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.

HAPPY NEW YEAR .

THE PRAYING WOMAN IS MIGHTY .

1 Samuel 2 tells the story of a wounded woman who found her way in the temple to pray. Yes she was wounded by another woman who felt she was more loved than Hannah. Many women today and in the past and will be in the future will be in a fight because of another Peninnah who tries to outdo them with either their boyfriends or husbands. Where do you fit in this story?

Miss Hannah, had a female problem that was compounded with moral and spiritual problems. She was made to feel inferior, lacking in self worth, felt unloved, felt non understand her plight because of her childlessness. She had a husband who also found another love and it caused much heartaches. Many good men today have caused their own heartaches because they turned from their vow to embrace some woman at work, or some woman with understanding ears to listen to their sad stories and it leads to trouble more than they expected. Sin looks attractive, and the liar Satan twirl the desire that they could never live without. Is your marriage healthy or heading for disaster?

Hannah knew that she could not compete with the other woman Peninnah. So she did the only thing she knew to do and the only help she knew which is to go to God and seek His help to fix her problem. Hannah went to pray and as she quietly whispered her deep need to the Almighty she knew He would help her even when the backsliding Priest could not. He added to her despairing heart by telling her she was drunk and did evil. As a man of God he could have gone to find out her need and comfort her. He just added insult to her injuries.

Hannah told him she was not drunk, but had a deep sadness only Jehovah could fix if He was willing. After she stated her desire the Priest gave his blessings. Hannah who had not enjoyed food or celebrations because of her troubles, went home joyfully for she knew without the shadow of a doubt and the state of Israel and a backsliding Leader, that God heard her prayer and vows. Yes It happened, for God does NOT make us empty promises. According to Numbers 23: 19 God does NOT lie, and He gives what He said He will do judgment or blessings.

How is your prayer journey? Do you believe the Lord, do you take your burdens to Him, and the needs of others to Him too? God hears and He will answer in His own time. Don’t rush , don’t give up, wait on His timing dear friend. Your way or thoughts are different from His, and since He is ‘All knowing and is a wise Father, yes, we can wait on Him and for His blessings and directions.

What are you seeking Him for this new year? He will send you His perfect gift and you /we should be thankful as He delivers His best gift to you. Proverbs 3: 5-6 says , “Do not lean to your own understanding, but in all your ways seek His counsel and you will NOT be disappointed. Only believe, for all things are possible .

UNCLUTTER YOUR SPACE

Today I set and tackled my clutters and made the time to start in my Home office. What a joy it was to clean up throw out, pass on and polished the area. Now I take on the bedroom – changing linens, ran the sweeper, clear off the lounge chair so I can sit and read or watch the Telly. My heart is lighter for uncluttering my space but not finished. My next uncluttering will be the kitchen and laundry room.

How about you sear Reader? What will you theow out or pass on to charity or just dump. Have you ever watch the show, Hoarding and being buried? Some folk just cannot part with stuff. Everywhere you look in their space are piles and more piles of unused or things to be discarded. How is it with you today, what do you need to give away or throw out? Make someone happy by sharing one of your unused stuff, you did not even remember. Oprah used to say back in time, “if you never use it (Whatever it is) pass it on. two weeks ago a friend was decluttering, and found some office things and containers she did not remember she had in her attic. I am now the owner of a new pen and pencil holder and some of the church Sisters are the proud owner of containers for storing food, and fruits etc. What a joy I saw on her face as each received her gifts . I used to own a 12′ bundt baking tin which was too large for me now that my kids are on their own- .What did I do? I pass it on and ordered a 9′ from Amazon which is just the size to suit my baking need.

One of the best part of decluttering is our life and spirituality. Let me ask you, when last this year 2024 have you taken inventory of your life? Some things you need to reorganize in order to grow and glow for the Lord you want to serve. What about the lies you tell, things you steal from others even from your job, and from others. What about your laziness in reading your Bible or not wanting to tell those who are perishing that there is a better way out of their messes. Make today a new day before you enter 2025 by having a new start with joy and peace and a new desire to share your testimony.

Have a very wonderful Christmas, celebrating the reason for the season. JESUS should be the real reason for your celebration.(Jeremiah 16:19 ) says He can be your strength,fortress and refuge in your times of distress.

IT’S CHRISTMAS TIME AGAIN

What is your wish this year, and how will you spend it? Let us join with Mary and Joseph, the Shepherds and the Wisemen. Mary pondered the news that she was to bear the Christ child, The angel told her it must be for she was handpicked by God Himself. Joseph who had his doubts, was also calmed about his part in this majestic story. What would you have done differently? Joseph was a man of courage and instead of shaming Mary about this pregnancy, God sent him a message of hope, truth and everlasting goodness to all mankind. (John 3: 16)

The Shepherds got the message of goodtidings and joy, God did not send to the rich and famous, but to lowly shepherds. Can you imagine their shock of the news of the young baby in Bethlehem? The angel told them the where he would be and how they would know Him. (Luke 2:8-20).

The Wisemen- They brought their gifts fit for the young king. Oh my, gifts of gold, frankincense and Myrah. Mary and Joseph I believed were in awe of all the things that was going on around them. No fancy hospital, nor Macy’s gifting, no lovely clothing, just swaddling cloth. Do you remember cloth diapers for babies back in time? I know how Mary felt do disposable diapers. God chose to let His only boy be born in poverty because He would identify with us poor and lowly people. Thanks be to His name !

What do you think of such things, and how differently will you celebrate Christmas. Will you worship like the Shepherds, or give Him a gift as you serve the poor among you? Whatever you do make sure you worship this man who is not a baby anymore but grown, and is returning for all those who love and serve Him. Are you one of those who are waiting for Him? Watch, wait and rejoice with the angels. (Isaiah 9: 6-7).

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A VERY PROSPEROUS AND GODFILLED NEW YEAR

WHAT ARE YOU HUNGRY FOR?

Jesus said He is the bread of life and those who follow Him shall never hunger or thirst. (John 6: 35) How hungry are you for His bread or His water? Today we do have lots of folk who thinks they can quench our thirst or hunger, but we see that it is a never ending matter to daily overcome.

No one on earth has that power to do a work only God can and will do.

The hunger can be relieved by believing the Lord who stands by His word, In fact He said before one jot or tittle of his word pass away, He would destroy the whole world. This is how serious He thinks of His word. Whether you believe it or not , it’s true. (Matthew 5: 18)

In John 21: 8 we have a group of men who after having fished all night caught nothing. Not even a little sprat in their nets. Can you imagine their frustration as business men who depended on their catch to feed their family , to sell, or to have enough until the next fishing? Wow, I know they were hungry, sad, lost their hope of monetary blessing. What miracle did they need? It was right before them- Jesus came on the scene and asked them if they caught anything- Their answer was , “No!”. He said to them, Cast your net to the other side and Walla the one hundred and fifty large fish loaded down their nets but not broken- Their sad faces turned to joy.

Added to their joy, they saw fire- Jesus cooked them breakfast fish and bread. This was a blessing to the all nighter they had. Jesus knows just what we need, the when and the how He has it all under control. “Cast all your cares and frustrations on Him , for He care about you and all that is troubling you today. Will you let Him quench your thirst, and give you His bread so you do not thirst or hunger again?

I pray that you will surrender everything to Him a kind and faithful God, who takes care of animals, birds, and most all YOU!

THE GARMENT OF PRAISE FOR THE SPIRIT OF HEAVINESS.

Give thanks instead of wearing the heaviness of doubt and the ‘What If’s’ God did not intend for us to walk around with this shroud of fear and disenchantment of what tomorrow will bring. “Cast all your cares on Him why? because He cares for you”1 Peter 5:7).

We are facing, another election and we do not know if the candidates are truthful, or they have hidden agendas we do not know about. However God knows their heart and see their motives, unknown to us but never to God the Almighty who made them and know their thoughts and plans. So then, If God is in charge tell me , why should you fret and worry?

We are also facing, disasters that has blown our minds and we have no answer for. God is still in control of His world and His people. We do not know the future, but I know Who holds it and He will do what is best for both people and world.

Next we have a time to give thanks eating of turkey , ham and pies- Maybe the thought of such things will keep our minds on joy instead of heaviness.

Let’s bring our hearts to God, repent of our selfish deeds even hate and mudslinging, and pray to the Lord of the whole matter of life and seek His blessings and walk once again to please Him. God can change a matter in the wink of His eyes, but we must seek Him and His plans instead of the plans of folk who have hidden agendas. God never lied to us, but politicians do. God will judge them, and we turn all things into His capable hands.

Put on the spirit of praise and give thanks for all He has done of us and the country. Let the praise take you out of the sadness, fear and the future and let God do His work in our affairs. Give praise to Him for He is worthy, He deserve it and bless His Holy Name. He has everything under His control, if you do not believe me, then see if you can do better. (Psalm 62; 8) “Trust in Him at all times, you people, pour out your heart before Him, God is a refuge for us”.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING AND GOD BLESS YOU AND OUR COUNTRY.

MENTAL HEALTH AND SURVIVAL

You are not alone with the struggles of mental healthiness. people before you and those after you have fought this demon time after time. Some of them have died by their own hands others by medication and others just gave up on life.

One would think that christians would not be in this category of illness, but wait a minute. In 1 Kings 17 we have a great man of God Elijah, he got a message from the woman warrior of idol worshippers that before a certain day she was going to get him killed because of his slaughter of her worshippers. Elijah ran for cover to the wilderness, laid under a tree and wanted to die right there. What was going on with this man of God? For certain, he was tired, then he had expend much energy to kill so many men, and then I believed he was hungry, and had sweated much to accomplish such a might feat. What do you think after reading his story?

Some of the causes of mental unhealthiness are:

much using of various drugs, lack of proper sleep, over eating- anger, depression, need for Christ, guilt some prescribed medication, and jobless and homeless and many more triggers. HELP: There is always help, so stop trying to fix yourselves and seek good medical help and change your lifestyle of daily living. Negative folk will not help you so fill your mind with positive thoughts, people and live healthy.

God Himself helped Elijah with rest and food before his new assignment. Think if you need the same, food and proper rest.

There is victory , there is hope and there can be better health. Taking your life is never the answer, but you have to seek help. Most men are too macho and stoic to call out to others for help and cause their own demise. Pray to God for help and guidance For that’s what He can do.

PRAYER: “Father of all the earth, you love me and I need your help to fix my problem of mental health which causes me to think of suicide, and other negative ideas. Please lead me to find the right help so that I can be healthy. I trust you Lord for my salvation and healing. Amen”!

COME UNTO ME ALL YOU WHO LABOR AND ARE HEAVY LADEN. MATTHEW 11:28—30.

People get called to ‘Come’ to a party, to a dance, to a meeting or to give your life to Jesus. What’s taking you so long? God is saying to you today, “Come let us reason together, for His plan for you is not be separated from Himself. You see, you can only be in one of the two places for your final and everlasting resting place. Heaven where He is ( John 14: He went to get this place ready for you and one day He will return for you. The other place is Hell, which was prepared for Satan and all his bad buddies. Choose one!

To reason , is to talk things through. He loves you enough to talk things over with you. Do not reject His offer of salvation for it is real, and true. Nicodemus came and got himself right , Zaccehus went into a tree because he was curious, and wanted to get a glimpse of Jesus, but he had an encounter he could not refuse. (Luke 19:1-10) Jesus called him down from the tree and said, “Zac, today salvation has come to your house”. Wow! what a surprise joy for him. Jesus is still calling you sir you madam, to come and let Him give you His perfect salvation now and for eternity. Will you come down from your tree of pride, selfishness, rejection and humbly accept His mercy and love and save you?

Friend, hell is a prepared place of pain, thirst and eternal banishment. On earth now is NOT hell even though some folk think so. The pain of hell was felt by the rich man . He made his choice on earth, but woke up in hell. He experienced , thirst, he was still in his right mind, he was tormented, and he pleaded with Father Abraham to send a warning to his brothers on earth, so they do not come where he was. Will that be your cry today? (Luke 16).

God does not want anyone to perish for ever, but to have eternal life. That’s why He can and died for your sin and mine. There is no one that could do that for us. so do not reject His offer free for all eternity. He is coming back to set everything right, make sure you will be ready before He comes.