MAJESTIC PUBLISHING & WRITING MINISTRY

"Publishing Words of Power Tailored for the Heart"

Archive for the ‘Family’ Category

Bittersweet

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: , , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Family Pains

Posted by Queen Phillips on November 10, 2011

Being hurt by family—parents and siblings— can be the most painful of all life’s experiences. Personally, I cannot know the pain caused by sibling rivalry to the point of attempted murder, or even in Joseph’s situation—being betrayed (sold into slavery as a substitute for killing him).

I’m always amazed by Joseph’s story because it reminds me of how God allows the painful experiences in life to propel us into divine destiny.  Joseph’s story shows how struggles and disappointments can turn out for good.  They resulted in good for Joseph’s family, who was able to escape a terrible famine in spite of the evil they did toward him. In addition, his terrible experiences with his family resulted in good for Joseph, who gained a whole new perspective on life.  Looking back, he could see God at work even in all the trials he had experienced.

Moreover, Joseph’s story gives us an example of our Lord.  It’s saturated with the “forgiveness” principle.  How so?  Joseph represents a type of Christ by forgiving his brothers for the evil they plotted against him.  Had Joseph spent his years mourning and being bitter about how he’d been mistreated by his brothers, he would have destroyed his own life, not to mention, interfered with God’s plan and purpose for his entire family.

Think about this!  You could be the one God chose to use in your family. You could be the one God uses to be a blessing to your siblings even though they have hurt you, caused you the most pain, struggles and disappointment, seemingly for no reason, other than jealousy.  Let me encourage you…don’t be bitter.  Release them, let go of the anger that causes you physical, emotional and mental anguish.  Forgive them. Remain faithful and obedient to God.  In the end everyone will win.  Read what Joseph said to his brothers after they fled to Egypt  from the famine…Joseph said to his brothers… “Do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.” (Genesis 45:4-5)

You see, not only did Joseph forgive them, but he knew they carried the guilt and shame for their evil actions against him.  You must also know that when God’s plans and purposes prevail those who wronged you will need your forgiveness so that they can move forward.

Look back, how has God been at work during the difficult times in your life caused by family pains, struggles, and disappointments?

(If this article has ministered to you, let me hear from you). I respect your privacy.

Posted in Articles, Christian Living, Family, Relationship | Tagged: , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Hopeful Grief: A Mother’s Day Tribute

Posted by Queen Phillips on May 8, 2010

13 And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died[a] so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. I Thessalonians 4:13-14 NLT

I’ve learned that at some point in life, scriptures like the one above requires an experience to really grasp its truth, and see the manifestation of God’s word come alive in our life. Here’s a brief explanation of my personal experience.

When I arrived in my mother’s hospital room on December 18, 2003, I knew time was of the essence. I made the most of it by staying at her beside, and preparing her to transition from this earthly life to her home in glory. I focused on releasing her and assuring her that I would be all right because I was in hands of my REAL FATHER. I knew that was her major concern, being her only child. I could feel her sorrow, look into her eyes, and see the pain wrought from the thought of leaving me behind and naturally alone; yet knowing I would never be alone, nor forsaken by Abba Father.

On December 26, 2003, she quietly and peacefully went to sleep. Her transition from this life to her new life in paradise changed my life forever. This is the greatest pain I have ever experienced. Yes, greater than childbirth. BUT, God’s GRACE proved sufficient for me. He gave me supernatural strength to handle all the details for the Homegoing celebration—there was no one else (no sisters or brothers) to do it—my Daddy came through just for me.<

When death’s painful arrows pierce your soul, especially at the loss of a dear mother, I encourage you to seek relief in the promise and presence of God. My choice of relief was to apply the Word of God. I vividly recalled how the Word of the Lord came to me a few days before I left for Louisiana. I heard very clearly in my spirit while I was sleep, “My grace is sufficient for you.” It was my Father’s assurance that He would carry me through the experience I was about to face. I had to learn how to grieve with hope! It was now time for me to really believe the Word of God, and stand firmly trusting Him to carry me through.

In retrospect, I learned from the life of faith, hope and love my mother had lived before me. I remembered that for ten years she had lived with hopeful grief. This same hope brought her through two major surgeries and months of chemotherapy. This same hope empowered her to live life to the fullest in spite of her prognosis. Witnessing my mother’s faith and hope in Jesus Christ until the end assured me of her eternal life, and increased my trust in a Sovereign God. For the first time, I literally experienced the sufficiency of God’s grace in my weakness.

Experiencing the pain caused by my mother’s passing seemed unbearable, but it is the hope of eternal life that made the difference (I Thess. 4:13-15). When facing death, hope can be the bridge that makes crossing over to the other side a more peaceful process. Whether three years, or five years, or 10, 20, or 30, who is to say? Only by the grace of God, does the grieving process end. Surely, the more you hold steadfast to His Word, the greater your assurance will be in His faithfulness to keep His promises. Sure, for me, I still feel the pain of separation at Mother’s Day; seeing those whose mothers are still alive. Nevertheless, I have learned pain management through WORD medication, and sharing love with others—the mothers of my local church, and sharing my experience to encourage others through the grieving process.

I just want to remind you: God will comfort and strengthen his people in times of sorrow.

His Word is truth… His grace is sufficient! He is the God of all comfort! He is the Prince of Peace! He will NEVER leave you nor forsake you! You are the apple of His eye!

Shalom,

His daughter,
Queen

In memory of Mrs. Deva Mae Franks Horn (July 12, 1932 ~ December 26, 2003)

Posted in Articles, Family, Tribute, Women | Tagged: , , , , | 2 Comments »

Perfect Timing

Posted by Queen Phillips on February 5, 2010

For as long as I can remember I’ve heard older saints say, “He may not come when you want Him, but He’s always on time.”

 Although this truth is revealed throughout the Bible, the avalanche of emotional occurrences in our lives causes us to sometimes question the timeliness of God’s intervention in our affairs.

 However, even facing the tumult of challenges, difficulties and trials, which often comes upon the Christian, I’m learning that women really do hold a special place in the heart of God.  He understands everything about us—our personality, how we think, our needs, our concerns, our dreams, our hurts and disappointment—He especially understands our faults and weaknesses.  Yet, He is always compassionate toward us.  His tenderness of heart is manifested in the lives of women who often struggle with emotional instability when dealing with the challenges of life.

 When I consider the passage of scripture recorded in Luke 7:11-16, this level of compassion is demonstrated to highest dimension—resurrection of a dead son. Wow!

Let’s consider how the death of this son affected the economical and emotional well being of this mother. Luke makes it clear that ‘he was the only son of his mother (v.12). In accordance with the manners and customs of that day, it was the desire of both the mother and father to have a boy rather than a girl.  Boys were desired to increase the size, wealth and importance of the family clan.  Since this was an only son, the possibility of the family increasing was hopeless. And any hopes or dreams for an inheritance died with this son. Consequently, the economical situation of this woman changed. 

 Luke also states that this woman was a widow—her husband was dead.  The father was the supreme authority in the household. When there was a son in the household, the authority which the father had was handed down to his eldest, who took over the position of leadership upon the death of the father.  But now, the one that had assumed responsibility and leadership for the household was now dead, and he was the only son.  Consequently, the weight of her inner turmoil, burdens, grief and pain were manifested on her countenance.  In modern day, this situation would merit the questions such as, what am I going to do now? How am I going make it?   Reading and believing what Jesus did for her encourages us today—Jesus will fix it for you!

How encouraging is this passage of scripture to those of us who face death everyday, whether the physical death of children, parents, loved ones, friends, or dead dreams, and visions, or hopeless situations.  We must remember that the Lord Jesus sees our broken hearts, and the same compassion that He had on this mother He has on us.  His compassions never fail (Lam. 3:21-22) because He is faithful!

In the case of death, the dead may not be raised physically, but if they belong to Him they will be raised in the last day.  And even in our grief, sorrow and brokenness, His touch will revive our spirits so that we continue in His strength in spite of emotional upheaval in our lives. His touch still resurrects dead dreams and makes them reality. 

 As we embrace this new season of hope and restoration, I ask what’s being carried out of your life because it’s dead? What are you about to bury? Don’t give up; don’t bury it yet because God’s timing is inconceivable.  Think about it! It was no coincidence that Jesus showed up in the village of Nain just at the time this dead son was being carried out. What perfect timing!

 It may seem as though you can’t take anymore disappointments, or hurts. He knows your emotional state concerning that son that seems hopelessly lost. He is concerned about your financial situation. He is aware of your needs, and He is available to comfort you like no one else can.  You sense His tenderness when you get into His presence; you feel the softness of His touch like a warmth that surrounds you but you can’t explain. When He speaks unsurpassing peace saturates your mind to point of no understanding.  Today, He is waiting to say arise to whatever is dead in your life.  And when He speaks to that dead thing in your life, it has to resurrect because He is the resurrection and the life (John 11:25).  It will be in perfect timing so that God will be glorified, and His name will be exalted in the earth.

As you face your challenging experiences, you too will learn that He may not come when you think He should, but for certain, He will be right on time because His timing is perfect!

©2009 Queen E. Phillips. All rights reserved. Use for non-profit only. Credit must be given to the copyright owner.

Posted in Articles, Christian Living, Faith, Family, Women | Tagged: , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

The Search Factor

Posted by Queen Phillips on December 12, 2009

“And this will be a sign for you [by which you will recognize Him]: you will find [after searching] a Baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.

“..the shepherds said one to another, Let us go…and see this thing (saying) that has come to pass… So they went with haste and [by searching] found Mary and Joseph, and the Baby lying in a manger”        —Luke 2:12-15, Amplified)

 
The countdown of shopping days before December 25 officially began the day after Thanksgiving.  Even before Thanksgiving retailers stocked up on hundreds of items and gift ideas, from the smallest to the largest, to send customers into a whirlwind of spending.  As the countdown nears, the hustle and bustle increases; shoppers become rude, frustrated, and frantic in their search to find just the right gift.  This is expected to be one of the most profitable times of the year for retailers! 

However, for many people (believers and nonbelievers) it becomes one of the most stressful times of the year.  The greatest stressor of this season is financial. Either a lack of money, or a lack of discipline in spending overwhelms many. Some become depressed, discouraged and even express disdain for what should be a joyous time of celebrating the birth of Jesus the Christ. 

The fact that people are diligently searching during this Christmas season can be paralleled to the story recorded in Luke 2:1-20.

 “And this will be a sign for you [by which you will recognize Him]: you will find [after searching] a Baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.

“..the shepherds said one to another, Let us go…and see this thing (saying) that has come to pass… So they went with haste and [by searching] found Mary and Joseph, and the Baby lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12-15, Amplified).

A “search factor,” which all human beings possess, from newborn to adulthood, is operating at maximum level in children and adults during this time of the year. While children are searching for toys, games and gadgets to fulfill their self-seeking desires, adults are searching for the toys, games and gadgets to satisfy their children’s desires. Of course, in addition to the other gifts they feel obligated to purchase for others on the gift-giving list. 

 

The search to find fulfillment and satisfaction oftentimes determines one’s perspective on the quality of life.  Unfortunately, during this season the search for fulfillment and satisfaction in things peak, and proves to be devastating for many.  Consequently, if the things aren’t received or obtained, the search intensifies long after the holiday season, and sometimes become a life-long search.  You probably know someone still traumatized because they didn’t get what they wanted for Christmas as a child.  (I pray it is not you). In addition to already suppressed feelings, emotional instability, lack of discipline, self-control, and the ability to make sound decisions, the search becomes even more frustrating.  Although searching can be beneficial, it is what many are searching for that has commercialized Christmas, and downplayed the reason for the season. 

In essence, this time of searching should be for the Christ of Christmas— The One who is Savior of the world, the Gift of God to everyone. However, man must diligently search for Christ until he finds Him. And if anyone searches for Him, He shall be found. 

Instead, many are searching for “things.”   Things may be costly in dollar value, but they can add no real lasting value to our personal life.  Many people are searching for the perfect gift that will express the depth of their love; however, no material object can substitute for the love of God.  No thing can soothe the pain from a broken heart.  Material items cannot comfort the grief-stricken who lost a loved one, and will be facing the holiday season for the first time without that special person.  No tangible gift can speak peace to a troubled mind battling with the storms and challenges that life can bring.  Only receiving the Gift of God can end the search to find fulfillment and satisfaction in things and people.

So, does this mean we should not give gifts?  God forbid!  Give gifts! Give nice gifts within your budget—small or large— as symbolic expressions of love and reverence of Christ.  However, keep in mind, things should not be the priority and focus of our “search”.   Things can never be a substitute for the gift of God through Christ the Messiah.  Only the good news about Jesus the Christ can bring salvation, hope, joy, peace, and good will to all men as planned by God when He sent the shepherds on a search for the Christ over 2000 years ago.

The innate need to search is within us; placed there by Him to search for Him.  Therefore, only when the Christ is found will the search end. Moreover, He is still waiting to be found by those who will seek after Him.  Searching for the CHRIST of CHRISTmas and finding Him is sure to bring the joy, peace, hope and love that this world needs. 

Finally, when Christ is found, like the shepherds, it will result in genuine praise and worship to God for this extraordinary experience.  It is after this kind of experience that you can then give the perfect gift—present Christ to someone else.

I pray that your search for the perfect gift is found in the Perfect One—CHRIST the Lord! 

 Copyright 2005 Queen E. F. Phillips. All rights reserved. NOT-FOR-PROFIT use only requires prior written permission from the author.  Credit must be given to copyright owner. Reprinted

Posted in Articles, Christmastime, Faith, Family | Tagged: , , , , | Leave a Comment »

 
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 183 other followers