May 2020 – Ask, Seek, Knock

Gonna Be Okay

²⁶ “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, ²⁷ and do not give the devil a foothold.” – Ephesians 4:26-27

Friday, 12pm hit me like a ton of bricks. One minute, I was talking and joking with co-workers, eating lunch and surfing through social media and other news feeds for the latest info. The very next second, I fought back tears and an inability to speak about what was going on with me. I tried a couple of times, but the words were blocked by pain, hurt, and rage. From that point on I talked and joked less, my anger hidden behind a facial mask save for my eyes. My coworkers saw the change and instead of asking what was wrong, they maintained distance and left me be. You see, it took a few days, but George Floyd’s death finally got to me, and it wouldn’t let me go.

It brought back memories of my cousin shot and killed by Dallas police 6 years ago this month.

It brought back memories of me being tailgated by a White police person almost until I got home, with adrenaline racing through my heart as a prayer of protection raced through my mind. The fear of what that person saw when they finally drove past me angered me: did they see a Black woman minding her business, or did they see someone who “fit the description”?

It brought back every memory of every Black man and woman whose lives were snatched by the claws and jaws of some wolves hiding in plain sight, under the pretense of protecting and serving communities that don’t always look like them while endangering those who do protect and serve with honor.

It brought up anger such as I haven’t felt since the death of my cousin, something deep and simmering in my heart and soul, along with a frustration and tiredness of the “same old same old”: of the digging up Mr. Floyd’s past as if it justified his life being literally smothered away, of the seeming refusal to understand why “Black Lives Matter” without the automatic defensive response of “All Lives Matter”, of the opportunistic crowds who see the protests and demonstrations as an excuse to act a fool…at the expense of still more lives.

I became so angry, and so tired.

On Friday afternoon I was not okay, and in that moment I did not see when I would be or felt that I wanted to be.

Friday night, I sat in the prayer corner of my bedroom and poured it all out to God, pleading almost to the point of demanding that His justice “…run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream” (Amos 5:24). “Lord,” I said aloud, “People have got to stop fearing and demonizing skin color that doesn’t look like theirs!” I said a lot of other things, amongst the tears, deep sighs, and still that churning anger. Somehow I went to sleep, woke up early Saturday morning, began the usual scroll through my Facebook feed, and became utterly disgusted. Shutting it all down, that day kicked off “No Social Media Day” because all it did was add fuel to what was growing inside me.

Early Saturday morning I was decidedly not okay, which made what God did next such a God thing to do.

Opening the Bible app, the verse of the day was Ephesians 4:26, part of this week’s thought. I looked up to the ceiling, gave the Lord a side-eye glance and said, “You think You’re slick…good one, Lord. Good one.” And in that one moment, the rage that was trying its best to boil over cooled considerably. It still lingered, but without clenched jaw and fist, or the disappointment in unexpected silence. It also tried to come back many times, but that verse stayed up in my mind and heart like a massive shield that would not be broken.

When I wanted to be enraged, the Lord blocked it.

See, Paul’s instruction in this verse didn’t give me (or any of us) license to be –pardon my French—pissed off and act out until sunset. Nor did it invalidate the strong emotions that I had and still have. The righteous indignation at injustice, cruelty, inequality, victimization, and racism is real and true; all of these are contrary to the will and way of the Lord. Plainly speaking, all of these are sin and cannot be excused or tolerated by anyone who is a child of God. Reacting and responding to these moral and spiritual offenses ought to be expected.

How we react and respond makes the difference.

Do we go all “eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth”? Of course not. Do we all bury our heads in the sand and wait for this all to blow over? Absolutely not. Following either course does exactly what Paul cautioned in verse 27 and gives the Enemy a foothold in our lives. He already has too many under his influence as it is.

No, we lean heavily on God for the words to speak out and the strength to stand firmly in the gap for people. We call on the power that is in the name of Jesus Christ to bind the Enemy from snatching up anyone else.

We use our talents, gifts, and abilities to bring about positive change in this nation and world which are dying from a clear lack of it. We show this nation and world what the diverse, intelligent, beautiful children of God can do: we show them how we shine.

And every day, we must choose to forgive until the act itself requires no thought. It must become second nature like breathing. For if Jesus could ask God to forgive his persecutors and executioners “…for they know not what they do”, we can forgive, too.

When we do these things, it becomes harder for Satan to find purchase in our souls. It becomes difficult for anger and pain to harden and stay.

It becomes easier to talk and listen to each other.

It becomes easier to love each other.

It becomes easier to accept that we’re all gonna be okay.

Prayer: Lord, You know what we truly need even before we say it. Let Your justice, righteousness, and peace flow through us all, seasoning our thoughts, words, and actions with the love of Jesus Christ. Make us better people, Father. Please. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

His Name

“⁹ Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, ¹⁰ that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, ¹¹ and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” – Philippians 2:9-11

Question: Have you ever considered the power that is in the name of Jesus? I’m not talking about the titles and honorifics we ascribe Him, though He is worthy of every single one of them. No, I’m talking about His name, five letters which combined exudes a level of authority that nothing earthly, man-made can attain. His name is infinitely greater than the title of president, prime minister, king, or queen. His name commands a response out of all who hear it, both mortal and spiritual, and that response is the acknowledgement and confession that Jesus Christ is Lord.

It is at Jesus’ name that demons tremble and flee:

“And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;” – Mark 16:17

“The seventy-two returned with joy and said, ‘Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” – Luke 10:17

It is in His name that infirmities and disease are healed:

“By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.” – Acts 3:16

It is by His name that salvation and restoration to a right relationship with God is possible:

“…for everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” – Romans 10:13

It is by His name that we can receive joy, love, and peace, to help live this life to its fullness. It is when we call on His name that things change, both our circumstances and our perspective.

The name of Jesus is powerful. It connects us to God and His power and authority, and that’s what the Enemy wants us to forget.

It’s important to remember and live this truth because as the days of our “new normal” go on, we must call on Jesus’ name to access that power which can transform anything. Returning to what was familiar is not an option, especially if it was harmful to us in mind, body, and spirit. Moving forward on our own knowledge and strength is not an option, either, for if life thus far has taught us anything, it’s that we don’t know everything. But the truth of Jesus’ name is the one thing we can count on so that we do more than survive: we thrive.

No matter how many times we must do so, we must call on the name of Jesus: not just for ourselves, but also our families, friends, churches, and the world. At all times let us remember and lean on the power in His name to renew minds, cleanse hearts, and revitalize our spirits. Let us draw from the authority in His name to speak life into dead situations, and protection for the defenseless. Let us invoke the name of Jesus Christ for increase in strength, confidence, and faith.

When we do this, live the truth of the power and authority in His name without backing down, we get to experience another truth about Jesus Christ:

“And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” – John 14:13-14

When the Son of God says He will do it, best believe that He will.

Prayer: Lord, we thank You for the matchless name of Jesus Christ, which by itself is full of Your power and authority. Help us not only to remember but also to live this truth every day without fear or uncertainty. Regardless of what we see before us, we know that You see it all, and will hear and answer our call. This we ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.

P-31 Women

(Instead of a thought for this week, let’s celebrate the Moms, Mommies, Mamas, Mothers, Ma’s, and Madea’s of the world who embody every day the love, dedication, and virtues of the woman described in this week’s Scripture. Please know that you are loved, you are appreciated, and we are forever grateful to you amazing women. You do what even the strongest superheroes cannot do. Happy Mother’s Day)

The sayings of King Lemuel — an oracle his mother taught him:

² “O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows, ³ do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings.

⁴ “It is not for kings, O Lemuel — not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer,⁵ lest they drink and forget what the law decrees, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.⁶ Give beer to those who are perishing, wine to those who are in anguish; ⁷ let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.

⁸ “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. ⁹ Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

¹⁰ A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. ¹¹ Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. ¹² She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. ¹³ She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. ¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.

¹⁵ She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. ¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. ¹⁷ She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. ¹⁸ She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. ¹⁹ In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

²⁰ She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. ²¹ When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. ²² She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

²³ Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. ²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.

²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. ²⁶ She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. ²⁸ Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ²⁹ “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” ³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. ³¹ Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

N.O. = Not Over

“¹ Then Jesus[a] told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. ² He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. ³ In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Grant me justice against my opponent.’ ⁴ For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, ‘Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, ⁵ yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.’” ⁶ And the Lord said, ‘Listen to what the unjust judge says. ⁷ And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? ⁸ I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?’” – Luke 18:1-8

No one likes hearing the word “No”. The sound those two little letters make invokes a variety of emotions within a person, from shock to confusion, disappointment to anger, dejection to stubborn denial and even rebellion. When we were kids and wanted something to which our parents told us “No”, we either asked “Why?” a million times, or threw a tantrum (God bless those who tried and lived to tell the tale, talking to the old schoolers like me!), or said something we thought would hurt Mom or Dad. (Again, God bless those who tried that, too.)

As we grew up and heard “No” to many a request or desire, the on-the-floor tantrums stopped but another response/reaction took its place: defeatism. “Why should I bother trying? I already know the answer is going to ‘No’”. “That’s just the way it is for me. I’m just unlucky.” “The universe hates me.”

Who hasn’t thought these at least once in their lives?

Even as believers in Jesus Christ, as children of God, defeatism can be a hard adversary to conquer, and I believe a large factor is where the attack resides: the mind. Along with the heart the mind must be protected, cemented in the Word of God to help us hold on to our faith and to be victorious. The mind must be firm in knowing just who God is, and how much bigger, better, and stronger He is over our circumstances including the “No’s” of life.

Now, it wouldn’t be accurate for me to ignore that there are some “No’s” that work for our good, such as the prevention of toxic relationships, poor financial decisions, immoral choices, and anything else that would work to separate us from the love of God. While these can be painful and throw us for a loop, there comes that moment later in life when we look back at those instances and say, “Whew! Lord that was a close one!”

However, I’m not talking about those kinds of “No’s”. I’m referring to the type that keeps blocking what would be a blessing to us and others around us. The more we pray, fast, and meditate on God’s Word and His promises, it seems like that block grows and becomes impenetrable.

No becomes No becomes NO. The threat of defeat, of not wanting to try again, becomes more real every day. BUT fam, let’s take a tip from the woman in Jesus’ parable: let’s look that block, that barrier, that obstacle straight on and declare this:

NO = Not. Over.

The widow made her petitions for justice to an unbelieving, uncaring judge without ceasing. Each time he refused, thinking that she would give up. But she had that bounce-back spirit on the inside because she kept coming back, making her request no matter how many times he turned her away. Did his “No” hurt and discourage her? Jesus doesn’t say in this parable, yet I imagine it did. She was human, just as we are. Still, she persisted.

Why? Because to her, “NO” meant “Not Over.” She knew she was due justice, and she refused to give up despite the rejections and ridicule. She refused to accept the judge’s “No” as fact because she understood righteousness would be done. Day in, day out, she was in that man’s face until finally it was he who gave up:

’ ⁴ For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, ‘Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, ⁵ yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.’” – Luke 18:4-5

A judge whose job was to dispense justice, got tired of being bothered by a request for justice, and gave the widow what she wanted. The obstacle that was in her way was worn down, and he learned his “No” was her “Not Over”.

This woman’s conviction and faith are the key takeaways from this passage of Scripture. They serve as both testimony and charge to never give up on the good and positive things for which we ask the Lord. Whether it be improved health, healed relationships, new relationships, new employment, the ability to have children…whatever it is that we have been crying out to God for, we can NOT give up. We cannot give in to defeatism, doubt God’s ability and thus lose the battlefield of our minds, for we are more than conquerors. We must remember God is able to do what He has told us through His Word and others He will do. Look at Abraham, Isaac, Joseph, Hannah, Jeremiah, and Elizabeth. Look at their persistence for inspiration.

Like I shared last week, we must keep praying, trusting, and acting. We must keep following the PTA no matter how many “No’s” receive. One “Yes” from God at the appointed time and place will transform all of those into one big “Not. Over.”

Prayer: Lord God, thank You for the message of persistence and faith, of never giving up on You and Your promises. Help us now to pray, trust, act, and watch the Enemy’s “No” become Your “Not Over”. This I ask in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.