Life's Little Moments!

I stated many times previously that I enjoy going with my wife to her church. I’m not good at maintaining the clapping rhythm. I try to stay in sync to clap when she claps, but I more than once lose my place and lose step. Similar to the way I dance, I move too fast outside of the beat. Yet, I feel a sense of uniqueness each time I attend. It’s a sense of the Holy Spirit peace. I’ve said before that the Spirit of the Lord lifts the congregation to a level of praise and worship that I don’t see in the Catholic Church. Catholics are reserved; they don’t do much shouting and praising. This isn’t the main topic of my discourse. As always, it’s about my thoughts on certain things I see. 

 

A young mother, accompanied by her four children, was seated in front of us. All of her children were male; I estimated that the eldest was approximately eight or nine years old, while the youngest, who appeared to have recently learned to run independently, could not be older than two. This inference was based on his incessant running up and down the side aisle, at a speed matching his toddler legs' capabilities. When he grew fatigued, he would recline in the seat alongside his older brother. The remaining children stayed close to their mother and remained silent. 

 

I became intrigued because I noticed that the older brother would get his baby brother when he got into trouble. The baby obeyed him without any resistance, such as crying or pulling away. I thought to myself, the older brother is taking the father’s place. Where is the father? When I should be thinking about participating in worship, I’m thinking about someone’s business. This was the enemy distracting me from worshiping. It doesn’t matter where the father was; the family was in the House of the Lord. I thought of negative scenarios, but the positives outnumbered them. Forget about the absentee father. Think about a working father, a father who must work his shift and provide for his family. What about the father who is ill or deceased? We don’t know anything about them, so why did I waste time on them?

 

I behaved in a manner consistent with that of most societies, exhibiting traits such as nosiness, scheming, discrimination, speculation, judgmental attitudes, and reliance on stereotypes. Society seemingly requires no factual evidence, proof, or substantiation to draw conclusions; rather, it tends to fabricate and project its assumptions based on appearances. This behavior is reminiscent of our current government. Judgment comes from a need for control, but curiosity and compassion come from trust. When you trust that people are on personal journeys—and that you are too—you don’t need to police or compare. God is the Final Judge. We need to seek His Kingdom and be kinder and caring towards each.

Evolving While Searching!

I texted my youngest niece the other day, and I was happy to see her in such good spirits, even though she had recently parted ways with her best friend. I didn’t press her for details because she was very clear and supportive of her decision. I didn’t need to know everything. She said, “Please don’t feel sorry, don’t feel sad, I was the one who made that decision solely because I am entering into a season where I am looking for depth, alignment, and connection, something that we haven’t had. I promise I am okay. I am just evolving and growing.” This made me so proud of her. I’m always proud of my brother’s children. What parent wouldn’t be proud to hear their children make life-changing decisions?

 

Here’s a thoughtful reflection built around her statement, giving it depth, flow, and emotional resonance. Sometimes, life demands a choice that feels both deeply personal and quietly transformative. This statement reflects a moment of clarity—the kind where you recognize that the life you have been living no longer matches the person you are becoming. To strategize based on the pursuit of depth means she is no longer content with surface-level interactions, quick fixes, or empty routines. It means she is craving conversations, relationships, and experiences that will nourish her internally.

 

Seeking alignment is about more than goals or achievements—it’s about making sure one’s outer life matches one's inner truth. It’s the courageous act of making decisions that may not be understood by everyone, but that honor your values and vision. Alignment is not just about saying “yes” to what feels right; it’s about having the strength to say “no” to what doesn’t—no matter how familiar or comfortable it may be.

 

Connection—genuine connection—is often the rarest and most precious part of life. It’s about being seen and known in a way that is authentic, vulnerable, and mutual. If that hasn’t been present, then choosing to step away from what is shallow or misaligned isn’t selfish—it’s a declaration of self-respect.

 

The promise “I am okay” carries its weight. It’s the reassurance that growth does not always come from a place of pain, but from a place of readiness. Evolving means shedding old skins, releasing outdated versions of yourself, and walking toward something more honest. Growth isn’t always loud or dramatic; sometimes, it’s a quiet, steady shift toward what you know you need, even if no one else fully understands.

 

This is not just a season of change—it is a season of her becoming. A season of change for us all, and she is choosing depth over convenience, alignment over compromise, and connection over pretense, without sacrificing anything truly meant for her. She is simply making space for the life, the people, and the experiences that will match who she is becoming. I will keep praying for her, hoping she finds peace, perseverance, patience, and the discipline to overcome any challenges ahead. This journey will require faith and reliance on the Holy Trinity. Remember, she can't do this alone. There will be spiritual battles, but with God’s tried-and-true methods from the very beginning, she will find the strength to succeed. She's not alone in this — these timeless strategies can offer her the support and encouragement she needs.

 

 

Who Do We Believe In & Who Did We Forget?

God said in Isaiah 55:7-9, “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God he will abundantly pardon. For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

 

Here is a thought: What if individuals are reincarnated into the opposite race from which they died? My wife informed me that upon death, we relinquish our physical bodies and become spirits. As spirits, the concept of color is imperceptible; thus, race does not exist. I assert that our spirits require a place to wait until the return of Jesus; therefore, heaven, hell, and purgatory exist. Since all are born with original sin, and even those who are saved must still undergo judgment before entering heaven, this remains my perspective. It serves as a reminder that God’s thoughts are beyond my comprehension. Two prominent examples are immediate forgiveness and patience, qualities I often lack. 

 

When thinking about reincarnation, I imagine that in the next life, those with certain privileges based on race might find themselves experiencing poverty to better understand what others go through. It can be hard for white people to fully grasp the experiences of minorities, because our systems are often designed to protect the dominant group. That's why they might not always see the struggles that other races face. They create the laws, hold key positions in business, and even control districts and properties that their ancestors may have acquired from others. Recognizing this can lead to a deeper understanding and empathy.

 

I understand that this idea might seem a bit remote, but it comes from my personal experiences growing up in America during the Jim Crow era. I saw firsthand how Black families and Indigenous peoples faced segregation, discrimination, and horrifying acts like deception, shackling, and violence—including whippings, lynching, and malnutrition—all because of their skin color. Poor jobs and living conditions, caused by unequal salaries and limited access to good education, have contributed to a system of oppression and repression, making true equality hard to achieve. Voter suppression hasn’t stopped. Even the Churches were segregated, and many of them believed that heaven was for white people. Yet, they ignored that Simon of Cyrene, a black man, helped Jesus carry the cross. Reflecting on these experiences makes me realize that my thoughts are more about deep emotional connections than anything else.

 

Throughout American history, some moments define not only the past but also continue to shape our present. Crispus Attucks was the first American to lose his life in the American Revolution, symbolizing courage and sacrifice. Oliver Cromwell, the brave black soldier, crossed the Delaware with George Washington, exemplifying heroism. Despite the incredible contributions of Black Americans—like the Tuskegee Airmen, who famously did not lose a single bomber during World War II and yet were denied Congressional Medals of Honor—their efforts often go unrecognized. It wasn't until 2007 that many of these heroes received the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor in the U.S., while the Medal of Honor remains the highest military award. Sadly, racism continues to hold back America’s progress, but recognizing these stories reminds us of the ongoing journey toward equality. Even the first elected Black President did not receive the respect he deserved; however, the inappropriate conduct of the current President is predominantly overlooked. America can elect felons, even though felons cannot vote.

 

Vengeance belongs to the Lord, who is always in control. Rest assured that everyone will be judged at the right time. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who was raised from the dead by God's power, and that the Holy Spirit, our Comforter, will stay with us forever. We’ve got to get ourselves together, people, or most of us will be headed for some rough landings.

 

The World isn't Tired of Its Leaders, The People Are!

We are living in a new era, often called the Trump legacy, which marks a temporary but significant period in our history. As he and his team work to erase aspects of history, their pride ironically means that their actions—through division, deception, and lies—will be remembered in the pages of history. I believe that future generations will look back with regret on how we got here. It’s disheartening and disappointing that many Americans seem to accept behaviors that seem un-American, almost like barbaric practices from less developed parts of the world. I wonder if the descendants of the immigrants who built this country ever imagined that current generations would behave shamelessly as leaders of our society.

 

The new criterion for running for office is primarily based on comparing candidates' levels of truth, fairness, and God-fearing. What we are seeing is a question of who will follow a leader who is dishonest, unfaithful, and speaks lies. It is considered acceptable for individuals to be regarded as the harshest, biased, and thoughtless, as they are deemed qualified candidates. These are spiritual enemies of the Kingdom of God. Their lusts are unwittingly using them for money, power, and authority, and they are willing to sell their souls in this short life for an eternal life in fire.

 

American citizens for good government are exhausted because they feel trapped in a cycle of political dysfunction, misinformation, and partisan gridlock that undermines meaningful progress and erodes public trust. We watch as vital issues—like healthcare, education, infrastructure, and climate change—are reduced to talking points or political weapons instead of being addressed through thoughtful, collaborative policymaking. Each election cycle brings promises of reform and unity, but those promises are too often drowned out by divisive rhetoric, lobbying influence, and short-term political gain. Citizens who care deeply about integrity, accountability, and the public good are left feeling powerless and disillusioned.

 

This exhaustion is not apathy; it’s the fatigue of engagement without reward. Many have written letters, voted conscientiously, joined advocacy groups, or even run for local office, only to see entrenched interests prevail. The erosion of truth in public discourse and the normalization of unethical behavior among officials add to the sense of despair. In a system where transparency is murky and consequences are rare, faith in democracy starts to fray. The people are tired, and a reckoning is soon to come. Like a pimple on the body full of pus, it will eventually burst, ridding the body of the toxic mess. Vote!

 

Yet despite this exhaustion, the citizens remain committed. Their frustration is rooted in care. They continue to hope for a system where facts matter, leaders are held accountable, and government truly serves the people. Their weariness is not surrender; it is the quiet resilience of those who still believe that better is possible, even when the road there seems impossibly long. Yet, those who are faithful know that nothing is impossible with God and that He keeps His promises.

 

 

 

 

Convocation Week (July 31 – August 3, 2025

     What a truly blessed experience it is to gather at the Word of God Church International Ministries in Columbia, South Carolina, to praise and worship together! We're celebrating, honoring, and openly showing our heartfelt thanks to the living God. Most importantly, God's Word is spoken among us. Remember, God desires a relationship with each of us, and with that comes responsibility. Building and maintaining meaningful relationships takes effort—effort that many of us might find challenging, especially since lasting connections require honesty, patience, and a lot of work. These are qualities that aren't always easy to embrace, and without the Holy Spirit, our ability to succeed will be limited. When victory is ours, it’s not just something we talk about, but something we should also show and live out. Let’s walk in the Spirit, be led by the Spirit, and live guided by the Spirit. The truth is, we will come out victorious—if we keep sin bound.

 

    The Sunday’s sermon focused on Victory and the influence of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Triune God, alongside God the Father and Jesus, His Son. This is a wonderful mystery: the Divine Triune is truly one. We can’t separate one from the other; all three are essential. Don’t worry about fully understanding it—just trust that the Holy Spirit embodies God’s character and persona. The Holy Spirit will share with you the Word of God that He hears. It’s important to surrender yourself to God in everything you do. Remember, God always wins. By following His will, we can also come out victorious. Sometimes we feel proud, thinking we’ve won some battles on our own, but let’s be honest—it's not just us. We need to be doers of the Word, not just listeners. Pride can hold us back, and that’s why submitting to God is so important—so that we’re not led astray by the devil, who wants to use us.

 

    I was truly encouraged by the sermon on the Holy Spirit. As I mentioned in a previous blog, I've been exploring the Holy Spirit’s vital role in my life. It’s inspiring to learn that there are conditions to experience victory through the Holy Spirit. Guest Speaker Pastor Ronald Critton shared his insights and understanding with the congregation, and I found myself learning even more from his words. I feel like He knew exactly what I needed and gently provided me with additional insights without feeling overwhelmed. It’s a beautiful reminder of how attentive and caring the Holy Spirit is.

 

What makes us eligible for the victory? Here are Seven Tenets

·      Psalm 119:133 – Order my steps in your word. The first thing we should do every morning is ask for God’s direction. Pray that no evil will have any dominion over you. Receive the power from the Holy Spirit to overcome any evil set against you. Evil is not of God. God will give you authority and ability to break the yokes of bondage.

·      Prudence, Wisdom, and Hope are the three sisters in Proverbs. Prudence is cautious. Don’t let the devil trick you into taking chances and risks. Don’t be impatient, arrogant, and think you’re going to get away with something. Divine Surveillance will see you even if you think no one will see you. Psalm 118:130 - Exposure. The entrance of Thy Words giveth light; I giveth understanding unto the simple. The light is a verb. Light gives understanding to the inexperienced and naïve. What examples can we rely on? Don’t use inexperience as an excuse.

·      Prevention Psalm 119:105 – Thy Word is lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. It preserves you from getting into things that are not of God, for God, and from God. Off limits.

·      Protection Psalm 119:11 – Thy Word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against Thee. Don’t just quote Scriptures to look good. Keep the Word in your heart to avoid sin.

·      Psalm 37:23 The steps of a good man are directed by God, and God is pleased in his way.  Let God lead you, and you will be happy with the results.

·      Psalm 32:8 – I will instruct in the way you should live. I will counsel you with my loving eye. God will give you instructions for your purpose. People are living in defeat because they are not working in their purpose. Your profession is your resource, but God is your source. How can you, if you don’t let God guide you? You keep falling and losing. Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.

·      Romans 8:14 - For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. God will give you proof. We are the children of God by faith in Jesus Christ. Let the Holy Spirit lead you and counsel you. Submit to Him and receive the victory. Your profession is your resource, but God is your source.

 

    I’ve learned so much this week, and I feel truly grateful that God allowed me to receive this knowledge. I also learned that evil doesn’t have a color; it possesses any human form that is open to receive darkness rather than the light of the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul stated in Ephesians 6:12, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." This verse emphasizes that people are not primarily fighting against human enemies, but against spiritual forces of evil. Yet, it appears that Christians are easy targets for those forces of evil. Why? Many so-called Christians don’t have love in their heart as Jesus advocated. If they did, America’s fabric wouldn’t be so tightly woven in racism and discrimination. Yes, I included this statement because I meant it. Look around, open your heart, and prove that I’m lying. At least, St. Paul repented and changed his ways.

 

I pray that what I’ve shared with you will serve as a gentle nudge to help you begin your incredible journey with the Holy Spirit.

Dust and Divine: Holding the Tension of Smallness and Sonship!

What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You care for him?”

Psalm 8:4 (ESV)

 

Devotional Thought:

There are times when the weight of the universe makes me feel impossibly small—like a speck of dust drifting through eternity. When I look at the stars, consider the span of history, or reflect on how many people walk this earth, I can’t help but wonder: Did I matter? And then I remembered that I am a child of God.

 

This truth doesn’t deny my smallness. It sanctifies it. I am dust. But I’m dust that God breathed life into (Genesis 2:7). Dust that He formed, loved, redeemed, and called His own. In the eyes of the world, I may seem insignificant. But in the eyes of my Father, I am known, chosen, and cherished.

 

Feeling small isn’t a sign of failure; it’s a valuable perspective. It marks the start of wisdom. It’s about standing in awe of a holy God and realizing that, despite His greatness, He humbles Himself to lift me. I wish to show God that I want to do more, that my actions matter to Him. However, He gently reminds me that my actions are significant to me, and sometimes, I need to be still and listen when He beckons me to move. Otherwise, I might be caught up in busyness.  

 

It is the mystery of grace:

 

* I am fragile, yet secure.

* I am fleeting, yet eternal.

* I am humbled yet honored.

* I am dust, and yet His.

 

In this tension lies the truth of my identity. I don’t need to pretend I’m bigger than I am. And I don’t need to shrink away from His calling. I need to live by being grounded in humility, lifted by grace, and led by the Spirit.

 

Reflection:

 

1. When have you felt small lately? What did that experience teach you about God?

2. How does remembering you are both dust and a child of God shape the way you view yourself today?

3. What might God be inviting you to release in humility—or receive in grace?

 

Prayer:

Father, I often feel like a speck of dust in this world; small, fragile, and unnoticed. But You remind me that I am seen and loved. Help me to walk humbly, knowing who I am: not because of my greatness, but because of Yours. Thank You for calling me Your child. Amen.

 

 A Part of Things (c)

There Will Come a Time...!

 

There will come a time when today becomes yesterday, and the choices we make in moments of crisis or comfort will shape not just our futures, but the fate of generations yet to come. History is a continuous journey, an unbroken line of cause and effect, and at every moment, we are both the inheritors and the creators of what’s to come. In this truth, there’s both a responsibility and a beautiful opportunity: the future isn’t set in stone, but it’s well within our reach. Whether it turns out to be a victory or a setback depends mainly on what we choose to do right now. 

There will come a time when the Earth can no longer sustain the extractive habits of the past. Our oceans are warming, our forests are shrinking, and our air is thick with the residue of industrial ambition. But this time of reckoning need not be a time of despair. Across the globe, there is growing awareness that sustainability is not a luxury. It is a necessity.

Technological innovation holds immense promise. We’re already witnessing incredible developments: vast solar farms spreading across deserts, majestic wind turbines along coastlines, and exciting advancements in fusion and battery storage that could finally free us from dependence on carbon. However, remember that technology alone isn't enough to save us. We also need a shift in our values, moving from a focus on consumption to conservation, and from dominance over nature to living in harmony with it. There will come a time when humanity faces a choice: see nature as a mere commodity or as a valued companion. That decision could determine whether our planet survives or truly thrives.

There will come a time when artificial intelligence will not only support what humans do but also go beyond it in many areas. We're stepping into an exciting era where machines can craft poetry, diagnose illnesses, drive cars, and even simulate emotions. Every year, the line between natural intelligence and machine reasoning gets a little blurrier, and the questions we face become more intriguing.

Imagine a world where we discover new ways to maintain our sense of meaning, purpose, and dignity, even as machines assume many tasks. As AI advances, it prompts us to reconsider what it truly means to be human, not just in terms of what we can do, but also in terms of who we are. This future will test our values and courage, calling us to define ourselves beyond our utility. There may come a moment when intelligence is ordinary, but true wisdom remains precious and rare.

There will come a time when national borders matter less than our shared humanity. As the climate crisis displaces millions, pandemics spread across continents, and the internet connects the world into a constant, lively conversation, the notion of isolation begins to feel outdated.

We're slowly noticing encouraging signs. Collaborative science, bridging cultures, as youth movements come together across languages, and digital platforms empower communities outside traditional centers. At the same time, we recognize that these exciting connections can also bring challenges. Misinformation can spread just as quickly as truth, and nationalism can grow as a response to globalism. It's within these moments of tension that we see the importance of nurturing a new kind of citizenship. This citizenship respects our rich heritage while focusing on our shared future.

There will come a moment when we realize that helping one another survive is essential for everyone's well-being. Creating a global sense of care, teamwork, and peaceful living may be the most significant challenge we face today.

There will come a time when we can no longer overlook or justify the legacy of injustice. The stories of slavery, colonialism, genocide, and economic exploitation are more than just history; they have left lasting scars that resonate through the ages. These issues are very real. They appear in the form of ongoing inequality, mass incarceration, poverty, and deep-seated systemic prejudice.

History isn't just about pain. It also offers guidance. Remembering isn't just about mourning; it's about learning. Across the globe, individuals are striving to reconcile with the past through truth commissions, reparations, educational initiatives, and community healing efforts. These efforts may be challenging and not always universally supported, but they are truly important.

There will come a time when justice is viewed not just as a political issue, but as a fundamental human right, when equity is not just a dream but a clear standard, when healing is no longer held back by denial. In that brighter future, society can truly start to embody the dignity of every individual, not only in laws, but in everyday life.

There will come a time when we all must consider what it truly means to live a fulfilling life. In a world that’s so focused on speed and getting things done, it’s easy to forget that time is the one thing we can’t get back once it’s gone. Death, which used to be approached with reverence and ritual, has become a topic that’s often tucked away and kept out of sight and out of mind.

Mortality isn't just a limitation; it's a gentle reminder to cherish every moment. It encourages us to love wholeheartedly, to create without fear, and to live intentionally. Knowing that life is finite makes each moment more precious, vibrant, and meaningful. Eventually, we all reach the end of our journey. The real question is, what will we leave behind? Will it be fear and regret, or kindness and a legacy?

There will come a time when the measure of a life isn’t about wealth or fame, but about the impact we have and the memories we leave behind. And within that truth, there’s hope—for if each of us lives purposefully, our collective future can be filled with peace.

There will come a time when humanity itself may face its demise, whether through natural evolution, cosmic chance, or self-inflicted harm. But there may also come a time when we evolve into something greater: wiser, more compassionate, more attuned to the rhythms of the universe. Whether we reach that future will depend on what we value now: short-term gain or long-term stewardship, division or unity, fear or hope.

In every generation, people believe they stand at the crossroads of history. Perhaps this is always true. But if so, then the power of this moment is not in predicting the future, but in shaping it.

There will come a time. Let it be the time we are proud to meet as equals.