Good Morning! - Love

PGood Morning!

LUV is patient,

LUV is kind.

Tell someone U LUV them!

Happy Valantine's Day

Good Morning! - Respect

Good Morning!

Be reminded RESPECT is earned.

If you want RESPECT

U have to give RESPECT.

No one owes U anything.

Go in peace!

Good Morning! - affecting people

Good Morning!

You never know how you affect people -

by the things

we do OR say...



Be kind, speak words of encouragement, SMILE!

it may be the only nice thing they hear all day...

Good Morning! - life is hard

Good Morning!

YOU say life is hard and you  don't know what to do.

YOU can overcome it by working out with God.

Try him at his word! and see God work in YOUR life.

Good Morning! - shelter in the storm

Good Morning!

There is shelter even in the storm.  

Satan don't like it when you pray. 

Us your strongest weapon the Power of Prayer. 

Never leave home without it!

Good Morning! - is it a sin to pray?

Good Morning!

Is it a sin not to pray?

No but it reveals self-sufficiency.

It's bad to straighten difficult situations with human resources.

Depend upon the Lord for everything!

Good Morning! - playing by the rules

Good Morning! 

We have to play by the rules even when they sound stupid. 

if you don't like the rules then make a change for the better!

Good Morning - being content

Good Morning! 

Learning to be content does not mean U loose or settle for less. 

Be at peace, where God has U praise him and keep pressing forward

Good Morning! - do not underestimate

Good Morning! 

Never underestimate a person's will to survive. 

God has equipped U with everything U need to succeed. 

U have the power to overcome anything 

Just Believe!

When nothing seems to go right watch cartoons

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose. Romans 8:28 -

When nothing seems to go right

Has there been a time when nothing seemed to go right? Your suffering has gone unanswered by God? You become a pessimistic, naysayer with no vision? Well, watch some cartoons. These animated characters can be great counselors!

As a child I enjoyed the humor and slap stick comedy of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Wyle E. Coyote. As an adult I recognize the subliminal life lessons messages Warner Brothers offer.

Life can be loony and catastrophic

Life can be loony and catastrophic. When visions go awry or God appears far away people tend to give up and become naysayers.  Lack of trust makes way for hair-brain ideas while faith fades to black.

Cartoon Land parallels reality and biblical times. Take for example Habakkuk who questioned God about his timing and allowing His people to suffer (Habakkuk 1:1-4). God is not on our schedule but He does show up right on time! It is how we approach each situation – with faith – which makes the difference.

Bugs Bunny:  The Optimist  

Regardless of his predicament Bugs Bunny was always cool, aware of his surroundings and had a way out in every circumstance. He never let ghastly situations get him down.  Even when his arch nemesis, Elmer Fudd, showed up with the intent to kill, Bugs Bunny escaped.

Philippians 4:13 reminds us “We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.” Bugs Bunny faced each situation as an optimist. Learn to speak God’s word and believe you can do all things. God will give you an exit plan!

Daffy Duck: the Naysayer

Daffy Duck was a boastful and cunning character who could be brash. Never speaking a kind word “you are dethpicable!”

Daffy Duck is like the people in the synagogue who laughed at Jesus when he told the crowd “The girl is not dead but asleep…”  Matthew 9:23-26.

Wile E. Coyote: The visionary

Despite is wily characteristics and poor quality gadgets, The Coyote never gave up. No matter how many times his ACME supplies blew up in his face he got back up, brushed is shoulders off and tried again!

The Centurion Captain’s faith was nothing short of visionary. The Centurion was not a Christian but because of the faith of his servant he envisioned Jesus could heal him just for the asking Luke 7:1-10.  Jesus was amazed at this man’s vision and because he believed the servant was healed.

Write it down

The Lord told Habakkuk to write down the revelation and make it plan on tablets. When situations linger take on the characteristics of Bugs Bunny and Wile E. Coyote:  Wait on the Lord, be an optimist, be visionary, and believe God will provide an exit plan.

Prayer

Father God, I am not free from facing situations. Help me to grow in faith so that I will not be a Naysayer, give me your vision so that I can be an faith believing optimist. I will walk by faith not by sight and stand on your word: I can do all things through you because Christ strengthens me! Amen.

Good Morning! - Jesus is with you

Good Morning!

Jesus said He is always with us.





We often forget this & try to do things without him…. That is when we become lost.

Acts of Kindness passed forward Ice Jam 2014

Photo by: John Spink - AJC.com

Read: Matthew 25:35-39

Ice Jam 2014

Earlier this week The Deep South made world news when the winter vortex put many southern states in a deep freeze. Atlanta and surrounding states were gridlock upwards of thirty hours. People stranded unable to do anything other than sit, worry and complain.

Ice Jam 2014 literally shut down cities and highways from Birmingham to Atlanta. Tens of thousands of stranded motorist braved the storm in their cars and trucks while others abandoned vehicles and trekked miles to home, hotels or public facilities. A state of Emergency issued.   

Random acts of kindness

Obviously there was much blame to passed around but there where many acts of kindness from friends, neighbors and total strangers that overshadowed the city and state officials debacle.

With every bad situation, there is always an unseen benefit. The Ice Jam Chaos brought out the best in everyone. There were strangers who bought 200 sausage biscuits from McDonalds, customers at a short-staffed Waffle House washed dishes, cleaned tables and took out the trash. Others made sandwiches, coffee, offered rides and even opened their homes to complete strangers.  Good Samaritans found ways to pass it forward with random acts of kindness. 

Doing good for others 

It is during catastrophic times that goodness rises. People are resilient and caring. Can this compassion and care be present daily?

Jesus wanted followers to set the precedence by helping others. Matthew 25:35-39 clearly states “For when I was thirsty you gave me drink, I was a stranger you invited me in.” It feels good to do good for others. When done with love it is done for the Lord.

This week was tumultuous for many.  There were ladies stranded having to sleep in their cars overnight.  It was the kindness of stores such as Kroger, Publix, Home Depot and CVS who opened their doors feeding the hungry and caring for others making believers out of many. For some these kind gestures restored their faith of humanity. They felt the world was sad and did not care for others.

Today is a new day! Ice Jam 2014 made way for change. This week, people had a humanitarian heart, exemplifying random acts of kindness while others passed forward goodness to others. They implemented what Jesus asked us all to do. 

The learned lesson for Atlanta Mayor Kaseem Reed, Georgia Governor Nathen Deal, GEMA's Charles English, and GDOT officials do not be so cheap.  Sometimes you have to spend money for the safety and well being of the community.  Next time heed the warning by sanding and salting the roads before the next Snow Jam occurs. 

Prayer

Holy Father, all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. This week people encountered chaos and misery. Lord genuine love and compassion was present.  Wherever there is love you are present.  Lord I pray that random acts of kindness witnessed will become contagious. Thank you for covering and keeping us covered. Amen.

Good Morning! - close your eyes

Good morning! 

Close your eyes. 

What U see that's what U own.

Now open your eyes what U see God owns! 

Count your blessing 4 what he has done!

Good Morning! - Dreams to reality

Good Morning!

Do your dreams seem FAR away?
Are they Dead?

Resurrect them!

Seek God and his wisdom it is the key to restoring your dreams!

On my honor: I will be courteous, kind, and generous

Read: Acts 28:7-16

Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous. I Peter 3:8

A courteous, kind, and generous Christian

Are you a good driver? Or are you an erratic driver? The fast and furious driving of many can cause you to lose your religion.

Are you a pew hoarder? The person hogging the end seat and refuses to slide down or get up making it hard for others to sit.

Do you double park? You take two parking spaces because you don’t want anyone to touch your car.

The question is “are you a courteous, kind, and generous Christian?”

Acts of kindness

Acts chapter 28 is filled with many life lessons but one teaching that touched me most was the islander’s kindness. As you read this week’s lessons you quickly learn that a shipwreck landed Paul and other prisoners on the island of Malta. One has to assume Malta knew these men were prisoners since there were Centurion guards tagging along. There were no preconceived notions. Malta was welcoming, courteous, and kind to complete strangers. Even the chief official of Malta invited Paul to stay in his home. Their compassion for the castaways was not temporary, it lasted for three months! Upon leaving Malta, the castaways received a ship to continue their journey.

Being Christ like

One of my goals for 2014 is to take on a Malta Spirit and be Christ like. That means reading God’s word and making every effort to apply the word. So the life lesson is to do as Peter said be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous.

So how does Paul’s encounter with Malta have to do with Driving, pews and double parking? Kindness and Generosity begets Kindness and Generosity. When we activate these good tendencies we receive them in return. I think that is called Karma?

Opposed to flipping out the driver who cut you off and my catty remarks to the pew hoarder or living a nasty not on the double parkers learn to start each day praying and reading the word. It will better equip you to DRIVE like a Christian, be KIND like a Christian and PARK like a Christian daily.


Prayer


Father God in Heaven,

Thank you for being a caring and loving God. Thank you for the spirit of compassion and love. Lord I know sometimes I have fallen short and have not been the most courteous person. Forgive me for being careless. Lord I ask that your caring and loving spirit be reignited in me! May I share it with others all the days of my life! This I pray in Jesus name. Amen

Hidden Treasures

READ: Colossians 2:1-7

 In whom are hid all treasures of wisdom and knowledge.  Colossians 2:3


The Bible's hidden treasures

The bible is a gold mine filled with spiritual treasures. For years many Christians only get small nuggets because they only skim the surface. They continue to live a life of spiritual poverty and ignorance. Their hearts starve for more but they never dig deeper to discover that God has plenty precious gems of wisdom and instruction in the bible.

The richest man

There was a man and his family who lived a modest life; wife children, home, and land. In their mind’s eye they were not getting the desires of their heart. Life’s circumstances hindered their ability to prosper. One day one of God’s prophets visited the family and told them “their hands were blessed, their land was blessed and they were rich with God’s blessings.” All this family had to do was just dig to find more riches than they could store! This family heard the word but only received it as a metaphor. For years they lived yet never receiving God’s treasures.

The day came when both the husband and wife were called to glory leaving all earthly possessions to the children. After laying the parents to rest the son walked his parent’s land and decided to meditate at the creek which ran behind the home. As he stood reminiscing a shiny object caught his eye. Pulling it from the water he discovered the shiny object was a gold nugget. The deeper the son dug more gold was found. There was not enough room in his storehouse to hold it all. The treasure God’s prophet spoke of was in the backyard of the man all along. All he had to do was search and dig.

God has equipped you

I’m sure you all smiled and probably said “that was a wonderful story but that is impossible.” Well my dear friends it is no different than millions of Christians who claim to believe God and the bible. They read the WORD, study the WORD, but never act upon the WORD, just as you read the story and believed it was partially true.

God equipped all his children with the tools to succeed and not fail. God’s word is transparent. There are no tricks or booby traps to trip us up; that is the work of the devil. If we walk in faith, believe God’s word as truth there is no way we can fail. Begin by studying God’s word; build a relationship with God by praying.

Call God out by reminding him of what he said though his holy word. God’s word cannot come back void. These steps will help you discover the hidden treasures you have missed!



Prayer

Most gracious Father,

Forgive me for doubting your word. Help me to grow in faith, trust in you and not my own understanding. Lead me and guide me. Help me to be in your will so I can discover the hidden treasures you have for me that I have missed. This is the day that you has made and I am rejoicing because I am glad to be in it. I have another opportunity to trust you, to walk in faith and get it right! Amen.

A Stranger’s testimony:Life experiences are testaments of God’s Favor

Read Mark 5:1-20

 Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you…  Mark 5:19

 

A stranger at the grocery store told me he was held up at gunpoint.  He proceeded by saying "My experiences are such that they would make this day a joyful one!"

A few days ago he almost lost his life. His wallet, containing a few hundred dollars, his driver's license, and his debit card were stolen. Strangely, his pricey gold watch, valued jewelry, and recently purchased truck were left untouched.

With tears in his eyes and visible anguish, he uttered, "I came so close to losing my life."

 There's a way in which God captures our focus. When we finally undergo "the experience", it has the potential to bring about a profound, transformative effect on our life. This Stranger's awakening occurred after a brush with near death.

During our scripture lesson, a man possessed by many demons expressed his desire for freedom. The most convincing aspect of Jesus' restoration was when he refused to let the man with many legions participate in the crusade. Instead, Jesus instructed him to share his testimony and spread the word about all the wonderful things that the Lord had done for him.

 When we face difficult situations and adversities in life, it may not occur to us that these moments of despair could serve as opportunities to share and inspire others. The stranger's blessing was that he could survive another day and share with me, a person he had never met before, the story of how God blessed and rescued him.

 Take a moment to reflect on your past experiences and share a testimony with either a friend or a stranger. Inform them of the blessings that God has bestowed upon you.

 

Your setbacks experienced in the past serve as inspirational messages to both acquaintances and strangers. The takeaway is to give honor to his name during difficult and favorable periods. Even though you may have faced some obstacles, remember that God is on your side!  Allow God to use your experiences as a testament to inspire others.

Prayer

Father God,

Thank you for your testimonies. Thank you for your life lessons.  Help me to praise your name during the pain, and suffering, and when it appears you are not there. For I know Lord in the storm you are still nearby.  Help me to be a witness to others. My life experiences can be a stepping stone to helping others out of their pit of misery. Thank you for your Grace, Mercy, and continuous blessings.  Amen.

Leave it behind in 2013

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 3:13-14

But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.  Genesis 19:26

Leave it behind

Now is the time people reflect and assess how well 2013 was.  No matter your assessment – good or bad one thing for sure you are a live and have an opportunity to clean the slate, “turn the page” and leave it all behind in 2013. What can you leave behind in 2013?

Unfulfilled goals

Just because you did not LOOSE the desired WEIGHT, improve FINANCES, EXERCISE, get a new JOB, or eat HEALTHIER life still goes on.  Count your blessing and leave all unfulfilled goals behind and don’t look back. Where the mistake is made,  people tend to hang out in the past, waddling in their defeats, and disappointments.  They take on the spirit of Lot’s wife. 

God’s angels told Lot and his family to leave the wickedness of their past but one has to believe that there was something about the past that keep Lot’s wife looking back or standing and watching oppose to pressing toward the mark. The end result she was turned into a pillar of salt! As tempting as it may be let go of the past and follow God’s lead.

"Turning the page"

For the last sermon of 2013, Pastor Stafford Wicker used the aforementioned scripture from Philippians as a subject.  His message to the congregation was to “turn the page.”  His take away points were:

1. “Don’t be a slave to your past”
2. “Don’t let your past dictate your future”
3. “Keep your eye on your goal (God) and don’t turn back”
4. “Don’t be bitter get better”

In the book of Philippians Paul wrote  how faith can work in practical terms and during troubled times.  Paul had every right to be bitter, angry, and frustrated.  Because of his Crusade for Christ and letters to the first church, Paul was persecuted and placed under house arrest in the name of Jesus.  In his darkest hour he did not dwell on his current conditions. He forgot the past and reached forward to greater opportunities.  

Steps to a Happier New Year

The dawning of a new year – 2014 – is on the horizon.  Press toward the mark (God) by setting new goals and aspirations. Here are a few steps that can help make 2014 a Happier Year.

1. Leave the past in the past
2. Keep eyes focused on future – God
3. Surround yourself with positive and spirit filled people who encourage
4. Praise God always – during the good and bad times

Redirect your thoughts by focusing on the savior and not the past.  He will direct your path and lead you into a happier new year in 2014!

Prayer

Dear heavenly father,

I look around and see a beautiful world which you have given me. I thank you for seeing me through 2013 – the good, the bad, and misfortunes.  Despite it all your Grace and Mercy kept me.  Thank you for allowing me to see the dawning of a new year. May this year be prosperous – filled with good health, joy, blessing and your favor!  This I claim in your son Jesus Christ name. Amen. 

The words we speak echo

 



Image provided by: Dr. Diva Verdun
www.drdivaphd

 Read: Ecclesiastes 5:2-3

Whatsoever a man sow that shall he reap.  Galatians 6:7

Echoes

Do you remember as a child hearing your first echo?  The fascination of yelling hello and hearing the repeated sound was fun.  The echo returns to the sender what it hears. Paul told us of another type of “echo” when he said, whatsoever a man sow that shall he reap Galatians 6:7.

Harsh words hurt

Words we often speak or receive from family, friends, coworkers, and children can be harsh. They are sowed in the spirit and harvest hatred, anger, and quitters.  “You are just like your father, a failure, no good, an idiot.”  Those words reverberate like an echo stabbing and cutting the spirit deep. 

Children also echo their parents, repeating what they hear by inflecting words of destruction – “You are ugly, fat, and no one likes me.”  The tongue is powerful. Our words, positive or negative, once spoken into the universe, there is recourse – they will return as an echo.

The tongue is fire

The bible tells us the tongue is fire; it is evil and can corrupt the whole body. So, it is imperative to guard our lips for what we speak, our words can ruin a person.  In anger, a fit of rage or when disciplining children people say damaging expressions. Once spoken the words echo in the recipient’s mind. Watch the words that you say.

Echoes can be destructive and hard to stop. They negate what God has in store for a person.  They tear down God’s temples – the person. Only God can end the negative noise and unless he does individuals will live in a perpetual hell.   God will heal and help change speech by using loving, encouraging, uplifting, and words of blessings.

As stewards of what God has given us authority over meditate on your conversations. If you have spoken harmful words repent seek forgiveness and rebuild confidence in those harmed. If that child are friend is an adult it is not too late to rekindle the fire which was smothered by harsh echoes.

Prayer

Eternal Father in Heaven, words I speak is manifested in the universe and the spirit. Your word states what a man sows he also shall reap. Help me to guard the words I say about myself as well as others.  May they be words to uplift, encourage, and bless. Rekindle the fire in my heart to see good in self and others and not bad. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your eyesight Amen.

Am I My Brother’s Keeper?

Submitted by: Keith Johnson - Guest Writer

Read Geneses 4:1-15

…Am I my brother’s keeper Geneses 4:8

Are you your brother’s keeper?

Everyone has heard that question before. It would appear to be a simple question that should be able to be answered one of two ways. Yes or no.  The answer given may not be as straightforward as yes or no. Yes, with an explanation. It could be no with an explanation. There could be a why. Or even the possibility of a maybe.

Cain and Abel

In the Bible, when brothers Cain and Abel brought their offering to the Lord, the Lord respected Abel and his offering, which came from his flock of sheep. His brother Cain also presented an offering to the Lord, which was fruit that came from the ground. The Lord did not respect Cain and his offering. Cain got very angry and his countenance (his face or features) “fell” as Scripture says.

In Genesis 4:7 (NKJV), Cain got instructions from the Lord. “If you do well will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you; but you should rule over it.”The instructions were direct and to the point. Cain, however, did have choice of free will. The choice Cain ultimately made has continued to affect mankind as much today as it did then.

He chose not to follow God’s instructions. In Genesis 4:8 it says “Now Cain talked with Abel his brother, and it came to pass, when they were in the field that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him”. God already knew what had happened but asked “Cain, where is Abel your brother?”  Then Cain used the line that has been used for centuries. Verse 9 says “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper? The Lord asks in verse 10 “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the Ground.

Voices cry out from the ground

How many voices, like Abel’s, cry out from the ground? Over time, there are too many voices to count that cry out. The voices of Trayvon Martin, Jonathan Davis, most recently and Renisha McBride cry out. Unarmed young people whose lives were lost to gun violence and laws allowing for deadly force to be used based on the assailant’s fear. Despite the confusion and chaos from these earthly laws, God hears those voices. Awareness through social media, non violent protests become voices to move the legal system to speak for these victims...

Australia is not a brother’s keeper

Here in Australia, refugees from war torn countries like Afghanistan, Iraq and even Syria risk their lives to come to settle where there is peace and no war. The current government, which just came into power, says “we will stop the boats”. These refugees come to Australia, risking their lives, but most will never step foot on the Australia soil. The “boat people” as they are called, are processed in detention centers off the Australia mainland. Most will be sent to Papua New Guinea as a result of this new “immigration” policy. Am I my brother’s keeper? If you are a refugee and expect Australia to be your “keeper, it is highly unlikely.

We as people can not exist alone or in divided groups. We all need one another. There are voices that are not in the ground, that are among the living that are crying out. When we are asked the question “Am I my brother’s keeper? Our answer should emphatically be “YES I AM!” Be blessed.

Keith Johnson is native of Minneapolis, Minnesota currently residing just outside Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. A mass communications graduate of Morehouse College and a elementary education trained teacher. Keith is a Christian, who believes "God's will" be done by "loving thy neighbor as thyself".

Good Morning! - A gift from God

You are a Gift from God.

God has given you a gift...

Employ it.

Serve one another as good managers of the Grace of God.


Always strive to do your best!

Make it a great day!!!

Good Morning! - Believe in yourself

Believe in yourself!

Learn to believe in yourself!

Know that God planted a SEED - a DREAM in YOU.

Tap into that dream and connect with God




Always pray and do your best!!!

God loves you and so do I

The Sounds of Blackness: The night before Christmas musical fantasy

Minneapolis MN – ‘Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house The Sounds of Blackness could be heard all about….

The Sounds of Blackness

The Sounds of Blackness is a group known for their soul filled music with inspiring lyrics, and for over forty years they have maintained relevance by the Grace of God. 

This holiday season the Sounds of Blackness will light up the stage with their 35^th performance of the Christmas poem – A Visit from Saint Nicolas, better known as The Night before Christmas. December 12, 2015 8:00 PM 
Doors Open: 7:00 PM, at Minneapolis' famous The Fitzgerald Theater
.  It is a family friendly production featuring Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Rudolph the Rappin' Reindeer. A show chocked filled with love and fun through music.This musical fantasy is a testament to God’s bountiful blessings.

The Night before Christmas in Minneapolis

The Night before Christmas is musical fantasy which stays true to the poem’s original story-line but with a few fresh adaptations.  The musical tells the real meaning of Christmas from an African-American perspective. Gary Hines, the ensemble’s founding director, stated “The musical is true to the poem but the Lord gave us inspiration to put our spin on it.” The three live mice will come to life as well as stockings prancing about. But oppose to visions of sugar plums dancing in the children's heads, there is a new twist with a hint of Black heritage to boot – visions of chitterlings come to life!  Sit back and enjoy soulful music, hearty dialogue and a healthy dose of comedy.

”Once a sound always a sound”

The Sounds of Blackness consist of a thirty members who are believers in Jesus Christ.  Their ministry through music is always about glorifying God and bringing a message of inspiration through music to people everywhere. “No matter what presentation or performance our music always portrays our heritage from Gospels, spirituals, jazz, blues, hip hop, Rhythm and Blues.” All genres can be experienced in The Night before Christmas.  As long as God continues to bless them there are no signs of stopping now.

The future looks very promising for this multi Grammy group. Their travels have taken them worldwide performing to sell out crowds. Their goal is to take The Night before Christmas on the road in the near future. 

So, as you plan your Christmas season festivities schedule a date to check out The Sounds of Blackness musical fantasy - A Night before Christmas.  If you don't get a chance to witness this spectacular show this year reach out to the group and request them to bring the musical fantasy to city near you!  "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

Ticket Info: The Fitzgerald Theater

Office 651.290.1200 and online at http://fitzgeraldtheater.publicradio.org/  

Tickets On Sale NOW - Dont Miss It

Ticket Link

http://soundsofblackness.com/

Good Morning! - Success & Failure

There is nothing you cannot do. Surround yourself with positive people. If you hang wil successful people
you will think success!



Think positive, change your way of thinking, pray, and seek God!

make it a great day

The poorest sermon has a message – just listen

Read Psalm 85:6-13

I will hear what God the Lord will speak… Psalm 85:8

Poor sermons

When listening to a sermon or choir sing have you ever been agitated? The preacher seemed lost and unable to deliver?  The choir’s tone was terrible and “They didn’t sound like so and so choir!” Though well-meant they lack certain qualifications. Several years ago I learned how to enjoy the poorest of sermons and tone death choirs simply because God’s servants delivered the message.

God speaks to you

I ran across an article which proclaimed “At one point in every sermon God breaks through the words of the preacher and speaks directly to the people.”  It may be a phrase or sentence when God speaks directly to you.  Understanding this logic one cannot afford not to listen to the entire sermon or song.  Or neglect hearing that one illuminated moment when God speaks – bringing conviction, hope, strength or renewed faith.

Ignoring God’s word

So many people ignore that one word of God because they are comparing the preacher or choir with another recently heard.  For every person who God called to preach or sing it was based upon their unique personality, knowledge and aptitude.

Boring preachers

What would the world be like if all preachers and choirs sounded alike? It would be boring! God’s word can be like your favorite dish of food or the sound of good music that stirs the soul. One word, phrase or song can be the conduit to unite with God. It is us who often unplug from God the Father.

The next time you attend your place of worship listen intently for that one portion in the sermon and hymns which God intended for your heart. Hear what God the Lord will speak to you!

Prayer

Father God,

Open my ears that I may hear a word from you. Speak to my heart and refresh in me a renewed spirit.  Remove all interferences which impede me from hearing a word form you.  This I pray in your son Jesus Christ name. Amen