Facing Fear

Reblogged from Servant's Life:

Storms scare me – specifically tornadoes.  They scare me because I am no stranger to them.  I can still recall sitting in my car and watching a tornado travel down the road beside me.  That isn’t something you soon forget. So, as the storms raged last night, I found it hard to sleep.  Fear can be a powerful thing.

Many people speak of the fear of the unknown.  

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What are you eating?

Reblogged from MAJESTIC PUBLISHING & WRITING MINISTRY:

Hannah Whitall Smith, a speaker and author (February 7, 1832 – May 1, 1911) said,

“The things we think on are the things that feed our souls.  If we think on pure and lovely things, we shall grow pure and lovely like them.”

How appropriate for the times in which we’re living.  It’s so easy to get distracted by what we hear and see, and before you know it you’re eating it for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

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A Voice for all generations

On January 15, 1929, a baby boy was born to Reverend Martin Luther King, Sr. and Alberta Williams King and given the name, Martin Luther King, Jr.

The timeliness of his arrival was in proportion with his mission and purpose predestined by God.  Therefore, his growth and development into manhood, and his advanced matriculation in education were necessary to meet the urgency of mankind’s need to hear what God had to say and do for generations to come.

To the unenlightened Dr. King was just an intelligent man with great oratorical skills and a public platform.  Many honor him only for his fight against segregation and inequity in the Deep South.  For many, observance of the holiday simply means recognizing a great civil rights leader.  Yet, for some,  he was a voice that condemned the ugliness of racism smeared in the faces nonwhites and Jews.  To others he was the voice of greatness— an icon to the rise of “black power.” To the degenerates, he was a dangerous threat to the kingdom of darkness that must be annihilated.

However, I know for me; he was ‘the voice of the Lord’ back then, now, and in the future! It was the voice of the Lord back then because segregation and injustice were worn like badges of honor, and celebrated with pride. Although public segregation is no longer, Dr. King’s message is the voice of the Lord now because the seeds of segregation are still being harvested in soils of ignorance, and injustice is a mockery. We see it acted out in judicial system like the characters of Broadway production. We see crimes of injustice committed by  law enforcement agents, who are the very ones sworn to uphold law and protect the citizens. Although he was gunned down agencies, and political

I was only sixteen years old when the news of his brutal assassination was announced at the small segregated school I attended in Louisiana.  To this day, I recall the emotional upheaval this news brought throughout the school as well our small community of underprivileged “coloreds.”  In particular, I remember my own emotional outbursts.  It was a ‘gut-wrenching’ queasiness I’d never felt before.  Perhaps, like that of receiving the news of my father’s death.

I believe the prophetic within me (not yet recognized or released) grieved for a true prophetic voice silenced by a nation rebelling against God’s will for humanity; addicted to hatred and committing heinous acts of violence against its fellowman.  I didn’t know then, but I know now that the spirit of heaviness overshadowed me because the resounding affects of an audible voice inspired by the Holy Spirit would be silent forever.  This man was the voice of the Lord for all times!

I’ve read the history of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. several times.  But each year, it becomes clearer that this man was born for such a time, even as this.  His voice still echoes throughout the portals of time, and reminds us of the need for change—change that results in spiritually transformed hearts and minds—changed lives that conform to the standards of GOD ALMIGHTY, and attitudes that align with biblical principles.

His messages, his courage, and boldness to speak out against the ills of society were in alignment with righteousness. However, his voice is being drowned out by the shouts of commercialization.  And unless we continue on the path of righteousness, his message will be diluted with watered down religious rethoric, and no power to bring about change.

Dr. King’s messages were focused on man’s greatest needs; and 45 years later, the needs are still great— justice, peace and equality. God created all men equal, in His image and His likeness. Yes, we’ve come a long way.  The election of the first African American man as president of the United States is a giant step on the path to progress, but we still have a ways to go until we all come into the knowledge of God’s will concerning justice and equality for all men.  Since the election of Barack Obama, there has been no shortage of racial slurs, subliminal messages, innuendos, jokes,  jesters, and outright disdain expressed regarding his leadership.  These expressions of disdainful criticism reveal the secrets of a heart out of sync with the heart of God—discontented and disconnected.   Therefore, in order to meet man’s greater needs for justice, peace and equality is to have a new heart experience with the God of love, peace, and righteousness.

Dr. King preached peace and nonviolence.  This message is relevant today because man longs for true love and spiritual peace. Wherever there is war and violence there can be no true love.  God is love!  Therefore, there’s an even greater need today—a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  He preached peace because Christ paid the ultimate price for our peace—peace with God through faith in His Son Jesus Christ.  When men are not at peace with God, there can be no peace with his fellowman.  Consequently, wars, crimes and violence are inevitable in a depraved society.   But, there is hope because with God all things are possible.

In a message on Peace, in 1964, Dr. King said, “Sooner or later all the people of the world will have to discover a way to live together in peace and thereby transform this pending cosmic elegy into a creative psalm of brotherhood. I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality.  This is why right temporarily defeated is stronger than evil triumphant.”¹

Dr. King understood that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Because Christ is our hope, he declared boldly and with tenacity, “Let freedom ring.”  He understood that freedom is the reward of knowing Truth.  Dr. King knew that when America embraces the Truth, we would be free at last.

He was confident in his mission and sincere in his message.  He was not intimidated by men to conform to their systems of injustice, ungodly beliefs, and immoral values.  He stood courageously in the face of opposition to deflect the darts of unrighteousness that penetrated the concrete walls of pride, hatred and selfishness.

On nonconformity, in 1963, he said, “This hour in history needs a dedicated circle of transformed nonconformists.  Dangerous passions of pride, hatred and selfishness are enthroned in our lives; truth lies prostrate on the rugged hills of nameless Calvaries.  The saving of our world from pending doom will come, not through the complacent adjustment of the conforming majority, but through the creative maladjustment of a nonconforming minority.”²

Ultimately, Dr. King’s mountaintop experience afforded him a privilege few will have in their lifetime—to see the Promised Land.  Seeing the Promised Land gave him the assurance, confidence and hope that we all must live by daily—that God’s kingdom will come, and His will shall be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.

On April 3, 1968, Dr. King said, “Well, I don’t know what will happen now.  We’ve got some difficult days ahead.  But it doesn’t matter with me now because I’ve been to the mountaintop.  And I don’t mind.  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.  And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain.  And I’ve looked over.  And I’ve seen the Promised Land.  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.  And I’m happy, tonight.  I’m not worried about anything.  I’m not fearing any man.  Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.”³

I believe this spiritual encounter enabled Dr. King to release everything and everyone into the Master’s hand—his life, his family, his work, his country, and this world.  He had answered the call of God.  He had done the will of God. He had lifted up his voice like trumpet in Zion, and sacrificed all for the Master.  He had fought a good fight and finished his course.

He had presented his body as a living sacrifice time after time.  He was pressed on every side, and oftentimes felt forsaken; yet,   he didn’t conform to this world. Instead, he was transformed by the renewing of his mind.  He understood the good and acceptable and perfect will of God; therefore, he proclaimed it to the world without compromise.

Today, the greatest honor we can bestow upon this man of God would be to surrender our lives to the will of God as he did; yield our members as instruments of righteousness for the Master’s use as he did—denying all for the Kingdom of God.

I ask, “Lord, will there be another voice that will take up the cause of Your Kingdom without expectation of human rewards?

Who will be the voice of the Lord?  Let it not be the voice of one man alone, but many that will be heard as one voice.

I pray, Let the Church be the voice of the Lord.  Though we are many members, let us declare in unison as one Body, “I am the voice of the Lord.”

Reposted. All rights reserved.

© 2007-2008 Queen E. F. Phillips. All rights reserved. NOT-FOR-PROFIT use only requires prior written permission from the author.  Credit must be given to copyright owner.  Reprinted and updated,.

©2010 QEP Enterprises. All rights reserved. NOT-FOR-PROFIT use only requires prior written permission from the author.  Credit must be given to copyright owner.

©2012 Queen E. F. Phillips. Revised edition. All rights reserved. NOT-FOR-PROFIT use only requires prior written permission from the author.  Credit must be given to copyright owner.

God’s Choice

In few months Americans will go to polls and cast their vote for the presidential candidate of their choice. And we should do our part in this democratic process. However, the one truth based on God’s Word, which I believe to be true…God sets up kings and deposes them…(Daniel 2:20-22).

First, Daniel’s short psalm (Daniel 2:20-23) give insight into Daniel’s spiritual life.  He expresses absolute confidence in God’s control over the world: Daniel held on to his depth of faith even while he lived in the nation that had just destroyed the temple in Jerusalem—the place of worship.  Imagine clinging to your faith in the God you believe is the Only True Living God? Could we be that absolute in our resolve to believe God even in the midst of our enemies that threaten to kill us if we worship Him? We are truly blessed here in America.  While many disdain the name of Jesus, and despise the very mention of Christianity, we have not been executed yet for expressing our faith and hope in Christ.

Secondly, Daniel’s prayer reflects his spirit of humility and praise in the midst of crisis: He paused to give God credit before rushing to interpret the king’s dream.  For many today, a summons to the White House from the president to interpret his dream would be a “stick your chest out and strut like a pride-filled peacock” minute.  However, Daniel knew that he was God’s choice and that the ability to interpret dreams was a gift of wisdom from God.  Therefore, he didn’t think of himself as a pompous about the gift of God.

The truth is as recorded in Daniel 2:20-22, Then Daniel praised the God of heaven and said: “Praise be to the name of God forever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them.  He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.  He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.”

As we anticipate carrying out our civic duties as U.S. citizens in November, we must remember, it’s really about God’s choice.  He is in control.  He has the power to do it anything—change times and seasons; he set up leaders in position and remove them.  He has appointed the days to bring about His purposes in the earth.  God gives wisdom to those who are wise and desire it, and those who discern because he gave them knowledge.

It is God who reveals deep and hidden things.  Lord, I pray “reveal” deep and hidden things to me.  God knows what lies in darkness.  Praise God forever and ever— light dwells with him.  And He works everything according to His own purpose (2 Timothy 1:9). I’ll vote, but I praise the God of heaven and say, “God’s choice and God’s will be done according to the working out of His purpose, not man’s political or personal agenda.

You always have a choice….

While watching one of my favorite TV drama shows, something was said that inspired this post.

In the storyline, one of the key characters shared with his team member that his ex-wife had be diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). She wanted him to assist her with dying on her on terms rather than waiting on the progressive neurodegenerative affects of ALS. Stunned by the request of his ex-wife, his team member ask, “What are you going to do?”

He replied, “I don’t have a choice!”

Commercial break…

Immediately, I blurted, “You always have a choice.”

Near the end of the show she summoned him to her hotel room. He assumed it was to carry out her request. However, he’d made a decision about the choice to listen to his “inner” voice based on his beliefs and value system, or be persuaded by someone else’s choice.  Ironically, because she knew him well , she knew he’d choose gradual death rather than end her life. Instead, she’d already taken an overdose and just wanted him to be with her. She died in his arms. Oh! It was a tear-jerking moment.

Although he’d said, “I don’t have a choice,” it’s obvious that his choice was based on his value system and the fact that he wanted her to endure the time it would take before ALS overpowered her because he still loved her.

Life’s challenges always present us with choices. Everyday we make choices and decisions from the smallest, such as what to eat for breakfast, to choosing our attitude for each day. But the real question is what do we believe that determines our choices and the decisions we make, especially about life and death.

I believe that all of our choices and decisions are based on our belief system, and moral values instilled within us about life and death, prosperity and disaster. According to Deuteronomy 30:15, God has placed before us life and death, prosperity and disaster. He desires that we choose “LIFE” so that we will enjoy all benefits His plan of salvation offers through faith in Jesus Christ.

Yet, the choice is ours—God’s way of doing things, or we decide our way is better. Either way, we have the freedom to choose.

You’re Loved…

The Voice of an Advocate

Indeed, this is the voice of one who gave his life for a cause in which we are still fighting to overcome. Yes, we have come a long way; however, we need more voices that will advocate for freedom and justice that is rooted and grounded in the law of the Great Judge. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the voice of an advocate. Keeping the dream alive…

You have what it takes!

A Call and Cause to Pray!

2 Chronicles 7:14 (New King James Version)
14 if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

It’s not your business

 Peter turned around and saw the disciple Jesus loved following them — the one who had leaned over to Jesus during supper and asked, “Lord, who among us will betray you?”  Peter asked Jesus, “What about him, Lord?”  Jesus replied, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You follow me.”   —John 21:20-22

There is a natural tendency to want to know God’s plan and destiny for someone else in your inner circle.  Many even go as far as to speculate, evaluate, and assess someone else’s qualifications and anointing to carry out their Kingdom assignment. For example, you can probably relate to Peter’s concern in the above scripture. Imagine the scene.  It’s time for Peter’s restoration due to his denial of  being in relationship with Jesus (Matthew 26:69-75).  During the process of restoration Jesus quizzes Peter about his love for Him and gives him specific instructions, “Feed my sheep.” After being asked the third time, Peter obviously grieved and disturbed by Jesus’ persistence and responds emphatically by noting Jesus’ omniscience.  (The third time signified his restoration, which eradicated his three-time denial of Jesus).   Jesus continued by revealing to Peter his death, and how he would die as a martyr for the glory of God.  Really!  You can imagine that was not the most exciting news to receive after being affirmed and restored for ministry.    However, it should remind us that Kingdom assignment is not always THAT glamorous—there is a cost!  More important, it reminds us of God’s grace when we fail in our faithfulness to Him.  He is a God of restoration. 

After receiving “in part” his revealed destiny,  and God’s will for him, naturally, Peter wanted to know if he was going to be the only one to encounter such unpleasantness, to say the least.  Since the beloved disciple was nearby Peter asked, “What about him?”  In other words, what is your plan for John? What’s going to happen to him? How is he going to die?   It was no secret that John was referred to the “beloved” disciple.  We had a name for it back in the day: “Teacher’s pet.”    Beloved, this is the perfect example of childish and immature behavior when it comes to Kingdom assignment and agenda.  Jesus’ perfects everything that concerns us individually while orchestrating life events to bring His plan and purposes to pass.  He wants us to focus on our own personal relationship and obedience to Him. Basically, (paraphrased) Jesus was saying to Peter,  this is not about John. This is about my will for you. My will for John is none of your business. YOU follow me. I’ve given you your assignment and revealed my plan for you.  So don’t worry about him. What I have and want for John is between him and Me.  You just stay focus on what I’ve assigned to you, and follow my plan for you, Peter. (Italic is my paraphrase). Wow! Talk about a slap on the wrist (rebuke).  In today’s Christian culture  some church leaders would have been highly offended if the senior elder (pastor, bishop) had rebuked them like that.  Many would have gotten so upset that they would have moved their membership.  Ha! You know it’s the truth!

 Although it’s the natural human instinct to be inquisitive about God’s plan and purpose for others, it’s not what God wants.  We are too easily distracted from our personal relationship with God, or what He has destined for our life when we focus on His will and plan for others within our circle.  Knowing the details of God’s plan or will for others stimulates the fleshy appetite for covetousness, jealousy, envy and even strife.  We should never compare personal ministry gifts or assignments to others. Looking at others and questioning God’s will and plan for their lives distracts us from what God has destined for us individually. You’ve heard the cliche, “It enough work for everybody.”  The truth is we should all be about God’s business— working together to advance His Kingdom, all for the glory of God.  There is a song, “What God has for me is for me.”  This is true, but do we really believe it?  

Perhaps Peter’s curiosity about John was out of genuine love and concern since Jesus assigned him leadership responsibility for the church.  Yet, leadership responsibility does not justify questioning  God’s will and plan for someone else in comparison to yours.   Think about Jesus’ reply to Peter, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”  YOU follow me.” 

This lessons teaches that it’s about your personal relationship with the Lord.   Your primary focus should be doing His will…carrying out your assignment, and fulfilling your purpose and destiny regardless of what it is, or how painful it may be.  And the good news is that He will never leave you nor forsake you.  However, you must trust Him; follow His lead, and obey His commands. 

Consequently, Peter carried out his assignment.  He preached with power and authority; he wrote with inspired conviction about suffering for the glory of God. It’s obvious in his epistles ( 1 & 2 Peter) that he accepted God’s plan and will for his life.  Also, John carried out his assignment (Gospel of John, the epistles: 1, 2 & 3 John, and Book of Revelation), being the “beloved” disciple qualified him to convey the message of love.  As a matter of fact, the other disciples, even Judas Iscariot carried out their mission.  And now, we can all benefit and learn from them through the inspired Word of God.

 Although it is a natural tendency to be concerned about God’s plan for someone else ‘s, I encourge you to stay focused on what God has planned for you.   It is my prayer that God’s plan for YOUR life is revealed, and that YOU complete YOUR personal assignment in the Kingdom to the glory of God alone.

Shalom.