Religion

We Must Learn to Recognize the FOG (FAVOR of GOD) in Difficult Places

Published

12 years ago

April 1, 2015

Oakland Post

by Pastor E.A. Deckard
Special to the NNPA from the Houston Forward Times

“It’s part of life to have obstacles. It’s about overcoming obstacles; that’s the key to happiness.”

– Herbie Hancock

“If you’re trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I’ve had them; everybody has had them. But obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.”

– Michael Jordan

Genesis 39:2-6 Amplified Bible (AMP)

2 But the Lord was with Joseph, and he [though a slave] was a successful and prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.

3 And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all that he did to flourish and succeed in his hand.

4 So Joseph pleased [Potiphar] and found favor in his sight, and he served him. And [his master] made him supervisor over his house and he put all that he had in his charge.

5 From the time that he made him supervisor in his house and over all that he had, the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the Lord’s blessing was on all that he had in the house and in the field.

Forward Thinkers, the bible says The Lord was with Joseph; Joseph prospered, The Lord gave him success, and Joseph found favor with The Lord and man.

Forward Thinkers, if I was conducting a pep rally or if I was a motivational speaker trying to pump you up, I’d stay right there and focus on the Lord being with Joseph, prospering him, and giving him favor; but because I’m a Shepherd, a caring Pastor, a Leader in my community and my generation I have to tell you the whole story.

Forward Thinkers, Joseph had the FOG “Favor of God” but Joseph was also going through all kind of hell at the same time. Sometimes we have to recognize the FOG “Favor of God” in a difficult place.

Genesis 39:1Amplified Bible (AMP)

39 And Joseph was brought down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, the captain and chief executioner of the [royal] guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had brought him down there.

Forward Thinkers, Joseph was a slave. Don’t read verse one too fast because, Potiphar didn’t hire Joseph, he bought him from the Ishmaelites on the open slave market.

Forward Thinkers, Joseph was not only a slave but he had been bought and sold and relocated more than once.

Forward Thinkers, Joseph was a victim of circumstances but the FOG favor of God was still with him. I know we would rather enjoy the FOG “Favor of God” in the sun but sometimes the FOG is heavier during a storm.

Forward Thinkers, the negative and difficult events of Joseph’s life could not erase the FOG off his life. I’m declaring today in the midst of some difficult times you can still recognize the FOG in your life, even when things are going bad God is still good.

Forward Thinkers, this week I have to minister to three families in the Greens Point community dealing with the loss of love ones who were murdered on Friday night. Terrell Payne, DeMarquise Edwards, and Kaira Jackson were all in their early 20’s when their lives were taken and I had to convince their families that God is still in control.

Let’s look at the early stages of Joseph’s life:

Genesis 37:5 Amplified Bible (AMP)

5 Now Joseph had a dream and he told it to his brothers, and they hated him still more.

Forward Thinkers, Joseph had a dream to be somebody special, somebody God was going to greatly bless, and somebody that would be in charge, somebody with great influence and power. Forward Thinkers, his brothers hated him because of his dream to be somebody.

Forward Thinkers, this is not the first time in the bible we see brothers hating on brothers because of God’s favor. Remember Cain killed Abel because Cain could not handle the FOG in Abel’s life.

Forward Thinkers, today in America, right here in our communities brothers and sisters are being killed by brothers and sisters. It’s time for the church to put aside the gospel of prosperity and all the other gospel being preached and start declaring the “Gospel of Jesus” where all lives matter. Forward Thinkers, when people know their value with God it becomes more difficult to harm someone else because you also understand how valuable their life is.

Forward Thinkers, Joseph’s brother didn’t see themselves being special, therefore; it was easy for them to harm their brother. We have failed this generation by misguiding them into believing their value in life is based on what they have. Forward Thinkers, this mind set has created a generation willing to kill to acquire things.

FOG “Favor of God Warning”

Forward Thinkers comes with built in haters.

Genesis 37:18-19 Amplified Bible (AMP)

18 And when they saw him far off, even before he came near to them, they conspired to kill him.

19 And they said one to another, See, here comes this dreamer and master of dreams.

Forward Thinkers Joseph’s brothers plotted to kill him. Forward Thinkers are you still standing in the FOG in spite of others plotting against you?

Genesis 37:28 Amplified Bible (AMP)

28 Then as the Midianite [and Ishmaelite] merchants were passing by, the brothers pulled Joseph up and lifted him out of the well. And they sold him for twenty pieces of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took Joseph [captive] into Egypt.

Forward Thinkers his brothers sold him to the highest bidder.

Forward Thinkers in life we expect to be let down or mishandled by outsiders but when it comes from the inside it hurts more but it can’t remove the FOG favor of God from our lives.

Genesis 37:36 New International Version (NIV)

36 Meanwhile, the Midianites^[a] sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard.

Forward Thinkers, I’ve discovered God does some of His best work in the meanwhile. While I’m dealing with something bigger than me, God is setting up my next chapter in life in the meanwhile. Miracles and breakthroughs are being preformed behind the curtains in the meanwhile.

Forward Thinkers, Joseph’s brothers sold him to the Midianites who then sold him to Potiphar but none of that stopped the favor of God from being with Joseph.

Forward Thinkers, I know it’s hard sometimes, but today I need you to recognize the FOG “favor of God” through it all.

Forward Thinkers, whatever you’re going through right now remember this is not how the story ends.

Pastor E. A. Deckard is the Senior Pastor/Founder of the Green House International Church located, 16711 Ella Blvd. Houston, Texas, 77090. To contact Pastor Deckard for speaking engagements contact him at pr.ghic@gmail.com or the church website www.ghic.net

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Black History

IN MEMORIAM: The Rev. Leon “Sonny” Clark, Longtime Orange County Pastor and Community Leader, Dies at 72

Rev. Leon William “Sonny” Clark, the longtime pastor of New Spirit Baptist Church in Santa Ana and a prominent faith and community leader in Orange County, passed away on September 9 at the age of 72. Born in Bennettsville, South Carolina, Clark was a U.S. Navy veteran who dedicated his life to service. He served various Southern California churches before leading New Spirit Baptist Church for over 22 years, extending his work into counseling, mentoring, and civic engagement, and supporting the African American community. To learn more about his life and contributions, read more.

Published

1 week ago

September 28, 2026

Post News Group

The Rev. Leon “Sonny” Clark. File photo.

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Rev. Leon William “Sonny” Clark, longtime pastor of New Spirit Baptist Church in Santa Ana and a respected faith and community leader in Orange County, died Sept. 9. He was 72.

Born Oct. 2, 1953, in Bennettsville, South Carolina, Clark was a U.S. Navy veteran who later built a life of service centered on family, faith, ministry, and community.

Clark began his formal ministry at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Altadena in 1978. After acknowledging his call to ministry in 1980, he preached his first sermon and went on to serve churches throughout Southern California, including Second Baptist Church in Riverside, Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Rubidoux, Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Pomona, and Friendship Baptist Church in Yorba Linda.

In November 2003, Clark was called to lead New Spirit Baptist Church in Santa Ana, where he served as pastor for more than 22 years. His work extended beyond the pulpit through counseling, mentoring, civic engagement, and efforts to strengthen Orange County’s African American community.

Clark served on the Orange County Heritage Council and supported efforts to preserve and celebrate African American history and culture. He helped organize the Orange County Black History Parade and Unity Festival, served on the Interfaith Committee and the Orange County Transit Authority, and served as president of the Orange County Ministers Conference.

In 2024, the City of Santa Ana recognized Clark for his contributions to the community. He also received the Orange County Southern Baptist Association Hall of Faith Award and was previously honored as Pastor of the Year by the Orange County Heritage Council.

Clark is survived by his wife, Andrea Joyles Clark; six children, Shawn Williams, Le Ondra Clark Harvey, Kyla Coward, Joshua Clark, Marissa Clark and Ashley Clark; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings; extended family; and the New Spirit Baptist Church congregation.

A wake will be held Thursday, Oct. 1, from 4 to 8 p.m. at New Spirit Baptist Church, 701 S. Sullivan St. in Santa Ana, with a remembrance service from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, Oct. 2, at Friendship Baptist Church, 17145 Bastanchury Road in Yorba Linda. Viewing begins at noon, followed by the service at 1 p.m.

Burial will take place Monday, Oct. 5, at 10:15 a.m. at Riverside National Cemetery.

Clark often shared a guiding principle that shaped his ministry: “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”

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Black History

In Wake of Death on Doorstep, Williams Chapel Baptist Church Calls for Better Care, Funding for Unhoused

An unhoused individual was found deceased on the steps of Williams Chapel Baptist Church in East Oakland at approximately 6:30 a.m. Monday. The church, located at 1410 10th Ave., extended condolences to the individual’s family, noting the tragedy reflects a broader crisis. Williams Chapel Baptist Church provides shelter and referral services, working with West Side Missionary Baptist Church. They call for increased funding and collaboration to expand services for unhoused individuals. Read more to learn about the church’s efforts and the call for solutions.

Published

1 week ago

September 27, 2026

Post News Group

Oakland Police and emergency vehicle arrive to Williams Chapel Monday morning. Courtesy photo.

By Special to The Post

Church extends condolences to individual’s family and loved ones

At approximately 6:30 a.m. Monday, an unhoused individual was found deceased on the steps of Williams Chapel Baptist Church, located at 1410 10th Ave. on the corner of 10th and International in East Oakland.

The individual appears to have come to the church seeking safety and may have needed medical support. We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to the individual’s family and loved ones.

This tragedy reflects a broader crisis affecting unhoused individuals and families throughout the Bay Area. Too many people are living without reliable shelter or timely access to medical care, mental health support, and other essential services. Limited funding and insufficient resources continue to leave vulnerable people without the help they need.

Williams Chapel Baptist Church, a member of the Interfaith Council of Alameda County, works alongside West Side Missionary Baptist Church to provide safe-haven overnight parking, tiny-home emergency shelter, and wraparound referral services to the unhoused.

With funding, both East and West Oakland sites can increase to full capacity and extend to other congregations, creating more safe places for people living on the streets to seek shelter, support, and connection to services.

We invite government agencies, nonprofit organizations, interfaith communities, businesses, and neighbors to join us in this work. By working together with compassion and purpose, we can develop meaningful solutions and help more people experiencing homelessness receive care, stability, and dignity.

Post News Group

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Black History

Nuna Phillips-McKee Celebrates 100 Years: ‘A Century of Faith, Family and God’s Amazing Grace!’

OAKLAND POST — Nuna’s life has been one of Christian service. A longtime member of Wings of Love Maranatha Ministries, now Incredible Church, she serves as director of Community Services and is actively involved in the church’s Food Ministries.

Published

3 weeks ago

September 14, 2026

Post News Group

Nuna Phillips-McGee, far right, will be celebrating her 100th birthday with sisters (l. to. r.) Donna Hayes, Ida Williams, Sandra Phillips and Enis Harrison. Photo by Carol Dossman.

By Special to The Post

Nuna Phillips-McKee will reach an extraordinary milestone on Sept. 24 —her 100th

birthday, marking a century filled with faith, family, service, laughter and the amazing grace of God.

Born Sept. 14, 1926, in Oakland, Nuna has witnessed a world of change during her lifetime, yet the values that have guided her remain constant: a deep faith in God, devotion to family, a strong work ethic and a heart for serving others.

She enjoyed a distinguished career as a civil servant for more than 40 years, demonstrating the dedication, dependability and strength that have characterized so much of her life.

Nuna’s life has been one of Christian service. A longtime member of Wings of Love Maranatha Ministries, now Incredible Church, she serves as director of Community Services and is actively involved in the church’s Food Ministries.

Through the years, she has continued to help meet the needs of others—not merely with food, but with kindness, compassion and a genuine desire to serve. Her ministry reflects a simple principle by which she lives: when God blesses you, you bless others.

Nuna is the proud mother of one son, whose memory she carries in her heart, and the beloved grandmother of three grandchildren, as well as six great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

At 100, she has the rare blessing of seeing several generations of her family carrying forward a legacy that began long ago.

She remains the loving, intelligent, witty, and, when the occasion calls for it, delightfully sassy Nuna that her family and friends know so well. Her contagious laugh, quick wit and youthful spirit have endeared her to generations of relatives, church members and friends.

Nuna was born into the large and loving Phillips family of seven sisters and one brother, with bonds that formed in childhood and have remained precious throughout the decades. Their shared love, faith, and family traditions have continued to be a source of joy, strength and countless treasured memories.

As family and friends gather for this special occasion, they will celebrate far more than a number. They will celebrate 100 years of prayers prayed and answered; 100 years of lessons learned and wisdom shared; 100 years of family, faith, laughter and love; 100 years of serving God and serving others.

Most of all, they will celebrate a life that stands as a testimony to God’s faithfulness through every season.

Nuna’s century-long journey can be summed up in the words chosen to commemorate this remarkable occasion: “100 years of God’s amazing grace.”