Raindrops mixed with tears: God answers Prayers

If one member suffers all suffer together; if one member is honored all rejoice together. 1 Corinthians 12:26

God is still present

Raindrops got in my eyes this morning.  I was overjoyed; God answered a prayer.  Raindrops mixed with tears filled my eyes this morning I heard from a friend who was missing in action. 

Each time my brother in Christ created an illusion and disappeared my heart grew concerned.  I prayed and God showed up. 

Our Afflictions

My brother in Christ is no different than any of us he struggles with some aspect of life.  He, like others, is afflicted with personal thorns, unable to move forward in God’s purpose. During Paul’s ministry he experienced a “weakness” which obviously hindered or slowed progress. Being cognizant of it Paul asked God three times to remove the thorn. God’s reply, “My grace is sufficient for you, my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Cor. 7-10

Praying for the right things

When praying we generally focus on self rather than others. Asking for the desires of our heart, blessings, favors, and healing. Nothing wrong with lifting up a personal request but remember God restored Job’s fortunes when he prayed for his friends Job 42:10.  Surrounding us are people who are spiritually, emotionally and mentally paralyzed. They are in need of prayer.  Thank God the power of prayer can heal. 

Christian Walk

I cried this morning because God answers prayers.  During my Christian journey I now realize and understand the more I pray for others God is present. Frequent prayers for my wife, children, family, and the well-being of others supersede my desires. Take time to pray more for others.  Lift up your family, friends, strangers on the streets, Preachers, teachers, schools and government leaders. Call them out by name. Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. James 5:16

God knows your needs

Though prayers may appear to go unanswered, hearing from my friend

reassured me that God is real.  He knows what we need and he answers right on time.  As for my brother in Christ barriers are present in his life but he fathoms people are praying for him. As for me, each time I pray and hear from my dear friend, it is one more day I cry tears of joy that God is still present and answering prayers.  

Today, let us begin praying more for others and less for ourselves. 

Tearing down and overcoming barriers

Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men. Matthew 16:23


Life’s Barriers
Barriers can be depicted in various ways: stumbling blocks, hurdles, walls, obstructions or even blockades. When too many hitches occur in life, people tend to react irrationally. They develop despair, weakness and frustration. They fail to remember God’s Power.


God’s Power
Loosing spiritual sight and taking matters into their own hands people begin to run through hurdles that should be jumped, stop at obstructions opposed to going around, and stare at walls that should be knocked down. This repetitious behavior generates negative results which resemble insanity and obvious reactions become illogical. What have you struggled with and took matters into your own hands?

Life is worth living

Learn to Trust God
Lean not unto your own understanding when spiritually vulnerable. Listen to hear the voice of Jesus and Go to him. Go to Christ just as you are being weary and worn. Learning to humble self, allows God to navigate through the barriers and find that resting place in Him. The hurdles become easier to jump, walking around obstructions manageable and peerless strength to dropkick a wall down! Your steps shall be straightened and when you run you shall not stumble Prov. 4:12.


Though you may not believe it God hears your cry. This is the time to find inner strength and call upon the name of Jesus. Trust honor and obey the word. Don't let barriers in your life keep you from accomplishing great things!


Life is Good
Your life is worth living and God is there waiting to help. Keep moving keep praying and continue to destroy the obstacles in your life! Be encouraged!

Tigner Rand

Scared as Hell: The afterlife as a zombie

The exaltation of Zombies

The Walking Dead - Zombies

Is it safe to say that people who love zombies are necrophiliacs? I recently heard a Podcast where zombie fans personified and glorified these ‘undead’ creatures.  This exaltation of zombies was for the USA Network series The Walking Dead, which happens to be the highest rated prime time program on cable.

The title says it all; a weekly thriller about resurrecting corpses that dead-walk the earth hunting warm bodies. To witness this delirium would be horrifying.  During an open cast call for zombie extras I was taken aback by weird comments. Hordes of people gleefully expressed it being a dream come true to act out nightmares as zombies. Others thought it was cool to contort their bodies and dress up in gruesome make-up.

What is death?

The last enemy that will be abolished is death. I Cor. 15:26

Death symbolizes the end. Once departed from the land of the living no one knows what lay beyond the heavens but we have an idea what Hell is like. A fiery furnace: where there shall be wailing
and gnashing of teeth!

The words of your mouth are deadly

People are fearful of death, yet mobs gather to watch horror movies, glorify death, Satan, and Hell.  Giving no regard of what enters the spirit. The point can be argued it is just a movie. But there is power in words and actions. For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he Prov. 23:7.  Be mindful of what you speak, it does not take much to corrupt the heart and spirit.

Jesus at the River Jordan
Tigner Rand 

Life as a zombie

God’s word tells us if we don’t profess Jesus as Lord, the savior, honor and praise his name a person will have a life of eternal death. The tongue has power of life and death Prov. 18:21.  But the path of many is foolish confidence that God or the afterlife is not real. Hades is totally disconnected from God it is the abyss, a lake of fire and brimstone.

The Final Call

Zombie lovers, do you want life everlasting as a zombie? I hope not! It is never too late to accept Christ. He can break strongholds. Be in the multitude that will awake and ascend in to heaven and not those who will experience the shame and endless contempt of Hell!

Mind-boggling decisions made easy

Art Modell  1961-95 Browns 96-2004Ravens
Doug Pensinger getty images 

 We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer. Proverbs 16


The road to the right choice

People make decisions daily and in some cases second guess their choice. Take for example former Cleveland Browns owner, Art Modell. He chose to sell the team and his decision haunted him the rest of his life.

Mr. Art Modell died days before the 2012 National Football League season. Thirty-one out of thirty-two NFL teams paid homage to this football pioneer. The lone stand out was the team he once owned, The Cleveland Browns.

Modell was a legend in his own time. His decision making skills were instrumental in regularly televised football games, paying players the highest salaries during the sixties and drafting Jim Brown, one of the greatest players of all times who wore the famous Seal Brown and Burnt Orange team colors.

After years of success, the story took a tragic twist in 1995. The city refused to build a new stadium. Modell make good on his threats to move team. He sold the Browns to Baltimore Maryland, The Ravens.

The fans felt betrayed. Modell regretted his decision until the day he died. It did not matter that the city forced the verdict to sell, or that a new Browns team came back to Cleveland. People didn’t forget, and they don’t forgive. All of Art Modell’s accomplishments were overshadowed by this one decision.

Your next decision may not be as difficult as Art Modell’s but you still want to use good judgment. And advice from friends is not always the best answer. The bible provides guidance. God’s word outlines steps which can assistant in discerning times.

Good Decision Steps

Studying God’s word will help develop a keen spiritual eye to recognize God’s instruction. God’s character is revealed the more you read.

Let Go Let God

Just because you read and gain knowledge you have to give up control, allow God to lead and you follow. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Prov. 3:5-6

Pray without ceasing

Every decision, large or small you should take it to the Lord in prayer. Prayer also assists in the development of your relationship building with God.

Keep the faith

Allow God to answer your prayer and provide a decision. Remember God will answer in His time, not yours. Be patient and continue to pray.

Art Modell was influential in transforming football. He also demonstrated great men can make mistakes. But Modell will always be remembered as being the most hated man in Cleveland. Yes, more than LeBron James. Now the challenge is for people to learn how to forgive and forget.

Don’t Forget God or his Goodness be thankful for what you got!

God's Commandments & ordinances

Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments, ordinances and His statutes. Deuteronomy 8:11

There was a common thread throughout the Old Testament; people took matters into their own hands. If perceived that God had forsaken them they found other gods to pacify their needs. Regardless of how much man strives to commune with God this thin fiber of hope has shown us man still hates God’s instruction Psalms 50:16-17 thus the constant conflict which is visible today. Doubt, ego, selfish desires are enablers to drive people to forget God and his goodness.

The Mosaic Law was God’s fabric, it consisted of over six-hundred commandments and ordinances to govern the citizens and assist in their daily walk with Him. For forty years the children of Israel were ‘tested’ in the wilderness. The reason was to humble them and see what was in their heart Deut. 8:2, will they trust God or forget God? During the forty year Exodus God reminded the children of His Blessings. Never without food, clothes never wore out and feet never swollen Deut. 8:4. Jesus also reminded His follower’s weak-minded people worry about what to eat, wear or tomorrow, they run after these things. But seek God’s kingdom and righteousness all things will be given Matt. 6:32-33. Don’t forget God’s goodness. Be thankful for what you got.

  

Your mind is not on God

In the past thirty plus years God’s framework has collapsed.  Society has managed to destroy it from taking prayer out of schools, idolizing celebrities and entertainers as well as worshiping money fame and fortune. Today, as humanity proclaims Jesus as Lord these false gods really reign supreme in their lives. And God is angry. Why, because everyone’s hearts are not with God. Christians profess and recite God’s word but would rather join the antics of thieves than to correct them. Or bask in the glory of the rich and famed entertainers than to follow God. Some would testify against their own brother for material gain. Subconsciously these people justify their actions through the adoption of idol gods. Not just statues or images but possessions, money, jobs, and prestige. People have placed more emphasis on how to increase wealth rather than follow God’s commands and develop a relationship with Him.

He is a jealous God

The LORD your God is in our midst. His commands are rather simple but for some reason people have strayed from them:

• Keep the commands in your heart

• Fear the LORD your God, you and family

• Teach diligently God’s word to your children daily

• Serve God and swear by his name

• Do not go after other gods

• Or the gods of the people who are round you 

Through praise, worship and not forgetting God’s command, He has promised to never leave nor forsake us.  Each time God’s children humbled themselves and came back He blessed them. Yet in contrast each time they strayed and disobeyed favor was removed.

You made it on your own?

Small in number are Christians who rebound, rebuild their lives, homes, but the heart becomes proud and forget God (again). Often boasting how they overcame by their power, ego (Edging God Out). Remember

God provides us all the ability to produce wealth not man.

So be careful not to forget God and be thankful what you got. If you ever forget the Lord your God and continue to worship idols and earthly possessions it will come a time that you will be destroyed. 

Tigner Rand

How to pray for hurting people, This is my prayer…

The Presence of God's Image  

Lord, many of your children are hurting today, confused and suffering spiritually, physically, as well as mentally.  A countless number are in pain feeling they have reached their rope’s end with no more hope. They have exhausted all possibilities and do not know what to do. Father, you know each soul and the burdens which plagues them so I ask in the name of Jesus that you would allow your Spirit to go door to door, hospital to hospital, prison, to prison and city to city across this great country of America, and then go over the waters into all foreign lands touching, anointing, saving, and healing every individual. 

Father God in heaven as you heal your children, I also pray for development of God loving and fearing relationships. Society has lost the meaning and understanding of the word, we have all become a selfish and self-centered community.  It is all about us, we don’t practice love or relationship skills with friends, family and especially not with you. We have taken people and you God for granted.  There is jealousy, hatred, envy and strife destroying the moral fiber of your people and for where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. Please heal this land from our transgressions, selfishness, and vindictiveness. Just as your word states in 2 chronicles; if we your children would turn from our ways seek your face and ask to heal this land you will do so.  Lord I am praying this day you will begin the healing process. Brake yokes which have weighed down the minds and spirits of your children.  Remove fears and doubts that lurk in our minds which cause people to not reach their full potential. Purge them of their troubles and sins that have encumbered them from being all that they can be in your name.  Remove the darkness and allow your light to strengthen them and may it make away for their lights to shine so that man can see your good works and to glorify your name! Through this process I ask and pray that your children will form a relationship with you.  Learn to be in prayer, supplication, praise and worship of your name.  I ask that you will touch and anoint your children igniting a burning deep inside and bestow them with wisdom and a loving spirit. 

Lord, I believe despite the bleak outlook so many of your children have on life there are still great days of hope ahead and that hopefulness is through you!  Your word tells us that as our Shepard you will go after lost sheep.  So I pray this day Father God, in the name of Jesus, you the Shepard will find and bring your children back to the fold joyously. Meet them at their crossroad of uncertainty and convey peace to their souls. For your word clearly tells us that you will never leave or forsake us at any time. This I pray in your son Jesus Christ name, Amen.

Tigner Rand

All Dad's are Lame but I Rock!

Dear Old Morehouse Father & Sone

Father's Day Public Service Announcement:
Men, just in case the third Sunday in June slips the minds of your loved ones, or you receive the same tie or a pack of underwear  yet again for Father’s Day I want take this time to recognize you for your dedication of providing the family with unusual antics and bizarre behavior our children so dearly love.  Though your hard work may sometimes go unnoticed I celebrate you on this super fantastic and amazing day!

Now, that the Public Service Announcement is out of the way let me state for the record it is no secret that in the eyes of a child, fathers can be either the world’s greatest or the weirdest dad of them all. Some daddies reach the ranks of super-hero while others fall in the category of being deadbeats. Some children admire their friend’s old-man from afar and dream that their pops should be that guy. Regardless of all the flaws, imperfections, and goofy papá’s everywhere, there is a kindred spirit deep inside men that children seem to cherish and admire despite our strikingly odd or unusual character.

How to shoot a gun

 Common Characteristics of Dads
I could write for days of the myriad of possible answers that can describe a dad; from their character, abilities, (inabilities), strengths, (weaknesses), personalities, skills, and love that is often shown in weird and wonderful ways from a man. 

The Wrath of my Dad's Love
Here is a bit of insight of my father, who was a gentle and often quite man. He was a compassionate gentleman until he felt taken advantage of then the wrath, close to God-like would come down upon any person he felt mistreated him or his family. Wearing a big smile, he was always polite, and spoke the 

Texas Rangers Father's Day

King’s English whenever greeting the ladies.  was a loving man who cared for his family, a hard worker and provider.  I never saw a joking or funny side just the Sargent mentality, which I guess came from twenty-four dedicated years in the Air Force. We had fond times together through my childhood days like teaching me to shoot my first gun at the age of nine, driving a car at ten and going to a special Texas Ranger Father’s Day game at twelve. There where quite times we also shared just sitting on the front porch watching time pass. On occasion, I longed for my father to have an opportunity to attend some of my games; work and providing for family came before pleasure.  However, when the alarm was sounded I do recall an incident when he took off work to address issues with my coach. He was very protective and would sacrifice life and limb for the family.  In spite of my father’s unconditional love, in my mind’s eye I still saw him differently; more as the disciplinarian who often reacted first and asked questions later.  Now that life has run its course of time and I have grown older, there was much learned from my father’s out of the ordinary way of teaching, his wisdom was bestowed upon my well-Being. Though it took many more adult years to understand, it eventually made sense helping me to develop into a pretty decent man and father.  Proverbs Chapter 3:1 clearly speaks from the voice of our Heavenly father as well as earthly father:  My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity.  These are just a few words of wisdom he preached.

Me and my twins

 One Sunday afternoon, not long ago, I got the shock of my life. It occurred out of the clear blue my children told me that I was LAME.  Sure I tell a few bad jokes, act as a jester around the house wearing underwear on my head while making my  moves like Jagger,  and singing all the wrong words  to Kelly Clarkston’s Stronger…  “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger hey it’s just me myself and I!  So does this really make me a LAME?   Despite numerous attempts to get a clear and concise reasoning for being called LAME their response was rhetorical; you are just LAME daddy, while holding up their hand forming a ‘L’ to symbolize me being LAME. (Sigh) After shaking my head came a deep and prolonged audible respiration of air.  I guess when it is all said and done the duty of a child is to see their parents as old ancient creatures from another era, in short an old man.

Children look for guidance 
Since the beginning of time children look at their parents as old and antiquated light years from understanding or comprehending what is happing. Today’s generation perceive us as being unable to “chill” get “crunk” or hang out with them in a cool un-parent type of way. Regardless to the opinions of my twelve and nineteen year old children, I am a pretty good old guy.  I spend a lot of time with them listening to their issues about life along with teaching the facts of life.  To be honest I believe I’ve done well.

Good & Bad Fathers
In nature we will always find opposites; left and right, good and bad, up and down, as well as right and wrong. So it stands to reason that society provides us with a select group of men who don’t deserve being a father; some abuse while others are others absent, and many are not fit to be called a man.  Just because you are a male and capable of producing off-spring does not constitute you being a father.  Being a good father is a learned behavior.  Like father like son (child) Fathers and sons (and daughters) resemble each other, and they tend to do what their fathers did before them.  It also stands to reason, just because you are a “successful” man, in the work force that does not constitute being a father money cannot solve all problems.  It takes a special man to be a father like Abba Father in heaven who has love and compassion toward his children.  Likewise, earthly fathers have to mimic these attributes with unconditional love, be a teacher of right and wrong, have the wherewithal to punish when needed but not condemn.  A real father is a person you should be able to approach with a problem, he is unbiased, and he has an open ear to listen, wisdom to guide and enough emotions to care.  No matter how upset, disappointed or angry God the father may be toward his children he still forgave and continued to love. 

Loving Always Motivating Effectively
As a mortal father I exemplify these attributes of God in heaven by knowing when to let go, when to hold on, listen and speak wisely.  So, with all this being said and after reflecting on my new found title as being LAME, I have come to the conclusion that my children were absolutely correct that their dad is really a LAME!  Guess what I am proud of it.  Little do they know being LAME is my alter-ego and I live up to the acronym which stands for Loving Always Motivating Effectively in all I do with my children, Thanks kids for naming me the world’s greatest LAME Dad!

Tigner Rand

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Three Little Birds and their joyful praise

Seagulls and Palm trees

Animals They Praise God
Ever wonder if animals praise God? Psalm 148 gives us a clear picture that all creation praises God. However verses: 7-12, undoubtedly affirms that not only creatures of the ocean, trees and storm clouds but also birds and kings of all nations.

Praise the Lord from the earth,
    you great sea creatures and all ocean depths,  lightning and hail, snow and clouds,
    stormy winds that do his bidding,  you mountains and all hills, 
    fruit trees and all cedars,
 wild animals and all cattle,
    small creatures and flying birds,
 kings of the earth and all nations,
    you princes and all rulers on earth,
 young men and women,
    old men and children.

God created man in his own image Genesis 1:26 with the intent that all his creation should love Him and worship Him. Unlike animals, [creatures] God does not force man to praise Him; he gives each of us a choice.

Listen to the birds praise God
Each morning many of us rise to the sounds of birds cheerfully serenading the dawn of a new day.  Often for hours you hear the repeated chorus from each species. The songs heard in the morning  is quit different from that what you hear from the same birds during mid day.  The morning croon seems to be happy and full of true unconditional praise, something each of us should do daily.

Three Little Birds
The attached audio is a brief example of what I am greeted with each morning when I walk out my door. One has to imagine this was the inspiration to Bob Marley’s classic song Three Little Birds

Learn how to Praise God
This is my message to you, if we as children of God can learn how to make a joyful praise like the birds, learn to worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs his love will endure forever and his faithfulness will continue through all generations.

Tigner Rand 

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Mindless doddle can predict your future!

Doodles and Smiles

Perfecting your future by doodling
Doodling, sketching, or scribble scrabble whatever you want to call it many of us occasionally find ourselves creating meaningless drawings usually while thinking, talking on the telephone or in a very important meeting. These illustrations typically consist of bulging eyed caricatures, abstract lines, stars or flowers on a note pad.  Some pen-and-ink depictions are anatomically correct while others are a mystery even to the artist. Did you know great opportunities can be found in between the lines of each picture?  I recently read an article which stated what you doodle can reveal a lot about the type of person you are. Doodles, like dreams are subconscious symbols which can “reveal much about hidden goals or types of jobs that can make you happy.” So don’t put that pen and pad away just yet! Stress expert, Debbie Mandel admits her intent is to doodle her way into a creative idea every day.

Bright Eyes and happy smiles

Doodling has been medically diagnosed by professionals who believe such mindless behavior can uncover new possibilities for you and loved ones.  Take me for example; I typically scribble the outline of eyes and faces during my idle time. According to the doodle experts I am a smart person… (Cricket sounds), they cannot be talking about me! While handwriting expert Dr. Marc Seifer PhD also forecast that such doodlers are intriguing and care about the feelings of others… (Now that bears a resemblance to me).  The list of other factoids includes the geometric drawer is considered a focused go-getter, while those who create hearts and animals demonstrate they are filled with love. Not to leave out the sensitive artiste typically draw flowers while an energetic person usually scribes their name or initials on every surface available.   What do your doodles say about you? 

Professor Who doodle

The Talents inside each of use
God established inside our spirits talents. As found in the parable, God gives us, according to his ability these gifts. Some may have one, two, three or multiple talents (Matt 25:14-30).  In this story, the servant that received one talent chose to do nothing with his gift. Are you guilty of hording your talents or believe you have nothing to contribute to others?  We all possess a skill set, trait, or personality that can be used to Praise God as well as uplift our fellow man. Many spend a life time trying to uncover talents while others discover their aptitudes and nurture them early in life.  The Bible also speaks of talents as treasures or a form of currency which equates to about 20 years of a day laborer’s wage.  In the Old Testament, a talent is described as a biblical measure of weight, usually applied to precious metals such as gold or silver which weighed approximately seventy-five pounds (2 Sam 12:30).  Metaphorically, when I think of my talents and the bible’s definition of a talent it gave me a whole new perspective and appreciation of what God had given.   I perceive my abilities now as something that should not or cannot be easily squandered, wasted or tossed to the side.  A seventy-five pound talent is hard to misplace or throw away unlike a quarter or small valueless object.  So, however you uncover your talents; doodling, prayer or if you know what they are guard them and make sure to edify the Lord.

A Mustache Doodle

How to uncover your Though it may appear that you have no talents, or traits of any kind and you are struggling to recognize your God given gifts, finding them begins with acknowledging what are your passions, such as the things you love or enjoy doing. God has equipped us with what is needed to unwrap our gifts by following our heart, abilities, personality and life experiences.  Our experiences are uniquely your own so where one person loves assisting others; another is a great orator, teacher, preacher, artist, or doctor.  Once revealed, you can soar on wings like eagles; run and not grow weary, walk and not be faint. Why? Because this is your passion and you would not give it a second thought while doing it. Your abilities provide you with a willingness to go the extra mile stay up into the midnight hour and never tire. Understand that by not using or opening your gifts is worthless and a lack of appreciation for what God gave you. It is like having a very expensive car parked in the driveway but never took the time to open the door or turn the key that car is nothing but junk.  Once discovered and implemented you could realistically never work another day in your life.

A Harry Hippie Doodle

As talented as we are in our professions most of us currently work in some environments that don’t allow us to exercise our strengths or forte, we divulge all our time working and attempting to make a living doing something that drains the joy out of life.  With your new found gifts, time to edify God as well as educate others.  Recall to mind with valiant effort that deeply rooted inside each of us is a bit of Picasso and a talent which can reveal great possibilities.  So the next time you stare mindlessly into space and begin doodling let your creativity run free, allow yourself to find and perfect your future with Christ.

Tigner Rand

It is inside like a clown you cry

A Happy Clown

Clowns are the saddest people on earth
It has been said that Clowns are the saddest people in the world.  Their life consists of being kings and queens of humor; jesters who entertain with antics, or practical jokes that bring out the child in people of all ages. It is when the lights fade to black and the crowds make their way home, that these painted face pranksters return to a sense of normalcy once they remove their decorated disguises of gigantic smiles revealing their true identity.  Their pain floods the soul so much it over flows, only they and God can see the real heartache. Laughter may hide sadness however when happiness disappear, sorrow is always there.

You are not alone
Do you find yourself easily moved to tears, struggling mentally trying to hide your pains on the inside from the world around you? At different phases in life many find themselves playing the role of a clown by hiding the tear tracks of true feelings. As with most things, some are better than others in camouflaging their violent yet intense struggle in living.  It is inside our homes, minds, and spirit that we cry trying to find peace, love and some comfort. Recently I heard a pastor/gospel recording artist named Kenton Rogers, make public how the passing of his mother caused physical and mental pain which lead to lying in the bed in a fetal position grieving for weeks. It took all the strength his feeble body could muster up to pull himself out of bed each Sunday to preach the Holy word. Yes, even Preachers and leaders find themselves on the border of their faith fighting through tears of pain, all torn up searching for some relief.

Laughter is the best medicine
Even while laughing a heart can ache, and joy can end in grief Prov. 14:13. Life’s journey can make way to all forms of discomfort and when facing such grief we often have nowhere to turn just as Job experienced during his tragic escapade of losing virtually everything he loved and owned.  In the midst of his pain and confusion, Job searched for God just as many of us do during our crisis. If only I knew where to find him; if only I could go to his dwelling Job 23:3.  No matter where you turn God cannot be found not east, west, north or south but he knows the way that you go and from your test you will come forth as gold. Job 23:10.  It is during sorrowful times Christians have to find inner strength to dig deep within and conger up faith which can sustain all sadness.

Not long after Jesus appointed his twelve disciples, he encountered a barrage of people in need of healing. So as they reached Judea they were met by a great number of ‘troubled’ people; diseases and impure spirits Luke 6:17-19. Though the Bible did not indicate other conditions it is a safe bet that many individuals where masters of concealing their sadness no different than we do today. Realizing the desires and conditions of the people Jesus began Blessings and eases Woes.  Looking at his disciples, he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.  Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh, rejoice in that day and leap for joy Luke 6:20-23.  I find it amazing that the crowd all tried to touch Jesus, because power was coming from him and healing them all. Verse 19 exemplifies that despite their afflictions they had enough faith to believe that through Jesus Word and by touching him they would be healed. Stop and think for a minute, if we as believers would take the same mind set as the people of Judea,  the clown like behavior can actually be eradicated if we would simply take the time and reach out and ‘touch and agree’ with God’s word. 

As a believer of the Word, God wants us to use our faith to rise above the troubles that cause us to masquerade around hurt and dejected. Contrary to your belief God does hear the cries and knows your pains. None of us are immune from any worries in the world, however, when turbulent days increase make sure you are plugged into the source; through praise, worship, and thanksgiving unto God. Over a true smile will find its way to your face.  As you continue your walk with Christ, seek to improve yourself spiritually by inviting the Holy Spirit into your life, studying the word, loving others as you love yourself, and be kind hearted.  Utter a prayer of praise just as David did I will lift mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help Psalms 121. Remember, God will never leave or forsake you. Trust and believe in his word and the Lord will fill you up with his Holy Spirit and in due time, you can begin to laugh out loud again without the tear tracks of a clown. 

Tigner Rand

A Love That Never end: Mother

A Mother's Day Poem:

Every year in May there is time set aside

A DAY – when young and old give praise

Each expressing joy of former days.

Many lavish with flowers some call and talk for hours

While others choose to treat with good food to eat.

There are those who like to reminisce on the good she has done -

Like a shoulder to cry on in time of need

She is a soldier always ready and willing to do another good deed.

As the tides of life ebbs and flows one can still be mystified of her ability

To

Always realize

When trouble is within -

She is there through thick and thin.

No matter how your love is expressed there is one thing that remains true

This is a special gift sent from GOD for me and you

SHE – is your true friend

SHE – is MOTHER

The one we all LOVE until the end


Tigner

Let go of bitterness or let it control your life



Turn that frown upside down

Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy. Prov. 14:10


What causes Bitterness?

Bitterness – A feeling of deep, bitter anger and ill-will. allowing this hurt, pain, or anger, to permeate in your soul it can ultimately destroy life; physically and spiritually.



Bitterness – Causes a person to develop: misery, sadness, sorrow, anguish, unhappiness, unpleasantness. Their focus is on hostility, or grievance. It can lead to resentment and justify retaliation. It will also develop:

• Emotional instability

• Lack of peace

• No joy

• Low performance


Bitterness - Triggers other sins to manifest in your spirit. It contributes to grudging admirations and desires to have something possessed by another’s.

• Prideful ambitions

• Envy

• Cruelty toward family & friends

• Self-pity



Letting go of Bitterness

Christ Jesus knows this cancer called bitterness lingers in your heart. He longs for you to repent, forgive yourself as well as those who may have caused the pain. He is standing on the side-line of your life waiting on an invitation to relinquish your pain and suffering. Scripture tells us each person (heart) knows its own bitterness. When such pain is festering in the heart no one can share your joy let alone give joy back. Just as a woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world John 16:21. Learning to release and letting go of grief can make way for joy. Furthermore, God did not create us in his image with the intent of being sad, bitter, angry, or with a negative spirit. These adverse words or feeling are demonic mind tricks Satan sets up before God’s children to keep you from walking in God’s favor. Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes Eph. 6:10-11.



You hold the key to a Happy Heart

The word JOY is mentioned in the Holy Bible well over one hundred times for a reason; "A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit" Prov. 15:13. You hold the key to these steps to unlock your heart.



Step one: Crush bitterness admit the problem

Step two: Seek God and develop a relationship


Step three: Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind, tenderhearted, forgiving to one another, as God in Christ forgave you Eph. 4:31-32.



Forgiveness

 
• Forgiveness of self and those who did you wrong is needed to eradicate bitterness.

• It begins the healing process

• It will allow you to focus on Christ

This ultimately leads to joy! A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones" Proverbs 17:22.



Start each day with praise, worship, and count your blessings one by one. Joy is a gift from God by way of the Holy Spirit. When we imitate the Lord, it allows the suffering to dissipate 1Thes 1:6. Find your Joy it can conquer all.



Tigner James