Archive for the ‘Faith’ Category
Posted by Queen Phillips on January 10, 2012
Even in winter, even in the midst of the storm, the sun is still there. Somewhere, up above the clouds, it still shines and warms and pulls at the life buried deep inside the brown branches and frozen earth. The sun is there! Spring will come! The clouds cannot stay forever! —Gloria Gaither
It was a very cloudy, rainy, stormy day in Houston. The damage in some communities left no doubt that the tornado warning had been a reality. Although there was no sun shining through the clouds, it was there.
Sometimes life experiences are like tornados and hurricanes that leave a path of destruction. After the turmoil and problems we face, we are left wondering can it get any worse. The same way you chose to hold on to something you thought would keep you from being carried away by the strong winds, or you hid somewhere praying you’d be safe and secure until the storm passed is the same way you must hold on to your faith in Jesus Christ. Let Him hide you under the shadow of His wings and keep you safe from the destructive forces of life (Psalm 91). I pray that you will always remember the sun is still there even in the midst of the storm. Remember the storms pass, and the clouds cannot stay forever. The good news is that God is in control. And for those who accepts His Son, Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, He promises never to leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). This is the hope that we must live by—no matter how dark the day, or how great the storm, the true SON is still there!
Be encouraged! Be inspired!
Posted in Faith, Inspirational | Tagged: believe, Christ, Faith, hope, Jesus Christ, peace, storm, tornado | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Queen Phillips on December 28, 2011
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. —Romans 8:28
Loving God and my assurance of His purpose for my life keep me trusting Him day by day. The love of God is like the “super glue” that holds the broken vessels and other cracked and damaged items together. Sometimes it’s as if I’m wearing a glaring LED sign that reads, FRAGILE! HANDLE WITH CARE!
How many of us have been broken, felt unloved and rejected? We’ve made countless mistakes. Probably had a ton of dysfunctional relationships. Family and households have crumbled under the pressures of life. No doubt, like me, many of you have faced, and still face the destructive tornado-like challenges life brings. And at some point you’ve probably questioned God’s love for you. However, the question is not about God’s love for you, but your love for God. Your love for God can be measured by how you handle the bad and ugly and unpleasantness of life. Too many Christians throw in the towel and give up hope…they stop trusting and believing that with God ALL things are possible. You can’t grow weary just because you don’t see immediate results. God is all powerful and faithful.
We misquote Romans 8:28 frequently or emphasized it to mean more than it says. It should be read along with the next two paragraphs. Apostle Paul does not promise that only “good” or “pleasurable” things will come to the Christian. Have you read all that happened to him? (2 Corinthians 11:16-33). But what he does tell us is that even the difficult experiences—trouble, calamity, persecution, hunger, destitution, dangerous circumstances and situations, and even the threat of death— does not mean God no longer loves us. It’s a deceptive scheme of the enemy to convince you that God doesn’t love because of life’s adversity. What Apostle Paul wants us to know is that God in His sovereignty uses the bad and ugly—He uses it all to bring to pass His plan for good—our good. And best of all, nothing can separate us from the love of God. Always remember it’s about God’s purposes. Think of it like this: He chose you to be a part of His purpose for the good of “those” (not just you alone), who love, who have been called according to His purpose. What you’re going through is also for someone else’s good. That someone loves God and has been called according to His purpose. Of course, in our finiteness, we can’t fully comprehend God’s sovereignty, and how He orchestrates; it is too great for us to attain. Therefore, we should just believe in, rely on, adhere to, and put our confidence in His power and authority to bring it to pass (whatever it is!) From this perspective, I will keep trusting Him, loving Him and for sure, obeying His commands. That is the evidence of His ’super glue’ love that holds this fragile vessel together, and makes us inseparable. Awesome!
Posted in Articles, Christian Living, Faith, Inspirational | Tagged: believe, broken vessel, Christ, confidence, Faith, fragile, God, Jesus Christ, relationship, super glue | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Queen Phillips on December 23, 2011
The year it really hit me that every minute you have the opportunity to spend time with someone that means the world to you, you’d better seize the opportunity. It was December 17, 2003 that the last chapter of life spent with my mother, Mr. Deva Mae Franks Horn, ended. My mom’s will to live could no longer stand up to the overpowering cancerous cells that finally invaded her organs, took control and left her physical body too weak to fight. Immediately I knew this would be the last opportunity to spend time with her before she transitioned to that place of eternal rest. She fought the good fight of faith. She’d outlived her prognosis, and she touched the lives of many who admired her dearly.
This time of the year is always bittersweet. I still miss her. Yet, I’m grateful for the miraculous comfort and peace of my heavenly Father, which enabled me to go through the grieving process. Knowing the reason for this season, and the hope it brings gives me consolation when I remember her faith, hope and love.
Therefore, I do not grieve like others who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14). As she believed so do I. I believe that Jesus, the Son of God was born of the virgin Mary, died on the Cross and was raised to life on the third day, and we believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. Although the pain of separation is still difficult, the hope of our reunion gives me a reason to rejoice in this season.
December 26, 2003, she transitioned from this earthly realm to her heavenly home in Glory to be with her Lord.
Posted in Christmastime, Faith, Family, Tribute | Tagged: believe, Christ, comfort, Faith, family, grief, hope, Jesus Christ, loss, peace | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Queen Phillips on October 7, 2011
“I lost everything I had earned in this world—but gained much more through Christ.” – Janelle Hail
Watching and reading Janelle Hail’s story reminds us of the faithfulness and sovereignty of Jesus Christ. Of course, life has a way of knocking the breath out of us. I haven’t been diagnosed with breast cancer, but I have had the wind knocked out of me a few times by the hard-hitting blows in the ring of life. But, like so many of my sisters that have been knocked down by breast cancer, they get back up; keep going, refusing to hear the countdown. We’re in the ring of life and won’t give up without a fight to the finish. I applaud you! I honor you.
I often reflect, how could I have survived without Jesus Christ. I dare not pretend that I know what it’s like, or how it feels to be diagnosed with breast cancer. But I’m convinced that for those who would give Jesus Christ a chance by placing your faith and hope in Him, you won’t be disappointed. Like Janelle you may lose everything you earned, but you’ll gain more through Christ, even for an eternity. Her story is the perfect example of how tragedy evolves into triumph for purpose.
What appears to be unbearable is an opportunity to accept the invitation that was extended so long ago and is still standing today: ”Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). The best rest is the peace of mind in the midst of a violently raging storm in life…that assurance that you are not alone.
I thank God for Janelle Hail and all my sisters —survivors —fighters in the ring of life.
Be sure to become more aware….visit National Breast Cancer Foundation website.
Posted in Faith, Musings, Women | Tagged: believe, breast cancer, Faith, Janelle Hail, Jesus Christ, life, peace, pink ribbon, survivors | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Queen Phillips on September 29, 2011
The book of Job is a must read and study for these stressful times of adversity in which we are now living. The pain, agony, despair and disappointments are weighing heavy on all of society. And God’s people are “passing” through the elements of adversity too. Notice: I said “passing” through. These times are a rite of passage to your Kingdom purpose and destiny.
I can only imagine Job’s pain when he received news of the death of all his children. I can only imagine the depth of Job’s discomfort and physical pain caused by his boil infested body that had eaten away at his flesh— I can only imagine. From my own experiences, I know the affects of material losses—house, cars, employment, financial struggles and hardships. To some extent I even know how it feels to be betrayed by friends—falsely accused by those closest to you. I know how it feels when others assume the worst because of your adversity and times of suffering. They have all the answers as to why you’re suffering.. I can even relate to his wife’s disgust with the whole ordeal, which negatively influenced her attitude (Job 2:9). However, Job didn’t accept her solution to “curse” (renounce) God and die. Instead, Job said, “You speak as one of the impious and foolish women would speak. What? Shall we accept only good at the hand of God and shall we not accept also misfortune and what is of a bad nature? (Job 2:10).
What’s more important in this lesson is summarized in Job’s declaration, “I know that my Redeemer lives…and after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!” (Job 19:25-27). Regardless of his devastating and painful reality, he stayed grounded in what he believed. His thoughts were on his expected future rather than his present reality. Job’s assurance in the powerful existence of his Redeemer was such that he was convinced God would have the last say about his situation. This is our hope as well —our Redeemer is alive! Regardless of what you are facing for whatever reason, if Jesus Christ is your Redeemer (Vindicator), (Savior) you can be assured He has the last say.
Job shows us how to keep hope alive even when despair, destruction, devastation, interruptions, and even death shake our very foundation. In the midst of his deepest agony, he expressed astonishing words of hope. He did not try to hide his despair and anguish. The book of Job shows us our trials should never crush our hope and trust in the Sovereign Lord who allowed you to be tested because he “trusted” you, knowing you wouldn’t give up on Him.
Believe. Hope. Faith.
Posted in Articles, Christian Living, Faith | Tagged: believe, Christ, confidence, Faith, Jesus Christ, relationship, trust | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Queen Phillips on September 17, 2011
It’s always so much easier to see those against you…your enemies that surround you when you never look up to experience the invisible world of God’s supernatural power. You always see your enemy greater in number, much stronger, and better equipped to defeat you. Today your enemy may appear as insurmountable problems and obstacles that are overtaking you mentally, and overwhelming you emotionally. Regardless of whomever or whatever form your enemy appears in, the objective is to destroy you. Annihilate you—wipe you out! I’m certain you get the picture.
Like Elisha’s servant in 2 Kings 6, when we see that we’re surrounded and outnumbered by the enemy, we also ask the question: “What shall we do?” I’ve learned to do exactly what the prophet Elisha did. Pray! Look up. Pray, “LORD, open my eyes that I may see!”
Yes. The enemy may be surrounding you too. But ask God to open your eyes to see the invisible world of supernatural forces, which He will send to fight for you. God send us help! God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1).
What’s more noteworthy about this story is that God had already sent Elisha help—horses and chariots of fire (2 Kings 6:16-17). They surrounded Elisha in a greater number than the Syrian army. This story offers a rare glimpse of an encounter with the invisible world, and God’s supernatural power to rescue us from our enemy, or other situations planned for our demise.
Sure it’s much easier to see those against you with the natural eye when you never look up. However, I encourage you to experience “powerful living” by tapping into God’s resources, which can only be seen in the spirit realm. Pray and ask the Lord to open your eyes that you may see there are more with you than against you. Experience the invisible world—God’s army that surrounds you!
Posted in Articles, Christian Living, Faith, Prayer | Tagged: believe, Christ, enemies, Faith, fear, Prayer, supernatural | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Queen Phillips on September 3, 2011
Living by faith is not as easy as many would have you to think. When we read and study the Bible, we find that it was not easy for Abraham until he had an undeniable experience that proved to him that God keeps His promises. It was not easy for David. He penned his way through the troubles of life. He wrote over and over in powerful poems of praise and worship, some of the most beautiful ever written. In some he asked the real life questions, experienced the real life struggles, voiced his disappointment and expressed his discouragement. It was not easy for the disciples. They were called by the Master but afterward uncertain of their decision to give up everything to follow him. After his death, they felt alone and afraid not knowing what to expect even after Jesus had tried to prepare them. As a matter of fact, it was not easy for Jesus. He had his share of troubles. His family didn’t believe in him. He was under constant attack from the religious leaders. He was even betraying by those closest to him. He was tempted in his humanity, and relied totally on his Father to strengthen him through prayer and obedience.
However, the most important thing noteworthy in these “faith walking characters is consistency. They were consistent their belief that no matter how great the struggle, or the trouble, the Father’s will and purpose were more important, and that He would bring His purpose to pass. In the case of the disciples, Jesus himself set an example of being consistent in looking to the Father, and doing what the Father told him to do and say (John 14:24).
If living by faith was so easy, there would be no need for us to put our “trust” in the Lord. Truth is there’s no magical formula to make our troubles disappear, even after long nights of crying out to the Lord. Although He promises never to leave us or forsake us; and that He will deliver us out of all our troubles and afflictions, the truth is that He does it according to His set time. Therefore, until His purposes for allowing the trouble, or until His working all things out in the background, according to His good pleasure, is complete, we have to live through it, “believing” that He will come through…things will work together for the good…And until then we must say as David: “In you O LORD, I have taken refuge…; be my rock of refuge. In you O Lord do I put my trust.” Until then we must continue saying as Jesus did, “Nevertheless, not my will but yours.” This equates to living by faith, confident that no matter what life brings, the purposes of God shall prevail and I must make the decision to trust Him at all cost. And as He reveals His character in the midst of our experiences, we are empowered to trust Him more and more.
He understands that in our frailty, living by faith is not easy. Yet, it is through our confidence and trust in His power that He commands us to do so. “For without faith, it is impossible to please Him” (Hebrews 11:6). Consequently, my confidence in Him and wanting to please Him, I yield myself, which is the hardest part, so that living by faith is easy.
Posted in Articles, Christian Living, Faith | Tagged: belief, christian, Faith, Jesus, life, righteousness, troubles | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Queen Phillips on May 18, 2011
Watching the news these days is a constant reminder of the “perilous” times Apostle Paul told Timothy about (2 Tim. 3:1-5). We are the generation that God chose to be a part of these difficult days. Do you ever think about it from God’s perspective?
The prophet Isaiah also lived in a time of tremendous turmoil. And he prophesied more of the same. Even so, in our times, there will be more of the same. The Godly people would suffer along with everyone else, he said. I know no one likes hearing that word, “suffer.” Nevertheless, it is a reality among Christians. So how are we to deal with these troublesome times?
May I encourage you as Isaiah did? Focus less on your troubles and unpleasant circumstances. Instead, focus on the greater reality that will carry you through these perilous times. That is: Keep your mind steady on God, who is in control of everything!
Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.” AMPLIFIED
God has promised to keep us in shalom shalom because we trust in Him. And our trust is solidified by our mind being steadfast on Him; therefore, He will keep in perfect peace.
“Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.
Shalom,
Posted in Christian Living, Faith, Personal Essay, Prayer, Relationship, Spiritual Growth | Tagged: believe, Christ, Faith, Jesus Christ, positive thinking | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Queen Phillips on March 11, 2011
Devastation has shattered the lives of many like the china that lined the shelves in this china shop in Japan. How fragile and delegate each piece must have been. Beautiful and intact one minute and gone the next by the shaking and rumbling of the earth that was meant to be a secure foundation upon which to build.
Every day is a constant reminder of the fragility of life. Nothing in this life can be trusted as absolute security. And this also should be cause to ponder and prioritize what matters most. As we witness the devastation caused by “natural disaster” nationally and globally, I wonder how much attention is being given to searching for security through “spiritual recovery”. These are the “now” times to seek solace in the Truth— that the SOVEREIGN LORD GOD, the OMNIPOTENT One reigns. Only Jesus the Christ is the sure foundation upon which to build our life and hope. He alone can offer spiritual recovery after life’s destructive forces shatter lives both naturally and spiritually.
What are the destructive forces of life that throws a punch in your direction? Sometimes they are the disasters that shakes us into reality. Sometimes they are the sudden and tragic loss of loved ones. Sometimes they are the crazed violence that visits our homes and on the streets at night. Sometimes they are the diseases that invade our body.
What matters most to you when the fragility of life is realized? Only you can answer.
Utlimately, whenever the destructive forces or natural disasters occur they serve as reminders of what is certain—life is fragile—you may be alive one minute, and gone the next like the china that lined the shelves of the china shop in Japan.
We’re praying for the people of Japan—
Posted in Faith, Prayer, Salvation | Tagged: believe, Christ, earthquake, Faith, Japan, Jesus Christ, life, Prayer | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Queen Phillips on August 31, 2010
The rainbow that I have put in the sky will be my sign to you and to every living creature on earth. It will remind you that I will keep this promise forever. When I send clouds over the earth, and a rainbow appears in the sky, I will remember my promise to you and to all other living creatures. Never again will I let floodwaters destroy all life. When I see the rainbow in the sky, I will always remember the promise that I have made to every living creature. The rainbow will be the sign of that solemn promise. -Genesis 9:12-17 (CEV)
It’s good news to know that God keeps His promises. To this date, we bear witness to an eternal promise God made in Genesis 9:12-17.
After the flood, God made a promise to Noah that He would never again let the floodwaters destroy all life. Yes, we’ve seen lots of devastation from flooding, but we survived storms. The rainbow is a colorful reminder that we can depend on God’s promises. A rainbow is created by millions of rain-drops, each at a different angle and each reflecting a different color into the eye of the beholder. God wants you to remember that if He makes a promise, you can depend on it, and He gives us a visible reminder.
You know the saying, seeing is believing? It’s something about seeing a rainbow that changes your perspective. I can recall a period in my life when I faced family, marital and financial challenges. Whenever I would behold a rainbow in the sky, it gave me a sense of calm resolve that everything would be alright; that God was faithful and that I could trust His word. This is a visible sign to serve as evidence that what God says, God does. This beautiful array of colors scientifically explained is a truth that cannot be denied, and is upheld by the power of His word.
The photo in this article is real! My dear friend suffered a great loss. They had purchased tickets to visit family in Colorado, but plans were altered by the inevitable. But amazingly, God gave them a “colorful reminder” that brought peace and comfort as they beheld the beautiful rainbows that hovered over their home for days. It reminded them of God’s promise for eternal life for all who believe in Jesus Christ as Savior, and gave them the assurance that their love one was at peace.
With the state of affairs in society today— turmoil, evil, wickedness, distress, disaster, disappointments, broken hearts and lives—it’s a delight to meet the only Promise Maker that will never break His promise.
A chapter from the forthcoming book, “Promises You Can Depend On” by author Queen E. F. Phillips.
Posted in Articles, Christian Living, Faith | Tagged: believe, Faith, love, peace, promises, rainbow | Leave a Comment »
Even in winter, even in the midst of the storm, the sun is still there. Somewhere, up above the clouds, it still shines and warms and pulls at the life buried deep inside the brown branches and frozen earth. The sun is there! Spring will come! The clouds cannot stay forever! —Gloria Gaither
