Archived Daily Devotionals

Scripture: We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing. 2 Thessalonians 1:3

Saints, a few years ago, I officially left my church home of twenty plus years and joined another church. I can honestly say, that my decision to do so did not come quickly or easily. I had contemplated the move for some time but needed to know in my spirit that the time and place were right.

You see, I found myself stuck in a place at my old church where my spiritual growth had been blocked. I can honestly say that my decision to make my move had nothing to do with my pastors ability to minister to the congregation, but for reasons I can't really get into, my own personal growth had been stymied by things that had happened in the past.

I had visited the church home of my good friend Cynthia on several earlier occasions and had always enjoyed and felt very comfortable and blessed when I was there. Well, earlier this year she invited me for no special and I went. When I left service that Sunday, I knew where I was supposed to be. But it would take several more visits before I would finally come home.

Saints, I can honestly say that my decision was one of the hardest I have ever had to make. But, I can honestly say that God has told us we are not to remain as infants in the word forever. We must go to a place where we are fed and can GROW in the word. Just because you have gone to the same place all of your life does not mean that there is where you are suppose to remain.

If you are not growing in your faith at the rate you should, or if you feel that your church is not feeding you enough to satisfy you appetite for the word, that I urge you, find a place that will.

Prayer:
Father, in the name of Jesus we in the body of Christ come this morning fore most and first of all to thank You for keeping us in Your word yet another day. We thank You Lord for watching over each and every family represented here. We come thanking You yet again for waking us this morning and keeping us safely through another night. Father, if we are not growing in the word as we should, help us to see and know what we must do to get back in line with Your will. Father God, continue to be with us as we journey to our destinations today and all through the remainder of our week. Touch Your saints reading this right now, in the name of Jesus, we ask for Your continuing grace and mercy. Amen.

Scripture:
"Oh, that You would hide me in the grave, That You would conceal me until Your wrath is past, That You would appoint me a set time, and remember me! If a man dies, shall he live again? All the days of my hard service I will wait, Till my change comes. Job 14:13-14

Saints, as I have grown in my faith and as my circle of Christian friends has grown, so often it seems as though adversity increases. This past year alone has brought many changes into my life and into the lives of friends.

Marriages have faltered, friends have lost jobs, sickness, especially, cancer seems to be running rampant against us. People are losing loved ones and many of us are struggling financially. We come praising God each morning and then, we are faced with days that are full of hell. We struggle to remain faithful. We pray about it, we fast, we do all that we know to do in the body of Christ. Sometimes it does seem that God is mad at us and we just want to go run and hide from him and the world.

Saints, I won't say that God doesn't get angry with us, because he does. He gets angry at us for not being obedient. But you say that you haven't done anything wrong, so why would God be angry with me?
Sometimes it's the little sins that we harbor that we don't even realize are sins so we haven't confessed them, that angers God. Sometimes it's our self-righteous attitudes, how we treat others, how we gossip and tell that little white lie. Sometimes it's because we are so focused on ourselves that we can't do anything to glorify him.

Saints, take a look around you. Have you been mad at someone for years and haven't spoken? Do you gossip or talk about others behind their backs? Do you pass judgment on how others our living and conducting their lives.

This sounds a little trite, but take a moment and read the ten commandments again. Now think about your life. Now don't tell me, but are you living right? Now if you are not, then maybe it's time for you to start.

He's working on me so that my change can come. Let him work on you too.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Lord, forgive me for not being all that I should be. Father, I realize that I have done some things in my life that I need to change. I come asking that You would help me make that change. I realize that my tongue is sometimes used to tear someone else down rather than to edifying You. I know that there are things that I am still angry about, forgive me for that anger. I even know that sometimes I get angry with You because You haven't done something I wanted. Forgive me. Lord, I am learning everyday. Be patient with me. Help me to grow in grace and favor. Help me to be more diligent in my service to You. Father, we ask for Your continued blessings for our families. Our immediate families, our online families, our church families, and our brothers and sisters who are a part of the body of Christ. We love the name of the Lord. How excellent is that name. Thank You Lord, for blessing me anew. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Scripture:
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues. 1 Corinthians 12: 27-28

Saints, many think that because a person is walking by faith that problems do not occur in his/her life. Many believe that ministers, counselors, lecturers, writers or other religious workers aren't challenged or have valley experiences. It is assumed that every thing in their lives always runs smoothly. NOT TRUE.

Walking with Jesus and practicing the principles He taught, usually assist believers to stand in the face of adversity, to rise above situations, go around, under or through them. These people allow God to guide, direct and rule in their lives. Even then, there are times when the going gets rough.

Remember that these people are people just like us. They have feelings, they have tempers, they have little idiosyncrasies that irks them. They too need prayers of protection. They too, need to go to the alter, They too run low on fuel sometimes. That is okay.
Pray for your Pastor today. Pray for your Sunday School teacher, Pray for your assistant pastor. Pray for your Bible Study teacher. Pray for all of those who are working on God's behalf, everyday.

Prayer:
Father we come today with empty hearts and open arms. We come today to just praise You just one more time. Father we come so that we may exalt Your name to the highest. Father we thank You for the Agape Love that has been given to us. Father we ask that You touch the lives of al Your Pastors, Teachers and other religious workers. Father we ask that You touch everyone that need You today. Father touch those who are in the courtroom today. Touch those who are in the Dr. office today. Father touch those who are incarcerated today. Father touch those who have a substance abuse problem Lord. Father we just ask that the power and the presence of the Holy Ghost, be magnified in our lives. Father we ask these and many other blessings in Your precious son Jesus' name. Amen.

Scripture: The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Psalm 126:3

Saints, how many times have you Said, I was in a good mood until he/she said. Or how often have you said or thought, I was in a good mood until I came into this place or he/she got here. Saints, I want to talk to you today about allowing others to steal your joy, or worst yet, giving your joy away.

So often, we who profess to be Christians, allow the things around us to impact our state of mind. We wake up, get dressed, and travel to our destinations, full of the joy of the Lord.

Once we arrive at our destinations, we forget to whom we belong and allow outside influences to change us on the inside. We allow those negative people we come into contact with, or our surroundings to steal from us a gift from the Lord. The gift of Joy.

Joy is not only a state of mind. It is a place. It is a place that we find ourselves in when we listen to the voice of God. It is a place that we find ourselves in when we reflect on how good God has been to us. It is a place where we find ourselves when we stop to praise the Lord for his goodness and mercy.

My challenge to you today is to keep your joy. As situations arise, rebuke that thief or situation that is trying to steal your joy. Tell satan and the world,

“THIS JOY THAT I HAVE DEEP DOWN IN MY SOUL, THE WORLD DIDN’T GIVE IT TO ME AND THE WORLD CAN’T TAKE IT AWAY!"

Prayer:
Father, forgive us for forgetting just how awesome You are. Forgive us Lord that we sometime allow the world to steal from us Your magnificent gifts. Father, my heart is filled with Joy and gladness. Joy at the mere thought of just how blessed I am to be a child of the most High King. As we prepare to start another day, another weekend, and another month, we recognize that we are not of this world, but just here for a time. We recognize that as long as we serve You and not this world, that we will be faced with challenges. We recognize that we will be faced with challenges and adversity, but we also recognize that our strength, our hope, our salvation, our victories, and most of all, our joy comes from You and not from those temporary things here on earth. Lord we ask that You will continue to touch and heal our prayer list. That You continue to watch over us, guide us, and protect us as well as our family and friends. Keep us all safe and secure under Your wings of protection. In the name of Your son, Jesus Christ we ask these things. Amen.

Scripture:
Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Psalm 107:28-30

Saints, Many of us feel that almost daily, we are caught in some type of storm. Financial storms, relationship storms, storms with our physical health, storms, with our mental health, storms on the Job, and storms in the home. Just when one storm seems to be over, we can see another one coming up on the horizon.

Now I know that most you live in Michigan and many of you don't. For those of us who live in the Midwest, we have learned how to deal with snow storms, ice storms, and rain storms. We don't always like them, but we learn how to accept them and deal with them.

When I go out West, I wonder how my friends deal with the mud slides, earthquakes, falling rocks, and other storms and calamities that are common for their part of the country. The usual response is, we have just learned how to deal with them just like you deal with the snow and ice in your part of the country.

Saints, I want you to know today that no matter where you live, learn how to deal with the storms in your neck of the woods. Secure your homes for the coming winds and rain. Be prepared on the job, and in relationships. Learn what to do when the storms in your life start raging.

Always have your emergency kit with you. Your kit should contain, the word of God to encourage you. The fruits of the spirit to supplicate you. The full armor of God to protect you. And let us not forget the Love of Jesus, to comfort us.

Prayer:
Father let us not forget that even though we may be in the midst of a storm, You are right there with us. Let us not forget, that it is always darkest before the dawn. May we always remember that You have said that You would never leave us nor forsake us. Father, strengthen us this morning for the coming day. When we grow weak and tired, allow a small wind, Your breath of life, to gently caress our faces, letting us know that You are right there with us. When we grow weary and almost faint, let the bread of life and the living waters, Your word, revitalize us. Father, even in our storms, we must always remember to stop and give You thanks. Even when life is assailing us, we must stop and praise Your name. Even when it seems like we don't have the strength to go a step further, we must muster the strength to uplift and exalt Your most holy name. . Father, be with those who are in the hospital, who are ill, who are grieving, who are faced with the challenges of the world. We ask and pray these things in the name of Your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Scripture:
In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness Titus 2:7

Recently, I had a conversation with a friend who is trying to find her faith. She expressed concern about being a Christian because of things that she had observed both at home from those in her family who professed to be Christians and the behavior of those she had observed from the church.

Know, I won't get into a long conversation about some of the things that she said she saw or heard, but what I will talk about what our duties are as Christians. I will preface this conversation with this, I know that none of us is perfect and I know that there are still many things that I may do or say that go against the word of God, but what I will say it that I am trying.

I am trying to get right. I am trying to walk right. I am trying to lead by example. A very important lesson that I learned a long time ago is this, be careful of what you do and say, because you never know who is watching.

When we do certain things in the name of the Lord, we can harm just as much as we help. How can you say that you love the Lord, and then hold a grudge that borders on hatred for someone. We go to church on Sunday and then think we can do or say anything we want to Monday through Saturday.

When you profess to be a child of God, you must begin to act like it. If we do things that our contrary to the word of God, what kind of impression is that leaving on our children, our unsaved spouses, our young sisters and brothers.

How can you expect that your children become saved when they see all the wrong you do? Do they see sleeping with someone other than their father or mother? Do they see you or smell you getting high? Do they see you drunk or high? Do they see you lie, cheat, steal, gossip, ......

Be careful Saints of God, little eyes and minds are watching.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Lord, help me to be strong and live the life that You want for me. Father, forgive me if I have said or done something that has turned someone away from You. Help me Lord, to do what is right in Your sight and in the sight of those who may be watching me. Father we come asking that You would continue to bless us. Keep us Lord, so that we may not sin against thee or against anyone else. Keep me from all hurt harm and danger. Continue to bless our prayer list and the families of every saint that is represented here. in the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Scripture:
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7

Saints, as I rode to work this morning, I observed the situation around me. There were accidents on the highways, dirt and debris strewn about because of the falling rain ,and people running for cover. Saints, I am reminded that rain is a necessary process in the cycle of life. You see, it's springtime and the rain is needed to wash away the debris of winter and prepare the ground for the coming planting season.

Sometimes though, we can get a little too much rain. The rain may come in torrents, washing away those things that are freshly planted or the old foliage whose roots are no longer strong enough to hold it in place.

How strong are your roots? Are you new to the faith and have not yet developed strong enough roots in Christ to hold you in place when the storms of life come along? Or are you so old and set in your spiritual life that you no longer gain the nourishment from the word that keeps your roots healthy enough to stay firmly planted in the rain?

So again Saints, I ask, Can You Stand the Rain?

Prayer
Our Father which art in Heaven, Hollowed it be thy name. May those things that You have predestined in our lives come to fruition according to thy will and thy tender mercies. Oh Lord, we are weak, but You are strong. Touch us Lord, strengthening us for the coming storms in our lives. Lord, some of us are in the midst of our storm even as we pray. Magnify Your presence in our lives that we may gain the fortitude to stand, be strong, and hold on even when it's seems that we may be washed away at any given moment. Hide us Lord, under the wings of Your protection when it begins to seem like our roots are not strong enough to withstand even one more drop of rain. May we always know when to seek Your guidance and protection in the midst of our personal storms. Now Lord, help us to remember that the rain and the storms don't last always. But that there is sunshine and joy in the coming morning. Father, continue to touch and bless Your saints this morning. Extending just a little more grace for those who are need this morning. Keep our troops safe and their families wrapped securely in the knowledge that You are with them even in the midst of the desert. Father God we give You praise, adoration, and all of our hearts this day. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Scripture:
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. Mathew 6; 13

Saints, sometime ago, I received a daily devotionals entitled "A word with you". It is written by Ron Hutchcraft. The message was about temptation.

He spoke about how temptation is just deception in disguise. He spoke about how we reach out for something based on what it was supposed to give us, only to be disappointed when we found out what was really inside. That deception is, in fact, the very nature of sin, and it's why we end up with scars and messes we never knew we would become a part of.

Temptations look promising on the outside. But lead to heartache and hurt on the inside. Sin conceals its ugliness and it destruction until you've already bitten the apple.

Temptations that may look good to you right now may say "pleasure" on the container - do this because it will feel good. Or maybe the package says "love" - do this and you'll get some love. The promise may be "relief" - a chance to escape from some hurt ... or maybe it says "significance" - do this and you'll get ahead, you'll feel important. But in reality, sin takes us further and further away from God. We must always be mindful of temptation.

We must always remember to put on our armor each and every day. We must always remember that satan is like a roaring lion, out to destroy you, your family, and your life. Lift up your shield of faith this morning and shout "Get behind thee satan, you are a liar and a thief and you cannot have anything that belongs to me or my family!"

Prayer:
Our Father, which art in heaven, holy, holy, holy is thy name. Father we come this morning asking for an extra portion this day, that we may not be led into temptation. Help us Lord, to be mindful of those things that would destroy us. Father, when we are faced with temptation, strengthen us Lord, that we may turn away from it and seek Your face instead. Father God, we ask and pray for Your strength today. Your word that we hide in our hearts. Keep us lord, forgive us Lord, and protect us Lord. Father we ask that You continue to touch those on our prayer list who have asked for prayer. Touch those who may be sick and may have given up hope. Father we know what the doctors have said, we know what the family wants, but we also know that all things are in divine order. We pray Your will in this and all situations today. We love You and Bless Your holy name. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen

Scripture:
In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness Titus 2:7

Recently, I had a conversation with a friend who is trying to find her faith. She expressed concern about being a Christian because of things that she had observed both at home from those in her family who professed to be Christians and the behavior of those she had observed from the church.

Know, I won't get into a long conversation about some of the things that she said she saw or heard, but what I will talk about what our duties are as Christians. I will preface this conversation with this, I know that none of us is perfect and I know that there are still many things that I may do or say that go against the word of God, but what I will say it that I am trying.

I am trying to get right. I am trying to walk right. I am trying to lead by example. A very important lesson that I learned a long time ago is this, be careful of what you do and say, because you never know who is watching.

When we do certain things in the name of the Lord, we can harm just as much as we help. How can you say that you love the Lord, and then hold a grudge that borders on hatred for someone. We go to church on Sunday and then think we can do or say anything we want to Monday through Saturday.

When you profess to be a child of God, you must begin to act like it. If we do things that our contrary to the word of God, what kind of impression is that leaving on our children, our unsaved spouses, our young sisters and brothers.

How can you expect that your children become saved when they see all the wrong you do? Do they see sleeping with someone other than their father or mother? Do they see you or smell you getting high? Do they see you drunk or high? Do they see you lie, cheat, steal, gossip, ......

Be careful Saints of God, little eyes and minds are watching.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Lord, help me to be strong and live the life that You want for me. Father, forgive me if I have said or done something that has turned someone away from You. Help me Lord, to do what is right in Your sight and in the sight of those who may be watching me. Father we come asking that You would continue to bless us. Keep us Lord, so that we may not sin against thee or against anyone else. Keep me from all hurt harm and danger. Continue to bless the families of every saint that have joined together in prayer. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Scripture:
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God Ephesians 2:8

Saints,
So many of us often make the mistake of thinking that we are all of that and a bag of chips. For those of you who may not understand this very popular saying, let me explain.

When we do certain things, obtain certain goals, or purchase our dream house or car, we think that we have done it all by ourselves. Some of us think that it was our intelligence, good looks, attitude, or hard work, that got us that position in the church or that promotion on the job. It was going that extra mile that made you look good to your superiors and thats why you got that raise.

Well saints, I will not discount how wonderful it is to have all of these things going for you. But, I am here to tell you, all of these things mean nothing without God's grace.

You see, no matter how smart you are, you still need God to wake you up in the morning. You still need God to give you your right mind. You still need God to provide the opportunities for you to convey your intelligence. And you still need God to help you along the way because we are all human and we will mess up!

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound. That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I'm found. Was blind but now I see.

Open your eyes and recognize that you are only who you are, where you are, and have what you have, because of his amazing grace.

Prayer:
Father, we come thanking You this morning for fresh grace and mercy. Forgive us Lord if we sometimes take You and Your gifts for granted. I know Lord that without You, I would just be another sinner lost to the lies of the evil one and thinking of myself more highly than I should. Help us Lord to be humble and not forget just how much we are loved. Help us Lord, to not let our accomplishments blind us from what truly counts. That You keep on blessing us despite us. That there is nothing that we could ever do to earn Your favor and Your grace and that You give both freely because You love us that much. Continue to allow fresh grace to rain down into the lives of each of Your saints and their families today. Touch, bless, heal, and forgive us Lord, even when are not worthy. We Love You and thank You Lord at all times. May the children of God say, Amen.

Scripture:
I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men. So he got up and went to his father. "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. "The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Luke 15:19-21

Saints,
Recently I had a conversation with a very good friend about having compassion for those who for whatever reason have failed in accomplishing something in life. As we talked I tried to explain why I thought it was important for us to remember that there are various reasons that some people fail to achieve what society views as life's significant accomplishments.

Now those things of which I speak may be as simple as graduating high school. As we all know that without an education, we have very little choices in what we might be able to accomplish. It might be that they got strung out on drugs, became an alcoholic, or a teenage mother/father. What ever reasons that a person may have for not accomplishing what we as individuals deem as important, does not mean that they are any less or that we are any more important to God.

The reality of life is this; We have all done things that we have come to regret. Sometimes we can correct our mistakes, and at other times it's too late. Some of our mistakes we will overcome, other mistakes we will live with for the rest of our lives.

How can Jesus show compassion towards us when we make mistakes, if we can't be big enough to show compassion to those society has labeled failures in life.

Prayer:
Father, in the name of Jesus, we come seeking Your grace and Your counsel this morning. Touch us Lord, as we begin another day. Father, we pause to give thanks for keeping us once again. We know that we are here only because of You. We are blessed, not because of who we are but because of who's we are. Thank You Lord, that You Father for loving us so much. Touch us Lord, for we need You right now. Father, help each and every one of us to be mindful to put on the whole armor of God. For we are still in the midst of a spiritual battle. Protect us Lord, guide us Lord. Keep us Lord. Father, we come give You our thanks. We come praising and uplift Your Holy Name. We love You Lord. As we ask and pray these things in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Scripture:
And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. Luke 14:27

Saints,
Do you sometimes wonder why your life seems so hard sometimes? Do you ever wonder why it seems as though you go from one dilemma to the next? Do you ever wonder why it seems as though you are constantly under attack? Do you ever wonder why it seems as though you are living the word of God and going through, but you know people who know nothing about God's word and they seem to have everything?

Do you ever cry to out to God; "Why me Lord?" and he answers; "Why not you!"

One of the things that I like to share with new believers and share with those of you have been in the word for a very long time is this; When you were in the world and not in the word satan didn't care anything about you because he already had you. When you became a disciple of Christ you that's when he became concerned. That's when he started coming after you. That's when he started

throwing everything he has at you.

Unfortunately, too many people think that once they accept Jesus Christ as their Personal Savior, life would get better. Too often we think that things aren't suppose to happen to us because we believe in the word of God. Too often we think that we aren't suppose to go through bad times, be sick, lose loved ones, suffer financially, have broken relationships and the list goes on and on.

If you look closely enough at the word of God it does tell you that each and every one of us will have our own cross to bear. Just like Jesus. Wait a minute, let me back up. Each and every Christian who has been charged with being one of his disciples, (and that is what every Christian should be, a disciple), will have their own cross to bear. Now while we are carrying our cross, satan will be throwing things, dropping bombs, creating chaos, troubling the waters and doing everything else to turn you away from God. He hates each and every one of us that much and wants to separate us from the love of God.

Cause he knows that as long as we have God on our side, His Grace is sufficient. We can do all things through Christ Jesus. We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. No weapon formed against us can prosper. The Lord will provide.

I don't know about you, but I praise God for my cross because I'd rather carry my cross here on earth as one of his disciples and spend eternity with him, than to be fooled into believing that I can have it all here on earth and then spend eternity in hell with satan.

Be Blessed.

Prayer:
El-Elyon, Most High God , El-Shaddia, Almighty God, El-Olam, Everlasting God, Father, Abba, You who are my everything. Lord, sometimes we get weary and tired. There are days when life seems more than we can bear. There are nights that my pillow is covered in tears and it seems as though no one cares. Father, I have hidden Your word in my heart. I dwell and meditate on Your word night and day. I thank You Lord for Your word that strengthens me. Lord, You have said we can do all things through Christ Jesus. You have told us that You are with us always, even until the end of times. You are in the fiery furnace with, on our ship that is caught in the storm, and in the valley of death. We don't ask that You come into our hearts and lives, only that You magnify Your presence. Touch us today, our minds, our hearts, our spirits, our very souls. Keep us in perfect peace. Strengthen us once again. Father, when I grow weary from the weight of my cross, empower me and order my steps so that I may continue down the path that You have chosen. Thank You Father. Thank You Lord. For the one who first carried my cross, Christ Jesus in his name we pray. Praise God, Hallelujah, Amen.

Scripture:
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ
Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free
from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it
was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the
likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful
man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in
us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.
Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that
nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their
minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the
mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; the sinful mind is hostile to
God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the
sinful nature cannot please God. Romans 8: 1-8

This past week, I have heard on more than one occasion about how we are trapped
in bondage. Things, people, situations, and experiences bind us and keep us
from truly seeking God's word. Our living our lives in the natural, going about
our daily lives doing our own thing, and not seeking God or his council before
we proceed on things, will put us in a trap.

The desires of our hearts, and our selfish nature will cause us to do what we
want to do and not what God has directed us to do. We become slaves to the very
things that we thought would bring us pleasure. Then and only then when we find
ourselves caught up, strung out, and in a corner will we bow down and seek God's
council.

Saints, don't allow your selfish nature to keep you from seeking God's word.
Don't allow things or people to put you in a trap. Wake up and realize that
when we seek God first, everything else will fall into place.

Be Blessed

PRAYER
Father, we come this morning seeking Your face and Your council. Help us Lord
to put You first in everything that we do. Allow us to live our lives and see
things, not in the natural but in the Spirit. Help us Lord to seek You first
before we make our decisions. Help us Lord to learn to stop, be still, and take
our concerns about life to the alter of sacrificing. Lord, continue to be with
the Saints, their families, our friends, and our co-workers this day. Continue
to bless those who have come asking for intercessory prayer. We ask that You
would continue to grant us fresh grace and mercy this day and forever more. In
Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Scripture:
In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Ephesians 6:16

Saints, have you ever been going along with your life and everything is going just right? Then suddenly, you find yourself flat on your back because something so devastating has just happened?

Well just this past week that very thing just happened to me. without getting into a lot of detail, I found myself flat on my back and wallowing in self-pity. I stayed there for a couple of days too. You see, I had forgotten that satan will knock you down when you become to comfortable in your Christian walk and forget to put on your daily armor.

So last night, I got up out of the mud, put on my armor and had a little talk with my Father. And you know what he told me? He reminded me that he has not failed me yet. He told me that maybe I had gotten a little cocky and didn't lean on him first. He told me, that what satan means for evil, he will turn to good.

So Saints of God remember that sometimes satan will knock you down, but God can pick you up! Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning! But the most important thing of all to remember is, THAT I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST JESUS, WHO STRENGHTENS ME!

Be Blessed

Prayer:
I will Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto mine own understanding. In all our ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Lord, we come before the throne of grace once again asking that You would forgive us in our unbelief. We come asking that You, who are rock and our salvation, would help us to starve our fears and doubts and feed our faith. Lord, I personally ask for forgiveness and direction for myself. I know that sometimes, we take You for granted and in doing so, leave ourselves open to attack. Lord, we stand before You again, putting on the whole armor of God. The belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, wielding our shield of faith and the sword of the spirit, and placing upon our heads, the helmet of salvation. Lord, let us always be diligent against attack from he who seeks to destroy us. Continue to bless our brothers and sisters in Christ. Continue to anoint our leaders. Help us always to be able to call upon the name of the Lord in our times of distress. Thank You Lord, for You faithfulness. Thank You Lord, for Your covering. Thank You Lord that You pick us up, when we have been knocked down. We will praise the name of the Lord at all times, and his praises shall continuously be in our mouths. Praise his name saints of God. Glory hallelujah, thank You Jesus, in whose name we pray, Amen.

Scripture: Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. James 5:13-15

Saints of God, have any of you really thought about what it means to pray for someone else? I know that each day I send out a list of people who have asked for prayer but have you ever really thought about what we are being asked to do?

Hopefully, no prayerfully, you do not take a haphazard approach in praying for the well being of others. As saints of God, your brothers and sisters are asking us to go before the throne of grace on their behalf, just like Christ Jesus does for each of us.

There are a multitude of reasons that someone has asked for prayer. Sometimes it is for their loved ones, their family members, and even for themselves. Sometimes, even I will ask others to pray for me. The word of God teaches in Matthew 18, that if two of us on earth agree about anything we ask for, it will be done for us by our Father in heaven. And where we are gathered together in Jesus' name, there he is in the midst of us.
Sometimes the forces that come against us are too strong for us to stand alone and we need to call in reinforcements. We become too weak to fight the good fight of faith on our own or there is so much confusion around us that our prayers don't seem to be reaching God. And sometimes we become so lost in the world that we have forgotten how to pray.

So today Saints of God, I am asking that when you say your prayers today, go before the throne of grace asking nothing for yourselves, but intercede on behalf of your breathen.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father God, We come before the throne of grace this morning on behalf of our brothers and sisters who have asked that we join together in prayer for their needs. Lord, we don't know the need of each individual but You do. Touch them Lord. Some are sick, heal them Lord. Some are struggling financially, grant them a financial blessing. Some are off in a distant country fighting for their homeland, place Your hedge of protection securely around them and bring them home safely. Lord, some are lost and confused in a world filled with drugs and alcohol, deliver them from their addictions. Someone is on the verge of losing a marriage, a house, a job. Have mercy Lord, on Your children. Father, some are just weak and need Your strength, peace, joy and comfort. There are those reading this right now who have not placed their name on the list, but we pray for our fellow saints who are a part of the family of God. Thank You Father for placing Saints of God in my life who pray for me just for the asking. We love You and exalt Your name. In the name of Jesus, we ask these things. Amen.

Scripture:
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6

Saints, have you ever been in a situation and didn't know how you would get out of it? As you looked around at your circumstances you just couldn't understand how did you get here and how would you get out.

I talk to many people about their circumstances. Some are having problems with the marriages. Some are struggling financially, and some just feel like life is overwhelming them and they just don't know what to do.

God's word tells us not to fear our circumstances. That no matter what we come up against, No Matter What the Outcome! he will be with us always. It doesn't matter how you got where you are. Learn to depend on God for your strength, but most of all, for your guidance.

He will never leave you, nor forsake you, but most of all; he will never lead you wrong.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father, I don't know how I got here, but I know that You can lead me home. Lord, I realize that I cannot always see what You have in store for me. I just ask that lead me and guide me as I seek my way home. Lord, we ask that You would continue to cover Your children. Help us Lord, to always seek Your guidance in everything that we do. Father, we ask that You would touch, bless, and anoint those saints reading this prayer right now, our family member, friends, and soldiers who are away fighting for freedom. Bless us now Lord Jesus with the power of the Holy Spirit. We Love You Lord, with all that we are. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Scripture:
I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. John 15:1

Saints, whether you realize it or not, spring is fast approaching. As we turn our thoughts towards spring, we start thinking about our yards and our gardens. Many of you have probably already started thinking about what type of seeds you will be planting this year. Some may choose to plant only flowers. Others may choose to plant only vegetable and some still will plant both.

As I reflect back to biblical times, I have noticed that the garden was very important to all. You see, the lands in which they resided where often barren and would sometimes lack water. So they had to be very diligent in what they grew because they knew their very lives depended on their crops. Unlike us, if their gardens failed, they couldnt just run out to the corner store to get something for dinner.

The same holds true today in our own gardens. What you decide to plant has a distinct bearing on your well-being. You see, I am not talking about your flower garden or your vegetable garden. I am talking about your spiritual garden. Whatever a man soweth, so shall he reap. What seeds are being planted in your spiritual garden? I pray that you plant seeds of love, seeds of hope, seeds of forgiveness, but most of all, seeds of faith.

You see, when we start our gardens at just the right time, give them the love, care, nurturing, and attention that all gardens need, we can grow a bountiful crop that can and will last until our next planting season.

Be blesssed

Prayer :
Oh kind and gracious and merciful Father, we come this morning as humbly as we know how. We lift up our eyes unto the heavens from which all of our blessings flow. Father, we know that we are not worthy of fresh grace, but You give it to us anyone. We know that somewhere along the way we have sinned, but You forgave us anyway. We know that sometimes we disappoint You, but You love us anyway. Thank You Father that You love and forgive me despite me. Father we come standing in the gap this morning for our fellow saints, for our family members, and for our friends. So many need so much, but we know that there is nothing too hard for God. Continue to touch, bless, anoint and heal those saints among us who are afflicted. Keep us all just a little closer to You this day and give us the wisdom to choose the right seeds for our gardens. Now Lord we pause to praise You. We give thanks to You this day, we magnify and uplift Your most holy name. We ask and pray these things in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Scripture:
I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD ; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. Psalm 27:13-15

Saints, Do you sometimes feel like giving up? Every once in a while do you feel that your best just ain't good enough? Do you sometimes cry out to the Lord and ask him does he see, does he care what you're going through?

Sometimes it seems that you are doing everything that you are supposed to as a child of God. You pray, you fast, your serve and you tithe but life keeps coming against you. You take one step forward and get knocked two steps back. You get one problem resolved then three more problems pop up?

Well there is something that I have come to realize in these past couple of years. It ain't always about you! When you decide to commit your life to God and truly live and serve him, he will mold and shape your life to suit him, not you!

So often we don't realize how much we have conformed to the world until we see our lives through God's eyes. We are bombarded with sin and evil almost each and every moment of each and every day. Almost everything that we see and hear are contrary to God's word. That's is why we must constantly study and stay in the word of God.

So often denying yourselves, denying your flesh, denying what you want and doing what God wants can be painful. But remember, He knows how much we can bear. In the time of trouble he promised He'd always be there. he understands, he is the Lord he sees and yes he understands.

Be Blessed.

Prayer:
My forever faithful Father, my Rock, my Strength, my redeemer, Lord, we come blessing You this morning and praising You for all that You have done. Father God, sometimes life gets hard. When we think that one storm is about to end, another one begins. Lord, we realize that being a Christian is not easy. We understand that weeping may endure for a night, but Lord, sometimes it feels like its night all the time. Father God, I thank You for understanding me. I thank You for preparing me. Lord, I thank You for the desire in my heart to follow after Christ Jesus. Lord, sometimes my flesh is weak and I just want to give up, but I thank You for not giving up on me. I thank You for preparing me for whatever path You have chosen me to follow as long as I know that the path leads home to You and to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Scriptures:
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:6, For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake, lead me, and guide me. Psalm 31:3, Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee I will wait all day. Psalm 25:5, Lead me, O Lord, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face. Psalm 5:8.

Recently, a friend sent me a little story called Praise him for the Closed Door. It spoke about how we need to learn to praise God for closed doors. One reason God sometimes closes a door is because he hasn't prepared anything over there for us. Another reason may be because what's behind door number one may cause us harm. And yet still, behind door number two may be a trap that satan has prepared for us.

The story went on to further state that God directs our paths through the closing and opening of doors. When one door closes, it forces you to change your path. The closing of yet another will cause you to change your path again. Then finally, you open the door and you walk right into your blessing.

So Saints of God, instead of trying to beat down the door, praise him for the detour he is sending you on. Praise him for your blessings that are on the way. But most of all, praise him because we serve an awesome God!

Be Blessed


Prayer:
Lord, many of us are standing before a closed door. Lord, some of us have been trying to beat that door down. Lord, You have already told us that You would never leave us nor forsake us. You have already told us that You would open the windows of heaven and pour us out a blessing. A blessing that would overflow with Your love, Your grace, and Your mercy. Lord, we come thanking You for closing that door. Lord, we come thanking You and praising You because we know that our blessings are on the way. We praise You this morning, because You are the Lord, my God. Praise his name. Hallelujah, we worship and exalt You this morning. Bless Your Holy Name Lord. Lord, some of us were ready to give up. But Lord, we realize that You haven't failed us yet. Praise God! Some of us have cried until we have no more tears to cry. But this morning are eyes are filled with tears of joy. Thank You Jesus. Father, we will Bless Your name all the day long. Hallelujah, Praise God. Amen. Amen.

Scripture: various - SEE BELOW

Saints, This morning I want to tell you about my God. You see, I call him my God because to me, he is my personal God. Now that doesn't mean I can't share him with you, but to me it means that we have a one on one relationship.

You see, my Father is always there for me. When I am in need, he supplies. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

When I cry, he wipes my tears away. he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth. The LORD has spoken. Isaiah 25:8

When I am hungry, he feeds me. he rained down manna for the people to eat, he gave them the grain of heaven. Psalm 78:24

When I am tired, he comforts me. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

When I am weak, he gives me strength. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

My list goes on and on. You see, my God supplies everything that I will ever need. He is my strength, my joy, my protector, my sustainer, my comforter, my Father & Mother, my friend.

But you know what saints, the most important thing that my God is to me, is my Personal Lord and Savior. Who loved me enough to sacrifice his own son so that you and I could dwell in the house of the Lord forever and ever!

Be Blessed

Prayer:
You are El Shaddia, the God of Abundance. All Sufficient God. The Mighty One. The God who is More Than Enough. You are also Jehovah Nissi. God My Banner, Elohim, God of Total Power. You are The First and the Last, The Alpha and Omega, The Beginning and the End. You are my all and all. Lord, we come before the throne of grace humbling ourselves before You. We bow down in total reverence and submission to You. Lord we adore You. We praise You, but most of all, we thank You. We thank You Lord for one more day. One more chance, one more opportunity to go forth and do a good works in Your name. Lord, we come standing together as one. We join together on one accord, touching and agreeing this day, to intercede on behalf of our brothers and sisters. Lord, we ask that each of us would begin to develop a more personal relationship with You. We ask Lord, that Your power and Your spirit would be magnified in our lives. Lord, may something that we do or say today, lead someone to seek Your face. Touch, bless, anoint, heal, deliver, sustain, cover, and keep those saints whose names are listed below. May You add a blessing to those saints and their families who are reading this prayer. Lord, we love You and praise You. Thank You father for our personal Jesus, in his name we pray. Amen. Praise God. Hallelujah!!

Scripture:
But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Saints,

Today is the third and final faith Challenge. The first faith challenge was to NOT speak our negative situations into existence. The second faith challenge was to speak life into our situations and to thank him for handling our problems. The third and final challenge is to wait. Wait on God to answer our prayers.

So often when we pray for something or for someone, we want that prayer to be manifested right now! When God doesn't answer our prayers right now, we become frustrated and sometimes we even get angry about it. But the word of God says, "But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

You see, there are various reasons as to why God doesn't always answer our prayers in the timely manner that we think he should. Sometimes, not answering is his answer. Sometimes, what we want isn't always what God wants for us. We need to learn to wait until he answers.

At times, God has to make sure things are in place for us. Sometimes he has to prepare us for our blessing. And sometimes our answer is right there in front of us, but because it's not what we expect, we just don't see it. I once heard that we sometimes spend so much time looking at the closed door, we can't see the window that he has opened for us.

Every now and then, God just needs us to rest, be still and know that he is still in control. You see, our lives are not our own. Sometimes God has to let things go a certain way until his time. Sometimes he allows things to happen in our lives, so that he can step in. Sometimes, he doesn't answer until he is sure that we are ready to receive his answer.

Saints, do not be weary in well doing. Be still and know that he is God. Wait on the Lord. When you are faithful, know this, his blessings are on the way!

Prayer:

Our Father, Our Lord, Our Savior, we enter into Your courts with praise and thanksgiving in our hearts and on our tongues. I love the Lord, because he heard my cry. Father, Father, we ask that You forgive us for not being as faithful to You as You are to us. Lord we come asking that You would be patient with us as we learn to be still and wait on You. Father, as we wait until it's our time and our season, help us to be at peace with whatever our situations may be. Lord, I know that things are not the way I may want them to be, but I come asking that You would strengthen me so that I can stand and fight the good fight of faith one more day. Lord, I thank You for my deliverance. I thank You for my blessings. Lord, I praise You for You alone are God. You are everything to me. Father, You are my rock, my strength, my redeemer. You are my fortress and my Hightower. You are my Father, my friend, my savior. You are everything to me. Thank You Lord. We will praise You anyhow. We will bless Your name at all times. We will be still and know that You alone are God. Thank You Lord, for the Blood. The Blood, that cleanses, renews, revitalizes, forgives, heals, and most of all, gives me the right to come before You with all rights, privileges as your son Jesus Christ, in His mighty name we pray, Amen.