Date: Oct 16 2010
Time: 5:30-6:30
Praise 104.1

As I reflect, let us also remember the one who gave His life for us. Let us remember His love for us and His sacrifice. I can remember so well that day I accepted His call. My best friend was attending bible study on a regular basis and inviting me to attend with her. After several invites and several failed attempts to join them, I did. Actually, that particular day at work I could not stop thinking about going and it was in my heart to attend. I hurriedly pick the children up, made dinner and attended. At the time I did not know too much about the Holy Spirit. I just knew that I was compelled to attend. I did and my life has never been the same. It was my personal Independence Day. I was free. (John 8:36 Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.) I remember walking home and asking God what was going to happen next. The only thing I did know is that I felt so much freedom. I felt like the weight of the world had been lifted off my shoulder. Well, maturity is a process, but that night I felt so absolutely wonderful. The devil, of course, tried to snatch my freedom, but God had me and protected me and is still protecting me today.

He loved us so much that he laid down His life for us. (John 15: 19 Greater love hath no man than this; that a man lay down his life for his friends.) I have been feeling that love every sense that night on 13 Feb 1992. I dare to try to describe this love in mere words:
There is a sweetness and a serenity inside me—a place no one can get to, a place where I need to remain all the time, yet I dare to step outside. It is a place I sometimes forget about and venture out too far, but quickly return to. No matter how far I go away from that secret place, I always return. I wonder; I ponder; I reflect; I dare not tread to far from that place. It is a safe haven for me when the world seems so cold. I cry in that place, I weep, I pray, yet strangely it is the same place that I receive my help, my strength; it is where I lick my wounds; it is a comfortable place and a place of comfort. It is deep within my soul. It is a spiritual place—a place of rest. It is where I talk to God, and God talks to me. It is a place like a river that runs deep. It flows continuously and refreshes like a nice warm shower throughout my soul. It is a cleansing place of repentance, acceptance, renewal, security, restoration and wholeness. It is a place where I seek and search and look for answers. It is where I seek understanding, wisdom, and guidance. It is my roadmap to where I need to go, and when I go in the wrong direction, it navigates me back. It is an encouraging place and a place of victory.

Happy Independence Day and remember every day is Independence Day for God’s Children!

As I proceeded on my deck, all my gear in check, I encountered a bumble bee. I’d seen the bumble bee or a bumble bee that always hung around my deck. I always ignored the bumble bee because it did not seem to pose a threat. I would go to another area of the deck and swing or sit down and enjoy the outdoors. Occasionally, it would flutter over toward me and I’d swat at it and it would flutter back to “his side of the deck”. Well, this particular day, Mr. Bumble bee was center stage, fluttering in mid air. I stood and looked at it through the glass door. I didn’t give much thought to him because like before he didn’t pose a threat. I assumed it would be like any other time, I’d go to my area and he would stay in his. I proceeded out the door and he did not move. I stopped in my tracks and lightly swatted at it. He kind of fluttered away and came right back; center stage. I tried to ignore him and started to re-pot a plant. He began to buzz around me as if I was on his turf. I took the paper page that was wrapped around the bottom of the pot and swung at him. He still lingered and buzzed around me. I began to think that he might sting me, so I began to swing a little harder. This went on for about 10 minutes or so. I was actually having a fight with a bumble bee and on my own turf. I thought this is ridiculous; you don’t pay any bills around here (one of my favorite things to tell our 16 year old from time to time). After about 10 or 15 more minutes I figured that the paper bag wasn’t going to work. I went inside and glared at the bumble bee through the door. I was really agitated. As I glared at him through the door I thought these insects are getting bolder and bolder these days.

I decided that I would just re-pot the plant inside, by the door. As I was trying to pour the dirt in the pot I glanced to see if Mr. Bee was still there, I accidently stumbled, spilling potting soil on the floor and against the base board. I had made a big mess and was very irritated by now. I was ready to get rid of him for good. I decided to get the broom. I had gotten a little afraid of the bumble bee and his boldness so I cracked the screen door and swung at the bumble bee. He still held his stance. This went on for about 30 minutes. I went inside and repotted the rose bush and watched the bee lingering around in mid air. After I re-potted the plant I cracked the screen door and swung at him so that I could put the plant outside on the deck. When I swung he fluttered away. I picked up the plant, ran out on the deck, sat the plant down and started to run back in the house. I turned around to look behind me and there he was dead in pursuit of me as if to say, “You better get back in the house.” I stood there watching in disbelief thinking, “What in the world?”

Suddenly, it dawned on me that I was fighting with all my might to no avail. I was exhausted, frustrated and felt defeated and obviously it was a fight that I wasn’t going to win because I was using the wrong weapon! What I needed was some insect killer. I began to think about how sometimes we fight the enemy with all our strength, our might, our will power, all our mind power, all our determination and still lose the battle every time. That spoke to my heart in volumes. God’s word is the weapon we should use to defeat the enemy. No matter what we are going through or what we are fighting or what the conflict is or what the enemy is trying to do, we need to use the right weapon. When our backs are against the wall we can come out swinging. Throwing a right (I let the peace of God rule in my heart, I refuse to worry about anything (Col 3:15)) and then a left (Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4)) and then an upper cut (Satan the Lord rebuke thee) and get a TKO every time. When we know the Word we are in authority over the enemy because the word tells us that we have authority and power over the enemy. God’s Word is the right weapon to defeat the attacks of the enemy.

And as far as Mr. Bumble Bee, I got into my car, went to Home Depot, purchased some insect killer and took care of him. To my amazement he was still there. My first attempt to spray him was through the screen door but that didn’t work. It just left residue on the screen. I knew I had to face him head on. I eased out the door, but this time I boldly took my stance. I was assured that I had the right weapon and began to spray away. I had to spray him several times but needless to say, I repotted all my flowers in peace and I haven’t seen a bumble bee since. I am sure at some point I might see another one, but next time I will use the right weapon and save myself a lot of grief. And yes, this should be in Ripley’s believe it or not!

“Behold! I have given you authority and power to trample upon serpents and scorpions, and [physical and mental strength and ability] over all the power that the enemy [possesses]; and nothing shall in any way harm you (Luke 10:19).” That authority and power is the Word of God.

IWC Annual bookfestival
May 15, 2010 – 10am-5pm
International Worshp Center,
14828 Baltimore Avenue, Laurel, MD

Can you imagine what a woman that has never had to diet in her life is going through at this time of my life. This food war has been going on for almost a year now. With all the other things going on with me, premenopausal issues, I must say it has been extremely hard. I am dealing with hot flashes, night sweats and possible mood swings, well I shouldn’t say possible, just check with my husband to confirm that. The hardest thing for me is this food/eating thingy. Just thinking about not eating makes me want to eat. Having to eat right makes me want to eat all the wrong things. Some days are better than others. It doesn’t help that my doctor keeps telling me the importance of eating right, at my age. I know all that and believe me I know he means well. I looked at the list of health problems he said I could possibly avoid just by eating right. I know and I agree with him. But, someone needs to tell my mind.

The thing that puzzles me the most is that the older I get the more connected to eating I become. I have discussed this with my girls and even with random women on the street, in the malls, in restaurants and even in elevators. It seems that I am definitely not alone and most women are so eager to talk about it. It doesn’t make it easier knowing that other women are going through the same thing. Bottom line, the older I get the more I enjoy eating. Several years back and beyond I ate to live and know it seems I live to eat. I know, it sounds cliché right? It’s true. Before I never desired textures, crunchy, smooth or desired salty, spicy, etc. I just ate because I knew I needed to. Now I am graving things that I have never graved before. I am worst than any pregnant woman.

The funny thing about it is I do not remember anyone warning me about this. So, I make it my business when ever it is appropriate and whenever I see a younger woman with her nice small waistline to “warn her” about what she has to look forward to when she gets “my age.” I am sure I need to check my motive in doing this. They always look at me with disbelief and laugh. That was probably me back then and I dismissed it with disbelief and a smile, as well.

Now everything is about my weight and health. I hear things like shop on the outside of the grocery store because the majority of grocery stores are set up with the whole, unprocessed foods on the outside of the store and the processed items are on the shelves on the inside of the store. My cart automatically head for the inside isles. There are new programs like the Smart Choice Program that aim to highlight foods in stores that are healthy and the Life Time Fitness Nutrition Philosophy that say that the majority of food people consume should come from whole foods. I won’t even mention the countless diets out there. It is confusing, stressful and it makes me hungry just trying to keep up with it all.

Don’t get me wrong, I know the importance of good nutrition and learned that early in my life. Previously, I’ve never been on a diet in my life. This year I have tried two already. Just when I think I have made up my mind to leave sweets alone, eat more fruits and veggies, we have a pot luck at work or my husband says, “Hey honey, let’s go out to dinner tonight.” It is a conspiracy, I know it, I know it….to get me to give up my girlish figure……Okay, Uncle.

Seriously, we are what we eat and we definitely need to eat right, get plenty of rest and exercise. Our health is one of the most important things we should be concerned about these days. So, eat right, get plenty of rest and exercise (now that’s another story all in its self).

I’m getting there and soon and very soon I will get to my proper BMI.

Guest Speaker
Montgomery, AL
June 2010 – date TBD

St Paul Baptist Church
Date: June 24, 2010
Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Suffolk, VA

Prayer Breakfast
Texarkana, Arkansas
Date: May 2010- date TBD

The wind has always amazed me and is somewhat of a mystery because although we know it exists we cannot see it. We can feel the slight touch of the wind brush against our skin or see the slight sway of a leaf or bush that has succumbed to the affects of a gentle wind. We can also see the affects of that same gentle wind in its strongest form and experience the devastating effects of a tornado or hurricane. Even still, in its strongest form the wind can assist in carving structures by movement of erosion. Strong winds have assisted in forming some of the natural wonders of the world, such as the Grand Canyon in Arizona and the Old Man of the Mountain in New Hampshire. The wind destroys structures that oppose it, yet it will not destroy those things that bend and yield to it.

Man cannot control the movement of the wind. The wind blows where it wants and we can hear the sound of it and see its affect on people and things to let us know that it is present. The wind reminds me of the Scriptures in John 3:5-8 (New King James Version Bible), “Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Like the wind, the Spirit cannot be seen, but the results of receiving the Spirit certainly can be seen. We can easily see the effects of the Spirit’s transforming work that can be done in our lives and in the lives of others. The Spirit lives and flourishes in a vessel that bends and yields to its presence. However, the Spirit cannot work in a vessel that opposes it.

The Spirit’s work is sovereign, and He touches whom He will and cultivates gifts as He transforms individuals. He is the same wind that the disciples experienced on the day of Pentecost. “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the house where they were sitting” (Acts 2:1-2, KJV).
During my journey as a Christian I have learned many ways in which the Spirit has worked in my life. My experiences have given me a better understanding of how the refreshing wind of the Holy Spirit can guide my heart and mind. As we continue on the journey set before us as Christians our experiences should teach us that we cannot control the wind of the Holy Spirit any more than we can control the wind that blows upon the earth.

The wind of the Holy Spirit is constantly guiding, directing and seeking to do a perfect work in us. The wind of the Holy Spirit quickens our spirit when we are wrong, speak wrongly, when we do not demonstrate love and in everything we do and the way we live. He gently guides us, so that we will do the things and live the life that God wants us to. When we relinquish our attempt to control the wind of the Spirit, He will then become our leader, and we will become His follower. In the same way, with our faith and trust in God, we can live our lives with the expectation that we will experience the good affects of the wind of the Spirit who lives in each believer. Allow the Spirit to bring a cool refreshing breeze that produces a calm that fills our souls with the longing to become more like Jesus. As we submit to the calming Spirit and the gentle whisper of the wind within us, He will make something beautiful of our lives. He will impart a crisp, clean and sensitive desire in us to seek the things of God and to seek His Word. The Spirit is like a cool breeze that comforts and refreshes us like a refreshing drink of well water on a hot summer day.

When the winds of March toss us to and fro there is a secret place we can go to find refuge from the strong winds. The refuge we must seek is in the face of our Father. We must also look to Jesus and the Spirit who is called the Comforter. Jesus is the gift from our Father, and the Comforter is the gift from Jesus. When we receive the precious gift from Jesus and bend to the gentle breeze of the Spirit a time of refreshing will come.

First let me say I don’t know all the details or where the quiz originated from but “yes” I took the quiz. I admit it, when I heard about it I was curious and like curious George (which I am and by the way loved to read curious George books as a child). The results (drum roll please); Humility before God I got a 10, YAY! Relationship with God I got a 9.2, not bad, I could work on that, but acceptable, who’s perfect. But for Fearless Faith I got an 8.2. What? The 8.2 bothered me. Immediately the scripture now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). I began to seriously think about my Faith and to think what Fearless Faith meant. I tried to define what I thought fearless Faith was. I summed it up to be Faith without fear (I know, I am a genius sometimes) and not wavering no matter what comes, what goes or what happens. Also believing no matter what my circumstances looked like. Believing God when things look the total opposite of what I was hoping for. Lastly, that I would not be afraid to be bold for God because He has given me provision and the goods to do whatever it is I need to do for Him. I remember one of my favorite Pastors saying, do it afraid and do not let fear stop you from doing God’s will. I mean I went on and on.

After I got a clear understanding of what fearless faith was I began to think about my score and what I answered that would result in an 8.2. There had to be something. I asked myself is there something about my faith that is not fearless? What is it that I lacked that would give me fearless confidence in God’s words. I came up with this; my Faith is something I need to work on. No matter the reason, there was something that I answered that caused me to receive an 8.2. I prayed about it and God began to deal with me about some things. I began to think about the times when my Faith wasn’t as strong as I would have liked it to be and the times when I should have stepped out on Faith and did not out of fear, doubt or insecurity. I thought of the things that I am believing God for and realized that at times I doubted, got in the way and tired to fix things myself or even tried to manipulate the situation so that I could have my own way. Even times when I operated in misunderstanding instead of waiting and listening to His voice. Many scenarios came to me and I understood exactly what God was showing me. I just love the way God gently and kindly uses many different ways to show us ourselves and nudge us into greatness. Now I am working on having fearless Faith and stepping out on Faith and asking God to give me a fearless confidence to believe His Word. His Word is true and after all God’s Word does say that we are more than conquerors and that we can do all things through Christ who strengthen us.

God works in mysterious ways. A simple quiz I was introduced to and took out of curiosity and look at the end results. God is awesome like that!

Black Authors Network
10 Mar 2010

EDC Creation: An Evening with Ella
Wednesday, 24 Feb 2010

Voice of Thunder
Antioch, TN
Jul 2010 (Tentative)

Writer for Real Life Faith Magazine
www.reallifefaithmagazine.com
Editor Michele Jackson
Please visit website to view my articles!
Thank you kindly!

Business Fellowship USA Northern VA Chapter #75
Falls Church, VA
14 Jan 10 7:00-9:00pm
Bentley’s
Guest Speaker

I thought I would take this opportunity to start my first article in Real Life Faith Magazine to talk about the New Year. Here we are in January 2010, just days into a brand new year. Most of us have eaten too much, spent too much and are gladly welcoming another year and are sighing with relief. Our hearts are warm with the memories of baby Jesus’ birth and spending the holiday season with family members and friends. For those who live in the Washington, D.C. area, the snow was definitely an added memory to Christmas 2009! It was awesome, and I truly enjoyed staying home and getting some much needed rest. Now that we have celebrated the Holiday season and the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we look forward to a new year, a fresh attitude and hopes that this year will be the best year of our lives. And it can be. It can be because of our Father who gave His only Son, so that we may live a victorious life. We can look forward to all things good and perfect in Christ. The holidays are nice, and we love them, but after they are over and the new year comes in most of us reevaluate our lives, make our New Year resolutions and breathe.

I am one of those evaluators and breathers, but I have not made any New Year’s resolutions; and I don’t remember making any last year. I have made a couple of mental notes in my mind to eat right and exercise, so that I can get back to my previous weight pre-Thanksgiving, Christmas, Holiday Parties, etc. That’s all. As for a New Year’s resolution list, I have not made one; and I do not have any plans to make one. I know that sounds untraditional, but it’s just that I do not want to set myself up for failure especially so early in the new year. Not to persuade anyone not to make a list, but I know that for many years I did, and it did not work out the way I anticipated it to work. My goals are to be in Him and allow Him to direct my every step. Not that I am super spiritual or so much deeper than anyone else, it’s just I’ve learned the hard way. I have learned in my life that everything I plan to do I do not, and those things I plan not to do I do. Paul sums it up in Romans 7:19 (King James Version Bible)-“For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.” I think Paul is basically summing up the life of a Christian.

In Romans Chapter 7 Paul talks about the life of a Christian and the difference and disparity in the spirit and in the body (flesh). The body wants to rule, and just when we think we have everything under control we find that no matter how good the list of things are we eventually become slack in doing those things; and the few, if any, we do achieve, then we think that we did it in our own strength. The Bible talks about how weak our flesh is, and the war between the flesh and the spirit. The flesh rebels against the good things and desires the negative things. In order for us to have the strength to meet the resolutions and/or to live a disciplined life we have to deny the flesh and continue to ask God for strength and courage, after all we can make as many lists as we possibly can, but unless we press forward and seek God for His guidance we will just be giving lip service or in this example list service.

It’s okay to make your list, check it twice or refer to the list as often as you need to; and maybe it will keep your focus. But for me, I know that I have to keep my focus on God to do the things I need to do in 2010. I’ve made so many lists in the past, and I know that it doesn’t work for me, as a matter of fact it seems like a lot of extra pressure; and if I accomplish even one thing on the list, I am afraid that my flesh might try to take credit for it. New Year’s resolution or not, let us live one day at a time; and rely on God to direct our steps. He knows what we need and what we ought to do in every aspect of our lives to live a healthy, faithful, obedient and victorious life.

If you want to have a victorious 2010, then let me share with you how to live victorious this year. Victorious living is effectively using your abilities to do God’s work, to serve Him, love others and to spread the good news of hope, healing and reconciliation. As a victorious Christian in this very hopeful new year, we are responsible for renewing our mind, changing how we think, how we act and react, changing what we think about, what we watch, what we say and don’t say, changing our attitude, our gratitude, our priorities and to live by God’s standards; and when we don’t, we need to ask for forgiveness. All in all, when we reflect back on the past year we can see where we excelled and were we fell short. There is nothing wrong with looking back and reflecting as long as we press forward and connect the dots. All dots should inevitably lead to Jesus. Have a wonderful, victorious New Year’s Day and 2010 in Christ!

“Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen” (Ephesians 6:24, KJV.)

Until next time, be blessed!

Rhonda

December 14, 2009
9:30pm-10:00pm
Guest with Host Ella Curry

VA,MD,DC City to City Book Tour (2010)
Dates and Times Coming Soon!

A Savior is someone who redeems or rescues us from harm, danger or loss. We are all in need of a Savior because the Bible tells us that we all have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). We were born into sin because of one man’s discretion (Adam), but because of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection we can be forgiven of our sins and reconciled back to God. Our sin separates us from God. As sinners we did not have any hope of being reconciled with our maker. God provided us with the gift of deliverance through His Son, Jesus Christ. It does not matter how well we recite scripture, how often we attend church or how often or eloquently we pray we cannot earn salvation. We can be as good as humanly possible and still not realize that we need a savior. We can be deceived into thinking that we are doing everything right and that we are free from sin by our actions. Because the bible says that we all have sinned and the bible is truth, we must face that truth. All our sin (known and unknown) must be cleansed from us and we must be confronted about our sin and willing to ask for forgiveness of sin before we can be in a right relationship with God. Without the forgiveness of sin we are separated from God.
There is so much devastation around us, people are hurting, without hope, seeking satisfaction in consumerism, alcoholism, drug abuse, entertainment, immorality, adultery, fornication, etc. There are wars, natural disasters, global warming issues, economic issues on top of all the personal issues we are facing. Hearts are cold and the lack of a relationship with Jesus is obvious in many lives. It is unacceptable in our society to talk about our need of a Savior. Yet there is immorality, selfishness, pride, unacceptable behavior, inappropriate television and explicit lyrics in music that is more acceptable than the principles of God. Christians can not get caught up in the things of this world or we will ultimately feel hopeless. We must look beyond what we see and realize that we have the precious gift of salvation. God’s plan is to rescue us from sin and/or disobedience that is running rapid in our world today.

The bible says that if we confess with our mouth that Jesus is our Lord and believe in our heart that He was raised from the dead, we will be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation (Romans 10:9-10.) Jesus Christ is our saving grace.

Blessings,
Rhonda

21 Nov 09
Rebuilding Broken Places Development Center
2105 N William Street
Goldsboro, NC
Vendor Booth
12:00-4:00 pm

14 Nov 09
Community of Hope Church
Temple Hill, Maryland
Vendor Booth
3:00 – 5:00 pm

1 Corinthians 2:11 tells us that alone we cannot respond to God in worship because we do not know Him. Only by the Holy Spirit within us can we truly respond to God and glorify him. Being born again is when our minds are changed from worldly things to spiritual things. When that transformation takes place we can then worship with a pure heart, an open mind and a repentive spirit. There is only one way to worship Him and that is in spirit and in truth. It is the only acceptable way we can honor and reverence God. We must be spiritual and we must know the truth. He knows all of us individually and He knows what our individual needs are. His word says seek and ye shall find, ask and it shall be given. Every Word in the bible is pure and we should not deny or reject any of it. It is important to our spiritual growth. To get to know God and to know the truth we must spend time with Him, get to know Him, let Him know how much He means to us and do the things necessary in order for that relationship to flourish and grow. Because our relationship with God is the most important relationship that we can ever have. Getting to know God is the first step toward building that relationship. The second step is being born again and receiving the Holy Spirit. The better we know our maker the more we will increase in knowledge and when the Holy Spirit arrives we shall receive power (dunamis). But you shall receive power (dunamis) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…(Acts 1:8) That power up out of our bellies and we will freely, openly and wholeheartedly give Him all the honor and glory He is worthy of. He is more than worthy of our praise and worship. After all we were made to worship Him. Let’s Worship Him always in spirit and in truth.

Rhonda

Streaming Faith Guest Columist for 2010
Jan 2010 – Dec 2010
Providing devotionals and editorials for the new year
Register at www.streamingfaith.com
Please visit streamingfaith.com and view my devotionals and articles.
Thank you kindly!

IRN/USA RADIO
Dallas, TX
20 Nov 09
1:00

Let it be instilled in our heart that we should also thank God for what He has done for us. It should be an immediate response and a natural reaction to His goodness. Most of us know the great things He has done and yet it seems we are so slothful in telling Him thank you and that we appreciate all He has done. He has done more for us than anyone could possibly do for us. He has done and is still doing things that we certainly do not deserve or that we can ever earn. He gave us His only begotten son even when we did not even have any knowledge of Him. His kindness was toward us and His thoughts were with us and we were not even born yet. His Son sacrificed and died on the cross, spotless, so that we can have ever lasting life. Yet we go day after day without saying thank you. Some of us might think, well I said it yesterday or last month and God knows how much I appreciate it and Jesus knows so what’s the point. The point is, that we should thank God everyday for his love and kindness and tender mercies. Because His love just didn’t stop at the cross. His love endureth toward us forever and we should appreciate His love by telling Him thank you every day. After all, every day that we awake is a gift. His Son is a gift and every day we receive the gift of His Son’s sacrifice and Him interceding with the Father on our behalf. God has given us an amazingly huge, wonderful and perfect gift that could never be matched. I don’t know anyone who would or has given someone a gift every day. But, God gives to us daily. Our hearts should overflow with gratitude everyday because of the gift from God and what Jesus did for us. Aside from that gift from God, Jesus in turned left us a gift, the Comforter. We should thank Jesus for the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, that lives inside us so that we can endure the hardships we may have to endure. The Holy Spirit, is a vital instrument in our Christian walk. If it was not for the gift that Jesus left us with we would not even know the goodness of God. We are sinners by nature and that sinful nature knows nothing about gratitude, kindness, appreciation or love. Only by the Holy Spirit are we able to grasp the goodness of God and to serve Him. The bible tells us to worship in Spirit and in Truth (John 4:23). We should choose to thank God on the basis of truth and in the spirit. The only true worship is in the spirit. Our nature knows nothing about truth. Truth without the Holy Spirit is selfish, dishonest and leads to a sinful life. Our gratefulness shows were we are in our spiritual walk. The presence or the absence of gratitude indicates our maturity level. Maturity shows were we are in our personal relationship with God. If we are spiritually mature then we will always be grateful to God for all He has done regardless of how we feel. Gratitude has nothing to do with feelings. Little has to do with feelings when we serve God. We are grateful because of what God has done and what the bible tells us He will do. If we wait to feel grateful before we express our gratitude then we will probably be waiting a long time and our expression of gratitude will be few and far between. Therefore, gratitude must be developed and cultivated in our lives. We have much to be thankful for so thank Him every day to show Him your gratitude! Rejoice and show gratitude to God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Our worship should be one of gratitude and not just of expectation.

Blessings,
Rhonda

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of Knowledge (Proverbs 1:7).

Blessings Always,
Rhonda

Featured in Goldsboro News Argus
Home Town Newspaper Article
4 Oct 09

WCLC New Life 105.1 in Jamestown, TN
October 23 – 11:30 EST

Marriott-Williamsburg, VA
18-19 Oct 09
Harvest Women’s Retreat

Harvest Christian Books & Music
24 Oct 09- Ballston Commons Mall
Arlington, VA
Please stop by!

[Show as slideshow]

WATC TV 57, ATLANTA LIVE
Taping in Norcross, GA
More Info To Follow….

Book Signing: Harvest Christian Books & Music
17 Oct 09- Manassas Mall, Manassas, VA
Please stop by!

To all of those who lost loved ones on Sept 11 and to all my co-workers who lost their lives at the Pentagon; “We will all meet again some sweet day!”

Blessings,
Rhonda

Love – “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him” (1 John 4:16). Through Jesus Christ, our greatest goal is to do all things in love. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).

Joy — “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). Be Happy {in your faith} and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always) 1 Thessalonians 5:16.

Peace — When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him (Proverbs 16:7). Peace I leave with you; My {own} peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. {Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled} (John 14:27).

Longsuffering — We are “strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness” (Colossians 1:11). “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2).

Gentleness — Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (Ephesians 4:2). A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. (Proverbs 15:1)

Goodness — “For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth” (Ephesians 5:9). And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another (Romans 15:14).

Faith — For we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7) Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead (James 2:17)

Meekness — A meek and quiet spirit is of great price in the sight of God (1 Peter 3: 4). “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2).

Temperance — And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance, and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love (2 Peter 1:5-6)

When we see all the Fruit of the Spirit together and how they relate to one another we should realize that they are nine-fold and relate to each other collectively. These biblical principles tell us what a Christian’s character should be in totality and what should exude brightly from a Christian’s life. Meditate on the Fruits of the Spirit often and collectively. You can’t have one fruit without the others! Just like you can’t pick and choose what biblical principles you will obey and which ones you will loosely interpret. Everything about God is one for all!

Blessings,
Rhonda

The hope of Jeremiah 29:11 is that we serve a faithful God who directs our steps and will always keep His promises. The Bible tells us that God is not a man, that He should lie; nor a son of man, that He should repent; has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? (Numbers 23:19). Jeremiah 29:11 are the words Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem to the elders of the exiles, to the priests, the prophets, and all the people, whom Nebuchadnezzar forced out of Jerusalem to live in Babylon. The words Jeremiah sent are the promises of God that assured the Jews in Babylon that He had not forgotten them. God tells Jeremiah to tell the exiled Israelites that He has a plan for them–that he has a plan to prosper them and give them hope and a future. The hope of Jeremiah 29:11 for today is that He has everything planned and have laid out His promises for our lives. For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God (2 Corinthians 1:20). You can count on the promises of God because Jesus is saying, “Yes” and “Amen” to them on our behalf. Let us pray that we will be open and receptive to the plans God has for our lives and have the assurance that God’s promises are Yes and Amen. In between the Yes and Amen, LET US PRAISE!

God Bless,
Rhonda

When we think of God we think of how huge and powerful He is and sometimes might think that He could not possibly care about all the stuff that mere humans have to go through. After all He created the Heavens and the Earth and must be off somewhere attending to the big stuff. It is hard to imagine a Big God that is personable, touchable and available to us and yet so mighty; a God that we can trust with all of our situations. It seems almost inconceivable to think of a God that is all powerful and all knowing that cares about the small things in our lives especially when some things we struggle with are things we should have conquered years and years ago. This makes it even harder to believe that He is available in all our situations. Yet He still cares. One example that comes to my mind is when God created Adam, He cared so much about Him that He took a rib from his rib cage and made a woman so that He would not be lonely. He cares. God loves us so much that He cares about everything we do, our feelings, our hopes, our aspirations, even the simplest things in our lives. That is the beauty of experiencing the love and compassion God has for His people. After all He gave His only begotten son so that we might live. He cares. We only have to believe that we serve a great God who cares all about us and that will never leave us or forsake us. Where there is strong belief there is strong faith. We must know that we are so valuable to God that He is in tuned to all of our needs. We must trust in God and not in our own abilities and let go of the control we think we have. God never takes His eyes off us and even watches us as we sleep. So let go and let God handle that situation, that relationship, those finances, that job, that child, that past or whatever it is. Do not worry/stress about any of your situations just believe/trust in Him and He will have your back! Now Google “God Cares” and listen to the words of the song and let it resonate in your spirit.

GOD CARES Lyrics
Sounds of Blackness

Sometimes I cry but why
When I have someone so near
Who cares for me
Sometimes I doubt
The things I don’t understand
That’s when He comes and holds my hand

(Chorus)
God cares all about you
And He’ll be there to see you through
And when no one will comfort you
He’ll care about you
God cares all about you
And He’ll be there when you’re feeling blue
And When your life has broken you
He’ll care about you

Sometimes we think that we
Have to make it on our own
You feel so alone
That’s when He says I am here
So wipe away your tears
Don’t cry
For I am standing by

(Chorus)
God cares all about you
And He’ll be there to see you through
And when no one will comfort you
He’ll care about you
God cares all about you
And He’ll be there when you’re feeling blue
And When your life has broken you
He’ll care about you
When your life is tossed and driven
Like an angry sea
Fret not yourself
He said believe in me
Now it was said
Your weeping may endure for one long night
But oh in the morning
Everything will be alright

(Chorus)
God cares all about you
And He’ll be there to see you through
And when no one will comfort you
He’ll care about you
God cares all about you
And He’ll be there when you’re feeling blue
And When your life has broken you
He’ll care about you
He cares about the grass that grows across
He cares about the flowers that bloom in spring
He cares about the sun to shine above
He cares about the moon that shines at night
He cares about the way we live our lives
He cares about the way we treat each other
He cares about the ones who have gone astray
He cares

Featured as a guest author on Calling All Authors.
Internet Radio broadcast – 29 Sep 09 at 3:00pm ET and 4:00pm ET
Details will be forthcoming on how “You” can listen!!

EC will be available at Harvest Christian Books & Music Stores starting 15 Aug 09:
Three locations:

14401 Telegraph Road
Woodbridge, VA
(703) 490-4040

Ballston Common Mall
4238 Wilson Blvd
Arlington, VA
(703) 248-0499

Manassas Mall
8300 Sudley Road
Manassas, VA
(703) 257-5939

You and I know the answer; the only way we can walk in the Spirit is to surround ourselves with Godliness. I want true change not just to write about it. I never want to lose what God and the Holy Spirit put inside of me. I want to walk tall, proud and feel the freedom God gives as much as humanly possible. I want to touch, inspire, encourage, witness and love. I know that I am not perfect but I know what the Bible tells us. We are more than conquerors, we have the victory in every situation, and we can do all things in Christ Jesus.

Always feed the Spirit (the Bible says to pray without ceasing). I know that is not possible 24/7 but I do believe it means that we should commune with God in every way (prayer, fasting, fellowship, worship, praising, bible study etc.) more than we do anything else. Doing this will overflow into our Soul and the body will come into submission. Remember the devil is in lurkdom and finds our weaknesses – limited worship, limited prayer, not studying God’s Word and letting our guard down for days. If we do not saturate our Spirit and Soul in communion with God – the devil will rule. We’ve been bought with a price, so we are not our own, we belong to God. Walk in the spirit and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Walk in His Will- God will bless you when you do.

My Prayer:
Dear Father God, Open my eyes so that I can see, quicken my spirit so that I can be Godly. I can be no other way and be satisfied with me. Not because of who I am, but because of your Son Jesus Christ who hung His head and died for all of us. I want to represent you and be an agent for your cause. Help me walk in the Spirit and fulfill your purpose! Use me as an agent for change. After all, your Word says that we shall have life and have it abundantly. I want abundant life Lord God. Abundant life with and in You! Thank you God for hearing and answering prayers. Help me walk out the patience you and the Holy Spirit instilled in me long ago. Help me be a representative of your loving kindness and tender mercies. Your Word is true and we need only to believe and rely on the help of the comforter and walk in the spirit. Thank you God for not taking away your joy and peace no matter our circumstances, but allowing us to continue in your peace and joy even when we can not understand it. In Jesus name. Amen and Amen.

Rhonda

I remember as a young girl listening to the Saints say when you know that you know that you know that you know (proceeded with a head shake from right to left or left to right.) At the time I had no idea what in the world they were talking about. It really didn’t seem to make any sense. I just knew that they really believed what they were saying. But now I know and can relate to what they were saying. I know that I know that I know that I know (head shake) that God is in control. I know that I know that I know that I know (head shake) He will do just what He said. I know that I know that I know that I know (head shake) He may not come when you want, but He is right on time. I know that I know that I know that I Know (head shake) He is all knowing. So, instead of doubting and/or being anxious and getting in God’s way we need to wait patiently and realize that everything is in God’s timing. God’s timing can not be anything but perfect because He is perfect. God only allows us to see a small piece of the picture but He sees the entire picture from the beginning to the end. We need to get to the point where we patiently wait on Him. We need to get to the point where we do not want anything to happen outside of His timing. When we know that we know that we know that we know (head shake) we can rejoice in the expectation until God’s perfect timing is “In the Now.” Therefore, the expectation makes the wait joyful. A delay is not a denial it is a, it’s not time My Child or you are not ready My Child or I am preparing you My Child.” If you are waiting on God for anything wait patiently and He will bring you to that expected end. He knows the plans He has for us and timing is part of that plan and His plan is perfect.

Family Reunion-Goldsboro, NC
Dillard Alumni Bldg(CANCELED DUE TO UNFORSEEN CIRCUMSTANCES)