"Your Spiritual Connection"

  Good morning all, it's been a while since my last post. The Lord was working me over for the past few weeks & my brain needed a few days rest to absorb it all. Messages were coming to me, people needed counseling. And on top of it all, my grandparents and lil cousin are home & well, but like children, they still require much attention & care. So please keep me lifted in prayer as well.  In my absence, I hope you all were able to come back and meditate on previous post to help with your spiritual growth.  Today's post is about your spiritual connection.  When we baptize in submersion, we do so out of obedience of Gods word, Which is called "The Great Commition" Matthew 28:18-20 says: 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Jesus commanded his appointed disciples, taught them all they needed to know about the word of God and gave them specific instructions to go unto all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. He even gave them a promise, that he will be with them even till the end of the world. That means that when this world is no more, Jesus will be with us in heaven. Well, those who have that spiritual connection with him. In the Greek language, the word baptize means to be submerged. Some churches or originations think that just a sprinkle of holy water will do. But as ministers and delivers of the word in truth, we are to lead by example and be obedient as to what our instructions are and teach what the word of God says as it is written and not try to change it to what we think it says. True understanding of the word of God comes from a real & genuine spiritual connection with the Lord. Spiritual revaluation can only be obtained through diligent hours of study of the word and one has to be in constant communion with the Holy Spirit. There's your spiritual connection. Its the only way to have a true relationship with the Lord. And To have a relationship with Him is to fellowship with Him. And, this is very important, you have to except Jesus Christ as your Lord & savior. Plain and simple.  In the book of John 14:6 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Again, your spiritual connection. Jesus tells us that he is our way into heaven. I've heard many people say  "My relationship with God is just that, mine". But they fail to explain what they mean by that. I'll tell you what they mean by it, it's a cop out to try and justify their wrong doing in the world, & still try & live Holy. Too heavy? Ok, well lets see what the word of the Lord says. The book of James chapter 4:4-5 says 4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. 5 Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? Here in the book of James chapter 4, we learn that James was talking to the people of Israel, Spiritual Adulteress, those unfaithful to God. So he referred to the Church, us, as Spiritual Adulterers, the unfaithful bride of Christ. James was emphasizing on the common problems amongst the people. Their unsatisfied selfish desires. Instead on going to God in prayer, they were bickering with one another.   We cannot be a lover of God and a lover of the world. The Holy spirit doesn't lust or envy. The things we desire of the world is of us.  Someone that doesn't have a spiritual connection will not see that what they are doing is wrong nor will they understand the work or gifts that God has given you if they don't have that spiritual connection with the Lord themselves. One thing I've learned is you can't live unholy mon- sat and try & live holy on sun from 9am-1:30pm. (that's church hours for some folk) That way of thinking is like premeditated murder. To heavy again? Let me explain. A Premeditated murder charge is when a person thinks about killing someone, plans it and then carries out the act. Soooooo, let's call this life style premeditated sin. You can't live sinfully mon -sat then expect to sit in church, shout & praise & fall out, and live holy for a few hours then go back to sinning. Your spiritual connection is now broken & you are labeled as to whatever you are, a sinner. And no one sin is greater than the other, sin is sin. And God hates sin. So wheather you're a drunkard, adulterer, thief, fornicator, bi-sexual, gay, or whatever, it doesn't matter. It's all sin in the eyes of the lord. Read Lev. 18 the whole chapter. Might make your stomach turn. If that dont make you repent........... Listen, God hates sin, But he loves the sinner and wants to set them free. This is where repentance comes in. It's how you regain your spiritual connection. You have to change you way of thinking and turn from your sinful ways that are not except able to God.  Romans 12:2 says  2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Sums up just about everything I have been saying don't it? Once you change your thought process & except Jesus as your lord & savior, you will feel a different spirit in you. You will fond peace. Absolute peace that can only be found in Jesus Christ. You may not achieve absolute peace, because there are always test & trial in our lives. But You will be transformed by the renewing of your mind if you don't let the world consume you. And the peace that you do have in Christ Jesus will help you to go through life's obstacles with a clear mind and a most importantly, you will be kept by the precious blood of Jesus.  Meditate on this and other lessons. Restore your spiritual connection with the Lord. Repent and be transformed by renewing your mind and do the will of God. That which is good, acceptable and perfect to God.    Have a safe blessed day.       ~Rev. Tai Birch~

The Life of a Young Minsiter: "The Look on Their Faces"

                                As I sit back and study theology and the word of the lord, I sometimes reflect on the past weeks sermon and service and as I sit back and take in all of the knowledge and observe all that's happening around me, I often wonder how am I going to lead this passionate group of Christs followers. Im quite sure i speak for a lot of ministets, babies and vetrns alike, when i say, No matter how confident a preacher can try to be, or how much They study and try and prepare themselves,  one can never truly prepare their self to get up and speak in front of a crowd full of restless, attentive spirits, hungry for a move from God. Ready for their spirit to be convicted by the word of the Lord.       I notice the persona and the approach some preachers have when they at ready to deliver their message from God o the people. Some attempts at hiding what they are feeling are evident. I'm not calling anyone out or being slanderous, but I know for sure it's obvious on me. Weather I'm speaking a full sermon or a children's homily, I feel like my palms start sweating and the walls start closing in on me. Even if I'm just going over my message with pastor or getting ready to speak in front of 10-20 people, my throat stars closing up ans I start running out of air as if someone stopped the air from circulating like in the 90s Arnold Schwarzenegger movie Total Recall. All of my movie buffs will remember that scene from the movie on mars when the fans stopped rotating and blowing air. All the people on the planet in that section started collapsing trying to hold on to what little air they could. Well, that's how I feel as soon as I walk up to that podium an turn to see the "Look on Their Faces". I try to be of good courage. And I always pray that I step out of the way and let God work. I often wonder if I try too hard not to mess up. As I told a good friend of mine, preaching is different than a secular lecture or speech. One can prepare to speak in front of a board room, or give a lecture in a hall full of students. But boy I'll tell you, when you have to speak to someone's spirit, you have to take a delicate approach. You definitely have to have a humble spirit as well as submitting yourself to the will of God.................. That's a lot on a person and not everyone will understand what we as preachers have to go through when we are up there being used by God.          I would receive lots of encouragement from friends and family saying, "You Got this". Or "You'll be fine". I appreciate it but, but I don't think they realize that, for me, hearing them say those things does more harm than good. It's not their fault. Just feels like added pressure to do well.        Jeremiah 1:4-10 says, 4 Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. 6 Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I am a child. 7 But the LORD said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I command thee thou shalt speak. 8 Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD. 9 Then the LORD put forth his hand, and touched my mouth. And the LORD said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth. 10 See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out, and to pull down, and to destroy, and to throw down, to build, and to plant.        This is the passage that was suggested to me when I preached my first sermon. And became the theme for the evening. Which I must say went extremely well thanks to a number of my church family members. Special thanks to all in attendance in support of our church and myself as well. That evening in particular had a number of mixed emotions. One feeling of confusion and fear mixed together. Confused because I didn't know what was happening to me. Scared because I didn't know what was happening to me. Let me explain. So in verses 4 &5 of Jeremiah it says, the Lord already knew what he had planned for me. That He already ordained me to do what I do for Him now. Verse 6 confesses my fear for what I have to do. Verse 7, my instructions. Verse 8, my encouragement. Verse 9, my anointing. And verse 10, the prophecy. How powerful is that?         Look at verse 8 again. It says be not afraid of their faces. So what happened to me the night of my first sermon was, the Lord allowed me not to see anyone's faces that evening. I only saw 4 faces in the crowd. My Pastor, my Bishop, my big brother in ministry, and my older cousin. I couldn't even see my notes anymore. The Lord said to me, You can look at those notes all you wan to, but you aren't gonna be able to see them. So when I looked at my notes, all the words on the pages started running together till eventually the pages were blank. Then I walked away from my notes as the Holy Spirit started to take over and when I looked in the crowd, everyone's faces but the 4 I mentioned, were not visible to me anymore. So at that point I couldn't see the look on their faces. Good thing I trust God. Because I was so scared thought I had gone blind. But again, I trust God. So what ever he had planned for me. I was with it. I lean on the Lord so much, if He was standing next to me, we'd be joined at the hip.         I have to admit, I was relieved after I finished. I was able to se again. But now through a different set of eyes. I see things & people differently now. Not with a judgmental state, but with a renewed mind and a clean heart. I see the potential in people & I see the malice in some of their hearts. It's as I said in a previous sermon. When you live a life in Christ, let his light shine in you and do the will of God, your spirit will know when someone or something is not right.     None the less. I still pray to be used by God how he sees fit. I often wonder if I'm so humble now that I can mess up what God has set before me. That's a question I've been meaning to ask my pastor. Can a person become so humble that they can loose their self in the work they are assigned to do? Or become so humble that they forget how to let God use them the way He wants to use them? Cause it's easy to get in the way of Gods plans for us. Guess that Goes back to the old saying "let go and let God".  1 Peter 5:4-7 says  6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. So if you humble yourself before the mighty hand of God, and cast your cares upon Him, he will fight the battle for you. But once you give the problem to the Lord, remember, try not to get impatient while He's working it out and take the problem back and try and deal wit it yourself.          So, each and every Sunday, weather I'm opening up, doing the Alter call or even the benediction, I still get nervous when I see the Look on Their Faces. It's a look of wonder and a look of amazement. A look o curiosity even. But no matter how nervous i get, it's the look on their faces that motivates me to want to learn more and bring back and  teach them what the word of God says. The look on their faces looks as though they want more. Like they are sponges ready to absorb all that God has to give them at that moment. And I pray to continue to deliver the message the way God intended it to be heard. Even if he has to use my personality to get I done.      Enjoy the rest of your evening. Thank you and God bless you.         ~Rev. Tai Birch~

"The Little Foxes"

                Good morning all.        This is a sermon I preached yesterday afternoon at my church, Your Will Christrian Ministries. It may be a little short, but it's very powerful. Short only because it's a children's Homily. Yesterday Was our second youth Sunday service. And although all the youth weren't in attendance, th ones that were there held I'd down. And we most certainly had some church on yesterday Amen? For those that heard it yesterday and are reading it today, I pray you are blessed by the reading and renewing of your mind. For those that are reading for th first time, even though you werent there to hear it, meditate as you read & I pray that you recieve a move from God. So here goes.......      Todays text comes from the Song of Solomon 2:15 "Take us, the little foxes, that spoil the vines; for our vines have tender grapes"         In ancient times, the farmers would have problems with little foxes. The larger foxes would often get into the vineyard and eat the farmers grapes off the vine. But the little foxes couldn't reach the grapes. So they would gnaw  away at the vine killing the whole bunch. So the farmer would loose all the grapes on the vine. You see, with the big foxes eating the grapes and not the vine, the vine could eventually still grow more grapes. But the little foxes were chewing away at the vine, killing the whole branch.       This song of Solomon was written by Solomon who was a young shepherd who feel in love with a woman that was an outcast. When he left he promised her he would return to marry her and make her his bride. While he was away she dreamt about their union. When he returned, he returned as King Solomon. And he took her back to Jerusalem to marry her.       We can take from king Solomon's promise of his return for his bride as Christ promise to come back for his bride, the church, us. You see Jesus is the true vine.  We know this because He said so.         In John 15:1-2 Jesus said: I AM the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.      Here Jesus is telling us that he is the true vine, God, our father is the landworker, or farmer, and we are the branches that abide in him. And every branch that does not bare fruit he picks it off and throws it out. And the branch that bringeth good fruit, he purges it so that it can bare more good fruit. To Purge means to cleanse, to prune.  Verse 5 says I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. And remember in my previous message, "I in them and You in me" as Jesus prayed refers to the shared glory of Gods love.      Jesus is already telling us that he is in us. As He is the vine and we are the branches that abide in Him. But if we don't abide within him, we are nothing. As the broken branch can bring forth no fruit at all. Hence the little foxes that kill the vine because they couldn't get to the fruit.       Now Get ready for this: the little foxes, they represent sin. Get it?  It's the things that we think are the little things that gnaw at our righteousness and our relationship with Christ. Thus slowly killing off our part of the vine that we abide in, which is Jesus. As Jesus said, He is the vine and we are the branches that are of the vine. For example, many of us have pulled a banana off the ream one time or another. Notice how that one banana starts to wither away as the others that are still connected to the ream remain healthy. Or if you have a bunch of strawberries the one that is going bad will infect the others right next to it. So what do we do? We have to take away the ones that are causing the bunch to spoil right?     Same concept. Jesus tells us that without him we are nothing. Doesn't get any simpler than that. Verse 6 says If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. Meaning God will take away anything or anyone that is not healthy to your relationship to Christ out of your life so you can bear good fruit. And if you're the on that is corrupting the bunch guess what? It will be you that is cast down to the fire & burned.    You see, just as the rotten fruit can spoil the bunch, sin has a corrupting nature as well. The more you sin the more your spirit is corrupted. But the more you push to seek Christ, the more Your spirit receives conviction. So as long as you live in Christ, if you sin one time or another, and you confess your sins to the Lord, He will pluck you from the ones that has been corrupted by another bad fruit, or your group of friends, those little foxes that has been chipping away at your vine, so you can bring forth more fruit. Listen when you allow the holy spirit to come into your life, and I'm not saying you have to act all high and mighty with your nose in the air at folk, but your spirit will know when it doesn't want to be bothered with foolishness. And you will feel it in your gut when you think something is wrong with this or that person, situation or thing. The Lord will allow you to see that corrupting nature of that person or thing that is gnawing away at your vine trying to sever your connection to Christ.     So children and adults alike, can take heed to the Little Foxes. It's the things you think are little things that will cause you to get into more trouble than you realize. The things you try to hide will eventually come out into the open. And you may be able to hide what you've done from people, even if to a little while, but you will never be able to hide it from the Lord. So take heed to these "Little Foxes", because each little sin that nips away at your vine can will sever your connection with the Lord if you let it. So abide in Christ who as he said is the True Vine, so that you may bring forth more fruit, good fruit that will one day be a blessing to someone else.                                         Thank you and God Bless                                     ~Rev. Tai Birch~                                

"Crabs in A Barrel"

                            Good morning all. Today is a new day and after being scrutinized for two and a half seasons my team the Miami Heat are the 2012 NBA champions. They were targeted and accused of  "Stacking Talent" to have a Big 3. No one tagged Boston when Garnett, Patton and Allen joined the team to win their 1st title. Did the world forget about teams in the 80s and 90s of Bird, Parrish and McCale of The Celtics? Or how about Magic, Worthy and Kareem of the Lakers? Or my personal favorite from the 90s, Jordan, Pippen and Rodman of the Bulls? All those teams were stacked. There are a few other teams the were stacked as well. But for some reason, the Heat of 2010-2011 were the target of much ridicule. Because of how one of the leagues best players, LeBron James, left his former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers.         People, especially cavs fans, we're furious at LBjs decision. Leaving the fans feeling hatred for him. They even went as far as burning their Jerseys and memorabilia. They must be crazy!!! Cause at the end of the day, I know I payed too much of my hard earned money to be burning my clothes because my favorite player left. And to listen to most, it wasn't the fact that he left, it was how's he left. There was thin hour long interview with he and Espn. There, he made his announcement saying "I'm taking my talents to South Beach, and joining the Miami Heat. There were bonfires and cutting of T-shirts and cutting up of cards, people were turning over cars. Some even had thoughts of suicide. Suicide? Really? The devil is that busy that he can mess with someones mind that bad over some man leaving a team. He even has folks wanting to fight over this debate.        My brothers and I had a heated debate over this and other NBA issues. But what it boiled down to was ones hatred for LeBron because of what he said when the Heat lost in the 2011 NBA finals to the Dallas Mavericks. When asked a certain question about his play and his conduct, after being fired upon by media and booed almost every city he visited, LeBron answered a question out of frustration. He did not Stop Think and then Go on that one. He just went in. His response was "At the end of the day, I'm still rich and everyone else is going to go back to their ordinary lives". Wow!!! Very true statement though. Should he have said that? Probably not. But he did. And it's very true. But a lot of people are forever scorn buy his decision to leave and his response. So when the Heat lost in the finals, boy did America love that. They laughed and they taunted and they applauded and exploited their defeat. "Crabs in a Barrel".        It's a shame how people hold on to a statement or something someone may have said for so long. If we keep holding on to the past, weather bad or good, because of what someone said, we will never be able to move on with our own lives and succeed. Rather than taint that man and mock him, take what was said and use it for motivation to move forward. Yeah it might have been a bad choice of words. But again. He was in the heat of the moment. But what happened at the beginning of this short, crammed season? LeBron matured. He went on to say the he was immature for the was he handled some things in the past. He may not have directly apologized for what he said, but he did own up to his immaturity. He changed his game to better his teammates, he's spoke to the press better, and he has a new set of fans who love him for helping bring another title to the city.       Now I'm not a LeBron fan. But, he can do some amazing things on the court. I'm happy for him for getting his first title. Hopefully the first of many. Many of us agree that the Miami Heat were going to get laughed at if they didn't win again. People were going to say "they should won because they have all that talent". Or if they lost guess what they were going to say? "They should won because the got all that talent." It's like a double edge sword. They were dammed if they did or dammed if they didn't. I don't know which of the Miami fans were ready to jump ship. But I wasn't. I enjoyed this 68 game season which is usually 82 games. The NBA suffered a lock out because of player and owner contract and merchandise negotiations.  Now it's time to get past what LeBron said 2-3 years ago and move forward. Stop being the crab in the bottom of the barrel pulling someone else down trying to dig your way out of any situation.  Cause at the end of the day, like he said, He's still rich and we're are home living our everyday lives. Once you realize that you are you're own worse enemy, and admit it. You will be able to move forward an succeed in life. Although some may like to be, the reality of it is, We are not in those players shoes. They are the ones under the microscope of the media. Meditate on that.       Well, enough for now, I'm going to bask in the moment of my team winning the championship. God bless you all. Enjoy your day and have a safe blessed weekend.                                          ~Rev. Tyrone Birch~

"The Calm Before/After the Storm"

              Good morning all. As I stated before in previous posts, our family has been through a lot over the past few weeks. Although our family is doing well, we are all fatigued and some even almost to the point of being burned out. These past few weeks has been mentally and physically draining to us all. The surgeries were successful. Both my Grandmom and little cousin are recovering well. This is because of much needed physical therapy, our family's caring, and much needed prayer. You see when you pray to God and ask Him for strength and healing for yourself or for your loved one, and God answers prayers of the faithful, He will bring you through. But you have to remember, and this is very important, you have to continue to pray and give thanks.         A lot of times you'll ask the lord to bless you with something or ask Him for something. You'll  get on our knees & pray & beg the lord to make a way. Then when you get that blessing, and he does make a way for you, you go on & continue to live life the way you've been living it & turn your back on & forget to give thanks to the one who gave you your blessings in the 1st place. True story. This is usually the calm after the storm. It's when the storm you just went through is over and you feel like life is that much easier for you because you no longer have to deal with that particular situation for a while. But rest assure there will be more storms to weather. But it's at this time, the calm after the storm, that you are supposed to continue your daily worship and commune with the Lord. That way when the next storm arises, you'll have the strength to stand.         Think of your faith as a shield that weakens over time. Ephesians 6:10-18 Says 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;        Look at verses 10-11. They give us instruction on how to prepare for the everyday struggles of the spiritual warfare we face. Though many believers & non-believers alike may not agree or see it, spiritual warfare does exist. Now look again at verses 12-16. They tell us how to dress for battle. Each verse gives a in-depth description on what each piece of armor represents. And finally, 17-18 gives us the "CHARGE" call. The call to step on the battle field and take on life's daily challenges. The helmet of salvation, the sword of the spirit which is the word of God, our most powerful weapon. And another more important instruction also  appears in verse 18. Praying Always with supplication in the spirit.  Did you catch that? Praying Always. Always!!! Always!!! Always!!!! Praying always because we are under constant attack. The calm after the storm, or the calm before the storm, whichever you prefer, is a time the devil goes back to the drawing board and strategies another attack.      So as I stated before, we have to be aware of these spiritual attacks. Keeping your head on a swivel so to speak. Not saying that you can have fun and live life. But "knuckle up and Guard ya grill" as we used to say around the way. Meaning, like verse 11 says. Put on the full armor of God everyday And get ready to step on that battlefield. Cause rest assure, just because we find peace in Jesus Christ, doesn't mean satin won't try & attack our faith and try and break our relationship with our father. But James 4:7 says  7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.      Remember, though this storm may be over, BEFORE the next one arises, revert back to these verses. The only way to commune with Christ is e diligent study of the word of the Lord.               God bless you all and Have a safe blessed day.                                        ~Rev. Tyrone Birch~      

"Prayer"

Father God, thank you for blessing me to see another day. Thank you Lord for keeping me in your care. Thank you lord for your stalkers Grace, Mercy & Favor that continue to follow me wherever I go. Lord my neighborhood has gone wild & crazy, but you continue to bless & keep me in the midst of it all. I pray today Lord that to touch an uneasy spirit. Someone out there is trying to find their way back to you lord but They are struggeling. The devil is making people feel  trapped in doing things their own way. But Lord you have provided us a way out through your son Jesus Christ. For Jesus said in John 15:5, I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. Touch them lord as only you can. Strengthen and renew in them a clean heart. There are a few uneasy hearts Lord. Thera are a few that are lost Lord. There are a few lord that has reached out to me for prayer. You know their concerns lord. You know their cares.  We lay them at your feet Lord. Move in their situation lord and send your healing as only you can. Pleases Lord continue to keep our children safe as they travel to & from school, day care, sports practice or wherever they my go. Matthew 6:33 says, seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; all theses things shall be added unto you. I ask these and many things in your son Jesus name. Amen Good afternoon all.  Meditate on this prayer and have a safe blessed day.                                                  ~Rev. Tyrone Birch~

"Today's Events"

      So this morning we sat and waited. Its 7:11 am and Our grandmother is on her way back to surgery. Her eyes are filled with tears because of the fear of the unexpected. We prayed a prayer of comfort as she grasped my hand. Giving her words of encouragement and inspiration. Praying that the Lord be in the midst of the surgery. That He guide the surgeons hands and keep her in his care. It's knee replacement surgery and the operating physicians seem confident that all will go well. And so am I because they prayed with us. Thank you Jesus. It's 9:40 and I get a call from the surgeon saying everything went well an she is doing fine. Been at the hospital all day. In and out picking up people & meds that the hospital doesn't carry. The hospital doesn't carry meds???!!!! What kind of monkey operation is this? Anyhow,I got them for her. She is now resting and awaiting my return.       Meanwhile, my little cousin lay in the intensive care pediatric unit miles across town. She is recovering and making progress. I'll make my way there to see her after Grandmom comes outta surgery since I'm off today. Just found out that she took her trache yesterday so the team came in and put on another one. And she's talking now so I can't wait to see her. On top of all this, my youngest daughter has to got to the dentist today because her tongue got stuck in the spacer in her mouth the other day and they probably have to reset it. No worries tho because she is fine. She was a little hysterical at first, but the ER doctor was the bomb. And she went on playing and eating like the big girl she is.      Class last night with pastor was, and is, always great. Sometimes we take time out to give our brains a rest and see how each other is doing. These rap sessions are much needed because they are therapeutic for the both of us. For me it lets pastor know how I am doing and if there's anything bothering me or how I'm coming along in my studies because along with my sinus headaches, theology makes my brain swell and hurt. Which in turn causes me to pick pastors brain probably more than he would like. Lol (Sorry Doc) But, in the course of my studies, pastors teaching of Gods word, and our day to day life trails, there is always something to learn through Gods word.       During our 1st deacons ordination, I heard an learned something very powerful. When presented with their new bibles, one of the head deacons said "there is nothing that goes on in life, that you can't find in this book", meaning the Bible. In my mind it sparked more thirst for knowledge and it took me back to all the classes and rap sessions that pastor and I have because no matter what I go through, pastor always refers to a scripture in the Bible that better helps me understand what God says about the situation. Just for instance, last nigh, he read some familiar and encouraging passages I used to read all the time. Psalm 23, Psalm 27 and Isiah 40:26-31. He said the Lord told him that I needed strengthening, and boy was he right on the money about that. And before then a close friend prayed with me a prayer of strength, for me to be able to withstand these next few days, over the phone while I was on the train. See how God works? In the midst of our fear, God will send an angle to strengthen you. So I looked back at how God sends me messages and sends a sign or an angle of strengthening when I least expect it. Thank you Jesus!!      It's was only 7:57am an my impatient grandfather ready to leave while Grandmom is under the knife. So I reminded him of how we, including grandmom, sat through a grueling 10hr aneurism surgery he underwent last year. Oh how we forget. I think we can wait 3hrs for her. All the cooking and cleaning and washing clothes she does for 4 grown behind men, please don't get me started on that subject. That's a whole nother blog.     Anyhow, as we patiently waited for her to come out of surgery we ate and laughed and chilled out. When they finally brought her to her room, I asked her how she felt and she answered, "your prayers, your prayers". I almost lost it. Thank you father for protecting her. And for being our strong tower and for your goodness and mercy. I tried, but I never mad it to see Saryn, but I did make it to my daughters dentist apt. Which also went well.Praise report, Saryn is sitting up talking & painting. Loving God through this journey. As I close,I leave you all with this, to all my readers, and my family, share this with some one: Numbers 6:24-26 says 24 The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: 25 The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: 26 The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.               Amen!          Thank you and have a save blessed day,                         ~Rev. Tyrone Birch~