Who created it?

Yesterday I was thinking about how You Father had created everything. But there is one thing that You did not create and that is sin. This thing has a distinguishing of being created by Satan and used by man. Some how I think it goes to an issue of jealousy or self-pride. It seems that they wanted more that You had allowed or that “thing” that had been forbidden. You know it is like the little kid or teenager who is rebellious or curious and thinks, “that ole person doesn’t know what they are talking about.”

You are our parent and are looking out for us just the same as our earthly guardians are entrusted with our care. You and they are looking out for us for own benefit and wellbeing. Lord I thank you and I am so grateful for the insight that You have given me. Oh and yes, I will pass it on. Here folks, you have it, now it is your turn to pass it on, meditate on it or just get a conversation started. LET’s GO!

Hospitality

Over the past few weeks I have been thinking of hospitality. What does it really mean? Well, according to Merriam Webster:

os·pi·tal·i·ty noun \ˌhäs-pə-ˈta-lə-tē\

: generous and friendly treatment of visitors and guests : hospitable treatment

: the activity of providing food, drinks, etc. for people who are the guests or customers of an organization (Retrieved - 9/1/14 - http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hospitality )

As I looked at these two definitions I would think that the Christian mission is to encompass both of these defined attributes; treatment of visitor/guest and what we often call fellowship of breaking bread (providing food/drink) When offering hospitality we are inviting in, accepting, welcoming guest & members. We make them fill desired and that their presence is important. For when we openly welcome these brothers, sisters, guest we are inviting God into our fold. God as Guest Another theme possibly provided an incentive for hospitality: God might be the guest. God or the angel of the Lord at times, unexpectedly appeared in the person of the stranger (Genesis 18:1, Genesis 18:10; 19:1; Judges 6:11-24; 13:2-23).]

http://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionaries/bakers-evangelical-dictionary/hospitality.html - Retrieved - September 1, 2014 (Genesis 18: 1 &10 – God’s speaking to & promising Isaac, Genesis 19:1 – The Doom of Sodom spoken to Lot by angels at the gateway & Judges 6:11-24 – Speaks of Gideon Is Visited by an angel.)

I continued to look at several articles on Christian hospitality and I was surprised to find writing about those who exclude others.  My thoughts reflected not just on the hospitality as an action but the interaction within the ministry. Sometimes people get so hug up on “THEIR ministry” Well, I am here to say it is not theirs it is “GOD”S ministry.” [Jesus frequently comes to the defense of those whom society looks down upon, and frequently warns and chastises those who have achieved societal respectability. Jesus tells his hosts to proactively include the excluded in the blessing of hospitality.  http://faithepchurch.org/files/Documents/Discipleship%20Resources/Hospitality.pdf, pg. 14 - Retrieved – September 1, 2014.

I have pondered over this thought about hospitality…hummm… Yes we invite, we share, is it lip service. Are we true? Are motives pure? Are we all encompassing/including? It is not me or I but we, better yet is it about God?

Lord, I just want to be found following what you have instructed. Sharing what you have given me vision, using my gifts of edification and others and remaining prayerful that those who motives are internal become external.

The Rule – Champs –JRW

Yesterday there was a celebration & rally for what the world seems to see as the exception to the rule. But I know better. There was a parade & celebration on Chicago streets and Millennium Park for the USA champ’s of the little league, Jackie Robinson West All Stars. They are a light in the mist of a troubled south side of Chicago, congratulations

Many in this world look at them and are amazed and say that they are the exception to the rule. The media tends to focus its attention on the negative presentation that is highlighted before them. JRW is not the exception they are the rule.

They show that black parents are caring, provide discipline and structure and take the time to make positive influences on their children. I stand up; I applauded the parents and champs. These parents because they guided, molded and influenced these young beings that the have had a privileged to be entrusted with. And likewise to these children who are obedient, hardworking and humble. I am so glad to have been honored to witness this great accomplishment.

I say keep up the good work and I look forward to seeing the bright futures that you have ahead of you. GO JRW!!!

Peace

Lord, last night as I lay in bed all I could think about was the peace I have within. I thank you Lord. And then I opened up Bible Gateway this morning and the verse of the day is Isaiah 26:3 NASB. “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace.  Because he trust in You.” This says it all. It brings to light those who financially have more than I and not nearly the surmounting life challenges that I have over come, yet they do not have peace. They live in mounting turmoil of filling there days with things to do that do not give them internal fulfillment nor peace. WOW, Lord knowing You intimately has given me peace in mist of my challenges. Thank You!

Self love + Self commitment = peace

HELLO world YES, I am back. It has been a bit of a hiatus on this blog but I’m back!

Over the past few weeks I’ve pondered some blog topics and I have a big list. But as I was in prayer this morning my thoughts came to my self-commitment. Yes, as people who have a tendency to please others and we often neglect ourselves. This year one of my self-commitments, which I’m sticking to without reservation, has been an inner peace stabilizer.

You say, what is the commitment? It is not letting other’s failure to plan become a necessity or immediate response in my life. Often times I will go the extra mile for others. Yet sending invites, plan-able changes, try-outs, membership meetings, rehearsals, parties this is not a point when I’m going to jump on command. ALL participants should be given adequate notification. Yes, your time is important to you and likewise mine is important to me. Yours will not take precedence over mine. I love me even if you do not by action…only verbal. But that is another blog topic to explore.

Bottom line is…my inner peace is a valuable commodity to me even if it isn’t to you. LUV you, yes smooches but I’m hugging and kissing all over my own inner peace.

The Best Name

Throughout the day often times I may call out the name Jesus and I am met with, “What has He got to do with it?  Or leave His name out of this.” And my stock answer is, “As long as I have breath in this body I shall proclaim Him and His name, it is the best name to call upon. I am His and He is mine. His name is above all other names. He took my sins and iniquities away by being my personal sacrifice. And most of all I LOVE Him. So…to those who do not understand I pray that the scales on your eyes are melted away, your heart is opened and your mouth too can call upon on Him regularly. But most of all I pray that you too would accept Him as Your personal Savior and will call upon Him daily. “As surely as I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.”” Romans 14:11 NIV