(This is a picture of part of TLC’s Esteem Team – a dynamic group of women always willing and able to assist. From left to right: Gloria, Tommie & Cassandra.  Ladies, thanks for all that you do.)

Here we are, moving quickly to the end of the first month of a new year.  I’m sure some of us have made, and already broken our New Year’s resolutions.  I know I have.  Well, the truth is I have and I haven’t.  First, let me share that I believe resolutions to be wonderful – I just don’t believe we need to wait for a new year to make them.  To me a resolution is a promise or deal, I make with myself regarding something that I want to do, be or change.  I resolve to be more kind, loving and caring almost every day.  I resolve to eat healthier tomorrow as I consume some unhealthy snacks today.  I resolve to be a more courteous and forgiving driver every time I yell at someone who I swear found their license to drive in a box of cereal.

It seems I am always ‘resolving’ to do better.  Sometimes I do and sometimes I don’t.  In Lamentations 3:40 the Bible says, “Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord”.  Have you ever wondered why it is so hard to keep the resolutions you make yearly, or even daily?  Could it be that you made the resolutions emotionally, or based on your personal wants and desires?  Do we consider what God’s will may be for us?  Do we consult Him when we make these resolutions or, is it that we already know what’s best for us?

Well, I for one am going to seek His counsel and ask Him to show me, lead me, and guide me every day to do His will in my life.  And, of course, I am going to forget sometimes and go ahead with making resolutions/promises to myself that I won’t be able to keep without His help.  Like one of my favorite ministers says, “It’s a process girl.  It’s a process”.

Let us pray:

Father, I come to thee with a humble heart.  Thank you Lord for everything You allow in my life.  Forgive me for my arrogance and willfulness in not asking for Your guidance as I make resolutions and promises based on my wants and desires.  Be with me, guide me, order my steps as I strive to pursue those things You want for me.  Show me the path I must follow.  Amen.

Won’t you join me in seeking His counsel as we resolve to be the people who are called by His name?  Happy New Year!

He did it again! I know you will agree with me when I say Pastor G is always on point – even when we don’t shout AMEN! Or PREACH PASTOR! Well, on July 1, 2018, the man did it again. The text was Matthew 18:1-5. The title of the sermon was “Let’s Not Be So Full Of Ourselves”. I can’t pinpoint what part of the sermon sticks with me the most. But his three points are definitely a great takeaway.

Check it out:

1. Your Gifts Will Make Room For You!
2. Don’t Take Ourselves Too Seriously!
3. Deflate Our Inflated Egos!

All in all what I got from the message is that we need to be have humility. According to Pastor G…

“Humility means to be grounded, to have one’s foot on the ground, to have a realistic opinion and view of oneself”.

Somewhere in Romans, we are told to not think more of ourselves than we are, but with somber judgment (Romans 12:3). What does that mean to you? To me, it means to not take credit for the gifts God has shared with me. It also means don’t get a big head and think you’re all that but know that whatever you have/are/be has little to do with you and a whole lot to do with God.

Personally, I know there are individuals who dislike my take charge attitude. Sorry. I can make excuses for it, but I won’t. I will say that I was raised by a lot of strong Black women who insisted that we be all we can be in God. That we love and share whatever we have been blessed with, and that we maintain an air of humility.  It’s the “humility” part that I want to talk about.

To some being a person with humility means being a doormat. Pastor said, in his sermon, that this is not the case. You don’t have to be a doormat to have humility. Some individuals, while being unapologetically themselves, want you to bow down, hang your head, and cater to them. If you don’t, then you are not a person of humility – you are, in their estimation, arrogant. And arrogant is not the same as confident.

Philosophical writer and speaker, Scott Berkum, suggests the following to define both arrogance and confidence:

“An arrogant person only feels smart if someone else feels stupid… Arrogance is about intent: its when ability (or perceived ability) is used to look down on others.”

“A confident person feels competent from the inside out. They use their talents to genuinely try to be of use… They might seek external validation, but they don’t depend on it to define their sense of their ability or nature.” – http://scottberkun.com

Take a minute and ask yourself if you exhibit humility in your everyday life. Are you openly kind to others? When you are at church, or just out and about, do you speak to those who cross your path, or do you turn and go in another direction just to avoid personal contact?

One thing I know for sure, like Pastor said in his sermon, I want to hear “well done…” from the Lord both now and when I reach the Pearly Gates. I want to live a life of humility defined by God and not by individuals. I can get pretty full of myself sometimes and when I do I am reminded that I can do nothing without God. I am nothing without Him and that all the lessons and blessings in my life come from Him. So I offer this little prayer – “Lord I thank you. I honor you. I love you. Please continue to keep me a humble servant. Help me be of assistance in the ways you want me to be as I do my part in going and growing Your kingdom. Allow my light to shine so that others can see the You within me. Forgive me when I get too full of myself. Thank you Lord – Amen.

If you heard the sermon please share your thoughts. If you didn’t, and have something to say about this post, please feel free.

Until next time…Be A Blessing!

Hello Family! I was going through past post and saw the one below. I hope you read and comment as you read…

Paying it Forward

Scripture tells us “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves…” (Phillipians 2:3). There is also scripture that says “And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Matthew 22:39). Now it is not lost on me that a couple of scriptures before 39 says: 37Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ Which of course continues on to inform us that “this is the First and greatest Commandment (Matthew 22:38). So really, if the first and greatest Commandment is to love the Lord with all your heart and then the second is to love your neighbor as yourself, paying it forward should be a no-brainer. Right? Must not be.

Let’s be honest, do we really take better care of ourselves than we do others? Be honest. Okay, I am a very literal person. If you tell me something is green, it’s green. Not hunter green, forest green, teal green, etc. It is just green. So when the Bible says take better care of your neighbor than you do yourself my literal self comes up short. I don’t think I’m overly selfish, maybe a tad bit, but not overly. And, I willingly share what I have, but not to the point of self-neglect. In other words I’m not going to end up homeless because I paid someone else’s mortgage. Now, I’m sure there is something more in-depth involving this scripture, but like I said, I’m very, very, very literal.

Look, my whole point is we need to pay it forward. Because in truth, we often do not. I’m not talking about the man on the corner with the will work for food sign. Nor am I talking about folk who hit you up at the gas station with a story about a pregnant wife, or a death in the family that they need to buy gas in order to get to where ever they need to get to. No, I’m talking about those people we encounter everyday – at work, school, church, the grocery store, McDonalds, etc. Those people that you won’t make eye contact with, speak to, or smile at. Those individuals who may simply need a little of that light you say you have to shine on them. A hello, a smile, and wait for it – PAYING FOR THEIR MEAL! What? Yep, that’s what I said – pay for someone’s meal. Buy your co-worker a coffee. Bring lunch to friends at work (or frenimies).

If I am not censored, I am going to continue to write on this topic for a couple of weeks. But first let me share this with you: I have been the recipient of the “pay it forward” phenomenon several times and I have tried to be a constant part of the movement. People I don’t know have paid for my meals, my gas, and my groceries. People I do know, right here at TLC, have put a few dollars in an envelope and put my name on it; given me donations to assist in ways that surprise and honor me and most certainly honors God. Seriously, it brings tears to my eyes when people reach out and pay it forward – not just to me, but to others.
I think we need to start a TLC “Pay It Forward” Movement! And it ain’t always about money or material things. It can be a hug, a smile, a kiss on the cheek. But whatever it is do it from your heart. I honestly believe that takes us back to that scripture that is the First and Greatest Commandment – Love the Lord with all your heart…
TBC
SJordan

So, maybe it’s only in my mind, but I see a pattern developing in the sermons we have been receiving on Sunday from Pastor Gordon. Basically, the messages seem to point toward this salient point: “God’s got your six!” In other words, God has your back. I keep hearing this phrase on tv, in movies, etc. And according to my interpretation- although loosely derived, it is generally said in reference when one person is moving forward and others are following to assist/support. Are you with me so far?

The sermon Pastor G shared on the first Sunday of the year talked about basically doing the same thing, getting the same results and being stuck in a space where you are going in circles and not moving forward. In Deuteronomy 1:6-7 (The LORD our God spoke to us at Horeb, saying, “You have stayed long enough at this mountain. 7 Resume your journey…) – we are being implored to get the lead out and move forward.

Then, on this past Sunday, Pastor talked about Moses and the Burning Bush (Exodus: 4:1-5). Basically, this appears to be a conversation where doubt is met with a call for trust and faith in God. Despite Moses’ fear of his own inabilities, God shows him that he has in his hands all that he will need to proceed and be about the business of the Master. Can you relate to that? Minister Sherry and I take turns reminding one another that God has given us all that we need to do His will. He has equipped us with skills, knowledge, opportunities, and His word!

God’s got your six! He has equipped each of us with what we need to be about the business of Kingdom growing. I believe when we hide what’s in our hands (our talents/gifts, etc.) we are not only doing a disservice to ourselves, but we are telling God we don’t trust in Him. One of Pastor G’s points was: “Bring to the table what you have and whatever is lacking God will supply!”. He further reiterated that God can “take the ordinary and make it extraordinary”. Notice the word “EXTRA” which also means exceptional or special or added. I think he has said a mouthful!

We need to know… God’s got our six! He has not only put what we need in our HANDS, He supports us by opening doors, windows, and opportunities for growth.
God’s got your six! Romans 8:31 says we are more than conquerors – 31 “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”

God’s got your six! Isaiah 52:12b: “For the LORD will go ahead of you; yes, the God of Israel will protect you from behind.”… Say what!? Did the Bible say God’s got our six?

My sisters and my brothers, we have what we need. We’ve been in this place of staggered growth long enough and He has placed in each of our hands what we need to go BIG! Come on ya’ll! Let’s do this thang! The above scriptures eloquently tell us what we already know… GOD’s GOT YOUR SIX!!! Let’s show Him our gratitude.

Prayer:
Lord, thank you. Thank you for equipping each of us with what we need to do Your will. Thank you for providing opportunities, opening doors, introducing us to those, Your servants, willing to join us on this journey as we “go and grow” Your Kingdom.

Forgive us for our lack of faith in ourselves. Forgive us for our lack of trust in You. Move in our lives Lord as we recognize Your greatness, love and mercy. In your loving son Jesus’ name, we offer this prayer. Amen.

It has truly been a year of changes in our world, our nation, our personal lives, and our church. There have been moments when we were not always able to discern our next move because we could not get a grasp on what was really going on. Well, if I learned anything at all in 2017 it is to trust in God!
If you think back on the issues and concerns we have faced throughout 2017, we probably should not be here. But here we are and that’s because God has a plan for us. He says so in Jeremiah 29:11. (“For I know the plans I have for you…”) I heard a preacher say “God said it. I believe it. And, that’s that!”. I say “DITTO”.

And speaking of what “God says”, we have been blessed with an abundance of sermons that have fed us throughout this year. “Nobody Like Jesus”, “Are You Dressed For Battle?”, “A Purpose Driven Church”, “The Testimony of a Worshiper”, I’m Taking a Knee”, and “Never Alone” – are only a few of the words from God that have fed us and got us through tough times.
I don’t know about you, but for me, it’s RESOLUTION making time. Yes, I’m making a few resolutions for 2018 and beyond. I know there are those who don’t believe in making resolutions. They say it is because they never keep them. Well, that’s personal. I see resolutions as a personal promise plan for me. The Bible says “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”(Prov. 16:3); And, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” (Prov. 19:21). So, I have about a dozen resolutions I’m committing to my TO DO list. And again, if I have learned anything in 2017, it is to trust in God.

So much has happened – unbelievable election results, disregard for the sanctity of a place of worship, loss of family and friends, and so much more. But God keeps right on blessing us, no matter what. Well, so long 2017! I’m glad to see you go! Hello, 2018! You are welcomed with open arms, minds, and hearts!
When I reflect back over the past year I must admit: MY SOUL LOOKS BACK IN WANDER – AND WONDERS just what He has in store for the future. It’s “got” to be good!

Prayer:
Thank you Lord! Amen.

Sonia Jordan

Back To School Blog!!

Seventh grade was an amazing year for me and I am totally ready for 8th grade. But the only problem is that I am anxious to see what this year has in store for me. This year I am taking harder classes and teachers are expecting more from me and my fellow classmates. I always try to impress my teachers by being good in class and giving my all in my school work. And this year it is going to be harder to make a good reputation and that is one of the reasons I am anxious. Also, to add to my anxiousness I am taking harder classes. Harder classes mean that I have to put 10x as much effort as I put in my last year classes.

There is nothing wrong with putting a little more extra effort into your work, but I am just anxious to see what is to come. Even with all this pressure and anxiousness riding on me I know that God will find a way to help me through this school year. I had some rough patches during my 7th-grade year and God helped me through all of it. If he did it last year I know for a fact he will most definitely do it this year.

“I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” – PHILIPPIANS 4:12–13

I’m not sure if the TLC blog is for self-reflection, sharing, caring, or what.  I do know that it provides an outlet for something.  For me, today, it is self-reflection and sharing.  I pose a question to each of us – WHAT ARE YOU GRATEFUL FOR?  If I answer the question without hesitation I would say I was grateful for everything in my life.  Everything!  My life, my health, my mental capacity – which some would argue isn’t that strong, my family, friends, strangers I meet, the ability to stand and walk.  I can breathe, laugh, cry and sleep in a room with a roof.  All are important, right?  How about if you looked at those things in your life that you don’t appreciate, are you grateful for them as well?  I try to be.  I think if we look at those things that don’t make us smile and feel happy we would see a whole lot of other things to be grateful for.  For instance, I got into my truck looking for a pair of sunglasses that I had allowed to fall to the floor a few days ago.  After locating the sunglasses, I moved to step out of the truck and felt a definite pull in the area behind my knee.  Pain radiated from my knee to my toes.  As I hobbled back into the house I issued a few ‘foreign words’ toward myself and the pain.   For a few minutes, I could not walk without hobbling.  I had to take a seat as the pain ran its course.  Finally, as the pain eased so did my anger.  It was as if I was being admonished to slow down.

I am constantly moving about.  I just completed my last class toward my degree and instead of taking a day or two to relax, I’m running errands, trying to help others, half cleaning my bedroom- which needs a bit of attention, cooking, moving furniture, and on, and on, and on.  I stay up late and get up early feeling so tired that I end up back in bed and oversleeping.  Then, I get up and start running on that treadmill called life all over again.  ENOUGH!  What I fail to do is find the time to be still and be grateful.  How about you?  Do you look at those little mishaps or inconveniences that occur in your life as a nuisance or as a tap on the shoulder to get your attention?  When you’re stuck in traffic are you angry because you are going to be late, hate to be in traffic, or just upset because folk cannot drive?  What about that unexplained feeling of lethargy, or maybe even moments of depression?  Do you ever stop to think that maybe God is slowing you down because you don’t have enough sense to be still? Hmmm.

Being grateful for every moment of your life, no matter whether it is good, bad, or ugly – know there is a reason.

So here’s the challenge:  Every night before going to bed think about four things that happened during your day that you are grateful for.  And remember, they don’t all have to be obvious things.  Give it some thought.  Tonight I am going to write down my knee issue and why I am grateful for the pain.  There are so many reasons. One for sure reason is that it made me slow down.  I had to stop and breathe because the pain was too great to keep moving.  Even now as I write this blog I can feel the twinges of the pain in my knee.   My plans were to paint my bedroom, remove my carpet, and make a bench for the family room.  I still plan to do these things, but not today.  Today I am just going to take care of the pain, sit in my favorite chair and make that To Do list that will be my road map for the next two weeks.

I’m also going to begin my day with prayer.  Offer prayers and thanksgiving throughout the day, and when I prepare for bed I am going to make my list.  Finally, I am going to end my day with a prayer of thanksgiving for EVERYTHING that He has allowed in my life.  I use to be in a choir that sang a song entitled “It’s Right…” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OF5PgFdCmc .  I absolutely miss singing this, but the words are timeless.

Prayer: Thank you Lord, for everything!

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” – JAMES 1: 2-4

(Psalms 141:3; Matthew 15:11; Proverbs 21:23; Ephesians 4:29…)

Some of us remember when someone called us out of our names our parents would say “sticks and stones may break your bones, but words will never hurt you”.  While it sounded good at the time, if we tell ourselves the truth, those words flung in our direction like a pointed arrow often hit its mark and baby, say what you will – those words hurt.  They were poisonous to our self-esteem.  And though we may have retaliated with our own hurtful words in response, the impact of hearing the venomous repertoire, was deep and often long lasting.

On the other hand, when words of encouragement, thanks, praise, etc., are heaped upon us our self-esteem is bolstered.  We feel good, we produce more, we often share our best selves with others and pass the good words on.  Proverbs 15:4 says: “The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit”.

As we grow as children of God there is a need for us to grow and let go of those habits not befitting.   I cuss.  Yes, cuss – not curse.  Basically, they mean the same thing, but let me distinguish between the two according to my “isms”.  To curse someone is to wish evil upon them; to damn them.  But to cuss someone is to express anger and relieve the pressure on that last good nerve you have left.  Either way, you choose to define it, it is not befitting one of God’s children.

The point I am trying to make is simply to be kind with your words.  Even when you feel pushed to the point of losing it, try to respond with words that will not maim or destroy.  Some of us relish in knowing that if someone does something we don’t like we own an unpublished dictionary of expletives and other words that we can unleash with a fury.  But to what end?  Maybe you feel justified.  And maybe the person was cruising for that beat down.  Maybe, just maybe you were waiting for the opportunity to let them have it.

I’m guilty.  My claim to fame is that I never use my words to hurt someone that doesn’t deserve it.  Yet, when it is all said and done did I present myself in a fashion that would illuminate the Jesus in me?  Would my Pastor, church family, and others be surprised (probably not) at the words flowing from my tongue?  More importantly, does the negative, hurtful words please God?

Maybe this posting is just for me.  Maybe it is for us all.  Even if you don’t use expletives do you use harsh negative words when you are angered?  Do you feel the need to make sure folk know they can’t just walk all over you so you strike back using hurtful adjectives?  What if we tried something different?  What if when someone pushes your button you offer them a word of prayer instead of a blow striking response?  What if you asked God to let the words you use daily be edifying and uplifting?  I’m not saying be a doormat.  I’m just saying we may be able to bring those individuals who work our last nerves closer to a relationship with Christ if we change our vocabulary.

So let me start using edifying and uplifting words here on this page.  To all members of my church family, guests/visitors to this site – I love you.  Know that you are wonderfully and fearfully made.  You are wonderful, creative, special, kind, loving, and so much more.  I pray that God continues to bless you and work miracles in your lives.

PRAYER:  Lord, before I ask for anything I want to thank you for EVERYTHING!  My life, my family, friends are all a blessing that you have given unto me.  Thank you, Lord.  I also pray that you will touch each of us and guide our tongues.  Let our words be uplifting and kind.  Let our witness be sound.  Touch us gently when we find ourselves up against the wall and ready to use harsh words.  Help us to be ever cognizant of the words that flow from our tongues.  In Jesus’ name, I pray.  Amen.

 

 

Have you ever felt like your not living up to what God wants you to ? 

Well for me, I have many times. I felt like everybody around me were accomplishing these amazing things that probably made God proud. Yes, I know I am only 12 years old of age and I only need to achieve good grades, and obey my parents , but I feel like I am a over achiever and that I have to do 150% or I have failed to do that task . But God loves us just how we are, and every once and awhile I have to remind myself that and that I’m going to run myself thin if I keep on trying to please God when he is already very proud of me and my achievements. 

 

                        – Grace Reddic

Hello TLC family and friends.  It has been a while, but we’re back!  I hope each of you reading this blog will decide to comment, or contribute to future blogs, and/or at least be moved by the words of the writers.  While I have been patiently waiting for some brave soul to submit their words/devotionals, I decided that maybe I should get this party started.  I’m talking about a Holy Ghost party ya’ll, ‘cause a Holy Ghost party doesn’t stop.  And, with that in mind, I would like to take a moment to reflect on Pastor G’s first sermon of the new year.

“How to Have a Purpose Filled New Year (aka Life)…” was the title of the sermon.  There were three main points:

1. Trust God to Do What He Does!
2. Recognition You Don’t Have All the Answers!
3. Let God Order Your Steps!

The first point, which admonishes us to trust God, is one we often ignore.  Okay, let me speak for myself – it is one that I often ignore.  It isn’t that I think God needs my assistance in doing what He does so well without my help, it’s just that sometimes He doesn’t move fast enough – for me.  I am a part of this microwave society that wants what I want instantly.  Pray now, get now is often my attitude even when I am claiming to wait on the Lord as I trust in His word.  “Right now Lord!”  You know you’ve heard those words even if you haven’t uttered them a few times.  “Right now Lord!”  As if your command will usher Him to do what it is you are asking.  Well, as you know, He doesn’t really work like that.

I try to remember that no matter what my mortal mind tells me I want, or need, the great Jehovah knows best.  The scripture says He will supply my every need according to His riches and glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).  Jeremiah 29:11 – I know the plans I have for you…, Psalms 24:14- Wait for the Lord… John 15:5 says that we can do nothing without Him. So why do we spend so much time and energy trusting in everything, and everyone, but God.

The second point reminds us that we don’t have all the answers.  We truly don’t, and yet we, excuse me – I walk around like I am the author of some great book of wisdom and the Rock of Gibraltar.  I am neither.  Trust me when I tell you that I am learning to let go and let God in many areas of my life.  Not all areas just yet.  I still hold on to offering God my feeble assistance knowing He doesn’t need or want it but in most areas.  I am navigating as I find my lane.  You know sometimes you see something that could possibly be done a bit differently, or sooner than its being done.  You offer unsolicited advice, and may even step in where you are not only not needed, but you are also not wanted.  All that means is FIND YOUR OWN LANE AND STAY IN IT! – you don’t have all the answers.

The third point suggests we let God order our steps.  One of my favorite songs is Order My Steps.  The first verse, the second verse, the chorus – the whole song is my plea to God.  I need to be still, and my tongue needs to speak words of edification.  It is that final vamp that says it all.  Google the lyrics and you’ll see what I mean.  It asks for guidance in how to walk, talk, praise, and just be.

Three points.  Nothing too difficult when looking at the words, but oh so difficult to put into practice if you miss the first one – Trust God to do what He does.  Romans 8:28 says “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”  I am personally a WIP (work in progress) and I am also humbled more each day as I look at just how good our God is to us. I not only want to walk worthy, I want to live a purpose filled life.  How about you?

BTW – this rendering is my take on Pastor G’s sermon.  I can go over the sermon again and come up with another spin.  However, the end results would still be God is good, and living a life on purpose is a goal.  That said, I would love to hear your thoughts.

Prayer:  Lord we worship you because of who you are.  Thank you for your grace, mercy and love showered on us each day.  We ask that you order our steps to the purpose you have planned for us.  Show us the path Lord. Be there to pick us up when we stumble, push us harder when we falter, and help us even when we think we have all the answers.  Amen.