Happy Monday!! I pray that you were able to enjoy some quality time with family and friends this weekend. Our hearts broke when we learned of the news of the passing of our Black Panther King, Chadwick Boseman. I had to admit, I was in awe of his strength, knowing that he had this terrible disease, but he still managed to give us incredible works of art such as "42", "Get on Up", "21 Bridges", Black Panther", "Marshall" and most recently, "Da 5 Bloods", just to name a few while undergoing treatment for colon cancer. Such enormous strength and courage!!! One of the statements, that really stuck with me, was during a tribute program last night, Disney Chairman, Bob Iger, stated( I'm paraphrasing), that while it's wonderful the words of honor and tribute that are being said about Chadwick Boseman since his passing, the hope is that these things were shared with him while he was alive. The hope is that someone gave him his flowers while he could smell them.
Give me my flowers while I can smell them. I didn't know exactly why the Lord dropped the words BE KIND in my spirit a few weeks ago, but I think I have a better understanding now. I learned that a few months ago, Chadwick was photographed looking frail and rumors began, cruel rumors calling him "Crack Panther". Can you imagine, this man is fighting for his life and because he chose to keep his personal struggle private, people ridiculed him and called him names. People in this world today are MEAN. I have to believe it has something to do with a fight that they are dealing with.. you know that saying.. "hurt people hurt people", but I know we can do better. "Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don’t miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out." Colossians 4:5-6 The Message Bible. BE KIND, let your actions speak love not hate. Another saying, that we are all familiar with, "if you don't have anything nice, then don't say anything at all." You don't have to say everything you think or feel. Instead of lashing out with hurtful words, stop and pray for that person or the situation. “You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty." Matthew 5:44-45 The Message Bible When someone gives you are hard times, respond with energies of prayer... that's powerful.
With everything that is happening in the world today, we must BE KIND. Every single person that you encounter is dealing with an issue that you know nothing about. So, before you allow negative thoughts to be manifested through negative words and actions, Pray. Ask God for specific instructions on how to handle the situation. Contrary to popular belief, GOD IS STILL IN COMPLETE CONTROL and He is working on your behalf. Trust God, listen to His Word, and follow His instructions. JUST BE KIND. Don't wait for a tragedy, speak positive words of affirmations to family and friends today. Tomorrow is not promised. Today, be an Encourager. Reach out to that family member or friend that you haven't spoken to in a while, let them know that you are thinking about them and praying for them. This simple gesture can change someone's life, and I know it will change yours.
PLEASE LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. I know we are still in the midst of the pandemic, but get your regular checkups. Go to the doctor, go to the dentist ... TAKE CARE OF YOUR TEMPLE. Your body will give you signs that something is off... listen to your body.
Prayer
The simple conversation between you and God can change every dark situation. As I shared a couple of weeks ago from 1 Peter 3:12 "For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer...." God sees you and He hears your prayers, Don't Stop Praying. Our prayer line is open Monday - Friday 6:00am - 6:30am EDT, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 12:00pm - 12:30pmEDT and Tuesday evenings 7:00pm - 7:30pm EDT. All are welcome. To join the prayer line, dial 954-892-6767, then enter access code 8337990143#. If you have a private prayer request and want me to touch and agree with you, you may contact me via email at thecjlministries@outlook.com.
Stay well, stay safe, wash your hands, wear your masks, BE KIND AND DON'T STOP PRAYING.
Evangelist Carolyn
Another oldie but goodie
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