Monthly Archives: April 2015

A House Well Built

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I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, hears my words, and acts on them. That one is like a man building a house, who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; when a flood arose, the river burst against that house but could not shake it, because it had been well built. Some time ago I was told that our thoughts are not necessarily original. If we have a wonderfully great idea it doesn’t mean that no one else has thought of it. Those who succeed are those who act while the rest of us are still just thinking about it. Gracious God, let us not be idle with the gifts you have given us. Together let us act to build on the foundation of your love for us that we may fulfill your purpose in our lives to the glory of your Name. Let us march on ’til victory is won.

68

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Ride out and conquer in the cause of truth and for the sake of justice. Psalm 45:4  I took a little time off. Sometimes, it’s just necessary, as care of the self both physically and spiritually is ever important these days. It’s difficult however to take time off when life in the world around you hits so close to home. The City of Baltimore, a place I call home, a place where my family still resides is in turmoil striving for truth and justice, seemingly a simple request and yet a demand that is not unique to cities like it, which goes unheard. My mother lived through the ’68 riots in Baltimore and while at the age of 6 I was shielded by those images, I remember the pain in her face as she described them to me in one of our many adult conversations. I also remember asking why? Her response; People were hurting. My hope for truth and justice remains as my self-imposed time out comes to an end. While I can not condone the violence, PEOPLE ARE HURTING. Gracious God as the the sons take the place of the fathers and the daughters take the place of the mothers, give grace and favor to all those in the midst of this new holy uprising in Baltimore and every other city, township and municipality, that they may finally be heard!

Centering Prayer

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Saturday’s Meditation – Psalm 105:1-5, 12-15

O give thanks to the Lord, call on his name,
make known his deeds among the peoples.
Sing to him, sing praises to him;
tell of all his wonderful works.
Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
Seek the Lord and his strength;
seek his presence continually.
Remember the wonderful works he has done,
his miracles, and the judgements he has uttered…

When they were few in number,
of little account, and strangers in it,
wandering from nation to nation,
from one kingdom to another people,
he allowed no one to oppress them;
he rebuked kings on their account,
saying, ‘Do not touch my anointed ones;
do my prophets no harm.’

Hindsight

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He opened their minds so that they could understand… Luke 24:36b-48  The resurrection needed to happen. The story is not complete without it. Hindsight may be 20/20 but in this journey it’s helpful to know that when we fall we shall also rise. Some things we know but other things in this life we can only know after we’ve experienced it. It is then that our own minds are open to comprehend. Gracious God, of the experiences to which you have called us, and the mysteries therein, help us to walk in faith that we may also live into your resurrection.

Centering Prayer

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Saturday’s Meditation – Psalm 20:1-8

The Lord answer you in the day of trouble!
The name of the God of Jacob protect you!
May he send you help from the sanctuary,
and give you support from Zion.
May he remember all your offerings,
and regard with favour your burnt sacrifices.
Selah

May he grant you your heart’s desire,
and fulfil all your plans.
May we shout for joy over your victory,
and in the name of our God set up our banners.
May the Lord fulfil all your petitions.

Now I know that the Lord will help his anointed;
he will answer him from his holy heaven
with mighty victories by his right hand.
Some take pride in chariots, and some in horses,
but our pride is in the name of the Lord our God.
They will collapse and fall,
but we shall rise and stand upright.

Just Do It

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…we have no need to present a defense to you in this matter. Daniel 3:1-18  I’ve come to understand that if God has placed within us the compassion to build a ministry; just do it. The hopes and dreams we have belong to God who by grace has placed them within us. They don’t go away necessarily. Yet if we wait too long to act on them they simply remain hopes and dreams. We can either take the first step or watch someone else take it – and they will. We don’t need to over process their situation. God already knows that we don’t yet have all the answers. We have to trust that if God placed that call in our heart, we have what we need to live out the call. Thank you God for the compassion to do the work you have given us to do and the courage strength and humility to allow you to guide us through it.

 

Encourage Yourself

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I love you, O Lord, my strength.
The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer,
my God, my rock in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised;
so I shall be saved from my enemies.  

This God—his way is perfect;
the promise of the Lord proves true;
he is a shield for all who take refuge in him. Psalm 18:1-2

Sometimes, we just have to encourage ourselves.

Seasons

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He changes times and seasons…  Daniel 2:17-30  At times it seems that the end is certain; that only a bag of tricks or better yet a miracle of sorts could change what seems an impossible situation. Yet seasons do change. Every inhale that gives way to an exhale is part of a series of moments in our living, which leads to what God graciously reveals before us. Darkness always gives way to light and the Winter always gives way to the Spring of our season which God has in store for us. It arrives right on time and in its perfect glory. Thank you God for I know that the seed of faith you have planted within me grows in all seasons.

Interpretations

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You… speak lying and misleading words to me until things take a turn.  Daniel 2:1-16 The only way the King could be certain of the interpretation of his dream was if those who claim to be able to interpret the dream, could in fact first tell him the dream. If we believe that dreams are God’s way of connecting with us how can we expect others to interpret God’s meaning for us? The King’s request suddenly, doesn’t seem so unreasonable. In difficult situations we sometimes want people to tell us what we want to hear when what we really need is the truth. Thank you God for by your Word we are drawn into your truth and by your Word you help guide us away from deceits.

Your Eyes Only

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The palace master gave them other names: Daniel he called Belteshazzar… Daniel 1:1-21.  People may call us out of a title we’ve worked hard to earn. In their ignorance though unintentional, they may call us by someone else’s name. Yet, only in fear do they call us out of our name altogether. A rose by any other name is still a rose. Dear God your Word nor your promise does not change. Thank you for the understanding that the beginning of wisdom is our consciousness to your plan, and to what you have created us to be. For your eyes only, are what really matters and not what others see.