Fall is a time when the leisure and hot weather of summer gives way to the cool temperatures and regular routines starting again. The change in seasons is a part of the rhythm of life. In much the same way, the seasons change because of the earth’s tilt away and toward the sun, our lives go through changes in seasons. As wise Solomon said, there is a reason and season for everything in our lives. It is important to identify a change in seasons and make the right adjustments. God is doing some new things in your life.

As you progress in Him and follow His lead, it requires all of us to be aware of how we need to be aware of what God is doing. There is a part of us that loves familiarity and wants things to remain the same. But the nature of life is everything is in a flux and moving from what was to what is now. Learn to enjoy change and get the most out of whatever changes come in your life. Even though it may seem uncomfortable, see it as another opportunity to trust God and expect something good to come from it. This fall may you enter into a way of thinking that allows you to maximize all God is bringing you into. I believe the best is yet to come!

August is a transitional month. It is a time when vacations come to an end and everyone gets ready to get back on the grid. God created us all in a way where we need to take time to relax and get reinvigorated. This is why he commanded us to have one day set aside to rest. It is one of the main ways that we manage ourselves is to take into account the need to be renewed and refreshed. I would encourage you that throughout the year be intentional about operating at a reasonable pace. Trusting God involves allowing Him to lead you to do what He orders you and let all that other stuff be left in his hands. Too often we are trying to do too much and contributing to our own demise because we are not taking into account the limits of our humanity.

God can do anything and everything but you on the other hand can only do what God allows you to do. It is important to know your limitations and trust God who is unlimited. As we step back into the fray, let us go forward in a way where we can run the race with patience and finish strong!

Mental Health is the most pervasive issue in our society today. Experts tell us that one in every five persons is mentally ill. That means on any given day, upwards of 52 million people in America are struggling with some form of mental illness. Most people are going undiagnosed and completely unaware that they are dealing with mental illness. It is sad that something can be so common and yet very little attention is given to helping people who are suffering from mental illness.

I have committed myself to learn as much as I can about mental illness. I would encourage you to do so too. One of the greatest challenges to the gospel of Jesus Christ is the existence of mental illness. We cannot say we are carrying out the Great Commission if we are not targeting ministry at specifically the mental health of people. The major thrust of Jesus’ ministry was aimed at the mental well-being of the people he ministered to. Jesus said he had come to heal the broken hearted (Psalm 147:3). When Jesus said come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest, clearly that was a reference to mental illness (Matthew 11:28). There are many references to mental illness. It is critical that the church address this very important issue. I believe Jesus came to set the captives free. Many experts tell us that there is no cure for mental illness. However, I choose to believe the Word of God, which is my truth.

Matthew 4:23.. And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. I believe ALL would include Mental Illness! The scripture says He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

God bless you!

Spring represents a time when the tilt of the earth toward the Sun means warmer temperatures and conditions for growth.  There is literally a complete change in the landscape as greenery replaces cold hard brown terrain.  Many engage in outdoor activities that were not possible during the winter.  Just as there is a seasonal change in the natural, I also believe there is seasonal change in spirit.  God is bringing us from the challenging times of a world-wide pandemic into a time when we gradually start to live less restrictive lives.  While still vigilant and on guard, this is a season of change for the better.

I believe we can look forward to being able to socially interact more and enjoy the things we love most like traveling and enjoying public worship.  This is a time to be grateful as we reflect on God’s protection and provision.  We have survived one of the most horrific health crises in the history of the world.  And now is a time for renewal, restoration and new life.  The best is yet to come, and your latter shall be greater than your past.  Given the severity of this season of trials and test, we can anticipate that God has something very special for us now.  I dare say as it says in Isaiah 61, “For your shame you shall receive double for your trouble!” Galatians 6:9 says, “Be not weary in well-doing for in due season ye shall reap if you faint not!”

It’s time to get excited and look forward as we spring forth into all God has for us in this new spiritual season.

I have always enjoyed the month of February because it is the month when our minds are turned toward love on Valentine’s Day. It is also a month when society focuses on the contributions of African Americans. It is a wonderful combination intended to raise our consciousness in two vital areas.

First, the need to express love to others. Nothing can be better than showing affection and commitment. Especially as it relates to romantic love. The whole idea of celebrating relationships is so beneficial and heart-warming.

Secondly, the emphasis on Black History is long overdue. It is sad that there was a deliberate attempt to understate the vital role that various African Americans played in the development and progression of our great nation. Americans of all races should take time to appreciate these brilliant, courageous heroes who did great things even while dealing with systematic racism and discrimination. It is time to get our history straight. Although, we focus on Black History in February, it should be celebrated year-round.

May we love with all our hearts and remember with all our strength those who have not been given the proper recognition among our African American ancestors.

Experts tell us that we are quickly approaching a time when the COVID crisis can be put behind us. Many people are eager to get back to normal. The thoughts of no more mask and social distancing will be welcomed with great anticipation. I want to suggest, however, that things should never go back to normal.

We have been blessed to survive one of the worst health crises the world has ever known. This is a time to reflect on God’s goodness. This is a time to praise Him for his provision and power. There is a new normal we are to live by. That new normal is a greater appreciation for the Lord. That new normal is trusting Him more than ever. The new normal is loving Him in a way we did not do before. It will be so unfortunate, with all we have been through during this crisis, that we do not emerge from it without being closer to the Lord. He is so worthy to be praised. He deserves all the Glory.

Many will pick up exactly where they left off before all this began. But I encourage you to use all the experiences of this horrific time to change your spiritual trajectory to one in which you go higher and higher in the Lord.

As we enter a new year this is a moment when we need to reflect on all God has done this past year. 2021 was a year of intense drama and activity in our world. The challenges have been great but God by his grace has brought us through. Even the start of the New Year is besought with record number of COVID infection cases. And yet it is my firm belief that God is doing something magnificent amid this seeming misfortune. I believe the groundwork has been laid for God to do some miraculous things in the earth. Events like this help us to realize just how powerless we are and how much we need God for our personal survival. The message coming through the failure of the government and medical community to handle this crisis is God alone is our source and protector. He alone can ensure that no plague come nigh our dwelling. He delivers us from the snare of the fowler and is a strong tower to all that run to Him. I would encourage you to resort to Him as your God and the lifter of your head. God will never forsake us, and He has promised no man can pluck us from His hand.

I believe the greatest days the Body of Christ has ever seen are ahead. I believe these times are ripe for revival and a powerful move of God. I sense God is doing something special for you this year. I believe this is a year when God is going to manifest His glory in every aspect of your life. This is a season of change in which God is going to raise you up as a testimony to His goodness and His power. I need you to lift your head all ye gates and be ye lifted up ye every lasting door that the King of Glory may come in. Who is the King of God, the Lord Strong and mighty? The Lord mighty in battle. I dare say when things are at their worst, God does His best work. Consequently, I believe we are due a move of God unlike anything that has been seen ever before.

This is a defining moment in the history of the world because no one has an answer to these horrific conditions. But while man cannot save himself, we have a Savior, and His name is Jesus. Look to Him, seek Him, draw from Him because he stands ready to save and deliver. God bless and see you next time!

As schools across this nation reopen for the Fall, I thought about how important it is that our children be encouraged to approach the school year as an opportunity to shine. The confidence our children have comes from the conditioning they receive from us. I remember my sister-in-law telling me many years ago how the teacher at the school that my niece attended in the second grade asked her who was Aunt Sabrina. The teacher wanted to know because my niece, Jonae had walked to the front of the class and announced to her that Aunt Sabrina told her that she was ten times smarter than everyone else in the class. (Daniel 1:20)

For as long as they could talk, I have had my children to repeat Philippians 4:13. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. “Each of them has told me on a number of occasions that at critical moments in their lives that scripture would embolden them to perform under pressure.

Even if you will not be attending school this Fall, I want to encourage you to be confident in the fact that God is strengthening you to do anything required; regardless of the challenge you face.