A Morning View

February is Black History Month. It is a time set aside to honor the contributions of Black people in this country. I wonder how many of us each February become uncomfortable with this time set aside? I wonder how many of us who are not black or people of color sit back and say, "We don't have a white history month, why should THEY have a Black History Month?" If THEY are Americans they should embrace our great history. Perhaps if one would look deeply at the history of the United States we would see that it was not and sadly, is not a great history for Black, Asian, Middle Eastern and Hispanic Americans. So why shouldn't we embrace our sisters and brothers who have deep wounds inflicted by our ancestors? There are fabulous, intelligent, grace filled, successful and loving people who are still oppressed because of the color of their skin. They do deserve recognition.  So your next comment might be, "hey PB, I am not racist." I would have claimed that stateme...

Ever struggle with the same sin over and over? You try, you put all kinds of protections, ways to resist and you still seem to fail. Your head and heart desire more and more of the Holy Spirit to take over, you have excellent spiritual disciplines in place and yet there is still struggle and failure. You may even learn coping skills, say and do the right things, but inside is the constant turmoil and battle of the sin. After all, you have confessed your sin, been forgiven and God forgets it, but why does the battle go on?  I always used to think I was doing something wrong. Have you ever felt like God has abandoned you? Why when I give something up does it keeps coming back? I try to get it out but it does not go away. Am I doing something wrong? Why fight when it seems like I will never win? Why do I do what I do not want to do? Paul addresses this very thing in Romans 7:14-25 “So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all t...

Coffee beans. Who figured out how to take a raw bean, roast it, grind it, run hot water over it and drink it? Hot fresh black coffee in the morning is so soothing and tastes so good to me.  If we ran hot water over the coffee bean in any other state than ground, it would not be complete. If you skip any part of the process it will not become what it is intended to be at the end of the process.  Struggle with life? It may seem impossible to see the light in the darkness in the end. Life may hurt, it is not fair and often really sucks without answers. Even worse can be answers we do not desire to hear such as the words telling us we have lost someone dear to us. Honestly as I write this today I really cannot give you answers to any specific life struggle you are facing. All I do know, from experience, is that God will keep showing up in people and other ways in your life that you could have never expected.  “Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of yo...

As I read posts and hear peoples hearts I see and hear much about not able to make it and how we struggles with issues. People all around us dying. The pain of loneliness and hopelessness abound. Fear is overwhelming. Empty hearts and empty souls seeking to be filled yet still seeking. Actions and responses hurting others.  People screaming and crying out OH GOD WHERE ARE YOU? TAKE THIS ALL AWAY......... God send something to heal the hurt, the pain the fear, the loneliness and hopelessness.  “The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help.     He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;     he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” - Psalm 34:17-18 NLT We hear you God, we believe, it is a struggle, but we believe. But why is this happening and why do you not do something about it now? You gave miracles to others, where is ours? “Just as you cannot understand the path of the wind or the mystery of a tiny bab...

Have you ever asked God for something expecting a miracle? Have you ever asked God to send you a sign? Have you ever wondered if you make a difference? Do you ask God authentically for these things looking for the results? Perhaps you just like to ask God for all of this just so you can get some attention not expecting results? Lord forbid, I wonder if we ask expecting not to receive so that we can live in self pity? Even worse, do we look for glory to fill our ego and not bring praise to God? Or, do we avoid the gift of honor in our lives because we do not see ourselves as redeemed but only as broken?  I live in many phases of this in my life. I am learning to embrace and praise out the gifts of seeing the fruits of what God can and has done with this broken clay pot. For many reasons, too many to discuss, I am hardest on myself and never believe God can use me. After all, I am a horrible sinner too....... I have called this thinking, stinking thinking. The mind and the heart...

Do you believe God is watching over you? Sometimes in the world in which we live it can feel like God is not there. When bad things happen to others often we question why? When people, especially children, are hurt we become extremely angry and are filled with angst.  God is watching over us and God has angels in place for the little ones. Yesterday I read this scripture and for the first time I realized God really does have Guardian Angels watching over us. This passage is specifically about children, but as adults, we come to Jesus as little children, I believe there is an Angel for me!  “Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father.”   - Matthew 18:10 NLT Remember, this world is filled with sin. Remember God hates sin. Remember God loves us. Remember Jesus Christ has overcome the world.  "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on ear...

Words of comfort and victory are often difficult to hear and believe in the middle of the war.  Please God, heal the brokenhearted. Bring peace in the storm.  Somehow send a small drop of the joy you share.  God you do love, may your floods be poured out. Amen “God is our refuge and strength,     always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear when earthquakes come     and the mountains crumble into the sea. Let the oceans roar and foam.     Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge!  A river brings joy to the city of our God,     the sacred home of the Most High. God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed.     From the very break of day, God will protect it. The nations are in chaos,     and their kingdoms crumble! God’s voice thunders,     and the earth melts! The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;     the God of Israel is our fortress.  Come, see the ...