THE GOD WHO SEE’S AND HEAR’S YOU

GENESIS 16: 5-12; 13-16

Have you ever wonder if God sees you or hears your prayers or cries for His help? He does for he never slumbers or sleep. He never ever takes a forty winks no siree, He is always on the job of caring for you and listening to your cries.

A Woman Name Hagar: Who was she?

Hagar was the Maid of Sari Abram’s wife, who she told to go and sleep with her husband Abram because she wanted a son. God gave this couple a promise of a child who will be from their own body. Sari got impatient and decided to stroke her husband to make out with Hagar and she would be a surrogate mom to this child. Hagar was only a handmaid so she had to obey her mistress. Very sad indeed. Hagar got in a pickle with Sari because she was not carrying Abram’s child, but this was NOT the promised child God told them they would have.

So many times we lean to our own understanding, and thwart the plans of God and get ourselves in deep trouble. (Proverbs 3:5-6) Man’s plans will always fail if it is not work through the sift of the Almighty. Remember he sees and knows everything, then why should we not consult him with our plans and desires?

WHAT WAS HER PAIN AND SORROWS? vs 5-6

Bad feelings between the two women began and things were not working out too well, so Hagar ran away to the wilderness of Shur. Where would it lead, she did not know really where the journey in the wilderness would lead, a woman alone no one to care for her there, but God who sees and knows came to her rescue.

HER PRAISES AND PROMISES: 7-16

An angel of God came to her in her sorrows and he

  1. Called her by name
  2. He knew who she was …the maid of Sari
  3. He told her she was with child and was carrying a male child and even named the unborn child Ishmael.
  4. She was encouraged to return to her mistress and she would be blessed she and her child they would have a bright future because of Abram lineage.

Hagar’s joy was running over and she went back to her mistress and served for she had the promise of El Roi on her side, how could she lose?

MAKE IT PERSONAL:

When God make you/me a promise does take it back?<NO. He is a true Promise Keeper Numbers 23: 19 states, God is not a man that he should lie, He keeps His promises, and we can always count on it. We get sad and feel sorry for ourselves when the thing does not work out right NOW!- God’s time is not like ours, Time does not phase our Lord. While we wait for His deliverance, we can pray, read the Scriptures, give thanks by faith, because we believe him. In time the blessings will fall and hearts will rejoice for His faithfulness. Have you been waiting long, cried much, wondered if he is listening? Child of God keep on believing, keep trusting for when you think not, He will deliver what he has promise. I know , for I have waited before and He came through for me. Walk with him, and give Him praise for He is very worthy. HAVE A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING.

WHO’S STEALING FROM YOU?

A couple weeks ago, I saw that my cantaloup patch was set upon by a predator, a ground hog. So I set my trap and of course in three days he or she was caught, and I was able to enjoy the rest of these wonderful juicy fruit.

Many times in our lives, something is always sneaking upon us to steal and destroy, Our peace, our money, our home, our friendships, and most of all our joy. The Word says, Satan comes to do just that for he is the father of lies, evil and stealer of joy. (John 10:10.

We have to be very watchful and also set the sting that will put an end to the stealer. Make sure you have the right equipment to catch him or her. Sometimes its your best friend who steals your boyfriend, a girlfriend or even Spouse or your child. Their practice is to get very close to you and you do not realize until its too late. Stay ahead of these stealers.

What is it that is being stolen from you? could it be it’s any of the above mentioned or your job or good reputation? Remember this, while they plan you stay on the alert too. Be vigilant, be aware, listen for the plans and watch for their devious words in the plan they are setting.

My Ground Hog did not speak, but I knew the rascal was around, so my plans worked very well and hence the joy restored and the proof was in the eating of the pudding (cantaloup).

With some things, you can pray, you can be listening for their evil schemes, and make sure your plan works. Be on the alert.

WHEN YOU THINK YOU KNOW.\

Recently on our family vacation, I got to fishing and was enjoying myself when my daughter came to the lake where I was catching fish and she asked me about throwing out the line. I got so excited she wanted to learn. I got my bait on the hook and began showing her how to through out the line, only to eat crow when the hook and line wrapped around me and we broke out laughing. Wow!

Finally, I got things going and caught eight lovely Perch. We were going around the lake to find the sweet spot but had to return where the real deal were. Bang, more catch.

Proverbs 19: 21 says, “The human mind devise many plans, but if it is the purpose of the Lord, it will be established”. How often we make big plans and nothing really happen and we feel low because our plans fail. I know about fail plans. two weeks ago I had big plans to make a trip to visit some folk that are ‘
Shut- in, and when I went to my car, it was dead. Oh my , I said , what now? I called AAA for a boost and two hours after it died again. Three days in a row, they say , low battery a battery that was only three years old. What could be the problem? The long story short, I got it to a garage, they say it was the Alternator. That went in, came home the next day the car died. They came and towed back to the garage only to be told, defected battery. The whole thing cost me $1056. 44. It drained my account.

My best plans still not realized to visit the sick. Have you ever find yourself in a failing plan, how did you feel? God rearranged my plans and instead of grumbling, or get frustrated, I began to praise the Lord and find refuge in knowing, He was with me all through this set back. I got peace like a river flowing with expectancy that all will be well.

Now she is parked in my driveway and ready to go- Hallelujah. My car is twenty-five years old and this is my first big trouble. She has served me well. Pray I will find something newer for the next twenty-five years haaaaaah

It is said, When life throws you a lemon, make the best lemon aid as you can, and keep rejoicing, for this too shall pass. Stay well and keep rejoicing and help others.

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY FOR SOME.

How would you rate you standing as a father, Good, Bad, Need improvement, or just making it. I had a good father who is now in heaven with my mother. I loved them and they loved and cared for me with all their heart.

My father was a veteran with the RAF in England when I was a little girl. When he returned after the war, I was at school and the kids shouted out, “Mr Stephen is back from war!” I was so very glad to see him still dresses in in ‘ground cloak’ and boots. He had a smile so large Iran to him and he scooped me up. What a delightful moment to the envy of the other kids. Dad gave me a one pound note and I certainly hung on to it for a very long time until I was able to buy candies for me and my friends.

Are you a delight to your child or children? We do NOT forget the kindness or the pain you have caused your kids. Yesterday at the nursing home as I ministered on Mr Job of old who was considered a good Dad to his ten children. As I shared some of the characteristic of Job, one lady shouted out, “I hate my father!”. Oh my, after my session was over , I went to her to find out why such hate. I felt her pain and hurt. She was beaten down by a dad who was always drunk. Her whole family was abused by him and her pain was still present. Wow!

Even an animal does NOT forget kindness or pain that we inflicts on them. Today, dog and cat lovers have mistreated their animals and have caused much hurt and disgrace. May it never be said of you Dad, that you are an inflictor of pain instead of joy, tenderness to your child or children.

Job, hated evil, he prayed daily for his children and seek to help others. His story is recorded for us today that whether we have one or ten kids like him Fathers you can make the time to be tender to him or her. If a dad is abusive, how can a child or an adult think of God as their heavenly Father? All they will think is that God is unfair, austere and unkind. No, No, God is a loving and caring Father and He never stop loving us and providing for us if we let Him and even when we do not think so.

This lady, let’s call her Jane (not her real name) She still carried the pain. I reminded her about forgiveness. That she MUST forgive her dad so she can be free. I believe that many illnesses some folk have faced or is facing, is because of holding such pain without asking God to help them and releasing them of such horrible pain and unforgiveness.

Fathers, who do you have to apologized to for the pain and hurt you have inflicted on your child. Make things right. Right a letter, make a call, and bow your knees to God and ask Him to erase these pains you have caused. Life can be healed and wrongs can be made eight with God’s help. Seek counsel if need be and get freed.

WHAT CAUSES YOU THE LACK OF PEACE?

Isaiah 26: 3-4 says, “Thou will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed (rest) on Thee, because he trust in Thee. Trust in the Lord forever for He is our strength”.

Last night at about 4: 45 I woke up with my mind racing for answer over an unsettled matter I was facing. Oh my what should I do? I tried to work things out in my mind how I would get through this matter but I was getting more flustered, so I picked up my Bible which was right by my bed and read Psalm 23, and 25 -26. Yes I then prayed for God’s peace and left the matter with Him. I repented of my worries and was sorry for not giving the problem to Him and yes after reading, and praying, He the giver of sweet peace and sleep covered me and I went right off to sleep until 7:30, I even missed my morning progran Hyway to Heaven at 6 AM.

There is nothing like a good sleep and most certainly peace of mind. Thanks be to God, that no matter the problem small or monumental, He covers us and will direct out steps and since He is a Counselor, He will show us how to fix earth’s troubles. “Psalm 119: 114, reminded me that He is my hiding place and my refuge, and I have hope in His word”.

How is it with you my friend? What is ruffling your heart and disturb your peace? Give it or them all to Jesus and He will turn your sorrows into joy. Peace is one of the fruit of the Spirit so we must seek Him for the peace we need each day. He will never let you down. May I ask you, IS IT WELL WITH YOUR SOUL? Let Him fix your troubles and problems, that is what He is here for my friend. He cares for and about you, so before you run to a family member, or a friend or even your Pastor or Priest- Run to the Lord first.Psalm 143:8 says, Teach me thy way in which I should go or walk and for me how to solve my immediate problem. He loves you and will always be your help. God continue to bless you and make you a blessing.

FIGHTING YOUR BATTLES ALONE?

In 2Samuels 12 we find King David in a battle with himself. He stole the wife of one of his soldiers who was committed to him and Israel. Yet lust, greed and having time on his hands he listened to his flesh and he saw, he called for her, and he conquered. David fought many battles against his enemy yet the one battle he did not win was the lust of his heart for another man’s wife. Bathsheba was doing her own thing in her own home and yet, eyes were on her, but not the eyes of her husband but the eyes of her husband’s leader.

Who is your enemy, could be your own self, or many others. ie, drugs, envy, greed, laziness, lies, stealing, ungratefulness, and you can add more to this. The fight is not only with those who does not embrace salvation in Jesus Christ the Lord, but even some who are following Christ can become His enemy. In the last ten years or more, we have seen, read and heard of many pastors and godly leaders succumbed to the enemy, the greatest of enemy Satan. Yes it is very sad to read or hear about these mighty warriors for God, fallen by the way because the battle was too strong for them, and they were fighting in their own strength instead of leaning on the Lord. (Proverbs 3: 5-6) says , “We must not look to our own understanding but trust the Lord in all thy ways. Pride will make us think we can overcome this fight in our own strength, but we are wrong.

Funny, the God ‘s message in verse 8 which God said, David after you had nothing, and I blessed you if you desired more and ask of me, I would have gladly given it to you, but instead you allow your flesh to dictate to you and now I will have to punish you, NOT kill you for this bad thing you have done”. Don’t let your evil heart lead you to do wrong, the battles of life is not yours to fight as a child of God, He has won all the battles you will ever faced in this life, so humble yourself and realize that you do not know everything, but God does, and He will fight for you no matter who the enemy is. After I gave thanks to God, that the house was still standing, I could have supper, and made ready for bed. God took care as I called the Insurance company and kept believing the Lord for my help comes only from Him, He fought this battle that would have devasted me. Hallelujah, to the One who have won and will continue to fight for all of us who trust and believe., to call on Him for help and do as He said.

What battles are you fighting over, “let Jesus fix it for you, He knows just what to do, whenever you pray , let the Lord have His way, for He will fix it for you”.

HAPPY WOMEN’S MONTH:

I salute all women who are making a difference in this world and in their community. What would our world be like without women?. God made us because we were needed. Adam had no clue. God said , “It is not a good thing not to have a woman to help Adam and even today men need women to help give them stability and wisdom and all they are short on Haaaaaa!

One wise woman whose husband was evil, had no sense, and cruel was Abigail. Her husband Nabal, rich but cruel and selfish. She was filled with wisdom, beauty and commonsense. It is a sad thing when good women find themselves with men who are mean, cruel, selfish and uncaring. Sad indeed. I thank the Lord for these women like Abigail who find their hope and trust in God who will fight for them as they serve their evil man.

Abigail did what was always right on behalf of her husband who was always drunk and lacking in wisdom, even the workers would go to her instead of to Nabal. Nabal did not know how close he came to die because of his selfishness to David and his men who helped to preserve Nabal’s animals and workers. When the message came to her that death was close, Abigail did what was godly and right. She took a loaded donkey with all David and his men would need, plus her words of wisdom saved the day.

Men, salute your wise woman and let her know that without her unselfish ways, you would be nothing. Love her, cherish her and tell her often of your thanks for saving your behind when you make bad judgment in your life.

A good woman will love her man rain or shine, in sickness or without, in poverty or in riches no matter what. Therefore I take this time and every opportunity to say to God, THANKS for women, they are a credit to the world, the home, the church, and to YOU sir!

GUARD YOUR HEART

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY

To guard is to watch over something or someone, To protect from danger, To defend (like a soldier) Being alert stay vigilant.

God thinks a lot about our heart, for He said, it holds the issues of life. Good or bad thoughts are generated in our hearts. Therefore it behooves us to watch out what we allow to brew there. Our heart can deceive us according to Jeremiah 17: 9. God the Holy Spirit will point it out but how or when we respond to His warning is another matter. God told Cain what was festering in his heart and he must master the bad and evil thought, did he ? No! Cain followed his bad thinking and killed his brother and then suffered the consequence of it.

Many spouses said at their wedding and made the vow to cherish each other forever- yet some have nurture the bad idea to hurt the other, either, by cheating, running away with another or even killing the other. What covered the love and the vow to cherish?

Judas, was one of the disciples yet he too had a sad thing going- none of the others knew about it, but Jesus the Omniscient One knew it and Judas could change his mindset, instead he allowed the evil of his corrupted heart to sell out Jesus who he walked with, ear with, saw miracles, but Jesus’s miracle did not changed Judas’s heart and he died needlessly.

How about you friend, what’s brewing in your heart? is it to deceive another, to steal, to murder, to gossip falsely, to run-away? Check your heart and repent and do the right thing, for one day you will have to give an account to God for your deeds. So then, check your heart thermometer, defend and cleanse your mind, protect the danger a corrupted heart can bring, be alert and vigilant as to what you allow in your heart against yourself or someone.

Valentine’s Day is for truly showing love to others and to yourself. Since no one else can fix your heart, let Jesus do it for He knows right now as you read this blog, what your plans are. Make it a good one not an evil one. The cost is too high. King David cried out about his heart back in time Psalm 51: 10,17. You will have joy, peace and love. God has a forgiving heart and He is giving you a chance to be restored and live a healthy life for His praise and glory. Do it now before it’s too late. HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

A NEW PRESIDENT:

It’s a new year and we have a new president, what’s now?

Prayer is certainly needed, respect, mercy, understanding and so much more. How can we help this new administration to work well? The above is pertinent in helping. We can disagree but be the better person in not striking out or be obnoxious. Mr. Trump is trying to change his behavior and that’s a good thing, so let us help him to be the best of himself ever and prayerfully when he comes to the end of his term in office we can say hurray for his service.

Let us also remember, the people in the stand can say anything they want, but if you and I think we can do better, then why we are not in the drivers seat? Leadership on any level, is never fine and dandy- can you imagine carrying the weight of the whole USA on your shoulders and mind? Sleepless nights, the tossing of matters in your minds, people saying nasty things about you and you have to keep smiling? Only Jesus Christ God’s son can do all these things and still love us wretched folk. Moses had thousands of Jew taking them through the wilderness, and even he could not smile when the grumblers attacked him. Mr Trump is no different., so let us give him a chance to make well his directives before we throw stones.

Everyone of us need some slack and kindness so if your words are not kind swallow them. Words do have meaning, and may Mr Trump learn many lessons of words he has thrown around, the name callings and mud slinging- let’s pray they are behind him and it will be a real new attitude and change this time around. Pray for his wife for she will need it to help bear her husband’s temper and meanness.

Bye the way- Mrs Trump looked stately and well put-together as she should on inauguration day. You are a lady and we will pray for you too.

The country does have quite a lot of things to make change of and all those who giving advise, remember, your people who helped put you all in office. Do your duty and fight for your county and constituents. Make good on your election promises and fight on with God’s help, (Not money, or your swag) will help you to do the right things you promised to do.

Throwing out the baby with the bathwater- is serious, so Mr. President, think first before you sign on your agenda and remember, apologies are not weakness but strength. Weigh your words before you speak them or attack anyone.

Fight this good fight of faith and all will be well Mr. President. God bless you as you lead America. Not only the world is watching, but God who put you there for such a time as this. Honor Him and seek His will in all you plan to do or think.

Presidental Swearing In:

Each President is like my Persimmon cake in this picture. They come with their promises and maybe in about the middle of the year they change. When baking a pie or cake all the ingrediencies must be right if not you will have a so-so cake. Presidents should stick to their plans for the leading of the country and her people’s welfare. Stop vacillating, the Bible they swear on, they should look to God Almighty for clearance and the fairness of such plans. The country will NOT always like a president, however, they should lead with integrity and fairness for the good of all.

Swearing on one or many Bibles does NOT warrant good leadership. When the president does NOT truly believe the God of the Bible, Shame and hypocritical don’t you think? The people will stand for a good, and honest leader, Not a bully but an honest, god-fearing, and fair leader. May Mr Trump set a good and wonderful example as he leads us. May he also remember, God puts up and takes down those who will not honor Him. Prayers are being said for you sir and we pray you will set a new tone of righteous and godly living, showing mercy, love, kindness, and giving a fair shake to all. Speak kindly and never bad mouth others, for when you point a finger at others four comes back to you sir. Be like my cake enjoyable and delightful indeed.