MAJESTIC PUBLISHING & WRITING MINISTRY

"Publishing Words of Power Tailored for the Heart"

Archive for the ‘Tribute’ 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 »

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 »

Let My People Go!

Posted by Queen Phillips on January 24, 2010

Slavery and segregation are only two of several derogatory terms that still arouse emotions when remembering the struggles of our people during a vile period in America’s history.  Some people would like to forget this painful past, and others prefer to revive it.  Consequently, these preferences pose the greatest threat to life, liberty and the pursuit of peace in our nation and the world.

Biblical history was misinterpreted and erroneously used to justify human degradation in America.  However, reading Exodus 1:7-11, it is obvious that the mentality of slave practice and oppression derive from the selfish motives of man’s sin nature, fear, and ignorance of the true knowledge of God—His plan of salvation, His purpose, and the fulfillment of His promise.

(Exodus 1:7-11, “But descendants of Israel were fruitful and increased abundantly; they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong, and the land was full of them. Now a new king arose over Egypt who did not know Joseph. He said to his people, Behold, the Israelites are too many and too mighty for us [and they out-number us both in people and in strength]. Come; let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply more and, should war befall us, they join our enemies, fight against us, and escape out of the land. So they set over [the Israelites] taskmasters to afflict and oppress them with [increased] burdens”). -AMPLIFIED-

The most revealing and astounding truth in the biblical account of slavery, oppression and bondage, recorded in the book of Exodus chapters 1–11 is God’s command for freedom, and His sovereign acts that brought it to pass in response to the prayers of His people.  The mass exodus from Egyptian bondage and slavery reveals God’s perspective on the oppression and affliction of His people—all people, both naturally and spiritually. God does not delight in slavery or bondage of any kind. The truth is, He delights in delivering people from bondage… He is a Deliverer!

Despite America’s scornful past, subliminal prejudices and injustices of the present, we hold to this truth—God created all men equal. Therefore, knowing this, and being motivated by a pure conscious rather than a bitter heart, we prefer not to forget.

If we forget, we have no definite measurement for progress.

If we forget, we dishonor those who sacrificed their lives in the fight for freedom and justice for all.

If we forget, we devalue the freedoms of today, and diminish the hope of a better tomorrow.

If we forget, we forfeit our inalienable rights from the Creator who made us in His image and His likeness.

Furthermore, if we forget, we denounce the gift of grace, by settling for less than what God predestined for all mankind.

Although these pains of the past pierce our soul upon remembrance, still we must not forget, lest we dismiss invaluable lessons from our ancestors—their character, their strength, and fortitude in the face of opposition and inhumane adversity.  Therefore, let us continue to cherish the legacy of faith and inner strength that they received from the Lord, the Creator of the heavens and earth, who faints not nor grows weary; who gives power to the faint; and to him who has no might He increases strength.

Perhaps, remembering the plight of our ancestors will inspire us to wait patiently upon the Lord for renewed strength; to mount up as eagles, run and not become weary, walk and not faint.   Perhaps, we will be able to sing with assurance, “we shall overcome”; and declare with authority we are more than conquerors, and no weapon formed against us shall prosper. Then, we could envision victory over present challenges, and passionately pursue the higher call to purpose as we go from faith to faith and glory to glory.

As Christians, we cannot forget this period in American history.  Moreover, it is out of a pure conscious that we definitely must not allow the revitalization of dismal past.  If we do, we demean our character as followers of the disciplines of Christ, and discredit the finished works of Christ on the Cross at Calvary, where He paid the price for our freedom so that we would no longer be slaves to sin, nor to men.

Therefore, we, the Church of Jesus Christ must shoulder the responsibility of advancing the Kingdom of God—move America and the world forward in pursuit of true freedom, life, liberty and the pursuit of peace and happiness by proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ.  For the gospel alone has the power to bring total deliverance.  It alone has power to expose the truth, and eradicate the desire to revive a past that was rooted in evil, governed by fear and sanctioned by hatred, that manifested in suppressing and oppressing others.   Thanks unto God, because the Christ of Exodus still commands, “Let my people go!”

As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, let us remember to always give thanks to God because the Christ of Exodus commanded, “Let my people go!” And the process began in 1863 with the Emancipation Proclamation.  It has been a long process and a tiresome fight for civil rights.  We have come a long way; but we still have a ways to go because the fight now is to free souls—all souls.

Although the times have changed, the command is the same, “Let my people go that may serve me…”

Question is who will commit to carrying out the command and leading people out of spiritual bondage?  Who will answer the call, go boldly into the enemy’s camp; stand in the face of opposition as God’s representative and declare to this generation the real need is spiritual emancipation.  Will you?

I WILL…

©2010 Queen E. F. Phillips.

Posted in Articles, Tribute | Tagged: , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Personal Essay: Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Posted by Queen Phillips on January 17, 2010

On January 15, 1929, a baby boy was born to Reverend Martin Luther King, Sr. and Alberta Williams King and given the name, Martin Luther King, Jr.

The timeliness of his arrival was in proportion with his mission and purpose predestined by God.  Therefore, his growth and development into manhood, and his advanced matriculation in education were necessary to meet the urgency of mankind’s need to hear what God had to say and do for generations to come.

To the unenlightened Dr. King was just an intelligent man with great oratorical skills and a public platform.  Many honor him only for his fight against segregation and inequity in the Deep South.  For many, observance of the holiday simply means recognizing a great civil rights leader.  Yet, for some,  he was a voice that condemned the ugliness of racism smeared in the faces nonwhites and Jews.  To others he was the voice of greatness— an icon to the rise of “black power.” To the degenerates, he was a dangerous threat to the kingdom of darkness that must be annihilated.

However, I know for me; he was ‘the voice of the Lord’ back then, now, and in the future! It was the voice of the Lord back then because segregation and injustice were worn like badges of honor, and celebrated with pride. Although public segregation is no longer, Dr. King’s message is the voice of the Lord now because the seeds of segregation are still being harvested in soils of ignorance, and justice is a mockery. We see it acted out  in the judicial system like the characters in a Broadway production. We see crimes of injustice committed by law enforcement agents, who are the very ones sworn to uphold law and protect the citizens.  We see it among politicians whose interest is self rather than their constituents.

I was only sixteen years old when the news of his brutal assassination was announced at the small segregated school I attended in Louisiana.  To this day, I recall the emotional upheaval this news brought throughout the school as well our small community of underprivileged “coloreds.”  In particular, I remember my own emotional outbursts.  It was a ‘gut-wrenching’ queasiness I’d never felt before.  Perhaps, like that of receiving the news of my father’s death.

I believe the prophetic anointing within me (not yet recognized or released) grieved for a true prophetic voice silenced by a nation rebelling against God’s will for humanity; addicted to hatred and committing heinous acts of violence against its fellowman.  I didn’t know then, but I know now that the spirit of heaviness overshadowed me because the resounding affects of an audible voice inspired by the Holy Spirit would be silent forever.  This man was the voice of the Lord for all times!

I’ve read the history of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. several times.  But each year, it becomes clearer that this man was born for such a time, even as this.  His messages still echoes throughout the portals of time, and reminds us of the need for change—change that results in spiritually transformed hearts and minds—changed lives that conform to the standards of GOD ALMIGHTY, and attitudes that align with biblical principles.

His messages, his courage, and boldness to speak out against the ills of society were in alignment with righteousness.

Dr. King’s messages were focused on man’s greatest needs.   And 42 years later, the needs are still great— justice, equality, and peace.

God created all men equal, in His image and His likeness. Yes, we’ve come a long way, but we still have a ways to go until we all come into the knowledge of God’s will concerning justice and equality for all men.  There are still too many subliminal messages, innuendos, jokes and jesters, which reveal the secrets of an evil heart overflowing with hatred. Therefore, above all, man’s greatest need is a new heart.

Dr. King preached peace and nonviolence.  This message is relevant today because man longs for true love and spiritual peace. Wherever there is war and violence there can be no true love.  God is love!  Therefore, there’s an even greater need today—a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  He preached peace because Christ paid the ultimate price for our peace—peace with God through faith in His Son Jesus Christ.  When men are not at peace with God, there can be no peace with his fellowman.  Consequently, wars, crimes and violence are inevitable in a depraved society.   But, there is hope because with God all things are possible.

In a message on Peace, in 1964, Dr. King said, “Sooner or later all the people of the world will have to discover a way to live together in peace and thereby transform this pending cosmic elegy into a creative psalm of brotherhood. I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality.  This is why right temporarily defeated is stronger than evil triumphant.”1

Dr. King understood that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Because Christ is our hope, he declared boldly and with tenacity, “Let freedom ring.”  He understood that freedom is the reward of knowing Truth.  Dr. King knew that when America embraces the Truth, we would be free at last.

He was confident in his mission and sincere in his message.  He was not intimidated by men to conform to their systems of injustice, ungodly beliefs, and immoral values.  He stood courageously in the face of opposition to deflect the darts of unrighteousness that penetrated the concrete walls of pride, hatred and selfishness.

On nonconformity, in 1963, he said, “This hour in history needs a dedicated circle of transformed nonconformists.  Dangerous passions of pride, hatred and selfishness are enthroned in our lives; truth lies prostrate on the rugged hills of nameless Calvaries.  The saving of our world from pending doom will come, not through the complacent adjustment of the conforming majority, but through the creative maladjustment of  a nonconforming minority.”2

Ultimately, Dr. King’s mountaintop experience afforded him a privilege few will have in their lifetime—to see the Promised Land.  Seeing the Promised Land gave him the assurance, confidence and hope that we all must live by daily—that God’s kingdom will come, and His will shall be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.

On April 3, 1968, Dr. King said, “Well, I don’t know what will happen now.  We’ve got some difficult days ahead.  But it doesn’t matter with me now because I’ve been to the mountaintop.  And I don’t mind.  Like anybody, I would like to live a long life.  Longevity has its place.  But I’m not concerned about that now.  I just want to do God’s will.  And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain.  And I’ve looked over.  And I’ve seen the Promised Land.  I may not get there with you.  But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people will get to the Promised Land.  And I’m happy, tonight.  I’m not worried about anything.  I’m not fearing any man.  Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.”3

I believe this spiritual encounter enabled Dr. King to release everything and everyone into the Master’s hand—his life, his family, his work, his country, and this world.  He had answered the call of God.  He had done the will of God. He had lifted up his voice like trumpet in Zion, and sacrificed all for the Master.  He had fought a good fight and finished his course.

He had presented his body as a living sacrifice time after time.  He was pressed on every side, and oftentimes felt forsaken; yet,   he didn’t conform to this world. Instead, he was transformed by the renewing of his mind.  He understood the good and acceptable and perfect will of God; therefore, he proclaimed it to the world without compromise.

Today, the greatest honor we can bestow upon this man of God would be to surrender our lives to the will of God as he did; yield our members as instruments of righteousness for the Master’s use as he did—denying all for the Kingdom of God.

I ask, “Lord, will there be another voice that will take up the cause of Your Kingdom without expectation of human rewards?

Who will be the voice of the Lord?  Let it not be the voice of one man alone, but many that will be heard as one voice.

I pray, Let the Church be the voice of the Lord.  Though we are many members, let us declare in unison as one Body, “I am the voice of the Lord.”

Reader, will you join me?

© 2007-2008 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 and updated,.

©2010 QEP Enterprises. All rights reserved. NOT-FOR-PROFIT use only requires prior written permission from the author.  Credit must be given to copyright owner.

Posted in Articles, Personal Essay, Tribute | Tagged: , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

 
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 183 other followers