June 2020

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9 NIV

We are not oblivious to what is going on around us and with us. We are aware of the insurmountable chaos that never seems to let up for the year 2020. We are still being ravaged by COVID-19, killer hornets are on the loose, dams breaking in Michigan, and injustice seems to still run rampant. What do we do when we feel like the world is crumbling all around us, and we cannot take “no more bad news”? 

Paul answered this question for the church of Galatia. Their world was chaotic. The Galatians were being ridiculed for their new faith. Many were being stoned and imprisoned. There was inner turmoil within the church as the Christian Jews had an issue with the Gentile Christians not following mosaic law. Paul is trying his best to keep the peace even though he spent 80% of his ministry locked up in chains. Yet, he never stopped encouraging to continue amid darkness, chaos, and confusion. He provided the stability of understanding that we cannot give up or walk away when the going gets tough. Too much has been previously laid on the line from our ancestors to give in now. Paul knew that while it seemed like forward progression was not happening, it was, and that is why the resistance. Resistance to a new way of life, faith, and belief in how we are all made in the image of God and created equal.

Because he could see the walls were breaking down when the church of Galatia was focusing on what was happening right now.  Right now, it is important, but it is temporary. Paul knew if we keep our eyes on the prize, keep working, keep loving, keep supporting that ultimately the change would come. They would reap the harvest they had planted.  

I encourage and implore all of us, not to grow weary in well doing for we too shall reap the harvest if we faint not. We are stronger together!

Blessings,

Reverend Takana L. Jefferson, Chaplain, United States Navy

May 2020

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Psalm 119:11
I love the book of Psalms because there is encouraging word for every day of the week. David, who wrote the majority of the Psalms, is constantly reminding himself of God’s goodness, faithfulness, mercy, and love. David tells us in Psalm 41, “the Lord rescues us in the time of trouble. The Lord nurses us when we are sick and restores us to health.” Psalm 16:1 David knows that God will keep him safe as he said: “God, you are my refuge.” Psalm 23:4 states: “even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and staff-comfort me.”

Psalm 119:11 is the reassurance of when we are faced with our darkest moments of uncertainty; we have hidden the word of God in our hearts to remind us, if God delivered us many times before, God can and will do it again. It is a must to keep close to our hearts the goodness, mercy, protection, and love God has given to us. Because if we continue to allow ourselves to be inundated with all of the negativity that surrounds us daily, we will succumb to thoughts of despair and hopelessness. Let us stay encouraged and vigilant that no matter what may come, we will forever trust in God as Psalm 121:1, “I look unto the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord.”

Blessings,
Reverend Takana L. Jefferson, Chaplain, United States Navy

March 2020

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

In this scripture text, Paul is writing to Timothy from prison as Paul awaits his fate of death. Paul is encouraging Timothy not to be afraid to of accepting his calling in ministry even at his young age. Paul reminds Timothy of his upbringing and his qualifications for him to fulfill his purpose. Most of all, Paul tells him God has not given you a spirit of fear. Meaning what God has for you God has just for you. No matter who is against you, Timothy, there is no need to be afraid because if God is for you, then who can stand against you. Lastly, he reminds young Timothy that God has instilled in him the power to do what he is called to do; the love to make it happen the right way; and the wisdom to be shrewd as a snake but harmless as a dove.

The words shared with Timothy apply to us today. With all the chaos, pestilence, disease, and world confusion, it is easy to succumb to our fears, anxieties, and worries about life as a whole. We can feel hopeless and unempowered to make a difference. However, the same God of direction who had not given Timothy the spirit of fear is the same God of us today. We, too, do not have the spirit of fear, but the same spirit of power, love, and wisdom. God has given us the ability to be the calm in the storm. The voice of reason in chaos and love that conquers all. Allow what God has instilled in us to rise to the surface and lead for if God is with us, then who can stand against us.

Blessings,
Reverend Takana L. Jefferson, Chaplain, United States Navy

“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” 1 Peter 1:6

2019 has come to an end. We are now embarking upon the New Year of 2020. Great expectation, excitement, and optimism is abundant within the first few months of the new year. We have our goals set from last year we did not meet or new ones we waited until now to begin. Either way, it is important to remember as the days and months go by not to lose sight of our desired result.  The old saying goes, “Rome was not built in day,” and neither will the goals nor desires you have as well.

Peter shared with the church in the above scripture text as a word of encouragement to remind them not to negate the progress they have achieved thus far. He wanted them to understand their faith regarding growing and maturing is a process; a process that none of us completes overnight or even a year. It is an ever-evolving good work that continues until the day the creator calls us home.  The same way the church’s faith is an ever-evolving process, so are our hopes, goals, and dreams. Each day that we wake and work towards our goal is progress. Even if not completed in the time we wanted, be reminded of how much growth occurred since the beginning. Remember it isn’t how quickly you finish the race but how you endured to see it through to completion. Happy Prosperous New Year!

Blessings,

Reverend Takana L. Jefferson, Chaplain, United States Navy

NNOA Dec 2019 Article

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40

Tis the season to be jolly and merry is here. We can become enthralled in the commercialism of the holiday season. The expectation of gifts, giving, and receiving. The hustle and bustle of exceeding our limits on gifts that will only use once or twice. Worse, never used and thrown into a corner. This time of year, has a different meaning, depending on your faith background. One thing we can all agree on his helping those who need it most.

The above scripture text is a portion of a longer parable. In the parable, Jesus used the illustration of what matters the most. It is feeding the hungry; taking are of those who are sick, visiting those who are imprisoned, providing drink for the thirsty, and clothing those who are naked. The “least of these” whose voice is often lost and ignored. Those who do not have the luxury of being enthralled with the commercialism of the holiday season. But are trying to figure out where their next meal or bed will be.

When we take a moment out of our time and aid the “least of these,” we are following the plan God has designed for us. The blessings given to us are for us to share with others especially
“the least of these.”

Blessings,

Reverend Takana L. Jefferson, Chaplain, United States Navy