Tag: christianity

“It Only Takes a Taste of Him”

In my upcoming book, OMG! What’s Been Done with Jesus? Bringing Christ Back to the Forefront (scheduled for release December 2025), I briefly discuss Psalm 34:8 (NIV), which says, Taste and see that the Lord is good.

It’s no surprise to me that the Lord alludes to food here; Jesus, too, used food as metaphors. The definition of taste is “the sensation of flavor perceived in the mouth and throat on contact with a substance.” As a verb, it is to “perceive or experience the flavor of.” I think this is precisely what God wants humankind to do.

When a friend invites us to taste a dish they’ve prepared or are still cooking, we rarely gulp down a full plate or take a big spoonful of it. We put a small amount into our mouths to see if it is flavorful, well-prepared, or tastes delicious. Does the mixture of spices and seasonings delight our taste buds?

God, in His wise simplicity, invites humankind to do the same. He’s telling us here that we don’t have to try to experience the full measure of Himself all at once or rack our brains trying to perform activities well enough to know Him (i.e., praying, bible reading, going to church, or ridding ourselves of wrong). No.

In this verse, the Lord simply invites us to experience a small taste of Himself. This taste will prove His goodness and faithfulness. The Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary notes the word “taste” in this verse as a verb. The Greek word is γεύομαι (geuomai), which means “to taste, eat, partake of,” usually implying enjoyment of the experience. (Retrieved from Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, Copyright © 2006 by William D. Mounce.)

Partake of an experience with God, the Father, which only happens upon believing in His Son, Jesus Christ. Don’t try to go big to impress people or because of pressure from others. Don’t do it to compensate for your losses or faults. Simply taste Him. You may say, “But I don’t have much faith at all.” That’s okay. Jesus said, “…Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20 NIV).

“Yum! He is soooo good!”  Go ahead, just taste; you’ll enjoy the experience; trust me. 😊

Be blessed until next time…

Jehovah is our God Too

My Google search noted how “Jehovah” is a Latinization of the Hebrew name for God, YHWH, which is also known as the Tetragrammaton. The four Hebrew letters YHWH, which are often transliterated as “Jehovah,” are the consonants of God’s name.  It’s considered one of God’s personal names in Judaism and is used in some Christian traditions. (AI Overview, 2025)

The name that follows Jehovah is a word that describes an aspect of God’s character and nature. Jehovah Sabaoth, Naheh, and Milchamma are ones I gravitate to. I’m naturally a fighter and outspoken. You will hear my voice or see me in action, standing up for a cause, speaking out against systemic racism or injustice, or vehemently fighting for the cause of the weak or those harmed. This nature of Jehovah, God reminds me to step back and let the Lord fight for me because He has power over all armies/systems, is strong in battle, and can smite any enemy.  

The names for Jehovah, God, are listed below. Read the chapter for context or clarity on who the Lord is or what He does, and then glean from the one you most need Him to be right now. 🙂

  • Jehovah Jireh – The Lord, my Provider – Genesis 22
  • Jehovah Rapha – The Lord who heals – Exodus 15
  • Jehovah Nissi – The Lord, my banner – Exodus 17
  • Jehovah M’Kaddesh – The Lord who sanctifies – Exodus 31
  • Jehovah Chereb – The Lord, my Sword – Deuteronomy 33
  • Jehovah Magen – The Lord, my Shield – Deuteronomy 33
  • Jehovah Shalom – The Lord, my Peace – Judges 6
  • Jehovah Sabaoth – Lord of the hosts of heaven – 1 Samuel 1
  • Jehovah Kahbodi – The Lord, my Glory – Psalm 3
  • Jehovah Malech-Olam – The Lord who is king forever – Psalm 10
  • Jehovah Chezeq – The Lord, my strength – Psalm 18
  • Jehovah Misqabbi – The Lord, my strong tower – Psalm 18
  • Jehovah Naheh – The Lord who smites the enemy – Psalm 18
  • Jehovah Seli – The Lord, my Rock – Psalm 18
  • Jehovah Hoshea – The Lord, my Savior – Psalm 20
  • Jehovah Rohi – The Lord, my Shepherd – Psalm 23
  • Jehovah Milchamma – The Lord, mighty in battle – Psalm 24
  • Jehovah Ori – The Lord, my Light – Psalm 27
  • Jehovah Gannan – The Lord who is my defense – Psalm 89
  • Jehovah Machsi – The Lord my Refuge – Psalm 91
  • Jehovah Hamelech – The Lord, my King – Psalm 98
  • Jehovah Bara – The Lord, my Creator – Isaiah 40
  • Jehovah Goel – The Lord, my Redeemer – Isaiah 49
  • Jehovah Ma’oz – The Lord, my Fortress – Jeremiah 16
  • Jehovah Tsidkenu – The Lord, my righteousness – Jeremiah 23
  • Jehovah Shammah – The Lord who is present – Ezekiel 48   (Retrieved from Christianity 201, 2019, https://christianity201.wordpress.com/2019/10/13/jehovah-names-of-god/)

The Crawford singers—my nieces and nephew—beautifully sing about our Jehovah God. If you are on Facebook, listen here: https://www.facebook.com/perry.crawford.174408/videos/2161556904295644

If you are not on Facebook, listen here:

Jehovah Is Your Name by the Crawford singers

Enjoy!! Until next time… 🙂

Kingdoms of the World vs. the Kingdom of God

I like CNN; it’s where I usually follow the breaking news, gain information on U.S. or world events, watch documentaries about “notable” figures, and get information on old/new political administrations. I like CNN’s format for delivering the news, its various anchors and newscasters, and the guests who appear to discuss, explain, and/or help us better understand what’s happening worldwide. I can watch it all day, especially if it’s something significant (i.e., our new U.S. government administration). I must admit, however, I was feeling agitated and getting sad and depressed after listening to the news daily these past few weeks. As a follower of Jesus Christ (i.e., a Christian), I needed to take a break to check my thoughts and get some perspective.

Jesus explained to His followers that there are two different kingdoms—a kingdom that operates on the earth and a spiritual kingdom, which operates in the heavenly realm. People govern the kingdoms of the world and oversee and orchestrate affairs on behalf of the citizens and the earth. In contrast, the kingdom of God, which Jesus is really king of, is spiritual and is concerned with God’s rule, action, lordship, sovereign governance, and God’s will and ways being declared and manifested on earth. Once, when being questioned by one of the high-ranking officials in His day, Jesus tells him how His kingdom was not of this world (John 18:28-37).

It’s important to note that Jesus never disregarded or disrespected the kingdoms of the world or its leaders. An example is found in Matthew 22:18-21, where a group who hated the fact that Jesus claimed authority over God’s kingdom tested Him on this very issue. It reads, “Then the Pharisees went out and planned together to entrap him with his own words. They sent to him their disciples along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are truthful and teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You do not court anyone’s favor because you show no partiality. Tell us then, what do you think? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” But Jesus realized their evil intentions and said, “Hypocrites! Why are you testing me? Show me the coin used for the tax.” So they brought him a denarius. Jesus said to them, “Whose image is this, and whose inscription?” They replied, “Caesar’s.” He said to them, “Then give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”  Now when they heard this they were stunned, and they left him and went away.”

This clearly demonstrates how Jesus acknowledges Caesar’s (or a government’s) authority and the respect we should show it. (Pay your taxes, in so many words.) And, Jesus pays His tax when he sends his disciple (or follower) Peter to find a coin to pay the Temple tax. Read it in Matthew 17:24-27. He also acknowledges here a reverence for God’s kingdom.

Finally, the Bible urges Christians to pray for world leaders, even those who are flawed. This further demonstrates God’s respect for earthly kingdoms and who’s in place to govern its affairs. (See 1 Timothy 2:1-4 and Colossians 1:16-17.)

Here’s the break I needed to take after listening to CNN. I had to step back, get God’s viewpoint, and shift my perspective so I wouldn’t be so depressed. I realize now God appoints world leaders; they’re put in place by Him. “Whaaat? OMG!” I should and can pray for them because there is a Master who is over them—the One who governs the Kingdom of God (Ephesians 6:9). 🙂

Be blessed until next time.

Reflections on the Last Day of 2024

Happy New Year’s Eve friends!

It’s true, we really do not know what a day may bring, let alone a year (Proverbs 27:1). For me, 2024 resulted in the loss of five family members–an aunt, three cousins, and last, my 3rd eldest sister. Some deaths we anticipated were soon to happen; others came unexpectedly, without warning. Regardless of when and how they occurred, these loved ones are gone, and I must venture into 2025 without them.

What God says in His word about people, life and death, and eternal matters resonated in my thoughts. Loved ones will one day cease to be because life is limited and death is sure. We must make a decision about where we will spend our eternity.

Jesus Christ assures us that God is the only eternal One, who will never grow tired or weak, cease to be, or stop loving us. He is the only One we should have complete confidence in as we journey into 2025. He is the only sure thing that will never change.

When loss does occur, we must make changes, adopt new mindsets, and follow new protocols or ways of doing things; my sister was the one who drove me to all events. The publishing of my book has halted, so the process is pushed back. I haven’t looked at the manuscript since November. It’s okay because I needed to be sad, grieve, and think about my sister. Lord willing (I now say), I will resume in January, because I did not know 2024 would end in such a way. We can, however, acknowledge the Lord’s sovereignty, continue with our plans, and move forward confidently if we’ve made the Lord our refuge and secured our eternity.

So, with that said, here are two brief excerpts from my upcoming book, each from a different chapter.

Excerpt:

“We learn how Joseph worked as a carpenter to care for his wife and family. Jesus was their eldest child, but they had more children. Mark 6:3 (also in Matthew), tells us that Jesus had four younger brothers and at least two sisters. The sisters’ names have been preserved, but the brothers were called James (in the Hebrew, Jacob), Joses (in the Hebrew, Joseph, after his father), Simon, and Judas or Juda (also known as Jude)…”

And, later…

“Eventually, my eldest sisters followed mom and continued hosting the home and community bible clubs. My oldest sister, Chris, put the best spin on it to me by incorporating a puppet show in the clubs. She did shows at home and eventually began using a friend’s church building to host them. The children came and loved it. It had a significant impact on them! Of course, my sisters distributed goodie treats and juice each week, and there were Bible contests and games with prizes. So, it was my mother who instilled in us a love for God and His word, a compassion for children, and the importance of inviting others to receive Jesus Christ into their lives.”

We see here that Jesus too had siblings and understood the whole family dynamic; He felt the same love for His loved ones as we do for ours.

Be blessed until next time. Happy New Year! 🙂

Excerpt from Upcoming Book

Hello fellow bloggers, subscribers, and friends. To gain your interest and pique your curiosity, once again, I’m sharing an excerpt from my upcoming book, which I hope to begin the publishing process in December. So, have a look!!

Excerpt:

“Back and forth to church, it was for me, beginning in my mother’s womb (they told me). At age 7 or 8, I recall those walks. Not only did I travel to church each week, but my home was a place where I first learned the Bible. My mother held community Bible clubs there with children in the neighborhood. So, from a baby—at home and in church—I was hearing stories about God and His Son, Jesus Christ. I grew up in it, and it was affecting my life. What I was hearing captured my interest, prompted questions, and spawned further inquiry.

My mother carried the dominant spirituality in our home. My dad was a good guy and a believer, but I believe it was my mom who brought him into a closer relationship with God. On her side is a lineage of ministers dating back to the 1800s, as far as I’ve been able to trace. Her grandfather was Rev. George Winston Porter, founder of the First Baptist Church of Darby, in 1909. His son was my grandfather, Bishop John Winston Porter, who served for about a decade or more as the general overseer of the Congregational Churches of God in Christ, conferred on him by the late Bishop Winans. Many of you are familiar with the gospel recording artists’ family—the Winans—their grandfather. Long before their fame, my grandfather would return from his trips to Detroit, raving about those “singing boys.” My sister and I met them backstage when they first began doing concerts. We introduced ourselves and mentioned who our grandfather was. Excitedly, they remembered him and even began imitating the way he talked. (I wonder if they remember that day meeting us. 😊). However, nothing outweighed my grandfather’s deeply affectionate role as ‘Poppie’ (which we called him) to his thirteen grandchildren born to his son, James Donald Porter, and my mom. Poppie was a unique man and the love of our lives.”

[Copyright © 2024 by Eleanor D. Parks.]

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Interested? Want to read more? Please click the blue underlined link here to add your name and email to my author’s list and get notified once the book goes to print.

Thanks and remain blessed until next time 🙂