THANK YOU LORD

Father, let the righteousness of Your Son manifest in us as we bear our daily cross. Thank You for forgiving our sins and pardoning us through faith in the one who fulfilled all righteousness on our behalf. Thank You that we can stand on Your Word and witness Jesus' work in us. Thank You for grace to all who believe that Jesus died for our sins, the object of our faith, and the means of obtaining Your promise. Lord, forgive us because we have all missed the mark that You have planned for the human race, but our faith in Christ starts the restoration of Glory, and we are declared righteous in His name. Lord, thank You for purchasing us from the dark pits of this world. Thank You for the blood of Your Son and the purchase of our freedom through His sacrifice 🙏 Thank You for keeping us through the night, and thank You in advance for the hedge of protection around us today. Thank you for continuing to hold our hands as we walk through this Valley of Death in Jesus' name, amen.

EVERYONE CAN'T SPEAK IN TONGUES

Acts 2:4-8 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. 5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: "Aren't all these who speak Galileans? 8 Then how is it that we hear them in our native language? 

Speaking in tongues was given at Pentecost to communicate with the people Gathering from all the different parts of the Roman Empire, speaking one language they all understood. Speaking in tongues is not a gift we can turn on and off like a light switch.

Father, thank You for the gift of tongues for those with the gift, and let others not be like the Corinthians, speaking jibber-jabber to make themselves look holier than thou. Lord, let Your gift of tongue be used to edify Your kingdom and someone's soul, not for the entertainment of others. In Jesus' name Amen 

LORD UNITE US

I appeal to you all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that we all agree with one another in what we say and that there's no division among us, so we can be perfectly united in heart and mind.

Lord, whatever we are missing, give a sight that we see so we can move around the obstacles hindering us. Father, replace our misunderstanding with wisdom and the knowledge to diffuse Petty things. Lord, help us understand that those that are last will be first and those that are first will be last in your kingdom, so watch how we treat others. Father, we ask that You forgive us for losing a whole generation of Your children by not teaching them the way to go. By Your power and the power You invested in us through our faith in Your Son Jesus Christ, help us save our children. So, we thank You in advance for the hedge of protection around them and US, Lord. We thank You in advance for keeping them safe in their comings and goings and waking us up this morning. Lord, we thank you for peace, Joy, and happiness and for holding our hands through this Valley of Death. Father, thank You for pulling us out of the pit of Darkness and bringing us into Your marvelous light, and let us not judge those that made the same wrong turns. Instead, let us hold their hands and guide them to You so the transformation begins. Lord, give us the skills and solutions that will help bring us closer together. Please, unite us to ensure all our needs are met through the love and resources of each other. In Jesus' name, amen

BAGGAGE WILL HINDER OUR BLESSINGS

"Then Jesus said, 'Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."

God will provide for us Wherever our walk takes us, so stop carrying that bag of worry around with you. The weight from it will keep you from receiving God's gifts.

Lord, purge us from all the baggage we're carrying right now in the name of Jesus as we leave it on the altar in Your hands. Lord, teach us how to walk away from stress, self-destruction, and people that bring us down. Father, help us get rid of all that's not of You. Free us from worldly desires and replace them with the things of the Spirit. So, we can be free and at peace as we walk into Your plan. 

GOD IS THE ONLY THING THAT LAST FOREVER

Our troubles are minor. They last only for a short time. But they are earning for us a glory that will last forever. It is greater than all our troubles.

Nothing last forever: relationships without love and understanding won't last. Our employment will only last for a while, especially with advanced technology. Looks won't last.
We age primarily from our genes and how we take care of ourselves. But mother time always wins. You know, not even hard times last forever. BUT GOD IS FOREVER.

Lord, You are the only thing in our lives forever. Father, I've worked with Alzheimer patients that forgot their names, their family and friends, everything but You. This made me recognize. You are the most vital entity in our lives, and I am so grateful 🙏. Father, this world is uncertain, but You are faithful and just, so prepare us for what's to come. Lord, all that is happening today was written over Two Thousand years ago to help us not make the same mistakes 🙏. So, let our studies reveal Your will for us to guide us around the obstacles ahead of us and anything that keeps us from seeking You. Father, help us eradicate racism through the power of love and understanding. Father, teach us how to help the generation of children we lost and forgive us for not teaching them the way to go. Lord, thank You for keeping us through it all, and thank You in advance for the hedge of protection around us. In Jesus' name Amen 

REVEAL TO US

"The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever."  "Commit your action to the Lord, and your plans will succeed."

Father, reveal to us Who You are and set Your people and the World 🌎 right. Lord, take the wheel and do what's best for us because we know not what we do. Thank You, Lord, for the food that nourishes our body and the word that nourishes our souls. Thank You for forgiveness and teaching us how to forgive. Thank You, Lord, for discerning when, what, and how to do Your will in our lives. Lord, by the authority and the power invested in us through Your Son Jesus Christ, we speak health, strength, encouragement, and peace into our lives and the lives of others. Thank You for giving us a reason and a purpose to walk with You. Because the plan You have for us is good, not for destruction, to give us hope and a way of a better future. Lord, let Your light in us lead the lost to You so they, too, can know the truth. In Jesus' name Amen 

HAVE FAITH AND BELIEVE WHAT YOU CAN'T SEE

Jesus said to Thomas you believe because you have seen me, but the blessing comes to those who have not seen and yet still believe.

It's not the size of a war that kills; it's the heart of a person that kills. David killed Goliath with a rock and a slingshot, and Samson killed thousands of Philistines with the Jawbone of a donkey. God will give us victory in an unlikely way, so even though we don't see it happening, God has already planned it that way. So have Faith and believe what your eyes can't see.

Father, teaches that the only thing that counts in this world is our Faith in Christ. Expressing ourselves through love will last in our lives or make us complete. Lord, give us ears that hear Your Word and teach us to pray without ceasing and believe what we pray for, so You will answer our prayers. Lord, when we are under attack teach us how to breathe so our emotions do not override our spiritual thinking. Lord, give us a kind heart that will help Deliver Us from Pride and self-control that will keep us from self-indulgence in worldly desires. Lord, as we walk through this Valley of Death and struggle through the quicksand of our day-to-day lives, we count it all joy because You are with us. Thank You for the wake-up call this morning and the blessings You gave my family and friends. Thank You, Lord, when our worries, fears, and doubts arise we have You to turn to for hope. Thank You, Lord, for helping us get our homes, our lives, and our children in order and helping us teach them Your way. Lord, let Your Spirit come upon us in a mighty way, to give us victory over it all, in Jesus' name Amen 

FAITHFUL AND TRUE

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercy never ends; they are new every day; great is His faithfulness.

All of our lives, You have been faithful to us even when we didn't deserve it. Now we come to You for Your mercy and graciousness over our people. Lord, let Your goodness baptize us in the Holy Spirit that empowers us to pursue righteousness and obedience. Father, help our men, our Kings be fathers, husbands, and leaders, honest, loyal, and trustworthy leaders. Lord, help us teach our young women how to be proud, not loud to be heard or naked to be sexy. Lord, let them see themselves as Queens, mothers, wives, and women with a purpose. Lord, give our people self-determination and teach us how to work collectively to solve our problems. Teach us unity to see each other as an asset, not a threat or enemy. Father, show us how to build our neighborhoods and communities through Cooperative Economics by coming together and using our resources. Father, renew us daily with Your wisdom and the knowledge to implement You in our lives. Lord, reveal an understanding of Your plan for us and the wisdom of how to use it to be victorious. In Jesus' name Amen

ADVOCATE FOR THE LEAST OF US

The poor and needy have been oppressed, persecuted, used, underpaid, and even killed for the satisfaction of others. Who will be their Advocate? We are their Advocate. Jesus advocated for us. He even gave His life, so we could live and support others. The Holy Spirit advocates for us, and we are called to be the vessel for the poor and needy.

Proverbs 31:8-9 "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."

Father, teach us to be still and give You room to move in our lives. Bless us with unquestionable faith in Christ as we renew our minds with Your wisdom and knowledge daily. Lord, let us be inward-changed men and women who help those suffering and needing our love. Fill us with Your strength and courage to stand for justice and righteousness; help us advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves. Lord, You are inexpressible great, and we praise You for being Who You are in us 🙏 Baptist us with Your mercy, compassion, and proper judgment, so we will walk with Your favor knowing that You are All-powerful as we witness for You and advocate for others. In Jesus' name Amen 

DON'T BE CONTENT BEING FISHERMAN

Matthew 4:18-20 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon (who now is called Peter) and Andrew. They were casting nets into the lake, for they were fishermen. Come, follow me, Jesus said," and I'll make you a fisher of men. So, at once, they dropped their nets and followed Him.

 If we think we are doing good now, follow Jesus and walk into greatness. Sometimes where we are in life is not where we suppose to be, just like Simon and Andrew. What we are meant to do in life is serve Christ for the debt He paid. Walking with Jesus is a challenging journey, so we need unwavering faith and a few Disciples to walk with us as Jesus did. To help us stay on the right track to eternal Spiritual life.

Father, give us a strong desire for Your Word, so we will come to know Your Son. Let the Holy Spirit baptize us with wisdom, understanding, and the knowledge of how to implement You in our lives; that helps us become inward-changed men and women. So, we can grow to the levels that You have planned for us, which will bless us with unique gifts, blessings, and opportunities. Lord, teach us how to breathe when the enemy attack, so we can stay sober-minded with eyes that see things from Your perspective, not ours. Lord, teach us how to pray and give us ears to hear Your instructions. Thank You, Lord, for the Spiritual Soldiers You have around me and the Grauding angles that keep the fiery arrows of our enemies from harming us. Thank You for where we are blessed enough to help others and positively impact this Dark Vally. So Lord, right now, we pray for those in great need of You to step out on faith, He will do great things in our lives, and we can count on Him to keep His promise, in Jesus' name. Amen

RENEWED DAILY

Mark 2:21 "No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. Otherwise, the new piece will pull away from the old, worsening the tear. 22 And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins."

Lord, baptize us with the Holy Spirit that gives us a new heart ❤️ So the Word will fill us with wisdom. Let us not be cracked vessels, so the knowledge of You will keep us focused and on the right path. Jehovah Tsidkenu continues ordering our steps around the obstacles ahead of us and helps us walk in righteousness. Lord, we pray for eyes that see to help us recognize Your presence as we are renewed daily. Father, let not the confusion around us or the distraction of our day-to-day struggles overcome us. Instead, let us use our adversity to stand on Your Word and practice what we have learned. So we can become more Christ-like in character and actively pursue righteousness and obedience. Father, help us not worship the world that only offers us temporary unsatisfactory things. Instead, we chose to seek You and live a peaceful, prosperous, and eternal life for our Spirits. In Jesus' name Amen 

TRANSFORMATION

Jeremiah 32:38-40 And they shall be my people, and I will be their God. I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me forever, for their own good and the good of their children after them. I will make with them an everlasting covenant that I will not turn away from doing good to them. And I will put the fear of me in their hearts, that they may not turn from me.

Lord, give those like Elijah peace, direction, and joy when suicidal thoughts pop into their heads. Lord, bless those that wish they were never born like Job with hope for a better tomorrow. Father, when we are depressed like David or anxious like Moses, help balance our body chemistry that controls our moods and quiet the confusion around us. Father released those falsely incarcerated like Paul and bring forth their accusers. Lord chastise those with the cheating Spirit like Jacob and lead them back to righteousness. Lord, cleanse us from every addiction; let us not get drunk like Noah, but keep us sober-minded. Father, let those who are murderers like Paul be brought to swift justice. In Jesus' name Amen 

BELIEVE IN HIM AND HE WILL GIVE US PEACE

We all face challenges and hard times, whether experiencing financial struggles, personal difficulties, health problems, loneliness, or anxiety. With all the world's confusion and uncertainties, it can be challenging to find peace of mind. When we struggle to find peace in the world, we must study the Word to find peace in ourselves.

The Word will cleanse us from the inside out; it removes hate, drunkenness, addiction, confusion, loneliness, misunderstanding, anxiety, depression, and unforgiveness and replaces them with His love and peace.

Lord, thank You for an authentic personal relationship with You. Thank You for the infused confidence and courage we develop as we study Your Word. Thank You, Prince, of Peace, for coming to dwell in our hearts and work through our Brokenness and failures. Jehovah Shalom, "The Lord of Peace," let us experience peace by confronting sin and believing Christ is our Savior. Thank You for taking us out of a spiritual death and restoring us to our heavenly Father, who gives us wisdom, understanding, and peace. In Jesus' name Amen 

Celebration of Life: Deacon Lawrence James Dixon

A RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST IS THE PERFECT RELATIONSHIP

Matthew 7:12 "So whatever you wish that others would do to you, also do to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

The most important relationship we will have in our lives should be with Christ. That way, when all else fails, we can keep moving forward because He has His hands on us. People will never give us what we want or need, but Christ will, without a doubt. So, if you're in a bad relationship or are unsure what kind of relationship you're in, give it to God, pray, and be still. He will show us the way to go.

Lord, let us not take vengeance or bear a grudge against anyone. Father, remove us from everything and everyone that is not for us to make room for You to move into our lives. Father, give eyes to all who need to see what's happening with their significant other, so they can make the right decision about their lives. Lord, put someone in our lives that will be honest, kind, trustworthy, and loving. Father, teach us how to love You with all our hearts and Souls so whatever relationship we have will start with You. Because a heart that's filled with the love of Christ will be faithful to God and honest with us. Lord, thank You for satisfying our every desire and need to help us encourage each other and ourselves to trust in You for every aspect of our lives and relationships. Help us to spur each other on in our faith and walk with You. Continue to keep us focused as we walk through this Valley of Death. In Jesus' name Amen 

KEEP THE FAITH NO MATTER WHAT

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Our Father can control everything on this earth but choose not to. He made the blueprint and built the foundation for land and sea. And He's looking for the pure-hearted and those that have faith in Christ. He's always at the side of those that seek Him, so wake up, sleepyheads; the King of Glory is near. Who is the King of Glory, Christ, that keeps us armed and battle ready?

Lord, show us how You work; school us in Your ways. Father, we want to live in absolute unbroken fellowship with Christ, so we will not act in our will but in Your will. Lord, give us eyes that see things from Your perspective and ears that hear Your instructions. Teach us how to live in total dependence on You, without a doubt. Lord, strengthen our faith and help us with our unbelief assuring us tremendous security that is ours because we trust in You.  Thank You for protection in the faithfulness of Your Son Christ and for delivering us from hidden dangers and our enemies. Thank You for immunity from sickness and disease and for teaching us better health. Thank You for shelter and refuge, and bless those without. Thank You for freedom from fear and the evil plots of the wicked. Thank You for walking us around the destruction ahead and keeping us on the right path. Thank You for the Guarding Angles that walk with us to ensure safe passage. Thank You for choosing our hearts to dwell in and setting Your love and favor upon us. Thank You for the peace that keeps our hearts from being troubled about things we can't control. Father, we do not understand why so many bad things are happening in this world, but we trust You have a purpose, so we stand on Your promise; in Jesus' name, Amen.

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