MOVING FORWARD IN HOPE: February 10, 2013

...God appeared to Solomon in a dream: God said, "What can I give you? Ask."

"Here's what I want: Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil. For who on their own is capable of leading your glorious people?" God, the Master, was delighted with Solomon's response. And God said to him, "Because you have asked for this and haven't grasped after a long life, or riches, or the doom of your enemies, but you have asked for the ability to lead and govern well, I'll give you what you've asked for--I'm giving you a wise and mature heart. There's never been one like you before; and there'll be no one after. As a bonus, I'm giving you both the wealth and glory you didn't ask for--there's not a king anywhere who will come up to your mark. And if you stay on course, keeping your eye on the life-map and the God-signs as your father David did, I'll also give you a long life." (1 Kings 3:5, 9-14, MSG).

Living God:

Thank you for being real and eternal! I bow before You to offer my praise and worship.

Forgive me, O God, for my sins. Lately, I have allowed disappointment and frustration to overthrow my joy, hope and peace. Cleanse my heart and filter out anything that is not like You. Pour the fruit of the Spirit into my heart; satisfy me with more of You!

Lord, I ask that you help me govern myself according to Your statutes. Let my lifestyle demonstrate an undying love for You. Give me an optimistic perspective that will sustain me as I wait for my wins. Give me the strength to combat "arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of" You, and help me "take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:5, NIV). Increase my discernment, enhancing my ability to decipher what is good and evil. (1 Kings 3:9, MSG). May my commitment to You overthrow the temptation of sin.

This year, I desire to move forward in hope. Instill within me an unwavering confidence in Your promises. Let my actions be proactive and purposeful, being totally obedient to You, following the life path You have cleared, alert and attentive to everything You have made plain this day. (1 Kings 8:61, MSG).

As I move forward in hope, remind me daily that You, my God who has called me into fellowship with Your Son Jesus Christ my Lord, are faithful. (1 Corinthians 1:9, NIV).

In the name of Jesus...AMEN.

The LORD is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. (Psalm 145:13, 16, NIV).

SHE IS [A Tribute To My Mother]

For You have been my hope, O Sovereign GOD, my confidence since my youth. From birth I have relied on You; You are He Who took me from my Mother's womb and You have been my benefactor from that day. My praise is continually of You. (Psalm 71:5-6).


A good Mother is hard to find, and worth far more than any treasure.  Malkia trusts Her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it.  Never spiteful, She treats Malkia generously all her life long.  She spoils Malkia (Her only child) rotten!  She shops around for the finest attire (at bargain prices), and takes pleasure in sewing.  She’s like a long-distance Wardrobe Consultant that shops internationally and hand-delivers or ships exotic and delightful surprises.  She's up before dawn, praying for Her family and friends, and organizing Her eventful day.  Though GOD has allowed Her to experience troubles -- sucker-punched by the heart-wrenching betrayal of alleged friends and loved ones -- GOD restored Her life.  GOD increases Her honor and comforts Her!  She searched for a stress-free home and took possession; then, with money She put aside, decorates interior and exterior.  First thing in the morning, She dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves, ready to get started.  She senses the worth of Her (social) work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.  She is truly dedicated to Her profession—always going the extra mile to nurture a child.  She's accomplished in the crafts of home and hearth, meticulous in homemaking.  She's willing to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the disenfranchised.  She sews her own clothing, and adorns Herself in colorful linens and silks.  She is Your faithful servant!  She is greatly respected in her community.  She is a gifted seamstress.  She designs gowns, suits, doll accessories, robes, window treatments and sells them.  Her attire emanates quality and elegance, and She always greets each new day with a radiant smile.  Shh, when She speaks She always has something meaningful to say, and She always says it graciously.  She keeps an eye on everyone She interacts with, and keeps them all busy and productive.  Her daughter appreciates and respects Her; Malkia declares this praise:

“Many mothers have done remarkable things, but
Mommy, you outshine them all!”

Charm can hoodwink and beauty in an instant fades.  The Mother to be admired and praised is the Mother who lives in the Fear-of-God.  O Sovereign GOD, please give Mommy everything She deserves!  Decorate Her life with praises!  [Inspired by Proverbs 31:10-31; Psalm 71:20-21]


O Sovereign GOD, I thank you for being my hope since 1975.  I am so thankful for the woman You designated as the vessel to give me life.  I praise You forever!  (Psalm 71:5-6).


Who, O Sovereign GOD, is like you?  How great is the love You lavish upon me, that I be called Your child?!  How great is Your love for me, that I have the privilege to call Jeanette my earthly mother?!  What I will become has not yet been made known; however, I do know that I would not be the woman I am today, if You were not my Benefactor.  I would not be the woman I am today, if You had not blessed me with an exceptional mother.  She reared me to have faith in You.  She uses the Proverbial Word as her parenting guidebook.  She is the Virtuous Woman personified.  (1 John 3:1-2; Psalm 71:6).


O Sovereign God, I praise You for Your great faithfulness.  I say a special prayer for my mother this day:

RESIDE in Her HEART

ANOINT Her with Your FAVOR

SUSTAIN Her with Joy

To the One "who is, and who was, and who is to come," and in the MARVELOUS name of Jesus Christ I pray…AMEN.  (Revelation 1:8).