No Struggle, No Progress
No Struggle, No Progress
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1 Corinthians 14:33 clearly states, that God is not the author of confusion. Believers know this to be true; so what’s happening with those who say they are servants of God/Believers in Christ? Is it ignorance or ignoring of God’s Word? There is confusion all around. From the Church to the streets, it’s chaos. The thing about it is, government officials and community leaders are falling for the enemy’s trap too. One can’t help but wonder what’s really going on. Too many are being deceived. I...
Right now, it seems as if darkness has won. It seems like everywhere you turn, there's tragedy and bad news. Maybe it is everywhere one turns, if none of the places he/she turns, is to God and His powerful Word. Amidst the darkness that is evident, and all the facts that surround us, the TRUTH still abides. Jesus Christ is that TRUTH. In Jesus is life, and that life is the LIGHT of all mankind. In this world, there are surely dark days ahead, as they are now; but, no amount of darkness could...
You don't have to look too hard to see in Monroe and the surrounding areas, that the enemy is having a field day with the youth. So many seeds of bitterness and hate have been planted. So much violence has erupted, and lives have been taken, that should still be amongst the living. The first thing you hear echoed is, “It was God’s plan.” Let me tell you that’s a lie! That is certainly not God’s plan. God’s plan is of salvation (saving, rescuing, delivering). HE SO loved us that He gave His ONLY...
We're in a time where many people don't think twice about what they say. They use hurtful, vicious, condescending, and even toxic words. Then, many wonder why so much negativity surrounds them. The atmosphere is defiled because many mouths are defiled. Jesus said in Matthew 15:11 that it isn't what goes into someone's mouth that defiles them, but what comes out of the mouth instead. Proverbs 18:21 tells us that words kill and also give life. We determine if our words are poison or fruit. Luke...
I love the Bible story in Matthew 8:5-13. It entails a beautiful encounter of a man of faith and Jesus. It tells of a centurion who came to Jesus on behalf of his servant, who he said was at home paralyzed. When Jesus asked to come and heal the servant, the centurion said that he was not worthy for Jesus to come to his home. He said that all Jesus had to do, was speak the Word, and his servant would be healed. He asked Jesus to speak the word, because he as a centurion/commander, understood...
Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee……. We have heard the saying, “Ignorance is bliss”. Well, what is ignorance? What is bliss? Ignorance is simply a lack of knowledge or information/not knowing. Bliss is perfect happiness/great joy. Now let’s consider this carefully. This statement is saying that having a lack of knowledge about things, is a cause to be happy, but the Word of God tells us that people perish fr...
Matthew 5:11-12 says, "Blessed are you when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you." We're human, so we all err. There are times when things happen to us, and we feel combative and vengeful. We hear a lie or rumor about us and want to retaliate or prove ourselves. We get lied to or hurt and want to cause...
We hear it repeated all the time- the phrase, “Life is too short”; yet, some of the same people saying it, are living like they'll live on this side forever. There are people making only temporary decisions, to please their flesh, instead of doing what the Bible teaches in Colossians 3:2 (Set your affections on things above, not on things on earth.) There is a song that tells us to build our hopes on things eternal. I suggest we all do so, and not live like where we are spending the days of our...
Dating and marriage are goals for many. There is nothing wrong with desiring honorable and healthy relationships; the thing is, many don’t. For them, anything will do—even going outside of the will of God. I've been there, so I can surely and sincerely tell you, brother/sister, that dating or marrying outside of God’s will causes problems. Those problems can lead to unhealthy cycles, which lead to trauma and distrust. That trauma and distrust lead to fear and anxiety. This fear and anxie...
I am one person that cringes during election time. I cringe, because I abhor all of the well-dressed lies, that hide the naked and shameful truth. I cringe because I get tired of the poor and ignorant being deceived and taken advantage of. I didn’t understand why my dad was so involved in educating the people politically, until I really paid attention one year, to the condition of the city and the negative impact on the poor and disadvantaged. Those who are uneducated or misinformed, often c...
The goodness of God is so amazing and so vast. His love is incomparable. Because of His continuous mercy, it’s easy to forget that He is also a God of wrath. According to Proverbs 15:3, God’s eyes are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. He sees us all and IT all. He has seen much lawlessness, disobedience, idolatry and wickedness in the land. These are the very things that provoke God to anger. This is what causes Him (because He's just/fair), to bring judgement upon the inh...
In life, we all have needs and desires. We have our share of trials and tribulations as well. It can be frustrating, no doubt, but do we have faith in God, that He will surely work it all out? He will. Let's talk Scripture. Mary & Martha's brother, Lazarus, became sick (read John 11). Of course they wanted Jesus present. They knew He's a Healer. Others thought the same. Even the disciples didn't understand Jesus' decision to wait. He waited until Lazarus died. That seemed cruel, until you see...
I would like to advise any parent reading this to keep praying, trust in God, and encourage your child as best as you can. Don't let them give up; instead, provide hope, even when they make mistakes. We all do; therefore, give them space for humanity. My daughter is an honor student who consistently worked hard before college. During her time in college, like many others, she prioritized fun over education. I expressed my disapproval, but I also motivated her. Although she wasn't ready to...
Jesus gave a parable of wheat and tares in the Bible. The two look so much alike that is, until they mature. Maturation reveals what is what. That’s what maturing in life does. That’s what happens when relationships mature as well. Many times, we allow people in our lives, who we feel we can trust. We bond with them, not really knowing that we shouldn’t be attached to them anyway. They are not good for us or purpose. Eventually, whatever their true colors are, they show. It’s up to us to move...
We often do things knowing WHAT we’re doing, but do we ever think about the WHY? What I mean is, WHY do you want the new car? WHY do you want a good career? WHY is that your friend? WHY do you want to succeed? WHY do you attend church service? WHY do you help others? Are you trying to please others? Do you want to be praised by man? Do you want to prove you are something? Are you living for applause, or are you living for the Lord? Maybe now, you don’t understand how important it is to know you...
Many know of Lazarus’ story, but what we don’t consider sometimes is WHY it had to happen. Why was there even a need for a resurrection, when Jesus could’ve just gone on and healed? If Jesus loved Lazarus, why did He wait? Lazarus’ sisters Martha and Mary implied the same thing. They both told him how if He had been there, their brother would have lived. That’s what everyone was accustomed to- Jesus's healing people & casting out unclean spirits, but He wasn’t showing up this time as a Healer...
John 9:4 I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. The times are getting darker; it’s evident. It’s dark, but it isn’t quite night yet. There’s so much going on, but so much more is to come. When I was thinking on a topic, I prayed. I wanted to cover what I feel God wants people to see. I heard, “The night is coming”. I think anyone can figure out what that means. Let’s be honest, it’s been time for us to get and keep our houses in order...
I know I speak of Joseph a lot, but it’s because there are so many messages in his story. When God gave Joseph a Word in a dream, until the time that Word given to Joseph came to pass, that very Word tried Him. (Read Psalm 105) Don't think because we have a Word, we won't be tried. It wasn't the brothers who threw him into the pit, or those who sold him into slavery, or those who bought him, the ones who lied on and forgot him either- who sent him to Egypt; it was God who sent Joseph, before h...
When I was younger, I would go to my grandmother's house in the country. I loved it! I worked on my uncle's farm there too. It was interesting, to say the least. I really just wanted the pay, not appreciating the fact that I was sowing, and that harvest time would come someday. That is unfortunately, how many live their lives- sowing, not thinking that the harvest would be ripe one day. I want to remind someone that whatever has been sown good or bad, will also be reaped. We can’t escape seed t...
I remember buying my daughters some fun lights from the circus. They loved them while we were in the arena, but when we got them home, they were upset with how they looked. They kept shining the lights in their rooms, but the lights didn’t look like they did in the circus arena; that disappointed them. What they thought was a problem wasn’t a problem at all. Their disappointment could go away with just a small change; therefore, I cut off the lights in the home, and we had a beautiful dis...
Psalms 33:12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance. If there is one thing that is lacking in today’s society, it is the fear of the Lord. God has become such an option to many now, that anything will suffice. Many are carrying around statues, placing them in their homes and workplaces bowing to them. It’s quite astonishing. Who wants a god that has to be carried, when we have the true and living God to carry us? Men/Women have als...
Whether one reads the Bible or not, believes in Jesus or not, or has any spiritual authority, there should be something inside of us that knows what’s going on with our children today is wrong. The tainting of their purity and innocence just should not be, yet it is now promoted. How have we come to this? Why parents? Is everything okay? How can you allow your children to be taught about sex and other very inappropriate things at such young, impressionable ages? They have time for that. K...
When it’s time for something to go in favor of a person, he/she usually puts his/her best foot forward. People show their best side often, to win the favor of others. Kindness should be genuine and have no motives, but in many instances, it’s just not that way. Unfortunately, many times in politics, it’s this way. A candidate makes many promises he/she doesn’t plan on or grow uninterested in fulfilling. There isn’t enough commitment when it comes to the poor and disadvantaged. There should be...
1 Peter 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. One of my brothers, (who is a personal trainer) and I had an awesome talk recently. He told me that when it’s time for his clients to advance, he introduces a more difficult workout to them, for better results. He said that some usually ask him if he is mad at them, after he presents the more difficult w...
Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord. Parents, it is so important to raise our children in the Lord. That means we must first know the Lord. We can’t give them, what we don’t possess or have. I don’t know if many realize it or not, but just look around; our children are in trouble. There’s no way these children should have a life expectancy of 20-25 years old. Th...
We live in a society, full of people who are encouraging others with very careless and costly advice. One thing that I hear often, that just vexes my spirit, is “Do you”. What an awfully irresponsible phrase to utter, especially to a generation that's still trying to figure out who they are. The danger in that, is that many are doing them, and it’s leading to their demise. “Do you” is leading to theft, murder, suicide, diseases, inattentive, incautious, unwary, indiscreet, reckless, negligent...
We've discussed the story of Jonah many times. Mostly, Believers speak of Jonah's disobedience leading him in the mouth of the big fish, but few speak on what his disobedience caused others. Jonah disobeyed God, and boarded the ship of others, trying to run away from what God asked of him. He went down into the ship and fell asleep. Meanwhile, the Lord sent a great wind and that ship was being affected by that storm greatly. It was getting pounded so much that it was almost broken. The storm...
Genesis 50:20 As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people. We talk about the palace in the story of Joseph, but not enough about how the “pit” can be the stop before the transportation, to the destination. Joseph’s brothers threw him in a pit and left him there. They went off, and after conversation and deliberation, one brother (Reuben) came back, but Joseph was no longer there. He had to t...
Psalm 105:1-19 Until the time when his word came to pass, the word of the Lord tried him. When discussing the Bible, one can't help but speak about the story of Joseph. It was horrible to be thrown in a pit by his own flesh and blood, but he survived. Then, he was sold into slavery. Then, after arriving to his destination, he was falsely accused & imprisoned (talk about a bad hand). I'm sure he had more than his share of conversations with God. It looked bad, but again, he survived. The pit was...
1 Thessalonians 5:18 In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. When you think of gratefulness, it should be very often; honestly, everyday. Thankful hearts are joyous ones. With all that’s going on in the world today, there shouldn’t be a time that we forsake giving God thanks. It’s such a blessing to still be alive, thankful! (enough) and in our sound minds. Many have left can, and they can no longer give thanks. It’s been hard; so, it’s understan...
Just imagine being hated Just because of your dreams. Imagine being excluded because of favor. It's what happened to Joseph. He was hated by his own brothers. Hate drove them to throw him into a pit, after deciding not to kill him. From there, he was sold onto slavery. From there, he was placed in a palace, falsely accused, and then placed in prison. All of this, but the Word still says that Joseph was favored by God. Joseph eventually got out of prison and became ruler of Pharaoh’s entire h...
Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom. Day to day, countless numbers of men and women that say they love God, arise from their slumber, just to put off for another day, what can be done today. There is such a defeated, complacent mindset in the body of Christ. Opportunities, gifts, talents and even lives are going to waste each day. God is calli...
Romans 6:23 For the wages of in is death, but the FREE gift of God is eternal life, through Christ Jesus, our Lord. A man and his small son spent so much time together. He loved his son so much. They would take walks together. The father would carry the son on his shoulders sometimes. Whenever the young boy would hurt himself, he would run to his father. When he did, his father would wipe every tear. He took naps with his father whenever he was home. They were just inseparable. One day, the...
I remember going to Subway restaurant and waiting in line with everyone else. I waited, to me, a lot longer than everyone else did. The line was moving at a great speed, and others were receiving their food quickly; but for some reason, it seemed as if the employee was looking over me. I began to get frustrated and wondered if the person was purposely making me wait. I mean, was I not as important as everyone else? Did she not see me? Was I in the right place? Did she forget about me? All sorts...
Anybody observing what’s happening in Monroe, LA, whether resident or non-resident, can easily see a growing number of concerns that need addressing immediately. One of the concerns I will address is the growing number of violent crimes and deaths within the minority districts. It’s disheartening and alarming, and enough is enough! Parents, it’s time to get in the game. In all humility, fall to your knees. Seek God and obey Him. He will tell you what to do as a parent and how to do it. You a...
Leviticus 19:4 Do not turn to idols or make metal gods for yourselves. I am the LORD your God. There is a new age trend, that’s not so new to some. It is a destructive and very controversial trend (as it should be), and it’s growing more each day. Many of our youth are flirting with darkness, and before they can make it to the light, it may be too late. The Word of God instructs us to lead the next generation in the ways of God. We should, of course, because who’s more right or righteous than...
Without argument, anyone who knows anything about productivity in a city, would agree that a city cannot properly produce without the following: great vision, quality of life, satisfactory infrastructure, equity, environmental sustainability and unity. Anyone running a city, knows that social inclusion is a must. Though there will always be some who pull strings in government (because of status), they should never be allowed to do so to the point, that a city as a whole suffers, just to honor th...
Psalms 139:14 I will praise You; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: Marvelous are Your works; and that my soul knows very well. There is an undeniable desire in humans, for acceptance amongst peers and those of our circle of influence. Individuals seek approval in various ways, in everyday life. We all want to believe at some point, that what we feel or believe is worthy of the acceptance of others. This is normal, but when others’ acceptance becomes such a desire, that it turns into a d...
Acts 13:47 For so has the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set you to be a light of the Gentiles, that you should be for salvation unto the ends of the earth. Today’s generation is all about the glitter, glitz and gold. Many want the spotlight. People are becoming more devalued, and dead things, that can’t comfort, heal or love, are what the highest value is being placed upon. If one isn’t claiming to be a boss, it’s like he/she has no significance. This world is more material than anythin...
Matthew 5:14 “Ye are the salt of the earth….” These days, even six-year-old children are firing weapons, domestic violence cases are increasing, more parents are hurting children, and other ridiculous issues are arising. It’s a mess, and something has to change because too many are leaving before their time. Too many are suffering. Why is this so? Why is this generation so angry? This is one of the most innovative, creative, and gifted generations, yet, all of that ingenuity is being used to...
Philippians 2:4 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Leadership is more than just being in charge. It’s also being responsible, accountable, reliable, relatable and an integral part of a team. I once read that leadership is sacrifice, not privilege. I agree! It’s about truly serving others. These traits are fruit of Godliness. True leaders follow/are led by God. They are visionaries and strategist. There must be effective plans and strategies in pla...
There are very few things in this world, more needed than wisdom. By wisdom much greatness is established. By a lack of wisdom, are many things torn down. This is why wisdom is extremely important in leadership. Wise leaders instruct the people, and prudence in leadership, establishes a well ordered government- even locally. Usually, however the head of leadership is, so is his/her administration. Also, a city begins to reflect its leaders. A neglected city or community begins to reflect a lack...
Luke 15:7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repents, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. You have left “home”, your first love (God), and are now chasing the vanity of this world. You have taken what you've inherited and fled true security, to embrace a false sense of happiness and a false life. The glitter and the glam all look good for now. You may be able to afford price tags, but in the end, can you pay the cost? Thi...
For as long as I can remember, my vote was shaped around what the elders in my family said, especially my dad. It was that way, because I valued the thoughts and opinions of my elders. There was something special about those who had gone before me. I admired and respected them; therefore, their words were very weighty in my life. As I grew, I started observing the many persuasive ways that candidates would try to obtain votes. Most of the time, it bothered me, because it was deception. I...
Anytime in the Bible, where blood and violence were upon the land, so were curses. That land was defiled. It was deemed worthy of God’s wrath, especially when the people did not repent. Plagues, disorder, disunity, severe lack and punishment were in places such as this. The blessings of God were withheld. Monroe is as one of these places. Violence and misery are all throughout the city. Bullying (especially adults), fleecing of flocks, idolatry, violence and so much more, are in the land, and h...
Sometimes, a blessed place can look and feel a lot like a cursed place. When neglect, disorganization, disunity, discord, violence and poverty takes over an area, it begins to look desolate. Monroe, Louisiana is at that place and has been for a long time. It’s been over twenty years that Monroe has suffered neglect in certain communities. Monroe's minority districts have experienced little to no change. How long is too long? How much is too much? The current administration was welcomed in, h...
1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. Lust is one powerful spirit, and it is NOT to be played with. Solomon (as wise as he was), built a great house dedicated to God. After lust reigned over him, he built the houses of every false god, of every woman he dealt with. Lust will have you going from building to honor God, to building to honor nothing (idols), while tearing YOU...
It’s been a long, challenging time for citizens in Districts 4 and 5. Monroe has suffered economically and negatively statistical wise, for years. Nobody though, has suffered more neglect and economic depravity, than the minority districts. This was even with a former administration. Think about Monroe’s leadership for years. The minority districts have been suffering for so long. It’s time out for it! This blame cannot be laid upon the leadership either. Now, if they drop the ball, during their...
Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee……. We have heard the saying, “Ignorance is bliss”. Well, what is ignorance? What is bliss? Ignorance is simply a lack of knowledge or information/not knowing. Bliss is perfect happiness/great joy. Now let’s consider this carefully. This statement is saying that having a lack of knowledge about things, is a cause to be happy, but the Word of God tells us that people perish fr...
Daniel 2:21 He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; Is Monroe being properly governed? Has it been in a long time? I'll disclose information pertaining to leadership, in order to properly help you, the reader, do somewhat of an assessment. In order to govern (rule, lead or head) people, those in charge must possess, innately- a love, passion or at least care, for those people. There is no other...
