Then Jesus Came

Today, I went back to my DC church home of Metropolitan Baptist Church. Reverend Jesse Wood spoke. On the above stated topic at the 7:45 am service. This was exactly what I needed to hear.

The text-John 20:
19On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!"*
20After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
21Again Jesus said, "Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you."
22And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit.
23If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."
*Verse of focus

My Notes:
§ The disciples closed the door out of fears of the Jews. We close the doors of our hearts and minds out of fear of our situations (financial, emotional, family-related, school related, etc.)
§ Fear is devastating to our faith and lives. It can kill us.
§ The answer to the fear is the peace of Jesus through the Holy Ghost.
§ We are vessels to be used be Christ. Even when you do not allow yourself to be a vessel, Jesus out he will use you anyhow.

What we can expect from Jesus:
1.) Jesus will come during a crisis.
2.) Jesus will come in unexpected ways and times
3.) Jesus will some through closed doors.

Conclusion:
In the midst of you trouble, Jesus will come. In the meantime, prepare yourself for Him. You must remain prayerful, faithful, strong, patient and humble. Don’t give up. He will come in His time. Make sure you are ready.

Making the Best of a Bad Situation

Bishop Vashti Murphy-McKenzie spoke at HU’s Chapel today. After listening to her sermon, I was greatly encouraged. Such inspiration should not be kept for one, but shared with all. I am going to buy the cd of her sermon and give it to those that I love.

Here are my notes from her sermon:
The text-Psalm 34
1 I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.*
2 My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; the humble shall hear of it and be glad.
3 Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together.
4 I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
5 They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces were not ashamed.
6 This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel[a] of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.
8 Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!
9 Oh, fear the LORD, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him.
10 The young lions lack and suffer hunger; but those who seek the LORD shall not lack any good thing.
11 Come, you children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
12 Who is the man who desires life, and loves many days, that he may see good?
13 Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking deceit.
14 Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
15 The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry.
16 The face of the LORD is against those who do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.
17 The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles.*
18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.**
19 A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all;**
20 He protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.*
21 Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned.*
22 The LORD redeems his servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in him.*
*The selected text from speaker
**These were the versus of focus

Every now and then, life throws you a curveball. We start to develop a comfort and routine. Just when you think you know what to expect, we are caught off guard. Life does something a little different. We strike out and are sent back to the dug out wondering what happened.

While we are in the dug out, we must remain happy. Happiness is a choice. Just because negative things happen to you, that doesn’t mean that you must have the negative attitude to go along with it. Bishop McKenzie defined happiness to be a state in which a Godly life of moral restraint is lived with joy. Happiness is blessedness.

Matthew 5
3"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
7Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
8Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
9Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Being blessed doesn’t mean that you won’t be distressed.

Like the main text said “many are the afflictions of the righteous.” The bible tells us that our lives will be hard.

John 20
18"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.
19If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.
20Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master. 'If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.
21They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.

So we are afflicted. What do we do? How do we survive the curveball? Look back at Psalm 34 verse 1. We are to bless the Lord at all times. The praise is to be conscious, determined and insistent. Praise Him when you are happy. Praise Him when you’re sad. No matter what you are going through, praise Him at ALL TIMES.

You must make the decision to praise because it is hard for fear and the praise of God to be in the same place. Even when you put your all into something and you didn’t do well, praise Him. When you don’t put your all into something and your fail, praise Him.

It is easy to praise God when thing are going well. But the true testament of faith is praise during the difficult times.

James 2
26As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

Hebrews 11
1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen.
2This is what the ancients were commended for.
3By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
6And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Along with faith, you must have hope. As one author describes it, hope is a three story house. The right hope must be applied to the right situation. Here are the different types of hope:

1.) Incremental hope-hope that occurs one step at a time. Survival is done in stages. Things didn’t get bad all at once. Therefore. It won’t get fixed all at once.
2.) High hope-hope that moves by leaps and bounds. You don’t just want to work at the McDonald then own a franchise. You go for the franchise first. Then, you build upon that.
3.) Static hope-Unexplained hope that is encouraged by the Holy Spirit. Hope that is not attached to situations. No matter what, the good or the bad, the hope is there.

Bishop McKenzie ended with these lyrics from the song “The Solid Rock”:
“My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ Name.
On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.”

...THAT WAS A POWERFUL SERMON!

Ideology Differences

So I had a convo with my suitemate and it made me think about why I do what I do for and to my bf. She thinks one thing. I think another. In order to better understand the basis of our arguments, I talked to my parents, I prayed to God and I looked up sermons on relationships. I ran across on sermon that really spoke to me. I hope it does the same to you.
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“THE BIBLICAL MEANING OF LOVE by Cooper Abrams

The primary meaning of the word "love" in Scripture is a "purposeful commitment to sacrificial action for another." In the Bible it is a fact that loving God is equated with obeying His Word. The two are inseparable. 1 John 4:8 tells us that ". . . God is love."

In our day, most define love as some type of feeling. We "fall in love," or two people meet and it is "love at first sight." But the world's love is a selfish matter. If you are attractive to me, be nice to me, meet my needs and love me I in return will "love" you. The world's love is based on getting something from some else. The world does not give love where is does not benefit themselves. If you do not please me then I have no love for you. Thus for the world love must be earned by making someone else feel good.

Powerful emotions may accompany love, but it is the commitment of the will that holds true biblical love steadfast and unchanging. Emotions may change, but a commitment to love in a biblical manner endures and is the hallmark of a disciple of Christ. Sadly, the opposite is also true. Emotions will vary, but a commitment which has its basis in biblical love will not be affected by the whelm of emotion or of one's circumstances.

Our example of true love is shown in God's love for the sinner. Romans 5:8 says ". . .commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." The lost sinner living in rebellion and sin is still loved by the Lord. He loved us enough to die for us and pay our sin debt while we were sinning against Him. This shows that true biblical love is a matter of will....not of emotion. God choose to love us and His love was not based on our meriting it in any way.

The Apostle Paul's discourse in 1 Corinthians 13:1-8, addresses the true righteousness of those who profess Jesus Christ. It is a comparison of love verses the selfishness of seeking "gifts." Many miss the context of this passage. Paul was addressing the selfishness of the Corinthians in their seeking to obtain gifts of the Spirit that would draw attention to themselves. These misguided individuals were seeking to be "seen" rather than to serve God. Paul was saying their seeking gifts from God was not motivated by love.

The breakdown:
A. LOVE IS PATIENT. V4 (Long suffering) Even when you feel like forcefully expressing yourself. Love bears pain or trails without complaint, shows forbearance under provocation or strain, and is steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity.
B. LOVE IS KIND. V4 Even when you want to retaliate physically or tear down another with your words. Love is sympathetic, considerate, gentle and agreeable.
C. LOVE IS NOT JEALOUS. V4 (envieth not) Especially when you are aware that others are being noticed more than you. Love does not participate in rivalry, is not hostile toward one believed to enjoy an advantage, and is not suspicious. Love works for the welfare and good of the other.
D. LOVE DOES NOT BRAG. V4 (vaunteth not itself) Even when you want to tell the world about your accomplishments. Love does not flaunt itself boastfully and does not engage in self-glorification. Instead, love lifts and builds up others.
E. LOVE IS NOT ARROGANT. V4 (is not puffed up) Even when you think you are right and others are wrong. Love does not assert itself or become overbearing in dealing with others.
F. LOVE IS DOES NOT ACT UNBECOMINGLY. V5 (Does not behave seemly) Even when being boastful, rude or overbearing will get you attention and allow you to get your own way. Love conforms to what is right, fitting and appropriate to the situation in order to honor the Lord.
G. LOVE DOES NOT SEEK ITS OWN. V5 Biblical love is not selfish and self seeking. True Love does not try to fulfill its own desires, does not ask for its own way, and does not try to acquire gain for itself. Love, is an act of the will which seeks to serve and not be served.
H. LOVE IS NOT PROVOKED. V5 Even when others attempt to provoke you or you are tempted to strike out at something or someone. Love is not aroused or incited to outbursts of anger. Love continues faithfully and gently to train others in righteousness, even when they fail.
I. LOVE DOES NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT A WRONG SUFFERED. V5 (thinketh no evil) Even when everyone seems to be against you or when people openly attack you. Love does not hold a grudge against someone. Love forgives, chooses not to bring up past wrongs in accusation or retaliation, does not return evil for evil, and does not indulge in self pity. Love covers a multitude of sins.
J. LOVE DOES NOT REJOICE IN UNRIGHTEOUSNESS. V6 (rejoiceth not in iniquity) Even when it seems like a misfortune was exactly what another person deserved. Love mourns over sin, its effects and the pain which results from living in a fallen world. Love seeks to reconcile others with the Lord.
K. LOVE REJOICES WITH THE TRUTH. V6 Even when it is easier and more profitable materially to lie. Love is joyful when truth is known, even when it may lead to adverse circumstances, reviling and persecution.
L. LOVE BEARS ALL THINGS. V7 Even when disappointments seem overwhelming. Love is tolerant, endures with others who are difficult to understand or deal with, and has an eternal perspective in difficulties. Love remembers that God develops spiritual maturity through difficult circumstances.
M. LOVE BELIEVES ALL THINGS. V7 Even when other's actions are ambiguous and you feel like not trusting anyone. Love accepts trustfully, does not judge people's motives, and believes others until facts prove otherwise. Even when facts prove that the other person is untrustworthy, love seeks to help restore the other to trustworthiness.
N. LOVE HOPES ALL THINGS. V7 Even when nothing appears to be going right. Love expects fulfillment of God's plan and anticipates the best for the other person. Love confidently entrusts others to the Lord to do His sovereign and perfect will in their lives.
O. LOVE ENDURES ALL THINGS. V7 This is one of the hardest to practice. Especially when you think you just can't endure the people or circumstances in your life. Love remains steadfast under suffering or hardship without yielding and returns good while undergoing trials.
P. LOVE NEVER FAILS. V8 Even when you feel overwhelmed and the situation seems hopeless. Love will not crumble under pressure or difficulties. Love remains selflessly faithful even to the point of death.
Relationships based on emotion fail, but those based on the tenants of true biblical love NEVER fail.

This is a long introduction, but let us now look then at the Meaning of Biblical Love:
I. ALL OF GODS'S DIRECTIVES FOR LIVING ARE BASED ON LOVING GOD AND LOVING OTHERS IN A BIBLICAL MANNER.
II. LOVE IS GIVING, NOT GETTING, WITH GOD'S LOVE BEING THE BASIS AND THE EXAMPLE FOR THE EXPRESSION OF LOVE AMONG FELLOW CHRISTIANS.
III. LOVE HAS SPECIFIC CHARACTERISTICS DEMONSTRATED BY GODLY DEEDS
IV. LOVE CHARACTERIZES THE LIFE OF A DISCIPLE OF CHRIST.
V. BIBLICAL LOVE IS AN ACT OF THE WILL..NOT OF EMOTION.
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While I would not call what I feel for my bf love (the emotion) just yet, I would call it deep affection, we are certainly moving in the love direction. I do feel like I love him (the commitment), or at least am trying to do so, to the best of my ability biblically.

The bible says, “37…Love the Lord your God with all of your heart and with all of you soul and with all of your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. 38And the second like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthews 22:36-39)

God, my neighbor and I are to be loved in a similar fashion. Since this is true. I want to show D love the way the bible tells me so, whether he is my bf or not. It doesn’t matter the title, the commitment to biblical love will be the same. The nature of our relationship, either friends or bf/gf, will only change the other feelings attached to our commitment to biblical love and the manner in which our affection is expressed.

This is why I believe we can make it despite the hardships we are and will be facing. D is a good man physically, emotionally and spiritually. (Side note: I am NOT wasting my time, energy and emotions. I am investing them in a man with the potential to do great things in all arenas of his life.) Relationships based on what we are trying build (biblical love), are built to last and stay strong for the long haul.

After careful thought, I do not think that I am doing too much for him. Honestly, I wish that I could do more. However, as much as I would like to make his hurt and pains disappear, the ultimate decision is his. If the shoe were on the other foot, I would expect him to do what I am doing to the best of his ability. Just because I am proving myself first, doesn't mean that he won't have a time to prove himself. It just means this is what God wants for right now.

You know what? This isn't even about expecting something back. Don't get me wrong, my intentions and desires about him are clear. However, I don't do what I do for him because he is doing the exact same thing for me. I do what I do because I care for him. In the biblical sense I love him. When you care for someone like that you do what is required to maintain and sustain a good relationship.

Life isn't perfect. Neither are the relationships we encounter in it. I prayed for a man like D and I feel that his presence in my life is a gift from God. When God gives us something good, we must cherish it and help it grow. Just because its imperfect doesn't mean we should shun it. Each and every one of us is imperfect. How would you feel if God shunned you because of your imperfections? It's all about showing that biblical love to everyone. (Side note: Pls don't read this and think that I believe that I am holier than thou. Let me be the first to say that I do not show biblical love to everyone all the time. I fall short. But that doesn't mean I shouldn't try to show it and do it when I can.)

The bottom line: D is supporting me the best way he is able to. I appreciate all that he does. For as long as I can, I will continue to do what I do, whether ppl like it or not. I am not dating them. I am dating him. It is up to me and D to decide what is too much/little or too early/late. All we can do is pray about our relationship and be patient. God will reveal all in His time. We can't rush this. Nor do we want to. We are taking things one day at a time.

After all of this…Tevin Campbell’s “I’m Ready” comes to mind:
“…maybe I am the fool, u* call me
cuz i'll be here standing waiting**
to hear u ***say to me
i'm ready,
to love u
forever
hey love
come love me forever more”

*U=those who think like my suitemate
**Displaying the biblical love
***U=my bf

(This is how is feel….Ya dig E?)

SEETHING ANGER

So I’m mad again…

I used to think that my ex-bf was crazy when he said that he was an equal opportunity hater, but now I am beginning to see the light in his thought process. While I do think that hate itself is bad, the anger I feel right now is natural. You would be livid too if ur life was like mine.

Almost EVERYONE has pissed me off in the last few hours. A blanket of negativity is encircling me and my activities. I want to shake this monkey off my back but it won’t let go.

Here are some things on my mind:
*Why do “GROWN” women have to be so STUPID & CHILDISH?
**Why do I take relationships so seriously?
Random thoughts: I WANT US TO OVERCOME EVERYTHING TOGETHER. I truly believe that we can get thru anything that comes up against us in the present and future as long as we have God as the center of our lives/relationship and good communication between each other. This pledge of dedication and patience may be hard to fathom since we are only dating. My ex-bf and parents have all told me that I tend to act like I’m married when clearly I’m single(i.e. only in a relationship) according to the U.S. Govt. I just want to make things work for the long haul and I want you to do the same. The only problem is both ppl must want it and work hard equally to obtain and maintain the relationship. I’ve already been in a one-sided relationship. This meant that I was the only person who believed and worked at the relationship. I pray, this doesn’t happen again. I like D too much for that. At least now the dilemma isn’t lack of attraction or will to work on the relationship. Lack of time and the subsequent energy are holding us back.
Why can’t you just talk to me (WITHOUT PUTTING THINGS OFF)?

As my papa and mom reminded me:
“If it don’t fit don’t force it, relax and let it go.”
“Think about it. Pray about it.”

My response:
“I plead the blood of Jesus over my life and all of the drama in it.”
“Life is constantly changing. Various people, places & things are put into our lives. They bring various emotions that fluctuate with earthquake proportions. Sometimes they stay for a season, or they may stay for the duration of our lives. It is important to see these people for who they are & what they mean for your life. Sometimes the separation means more good than harm either for u, the person, or your relationship.”
“AHHH!!!”
(Tears)

My bible tells me:
"Peace, I leave with you. My peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth you, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it not be afraid." (John 14:27)