Posted by Queen E. F. Phillips on May 18, 2012
Darkness (Photo credit: Roberto F.)
Sometimes the darkness that surrounds us brings dread and doubtful thoughts of never seeing the light of day. And unfortunately, many give in to the hopelessness that pierces their soul. Then they are held hostage, caught in the mental crossfire between optimism and pessimism.
Felix Adler says it like this:
An optimist is a person who sees only the lights in the picture, whereas a pessimist sees only the shadows. An idealist, however, is one who sees the light and the shadows, but in addition sees something else: the possibilities of changing the picture, of making the lights prevail over the shadows.
But may I encourage you? As a Christian believer of Jesus Christ, know this: Not only should you be an idealist seeing the possibilities of changing the picture, of making the lights prevail over the shadows, you have been given the authority to command the change through the powerful energy the Light radiates through your life (John 1:9; 8:12).
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Posted in Christian Living, Faith, Inspirational | Tagged: believe, Christ, christian, Christianity, Darkness, Felix Adler, God, Idealism, Jesus, Jesus Christ, life, Light of the World, Pessimism, Religion and Spirituality, spirituality | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Queen E. F. Phillips on May 16, 2012
It’s perplexing to keep hearing the bizarre and senseless behavior of people in the news. But then, I’m reminded of what the Bible (God’s Word) says. The letter Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy is relevant to our society and culture today, now that we’re closer to the end times, whether you believe it or not. Here’s what he wrote (2 Timothy 3:1-5):
“Don’t be naive. There are difficult times ahead. As the end approaches, people are going to be self-absorbed, money-hungry, self-promoting, stuck-up, profane, contemptuous of parents, crude, coarse, dog-eat-dog, unbending, slanderers, impulsively wild, savage, cynical, treacherous, ruthless, bloated windbags, addicted to lust, and allergic to God. They’ll make a show of religion, but behind the scenes they’re animals. Stay clear of these people.”
When I call to mind what Apostle Paul said, it helps me see things from a spiritual perspective. As burdensome as it is to hear and see the fulfillment of Scripture, I have to stay grounded in my belief that God’s Word is the ultimate truth, and that the hope for all mankind is a “true” relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. I must be consistent in my call to do what I’ve been empowered to do, namely because God predestined me to be born for such a time as this. I understand that I can’t save the world, but with the attitude of Esther, I am committed to doing my part and trusting God to hear my prayer…”Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Luke 11:2).
In case you are also perplexed by the bizarre and senseless behavior of people, just remember we’re living in the difficult times Apostle Paul warned Timothy about. Hopefully, you will stand firmly on the solid foundation of God’s Word, and enjoy the abundant life that Christ promised to all that would accept Him as Lord—don’t be naive.
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Posted in Salvation, Social/Culture | Tagged: bizarre behavior, crime, culture, end-times, Salvation, society, spirituality, trust, violence | 2 Comments »
Posted by Queen E. F. Phillips on May 9, 2012
In Memory (1932-2003)
Today is Wednesday, and that day is almost here—Sunday, May 13, 2012, MOTHER’S DAY! It is still a bittersweet holiday for me.
It has been 9 years since my dear mother transitioned from this earthly life. I can’t believe it’s been that long. Yet, there’s not a day that my loving memories of her vanish as the years are quickly passing. For that I’m thankful.
Her sense of humor, confidence in me, and the joy that filled her heart are my inspiration as I pursue purposeful living without her. Although her prognosis was overshadowed by the inevitable, she chose to live by faith every day. She believed that her attitude about life and her hope in Jesus Christ made the difference in her timeline. She chose not to give up, but to fight the good fight of faith even as the cancerous cells fought ferociously against her. However, they did not overpower her will to live; she did not retreat in fear. Although her body was weakened, her mind was stronger because she fed her spirit daily in the Word of God and prayer. Therefore, her short-numbered days were extended to years.
As I embark upon this next journey in life, I’m comforted in knowing she’s cheering me on now just as she did for as long as I can remember. The pain of separation was greater than I could have ever imagined, but on December 26, 2003 I experienced the comforting presence of God. I learned that His grace is sufficient in weakness, and that He gives strength to the faint-hearted. I am convinced that the Lord Jesus Christ will carry you through the tough times until you’re strong enough to stand and walk again.
To everyone who has suffered the loss of a mother I pray you are comforted by the good memories and times you shared. May the God of all comfort console you as He did me (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
And when all you have left are memories, you learn to be thankful for the memories that bring laughter as well as sadness.
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Posted in Faith, Family, Tribute, Women | Tagged: 2 corinthians 1, Christianity, death, Faith, good fight of faith, grief, heaven, Jesus Christ, loss, mother, mother's day, pain, relationship, spirituality | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Queen E. F. Phillips on May 8, 2012
I’ve learned the best way to handle a problem person is to focus on what’s going on with me “internally” that makes me react to that person’s behavior, which I have no control over. Could it be that I have a problem, Lord? So then, I become the student, and the Holy Spirit my Teacher. God, the Holy Spirit, aka Spirit of Truth, uses the problem person as a “visual aide” in the classroom of my life to make sure I know the truth about myself, and comprehend the lesson being taught.
My prayer is: “Hear my voice in accordance with your love; preserve my life, O Lord, according to your laws. Those who devise wicked schemes are near, but they are far from your law. Yet you are near, O Lord, and all your commands are true (Psalm 119:149-151).
The psalmist doesn’t claim that God makes problem people disappear. He merely points out that while they are near, so is God. Big problems gain a different perspective when we remember the nearness of a bigger God. The one thing that’s certain, no one or no-thing is bigger than my God. Moreover, I learn how to redirect my energy on what’s most important. I remind myself of God’s laws, and I am strengthened by His powerful presence in my space. When He’s in my space, problems and difficult people who may be causing the problems appear much smaller, insignificant compared to my relationship with Christ, and even disappears altogether. In other words, even if they’re there, I don’t see them; I only see my Big God. He’s magnified a thousand times over.
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Posted in Christian Living, Relationship, Spiritual Growth | Tagged: Christ, David, difficult people, Garden of Eden, God, HolySpirit, Lord, problem people, Psalm, relationship, Spirit of Truth | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Queen E. F. Phillips on May 5, 2012
When we don’t, or can’t see how things will “work out” the inclination is to say, “Forget it! What’s the use.” We think our only option is to give up. Often others try to persuade us to see things from their viewpoint, or look at the brighter side, they tell us. But sometimes when all around you is darkness, you feel there’s no brighter side…there is no light at the end of the tunnel, it’s only a cliche. But there is! There’s a Light shining brightly. But you can’t always see it with the natural eye. Sure, this life brings unexpected challenges, unbelievable conditions, and unimaginable calamities…. But is it really the time to give up? Or could it be a time to step up and look up— a time to stop, reflect within and ask, “What am I to learn from this? What direction should I take that will lead me on the right path to purpose? After you ask these questions, then listen for the answers to come from within, and watch for the answers to be revealed from without in the many ways the Great Power of the Universe chooses to speak. But giving up…? Perhaps not. Coming from another perspective—a more spiritual one, we can’t be so quick to give up Think about this. It’s a perspective from Pamela McQuade that I agree wholeheartedly with:
When we are facing dire troubles, God never deserts us. As life ebbs away, He does not step back from our need. No, the Eternal One guides us every step of the way, whether life is joyous or discouraging. God never gives up on you and never fails you. So don’t give up on yourself.
Be encouraged! There is a Light! I pray that you will see it so that it will dispel the darkness that surrounds you, and that you will experience true happiness, and peace. You deserve it. Don’t give up on yourself, and don’t give up on Life and Truth.
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Posted in Christian Living, Faith | Tagged: believe, challenges, Faith, hope, Jesus Christ, life, love, options, purpose, trust | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Queen E. F. Phillips on April 30, 2012
“One of the most wonderful things about being a Christian is that I don’t ever get up in the morning and wonder if what I do matters. I live every day to the fullest because I can live it through Christ and I know no matter what I do today, I’m going to do something to advance the Kingdom of God.” —Chuck Colson
Wow! What a powerful statement! Shouldn’t this be the declaration of all Christians? Reading this quote enlightened me, and inspired me to share my perspective.
Being a Christian presents us with some amazing opportunities to end our search for significance— because I was recreated in Christ to do good works (Ephesians 2:10). I can be confident that what I do matters. I am making a difference in my sphere of influence. Getting up morning after morning wondering if what I’m doing matters can cause discouragement, especially when I don’t see the desired outcomes immediately.
Moreover, since my search for significance has ended and I live my life through Christ, my daily reality is filled with potential and purpose. Therefore, I am intentional about the decisions I make every day. Thirdly, I’m certain about my call—be a witness of Christ in whatever I do. I resolve that I am going to do something to bring others into this magnificent Kingdom that I am a part of. I want someone else to experience relationship with the King.
Mr. Colson’s life is a testimony to God’s power to forgive, redeem, and transform lives.
His transformation reminds us that we should never give up on people, the fulfillment of God’s plan and purpose for their life. God’s desire is to see lives changed…souls converted and reconciled to Himself through faith in Jesus Christ. Mr. Colson’s life was also a perfect example of Romans 8:28 being manifested in the life of born-again believer of Jesus Christ. God will take the unpleasantness and even use the bad decisions that we often make, and cause them to work together, and bring about the good that He’s invested in all of His creation.
It is my sincere prayer that the legacy and work Mr. Chuck Colson started will continue. As a volunteer with Prison Fellowship, I know the impact this ministry has made in my personal life and that of inmates I’ve had the opportunity to minister to.
Portion of contents taken from The Colson Center website: www.chuckcolson.org
To read tributes visit www.chuckcolson.org/tributes/
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Posted in Christian Living, Faith, Inspirational, Tribute | Tagged: christian, Chuck Colson, Faith, Jesus Christ, life, prison fellowship, prison ministry, religion | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Queen E. F. Phillips on April 17, 2012
This past Sunday, God sent a timely word that propelled me into another dimension concerning His promises! Although it wasn’t a “new” word per se, it was a confirmed word that reminded me that God will do what He says. In my book, Promises, Promises, Promises: Moving Forward after the Pain from Broken Promises, I provide a step-by-step guide to moving forward after you’ve been hurt by people that broke their promises in relationships. However, the God-inspired word on Sunday adds another perspective for those who have already moved forward, and are healed from the pain of broken promises. This dimension is much higher in view of the unfulfilled promises of God concerning Kingdom assignment. The promises God has made cannot always be shared with others because some of them are so “unbelievable” that you don’t want to the tainted skepticism of others, not to mention any personal doubts. Therefore, you just wait. After waiting for years nothing happens; no manifestation. Then you begin to wonder if what you heard was God, or your own “wishful” thoughts. This must have been the case with Abram and Sarai. But then, God being faithful, sends you a reminder!
The revelatory reminder God sent Sunday was two-fold: It is my responsibility to repeat/declare/decree what God has already said and promised–that means my spirit must agree with the Spirit of God within me by saying, Yes; Amen (So be it; done!). Secondly, Jesus Christ is the Amen (Rev. 3:14). Everything that God promised is fulfilled in Christ, and it is, Yes! (2 Cor. 2:17-18). My assurance is this: Jesus Christ is the Manifestation of God’s “Yes”; Christ is the Amen; and since my life is hidden in Christ, I can be assured that what God has promised for my life will manifest; therefore, I can declare, “Promises. Done!”
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Posted in Books, Faith | Tagged: Jesus Christ, promises, Yes | 3 Comments »
Posted by Queen E. F. Phillips on April 12, 2012
How much time to you spend analyzing …trying to “figure out” life. To be truthful, we are not qualified to figure out life, even for those who call themselves life coaches. Being a life coach does not mean you have all the answers to the life’s complexities and challenges, but that as a coach you help others navigate the course of life with all its detours.
Even the Teacher of Ecclesiastes, a man who possessed brilliant powers of wisdom and observation had to conclude some things are beyond understanding. Failing in his attempt to “figure out” life, he fell back on simple advice: Fear God and obey him, no matter how things seem to you. In essence, he concluded in favor of a life of faith. For him, an old man, most of life had already passed; in eloquent poetry he describes the decay that was already at work in his body. Therefore, he stressed to us, “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before your days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, ‘I find no pleasure in them.’ -Eccl. 12:1
The Preacher gives us wise advice to teach generation after generation. If we spend all of days trying to figure out life, by the time we’re mature in age, facing physical, mental and emotional challenges, we will have found no pleasure or delightfulness in living. Enjoy life! It’s short. You can be here today and gone today. Live. Laugh and love. Live each day with thanksgiving, trusting the all wise God to be the captain of your soul—the One who can navigate the course He has already charted for your life. And hopefully, at the end of your day you will have lived a purposeful life.
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Posted in Christian Living, Inspirational | Tagged: believe, Christ, Faith, healthy living, laugh, life, live, love | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Queen E. F. Phillips on March 28, 2012
The book of Nahum is not a popular Old Testament and the author is not one of the Major Prophets because the book is very short in length—only three (3) chapters. However, there is a powerful message that can build our confidence in the character and power of God. Nahum predicts and describes Nineveh’s fall. Nineveh was the capital of Assyria, a powerful empire during ancient times. The Assyrians were cruel and ruthless enemies of God’s people. But Nahum said:
“The Lord is slow to get angry, but his power is great, and he never lets the guilty go unpunished. He displays his power in the whirlwind and the storm. The billowing clouds are the dust beneath his feet.” -Nahum 1:3
Few people can stare into the face of such raw power as that of the Assyrian empire and come away unimpressed. Nahum did so only because he had seen a far greater power—the power of a God whose wrath could shatter rocks. If God was angry, how could Nineveh stand? Nahum’s absolute confidence in God is underlined throughout his book. Nahum sounds unintimidated, almost lordly. He spoke with confidence because he knew God’s character.1
Like Nahum, there’s a sense of boldness and unintimidating confidence when you know a far greater power—the power of a God that spoke the Universe into existence, which we marvel at to this day. Yet, this same powerful God is a loving Father who delights in caring for us and obligates Himself to protect and provide for His people…those who trust and obey Him as their Lord and Savior.
Those who are confident in God’s power and love are not intimidated by others who parade themselves as equal in power to the only living and true God of the Universe. So, like Nahum, we can speak with confidence because we know God’s character.
Too often we fret over the guilty—those who take advantage of others—exploitation, extortion, and oppression. Too often we give up and retreat disheartened by the pain caused when the guilty go free. Too often we compromise our values and succumb to the influence of those guilty of promoting immorality, hatred and injustice. Too often we are guilty of being entertained by the slanderous remarks about those trying to enhance the quality of life for the poor and disadvantaged. Too often we are guilty of joining forces with those who devise plans to set themselves up as the great powers that be—do not fret over the guilty, neither be afraid. Trust in the Lord and do good; so shall you dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Remember, the LORD is slow to anger and great in power; the LORD will not leave the guilty unpunished. Therefore, make sure you’re not among the “guilty.”
More important, if you find yourself among the guilty, there’s a way out. Jesus Christ. He died on the Cross among the
“guilty” although He was innocent. He was crucified with the guilty so that everyone could be declared “not guilty” although we all deserve the penalty of sin. Yet, God’s love is so incomprehensible that He made it as easy as ABC for us…. Admit/Acknowledge your guilt (I am a sinner). Believe in your heart that His Son, Jesus Christ died for our sin, and that He rose from the dead. Confess (declare) with thanksgiving by faith He is your Savior and Lord by asking Him to come into heart, take control of your life and change you from the inside out. It’s that simple to start your journey to learn more about God and become confident in His character just as Nahum. As a result, you won’t have to fret over the guilty.
1NIV Student Bible Journal
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Posted in Christian Living, Faith, Salvation | Tagged: believe, Christ, christian, Faith, guilty, heart, Salvation, sin, sinner | Leave a Comment »
Posted by Queen E. F. Phillips on March 3, 2012
1 Heaven is declaring God’s glory; the sky is proclaiming his handiwork.
2 One day gushes the news to the next, and one night informs another what needs to be known.
3 Of course, there’s no speech, no words—
their voices can’t be heard—
4 but their soundextends throughout the world; their words reach the ends of the earth.
Have you ever been talking to someone you thought was listening to you only to find out they weren’t? How did you know they weren’t listening? You knew they were listening because they didn’t respond, or their response was irrelevant. How did that make you feel? After all, you believed that what you were saying was important. You believed that the person you chose to share it with would be interested in what you had to say. Right? Chances are they weren’t listening because they were distracted by their personal concerns, ideas, and issues. Whatever the reasons for their inattentiveness, you were made to feel as if what you had to say was unimportant; it didn’t demand their attention. That is not a good feeling. We all want to believe that when we engage in serious conversation, we will get the respect and appropriate response from the other person, as they listen to what we have to say. We shouldn’t have to scream and yell to get someone’s attention! On occasion, our body language or facial expressions say, “Listen” to what I am saying.
The heavens speak the loudest at sunrise and sunset declaring God’s glory. Although these majestic moments are silent, their splendor screams glory to the heart that believes and knows there is a God. While man has been given the gift of scientific knowledge to explain these cosmic occurrences, when we behold the beauty of these wondrous signs of time changes throughout the globe, it should be evidence to remind us that God is in control of the Universe; and we should give heed to what He says and desires for us, trusting that He is well able to take care of His own. After all, it’s His world!
“Everything was created by him, everything in heaven and on earth, everything seen and unseen, including all forces and powers, and all rulers and authorities. All things were created by God’s Son, and everything was made for him. God’s Son was before all else, and by him everything is held together” (Colossians 1:16-18).
Yet the question remains, “Are we listening?” Do we listen only when the roaring, destructive winds hurl heavy objects across 
blackened skies, and flatten the places of complacent comforts? Or do we only listen when the downpour of torrential rains floods our homes and streets bringing mobility to a halt? Or do we only listen when winter blizzards cover cities and shut down commercialized camaraderie? The One who wants to interact with His most precious creation, which He built for the purpose of communing with, desires that we listen attentively to what He has to say; and that we recognize His glory and honor Him with our lives. I pray that we listen while His voice can be heard in the silent splendorous of a sunrise or the majestic moment of a sunset. I pray that as we listen, our response will be an emphatic, “Yes, Lord!”
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Posted in Articles, Christian Living, Faith | Tagged: believe, Christ, christian, cosmic, creation, Faith, God, god is in control, scientific, spirituality, sunrise, sunset, time, Universe | Leave a Comment »
