Well, we’ve made it through January 2025. The freezing cold weather, the inauguration of the new president, the honoring of Dr. Martin l. King Jr. (aka Michael l. King), the California wildfires, and the pardon of the January 6^th, attack defendants. These highs and lows could pose a great challenge for moving on! However, life goes on and so must we! How do we overcome? We must allow the Spirit that dwells within us, guide us through this pilgrimage journey.

Last week, I ministered on our Ministry’s prayer conference call from Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” What I learned is that while the Israelites were taken into captivity, God spoke through Jeremiah, to encourage and empower them. The word was to build, plant, and to multiply! Since they were going to be in captivity for a long time, they needed to follow the plan of the Lord.  They will come out stronger, greater, and wiser.

As we move into February, let us remember the observance of Black History Month.  Although, some complain that it’s only 28 days, there’s enough history for us to recall of forefathers and their success! It is also known as the month of love. Do not limit your love experience to eros love, but allow yourself to express the agape (selfless, unconditional, and sacrificial) love of God to all people.  Love covers a multitude of sin and that love lives within us.

Finally, we also salute President’s Day.  This brings me to the Preamble to the U.S. Declaration of Independence: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. Before the Preamble, there was the gift of salvation and the power of Christ. We have a right to life, and life more abundantly. Feel free to live in Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit. Make sure you live and not die. Greater is He that is within us, than he that is in the world.