One of the most sobering requests cited by Jesus in what has been called the “Lord’s Prayer,” is a sobering request of God, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” In no uncertain terms, Jesus instructs those who were following him to include in their prayer requests to God, “Lead us not […]
Samuel W. Hale Jr.
Pastor Samuel W. Hale, Jr. is the former pastor of Zion Missionary Baptist Church and president of J.L. Powell Mission Ministries.
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
The Manifest Destiny of America
These past few weeks our nation has observed and celebrated its 250th anniversary! Numerous expressions of celebration have been held. Numerous events have been held. People celebrated various aspects of this nation’s history. Interestingly, certain of our current nation’s leaders have, and still are, advocating for the elimination of certain factual components of America’s history. […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
Restoration – not just reparations
The Gospel of Luke relates an incident where a tax collector encountered Jesus and vowed to “restore” up to fourfold and unjust “taxes” that he may have taken from anyone. That proposal would require (1) the offended person to confirm the “unjust tax,” and (2) that person being “restored” four times that amount. In 1450, […]
Posted inCommunity & Lifestyle
The truth about a lie
I greet you in the morning as your thoughts begin to form. I nestle in your feelings – subtle – as if I am the norm. You may not sense my presence, as morn to night goes by – I have that subtle power – after all, I’m just a lie. I fill your mind […]
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Power – A capitalistic cancer
Something about “power,” in whatever form, or source, from which it may come or exist, can cause great things to happen. When God stood out on the banisters of nothingness and declared, “Let there be …,” no greater power in heaven nor on Earth could have ever been affirmed. Even since that time the essence […]
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Heaven is for Trump, but …
In his remarks at the 74th National Prayer Breakfast, President Donald Trump proposed the idea that “he probably should get into heaven.” He seemed to base his rationale on his belief that he has “done a hell of a lot of good for perfect people.” His boasts that he “has done more for religion than […]
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I shared the dream of Dr. King
The Bible records numerous “dreams” that invaded the minds of people. In many of those “dreams” and “visions,” God revealed his plans for his chosen people and leaders. They included visions of the present and the future that affected the lives of the “dreamers” and of those to whom God would vindicate. Of kings and […]
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Getting ready for the real Christmas
God’s salvation plan for fallen mankind was underway. That plan included and involved Zacharias and Elizabeth. Symbolic of God’s creation proclamation of “Let there Be,” plans for a forerunner of the savior were also underway. Many years had elapsed before the time for the savior to enter the salvation scene arrived. Elizabeth was already expecting […]
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AI and you
Research all you may about the origins of AI. Acknowledge the contributions made to this concept by the many mythologists and mathematicians, philosophers, physicians, psychologists, sociologists and scientists who have made their personal contributions to this explorative and even invasive system of information gathering, developing and implementation upon and within the various realms of human […]
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Haman, hatred and a hangman’s noose
The seeds that men plant bear their own fruit. Hatred is one of those seeds. Enter Haman. The Persian kingdom was under the reign of Ahasuerus, who, for whatever reasons, had appointed Haman over all of the nobles and princes of Persia. Now Haman was a descendent of Agag, the king of the Amalekites, whose […]
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A divine prescription from a king to a “king”
What do you tell a leader whose leadership actions have become abhorrent, not only in the sight of men, but particularly in the sight of God? What do you say when the impact of a leader’s decisions and actions have caused great distress and burdens to those whom he leads? When his decrees and legal […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Facing your ewe lamb moment?
Something about the actions of man will always come before the judgment of God. And the decision-making leadership actions of men/women over the lives and destinies of others must also pass the judgment of God. The war-mongering actions of the Syrians, and the simultaneous battles with their Jordanian cousins, left Israel battling on at least […]
