Tag Archives: jesus-christ

The World Is Not Enough: The Prodigal Son

The world is not enough, and it will never be. What does it profit to gain the world and lose everything? Easy, none! You profit nothing, yet, this concept seems foreign. Everything is so in your face! Riches and wealth, power, sex, “love”, etc… The allure of worldly things is seductive. It’s like you “gotta catch em all!” There is a story in the Bible that talks about this. Do you know the prodigal son?

If you know, you know. For those who don’t, let’s talk about him. There was a wealthy man who had 2 sons. The younger son told his father, “Father, give me my share of the estate” (Luke 15:11). I’m sure the father had reservations, but he divided the property between his sons.

Soon after, the younger son journeyed to a distant country and squandered his ENTIRE inheritance on worldly pleasures. He was left with nothing and in need. What made matters worse was famine struck the whole country. One can only imagine what he was thinking. Our flesh would call him an idiot, stupid, and a fool. That wouldn’t be nice to say, no matter how true.

Desperate times call for desperate measures. With nothing left, he hired himself out to a citizen of that country. This citizen in turn sent him to feed their pigs. He longed to fill his belly with what the pigs ate, but no one fed him. Imagine being so hungry that you’d consider eating what the pigs ate because no one fed you. What would you do in this situation?

Well, he came to his senses. One could assume after lamenting, he realized he didn’t have to be there. “How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger” (Luke 15:17)! So he gathered himself and thought about what he should say to his father.

“18I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants’ “(Luke 18-19).

So, he made his way back to his father. While still a long way off, his father saw him in the distance. Filled with so much compassion, his father ran to his son and embraced and kissed him! This is a great act of love. This is the heart of a good father. Even though his son made a massive mistake, he forgave him and rejoiced at his return.

“Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son” (Luke 15:21). His father paid him no mind as he continued to rejoice at his son’s return. His father commanded his servants,

“Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found…“ (Luke 15:22-24).

There is more to this story, so I encourage you to read further. There are multiple lessons to be learned from this, but I only want to touch on 1. Chasing vanities, chasing the wind – these things will leave you empty.

Many of us, believers and nonbelievers alike fall into this web of deception and lies. That chasing after love, materialistic things, riches, and more will satisfy our needs. Our fulfillment doesn’t lie in the things of this world but in God’s sufficiency.

If you know Him, trust that He is enough. If you don’t know Him, come to Him. Put your faith in Someone who won’t leave you empty. Remember, the world is not enough, and it will never be.

Out From Within: Unashamedly Bold

I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.

Philippians 1:20

2 weeks ago, my best friend sent me this meme below. She had this to say about it, “I feel like this is you, and I want to be more like you boo.”

I was flattered, and it’s nice to know that someone else sees me this way. I’ll be honest, what this meme says is exactly how I think sans cursing. Yet, it is not always how I portray myself. Why? Because sometimes it’s hard to be that unashamedly bold.

We live in a world of “my truth” not THE truth. Pronouns, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, Democrats, Republicans, etc…are not THE truth. Nah, that’s my and/or your truth. Too many self-proclaiming Christians are bowing down to “my truth” instead of THE truth. It is destructive to the body (Church). So, what is THE truth you ask?

Well…it’s not what but who is it. Jesus Christ. He is THE truth. John 14:6 quotes Jesus saying “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Now, some of you don’t believe and some do. That’s ok. Some may stop reading and get in their feelings. Differing beliefs tend to do that. That’s ok too. You may not read my writings anymore. All good.

At first, I wasn’t sure if this was something I should write about – boldness. I started a rough draft and stopped because I began to doubt. I felt passionate about it but didn’t know how to express myself. I prayed for guidance and a few days later my best friend sent that meme. It was what I needed.

There are no coincidences. He answered my prayer. That may seem far-fetched to some, but very few know what He is doing with me. I would be remiss if I didn’t say I don’t totally know myself. One thing IS for sure – He is using my writing to bring out what is within.

You see, I have a voice – I must speak. I cannot water down my message or His message. This is me. I am a child of the living King. I cannot be afraid to hurt your feelings.

” 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these” – Mark 12:30-31.

I am commanded to do these things. Wouldn’t you want to help save someone from self-destruction? That is real love.

I cannot be petrified of how you’re going to react. Your triggers, meltdowns, and tantrums cannot stifle my voice. I’m going to piss people off. I’m going to make people uncomfortable. I’m going to lose friends and family, and it’ll hurt. The truth hurts people. It has no regard for your feelings. But, isn’t this a good thing?

As a Christian, I won’t be well-liked. I feel like that’s a requirement. That’s fine. I’m used to that – ✅. Family, so-called friends, and the workplace alike. I don’t need to be liked.

Jesus said to be the salt.

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot” – Matthew 5:13.

What does this mean? Imagine eating bland food. Some of ya’ll like bland food, but the majority like flavor! Tasteless food is often rejected. Salt is also a preservative. Preservatives help prevent spoilage.

As a Christian, I am called to serve and live faithfully to God. I lose my taste if my godly influence can’t cause change. I’d lose my preservative effect if I choose to be of the world (values and beliefs) and not in it. Many won’t like my taste, but c’est la vie! I choose to live like Jesus.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” Matthew 5:16.

With the power of the Holy Spirit, there is great work being done within me. Radiate my light? More like shine! I pray I glow bright enough so that you may see my good works. While my good works will not save me, they are a witness for Jesus.

To my Father in heaven, may I glorify You in all that I do. Oh, how I long that someday, I’ll hear You say…well done good and faithful servant.

By A Hair, I Almost Dropped the Ball

Last week, my family and I were talking about someone. Some concerns and frustrations were voiced about this individual’s actions and decision-making. As I began to speak, give my input, and voice my sentiments… I made the mistake and said something that shouldn’t have been said. I was checked in my spirit for it and rightly so. I heard in the spirit, “judge rightly.” I apologized. I almost dropped the ball. Had I not repented, I certainly would have dropped it.

“ 1 Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.“

Matthew 7:1-5

That night, I had a dream. I was in a park, and I remember seeing cheetahs. I can’t recount how many, but definitely more than one. It was interesting to see them there because they weren’t in their natural habitat. The cheetahs were fairly docile and super friendly. Yet, they were just…there. Although I must admit, I felt a strong connection like one would have with their pet(s).

Quick Facts: Cheetahs are the fastest land animals (up to 70 mph) and allegedly, the original household cat – Cleopatra anyone? They are very swift and agile. Cheetahs have malar marks/stripes that run down their face. These allow them to see during the day when hunting and deflect sunlight. They chirp, purr, and meow but do not roar. Cheetahs are shy, so they avoid direct contact with humans. Their claws are semi-retractable, and sadly, they are endangered. After learning about these things and more, the cheetah became my favorite animal!

Inside the park, I remember standing near a baseball field. My family was there, and I remember my husband wearing a baseball cap. We began to pass the baseball and when it came time for me to catch, I began to fumble the ball. Yet, I was agile and swift enough to grab it before it hit the ground. As I stood up, I noticed I clipped the tip of the blade of grass between my fingers. Truly, by a hair, I almost dropped the ball. Talk about a close call!

The last thing I remember before waking up was gazing at the ball in my hand. After thorough thought and prayer, I KNEW in my spirit that this was about that conversation. That conversation I had with my family. I knew what God was showing me, and it didn’t go unnoticed. It was a reminder to me about the verse above (Matthew 7:1-5).

“29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. …31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Ephesians 4:29; 31-32

He was showing me how close I was to dropping the ball. Sometimes people don’t realize that we can easily do this in conversations. In my effort to carefully craft my words, I made a mistake. With a quickness, the Holy Spirit humbled me. I rectified it and asked the Lord for forgiveness. No one is perfect, but imagine. 

Just imagine walking around with guilt for not repenting. It doesn’t feel good to have the heavy weight of guilt. Sleepless nights and nightmares. Mental fatigue from constant thinking. Somber moods and more. I don’t know about you, but that’s punishment enough for me. So, what do we do when we have an issue with or feel offended by another? We go to them.

Sure it’s not easy to say to someone, “You hurt me” or “I don’t like when you do this” or “Hey, your breath stinks.” But wouldn’t it be much better to tell the person than slander and/or gossip about someone? Ephesians 4:29-32 talks about how we should avoid such things. All issues within the body and in general should be addressed peacefully.

Why don’t we do this? Well, I think it’s out of fear. We don’t want to start a controversy or offend someone. With all that said I leave you with this…if you don’t address it, but rather choose to gossip – who is the worst offender?

Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. James 4:11

Not Your Typical Fellows

“They’re going to make me a little jittery. They’re going to make you uncomfortable”.

I heard this phrase while I was listening to Part 1 of a sermon from a Pastor at my old church. The sermon was called, “The Day of the Lord.” What he said resonated with me because it’s 100% true. I believe our heavenly Father has sought and found a group or generation of people who are dedicated to Him. I believe He is preparing them at this very moment. These people will not be your typical fellows.

This will offend the right ones. You Church folks (not all) and religious woke (all of you…definitely) tend to be the worst ones. You clutch your pearls, conduct your man-made rituals, and perform church every Sunday. You are scoffers. You are arrogant. You are ignorant and again, full of pride. You are NOT who He is looking for. Yet, I digress. Lest I forget, even I can easily fall into these camps.

“God is bringing forth those who understand His heart of love. …He’s going to bypass religious people in churches. He’s going to raise up a whole generation of forerunners.“

Pastor Ken made another valid point. These forerunners will jump! They will not run away from the occasion to serve the Lord. Unabashedly, without fear, compromise and doubt. They will have the willingness to listen to what God has called them to do. They will be “a voice for God not just a mere echo.”

What will they look like? Well, they won’t look like your typical fellows. Some are addicts and/or live immorally. Some are broken and bitter. Others do not care what God thinks and their hearts do not desire Him.

It’s kind of crazy to think that the most “messed up” people are ones that God can and will use. Have doubts? Remember Paul? Who was once Saul and approved the stoning of an atypical fellow named Stephen (Acts 8). Jesus can captivate hearts because He is the Great Physician (Mark 2:17) and so much more. He once reminded me, “No one is too far from my grace.”

Once He grabs their hearts, some will be radically transformed and be on FIRE for Jesus Christ. What does it mean to be on fire for Jesus? What it doesn’t mean is going to church on Sunday. It doesn’t mean living life as usual Monday through Saturday. It does mean to pick up your cross and die to yourself.

It means understanding your life isn’t your own when you surrender it to Him. It means to walk with Him and be guided by Him. To grow with Him, not without. By His grace, you walk and live like Jesus. Thank goodness for grace, and the Holy Spirit because we couldn’t walk and live like this on our own.

In closing, I’ve said it once before, and I’ll say it again. I believe God is raising up a people for an insane time that is soon approaching. These people will work for the Kingdom. They will spread the good news and help bring souls to the one who saves – Jesus Christ.

Click on the link below, and listen to Part 1 of “The Day of The Lord” by Pastor Ken Gibson of Upper Room Missionary Church. Part 2 is available now for viewing.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/4BRDos38kysZCQzs

P.S. – Pastor Ken, if you are reading this. I once dreamt of a red train before. Your message touched me because it aligns with what I saw. You may not remember, but I shared it with you when Jon and I came to visit 3-4 years ago. I didn’t know what it meant then, but I know now! I wrote about it in this post Get Ready, The Train Has Arrived.

I look forward to listening to Part 2.

This Is For The Little Guy – Psalm 10

This is for the little guy. Who’s the little guy? “That’s you! And me! And we!” Sorry! I’m a KidTimeStoryTime [YouTube channel] fan! If you know who that is, you get it. Anyway, this is for the little guy who feels or is oppressed. The little guy who is drained by the devices of monopolies and overlords. I won’t talk politics, I promise, but you get it!

Have you ever wondered why the wicked prosper? Why it feels like there is no remedy for your situation? Day after day. Night after night. Day and night you try to lift your head high. Just high enough to catch a breath. You’re not drowning but the weight leaves you struggling. Struggling and fighting to find solid ground. You fight to be able to stand ten toes down hoping…you get on solid ground.

My family and friends bemoan about this to no end. I’m no exception. I catch myself sometimes asking, why? “Jesus, I’m not asking for all the riches in the world. Why do the wicked prosper and people like me suffer?” I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. I have a good good Father. I don’t understand why He does what He does. Why He allows what He allows, BUT I take comfort in His faithfulness and saving grace.

King David (presumably) wrote a psalm on this very thing. Psalm 10 eloquently drives through the point that the wicked with willful intent oppress and murder the poor, innocent, and fatherless. “Why O[h] Lord do You stand far away? Why do You hide yourself in times of trouble?” (Psalm 10:1). In their pride and arrogance, they ignore the will of God. They believe that God looks the other way at their transgressions.

They boast about their wealth. They say there is no God! They believe their actions will not be met with consequences. For they say in their hearts, “I shall not be moved; throughout all generations, I shall not meet adversity” (Psalm 10:6). Like a predator stalking his prey, he lies in wait – ready to pounce. Who wouldn’t yearn for them to be caught in the snares they lay for the little guys?

This is an earnest prayer from the Psalmist. We, the helpless feel crushed and unable to defend ourselves. Oh Lord, forget not the oppressed and afflicted. Oh Lord, forget me not. Why do they believe with all their hearts they can get away with their actions? See what they do Lord? Call them into account!

Subdue! Break the enemy and pass judgment until there is no offense to account for.

I feel that way, and I am not ashamed to say. I’m human. Do you? I tire of the wicked seemingly prospering all the time. Yet, I give praise to the Lord. The wicked may prosper now, but where will they be for eternity? I remind myself that my treasures are not to be laid here but stored in heaven. I am reminded that “the Lord is King forever and ever…” (Psalm 10:16).

I know my Father in heaven will incline His ear. I know that He will administer justice to the fatherless, oppressed – to us little guys. This is the confidence I have in Him. Give praise and glory to the Lord Almighty even in your troubles. Have great confidence and faith that He will hear your pleas in prayer. Our Father is one of hope, not despair.

The Psalmist ends with the same sentiment. He finds comfort in knowing that God Almighty will cleanse the earth of all sin and suffering. Relieved with the assurance that His children will never experience terror and persecution again.

17 O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear 18 to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.

Psalm 10:17-18

Psalm 10 may not answer the why, but you can find solace. Read Psalm 10. Take heart and fear not. No matter the circumstance, press on. You will find solid ground. As always, fix your eyes on the hope and saving grace of Jesus.

Do What You Know, and He Will Handle the Rest

Last week, I told my husband that since I started writing this blog, I felt like I dedicated more time to writing than rebuilding my business. I wrote for the company on occasion but stopped for various reasons. One reason is my inability to juggle between homeschooling my children, conducting business, and blogging for personal and business. My friends call me “Superwoman,” but I’m not. It’s tough! Honestly, I don’t know how I function most days. It’s the grace of God I suppose.

My income comes from the company, not my blog. This isn’t monetized, and I’m unsure if it will be. I knew God gave me this command, yet I felt business duties took a back seat – majorly. This was also a concern because God gave me the vision to create New Life C&T in 2020. How could I forget about the vision I held onto so tightly?

I had this conversation with my husband – without regard for what God would think and feel. Not that there was anything wrong with this. We do it every day without thinking. We are people with lives carrying so many responsibilities. Yet, we forget that He is very much interested in every aspect of our lives.

I think it’s cool that He does care so much. Especially enough to intervene, guide, and give us food for thought. It shows that He isn’t all fire and brimstone, but one Who loves too. Maybe I’m weird, I don’t know. Anyway, He was very much interested in what I was thinking and my feelings. So much so that He interrupted my sleep.

Around 1:41am I woke up, which is not my usual time. I’m normally awake between 2:50am (so precise I know) and 3:30am. I decided to pray since it was early enough. On my knees and hunched over the bed. With my hands clasped, and eyes closed, I began to ramble on about what was on my mind. Namely schisms in the Church body, and the seeming disregard of Church history in teachings. Does anyone else think about these things? Maybe not. I do it more often than I should.

So, after maybe 10 minutes, I decided to quit rambling and actually focus on hearing what the Lord had in His heart. Once I did, in my spirit I heard Matthew 17. Ok…disclosure statement: I did not know what Matthew 17 was about. I am one of those people who knows the verse, but probably couldn’t link the chapter and verse. “The Bible says….somewhere in Romans it talks about…” yeah, I’m that person.

There is a lot to unpack in Matthew 17. Jesus’ transfiguration is a whole sermon in itself, and there’s a boy afflicted by a demonic spirit. As I was reading through the chapter, I wasn’t sure why I was reading it. I didn’t understand why I was led to it. I almost gave up reading beyond verse 22, but it was sort of pressed upon me to read until the end.

27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee. – Matthew 17:27

I’m a King James (KJV) fan, but I won’t pretend I understand everything it says. I read it because I like the challenge. Well KJV wasn’t making too much sense to me at 2 am. I didn’t grasp at the moment what was being discussed in this verse, and the ones before it. At 2 am, I wanted to go back to sleep. Yet, I was determined to get the context. Again, why was I reading it to begin with? After reviewing other translations and reading a commentary – it hit me! This was about what my husband and I discussed the night before.

Remember when I said God is interested in every aspect of our lives? Well, He made it a point to make something aware to me. “What work we do at Christ’s command brings its own pay along with it: In keeping God’s commands, as well as after keeping them, there is great reward…”. 1

Unrelated but for context, Matthew 17:24 speaks about the tribute collectors asking Peter if Jesus pays tribute or tax2. In verse 25, Peter replies, “Yes, He does.” Peter then enters the house, and Jesus asks Peter from whom do the kings of the earth collect duty and taxes – from their own children or from others? In verse 26, Peter replies, “from others.”

To which, Jesus replies that “…the children are exempt.” Meaning that His disciples were exempt because they were the children of the true living King. There is a deeper meaning to this. So, I would encourage those who aren’t familiar to do a deeper dive. In verse 27, to not cause controversy, Jesus told Peter to go fishing. The first fish Peter caught had money in its mouth for Peter to pay the tax for Jesus and himself.

Now back to the point. Matthew Henry notes that Peter used his calling (fisherman) to catch the fish. When we are called to do something, we must be diligent in what we are doing. We must be ready to work for Him. When Peter caught the fish, he took the money from its mouth. This money represented the “reward for obedience in obedience.” 3

I found this to be pretty interesting. The other commentaries and references didn’t make this connection. Jesus told Peter to do what he knew how to do to get something done. How does this apply to me? God was telling me to write, and He would handle the rest. Thus reminding me, that He would help my family and me.

As long as I remain obedient to what He asks me to do, there is a reward for my obedience. The reward doesn’t necessarily mean money. But, whatever the reward is, I can trust it is the best if it’s from Him. It is important to trust God. I was concerned about the financial and operational aspects of the business. I forgot who He is. He didn’t rebuke me. In His loving kindness, Jesus reminded me that He will supply all our needs, according to His riches in glory.

Take heart and be comforted in whatever or wherever the Lord leads you. While it may be difficult to understand, trust, and believe that He knows what you need. He has you in the palm of His hand.







































  1. Matthew Henry Commentary Matthew 17 ↩︎
  2. Translations differ between who collects the tax and what the tax is. ↩︎
  3. Matthew Henry Commentary Matthew 17:27 ↩︎

I Believe It – These Are the Days

Have you ever heard God talk to you? Some will have you believe that the voice you hear is the one in your head. Others will say that it is impossible to hear God. All you need to “hear” is in the bible, and God doesn’t do that anymore. John 10:27-28 states, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me…” Those who are in Christ can hear Jesus speak. For the past 3 years, I’ve heard in my prayers and dreams – Noah.

Any believer who hears the name Noah automatically thinks about the Ark, the animals, the rainbow, Nephilim/giants, the Great Flood, etc. Since I’ve had that dream I wrote about in Within The Ark: Are these the Days of Noah? I’ve been wondering why I even got it in the first place. Sure, the pandemic wreaked havoc, but was it “days of Noah” chaos? What did this dream even mean? I have an idea. I could be wrong, but I believe we are entering a new era. Hear me out…

When God broke the fountains of the great deep and opened the windows of heaven above – He caused the earth to flood.1 Both man, beast, creeping thing, and birds of the air – all living things on the dry land not on the ark died. After 150 days when the waters were upon the earth God remembered Noah. The windows of heaven closed, and the fountains of the great deep stopped. The flood waters began to recede. After much waiting and a series of events, Noah and his family were finally able to leave the ark.2 Visualize yourself stepping off a giant boat and facing the reality that you and 7 other people survived a great flood. Noah and his family were essentially entering into a new era.

Jesus is definitely coming back – yes! I make no claims to know when exactly. Call me crazy, but I don’t think the Lord is coming back just yet. I believe something massive is coming before His return, and people aren’t ready for it. It will be like a flood (symbolically) that will catch many off guard. What happens after flood waters abate? You see the damage and work to rebuild. It’ll be an event that will change our lives forever.

I believe there is still much work to be done. I believe there are still many more souls that need to be saved. To spread the good news of Jesus Christ. I believe God is winnowing and looking for those willing to follow a simple command and do what He has called them to do. I know some out there understand my thoughts because they believe it too. I also believe my dream was a call for people to prepare to do just that work – save more souls.

Noah had MANY years to prepare for the great flood. Some sources say at least 50 years others say it took Noah over 100 years to build the ark. Could you imagine the ridicule he faced daily as he continued warning people about the rain to come? God has been leading my family and me to prepare. Preparations included stocking up on food and essentials (a few months’ worth) and making investments. I’ve looked and felt crazy trying to warn others – since 2021.

I’ve told my friends and family – “it’s going to be beyond catastrophic, but I’m not scared.” I’m not a conspiracy theorist or a fear-monger. I just can see the forest from the trees. Look at our economy and study past economic trends. Record inflation, devaluing of the dollar, housing crisis, commercial real estate woes, high unemployment due to mass layoffs, etc. This is worse than the 2008 financial crisis and on track to be even worse than the 1929 Great Depression. We are in the next cycle and history will repeat itself. However, I won’t fret, and neither should you.

After that Great Flood, there was sunshine, a rainbow, and a beautiful blue sky. Just as I saw the beautiful blue sky in my dream. I know everything is going to be alright, but I also know that it’s going to take a village to build back again. I pray that whoever reads this prays to our heavenly Father and tests what I’m saying.

I believe it’s already raining, but we haven’t seen the flood, yet. If you believe a “flood” is coming, are you ready?

Here are a few things I’ve noticed from my dream that make me believe this is the case:

  1. The boat I was on is a commonly referenced generic depiction of Noah’s Ark (ex: circular windows in kid books).
  2. The Architect (in appearance) is the Creator of all things.
  3. The dream occurred in a city that exists today – Annapolis, MD. Fun fact: I didn’t know this was a city and the capital of MD.
  4. The building with a rod bearing the appearance of a cross at the top is a building that exists in Annapolis, MD. It is the Capital building, but what it used to look like some years ago. 
  5. The cloud I saw is known as a cirrus cloud. A hairy/wispy cloud found at the highest altitude (4000-20000 m; (13,000-66,000 ft).
    • Mt. Everest is 29,029 feet [8,848 meters] 
    • The ark floated 15 cubits 3(7 meters or 22 ft) above Mt. Everest.  
    • Granted the building isn’t that tall, but it confirms I was very high up in the air.   
  6. State House Annapolis, MD: https://mdhistoricaltrust.wordpress.com/wpcontent/uploads/2023/01/sc1796_a_236-1.jpg

  1. In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened -Genesis 7:11
     ↩︎
  2. Genesis 8
     ↩︎
  3. Fifteen cubits upward did the waters prevail, and the mountains were covered – Genesis 7:20 ↩︎

A Wheel Within A Wheel: A Reflection of God’s Providence

10 As for their appearance, all four looked alike—as it were, a wheel in the middle of a wheel. 11 When they went, they went toward any of their four directions; they did not turn aside when they went, but followed in the direction the head was facing. They did not turn aside when they went. 12 And their whole body, with their back, their hands, their wings, and the wheels that the four had, were full of eyes all around. 13 As for the wheels, they were called in my hearing, ‘Wheel.’”

Ezekiel 10:10-13

That night, I KNEW He (God) was going to show me something. Without a shadow of a doubt, I knew it. Have you ever been so sure of yourself about something? The last I had that feeling was when I started my true walk in 2019. Although, I had not immediately known that it was His divine providence that caused change in my life one night.

It had been since March 2024 that I had entered into a time of self-condemnation. When I realized that I ignored the one simple command He gave me. Today is June 21, 2024, and I can remember a few nights before, pleading to the Lord to help me. With desperation in my heart, I begged, “Please Lord, send someone, anyone to me!” I was confused and upset because I didn’t know what to do. The next morning, He answered me.

My cousin who lives a couple hours away texted asking if she could call around 11:30 am to chat. I’m not sure if I thought at that moment that He answered my prayer. When the time came, we chatted for a while discussing what happened in our lives since we last spoke. We discussed so much! Way too much to share, but our conversation lit a fire in me.

By the end of our conversation, I felt so much better! Thank God He sent her! The following day, I listened to a sermon by her pastor which also kept that fire burning from within. It was as if I was refreshed and renewed in my spirit. The stronghold of this spirit of self-condemnation was lifted from me. Feeling so fresh and confident, I knew, I KNEW He would show me something that night.

In a dream He showed me wheels

Well, that night in a dream, I saw wheels. There were maybe 6 in a pile. There was so much going on that I couldn’t entirely recollect, but the wheels seemed so significant. I woke up and gathered my thoughts wondering about what it meant. I went back to sleep and had another dream.

There were cogs within a wheel, and it caused it to turn. I even said out loud – WHEEL! I’m sure He added that for extra measures like…yes, this is about wheels. I woke for the second time even more perplexed. “Lord, what is this about wheels? I know wheels signify movement. Do I need to move?” After mulling in my thoughts, the Holy Spirit led me to Ezekiel 10.

Mind you, I’m not a pro at Ezekiel. I didn’t know what chapter 10 was about, but I was confident this was God. I mean… obviously, He knows what He’s talking about. “Lord, when I get up again, I will look into it.” An hour later, I did, and I discovered that chapter 10 was about Ezekiel’s vision. His vision of the glory of God and cherubim resembling wheels within a wheel.

“20 Wherever the spirit would go, they would go, and the wheels would rise along with them, because the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels. 21 When the creatures moved, they also moved; when the creatures stood still, they also stood still; and when the creatures rose from the ground, the wheels rose along with them, because the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.”

Ezekiel 1:20-21

At first, I wasn’t sure why I had these dreams. After He gave me Ezekiel 10, I kinda had to “run with it.” I listened to sermons and Bible studies, and read commentaries and scripture. I wanted to understand the significance of the wheels. All pointed to the divine Providence of God.

Providence can be defined in multiple ways. Per Vocabulary.com, it’s defined as the guardianship and care provided by a deity or god. Let’s take a look at this from a biblical perspective. God is omniscient (all-knowing), omnipotent (all-powerful), and omnipresent (everywhere). I think sometimes we forget that God is aware of what’s happening at any given moment in our lives. I think we forget that He is very much invested in our lives.

Imagine a wheel within a wheel. Each wheel is covered with eyes and deep at the core is a spirit steering and orchestrating change. The Spirit within the wheel is the Spirit of God. This is likely the simplest way to articulate the wheels in Ezekiel’s vision. Through His wisdom, care, and love – the all-seeing, all-knowing, and infinitely powerful God is directing all things and changes in the universe.

God is in complete control of EVERYTHING! That includes our personal lives, political affairs, and the things of this world. God uses His sovereignty to accomplish His will through our lives and the world. Understanding the wheels served as a reminder to me that it’s not about me. The wheels also reminded me that He is with me and has equipped me to do what I am doing at this moment.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28

When I was given that one simple command that was part of my calling. When we surrender ourselves to Christ we submit to the will of our Father in Heaven. We pick up the calling placed on our lives, and we move. Through His divine providence, He gives us everything we need to complete our calling.

That period of self-condemnation was difficult for me. I placed restrictions on myself akin to following the Mosaic Law. I would stumble every time becoming frustrated at my own efforts. I was forgetting about the grace He had given. But, God allowed it to happen to me.

He allowed Jacob to take the birthright from Esau because it was in His providential plan for Jacob to become the Patriarch of the Israelites. He allowed Joseph to be kidnapped and sold as a slave in Egypt because it was His providential plan for many to be saved from famine. Just as He allowed Judas to betray Jesus. So that He would die on the cross for our sins and give us eternal life.

My Father in Heaven allowed me to stumble again and again so that I would recognize Him working in my life. As He works in my life, He uses me to change the life of another. This is a clarion call for my brothers and sisters in Christ – seek the Lord with all your heart and soul. Keep your devotion and glorify Him in all you do. It is our testimony that drives many to Him.

One Simple Command

Have you ever been told what to do? It may have been something complicated or just a simple command. What a silly question, of course, you have – we all have. Our whole lives we’ve been told what to do. From home to school and in the workplace.

I don’t particularly like being told what to do when it’s contrary to what I think. Maybe this is why I cringe at the idea of a 9 – 5. Bosses tend to shun new ideas and critical thinking. Maybe this is why I own my own business. I can make decisions I feel work best for my business. I can’t imagine I’m the only one who feels this way. Who wants to listen to someone who gives an authoritative order?

Now don’t get me wrong, I respect authority. Good authoritative figures keep law and order. I just find it difficult to bend a knee to someone who barks commands. It’s difficult to listen to a command without an explanation with their expectation to act without hesitation. But what if God Almighty gives you a command. Would you run or jump?

“I’ve commanded you to write“

I crawled…yes, I know that wasn’t an option! I wanted to listen, but I also didn’t want to. He showed me what He wanted me to do, but it was something that I didn’t like to do. It took me a while to understand why. “Why Lord, why have You commanded me to write?” It’s such a cumbersome thing to do!! I’m sure He looked down and shook his head – maybe I acted like I was 2. Nonetheless, I took on the task with some pep in my step.

It proved to be cumbersome just as I expected. “Who do I write about? What do I write about? When do I write? Where do I write? How do You want me to write? Lead me, Lord!” In hindsight, I can see these were nonsense questions. I can see why He never answered me. It was a simple command, all He wanted me to do was write.

A month or 2 goes by and I’m already crawling. By this time, I’m making excuses for my lack of writing. “I don’t know what to do,” “I’m too tired,” or “I’ll try again tomorrow.” No, no that wasn’t cutting it, and soon I’d know why it wasn’t. “I’ve commanded you to write.” Please believe it, He said it to me. 2 days later, He laid it out to me. Not only WHY He commanded me to write but the consequence of my failure to listen.

Jesus replied: “’Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.“

Matthew 22:37

There it was my purple oversized towel dipped and draped over the toilet. Eeww *sighs*…if you could only see the look on my face. I was in a PUBLIC BATHROOM!! I don’t think I would have been as disgusted if this happened at home. I rushed out of the bathroom stall to clean my towel in the sink. Somehow, I got my favorite brown jacket ruined in the process, so I was trying to clean that too.

My sister-in-law was in the bathroom too trying to help clean my things. There was a lot of commotion in the bathroom, as people were coming and leaving. While at the sink, I turned my head looking toward the door. I noticed a woman who stood out in the group. Our eyes didn’t meet, but I felt she was watching me.

The woman wore a fitted black suit and a white shirt underneath. You’d think she was one of those secret agents (sans the shades) like the “Men in Black.” Not trying to pay her any mind, I turned my attention back to my towel and jacket. About a minute went by and my sister-in-law determined that our efforts were futile. So, we gave up trying to clean my things. With nothing else to hold my attention, I turned back to see the woman and this time we met glances. There was no denying at this point that she was watching me.

I wanted to know what she wanted, so I walked toward her. Before I could reach close enough, she started leaving the bathroom. The woman walked outside the bathroom down the hall, and I followed at a distance behind her. People were walking around kind of blocking my view, but she made sure that I could see her as she turned the corner.

As I followed close behind, the strangest thing happened. All of a sudden amid the crowd I let out a huge shout “I LOVE YOU, JESUS!!” Of course, I do, but what was that all about? Why did I find the need to shout what I knew without a doubt? Well, I had no time to think about it. I had to make sure I didn’t lose sight of her.

I made it to the end of the hall and turned the corner. There she was standing with her back toward me. It was like time had stopped. She was the focal point, and it felt like nothing else mattered at that moment. The woman turned to face me, and she didn’t look like who I saw before. I’ve been cat-fished!!

Seriously, this woman looked nothing like what I saw before. This was a gaunt-looking man with pale skin and sunken eyes. He looked exactly how I’d imagine death to look like. Then, the gravity of the entire situation hit me. THIS IS THE ANGEL OF DEATH, and it is here for ME!

It was all a dream

The Notorious B.I.G

Would you believe that I automatically knew why it was there? I asked it, “You’re the Angel of Death aren’t you?” It nodded its head, yes. I then asked, “You’re here for me aren’t you?” Without a word, it slowly lifted its bony finger, pointed at me, and nodded, yes.

I didn’t fall to my knees, beg or plead. I wasn’t shocked and was resolved to accept what was going to happen to me. How could I ask for forgiveness now when I knew I was wrong? Oh, how the mighty can fall! Throw me in the pit! Take me now, do away with me! As far as I was concerned, I couldn’t be redeemed.

The last thing I saw was like a movie scene. I got a third-person vantage point of someone standing at the edge of a hole. They were looking down and there it was – hell underneath. A valley of dead bodies far beyond what my eyes could see. A wicked and ominous laugh filled my ears. It was a special effect that definitely affected me. I was certain it was my time, but before anything could happen – a white light blinded me. Then I woke up! *sighs…. It was just a dream.

If you love me, keep my commands

John 14:15

I woke up not with tears but wonder. Wondering if I still stand in jeopardy. All these intrusive, negative thoughts and questions popped into my mind. I don’t remember them all, but I do remember one – can I be forgiven? At that moment, I had to remind myself of His word and posture my heart, but… should I get what I deserve?

“I am sorry that I am weak. I am sorry that You have to repeat over and over that disobedience is what You see. My Lord, Your heart is so good. You love me so much that You continue to be patient with me. What is this righteousness I have? It is filthy rags like my towel that was soaked in the toilet bowl.”

As I knelt down by my bedside, I burst into tears. Not because of death or hell but because I kept throwing away every chance. How can I say I love you if I can’t obey one simple command. Now I understand that when I said, “I LOVE YOU JESUS” those were empty words to You. In hindsight, it felt empty when I said it.

Is it crazy for me to say that I really struggled to repent? Maybe I can share a bit…I was wrong and I knew I deserved whatever consequence. “There isn’t another sorry I can give other than to ask You to uncover my shame. I humbly come before You fighting to repent because I don’t deserve Your mercy. Why be merciful when I was relentless in my disobedience?”

Let’s just say, I’m thankful I have a good good Father. I knew He had forgiven me. He needed to remind me of the importance of His one simple command to me. It was surely a wake-up call and put some tremendous pep in my step. There is more to this story, I could go on and on. What is important to note is that it’s not about you or me.

I write all of this simply to say – Jump! Don’t run away!

He was, He is, He is to come



In the beginning He was. “God said, Let us make man in our image” – Genesis 1:26. “In the beginning, was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” – John 1:1.

Nothing could exist without Him. “All things were made through Him, and without Him was not any thing made that was made” – John 1:3

He was a life and brightness they could not comprehend. “ In him was life, and the life was the light of men.  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” – John 1:4-5

He was the light the world knew not. “The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him” – John 1:9-10

He was the word made flesh. The Word was made flesh and He dwelt among us. Beholden to His glory full of grace and truth – John 1:14

The prophets declared, cried and shouted of a coming Savior – A King! A man crying in the wilderness. He was who this man spoke about – “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said” – John 1:23

He was the Lamb of God – “…and he looked at Jesus as He walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God” – John 1:36

He IS God – “Truly, truly I say to you, before Abraham was, I am” – John 8:58

Oh come and see! Yes, indeed! Something GOOD did come from Nazareth! His name is Immanuel – God is with us

He Is…

Alpha and Omega. “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending…which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty” – Revelation 1:8

Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” – Isaiah 9:6

He is Lord. – John 21:7

Redeemer. – Job 19:25

THE Bread of Life. “And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life…” – John 6:35

King of Kings & Lord of Lords. “Which in his times He shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords” – 1 Timothy 6:15

He IS the Lamb of God. – John 1:29

Chief Cornerstone. – “And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Cornerstone” – Ephesians 2:20

Judge. – “And He commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is He which was ordained of God to be Judge of quick and dead” – Acts 10:42

Mediator. “And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance” – Hebrews 9:15

Good Shepherd. “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives His life for the sheep” – John 10:11

True Vine. “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman” – John 15:1

Bridegroom. “He that has the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which stands and hears Him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled”. John 3:29

The Lion of the Tribe of Judah. “And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof” – Revelations 5:5

Son of Man. “For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost” – Matthew 18:11

The Way, The Truth and the Life. “Jesus said unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me” – John 14:6

My Rock. “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken” – Psalm 62:1

Author and Finisher of Our Faith. “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” – Hebrews 12:2

He was and He is many more things, but we mostly know Him as Jesus Christ – Messiah. The anointed one who has come to save, and He is coming back, again!

He Is Coming Back

When will He return? – “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” – Matthew 24:36

Be ready and wait in anticipation because He is coming soon – “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him” – Matthew 24:44

Keep heart and be not troubled! There is a place even for you! – “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also” – John 14:1-3

What will He do? Jesus will judge the world as He sits on His glorious throne. As the people of every nation gather about, He will separate them – the sheep on His right and goats on His left. His sheep will inherit the Kingdom. The goats will be thrown into everlasting fire. Matthew 25:31-46