Weekly Zoom Discussion Topics

The reality of the sphere in this real-life situation is a breaking heart filled with pain, frustration, and despair depicted in a poem. You look for answers by trying to understand the complexity of what led to this point. Over and over in your mind you try to understand the intricacies of what is at work and to find a solution. You thought you were doing ok, and out of nowhere, the curve ball you were not expecting came, it shook you to the core. You tried with all your might to fix it to no avail. You are at a breaking point because you realize that despite all your efforts the bottom fell out of your world. You are now face to face with not knowing how to make sense of it all and how to move on with your life. You are stuck, everything is at a standstill – What do you do? FOR THE SOLUTION, LET US "Look To The Source!"

Realizing that there is something amiss in your life is a very sobering thought, because at first, you want to fight it. But, in order to have change, you must deal with it, and how you do it matters. After all, this thing called life is a progression of walking out the environment of how you were taught, what you were taught, what you have seen, and what you have caught. You draw from all these experiences of your life, whether consciously or subconsciously, good, or bad, and live or survive accordingly, one day at a time. How then do you make it through? Through the message of this poem there is a cry to be loved, wanted, and saved even from oneself. After all, having lived life from the perspective of earlier experiences has not brought a genuine fulfillment and something is missing. Not knowing what else to do, A humbling realization is engaged upon by writing a letter to God in calling out for the help where you cannot help yourself. LET US ENGAGE IN GOD'S HELP!

Crying for help to God is a place of surrender! We have gotten to a place where pride no longer prevails. In this poem dreams have been shattered, efforts thwarted, and hope crushed. You are tired and sick of being tired of wearing a mask that states you are in control and have it all together when you do not. An outward lifestyle portraying that everything is all right when, on the contrary, the pain, anguish and frustration is unbearable. Finally, you cannot take it anymore, and you take the mask off before God. You fall to your knees in surrender and offer your broken spirit and life to God for healing. LET US WORK THROUGH AN OPPORTUNITY FOR GOD TO ANSWER.

In the dialect of this poem, the rosebush is depicted on a journey through life, from its beginnings to its purpose of producing beautiful fragrant roses. It highlights the intricacies of persevering through obstacles in order to reach the intended goal. From its beginnings it is planted in suitable soil tendered lovingly by the gardener to ensure flourishing environmental conditions to reap a full bloom. Notwithstanding, along the way, the care and nourishment provided by the Gardner were challenged by any number of adverse atmospheric conditions. The unwavering care of the Gardner in staying the course, over time, met all requirements for protection. Protection from even the internal elements that had to pass safely through many thorns to bring forth beautiful and fragrant roses to be admired and bring delight to the nostrils. LET US LOOK TO THE BEAUTY OF THE ROSE AND FIND OUT HOW THIS SAME PRINCIPLE WORKS FOR HUMAN BEINGS IN BRINGING PLEASURE TO ALMIGHTY GOD!

The entire course of one's life, in this poem, is portrayed as an inescapable journey that everyone must travel. On your journey you encounter uncertainty about which way to go in order to produce the best life. By following one's dream, many lives are invariably touched, and obstacles make the task challenging. You are faced with making choices of either to focus on the challenges or develop a positive response to the quest. Do you give up, settle along the way, or press on and stretch to higher heights and dig in to deeper depths? LET US FIND OUT HOW TO CHART OUR COURSE, OVERCOME THE OBSTACLES, AND CLAIM THE GOAL!

Today's poem, pure and simple, centers around "TRUTH." It does not compromise, is not unwavering and has longevity in its stand. The poem reveals how many cling to a claim they believe to be the truth but, in essence, is a stand taken to give credence to selfishness. The poem is explicit in conveying that truth must be respected and invariably has consequences regardless of living an emancipated life or one trapped in a box. LIVING AN EMANCIPATED LIFE IS THE HOPE! LET'S FIND OUT HOW!

An obscured vision is one that is out of focus. This poem reaches down into the dim crevices of a wounded soul pressing through damning weights present at every turn, while searching for survival tactics to defy the odds. Through strenuous tears and struggling steps an inward inventory is assessed and it finds a place to hide where encouragement and companionship is provided for the journey until ultimately an "AHA" MOMENT reveals how to win the prize. HOW TO TURN YOUR OBSCURE VISION OF THE JOURNEY INTO WINNING THE PRIZE!

In the narrative of this poem a desperate state of hopelessness is so intense that it is internalized while simultaneously groping at any straw for life. Expected help cannot be found from within this dungeon of despair. Having lived a life of broken promises, unmet dreams, and expectations thwarted time after time, the only reality in sight is fading into a state of depression. In desperation you reach out beyond yourself, ask for help to bring you through but realize to overcome this place, you need divine intervention to live again. It is in this moment of crying out for help from the depths of your soul that the needed rescue came. THERE IS NO DUNGEON TO DEEP TO BE RESCUED FROM – COME FIND THE WAY OUT!

Life as we know it today to a large degree is dependent on the five senses of sight, touch, taste, smell, and hearing. It is the known way of navigating the world in which we live. In contrast, our poem for today challenges us to consider another possibility. The possibility of the unseen, where a guide who knows all about us and our world in which we live, and who operates on a higher level offers us a paramount arial view contrasting that of a ground level view where physical senses are limited, and spiritual senses are dimmed. He is ever present, faithful, forgiving, patient and long-suffering and is waiting for an invitation to be a part of our lives to guide us on a fruitful path. He is proven to be trustworthy and makes no mistakes. HOW CAN YOU LOSE WITH SUCH A GUIDE? YOU CAN'T – LET US MOVE TO THE AERIAL VIEW!

Indecision can be categorized as the inability or reluctance to make up one's mind. This poem helps us to recognize that more often than not, the subtle enemy called fear lies at the very root of indecision. Fear of the unknown, and fear of not being right. It is a place of immobilization, going nowhere, and frozen in time. It comes as an enemy to kill, steal, and destroy, draining the very life out of you. Realizing there is a problem you cannot solve, you dig deep within your soul, moving with intent to bring a resolve as how to battle this enemy to bring change. Moving beyond your natural abilities, you resort to prayer, crying out to the Lord for help. Fear lost the battle and loses its control. Now everything is changed to move forward and to gain what is rightfully yours. victory is gained. Victory to claim all things that are rightfully yours. LEARN HOW TO RECOGNIZE THE ENEMY AND FIGHT TO WIN!

So often in life our world is turned upside down. We are swept from pillar to post trying to find something to hold on to while trying to make sense of the storms in our lives, not knowing or understanding the cause or why we are experiencing them. Our Miracle Of The Dock as portrayed in this poem is to bring perspective. The dock in this poem is being held together by the intrinsic makeup of steel and cement that, when fastened into the depths of the ocean has been tested to withstand severe, adverse conditions. The poem vividly explains a gruesome storm, causing howling winds and violent seas with waves lashing down on a visible dock in the ocean and withstands the brutal ordeal. Standing safely in place it eventually attributes to the calmness of the sea. After the storm subsides, the dock clearly shows visible signs of tattered marks but is firmly in place. There on the horizon, hidden debris from the ocean bed has been dislodged, now visible for all eyes to see. Gazing at the debris, the cleanup barge passed by and the debris is no more.

So often our lives can be defined as living a false sense of reality, only to be awakened to the realization of a shocking truth that moving through life in the fantasy of denial takes us nowhere. Our poem for this evening is to open the eyes to such a position. A position to be examined through the lens of a new perspective, the perspective that God's word is truth, that for this truth to become truth in me, it must be worked out and lived out in my daily life. The word of God must move from my head to my heart, where it is converted to bring glory to the heart-beat of God. It is a consciousness that brings an awareness of action, a rising above the five senses. A choice to move by faith and not by sight, at times a very frightening place, nevertheless, this is the place of growth and maturing, a decisive move to purpose! HOW TO COME TO TERMS WITH WHAT IS REALITY FANTASY OR DENIAL!

By having a false sense of one's identity, many people today live their life as though they are the master of their own fate. Believing this, however, shows ignorance of a divine plan for humanity, as a result, one lives life as an imposter. No matter the noise in the marketplace, whether from family, friends, or associates, for me, I must gravitate to the divine plan for my life. Within this divine purpose, I am made to mirror God, being made in His image and likeness while residing and functioning in a world of dichotomy and dichroic voices that try to dictate who I am. In this confusion, I must clear away the senseless conflict within me and rise to who God says I am, not for fortune or any glory of this world, but to model the actions of Christ. I must allow the potter to form me again as seems good to Him, by putting to death the carnal nature within me until I am released by Him a jewel to behold. Then will I walk in my purpose and no longer have to wonder Who Am I? LET THE POTTER REVEAL THE TRUE YOU!!

After a time of forsaking or straying from God and living a life of heartbreak, confusion, doubt, doing things our own way, being stuck, and crying out to God for help, we finally come to a place of humility in our hearts wanting to be restored. This poem brings to the forefront of our minds, God's faithfulness, even when we are not. Because of his divine providence, He has already put into place His many promises to help us through any situation, even His faithfulness to us when we do not deserve it. Because His word is true, and He cannot lie, He will perform every vow, therefore, our souls can rejoice, knowing that God will bring an end to our mourning because His promises will come to pass. In spite of our present situations, though mourning in the dust, we can lift up our eyes, giving praises to God, because His promises are Yes and Amen, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it! RECEIVING A BLESSED PROMISE!

So often in life, we look no further than where the natural eye can see, drawing conclusions from our natural vision. More often than not, we shortchange the value or worth of what is shown before us, but we also shortchange ourselves from the possibility of ever becoming involved with something bigger than ourselves by being shortsighted. Additionally, our shortsightedness also stumps the overflow of what could have been, which is a flourishing to feed others. This poem offers a valuable lesson not to prejudge what is in its infant stage because it is here in the infant stage the potential for capacity is already determined within. HOW TO SEE THE POTENTIAL!

Increased growth whether spiritual or physical is preceded by taking a risk. An intentional choice to move from a place of comfort and dare to move into the unknown. Treading uncharted waters is scary and often times, as a result, one does nothing. Though more often than not, fear of the unknown may only get us as far as to wish, pray and or talk, no growth is achieved without action. In our poem for this evening, God is giving us a directive with His assurance, "Come Out Into The Deep." This call is to stop wading in shallow waters, being stuck on the milk of the word, and move to solid food producing action. In other words, be not only hearers of the word, going nowhere, instead be doers of the word, be risk takers. This call is to come deeper into an experiential relationship with Him. Taking this action, if we reach out our hand to him for help, He will lead and guide us to various growth levels in life, one step at a time. This step embodies spiritual investment, producing spiritual and natural dividends, with great rewards. Let us dare to trust Jesus: COME OUT INTO THE DEEP!

Throughout the walk of a Christian believer, you will experience many storms simply because of who you are, and whose you are. During these storms however, many fail to reap the storm's rewards because they allow themselves to be swayed. Not standing firm in the midst of the storm, on the promises of God, they fail to overcome the storm, and do not reap the intended reward. Our poem for today admonishes us to "STAND FIRM IN THE STORM." During your storm, the enemy is trying to throw you off guard in your emotions, your mind, and your body. His plan is for you to do everything contrary to the word of God that he might wear you down to the point of giving up. The poet however is bringing to the forefront of your mind that God has already given you victory in every storm. Nevertheless, in order to possess your victory you must engage in the storm and do all you can do according to the word of God. When you have done all that you can do, simply trust, and believe God that He is fighting the battle for you. Once you have overcome, there is a ministry in which God can use you to bless the lives of others and reward you according to his will and purpose. LET US BE RESOLVED TO STAND FIRM IN THE STORM AND RECEIVE THE INTENDED VICTORY!

So often in life our focus is on the natural, what we can see, feel, touch, smell and taste and we do not give a thought to the underlining reasons why we act the way we do. Whether we recognize the spiritual realm of good and evil it does not negate the fact that this realm exists and is prevalent in our everyday lives, whether we admit it or not. We do not see the spiritual aspect, but we see the results of it. Being armed with this knowledge, the author points out that we must call to the Lord for His assistance in helping us fight the battle of evil with the armies of heaven, and to save us from the weights and strongholds of demonic forces of bondages that exists in our lives. If we are to survive to be free in Christ, we are called to MAKE A CHOICE for God in order to be emancipated. We must know that the favor of God is upon our lives and in God's grace and mercy we are poised to soar as the eagle. LET US MAKE A CHOICE!!

How many times in life have you felt trapped having a feeling that you were meant for more but didn't quite know how to figure it out, or how to get to the more? There were times you noticed the success of others and wondered why not you. You are uncomfortable in your present place because you just don't seem to fit in, it is awkward. Each day you get more frustrated because you want to mature from this place. In your frustration you begin to act on things which previously existed only in your thoughts. You begin to imagine being in a different environment, seeing and doing different things, and your adrenaline soars. Soon you envision sights not imaginable to the naked eye. Your spiritual sense kicks in and your vision, though sketchy at the time, becomes clearer with persistence. You moved with anticipation, precision, and faith into your destiny and with each step of growth began to see the possibilities of being all that you can be. With sheer determination, hope and the belief that you can move beyond where you are, you soar toward the new awareness of your imagination. This intoxication brings the realization of new experiences, from a height you are unable to witness from the ground. You are soaring as an eagle, no longer trapped in a mistaken identity and instead, you have discovered who you are. Moving forward in your God given identity, you live in the place where God has made you to live, that place that is destined to soar as an eagle. TOGETHER, LET US WORK TOWARD OUR GOD GIVEN IDENTITY TO SOAR AS AN EAGLE!

An awakening of God's truth, in this poem, is the revelation that it is not always the devil that orchestrates a confined place in the life of a believer. A confined place in the life of a believer can also be orchestrated by Almighty God in order to perform deep surgery in our lives to bring about God's perfect will, this place can be summarized as a bitter pill or place. However, once enlightened, the same confinement can be viewed as a bitter-sweet place. This revelation is only recognized by an enlightening from God, giving us a small peek into His perspective and providence as to the mind of God for each person's life. The writer conveys a message that the purpose of "The Bitter Pill" is to produce a Christ-like character in all believers for the purpose of being used by God to build His Kingdom. His way, by being non compromising with the Truth of God, and by taking a firm stand! LET US LEARN HOW TO DISCERN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BLOCKADES FROM THE LORD AND BLOCKADES FROM THE ENEMY!

This poem brings to the forefront a testimony of gratitude to God in demonstration of praise and worship. It is a witness of God's unfailing grace, mercy, and goodness for intervening in the lives of his children. God intervenes when systems of the world are put into place that are contrary to His will, even those that claim His name but in reality are only forms of ambassadorship denying a true representation of Him. In spite of these roadblocks, believers who stay on course, will result in God's victory. God's plan will not be stopped by roadblocks, He removes or helps believers overcome every hurdle and gives them the victory. These roadblocks at times, come in the form of man-made rules to limit you to a set standard of a worldview. They pretend to have a form of godliness but in essence denies the very truth of God within. In reality, the roadblocks are the protective mechanisms of a self-seeking entity to protect their man-made rules. Pretending to have a form of godliness, but denying the truth within, they instead promote elitism from the carnal mind. They do not give the Spirit of God full leeway to materialize in the lives of those whom God chooses to show Himself mighty in by using the least among them. The poem makes plain, God will have the last say. The believer's position is to believe that God is working out everything concerning the roadblocks, and to stay in an attitude of praise. LET OUR GRATEFULNESS BE SHOWN IN THE PRAISE OF OUR LIVES!

When the systems of the world collide with the systems of Almighty God, and when we have done all we can do, the believers' position is to make the soul be at rest. The battle of good and evil has already been fought, won on the cross by Jesus, and the prize has been given to believers. The poem brings to remembrance that no matter what the child of God will encounter he/she has the favor of God resting on them. No matter what facts the enemy may bring, God is greater than anything or anyone and He can be trusted. The poem admonishes the believer to stay in position, trust God, to wait for the right timing for the birthing process of God for your promise. Even though the world presents resistance, be encouraged, there is a purpose in it all for your good. LEARN HOW TO STAY IN POSITION AND RECEIVE FAVOR FROM GOD!

Our poem for this evening is a testimony to the greatness of God. It tells of a swollen river overflowing its banks with forces so severe that anyone in its path would be drenched. The writer uses this as a metaphor of earth shaking and heavenly praise, erupting from a deep-seated place of gratitude to God for battles fought and won by God on her behalf. In the natural, the battles spoken of, she could never have won without the intervention of the goodness of God. Recalling this goodness, she shares the kind of earth-shaking effect it produced in her physical body and life, so much so, that the spiritual effect is overflowing for anyone, everyone who comes near to be drenched in what she has received from the Lord. This sharing is an open cry for everyone to know what God has done for her, He is willing to do for everyone who dares to come close. He fought her overwhelming battles even to the point where she could not see a way out. God, through supernatural means of too magnificent for the natural mind to comprehend, manifested ways out of no way for her benefit. Out of these experiences she encourages, whosoever will, not to be moved by what you see in the natural but instead, hold on to the Lord, He will come through for you. The writer, overjoyed and ecstatic in victorious praise, invites anyone, everyone to come close enough to be drenched in the overflow of this swollen river, and participate in this ecstasy of praise to Almighty God.

The picture that is portrayed in our poem for today is one of ecstatic joy overflowing with praise that cannot and would not be quenched. It is a praise of freedom, of being set free from the bondage of oppression of all kinds, restraints of all kinds, of a choking that the enemy designs to sift the very life out of an individual. Through submission to the only one who can overcome these bondages, we have been given an opportunity to live life to the fullest. A realization has now been perceived as how to become all we are meant to be. Overcome with joy, like King David, the innermost parts of your soul acknowledges the supremacy and wonder of Almighty God as you watch Him fight and win the battle for you. Your emancipation is now a manifestation in your life, and the highest praises are uttered as you watch your chains fall away!

The entire process of God's love transforms the natural person into the spiritual person God desires us to be. God's love for His human creation is expressed through His Grace that looks beyond human frailties. This poem "Transformational Grace," brings to bear the uncomfortable and uneasy feelings associated with the battle between spirit and soul, and the yearning to be free. Segueing into the reality of the inner self's transformation brings a reality of the fear to taking a leap into something that is not familiar or the sense of losing control. It brings to bear that at times, the struggles are so severe they give way to anxiety. However, coming to a place of resolve, by resting in Christ, growth is achieved. Standing in awe of the mighty working presence of God within you, you realize you are not in control and humble yourself under the mighty hand of God. With the help of the Holy Spirit, eventually you burst from the bondage of your prison with a freed soul emerging to occupy the territory of promise. You stand in awe of the realization of this Awesome God as He touches and transforms every aspect of your life. LEARN HOW TO ALLOW TRANSFORMATIONAL GRACE TO OVERTAKE YOU!

All too often, a startling revelation is opened to the eyes of those who are tired of living below the standard intended them by God. Having a sense of more but not knowing how to achieve it, a natural persuasion takes place from an un-regenerated mind, causing us to yield to our thoughts, feelings, and the submission of our will for a plan for our lives. This place leaves no room for the truth of God to be exercised and we struggle through life like caged animals, yearning to be free. Tired of living a discounted life, enslaved by our own limitations, we scream out for enlightenment wondering, where the authentic trainers are? Who will teach us how to be enlightened that we might be free? Digging deep inside, a resolution is made that begin the journey of freedom. The bars that brought imprisonment are opened. A new awareness had dawned. An awareness that the power of thoughts can bring understanding for a choice to be forever bound or free. Choosing to be free, we dance and fly. LEARN HOW TO BE ALL YOU CAN BE!

In the natural, one of the hardest things is to believe in what you can not see. The Christian walk, however, is one of faith. Our poem for today speaks to the believer of a journey of faith. It means to step out in a realm which you do not see, to act upon the truth in your spirit even though it contradicts your common sense, people around you, circumstances, situations, and various conditions. It asks you to believe the impossible, and to trust even when you are between a rock and a hard place. "Dare to Believe God!" dare you to throw in the towel. Once you realize that by your own ingenuity, things are out of your control, you are challenged and are ready to surrender. Coming to this realization, you throw yourself on the grace and mercy of God then trust Him to order your steps. HELP IS HERE TO SHOW YOU HOW TO -DARE TO BELIEVE!

In our world today, it is not difficult to discern that there are many who want to achieve heights of esteem, prominence, and status, without paying the cost. A freebie is at the heart of it all. What can I receive without having to pay? Our poem for today states emphatically that a harvest can only be reaped after planting and nurturing. You must be willing to get your hands dirty. A disciplined, focused life with an all-in determination to reap the harvest must be put in place. A determination and focus so intent that it takes into consideration plans that prevent, death of the harvest. COME AND LEARN HOW TO REAP YOUR PURPOSED HARVEST.

Living a sacrificial life is the requirement for Christians, in order for God to use their lives to be poured out into the lives of others. The writer of the poem wants to engage the readers in living selfless lives that look beyond the faults of others with the intent of seeing their need. Seeing their need from a godly perspective provokes a willingness to be used by God to be "Poured Out Like A Cup Overflowing" to effect change. Having hearts and hands ready to serve at the masters bidding, hope is instilled into the hearts and minds of the despondent, eventually bringing life into dead situations and nonproductive lives, giving the gift of Christ that keeps on giving. LEARN HOW TO BE POURED OUT LIKE A CUP OVERFLOWING!

Our lesson for today reveals the power of prayer. The writer gives insight that the power of prayer, used as a weapon of defense, is a victorious instrument in the hand of God in order to fight our battles. Prayer is not only portrayed as a defensive weapon but for visualization, prayer as a lasso, when decisively released, will grab the neck of the intended target, even though it parades itself as a strong, thundering stallion. The prideful stallion, the enemy, will be broken and must yield to the power and purpose of Almighty God. The writer further states that no matter how the imagery is portrayed by the enemy, whether to intimidate or incite fear, it is no match against the spoken word of God in prayer. LET'S LEARN TO WAGE WAR AGAINST THE UNSEEN WORLD! PRAY!