A Vision of the Future (COGIC Legacy Version of Sunday School)

Restoration (COGIC Legacy Version of Sunday School)

Is Frequency Illusion the same as our Spiritual Senses Operating

https://web.colby.edu/cogblog

The Frequency Illusion, also known as the Baader-Meinhoff phenomenon, is a cognitive bias which describes our tendency to see new information, names, ideas or patterns 'everywhere' soon after they're first brought to our attention.

Our God really created a masterpiece when He created humans. Remember the Scriptures state that when he formed man from the dust of the ground that His breath gave life to man. Unlike other creatures who He made just from speaking Words, He actually created man from dirt and breathed into man’s nostrils causing him to become a living soul. This process includes taking air from within HIMSELF and expelling that air into man’s body. Creating life this way equipped all humans with the ability to think instead of reacting from instinct like the animal kingdom. However, one unique feature of a human is his incredible talent for pattern recognition that is known as Badder-Meinhoff phenomenon or commonly called frequency illusion. In other words, our brain will process new information like names or patterns while constantly identify these same names and patterns anywhere thereafter. For instance, one may become pregnant, then the pregnant individual or the spouse of the pregnant female will constantly notice others who are likewise pregnant. Remember, as humans we are created in the image and likeness of God; yet, we only tend to recognize our physical attributes while often times limiting our spiritual awareness. The Badder-Meinhoff phenomenon gives us a glimpse into our ability of spiritual awareness. For example, Elisha, a prophet in the Old Testament demonstrated his spiritual awareness on many occasions. On one occasion, he prayed that his servant will become aware of his spiritual senses when he became frightened. The enemy of Israel had come to capture Elisha from aiding the king of Israel, and they had camped and surrounded the mountain side where Elisha resided. So his servant was frighten when he saw this army. Notice Elisha’s prayer for his servant.

“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:16-17

The existence of the spiritual realm was already intact, but the limitation of seeing this spiritual realm rested on the inability of the servant to see. Our natural eyes can only see tangible things around us yet when we encounter a Badder-Meinhoff phenomenon, we become sensitized to that experience while enabling you to focus on similar experiences. I can imagine how Elisha’s servant reacted when he encountered another similar situation of being surrounding by his enemies. Was he able to see with his spiritual eyes again? When you read about Elisha and his insights concerning simple things that he encountered such as using a stick to rescue an iron ax that fell into the lake, give you confidence of everyday successes relating to the spiritual realm. It you look closer at what the servant saw with his spiritual eyes, “he saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire.” Yet, his natural eyes saw men on horses and chariots against them, but his spiritual eyes saw more horses and chariots for them. Even the model prayer, Jesus requested that we should include a similar statement, “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Therefore, whatever God’s will is in the heaven then we must align our actions on earth with that will. When this alignment with God materializes then we will see with our spiritual eyes like the servant of Elisha. 

As we continue in this battle with COVID-19, my prayer is like Elisha’s prayer for his servant. Open the spiritual eyes of your people that we may see. Then, I know that we will see more for us than what is actually against us.  

I am finished

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

2 Timothy 4:7 KJV

What is your WHY?

Even though you and I can depart this world unexpectedly, I often wonder how it feels when you are anticipating the realization of your departure. When you realize your imminent demise is about to occur will you have regrets or will you say vividly that you are ready to leave because you know what is waiting after this life.

I read this anecdote the other day regarding a couple going on vacation but his wife was on a business trip so he went to the destination first. His wife was to follow the next day. When he reached his hotel, he decided to send his wife a quick email. Unfortunately, when typing her address, he mistyped a letter and his note was directed instead to an elderly preacher’s wife whose husband had passed away only the day before. When the grieving widow checked her email, she took one look at the computer monitor, let out a piercing scream, and fell to the floor in a faint. Because of the commotion, her family rushed into the room and saw this note on the screen:

The Apostle Paul had much confidence in his destination after this life. Why does he possess so much confidence at this point in his life? Remember the younger version of Paul failed to believe that the Messiah was Jesus so he punished followers of Jesus. Later, he even discusses his sinfulness as a believer when he writes to the saints in Roman.

For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.  For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.  Romans 7:18-19 KJV

Now in his 60's (as noted by some scholars that his age was between 62-68) Paul finds himself in prison pending execution. Yet, he writes to Timothy this letter which includes this unique thought-provoking statement as he recounts his eventful life and states, "I have fought a good fight." He reflects on life as a fighter like a prized boxer who has fought his last fight realizing that he did his best while competing. Oftentimes, athletes follow a similar routine when crafting their skill set. Mainly, they tend to perform their best because they know the value in competing as well as the rewards from winning. Likewise, Paul's reflection gives him confidence that he had lived his best by keeping what God had entrusted to him on the road to Damascus with confidence the reward that awaits him.

Secondly, Paul comments that he had finished the course. What a profound statement to make when facing your demise. The term finish refers to completion or final. For instance, every race has a finishing line that the racer must cross to finalize that race. Even in the military, we uses the term End State to determine the closure of a military operation.  The End State represents a specified situation that the Soldiers must successfully complete on the final phase in that operation. Basically, Paul states his End State by saying I have finished my course of fulfilling God's goal for my life.

Lastly, Paul reiterates, "I have keep the faith." I expect on numerous occasions Paul thought about giving up. Notice how he recalls his struggle when writing to the Corinthians to combat the false apostles who had infiltrated this church:

I’ve worked much harder, been jailed more often, beaten up more times than I can count, and at death’s door time after time. I’ve been flogged five times with the Jews’ thirty-nine lashes, beaten by Roman rods three times, pummeled with rocks once. I’ve been shipwrecked three times, and immersed in the open sea for a night and a day. In hard traveling year in and year out, I’ve had to ford rivers, fend off robbers, struggle with friends, struggle with foes. I’ve been at risk in the city, at risk in the country, endangered by desert sun and sea storm, and betrayed by those I thought were my brothers. I’ve known drudgery and hard labor, many a long and lonely night without sleep, many a missed meal, blasted by the cold, naked to the weather.

(I Corinthian 11: 23-27)

Keeping the faith is paramount in ones' walk. Individuals must believe in something despite the oppositions, they must determine to hold true to their faith even when facing real consequences. For example, Deandre Arnold, a black student in Texas, was suspended because his high school said the way he wore his dreadlocks violated their dress code. Because he stood in what he believes, he will have the opportunity of going to the Academy Awards because "Hair Love" an animated short film is an Oscar nominate, and the producers invited him to walk down the red carpet with them.

Everyone tends to stand for something. Everyone must have a WHY when they opt to stand for something. Mainly, the WHY gives us the ability to stand for something. So the Apostle Paul announces that he has kept the faith since his initial encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus. His willingness to stand for the faith enables him to state his WHY in the next verse:

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

2 Timothy 4:8 KJV

Paul realizes his WHY requires an existence after this life of which he sees a crown of righteousness waiting for him. Yet, this crown of righteousness is an award that occurs when Paul executes these three actions:

1) fighting the good fight,

2) finishing his course, and

3) keeping the faith.

Likewise, when we finish Kingdom work, our WHY will come in the form of a crown of righteousness. This crown is not for those who depend upon their own sense of righteousness or of their own works. Such an attitude breeds only arrogance and pride. Our crown of righteousness is our why for desiring and preserving Kingdom work that our Savior enables us to perform. So I challenge each of you to persevere and continue toward your Why!

Differences between serving and receiving

Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him [Jesus]. (Matthew 4:11 KJV)

Thinkers think and doers do. But until the thinkers do and the doers think, progress will be just another word in the already overburdened vocabulary of the talkers who talk. (Anonymous)

How often do we recognize the need to do something or do we just think about doing something? When unforeseen events occur or happenings evolve unexpectedly in our lives, our independence becomes vulnerable because our needs overshadow our capabilities. At that moment we wonder anxiously for someone to intervene on our behalf.  Yet, these events actually create opportunities for doing something even though our dependence outweighs our independence. In other words, our lack of resources can fuel the opportunities for doing instead of receiving.

In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10-year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him. "How much is an ice cream sundae?" he asked. "Fifty cent," replied the waitress. The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it. "Well, how much is a plain disk of ice cream?" he inquired. By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient. "Thirty-five cents," she harshly replied. The little boy again counted his coins. "I'll have the plain ice cream,” he said. The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away. The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left. When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies (15 cents). You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip.

Scripture paints a similar picture when the Savior fasted for forty days in the wilderness where Satan tempted Him. During the fast or after the fast, Satan reminded the Savior of His status and His supernatural capabilities as an independent being. “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” (Matthew 4:3). Remember a fast enables you to give up a physical craving to fulfill a greater spiritual need. Yet, the Savior who was definitely hungry during this 40-day period resisted this temptation of self-feeding while rendering an answer to Satan by quoting Deuteronomy 8:3, “Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” In other words, the Savior demonstrates His willingness to trust God the Father to provide rather than to act independently of God. The Savior used this temptation as submission to God’s Word instead of acting independently from God by resolving the issue Himself.  Likewise as believers, we must develop a dependence on God especially during difficult periods in our lives instead of acting independent from God, we must act as dependent on God.

Secondly, Satan changes the Savior’s setting by taking Him to the pinnacle of the temple. This test explored a shortcut for the Savior to meet His mission quickly by revealing His power in the streets of Jerusalem. This requested action of falling from the temple and having angels save Him would have demonstrated His heavenly authority. The spectators at the Temple would have been awe struck just to see this spectacular demonstration of angels swooping down to save Jesus. Satan even quoted Psalm 91:11-12 as proof of God’s promise of angelic protection. The problem with this shortcut is that it totally ignores God’s plan for the Savior while bypassing the Cross. Likewise, as believers we must remove any shortcuts in our lives and stay the course toward Kingdom’s work despite our feeble desires and impatient wishes to move ahead of God’s timing. Remember the impatience of Sarah and Abraham in waiting for the promised son, Isaac which led to the creation of first recorded blended family as Abraham’s son, Ishmael and his mother, Hagar.

Finally, Satan presented the ultimate reward in the form of wealth and power from the kingdoms of this world. The cost only required that the Savior fall down and acknowledge Satan as lord. Even today, Satan wants our worship and he still uses his tactful deception techniques. Remember the scene with Adam and Eve when they took his advice and ate the forbidden fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Yet, the Savior quoted another Scripture, “worship the LORD your God, and serve only Him.” (Deut. 6:13). Likewise, as believers, we must avoid following our own agenda but accept God’s agenda. If the Savior is our ultimate authority, He deserves our exclusive service each day of the week.

Notice the transpiring of events at the end of these temptations. Matthew recorded that the heavenly angels came and ministered to Jesus. When the fallen angel, Satan left, faithful angels came. These faithful angels fulfilled their duties by ministering and worshiping the Savior. Notice the differences, Satan wanting to receive something from Jesus instead the heavenly angels gave to Jesus. Satan wanting to receive Jesus’ worship and service while the heavenly angels gave worship and service. How often as believers, we travel the path of Satan wanting to receive from the Savior instead of giving to Him like the heavenly angels.  In other words, instead of doing for HIM we rather think about what we can receive from HIM. For believers to develop dependence on God, we must remove the tendency of pursuing shortcuts and stop following our own agenda. Mainly, we must perform the true path of worship by serving instead of receiving. Then, you will realize your role as sons of God who can perform the ultimate duty as ministering to the Lord and Savior, Jesus just like heavenly angels. Even the Apostle Paul notes that the ones who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. (Romans 8:14). As sons of God, we have the right to serve HIM because when He appears we shall be just like Him. As believers, we will experience our true calling as noted in I John 3:2, Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

Therefore, I encourage you to do like the heavenly angels and serve your Savior even when mayhem occurs in your life. Remember, Thinkers think and doers do. But until the thinkers do and the doers think, progress will be just another word in the already overburdened vocabulary of the talkers who talk. Learn to do like the 10 year old boy who left a tip in spite of the waitress’ service unlike Satan who only wants to receive your service.  

Weekly Sunday School Lesson

Sunday School Lesson 11 "Piety that Honons God" Winter Quarterly 2020

Elevator Inspiration for Sunday School  

Lesson 11 declares the Savior’s teaching on Piety that Honors God as demonstrated in Matthews 6:1-8. Although, Jesus uses parables when instructing his followers, but in this text he uses plain-spoken directives. He reminds us that God is not concerned with only the outward appearance of doing what is right. God looks at the heart, and He desires our good deeds to come from pure motives not from a desire for accolades. Remember the short-lived reward for hypocritical behavior is like the theater crowd’s applause when the hands quit clapping and the sound fades, nothing is left. The hypocrite is a deceiver, a pretender who conceals true motives for actions. Yet, public acts of worship are not necessarily hypocritical. The primary issue is motive. We must remember if are we drawing attention to ourselves or pointing others to God? Is our giving intended to draw the praise of people or to encourage others to give? Are our public prayers designed to impress or to lead others to God’s throne? Mainly, we should never try to impress either God or others in both our giving and praying.

See you in Sunday School!

Prayer for Healing

Dearest heavenly Father, I know that you are an all knowing and all powerful God who created us in your image. Although, you created our physical existence from dirt that abides within the elements of Earth so we understand our limited status. Nevertheless, you breathed life that created our natural and spiritual existence. Therefore, healing will occur from your physical touch as noted  in the Scriptures when People brought all their sick to YOU and begged YOU to let the sick just touch the edge of YOUR cloak, and all who touched YOU were healed” (Matthew 14:35–36). Now today as God the Son sits on the right hand of God the Father realizing this scene in history, we plead and beg like the people of that day for you to allow us to touch YOUR cloak with our spiritual hands. Then you will release YOUR healing power to flow into these feeble bodies like renewed strength to glorify, yet again your marvelous Love and Grace toward us. In Jesus' name I pray.

My 36th Year Marriage Anniversary with Debra Grant Baker on December 17, 1983

"If anyone is worried that he might not be acting honorably toward the virgin he is engaged to, and if his passions are too strong and he feels he ought to marry, he should do as he wants. He is not sinning. They should get married." 

1 Corinthians 7:36 

I selected this verse after 36 years of marriage as a reminder that my passion toward my love remains inexorable and unchangeable. Even now, I highly desire to remain married to Debra Grant Baker. Here is my shared verse for generation to come.

If you continue to worry about change just look into the eyes of your love because her eyes change not. So continue your marriage vows with no changes. I Mickey 7:36.

So what does marriage after 36 years really means for me? For you to understand my explanation, you must realize that 36 is only a measurable period for such a marriage to exist. Whereas, the measure for my love, one cannot confine to a duration of time, because my love is indefinite. Since time is relative, my love for Debra is immeasurable and limitless. Some people think that when two individuals bond together they create a visible love code. Yet, when tension occurs, that code becomes imbalance. However, the past tension between me and my love really strengthen our love because we learned the art of forgiveness. For our love to sustain for these 36 years, we both allowed tension to unfold the action of forgiveness just because of love. I set my ringtone on my Android smartphone to play Bill Withers’ song, Just the Two of Us to remind me that “we can make it if we try just the two of us” whenever she calls. Yet, if you look very deep into our love code, you will see a subliminal message with this numerical code  - 4221-360 which means, I can make this marriage work due to the fact of - 4221 (4ever 2gether 2love 1another) because 360 (you complete my circle). 


Therefore, each time my cell rings, this visible code appears in my head 4221-360.

Inspiration from a child

As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.(Psalms 127:4 KJV)

I believe every newborn brings a family closer because of the shared bond of innocence. First, a child enters into this world free of any worries; yet, a child is dependent on nurturing from his/her parents. A child brings inspiration because each child inevitably becomes a change agent of reality. Therefore, my first grandchild, Blythe Yael Bryant, will forever have an impact on my life, creating more opportunities to continue a legacy for future generations. Mainly, Blythe means one who is joyful and kind. So, I am looking forward to the development of a young girl who is so beautiful, but also eccentric and spunky. Yet, her name alludes that she will occasionally become blunt and intimidating. With such a name as Blythe, I am eager to see her personality evolving into a spectacular, educated young woman who will continue the legacy of her great grandparents.

View My Baby’s Slideshow

Blythe Yael Bryant who weight 7 lbs and 12 oz (DOB 12/5/2019)

The Value of Silence

Do you enjoy Silence or endure Silence? Have you ever gave Silence any thoughtful rational for its existence? Silence is more than odd times of saying nothing, but Silence serves as an opportunity for enlightenment. Silence has different meanings at different times in our lives. You can find multiple examples of Silence in Scripture that remains relevant for today’s situations.

In the Old Testament, this Scripture reveals Silence uniquely: “No hammer or chisel or any iron tool was heard in the temple while it was being built.” (I Kings 6:7) This text unfolds the building of the Temple under King Solomon’s administration. King Solomon purposed to build a temple for the name of the LORD, which took seven years and six months to complete. “Actually, this verse means that the stones were so carefully tooled and skillfully prepared when first cut from the remote quarries that they needed no major adjustment when they were transported to the construction site.” (Russell, Dilday, The Preacher’s Commentary) Remember, the intent of this temple represented the house of God not the house of His people. Unlike today’s churches, the seating capacity of the temple did not include worshippers only the presence of God. As you read this Scripture notice the work of God continues in the mist of Silence without any sound of hammering or chiseling.

In the New Testament, the Savior places Mary and Martha on Silence by delaying His time for two additional days before He delivers Lazarus from the grave. This Silence discloses a timetable that is void on human interference. Even in the book of Revelation, Silence occurs for ½ hour to signify the beginning of eternal glory when the seventh seal opens. (Revelation 7:11) Since a ½ hour in eternity is unmeasurable for this present age of time, the measurement of Silence in the book of Revelation is timeless on earth.

When you experience unanswered prayers or delayed requests, think about Silence. Mainly, Silence occurs for you to acknowledge its existence instead of displaying intolerance. Silence allows you to resonate about the unseen world as you connect your spirit with God. You must recognize God’s quiet presence unlike the noisy surroundings of this world's media hype. The work of God transpires in Silence by inconspicuous means. During Silence, you feel uneasiness and apprehension as reflected by your physical being, but Silence interchanges with your spiritual beings. If you welcome Silence as demonstrated in Scripture, you will envision more than the ordinary. The Apostle Paul notes that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you. (I Corinthians 3:16) So when Silence materializes you must tune into your spiritual being to recognize how the natural realm is shaping your temple for God. Like the skillful cutting of stones for the physical Temple of God, the Holy Spirit works in Silence to build and shape your life for the dwelling place of God in the spiritual realm. In other words, SILENCE represents, God building your life for Him to dwell just like the temple that Solomon built.

Thanksgiving 2019

As we celebrate this national holiday of Thanksgiving, I must really rationalize my most thankful thoughts. Yet, such rationalization lead me to this verse of giving praise to the Lord. I realize that my Creator, the Sustainer of life enables each of us to enjoy these earthly things like Thanksgiving. For this day, our nation stops to enjoy family and friends as we cherish each other. So I must proclaim His name and acknowledge what He has done and is doing in my life and lives of others around me. Yes, I know I have shortcomings or lack certain things or even have failed to achieve certain goals. Nevertheless, today I lay all those thoughts aside and PROCLAIM HIS NAME as I realize without HIM, I am nothing more than the dust from HIS creation. Even the Apostle Paul referenced the mystery of this Thanksgiving when he states, "that from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ." (Ephesian 3:9) 
So today, I proclaim HIS Name for all my family and friends that HE, my Creator is worthy of this Thanksgiving in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, AMEN!

What you need to know about Demons!

6 But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him,

7 And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not. Mark 5:6-7

by Aaron Burden from  Unsplash.com

We live in an amazing Cosmos that allows us to reside in a natural existence while interacting in a spiritual realm that evolves around us. Yet, Scripture vividly demonstrates the spiritual realm, especially when the Savior interacts with unclean spirits or demons. The verses above acknowledge a unique interaction with demons because these demons knew the Savior prior to their face to face contact. Notice how they (demons) recognized His royalty by giving Him adoration. They even recognized His authority by pleading their freedom of torment. Mainly, they acknowledged His status as the Son of the most High God. Even in the spiritual realm, like our natural realm, you have identifiable characters with individualized events that alert ones to the memory of past dealings. For instance, when the Savior confronts these demons who are within this man in Gadarenes, these demons identified themselves as Legion, meaning that they are many. Legion immediately requested that the Savior refrain from tormenting them which gives us the assumption of past dealings. Yet, it is hard to believe that one human can possess so many unclean spirits. As for this scenario, the demons’ count equated to 2000 because when these demons requested that they enter the swine nearby, it was 2000 swine who committed suicide. I assumed that each demon occupied an individual swine who then decided to run off a cliff and drown in the sea instead of tolerating their existence with demons or an unclean spirits. (Mark 5:1-13)

This episode with demons in the book of Mark provides a colorful insight into the spiritual realm of reality. First, demons are real and their habitation consists of this earth because of their defeat in the heavenly realm. Scriptures reveal that Michael and his angels defeated Satan and his demons and after their defeat they left heaven to live on earth. (Revelation 12:7-8). Secondly, humans are made in the image of God, “So God created man in his own image.” (Genesis 1:8) You must grasp the totality of this momentous statement because you will then understand why demons engage with humans in warfare. Since humans reflect God’s image, demons continue their fight with God here on earth through their interaction with humans. Remember, God disrupted the demons’ earthly kingdom by creating another creature who reflects His image and likeness. Originally, Demon had dominion within the earth. When God created humans, He gave them dominion over the demons’ habitation. What an awesome plan of God! Remember God’s angels defeated demons in the heavenly realm, and now God allows a lesser creature (humans) to continue the same war but in another realm when He gave them dominion over earth.  

Although, Satan temporarily defeated man with their first encounter by luring man and woman (Adam and Eve) to disobey the Creator in the Garden of Eden. Thereafter, God sent His Son to the same realm with a simple weapon of offense to defeat Satan. Now, through unpretentious faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus to redeem mankind, a redemptive man can continue this spiritual war right here on earth. Presently, this heavenly war continues with new soldiers who are created lesser than heavenly angels; yet they are armed with heavenly weaponry. When these soldiers become knowledgeable of their dominating power in the earthly realm, they can easily defeat demons like Michael and his angels defeated them in the heavenly realm.

Now please ponder these two questions. Did you join this heavenly war on earth when you became a member of God’s family? Do you use your heavenly weaponry when engaging demons? Remember when you interact with demonic forces in the spiritual realm on earth please become mindful as follows: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds. (II Corinthians 10:4) Now engage your demons like your Savior with Legion.

Who am I? Woman the Bible

My name means my father is joy. I am quick witted, wise, beautiful, and a great peacemaker.  I gave one of the longest speeches recorded by a woman in the Bible. I was once married to a rich but foolish man. He was a blockhead, a numb skull, and a nincompoop. We had lots of land and herds. David and his army were taking refuge from Saul, and they camped near our land. They protected our sheep from wolves, and bandits, and subsequently, our herds prospered.

One day David’s men came and asked of my husband if we could give them some food and drink. Of course, my foolish husband said no insulting to the future king of Israel. David’s men went back and told David what had happened. So David gathered 400 men to come and kill my husband along with his servants.  Well, our servants knew my wisdom. So one of them informed me of the conversation between my husband and David’s men. I immediately saddled up a few donkeys to take David’s army some food that consisted of 200 loaves of bread, two wine skins of wine, the meat of five sheep, a bushel of grain, 100 clusters of raisins, and 200 fig cakes. Mainly, I had heard about David and his kindness toward Saul and Jonathan. I heard about his victories and his love for the Lord God of Israel. When I met him, I fell to mine knees to display humbleness. I asked forgiveness for the disrespect of my husband and reminded him of how the Lord had taken care of him and that the Lord will avenge his enemies. 

David thanked me for reminding him of the sinful behavior of revenge when pursued by his own hands. He accepted my gifts and told me to return home in peace.  Well, I returned to explain to my husband the seriousness of these events but he was intoxicated at the time. So I waited until the next morning to provide the anticipated results of his stubbornness. When I finished my story, my husband had a stroke and 10 days later he died.

Now when David heard about what had happened. He remembered my beauty and wisdom. Then, David asked me to become his wife of which I consented immediately. Who am I?

My name is Abigail. My story is found 1 Samuel 25.

It is very important to pray for our husbands. Ask God daily for His wisdom and understanding.  Strive to become peacemakers and not mess makers.  Abigail was called and set apart for the purpose of a peacemaker. Mathew 5:9 reminds us that, “blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.”

by my sister, 

Dena Baker Brooks

Famous Women in the Bible

Howbeit Sisera fled away on his feet to the tent of Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite….

Judges 4:17

Peace symbolizes an intangible tranquility of calmness and serenity. Yet, how can one find peace   Deborah, a prophetess and judge for Israel, rallied the troops to attack General Sisera and his army of iron chariots. Whereas, Jael served as the executioner. Under the leadership of Deborah, Barak led the troops to Mount Tabor to prepare for battle. In the meantime, Heber the Kenite informed General Sisera the location of Israel army; however, unbeknownst to General Sisera, his 900 iron chariots, was about to face God in an army of 10,000 Israelites. As Israel army descended off Mount Tabor under a surprised ambush which lead to a ferocious encounter, the narrative in Judges 4:15 relates it as “the Lord discomfited Sisera.” This phase meant that Sisera became disoriented and ran away speedily. After much running, he found his de facto ally at the house of Heber.  Hint, Heber is a descendant of Moses’ father-in-law. Yet, Heber’s wife, Jael, became the focal point to climax this victory for God. I believe if we interviewed Jael about her encounter with General Sisera, her story will unfold as follows:
when sinful behavior ranges in one’s life? In Book of Judges one will find individuals who allow sin to disrupt their lives, and then they will cry out for God to restore peace. One particular passage in Judges (chapters 4-5) demonstrates how God used two women (Jael and Deborah) to defeat Israel’s enemy and restore peace.

I am that woman of whom Deborah prophesied that Sisera would be handed over to a woman. General Sierra was an enemy of Israel. He served as commander of the Canaanite army which consisted of 900 iron chariots. He had a bad reputation; he was a zealous oppressor toward the Israelite for 20 years. Remember, my ancestor, Zipporah was united with Moses, the deliverer of Israel from Egypt. Amazingly, the Scripture does not portray me as one of the bad girls. Yet, Deborah’s song of praise pictured me as a heroine. Yes, my action was gruesome and shocking, but I was only doing what Yahweh commissioned, the God of Israel wanted to deliver His people again from another oppressor, King Hazor. I recalled the story like this.

General Sierra came to my husband’s camp looking for refuge, a safe haven to hide since his 900 chariots were no longer a threat among my kinsmen. For my understanding, his army had suffered a brutal defeat just below Mount Tabor. There, I was standing in the doorway of the tent welcoming him to come and rest from running. He entered the tent tired and thirsty. He asked for water, but I graciously went above the usual hospitality and gave him warm milk instead.  I prepared a pallet for him to rest comfortably. Like any tired soldier, he went to sleep. At that moment when he was defenseless, I felt a passion for my ancestor, Zipporah and knew that I must end this torment for her people. So I grabbed a tent peg in my left hand and mallet in my right hand. I placed that peg right into his temple and drove it into his skull by hammering repeatedly. I nailed that peg so deep that it touched the ground through his skull. Little did I know that his life would end the same day that Deborah, the prophetess, prophesied! 

Please know that I am a woman of honor, make no mistakes about it. I am not the one that you can mess over especially my kindred. Yet, I am gentle, giving, fervent in spirit, and some even call me “most blessed of women.” I do have a mind of my own, though. Just like the Savior’s mother, Mary, we are the only two women in the Scripture with this description, “blessed above women.” Like Mary, I too became a willing vessel that Yahweh used to accomplish His deliverance for His people. Even though, my action was brutal and furious; I am genuine in character despite my method of redemption for God’s people.

I want you to remember these key points from this episode:

1)     God can use anyone, even the average woman

2)     Become fearless and break traditions

3)     Use the tools right by your disposal

4)     God’s time is now

5)     Act on the opportunities

6)     Allow God to use you

Safety and trust only occur when you find yourself in God’s hand.  Because of Jael’s lion-hearty act, Israel experienced 40 years of peace. Likewise, when you obey and trust God, you too can become a blessed woman of God while experiencing peace.  

By Debra Baker

My Wife

Check out the song mentioned in Judge 5 about these two characters by Rev P Under the Influence:

Deborah, my favorite Biblical woman

And Barak said unto her, If thou wilt go with me, then I will go: but if thou wilt not go with me, then I will not go.

Judges 4:8

Deborah the wife of Lappidoth was a wise and courageous judge of Israel. She was known for her wisdom. She was the only woman of the Bible who gained renown on her own merit, instead of her relationship to a man. Deborah’s vision was shaped by her relationship in GOD. Like the patriarch of Israel, one must hear GOD and believe GOD, then that person will acquire the courage to overcome oppression. Likewise, Deborah demonstrated these qualities and became a remarkable judge and a prophetess. Her courage aroused the people and led them in a victory procession of peace. Later, she even described herself as a “mother in Israel.” 



Having received instruction from God, Deborah summoned an Israelite warrior named Barak. Barak was Deborah’s protégé, her second in command and his name means lightening, Yet, Barak would not strike until he was ignited by Deborah’s power. Barak’s response when ordered by Deborah into battle demonstrates his discomfort. Notice “if you will go with me, I will go; if not I will not go.” (Judges 4:8) So Deborah agreed to enter the battle with the troops by his side. Although, she informed Barak, “However, there will be no glory for you in the course you are taking, because the Lord will deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman.” (Judges 4:9) Deborah joined the troops in battle,  led Israel out of idolatry, and restored their dignity as God chosen people.

Barak had hesitated faith. For instance, in response to God’s command, he said, “I’ll obey if…” Yet, Deborah did not abandon Barak for his hesitated faith. Rather, she accompanied him and gave him the strength to accomplish God’s purpose. 

Finally, this Bible story provides us a great example of a man and woman partnering as they obeyed the command of God. Their outcome enabled the Israelite warriors to win the battle! All the troops of Sisera fell by their sword; not a man was left. Deborah’s courage and wisdom in calling up an army to break Hazor’s control gave the Israelites 40 years of peace. Deborah’s peace and confidence as a leader stemmed in part from her ability to hear God clearly.

Deborah's undertaking makes her my favorite and reminds me the following lesson learned:

1) Trust in God’s Word

2) Be of good courage

3) Wise leaders surround themselves with the right people

4) We must be concern about people, not just our success

5) Acknowledged that all the glory belongs to God

By Gwendolyn Player

(My Consin)

Ruth Journey of Love

And Ruth said, Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God:                                                         Ruth 1:16

Photo by Cosmic Timetraveler on Unsplash

These words are often quoted in special ceremonies as a display of love. Yet, it came from a Moabite woman instead of a profound patriotic like Moses or David. Notice the satire because the Moabites were enemies of the Israelites. Although, one can easily trace their origin to Lot, Abraham's nephew; yet, they eventually became enemies. For instance, when the Israelites left Egypt, King Balak (Moabite) wanted the prophet, Balaam to curse the Israelites. Instead of cursing, Balaam blessed them. Ironically, this Scripture setting occurs during the period of the Judges of which every Israelite acted within his or her self-interest (Judges 21:25). So God used a Moabite to demonstrate the meaning of selfless love and placed Ruth in the lineage of the Savior.


Oftentimes, I hear many of my single colleague state that “I am waiting for my Boaz.” However, even before Boaz entered the picture, Ruth’s words alone exhibits love that was so devoted that she willingly forsake all to comfort someone else. For such a display of love to unfold, I tend to think it originates from reciprocity which creates a mutual dependency instead of a selfish intent. In other words, love must become equally shared between two individuals.  Before Ruth said these words, she experienced the same love from Naomi. For instance, Naomi’s demonstration of love to her two daughter-in-laws actually caused them to follow her back to Bethlehem. Repeatedly, we tend to demonstrate love conditionally as determine by the value or the usefulness of what you will receive. For example, how many times have you heard, "if you love me you will do this or that," or after something negative occurs someone will say, "I thought you loved me?" These examples demonstrate the profit of love accordingly to the expected outcome without valuing the worthiness of the giver.  Yet, Ruth's words focus on the receiver while removing any selfish benefits.


First, Ruth pleas with Naomi to accompany her even after repeated discouragement from Naomi.  Secondly, Ruth places emphasis on the journey, despite the distance, “I am going with you.” Thirdly, Ruth noted the importance of sustainment by stating the requirement for lodging. Thus, the significance of lodging enables one to acquire shelter from the natural elements including predators. Mainly, Ruth commits to the natural realm; and then she implies her willingness to join Naomi on her spiritual return to her culture. "Your people shall be my people, and thy God my God." This phase alone demonstrates her commitment to embrace Naomi’s way of life instead of her Moabites intricacies. Finally, Ruth shifts her total attention on her mother-in-law. Such a responsibility usually rests on the males of the family, and since there remains no males, Ruth became Naomi’s provider.

What an awesome demonstration of selfless love! How many of us have demonstrated such love to our love ones? How many of us tend to remove our selfish intention just to love another? How many of us realize the commitment to both the physical and spiritual journey of someone else? So the next time you hear the words, I love you, think about Ruth instead of waiting for your Boaz.

Money and Sea

Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go you to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first comes up; and when you have opened his mouth, you shall find a piece of money: that take, and give to them for me and you. (Matthew 17:27)

While sitting on the beach at St Kitts, I reflected on this Scripture which reminds me that even the sea can give you money when you have an obligation to render. Yet, this Scripture unfolds the process of obligations from the Jewish tradition of paying the Temple tax from patrons. When Peter entered the city of Capernaum, he was approached by tax collectors who questioned if his master plans to pay the usual temple tax. Evidently, Peter agreed to pay this tax because the conversation with the Savior revealed a question alluding to the tradition of paying taxes.     

…And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, what thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers? Matthew 17:25 KJV

This dialogue makes a very important point about obligations. The obligator who obligates a payee must reflect on the benefits of the obligations to receive payment. So when the Savior questioned Peter, who has already obligated the payment of taxes for his master, responded with a favorable answer to satisfy his obligation. The Savior's question inquired for whom pay the king, his subjects or his children. This question allows you to resonate on the benefits instead of the payment of the obligation. Benefits constrain you toward honoring the obligation. For instance, as subjects of the king, you will receive benefits from the kings’ realm such as protection and security both physical and economical when transaction business within the kingdom. So the Savior reminded Peter who should pay taxes - the ones who will benefit from the payment while implying that the children are the recipients of the taxes. Of course, the ones who will benefit the most should pay the taxes. Today, we constantly face similar obligations when the obligator requests payment of an obligation even when the payee realizes only limited benefits exist. 

Yet, the Savior encouraged the payment of Peter's obligation just to avoid offending the tax collectors even though He is LORD over the Temple. How many times the Savior will rescue a believer who makes poor choices with everyday transactions? How often do you here this comment reflecting poor choices, “if you make your bed hard you must lie in that bed.”  However, the Savior provided a different response to Peter‘s choice to pay the Temple tax. The Savior's direction to Peter is as follows:

”..go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the fish that comes up first. And when you have opened its mouth, you will find a piece of money; take that and give it to them for Me and you.” Matthew 17:27 NKJV

Realize that even the Savior who is LORD of the Temple submitted to the same obligations as others and willingly made provision to pay this tax. Likewise, when we make poor choices, the Savior always create opportunities to honor our obligations. Don’t renege on your obligation which will cause offense. Yet, when you honor your obligations like Peter, you will become amazed how your common lively hood can create more that you can imagine. Peter’s skill set of fishing enabled him to catch the right fish, receive the right coin which was enough to pay the Temple taxes. The lesson learned from money and sea reminds me that instead of waiting for money to come from other means, look within my common skill set for opportunities to fulfill my obligations

What are we really passing to our children?

A friend proposed this question the other day that made me resonate on my priorities as a parent. In light of what we see in our society, have we taught and passed on to our children the social skills and people's insights necessary to navigate life? And do they understand them so that they can be passed on to their children or is that even necessary?

As we become mature, we often ponder significant memories to determine their meaningfulness. Yet, the legacy of one's life leaves us with unforgettable memories that have a far reaching affect as we venture into uncharted territories of life. For instance, how often do you hear this comment when a child behaves like his parent, "he is just like his father" or "the apple does not fall far from the tree"?

In 2015, I was attending a True Growth Leadership conference at Fort Leavenworth of which my homework assignment on this night consisted of writing down my crucibles/experiences and then grasp lessons that I learned from each. As I recalled the death of my father, I found myself crying profusely. I was remembering certain events of my life and realizing that I will never see him again. At that moment of realization I re-evaluated my priorities. This exercise of evaluating my crucibles and experiences was to create my life values and a purpose. Yet, this thought provoking exercise allowed me to realize the value of having a father who provided me a true blueprint for life. While my mind flooded with memories, I noticed that each crucible uncovered a lesson learned more than my successes. This exploration of each memory led to a common conversation of which my father reminded me over and over when I failed. “Athletes are not born but are made. If athletes were born, you will be one since your mother and father were all-state players, but athletes are made. So you must put the work in your game.” As my basketball coach in high school, when I failed to perform as expected he reminded me that I lacked the birthrights for success so I must work toward success. Oh, how I missed his candid way of saying things just to make me work harder. These crucibles enabled me to recognize that my father’s values had formulated my success in all areas of my life. Whether educationally, spiritually, socially, and mentally, I am who I am today, all reflected from his values. So I decided that my core purpose in life will consists of seeking perpetual optimism through innovative ways in helping others. His example as an educator/coach left an impact on many of his former students who claimed that “your father was like a father to me” or “if your father didn’t intervene in my irresponsible behavior, I have no clue where I will be now.” These meaningful comments inspired me to become that liked apple from his tree. By experiencing his values I recognized the need to continue his legacy with my particular values. 

1) Observant of Opportunities 

2) Stay mentally stimulated 

3) Just Do It 

4) Think Favorably 

5) Servant Attitude

Observant of opportunities infuses ones’ willingness to engage opportunities beyond the norms. Oftentimes individuals become too focus on self-advancement without realizing opportunities can materialize from unlikely sources. Usually, an opportunist has a negative connotation because he takes advantage of any situation to improve self. However, I desire to seek opportunities to serve. Staying mentally stimulated creates innovation. Thus, innovation allows one to take risk through opportunities leading to the motto - Just Do It. These three values occur simultaneously when I think favorably with a servant attitude while understanding that life is more than self-gain but an opportunity to give. The Scripture emphasizes this same process using the ingredient of love.

Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that. Ephesians 5:1–2 MSG

Therefore, a parent who provides the necessary know-how for his child to navigate through life really reflects on the parent’s purpose in life. If the parent decision-making process resembles a selfish (me-first) mentality then his child will emulate the same while enabling a narcissistic mindset. Whereas, the parent who lives a purpose driven life inclusive of love toward others, his child will imitate the same qualities. This child will manage to navigate through life with insightfulness and significance while passing the same legacy for the next generation. Mainly, the behavior of the parent necessitates the truthfulness about life and the worthiness of passing similar traits. My best analogy of this process is that the apple always falls right under the apple tree.