To Give and Forgive

Forgive me father.  After I leave the college for the afternoon, I sometime stop at the local café to get a cup of coffee.    Whenever I go, I see a young man, who seems fit and he seems to have his mind.  In other words, there seems to be no sign of mental illness.  Nevertheless, he hangs around the coffee shop and he asks for money.  I have given him money on occasion, and I have also witnessed to him about the goodness of Christ.  He began to speak of the religion he believes and questioned my belief in Christ as Lord and Savior.  I patiently explained to him my reason for the hope that is in me.  He shied away for a while but soon began to ask again for money.  After a while, his daily encounters and request for money became somewhat of a burden.  I began to feel as if I were paying a toll every time I saw him. 

This situation soon caused me to become resentful of this man; now, I will not give him any money.  I simply reply with “no.”  This doesn’t seem to bother him because there are others who will give.  However, this situation has caused me to look at self.  I like to think of myself as someone who is led by the Spirit, so I refuse to feel guilty.  However, I pray that God will continue to give me wisdom and continue to guide me in my thoughts and words.  I pray that I will approach others and treat them with the love of Christ — The love that God has poured inside of me.

Also, I pray for that brother – I pray that he also receives wisdom.  I pray that God will help him out of the limitations that seem to hold him captive and in poverty.  Finally, I pray that God will forgive me for judging him in my heart.  Again, Father, please forgive me.  I have no right to decide who should or shouldn’t ask for money.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen. 

Note:  I welcome any comments about your experiences with giving and how God taught you something through those experiences.  Enjoy your weekend.  Peace~

A Time for Love

Photo source: andrewsegawa.com

If we’re fortunate, many of us use the word “Love” on a daily basis.  For instance, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve told my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, that I love Him.  I tell my wife that I love her every day before we go to work.  However, let us not forget that we must not only love in WORD but also in DEED.  Love is also an action verb:   “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…” (John 3:16).  This was a loving act of God that took action.  He GAVE in order to show the Love that He has for humanity. 

I’ve recently learned of a friend who needs a lung transplant.  When I learned of this, my heart went out to her and I began to pray.  There were others on a social network who published a link for donations on the operation.  Today, I went to the website to give a donation.  God placed it on my heart to give because He reminded me that when we give to others, especially those less fortunate, we give to Him (Mat 25:35-38).  Now, in this case, the misfortune is more related to health than money, but operations are expensive in this current system in which we all live in the United States.  We could all find ourselves in similar situations if not for the grace of the Almighty God.

Please take the time to visit the website below, and give if you are able to give.  Otherwise, visit so that you can see her face and pray for her.  There is power in prayer.  May God bless you richly and “…supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”  (Phil 4:19)  Amen.  It’s time for Love.  Peace~

Help for lung transplant:  http://www.indiegogo.com/Help-for-Lung-Transplant?a=381572

Good morning Bible Verse

Ephesians 1:3 () 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. . . . #Bible http://j.mp/fSbTRR

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Message of Salvation

I saw this sign in Gaithersburg, Maryland along Air Park Rd.  They always display a wonderful message, and this one touched me to the core because it displayed the name that is above every name — Jesus.  Happy Holidays and always remember the reason for the season — Jesus Christ.  Peace~

Faith Beyond the Sky

Faith Beyond the Sky

 

 The beautifully artistic sky over my neighborhood this morning reminded me of how limitless the possibilities are in Christ Jesus.  It reminds me that through Him, I can do all things and that nothing is impossible if only I believe.  So, as I move forward into the day, I believe and trust in the God “…who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did;” (Rom 4:17).  We all must do the same — believe and speak of those things we can’t see, but we believe it’s coming!  Hallelujah!  Enjoy the day and God bless the work of your hands.  In Him and through Him, we can do all things (Phil 4:13).

Be Careful How You Walk

“For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:  For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.”  ~James 1:23-24

I am finding more and more that I have to constantly remind myself of who I am in Christ.   God has shown his grace and mercy to me too many times to count.  Grace or underserved kindness is all part of  salvation (Ephesian 2:8).  However, I nor any of us who call ourselves “Christians” or one who walks with God should take  this divine grace for granted (Romans 6:15).  God forbid. 

Instead, we should keep pressing towards the high calling we have in Christ Jesus.  We should remember that we have a cloud of witnesses who are watching us constantly (Hebrews 12:1).  If we keep these things in mind, and continue to pray and seek God (The Savior), then we will indeed have success (Joshua 1:8).  Meanwhile, continued Grace unto you and peace be multiplied~

Photo:  Taken in El Pinar, Uruguay by S Bess

Bible Study Notes

The Authority Of Reality — Fri November 4, 2011 (Devotional)

Verse:  Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. - jas 4:8

Thought:   It is essential to give people a chance of acting on the truth of God. The responsibility must be left with the individual, you cannot act for him, it must be his own deliberate act, but the evangelical message ought always to lead a man to act. The paralysis of refusing to act leaves a man exactly where he was before; when once he acts, he is never the same. It is the foolishness of it that stands in the way of hundreds who have been convicted by the Spirit of God. Immediately I precipitate myself over into an act, that second I live; all the rest is existence. The moments when I truly live are the moments when I act with my whole will. Never allow a truth of God that is brought home to your soul to pass without acting on it, not necessarily physically, but in will. Record it, with ink or with blood. The feeblest saint who transacts business with Jesus Christ is emancipated the second he acts; all the almighty power of God is on his behalf. We come up to the truth of God, we confess we are wrong, but go back again; then we come up to it again, and go back; until we learn that we have no business to go back. We have to go clean over on some word of our redeeming Lord and transact business with Him. His word “come” means “transact.” “Come unto Me.” The last thing we do is to come; but everyone who does come knows that that second the supernatural rush of the life of God invades him instantly. The dominating power of the world, the flesh and the devil is paralysed, not by your act, but because your act has linked you on to God and His redemptive power.

Link:  http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/hl-devos-mu/~3/r3SWmT4wrYc/utm.cgi #Bible http://j.mp/sESEdJ

Note to Baba

Prayer:

Father, in these last days, I pray that my character surpasses any favorable reputation with men.  I pray that my greatest moments and achievements are when few or only you can see.  If you choose to show me favor before men, I pray that you get all the honor and the glory.  May I decrease, so that you may increase.  In Jesus’ might Name.  Amen.

Power to the People

Photo Source: zionstrumpet.com

In 2 Samuel 23:33 it states that “God is my strength and power, And He makes my way perfect.”  This is one of those perfect gems that you can read in God’s word, The Bible.  If we take these beautiful gems and learn them, memorize them, and repeat them back to the one who spoke them [God] then our way will CERTAINLY be made perfect.  The world tells us to search for the power within because as human beings we have a will.  When we are willing and determined to do something, we feel it can be accomplish through the power of the will.  However, isn’t it so much better when you have a willing God who wants to be part of your every decision?  He can take you beyond what you can do or even imagine. The Bible says in Philipians 4:13 that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.  In other words, He can take us to places we have never imagined (Ephesians 3:20).  Peace~

It is important to remember that all good things come from God including wealth (Ecclesiastes 5:19).  Once God opens our hearts and minds, and we come to the realization that all good things come from Him, we change how we react to this “power” within us.   It is in and through him that we are able to do all things.  Again, as it says in Ephesians 3:20  “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.”   It is according to His power that is working in us.  As Jesus stated in the book of John,  “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).   The End.  Peace~

Poem~ Supplication

 

Supplication

The rising sun warms me
The moon cast shadows on the night

But nothing in this world compares
To your Grace, your Love — my Guiding Light

Lead me, Oh Lord
Lead me to that Righteous Place

Let your Will be done — not mine

So that one day I might see your Face

Amen 

(Note -Feb 21, 2010):  This poem is featured in my book of poetry, Liquid Lunch.  It is available on my other website, but will soon available on Amazon.

Jesus will take care of you~Cornerstone Baptist Church

This is a young man at my home church in Williamston, NC. My wife and I always enjoy attending service whenever we make that trip to North Carolina. I always look forward to hearing him sing. He takes me back to when church was CHURCH;  so, let the church say…Amen!

Pray for the Children of Haiti

Photo Source: APP

Today, a school collapsed in Haiti trapping and an undetermined amount of children and adults.  Reports say that there were roughly 500 people inside the building at the time it collapsed.  The current death toll is 30 and climbing.  Emergency personnel are not able to get to possible survivors as quickly as they would like because they do not have the proper equipment to dig them out — they are using their hands.  Dear Lord hear the prayers of your people.  Please say a prayer for the children who are still trapped in the rubble.

7 or 8 things I Love about Me

Baba Notes has just it’s first blog award!  This is exciting!  The Award is called The Faithful Servant Award; that’s beautiful because that is what I strive to be everday — a faithful servant.  I was just tagged by my new blog friend, Minister Diane L. Harris.  She has been very supportive and I truly thank her.  May God continue to do great things in her ministry.  Now, I have the task of naming 7 or 8 things I love about me (in no particular order):

 

 

 

 

 

1.  I love that loving is not difficult for me.  It hasn’t always been easy (in my past dating life) in the romantic sense of the word, but just loving someone comes easy.

2.  I love that I love my family.  Once I find out that we are family (biologically or in Christ) I get excited and I genuinely want to know more about you as a person.

3.  I love that I am a man of my word.  If I tell you that I’m going to do something then I do it. If I don’t then call me on it. 

4.  I love that I can easily express my feelings.

5.  I love that people generally see me as a person who loves peace.  I also love that it’s not a facade.

6.  I love my appreciation for the arts.  This includes:  music (classic soul, Jazz, Gospel, etc.), spoken word, art (painting, sculpture, etc.), and plays.

7.  I love my desire to fellowship, understand, and share the word of God.  It’s growing and expanding.  I hope that God will allow me to carry His message to the world.

8.  Finally, I love that “…I have decided to follow Jesus — no turning back, no turning back.”  Peace~

This meme is open to all.  I need to reach out to new friends.  I have some over from Morphological Confetti, so it’s a start.  Are you up for it?  Also, I can’t forget my family at Preach the Gospel 2 All.  Thanks again for this award.  Peace~

Religious or Spiritual?

During the period of my late 20s and early 30s, I had turned my back on the God.  No, it’s not that I denounced God or cursed His name, but I stopped going to church, prayed only in times of need or trouble, and did whatever my flesh so desired. As a matter of fact, one of my favorite answers to the question of my salvation was, “I’m not religious…I’m spiritual.”  In other words, I didn’t like the structured tradition of a church environment.  Also, I felt that those in the church were not behaving in a “Christian” like way.  Otherwise, I felt that God generally watched over me and heard my prayers;  plus, I was a nice guy – a good person;  I was “spiritual.”  Now, this was coming from a preacher’s son who grew up in the church.  I had some nerve, huh? 

 As I reflect on those days when I was living for my own pleasure and running away from the Holy Spirit, I now realize that I didn’t know the true meaning of the word, “spiritual.”  Webster’s dictionary describes it as: being concerned with religious values.  Hah!  There goes my argument right there; how can I claim to have nothing to do with religion if I am so called “spiritual?”  It’s not possible.  In other words, we are either born of the Spirit, or we are of this world; we can’t be both.  Jesus states in John 3:5, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.” 

 I now realize that our walk with Jesus Christ is personal, and it has nothing to do with what others are saying or doing.  If we base our decision to follow Christ on what man or the church is doing, then we will never follow Him.  By Grace, His Holy Spirit has allowed us to have a personal relationship with the Father.  So, are you “born of the water and Spirit?”  Have you given your life over to Christ, or are you just “spiritual?”   If you have any doubts then please say this prayer: 

 “Father, I know that I have broken your laws and my sins have separated me from you. I am truly sorry, and now I want to turn away from my past sinful life toward you. Please forgive me, and help me avoid sinning again. I believe that your son, Jesus Christ died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, is alive, and hears my prayer. I invite Jesus to become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey You, and to do Your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”

 Now, if you prayed this and believe it, then you are saved.  That was easy, huh?  He has made true Salvation so easy for us, yet there are so many who won’t accept it.  I’m glad you did, and I’m definitely glad that I did.  Now, the Holy Spirit lives in you; therefore, you have been made clean and are truly “Spiritual.”  To God be the glory.

Love Notes

Isn’t it nice to have a relationship with Jesus? We love to spend time in His word and sometimes we whisper sweet words back to our savior to show how much we love Him. The lyrics in the Soul music of the 70s were all about love. Back then, I remember when my uncles would sing these songs to their girlfriends. It’s natural to hear a song and think of your loved one.  I grew up and whispered some of these same songs to girls just as my uncles did.  Nowadays, I often think of Jesus when I hear love lyrics. I’ve come to realize that the love professed in some of those songs were often humanly impossible to achieve; however, I know that the author of love, Jesus Christ, can love beyond anything man can write down on a piece of paper. For instance, take a look at the lyrics from the Commodores hit song, Zoom.  In my mind, nearly every line of this song is applicable to a passage in the Bible:

Zoom (Commodores)

I may be just a foolish dreamer (I Cor. 2:14 — What the world thinks of Christians)
But I don’t care
‘Cause I know my happiness is waiting out there somewhere (John 6:47 — God’s promise)
I’m searching for that silver lining
Horizons that I’ve never seen
Oh I’d like to take just a moment and dream my dream
Ohhh… Dream my dream (1 Cor. 2:9 “No eye has seen,..)

(Chorus)
Ohhh…Zoom
I’d like to fly far away from here (Rev. 1:7 — Holy Rapture)
Where my mind is fresh and clear (Proverbs 16:7 -Peace)
And I’d find the love that I long to see (Rev. 21:9 — Jesus Christ)
Where everybody can be what they want to be (Hebrews 8:12 — Away from Sin)

Now, it’s up to you to look up those Bible verses, and maybe the next time you hear a love song that expresses sincere and unconditional love you’ll think of Him who died for you.  As my Pastor says, The Bible is God’s love letter to us.  Open it up and you will see…He is the Greatest Love of All.

P.S.  Please share with us other Bible verses that express His love and promise to those who love Him.  Peace~

Acrostic Want Ad

Photo taken by S.Bess on Hwy 125 in Eastern North Carolina

Jesus Christ, who is our Lord and Savior, is a

 

 

Compassionate

Healer

Recruiting

Incorruptible

 

Saints

To

 

 

…spread the word of Truth.  He’s coming back.  Are you ready?  Please call on Him for more information or visit:  John 6:40.  This is a once in a lifetime chance.  Please act now!

Jesus is number 1

Jesus is number1= Itani Madima = www.itanimadima.net

This song has a nice melody and a great message. I’ve grown to love South African music since I’ve been married to a South African woman. She has introduced me to so much. I hope you enjoy this. Remember, Jesus is number 1! *Smile*

Note 1: I pray…

I pray that my entire being will continue to reach out to You like a seedling that has found its husband and light from the sun.  Daily, may I feed on Your manna as it nourishes my body and soul — coating my tongue with the sweetness of your Word.  May I share Your sweetness with the world as I kiss the very consciousness of man with Your Love and everlasting Truth.  Selah.

God wants us to be specific

Today, a man came up to me in the coffee shop and asked if I could do him a favor.  I responded by asking him what I can do for him.  Usually, this usually means money, and I was right.  Well, he laid it all on the table for me.  He informed me that he wanted a rotisserie chicken dinner, and then he would like to take the bus across town afterwards.  He said that all of this would cost him or me about $10.  Now, this has happened to me before in the past and I always felt that the person was arrogant or bold to ask for this ridiculous amount of free money.  Free!  Well, now I have come to realize that this is not a large amount of money.  For many of us, it is a small sacrifice.  Therefore, I gave him what he asked for.  Now, if all he asked for was spare change, then I would have given him my pocket change or maybe a dollar; however, he was specific. The Holy Spirit commanded me, and I obeyed giving him $10.  I am not sharing this to get any glory; no, glory be to God for His revelation.  He said in His word, “…You do not have, because you do not ask God” (James 4:2).  We should all take a lesson from the stranger and be specific.  Tell God exactly what you want him to know and do.  Just as the man who approached me, approach God with humility and respect.  In the end and in His time, he will give you exactly what you have asked for in faith.  Also, always treat anyone you meet on the street with kindness and respect.  Remember, there are many of us who have entertained angels without knowing.  Amen.

Joseph DeGraft-Amanfu: A Second Chance

Photo source: S.Bess

A second chance.  Haven’t we all asked for this at some point in our lives?  We asked as children when we wanted to convince our parents that we could make mature decisions; we’ve asked the police officer on duty after he or she has pulled us over for a traffic violation; Finally, some of us asked our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for that second chance when we gave our lives over to Him on that faithful day — The day that we acknowledged that He died for us on Calvary for our sins. 

Joseph DeGraft-Amanfu, Pastor of the Maryland based Anointed Church of God, and President of the web-based Preach the Gospel 2 All,  knows this too well.  For over twenty years, he has worked as a missionary in the United States, Europe, and Africa telling all about the goodness of God.  Pastor DeGraft has now taking his missionary work to the next level.  In 2008, Pastor DeGraft published his first book, A Second Chance.  A Second Chance gives readers a scriptural, step-by-step guide on how to achieve everlasting life.  It starts by explaining the origins of sin and why the world is in the state that it is in; again, this is all according to the scripture.  Then, Pastor DeGraft explains how we can be saved and how all of our sins can be washed away.  God is so good.

Photo source: S.Bess

A Second Chance is a great book for anyone who desires or has considered giving their life to Christ.  It’s also great for the more mature Christian who wants to share the word of God in his or her community or the mission field.  For more information on this book and upcoming books by Pastor Joseph DeGraft-Amanfu, please visit the website:   Preach the Gospel 2 All.  Please help us spread the word of Truth.

Touch the Hem of His Garment – Jabar – Atlanta Singer

Natural voice — Beautiful gospel.

A hymn of Ambrose

 

 

Make of all things, God most high,

Great ruler of the starry sky,

Who, robbing day with beauteous light,

Hast clothed in soft repose the night,

 

That sleep may wearied limbs restore,

And fit for toil and use once more,

May gently soothe the careworn breast,

 And lull our anxious griefs to rest

 

We thank thee for the day that‘s gone

We pray thee for the night come on

O help us sinners as we raise

To thee our votive hymn of praise.

 

From every carnal passion free

O may our hearts repose in thee!

Nor envious fiend, with harmful snare,

Our rest with sinful terrors share.

 

Christ with the Father ever one,

Spirit!  The Father and the Son,

God over all, the might sway,

Shield us, great Trinity, we pray.

 

Source:  Eerdmans’ Handbook to the History of Christianity, Lion Publishing 1977

Beracah Ball: Joy Beyond Sadness

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Come join BessFriends International for the first annaul Beracah Ball!  It will be a night of praise, worship, friends and food.   It’s a ball so come in your finest gown and tuxedo as you present your best to the Lord in fellowship, praise, and worship.  We encourage you to invite your friends, coworkers, and family to this praise and fun filled evening that will prove to bring you and yours “Joy beyond Sadness” (2 Chronicles 20:1-26).  Ticket sales will go to  Lesoles Dance Project  “Back-to-School Supplies” effort which will benefit students in Sebokeng, South Africa.

Note 2: Plead to Papa God

 

By Stephen Bess

Psalm 19:14~Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

This verse has been on my heart for the last couple of days. As a matter of fact, it is always on my mind.  Please hear my prayer Oh Lord.  My only hope is to live a life that is pleasing to you;  a life that makes you smile when you look down on me.  I pray this for all your people.  I pray that we will live a life that is pleasing to you.  This I pray in Jesus’ mighty name.  Amen. 

Words Can Hurt or Heal

Ephesians 5:4 (American Standard Version)

“…nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, or jesting, which are not befitting: but rather giving of thanks.”

God gave me this verse after joking with my wife yesterday and this morning.  God teaches us in so many ways through our marriage partner.  My wife and I always refer to each other as “Bess” friends, but that doesn’t mean that I should joke with her in a coarse manner or say something that could be taken the wrong way.  We should be slow to speak and quick to listen (James 1:19).  Our words should be chosen carefully because remember, “The tongue has the power of life and death…” (Proverbs 18:12).  

So, even if we are saying something in a joking way, God is telling us that it still has the power to do damage.  All the Devil needs is a foot hold (Eph 4:27) and he can do major damage.  May God be with us and may His protection forever surround us.  In Jesus’ name~ Amen.

I love you Maserame.  MmmmmmBBBbbbbaaaaaaaaaa!!

 

One Word Poetry

Pray

The Compassion of Christ

By: Stephen Bess

I was on the subway train this morning thinking about the compassion of Christ.  In Matthew 9:36, the Bible describes a scene where Jesus looks upon the crowd and is filled with compassion:  “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.”  However, there are times when I look at people and my feelings are either indifferent or I’m offended by their very presense. 

I pray that God will correct this in me and fill me with His compassion.  I want to feel that same compassion as Christ felt when He walked the Earth as a man.  I want His compassion because He said that we should all love one another as He has loved us (John 13:34).  As Christians, our goal in life should be to be and walk as Christ walked.  In other words, we should strive for holiness:  1 Peter 1:16  “Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”  No, this is no easy task, but remember that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).  Well, enjoy your day and tell somebody…anyone about the good things He has done.  Peace~

For God so loved the world…

 

 

John 3:16  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

 

 Before I became a born-again Believer, I remember feeling that I didn’t want to be “saved” until I was finished having my fun, or when I was “clean” enough to present myself to God.  Yes, I was wrong.  First, I didn’t know that it was not me who chose Him, but rather, He chose me.  As it says in His word, “…many are called, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14). You see, I didn’t feel in my heart that I could stop sinning, but I didn’t realize that He sent His only son to save me from sin.  The Word describes Him as the second Adam sent to redeem the world from sin:  “For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22).  Also:  ”The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit” (1 Corinthians 15:45).

I thank God for all He has done.  He sent His only Son – The Great Redeemer – to save us from sin. It is because of Him that we are able to have eternal life long after this world has passed away. So, don’t worry about how you look right now, what you’ve done, or how bad your life seems. He will take you just as you are.  If you’re serious about getting to know Jesus Christ as your personal savior, then He will start by forgetting all that you’ve ever done.  Yes, you will fall short of His glory again – we all do, but remember that it is your old nature that desires sin, and not the new man who has been cleansed from all unrighteousness.  The word says that “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 ).

So, it is important to study the word of God (Bible) and keep your mind on Jesus:  “Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” (Romans 8:5 — New International version).  You can do this by saturating your mind with His word and pray without ceasing.   Furthermore, whether you have never given your life to Christ or you are a backslider returning to Him remember that He is waiting for you with open arms.  Peace~

2nd Annual POG Brunch

 

By: S Bess

 

2nd Annual Brunch

POWER OF HIS GLORY MINISTRIES

Raising an Army of Worshippers & Intercessors

 PRESENTS…

AWAKEN THE WORSHIPPER IN ME featuring Power of His Glory Dancers

 

Free Raffle!  

Great Giveaways!

 Sat., June 13, 2009

11:00 am-2:00 pm

African Christian Fellowship Center

6706 Annapolis Road

Landover Hills, MD 20784

Donation: $25

To purchase tickets and get more information please contact:

Power of His Glory Ministries 2nd Annual Brunch

Please reserve ____ ticket(s) at $25 person.

Number of tickets: ____ Amount enclosed: $_______

❑I/We are unable to attend but wish to donate:  $

Please pay cash/check payable to: Power of His Glory Ministries

And return check with this form to: Power of His Glory Ministries 2nd Annual Brunch, P.O. Box 1034, Beltsville, MD 20705

Name ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone: (home)________________________________ Phone: (work) ______________________________________

Address: __________________________________City:_________________________ State:______ Zip____________

*All donations are tax-deductible.

Admission by ticket only. Seats are limited so order tickets in advance. 

For further information, call  Power of His Glory Ministries at:   410.514.6067 or 301.675.6170 or 240.505.9185    

Email:  POGministries@gmail.com

Adeline Ngere

The King’s Worshipper

P.O.G. Founder

Poetry: To Us

Photo: S Bess

 

To Us

 

My spirit is heavy as a rock,

My stomach is full with a thousand thorns

My throat burns like a furnace and

My eyes are as red as the sun at dawn

But none is greater than my quest for a spiritual revival,

Oh where are the days when God walked among men?

Could they be gone forever?

In the beginning, yes! The beginning, God sat and talked in the company of his beloved

The heaven doors once opened to men and they ascended even before Jacobs’ ladder

Oh where are the days when God walked among men?

Shall it be like that in the end as is written in Revelation?

Shall all God’s children hold his hands as they “walk in fields of gold”?

Or is heaven spread upon the earth, but my temporal being forbids me to see it!

Like Saul, I don’t see Him in my Dreams nor hear a word from his prophets

21st Century, the age that debunk the prophets with scientific theories of atoms and quantum physics, mapping the chart of human history in a Petri dish

I beseech you to remember when you once walked with God before coming into being

Like an enfant to his mother’s breast, I long to remember, so I baptized myself again in the Word hoping that my tabula rosa recalls the days when I walked with God

Someday I will walk with Him again; someday I will walk beside Him and Him by my side in “fields of gold”.

© Patricia K. Rogers 2009

My mind is made up

Source: mumbaifights.com/photos

Luke 9:57

I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.

Though I may wonder, I still will follow;
Though I may wonder, I still will follow;
Though I may wonder, I still will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.

The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back.

Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.

Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
No turning back, no turning back.

Attributed to:  S. Sundar Singh

Fix Your Eyes on Jesus

Hebrews 12:1-2
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus,…” (NIVUK)

 

As Believers, we need to take off the shackles of sin.  Tell me, what is that one sinful thing in your life that you just can’t seem to shake.  Over and and over you keep asking God for His forgivenes, but you keep going back.   All that we need to do is “fix our eyes on Jesus.”  I know that it is not always easy.  God knows that there are many distractions in this world to keep our eyes fixed on other things.  However, if we call on Him to help us, go to Him in prayer and supplication, and study His word then He guarantees our success against sin and Satan.  So, come on and just fix your eyes on Jesus.  Remember, nothing is impossible with God — nothing.   ~Luke 1:37

Peace~

Check Out Your Mind

“Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God.”  Romans 8: 5-8

 So, tell us…what’s on your mind?  What controls you?  Do you think of the God’s Word as something out of the mind of men, or were men used as instruments of God?  What did you wake up this morning thinking about?  The truth is that we must fix our minds daily on heavenly matters – we have to fix our mind on Jesus (Hebrews 3:1).  This, as some of you know, is not always an easy thing because the world offers so much temptation and many distractions.  However, if we saturate ourselves with the Word of God and continue to pray at the feet of Christ then we will see significant improvement in our Christian walk.  Perhaps there is some sinful habit that you’ve been praying for God to uproot in your life.  The Bible says that if we suffer just as Christ suffered, then we too will be free from sin (1Peter 4:1).  So, pick up your cross and follow Jesus; set your mind in the heavenly realm.  Let it be so.  Amen.

Walk this way

Photo by SBess

Romans 6:6 “…Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.”

I know.  It’s not easy to live a life that is pleasing to God.  Why?  Well, it’s usually because we try to do it ourselves; As Christians, we try not to sin.  We have to stop trying and just try Him.  He said that you can cast all your cares on Him (1 Peter 5:7).  Remember, you are nothing in this world without Him.  As Jesus said in John 5:30, “By myself I can do nothing…”  Now, if Jesus said He can do nothing how much more defenseless are we?  It’s like going into a battle alone with just your teeth and fist, while the enemy has an army with knives and guns. Who’s going to win?  Therefore, we must put on the full armor of God.  The Bible says that we must:  “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:14-17).  Keep these things in mind when it comes to your daily walk with Jesus Christ, and don’t forget to “Study to shew thyself approved unto God…” (2 Timothy 2:15). Yes, study that word and for all of our sake please don’t forget to pray.  Somebody turn to your neighbor and say: “Neighbor, study that word!”    Peace~

Photo:  A cross on Hwy 125 in North Carolina

The Correct Change

Today, I was in Walgreens picking up a few items.   It was my turn at the counter and the cashier punched in my items and the total appeared on the screen.  I gave her a pleasant smile as I looked into her eyes.  She had a familiar look about her.  Her face was red and puffy and I could smell a hint of alcohol as she sighed.  I say familiar because I’ve had that look before.  I’m certain that I spent the entire decade of the 90s with at least one drink in my hand.  I gave her $5 as she thanked me and took the money out of my hand.   My change came up to $3.60.  Opportunity!  I said, “wow, that’s exactly what I had to do with my life just a few years ago.”  I was referring to making a 360 degree change in my life, or a complete turnaround when I gave my life back to Christ.  Well, the cashier looked at me, took a deep breath, smiled, and said have a nice day.  I don’t know if she got the message, but I pray that she receives the correct change.  Amen.

Writing is Divine

By: S Bess

One morning, as I was riding the subway train to work in Washington, D.C., I had a thought concerning the written word.  In my head, I heard the words, “Writing is divine.”  Those words were repeated in my head as the train moved from station to station.  As I continued on my journey, my thoughts soon moved towards God, and it was revealed to me that writing is one of the many gifts that God gives to man.

The revelation is that writing, in the spiritual realm, is divine!  Exciting, right?   This is especially true when one looks at the Holy Scriptures.  For example, the Bible was written by men who were moved by God (2 Peter 1:21); they felt a divine purpose to spread the word of truth through the Holy Spirit; they were ordained to write the Word.  That’s it!  It is the “Word” that is so divine – the written and the spoken word.

I really like what the author, Reverend William A. Jones, Jr. said about the written word in his book, God In The Ghetto.  He states:

“…My God’s writing all the time. But there are times when God writes in big, bold characters with powerful punctuation marks.  Then, Reverend Jones asks the question, “…can we read it?” 

I see writing as an imitation of the divine.  In writing, we are attempting to stimulate, inspire, or excite our readers with the creative formation of words.  Ontologically, it explores the very basis of human existence because it was, at one time, one of our limited forms of communication.

Tiger’s Transgressions

Photo Source: bet.com

Mr. Tiger Woods is getting ready to hold a press conference to apologize to the world for his “transgressions.” The Bible says that we should confess our sins, but not so others can point and judge the one confessing (1 John 1:9). The American media, as always, has proven to be just as hypocritical as they have been in the past (See Bill Clinton). For some reason, they hold celebrities and people of power to a higher standard. Then, once those individuals make a mistake, they are ready to burn them at the stake.

Where is the forgiveness? (Matthew 18:21) Instead of jeering, judging, and pointing we should pray for him and hope that we do not fall into the same trap. Yes, we are all capable of sin and transgressions. It is in our nature to do so (Romans 3:23). In fact, if many of us had to stand on the world stage and confess our sins, there would be bigger scandals far greater for the world to see than those of Tiger Woods (Matthew 7:5).

Word for today: James 4:3 (Amplified Bible)

“…[Or] you do ask [God for them] and yet fail to receive, because you ask with wrong purpose and evil, selfish motives. Your intention is [when you get what you desire] to spend it in sensual pleasures.”

Dear Baba,

I pray that we [the people of God] do not pray amiss.  If and when we do, please quicken our spirits so that these things can be uprooted and corrected in the body of Christ. We ask this in your son’s Jesus name – Amen.

Earth, Wind, and Fire: Open our eyes

By: S Bess

“Father,

open our eyes, that we may see

to follow Thee, oh, Lord

Grant us Thy loving peace,

And let all dissension cease

Let our faith each day increase,

and master, please, oh please

open our eyes…”

Source:  Earth, Wind, and Fire (Songwriter: Lumkin)

My prayer

By: S Bess

1 Kings 8:45 (Amplified Bible)

^“Then hear in heaven their prayer and supplication, and defend their cause and maintain their right.”

Photo and Verse

By S Bess

“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”  John 15:5

Declaration:

Dear Father,

an R&B group said it best

and it still holds true

I may have my health, a good job, and a loving wife,

but “there is no me without you.” 

Rather, it’s all because of you.

 

The Good Fight

 

You know, there are times when I feel unworthy of this walk with Christ.  For example, there are moments of weakness when I fall in sin.  Instantly, my Spirit is convicted as I stand in shame of that sin.  However, I know that I do not have to dwell in sin, and that our Father in Heaven is faithful to forgive us (1 John 1:9).  When we confess and repent for our sins, He cleanses us from all unrighteousness, and for that, I am eternally grateful; however, it is often difficult to live in this flesh while I am are here on earth – this flesh that fights against the Spirit:

“The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.” Galatians 5:17 (New Living Translation)

This is why we must be faithful in the daily reading of the Bible, and we must pray.  How much should we pray?  The Bible says that we must pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).  If you don’t know what to pray about, then say what is in your heart.  In other words, cry out to Him and tell Him you love Him.  Read His Word (The Bible) and repeat back to Him His own holy scripture. Meanwhile, “Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous” (Joshua 10:25).  Yes, God will fight our battles, but we have to fight as well:

“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12 (New King James) 

In summary, we must “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12).  Remember, we cannot fight this battle in the flesh.  We can only fight this battle in the Spirit through the reading of the scripture, prayer, and supplication (Ephesians 6:12).  Keep up the fight!  Peace~

The whole Truth

 

There are too many of us in the “Church” who say we are Christians, but we want to have a tailored Christian existence.  In other words, we take from the Bible what we like and cast out the rest as outdated or even untrue.  Some of us give it an entirely different meaning or interpretation to make our sinful lifestyle more comfortable and acceptable.  However, the Bible clearly states in Revelation 22:19 that “…if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life.” 

We can’t say that we love the Lord, but only accept part of His written Word.  Jesus said that if you love Him, you will obey all of His commandments (1 John 5:3).  Others say the Bible has errors because men wrote it.  How would you rather receive God’s word?  Would you rather the Word of God appear to you on pages through a bolt of lightning?  The Bible says that “…holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2Peter 1:21). 

Please, if you are going to call yourself a Christian or follower of Christ, do as He commanded.  What did He command?  Jesus said that we must ”love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” (Mat. 22:37).    Please do not be deceived; don’t call yourself a Christian because you go to church every Sunday or because you grew up in the church.  God wants us to have a full and personal relationship with Him.  We cannot go to church on Sunday and spend the rest of the week doing the will of the flesh (Galations 5:19-21).  Ask Christ to come into your life and make Him your personal Savior.  Say This Prayer and He is faithful to forgive all your sins and cleanse you from all unrighteousness.  However, If you refuse to hear His word and follow His commandments then you must accept the consequences (Romans 1:26:32).  So, let all us as Christians except the truth (Gospel – word of God), the whole truth, and nothing but the TRUTH.  Amen.

National Day of Prayer

Today, is the National Day of Prayer.  There are so many things that we could pray about when it comes to this world we live.  However, first we must know that the only way to the Father is through the Son (John 14:6).  Second, if we are in tuned with the Father or abiding in him, we will have a sensitive ear to the Holy Spirit who ministers to us ( John 15:7).  Then, our prayers will be more focused and lined to what the Father desires.  For me, the lyrics from Sanctuary exemplify what I strive for in my walk with Christ.  May His perfect will be done in our lives.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Sanctuary

Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary

Pure and holy, tried and true

With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living

Sanctuary for You

It is you, Lord

Who came to save

The heart and soul

Of every man

It is you Lord

who knows my weakness

Who gives me strength,

With thine own hand.

Lord prepare me to be a sanctuary

Pure and Holy, tried and true

With thanksgiving I’ll be a living

Sanctuary for you

Lead Me on Lord

From temptation

Purify me

From within

Fill my heart with

You holy spirit

Take away all my sin

Lord prepare me to be a sanctuary

Pure and holy, tried and true

With thanksgiving, I’ll be a living

Sanctuary for You

Lyrics by:   John W. Thompson & Randy Scruggs

YouTube Video:  Sanctuary

Life Everlasting

By: S Bess

“The only thing worse than not having Jesus Christ in your life, is taking that last breath without having Jesus Christ in your life.” ~ S Bess

Confirmation from the Bible:  Jesus said to him, I am the Way and Truth and the Life; no one come to the Father except by (through) Me.  (John 14:6/Amplified version)

One word poetry

REPENT

 

Definition according to Miriam-Webster:

1 : to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one’s life
2 a : to feel regret or contrition b : to change one’s mind

In the morning when I rise…

By: S Bess

 

Hello friends of Baba Notes!  How has your day been so far?  Tell me, what was the first thing you said or did when God woke you up this morning?  Well, we didn’t wake up on our own.  By His grace, we are up and running to work, school, etc.  It’s all by His grace.  However, it is up to us how we start our day.  It is always beneficial if we take the time to thank Him for this new day.  Psalm 5:3 says, “Lord, in the morning you hear my voice. In the morning I pray to you. I wait for you in hope.”  This is the beauty of a new day – it’s a chance for repentance and fresh start.  It is that “hope” that allows us to look forward to this day and the day after.  He said that He ”removed our lawless acts from us as far as the east is from the west” Psalm 103:12. 

Also, If we can manage to get up with the birds, there is the quiet time that we can spend with the Father in His word.  This allows the Holy Spirit to minister to us throughout the day.  I know…how can we allow God – He is God.  However, He gives us free will.  So, in the end, we must prove our love to Him each and every day; We must make efforts to get to know Him and spend time at His feet.  This is why He is called our “Personal Savior.”  As it says in 2 Peter 3:18, “Grow in the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Get to know him better. Give him glory both now and forever. Amen.”  So, may the Peace and Grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, be with you today and forever more.  Amen. Amen.

Luck vs Grace

 ”Luck” is kin to coincidence, fate, gamble,  or happenstance — so grab your lucky rabbit’s foot and cross your fingers.  However, Jesus Christ is kin to Grace, Favor, Love, Hope, Faith, and Promise.  In other words, In [through] Him [Jesus Christ] your success is a guarantee (Joshua 1:8).  Peace~

Photo  source:  made-in-china.com

In God we…

 

Note:  This is a prayer request that I received on my cell phone this morning –

Message –We are calling all intercessors to pray that the fear of the Lord our God be restored in the nation of America.  Also, please pray for the protection of President Barack Obama.  Pray that God will protect our president and guide him in his decisions.  Let’s start prayer at today at 7 p.m. – 2 days.

Photo source:  www2.york.k12.tn.us

Examine your heart

Deuteronomy 5:29 (King James Version)

O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!

What does it mean to be a “Christian” or “God-Fearing” man or woman?  People often refer to themselves and others in this way, but let us examine this for a moment.  There are those among us who use these terms loosely.  We claim to love the Lord our God – Jesus Christ, but our everyday lives are contrary to His Will. 

 For example, some of us who call ourselves “Christians” curse, fornicate, drink excessively, watch pornography, gossip, display fits of anger and violence, etc. 

 All these things are not of God and directly against his commandments and very nature (Galatians 5:19-21).  His Word states, “So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God” (Romans 8:8).  So, if our lives reflect these fleshly things then we need to examine our walk with Christ.

 He said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).  What are his commandments?  The Word of God – the Bible – is His written commandments.  In Proverbs 7:24 He says, “Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth.”  He said “attend” to or pay attention to the words of His mouth.  We can only do this by studying His word.

 In short, I pray that we – the church – will begin to worship our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in Spirit and in Truth (John 4:24).  Let our words match our actions and everyday lives.  In other words, if we say we love Him, let us show it by living a life that mirrors the very nature of God.   Jesus Christ is our example.

 He said, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).  Again, we do this by seeking Him and studying His word.  I would encourage everyone to join a good Bible-based church – a church that speaks and preaches from scripture to scripture.  I would also encourage you to join a weekly Bible Study.  This is where you will gain understanding and wisdom.  “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.”  (Psalm 111:10).  Peace~

Jesus, Name Above all Names

Jesus, name above all names
Beautiful Savior, Glorious Lord
Emmanuel, God is with us
Blessed redeemer, Living Word
You are my wonderful God
You are my wonderful Lord
Lord, You are more precious than silver
Lord, You are more costly than gold
Lord, You are more beautiful than diamonds
And nothing I desire compares with you

Video:  Jesus, Name Above all Names

Jesus Christ is Lord

JESUS

As Christians, we really have to seek a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and all will fall into place.  I don’t know where you are in your walk with Jesus Christ, but I can’t talk without talking about myself as well. 

We have to forsake all things or “die to self” to please Him (Ephesians 4:22-24).  Many of us are even afraid to mention the name of Jesus in certain places.  However, he said in His word (Bible) that no man comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6).  He also said that whosoever will be ashamed of Him (Jesus Christ), He will also be ashamed of them before the Father (Mark 8:38).

So, “seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).

Hearer and Doer

 

“Study to show thyself approved unto God…”  Whenever I read the announcements in church, this scripture from the book of 2 Timothy (2 Timothy 2:15) is said in reference to Wednesday night Bible Study.  I can remember a time when I didn’t go to Bible Study.  I only have to think back 6 years; back then, I didn’t read the word for myself. 

I depended on a pastor or minister to do it for me.  In other words, I went to church to “get that word.”  I get a shot of that word, felt good, and went back to my weekly routine that usually involved sinful acts.  The other problem was that I often was unable to tell you what “that word” was if you asked me 2 hours after service.  The Word fell on stony ground, among thorns, etc. (Matthew 13:1-23).  I heard, but I didn’t practice or internalize what was going into my ears.  As the saying goes, it went through one ear and out the other. 

 When are we going to grow up (spiritually) and become “doers” of the Word? (James 1:22-25)  We can’t go on deceiving ourselves week to week when we know that our lives are not in accordance to the Word of God.  Besides, the Word is our reference manual of how we should live as Born-Again Christians.  We cannot simply be “Christians.”  We must be born again in the Spirit (John 3:3).  

In other words, we must accept Christ as our Lord and Savior. Afterwards, our daily goal must be to speak, live, and walk as Christ did.  He said in His word, “…be ye holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16).  So, let us strive for consistency and live a life that pleasing to God (Psalm 19:14).  I pray that we all will become doers of His Word.  This means that we will take some time everyday to study His Word.  In doing this, we will grow and mature.  Also, it will give us the opportunity to share with others God’s living Word.  We can start by looking up the highlighted scriptures in this text.  Please share with us what the Holy Spirit has revealed to you.  Peace and Blessings to you. Amen.

Obama is Christian by Choice

Photo source: p3books.com

President Obama was recently questioned about his faith, and he spelled it out with two words — Jesus Christ.  Read more…

Photo and Truth: Are you ready?

MD 124 North towards Damascus

Revelation 1:7 (NIV)

Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen.

God says…

 

Man says: “life is too short, so have fun while you still can.” 

God says:  “Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.  Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” (Psalm 34:12-14)

Note:  Amen!  God always has the last word.  When we depend on this world and ourselves, life is hopeless and full of uncertainly.  When we depend on God, life becomes full of hope and we live with the certainty that in our “…Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you”  (Jon 14:2).

This is our hope.  Does that mean that we look forward to death and leaving this earth?  No, but it makes living here so much easier and enjoyable knowing that better days are just ahead.  Remember that “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined the things that God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9).  Now, you can truly enjoy life with these truths in your heart.  Peace~

Believe in Yourself?

Man says: 

“Believe in yourself” 

“Don’t trust anyone except yourself, close friends, and family.”

 God says: 

• ^“Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe.”  (Proverbs 28:26)
• “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
•  ”Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

 

There are many of us who depend on everything but God to be “successful” in life. We depend on our smarts, education, business savvy, and money.  The only time we may even consider God is when things are beyond our control (i.e., dying loved one or sudden tragedy).  The Bible states in Proverbs 21:2 “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes…”  So, even when we decide to consider God in our daily lives, the transaction is conditional and limited to terms.  In other words, if what God says in His living word does not fit our lives and levels of comfort, we change the meaning or dismiss it as outdated.

 However, the Bible states in 2 Peter 1:21 that God gave us His word when “holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”  The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God who resides in all Believers.  Jesus said (John 14:26) that He would send us a Helper – the Holy Spirit – to help us in our daily walk.  Remember, this world and system of things will all soon pass away, but His word will never pass away (Matthew 24:35). 

It’s not easy to do, but just let go and let God.  He is the only one who can make sense of all that is going on with the economy, joblessness, and a dying family structure.  He is the only one who can deliver you from addiction and bondage.  He is the only one who can guarantee eternal life if only we believe and trust in the precious name of Jesus. 

 1 John 5:13
These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

Photo Source:  believeinyourself.org

When I see Jesus…Amen!

God’s Word: Obedience

“Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil,… If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land” http://bible.us/Isa1.16.NKJV

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Happy New Year from Baba Notes

^{Jesus Promises another Helper:}

¹⁵ “If you love Me, keep My commandments. ¹⁶ And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— ¹⁷ the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. ~John 14:15-17

Even though the Bible, God’s Living Word, is foolishness to man, I believe it to be absolute TRUTH.  I also believe that God has great things in store for all of us in 2011.  We will just have to turn to Him, keep our eyes on Him, and pray without ceasing.  We must learn to trust in Him and not dead philosophers.  When we stay in constant communication with Jesus Christ through His Helper, the Holy Spirit.  If we listen to the words of the Savior, Jesus Christ, and believe, then we cannot go wrong (I’m preaching to myself).   Trust and obey, for there is no other way to happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.  So, if you don’t know Christ and you would like to know Him in 2011, then just click  the tab on this page that says, “Salvation.”  Say those printed words, mean it with your heart and soul, and you will see a significant change for this point forward — you will be saved!

Have a Happy and safe New Year!  Peace~

Photo source:  wtln.com

MLK quote on Jesus Christ

PerCaritatem.com

“And those of us who call the name of Jesus Christ find something of an event in our Christian faith that tells us this.  There is something in our faith that says to us, “never despair; never give up; never feel that the cause of righteousness and justice is doomed.” 

Source:  Clayborne Carson and Kris Shepard, eds. A Call to Conscience: The Landmark Speeches of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (New York: IPM/Warner Books, 2001).

Note to Baba

Oh Precious Baba, 

I pray that I will always remember that I can’t do anything on my own. As I listen to you, the Father, I make my judgments.  (John 5:30)  May I also remember that  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philipians 4:13).  I know that if I follow these words and live by your commandments, then you will make my way successful.  All this ask In Jesus’ Mighty Name.  Amen.

A New Day

“I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.”  ~ Isaiah 43:25

As I was on my morning walk, I began to think of this verse in Isaiah — I love that verse.  The Bible says in Romans 3:23 that everyone has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, but I thank God that He will always forgive us of our sins, but we must repent.  For example, I wasn’t completely satisfied with my day yesterday.  You see, there are times when God gives us the opportunity to glorify Him or to resist temptation, but we don’t always hit the mark.  Yesterday, I didn’t feel like I hit the mark.  However, as the day progressed, I turned to the Lord and ask His forgiveness.  I also asked Him to show me His ways and teach me His paths (Psalm 25:4).  I repented and as it says in His word, He was faithful to forgive me.

I thank God that today is a new day!  It is a chance for me to start fresh and do something to His glory.  Today is a chance for all of us to do something to His glory, and a chance to put yesterday behind.  Perhaps someone hurt you or you hurt someone.  Maybe you did something that, you feel, wasn’t pleasing to God.  Well, first did you repent or as forgiveness from God?  Well, if you did then rejoice in this day because this is the day that the Lord has made and He will remember your past sins no more.  In Psalm 103:12 the Bible says that He has cast them as far as the east is from the west.  So, don’t worry about yesterday, and let the trouble of tomorrow take care of itself.  Enjoy this day despite its limitations and trials.  Remember, we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).

Now, there is also the ultimate repentance when you ask Jesus Christ to come into your heart (See ”Salvation” tab).  If you are tired of all the things that are going on in this world, and you have this deep sense of emptiness on the inside, then Jesus Christ will fill that void.  In John 6:35, Jesus stated, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.”  All I can say is try Him and see.  He won’t let you down.  He is truly the greatest love of all.

God bless you and enjoy this wonderful day.  If you you’re digging out of snow here in the Mid Atlantic or Northeast  as I am today then don’t forget to pray and ask God to give you strength to shovel this heavy snow.  Also, don’t forget to bend your knees.  In other words, use your legs and not your back.  God bless you.  Peace~

Walking in the Spirit (Devotional)

Passage Romans 8:1-8 Prayer Dear Father,Thank you that there is no condemnation for me now that I am in Christ Jesus. Through the principle of the Spirit of life in him I have been set free from the principle of sin and death.You, my God, did what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. You sent your own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin. Through him you condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the just requirement of the law might be fulfilled in your people, of which I am one.Help me walk not according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. Set my mind on your Spirit, so I might live by your Spirit and find life and peace.It is in the name of Jesus, who gives his Spirit, that I pray these things. Amen. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/hl-devos-pwp/~3/yZRnrr9HFPE/pwp.pl #Bible http://j.mp/dM3RDA

The Way to Start Your Day

“Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,” ~Ephesians 5:19

As the scripture says, we should “speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs…”  It is so crucial what we speak to one another.  It is even more crucial what we speak into our own lives.  The Bible states in Proverbs 18:21 that “Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue.”  So, what did you speak into your life today?  What did you download into your spirit this morning?  Was it a Bible scripture, a hymn or your favorite gospel song, or was it with something that will neither benefit you nor bless you throughout the day?

I find that the very thing that I allow into my senses (ears, eyes, etc.) when I wake up in the morning will either have a positive or negative impact on my day.  Therefore, I make an effort to feed or download my spirit with something that will nurture and strenghen me.  In other words, I take my spiritual vitamins through prayer, scripture, praise, or song.  Yes, there are days when time overtakes me and I must rush, but I make a conscious effort to get in one of those “vitamins” before I leave the house.  When I start my day with Him (Jesus Christ) — my Savior — the one who woke me up this morning, then it makes all the difference.  Well, that’s my testimony for today, but try Him for yourself.  Be encouraged.  Peace~

The Inspiration Of Spiritual Initiative — Wed February 16, 2011 (Devotional)

Verse Arise from the dead. – eph 5:14 Thought All initiative is not inspired. A man may say to you – “Buck up, take your disinclination by the throat, throw it overboard, and walk out into the thing!” That is ordinary human initiative. But when the Spirit of God comes in and says, in effect, “Buck up,” we find that the initiative is inspired. We all have any number of visions and ideals when we are young, but sooner or later we find that we have no power to make them real. We cannot do the things we long to do, and we are apt to settle down to the visions and ideals as dead, and God has to come and say – “Arise from the dead.” When the inspiration of God does come, it comes with such miraculous power that we are able to arise from the dead and do the impossible thing. The remarkable thing about spiritual initiative is that the life comes after we do the “bucking up.” God does not give us overcoming life; He gives us life as we overcome. When the inspiration of God comes, and He says – “Arise from the dead,” we have to get up; God does not lift us up. Our Lord said to the man with the withered hand – “Stretch forth thy hand,” and as soon as the man did so, his hand was healed, but he had to take the initiative. If we will do the overcoming, we shall find we are inspired of God because He gives life immediately. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/hl-devos-mu/~3/PnPlGSNfh9M/utm.cgi #Bible http://j.mp/ik1dgz

By: Oswald Chambers

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Do Ye Now Believe — Mon February 28, 2011 (Devotional)

Verse:   By this we believe , 133; Jesus answered, Do ye now believe – joh 16:30-31 Thought Now we believe. Jesus says – Do you The time is coming when you will leave Me alone. Many a Christian worker has left Jesus Christ alone and gone into work from a sense of duty, or from a sense of need arising out of his own particular discernment. The reason for this is the absence of the resurrection life of Jesus. The soul has got out of intimate contact with God by leaning to its own religious understanding. There is no sin in it, and no punishment attached to it; but when the soul realizes how he has hindered his understanding of Jesus Christ, and produced for himself perplexities and sorrows and difficulties, it is with shame and contrition he has to come back. We need to rely on the resurrection life of Jesus much deeper down than we do, to get into the habit of steadily referring everything back to Him; instead of this we make our common – sense decisions and ask God to bless them. He cannot, it is not in His domain, it is severed from reality. If we do a thing from a sense of duty, we are putting up a standard in competition with Jesus Christ. We become a “superior person,” and say – “Now in this matter I must do this and that.” We have put our sense of duty on the throne instead of the resurrection life of Jesus. We are not told to walk in the light of conscience or of a sense of duty, but to walk in the light as God is in the light. When we do anything from a sense of duty, we can back it up by argument; when we do anything in obedience to the Lord, there is no argument possible; that is why a saint can be easily ridiculed. http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/hl-devos-mu/~3/bopmB7huaCI/utm.cgi #Bible http://j.mp/if1FVG

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Prayer for Japan

Father, I pray for all families and nations affected by the disaster in Japan.  I pray that you will comfort them and protect them in these difficult times.  Most of all, I pray that these events will bring them closer to you, and they will come to know your loving kindness and saving grace through Christ Jesus.  Amen.

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My Helper, My Protector

^{Psalm 63:7} “Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.”

Baltimore MD : How to get beyond merely hoping to go to heaven

http://bit.ly/kyYt1G

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Admiring God’s Handiwork

Job 35:5 (New King James Version)

 ”Look to the heavens and see; And behold the clouds — They are higher than you.”

I love to sometimes gaze into the sky to admire God’s handiwork.  These are photos taken with my phone as I walked this afternoon.  The sky is so beautiful and the clouds are so dramatic.  The second one presents itself almost as an exclamation point.  I believe that God communicates with us in different ways.  He appeals to my senses and love for my surroundings.  He is truly an awesome God if we would just stop to notice.  Today, I did just that.  God bless you all and have a wonderful Mother’s Day.  We thank God for mothers.  Peace~

Holiness ~ Micah Stampley

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MB7KLlKA600

End of the world? Not Yet

By Joseph DeGraft-Amanfu, PG2ALL

May 19, 2011 8:30a.m. EDT

Saturday, May 21, 2011 will not be the end of the world and neither will it be the day of the Rapture, nor the second coming of Jesus Christ to begin His millennial reign on earth.

True, there will one day be the rapture of those in Christ. The word Rapture does not appear in the Bible, but this exclusion is no argument for the unreality. When the apostle Paul used the phrase, “caught up” in the quotations below, he meant exactly the meeting of the living and the resurrected dead together with the risen Savior in the air.

Read the following:

“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17).

“Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (Mathew 15:51-52).

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:1-3).

Further, it is true, that Jesus the Christ will return to earth with the saints who were “caught up” in the air (all who are born again are saints). At the end of this age, Jesus shall return to bring to completion the work He begun in His ministry, death, and resurrection. He Himself said:

“Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him” (Revelations 22:12).

Language has no meaning if Jesus Christ is not returning as He said. Again, read the following:

“Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh” (Mathew 24:44).

“Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven” (Mathew 26:64).

“And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven” (Mark 14:62).

“Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11).

“So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 1:7).

“So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation” (Hebrews 9:28).

“And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, to execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him” (Jude 1:14-15).

“Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen” (Revelations 1:7).

Furthermore, it is true that in the distant future, the present earth will be reformed:

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful” (Revelations 21:1-5).

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.

For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God” (Romans 8:19-21).

“Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless” (2 Peter 3:13).

But, the time when each of these events will take place, no man knows. Just when the above events will take place is unknown, and we are warned against attempts to set an exact date for Christ’s return.

The general signs of its approach have been given, but the precise moments (day or hour) knows no man, not even the angels. Only the Father knows the time of Christ’s return since it has been set by His authority (cf. Acts 1:7):

 “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only” (Mathew 24:36).

Nevertheless, the Bible admonishes us all to be ready for we know not when Christ would come, or when any of us would be called home (die).

It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment; hence, let us pray to God to help us number our days and to redeem the time (cf. Hebrews 9:26-27).

Information:   Joseph DeGraft-Amanfu, author and president of Preach the Gospel 2 All.  You can find out more about Pastor DeGraft and his books by visiting the above link.

Baba Note: Hope and Repentance

Dear Father,

To you I lift up my soul.  As one of your servants once told me, we [Believers] cannot walk [journey in Christ] alone.  We must encourage one another, but we should also reach out to one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11).  Father, I have, without thinking, attempted to do this walk alone many times, and I have failed.  I pray that I will cast all of my cares on You and trust in You fully.  I pray that I will pray in the good times and the bad.  I pray that I will worship You in the good and bad times.  I pray for your divine direction always that only you can give.  Most of all, I pray forgiveness of my sins of omission and commission – my sins in thought and deeds.  My repentance is a cry for your Holy presence that I long for all the day long. 

Father, I also pray that you will touch the eyes of those who read this message.  Open their eyes and mind to understanding and reveal yourself to them like never before.  May they “…grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge.” (Ephesians 3:18,19) 

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Be Careful not to Judge

Romans 3:9-19

The moment we start making one group out to be ”the bad people,” we get into a mentality that is closely related to that of a racist mentality, which is hateful.  For example, we make comments such as ”these people” influence our children, or don’t let “these people” get near us to influence our daughters and sons.  We believe that they — all of them –  are morally bankrupt.  There are times when we find one who we consider to be ”good,” and we even think to ourselves how special “this one” is compared to the rest of “those people.” 

In the end, if we want someone to blame for all of this mess in the world we need only to read Ephesians 6:12, which explains that we “wrestle not with flesh and blood…”  So, please don’t judge those who don’t fall under the same lifestyle or group that you favor.   God is our only judge.  We should never judge by outward appearances (1Samuel 16:7).  Instead, learn to live peaceably with one another, and search for those things that are good in an individual. (Romans 12:18).   The Holy Spirit will take care of the rest.  Peace~

 Additional note:  This post may pertain to any group, ethnicity, nationality, etc.  No matter how you look at it, we are all just people – good or bad. Again – Peace~

Photo Source:  turnbacktogod.com

Faith Through the Storm

It’s Friday and all I’m hearing on the news is concerns the path Hurricane Irene.  There is a sense of trepidation as the storm moves closer to the Eastern seaboard of the United States.  Well, we should definitely exercise caution and take precautions as the storm approaches; however, we must also pray.  We serve a God who is mightier than any storm.  I’m reminded of the story of the Disciples as they were in the boat with Jesus (Matthew 8:23-27).  The storm came and it tossed the boat in such a way that the Disciples grew afraid worrying that they might die.  Can you imagine being in the boat with Jesus and being afraid?  Well, don’t be surprised if many of us would react the same way.  Besides, today Jesus is with [us] those who believe and we are often afraid (1 Corinthians 6:19).  Jesus was asleep when they woke him frantically asking him to save them.  Jesus rebuked the winds at that moment and everything was calm.  He admonished them for having “little faith.”  Be encouraged.  No matter the storms in your life, Immanuel [God is with us] – Jesus Christ, is always with us.  He can calm the winds and chase away the storms in your life if you ask him (James 4:2-3).  Seek him today and have faith – believe and it will be done (Matthew 8:13).  Be safe for this coming weekend if you’re on the East Coast of the United States.  Again, I urge all of us to pray.  If you don’t live on the East Coast, please stand with us in prayer.  Peace ~

Photo source:  Washingtonpost.com