Although not met with the same enthusiasm as Mother’s Day, we pause on the third Sunday in June to honor our fathers. Children will take their fathers to dinner, buy them gifts, and send cards.  The sermon this Sunday will most likely speak to fathers in one way or another.  Many restaurants will offer discounts for the father’s meal on Father’s Day. Truly it is a day of celebration for those who take their responsibilities as a father seriously.

Looking at the definition of the word father we see a man who has produced or created a child.  It takes no real effort to possess the title of father. There is nothing said about his abilities, his love, his devotion, or his character.  Simply that he created a child.

While there are many fathers, there are some that stand out as good fathers.  A good father will do everything in his power to ensure that the needs of his family are met.  He may work long hours taking on additional jobs just to make sure his family is secure.

A good father not only provides for his family but he will be the spiritual leader of his family.  He will demonstrate the love of our Heavenly Father by the love he shows to his children.  Praying with his children and spending time teaching them about the love of God.

A good father will demonstrate for his sons and daughters how a woman should be treated by the way he treats his wife.  When the son sees his mother respected and cherished he gains much needed knowledge on how to build relationships with the opposite sex.  The daughter also learns how she is to be treated and will not settle for less than the example set by her father.

The role of a good father cannot be reduced to producing or creating a child.  But it encompasses the character and the integrity of the man.  I was blessed to have a good father who my children never met.  But because of the impact he had in my life they have an idea of what he must have been like.  I will close by saying happy Father’s Day to those who have accepted the duties that accompany the title. Know that your children are counting on you to help them to be the best they can be.  Be the kind of father that you want your sons to duplicate one day.

In honor of my father

Bishop Martin Luther Johnson Sr.

1908-1990

Gone but not forgotten

Dr. Evelyn Johnson-Taylor

On June 1, my husband and I celebrated 25 years of marriage.  The first 17 or so years went by very fast, but the last few years have been challenging.  I have been my husband’s caregiver since 2008.  He has a chronic neurological disorder which followed a cancer diagnosis.  Over the past years his condition has fluctuated and sometimes he needs more help than other times.  Life has been unpredictable to say the least. While our lives have not been all that we had imagined them to be, we have been blessed.

I wish to share with you a very important lesson that I have learned.  It is a mistake to get overwhelmed with trying to build a life rather than simply living it. Many of our dreams for our future were wrapped in waiting until our children were adults.  Of course, now we realize that many of the things we planned for our empty-nest period will not take place because of his physical condition.

Knowing that God is in control has been our source of strength.  Although illness has a huge impact on a person, I believe that the core of a person remains intact.  The mood may change at times due to pain and suffering, but deep down there is a glimpse of who you are.  On those days that I see little resemblances of the person I married, I have to remind myself of the character and love of the man I vowed to love in sickness and in health 25 years ago.  When we make a commitment in marriage, it has to be to someone we would be willing to accept and love at any condition of life. Life has a way of sending you things you did not expect or prepare for.

Sickness is something we have no control over, and with sickness comes much more.  Many times a chronic illness will take its toll on the family finances.  Some families are forced into bankruptcy, losing their homes, etc. Marriages can end in divorce due to the pressure of a long term illness. But when it appears that much has been loss, remember that God wants to be glorified in our marriages. When God is glorified in the dark moments of our lives we defeat the works of the enemy and render him powerless.

I find it interesting that my husband chose a nurse for his wife.  Coincidental?  I would say not. But divinely inspired is a more appropriate answer, for God knows what we have need of before we ask.

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To read more about my journey wait for my new book:

The Heart of a Caregiver.

1 Corinthians 13:13,   “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

Evelyn Johnson-Taylor Ph.D.

“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13

Faith is trust and total reliance on the Word of God.  Faith comes as a result of hearing the Word of God.  Once we hear the Word, we can trust that what God has said will come to past.  Our faith is not in things or people, but our faith is in God and what His Word has to say about our situation.  Others may have an opinion or suggestion regarding our condition, but we must trust what God has said in His Word concerning us.

While it is true that we will experience some difficult periods in this life, God is still the governor.  It is He who knows all there is to know about us.  It is He who orders our steps, and we must trust that He knows the way we take.  Life has its trials and its share of disappointments, but God the creator has placed in each of us what we will need to win the fight.

It is  in the darkest moment that the opportunity for our faith to be strengthened is displayed.  Maintaining a level of faith when life is chaotic can be difficult.  It is in our weakness that He is strong.  Our faith can remain firm because our faith is in a never changing God.  We can lean on God when we are shaky because He is always solid.

If there were no storms in our lives, how would we ever experience the deliverance of an almighty God? Trust the God you serve that He will bring you through.  You can always stand strong because He is holding you.

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23

Evelyn Johnson-Taylor Ph.D.

 

Dr. Evelyn J Taylor Ministries

For more information

Do you desire to have a better understanding of faith?  My guest blogger today gives us some clear insight into Saving Faith and the Spiritual Gift of Faith.

Faith in God is the most essential thing that a person needs in order to expect God to move on one’s behalf. Hebrews 11:6 informs its reader that “without faith, it is impossible to please God.” So, what exactly is faith? Faith, as translated from the Greek word pistis, is defined as having trust and confidence in God. It also refers to giving credence to the truth of His (God’s) word.

Faith is great! Faith takes one above and beyond where they were. Faith takes one from a life without Christ, to a life that experiences the grace of God which brings one into an eternal relationship with Him. This can be referred to as saving faith (see Ephesians 2:8). Faith is great in that God’s saving grace is availed to those who believe in the redemptive work of His Son, Jesus the Christ, and yield themselves over to His Lordship.

It should be borne in mind that faith does not stop at salvation. The just live by faith. The just walk by faith. The just work by faith. The just even die in faith.

By looking into the spiritual gifts that are given by the Spirit of God to those who are in the body of Christ, you will notice that one of the gifts given is the gift of faith. Even though faith in God carries the same definition, this gift goes beyond saving faith.

Notice the following in I Corinthians 12: 1, 4, 5-6

• Now concerning spiritual gifts (literally spirituals [Greek] pneumatikos).
• Diversities (various) of gifts, i.e. spiritual endowments, but the same Spirit.
• Differences of administrations/variety of ministries, but the same Lord.
• Diversities of operations/distinction of effect in the works, but the same God being active in all.

Verse 9 informs us that faith is one of the spiritual endowments that fall into this category.

The gift of faith (sometimes referred to as extraordinary faith) is faith that goes beyond saving faith. The gift of faith is given to believers in the body of Christ for the benefit of all in the body of Christ. For example: there is a particular need which appears to be beyond man’s ability to fulfill, and yet God has endowed someone with the ability or capacity to believe and accomplish such a deed. This would be the working of the gift of faith: God supernaturally endowing someone to place their trust, reliance, and confidence in God towards accomplishing the extraordinary.

From what has been discussed in this editorial, it should be clear to all who believe in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that faith in God to access God’s grace for salvation, and faith given by God as a spiritual gift to the believer fits into the category of greatness. (I Corinthians 13:13).

Guest Blogger

Dr. Thomas L. Dozier, Sr. Pastor

The Word of Grace and Truth Ministries

Tampa, FL 33610

The Word of Grace and Truth Ministries

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Jeremiah reminds the exiled community that it was God who caused them to be carried into captivity to Babylon.  He told the people of Judah that they would experience seventy years of Babylonian exile.  In the interim Jeremiah encouraged the people to settle in and carry on their regular day-to-day activities.

Many times the promises of God in our lives will not be immediate.  We are encouraged to carry on with our day-to-day activities while waiting.  Even when the wait is long, remember, God has not forgotten His promise to you. We must continue to trust God’s plan for our lives so that we can live a life of purpose.

God has a plan for each of our lives, but many people will live their entire lives never fulfilling God’s plan.  Remain focused on God and His Word.  When we start to focus on what others are doing we become impatient and discouraged.  God has already equipped you with everything you will need to accomplish His purpose.  Maturity is needed, some revision may be necessary, and definitely our attitudes will need some adjustment. But in the core of who you are, you have what it takes to be everything God has called you to be.

God’s plan for you is good, not evil. Hold to the anchor of hope and be confident that God will not give up or change His mind concerning you.  He remains ready and willing to finish what He has initiated in you.

Mother’s Day is officially over but not really.  Good mothers are to be acknowledged and appreciated every day.  What would you say constitutes a good mother?

• A good mother loves her children unconditionally
• A good mother prepares meals for her children
• A good mother makes sure her children get proper rest
• A good mother prays with and for her children
• A good mother reads to her children
• A good mother communicates with her children
• A good mother is patient with her children
• A good mother will sit up all night with a sick child
• A good mother cleans up all bodily fluids
• A good mother will discipline her children
• A good mother is a parent first, not a friend
• A good mother knows how to relate uniquely to each child
• A good mother teaches her children by example
• A good mother prepares her children for life
• A good mother releases her children at the appropiate time
• A good mother refrains from meddling uninvited in her adult children’s lives

If you do one or more of the things on this list, you are a good mother.

A mother’s influence is not just for her lifetime.  Her teaching will live long after she is gone.  There is no end to what a good mother does.  A good mother will do anything for her children.  I am thankful to God that I had a good mother. My mother is no longer with us here on earth, but  I was blessed to have her in my life throughout my childhood and beyond. I still carry with me her teachings and wise counsel and share often what I learned from her. The influence of a good mother is unmatchable.

 

 

 

 

Mother Annie Ruth Johnson

September 25, 1927- April 22, 2009

 

Dr. Evelyn Johnson-Taylor

Today is May 5, 2016 and it is The National Day of Prayer. President Harry Truman signed a bill proclaiming the National Day of Prayer into law in the United States on April 17, 1952. On the first Thursday in May of each year volunteers plan activities and millions gather to pray.  Some of the activities planned for this day include prayer breakfasts, marathons, concerts, rallies, prayer vigils, and other activities in stadiums and schools are organized.

People are encouraged to gather on this day to pray as a group or as individuals.  Many churches open their doors for folks to come in to pray throughout the day. Certainly this is a day that is appreciated and needed. However, I would like to suggest that every day become a day of prayer.  In Luke 1:18 Jesus admonished His disciplines to always pray and not to give up.

This year’s theme for the National Day of Prayer is Wake up America. We as a nation are in dire need of a change.  The condition of our nation is desperate and things are deteriorating quickly.  Prayer is our greatest weapon.  Today, millions of people will gather to pray at thousands of events. This is a distressing time in our nation and there is nothing we can do that is more important than praying.

There is power in prayer and we can be assured that our God still hears us when we pray.  In honor of the National Day of Prayer, Women of Promise International Ministries has added a noon prayer for today only to our regular Thursday morning and evening prayer.  Please join us by dialing 712-432-0700 access code 537702# today at 6:30 AM, Noon, and 8:30 PM.

Never underestimate the power of prayer.

Please join us every Thursday at 6:30 AM and 8:30 PM for prayer.  Dial 712-432-0700 access code 537702# leave prayer request at our website www.womenofpromise.net

 

Dr. Evelyn Johnson-Taylor

How many wish they could change the people in their lives?  Just a little bit? Be honest. If only it was that easy.  In dealing with people we must understand that everyone is different.  Trying to change a person is a battle I promise you that you will not win.

Many times when we are in relationship with others we seek to have them conform to what we want them to be. Whether it is a spouse, parent, child, coworker, or friend, we have an idea of how the person should act.  What they should say.  How they should dress. And the revision requests go on and on. We make it our focus to have the person fit into what we want them to be.   Not everyone will enjoy the same things you enjoy.  Not everyone will be as well-organized as you are.  And many will not even have the desire to achieve what you achieved.

God created each of us for His specific purpose. Psalm 139:13 reads, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”  While we do understand that environment and developmental stages play a part in determining how we act, each of us have a unique behavior pattern.  We have been uniquely designed by the hands of a loving God.

Apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, they have become new.”  If a person is not in sin or acting in total disregard for others, leave them alone.  Any changes that need to be made, God will handle.  Many times while we are so busy focusing on what others lack we fail to see our own shortcomings.

Trying to change another person is a waste of time.  It is hard enough trying to change things in your own life.  I have ten pounds I have wanted to lose for six years now.  But it requires changing my eating habits.  I work out regularly and have for years, but I just cannot seem to change what I enjoy eating.

If a person is to change, they have to want to change.  And yes I know if I wanted to lose that ten pounds badly enough I would stop eating cake and ice cream.  The desire to change has to be greater than the desire to stay the same.  If there are things you want to change in your own life, ask God to help you.  Today is a great day to start.  I might even start on my cake and ice cream fast today.

 

 

Dr. Evelyn Johnson-Taylor

Why does it seem as if some people can never get a break?  You try and try but still end up on the bottom.  It seems that nothing is working out for you.  When you take two steps forward it appears as if you get knocked three steps backward.  You may be thinking to yourself, what can I do to flip the switch for my life?

If you are thinking like this, you are exactly where the enemy wants you to be. I truly believe that nothing brings Satan more joy than to see those of us who call Jesus our Lord living a life of discouragement and defeat. The truth is that we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us. He has given us everything we need to live life to the fullest. 2 Peter 1:3-4 NLT, “By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.”

Because we have Christ in us, He promises to be with us and to help us to live the life we were meant to live. The Scripture teaches that if we are in Christ we are new creations.  We can rejoice because of the fact that we have escaped the corruption of the world. Our lives are hid in Christ Jesus and our future has already been secured.

Be assured that God is working behind the scenes to achieve His purpose in you.  While it may seem like you are misplaced, consider this:  God is hiding you for this season while He matures some things in you. He is calling into focus the right opportunities for you while closing some doors. As believers, we must remind ourselves that we must demonstrate the mind of Christ in all that we do.  Our success is not locked up in what we possess but in who we are in Christ Jesus. The chains are already broke in the spirit, our minds have to be renewed so that we can see ourselves as Christ sees us.  Let me conclude with these words, “I will not complain.”

 

Dr. Evelyn Johnson-Taylor

I wrote a book several years ago titled Seven Blessing Blockers.  In this book I dealt with multiple things that hinder us from moving forward in life.  It was my goal to assist the reader in overcoming some of the things that prevent them from living the abundant life.  When I speak of abundant life I am not referring to money, cars, homes or any of the material things people consider to be abundance.  Instead, I am referring to living the life God designed for us to live.  A life that is full and rich with love. Every believer should strive to live the kind of life that will allow them to die empty.  When we return to our Heavenly Father we want to return having accomplished everything we were created to do.

In our quest to pursue our purpose there are many obstacles that we face along the way.  I can tell you from my personal experiences, at times it is difficult to stay focused. Life happens with or without us.  Time continues to move without our permission.  It is easy to get caught up in the things of life and miss out on living life.   A life filled with passion and purpose is worth living.

What I have found to be most helpful is to start my day by asking the Father “What would you have me accomplish this day?” If my desire is truly to fulfill the plan He has for me then certainly I must consult Him regarding the plan. It has been my experience that seeking God first can prevent a lot of detours and save much time during the course of the day.  In the chaos of this thing called life, God is our constant source of strength, for in our weakness He is strong.  Life can get busy, and things can change but God does not change. When we let go and let God we can accomplish His plan for our lives.

I am the first to admit that I spend too much time trying to figure things out.  With so many things coming at me, I can feel my stress level rising. But I want to challenge you today as I challenge myself, God does know what He has for us.  Settle in my friend and learn to trust God.  Seek to be obedient to His voice and you will end up right where you are supposed to be and right when you are supposed to be there. You can overcome the obstacles that seek to derail God’s plan for your life.  Rest in Him and be ready to move when He says move. Obedience is key!

 

Dr. Evelyn Johnson-Taylor

To purchase a copy of Seven Blessing Blockers visit  www.evelynjtaylor.org