Phil's Thoughts

LAWBREAKER

LAWBREAKER !! Yeah…”YOU” ! Don’t be lookin back over your shoulder to see if somebody else is the recipient of the title ! According to GOD, “Whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.” ( James 2:10 ) So…you’re handcuffed, thrown in jail and brought before the judge the following day to be tried … you’re still in shock and confused as to the charges. You try to think of something you’ve done that would warrant this unreasonable incarceration … you don’t have any unpaid parking tickets…you haven’t hit anyone or anything with the car and left the scene…you didn’t rob a bank, commit murder, shoplift or receive stolen property … so what could it be ?!? Next you hear,” All rise. This court , with the Honorable Judge presiding , is now in session. Please be seated and come to order.” Your name is called…you stand before the Judge and are asked how you plead. You blurt out,” Not guilty, Judge.” All’s silent…you think you heard someone in the back emit a “yeah; right.”…and the Judge removes his readers, furrows his brow, and with the most serious look and tone, pronounces your charge… “ Mr. / Miss _____… at approximately nine forty-five pm on the night of May the twentieth, did you not, with malice and forethought, fail to pray for _____ ,and instead, laid your head down and fell asleep ?!?” At first, you look shocked ! How did he know that ?!? And as the realization hits you, you realize something … your “sins of omission” haven’t escaped the eyes of the one true Judge !! ( 1 Samuel 12:23 ) You try t’ come up with some lame excuse, but it falls on deaf ears. “Guilty”, you hear him say. Your only hope is to throw yourself on the mercy of the court. And somewhere in the back you hear, “ Father, he’s/she’s with me. I’ve got him / her covered.” See ? No matter how “good” we think we are, we’re not “good enough”! If this “Jesus” doesn’t take our punishment and stand for our sentence, we’re destined for a lifetime of captivity … doomed for eternity. Next time you think about breaking the law, ( God’s laws ), you may wanna think long and hard about it. Someone who’s been pardoned…bought and paid for…ought not view their freedom as a permit to sin ! ( Romans 6:1-2 ) You no longer belong to yourself…you were bought at a price and therefore, belong to God. Your body is the temple where He resides. Honor Him with it ! ( 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ) The grace administered freely by God , costs too high a price to be taken lightly ! Christians that do, will still fall under the punishment of Almighty GOD … Judge, Prosecutor and Executioner ! ( Hebrews 10:29 ) It’s a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living GOD ( v.31 )… the One who can destroy both body and soul ! ( Matthew 10:28 ) The one who is freed by Christ is free indeed ! ( John 8:36 ) Enjoy that freedom by honoring the one that made it possible !

Take That Leap

You ever jumped off of anything…like a diving board, the roof of a house, a creek bank, bridge, etc; etc.? What about bungee jumping or skydiving ? Remember that feeling that you had … partly fear…maybe a little prideful because you didn’t want your friends makin fun of you if you chickened out ? Those last few inches to the edge had already made the pit of your stomach feel empty…the height was intimidating…you pictured every scenario that could possibly go wrong…folks were either encouraging you, or demanding you “go”…and your gut was sayin,” Go back !” But remember when you stepped off that “ledge”? Remember that exhilarating feeling as the adrenaline was rushing through every fiber of your being … the fear replaced by undeniable joy and excitement !?! THAT’S how it is when you put ( James 4:8 ) into play ! God says,”Draw / come near to me and I’ll draw / come near to you.” I can recall my first time seeing Pennye Jacobs Lewis. I was over at her house seeing her brother, Dwayne. Actually, we were supposed t’ be studying for a big test that we were havin the next day…( makin cheat sheets t’ be honest about it )… and i spotted her on a barstool ( at the kitchen counter ) on one o’ them wall phones. I couldn’t quit cuttin my eyes over at ‘er…them tan legs and cute shorts…and them brown eyes…ooohhh weeeee ! And you know what ? She was lookin at me too ! Talk about an adrenaline rush ! But you know something else ? If I was ever to talk to her, get to know her, maybe even hold her hand and get me some sugar…i was gonna haveta initiate the conversation…draw near to her. I spoke to ‘er once she was off the phone and was lookin forward to the next chance at talkin to ‘er…which came along at a ballfield within the next few days ! Wasn’t long before we began a relationship that’s lasted forty-six ( 46 ) years this coming June 26 ! But it wouldn’t’ve never happened if i hadn’t drawn near to ‘er. God ain’t gon’ bite. He’s wanting you to get to know him…wanting to start a relationship with you that’s gonna blow your mind. And the way t’ get that relationship started is through humbly surrendering to Jesus’ Lordship. No one gets to God the Father except through Jesus the Son ( John 14:6 ). Drawing near to God looks like “humility”, “submission”, “surrender”…and the characteristics ( fruit ) that results from this relationship is, “ love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control ( Galatians 5:22-23 ). Take that “leap” of faith that brings immeasurable blessings from God ! You’ll live to never regret it !

Whatcha Gonna Do ?

God reminded us Sunday, in our small group gathering, that no one knows the hour of Jesus’ return…not even Jesus. “Only the Father knows” ( Matthew 24:36 )…therefore, we should follow His directives when he says to “ humble yourselves under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time…casting ALL your anxieties on Him because He cares for you.” He also reminds us ( warns us ) to “be self controlled and alert, because the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour…to RESIST him, standing firm in the faith…” ( 1 Peter 5:6-9 ). And of course, similar Scripture points to “being ready”, “being alert” for Jesus’ return ,in ( Revelation 16:15; Matthew 24:43; and 1 Thessalonians 5:2 ). My question to you today is, what will you be doing or concerned with when He does come back ? I can hear a resounding response…” Just going on with life.” Ok … i get that … but think about it in this perspective … Someone in your homeowner’s association posts a sign at your entry gate: “Be aware ! Be advised ! Prowler has been spotted on security cameras trying to break in houses in our area.” So what are your plans ? You gonna leave your doors unlocked, the key easily accessible and a garage door, up ? You gonna say anything to your young child that stays by themself…warn em not to go outside for any reason or answer the door, no matter who’s ringin the bell ? Are you gonna make sure the gun is loaded and not buried under a buncha shoes and comforters ? How are you at patrolling the perimeter ? Or are you depending on your crazy neighbor to watch their place AND yours ? When things get sketchy, the weather turns ugly, the news warns of a jail escapee, we haveta make a delivery in a crime-infested neighborhood, the solid red flags are flying at the beach, the threat of divorce or being laid off looms in our near futures, seeing signs warning of road closures due to construction, that yellow light’s about to change to red, hearing a first-responder siren, etc; etc; etc; we’ll take the necessary precautions or be on high alert. But when it comes to our eternal future, what precautionary measures do we take to guard or secure our welfare and that of our loved ones ? If Jesus sent you a warning on social media, what would your response be ? Would you go purchase some big-ticket item because you knew you wouldn’t haveta pay it off ? Would you wanna get one more round of golf in, play one more ballgame, take that time off that you always put off, place one more bet, go on one more hunt, drink one more drink, post one more post, cast that line once more, tow the camper to that spot you always dreamed of goin…? See ? We tend to focus on everything else and ignore the most important things that will secure our “eternal inheritance”! Have we placed our faith in Christ and Christ alone ? Is our actions and words, as well as the things we watch and listen to reflecting our respect for God and His directives ? Are we actively producing the fruit of righteousness … or the fruit of “self-righteousness” ( Galatians 5:19-23 )? When you walk off from a conversation with someone, can they make an accurate determination about your allegiance to Jesus Christ … or not ? Do you really “know” God, because you’re making His Word a vital part of your day … or is that small screen seeing your face way more ? What’s your “giving” look like ? Do you consider that paycheck “yours”, to do with as you want, and never tithe as God instructed … or, have you heard His directive and promise in Malachi 3:10 and trusted Him not only to supply you with an income, but also with the portion you obediently place back into His storehouse ? Are you robbing yourself by robbing God ? Are you living an example of Jesus…emulating His love to those He places in your circle of influence ? Are you making sure your spouse and kids know Jesus personally…that their own salvation is secured and that they aren’t compromising their beliefs…or, are you leaving it up to “them” which way they go and who they’re gonna let teach em “the ways of this world” ? Wouldn’t you fight off the kidnapper ? Wouldn’t you protect em if a tornado or hurricane was imminent ? Would you leave their window wide open under the threat of someone lurking at night ? Do you trust just anybody to keep your kids, drive your car, escort your spouse or deposit your check ?!? It’s time to WAKE UP people !! Being “proactive” in our relationship with God ain’t gon’ take care of itself or be automatic ! Yeah…every knee’s gonna bow and every tongue’s gonna confess Jesus is Lord ( Philippians 2:10-11 )…but that ain’t sayin they’re all gonna be saved ! Lip-service ain’t never kept folks outta Hell and it never will ( Matthew 15:8-9 ) ! Folks better start taking an active role in seeing their households are not only saved by Christ, but that they’re walking “in Christ” and pursuing Christ’s righteousness with every fiber of their being. “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling” ( Philippians 2:12 ) wasn’t breathed out by God as a suggestion !

Not Alone

Two are better than one…If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up ! A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Every time i read this Scripture, i think of all the projects I’ve done “alone”. I have my reasons for not wanting help, but an extra pair of hands would’ve made the job alot easier. I think God wired me a little differently … i haveta think harder about some things than someone with more experience, maybe. I haveta consider the gameplan over and over with no one talkin to me…distracting me. And then, i feel I’m taking “them” away from something they need to be doing, or something they’d rather be doing. So…i just do “it” by myself. I like Pennye Jacobs Lewis to be out there with me…just because i enjoy her presence…but i really don’t ask for her help or want her to be talkin to me 😄. If I’d’ve known God was gonna take my mama home so soon, i think i would’ve let her help me with a couple o’ projects i had goin as me and Pennye were gettin settled back in to my old home place. Because she always wanted to help, mama would be tryin to put hands on my material or straighten up something i would get to later. I kept “runnin her off” ( nicely ), tellin her i didn’t want her to get hurt…or, wasn’t ready for that yet…encouraging her to go visit with Pennye or something. As i look back, she was just trying to lend a hand…to help…to “make herself useful” … and i robbed her of that blessing. It’s one of my greatest regrets … and i robbed myself of those precious moments that God was trying to give me. I believe we do it more than we imagine. I didn’t read the Bible with my kids while they were growing up … I didn’t take them to serve our community, as a ministry … i didn’t tell a couple of uncles how thankful i was for their showing me what the love of Jesus really looked like … I’ve lost opportunities to show young kids God’s creation and pass on some of my knowledge and experiences … so yeah…i know what the writer means when he wrote,” But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up !” If you’re a “loner”, you’re trading some of God’s greatest blessings for quality time with His “gifts”. You’re also robbing others of the blessing they’d get from being with you ! Our Lord didn’t come to earth and serve, minister and teach by himself ! That’s why he chose disciples ! Fellowship and community is one of God’s greatest blessings ! We oughta embrace it more, insteada doin life alone.

Mother’s Day 2026

Mother’s Day 2026 !! And Happy Mother’s Day to all you mamas, Mimi’s, wives ( cause you know you’re mama-ing your husband ) and aunts ! Yall probably don’t hear it enough, but we thank God for yall 🙏 !! Some of us just needed an extra mama to take up where our own mamas leave off. If ever a verse needed to be recognized and “Amen’d”, Genesis 2:18 would be it … The Lord God said,” It’s not good for the man to be alone. I’ll make a helper suitable for him.” Do like i did and put your wife’s name right afterwards. She’s the mama that took up where your own mama left off. They “tagged” and she took over the fight. You know it, i know it and SHE knows it. We ain’t perfect and she’s tasked with reminding us of the fact. She puts up with us even when it dont make sense. She sees that our clothes match so we don’t get talked about out in public. She tells us what we NEED to hear, when erebody else just ignores our faults. She’s in our corner when erebody else deserts us. She’s our encourager and comfort on any given day of the week. If it’s a doctor’s appointment or medication we need, she’s our primary reminder-somebody. Our welfare is her concern…and she’s darn good at makin us better than we deserve to be. “Love” is what yall are, mamas… and we’re thankful unto God for yall even if we don’t tell yall nearly enough ! 🙏God’s blessings and favor rest on you this day and every day 🙏 … He knows you need it to take care of us ! 😄 Happy Mama’s Day !! We love you 😘🥰❤️

His Perfect Will

I love a good tv show or movie. Of course, my favorites are anything based in the past…1800’s to 1940’s. That era always grabs my interest and keeps me reminded of how tough a person had to be to exist in this world. Pennye Jacobs Lewis gets “that look” on her face whenever i wanna “rewatch” episodes of Little House, the Waltons, or Andy Griffith. I guess I’m just one o’ them “old souls” in a younger man’s time. I love me some good outdoor mountainous scenery ! I imagine being there…roughing it and enjoying the simple life, without all the bells and whistles…not t’ mention all the traffic…and the hectic rat-race we’ve created for ourselves. One thing i can’t stand, though, is the way these tv and movie producers allow…even script, the actors and actresses to use unbridled, foul and disgusting “language” in their lines. It turns my stomach to hear somebody using our Lord’s name in vain or using “the f word”! It ruins everything else that’s good about a movie or tv show, in my book. Seems to me, these producers would stop listening to bad advice and film those same shows without all the cussing. Maybe then, their ratings would sore, they’d make the money they’d need and folks would be “re-watching” their reruns for years afterward…like Bonanza, Tales of Wells Fargo, Gunsmoke…and yeah, the Waltons, Little House and Andy Griffith. Nobody needs to be hearing and seeing the sinfulness of man to know it exists ! ( And I’ll let Romans 12:1-2 speak for itself…) Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God— this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is — His good, pleasing and perfect will. As long as people keep watching, they’ll keep makin ungodly shows. Airtime and ratings are what keeps em coming…and one day, they’ll ( we’ll ) answer for what was endorsed. A “renewed mind” can only be found when a body gets tired of seeing and hearing things that go against God’s nature and character. A “renewed mind” comes only after a body has surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. A “renewed mind” knows what pleases the Lord and what doesn’t … and their greatest acts of worship is to live a life of integrity and display the righteousness they’ve found “in Christ”. Have you “found” Him yet ?

God Cares

Everybody remembers the shortest passage in the Bible…( John 11:35 )…”Jesus wept.”…but let’s look at the two, right-after verses…36 and 37. But some said,” Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying ?” “This man”, being Jesus’ friend…Mary and Martha’s brother, Lazarus. Lazarus had gotten sick and was dwindling…and the sisters sent a messenger to tell Jesus, knowing He could heal him, if He would just come…but Jesus purposely stayed away for two more days. Didn’t Jesus care !? Didn’t Lazarus follow Jesus as a believer !? Wasn’t this family loved by Jesus ?! Yes, Yes and Yes. By the time Jesus got there, it was “too late” … Lazarus was dead and buried. Here’s where the rubber meets the road…where faith gets tested…and where our actions speak louder than our words. We’ve had sick, loved ones die, even though we asked God to intervene and heal em; right ? We may still be praying for someone right now…that God will step in and save the day…whether it be a physical healing, spiritual healing or mental healing. Maybe it’s an addiction, or demon that we’re begging God to take away…to replace the desire with something that builds up, insteada destroying. Maybe it’s a missing relative that we’re asking God to reveal their whereabouts. Maybe it’s a marriage we’re asking God to mend. Maybe we’re asking for a miracle…that God would help us pass our “finals” … that we’d “get pregnant” … that we’d be successful in our jobs … hit a home run … kill a good buck or catch a big fish. We don’t mind asking God for near bout anything; right ? But…what if He don’t come through like we want ? What if that loved one dies anyway..,we don’t get pregnant.., we strike out or that relative is never heard from again ? What’s our opinion of God, then ? Is He less, “God”, when He fails to meet our demands, our petitions and pleas ? Were we “worshiping” or “following” Him for what He could give us or do for us ? Do we love Him superficially…for what we can get from Him? …or do we love Him, regardless ? If we were honest with ourselves and God, we can probably recall a time in our lives when we questioned God’s authority…His availability and even His “abilities”. We didn’t get what we asked for, so we’re not giving Him any more of “our” money or time. News flash: God ain’t on our timetables and He won’t compromise His standards. “His” will, oughta be our desire and His reasoning is beyond our comprehension. Simply put…His grace is sufficient ( 2 Corinthians 12:9 ) ! We may not like it or understand it, but it ain’t like it’s a secret. He told us,” My ways ain’t yall’s and my thoughts are so much higher. ” ( Isaiah 55:8-9 ) God’s will isn’t that we suffer and face hardships … His will is that we trust Him, no matter what our circumstances are. His will is that we glorify Him in all we do, say and think. Unfortunately, there’s bad people living amongst us, and good people suffer from the actions of those that live contrary to God’s will. And then there’s “sin”. And the consequences of sin are the same since Adam and Eve introduced em way back when ( Genesis chapter 3 ). Yeah…Jesus could’ve kept Lazarus from dying…but He didn’t. And true to form, Jesus’ plan was to bring glory to the Father by what He was going to do…not what He didn’t do. Jesus stood outside Lazarus’ tomb…and wept. I choose to believe it was because He knew Lazarus was enjoying Paradise…( absent from the body, present with the Lord…2 Corinthians 5:8 ), and He was about to ruin His party. So yeah…Jesus raised Lazarus from the grave…to prove that He had authority over life as well as death ! Something only “GOD” could do. 😉. It’s our choice as to how we deal with uncomfortable circumstances and less than favorable conditions. We should always pray about everything and worry about nothing ( Philippians 4:6-7 )…because our faith ain’t in a fairy tale character or another human being … it’s in the Creator of all mankind…as well as everything else we see and don’t see ( Colossians 1:16-17 ). Yeah…He can do anything … but don’t assume He’s not listening and actively at work when our prayers ain’t answered like we want em to be.

Faithful

Hebrews 10:23 says, “ Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful” … and i haveta wonder, who, or what, do we place our hopes in ? Common hopes are often placed in people…other human beings that are flawed, unreliable and sometimes, incapable of meeting our demands. For example: “ I hope he asks her to the prom” … “I hope they’re not late, as usual “ … “I hope they don’t quit” … or “I hope she didn’t bring that same ol’ nasty casserole.” We’ll often put our hopes in material possessions. For example: “I hope that radiator’ll hold out till we get across Texas and back” … “ I hope the rain’ll hold off till we get this last game played” … or, “I hope that cable doesn’t break while we’re ziplining over that gorge.” Us humans tend to put alotta faith, trust and hope in almost everything, when there ain’t but One that we can fully trust or count on … God, Himself. As I’m sure you’ll agree, many of our hopes get crushed, promises get broken and we fail miserably at following through with those “good intentions”. It’s just that we, as humans, are limited and imperfect . We ain’t GOD, so we ain’t gon’ possess GOD’s powers, His capabilities or His sovereignty. Sure…we can receive His Spirit once we’ve surrendered by faith in Jesus Christ, but we’re still limited because of our humanity. GOD is SPIRIT…He has no limitations…He has no faults…His promises are “yes” and “amen” ( 2 Corinthians 1:20 ) and He cannot lie ( Hebrews 6:18 ). All things were created by God and for God ( Colossians 1:16 ), therefore, He owns it / us all and can do as He pleases. If we’d only REMEMBER this simple fact, we could be further along in our spiritual walk with Him ! Reading the Bible from front to back ain’t gon’ make you perfect or place you on a higher pedestal in heaven. Being able to recite Scripture verbatim at the drop-of-a-hat won’t secure you a seat at the front of the bus goin to Glory…but it WILL make you wiser and give you greater knowledge concerning God’s commands and qualities. It’s when we get tired of the same ol same ol, and with a humble heart, surrender to Jesus, confessing Him as Lord, and repenting of the sins that have kept us at arms-length from GOD, that we FINALLY can receive what GOD’s been holdin for us … Faith, Grace, Forgiveness, Peace, Hope, Release, Blessings and Favor !! Puttin our hope in any other thing or person is gonna disappoint us. But placing our faith, trust and hopes in GOD ALMIGHTY will never disappoint !! So…if the “hope we profess” ain’t in Jesus Christ, we’re just wastin time … “for He who promised is faithful”! Insteada sayin,” I hope you have a great day”, why not say,” I pray you have a blessed day !” It’ll come nearer comin true !

Go-To Scripture

What’s one of your favorite Scriptures that you’ve memorized ? You know…the one you’ve “hidden in your heart” ( Psalm 119:11 ), as assurance of God’s love, His power and presence. I’ve hung onto ( Matthew 6:27 ) for a long time now…where Jesus tells us, “Who of you by worrying can add a single day to his life?” I choose to trust God to handle my problems … to enable me to get through them and to supply me with exactly what i need at any given time. This Scripture has given me peace, even when things didn’t make sense. Storms develop, but God is greater than any storm …” What manner of man is this that even the wind and the waves obey him ?” ( Matthew 8:26-27 ) I don’t wanna hear Him say,” You of little faith; why are you so afraid ?” I’ll trust Him with every circumstance and situation I’m in. If you’re like me, you have several “go-to” Scriptures that fit whatever you’re facing. Knowing that God’s Word applies to every situation we’ll face in life is a comfort ! It’s as if God knew we’d face certain situations, so He went ahead of us and laid out the necessary “tool” to tackle the job, meet the need and fix the problem ! I just really believe alotta people are neglecting these “tools” and trying to “fix” things with makeshift items. The handle of a crescent wrench wasn’t made to be a prybar. A Phillips head screwdriver wasn’t intended to remove a torque screw. Neither is your “lost” friend’s advice meant to save your marriage or draw you closer to Christ. An alcoholic drink ain’t gonna fix your problems. That “greener-lookin grass” on the other side o’ that fence…turns out it’s just astroturf ! Whenever we tire of playin Satan’s game, the only logical thing to do is to “surrender” to God’s will and purpose for our lives. A relationship built on faith in Jesus is gonna open SO many doors for godly living, it’s gonna be mind-boggling ! His grace is sufficient , but we’ve gotta meet Him halfway. We’ve gotta get past everything we’ve heard that contradicts God’s word. Compromising ain’t an option ! It’s God’s way or bust. It ain’t up for debate ! Either you’re in or you’re out ! What’ll it be ?!? Your future depends on your decision. Nobody but “you” can make it. If Scripture dont make sense to you when you read it, ask the Author for understanding. God never intended us to read it and walk away still as ignorant as we were when we arrived at it. If you really want to know what He’s saying and how to apply it to your living, just ask Him ! He’ll see your hearts desire and go from there ! Try Him … He’s waiting.

Putting Out Fires

Would you call God a liar ? No ? Then, it’s as He said…”Every word of Scripture is God-breathed”(2 Timothy 3:16-17 ); right ? Ok then…now that we’ve established that … let’s look at God’s words through Paul to the church. And even though it was to the church in Thessalonica, it’s also to those of us that claim the name of “Christ”… by grace through faith ( Ephesians 2:8-9 )…since “we” ARE “the church”. Here’s what He’s telling us …” Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; don’t treat prophesies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil.” ( 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 ) Instructions straight from God’s lips to ours ! So, how’re you doin with em ? Six “do’s” and two “do not’s” … test yourself…and I’ll do “me”. I wanted to touch on one of the “do not’s” in this particular post … “Do not put out the Spirit’s fire”(v. 19 ). How do we put out, or “quench”, the fire of the Spirit of God ?!? Have you ever given this much thought ? I’m bettin “no”. In fact, i believe the majority of the “churches” around our country are “dousin water on” the move of the Spirit every Sunday ! I’ll tell you why…and this is just a few ways that I’ve personally seen or experienced over the years I’ve been a Christian : A person has heard the whisper of, or call from God, and they’ve broken tradition and visited a local church…a little apprehensive and not real sure what to expect. They make it past the “greeters” at the door and unsure which direction is right. From that point on, all they’re seein is folks smilin, jokin and huggin on each other…undoubtedly, they all know each other… but nobody notices that lost look on your face, so you’re just gonna haveta figure out where you’re goin by yourself. You’re already feelin like a fugitive needing a place to hide. Finally, you find a seat…only to be looked at funny when a couple stops and gives you “that look”…like you’re sittin in “their” seat. Nobody acknowledges you as a visitor…the only handshake you get is from someone tryin to get by you to hug that person they know. You try t’ get into the singin and the message, but all you can think about is how you felt more welcomed at Walmart, the Waffle House or that bar you like hangin out at. Christians just put out the fire that God started inside your heart. Here’s another: You’ve just finished praising the Lord with some dynamic music and singin…and the message from the pastor…WHOooWeeee ! It was a doozy ! Heart was moved and tears were real and folks were comin to the altar cryin their confessions and petitions unto God ! But then…all the movement was suddenly put on hold because someone on the staff had to re-mention the upcoming week’s scheduling ,( like folks can’t read it in the bulletin ). All the air seemed to be let out the tire…and the Spirit’s fire was just quenched. One more: You’ve prayed, read your morning devotional, listened to some encouraging praise music, and off to church with the fam ! About the time you’re vacating the car, little Johnny slips and dirties up his clean clothes. You automatically berate and belittle him for his clumsiness…lookin around to see if anybody was close enough to hear you…seein the disgust in your spouse’s expression and the hurt in your little boy’s eyes. You just killed the Spirit’s fire … and now “church” ain’t so exciting a place anymore. Think about it and I’m positive you’ll recall some other “real life” examples of times you’ve either put out the Spirit’s fire, or, someone put out yours. It happens every day…not just Sundays. God’s Spirit lives inside each believer, but He’s also activating “it” in people that He’s drawing / wooing to Himself. We’ve GOT t’ be more careful with our words, our actions and our facial expressions ! People need to see, hear, and feel Jesus’ love when we’re around em. Remember … we may be the only Christian ( little Christ ) they encounter. We’ve gotta leave a good impression ! Their eternal salvation could depend on it ! “Do not put out the Spirit’s fire.” Thank you, GOD

What must I do ?

A man…on the verge of committing suicide, heard the voice of a man that cared. So he asked, “ What must I do to be saved ?” The man replied,” Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved — you and your household.” Then the word of the Lord was spoken to him and his household. That very night, his whole demeanor changed. He cared for and had compassion on those he’d previously wanted to kill. He was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God — he and his whole family. ( Acts 16:28-34 ) A miracle takes place and something happens when a person comes to a “belief” in Jesus Christ. They take on a whole new mindset and their heart becomes softened. Their inclination is towards seeing that “others” are ministered to … that their needs come before their own. Joy replaces bitterness, hatred, envy, jealousy and discord. This “change” takes on a whole nother lifestyle. Old likes are replaced with new likes. Those old habits that refused to die, did. This husband came home…”different”. His wife got the man that she’d always dreamed of … his kids got the daddy they needed. His boss wasn’t too happy with him…but hey…two outta three ain’t bad. This husband…this daddy…could come home now, to a home filled with love and adoration … one with laughter and a feeling of contentment … which once, wasn’t there. This husband…this daddy…could now, tell someone else about the “change” that came over him once he believed in Jesus. His testimony couldn’t be discounted, because his coworkers could see the difference in him. A man and his whole household came to believe in Jesus as Lord…all because one man cared. A wife, a son, a daughter…saved from a lifetime of hopelessness and separation from God ! All because someone cared. I wanted, wished for and prayed for a daddy that would love the Lord with all his heart, soul, mind and strength…all throughout my childhood and early adulthood. I imagined what it would be like to hear him pray at meals. I pictured him standing in the choir loft, smiling while singing praises to his Lord. I longed to see him sitting next to my mama, holding an open bible in his hands…with a tear sliding down his jaw…because of this newfound belief he’d been blessed with. How i wanted so badly to hear him telling someone about the love of Jesus and how it changed him from the man he’d been. I knew our household could be different if he’d just accept and believe in Jesus ! I was long out of the house before he did, though. I heard his confession…and even though he was never baptized, i did see tears and the regret that he’d waited so long. His health dwindled quickly and my mama was his primary caregiver for the last of his life. He died, a baby Christian…unable to live the abundant life God had purposed him to live, here on earth. I’m sure my mama had some good times with him…had a few good memories… but i always hoped she could’ve had a husband that loved the Lord as much as she did. How different our home could’ve been. It makes me sad to see so many daddies…so many husbands…neglecting their God-given roles of spiritual leadership…taking that responsibility seriously, so their families can be of one Spirit and one mind…filled with joy because the love of their Lord Jesus Christ is welcomed in that home. I pray someone will care enough to share this word from our Lord with someone they love … someone that needs someone to care. Who knows but that “you” are the one that leads them to Jesus and brings them salvation !

Conceited

To keep me from becoming conceited…there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me,” My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” ( 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 ) This Scripture has probably been picked cleaner than a chicken leg at Popeyes on a Sunday afternoon … two things in particular. What was the “thorn” and why just “three” times ? Does it really matter ? Paul was boasting about “a man” that had been caught up to the “third heaven” ( Heaven, heaven…not the heaven-on-earth one or the galaxy heaven, but the “Paradise” Heaven…the eternal home of all believers who’ve placed their faith in Jesus )…where inexpressible things were heard ( verses 2-4 ) that man is not permitted to tell. He goes on to tell us that he was given this “thorn in his flesh” to keep him from being conceited. We all know that “conceitedness” ain’t nothin but “pridefulness” … and prideful folks always wind up their own worst enemies. Of course, our curiosity HAS t’ be tickled concerning that thorn. Maybe it was hemorrhoids…a constant kink in his back or an itch that wouldn’t go away. Maybe it was something he’d seen that played over-and-over in his mind, like an endless loop. Imagine what you will … shoot…liken it to some ailment that plagues YOU, every day. I mean, you ain’t perfect; right ? Stuff hurts. There’s that naggin pain in your shoulder or knee…maybe a constant pain in your lower back…maybe poor eyesight or hard-of-hearing. No matter our “thorn”, why’d Paul stop after asking for relief that third time ? Shoot … i ask ever day ! Lord, please take this ache and pain outta my ankle and wrist ! Please give physical healing to Pennye Jacobs Lewis. Make us well so we can serve you longer, Lord … minus the pain and suffering😁. And if we asked Paul why he stopped at three, he’d probably respond…” Because three represents “completeness”…an earnest plea receiving a final answer. Jesus…in the garden, hours before his crucifixion…prayed three consecutive times that the Father would “take the cup ( of death ) from him”( Matthew 26:39,42,44 )…only to relent to “God’s will”…accepting his lot and trusting that the Father “had his back.” We’d be lyin if we said we don’t wish for bodies that don’t hurt, no problems at work, no anxiety and uncertainty, no home problems, etc; etc; etc.. But hey ! That’s life; right ? Stuff happens. What we don’t inherit, we catch. And God won’t hold it against us if we ask for deliverance or healing, more than three times. If his answer is no, then we can move on. If it’s,” Not right now”, then keep on asking ! Just remember…just because we deal with pain and suffering doesn’t mean that God’s punishing us from something we did … doesn’t mean that He’s not hearin our cries for help. Sometimes, it’s to get us ready for something coming. Sometimes, it’s so we can use our testimony to encourage someone else. Sometimes, it’s just to test our faith in Him. No matter the “why” or “what for”, let’s just remember His words to Paul that day …” My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions and in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. ( vrs 9-10 ). Our strength lies not in ourselves, but in Christ who lives within us ! All things work together for the good of them who love the Lord and are called according to His purposes ( Romans 8:28 ). Serving through faith and “obedience” … not “conceitedness”…till He calls us Home !🙌

STOP Worryin !

We get up, and start yesterday’s processes all over again, determined to make another day, do better, live the dream, and worry about tomorrow’s problems before they even present themselves. Do i have enough gas to get to work. What project ??!…and when did you know it was due ?!! Did i lay something out for supper ? Can you get babygirl to her game this evening ? How could you forget !?? And our minds are tangled like an open-faced reel after a major backlash ! If we’d worry about the things we can change and just accept the things we can’t as another opportunity for God to do something, we’d probably live longer and have less wrinkles. Let’s face it … we all have our own personal opinions and we ain’t gonna please everybody … so stop worryin about it and think on “good things”! A friend and brother-in-Christ and i was talking yesterday, and he asked for prayer for a loved one. Our conversation led to this particular block of Scripture : Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. ( Philippians 4:8 ) Doesn’t Jesus tell us not to worry about tomorrow…to let tomorrow worry about itself … and who of us will add a single hour to our lives by worrying ? ( Matthew 6:27, 34 ) He also tells us not to get prideful and plan for tomorrow since we don’t even know if we’ll BE here tomorrow ( Luke 12:16-21 ). Instead, he tells us to “seek HIS kingdom” ( verse 31 ) … and again, “ But seek first HIS kingdom and HIS righteousness” ( Matthew 6:33 ). Each of us has a certain number of days…a certain number of hours in those days, to perform our duties with the gifts and talents that God supplies us. The psalmist, under the inspiration of the Spirit, says,” Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” ( Psalm 90:12 ) Jesus said,” Don’t waste yall’s time storin up “stuff” that’s gonna get stolen, rot, rust or burn up … instead, store up for yourselves kingdom treasures, that won’t.” ( Matthew 6:19-21 ) See ? Worry only displays a lack of faith in God to provide our needs. And personally, our minds can use the “break” ! Amen ? Think on those things that are “true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy”…and STOP worryin ! Since Jesus, our Lord and Savior, fits all those characteristics, let’s be sure to include “Him” in every thought !

The Perfect Life

Maybe you’re living the perfect life. The bills are caught up and there’s still money in the bank…your health is as good as it’s ever been and you’re really feeling good. Your kids, grandkids and their spouses are gettin along beautifully and the warmness of the sun is makin all your plants and flowers smile right along with you. But maybe… just maybe…everything’s not like you’d like it to be. Maybe you’re under alotta pressure and you’ve been tempted to give up. Maybe your health ain’t what it used to be and you’re just tired o’ feelin bad. Maybe your spouse or your kids aren’t treating you with the love and respect that you’ve tried so hard to earn. Maybe your boss hasn’t remembered all that you’ve done to make the company successful, and you’re feeling unappreciated. Whatever’s holding you back…making you feel unappreciated…causing you to feel defeated…making you second-guess life in general… stop…touch the “play” icon on this video, and listen carefully. 

  https://www.facebook.com/reel/954372343655621

It’s God’s reminder to you that it’s gonna be alright. He’s aware of your situation and He’s listening to your cries. Let Him hug you to His chest and comfort you.