Friends, Fun and Sun

Hey Mars,    

     So much is going on in my life regarding my walk with Christ. I will start off with this, (very excited) one of my best friends/sistah I never had/covenant in the Lord...came in town from Orlando and we did soooo much together.
    On Tuesday, we went to Queens to a free ole school R&B concert, it was the bomb! First of all, it was free and pacted with the infamous 40 and over crowd what more could we ask for.
     Wednesday, we went bike riding through Central Park which was culturally extraordinary! We thought we'd never walk again but epsom salt baths go a long way. Listen when momma speaks...
     Thursday, we had a BBQ, in the rain, with some long lost friends after like 20+ years, very interesting.
     Lastly, on Friday, we sistahs talked, testified, ate some soul food and had a mighty prayer, the Lord spoke, whew!
     Thank God for girlfriends, that've been around since grade school especially when were all saved by the power of Jesus. We all have great children who are all grown now, so were free to be who the Lord has called us to be, to come and go with liberty.
     If you and your besties decide to ride through CP please do not follow the map they give you for site seeing. Find out what street the site is near and look on the lamp post for street numbers, oh you have to get off the bike to go into pathways to see sites. Also, 2 hours was not enough, try 3 or 4 and look online for discounts because the hourly rate is very high, but well worth the ride.

Enjoy your friends and have fun in the sun...
Jerri of Mars
    

Central Park Biking



Ole School R&B Concert



At the Bow Bridge

The Famous Bow Bridge
I had to find this site
its in every movie





Do You Exercise? Everyday?

Good day Mars,

     The topic this week is, how many of you find time, in the course of a day, to exercise? Ok, God is gracious enough to wake you up each day as you start the normal routine of washing your face, brushing teeth, putting on clothes, oh excuse me, you pray, eat and off you go.
     But in the course of the above routine, do you just wash your face or is there some sort of beauty regimen that perhaps would take you more than 5-10 minutes. As for me, I brush my teeth twice and spend a specific amount of time in each area of my mouth. Yea that's crazy but I get very good dentist reports. However, the subject of putting on clothes; if your image conscious, this process could take a couple of minutes. Its not just factoring in the weather, but how your feeling that day could affect your outfit choice. Then you probably have to iron, pick an appropriate shoe, the list goes on. Let's not get started on our hair, make up, breakfast, lunch etc...
     Now if your honest your morning routine can take up til an hour from getting out of bed to just about to walk out the door. So my question still stands, in the course of a day, do you find time to exercise?
     Why your pondering on that thought for an answer, I don't need to go into how very important exercising is again?We discussed this before but cleaning the house uses up a lot of calories. The reason why I took the time to go through the long journey we take in the morning to prepare for work, is to display just how we can spend the same if not half of that time to exercise.
     As we get older our metabolism slows down, so were still eating but the ability to process our food is being delayed. We take in more sugars, salts, and carbs that are often time without our knowledge; there called hidden ingredients and who has time to read them while we shop. So, if you're like me, who like to eat without discriminating, then you need to exercise. In other words, eat what you like, with moderation but always find time to exercise.
     I'm not trying to bore you with the whole proper diet lecture and going to the doctor annually but to exercise is to maintain the body and its many parts. Your muscles need strengthening so your blood levels can maintain a steady pace; not too high or low. This mechanism also effects your blood sugar levels which also involves your fat absorption aka triglycerides and cholesterol. When you exercise, your cardiac and pulmonary systems function at normal levels too. Thirty minutes of cardiovascular exercise is a start each and  every day. Light weight training can keep your muscles tone, you don't want to bulk up, this type of training takes you off the focus and that's to be tone not muscular.

     Trust me exercising is essential to good health! Not to offend the vegans but most of them don't look healthy nor do they have a glow about them. This diet can be hard at making sure they get the enough necessary vitamins and minerals. Statistics have proven that when you eat a proper diet along with daily exercise you will get the desired results such as optimum health and the glow that comes along with this sort of lifestyle. You will feel better, look better and everyone will wonder why.

     I would be foolish to remind you how we must never forget to incorporate the proper exercising of our faith. Seek God and your doctor regarding any type of dieting and exercising. When I say diet, I mean eating proper foods, like leafy greens, plenty of fiber, fruits, nuts, plenty of water and lean meats. Set aside fried, starchy, restaurants and sweets for the weekend; choose one day like a Saturday not the whole weekend. You will find that small change is better than no change at all!

Exercise your faith, body and spirit...
Jerri of Mars

Stormy weathers...you will go through

My God its been too long Mars, 
     
     I had to take a 2 week vacation to visit family and like sweet tea with lemon, my journey was "half & half". I pray that you have been flourishing in the glory of the Most High God, so grace and peace be unto to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
     Sistahs I've been through a mild storm, just so God can show me some things about myself and others. I read once about how and why we go through levels of storms. Then the Lord confirmed through the evangelist yesterday taken from Matthew 14:24.
Now, we are suppose to go through various trials, tests and temptations according to word in James..."to count  it all joy...knowing that it tries our faith and brings forth patience". This is how we bear and grow the fruits of the spirit. If we need wisdom, we should ask for it but the fruits of the spirit are attained through trying times. (Read Galatians 5) How, we go through is extremely important. Of course without murmuring and complaining such as the children of Israel did not but with joy that is unspeakable. So, often times we say nothing because the joy that's on the other side will speak for itself. Why, we go through is because again it brings forth fruit and we must beat our flesh into submission and through our suffering on this earth with Christ being trained as good soldiers as we're strengthened to fight this war of faith.
     So I read about 3 levels saints often tread upon while weathering storms:
Level One:
We do what we want to do (The Madonna lifestyle); you know girls just want to have fun, and yes we love to have fun and we should. Time spent with saved/unsaved sistahs shopping, going to restaurants, chatting it up and laughing. But sometimes we can all attest that our conversations and interactions can become futile, so we need to always be led during our leisure time. Application: Did we lift God up and pray?
Level Two:
We do what we think we ought to do (Most Christians' lifestyle); because we read, pray and seek godly counsel we often times believe our actions are Godly. So we will go on vacations to visit family, friends, Islands etc and God is not in it however innocent these times my appear. Application: Did we minister to an unsaved soul, show love and  ourselves approved?
Level Three: 
We do what God leads us to do (Spiritually Mature lifestyle); we are on a purpose filled assignment while were doing what were spiritually led to do, God is in the mist. We're feeding the homeless, clothing the naked, ministering to the hopeless, often times in an unknown land and people. This journey is about God and never about us. 
Application: When we put God in His rightful place, He will put us in our right place. Wherever He leads us, He will provide, lead and protect. 
To God be the glory, lets start being more and more spiritually led and live a spirit filled lifestyle.


Weathering the storms
Jerri of Mars

Broken hearts

Hey Mars,

     Love the support on our last blog. Shout out to Sistahs Angela and Vanessa, both are incredible single mothers. Well this week I feel the Lord is talking about broken hearts. Have we had our share? I don't believe any of us are exempted in this arena. It started very young, whether our parents or siblings were the culprits but oh when our childhood friends committed this crime, we thought it was the end of the world.
     I recall my heart being broken as a young child, but what lasted the longest was when my childhood bully turned all my friends against me. I came outside one day and nobody would speak to me, in fact when I came next to them they moved over. Then I recalled my first boyfriend, who decided he was going to see another girl an ex-girlfriend at that. I believe the outcome of that was anorexia; I was 23. I can go down the list of how many times my heart was broken but I like to focus on spiritual aspects.
    The bible mentions 4 times about broken hearts: Psalm 34:18, 51:17 and Isaiah 57:15,66:2. The word formally used is Contrite. However the concept described by this word is the key to revival in our hearts and in the church. I know we think of revival as repentance, confession of sin, prayer, bible study and commitment to the kingdom of God. None of these are incorrect but they all require something more.They require a change in our hearts known biblically as contrition. As the scriptures teach, God will "revive the heart of the contrite ones". Isa 57:15.
     The difference between a natural heart break and spiritual is that we have now evolved to a place in our spiritual awakening which requires our natural side to die; we have now come to asking God to break our hearts. I know your saying who asks someone to "break their heart"? God is...people usually break our hearts when they don't live up to "our" expectations, so now the shoes on the other foot. Are we really living up to God's expectation? He has a heart and He greives too when we sin. Some of you may really have it all together but the bible teaches that any man who says he is without sin deceives himself and is therefore a liar.
     To be contrite is to be broken, crushed into little pieces, free from rebellion or resistance. Contrition is that humble spirit that says, I am nothing and He is everything. (Hmm, that's sound familiar right Mars, remember those feelings when it pertained to the natural love of our life, at that particular time. You may not have said it but you thought it and acted like it) The problem with the natural concept of this is that it lacked a safety net to catch us because the person we in trusted with our hearts wasn't capable of nor had the slightest idea on "how" to rescue us from ourselves. However God can!
     God has made it so that in our contrition we now freely give up our hearts to sin, the very thing that literally broke our hearts. It is that inner brokenness that weeps over sin and sinners, not our selfishness. It is the absence or void of personal pride and the absolute exaltation of God and His will. Expressed by a poverty of spirit which now hungers, thirst and trembles at God's word.
     As a ceramic statue--hard and cold, we don't or can't fit into our container. We now inadvertently move to abide in Christ and refuse to be conformed to Him. While during contrition we are now crushed into a fine powder, our pride is replace by brokenness, we no longer hold our stubborn form but are broken into pieces and transformed into the shape of our container, who is Jesus Christ. Would you let Him break your heart today? Think of how vulnerable you were when your heart was broken and now remember who is breaking your heart...our rescuer, our safety net, our knight in shining armor and our Savior!

Read the words, the princess knows she has a choice
so do we, choose God not man.

Break my heart Lord,
Jerri of Mars

Fostering the truth about Father's Day...

Good day my beloveth Mars,

     I start out with please don't be angry with me nor judge but I no longer subscribe to single mothers' taking homage on Father's Day. This never sat well with me because I'm not a father; don't look like one, think like one, act like one and specifically don't feel like one. I have absolutely no knowledge on how, don't want to nor desire to be one! I say that with passion because through the grace of God I may have appeared, as a single mother, while taking on the role of "Head of household, did a great job. However, I do not wish this whole concept of single parenting on any woman nor take it lightly. When I think of those especially very young mother's willing and doing it alone, my heart cries. This is one of, if not the hardest job in the world and God forbid if your not successful at it. You check out the statistics. I would of preferred a father for my son on any given day, even now.
     Now some of you may not feel the same but having one parent raising any child or children, by choice, is not divinely ordained by God but a two parent household is. WHO told us and yes I include myself that we could remotely accomplish such a task? A woman raising a man! and I take my hat off to all of us who have and still are in the trenches. God certainly did not tell us, so who did? It was the devil, ole slew foot, the great deceiver!
     My pastor preached today about marriage, according to the book of Ephesians (you look it up, there will be no scripture references given out in todays blog:) Just like the devil told women and wives in particular that they are suppose to complete their man and husband's; this is and always will be a fallacy. Jesus is the ultimate brides-groom, the head of the household, the bread winner, the priest, prophet and provider, so He divinely ordained man to be and do likewise, to take care of his family. But here we are, sisters, doing or should I say "trying" to do it all. This is why our man ends up resenting us! that's a powerful statement I know, but Steve Harvey said it too. If we're not careful our sons will also, he's not your man, he's your son. A man needs to be a man and God ordains him to be a father then he must. Yea! they mess up, but so do we. And guess what? we loved and laid down with them, now who's at fault. But God's grace is sufficient and His mercy is with each new day.
     So here's the TRUTH; we're not fathers; wasn't ordained to be. If we choose or not because that man ran out, then we do what God has ordained us to do---that's to mother! Yes and because we're ordained, divinely by God, oh yes we will be successful and so will our sons and daughters. I look like a mother, think like a mother, act like a mother and specifically feel like one! Because what comes from God feels good, because He is good. Now He, God is the Father, never ran out and never will. I've always told my son, "God is your Father and that you can depend on!" When he turned ten, I said, "son, I've done all I can do for you as a mother, the rest is up to your father. I cannot teach you how to be a man, but God can." Read the bible and pray for His guidance...
     So, Mars stop taking on more than God has divinely ordained you too. Your a mother and a doggone good one. Let fathers be just that, fathers, whether present or not. So, when and if he do come around our children won't be confused. Because they'll start repeating our language of confusing, talking about how can you be my father when my mother is? "My mother said she's my daddy". Tell your children the truth, God is the head of this household and my mothering you is only for a moment. We'll continue to pray for our absent fathers without bitterness. I always tell my son to pray for his father, that he will get it together with himself and God, then come back and see about you!
     Remember the prodigal son...when he came to himself, he remembered that he had a father...His father saw him afar and with outreached arms welcomed his son back home. That's what God is to us, welcoming us back into His arms, welcoming us back home. Will you be the one to teach your son to do the same when his earthly father returns or will he be bitter like you; stop calling his absent father all kinds of names so that his own son will not even recognize nor recieve him when and if he returns. This is only if you pray for our fathers to come back, not to us but our sons...you maynot need him but they do.
Application: teache your son about their heavenly father while the earthly father is absent.

I believe in God our Father,
Jerri of Mars

Fainting not just a feeling...

Good day Mars,

     I woke up today feeling faint around 5 am, so I laid back down. When it was time to take a shower and get ready for work, I still felt light headed.

Don't let this be You!

     Others may believe God for material things, but I have always believed Him for good health. I put my faith in action though, I work out and try to eat right. I've maintained my weight for over 12 years but can stand to lose 10 lbs of water weight especially to keep that belly fat from getting stubborn.
     Mars feeling faint is nothing to take lightly. Your body is telling you something, what I don't know. I believe my light headiness came from not eating enough. My last meal yesterday was a slice of pizza around 3:30. I did get hungry around 10ish and scrambled 2 eggs but I am used to eating more. However I thought I  could stand to lose a meal or two (smile). Other reasons for feeling faint is pregnancy and that would be emulate in my case. So, why I felt faint, only God knows. However, I stayed home made some breakfast and went back to sleep. I'm feeling a little better, thank God.
     I have so much to do around the house. Did you know house work is a good form of exercise? But I will take it easy especial since I'm home alone this weekend.
     But the Holy Spirit is speaking and has been; He's saying that the saints of God are fainting, spiritually! Galatians 6:9 (KJV) "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." They say Lord I believe your word and your promises but not in my heart. We've, because nobody is excluded, have started to run this race but due to lack of poor diet and exercise, spiritually, we've grown faint. Were not strong enough to conceive a word let alone maintain a pregnancy. When was the last time you birthed a ministry? Why are we miscarrying?
     What is a poor diet and exercise spiritually, we asked the Lord? He's saying not eating my spiritual food, my mana, the bread of life which is the word and exercising my faith that I've instilled in my people. We must read daily, try while your eating natural foods. Building faith comes through prayer, nobody has time. Yes we pray by ourselves, but the Lord says when 2 or 3 are gathered not when I'm alone. Yes, you must always pray and often times alone but there is power in numbers. So when 2 or 3 are gathered "He's" in the midst.
Matthew 18:19-20 ESV, "Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them. "     So lets get back in the race, repent and pray until the promises of God are Yes! and Amen! 2 Corinthians 1:20 (ESV) “For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory.” If we truly seek God in our hearts for promises from heaven, then we must WAIT! Stop putting Him on the back burner when you don't get your way at your time... as a child who when finishes with his toy throws it away. Get back in our word and back on our knees, wait for the manifestation...good things comes to those who wait!

Still waiting...not fainting
Jerri of Mars

Embarrassments...

 

Good day Mars,

     Haven't written in a while but just wanted to throw you a little something I encountered this weekend. There are some really unstable parents out here. I had the esteem pleasure of visiting some friends this weekend and while they need to be saved, nonetheless they are really good hearted folk.
     One guy, a single father, was under the influence and commenced to expressing how he reprimanded his 23 year old son. How you might say, with yelling, vulgarity and just down right embarrassment. I asked him, did he speak to his young grandchildren in this same manner, he responded, No! I was trying to find a way to get at his softer side in which I know he does possess, but to no avail.
     I was instantly reminded of how my mother who when also was under the influence would do exactly the same. I was oftened embarrassed by her ways of expressing her feelings during times when I didn't please her with my behavior. All this left in me was a bitter taste for her which often times resulted in me finding every possible opportunity to stay clear of her presence, especially when she drank.
     Getting back to my long "lost" friend, there was no way to get him to see that this tactic would only cause his son to eventually resent him, if he was to continue his abusive ways of reprimandment. He went even further to say he would talk to his mother, stepfather, aunts, uncles etc...he personally did not give a ***!
     I was totally taken back, probably because now I'm saved and have made it my personal quest to never talk to my son in the same manner, like my mother. Remembering and never forgetting how my mother made me feel, I would never put that on my son or any child.
     I told him that he will reap what he sows and when his children get older or should I say when "he" my friend gets "old", his son will treat him the same way. He rebutted with, "over my dead body!".
     This man was foolish and need the Lord obviously. We need to be very careful not to abuse any substances that would alter our interactions and responses to our children when they wrong us, I do not care how old they are. The Holy Spirit once asked me, "would you yell at your friends the way you yell at your son?" I responded, "No", He said then don't ever again treat your son any different; he's a human being, whom you love and deserves the same respect.     
     I had to tell my girlfriend this one day when she was yelling at her children. I would never tell anybody to spare the rod, because the bible makes it clear as to what happens when we do, but it also says, and I'm paraphrasing, 'parents don't exasperate your children'. In other words, do not wear them out with words, long drawn out lectures, dissertations and never embarrass them. Alright Mars, God's watching. Be loving, understanding and considerate of everyone's feelings.

In Jesus name,
Jerri of Mars

Tragedy...

Good day Mars,

     I know its been awhile but please do not charge my heart although it has been heavy. Regarding the family of 7 that all died in that tragic car crash this past week. Babies, sisters and grandparents such a great loss...please pray for the father who claims he doesn't want to live. God is able to heal every sorrow that this world has to offer. The family both here and in the Dominican Republic, pray for them too. They sent their parents off to the Americas and had no idea that they would never return. So sad!

They were identified as Jacob Nunez, 85, and Ana Julia Martinez, 81, who were visiting from the Dominican Republic; their daughters, Gonzalez, 45, and Maria Nunez, 39, and three grandchildren. The children were Jocelyn Gonzalez, 10, the daughter of the driver, and Niely Rosario, 7, and Marly Rosario, 3, both daughters of Nunez.

     Our prayers are that they all knew the Lord in the partings of their sins. According to the bible the three little girls are already resting with the Lord.
     In the meantime, please when you drive, don't rush because wherever you're going and whoever you're going to see will be there; and if not you need to know this by arriving safely. Take life slow and precise, God has things for us to do. Thought to ponder, I never heard of anyone dying in a car crash rushing to church...for we know that the Lord is with us. Yes, even in our cars, so talk with Him and listen to His word, music and His still small voice saying, "I love you with an undying love..."!

Taking it slow,
Jerri of Mars

A Matter of Life or Death

Good day Mars,

     Never forget the power of prayer dear beloved, for our petitions have been answered. The blood of Trayvon cries out no more. Mr. Zimmerman has turned himself in. Nobody had to search for him any longer nor did they have to ask how or why. What the enemy meant for evil; God meant it for good.
     Our petitions have to go out to Jesus for Zimmerman's soul. I believe he's crying out because God did not create us to take anothers life and get off scott free! Turning himself in is a sign of redemption, a sign of remorse. Do you realize how many murderers are out there still running rampant? So we thank God that Trayvon's parents can find solace in knowing that their son's murderer is being justified. We cannot account for his salvation but we can continue to plead the case of Zimmerman, his family and The Martin's.
     In the meanwhile, what precautions do we take to prepare and protect our sons? I'm affiliated with a group out of Maryland named Raising Him Alone. Their hands are full enough with the lost lives of too many sons and the sons that are doing the killing. So many questions:
          Where are the fathers? And if their are fathers, then why aren't they standing up? Why do our sons fall prey to such negative images? Why are black boys in particular so drawn to evil and corruption? Why is their self esteem so low if they have any at all? Lastly, why do mothers give up on them?
     I listened to a mothers testimony the other day. Her complaint was that her son, who has changed his ways, still wavers back and forth on his dreams and aspirations. She claimed that one minute he wanted to act, then rap, then play an instrument, she went on and on. I declared to her, that at least he has dreams and not just one but several. He's only 20 and went from sleeping all day and getting high all night. Now he travels all the way to Manhattan, in a shirt and tie, to work at a marketing company. This is a far cry from what I use to witness him walking through the neighborhood all red eyed and pants sagging. I told her let him make his own mistakes and pursue any dream his heart desires because he has too.
     These young men out here, all they want to do is get high, be disrespectful, not work and have sex in order to make babies too soon while barely putting forth any effort to support himself and the baby. Her son through the grace of God has found a way out which is not common. So lets be glad when our sons are pursuing dreams, it gives them hope. And if he's working and being a productive citizen while doing so then we need to rejoice even more.
     Mars help stop the insanity of beating up on our sons, peer pressure and society has enough fun with that. Talk to other mothers on how to be loving, say kind words, keep the house clean and food in the cupboards; continue to pray to God for wisdom and guidance. Be vigilant and act peculiar like this mother. She scared girls out of the house and his crazy friends too. If their are severe consequences to their actions then they will know their limits. Most sons have none because you've set none, all you do is either yell or nothing. Neither of these leads to nothing!
     In the end, like the prodigal son, when he squandered all he had, he came to himself and I repeat came to himself. He thought about his father and all that was at home. Also thought about how he was going to ask for his fathers forgiveness but before he could murmur a word, his father took him in his arms and loved on him. Question Mars, when our sons make mistakes, come to themselves and come back home for forgiveness, (and they will) are we available to love on them? Remember if you don't the gangs will...http://www.raisinghimalone.com/ visit this site, share it and don't forget to leave me a comment at the bottome of my blog, I need to hear and feel your words.


Forgiven and loved,
Jerri of Mars

Good day Mars,

Our meditation for Saturday, April 7, 2012

Jesus: Exercise His Priestly Office

Zechariah 6:13 “It is he who will build the temple of the LORD, and he will be clothed with majesty and will sit and rule on his throne. And he will be a priest on his throne. And there will be harmony between the two.” NIV

 

Hebrews 7:25, 26 “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. 26 Such a high priest meets our need--one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens.” NIV

 

Read: Zechariah 6:13 OT prophecy; Hebrews 7:25-8:2, Romans 8:34 NT fulfillment

Zechariah 6:13

It was foretold by the prophets, the Messiah will wear the insignia of the kingly glory and He himself shall bear the glory. He will sit and rule upon His throne as the King forever. Jesus is the Lamb of God, slain from the foundation of the world, with an everlasting priesthood. Jesus is the High priest who sits at the right hand of the Father, continually interceding on our behalf. In virtue of this, all who were saved, are saved, and will be saved, are saved through Him. He is and will forever be the High Priest, the Sacrifice, Intercessor, and Mediator for all who will receive Him as Lord and Savior.

Thought to ponder: Jesus sits at the right hand of the Father interceding on our behalf. He takes our cares to the Father and sifts through our idle prayers, taking what is needful to God. He pleads our case before the Father, asking Him still, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do!” Isn’t that good news?

God our Father, Jesus our Redeemer, Holy Spirit our comforter, Thank you for guiding us through these 40 days of Lent. It is only by your grace and through your mercy we were able to reach this point. I bless you for revealing who Your Son is and the sacrifice He made for me. Please help me to not attach myself to those things you released, delivered me of during this Lenten season. And help me continue to seek Your Son in order to know Him more. It is my desire to know Him even more intimately than I do, so I will know His voice when I hear it. I need Him to lead and guide me daily, so I can one day hear you say,“This is my child, in who I am well pleased!” This I ask in Jesus’ name, AMEN!

 

Sunday He go up!

Jerri of Mars

Crucified for Us

Good day Mars,

 

Our meditation for Friday, April 6, 2012

Jesus: Victorious over Death

Psalm 16:10 “Because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.” NIV

Matthew 28:2-7 “…The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay...” NIV

 

Read: Psalm 16:10, Psalm 49:15 OT prophecy; Matthew 28:2-7, Acts 2:22-32 NT fulfillment

After Jesus was crucified, Joseph of Arimathea had Christ's body placed in a tomb he owned. A large stone was placed in the entrance way and soldiers were place there to guard the sealed tomb. On the third day, a Sunday, when several women (Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Joanna and Salome) went to the tomb at dawn to anoint the body of Jesus, they found the tomb empty.

An angel from heaven rolled back the stone and the guards shook in fear as the angel, dressed in bright white, sat upon the stone. The angel announced to the women that Jesus who was crucified was no longer in the tomb, “He is risen,” just as he said. He instructed the women to inspect the tomb to see for themselves and then told them to go inform the disciples.

With a mixture of fear and joy they ran to obey the angel's command, but suddenly Jesus met them on their way. They fell at his feet and worshiped him. Jesus then said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go tell my brothers to go to Galilee . There they will see me."

Thought to ponder: If you believe Christ is risen, do you go and inform others? Jesus is telling us today, “Do not be afraid, go tell…!”

Almighty God, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob! Thank you for another day. Thank you for your love towards me and the precious gift of your Son. I am grateful for the sacrifice He made for me and the victory He won over death and the grave. I know your Son is alive and because He lives, I can live eternally also. I promise, this day, to tell everyone I meet, Jesus is risen, He is alive! In Jesus’ name I pray, amen!

 

Crucified for us,

Jerri of Mars

Meditation Scriptures til Resurrection Day

Our meditation for Thursday, April 5, 2012

Jesus: Buried with the Rich

 

Isaiah 53:9 “He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.” NIV

 

Matthew 27:57 “As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus… he asked for Jesus' body…”  NIV

 

Read:  Isaiah 53:8, 9 OT prophecy; Matthew 27: 57-60 NT fulfillment

The prophet states “They appointed Him His grave with the wicked,” since He was crucified two thieves, then He should have His grave "with the wicked."   Denied His kingly honor, He would also be denied a honorable burial.  The prophet declares He would be buried with the rich when He was dead.  God purposed to honor Him in by appointing Him to be "with the rich in His death, because He had done no violence (wrong)."   Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, two rich men, honored Him at His death.

 

Thought to ponder:  Isn’t it amazing how we wait until people are dead before we honor them?  Take a moment to honor someone special in your life today by praying for them and let them know just how much they mean to you.  

God, my Father!  I take this time to tell you “thank you” for all you have done and continue to do in my life.  Thank you for loving me so much, that you sent your Son to redeem me and thank you for _(fill in name)  , for allowing  (him/her/them) to be in my life.  I take this time to pray for (him/her/them) and I ask you to bless them indeed.  I pray for (him/her/them) that they prosper and be in good health, as their soul prospers. Please give me the opportunity to tell them how much I love and appreciate them for all they do.  This I ask in Jesus’ name, Amen!

I honor you all please leave a comment or email me one, your opinion is very important.

 

Still waiting on a word from God,

Jerri of Mars

Fasting and Prayer

Hey Mars,

     This is the season for the true saints of God to know Him in the fellowship of His suffering. The very reason why we're now reconciled unto Him because of the blood shed on Calvary. So most Christians are fasting and consecrating. Remember fasting is not about lack of food but becoming totally submissive to God. Thinking about Him! Setting our mind, body and soul on the spiritual person of God, Son and Holy Spirit.
     Some are doing a Jesus fast; no food or water and then there's the Daniel fast; just vegetables and water with some modifications. My suggestion to anyone considering fasting is to first seek God and He will lead you and if you have health issues to your doctor. Fasting should be done for a period of time and not used as a way to diet. Fasting is spiritual not physical but will attack your body predominantly but in the end elevate you spirit.
Please read scriptures concerning fasting such as, Isaiah 58, Matthew 4, Matthew 6:16-18, Luke 2:37, and Acts 13:2/14:23. To name a few.
     Do know that fasting and prayer go together. I find that most people including myself are more concerned about the fast and not the prayer portion. In this time of fasting the Holy Spirit should be speaking clearer to us because we'er getting and moving closer to God.
     While I was with my other church family on Sunday, during praise and worship they sang and song that went a little something like this:
                                                  I'm chasing after you
                                               no matter what I have to do
                                              I need you more and more...
       So if you really need Jesus more and more then continue to fast and pray especially in this season when He suffered for us. We are looking for faith to build up in us so that every mountain will be removed and every serpent will be crushed. We only overcome by His blood and the words of our testimonies....Seek the Lord and wait on Him!
Please leave a comment we need to hear from you too...

Waiting,
Jerri of Mars

Scripture Meditation for today

Good day Mars,

Our meditation for Monday, April 2, 2012 

Jesus: Covered in Darkness  

Amos 8:9 “And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord GOD, that I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day:” NKJV  

Matthew 27:45 “From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land.” NIV

Read:  Amos 8:9 OT prophecy; Matthew 27:45, Luke 23:45 NT fulfillment

"Darkness" made to rise "at noon" is the emblem of great calamities.  Although in the day of the prophet Amos, the darkness was a result of an eclipse, it is not the cause of darkness on the day of Jesus’ crucifixion.  The crucifixion occurred during the time of the Passover, which was celebrated at the time of the full moon.  Luke states (Luke 23:45), "the sun stopped shining," caused only by the interposing power of God.  This was a proper backdrop as the Son of God expired and gave proper testimony to the Redeemer of men. 

Thought to ponder: Darkness is blackest in contrast with the brightest light, just as sorrow is saddest, when compared to explicit joy.  We cannot fully appreciate the light of day until we have experienced darkness! 

Almighty God, Father and Creator of all things, once more I say “thank you” for this day.  Thank you for allowing me to know the ‘Son’ shines brightest in the midst of my darkness. I thank you for every dark hour, because I know it your opportunity to show yourself mighty in my life.  Thank you, when darkness covered the land, Your Son was swallowing death in victory! Thank you, in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen!

God bless you all...
Jerri of Mars

Scripture Meditation til Resurrection Day

Good day Mars,


Our meditation for Saturday, March 31, 2012

Jesus: Buried with the Rich

Isaiah 53:9 “And he made his grave with the wicked and with the rich in his death: because he had done no violence, neither was any decit in his mouth.” KJV

Matthew 27: 57-60 “As evening approached, Joseph a rich man from Aremathea who had become a follower of Jesus, went to Pilate and asked for Jesus body. And Pilate issued an order to release it to him. Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a long sheet of clean linen cloth. He placed it in his won new tomb, which had been carved out of the rock. NLT

Read: Isaiah 53:9 OT prophecy; Matthew 27:57-60 NT fulfillment.

Isaiah prophesies that through His suffering many would be forgiven, justified, redeemed and healed. His suffering would also lead to His exaltation and glory.

Thought for today: Despite what it looks like I am always a winner!

Almighty God, I say “Thank you not only for another day, but also for another week”! I am bless that you have kept me through it all. Teach me to bury some things and not to go back to them again. It is only with your help and teaching that I can do this. Thank you Father for all the people that you have sent along the way to help me. Please forgive me of all of my sins in all that I say and do. I need your help to continue to go on. This I ask in Jesus’ name I pray Amen!

Are we really seeking God?

Heeyy Mars, how you doin?


     I know its been a while but I really have started devoting majority of my time to prayer. Every night I find myself calling one or more of my sistahs to have prayer. My television watching has went from a 10 to a 3 whew! I'm so grateful to God because this time I believe I'm serious. We've all been down this road; we get on fire for God and then we allow our fire to die out, but so far its been a good 2 months.

You know what? I'm also believing this is also igniting my sons walk as  he listens and watches from the other room. And what about Trayvon Martin?



People united for justice!

     We'll constantly keeping his parents in prayer. Never ever forgetting all those other people out there who are deeply touched. Another black son gone! The injustice is dreadful.

     You see how important it is to stay close to our sons and even closer to God. The enemy is seeking after our lives and those who are close to us but are we really SEEKING God? The bible tells us to "seek the Lord while He is able to be found; call on Him while He's near." Isa 55:6 If the only time we practice this scripture is in times of trouble then Wo to us but you know what? God is still faithful to hear our cries. So continue to cry out to Jesus, He's a ever present help in the times of trouble, our strong tower and a refuge.

     Mars from this day forward I will be posting daily scriptures to meditate on; remember were in the Lent season, the time of Jesus sufferings for us and our precious sons. Please try to read them until Resurrection Day.

Our meditation for Thursday, March 29, 2012
Jesus: Pierced in His side

Zechariah 12:10 “And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his first born.” KJV

John 19:34 “One of the soldiers, however, pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out.” NLT

Zechariah states compassion is coming through Jesus.  From this, the people will receive grace and prayers shall be answered.  In order to receive this, a death must take place.Read Zechariah 12:10 OT prophecy; John 19:34 NT fulfillment
Thought for today: The price paid for love! Would you endure this for someone you love or for that matter did not know you?
Almighty God “Thank You” for this day!  I cannot vision what it would feel like being pierced in my side.  I do not want all that you went through to be in vain.  Please forgive me of all of my sins and help me to walk right before you.  Help me to love like you.  This I ask in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen!

Keep seeking God,

 Jerri of Mars

I'm Not Giving Up!

Good day Mars,
     It has been awhile since my last entry. I was not getting any feedback from those that I felt would support this endeavor. I do this for all the mothers out there, whose sons are grown and those that are growing older. But, like Jesus blood shed on Calvary; I will continue to try and reach one mother at a time to save her son from the devils destruction.
     God is good! As I continue to surround myself around those who truly love Him through their obedience shown by reading His word daily, praying for others consistently and the love that they show each other. They will be led to pass on what God gives me even if it doesn't apply to them. We all have something to share about how we raised our sons alone.
     From Min Dawrell, who is successful in all his ways with the evidence shown as he walks and sometimes run for the Lord; his mother did it with God. Officer Dwayne, who took an oath to protect and serve the community which makes his mother proud. Judge Mathis, who from a very rough childhood, made a conscious effort to change his life. He's now and for over 2 decades is comfortably sitting on the right side of the law.
     I always mention a wonderful sister named Valerie, who God speaks through to encourage me during this endeavor of blogging. She asked the question yesterday, that I privately ask myself, "why I haven't been writing?" I am trying very hard to not grow weary in my well doing. When I look at man, this happens. So, I thank her for speaking via  Holy Spirit to me. I will continue to look up at Jesus on that cross because I want a crown.
     I will go after what He set out for me. I'm seeking a larger audiences because there is a need for support, love and prayers for single mothers out in this great big world. During my time at work, I see all races of sons trying to maintain: sagging pants, cursing, and growing apathetic. They have no clue because often times their mothers are clueless. This also includes mothers who are raising daughters alone, because they are drawn to these types.
     But God is able! What he has done for sistahs like us, he can surely do for them too. Least we forget and seek after our own agenda's then we fall short.
     Bishop Marvin Winnans preached at Whitney's funeral, to first SEEK the kingdom of God...this is exactly what my pastor has been preaching on for several weeks now. If you're a christian, and God has used you to successfully raise a well mannered and behaved son, then support those who are still seeking.

Baby Dylan

     A prayer to a new young mother, Lataya, who is now on this same road raising Dylan. She needs our support, love and encouragements. In Jesus name...amen!

Sibling Rivalry...Leah and Rachel

Good day Mars,
    In the book of Genesis, chapter 29:17 starts a story of two sisters who shared in marriage one man named Jacob. Our spiritual fathers; Abraham, Issac and Jacob. The latter aka the trickster, deceitful who ended up being fooled by his uncle and his very son. Jacob the one who had 12 sons; the originators of the 12 tribes of Israel. The man whom God himself renamed Israel: Prince. Jacob who slept on a rock and watched angels descend and ascend from heaven. Jacob who fought with God and walked away afflicted but blessed. He became the brunt of two sisters hurt, sorrow and pain, but not without his uncle's help.

v16-17...Laban had two daughters; Rachel who was beautiful with a good figure and Leah the oldest, who's eyes did not sparkle. Tells us that Jacob was physically attracted to Rachel.
v18..."if you will let me marry Rachel, I'll work seven years for you." Rachel was his cousin, he promise to his uncle Laban tells us he was a diligent, honorable and earned his way. He also found himself in love with her after only one month.
v25...The next morning Jacob realized he had been tricked by his uncle and married Leah. His uncle told him about traditions and offered him seven more years to have Rachel. Tells us that deceit runs in the family.
v31...Leah soon became pregnant and because Jacob loved Rachel more God closed her womb. Tells us that Rachel would not give her husband his first born son.
30:1..."I'll die if you don't give me some children!". Tells us Rachel was becoming jealous and desperate.
v2..."Don't blame me, I'm not God!". Tells us Jacob became upset with Rachel
     Some of you may relate to sibling rivalry. Sister jealousy, arguing and perhaps fighting. Maybe sisters who just happen to get pregnant by the same man, stranger things have happened. However, God can work all these things out for our good. We cannot battle with each other, because it's not ours to fight. These women took matters into their own hands, like we often do. This can get messy but God is in the business of taking our biggest mess and working a miracle. Where we can be cordial towards each other. Especially when the children witness such harsh behaviors. They can start to act out as you will see as they grow older. These are all ignited by generational curses: lying, pride, blame and desperation. We must pray, read and ask God to help us in the mist of our personal storms. He will.
Until next time, please read ahead but not too far. We all know the story, God is going to work it all out for our good according to His riches and glory!

Jerri of Mars