NOTES OF INSPIRATION

*”He that is kind to the poor, lends to the Lord.” Proverbs 19:17

Have you ever seen a person who was destitute and in need of a place to stay or a  job? Have you ever seen a mother with children who did not seem to have enough food to eat from day to day? Do you know someone who is in poverty and who really needs help? Well, here’s an opportunity to reap blessings down on your head. As you have the chance, open your heart and help those in need. There are a lot of ways to render help. You can help by donating money, food or services to the food shelters. There are countless ways to give to those who are in need. However, it does not go unrewarded. It is promised in the word of God that when you give to the poor you lend to the Lord. If you lend to the Great and Almighty God, imagine what his pay back to you will be! Proverbs 19:17 says “He that is kind to the poor, lends to the Lord.”  I think that when God owes you,  you are in the best position ever!

“The way of the Lord is a refuge for the righteous, but it is the ruin of those who do evil.” Proverbs 10:29

Stay in the grace of God, His ways and His word. It will bring life, healing, success and victory. Do not walk in the embraces of evil because that will bring you to ruin. The way of the Lord is a refuge(shelter or protection from danger or trouble) to the righteous. Stay in His way.

Meeting the Music Group “The Innovators” from Zimbabwe

The Innovators

Tatenda, Dzago, Michael, and Knowledge came into my life towards the end of May. These guys are a four piece singing group from Zimbabwe filled with happiness, faith, and determination and they are called “The Innovators”.  I think it was the work of God that I got to meet them and become good friends with them. They have an amazing story too. In their hometown, they spent their days hanging around their church, making music, writing songs, and praying to God. They wanted to come to America and share their word of God with people all over the nation. Applying for their green card, they failed the first time. But they refused to give up. They worked harder, and applied once again- only to find out that rejection was once again the answer. But they knew God was testing them to see how much they were willing to work, and on their third attempt, they were accepted!

The boys settled in Texas, singing for churches and telling their story to many people, both young and old. They traveled from state to state, bringing joy with them. Stopping in Hollywood, they spent time recording and producing their self titled album (which I bought, and had them sign…. Both the inside and outside ha-ha). I had never heard of them, and neither did anyone else I lived with, so we were expecting much. That Sunday, I came to chapel early to rehearse the song I was singing one more time with the band. The Innovators were setting up their instruments and warming up as I did so. After I finished, I started up a friendly conversation, eager to know who these handsome guys were! They were eager to meet me and weren’t shy at all as I bombarded them with questions. After our regular chapel routine, and after I played my song, my pastor announced them onto our ever so small stage. They blew me away, and everyone else. Singing in their native language of Shohon, and English, they talked to us and taught us some of their songs. Then they told us that they were staying until Thursday morning. I was more than excited.

After chapel, I spent time talking with them, and I was pretty much in love with their music. They said they were going to do a show before they left, so Wednesday night seemed so far away. I spent the time telling my teachers how awesome they are and how I was their biggest fan.  So Wednesday finally came. After school, I went to tutoring, and then to my group home’s choir (Joyful Noise). They were there, and for an hour, nine other residents, along with me, had the best time ever. They sang songs with us, and taught us one of their songs. Finally, it was time for them to set up, and for us to go back to our houses and get ready. I was so excited I couldn’t eat. Does that happen to anyone else? I rushed back to chapel an hour later, and danced and sang and even did a singing freestyle! They were amazing, but they had to leave too soon. I gave them a big hug, and we told each other that we’d stay in contact. They knew I was their biggest fan.

These guys taught me to never give up on my dreams. If I want it so bad, then I had to keep trying. They taught me that being sad would never solve anything, and that I should be happy, no matter what. I got to form a relationship with such inspiring guys; I don’t think I’m far from lucky.

“Peace I leave you with; my peace I give you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.”(John 14:27)

Here is a sample of the Innovator’s Music. Enjoy!

God bless you!

Your Teen Writer,

Elo

Notes of Inspiration

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” Psalm 145:18

Are you having any struggles in your life? Do you have challenges that seem to be bigger than your life? Be encouraged today and know that the Lord is available to help you. Call on the Lord in truth. Tell him exactly what is going on with you. Talk to Him. Pray to Him. He is near and waiting.

“But I have trusted in thy lovingkindness; My heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.” Psalm 13:5

Trust in the love and kindness of the Lord. Allow him to come into your heart, your mind , your soul and into your life. You will be able to embrace his salvation and comfort. He is waiting on you.

“He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills.” Psalm 147:8

Let us explore this passage. Are we able to cover the skies with clouds? Are we as humans able to supply the earth with rain from above and ensure that the rain makes the grass grow? No. We are not capable of doing that. But our God can do it. If God can do all of those things he can certainly handle our concerns and challenges. Covering the sky with clouds is a lot more difficult than healing your body. But yet God is able to heal us.  Making sure that the rain saturates the earth is more complex than straightening out your situation with your family, your job, your relationship or anything else. Yet, He is able to also do that. Trust the strong arms of the Lord to do what you may feel is difficult in your life. God has the power to handle it all.

Proverbs 19:21(NIV):
“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

By all means do plan your days and plan your life. But please realize that God’s plans for you will prevail. Unlike us, he knows the future and he knows it in detail.

“And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Acts 2:21

Be encouraged today and know that if you have not already, you can give your life to Christ. The word of God says, “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9. Call on the name of the Lord and accept him as your personal savior. Life with the Lord is better with him than without him. Call on his name and be saved.

“Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” Revelation 4:11

The Lord is the greatest creator of all and he created us. We are made in his image. Just like God we have a mind and can think. Just like God we have a heart and can love. Just like God we have the ability to help others in need. We are created to worship and praise God even if we choose not to. However, whether we know it or not, we need him.  I choose to love God because he loves me. I choose to worship him because he created me. I am grateful for life and I will not do well in this life trying to live my life without the Lord. Be encouraged today to understand that we are created to worship the true and living God. He is powerful and majestic and has power and control over everything. But we are also created for his pleasure. It’s like proud parents who watch over and take care of their children. Even though those parents may have to discipline the children, the parents are still happy to love and cherish those children. It’s because having those children brings pleasure to those parents. Be encouraged today and know that God loves you and you are created for his pleasure.

“To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; in you I trust, O my God” Psalms 25: 1

In perilous times like these it is quite apparent that trust is a valued jewel and may not often be found. I trust God with my soul and my heart. He will listen to me when I need to tell him what is going on with me. I can cast all of my cares on him.  Trust him with everything about you and allow him to comfort you.