Consider the Eagle (Part 4)

 Scripture Reading:  Isaiah 40: 30 -31

 Main Scripture: “but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;    they will run and not grow weary,    they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:30 -31 (NIV)

Videos to meditate on:  Eagles Flying (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyE7NeM42S0&list=PL2649B1F8FECA34A9)

(Today I will discuss the eagles as excellent parents, ladies you will now see why the female eagle did not compromise when she was choosing her mate.)

Excellent Parents – The eagle is known for its ferociousness, yet no member of the bird family is more gentle and attentive to its young. When about to lay eggs, the female and male  eagle  identify  a place very high on a cliff where no predators can  reach;  the male flies to earth and picks thorns and lays them on the  crevice  of the cliff, then flies to earth again to collect twigs which  he  lays  in  the  intended  nest. He flies back to earth picks thorns and lays them on top of the twigs. He flies back to earth and picks soft grass to cover the thorns, and then flies back to pick rugs to put on the grass.  When this first layering is complete the male eagle runs back to earth and picks more thorns, lays them on the nest; runs  back  to  get grass and rugs and lays them on top of the thorns, then  plucks  his  feathers  to  complete  the nest. The thorns on the outside of the nest protect it from possible intruders. Both male and female eagles participate in raising the eagle family. She lays the eggs and protects them; he builds the nest and hunts.

During the time of training the young ones to fly, the mother eagle throws the eaglets out of the nest and because they are scared, they jump into the nest again. Next, she throws them out and then takes off the soft layers of the nest, leaving the thorns bare. When the scared eaglets jump into the nest again, they are pricked by thorns. Shrieking and bleeding they jump out again this time wondering why the mother and father who love them so much are torturing them. Next, mother eagle pushes them off the cliff into the air.

As they shriek in fear, father eagle flies out and picks them up on his back before they fall, and brings them back to the cliff. This goes on for some time until they start flapping their wings. They get excited at this newfound knowledge that they can fly and not fall at such a fast rate. The father and mother eagle supports them with their wings.

Mothers, like the eagle, we are responsible to teach our children how to fly and it is our duty to prepare them for the adversities of this world.  As such we should not over protect them, children who work through their problems build resilience and self-confidence—assets they might lack if someone was constantly rescuing them.

Like the eagles, it is also important that both mother and father play an active role in raising the family.

Let’s pray,

Father, thank you for our children, teach us to be good parents to our children and help us not to overprotect them. Lord also help us to look to you always as our help cometh from you. Bless our partners Lord and help us to work together to raise our family.

In Jesus Name

Amen

Ladies Have a God Filled Day 

Consider the Eagle (Part 3)

Consider the Eagle (Part 3)

Scripture Reading:  Isaiah 40: 30 -31

 Main Scripture: “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;    they will run and not grow weary,    they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:30 -31 (NIV)

Videos to meditate on:  Eagles Flying (http://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=pyE7NeM42S0&list=PL2649B1F8FECA34A9)

(I started a series on the eagle and promised that I would discuss seven features but only looked at five. Today and tomorrow I will discuss two more characteristics of this magnificent bird that as women we can learn from. )

The Eagle Tests before It Chooses a Mate - When it comes time for the female Eagle to choose her mate, she prepares herself for many suitors. And many come before her. She looks them over quite well and then picks one to fly with for a while. If she likes the way he flies she finds a small stick, picks it up and flies high with it. At some point she will drop the stick to see if the male can catch it. If he does, then she finds a larger stick and flies with it much higher this time. Each time the male catches the sticks, she continues to pick up larger and larger sticks. When she finds the largest, heaviest stick that she herself can carry, the stick is at this point almost the size of a small log! But she can still fly very high with this large stick.

At any time in this process, if the male fails to catch the stick, she flies away from him as her signal that the test is now over. She begins her search all over again. And when she again finds a male she is interested in, she starts testing him in the exact same way. And she will continue this "testing" until she finds the male Eagle who can catch all the sticks. And when she does, she chooses him, and will mate with him for life.

One of the reasons for this test is that at some point they will build a nest together high up and will then have their Eaglets. When the babies begin to learn to fly, they sometimes fall instead. It is then that the male must catch his young. And he does!

For those of us women who are single, choosing a husband is not something to be taken lightly; I believe that we can learn from the Eagle. The female eagle looks for a committed partner for life who will support her in growing her young ones.  Only after the male proves that he has these characteristics, only then does she allow him to mate with her.

In the same way ladies, know what you want when you ask God for a husband and trust God to provide that husband. Don’t just settle for the first man that comes along, don’t compromise your values, learn from the eagle, you will want a man who is committed to you and one who will partner with you in raising the family.

Let’s pray,

Almighty God, help us  to choose wisely when we are choosing a partner, help us to wait on you Lord to show us the one that you have prepared for us. Lord, while we are waiting teach us to be good wives to our husbands.

In Jesus Name

Amen

Have a God Filled Day Ladies

What’s In a Name?

“What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.”

So said William Shakespeare, but if this was so, why did God sometimes change a person’s name in the bible?

 For instance  God changed Abram’s "high father" name to “Abraham,” "father of a multitude" (Genesis 17:5) and his wife’s name from “Sarai,” “my princess,” to “Sarah,” “mother of nations” (Genesis 17:15). God changed Jacob’s "supplanter” or “deceit" name to “Israel,” “having power with God” (Genesis 32:28). He changed Simon’s "God has heard" name to “Peter,” "rock" (John 1:42).

It seems to me that whenever God wanted to indicate a new beginning or direction in someone’s life He gave them a new name. We know from history that the descendants of Abraham and Sarah birthed many nations, including the Jews’ and Muslims’. Also, Jacob name was changed after he successfully struggled with man and God and overcame, he would no longer be considered a supplanter, schemer, trickster or swindler. Peter’s name was changed when Christ first met him, it was important for Peter to develop the characteristics of a rock as he would now have the awesome task of becoming a fisher of men.

In the same way ladies, it is important for us to declare with our mouths what we would like to become. No! I am not suggesting that you change your birth name, but if you want to be something, start declaring it over yourselves every day. If you speak it long enough and believe it, with the help of God it will be manifested. That’s called faith.

Lets Pray:

Lord, increase my faith and help me to speak positively over my destiny.

 In Jesus name.

Amen.

Further Reading:

http://outoftheoverflow.com/2009/12/09/the-significance-of-names-in-the-bible/

Respect

Scripture Reading: Phillipians 2:1-4

Main Verse:  Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves Phillipians 2:2 (NIV)

Today on the news I saw where the Jamaican Prime Minister and the leader of the opposition were demanding respect from each other in Parliament. I  thought to myself, why do we demand respect before first showing respect.

Ladies, I was taught that respect is earned. Therefore, before we can gain respect, we must be able to show respect for others regardless of their class, colour or creed.

Albert Einstein once said “I speak to everyone in the same way, whether he is the garbage man or the president of the university.” This is something I believe we should all strive to do, but how many of us can say we do this?

Often times, respect is granted based on your position in society or a certain organization. The main scripture today tells us that we should think of others more superior than ourselves.  This scripture does not suggest that we should only respect the Pastor, the Prime Minister or someone we hold in high esteem because of their position. It suggest that we should esteem everyone higher than ourselves this includes the man who is begging on the street, the boy who wipes our windscreen and the lady who cleans the office.

I will share a little story; there is a man who sells donuts at the stoplight, whenever  I’m at the stoplight he would put his donuts to my window asking me to buy and I would talk to him a little, most times just  to say I have no money or I can’t buy it today. One day he said to me, “Lady I always admire you, keep on talking to people like you talk to people.” I have never bought a donut from him. I didn’t even know I had on impact on him just by simply acknowledging him.

Ladies, very important too is showing respect to our youths. As mothers, sisters and caregivers of this earth, we need to respect the youths. Confucius said, “A youth is to be regarded with respect. How do you know that his future will not be equal to our present?"  Many times because they are younger than us, we don’t value their opinions, we don’t respect their space and we don’t even take time out to listen to them. Well, they have perspectives, thoughts and opinions too. They are simply a miniature of us. The bible tells us that they are our heritage (legacy, birthright, inheritance), they should be cherished.

Another set of people we often disrespect and disregard are our elders however, they are the storehouse of wisdom and we should seek to learn from them.

Last but most importantly women, we need to respect ourselves. If we don’t respect ourselves first, then no one will respect us. When you respect yourself this will be evident in your attire, your attitude and even the persons you associate with.

Let’s Pray:

Almighty God, thank you for preserving us another day. As we go through today, we pray that you will help us to respect ourselves and others.  Help us to cherish our children and to respect our elders. In Jesus name.

Amen

Have a God Filled Day

A Winning Attitude

Scripture Reading: James 1:2-12, Proverbs 19:21, Romans 12:12

Main Verse:  Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)

Worship Song/Song to meditate on: I win – Marvin Sapp (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-3OrA7OUQo)

Have you ever felt like you are between Pharaoh’s Army and the Red Sea or between a rock and a hard place? Have you ever felt like there is no way out?

I have been there more than one time, as I am sure many of you have.  Many of you might be going through right now.

The bible encourages us in so many scriptures to rejoice in trials. James 1:2-3 tells us “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” 

My encouragement to you this morning is to take on a winning attitude. Decide in your mind that you are going to win no matter how dismal your situation may seem. Today’s scripture tells us that no matter what our plans are, no matter what anybody’s plans are, it is the Lord’s purpose that will prevail.

Ladies, God promises further in Jeremiah 29:11 that “He knows the plans He has for us…plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us hope and a future. It means therefore that we have already won. All we have to do is to be still and know that God is God; He will do just what He said He will do.

Let’s Pray:

Father, give us the attitude of an over-comer today. Lord we stand on your promises that you have given us in your word, that your plans are plans to prosper us not to harm us but to give us hope and a future. Help us to rejoice in our trials knowing that in you we have peace and when it’s over we will be made stronger.

Amen.

What Love Means to Children Ages Four to Eight Years Old

Scripture: My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.  Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. John 15:12 -13 (NIV)

I stumbled up on the article below is on http://www.redsofts.com/articles/ . I pray that the scripture above will become clearer to you after you read how children view love.

Ladies Have a God Filled Weekend.

A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds: "What does love mean?" The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined. See what you think... 

"When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love." - Rebecca - age 8 

"When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth."  - Billy - age 4 

"Love is what makes you smile when you're tired." - Terri - age 4 

"Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK." - Danny - age 7 

"Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss." - Emily - age 8 

"Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen." - Bobby - age 7 (Wow!) 

"If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate."  - Nikka - age 6 (we need a few million more Nikka's on this planet) 

"Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday." - Noelle - age 7 

"Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well." - Tommy - age 6 

"During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore." - Cindy - age 8 

"Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken." - Elaine - age 5 

"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford." - Chris - age 7 

"Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day." - Mary Ann - age 4 

"I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones." (Now THIS is love!) - Lauren - age 4 

"When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you." (what an image!) - Karen - age 7 

"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross." - Mark - age 6 

"You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget." - Jessica - age 8 

And the final one... 

Author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia once talked about a contest he was asked to judge. The purpose of the contest was to find the most caring child. The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife. 
Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there. When his Mother asked what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said, "Nothing, I just helped him cry."

Wait out the Storm the Waters Will Recede

Scripture Reading:  Genesis 7 and 8

Main Scripture: But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and the livestock that were with him in the ark, and he sent a wind over the earth, and the waters receded. Genesis 8:1 (NIV)

Worship Song for Meditation:  I Believe – James Fortune (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DYrqOUKLtA)

                                        

A tropical storm, otherwise known as a cyclone, is a storm that originates in the ocean during the warmer seasons and is characterized by high, often destructive winds. A tropical storm develops during the warm seasons when pressure from the evaporating seas is paired with cool air from the atmosphere, usually produces heavy rainfall and can lead to immense flooding.

Chapter 7 of Genesis tells us of an intense storm that cause flood waters to be on the earth, for forty days. We saw where it destroyed every living creature except Noah, his family and the animals in the Ark. A storm usually comes with dark clouds, heavy rainfall and flooding and as such our troubles are usually likened unto a storm.

In Chapter 8, we see where God remembered Noah and caused the flood waters to recede. Just as God caused the flood waters to recede, in the same way our troubles and problems will pass. Storms originate during the warmer season; problems too are only for a season. While the storm comes with strong winds, heavy rainfall and can result in heavy flooding, it only last for a time. The flood waters will recede, the rainfall will stop, the sun will come out and cause the waters to dry up.

What we do during the storm is also very important. During a storm humans and animals usually find shelter outside of the storm. For humans this time is used for rest, spending time with family, relaxation or preparing for what might come after the storm. When your troubles come it’s an excellent time to become reacquainted with God and your loved ones. Pray and ask God for help, meditate on God’s word, this will calm you and make you stronger. Also call up your friends, talk to them, seek advice and help from them. Sit with your family, pray together, brain storm together and support each other.  Also use the time to strategize, assess your current situation, determine how you got here in the first place and make plans for dealing with the problem.

The aftermath of a storm can bring some devastating effects, such as death, damage to property, livestock and plants. Despite this however, there are some good effects, for example the rainfall could be good for a period of drought, it is a time that is used for rebuilding, replanting and sometimes results in new opportunities. As such we should always seek to use our problems as stepping stones. Troubles come to make us stronger. The bible tells us that all things good and bad work together for the good of those who love the Lord.

Ladies just hold on during these turbulent times and believe that you will overcome

Have a God filled Day.

Be the Best That You Can Be

Scripture Reading:  Philippians 3:12-14

 Main Scripture: I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14 (KJV)

  

I can remember in high school, there was usually a prize for the student who got the highest grade in different subject areas. Therefore as a student we would work at being the best we can be in order to receive top student of the year.

So too, Paul implores us to aim for the most important prize of all, eternal life through Christ Jesus. The only way we can achieve this is by being the best Christians we can be with the help of God. He also implores us to forget the obstacles and failures of our past and focus on achieving this most important goal.

Today, I am also encouraging you to be the best you at whatever role or goal you have in this life. Your role today might be mother, pastor’s wife, pastor, teacher, women’s leader, motivator, business owner, whatever you do your best at it. With God at the helm and the right attitude you can be the best you at all times.

Here are some tips at being the best you:

1.      Seek God’s guidance – whatever you are doing, seek God first. He created us so He knows us better than we know ourselves. He also sees further into the future than us.

2.      Know what you want - whatever you decide to do, set clear goal and objectives. Write them down; get intimate with them by reading them every day.

3.      Take action - If you don’t have the skill you need to get it done, acquire the skill. Network and read, read, read.

4.      Love what you do – find something you love to do and keep at it.

5.      Take chances – You are not going to be successful all the time but try and try until you succeed. Don’t let any opportunity pass you.

6.      Surround yourself with positive people – Surround yourself with people that are going to encourage you to be the best you can be. Also, find persons who have been where you want to be and learn from them

7.      Believe in yourself – You are your biggest fan. Tell yourself that you are going to make it no matter what.

8.      Embrace mistakes – learn from your mistakes, do not use them to determine where you go, instead use them as stepping stones for success.

Have a God filled Day

It is Well

Scripture Reading:  2 Kings 4:8-37

 Main Scripture: "Please run now to meet her and say to her, 'Is it well with you? Is it well with your husband? Is it well with the child?'" And she answered, "It is well." 2 Kings 4:6 (NASB)

Worship Song for Meditation:  It is well with my soul (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6yDFn3OAFo)

A friend of mine who has been  inflicted with all kinds of sickness, for example Asthma, diabetes, diverticulitis, high blood pressure, heart failure, Ischaemic heart disease, ulcer, glaucoma, cataract to name a few, called me recently  and informed me that  she has a spine dysfunction. As such I ask her “how is she doing?” She promptly replied “I am grateful, I could not walk the other day but now I am walking with a stick, this too shall pass.”

Her attitude always amazes me; she is always so bubbly, so full of life. She is always encouraging and helping other persons. Note that other than the illnesses she has been inflicted with over the years, she has much more problems. Doctors have given up on her more than one times to the point where she has her funeral arrangements documented and her clothes prepared.

 However, my friend’s attitude is one of faith, no matter what inflicts her; no matter how the situation turns out, she chooses to trust God believing that in all things it is well.

So did the Shunnamite woman in today’s scripture. Her son died but she declared to her husband and Gehazi that “it is well.”

This is a remarkable attitude to have and I always tell my friend that, this is the exact reason why she is with us today. I believe that if she did not possess such a positive attitude and did not display such faith allowing God to manifest His peace in her life, she would have died a long time ago.

My encouragement to you today is that whatever you are going through, no matter how dismal it may seem, adopt this attitude of faith believing and declaring that “it is well”.

Have a God Filled Day.

Purpose Driven

Scripture Reading:  Luke 4:14-29

 Main Scripture: "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, Luke 4:18 (NIV)

Worship Song for Meditation:  Lord I’m Available to You (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJznj1a8I1w)

February is black history month; it’s a time of reflection to remember and celebrate important events and people in the African diaspora. As I reflect, I pause and ask what caused ordinary people like Martin Luther King Jr, Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X and Rosa Parks to fight for a cause that they knew was so dangerous?  They were fully aware that they could lose their lives but that did not stop them.

The answer I believe is purpose, these people lived purpose driven lives. These people lived unselfishly, they saw others with a need, they saw others being oppressed and decided that if it will cost them their lives then they were willing to give it. Some of them like Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr did die fighting for the cause.

Purpose can be defined as the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists. Rick Warren in his book, A Purpose Driven life stated that “The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, your peace of mind, or even your happiness. It's far greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions. If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God. You were born by his purpose and for his purpose.”

The night before his assassination in April 1968, Martin Luther King told a group of striking sanitation workers in Memphis, Tennessee “Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will … I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land!” (King, 222-223). For King, it was about God’s will for His life. He believed “the preacher must have a kind of fire shut up in his bones. And whenever injustice is around he tells it.”  He believed that the Lord anointed him to deal with the problems of the poor.

Jesus Christ also led a purpose driven life that resulted in Him dying on the cross for all of us. In Matthew 26:42, He said “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done." We also see in the Bible where many of the disciples were killed for preaching the gospel. There are also  many other great leaders who fought for various causes that they believed in, such as Mother Theresa, Mahatma Ghandi, Nelson Mandela, Kofi Annan and Benazir Bhutto to name a few.

Ladies while you reflect today, ask God Why did he place you on this earth?  

Some of us already know the answer to this question but we tell ourselves we are too busy or we can’t do it because we are not equipped or the time is not right and so on.  However, Today’s scripture tells us that the Lord has already anointed us to go and do His will. That means the power, the will, the determination that we need to fulfill our purpose has already been given to us. It means that God will make a way.

How will you live your life after today?  Will you fulfill your purpose or will you just continue living for yourself?

Have a God filled Day

Consider the Eagle (Part 1)

Scripture Reading:  Isaiah 40: 30 -31

 Main Scripture: “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;    they will run and not grow weary,    they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:30 -31 (NIV)

Videos to meditate on:  Eagles Flying

The Eagle is mentioned thirty one times in the bible and for many years has been seen as a symbol of beauty, bravery, courage, honour, pride, determination and grace. It enjoys a reputation as “King of Birds” and the North American Bald Headed Eagle is the national symbol of the United States of America.

The scripture for today tells us “but those who hope in the Lord, will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;

Let’s consider seven attributes of eagles in this two part series:

Eagles have keen vision - The eagle's eyes can see great distances. An eagle will sit high above the tree or cliff of a stiff mountain very attentively. The body sits still and the head will be tilted side to side to observed what is happening below, around and above it. Eagles have a keen vision. Their eyes are specially designed for long distance focus and clarity. They can spot another eagle soaring from 50 miles away. As a women we should not be nearsighted, instead should have a vision and long term goals that directs our lives spiritually, financially and physically. These goals should be clear and focused.

Eagles are Tenacious (Resolute) - When other birds fly away from the storm with fear, an eagle spreads its mighty wings and uses the current to soar to greater heights. The eagle takes advantage of the very storm that lesser birds fear and head for cover. As women we are faced with challenges every day, we should do like the eagle and allow our challenges to take us to greater levels in life. Instead of fearing challenges, we should embrace them, learn from them and become stronger by them.

Eagles Never Eat Dead Meat - An eagle never eats dead meat. In other words, an eagle does not scavenge. It only eats the meat from the prey it kills itself. We might have some dead areas and negative people in our lives, like the eagle let’s not focus on those, instead find people who are who are vibrant and liberal in thinking to spend time with. Learn from them make informed decisions and take actions. There is a saying that goes like this, "People you hang around with and the books you read eventually determines the person you become"

Have a God filled Day Ladies. Soar like Eagles.