Hope For Today

This past year was full of surprises, joy, expectations, blessings and spiritual growth! And to be honest, the spiritual growth was painful, but worth it. My life took on a deeper meaning, resulting in a closer relationship with Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. My desire has grown to get to know Him more intimately.  In celebration of this past year 2017, the Scripture that comes to mind is "He gave them these orders: “You must serve faithfully and wholeheartedly in the fear of the Lord." II Chronicles 19.9 (NIV). This was a bountiful year of fearing the Lord and faithful service. Being used by God wholeheartedly brought on spiritual warfare like none other. What is my testimony? God is faithful in all things and His Word and promises are true! Join us on Tuesday, December 19, 2017, at 3:30 PM, PST, as we look in the mirror of the year 2017 and reflect on all that came with it --the good, the bad, and the ugly. Hear from our featured guests as they reflect and give testimony of their personal discoveries

Seasons Greetings! The Christmas Season is upon us and it's time to celebrate Advent. Scripture says, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only son.” John 1:14 (NIV). Advent is the season during which time Christians of various denominations spiritually prepare to celebrate Christmas, the birth of Christ.  Advent usually takes place yearly from the fourth Sunday before Christmas through December 24.  For years families have made it a household tradition to participate in the Advent calendar used to count down the days before Christmas. Excitement fills the air because each day is celebrated with games, puzzles, activities and treats, in anticipation of the blessed event of Christ's birth. Advent celebrates these four themes of Christ: HOPE, PEACE, JOY, LOVE Join us on Tuesday, December 5, 2017, at 3:30 PM,PST, as we talk about celebrating Advent, the concepts, and what the five symbols represent.  Call in to speak with the host (646) 668-29

When we consider the attributes of God vs. the attributes of Satan immediately things are put into perspective. The devil is not a negative God! As children of the Most High, the Almighty, the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, we must ask ourselves this question “What weapons formed against us shall prosper?” And Scripture has the answer “No weapons.” Our charge is to be girded with the full armor of God. Know that the works of the devil are sin, sickness, fear, death, depression, murder, temptation, deception, lust and rebellion, just to name a few. And I John 3:8 tells us “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” Thanks be to God, we have victory over the devil and his works in the name of Jesus and by His authority. As believers we must believe it, speak it, and receive it, because it is finished. Join us Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at 3:30pm, PST, as we talk about putting on the full armor of God and what i

Storytelling is an aged-old method to convey a short or long message. A fable, typically with animals as characters, is a short story imparting morality. A myth, most likely a traditional story, may answer life's overarching questions. Folklore/folktale, a collection of fictional tales, is generally about people or animals. A legend, purporting to be historical in nature, is a story but without substantiation. And lastly, a fairy tale mostly involving fairies, giants, dragons, elves, goblins, dwarves, and other fanciful and fantastic forces, is for children and the child-like imagination. In what category would you place the parables of the Bible, particularly those of Jesus Christ in New Testaments? Are they myth, folklore, legend, or fairy tale? The answer is "No". The parables of the Bible are allegorical truth not fiction and mysteries. The hidden spiritual meaning transcends the literal sense of the sacred biblical text. Join us Tuesday, November 7, 2017, at 3:30 PM, PST, as we discuss how Jesus taught

Everyday life presents new challenges. Arise and give thanks to God for blessing us with another day! God is the giver and sustainer of life, despite our personal challenge of “facing the giants”. Job said it best in chapter 12:10 "In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind." What should we do and where should we go when life presents hurt, despair, and disappointment that causes us to feel tired, hopeless, angry, anxious, fearful and without peace? Run to God is the answer --retreat to the Lord for such a time and let Him minister to you. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. We must press on and remain steadfast, unmovable, and faithful to the One who has called us to glorify Him. And one way we can glorify God is to find contentment in the situation Providence has placed us. Join usTuesday, October 24, 2017 at 3:30pm,PDT, as we talk about turning to God and His Word when discouragement and fear gets the best of us and we give God the leftovers. We i

There is a call to action we must all heed to!  Matthew 26:11 states, "For you have the poor with you always...." What is Jesus really saying, what does He mean, and how shall we respond to this passage?  Let's read what Deuteronomy 15:7-8 and gain some insight. 7 “If there is a poor man with you, one of your brothers, in any of your towns in your land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart, nor close your hand from your poor brother; 8 but you shall freely open your hand to him, and shall generously lend him sufficient for his need in whatever he lacks." (NAS) Join us Tuesday, October 10, 2017 at 3:30pm, PDT, with our featured guest, Nailah S. Jones, Director of Social Service Unit at Harvest Time Church in Riverdale, Georgia.  We will talk about simple but meaningful ways to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ to the those who are lacking. Sister Jones will delight us in how Harvest Time Church serves their local community with open hearts and open hands. Harvest Time Chu

The 1st Annual Fundraiser with Silent Auction, Home Runs for the Homeless, was a huge success!  We raised money to extend our feeding program so we can reach more homeless and displaced persons. The event’s highlight is not the amount of money we raised, but rather God's provisions and His faithfulness are evident! Why was this event such a success? Because the Lord always bats a home run 100 percent of the time and He wins! We're on His team. He took our plans from 1st, 2nd, and 3rd bases, and slid our team on in to home base. It truly was a home run for the homeless!! The Scripture that comes to mind is Isaiah 25:1, that says "O Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will give thanks to Your name; For You have worked wonders, Plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness." Join us Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at 3:30pm, PDT, as we highlight the faithfulness of God and discuss the outcome of our fundraising event "Home Runs for the Homeless". Hope 4 Today is an outreach program of Yield to the King M

Life used to be simple and less chaotic. Progress has brought forth a different set of rules and expectations – “more is better “and “better is more” and the new norm is arrogance and disunity. When will enough be enough? Don’t get me wrong progress is good, but at what and whose expense? The Apostle Paul was all about progressing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He traveled about to establish churches, he mentored young men in the ministry, and he genuinely cared for both Jew and Gentile. Throughout his missionary journeys God blessed him with companions to come along side him --men of good character who helped and encouraged Paul in the ministry. They were willing to give up their lives for the aid of their country. Join us Tuesday, September 12, 2017 at 3:30pm, PDT, as we discuss Apostle Paul’s two friends, Timothy and Epaphroditus.  These were good men and noteworthy examples of humility and unity. Hope 4 Today is an outreach program of Yield to the King Ministry. You can contact us by visiting our website

So often we experience, read about, witness, and learn of tragedy – things are happening that cause us anguish, to be in disbelief, and a sadness overcomes us that is crippling our emotions. What we feel is real and it hurts, but we cannot allow ourselves to fall into this mindset that “things are out of God’s control” – nothing is beyond or above the reach of God. That is faulty thinking!  As His body of believers we are in His hands. One of the marks of spiritual maturity is the quiet confidence that God is in control – without the need to understand why He does what He does or why He allows what He does. Join us Tuesday, August 15, 2017 at 3:30pm, PDT, as we discuss God our Heavenly Father is in control and we can be assured that nothing gets by Him. Hope 4 Today is an outreach program of Yield to the King Ministry. You can contact us by visiting our website www.yieldtothekingministry.org.  

In March 2015, Yield to the King Ministry was started when I clearly heard from God that this was my new assignment. I know for some of you this may sound a little "woo-woo" and maybe even a bit much, but for me it was the beginning of an amazing journey.   The dialogue in my head went something like this: God: "I'm going to bring about a change in your life." Me: "What sort of change, God?" “Please do show me if it’s my heart or attitude.” God: "I want you to start a faith-based nonprofit and dedicate it to Me  I want you to help those in need." Me: "Lord a new organization at my age? How am I going to do that if I'm working everyday?" God: "You may take off from your job and I'll care for you. Be ready to give up some of what you have and what you are used to doing." Me: "Really Lord, but I'm not ready to retire nor am I prepared." God: "Do what I've asked you to do, trust Me and watch Me work." Join us Tuesday, August 1, 2017 at 3:30pm, PDT, as we discuss the mission from God to impact homelessnes

Money matters are challenging, particularly during times of uncertainty and when the economy is volatile.  The question is -- "Do we know how to cope with and respond to financial insecurity?"  Planning for our financial future can be daunting when, from one month to the other, we barely make ends meet.   In a nutshell, the Bible should shape our perspective about money, its worth and there are noteworthy principles concerning giving, saving, and investing.  We must make it our business to know what God's Word says about money, believe it, apply it, and practice it in our lives.  And if not already, one day we can sit back quietly and reap what we sow. God promises to pour out His overflow of blessings, whether they are monetary or not.  Join us Tuesday, July 18, at 3:30pm PDT, with featured guest, Tiffany Brinkley, MBA, Financial Agency Owner & Director of Expansion at WFG, A Transamerica Company.  Ms. Brinkley works with her community to enhance financial education, access and literacy.  Tiffany will

Words are powerful and to often become a self-fulfilling prophecy.  We've all uttered words aloud that we regret. Growing up, I remember hearing versions of this saying, "Be careful what you say, it just might come to pass." I didn't quite know the full meaning of those words until I became a believer in Christ Jesus. Here's another wise comment that I heard throughout my childhood, "If you don't have something good to say about someone, don't say anything at all."  Spoken words, positive or negative, are powerful!  Proverbs 16:24 says, "Pleasant words are like honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones."  Our words can either build up or tear down; sow good seed or bad seed; speak love or hate, victory or defeat, blessing or bitterness.  It is necessary for us to speak wholesomely, affirming our worth in Christ Jesus, according to all He promises in the Word of God.  We owe it to God and ourselves to let the words of our mouth and the meditation of our heart be pleasing in His sight. Join us 

Certainly a daily walk with Jesus is our heart's desire.  Why is it then that we get sidetracked and create bumps in the road and hurdles to overcome that make us stumble along the way.  What will it take?  What else can I do?  Lord, how come you won't make me grow by leaps and bounds? Are these questions you've asked yourself and begged God for an answer?   Join us on Tuesday, May 23, at 3:30pm PDT, as we examine and learn more about the word intentional through verses in Proverbs 31:25-26.   As women of God --there are no ifs, ands, or buts about it, we must be intentional!  It's absurd of us to think that  "by default" we will grow in our relationship with Christ.  The woman of God is intentional in whatever she does, especially in her walk with Christ.  And, whatever she does it's done with purpose, it's deliberate, and it's well thought out.   Hope 4 Today is an outreach program of Yield to the King Ministry.  Visit us at our website www.yieldtothekingministry.org.     

Recently, I was asked this question, "If you change your name, will it make a difference in your destiny."  I thought what an interesting question, especially since I had changed my name 42 years ago.  I methodically set out to provide this young lady who asked me the question an answer.  I reached this conclusion by searching the Scriptures and provided her with this answer – no matter what your name is, was, or will be, God's plan for you to spend eternity with Him will not be thwarted. There is nothing we can do to separate us from His love, once we belong to Him. So, it's very simple, if a person changes his/her first, middle or last names, or goes by a nickname, or goes by an alias in witness protection, God still knows the "person" He created and named!  He formed us, predestined us, and adopted us as His sons and daughters though Jesus Christ. Isaiah 43:1b says, "I have called you by name; you are Mine."   Join us on Tuesday, May 9, at 3:30pm PDT, as we talk about the significance of a given or assum

Twenty years ago, I had the privilege of attending a Passover Seder.  I have to admit, I had no idea what I was attending and I was a little confused because I've always thought the Passover celebration was a Jewish holiday. Much to my surprise, Jesus Christ was in and through it all!  The blood of the Passover lamb, Jesus the Christ, delivered me from the wages of sin, which is death. Join us Tuesday, April 11, 2017, at 3:30pm PDT, as we reflect on the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread and why it all makes sense to Christians today.  Even as the Lord kept watch over the blood-protected homes of the children of Israel on that first Passover, they in turn, were to keep watch on each annual Passover night of remembrance.  Christians too can celebrate in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, because it's the shedded blood and the power of the resurrection that delivers us from the plague of death. Hope 4 Today is an outreach program of Yield to the King Ministry.  Visit us at our we

Experiencing God and being in relationship with Him does not necessarily mean our view of Him is accurate or healthy. Is the God we serve a God of punishment only or do we see Him as loving, kind, merciful, and just?  Oftentimes, when we don't understand what God is trying to accomplish and teach us, we say "God is punishing me." Don't misunderstand what I'm saying, because God's wrath will come as swift judgment upon ungodliness.  My point is however, a proper view of Him will instead allow us to say, "Because God loves me and I belong to Him, I know that He wants the best for me.  If I am His child, then He will chastise me (prune, mold, shape, refine) so I can become more and more like Him."  His love for us will inclide correction, rebuking, and training.  God's attributes and characteristics indicate who He is and should shape our view of Him. Join us Tuesday, March 28, 2017, at 3:30pm PDT, as we talk about a faulty vs. healthy view of God.  If we belong to Him, when we face hardship and suffer consequ

I love history and one way to satisfy my interest is to travel.  I have been blessed to tour Mexico, The Republic of Panama in Central America, the Caribbeans, China, India, Turkey, and this Winter, I experienced a 14-day tour of Thailand.  I visited Bangkok, Phitsanulok/Sukhothai/Lampang, the Golden Triangle (Chiang Rai) and Chiang Mai.  It was absolutely fabulous and I took it all in --the cities, landscape, hot weather, food, people and culture.  I really enjoyed figuring out the Thailand Baht (THB) and how to get the most out of the US dollar! I must admit however, that when I first started traveling to Northern, Southern, Southwest, Southeast and Central Asia, particularly India, China, Turkey and Thailand, I struggled with knowing I would be up against religious practices or philosophies in direct conflict with my Christian beliefs. I encountered Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism, Islam, Taoism and Confucianism. Many of the tourist attractions were temples, mosques, and places where shoes had to

Fasting is the most powerful spiritual discipline of all the Christian disciplines. Through fasting and prayer, the Holy Spirit can transform our life. God has chosen prayer and fasting as the gateway to supernatural power.  When we deny the natural for the purpose of calling upon God to do the supernatural, He will enable and empower us to experience the supernatural. Fasting is personal and a time for us to draw closer to God, allow Him to speak, and for us to gain spiritual strength.  It is not a time for others to know, as stated in Matthew 6:17-18 says"But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face so that you may not be seen fasting by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will repay you." Join us Monday, February 27, at 3:30pm PST, and learn more about the reasons for fasting, different types of fasts, and suggestions and tips for fasting. It is a personal decision and only ours to make so we can delight in and reap the spiritual benefit. Hope 4 T

Racial segregation is not just a debilitating ill within our secular society with a lingering impact, but it also exists and permeates our churches today. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr's once made a comment that 11:00 am on a Sunday morning is the most segregated hour in our nation. Decades later, there are people who still practice this truth and tragedy. Genesis 1:26 says that God said “Let Us Make man in Our image, according to our likeness."    Yet, racial separation and segregation among us still exists. The gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone --Christ died for all irrespective of skin color. So the question remains, does the American evangelical church perpetuate ethnic-based inequality or do we as Christians, especially in America, believe and demonstrate that we hold the keys to this solution? Rev. Martin Luther King Jr said, "We must live together as brothers or perish together as fools." Join us Tuesday, February 14, at 3:30pm PST, with special guests Lorna Arnold, Foxy Davison, and Debbie Mahan a

I am sure that all would agree no words can adequately describe the joy of the work of ministry!  No matter if you are an ordained clergy or a lay-minister, a response to God's calling on your life will require use of spiritual gifts, Bible intake, prayer, worship, evangelism, serving, stewardship, fasting, silence and solitude, journaling, learning, and perseverance in all spiritual disciplines. Our individual responsibility is to "...walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called..." (Ephesians 4:1). This Hope 4 Today podcast series will feature married couples who serve together within their congregation, community, and/or occupation. Join us on Tuesday, January 31, 2017, at 3:30pm PST.   Our featured guests, Steve Sneed and Vida Sneed, are in ministry together at First A.M.E., Church in Seattle, WA. They currently serve in the Christian Education Department of First A.M.E. Church where Steve is the Superintendent and Vida, along with sister Lena Williams, serve as Assistant Superi