MORNING MEDITATIONS AND FOOD FOR THOUGHT!
Mark 15:47
"And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses observed where He was laid."

There were many who were at the crucifixion of Christ. There were devoted women who were near the foot of the cross. The disciples were there also. They were the ones who were with Christ the most. They had seen, first hand, the miracles He wrought and they were privy to the power He possessed. How come they didn't show up with the others at the tomb, the next morning?

A few of the women returned with spices to anoint the body of Christ only to find the stone rolled away and an angel informing them that He had risen.

"Now when He rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons" (16:9). This woman knew what she had been delivered from! As a result of her miraculous delivery and freedom, she was forever bonded with the Lord. She was attached and worshipped Him. 

Death would not stop Mary Magdalene from wanting to be in the Lord's presence. Can that be said of you and I? What have you been delivered from? Are you truly free? Have you felt the difference? Are you forever grateful? If the answer is 'Yes', then you must have a bond of love and affection for Christ that keeps you coming back more and more into His presence. 

He appeared to Mary first! A woman! She received her first mission assignment from Him. Jesus knew that when she went to complete that mission of telling the disciples He arose, they wouldn't believe her. Shame on them for their lack of faith and not remembering all He had told them.

​May the Lord help you and I to be devoted to Him more and more. May we never cease to be in His presence daily; driving in our cars, at our desks at work, as we wash the dishes, while we rock our babies, when sleepless nights come, waiting at the airport, stuck in traffic, or quietly at home, we can be in His presence communing with Him.

MORNING MEDITATIONS AND FOOD FOR THOUGHT!
Acts 5:9
"Giving the appearance of something you're not!"

Ananias and Sapphira

We know how the story goes concerning this married couple and their possessions. God's instant judgement on them evidently fit the crime that they had committed. They were hypocrites! 

They saw the effect of Barnabas's selfless act of giving and wanted some of that same attention and acknowledgement for themselves. Pocketing a little on the side for themselves in the process wouldn't hurt, so they thought.

They sold some real estate they had but lied about the amount of money they were going to contribute.
It was their money. They had a right to keep it, but lying to appear more generous, giving others the impression of something they weren't, was a big error in judgement. The amount to give was theirs to decide. There was no sin in not sharing all that they had. The sin was in lying to appear more generous. They lied to the Holy Spirit, although they were standing before Peter.

God hates a lying tongue (Prov. 6:17). It may seem extremely harsh for God to kill this couple on the spot, but God was letting us know how he feels about lying. Just because He may not strike us down for lying in these days, (His prerogative, but He could do it) does not lessen the fact that He hates it, and He will judge you and I if we choose to lie about anything!

God made an example of this couple and as a result, the others who heard about it were cautioned and warned not to lie!
Never deceive to impress others!! Lies and deception WILL come back to haunt you! Don't seek credit for something you didn't do!

​Colossians 3:9 says, "Lie not one to another." God will never allow us to get away with sin! Lying is no trivial matter!

MORNING MEDITATIONS AND FOOD FOR THOUGHT!
1 Sam. 1:2 "But Hannah had no children."
'IN THE FULLNESS OF TIME'

Hannah's story will always be remembered because she represents many of us who find ourselves in situations that are beyond our control. 

Longing for something or someone and having to wait indefinitely is difficult. Praying and waiting for the answer that never seems to come, year after year, is very difficult. There are things that I have been petitioning the Lord for for over 35 years now, and the answer came a year ago. Would you believe that? In between those years of praying were trial after trial, silence after silence, but I kept praying. I kept making my request to God.

I know, I know you're thinking, "Shoot, that's too long to pray for something." There were times I almost gave up. This is what I learned about God.

God's timing is impeccable! God's timing involves things we are totally ignorant to and God's timing carries with it a ship load of blessings. I have learned about this thing called, 'IN THE FULLNESS OF TIME'. Yes, God's time is not our time. God's time will always be in association with His honor and glory.

You see, God cares about you and I in a deep, deep, deep way. We only see things from a surface view. We can't see into next year, next week or even the next hour. We don't know what's best for us like God does. God knows that if He gives you and I that thing we've been longing for, what we'll end up doing with it.

God's purposes for each of us far out weighs our mere desire. He sees the 'Big Picture'. God always keeps that in view.
Hannah had to watch Peninnah have all those babies and waved it in her face while slapping her at the same time. But God, Oh, But God, had something great in store for Hannah, even beyond what Hannah could have ever imagined. She got that baby! Her baby became a judge and a prophet in Israel. Imagine that!

All those years Hannah was barren and wanted a baby, was a good thing, but it just wasn't time yet because God was thinking about Israel and their future spiritually. Samuel's birth came just at the right time! There were a series of events that had to take place and God knew exactly when He wanted Samuel to step on to the scene.

​So....if you are desirous of God's answer to that prayer you've been praying, don't give up! Just make sure what you want has spiritual benefit attached to it. Make sure that it isn't for your own selfish reasons. Make sure it is something God can sign His name to. He hears your prayers! Trust Him for His timing! There's a bigger picture concerning you! Get ready for that ship load of blessings!

MORNING MEDITATIONS AND FOOD FOR THOUGHT!
Psalms 139:14; Read verses 15 and 16.
"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made:"

YOU ARE UNIQUELY DIFFERENT!

Society is always trying to tell us who we should be. T.V. Ads are always suggesting products to use so we can be the 'new thing' or the 'more acceptable thing'. I don't know if you noticed, but the African Americans in Hollywood are getting lighter and lighter (complexion wise).

The manufacturers of clothing and designers are always suggesting to men and women what styles to wear, what colors are in or out. Some of us are dependent on the latest style reports. Where is our uniqueness? 

I don't know about you, but God created me to be a 'Thinking Person'. He gave me the blue print that's full of knowledge, wisdom and discernment.

I was told that I shouldn't wear white after labor day. I turned to the person and asked, "Who wrote that rule and who are you listening to?"

Each of us are uniquely different. God never intended for us to be like anyone else. God didn't just throw you and I together. We didn't just fall off a meat truck! He strategically created us with what no one else has in the same way! Have you noticed that? We all have two legs, arms, ears, eyes, a nose and a mouth, but it's not positioned the same way on our bodies. Your 'gait' (way you walk) is different than my gait. Our tone of voice is different which suggests to me that our nose canal is different. 

God decided that you were to be African American, male or female, Asian, Indian, Caucasian, Hispanic, Cuban, or African, etc...He did that on purpose! There was a reason for your ethnicity! There is a special reason for the race you were born into!

We have been emotionally and psychologically put together differently. It doesn't matter if we came from good stock or not. Some of us may have been born into dysfunction or upper class families, it still doesn't have a thing to do with who God created us to be. We are all 'Wired' differently for God's purposes!

No one is like you! No one can do what you do in the way that you do it! No one can have the desired affect upon the face of this earth like you can! God has made us different. Don't let anyone tell you how to be!

​The next time you walk by a mirror, let God know this, "I like what you've done with me. I like how you've wired me!"
Take your stand and make your mark in the corner of the world where God has placed you!

AFTERNOON MEDITATIONS AND FOOD FOR THOUGHT!
Psalm 56:8
"Put thou my tears into thy bottle; are they not in thy book?"
DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH
Have you ever watched the process of diamond making? It's very interesting. There's a lot of excavation that is necessary to retrieve the rocks that have diamonds within them. In its pure state it is a rough stone, yet a potentially precious stone. there is a process that it must go through in order to take it from the 'rough' stage to the 'precious' stage. Hence the term, 'Diamonds in The Rough'.
We are all diamonds in the rough! 
A diamond is multi-dimensional with prisms of shades and color that glistens. No two diamonds are the same! They are unique and special!
Diamonds have to go through a process to become what we see. This process requires:
1. Very high pressure because pressure makes diamonds! 
2. Very high temperature.
The Lord puts his people through a similar process. He is the 'Diamond Expert!" He knows just how much pressure to put us under and how hot the temperature needs to be in order to melt away the dross and all the impurities in our lives. His tools cut sharp and deep, yet, every stroke is guided by His loving hand.
A diamond is noticeable and it stands out! A diamond is priceless and valuable. A diamond is not cheap!
What is God using to shape you and to mold you? How are you standing up to the pressure and heat of God's hand upon you? Are you compliant or complaining?
God, our diamond expert is gentle, merciful and kind. He handles us with care. He weeps with us when He sees our tears. He understands that we are human and frail. He feels our pain.
May the Lord help you and me to give ourselves over to Him and let Him have His way with us.
**This is a chapter out of my latest book, 'Rich Beyond Measure' where I share some the things the Lord has put me through and have delivered me as I endured trials and adversity over the course of 37 years of walking with Him. You can find my book on Amazon in paperback and e-book format.

MORNING MEDITATIONS AND FOOD FOR THOUGHT!
Hebrews 3:13
MAKING SPIRITUAL DEPOSITS
We should always have something to deposit into the 'Spiritual Bank' of others in the body of Christ!
I am referring to deposits that are of good substance, not the usual 'Religious One-Liners' like:
1. Trust in the Lord.
2. Pray about it.
3. You're a child of the king!
4. Speak life over it.
5. He can do the impossible!
6. Rebuke that devil!

We can all attest to the fact that the world and the environment we are forced to live in is against those who resemble Christ! We rub shoulders with it all day long, but when members of the body of Christ come together, there should be a big, big, difference!

As I rub shoulders with you and you with me, we should be making deposits into each other's spiritual bank. We should 'Drop a Dime' that is worth pocketing. We want to offer that which will not only encourage, but aid in spiritual growth. It can occur in a simple exchange of 10 minutes or less. 

There are tons of things we can talk about and share about that are valuable and add a level of importance, but it is vital that we encourage, empower and help to elevate one another spiritually. This happens when we, ourselves, are sitting at the feet of the Lord daily, hearing from Him and communicating with Him. Something happens when we sit in His presence. We walk away with wisdom, strength and knowledge. 

​As you and I endure trials, challenges, set backs and triumphs, we are storing up faith, peace, patience, grace, strength, trust, and insights that God gives to those who wait on Him. These are jewels that are worth sharing when led by the Holy Spirit. This is the stuff that is life changing for those who hear from us.
So...what have you deposited into the spiritual bank of others lately?

MORNING MEDITATIONS AND FOOD FOR THOUGHT!
Most of our local assemblies/churches are made up of women. More women attend church than men, on the whole. I am sure that you are aware of this fact. 

God, from the beginning created 'Woman' and wired her for certain purposes. He intended for her to be nurturing, gentle, loving, sensitive, understanding and caring. Her place in society, the home, local church and the body of Christ, was to have great significance with a godly influence upon all who would cross her path.
Satan, from the beginning, sought to change that picture by planting in Eve's head the notion that God wasn't out for her good. "Hath God Said" (Gen. 3:1)? Eve told the serpent what God said and he told her God lied to her. Satan in that moment and exchange introduced 'Women's Lib' to Eve and she bought into it. He introduced the independent spirit of the woman and made it seem as if it was alright to change her way of thinking.

Much has been borne out of that exchange in the garden of Eden between the serpent and Eve. Since then, we as women, even Christian women, have taken on different aspects of 'Women's Lib'. We may not even realize it. Each time we attack another female and exert our will over her, negatively, we have bought into Satan's lie. 
God has placed each of us in the body of Christ to be dependent upon one another. Each member needs the other to exist and function properly. Satan has done a marvelous job within the church walls for many years. He has sought to destroy members and the role they play one to the other. He has key individuals that he uses all of the time. 

So, if the majority of our churches are flanked by women, what should the over all morale, ora, and influential aroma be? From the time one enters the church doors up until they leave, what should they have received? Why is there so much hurt going on in our churches? Why has there been mass exits from those who once attended? Why do so many people have negative things to say about their experiences within the church walls? I leave you to answer those questions.

One thing that is clear to me is this; God has always been watching and keeping record of what goes on among His people. He sees, He knows and He cares. Let's not confuse what He allows with what He goes along with. "But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality" (Colossians:25).

​What a wonderful, growing, thriving place our assemblies and churches could be when women are spirit filled, spirit led, humble, gentle, kind, understanding, nurturing, caring, sensitive and loving. Let you and I seek to make that happen despite all the damage that has been done and if per chance you have offended or hurt another, "Confess your trespass to one another and pray for one another that you may be healed" (James 5:16). It is not enough to confess it to God, He also says we owe it to one another to set things right by acknowledging our wrong. May the Lord help you and I to create a godly, loving environment within our church walls.

MORNING MEDITATIONS AND FOOD FOR THOUGHT!
ENDURING
[James 1:12]
This thing called, 'Enduring' is hard! To endure simply means to bare
and take whatever the situation brings. It means to hang in there till the end!
I can tell you, from personal experience, it's a hard thing to do depending on the severity of the trial. 
Job endured, Joseph endured, Hannah endured, Elisabeth endured, David endured, Stephen endured, the Apostles endured, the Apostle Paul endured, Elijah endured, and Jesus endured. We all know their stories of various challenges and hardships.
The thing with enduring is this; it is actually for our benefit and God's glory. God gives the grace (ability) to endure what He brings our way. Enduring hardship allows us to gain a greater capacity for handling greater hardships. I know exactly what you're thinking, "Who in the world wants to add to the trials they already have or even want to go through more?" Well, God does have a point to it all. 
Each of the individuals named above went through tough situations. Their faithfulness to the Lord and their service to Him did not exempt them from suffering. God does show us the end of each person's situation and what happened to them during the process of enduring. Some of them even lost their lives due to suffering and hardship while others survived and gained a greater testimony of God's grace and God's power.
There is always a bigger picture to what God allows into our lives. I'm not speaking about the things we get ourselves into, but simply the things that happen to us while we are walking in obedience to Him.
While enduring trials, our character is being developed. In essence, the quality of what's being tested will show what our character is in the end.
God gave Elisabeth the grace to endure. It was a shameful thing to not be able to get pregnant. You were seen as less than a woman and something had to be wrong with you. God gives us the enablement to handle certain pressures and circumstances in life.
When we 'Go Through', suffer, or endure under fiery trials, God is looking to see His reflection in us. Hard times prove who we really are in Christ. As our brokeness is exposed, Jesus is seen. A Christian who suffers proves who Christ is. Enduring transforms us into pure gold for God's glory!

MORNING MEDITATIONS AND FOOD FOR THOUGHT!
Psalms 119:11
"Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee."
In Luke 1:26-32, Mary is given three wonderful statements. I can't even find the words to describe the salutation from the angel of God.
Let's take a look at them:
1.Thou art highly favored.
2. The Lord is with thee.
3. Blessed art thou among women.
Wow! How potent and how affirming are these three statements made to Mary. Now, Mary was going about her usual day, just like any other when the angel appeared to her. She thought, "What kind of greeting is this?"
Let's think back for a moment. In the counsels of God, it was discussed that Mary would not only be born, but she would be chosen for the highest level of preferential favor that a woman could be honored with. She was born for this special purpose. Her body was to carry the son of God, Jesus Christ.
That high preferential favor of God bestowed upon her wasn't to be taken lightly. She had not only the favor of God but His presence with all His divine ability to support and carry her through. She was the most blessed among women because it wasn't just that she was pregnant, but impregnated by God's Holy Spirit with His precious son. How incredible is that!
Those three statements were going to be significant in Mary's life for the next 33 years! She could not have imagined the magnitude of those statements, but when the right situations and moments came, she would call them to mind; like the time Jesus at age 12 disappeared and they didn't realize they had left town without him. She would have to remember what God's word through the angel had said. You and I would of had some choice words for that 12 year old had he been ours.
the uncomfortable horse back ride, being pregnant, no room in the inn, the open manger, and the unusual circumstance she had to be in had to bring those words back to her heart. Mary would find comfort and peace and keep a right perspective on her circumstances as a result.
The series of rejection and criticism her son received, even of his own brothers in the family, must have set Jesus apart in her heart as she thought back on God's words to her. All the events leading up to His crucifixion were the hardest of them all and once again, the final confirmation of His birth and purpose were played out before her very eyes. What a tremendous burden on her heart as she watched from the foot of that cross, the child she bore, as He suffered and died. He was not only her son but her precious Lord as well.
You and I have God's words to us in written form. We can have as much of Him as we want; available to us 24/7. Our lives will depend on those very words! If we don't know what His word says, then in those crucial hours of need, we will be in big trouble!
We too, have been chosen by God to represent Him on this earth and He desires to commune with us daily and He loves to sit with us and speak His heart to us as He too listens to us speak to Him. He delights in this and waits patiently for us to show up each and every day.
It is those same words that will guide us, and teach us, while showing us the way to navigate here on earth. The intimacy of our relationship with Him is vital. I can tell you from first hand experience that when the storms of life hit, and they will for sure, I look forward to running into the presence of the Lord and bury my head and heart in His hands. I don't text or make phone calls to anyone because no one can comfort or help me like Jesus can!
Let us hold on to God's words to us and look to see them come to fruition in our lives as we await His soon return!

AFTERNOON MEDITATIONS AND FOOD FOR THOUGHT!
Rahab's Fearlessness
Joshua 2
Despite Rahab's reputation of being a harlot, she has good qualities. That's a study for another day. We know how the story goes...she hid two spy's sent out by Joshua to spy out Jericho.
The saying goes, "There's always someone who sees or knows something that goes on in the community." So very true, because someone saw the two men going into Rahab's place and told the king. He wanted her to send them out and give them up, but she lied and said they were gone.

Wouldn't you have obliged the King of Jericho? Wouldn't you have been afraid? Not Rahab! Rehab had heard about all that Israel's God had done to Israel's enemies and the powerful acts He wrought. Her faith was solidified in the testimony left behind of this great and powerful God. She was now fearing God not man. Scripture says, "The fear of man brings a snare." 
I can tell you about fear. I have been in some scary, scary, situations as a believer where satan came with fierce threatenings and he lined up certain individuals whom he thought would up the ante on the fear I felt. Well...this situation persisted for 2-1/2 years before God brought it to an end. Yes, I felt intense fear, yes, I was concerned, and yes, it was difficult to endure, but I held on to the fact that God had previously confirmed for me that He was the giver of all I had.

When you are convinced that what God has given you was for you and saw the miracle He performed in order for you to have it, no man can now come and snatch it out from under you. That was my solid confirmation. So...the enemy and his co-horts were humbled as they sat with shock and awe that what they had sought to do to me didn't happen. They lost! I gained the victory by the power of God working on my behalf.

Where the presence of faith is, fear cannot coexist. Now, that doesn't mean that you won't feel fearful. There is no sin in feeling fear. The sin comes in when we act out of that fear and every action and reaction that follows is driven by fear. It's okay to be afraid, but take your fears to God and He will help you to act in faith right in the face of fear. 
As for anyone whom satan uses to disturb your peace and drive you to fear, God has something just for them. Leave them to God. He knows exactly how to repay them for the evil deeds they do. They have allowed the enemy to use them and when he gets through with them, they will regret having meddled with you.

​Rahab had no fear of the King of Jericho. She feared the Lord God of Israel and as a result, she and her family was spared the judgement that fell on her city. Rahab may of had a bad reputation, but God saw what she could become and she became Boaz's mother. Yes, her faith brought about future blessings and a hubby too! She is in the genealogy of Christ.
"For we have not been given the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and a sound mind" (2 Tim. 1:7).