"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," (Ephesians 6:12, NIV). The more I journey through this life, the more I understand one thing: we are definitely in a fight. Every single day of our lives. Every time we turn around, there’s an enemy in our face. There was a time early in my childhood when I wanted to curl up in a ball and hide out from life. The bullies were a constant threat to my physical and emotional well-being, and I just couldn’t take it anymore. Then I got smart and told my mom. Her reply was, “If you go after the leader of the group and take her/him down, the rest will leave you alone.” I thought about that for a moment, since I didn’t have a-lick-of-fight in me, then I understood. The ringleader always has a posse, you know, the group of cowards cheering them on to beat you up. But I didn't want to fight. However, for me to gain back my freedom from hiding out and my dignity from cringing in constant fear, I had to fight. Not all of them, just one of them. I thought my Christian life would be different. And even though I had given my life to Christ, I was still in a fight. But this fight was not the kind I was familiar with; this was a fight with an invisible adversary; and the ringleader was Satan (the devil). When I read Ephesians 6:12, I realized God was giving me the same counsel in the spirit realm that my mother had given me in the natural realm. “Take out the leader, and the others will flee.” Now, I know how to fight the good fight of faith, especially where people are concerned. We can’t hit back at them the way they attack us; we must strike back at the head of the operation. It’s he who oversees every attack to intimidate, destroy, kill, and steal from us. (see John 10:10) So, according to the Scriptures, our actual battle is with spiritual forces in the heavenly realms, not people. They are just pawns for the enemy's attack, sent to do his dirty work. And to get on our last nerve. The Scripture also says, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ," (Ephesians 1:3, NIV). Looking at it from this point of view, shows us that although we do have an adversary, we also have a Father, who is the Head of all (people, places, and things), and he gives us the victory in Christ Jesus! 1 John 5:4-5, KJV states, “For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” As believers in Christ Jesus, we overcome the world by overcoming the prince of this world. How do we do that? By faith, the word of God, and by putting on the full armor of God. (see Ephesians 6:10-18) Ephesians 6:13-18 (NIV) reminds us, “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” Prayer: Father, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, we ask you to help us fight the good fight of faith. We don’t always know how to fight spiritually, and we can’t fight back physically like the world does. Help us to pray in the Spirit as we ought, as your word instructs us to do, for we know not what we ought to pray for; but the Holy Spirit knows all. And help us to do the word of God, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you" (James 4:7, NIV)​. Amen.

• Those who will love you and see you through • Those who will hate you, but don't know why they do • Those who will embrace your creativity as a blessed thing • Those who will despise the good work that your offering brings • Those who will support you in everything you do • Those who are jealously wishing they were you • Those who will admire the new person you have become • Those who will reject you, turn from you and run • Those who are like you that you can share your love with • Those who are blind to God's presenting you as a gift

A few years ago, my family and I were in court. We had gone there for a restraining order violation. It was interesting because it all could have been avoided. The entire ordeal was started by a father who had decided he no longer wanted to provide for his children and had abused some of them in his anger. He also violated the restraining order and was in danger of going to jail. As we sat watching him, we were in shock at the situation. It really could have been avoided. He had been ordered to stay away from the children and my daughter, his ex-wife, for whom he wanted no responsibility, but he hasn’t. He had the financial ability to pay his child support, but he refused to do so. Later in the evening as I sat quietly, the Lord brought to mind 1 Timothy 6:10, “The love of money is the root of all evil.” I never would’ve equated that scripture to my grandchildren’s situation, but it clearly applies. He has protected his money over his children, which means he has loved his money more than his children. That’s definitely evil! We have been praying for his soul because God’s word says, in Luke 6:28 (NIV), "Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." It hasn’t been easy, but it is absolutely necessary. Men walking away from their families for the love of money is becoming a serious problem in our communities. God also brought to my remembrance when my adopted father did the same thing when he left us as children. My biological father also did the same when I was born. All the responsibility then fell on my mother, which she gladly took, in love, but struggled with. I really believe the problem is not just financial but spiritual. It is coming down to whom we choose to mate with. He may be handsome, but is he responsible and suitable? For the men, it will also come down to, “Are you caring and sharing? Or will you keep your goods to yourself and reap the results of your selfishness?” I will never see 1 Timothy 6:10 the same way I used to. It truly hit home for my family, and it is hitting home for a lot of families. Let’s pray for the wayward, broken men who are supposed to lead with love and compassion, because something is very wrong when a man sets out to destroy his own family. God help us!!! Prayer: Father, in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, please forgive the women for not consulting with you concerning our prior mating and marriage. Also, please forgive the broken men, “for they know not what they do.” Heal the family members, especially the children who have lost a part of themselves, because their father has forsaken them. Father, thank you for becoming the Father who will gladly love, provide for, and care for them for all eternity. And help us all to do what is loving and right for the edification of our family. Amen!

It was that time again: back to school! With everything going on with my family, the kids, the job, the dog, my mother, and my ministry, everything felt so overwhelming. “I can’t do this anymore, Lord!” I screamed as I made my way to my bedroom. After my meltdown, I just sat quietly contemplating how I was going to redeem myself. Then I took a deep breath and decompressed. I don’t know who invented deep breaths, but they sure do work. They give you just enough time to come to your senses. Afterward, God spoke to me to let me know everything was going to be alright, and I just needed to rest. After I came to my senses, I looked at my family, realizing that my work here was not in vain. We’ve come so far, and God will take us the rest of the way; we just need to hold on. I also came to understand that I should not “grow weary in well-doing” because I’m sowing into good soil. Even though I get tired, even though I get frustrated, even though I can’t always figure out what to do next; I still know that my family and my ministry is worth it! Just a friendly caregiver/minister reminder: it’s going to be alright! God’s got this! And we just need to hold on to our unchanging faith in him! But in the meantime, take a deeeeeeeeeep breath and let it all out. Then, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:6-7 (New International Version). Galatians 6: 1-10 (New Living Translation) states: “Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important. Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct. Those who are taught the word of God should provide for their teachers, sharing all good things with them. Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith,” Galatians 6:1-10 (NLT). Prayer: Father, I can’t say thank you enough for refreshing me when I need it the most. And for entrusting me with the care of those most precious to you, the children. Help me lean on you more, so I can be someone others can lean on for support. Make me strong in your love, then help me share the strength of your love and your word. In this, we shall all be emotionally well cared for and provided for. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!

“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” (Colossians 3:14) ​ How many times have you said to someone, “I love you?” Did you really mean it, or were you just saying it because you thought the other person wanted to hear it? How many times has someone told you these precious words? Probably more times than you can count. Saying these words is easy, but meaning them is a challenge. Not everyone who says “I love you” means it. More often than not, these are just words being tossed about like candy to an unsuspecting child being lured away. Love is not an emotion; it is an action. So, to say to someone, “I love you,” and have no action to back it up makes your profession of love questionable. If you are professing your so-called love to someone just for the sake of your own pleasure or gain, you will be the ultimate loser. You can only pretend for so long before the other person will see that you are not loving at all. Genuine love should compel you to think of the well-being and care of your partner, not yourself. And your partner, if they truly love you, will take care of your well-being and needs. Manipulation and control are not love. Love is not a tool to be used for selfish ambitions; it is a beautiful state of giving. The greatest good of humanity lies in loving and being loved. Don’t play with something so sacred and treat it like nothing. If you truly give love, then you will reap the return of love being returned to you. However, if you give foolishness or selfishness in the name of love, then you will reap the same. Now that you’ve had time to think about it, I ask you again, “Are You Really Loving?” Prayer: Father, all these years I thought I was loving, but I may have just been lusting selfishly to gain what I wanted. I see now that love is not an emotional toy to toss around to just anyone or for any reason. It is a purposeful and powerful emotional gift that should not be taken for granted or misused. Guide me in the way of your love, so I can model your perfect love and share it with others. Thank you. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

In this most trying of seasons, we are scrambling to understand the constructs of the new way of life we have been forced to adhere to. And although the change has been abrupt, is doesn't have to be without advantages. The Bible speaks about distinct changes that take place in our lives; they are the "tests and trials" of life. These "tests and trials" are meant to try our faithfulness to God and to expose our trust in him. James 1:2-4 encourages, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” First Peter 1:6-7 illustrates the benefits of trials, “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” It is also states in 1 Peter 4:12-13, “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.” As much as we hate the “tests and trials” of life, I have heard so many testimonies of believers say, “I hope I never have to go through anything like that again, but I wouldn’t change a thing.” I said the same statement after much loss, much devastation, much persecution, and much affliction, which caused much suffering and much fear. I couldn't cry my way out, pray my way out, work my way out, buy my way out, and no one else could bail me out. I had to endure it by faith that God would deliver me. And through humility and listening closely to God after I cried out to Jesus to "save me," I was delivered as a completely different person than when the trial season began. I wasn't a Christian during that time, but I had always sought after God, never knowing how to connect with him. After he saved me from my time of suffering, a few months later, I gave him my life because I knew it was no accident that I was still alive. He must want me here for something greater. "Tests and trials" do come to make you strong. Afterward, you never want to experience anything like that again, but you would not change that experience with God for anything. It runs you to him, with urgency, needing his rescue. And it makes you stronger and gives you a better understanding of God’s love for you. That season prompts faith and patience. "The only temptations that you have are the same temptations that all people have. But you can trust God. He will not let you be tempted more than you can bear. But when you are tempted, God will also give you a way to escape that temptation. Then you will be able to endure it." (1 Corinthians 10:13) When you see that, you have no control to stop or alter the negative circumstances; this is the time to submit to the "test or trial." You can't stop it, but you can endure it. Just hold on, call on Jesus, and get quiet while you trust God to deliver you. In my personal experience, the best way to get through the "tests and trials" sooner is to: get humble; even through the anger, pray; even through the fear, repent of your sins; even though you feel you didn't cause any of this, listen for the voice of God; he is near you, and obey his instructions; they will lead you. The devil may have started the fight, but God will finish it! (see the Book of Job) All you have to do is submit to God and see yourself better. How? Through your imagination. Hope and dream your way forward by faith in God. He can transform your life in ways you could never imagine. And remember this: it's only a season that will pass if you invite God into it with you and submit to his will. Prayer: Father, in this season when I don't know how to respond, thank you for continuing to show me your love through the love of others. Help me to remember that you are fully in control and "You would not allow more to come upon me than I am able to bear." Thank you for your faithfulness, your loving-kindness, and for forgiving my sins. Lord, be patient with me. Please keep me strong and have mercy on me; even though I don't deserve any of it. And help me take this time to examine my love and faithfulness toward you. Where I am weak, make me strong. Where I am strong, help me to be humble. Thank You. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen! P.S. I chronicle my story in my book, which God told to me to write: Suitable Singles: Every Single Decision Matters by A. Lin. Thomas (available wherever books are sold) Or see the Book section of my website http://www.suitablesingles.org and click on the Look Inside link. Stay Strong, Pray Always, and Stay Safe. Love You All!!!

Can you do me a favor? Take a good look at your life. What do you see? What do you wish to see? A few years ago, I was watching a television program that documented the death of a famous rapper who was killed. A man who was being interviewed shouted with great emotion, "The whole world stopped!" His declaration took me by surprise because that incident didn't stop my world; it didn't affect me as emotionally as it did the people who knew and loved him. But hearing that declaration caused me to see differently. What I understood is that although we are all living in the same universe, on the same earth, sometimes in the same community, or even in the same house and family; the experiences that change or affect our individual lives are vastly unique. ​ Yes, the death of that famous and beloved rapper tore into the souls of those who cared for him. And his absence left an empty space in their lives that no other person could fill. The shock of the loss seemed to bring the rap world to a screeching halt at that moment. That's the same feeling we have when circumstances in life throw us a "curveball." It feels like the world as we knew it has ceased to exist. It feels like things will never be the same. It also feels like we may never be able to recover or start over. But I think we can all attest to the fact that life is full of "ups and downs," "hills and valleys," joys and sorrows." However, most sorrows don't last, but they may get our attention, so that we can avoid more sorrow by changing course. The next time you have a life-changing experience that "throws you for a loop," ask yourself: What is God trying to get me to see to get me back on course in his will? Prayer: Father, please open my eyes; I need to have clear vision. Give me your insight because I may have been walking blind. I didn’t mean to be groping in the darkness, but I am way off course and I can’t seem to find my way back. For me to know your will and your way, I submit to studying your Word, so that I can know what you require of me. Strengthen me through this season and lead me in humility. I lay down everything that is hindering my purpose in you. Help me get up and move forward in your perfect plan for my life. Thank you. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

"And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." (Hebrews 13:16, NIV) Have you ever heard the term, “Sharing is caring?” Well, this is especially true when you are mating. As I found out over the past few years, when I took in four of my grandchildren, it’s not easy to share your space when you’ve been so accustomed to having it all to yourself. You will realize when mating that the way you are used to doing things is not always conducive to your relational peace. Your way may not be his/her way. And your household value system may not be theirs. However, the entity of the mating/marriage relationship requires us to consider how we will share our space to make it a welcoming home. Most couples find it very difficult in the beginning to share common living space. Their family/cultural norms may differ greatly from those of their mate. From rolling the toothpaste to keeping the bedroom clean, we need to be prepared for the change. All change is not bad; it’s just different. And the best way to accommodate gender, cultural, and daily habitual differences is through negotiation and compromise. By talking through your differences and expectations as a couple, you will eliminate the undue pressure that comes with the adjustment of living together. Fighting through the change is not the way to overcome it. It’s all about negotiation and compromise. Talking through the details of expectations will help alleviate the tension and the transitional change. ​ What do we value? What is most important to the daily peace of our household and relationship? Are we contributing to peace or not? What can we do differently to bring peace to our family and community? What can I do differently to bring peace to our home? Is my way the best way? By asking these questions and addressing the needs, you will create a more peaceful environment that makes your home a sanctuary, not a battleground. Remember, compromise is better than yelling, and negotiating is better than conflict. Prayer: Father, as I pray for a mate, please help me make the necessary adjustments in my life as a single person to prepare my life for mating/marriage. Remove any selfish ambitions from me and replace them with a heart to share. Help me be ready to share my life and space with him/her. And let my presence in the life of my mate be a loving, compassionate, pleasant, peaceful, fruitful, and joyful experience for him/her and our marriage. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9 (NIV) Happy New Year! Welcome to 2026! As we transition from one year to another, we are always inspired to take a retrospective look back. For some, looking back means facing challenging life issues that seemed to drain all their physical and mental juices. Looking back for others means reflecting on the times that brought joy and divine surprises. However, the previous year, through its trials and victories, was a gift that taught us great lessons. One of those lessons for me was having faith through patience. As I spoke about before, my daughter and grandchildren's trials and her sickness and death put me in a situation that has tested my faith and my patience. But God has brought us a mighty long way. What I noticed about 2025 was that it seemed to be a year of “Times of Refreshing.” God gave us new carpet in our apartment that transformed the atmosphere and brought warmth to the environment. My poor carpet took a beating when all the kids moved in, and I had never replaced it for 16 years. I kept it up through shampooing and vacuuming, but it was just worn out. He also brought “Times of Refreshing” to my grandchildren, who had the relationship with their father and his side of the family's fellowship restored. But the biggest surprise came on December 4th, when the Lord answered my prayer. In 2018, the Lord told me to get my driver's license. I began some practice driving time with a church member who offered to teach my granddaughter and me to drive. We had about six months of instruction before Covid interrupted every part of our lives. However, the Lord made the way for my granddaughter and me to take our 30 hours of driving class instructional lessons online from the comfort of our home. In the spring of 2020, he instructed me again to get my driver’s license. "But, Lord, I have tried that, and it did not work. I don't have anyone who will give me practice time," I explained. But he wasn’t finished; actually, he was just beginning. A few months later, a friend at work asked, “So, how is your practice coming along?” “It’s not,” I responded. “I asked a family member to help me, but I haven’t heard from her.” With a smile in her heart and on her face, she said, "I’ll take you out for practice." In shock, I sat wondering why she would take me out in her new car? She hadn’t had her own vehicle for eight years. But she was serious, and I was desperate for help, so together we navigated the practice time and two failed driving tests. We celebrated the victory when I got my driver's license on May 17, 2021, at the tender age of 58. However, I had no vehicle of my own, nor did I have the means to purchase or lease one. But I had a very generous neighbor who loaned me her vehicle for 3 years against the advice of all her friends. She even gave me the spare key. When she offered me the use of her car, I was shocked and reluctant. She was trusting me with her car, although she had never seen me drive a car before. She surmised that because the state had issued me a driver’s license, I must have the driving skills. She was right; I had the skills, but not the courage to borrow someone’s vehicle. That was an enormous responsibility that I did not want, nor could I afford. Then, a doctor diagnosed my daughter with cervical cancer. As she grew weaker, her parenting duties fell on my shoulders. The grocery shopping, doctor appointments, school responsibilities, and the day-to-day raising and care of my grandchildren became my primary responsibility. She fought a valiant fight, but then on November 29, 2024, she was gone from us. With broken hearts, angry, and confused, we carried on. I assumed the role of sole primary caregiver and the parental responsibilities for the three minor children. Besides the responsibility of taking my mom to her appointments and doing her grocery shopping. Then, in July 2024, the Lord spoke, “When are you going to ask me for your car? The last thing you asked for was practice time.” That was true, and that’s when he sent my neighbor in 2022. She was retired, and she mercifully helped by taking my daughter to her appointments and allowing me to take care of other family responsibilities. At the end of November 2025, my neighbor, who had given me the free use of her vehicle, had to stop because of insurance concerns. I understood she needed to protect her best interests. At the time, I didn't know that her grace would no longer be required because the Lord was up to something. I thanked her for her bravery in allowing me to use the car. Then, I broke the news to my mom. Immediately she went into panic mode, as she always does. Three days later she announced, “I am going to buy us a car.” She had mentioned it a few months before, but I didn't take her seriously. She had told my sister and me as teenagers that she would never buy us cars or allow us to use her car. However, when she could no longer drive because of health issues, she gave my sister her vehicle. And through another miracle, on December 4, 2025, she purchased a vehicle that she stated she did not want to drive. Initially, she told me she owned the car; I was just the driver. But I think the Lord had a little talk with her, and a few days later, she told me she bought the car for me, and it was mine. It didn’t matter who the owner was to me, because I was listed as the sole driver per her request. So either way, I was just grateful that we still had a vehicle we could use with the car insurance in my name that I could pay for. She is making the payments because my budget would not allow me the financial luxury to do so. Looking back at all the ways the Lord maneuvered us into place and provided in his due season makes my heart smile and keeps me humble. It took four years for me to get my vehicle, and he used his means and the financial blessing he recently gave my Mom to answer his will, my prayer, and my family's needs. Faith through patience was the key. I just want to encourage you to hold on; God has a plan and help is on the way. “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” John 16:24 (NIV) Prayer: Father, it's a new year, and I am reminded in Lamentations 3:22-23 (NKJV), that "Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness." Thank You Lord, for your unfailing love and mercies that great us each day. In this new day and in this new year, please continue to hear our hearts cry. We don't always know what to do, what to say, or how to handle situations we encounter, but we will continue to trust you. You always have our best interests at heart, and a way of escape through every test and trial. Lead us this year and navigate us through this unfamiliar time. We are fully and faithfully dependent on you. In the name of Jesus, amen!

"Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain..." Psalm 127 (NIV) Some years ago, I heard a funny story, but the story made me very sad. My grandson reported that some kids on the school playground had called him as a witness in their version of “Divorce Court.” Apparently, there was a boy and a girl who had gotten married (at least in their childlike minds). Well, the boy found out from other kids that the girl (his wife) had cheated on him, and he wanted a divorce. There was a whole playground court session where witnesses were called to testify to the so-called infidelity. Afterward, the children broke up (got a divorce) and went on their merry way. At first, I didn’t want to hear about any part of the childish event, but the other day the story was told to me in its entirety. I was moved to sadness for the children who have become so accustomed to hearing about divorce that they thought nothing of getting married, then getting divorced. It made me think about the reason I got divorced. I would love to blame him, but I can’t; the travesty was our doing, not just his. I gave as much to the marriage as I could, but he was in-and-out, then eventually, he was all the way out, which led me to file for divorce. Knowing what I know now about the covenant of marriage and the consequences of divorce, I felt sorry for myself, those children, and all others who have had a failed marriage. Which is really a failed family life. It’s not just the couple that’s affected; the whole family, all the friends, the neighbors, and the community are affected. Personally, I don’t recommend divorce; it’s very hurtful, especially for the children who are in the middle and watching it all. But the reality is that divorce usually happens when one or both partners in the couple stop being a partner and turn into an enemy. When that happens, it will always force the other partner to go into survival mode, which makes them turn inward to protect themselves from the partner who promised to be a partner, but isn’t. Divorce is not child’s play; it’s a serious detriment to family life and well-being. And it’s also not the norm. The children are only acting out what they’ve seen, heard about, or personally experienced. We can’t blame them for imitating the adults in their lives; they're supposed to do that if we are suitable role models. The question is: are we? Selah! (Take the time to think about that.) When we do, we will be wiser about dating and mating. Because what matters most is not all the romantic banter that happens in the beginning of the relationship, it’s the love that is displayed within the marriage that makes the difference in the family’s well-being. Let’s take mating and marriage more seriously and end the divorce cycle by committing to God’s way of building the house. Prayer: Father, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for healing all the broken hearts and binding up all the wounds that divorce has caused. Forgive us who have been participants in divorce and help us forgive the ex-mate. Realizing that we should not be choosing a mate outside of your will, please give us a discerning spirit to make wise relational covenants. Help us as your children, not to be unequally yoked with an unbeliever. Rather, help us choose a suitable mate. We desire our marriage and family to represent your love and goodness. Amen!

“But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day..” (Proverbs 4:18, KJV) I was listening to my grandkids interact with one another the other day, and they began to argue. As I got up to investigate what the problem was, I heard my grandson tell his little brother, “Don’t copy me!” And he meant every word he said. It annoyed him that his brother was mimicking him. After I calmed him down, I explained that his brother copying him was a form of adoration. He was simply using his big brother as a learning tool and to be close to him because he admired him. Then I reminded my older grandson that he does the same thing with his older sister. All of her new “catch phrases” are now his new “catch phrases.” He was doing the same thing without realizing it. It made me think whether I would want anyone copying me? Is my behavior worth imitating? That’s worth thinking about, huh? I think so. Most of the time we just go about our daily lives, and sometimes we are unaware that we are a light in this dark world. Everything we say, do, and give, and what we don’t say, do, and give, is a reflection of our righteousness in Christ Jesus. I’m gonna be honest, I don’t always feel like I’m a light. Sometimes, I feel like I’m groping in the darkness trying to find my way. But even in the dark seasons of life, my light can still shine brighter and brighter to light the way for someone else. I don’t know how God can pull service out of us when we are going through our own situations, but somehow, he does. It truly is perplexing, but so very joyful to know that my light is becoming even brighter as I go through every test and trial. My strength and growth will help someone else get through their trial. So just know, while you wait on your breakthrough, you can still be an answer to someone else for their breakthrough. Now or later! Either way, you are still a beacon of light! Prayer: Father, thank you that every weakness is a place to grow in strength. Every trial is a place to learn patience. Every hurt is a place to understand how to heal, and every day is a place to share these gifts to help someone else. In the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, amen!

Alright! This one ain’t gonna be pretty! But it’s absolutely necessary. I didn’t want to talk about this either, but I think we should go there. Where is there? I’m so glad you asked. There is; learning to watch your mouth! Why? Again, I’m so glad you asked. Let me share a true story with you. There was a woman who was dating a man. The man came to her one day and proclaimed he would probably have to go on disability because of chronic neck pain. The woman thought he must have been crazy to think that she would marry a man who couldn’t take care of her. They broke up, and the woman went on with her life. A few years later, the woman went out on disability because of chronic neck pain. She stayed in that condition for years. That woman was me. And I have learned the value of passing judgement on people. Matthew 7:2 (CEB) states, “You'll receive the same judgment you give. Whatever you deal out will be dealt out to you.” For years, I have read that scripture, but I never really saw the truth of it until God revealed to me that I had been living it in a few areas of my life. Sometimes, we think we’re in a dilemma because of circumstances, but maybe we’re in a situation because of our mouths. What have you said? How have you judged? Are you critical? Do you think you are better than other people? I know it hurts to think that we may be very judgmental people. But it will hurt worse when that judgment comes back to haunt you. Trust me! I know the reality of it, and it has made me shut my mouth. I’m not talking about anybody, at any time, doing anything, for any reason, unless God says share it. And I mean it! My new motto is: “No comment!” If you think this scripture's not real, listen. There was another area in which I reaped the judgment I had sown. Years ago, before I was born again, I was having a conversation with a friend, talking about how idiotic it was that her sister had married her boyfriend in jail. I sarcastically shouted, “I would never marry a man in jail!” Well, guess what I did? Yep! You guessed right! I married a man in jail. And for years I couldn’t figure out why, but now it is clear to me. Judgment was met back to me. I always thought that scripture meant that people would judge you, but that’s not true. It’s your judgment that will be measured back to you. Your very own critical, condescending words will knock on the door of your life and show you out! I caution you, please evaluate the words you speak, especially over other people, so you won’t have to look over your shoulder for them to turn up later in ways that you won’t want to experience. I wish I had known then the truth that I know now; it would’ve saved me from heartache and embarrassment. It was a valuable, but very expensive lesson. Think about what you’re about to say, then say what you desire to experience. Speak well of people and not evil, so evil can’t show up at your door. And remember this: the only proper judge there should be is God, who truly knows how to judge correctly. And even then, he shows mercy. Prayer: Father, I have misused my mouth against other people. These are people you love and value so much that you gave your only begotten Son for them. I repent of the sin of judging others. Please forgive my ignorance and my pride. And please heal my life. And from this day forth, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer” (Psalm 19:14 ESV). In the name of Jesus Christ, amen!