God is Rich in Mercy

Many Believers experience a certain level of shame when they're faced with challenges. I believe that this is due to gaps in certain schools of thought within the Church. 

For example, in the Word of Faith school of thought there are huge gaps on the matter of theodicy. Theodicy looks at why God allows bad things to happen to God's people. In the Word of Faith school of thought if we name it, claim it, profess it, fast, pray, and do all the "right" things then we will prosper, be in good health and experience longevity. 

In the Word of Faith school of thought,  when something bad happens it must be due to personal sin, generational sin, lack of faith or spiritual laziness. In my view, this is a works- based , legalistic school of thought that has tried to reduce God to God's principles, promises and prophecies. Revelation about spiritual laws, spiritual technology, spiritual realms, spiritual dimensions, etc is by the MERCY of God. AND God is bigger than what God reveals to us. It is extremely PRIDEFUL to think we know ALL of the ways of God because God is merciful to reveal to us some of God's ways. 

God is Sovereign and allows death, disease, sickness, destruction, etc.  to occur. Sometimes this is due to personal sin or generational sin and iniquity. Under the Old Covenant God visits the sins of the fathers to the third and fourth generation. God's word tells us that God is rich in MERCY and extends MERCY to thousands and thousands of generations. Sometimes bad things happen to God's people for reasons we don't understand. Sometimes bad things happen to God's people so that God may be ultimately glorified. God is good, righteous and just- no matter what. 

Yes, examine yourself when faced with challenges. Ask God to reveal to you if you've violated a  principle. And give yourself grace. Cry out to God for mercy. Refuse to be gagged or muzzled by the enemy, life's challenges or a legalistic, work-based schools of thought that accuses victims of wrong-doing just as Jobs friends accused him.

Thanksgiving Outreach in Memory of Mr. Stephen Bernard Bruce, Jr.

Grace and peace!

I trust you're well and greet you in the joy of the Lord. I'm reaching out to share news with you about an upcoming evangelism and outreach event. Thanksgiving meals will be provided to the community at noon, Saturday, November 19, 2022, at the Mary Alice Shipp Senior Center located at 710 W Price Street Sylvester, GA 31791.  This is our second annual event. Last year we served 173 hot meals and distributed food to 50+ senior citizens with a small budget of approximately $2500.

We'd like to serve more people this year AND win souls for Jesus. Attached are an event flyer and a postcard we will share as we distribute meals in the community.  Will you partner with us in this effort by making a donation, forwarding this information, and encouraging others to make a donation? You may donate via check, money order, Zelle (TGOutreachSBBJr@gmail.com), or CashApp ($TGOutreachSBBJr).The mailing address for checks and money orders is New Willow Grove Baptist Church, c/o Deacon Willie Munford, 309 N Carter Rd Sylvester, GA 31791. Please include “Outreach” in the memo section of your check or money order, note section of CashApp or message section of Zelle.

To volunteer or get more information about the Thanksgiving Outreach event, please contact Mrs. Latecia Cheevers at (229) 206-2475 or LateciaCheevers@hotmail.com. Included below is information about the growing congregation that is coordinating the event.

New Willow Grove Baptist Church
333 Cotton Street
Poulan, GA 31781
Minister Tracy Cheevers, Pastor
Service Days/Times: Sunday School @ 10:15 am.
Church Service @ 11:15 am.
2nd & 4th Sundays

This is an appropriate way to remember Stephen, Jr.  because he had a heart for and reached out to the elderly, poor, homeless, and underserved communities. Due to his commitment to community service and volunteerism he was awarded a full-ride community service scholarship to Carson Newman College which is a small liberal arts Christian college in Jefferson, TN. It is noteworthy that the Biblical character Stephen is first mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles. He was one of seven deacons appointed by the Apostles to distribute food and charitable aid to poorer members of the community in the early church.

Stephen, Jr. is survived by a widow Ms. Keundra Wilson Bruce; two sons Asher Gregory Bruce and Beaux Hilton Bruce; parents Mr. Stephen (Mrs. LaKisha) Bruce, the Rev. Dr. Lyn Cheevers, and Mr. Anthony Branch; father-in-law Mr. Edward Wilson and mother-in-law Mrs. Tracey Wilson; grandparents Mr. Hilton and Pr. Mrs. Virginia Cheevers and Mrs. Mary Poindexter; four siblings; one sister-in-law; two brothers-in-law; six uncles; five aunts; four Godparents; many cousins; and several loving friends.

Stephen is sorely missed. I think of him daily- multiple times throughout each day. I look forward to seeing him again after my 100++ years here in earth.

Blessings,
Lyn 

We're Kings Kids

We are Kings kids!

God desires for us to prosper in every dimension of our lives and be in good health even as our souls prosper. Although I grew up with many nice things, as an adult there are certain material blessings I didn't think were for me. This was the case for many years.  There was a sense of unworthiness and even guilt about being blessed materially. 

I didn't buy my first luxury car until 2021 although I  could afford one approximately 15 years ago. I purchased the car after our son passed in 2020. This is when I truly realized that if we live to be 126 or 26 (like in our son's case), life is short. So I purchased a Mercedes Benz because you only live on this side of eternity once. We may as well enjoy  some tangible things during our "dash." I purchased a GLE 350 SUV April 16, 2021 for my 47th birthday which was April 18.  It is all white with tan interior. It's a beautiful car. I left it behind with my parents. Mommy was upgraded overnight. May it be our portion. In Jesus' name! (By the way, years ago she gave ME a prophetic word that someone would give ME a white Benz 🤔🤷🏽‍♀️...)

When I  initially bought the MB, I parked away from entrances when I went places so that people wouldn't see me getting out of it. I was ashamed of being so "extravagant, wasteful, and frivolous" when so many are suffering or in need. I'd made an "emotional" purchase, but still had not been delivered from a sense of unworthiness. Well I'm publicly declaring I've been delivered! And besides in hindsight this car isn't pricey. It's nice. I'm thankful. But it's not like I bought a Rolls Royce SUV,  private jet or fleet of jets!  🤔😂

Let me say it again. We are King's kids! We represent the Kingdom of Heaven. In the US Government there's a representational standard and budget for certain positions in the Foreign  Service. We're  assigned homes,  benefits, resources, salaries and representational budgets based on roles, responsibilities,  position, grade and rank so that we can represent the US Govt to foreign nations in a certain manner. Catch that! How much more so is this the case in the Kingdom of Heaven?  

I'm not saying every Believer will be wealthy, drive luxury cars and live in large homes. I'm not promoting an unbalanced prosperity gospel. I'm not saying to go into debt to "look the part." What I'm saying is we ALL have undiscovered inheritances in the Kingdom. We represent the Kingdom of Heaven. Let's represent  the King well in ALL things. Let's ask God for the grace to seek out our inheritances and then put them on full display as a testament of the goodness of God. This isn't just material or financial blessings. Whatever blessings are available to us, lets grab hold of them. I NEED a car here in Manila. My eyes are on God to bless me beyond my budget as I make the CASH purchase. I will represent the King in style!

**Note: This post isn't about the car. It's sbout our mindsets. If you missed that, please re-read the post.**

From the Pearl of the Orient to the Pearl of Africa!

God absolutely amazes me. I'm traveling to Uganda September 1-12 on an empowerment mission trip. I'm so grateful and excited. Let me tell you how God SUDDENLY orchestrated this in a matter of seven days...

August 5, I met with a friend in ministry. The man of God asked me "What's on your mind? What do you want to talk about today?" My response was "I'm having relationship challenges with an extended family member, experiencing  workplace chaos, and had a dark dream that I'm having difficulty interpreting. But I feel these are just distractions. So I'm open to engaging in this conversation however the Lord leads."

He said "The Lord is impressing on my heart to discuss your purpose and ministry assignments in this season! Yes, those things you mentioned are distractions. The enemy can't get at you directly. You've closed all doors long ago. So he'll do what he can to distract and discourage you." The man of God provided edification,  comfort, encouragement, strategy, and interpretation of the dream in 15 minutes or less. During the remaining 45 minutes or so he shared divine counsel concerning career, business  and ministry. It was a confirming word about the dreams, prophecies, and desires given to me by God over the past 12 years after birthing out a ministry in 2008. Learn more about the ministry-Beacon Talent Development, Inc. at www.beacontalentdev.org.

Exactly one week later August 12, I received an invitation to travel with a ministry team which will do what I've dreamed of, received words about, strongly desire to do,  and was highlighted as key areas of ministry for me in this season in the counseling  session Aug 5. 

I've never met the woman of God who extended the invitation to travel to Uganda to serve on the ministry team. One of her team members introduced us. I'm very familiar with and have ministered with several of the team members on prophetic teams, supernatural inner healing and deliverance teams,  and miracles teams at the Life Center in Dunwoody, GA USA. The team leader had been praying for someone to serve in a specific capacity on the team. When we were introduced,  God confirmed "This is the answer to your prayers." You may read more about the organizer of the mission trip here: www.catapult-global.org/uganda-2022. 

Amazingly I've had an inner knowing since June that I'd travel somewhere the first week of September. Wasn't sure where or why.  Uganda for a mission  trip it is! As you know, I'm currently living and working in the Philippines which is commonly known by many as the Pearl of the Orient. After agreeing to travel to Uganda I learned that it is sometimes referred to as the Pearl of Africa!

"Historically, the Philippines was first dubbed as “Perla del Mar de Oriente” (Pearl of the Orient Seas) in 1751 by a Spanish Jesuit missionary, Father Juan J. Delgado. In 1896, our national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, used the phrase referring to the Philippines in his last poem, "Mi ultimo adios." Then, the moniker also included in the revisions of the Philippine anthem in 1960." (Source: www blog.islastory.com/2017/01/philippines-pearl-of-orient-seas.html?m=1)

"During his tour in Uganda,  Winston Churchill actually became very inspired by what he found here and he wrote in his book that “For magnificence, for variety of form and color, for profusion of brilliant life — bird, insect, reptile, beast — for vast scale — Uganda is truly 'the Pearl of Africa.' (Source: www.atta.travel/member-news/2015/12/why-uganda-is-called-the-pearl-of-africa)

During our time in Uganda the team will:

1. Meet with leaders in the Seven Mountains of Culture- family, religion, education, media, entertainment, business, and government, to hear what's on their hearts and minds,  pray for them, and release the prophetic word of the Lord as led by the Holy Spirit. 

2. Distribute commodities and Christian Education materials. 

3. Be dispatched in teams of two to local churches to preach, teach, prophesy, pray, minister deliverance, and operate in other gifts of the Spirit as led, need dictates, and God gives grace. 

4. Facilitate seminars and workshops over a 5-day period in leadership skills,  ministry development, marriage and family, health and wellness, and entrepreneurship. 

5. Represent our King as emissaries, learn about the culture, and enjoy the beauty of the people and nation. 

Why am I sharing this testimony with you? I covet your prayers and intercession. Be encouraged. The steps of the righteousne are ordered by God. Jesus Christ  is our righteousness. The providence of God prevails in our lives. God's perfect timing for God's purposes and plans to manifest in our lives is always best. God makes provision for God's vision for our lives- including open doors, platforms and opportunities to serve. Rest in the Lord. No striving is required in the Kingdom. May God continue to bless you as you walk in the purposes and plans of God for your life. 

Blessings, 

Lyn

Safeguarding the Sanctity of Human Life

Human life is sacred. We must safeguard the sanctity of human life from unjust wars, modern-day lynchings in the form of police brutality, the arbitrary and discriminatory application of the death penalty, injustice,  oppression, trauma (including senseless gun violence), marginalization, and killings. 

In light of Roe v. Wade being overturned, many of us are discussing the question of "When does life begin for the unborn?" Many say life begins at conception. Others say life begins as the body of the fetus takes form allowing you to hear a heart beat. A few say life begins when the fetus is viable (can survive outside the uterus). This usually occurs around 24 weeks. This is when the fetus' lungs begin to produce surfactant, the substance that allows the air sacs in the lungs to inflate and deflate. John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit en utero  at around this gestational age. 

Since a chief concern of pro-life advocates is safeguarding the sanctity of human life, perhaps a relevant question is "When did life begin for humanity?" Did it begin when God conceived the idea to create humanity (Genesis 1:26)? Did it begin as the body was being formed,  shaped and molded from the dust (Gen 1:27)? Or did it begin when God breathed into  the nostrils of God's creation the breath of life (Genesis 2:7)?

Pursuing the Heart of God Through True Repentance

"My sacrifice [the sacrifice acceptable] to God is a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart [broken down with sorrow for sin and humbly and thoroughly penitent], such, O God, You will not despise." Psalm 51:17 AMPC

True repentance  attracts the favor of God and the blessings of heaven. Repentance is more than feeling guilty, being  convicted or being remorseful. It's more than saying you're sorry and asking for forgiveness. 

The Hebrew word for repentance is teshuva which is a derivative of a verb which means to return.  The Greek term for repentance is metanoia which means a change of mind, a reorientation,  a transformed worldview,  and a different perspective of self, God and others. 

You have no idea how much it pleases God and gives God  joy for you to REPENT. It "melts" God's heart. David pursued God's heart in this manner. God actively finds ways to reward, acknowledge and honor true repentance. 

When you change your heart, mind, and direction and are TRULY GRIEVED (not condemned) by past trangressions God not only rewards your obedience God CONSOLES your grief! God literally celebrates your coming to yourself and returning to God like the Father celebrated the prodigal son when he came back home.

Note: And for that religious one who says, oh wouldn't it have been better to not sin. The need for repentance isnt always about sin. Its about  beliefs and mindsets. The sinful behaviors are simply fruit of an ungodly root. And besides, all have sinned and fallen short of God's standards. Your heart sir/ma'am is like that of the prodigal son's brother.

When the Unthinkable Happens

"O ko ni mo saare omo e!" 

Friday, June 3, 2022, would've been our first born son Stephen's 28th birthday.  "O ko ni mo saare omo e" is a prayer, word of blessing, and declaration in the Yoruba language. It means you will not know the grave or burial site of your child. It is sometimes declared in faith and in other times presumption and superstition. This declaration can also make it "taboo"  for parents to publicly acknowledge the death of their child by attending wakes, funerals, burials, etc. 

This declaration is spoken in superstition when one who lacks revelation or authority believes it to be so just because he/she said so. It is spoken in presumption (and sometimes spiritual/religious pride) when you believe bad things won't happen to  you or your family just because of who you are in Christ and because God loves you. 

O ko ni mo saare omo e is declared in faith when you have a revelation of God and spiritual principles. It is declared in faith when you've addressed cycles of negative patterns that would allow such a thing to occur. It is declared in faith when you humbly acknowledge that you do not understand ALL the ways of God so you cry out for the mercy of God. It is declared in faith when you realize you and your ancestors were born in sin and shaped in iniquity so you kneel before the mercy seat of God and ask to be wrapped in the protective wings of the cherubim. It is declared in faith  when you know God is able and willing and like Meshach, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego have decided to trust and obey God no matter what outcome God permits (Daniel 3:16-18).

My father is a Yoruba man by DNA and amazingly in some ways by tradition and culture. His great grandfather was stolen from Ogun State and taken to Jekyll Island on the Slave Ship the Wanderer in 1858. Daddy doesn't speak the language,  doesn't eat the food, and has never visited Yorubaland. Yet,  he did not attend Stephen's funeral and didn't "touch" the funeral arrangements. He doesn't know where the burial site is and rarely speaks of Stephen. This is what he has decided is needed for his healing process. We respect and honor that. 

What is needed for my healing is different from what daddy needs.  I was involved in planning. I saw the body. I attended the funeral. I talk, write, and journal about Stephen. And I talk about the loss because I understand that someone can be delivered from presumption and superstition through my transparently sharing my journey to healing. When EVIL men KILLED Emmitt Till and MUTILATED his body, his mom didn't allow the mortician to "touch up" his face.  She insisted on an OPEN casket funeral so that others would SEE and KNOW the TRUTH. Beloved, KNOW the TRUTH. The TRUTH shall be your Shield and Buckler Who keeps you. 

Why am I sharing? Don't religiously declare anything out of superstition.  Ask God for REVELATION to TRULY live VICTORIOUSLY over sin, death and the grave. Know that NOTHING seperates you from God's love. God loves you even when God ALLOWS the unthinkable to happen. Bad things can and do happen to God's people (for example Job and the man born blind in John 9). When the unthinkable happens,  don't let tradition dictate your response.  

When the unthinkable happens,  do as led by the Holy Spirit. Those who are led by God's Spirit (not traditional, cultural, religious norms) are God's sons/children. Do what is needed for your deliverance, healing, and restoration. Get a specialized/individualized prescription from the Lord. Follow God's plan for your life. Ask God to show you how to glorify Him even in the midst of the unthinkable.