I FORGIVE YOU AND MYSELF

YOU WERE A BETTER GRANDFATHER THAN FATHER, BUT I FORGIVE YOU AND MYSELF

My father and I were estranged for years because I could not understand his absence from my life. So I blamed my mother for his departure from our lives and began separating myself from my family. For 30 years, I saw my family once or twice a year. "But today, when I begin to write this letter, it made me realize that the same thing I was angry about with my father I did to my family. I would come home or occasionally call, going on with my life. But not really living my life because I was alone Within Myself, and I did not know how to come out but God. When my mother had her stroke and developed Alzheimer's, I was in New York working for JP Morgan. When my family said they couldn't handle her, I visited. When she saw me, she immediately knew who I was and said, "Please do not let me stay in this nursing home." So my first thought was, I can't take care of her. I can't leave my job and home in New York to return here, and why should I? She took care of them more than me, let them do it. On the way back to New York, all I could think about was my mom, and I asked God why I had to take care of her or my dad. They didn't take care of me like they should. Months went by, and it felt like I was on punishment. Nothing was going right for me. So, I asked God, " What do You want me to do, " 'He said to go home." But I am home. No, a few more months went by all hell broke loose.

My Son needs more of my time, but work does not allow it. I need to see my family more because they're falling apart, But work doesn't allow it. Around this time, Bank One had merged with us and offered 20 years or more of early retirement with 3 years of full pay and four years of medical. Around this time, so many jobs were lost, so unemployment was extended to almost two and a half years for some people, and my unemployment came from New York. Around this time, my niece moved back to NY, so I could leave my house in her care. My surroundings pressured me into obedience, and I came home. I took care of my mother for six years and rekindled our relationship. Doing care for my mother, God was humbling my spirit, and before she died in an Alzheimer's state, she told me, Mary, I know you did not understand the absence of your father or the pull back from me.

I did not know how to explain it where you would understand then, and now I understand you were lost and alone. When your dad and I separated, I had to raise you alone and focus on the weak more than the strong; you are the strongest link in the chain. My mother left me with more than I could imagine and still cares for me today. I told her that I forgave her, and now she forgave me. Also, you have to forgive your father too. I said I don't think I could do that. She said you have to. God is trying to take you somewhere, and you won't make it if you don't. I said yes to her, but I didn't mean it; that was in 2011. In 2019 my father asked to live with me. I said no because we live two different lifestyles, and I didn't want him to. I prayed about it and sought counseling, but I still was reluctant. Again God and my surroundings made me obedient. My father and I began to rekindle our relationship as well. He did not come to my graduation but went to my Son's graduation. He did not come to my wedding but was there for my Son. I did not have the opportunity to hang out with him, but my Son's did. In tears, my father said if I let him live with me, he would change his life, and he did. Six days before he stopped speaking, he said I didn't have much to give, but he gave me all his love that he did not give me when I needed it. As I was writing this letter, I began to see God's plan unfold in my life that I did not see before. Thank You, Lord, for the revelation of forgiveness. So today, I bury all my anger and unforgiveness for you and everyone. 

Are you embittered by anything that keeps you in bondage? It's time to make peace. It's time to accept the unchangeable past, embrace the priceless present, and have faith in tomorrow's promise. It's time to trust God completely. It's time to reclaim His peace that should be yours.

BE PATIENT IT'S NOT YOUR SEASON YET

 Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 To EVERYTHING there is a SEASON and a TIME for every matter or purpose under heaven.

There is a time for everything, even killing. This doesn't mean murdering someone, but warfare, Capital punishment, or self-defense. There's a time and season for whatever happens.

Lord, we understand that there is a predetermined season and a fixed plan for every happening. Father, help us know that everything has a season and give us the patience to help us wait. Lord, let us not have desires of the flesh which will not allow us to observe the season, which could spell disaster. So, thank You for this season of harvest, and let us not pluck it too soon. Lord, we lift our hearts in gratitude to the Sun, which, together with rain, wind, and earth, worked in harmony to produce this bountiful harvest that will happen in due time. In Jesus' name Amen

 

DON'T SPEAK GENERATIONAL SICKNESS IN OUR LIVES

We have to stop claiming generation curses over our family and ourselves. Stop saying kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, and diabetes run in our families. Stop saying to our children, "they from big people, so they're going to be big." Stop claiming generation curses over ourselves and our children. Instead, say you're going to be the gate that all these generation sicknesses run out. 🏃‍♂️ We do this by making changes to our lives, not in medications but the nature and the Spirit.

It sounds unfair for God to punish children for the sins of their fathers. However, there is more to it than that. The effects of sin are naturally passed down from one generation to the next. When a father has a sinful lifestyle, like overeating, drunkenness, and not practicing a healthy lifestyle, his children are likely to practice the same sinful lifestyle. Implied in the warning of Exodus 20:5, You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me.

Father, let us be the gate that our generation's curses of sickness pass through by changing our lifestyles. Lord, let Your Spirit override our worldly desires contributing to our condition. Lord, let not the Spirit of overeating and drunkenness be a put of our day-to-day struggles. Instead, fill us with Your wisdom and knowledge of eating in moderation and practicing a healthier lifestyle to help us overcome sickness and diseases. Lord, we place our sick under Your care and humbly ask that You restore Your servants to health again. Above all, grant us the grace to acknowledge Your will and purpose for our lives. In Jesus' name Amen

 

DELIVERED

The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those crushed in spirit.

We have been delivered from droughts, plague, diseases, and the enemy. We have been made blessings to others...

Lord, You are always faithful; give us the attitude of trust in Your wisdom, peace, love, and power. Baptize us in the Holy Spirit that empowers us to pursue righteousness and obey Your Word. Lord bless us with the Fruit of the Spirit to strengthen our faith and help us overcome our unbeliefs. Lord, thank You for walking with us through this Valley of death and steering us around the obstacles of impatience and restlessness that take our focus off You. Father, we are overwhelmed with Your inexpressible favor on our lives, Your greatness, and glory; we praise You for being Who You are in us and through us. We thank You for forgiveness and for teaching us how to forgive. Thank You for being so patient with us and for being in our lives ❤️ In Jesus' name Amen 

ARE WE THANKFUL ENOUGH

 "And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among us richly as we teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in our hearts."

Being thankful is repeated in Scripture, so having a grateful Spirit is imperative.

Thank You for lifting me when I could not reach. Thank You for giving me eyes to see through the darkness. Thank You for carrying me through this Valley of Death when I could not walk. Thank You for giving me ears to hear You when You speak. Thank You for surrounding me with Spiritual Soldiers that help keep my enemies from harming me and my Guardian Angels that keep the fiery arrows from penetrating. Thank You for my children and their children and I'm thankful in advance for justice for my son Eddie 💙 Thank You for the shelter and roof over my head And for the overflow of food and drinks. Thank You. I woke up in my right mind and in good health. Thank You. I'm not in a war-torn country, and I bless those struggling with this life. Thank You for giving me a better understanding of Your grace and divine peace. Thank You for separation from the things that are not of You. Thank You for Your faithfulness in Jesus' name Amen 

BE CAREFUL OF THOSE THAT CAUSE DIVISION

 

Romans 16:17 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.

Be careful of people that take bits and pieces of the Word to use against you or for their own purposes

DON'T BE EASY TO ANGER

 "A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention." "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power, love, and self-control."

We accomplish more when we address people and our issues with a calm Spirit.

Lord, give us the fruit of self-control, so we will never let our emotions overpower our intelligence. Let not our anger turn us into a broken city without walls. Let our rage not blind us as we walk through this Valley of death, but let Your peace gives us eyes that see. Father, help us understand that anger is a portal the devil uses to enter our hearts. So, let the Holy Spirit fill our hearts and give You room to move. Lord, we want to live a righteous life to please You. So, fill us with the Holy Spirit to see all that's good and the path You have set for us. To walk by the Spirit, and we will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the wishes of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep us from doing the things we want to do. But if we are led by the Spirit, we quickly get angry because of our Spirits of self-control. In Jesus' name Amen 

DON'T USE YOUR MONEY TO LOOK RICH BE RICE IN SPIRIT IT'S FREE

"For where our treasures are, our hearts will also be." "No one can serve two masters, for either, we will hate one and love the other, or we will be devoted to one and despise the other. Therefore, we cannot serve God and money.

Our priorities are genuinely out of perspective when we put our desire ahead of our needs. If our heart is all about material things, we are serving money. What sense does it make to have red bottom shoes, but you don't own the closet you put them in. You're driving a Mercedes, but your rent is late or behind. You have a Christian Dior purse filled with nothing but overused charge cards. You wear only designer clothes but can't afford to have them cleaned. Some people feel inferior to those around them, buying things they can't afford to fit in with people who don't care. Our priorities are genuinely out of perspective when we put our desire ahead of our needs. Stop buying stuff to look rich and invest your money in things that will make you rich.

Father, we agree in the great and mighty Name of Jesus Christ to help us put our priorities in perspective. Lord, teach us how to number our days, so we will become more aware of the Holy Spirit at work in and through us. Lord, help us stay in sync with You to help us consider what's more important on our to-do list and decide whether it is a priority. Lord, Intervene in our lives to ensure we live our God-directed priorities. Let the Holy Spirit guide us to start each day with You in prayer, asking for Your help. Lord, let not the material things of the world replace the items of the Spirit in our hearts, so realign our priorities with Your purpose. In Jesus' name Amen 

THE PEACE OF GOD SUPRESSES ALL UNDERSTANDING

Philippians 4:5-7 The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus

Lord, let not our unforgiveness turn into anger that turns into hate. So, baptize us in the Spirit of forgiveness that helps us forgive. Father, let not our sorrow make us powerless in the face of challenges, so baptize us with the Fruit strength and courage, so we will stand on Your Word and practice what we have learned. Lord, let nothing but injustice anger us; let not the oppressors bring us to self-pity. That brings disorder in our lives, the division that weakens us, and Moral Laziness. Lord, baptize us with the Fruit of self-control that will help restore order in our lives. Thank You, Lord, for taking our hands and leading us around the obstacles that will make us stumble and fall. Thank You for always being fair and just. Thank You for correcting and sending us in the right direction. Lord, let every road we travel lead us to Your purpose; in Jesus' name Amen.

GIVE THANKS IN EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE

"Giving thanks for all things, in all circumstances (Ephesians 5:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:18), being thankful even in suffering (Romans 5:3-5; James 1:1-4), and to do everything in the name of Jesus out of a spirit of gratefulness (Colossians 3:17)."

Thank You, Lord, for teaching us how to breathe so we can catch our breath and move in the right direction. Lord, we pray our children and their children will come to You, so let them receive all that's good in their learning and studies. Thank you for being our Shepherd and providing for our needs. Thank You for the overflow so we can help the least of us. Thank You for never letting us down or looking the other way when we were kicked around. Thank You for searching for us when we steer off the path of righteousness and protection in this Valley of death. Thank You for Your Word that helps men are broken pieces. Thank You for the wake call this morning and for being in our right minds. In Jesus' name Amen

 

IT'S ME LORD YOUR UNWORTHY SERVANT

 All my life, You have been faithful. You give me peace in the middle of all the confusion around me. Thank You, I don't worry about things and the future; I can't control so much anymore. Thank You for teaching me how to breathe and control my emotions. Thank You for all the Spiritual Soldiers and Guardian Angels around me. Thank You for the wisdom and understanding that helps humble my walk. Thank You for the means to do what has to be done, and thank You for the overflow. Teach me how to be a better Steward with Your money and take away my fleshly desires. Father, give me Your strength and courage to be faithful amid life's struggles and storms. Give me eyes that stay focused on You, my purpose, and ears that hear Your instructions around the obstacles ahead. Thank You for the privilege to be a part of Your Holy family. Lord, help me with my unbeliefs, strengthen my prayer life, and help me use every opportunity to witness for You daily. Lord, You have shown me throughout Your Word that You love me, and I am so grateful. Forgive me for all the times I doubted You and the times I tried to handle things myself. I know You love and want the best for me; please teach me how to surrender all in Jesus' name. Amen.

WE ARE CONNECTED BY THE SPIRIT AND OUR HISTORY

Romans 10:12 "For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him.

"History is not there for us to like or dislike. It's there for us to learn from. So if someone's history offends us even better." Because then we are less likely to repeat it. America History cannot be told correctly without Native American or black American history. Because the past teaches us about the present, it gives us the tools to analyze and explain our problems and oppressions. History explains behaviors and patterns that would be invisible in the present. We are created in God's image, so our gender, skin color, and differences are not what matters. Instead, the Spirit of God in us brings it all together. 

Father, we are grateful that Your Word is not just for one nationality, ethnicity, or race but for all people. Lord, teach us that the only difference between us is skin color. We all serve the same God. Thank You, Lord, for our diversity and for showing Your grace equally. Let Your Word be clear that all believers are one in You. So, give us eyes that view one another as You view us. Thank You, Lord, for not showing favoritism but accepting from every nation the ones who fear You and do what is right."Thank You, Lord, for not favoring one person or group. Thank You for acknowledging the diversity of Your creations while showing grace equally. In Jesus' name Amen

A HUNGER FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS AND JUSTICE

"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."

Women who hunger for righteousness and justice have played a role throughout history, from walking with our Savior to our Civil Rights Movement. For example, in 1960, when Martin Luther King was assassinated, his widow Coretta Scott King, courageously took her husband's place in leading a peaceful protest march. Coretta Scott King had a deep passion for justice and was a fierce companion of many causes.

Lord, today may you help us cultivate a hunger for Your righteousness and justice for all here on Earth. Father, baptizes in the Holy Spirit that helps us be a part of Your work and do what's right. So, give us Your courage and strength to fight injustice correctly and look to You first for guidance. Lord, let us not miss the opportunities during these unjust times to witness for You. To fill the hearts of all people with Your love and compassion through Your Word. May we secure justice by sharing love, mercy, and equality for everyone? Father, we ask You to end all division and a human society built on love, forgiveness, peace, and understanding. In Jesus' name Amen

EXAMINE YOURSELF

 1 Corinthians 11:28 "Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup.

Life situations will make us examine our faith and how much we really trust God. To examine our faith, we will first need quiet time with God. Spending time studying, praying, worshiping, and fasting helps us hear from God directly and expeditiously. This will help us stay in alignment with Him and our purpose. Next, examining ourselves allows us to assess our spiritual life. Then the Holy Spirit will give us eyes that see the obstacles in our way and how much we trust God to guide us around them.

Father, let us test and examine our ways, comparing them with what You have revealed in Your Word. Let the Holy Spirit show us when we think, speak, and act out of order with You, so we can repent and return home. Help us seek You when the testing of our faith arises so we will trust You and not rely upon ourselves. Lord, we understand that You test us because You love us and want us to grow in grace and in Your knowledge. So, help us "rejoice when being tested and count it all joy when we meet trials of various kinds, for we know that the testing of our faith produces perseverance, steadfastness, and endurance, so we know there's always a light at the end of the tunnel. Thank You, Lord, for the wake-up call, and thank You in advance for strength when we're weak and love when we feel forsaken. Wisdom when we're foolish, comfort in our grief, courage when we're afraid, and peace amid confusion. In Jesus name

PRAY WITH ME

"Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." "Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God."

Good morning, Lord; we come to You with a heart of gratitude and praise, thanking You for keeping us through another night and thanking You in advance for the hedge of protection around us today. Thank You for Your forgiveness Lord, and help us forgive those that have wronged us. Lord, deliver us from the hands of addiction, adultery, greed, pride, drunkenness, and strife, so the kingdoms of the earth may know that You alone, Lord, are God.' Lord, strengthen our prayer and study life to help us recognize Your presence here on earth. Lord, fill us with Your wisdom and the knowledge to implement You in our daily lives and situations. Lord, baptize us in the Holy Spirit that empowers us to pursue righteousness and obey Your Word. Father, bless us with the Fruit of the Spirit to strengthen our faith and courage to help us stand on Your promise. Lord, thank You for holding our hands that remove our fears and doubts so we are not like waves of the sea, blown and tossed around this Valley of death. Lord, give us eyes that stay focused on You with unshakable faith; in Jesus' name, Amen.

SAVE OUR CHILDREN

Psalm 127:3 "Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him" Who we assume the responsibility to love and teach them the way to go, Lord, forgive us for falling short".

Lord, we come together today to bind the works of the Devil and our oppressors over our children. Father, we ask that You keep Your hedge of protection around them in their comings and goings. Lord, fill their hearts with hope so they feel they have something to live for so they don't give up. Father, we ask you to persecute those who fill their minds and Thoughts with violence. Father, pull the wool off the faces of those who flood our neighborhoods with guns and persecute them of Your will. Lord teaches us how to study and pray with our children as our parents and grandparents did with us. Lord, equip their teachers with the wisdom and knowledge they need to survive today. Lord, forgive us for falling short of Your mercy, grace, and favor for not teaching our children Your way. So, right now, Lord, help us point them down Your highway that will take them off the world's streets. Don't let us lose them to this Valley of death. Lord, let them hear Your instructions so they will be guided to habits and behaviors that strengthen Your character. Lord, give their hearts to feel the pain and suffering 💔 parents, families, and friends go through when gun violence erupts. Lord, please don't turn a deaf ear to our problem; we ask You to intervene in the Holy Spirit of Jehovah Rohi and save our children. In Jesus' name Amen

EVERYTHING

The earth is the Lord's and all its fullness the world and those who dwell therein, for He has founded upon the Seas and established it upon the waters.

Lord, we are Your people and all the earth. You created us and everything in this world 🌎 for a purpose, to serve You and continue building Your Kingdom. So, we pray for a more substantial study and prayer life to keep us strong. We pray for knowledge and courage when we witness, compassion and kindness when we serve, and faith to stand on Your promise. Lord, help us be inward-changed men and women, so unclutter our hearts to give You room to move in a mighty way. Thank You for keeping us through the night, and thank You in advance for the hedge of protection around our families and us today. Lord, we hold our heads high, seeking Your face; give us eyes that see how You work and educate us in Your ways. Lord, grab us by the hands and lead us around the obstacles ahead and down the path of Truth. Lord, You are fair, and just mark us with Your sign of love and walk with us as we witness for You. Father, when our flesh rises up against our Spirits, let Your wisdom we have learned lay it to rest. Thank You, Lord, for clearing our name and restoring us to our heavenly Father. Amen 

INVEST IN YOU

 Invest in our Spirit and in acts of charity. The yield rate is the highest on the market.

"Jesus taught, "'Use our worldly resources to benefit others and to make friends. In this way, our generosity stores up a reward for us in heaven."

Don't be a hoarder of things you can bless others with: shoes that dry rot before we wear them; blankets and sheets we no longer use; clothes we have not worn for over two years, and so much more. We can all be a blessing to others, and there is no higher return. The best investment we'll ever make is in our Spirits and in acts of charity 😀

Father, baptize us in the Holy Spirit to nourish our hearts and strengthen our faith. Lord, help us understand that we are weak and defenseless without You, so help us practice what we have learned so Your wisdom will manifest in our lives. Lord, fill our hearts with gratitude and love that inspires us to help transform our world 🌎 Give us eyes that see the good in all people and the compassion to help those less fortunate. Teach us when and how to be generous and serve our purpose by helping others and honoring You. Let us give without recognition or counting the cost. Lord, help us give of ourselves, knowing that the reward is serving and doing right by You. Amen

PRACTICE THE PRINCIPLES DAILY

Kwanzaa is celebrated for seven days from the end to the beginning of the year. But we must practice the principles daily so they will manifest in our lives.

K stands for Kings, our proud Black Kings

W stands for our strong Black Women

A stands for Africa, our beautiful Mother country

N stands for Nation courageous Black Nation

Z stands for Zawadi, the gift of love ❤️

A stands for All Black people in unity

A stands for All Black in agreement on the Spirit.

We need Umoja and Kujichagulia to come together and learn about our people and nation's heritage, customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements. We must develop Ujima to assemble into a collective whole and be responsible for each other. We need Ujamaa to develop businesses and communities owned and controlled by our people.

Father, we thank You for a new day, healthy, clothe, sheltered, and in our right minds, and we pray for those that were called home and the ones they left behind. Thank You for inviting us to recognize and understand Your divine grace in our lives. Enable us to see the reality of our flesh and help us put to rest hate, racism, envy, back-bitting, jealousy, and all that is not of You, to give You room to uproot it from our hearts, our society, and our world.  Lord, teach our young people that life is valuable and help them understand how to come together as one and stop mistreating and killing each other. Lord, we bow before You and recognize we need a Savior. Lord, we come to Your Altar with a heart of gratitude to give You thanks for Your Son and our freedom from sin. Father, touch us with Your Spirit; let us find joy even in a system that is built against us.  Lord, let us find peace in every situation, even the agony of death.  Father, let Your Spirit unite us and build our self-determination to strive for and maintain our families and communities.  Teach us to love each other like You love us, so we can work collectively and be responsible for each other.  Help us come together and create our own that will help us control our businesses, neighborhoods, and communities.  Lord, we know that You are our purpose for living, so order our steps in Your will, in Jesus' name. Amen

DO WHAT YOU'RE FAMOUS FOR SAVING US

Luke  1:77 To give us the knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of our sins. 2 Timothy 1:9 He has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ from all eternity.

Communicate with God daily, pray often, worship, and fellowship with other believers. Put God first in everything we do and stay focused on Him, and He'll do what He is famous for healing: Spiritually, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Protection: He walks with us through this Valley of Death. He steers us around the obstacles that will make us stumble. Peace: A peace that comforts us when all hell is breaking loose in our lives. He provides a secure and quiet place for us. Joy: when our hearts are filled with good values, the things God finds valuable. We obtain an unspeakable joy not because of an event, people, place, or something but of God. Strength: in times of weakness, He helps us stand firm in the faith; He gives us the courage to keep moving forward. Wisdom: Godly wisdom enables us to prepare ourselves for a life of prosperity, understanding, and eternity. With godly wisdom, we trade earthly values for biblical values. God has given us so much more than we deserve. He sent Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins and raised him from the dead, so we could live.

Father, You have called us to obtain the glory of Jesus Christ, who called us unto salvation through our faith and the Holy Spirit. Thank You for being our refuge and fortress; we will trust You. So, Lord, we come before You, just as we are, thank You for the forgiveness of our sins, and we forgive all others for what they have done against us. We renounce Satan, the evil spirits, and all their works. We partner with You in this life and the next. In Jesus' name Amen