know my purpose. i know why God created me. i just want to make sure that i am doing everything according to God's will.
how do i do it?
each day, i go to a quiet place, meditate on the Word, and ask Holy Spirit to teach me. after we walk through each verse, i ask God for the wisdom and understand to be assured that i fully understand it. i pray the promises, the commandments and the blessings in those verses because i know that Christians have an inheritance in all 66 books of the Bible, yet if you do not glean the Word, you will never know what the inheritance is. i feel empowered after bible study. i feel excited because i learned something that i did not know. i am repentant because i realized that i may have been sinning, yet i am glad that God delivered me and i will no longer entertain that desire. i feel closer to God because God has revealed a more intimate side of God to me. my heart usually lifts up a song and i am ready to go forth.
as Christians we grow grow grow. we grow closer to God. we grow spiritually, mentally, physically, psychologically, emotionally. we grow in our prayer time with God. we grow grow grow.

one of my favorite passages in the bible is Psalm 119.
Psalm 119:9-12. 9 (BETH) How can a young wo/man cleanse her/his way? By taking heed according to Your word. 10 With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! 11 Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You. 12 Blessed are You, O LORD! Teach me Your statutes.

God, i want to be clean spiritually, mentally, and physically. God as i sit at Your feet, help me understand, receive, and live Your Word. God, i am seeking You with my whole heart. God help me stay focused on Your commandments. God, i hide Your Word in my heart that i might not sin against You. God, teach me Your statutes. God, You are my Blessed Lord. God i thank that You shall continue to perfect those things which concern me, in Jesus' name, amen.

don't leave God at home during vacation

2010-07-17T15:35:00.000-07:00

i am grateful to God for my vacation club account. i am glad that i can pay cash for two months because i have allotted money out of my monthly budget to visit a few city, states and countries.
nevertheless, as i pack and repack, wash, dry and fold clothes for the different planes, trains, automobiles, i have to make sure i have my favorite books: my journal, my bible (at least 2 translations), and my search the scriptures (a excellent book to walk you through reading the bible in 3 years).

each morning, i open the bible and meditate on 4 to 5 verses. after 15 to 20 minutes, i walk through each verse and ask Holy Spirit to teach me. i want to grasp all the promises, commandments, blessings, and the word that God has for me. after i repent and ask deliverance from sins that the text may have revealed, i begin to pray the verses. God wants believers to receive every promise that is in the Word of God. God's Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. i feel refreshed, revived, renewed and excited because i have learned something about God and what God has enstore for me that i never knew before. i am ready to go for my morning walk, refresh and visit the parts of the city i am in.

in Mark 1:35 it states: Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.

God, i am excited that each morning, when You tap me on my shoulder, You are allowing me with another opportunity to live. God, i am grateful for the new measure of mercy and grace that You have bestowed on me. God, i am glad that i can go to a solitary place and sit at Your feet. God, i am glad that Holy Spirit can teach me Your Word. God i am glad that i can talk to You and You can talk to me. God i am all ears just listening to the plans that You have for me. thank You God that as Your sheep i know Your voice. in Jesus' name, amen

a visit home

2010-07-10T16:46:00.000-07:00

on Wednesday evening, i went to see my two aunts, my uncle, and my grandmother. i have not seen them physically in a long time. i have written them. i have talked to them on the telephone, yet i had not seen them face -to - face in a llllooonnnggg time.
as my brother drove, i prayed. i did not know what to expect yet i wanted God to keep me in God's peace. i wanted God's presence to fill both homes. i wanted wisdom and love to flow from my lips to their ears.

i was able to talk to my first aunt about what i understood Christianity to be, based on my walk with God and what passions God had placed on my heart. it was a fun conversation. i love talking to people about how they view God and what God is challenging them to do to fulfill their call and purpose. i get so frustrated by people who are in denial or would rather play before they get serious about their relationship with God. yet in my frustrations, i continue to pray for God's people.

i did ask my uncle, before i left, if he has been crabbing. i want to go in a few weeks. i have never been crabbing and when i was little, my sexist relatives, did not take the girls crabbing. i will definitely call and see when we can go or ask my other cousin if i can go with her.

i was able to talk to my aunt for several minutes, one on one, before my grandmother appeared. i was happy that i was able to make her laugh about a birthday card i sent several months ago. i was also able to share the importance of taking care of your body with proper diet and exercise so she could live comfortably.
when my grandmother realized it was me, she wanted me to stay but i told her that i wanted to go home because i felt under the weather. nevertheless, before i left, my grandmother started talking about blessings from God. i had a problem with what she said because she equated her blessings to what she did as a child. i told her, 'grandma, God blesses us now, because we study God's Word, obey God's Word, and trust God more than any person, place or thing. God wants to bless us daily. we just have to seek God's face through bible study, prayer, praise, worship (individual and corporate), tithing, faith, trust, humility, and hope. both of them just looked at me. i asked God to help them understand. i did not want them to think that blessings had to be acquired over a long period of time.

Deuteronomy 28:1-3 states: 1"Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the LORD your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the LORD your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. 2.And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the LORD your God: 3."Blessed [shall] you [be] in the city, and blessed [shall] you [be] in the country.

God, please help Your children realize that You want to bless them because they obey You, they observe Your commandments, that they have allowed You to be Lord, Saviour and Shepherd of their lives. in Jesus' name, amen

are you chosen?

2010-06-27T04:43:00.000-07:00

during lunch on Friday, i was playing dominoes with one of my students. it was a fun game. one of my colleagues joined me. i cannot recall the exact details of what occurred, i do know that i had to explain to my colleague what soul food was because he had never heard of the term. after i defined soul food, i told him he could do an online search for further information. i basically explained that people of color are known to make delicious food termed soul food. he stated that he was colored. i looked at him because i was born with a tan. i was wondering where he was going. i reiterated African Americans are known to cook these southern delicacies. he stated that 'Ms. Brown, you know that we are chosen people.' i stated, 'we are all chosen.' he retorted, 'no, we are considered the chosen people.' i reiterated, 'we are all chosen people.' my voice had elevated an octave higher. he said, 'Ms Brown, i do not want to argue with you, i just wanted to say that we are considered the chosen people.' i stated for the third time, 'we are all chosen people.' and i gave him a look which caused the conversation to end. he chuckled and we continued the dominoes game.

i know that i am chosen. i know that i am called. my mom introduced me to God before i could walk and i learned more about God through salvation, personal seeking, personal and corporate bible study, Sunday school, worship.

we have to know who we are. we have to know Whose we are. i have met to many people who do not know who they are and they get pummeled with questions that they cannot answer. i remember my freshman year at Howard University wherein i met students who did not know what they believed in and the foundation. they just stated, 'i do not have to go to church anymore because my family can not make me'. i prayed for them. why would someone have to make you worship the God who created you for a purpose? why would someone have to make you worship with other believers who believe in the God, Abba, who loves you individually?
it is time for people to receive the Love that God has for them.
it is time for people to work out theirs soul salvation with fear and trembling.
it is time to stop letting your Bible collect dust and live for the God who create you for a purpose.

Deuteronomy 7:6 states "For you [are] a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth.

God, I am glad that I am holy because You are holy. God, I am holy unto You, Lord God. God, I am glad that you have chosen me to be a people for You. God I am a special treasure above all the people on the face of the earth. in Jesus' name, amen

summer reading

2010-06-16T17:32:00.000-07:00

even though i am an adult, i know why i am a lover of books. when i was a toddler, my mom took me to get a library card. i was able to read books (simulated reading) and look at pictures. it excited me. my mom read to me all the time. when we took our weekly visits to the library, i would take out as many books as she would allow me. i loved reading. even when i finally got my own television, at age 11, it was to late. i loved books more than watching television.
i love reading.
when you read you get to travel mentally for free.
you remove ignorance.
you learn about the One who created you.
you learn about how other people view life.
you become hungry to travel.
you increase your knowledge, wisdom and understanding.
you learn about what is expected of you from the One who created you.
you some answers to questions that you have.
you are challenged to think outside the box.
you grow, grow, grow.

summer does not start until June 21st, yet i have already started my summer reading pattern. fiction, non - fiction (autobiographical, etc), fiction, non - fiction. i want to finish all the books that i have started before i start buying books i want to make a part of my library or borrowing books from the library, physically or digitally.

i can read about a book a day. i just need to intersperse that first and foremost with time with the One, in bible study and prayer, and EXERCise. and of course, my to do list.

let the reading begin...

why should i become a student of the Word of God?

2010-06-13T03:16:00.000-07:00

i am a Christian. i love God. my relationship with God has grown over the years because of my commitment to daily prayer (listening to God and talking to God), daily praise and worship (worship at home is just as good as worshipping with other believers) and daily bible study (personal and corporate bible study is awesome). God wants us to spend time with us each day of your life.
bible study is important. the top 10 reasons i love studying the Word of God:
1. learn about the God who created me in God's image.
2. learn about what is expected (precepts, commandments)of me as a Christian.
3. learn the promises that are available to me.
4. learn about how God utilized other believers to fulfill their purpose.
5. grow as a Christian, personally, spiritually, psychologically, emotionally, and mentally.
6. we are commanded and admonished to become students of the Word of God.
7. God will provide you with what Word to minister to believers and non - believers.
8. we are equipped to live on earth.
9. we learn how to prepare for the return of God. we know what will happen on Earth and in Heaven.
10. as intercessors, we will know what to pray for and the promise that coincides with the prayer.

the psalmists states:
Psalm 119:105-112.
105. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. 106 I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow Your righteous laws. 107 i have suffered much; preserve my life, O Lord, according to Your Word. 108 Accept, O Lord, the willing praise of my mouth, and teach me Your laws. 109 Though I constantly take my life in my hands, I will not forget our law. 110 the wicked have set a snare for me, but i have not strayed from your precepts. 111 Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. 112 my heart is set on keeping Your decrees to the very end.

God, forgive me God for not allowing Your Word to be a Lamp unto my feet and a Light unto my path. God, i desire to follow Your righteous laws. God, i am tired of suffering. God preserve my life according to Your Word. God, please accept the praise of my lips. God teach me Your laws. God forgive me for taking my life into my own hands. God forgive me for forgetting Your law. God i do not want to go astray from Your Word. God, Your Word is a heritage forever. God, Your Word is joy to my heart. God, i shall keep Your Word until the end. in Jesus' name, amen

God, I need 5 more minutes

2010-06-04T02:53:00.000-07:00

I usually go to bed between 9pm and 10pm. I tell myself that there is nothing on television that my VCR cannot tape or that I cannot view online. My body actually rejoices when I do achieve that goal because I am a morning person. I would rather do PBS (personal bible study), pray and exercise before work, before 545am than have to exercise beyond an hour when I return from work. Nevertheless, God always wakes me up early to talk so I might as well go to bed early right. Can you imagine telling God, "I need five more minutes." So be good to your body and give it the 8 hours of sleep that it craves each night. You and your body will appreciate it.
the Psalmist says...
Psalm 132:14 This [is] my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it.
Abba, please help me appreciate the temple that You have given me. God I want to get 8 hours of sleep a night. God please help me realize how much rest my body actually needs at night. God wrap me under the shadow of Your wings each night. In Jesus' name, amen.

e-x-e-r-c-i-s-e

2010-05-23T17:05:00.000-07:00

i just got home from an afternoon excursion of seeing Just Wright and walking in the park for 50 minutes. i ran home after Sunday School and worship to change my clothes and eat some food. (while i walked around the park, i remembered how we used to change our clothes in the back seat of the car, after Sunday school/church. we would have a picnic lunch, play in the sand box, and walk around. other times, we would run home for our bikes and the portable BBQ grill). either way, it was fun.

there were some kids and families in the park but not enough. maybe the kids were at home with playing there $600 video game system and there parents are at home also? i know why America is fat. i watch the habits of the kids around me. they get $20 a week. they buy a bacon, egg and cheese on a roll for breakfast. some seeds, chips and a soda for lunch. eat the school lunch depending on what it is. buy a order of fries with extra ketchup and hot sauce or get 3 to 5 items off the dollar menu. my stomach hurts just thinking about it.

i can testify that i know 12 and 14 year olds diagnosed with high cholesterol, diabetes, and hypertension. it scares me. one of my kids is addicted to snicker bars. i have to pray for her tonight because she starts her counseling and exercise program on June 1st. kids needs to exercise more. parents need to exercise more. maybe the family needs to walk together for one hour minimum each day and two hours on Saturday, after the chores are done. if you want a burger and fries, buy the ground turkey or ground chicken and the potatoes and make it from scratch. its healthier.

i do not want to tell you to go on a diet because diets are temporary. make a decision to eat healthier for the rest of your life. the USDA has a food pyramid and physical activity tracker where you can monitor your habits daily. the NFL has a similar site for kids.

2 Corinthians 6:16 states: And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you [fn] are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will dwell in them And walk among [them]. I will be their God, And they shall be My people." [fn]

God, I know that You have created me for a purpose. In order to fulfill my purpose, I have to take care of the body that You have given me. God, I am Your temple. God, You dwell in me. God, You walk with me. God, You are My God. God, I am one of Your people. God help me be a better steward. God help me make better food choices. God help me set aside time each day for exercise. in Jesus' name, amen

the peace of God

2010-05-16T03:23:00.000-07:00

last night, i had an emergency that was preordained by God. God had actually prepared me for it on Monday, May 10th and i had the peace of God. on Friday may 7th, i received a urgent letter that God had prepared me for on Monday, may 3rd. i responded to the letter the same day i received it.

i have always considered God to be My Holy Counselor as proclaimed in Isaiah 9:6 and John 14 - 16. A few weeks ago, I started reading the 7 commitments of a Forerunner:a sacred charge to press into God by Mike Bickle, in addition to continuing my daily bible study (come on Christians, how can we grow if we do not sit at Abba's feet each day and listen to Holy Spirit's instruction), I have been asking God to increase the level of intimacy that i have with God. i want to know God more. i want to know God's heart. i am listening more. when God advises me what to do, i take heed. i am showered with the peace of God when i obey God more and more.
i want to encourage all believers, babes and non babes in Christ to stop fronting on your spiritual growth. daily: study the Word, pray the Word, live the Word, believe the Word. fast weekly. worship daily. trust daily. yield daily. humble daily. seek Abba daily.

the best commitment you can make in life is become more committed to the One who created you in God's image. Christianity is more than daily prayer (to bless food and forgive sins), weekly worship (where you want to be entertained rather than participate) and Wednesday night bible study (as if you get extra points for sacrificing 1 to 2 hours of your life). if your life is BORING, look in the mirror of the Word and say, 'is it me Lord? is it my lack of commitment to become the one You are calling me to be?'

Colossians 3:15 states And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
(today's Sunday school actually involves v12-17 and refers to the entire chapter for background reference).

my prayer today is that Abba, please let the peace of God rule in my heart. God i want my body, Your temple to live as a one body with other believers. God i thank You that You are perfecting those things which concern me. in Jesus' name, amen.

thanks God

2010-05-09T04:26:00.000-07:00

it is Mother's day morning. i am thinking about a lot of stuff.

i met a Pakistani gentleman yesterday who told me that we do not celebrate mothers day in our country. mother's live with a son for their entire lives.

one of my students wanted to fight another student who said 'your mother' to her not knowing that her mother is deceased.

my mother and i actually went to dinner on Tuesday because i know the restaurants would be off the hook today.

i actually sent two cards to two people who God said needed one rather than the people who i usually send it to.

this morning i sent a prayer text to my praying sisters and all the women God introduced to me at Howard University while i pursued my Bachelor's and Master's degree.

most of all I just want to thank God for being the Mother and Father of my life. My life has changed tremendously for over a month. it is because God has really challenged me to not be comfortable where i am in life. my bible study has changed. my prayer life has changed. my soaking in God's presence has changed. my worship of God has changed. it is fun, exciting, and scary at the same time. i cried at first yet my smile internally and externally has grown tremendously. i am so hungry and God is feeding me. their are visions to pursue and the Word of God to live.

the psalmist proclaims in Psalm 119:171 My lips shall utter praise, For You teach me Your statutes.

God, Your Word is a Lamp unto my feet and a Light unto my path. God I thank for ordering my steps in Your Word. God I thank You for increasing in me so I may decrease. God I thank You that even as the deer pants for the water brook so does my soul thirst for You O God. God, my lips shall utter praise, for You teach me Your statutes. in Jesus' name, amen

it is time for a visit

2010-04-26T15:26:00.000-07:00

last Sunday, i went to two visit two of my friends. both of them are in rehabilitation centers. i actually, i saw three friends. the third friend is recovering at home. i was so pumped up to visit all three of them. i wanted to talk to them, see how they were doing, pray for them, give them a world famous hug.

on Monday, i had told my advisory group. 'if you know anyone who is sick, at home or in a hospital, take time to visit them. read to them. talk to them. sing there favorite song. pray with them. pray for them. i told them it is so important.' Eleven to 15 years old are impressionable. if you help them understand the ministry of visiting the sick and ministering to those in need, then they can encourage others to do likewise. i think i will actually ask them this week if they heeded my advise. people heal quicker when you visit them. a part of them which they almost allow to become silence gets quickened.

at both facilities, when i got off and on the elevator, i spoke to each person i encountered in the hallway and rooms. i said hello with my eyes, my smile, my lips, and with a handshake or a touch. when you are sick, it is lonely. i remember i had the opportunity to be a caretaker for 4 months. it was a lonely season in my life. i felt tired, yet i was motivated by God's love, my love for the person, my love for God, and the person's love for me.

Matthew 7:12 states Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that wo/men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

Heavenly Father, I pray Lord that more people would take time to minister to those who are in the process of being healed and recovered. Lord, please forgive for each time that we made an excuse not to visit an individual. Lord, please forgive for each time when we thought a phone call, a card, a text, a email, or a letter was enough. Lord, let this mind be in us which was also in Christ Jesus. God, as You increase, let us decrease. God, perfect those things which concern me, in Jesus' name, amen.

take time to visit the sick. think about how you would feel, if you were in their place.

a new type of hunger

2010-04-11T04:44:00.000-07:00

my life with God is different now. i am not sure if i can put it in words. i have been this way before but I did not get off at the same exit. you know how you look in the spiritual, physical, emotional, professional, and psychological mirror and you hear God say, 'i am not satisfied with where you are in life.' you actually nod your head in agreement. you understand because you are not happy. you are bored where you are. you want more of God. you want more happiness. you want the Joy that the world cannot understand. you approach the foot of the cross and you say, 'Abba, i need to die to my will and accept the plans that You have for me. i am ready to obey You. i am ready to trust You. i am ready to become the me that You are calling me to be. i want to fulfill the purpose that You have for me.'

Jeremiah 29: 11 - 13 states 11. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 12. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13. And ye shall seek me, and find [me], when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

Abba, You are God. I am not. You have a life of peace that no one can take from me and a future laid out for me. You created me for a purpose. God i call to You. You are the Author and the Finisher of my faith. God, I want more of You. God I want more of You. God, I am glad that I shall seek You and find You because I search for You with all my heart, in Jesus' name, amen

search, seek, find.

help me Lord, i think?

2010-04-06T10:39:00.000-07:00

yesterday, one of the young ladies i mentor came over to visit me. i had some chores to do, so i invited her to talk to me while i worked in my garden. we had not seen each other in a long time so we walked down memory lane and we circumvented our present status. if you know me, i am always concerned about people's walk with God. i want to know if you are trusting God. i want to know if you spending time (daily personal bible study, daily praise and worship, and worshipping with other believers weekly) with God. i want to know if fulfilling the call that God has placed on your life. most of my questions are usually answered by what people say and what people do not say. i always let people know that i will pray with them and that we can make a three way call any time. God is a loving God and God does not bite. people bite but God does not bite. once people do not put God on the same plain of people, they are able to accept God's love, God's mercy, and God's grace.

yesterday i asked her if she was fulfilling her call. she says she knows what her call is but she is not fulfilling it. i retorted if she asks for help. 'yes, i say, Lord help me.' i admonished her to be more specific. i confessed how in order to know what to say and what not to say to her, i was praying before she arrived and even now. 'i want to listen to you and i want to listen to God also. i want to make sure that i say what God wants me to say to you and not what i want to say.' she smiled.

Psalm 16:8-11 states: 8 I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, 10 because you will not abandon me to the grave, [fn] nor will you let your Holy One [fn] see decay. 11 You have made [fn] known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Abba, You are before me. You are at my right hand. You are my Rear Guard. God my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices. My body is rest secure because you will not abandon me or allow me to decay. God you make known to me the path of life. in Your presence is fullness of joy and at Your right hand are pleasures forever more. in Jesus' name, amen

two days ago we celebrated Resurrection Sunday, yet even today and every day that we live, we must set the Lord before us. God has a plan for your life. when you take time to spend time with God, you find out what the plan is. God wants to pour God's love into you. God wants to comfort you. God wants to heal you. God wants to transform you. Don't you want more of God? I do.

what did Lent mean to you?

2010-03-30T10:31:00.000-07:00

sabbath rest was pumped up by God after creation occurred. i try to get rest every day when i get home from work. i cool down before i consider what needs to be done before i turn in. on Friday's after work, i rest for 3 hours before going to Friday night prayer at church. on Sunday's, after church, i rest for the entire afternoon/evening. a few months ago, i resorted to the behavior my grandmother instilled in me as a toddler, cook on Saturday's and heat up the food when you get home on Sunday after church.

during this Lenten season, i have really been more reflective of my time. time with God. time with work. time in rest. time with self. time with ministry. time with everything else. i learned several things about myself:
it is better to do bible study and prayer at home. there is no intimacy with God, especially when you forget where you are, on new york city subway system.
i love going to bed at 930pm. my body appreciates it also.
i can exercise and do bible study before work.
i can exercise and journal when i get home.
whole grains, whole wheat, are an acquired taste that adds health and life to your body.
praying 3 times a day, like Daniel did, is just as important as praying without ceasing.
when i feel tired or not so tired, it is okay to ask people to pray for and with me.
when i am angry with some one, i need to tell them and i need to apologize if i yell to loudly, on text or in their ears.
obedience to God is better than not obeying God.
God's ways are not my ways and God's thoughts are not my thoughts.

In Psalm 23:1-2, the amplified version reads as follows:
1. THE LORD is my Shepherd (to feed, guide, and shield me), I shall not lack. 2. He make me lie down in (fresh, tender) green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters (Rev 7:17).

God, we are grateful for this Holy Week. God we are grateful for the fast from people, places and things that we have endured during this Lenten season. God we are grateful for the time that we have spent with You each day in prayer, in worship, in bible study, and in Your presence. God even as Resurrection Sunday approaches and Pentecost looms near, we pray that we would continue to seek Your face, Your Word, Your will, and Your presence. Abba, You are our Shepherd. in Jesus' name, we thank You that You continue to perfect those things which concern us, amen.

what behaviors did i practice or abstain from during this Lenten season that i can practice or abstain from for life?

i do not want to embarass God.

2010-03-28T02:55:00.000-07:00

last Sunday, we had our culmination services for the women's season. at the end of the sermon, of the afternoon service, the minister asked the question, 'how many of you have been praying the prayer, 'God i do not want to embarrass you.'' internally, i thought 'okay the whole altar is about to be full.' yet i can only recall one or two people moving. i did not worry though. i had already prayed that people obeyed the voice of Holy Spirit, in terms of how they respond to God throughout the service. so i went up for prayer and returned to my seat.

i am not sure about how you feel about prayer and the altar. it is a constant battle with me. each time i enter in the sanctuary, whether it is for leading Friday night prayer, attending a meeting, attending Sunday school, attending bible study, or for a worship service, wherever i sit, Holy Spirit asks me the same question, 'is, there anything, anyone, or any unconfessed sin, that is going to prevent you from worshipping Me in spirit and in truth?' After I talk to and listen to Holy Spirit's counsel, I am usually good. if i operate in arrogance, i usually have to bow at the pew, bow on the floor, or make my way to the altar during service. you know how the lepers had to cry out, 'unclean, unclean' when they went into town. i feel dirty spiritually when i do not listen and talk to God about everything that concerns me.

in Matthew 7:3-5 states: 3"why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your sister's / brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4. how can you say to your sister/brother, 'let me take the speck out of your eye,; when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5. you hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your sister's / brother's eye.

God, i know that i am not the wo/man that You have called me to be. God forgive me for taking advantage of Your grace and Your mercy which is new every morning. Lord, You said if we confess our sins that You are faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Father, forgive me for be a hypocrite. Father, forgive me for being arrogant. God, i receive Your love. Abba, i love you. Thank You, for loving me. Thank You for delivering me. Thank You for removing my specks and my planks through repentance, confession, deliverance, mercy and grace. in Jesus' name, amen

how do you know that your growing as a Christian?

2010-03-20T20:31:00.000-07:00

My sister came into town last night. We went to dinner after I got off work. I love spending time with her because we tell each other the truth. As we sat in my favorite Thai restaurant in Brooklyn, she said, 'How do you know that you are growing closer to God?' Internally, I was like wow. Externally, I drunk all the water in my freshly refilled glass and counted to 10. I began talking about everything that God was doing in my life, from dealing with being sick all week long, to how God was showing me to not condemn myself for sin that God forgives me of, to witnessing more about Abba to people who do not know God and to those who know Abba from a distance. During Lent, I have been looking at life differently and the people around me differently. I have been seeing people how God sees them. God loves everyone and God wants to pour God's love into each individual, yet each person created in God's image must come to meet God. Where does the testimony come? The one's who know God must let their Light shine. Each day I pray the prayer of the psalmist found in Psalm 51:10. I want to become the woman of God that God is calling me to be.

Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.

God, I want to grow as a Christian. God I want to be a vessel of Your love. God create in me a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit in me. In Jesus' name, I pray, amen

w-r-e-s-t-l-i-n-g with God

2010-03-01T16:53:00.000-08:00

on February 17th, 2010, a new phase of my life began. well it actually began before that because i had to get my feet wet. i wanted to do lent different this year because i see myself differently. i am at the point in my life where i am fed up with what i see in the mirror and i want the new me to arise. it is like praying about a relative who gets on your nerves then saying, 'okay, God. what about me, gets on people's nerves? what are my weaknesses? how can i be a better me? would i want to answer the phone and say, 'Monique, let's hang out.' or would i let it go to voice mail.' as a Christian, you can get bored waiting for someone to point to out a sin. each day, when i sit at God's feet, i am saying Lord, clean me up. Lord, deliver me. Lord, i want to be made whole. Lord, redeem me. God, i want to be the woman of God that You have called me to be.
do you ever read the Word and just get hungry for the promises, the covenants, the blessings, the commandments, because we are children of God? i do not believe that Christians know what they could have if they just read the Word of God, prayed the Word of God, lived the Word of God, believed the Word of God.
the bible promises a complete makeover to those who would confess that they needed one. God can transform your heart, your mind, your soul, your attitude, your wardrobe.
do you want to wrestle with God to become the woman, man, girl or boy that God is calling to you be or are you just happy with the person that you see in the mirror?
Sarai became Sarah.
Abram became Abraham.
Jacob became Israel.
sinners became Christians.

Genesis 32:22-32
22 And he arose that night and took his two wives, his two female servants, and his eleven sons, and crossed over the ford of Jabbok. 23 He took them, sent them over the brook, and sent over what he had. 24 Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. 25 Now when He saw that He did not prevail against him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob’s hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him. 26 And He said, “Let Me go, for the day breaks.”
But he said, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!”
27 So He said to him, “What is your name?”
He said, “Jacob.”
28 And He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel;[b] for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.”
29 Then Jacob asked, saying, “Tell me Your name, I pray.”
And He said, “Why is it that you ask about My name?” And He blessed him there.
30 So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel:[c] “For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” 31 Just as he crossed over Penuel[d] the sun rose on him, and he limped on his hip. 32 Therefore to this day the children of Israel do not eat the muscle that shrank, which is on the hip socket, because He touched the socket of Jacob’s hip in the muscle that shrank.

God, i am Jacob. i am a conniver. i am a liar. i play favorites. i manipulate relationships. i am not a good parent. i am not a good spouse. yet God, You have called me to live a holy life. God, You have called me during this Lenten season to become a person who tells the truth, who lives by faith, who tithes, who prays, who does bible study each day, who trust You more than any person, place or thing. God i meet You at peniel because i want to change permanently. i am sick of sin. i want to be made whole. God i will not let You go until You bless me. in Jesus' name, amen.

lent is a period of consecration in the life of Christians. do you want to be made whole?

did someone say lent?

2010-02-18T07:30:00.001-08:00

yesterday, was the first day of the Lenten season in the life of Christians, worldwide. as i worshipped in service last night, one question came to mind, 'why do people think that they have to give up food for lent? do people give up the food for 49 days of Lent, then permanently or are they just waiting to re institute the food in their lives after worship service on resurrection Sunday?' i wanted to encourage all of my friends to take two steps to become better Christians: step one daily bible study and step two daily prayer. take one hour each day, to spend time with God in bible study. the bible is our guide book. meditate on the Word of God for 20 to 30 minutes a day (3 to 5 verses) and then asking Holy Spirit to help you understand the Word that you have read. what promises are in store for me? what sin does i need to be delivered from? what blessings do i need to embrace for my own? you have to open up your heart for God to teach you. you have to spend time with God in order to get to know God. in order to know, understand, and pursue your purpose, you must spend time with the one who created you in God's own image.

Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

John 16: 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. 15. All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.

God, i want to be a better me. I am committed during this Lenten season, and throughout my life, to spend time, in Your Word, to spend time listening to your voice. God i want to observe all that is written in the Book of the Law. God i have i hidden Your Word in my heart that i might not sin against You. Spirit of truth, teach and instruct me in all things, in Jesus' name, amen.

let this Lenten season be a time where you draw closer to God. God wants an intimate relationship. do you?

ready for the wilderness...

2010-02-04T13:57:00.000-08:00

have you ever felt like a kid? well let me restate that, has God ever answered your prayers so differently than the previous times that God has answered them that you are just mesmerized? (was that a run on sentence?) for the past two weeks, i have seen God answer two prayers: one prayer was prayed a month ago and one prayer was prayed a year ago. i am glad that God answered both. i want to run back in my journal even now and say, 'God, now that You have this hop scotch pattern going on, can You please answer these prayers also?' God has a sense of humor. i never get bored with my relationship with God. if you ever meet a bored Christian, they are probably not participating in the relationship. how do you participate? do daily bible study - give God an hour of meditation and wrestling with the Word and allow Holy Spirit to teach you. do prayer daily - open your heart and ears to the voice of God - God will talk in a still, calm voice (stop looking for Darth Vader). worship God - you do not have to dance on Sunday's/ Saturday's worship or evening at prayer service, sing some love songs to Abba. invite the angels to break dance and rejoice with you. its better than a rock crying out on your behalf.
February 17Th 2010 to April 4Th is the Lenten season in the Christian community. its a time of reflection, repentance, seeking, soaking, prayer, fasting, bible study, worship. its a time where you seek God for your own consecration. you want to be a better you. you look at the mirror of the Word, coupled with prayer, fasting, worship, to say, 'Abba, what's up? i want to be the wo/man of God, that You are calling me to be. can You meet me daily at this time and place? i want to start healthy spiritually/physical/professional/emotional behavioral pattern that will improve me. i want to stop unhealthy spiritually/physical/professional/emotional behaviors.
in Psalm 1:1-6 the following is recorded:1 Blessed is the wo/man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
2 But her/his delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law s/he meditates day and night.

3 S/He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever s/he does prospers.

4 Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away.

5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

6 For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.

God, lent is coming yet i am seeking You now. God reveal to me in Your Word, in my heart, through Holy Spirit, through praise and worship, what i must commit myself to do. God i want to know if my relationship with You pleases You and the other relationships I have pleases you. God i want to know if my time with You is sufficient. God i want to bear a lot of fruit on my tree. God i want to remain planted in You. God order my steps in Your Word. God continue to watch over me. In Jesus' name, amen.
get ready, get ready, get ready.

a frustrated intercessor

2010-01-23T04:37:00.000-08:00

i love to pray. i love talking to God, listening to God, fighting with God. i love just spending time in the loving arms of the Almighty. even though this is what i love, i get frustrated some times. you know how sometimes you talk to God and God talks to you and the dialogue is cool. other times, you talk to God and instead of saying, 'i will wait for You to respond.' you tell God, 'can you hurry up? i have something else to do?' when i get an attitude with God, i know several things: i am human. God still loves me. God will talk to me now. or God will wake me up like at 2 am in the morning when i have calmed down. nevertheless, i love Abba because i am still being transformed into the woman of God that i am called to be. i used to fight with God all the time when i was younger. now the fights have lessened yet we still share an intimacy that is indescribable. i know God's ways are not my ways and God's thoughts are not my thoughts, i just love the reassurance that my steps are ordered by God.

the Psalmist states in Psalm 42:11 Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.
and the beginning of the Psalm proclaims in verse 1: As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God.

God, i know that You care for me. God i know that i should cast all my cares upon You and Your peace that surpasses all understanding will keep and guard my heart, my mind and my soul. God i am grateful that Your perfect love cast out all fears. God i am glad that You shall continue to perfect those things which concern me. most of all i am glad that i am not condemned. i confess my sins because You are faithful and just to forgive me of my sins and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. i will continue to pant for you each day that i live. in Jesus' name, amen.

be encouraged. seek God for answers. seek God's Word for answers. trust God with all your heart. God will never leave you nor forsake you.

how hungry are you?

2010-01-13T16:56:00.000-08:00

it is January 13th, 2010. every time, i consider writing a new entry, i am distracted. after i warmed up some cream of mushroom soup, i am ready to share. it is 2010. what have i done differently? i have sought God more. i have journaled more. i have talked about my feelings more. i have prayed more. i have prayed with my family more. i have worshipped with an intense hunger. i do not want the same thing in 2010. i want newness. i want to be a stronger Christian. i want to be a stronger woman of color. i want to have more dreams. i want to have more testimonies of what God has done for, through, and all around me. i am hungry.

in Matthew 5:6 Jesus teaches us that "Blessed [are] they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled."

God, I pray that those who are hungry for You would seek You all their heart, mind, and soul. God I pray that You help them understand the bible that they meditate on each day. Holy Spirit teach them, remind them, and direct them as they seek to know God more through prayer, bible study, praise and worship. God perfect those things which concern them. Abba, shower them with Your love. Give them more of You God. , in Jesus' name, amen.

My prayer is that you would spend an hour each day in bible study and prayer so God may reveal to you the purpose for which you were created. God has a plan for your life. Let God be Lord, Shepherd, Saviour and Counselor today and everyday.

is your light on?

2009-12-22T15:22:00.000-08:00

It's Christmas day. It is a nationwide celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ. This morning I woke up a little after 3am. I felt like a little kid. I sung happy birthday to Jesus. I followed in the footsteps of david letterman and wrote the top ten reasons I like being a Christian/ why I love Jesus. This was fun. My prayer for the world is simple, I pray that Christians would start walking in their call. When we shine our Light, others will be drawn to Jesus. It is time (an hour) to commit to spend time with God daily in Bible study, in prayer, in worship and praise.
Matthew 5:13-16. 13 "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 'You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 nor do they light a lamp and put is under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
God, we thank You for sending Jesus to be the best Christmas gift ever. God help us receive the Love that You offer to all beleivers. God please help us to be salt in the earth. God help us study, live, pray, and breathe Your Word so we can be true light on this earth. God we seek to glorify You in every aspect of our lives. God we accept the call to be salt. God we accept the call to be light. God we accept the call to be a lampstand. God we accept the call to be good light. God we accept the call to glorify You. In Jesus' name, we pray, amen
have a merry Christmas and a happy Kwanzaa.

On Sunday, December 13th 2009, I had the opportunity to minister at my home church for Missionary Sunday. Below you will find my sermon notes from the experience.
the sermon was entitled: is your light on?
light: knowledge, to illuminate (webster's dictionary).
light appears in the KJV 272 times in 235 verses.
Nave's Topical Bible places light in three categories:
1. light is created. Genesis 1:3-5. 3. then God said, "Let there be light"; and there was light. 4 and God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the lgiht from the darkness. 5 God called the ight Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day.
2. light is miraculous. Matthew 17:2 and He transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes baecame as white as the light; Acts 9:3 as he (Saul) journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven.
3. light is figurative and symbolic. Proverbs 6:23a 'for the commandment is a lamp, and the law is a light.'
we will look at the scripture today as symbolic. The bible is a light. Let's look at Matthew 5 and see what it tells beleivers and future beleivers about the light.
1. i am light. v14: You are the light of the world. 1 jn 1:9 if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us for our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
2. i am a lampstand. v15: a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. ps 119:130
3. i am good light. v16: let your light shine before women and men, that they may see your good works. john 1:9 that was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world.
4. my light glorifies God. v16: and glorify Your Father in heaven.

Christmas

2009-12-15T02:38:00.000-08:00

Next week is my favorite Christian Holy day of the year. It is the celebration of my Brother Jesus' birthday. I love the day. I love getting up early, doing bible study,spending time in prayer, having some praise and worship. Yet most of all I love writing Jesus a letter of thanks for being the best big Brother in the world. After I write the letter, I rewrite it neatly and read it aloud to God, in the presence of all the invited angels. Its a joyous occasion for me. After this, my day is set. I can relax and rest. In ten days, the day is coming. I am calm, cool, and collected. Are you excited as I am?

Isaiah 9:6 states "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

God, we thank You for sending Jesus. God we thank You for wonderful life we have because of the Wonderful Saviour Jesus is. God we thank for the Counsellor, Holy Spirit, who helps us get through each day. God we thank You for being the best Everlasting Father in the world! God we thank You that because You are the Prince of Peace, we always have peace that surpasses all understanding. In Jesus' name, amen.

i am tired

2009-11-23T09:52:00.000-08:00

i have been feeling tired for the past few days. it is a different kind of tired because i have been going to bed by 9pm, 10pm the latest. i have been wrestling. what's wrong with me? i exercise for about 1.5 hours a day. i have been doing bible study and prayer most days. what is wrong with me?
am i tired physically? no.
am i tired spiritually? somewhat.
am i tired professionally? not really. God, what's wrong with me. i resort to my old school way of prayer. i write out the verse: 'cast all your cares upon Me for i care for you.' i wrote down everything that concerned me personally, spiritually, professionally, academically, emotionally/psychologically, familial, and ministerial.
as i look at the list, i see what is wrong with me. i am able to see specifically is irking me.
God did i put this in your hands and take it out?
God can You tell me what to do so i can do it.
God, You are my Shepherd, i am sorry for not seeking Your face and seeking Your Word.
God i am tired of this relationship, if it is okay with you, i would like it to end. if it not okay with You, is there a way it can be resolved?
God, i am sorry for treating You like a magician rather than God of my life. speak Lord for i am listening.

Matthew 11:28-30 states: 28. come to Me, all (you) who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30. for My yoke (is) easy and My burden is light."

God's arms are always open. God desires to keep us under the shadow of God's wings. God is Abba. Find rest in God.
God, i come to You with labor's i created, labors i instigated, and labors i want to resolve. God i want rest that comes from You. God i take the yoke you have to for me. God i lay my burdens at Your feet. God You are the author of peace and not of confusion. God show me in Your Word what You would have me do. God i receive Your gentle and lowly heart. God i receive the rest you have for me. God i receive Your easy yoke. God i receive Your light burdens. in Jesus' name, amen.

have a nice thanksgiving. thank God each day for God's blessings. do not commit gluttony. its not worth the stomach ache or the weight gain.

sabbath rest

2009-11-12T13:16:00.000-08:00

Every Sunday, i have a basic routine. i rise. i have my personal bible study and prayer. i exercise. i eat breakfast. i attend Sunday School. i worship at worship service. i go straight home and rest. i eat some dinner. i rest some more. rest for me is taking a nap, or drawing, or reading, or watch a TV show, or journal. most of all its enjoying the peace and tranquility of the day... stopping to hear the rain drops against my window or the birds chirping in the trees.

A few years ago, i did not know the importance of sabbath rest. i treated Sunday like another day of the week. i had to look at the 10 commandments and a book that i cannot recall at this time and ask myself several questions: am i involved in activities at home, work, or church, that God wants me to do or that i want to do? (after i asked this question, i wrote down everything that i was involved in and asked God, 'what do i need to stop doing in my life? how is my behavior affecting my sanity, health and well being?'). when will i allow God to be Lord of the Sabbath? (i stopped running errands after church. i stopped hanging out. i even cut down on computer usage. i recently started cooking on Saturday's like my grandma did when i was little so i could really relax on Sunday's).

Exodus 20:8-11 states: "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work,10 but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. 11 For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.

God led by example. Work 6 days, rest one day. it was hard for me to learn how to rest on Sunday's after church a few years ago but i love it. i actually try to rest on Friday's also three hours before prayer service. when you rest, you get to ponder where you are, where God wants you to be, if you are allowing God to order your steps. when you rest, you realize, my body needs eight hours of sleep every night, not just on Sunday's. when you rest, you realize peace is attainable in every aspect of my life. when you rest, the Peace of God surrounds you mentally, physically, personally, and spiritually.

God, i repent for not keeping Your Sabbath day holy. God i repent for working 7 days a week. God i repent for encouraging the people around me to work also. God deliver me from my addiction to work. God forgive me for going to work and not going to worship with other believers. God help me to restructure my Sabbath and my lifestyle to one wherein i can live in peace each day. God order my steps in Your Word. God let Your peace that surpasses all understanding keep and guard my heart. In Jesus' name, we pray amen.

friendship

2009-10-26T17:10:00.000-07:00

friendship

friendship is a very important part of life. when i began to take my relationship with God seriously, i asked God to bless me with real Christian friends. i need people in my life that would encourage me to fulfill my call and i would do the same. (iron sharpens iron). i need people to hang out with who would not ask me to do anything that would compromise my Christianity. i need people who want to have fun without asking me to compromise my walk with God. i need people in my life who can teach me things about life that i never pondered or experienced.
i have had seasons in my life where God says here are some friends to walk with you through this season in your life. i have had other seasons where God is like, 'walk with Me. let's talk. let's discuss. let's listen to what My Word says about this.let Me heal you. let Me transform you.'
a third season in my life is when God informs me that a relationship was temporary and it is about to cease. initially i would get mad at God and say, 'why did You tease me with the relationship? don't send anyone new okay. I'm through with people. I'll go solo.' after i stopped pouting, God would say, 'let me teach you what you learned in the relationship.' this was comforting. Holy Spirit showed me how i grew or changed or was effected by the relationship. i apologized to God and was like, 'okay I'm ready to go forward God.'
it is important to remember to not only pray for friends, yet for God to be the center of the relationship. when it is time to say things of importance, ask God to prepare your friends heart. rehearse what you want to say in prayer and let Holy Spirit give you pointers. all relationships are not perfect. its okay to disagree.
pray together on a weekly/regular basis. its good to speak life, of the promises of God's Word, into your friends life. it strengthens you and your friend's soul.
bible study is important also. you hold your friend accountable by asking them if they have been doing bible study daily to understand, seek, and become the person God is calling them to be. when you do bible study together, even if its once a month, it is cool to share how God speaks to you two individually and collectively based on where you both are in your walk.

Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all time, and a sister/brother is born for adversity.
Proverbs 18:24 a woman / man who has friends must herself / himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a sister / brother.

God,
i want to thank You for being the Friend who sticks closer than a sister or brother. God, You accept me as I am, through Your mercy and Your grace, and You encourage me to become the woman / man of God that I am called to be. God perfect those things which concern me. God help me be friendly. God transform me into a friendly person. Deliver me from unholy behavior. God teach me how to love at all times. God bless me friends who will remind me who i am in You and who You are calling me to be. in Jesus' name, amen.

what did you just say?

2009-10-19T04:10:00.000-07:00

i am a teacher and a future school counselor. i accepted my call to teach a few years ago. God has used my life as a role model to be a light in each class i teach, each workshop i attend, each grad course i enroll in. as i listen to my students, while they are suppose to be completing group activities or as i pass them in the hallway, my heart aches and my ears burn. kids can curse you out with a few words, gossip after that, and maintain a straight face during your classroom discussion. i know adults do all three but a majority of my week is spent around children. my children also ask my advice or opinion because of my professed love for God. nevertheless, two weeks ago, i was telling one of my students, who i know is a Christian also, that she needs to cut down on the cursing because she is sending missed messages when she witnesses about the love of God. last week, the same student said ,'Miss, i told my mom what you said and she said i was still young and i do not have to worry about that now.' i was flabbergasted. i said the quickest prayer to God and God said, 'tell her how i deliver you from unholy behaviors.' so i said, 'you know what i want you to do, i want you to put 2 timothy 2:16 on an index card and i want you to pray that verse every day and ask God to deliver you. God is honored when we stand on God's promises. i also want you to stop hanging around people who curse and gossip so you wont go back to a place where God is bringing you out of.' she responded, 'what's the verse? i don't want to leave my friend. i like her. i don't have to do what she does.' i whispered a prayer to God on her behalf.
as i talked to God this morning, i realized that i could have added psalm 19:14 also to my students daily prayer request.

amplified version
2 timothy 2:16 but avoid all empty (vain, useless, idle) talk, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness.
psalm 19:14 let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my (firm, impenetrable) Rock and my Redeemer.

God,
i want to be the child of God that You have called me to be. God deliver me from vain, useless, idle talk, that leads to ungodliness. God i want the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart to be acceptable in Your sight for You are my Firm Rock and my Firm Redeemer. Lord, help me walk in the deliverance that You desire for me. In Jesus' name, i pray, amen.

tithing

2009-10-07T15:30:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure why people do not like to tithe. do they have issues with telling God thank You for the 100% and here is a tenth (minimum) that i am offering to You? (after giving God a tenth for a few months, you should open your heart and ask God how can i give You more, yet that's another blog). maybe people have trust issues? do people think God is a human rather than God. maybe they are not allowing God to be Lord of their lives? it's like praying the prayer of salvation and thinking that is enough. do people think someone at their place of worship is going to misuse their funds? maybe people need to commit themselves to reading all the scriptures in the Bible about tithes and offerings and ask Holy Spirit to teach you about what God expects of you.
Deuteronomy 14:22 says "You shall truly tithe all the increase of your grain that the field produces year by year. "
what is your grain? any money God blesses you with. (if you get a check, it is from the gross). salary, pension, social security, disability, child support, allowance, birthday present, etc.
God, i want to tithe all the money that You have given me because You supply all of my needs according to Your riches in glory. God forgive me for being disobedient to You and Your Word. God i thank You for the daily Bread and financial bread. God i thank You for the blessings that shall fall on me according to Malachi 3 that states You will open the windows of heaven on me and pour out a blessing so that i wont have room enough to receive. thank You God for rebuking the devourer for my sakes. in Jesus' name, amen.

our prayers and thoughts are with the family of ...

2009-09-30T13:25:00.000-07:00

Every time someone 'famous' dies the news anchor says, 'our prayers and thoughts are with the family during this time of bereavement.' I asked my mom the other day, 'ma, do the Christians at the news station really form a circle and pray for all these people.' 'No, Monique.' When did this statement become so politically correct that it is said over and over and over again?
Don't the people know what would happen if the Christians at the news station and the Christians watching or listening to the broadcast would actually pray? I actually watch the news so I can know what is happening in our world and to pray for the nation. Our money says, 'in God, we trust.' My prayer is that the nation would trust in the God of Sarah, Rebekah, and Rachel/Leah. (the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob).
2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV) states: if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Abba, I pray that those who have opened their hearts to receive Your love and Your forgiveness, will pray for the nation to return to the God who created them in God's image. God we need You. God we seek You. God help us understand who we are in You as we study Your Word, worship You at home and at church each week. God help us hide Your Word in our hearts that we might not sin against You or Your people. God let Your light shine in my life. I am light in this dark world. God help me remember that just as You forgive my confessed sins, let me forgive those who sin against me, in Jesus' name, amen.

2009-09-11T13:53:00.000-07:00

in 1999, i resided in Ithaca new york for two years of my life. i had an opportunity to live in a wilderness, physically and spiritually. my life was changed permanently. i learned what sins woman and mankind commit that i need to pray for eternally.

i had an opportunity to serve as a chaplain for the Amani gospel choir. as chaplain, i taught a weekly bible study online and interceded on behalf of the choir. at this time, i sent out the weekly bible study to all members of the bible study. after i left central new york, i still sent out bible study on a regular basis. i enjoyed the ministry. a few years ago, i stopped sending out the bible study. family, friends, and strangers, asked when i was going to start again. well i will have opportunity to share the Word through this venue.

thanks for all those people who asked when. thank You Holy Spirit for a Word for God's people.