My daily reading plan has me reading the book of Jeremiah. This is probably not a good idea during a pandemic and racial unrest and while so many Christians and prophets are “Prophesying, America is about to be judged.” (Side note: The same Christians who say God is about to judge America, are also the same Christians that say America is the best country. Do you see why Pre-Christians may...
I Won’t Be Quiet
I’m asking myself, “Why can’t I be quiet?” It’s been over a month. Why can’t I just let it go. Honestly, my suburban lifestyle hasn’t change. My kids are fine. The shut down has been financially favorable for us. Why can’t I move on? Just stop talking about racial inequities in this country. Obviously, they are not affecting me. So, Melissa just be quiet. But I can’t. This quote explains...
Seated at the Table
Late yesterday evening, I sat on my porch swing, praying in the Spirit and asking for a revelation about a prophetic dream someone had given me. As I prayed, I felt this profound sadness. I wept. Tears flowed not for me, but for the Church. For my home church and for the church that meets in America. My heart truly aches because of the division within our churches and our...
No Fine Print
Recently, my church was searching for a new pastor. We had narrowed the search down to two candidates. Both great men. I was on the search committee and was trying to decide which I would recommend. So I did the very spiritual thing of Facebook Stalk both candidates. In my research, one of the candidates said something in a sermon that sealed the deal for me. He said, “God is...
What is God Doing?
Yesterday, my dear friend and I shared lunch. Over our three hour lunch we discussed politics, religion, and race relation. As we brought our discussion to an end, my friend asked a question. I don’t think she wanted an answer, but it’s a question many of us find ourselves asking in 2020: “What is God doing?” Later that evening, my husband and I sat on our swing porch in the...
The Prayer
Lord, I thank you that you are neither a Republican or a Democrat. You are not American, or Asian, or Italian. You are God of the Universe, a good Father to ALL people regardless of race, ethnicity, or political affiliation. Father, this morning I declare my faith, my hope, my trust is not in any man, nor in any political party. My faith, my hope, my trust is in you...
Love One Another
Yesterday, I was a little frazzled. I had overslept and arrived at work late. When I got to work, I had a huge stack of papers to carry up to my room on the third floor. A fellow teacher saw me struggling and ran to my aid. This teacher is of the Muslim faith. After I got settled, this teacher of Muslim faith, along with another teacher of Christian faith,...
Preemptive Strike – Day 15
A Prayer for our Nation Father, we thank you that the joy of the Lord is our strength. You have given your people grace to rejoice in every situation and to see you at work in every circumstance. So Father, we place this nation in your hands and we trust you will bless and keep us. We know, despite what this nation may be facing at this moment, all things...
Let Us Pray
I woke up this morning thinking about politics. Ugh. “Lord, I don’t want to get into a political debate this morning on Facebook.” I thought. The Holy Spirit said, “Neither do I. But avoiding issues don’t make them go away. Pray for your nation.” So here is my prayer: “Father, I thank you that you are God and there is none other than you. Our hope as a nation is...
Worship
My heart is heavy this morning. Mississippi. Texas. Ohio. I’m speechless. I’m angry. I’m saddened. I’m scared. I don’t know what to do. I don’t know how to be a solution to the anger, racism, violence that seems to characterize our nation, today. When King Jehoshaphat’s nation was threatened, the Lord said to him: Worship. God is speaking the same thing to me this morning – worship. I’m reluctant. “Lord,...