IS YOUR SHIP SINKING OR SMOOTH SAILING?

All the travelers on the Titanic felt safe and thought all would be well and nothing could happen to them . They were wrong. The officers were warned of immanent danger but after three warnings, they shrug it off and even had the gaul to say “Not even God can hurt this ship. Pride the cause of satan to be kicked out of heaven, was the same pride that caused the Titanic to sink. “Pride comes before a fall”!

How is it with you? is pride causing you to perish or failing instead of smooth sailing through your life plans? In your plans make sure that Jesus is guiding your ship and is causing you to flourish and prosper. See, we cannot do without His help so do not let the plans for of the enemy steer you in the wrong waters.

Mr Noah also warned the people that a flood was coming, did they heed the warnings , No! and they too perished. For forty days and night it rained and all the people except Mr Noah and his family perished. Don’t delay just heed the warning. God Himself say, “Come unto me , look to me and be saved”.

Christians have been warning that a judgement is coming, and folk should repent and seek the Lord for He alone can and will rescue the perishing and care for the dying. The ship of Zion is sailing along and we should get on board before it’s eternally too late. God said , You do not have to perish, if you accept Jesus the Savior and be saved eternally. (John 3: 16-19) Repent or perish! Jesus died so you do not have to perish for all eternity. Eternity is forever and it’s a long time to be tormented don’t you think so too? Jesus is the ship of refuge, get on board and be safe. “Come unto me all you who labore and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28)

MOTHERS LEAD BY EXAMPLE

In todays world, we have many women who desires to become mothers. But since motherhood never come with a rule book or requirements, how should we know how to be a good mother? There are quite a few in Scripture, wow! some good and others not so much.

We have mothers, who manipulate, who lied, some was willing to eat their child, and others would kill for their child or children. Where do you see your role as Mom? I read of Rachel, Naomi, Ruth, Mary, Elizabeth, but my fascination is with Lady Hannah . Why? because all adds were against her but she prayed.

Hannah prayed, and her prayers were answered. She promised God that if she were blessed with a son, she would dedicate him to God to serve as a righteous man in Israel. Would this also be your cry? We are loaned every child we have, they do not truly belong to us, therefore don’t manipulate their lives, as to what you want but what God can do in the heart of a child to the joy and delight of all.

Hannah had her son and named him Samuel, he was a good leader in Israel, and pleased the Lord. Let us remember, God can work with your boy, and make him into what he’s supposed to become.

Pray for your sons and daughters, let them know how special they are, and that God is in control of their young lives as they grow. Let them see my your life that spiritually, you are sold out to God and He will guide all of you as you put Him first in everything. (Proverbs 3: 5-6) Lean Not to your own understanding for you and I are limited in knowledge and allow God to lead you and your family always and in all your doings.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY AND EDO CELEBRATE IT WITH JOY!

DID YOU KNOW THAT GOD HAS A SPECIAL PLAN FOR YOU?

In many books of the Bible, enemies were all around God’s people then and even now in Israel. Will Israel’s enemies prosper, NO! God has always helped them when they call for His help. King David had seen many enemy of Israel come to fight against him, and prayerfully he called out to Jehovah for help and of course God gave help. Many times God would say, “Be not afraid of them, for I have given them into your hands!”. God will fight for those who love , adore and honor His word and commands. No doubt about it.

When King David sought the Lord’s advice, God came to help but when he just lean to his own understanding, everything goes wrong. We today must seek the Lord’s wisdom and advice about all we do and desire to do. Why? because God knows everything, and can turn things around for us and give victory. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

So how are things with you? Call on the Lord for your direction throughout your life and He will certainly see you through. It’s guaranteed. Do not trust in yourself for your thoughts are limited, but God has limitless mind and plans for you.

As we go through 2024 let your life count for God’s glory and praise. Shine for Him so others will know your God is worth serving and they too will join God’s happy band of pilgrims. Our future is bright and wholesome, for God is sending His precious son Jesus to return for those who serve Him one day. Could it be today? we do not know the time or hour or day, just be ready when He calls and the trumpet sound.

WOMEN OF WORTH

in God’s word there are faithful women who gave their all to first , follow the Lord and until their death. Women like Mary and her sister Martha, Elizabeth, Mary Jesus’ mother, Peter’s wife and mother-in-law, Esther, Deborah, widows, and the woman at the well, etc. These women gave their contribution to our Lord Jesus Christ.

Today I would like to share with you, a special woman who only heard of what God was doing to Israel’s enemies, yet it made a deep impression on her. Her name was Rahab. Of course if you had met her you would have written her off the society list right? Rahab’s life was not very pretty in todays listings of ‘Who is Who’ yet God used her to help Israel and the spies Joshua sent to check things out before he levelled the place. You can read all about it in the book of Joshua!

Rahab, made a choice to rescue the Spies and even lied about them when the local leaders tried to find these men. She was a brave woman, she was also a woman of action, and astuteness. She was no fool, she had her life stake on the men ‘s help when they returned. She was a woman of good sense and had a head of wisdom on her body. First she asked them what would happen to her when they returned. She got the scoop on the future of their land so then she spoke up for her deliverance. “I help you then , I am depending on you to help me”! Smart!

Rahab got her answer. The plan for her deliverance, “put a scarlet cord on the window , go and speak with your family and make sure they are with you for if not they will die. Imagine , this home of ill repute will become the saving place just like Mr Noah and the Ark . Rahab went on an evangelistic mission to speak to her family and to get them to come to her home for safety. Praise the Lord they did and were all delivered. What a step of faith, what a joy to be rescued for her belief and trust in the God of Israel and the Spies. Faith is just believing God’s word and His faithfulness to deliver all those who seek Him.

How is it with you friend? God is still desiring for you to be safe and make the right decision to follow Him. He loves you and you are special to Him. His desire for you is to live with Him for all eternity. So why are you playing with His love and call? He said , “Come unto me all you who are weary and heavy laden for he will give you rest.” ( Matthew 11:28-30). The song, “If you want joy , real joy, let Jesus come into your heart, your sins He’ll was away your night He’ll turn to day and make your life brand new”. Let Him make you over and rescue you from a life without Him , Don’t delay. The door of mercy will not be opened forever honey so He is standing at your door , let Him in!

HE GIVETH GRACE FOR EACH TRIAL/ TEST

Two days ago, I had my share of testing and trials. What to do? My clothes dryer went on the blink, then my blood rise up, another, something I was waiting for did not come, in fact I am still waiting for it. Sometimes life gets like that, but the most important thing is , how do I/we deal with these setbacks?

Job of old when he had his testings and trials, his wife argued, “Why do you continue to hold on to God, just curse Him and die already”. Wow! Our wedding vows is to stand by your man no matter the circumstances. We never heart from her again. I should not be too hard on her though. When I saw my own husband suffering from cancer, and his life fading away, it was hard to see, hard to hear his groans from the pain. I had to dig deep in my faith and be nourished and sustained by the Almighty and Everlasting Caring Father.

Have you been there, with an illness, a wayward child, or very sick parents, loss of a job, the devastation of a divorce or something else, It hurts, it can stress you out, or put you in depression. Mrs Job, had seen enough of her once vibrant husband and children, thriving and now, nothing is left, all was gone or so it seems. God does NOT have to give us a blue print of His plans or what He is doing. He said TRUST Me for I know the plans I have for you from before the foundation of the world. Yes, waiting for clearance can be tough and our patience wears out. But we can say like Job of old, “Blessed is the Lord, for we came into this world with nothing, and we sure will not take anything out”.

God gave me Isaiah 26:3-4 as a comfort and rest from stress- I am still enjoying His peace as I wait to get a new Dryer and hook it up. My friend Yvonne called me with her trails and shared Philippians 4: 6. “Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer with supplication and thanksgiving, let my request be made to God !”. The scriptures are comforting and the Holy Spirit guide us to the very verse or chapter He wants us to read and meditate on for the nourishment of our souls.

Today, if you are anxious about your trials call on Jesus, for He told us to and give thanks even before He answers. He never lies, He never forsake, He always hear your prayer about your needs and in His time He will answer you, so stop tripping, stressed or get angry with our Lord, He is working even when we cannot see right now. When you cannot see His hands trust His heart, for He is in love with you dear friend.

Let us know if these blogs has been a blessing or comfort to you at charmingandy1@gmail.com.

DEFEATED AND AFRAID?

Elijah was a great man of God. Dedicated to serve to the end of life. In the Book of first Kings , chapter 19 we have a story of defeat and fright by this wonderful servant of God. However, after killing many of Queen Jezebel’s false prophets, Elijah was weary and tired. So would you if you had to face the enemy of such magnitude.

Elijah ran to hiding after he got the bad message from the Queen that he would be dead by day’s end. He ran, for his life not remembering that the God who helped him to kill all these false prophets is still the God who never lost a battle over His enemies. However, when one is spent, tired, feels defeated and afraid, anything negative is always in the mind. How is it with you today? What is causing your defeat or making you afraid? For me it’s always finances especially when I see each month bills to be paid and not enough funds to clear them. I feel then quite defeated! What do I do then? Call on the God who is always on time and is a Provider for His children. You should too.

God the Merciful One came to feed and refresh His servant Elijah. Cake, water and sleep was the remedy this for fearful and defeated Man of God! God knows our frame how weak and frightened we are and is always ready to rescue us. He wants us to trust and never be afraid. God is Jehovah Sabaoth (Warrior King) who fights even when we cannot see or even appreciate the many scrapes He deliver us from. Elijah was fed, watered, rested, and gained full strength to continue the wonderful work for the Lord. Have you been over exerted to the loss of your strength, power, focus and commitment? Call on the Lord for your restoration. The devil is a thief and liar who tries to lead us off course with various types of Jezebell acts. Don’t allow him to cast you under the bus, call on others to pray for you that your faith remains pure and true. You brother, you sister are never alone, Jesus the Christ is always with you even to death. ( Hebrews 13: 5).

Today, walk true with your God, for the enemy will NOT over power you unless you let him. Repent, and seek your Lord for your restoration and grace in your times of needs. Rejoice and be glad as you serve Him, keep believing for victory.

HOW OLD YOU HAVE TO BE TO BE USED OF GOD?

Manoah and his wife (No Name mentioned) were one such old folk whom God made a precious promise which was fulfilled with joy.

In the good book of Judges 13, we have a wonderful story of God’s message coming to Manoah’s wife first, that she will bear a son. Wow! She then told her husband about this encounter. Manoah then prayed for God to revisit him so he too could hear the story firsthand. God granted him this divine favor – What a personal God we serve? He hears, He answers and yes, He judges our hearts’ motives.

Are you thinking that you are too old to accomplish your heart’s desire? God says no! just seek His will and he will give you the desires of your heart and give him all the praise and glory! Yes, Manoah and his wonderful wife became parents for the first time and they named the child Samson. They were given a set of dietary plans and other things not to do. Israel needed a deliverer and God did this miracle to raise up such a leader in Israel.

Manoah, did that which was proper to visitors. He made a meal for the angel, but he said ,”don’t do it for me , but unto the Lord”! He did and as the smoke went up to heaven so did the angel (which was a theophany of Christ). Mrs Manoah was not to take any strong drink or eat any unclean thing during her pregnancy. Why? because this child would be a Nazarite from birth to death.

Todays pregnant women do what they want, smoke pot, drink party and willfully disobey they doctors or midwives to the cost of deformed kids, kids with health issues and even death. Life is to be lived with intention of health, long life, and to walk holy before God.

Where do you stand, too old, too fat, too much gray hair? God can use you anyway He so desires. Remember you are NOT your own you were bought with His precious blood for your salvation. What do you desire to do for many years, but is allowing public opinion, fear, critics even your own hear is telling you, no! Proverbs states< Lean not to your own understanding, but in all your way, turn to God and ask Him for your approval. He will show you and use you no matter what the naysayers say. Believe the God of the world and trust Him explicitly and all will be well. He needs you to help others, to lead your community just like Samson. Will you let Him use you regardless of age, race, gender or financial status? Go for it!

ONE NATION UNDER GOD.

Is this really true? So many of our leaders in politics have been liars, crocked and cannot be trusted.If we cannot trust them , tell me how we must trust our children and families? We cannot have this wickedness going on and expect to lead the world. CLEAN up your acts people.

Our Nation is being ruled by obnoxious , dishonest, unruly ignorant men and women. What are we saying to the world or to the next generation?Let us fall back on old principles, honesty, joyful, healthy and caring for all people. We began back in time with godly principles and trust it is even on our money- but now it’s a laugh. We do NOT trust in God, we are trusting in lies, liberal views and if it feels good just do it! What a change what a crocked nation we have become.

Change our ways, and get back to prayer in your homes, in our schools and in our land. We are NOT a christian nation anymore, Satan is ruling the hearts of men and even the young ones are filled with violence, hate, and un trustworthy. God help us if we are going to thrive and be an example for truth and godliness with morality and caring for each other.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

I know some of you have made your resolutions and some have broken them already. Don’t beat yourself up, just get back on track and keep going. If you need help, call on the Lord Jesus Christ who is ready to help you meet your desires to be better this year than in 2023. 

He is a way maker and will sustain you one step at a time in your quest for better or to stay motivated. Like King David you can encourage yourself in Christ like he did , after some of the people wanted to stone him when the Amalekites came in and stole everything. Yes dear friend it was a very sad time for the King, however he asked the Lord what should be his next step and God told him to go after these rebels and reclaim his stuff. He did and their sorrows turned to joy for they fought their enemy and won with the help of Jehovah! You can have the same victory if you seek the Lord in whatever you are struggling with so far.

Nothing is too hard for God absolute nothing. He is capable, kind, understanding and wisdom is beyond measure. Just ask His help and let Him amaze you today. It is my prayer that 2024 though a Leap Year when many things can happen, He is the manager of time , seasons and the stars. He can be trusted and will never let you down. So what do you say? What do you have to lose, only believe for all things are possible when we believe the God of the universe and Lord over everything.(Psalm 121: 2) ”My help comes from the Lord , who made heaven and earth”.

Don’t Forget Them

Many Nursing Homes and Eventide Homes have gotten some good hardworking and knowledgeable Residents. Have you ever visited one of these facilities and speak with one of the Residents and hear their wonderful story of adventure and joy as they lived and can teach us many things about life? Try it and you will never be the same for touching a life or be touched by one.

For over thirty years, I have had this passion to care for these in ways, that I never thought would be so rewarding. Years ago I went to visit a friend at one of these facility and like ‘bunny’ I am still going with joy each month. On a given day of each month, I have a small team who helps me to bring some joy to these precious folk and spend an hour, singing, praying with then over their concerns, we read poems, and teach them, give quizzes, and most time no one wants to leave the area because they have enjoyed the time we spent with them and the joy of participating.

If you have a loved one in any of these facilities, make the time to visit them and listen to them. Do NOT forget them they need you and you certainly need them. Listen to their stories and how they have managed in their days when things were hard and challenging. Remember, if you live long enough you may end up in a Care facility. By the way, you do not have to be old, you could find yourself rehabbing in one of them too. Thank God for these Care homes, it is a blessing. May countries in our word does NOT have these places for their family or friends. Respect the workers, and staff who each day makes the best of their time as they plan complete and vibrant things to do each day or week or month they also need volunteers to help do bingo, craft, feed someone, or just be there to lighten the load of staff and other workers.

I do hope you have been given a new light in Home Care and the joy it can be as you spend time with those who do not know but your time is worth every moment you can give. Take the step with grace and love, you will never regret it. We celebrate birthdays, Mother’s Day , Valentine’s Day, Father’s Day, Easter, Independence Day, MLKing Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. We hand out small treats and they love every minute of all these celebrations. Go and be a blessing my friend.