The MPC Podcast

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

                                                                                                           John 1:1 NKJV

Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12) and he is the Word that is a lamp to our feet (Psalms 119:105) guiding us in the path and purpose for our lives. He is the Son of God who makes a way where there seems there is none (Matthew 7:7-8). When we think Jesus is not near to us the Word of God tells us Jesus has always been there from the beginning and he is the remedy for our lives.

Our Lord Jesus is our answer for everything. Jesus was the remedy for the woman at the well, he was the remedy for those that were blind, he was the remedy for the woman with the issue of blood, he was the remedy to feed the five thousand who were hungry, and he was the remedy for those who were lost and needed to be found. Whether we are looking for a remedy for our marriage, our finances, or an illness we are dealing with – Jesus is the remedy. Whatever we are facing Jesus is the one that is near to listen and will never leave us to ourselves (Hebrews 13:5).

We can call on Jesus and there is no 24-hour hotline, voicemails to leave, call-back numbers to give, and referrals to use. All we need to give is our heart, sharing it all with Jesus.

Dear Lord,

You are everything and when someone is looking for someone to help - before we reach for anything or call someone on the phone – we can say a prayer, read your precious Word, and get ready knowing in our hearts you have heard, and are answering the call because you are Jesus, Lord of our life and our remedy. Thank you for being there for us always, in Jesus’s name we do pray, AMEN!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.”                                                Psalm 62:5-6

This scripture resonates with me because I am in the season of waiting. I am waiting and learning to silence my anxiety, babbling, and impatience. I am learning to be still, and I am asking the Holy Spirit to help me to be silent and wait for the voice of God. He is the rock and my ultimate Fortress. I know that if I am obedient to his will and I align my will to His will, my life’s purpose will be fulfilled. I am in a season of waiting! I am waiting and wanting to fulfil God’s purpose.  If you find yourself waiting also, remember who God is and you too will be steady during this challenging season.

Let us pray:

Holy Spirit, guide me! Help me to silence my desire to speak more than to listen. Help to demolish my own agenda and pursue God’s plan. Help me to be silent, to be still and be connected to my Savior. This I pray, in the name of my Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“I am in them and you are in me, so that they may be made completely one, that the world may know you have sent me and have loved them as you have loved me.” John 17: 23 CSB

Kevon drove up to the school and parked in front of the building so he could quickly run to the door and pick-up his 6-year-old nephew, Dennison, by 3pm. His brother had sent him at the last minute since he was stuck in a meeting and wouldn’t be able to get his son. Kevon told him, “No problem,” since he hadn't spent time with his nephew in a while and it would give him a chance to find out how school was going with the boy. 

The dismissal attendant released the child to his uncle once he identified himself, on schedule. But imagine her surprise when she made her way to her car 45-minutes later and was asked by the man if she could give his car a jump because it wouldn't start. Sitting in the backseat was Dennison.  “Hi!,” the child exclaimed. How could she say no to the uncle of the little boy who’d been at school all day and was anxiously waiting to get home. “Do you have cables,” she asked? “I do,” Kevon replied. 

    The woman pulled her vehicle alongside the stalled car, close enough for the cables to reach from her battery to his. A school custodian had been watching nearby and eventually came over to help. “Do you have heavier cables?” he asked Kevon. The uncle said he did not. “Well, then they will have to do,” the custodian said matter-of-factly. After raising both hoods, a connection was made from her power source to the opposite end of the cables attached to his battery. She started her car, giving it a little gas to increase the flow of electricity going through the cables. After some adjustment of the connections, a complete circuit was formed and the weakened battery in Kevon’s car started up. Grateful, the man thanked both the lady and the custodian for their help and drove off with his nephew happily in tow.

      Similarly, when Jesus went to the garden in Gethsemane, he went to connect to His power source, the Heavenly Father. Although he took along Peter and two other disciples, his primary purpose was one thing: to connect to the power source He would need to withstand what was about to happen to the human side of Him. And what would be Jesus’s jumper cables? The same as ours – Prayer. Three times Jesus went back to His disciples and asked them to watch his back and pray, while He went to pray to His father in heaven. Jesus understood that not only would He need the power from His father to endure the suffering to come, but that He needed to make that connection with the Father for us; so that when we pray to God, Jesus would be our “jumper cables” through which the eternal connection would be made. And, we would be “in the Father” because Jesus was in us, making the connection one… a completed circuit through which all life on earth and in heaven is given.  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Everything is permissible for me," but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me," but I will not be mastered by anything.”                                                   1 Corinthians 6:12 NIV

A few weeks ago, I was thinking about what thing in my life I would like to abstain from during the Lenten Season. I look forward to Lent as an opportunity to work on removing things that might hinder my walk with God.  I eventually decided I would give up sugar.  I settled into the idea, knowing that giving up sugar would be hard enough to do, making it a sacrificial act.  But also knowing that it would be good start to a developing a healthier lifestyle. 

“I can do this, I thought. Then it struck me: My morning tea with no honey?!!  How can I possibly go 40 days with no honey? I mean after all, I had already swapped my daily cup of hot delicious coffee for this healthier tea!  But I had purposed this in my heart, and settled into my days with no sugar.

This Lenten Season has made me think about how we have so much, and how easy it is to become bound by those things.  We have beautiful cars, homes and TVs with 200 sports channels. We can travel from coast to coast of the US in a just few hours. We carry the information of the world in our hands every day, in our cell phones. We live lives our ancestors could not even dream, as they prayed and hoped for a better life.

While none of these are harmful in themselves, how much more important is it to have God’s Love? How much more beneficial is it to walk closely with Our Lord?  How soul satisfying it is to be able to commune with Him and to be able to hear from Him  There is no job, no car, no vacation spot or cup of honey sweetened tea that is sweeter than the love of God.  

Enjoy the gifts from God, for He wants you to have abundance. But do not let any one thing become greater in your life than Him. Take time to hear from God, read the Word, spend time in his presence praying and worshipping. Give thanks continually. Any good thing you have is a gift from God. Just be careful not to allow these gifts to become a barrier between you and the promise of eternal life with Him

Let’s go to the Lord:

Heavenly Father, you are so good to us-even better than we deserve. Thank you for your grace and your mercy. Thank you for the sacrifice of your Son Jesus Christ. Help us to turn to you and not let the things of the world become louder than your voice, Oh Lord. Help us to keep our walk with you strong. We need you paramount in our lives -now more than ever. Help us to make you first. We ask these things in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

But from everlasting to everlasting, the Lord’s love is with those who fear Him and His righteousness, and with their children’s children.                               Psalm 103:17 NIV

Many years ago, during a Women’s League Ministry meeting, we were asked to name our favorite book and verse in the Bible. At the time I didn’t have a favorite Bible chapter or verse. I had just joined MPC and started attending Bible study and Sunday School. I don’t know why I chose that Psalm, but I remember I had read a verse in Psalm 103, and verse 17 stood out. My children were younger at the time and they were always on my heart and on my mind. I was always anxious about their whereabouts, and as I was going through the MPC Museum, I saw this Psalm and verse 17 stood out in my memory. “But from everlasting to everlasting, the Lord’s love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness, and with their children’s children.”  I looked up this Psalm and started reading and praying this Psalm. Verse 1 opened my heart and mind for prayer. Praising the Lord is what I want to do every day, and I understand that is what God created us to do.  Verse 8 tells us, “The Lord works justice for the down trodden, and oppressed,” AND reminds me that God looks out for people of color and the marginalized. His compassion, grace, and abundant love is what I have experienced and know in my heart, this is the God I serve. I don’t fear God, but revere, respect and admire Him. Verse 17 tells me God’s love will outlast my time and my children’s time on this earth. That is why I praise my God!

Father God, I come to you today thanking you for the gift of this day. This scripture has strengthened my faith and opened my eyes to the blessings of the Lord. I’m grateful that You care for those who others look down on and thankful for everything You have blessed me throughout my life. I pray that others will discover this psalm and it will minister to their lives as it ministered to mine. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I called upon the Lord in distress, the Lord answered me, and set me in a large place. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?     Psalm 118:5-6

God answers our distress call with freedom.  When we are desperate, or in a place where we see no light or just lost our direction, that is when God steps in.  He will move us to a large space and show us that there is more to life than the limited choices that we see due to the “blinders of desperation” that are blocking our view. We must remember what God did for David, when he delivered him from all his troubles, and then placed him on the throne of Israel and gave him rest from all his enemies. 

Our Father who art in Heaven, thank you for being our refuge and strength in the time of trouble.  Father God, help us to remember that you do hear and answer our prayers, in your time and not ours.  I pray that we remain in the constancy of your Grace. I will look back and thank you God and I will look forward and trust you God.  In Jesus’ name, Amen 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.                                                                                                                                

 Psalm 55:22 NIV

I remember as a child watching the cartoon Tooter Turtle. The main character was a turtle named Tooter that would go into the woods to visit his friend’s house, Mr. Wizard the lizard. Mr. Wizard could send Tooter anywhere in time and space. On this one occasion, Tooter had seen a movie about pilots in WWI and Tooter thought he could be an Ace pilot too, so he could shoot down the Red Baron. Mr. Wizard warned him this could be dangerous and wasn’t “child’s play” but Tooter insisted so he sent him. Tooter was doing okay until he ran into the Red Baron. The Baron shot Tooter’s plane from under him and he had no parachute – because pilots didn’t have them yet. As Tooter was tumbling to earth headed for certain destruction, he called out to Mr. Wizard saying, “SAVE ME” and Mr. Wizard did and brought Tooter safely home. Every week, Tooter would be on a new adventure and the Wizard would have to save him every time and bring him back home.

I marvel sometimes how much I am like Tooter. I think we all have some Tooter tendencies.   Not heeding warnings, wanting to do things our way, biting off more than we can chew, and getting into situations and troubles that only God can get us out of. Does this sound familiar?

Sometimes the chains we need to break free from are of our own doing. It’s a constant battle between my flesh and my spirit. My spirit doesn’t always win. “The things I don’t want to do, that I do.” But thanks be to our Lord and Savior that He has chosen us to be His children and that we have accepted this call. For as a child of God, we have an inheritance bought by the blood of Jesus. Part of that inheritance is our ability to talk to our Father at any time and bring our cares and concerns to Him and He hears our cry. We might not always get the answer we want, but He always answers.

Thank you, Lord, for always answering our prayers, supplications and petitions and always being there for us. Sometimes we wander off the path you have desired for us.  Sometimes we have a “good idea” but not a “God Idea” and we follow our own desires. Help us, Lord, to listen and obey your voice. We know your voice because we are your sheep. Please help us to remember to bring everything to You in prayer. Help us to hear You in our decision making, so that we may break free from the shackles that bind us. For this, we give you all the praise, honor and glory, in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do not grieve, for the JOY of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10b

Consider it pure JOY, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds  James 1:2

When I think of the word “joy,” I smile, remembering the gift of a newborn healthy child, squeals of laughter when I played games with my young children, good times at the park and getting together with family and friends. Joy is synonymous with good times.

Word came to Nehemiah that the walls of Jerusalem were broken down and the gates were burned to the ground. He prayed to God that King Artaxerses would give him permission to go and rebuild the walls and gates. Permission granted. However, those who opposed the rebuilding sabotaged the work in every way. They plotted to stir up trouble among the workers. The Jews complained that they were being overworked and were being forced to borrow money at high interest rates to live and pay taxes in order to rebuild the walls.

The apostle James said consider it “joy” when you face trials of many kinds. Remember Stephen? The Bible says he was “a man full of God’s grace and power and did wonders and miraculous signs among the people.” He was stoned to death for his faith in Jesus Christ. Remember Paul? At first, he was zealous in persecuting Christians; then Jesus called him to take the gospel to the Gentiles. He was persecuted, beaten, imprisoned, threatened in every way.

What Joy is there in persecution, opposition, ridicule, war, wrongful imprisonment or beatings?

There is no joy in these actions. The joy is in the mercy of God who Himself provided a sacrifice for our wrongdoings, His Son, Jesus the Christ, who willingly gave His life for all who have accepted Him as Lord and Savior.

Nehemiah prayed to God throughout this ordeal asking God to “remember him with favor”, and God did. The project was completed. The people celebrated with sacrifices, offerings and reading the law. Stephen died, but the believers were scattered all over, taking the gospel message wherever they went. Paul was ridiculed, beaten, shackled and placed in prison, but he persevered in his mission, to take the gospel message to the Gentiles. The end result, “JOY” for all who received the message.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your son Jesus Christ. I pray that your Holy Spirit will be in my mind and in my understanding and that the words that I speak will not cause pain. Give me joy in the midst of every situation. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“ Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything”                                                                                                                                                   James 1:1-5

When we as Christians feel burdened and encumbered, and at times, simply overwhelmed, we often feel as if we want to give up, … throw in the towel, and wonder what good is any of my continued efforts achieving? When I’m in this space, this is what I suggest:

Turn to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the promises that God has made to me, and that His plans for me are not to “harm me, but to prosper me and to give me a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).  So whenever I feel as if I can’t go on, I meditate on the promises of God, and that no matter what I’m going through, I will keep a smile on my face because I know I’m already spoken for, and that whatever is currently burdening me, through God’s grace and my perseverance, I will break free and fully realize my maturity in Christ, being complete and not lacking anything.

Almighty Father, my preserver and benefactor, I heartily thank thee for the manifold blessings you bestow upon my life daily. If it be your will, continue to sustain me and increase my faith. Keep me steadfast in the face of all adversity. Remind me not to be anxious about anything, but bring everything through prayer, petition and with joyful thanksgiving to You. And no matter what burdens life brings my way, I know that I am already free from potential harm, because You told me of the plans that You have for me. Thank You for guarding my heart and mind forever.  I thank You for setting me free. I know I’m free indeed.  In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.               1 Peter 5:8-9 NLT

In facing the daily storms in this world of humanity, we are sometimes distracted from our God. The storms of grief, finances and health are the temporary distractions that others are facing as well. The adversary’s goal is to cause us to become stuck, so our faith and our strength given to us by God is weakened. Each of our storms are reasons to refocus on breaking free from the adversary. The Word reminds us to give our storms over to God, while staying alert and praising God so that He gets the glory on the other side of the storm.

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me the wisdom to know the challenges that I face daily are temporary, even when they seem permanent. You remind me that you are covering me and there will be glory on the other side of this storm. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.