Thursday, May 8, 2014

ENCOURAGE YOURSELF IN THE LORD!


ENCOURAGE: 1 a : to inspire with courage, spirit, or hope : hearten; b : to attempt to persuade : urge; 2 : to spur on : stimulate

We are surely creations of habit and comfort. We expect and appreciate encouragement from others, when we're at a low point in our lives; or when it seems that things are falling apart.  What do you do, when you need to be encouraged and your personal cheerleaders are not available to urge you on? Should you whine, complain, and beg others to feel sorry for you or just throw a 'pity party?' You don't have to do either one. You can ENCOURAGE YOURSELF IN THE LORD as King David did (1 Samuel 30:6: Read chapters 29 and 30). If you don't know the Lord, you can get to know Him today, because He loves you and gave His only Son for your redemption (Read: John 3:16-17; Romans 10:9-10).

While David and his men were with the Philistines; as they had planned to go to battle with them against their enemies; Ziglag {David's private property}, which means winding was invaded. A troop of Amalekites, ended up taking the women and children captive, carried everything else away and burned it with fire. When David and his men returned to Ziglag and made the discovery, they were completely devastated. It was in that moment, when the people spoke of stoning him that David had to do something besides throw a pity party or lose his life to angry men. Thinking about his two wives, who had been taken captive; DAVID ENCOURAGED HIMSELF IN THE LORD and sought the Lord as to what should be done to rescue their loved ones and belongings! God told David to go ahead and pursue the troop that had invaded Ziglag, for with His help David and his men would surely overtake them without fail and recover all (1 Samuel 30:8).

Today, God's children can always go to God for encouragement through prayer and/or meditating on God's Word and specific promises of deliverance out of all our afflictions [Hebrew: rarah -- adversity, calamity, distress} (Psalm 34:19). Although, encouragement usually comes from others; we shouldn't rely on others to spur us on. If we become dependent on others, we can end up in despair, when they fail to meet our expectations. We must look for alternative ways to stay motivated; so we will be ready and equipped to take action, whenever the occasion should arise.

Whenever, I need encouragement: instead of running to people, I will seek God as I encourage myself in knowing that He will never leave or forsake me; that He will direct my steps and keep His promises, which are in Him YEA and AMEN (2 Corinthians 1:20).


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Friday, April 4, 2014

SOME FACTS ABOUT THE MONTH OF APRIL




"April is the fourth month of the year in the Gregorian calendar, the fifth in the early Julian and one of four months with a length of 30 days.
April is commonly associated with the season of spring in the Northern hemisphere and autumn in the Southern hemisphere, where it is the seasonal equivalent to October in the Northern hemisphere and vice versa. April is the second rainiest month of the year (after July).
April starts on the same day of the week as July in all years, and January in leap years. April ends on the same day of the week as December every year. October of the previous year starts on the same day of the week as April of the current year as a common year and May of the previous year starts on the same day of the week as April of the current year as a leap year. July of the previous year ends on the same day of the week as April of the current year as a leap year and February and October of the previous year ends on the same day of the week as April of the current year as a leap year. In years immediately before common years, April starts on the same day of the week as September and December of the following year and in years immediately before leap years, June of the following year. In years immediately before common years, April ends on the same day of the week as September of the following year and in years immediately before leap years, March and June of the following year.
The Romans gave this month the Latin name Aprilis but the derivation of this name is uncertain. The traditional etymology is from the verb aperire, "to open," in allusion to its being the season when trees and flowers begin to "open," which is supported by comparison with the modern Greek use of ἁνοιξις (anoixis) (opening) for spring. Since some of the Roman months were named in honor of divinities, and as April was sacred to the goddess Venus, her Veneralia being held on the first day, it has been suggested that Aprilis was originally her month Aphrilis, from her equivalent Greek goddess name Aphrodite (Aphros), or from the Etruscan name Apru. Jacob Grimm suggests the name of a hypothetical god or hero, Aper or Aprus.
April was the second month of the earliest Roman calendar, before Ianuarius and Februarius were added by King Numa Pompilius about 700 BC. It became the fourth month of the calendar year (the year when twelve months are displayed in order) during the time of the decemvirs about 450 BC, when it also was given 29 days. The 30th day was added during the reform of the calendar undertaken by Julius Caesar in the mid-40s BC, which produced the Julian calendar."

The following is a list of April holidays and events observed in the United States and around the world.

The "Days of April" (journées d'avril) is a name appropriated in French history to a series of insurrections at Lyons, Paris and elsewhere, against the government of Louis Philippe in 1834, which led to violent repressive measures, and to a famous trial known as the procès d'avril.

Traditional April symbols

Now that you have read through the syllabus on the month of April {courtesy of Wikipedia}; I would like to share what I consider the most important event in this month: Easter or Resurrection Day. 
"Easter is the day that Christians around the world celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after his crucifixion at Calvary as described in the New Testament. Easter is the culmination of the Passion of Christ, preceded by Lent, a forty-day period of fasting, prayer, and penance."
Easter customs vary around the world; but the customs I am most familiar with include Easter egg hunts, which I experienced as a child, Sunrise services preceding the regular Easter or Resurrection service; and exchanging the Paschal greeting of Happy Easter or "He is risen; He is risen indeed!"
Scripture tells us that God loved the world so that He gave His only begotten Son Jesus (John 3:16-17) to redeem mankind back to Himself after man's {Adam and Even}fall in the Garden of Eden. So mankind would not be lost forever; God sent His Son to earth to be born of a virgin, named Mary. Joseph, her Mary's husband was a carpenter by trade and taught the trade to his son Jesus --working until he died. On one occasion, when Jesus was 12 years old, He accompanied His parents to the yearly Passover feast. When they were departing to go home, Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem and visited the temple, where He sat among doctors listening and asking them questions. When His parents discovered Jesus was not with them, they began to search for Him and found Him in the temple. They were concerned about His safety and well-being; but Jesus was concerned about doing His {heavenly} Father's business. Of course, Mary didn't really know how to take His response and pondered the things she had both seen and heard in her heart.
During His earthly ministry, Jesus healed the sick, opened blinded eyes, fed the multitudes, forgave sin; and made friends and enemies. He chose 12 men to be His disciples,who He later called Apostles. Many followed Him because of the miracles He performed; but some of those left Him, because they didn't understand His teachings and couldn't embrace what they considered hard things. 
Jesus chose 12 disciples to train and do the work of the ministry; but one of them betrayed Jesus by agreeing to turn Him over for 30 pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, who had long sought to kill him. On the night Jesus and His disciples had their Passover meal, Judas Iscariot completed his mission of betrayal. Jesus was arrested, questioned, scourged and mocked before being led to Mount Calvary carrying His own cross as He was whipped by a Roman soldier every step of the way. The crucifixion depicted in Hollywood movies is just a drop in the bucket compared to what Jesus really endured. Mel Gibson's "Passion of the Christ" comes the closest to depicting the pain and agony Jesus endured before and during His crucifixion. When Jesus was beaten the soldiers used a Cat of nine tails. It was "the nine strap, lead tipped whip embedded with nails, glass and bone." This whip was used for scourging and would literally rip the flesh on the back of the subject. Roman tapered spikes 5-7 inches long were used to nail Jesus' hands and feet to the cross. The Scripture states:
"...There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance to attract us to him. He was despised and rejected--a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care...He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed...He was led like a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. (Isaiah 53:2-5,7_NLT)."
All those, who hated Jesus during His earthly ministry were glad to see Him crucified, because they considered His message blasphemous. They believed in God, but couldn't accept Jesus as the Son of God. Their religious minds prevented them from understanding the truth of the Gospel of Christ. There were also those, who hated Jesus and had even participated in His crucifixion, who later realized after Jesus {commended His spirit to the Father} died that He was indeed the Son of God.

 Easter or Resurrection Day is a joyful celebration for Christians, because Jesus didn't remain in His burial tomb, He got UP {was resurrected} and ascended to the Father in heaven! He did appear to Mary and the other disciples before the Holy Spirit was sent in His place. There were skeptics {the priests, Sadduces and Pharisees}, who refused to believe that Jesus had actually risen as He told them He would. With unbelief and pride, they perpetrated a lie and accused the disciples of stealing the body of Jesus. They refused to believe what Jesus taught and repent. One day, everyone on earth will see Jesus for themselves; and it will either bring them great joy or sadness. Will seeing Jesus on that great day bring you joy or sadness? If you don't yet know Jesus; it's not too late to make Him your Lord and Savior. Read the following Scripture out loud and make it personal:
Thank you for taking the time to read my post. It is my prayer that you will enjoy all the beautiful things that spring brings as well as your favorite holidays and event of the month. Now that you are born again, Easter/Resurrection Day will have a special meaning for you! He is Risen: He is Risen Indeed!

"If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved (Romans 10:9-10_NLT)."  
 Did you make that declaration of salvation? If you did: you are saved or born again and a member of God's family. I welcome you! Now that you are a part of the family of God, you need to get connected to other believers. If you have a church that you had not been attending for a while, please go and tell your pastor that you have accepted Christ. If not, pray and ask the Father to direct your steps to a Bible-believing church, where you can be fed the Word of God and grow in your faith. 
JESUS IS LORD!

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Friday, March 7, 2014

PERSONAL REFLECTION




“Mirror, Mirror upon the wall, who’s the fairest of all?” The Mirror answered "Thou, O Queen, art the fairest of all," ‘and the Queen was contented because, she knew the Mirror could speak nothing but the truth.’ 


Most of us remember this fairy tale from our childhood, yet even today some people desire to be the most striking and beautiful above all others.  How we see ourselves is important but, how others see us should also be considered.  We're on the outside looking in, but people can sometimes see things about us that we can’t or won’t accept.  Without a mirror, we would not know how we looked in the morning or the image that we portray from day to day.  When we finally take a good look in a mirror, do we always believe what we see?  A mirror doesn’t lie, nor does God’s Word.  While we all have at least one mirror in our possession, let’s consider the Word of God as a heavenly looking glass (God’s Mirror), which allows us to see the reflection of our soul (inner character, nature).  When was the last time you took a good look in the mirror of God’s Word?  If it’s been a while, use this time to take a look! Let’s first review the word mirror as both a noun and a verb. Secondly, we will consider the terms below with: what the Word of God is (a true representation of God) and what the Word instructs us to do in our personal lives (represent God, imitate Christ):

Mirror (n): 1. A polished or smooth surface (as of glass) that forms images by reflection; 2 a: something that gives a true representation b: an exemplary model.

Mirror (v): 1. Reflect: echo, copy, emulate, parallel, imitate; 2. Represent: To represent, epitomize, illustrate, symbolize, typify, or signify.

POINTS TO CONSIDER:

·       We use MIRRORS to SEE (observe, perceive, distinguish, make out) our physical appearance which can be either good or bad (satisfactory or unacceptable) and we make adjustments based on our perception of how we see ourselves and what we think is best for our lives. There is one concern, which could be a problem: Our perception is not always realistic or biblical (the way God sees us or desires for us to be). We do not normally use anything to see or monitor our behavior (actions, deeds, activities). Without a mirror or gauge, we cannot really see ourselves and do not know how we or our actions look, but others can see in us what we cannot.  Also, others see things that we refuse to acknowledge, accept or believe about ourselves.  We do not always want to know or receive the truth about ourselves. And sometimes, we are not always receptive to the opinion or evaluation others have about our actions – especially if we consider them negative. Consider this verse: “Jesus said . . ., ‘You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you shall know the truth and the truth will set you free.’” (John 8:31-32 NLT) How can we determine or measure our spiritual persona (appearance) without a gauge or mirror?  We cannot!  Also, we should not ignore our spiritual condition if and when it is in need of correction or a remedy.  Jesus is the answer for not only our spiritual condition; but also the spiritual malady of those in the world today! 

·       The Word of God is a spiritual barometer that when used properly and consistently will help us to: avoid unacceptable and destructive behavior, as well as sin. We cannot change what is wrong in ourselves unless it is revealed to us (by God’s Spirit or another person).  How do we handle the facts we receive? If we truly desire to change, we should have an open mind and not take offense.  God expects us to be holy as He is holy and imitators of Jesus Christ.  We should MIRROR what we read and hear from the Word of God so that our images, words, and actions are a true representation that demonstrate Christ to others. 

·       We cannot change or grow spiritually in God without practicing some fundamental things: Let’s look at some ABC’s:

1.     We must ACKNOWLEDGE what is revealed to us and be reconciled with the truth (of God’s Word). ”We cannot conquer what we do not confront and we cannot confront what we do not identify.” For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)

2.     We must BELIEVE in Jesus and that He is our only hope for deliverance and salvation. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and Life. (John 14:6; Romans 10:9)

3.     We must CONFESS our sins and imperfections to God as well as to those we have offended so that, we can be forgiven and cleansed of our unrighteousness.  An important element of confession is REPENTANCE which involves true contrition and a change of mind.  With repentance, we decide to turn away completely from all habitual behavior and any ungodly lifestyle that hinders our spiritual growth in God.  (1 John 1:8-9)


Sometimes, we become accustomed to seeing ourselves in a way that makes us feel comfortable; however our complacent ways are not always conformable to God’s way.  Remember, God’s ways are higher than ours and His thoughts than our thoughts. (Isaiah 55:9)  God is holy and expects us to be holy. (1 Peter 1:16)  As we consistently look into the mirror of God’s Word, we will be renewed in the spirit of our minds and when our minds are renewed, we can prove what is that good, perfect and acceptable will of God. (Romans 12:2)   As we mirror God’s Word and hide it in our hearts, our likeness, words and actions will be a true reflection of Jesus Christ and His love.
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Monday, February 17, 2014

SOME FACTS ABOUT BLACK HISTORY MONTH & INVENTIONS



HISTORY:
2 a: a chronological record of significant events (as affecting a nation or institution) often including an explanation of their causes;
4 a: events that form the subject matter of a history. 
As a citizen of the United States of America, I would take pride in the accomplishments and/or contributions made by any citizen that would impact my life, other citizens or the overall state of the nation in a positive way. Sadly, the contributions made by Black (coloreds centuries ago) or African-American citizens were not acknowledged or considered significant by the Majority (Anglo-Saxons); therefore Black people decided to make sure that no contribution made by their ancestors would go unnoticed or undocumented in the annals of United States history. Because, U.S. history was deplete of these important accomplishments; the study of Black history became important to African-Americans many years ago ( since 1915). It was crucial that men, woman and children were educated about their heritage and ancestors.  

  
Black History Month, or National African American History Month, is an annual celebration of achievements by Black Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of African Americans in U.S. history. The event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating Black history.
I invite you to peruse an A – Z listing of Black inventions, which were documented as early as the mid-1800s with the exception of one recorded in the 1700s. Aside from the color of their skin, the inventors were just like other citizens of the United States. 
Their desire was to improve the quality of human life with essential items, machines or appliances that could used for business, personal, medical and household needs with convenience.

 
BLACK INVENTORS AND THEIR INVENTION LIST
air conditioning unit        
Frederick M. Jones
July 12, 1949
 almanac                     
Benjamin Banneker      
Approx. 1791
auto cut-off switch          
Granville T. Woods     
January 1, 1839
 auto fishing devise          
G. Cook                
May 30, 1899
automatic gear shift         
Richard Spikes         
February 28, 1932
baby buggy                   
W.H. Richardson        
June 18, 1899
bicycle frame                
L.R. Johnson           
October 10, 1899
biscuit cutter               
A.P. Ashbourne         
November 30, 1875
blood plasma bag             
Charles Drew           
Approx. 1945
cellular phone               
Henry T. Sampson       
July 6, 1971
chamber commode              
T. Elkins              
January 3, 1897
clothes dryer                
G. T. Sampson          
June 6, 1862
curtain rod                  
S. R. Scratton         
November 30, 1889
curtain rod support          
William S. Grant       
August 4, 1896
door knob                    
O. Dorsey              
December 10, 1878
door stop                    
O. Dorsey              
December 10, 1878
dust pan                     
Lawrence P. Ray        
August 3, 1897
egg beater                   
Willie Johnson         
February 5, 1884
electric lamp bulb            
Lewis Latimer          
March 21, 1882
elevator
Alexander Miles        
October 11, 1867
eye protector                
P. Johnson             
November 2, 1880
fire escape ladder           
J. W. Winters          
May 7, 1878
fire extinguisher            
T. Marshall            
October 26, 1872
folding bed                  
L. C. Bailey           
July 18, 1899
folding chair                
Brody & Surgwar        
June 11, 1889
fountain pen                 
W. B. Purvis           
January 7, 1890
furniture caster             
O. A. Fisher           
1878
gas mask                     
Garrett Morgan         
October 13, 1914
golf tee                     
T. Grant               
December 12, 1899
guitar
Robert F. Flemming, Jr.
 March 3, 1886
hair brush                   
Lydia O. Newman        
 November 15, 18--
hand stamp                   
Walter B. Purvis       
February 27 1883
horse shoe                   
J. Ricks
March 30, 1885
ice cream scooper            
A. L. Cralle           
 February 2, 1897
improve sugar making         
Norbet Rillieux        
December 10, 1846
insect-destroyer gun         
A. C. Richard          
 February 28, 1899
ironing board                
Sarah Boone            
 December 30, 1887
key chain                    
F. J. Loudin           
 January 9, 1894
lantern
Michael C. Harvey      
 August 19, 1884
lawn mower                                   
L. A. Burr             
May 19, 1889
lawn sprinkler               
J. W. Smith            
May 4, 1897
lemon squeezer               
J. Thomas White        
 December 8, 1893
Lock
W. A. Martin           
July 23, 18--
lubricating cup              
Ellijah McCoy          
 November 15, 1895
lunch pail                   
James Robinson         
1887
mail box                     
Paul L. Downing        
October 27, 1891
mop
Thomas W. Stewart      
June 11, 1893
motor
Frederick M. Jones     
June 27, 1939
peanut butter                
George Washington Carver   
1896
pencil sharpener             
J. L. Love             
November 23, 1897
phone transmitter            
Granville T. Woods     
December 2, 1884
record player arm            
Joseph Hunger Dickenson
 January 8, 1819
refrigerator
J. Standard            
 June 14, 1891
riding saddles               
W. D. Davis            
October 6, 1895
rolling pin                  
John W. Reed           
1864
shampoo headrest             
C. O. Bailiff          
October 11, 1898
spark plug                   
Edmond Berger          
 February 2, 1839
Stethoscope
Imhotep
Ancient Egypt
stove
T. A. Carrington
July 25, 1876
straightening comb           
Madam C. J. Walker     
Approx. 1905
street sweeper               
Charles B. Brooks      
March 17, 1890
thermostat control            
Frederick M. Jones     
February 23, 1960
traffic light                
Garrett Morgan         
November 20, 1923
tricycle
M. A. Cherry           
May 6, 1886
typewriter
Burridge & Marshman    
April 7, 1885

 





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