Equipped With Instructions

Exodus 14: 15-16
¹⁵ Then the LORD said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on.

In my quest to understand the Bible at 11 years old, I began reading from Genesis with so much excitement no one could contain it. When my teachers would read at school, I felt so much inspiration from the words spoken. When I read at home I felt excitement and confusion. I asked a lot of questions and frustrated a lot of adults. I realized the lessons I received then were designed to carry me through my season as an11 year old. I  had a strong desire to just absorb the Word and to figure out what to do to go to Heaven.



As I read the book of Exodus I could relate as Moses offered up excuses to not move when God instructed him. Moses mentioned his speech impediment. I can remember being pulled out of class because of stammer. I absolutely hate speaking and felt so much anger when my teachers requested that I  read out loud. Certainly they were trying to embarrass me. I could hear the students laughing and a couple of times a chuckle from my teacher.



God never sent Moses without instructions and equipment. The task seemed enormous and Pharaoh was unrelenting. Moses saw the problem and God saw the possibility. How often do we focus on the problem? How often do you feed the problem with our lack of faith?



I know that if I am asked to speak or pray out loud there is a strong possibility that I will stammer. But I resolved many years ago I will not let that stop me. I know to stop, think, continue. When I pray I am speaking to my Father, I certainly can’t let fear get in the way of that. There are people to speak and pray eloquently. It’s a wonderful gift. I am not a speaker, orator or narrator. But I do have God’s word in me. And because of that, I recognize the possibilities of the wonders of God  in my life.



Remember this song?

I ‘m gonna pray when the spirit says pray


And obey the spirit of the Lord.



Prayer Dear Lord, I am thanking you for the possibilities of hope, love and joy in you. You never fail, Lord ; therefore I depend solely on you. I desire wholeness in you Lord knowing you can take any perceived shortcomings and use them to glorify you. For that, Lord I am grateful. ~Amen

¹⁶ Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground.

God Is As Near As Your Next Breath

May the Lord bless and protect you; may the Lord's face radiate with joy because of you; may he be gracious to you, show you his favor and give you his peace. Numbers 6:24-26



I was speaking with a associate the other day. He was expressing how his daily schedule had changed because his family and extended families were both needing help from him. He didn’t seem stressed or overwhelmed. I was thinking about being spread too thin or the time spent running around helping everyone.

Concerned about his emotional well being I asked, “How do you feel about being pulled between two households?” He looked surprised at the question but didn’t hesitate on providing an answer. As his eyes widened with excitement, he stated, “If someone calls me to help them, that means that they believe 1) I am willing to help and 2) If I am unable to help, I can find someone to help. All they have to do is call.

I was surprised by this answer, expecting him to complain about his status as “fix it” man. But my heart quickly became warm when I thought about the people who depended on him and how they trusted him to help and take care of his extended family when needed. I smiled thinking about how his loved ones trusted that if something broke in the house, he would fix it. Or if someone needed a ride, he’ll gladly make time. And if someone came up short on bills, he would supplement.

As I thought about this brief conversation, it resonated in my spirit. You see, I have decided to commit myself to a class called Luke 1:38. This class is being facilitated by my Pastor Tacuma and First Lady Michelle Johnson. This is an intensive 6 month class dedicated to deepening my relationship with God. Since I made that commitment, my life has met many new challenges that have tested my patience, my view of the world, and even who I am.

But the blessing is realizing the Lord is as near as my next breath.

• I trust that when I cry out, the Lord will wipe my tears.


• I trust that when my heart is wounded, the Lord will massage my heart.


• I trust that when I open my mouth and speak life into a situation, the Lord creates an awakening.


• I trust that when the month is longer than my funds, the Lord will make a way.






I am reassured that God is only a prayer away.

Prayer Lord, I thank you for your grace and mercy. I am praising you just for being you, for being God. I am thanking you for never leaving me. I appreciate you being as near as my next breath. You’re awesome! Amen