Love - Devotion

Focus scriptures

I John 4:8 (NLT) - But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
Romans 5:8 (NLT) But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

Kirk Franklin put it so simply into a song - "Love, a word that comes and goes, but few people really know, what it really means to love somebody.”

The American Heritage Dictionary defines Love as “an intense affection for another person based on familial or personal ties.” Jesus took and showed love on a new dimension.

In our day to day surroundings, you will hear people throw out the word Love loosely. You may hear someone say, “I love my neighbor, I love my mom, I love my best friend, or I love my wife”, then as soon as that person refuses to do something we want done, we’re quick to say, “that person makes me sick” or “I can’t stand them”, and even worse, “I hate them”. Our love then becomes conditional.

If we examine Love in its truest sense, there is only one definition of Love. God. God is love and love is of God. (I John 4:8)

When you truly love someone, as God loves us, Love will not allow for us to hold against another the faults that they may commit against us. Love forgives all things and endures all things.

The funny thing about God’s love is that, it’s unconditional. God knew before we were created and birthed us into this world, all the wrong and sins that we were going to commit against ourselves and Him. YET, He breathed the breath of life into us regardless. In our carnal minds and flesh, we are unable to imitate this behavior. If in our hearts and minds, we knew that the child we were going to give birth too was going to end up a gangster, murderer, robber, or child molester, most of the women would run to an abortion clinic to terminate the pregnancy with no regards to the fact that this very child could come to a place of repentance and reconciliation with God. Maybe even become a disciple of Christ; preaching the gospel to the ends of the earth.

To be a Christian means to be “Christ –like” in other words, to be like Christ. We ought to love one another like Christ loves us. Loving like Christ loved, is not an easy task, we need to start with the love of God first. We need to love others the way Christ loves. It takes constant prayer to be authentic in our Godly love. Jesus loved us so much that he laid down His life just for us. (John 15: 13 KJV) Can we honestly say that we can lay down our life for a friend?

God’s love is easy. It provoked God to spare the life of an adulteress before becoming stoned. God’s love welcomed the sinner on the cross into His kingdom. God’s love healed the woman with the issue of blood. God’s love spared our lives from eternal damnation. God’s love ignites compassion for others. God’s love allows us to receive forgiveness and mercy each and every day.

God looked past all our faults and loved us regardless. God’s love should provoke us to love another as Christ loved us.


Love is patient, Love is kind,
God’s love will give you piece of mind.
Through all the turmoil the may come our way,
Why not share His love today.

God loves you and so do I.

What are you saying

What are you saying?
James 3: 7 – 10 / Proverbs 18: 21 / John 14: 30

Have you ever heard someone say, “They put them in the grave before his time?” Most recently, that phrase came to mind the week that comedian Bernie Mac was hospitalized for Pneumonia. Days leading up to his demise, various media headlines already proclaimed the well known comedian/actor dead. Yes, it was true that Bernie was very ill from his previous diagnosis of Sarcoidosis, but at that time Bernie was still alive and breathing.
Imagine if the media headlines read, “Hold on Bernie, we’re praying for you” or simply words of encouragement that would have given the comedian/actor to strength to fight. What if? Could it have been possible that Bernie would have lived another day, another week, another month, or another year? Or miraculously, another decade? Unfortunately, we’ll never know the answer to this question, because now, the well known comedian/actor has been laid to rest.
I often wonder can our words change the heart of God in certain circumstances. Christians pray often for a curse to be reversed in the lives of others as well as their own or for God to move on behalf of ourselves or another to make right a wrong situation. As we live, we do see the hand of God right our wrongs and restore what fails and ails us to that which is right. We’ve seen & heard people on their death bed being restored back to complete health, we’ve seen our sons and daughters that have been incarcerated or on drugs making a complete turn around in their lives and walking and living for God as a result. The thoughts come to mind, could the words of the world prompted God to continue this path for Bernie. If we would have changed our thoughts, our words, to that of faith and that of life, could Bernie, a man that has brought many of laughs and smiles (whether godly or not) to the lives of the world, been extended, turned around and used for the glory of God. Could it have been used as a corporate miracle for the entire world to see that the true and living God does still exist and perform miracles? Did we ourselves Kill Bernie Mac?
I know it sounds funny to hear or think about, but Proverbs 18:21 amplified version tells us that,
Death and Life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge
in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life].

The Message Bible version puts it:
Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit – you choose.

So what is it that about the tongue, this small organ that has the ability to cause a world of trouble for us? In the natural form when it is healthy, you’ll find that it is pinkish in color:
The tongue serves as an organ of taste, with taste buds scattered over its surface and concentrated toward the back of the tongue. In chewing, the tongue holds the food against the teeth; in swallowing, it moves the food back into the pharynx, and then into the esophagus when the pressure of the tongue closes the opening of the trachea, or windpipe. It also acts, together with the lips, teeth, and hard palate, to form word sounds. 1
(http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761572039/Tongue_(anatomy).html)
When a tongue is diseased the natural color has the ability to change. In its ugly form, that tongue can be deadly. I t can take on the shape of a sharp knife, it can cut, it can hurt, it can destroy lives, it can discourage, it can judge, it can condemn, it can lie, it can blaspheme, it is like fire that can burn, it can curse, and it can kill. Again I remind you:
Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit – you choose.
In the spiritual, the tongue can be used to encourage, edify, to praise God, to worship God, to pray to God, to love, to heal, to bless others and to give life.
What are you saying?

Passage James 3:2 Amplified 2

For we all often stumble and fall and offend in many things. And if anyone does not offend in speech [never says the wrong things], he is a fully developed character and a perfect man, able to control his whole body and to curb his entire nature.
An African Swahili Proverb states: “Better to stumble with the toe than with the tongue.”
I know that there are many of you that have stumbled on a piece furniture around the house and stumped your toe or toes throughout your lives and it hurt like something awful. Imagine that pain. It doesn’t compare to the stumbling of the tongue.
Although Jesus gave us word to “Be perfect as He is perfect”, none of us in our fleshly, earthly bodies are perfect. We have not yet reached the goal of becoming perfect despite the command.
Throughout the days of our lives we have become a very opinionated society. When we see things out of place or that appears to be wrong to us, we immediately begin to judge and voice our negative opinions regarding the matter. Rarely will we make an active attempt to help those that we’re ridiculing to correct the wrong and help them on their way. We allow them to be the butt of many a joke to bring a false sense of humor to our menial lives.
Think about the wayward youth that has just crossed your path. The one that never seems like they will never be able to get it together. In your eyes, their future is seen as running in and out of jail or on the street corners up to no good; they’re headed straight for hell. You look at the teenage pregnant mother that has one child pulling on each of her legs and shake your head in disgust. Your eyes look at her as if you are calling her every name in the book, but your heart is hiding the fact that – that could have been you because you were headed down that same road just a few years back before you got yourself together. Not taking the time to even find out if her situation is a case of extreme promiscuity or familial sexual abuse that she had no idea how to get out of.
Think about your words. Have your words encouraged them to trust God, or have they helped them to do what’s right? Have they blessed someone, declaring or wishing favor or goodness upon others? Or did you allow the words formed from your tongue to dig the first dirt that puts them right into the grave; pronouncing a death sentence on their life? Be honest with yourself for a moment - Have you ever caught yourself saying, “They’ll never be nothing; they’ll end up just like their father; they’ll follow their mother’s footsteps and be a crack head before they finish high school?” Cursing them. The Bible dictionary defines a curse as “A prayer for injury, harm, or misfortune to befall someone.” James 3 reminds us that we are to bless others and the Blessings and cursing should not come out of the same mouth.

Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit – you choose.
What are you saying?

Proverb 23

Alright, so once again, time has went. I have good reason though. 1, my home computer has really been acting weird. I’m waiting for Verizon now to come by and fix it. 2 – I have been writing!! Finally, I have felt inspired and motivated to write. So everytime, I have gotten a chance to write these past 2 weeks, I have been dedicating it to the book.

My daily read: A few days ago, I came across a passage of scripture that really moved me. Proverbs 23: 15 and 16 NLT. It made me think of all the times when I struggled to do or say the right things, or did do or say the right thing, yet walked away from that encounter feeling like your words have fallen on deaf ears. I’ve often heard it said across the pulpit that the best recognition comes from God and that we shouldn’t look for it from people. In the flesh, I would think, that if we’re here on earth, working and doing for people, shouldn’t we recognize or display an act of appreciation of some sort when someone does or says something that would encourage and help develop us or even get us out of trouble? A thank you, a hug, a card, a monetary gift, or a verbal acknowledgement is what I would think would encourage the people that are doing and saying the right thing, to continue to do and say the right things. Whether it’s something that they practice regularly or not. That’s just me thinking.

I reflect on the opportunity I had with a young lady that had been attending church for a number of years but never made the commitment to join. She felt like she would now have to stop being a seat warmer and actually participate in various ministries. She just wanted to go for the sake of saying, I went. She didn’t even know the name of the church she was going to. After numerous small talks throughout the following months about church, this young lady committed to joining her church. One small step for mankind, one big step for the kingdom. Sometimes our talks were in open areas where other coworkers could here. As a result, another co-worker made the decision to find a new church where she felt comfortable and was learning. She opened herself to learning the walk of God with the Purpose Driven Life Book - By Rick Warren, which was overseen by 2 other coworkers and they began the Purpose Driven life study as well. All because I opened my mouth and spoke something good; something right. Ok, Proverbs 23: 15-16 states in the NLT, “ My child, if your heart is wise my own heart will rejoice! Everything in me will celebrate when you speak what is right.” Can you imagine that? God celebrating you because of something you said that is right? I found in family Bible study that, my ten year can imagine that. Do you think that God has celebrating over me over my coworkers? I pray that as His child, I have touched His heart with right words.


I think about the ways I celebrate God’s awesomeness. How when God does the amazing in my life and, my walk with Him, how I praise Him for that personal encounter. I cry, I scream, I jump, I lift my hands, I wave my hands, I jump up and down, I praise Him in a dance, and sing songs unto God. Then my thoughts went to, what if God celebrated me like that when I said something good; something right? I closed my eyes and tried to imagine what would God actually be doing or saying because of my actions. The very thought that I could touch the very heart of God to celebrate me brought me to tears. I can imagine God seeing us like a father sees his son make his first touchdown or a daughter graduate high school or college. The proud Pappa. It made me feel good. It made me want to say and do more of the right things. Not that I was running mad, but that scripture now, which I’ve read before, was brought to such light for me. It really touched me to know that God celebrates with every part of His inner being over the good, the right, that comes forth out of my mouth.

It is our purpose in life to bring others to Christ to begin with. To worship him is right, to praise Him is right, to bring others to Him is right. I pray that you are reading find it in your daily activities to say what is right so that God may celebrate you with everything in Him. That is a good feeling that no man can take away. It is such a great feeling to have. A feeling I want to never go away.

Speak that which is right. B' blessed!

Proverbs 1

I've been challenged by an Elder friend of mine to "a Proverb a day to keep ignorance away". At first I was hesitant. I actually did it few months ago at the suggestion of my Bishop/Mom. But once the 31 days ended, I went on to other readings. Now I have picked it up as a study for my devotion. So I'm on a journey for wisdom. And since I am suppose to blog - I'm blogging my study.

So here's my thoughts on Proverbs 1:

I believe that each and everyone of us needs to have the desire to seek wisdom like Solomon did. When we apply Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you, we can't go wrong.

I love the Message Bible version of Proverbs 1. It is so plain and simple that even the youngest of children could understand. ( I need that) The first chapter expresses itself as a manual for living right. Who doesn't need that? Only the foolish man would deny the opportunity to righteous living. Once we obtain the wisdom, we should pass it along to our children, and them to their children. Allow wisdom to be the family inheritance; a family trait. To not love wisdom is to be a fool or simple.

It is very easy to fall into the temptation of peer pressure. To be like and a part of the "in crowd", but in verses 8 - 19, we are warned that it really isn't as fun as it may look and the profit will not amount to nothing. Those that participate will only find themselves ruined. Solomon warns us to not even entertain the thought. It's so not worth it.

The key to righteous living is at our fingertips. Why not give it a try. A person that says that they can't find life or how to live holy, has not read/study the book of proverbs. All those that deny the knowledge of wisdom will be allowed to feel the pain of their errors. God doesn't force us to do His will. Our strength is made perfect in weakness through Christ Jesus. When we are weak, we should reach for wisdom!! Desire wisdom. I am learning on this journey to pray about EVERYTHING!! ( sometimes I slip), but it makes it simple tojust ask God for guidance and direction rather than messing it up by handling it myself. The clean up is messy.

No doubt, we are human and we will make mistakes, but God's word carries us through it all. Trust wisdom!

I am so excited to be digging into Proverbs with my Bible study partner. I pray that everyone who reads this will take the opportunity at some point to investigate the scriptures of Proverbs.

May wisdom find you where you are and plant the seed of life that leads to eternal life.

B' blessed!

Not a good start huh?

OK so I was suppose to be writing a little bit more than what I'm doing. I honestly forgot that I set up this page. My good buddy, Writer, Shanita Waters (http://www.waterplantgrowth.com/), reminded me that I had a blogspot today over lunch. So here I am.

I also had the pleasure of meeting 2 wonderful authors during Memorial Day wknd. Victoria Christopher Murray (Godmother of Christian Fiction - http://www.victoriachristophermurray.com/ ) and Karen Quinoness Miller - http://www.karenequinonesmiller.com/ . They gave me some wonderful writing tips as well as encouragement. We took pics for my goal poster. And to think, I never planned on attending the African American festival in Virginia because of all the riots that occurred. I almost missed out. But thanks to my little sis, Nea, it was the best time ever!!

So since I've last blogged, I attended my first Online Writers Conference. It was great! They had a line up of the best in Christian fiction as well as in the writing market. What I liked most about it was that I could do it from home!!! I went from the computer to the phone and back with every other instructor. I was able to run out when I needed to and then come back to work. That I would do again. It was reasonable as well.

I also recently joined a Christian writers group. I went to my first meeting a few weeks ago. I enjoyed it. I was nervous at first about having people read my works and critiquing it. But I actually enjoyed it. Karen Q-Miller suggested that I do that to help strengthen my writing skills. I believe it'll work. I found this group on http://www.meetup.com/ . It was actually legit. NO stalkers!

Today I pulled a copy of what I have worked on on my book entitled "The Sanctuary". It's like starting all over again after hearing so much from the authors. I've learned that I just can't sit and write like I think. This is work.

But if God has brought me to it, I know He'll bring me through it!!!

Thanks for reading! B' blessed

This is Me!

After conversing with a few authors (Seasoned as well as unseasoned), I have started to blog as a way to strengthen my writing skills as I write my first novel.



I consider myself to be a writer. At the age of 10, I wrote my first song. I can still remember it, and I'm so glad no one has ever heard it. In high school, I started writing short stories for English class and whenever I got bored. My teachers would never get up off that "A", so a "B" it was. I started writing poems when I was about 20 years old based on what I was going through in life at the time. They meant a lot to me although you would probably never see them published anywhere. I still have them. On original paper and all. Then I moved on to writing stage plays. My passion. My first play was "Mama I want to Sing" starring D' Atra Hicks. It has never left me. In 1996, I got up enough courage to produce my first stage play at my church. I was so excited. 5 souls were saved. That will always be remembered.



I work as the Stage manager for my church's Drama Ministry. I didn't think that I was going to like that job, but I love it!!! I love being behind the scenes. Being upfront makes me nauseous. I have written a total of 4 plays. Some meaningful and others......



Now, I believe that God has prompted me to write my first Christian novel. The day HE revealed it to me was a day, I'll always remember. I was walking to work and I was praying, asking God, where did HE want to take me in writing. I believe that this is ministry for me, but I wasn't sure which way He wanted me to go. Then God, all at one time, gave me my dedication for my book. I broke down in tears in the middle of the University of Penn campus. Broke down. I had to rush to get in to work so I could get it on paper before I did forget. My kids say I forget alot. (They're right), but when it comes to God, it's amazing what He can bring back to your remembrance.



As much as I am on the net, I pray that I remember that I started this blog and can continue it through my journey as a writer and a Christian. I pray that it inspires all who read it.



"God has given me something to write. Therefore ~ I write!"



B' blessed!