Archived Daily Devotionals

Scripture:
Behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words to you. Proverbs 1:23

Saints, have you ever thought about what the Holy Spirit means to each of us? Actually, how much thought do you even give to the Holy Spirit?

When Jesus dwelt among, he told us many things about the word of God. Often times, he told these stories in the form of parables, or stories that man could relate to. But they were still directions from the word of God on how we as Christians were to live.

Jesus said that he would not always be here on earth, but that our Father would send a comforter, the Holy Spirit, that he may abide with us forever. Saints of God, the Holy Spirit is many things to the body of Christ. Not only does it comfort us in our time of need, it speaks the word of God to our spirit. It protects us from the evil one. It intercedes on our behalf. It is strength, power, deliverance, salvation, peace and so much more.

When you think that you are all alone in any situation remember, the Holy Spirit is right there with you. You can talk to him and if you listen, he will speak to you too.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, live in my life. May we look for you everywhere and may I open myself to you completely. Speak to my heart, Holy Spirit. Guide and protect us as we walk our walk of faith. Magnify your presence within our lives so that we make look to you for guidance. We thank you Father. We give thanks to you for the power that is in the Holy Spirit. Breath on us anew this day. Let your drops of salvation rain down upon the saints of God. Wash away our sins and transgressions and may our thoughts and actions always reflect your teachings. We love you Lord. We give thanks this and everyday. We submit our prayers, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Scripture:
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Mathews 7:1-2

Since September 11, 2001, I have heard people say some terrible things about Arabs living in the United States. Most recently, while waiting for my dentist, a woman who was also waiting struck up a conversation with me.

She said she wished that they would just take all of the Arab-American people living here in the United States and ship them back to the middle east and drop a bomb on them all. I was appalled at this statement for a number of reasons.

The first one being that I am a Christian and believe whole-heartedly in the credo, Love thy neighbor as thy self. Secondly, I am African-American and I am a descendant from a race of people who have been persecuted because of the color of our skin since the beginning of time. She like so many others has set judgment against a group of people based on the actions of a few. Since the beginning of time people have been judging one another based on the color of their skin, their ethnic background, and yes, even their spiritual beliefs.

Saints, I am not condoning the actions of those who are seeking to destroy us. But I am condoning tolerance. I for one have experienced good people and bad people of every race, gender, and faith.

My opinion of people is based on what’s on the inside. You see, when the Holy Spirit lives in you, others can't help but see him in your words and actions. It is not up to us to condemn or exalt anyone. Only God can judge the actions of others. How will you be judged?

Prayer:
Father, we come to You this day asking forgiveness for the words spoken against another because of what we think they are. Help us Lord, to see other as You see us. Help us Lord to look beyond a persons appearance and see into their hearts. Help us Lord, to show forgiveness towards those who have caused us such sorrow and heartache. Father we ask that You continue to cover our troops with Your wings of protection. Help us Lord to rebuke those who seek to destroy us. Teach us this day to have a forgiving spirit towards those who have misused us. Father, help us to see others in the same way You see us. With the eyes of Love. With a spirit of forgiveness, and with an open mind so that we may come to understand those who seem strange to us. Father, I am asking once again that You touch those saints who have asked for prayer for whatever situation they may be faced with. Father, our prayers are not complete until we tell You just how much we love You. We thank You Lord, for Your forgiveness of our sins and for looking beyond our faults. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray. Amen

Scripture:
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:5-7

Saints, have you been anxious about anything? Have you been worried about anything? Are you stressing about anything? I know I have been.

You see, there are things in life that make you anxious. A couple of Winters ago I was out of work and remembered becoming anxious about paying the gas bill. Some of our cars are old and we become anxious when they don't want to start in the mornings. During the holidays you have to plan for things and your money may not be quite right.

That same winter I had taken on a major project and I didn’t know if I could pull it off in the time allowed. I was behind in paying all of my bills and then to top it all off, I agreed to teach my first seminar on virtuous women at somebody else’s church! Lord give me strength!

When I become anxious and start stressing, I turn to the word of God. When I got up this morning, I didn't even know that I would have to write today's message and I had been carrying around my anxiety since last Friday. I always ask God to give me a word that will bless someone else when I write these messages, but you know what? They always wind up blessing me too!
God said, be anxious for nothing! He is near. All we have to do is come before for the throne of grace and tell him what we want! Keep our hearts and minds IN Christ Jesus and HE will give us the peace and reassurance we are seeking!

So I have to ask, why ya stressing? He's Got This one!

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father God, we come before the throne of grace with praise and thanksgiving on our tongues and in our hearts. We come asking Lord, for peace that passes all understanding. We come asking for strength to stand in the face of adversity. But most of all, we come asking with humbled hearts and minds, that You would hear our prayers and our petitions. Master, we need You to speak to the winds of adversity that are blowing against us, peace be still. We come asking that You hold on to our hands and the storms of life toss us about. We come asking that You would hide us under the wings of Your salvation as the roaring lions draws near in an effort to devour us. Lord, we ask that You would keep all of our families, friends, co-workers and brothers and sisters in perfect peace this and everyday. Bless us right now in the name of Jesus. Our prayers are not complete until we let You know just how much we love You. Our prayers on not complete until we sing songs of praise to You alone. Lord, we lift Your name on high, we give You all of our love, all of our praise and sing songs of praise all the day long. Thank You Lord for one more day. Bless You Lord. Hallelujah, Praise God thank You Jesus, in his name we pray, Amen.

Scripture:
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 1 Peter 1:13-14

Saints, how many of you have heard of self talk? What that means is that if you tell yourself something often enough, you begin to believe it for yourselves. Just like the story of the "Little Train That Could" who went from I think I can, I think I can, to I know I can, I know I can!

Well the same thing applies to our daily lives. When we constantly tell ourselves the same things over and over, I am going to have a bad day, no one loves me, I can't do that, I hate him/her, I hate my job, I will never do any of those things I always wanted to do, God doesn't hear my prayers. That is what we really start to believe.

Instead of telling yourself how much you can't do, start telling & believing in what God has told you, you can do! I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST JESUS! I HAVE THE FAITH OF A MUSTARD SEED AND I AM TELLING THOSE MOUNTAINS OF DOUBT, HATE, ANGER, DISCORD, SICKNESS, UNHAPPINESS, STRESS, DEPRESSION; GET OUT OF MY WAY. I AM A CHILD OF THE MOST HIGH KING AND YES! JESUS LOVES ME!
Saints, tell satan to get out of your ear. Listen only to what God is telling you. And I guarantee you, you too will be just like the Little Train That Could! I KNOW I CAN, BECAUSE GOD HAS ALREADY GIVEN ME THE DESIRES OF MY HEART AND I CLAIM MY VICTORIES TODAY!
Prayer:
Father, as we start a new day, help us to be mindful not to claim anything that is not of You. If my days don't start the way we want them to, that's okay, because this too shall pass. When we start to feel lonely or alone, That's okay, because Jesus will be with me, even until the end of time. When we no longer have those persons in our lives whom we thought would always be there for us and with us, that's okay, because Jesus Loves me. Lord touch our soldiers, this morning, touch those saints who are reading this message right now. Help us to always be mindful that the victory is already won, by Christ Jesus and by his stripes, we are healed. Keep our families and loved ones under the wings of Your protection. Thank You Father for speaking a word into our spirit that heals the wounds that the world has inflicted upon us. Thank You Lord for the Blood of the Lamb. Thank You Lord for Loving us so much. Father, we lift up holy hands to You, thanking You and praising Your most Holy Name. In the name of Jesus, we submit this prayer, Amen.

Scripture:
"Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God." - Romans 15:7

On Sunday after church, I was full and satisfied. You see, I went to my father's table and was fed by the word of God. I started the day by going to my new members class, where my local Sheppard, reminded us, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

After class, I rushed home to pick up my sons and my nephew so we could all return for more nourishment. Upon our return, I discovered that the service had already started and that the Holy Spirit was being uplifted and magnified in the sanctuary. I was ready to sip from the fountain that never runs dry.

Our guest pastor, an awesome man of God who provided plate after plate, after plate, of the most succulent morsels, just kept right on feeding my spirit. I along with so many others were so full as we drew near the end of the service, that we could barely make it out to our cars afterward.

Have you ever had so much to eat all you could do was keep on smiling all day? Did you get up days later with that same stupid smile plastered on you face at the thought of what wonderful things you feasted on two days before? Well saints, this morning, I did. And that how it should be with the word of God. A word that fill you so, that every time you think about it, a smile that lights up the world appears on your face.

Be Blessed.

Prayer:
My soul is full of unspeakable joy at the thought of Your precious word. Father, we give thanks for our pastors this morning, who constantly remind us to seek the word of God. We thank You Lord, for Your word, that becomes manifest in our lives. We thank You Lord, for the Holy Spirit, that guides and directs us, in the word. We thank You Lord, for the word, that became flesh and dwelt among us. Lord, come this morning with a word hidden in our hearts and praises on our lips to uplift and magnify You this morning. We come Lord, thanking You for our brothers and sisters in Christ, who speak Your word into existence, and who have come to stand in the gap once again for one another. Lord, touch every family that is represented here today. We ask for a special covering of the blood, for those saints whose names are listed on our prayer list. Every time we stop and think how wonderful You are, we say thank You. Every time we think about our blessings, we say thank You. Every time we think about Your word, We say; Thank You Lord, for Your word that keeps on blessing me. Father, we give You all honor, praise, and glory, in the name of Jesus, we submit our prayers. 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-Shaddai, 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:
He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire. "Be still, and know that I am God; Psalm 46:9-10

How many of you are familiar with a song called "Ball of Confusion", by the Temptations? It was a song from the seventies; for those of you too young to remember, that talked about the condition of our world. Wrong kinds of conditions.

Some of the lyrics talked about war, drugs, hate, segregation, and a multitude of other situations. "Round and around and around we go where the world's headed, nobody knows." Many of the same problems and situations still exist today.

As some of you know, I like to write. A very interesting tool that I use is called "the reverse dictionary lookup. What you do, is type in a phrase or concept that you are trying to find a word for. I typed in ball of confusion, and interestingly, some of the words that came back were, mess, interference, bewilderment, turmoil, mayhem, upset, and the list went on and on.

Sometimes we find that our lives are caught in a ball of confusion. There is confusion all around us. We find that our lives are a mess, we are lost and bewildered. We live tumultuous lives, there is mayhem all around us. We are constantly upset, and the band played on.

Saints, when there is confusion all around us, we can't hear the word of God. When there is turmoil and mayhem all around us, we tend to take our minds off God. When we are bewildered and upset, we can't be in tune to what God is trying to tell us.

Saints of God, when you find yourself caught in a ball of confusion, find yourself a quiet place. Even if you have to go hide in a closet. Tell satan to "shut up and get out of my way. Focus on the word of God, not on your problems. Concentrate on the Promises of God. Turn those very same problems over to God. He has said, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." "we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. "The LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.

And finally he say; ""I am the LORD , the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Lord, we come before Your throne of grace this morning seeking peace. We come kneeling before You today, seeking the restoration of our quiet time with You. Lord, so much is going on around me that I need to just stop and spend some time with You. Lord, I will keep my mind and my eyes staid on You today. I will leave my problems, my situations, all of the confusion and the mess of my life, on the alter of sacrificing. I will not listen to the negative words that are spoken in my life today. I will seek only Your love, Your comfort, Your strength and Your joy. These are the things that You have already given me if I would just take a moment to find them in Your word. Your word which is the master plan for our lives. Your word that has all of the answers that we seek. Lord, I also have to stop and admit that much of the confusion around me I have allowed to happen. I have made wrong decisions and choices that have blocked me and prevented me from being in right relationship with You. Forgive me Lord, for my wrong choices. Deliver me Lord, from bad situations. Hold my hand Lord, as I find my way back to You. Thank You Lord, for being there when I need. You. Thank You for blessing and keeping me. Thank You for Your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Scripture:
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

While growing up I heard many references to being in the valley. Now for some of you who may not be familiar with the term, in the valley is equated to going through something. In days gone by, a valley was a route to get from one place to the next. A journey through most valleys was a long and treacherous journey.

Many of us are in a valley experience right now. Some of us go from one valley into the next, seemingly never to reach our mountain tops.

Well today, I am here to tell you that even in your valley experience, God is there with you. Even in your times of trouble, he still grants you peace. Even as we walk through the valleys of sickness, depression, financial difficulties, death, and disaster, God will never leave us nor forsake us.

Even when it seems that we cannot take the next step, he is there to comfort us, grant us peace, and help us make it out to the other side!

Prayer:
God bless those of us who are battling those inner demons of depression, loneliness, unworthiness, and hopelessness. Shine Your warm Heavenly Light down upon all of us, Lord, guide us to find peace, happiness, and contentment in our lives and within ourselves. The Lord is my light and my salvation-whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life-of whom shall I be afraid? When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. Heavenly Father, in my present need, help me to believe that You are aware of my anxiety and will do what is best for me. Give me the strength to trust You and put the present and future in Your hands. We pray, O God of hope, for all families whose lives are torn and disrupted by drugs and alcohol. Enable them to identify the illness. Strengthen them to seek help. Bless them with the power of Your love, which imparts transformation and wholeness to those who trust in Your name. Grant that as they walk this tortured road, they may journey together and bound close in the bond of love. Lord, we thank You for this day. for life and one more day to love, for neighbors, family, and friends. One more person to love and by whom be loved, for Your grace and one more experience of Your presence, for Your promise: to be with us, to be our God, and to give salvation. For these, and all blessings, we give You thanks, eternal, loving God, through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Scripture:
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6:11-13

When each of us gets up in the morning, we usually have a certain routine that we follow as we prepare for the day. I for example, get up and head downstairs to turn on my coffee pot. (Got to have my morning java). I then head to the bathroom to do my grooming, grab a cup of coffee, head back upstairs, take my rollers out and get dressed.

Now very seldom does that particular routine change. Being a woman there are certain things that I will put on. I usually have picked out what I am going to wear the night before so I already know what that is as I prepare for my day.

Now you ask, okay, we know that Jackie is a praying sister, so when does she take the time to pray? I pray in my car on my way to work each morning. I pray when I get to my office before I sit down and start my day. I pray before I start writing these messages.

But lately I have found myself forgetting to pray about something that is very important and I realized that maybe, just maybe the enemy realizes it too. As I get dressed each day, I have forgotten to put on my amour.

You see, in the middle ages the solders, or knights, as they were called, always prepared themselves for battle. The amour was a way of protecting themselves against attacks from the enemy. As they prepared to go out and fight, they would never ever dream of not putting on certain items. The protective clothing (covering) or amour.

having girded (fortify) your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate (protects your ribcage & heart) of righteousness, and having shod (footwear) your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

"And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword (God's weapon of choice) of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints...."

Even though we know that this is a spiritual battle that the Lord will fight for us, we must still be prepared. We must still arm ourselves with our spiritual weapons because we never know when the enemy might attack us. So Saints of God each morning as you prepare for your day, ALWAYS put on the whole amour, not your a piece here and there, but the whole amour of God.

Prayer:
I will trust in the Lord with all that I am. I will let go and let God be in control this day. I will surrender my all to him alone. Emanuel, Prince of Peace, Lord of Lords. You are known by many names but we know that You are the great I Am. Father God, thank You for keeping us once again. Thank You Lord for watching over us and our loved ones. Thank You Lord for the Blood that was shed so that each of us could enter into Your kingdom. Father God, we come before the throne of grace prepared to stand and fight against he who seeks to steal, kill and destroy us. We stand before You prepared to stand and fight the good fight of faith another day. Lord, we know that our fight is not that of flesh and blood, but a spiritual battle that You fight on our behalf each and everyday. Thank You Father for loving me that much. Lord, we pray Your for Your hedge of protection, we plead the Blood of Jesus, We submit our will to Yours as we let go and let You be in control. Bless You name Lord. Thank You Lord. Hallelujah Lord. Amen.

Scripture:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Saints,
Are there days when it seems that life is so overwhelming that you just can't take it? Are there times when no matter what you do things just won't go the way you want them to? You’ve prayed about it, cried about it, tried to do something about it, and nothing happens?

Well today I want you to recognize and realize that God can't do anything about your situation until you take your hands off of it! You ask, what do you mean, take my hands off it, I told you I already prayed about it!

Well, to truly say that you have turned your situations, your problems, your challenges over to God means just that! You have gone before God, told him about it, and left it there. You are trusting God to handle the situation. You stop worrying about it. You stop trying to change it. You stop praying about it every time as though it's a brand new problem. Stop giving it to him and then taking it back by trying to make it work on your own!

When you talk to God about those situations, let him know that you know he is working it out. He already knows about it. Calm your spirit and wait on the Lord. Do those things that you must that are within your power, but let God take the lead and direct you. Trust him, he will work it out!

Prayer:
Lord, we come before the throne of Grace knowing that You are still there. We come before You this morning with a renewed spirit knowing that in Your time, You will work it out. Father, we know that so often we give our problems to You and take them back before You have had a chance to answer them the way we want them answered. Forgive us Lord. Teach us Lord, the patience of Job. Give us the peace that passes all understanding as we wait. Guide and direct us so that we do things in order, according to Your word. Father, Father, help each of us to know that know matter what we may be going through, You are still on the throne. Thank You Father. Now Lord, continue to touch Your saints. We know You know all about our troubles. We leave it all on the alter. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Scripture:
You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. John 8:44

You are not good enough. God doesn't Love you. If he did, he wouldn't have allowed that to happen to you. You can't do that. You are not smart enough. You don't belong here. Your wife/husband doesn't love you. They are just using you.

Saints, have any of the above statements popped into your head at one time or another? Do you sometimes doubt that God loves you? Do you ever wonder does God really hear your prayers?
Well, this morning I just want you to know, that yes, he does hear your prayers. But so does satan. You see, satan is a liar and the truth is not in him. He will often times plant seeds of doubt in your mind in an attempt to turn you away from the word of God.

God has already told you, he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not allow negative thoughts or words to separate you from the love of God. God Loves you and so do I.

Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus, we come this morning rebuking satan. We already know that You are with us this day and every day. Lord, help us to be strong in the face of adversity. Continue to be with those saints who are listed on our prayer list. Place Your hedge of protection around all of Your Saints and their families today. Father, we Love You. We thank You. We humble ourselves before You, not only this day, but each day we are allowed to come before the throne of grace. Father, we ask this and all things in the blood of the Lamb, 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 shared a 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 closes doors 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 straight 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:
Wait for the LORD ; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. Psalm 27:14

Recently, I had a conversation with a friend and he told me that he had interviewed for a job out of state and was expecting that he would be moving by the end of the month. However, he was starting to become a little nervous because he had not heard back from the company even though he had been assured that the job was his.

I knew from earlier conversations that even though he was ready to move, he had quite a few loose ends to tie up before he could actually move. As we talked I explained this to him and included that if in fact he had been notified and told that he would be moving right away, he would become doubly stressed in getting everything he needed to do done in time.

Sometimes even when we know that God is giving us our blessings or that our blessings are on the way, he will put us into a holding pattern because there may be other things that need to be done before we can truly accept them. He knows better than us that sometimes even when we think we are ready, there may still be things to do that can't be left undone.
So Saints I encourage you, to wait on the Lord, because your blessings are on the way.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Father, help us learn to wait on you and to be still and of good courage. We recognize that sometimes we get impatient and want what we want right now, but we also recognize that what we want right now isn't always what you want for us. Thank you Father for the wait. For we know that everything is done in your perfect time and not ours. Father, we ask for new revelations of your word today. We ask that your presence be magnified in our lives. Help us Lord, to always keep you in everything that we do and say. Bless your name Lord. Thank you for the victories that will be won today in your name. We speak these things as though they were. Praise God Hallelujah, Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lamb of God in his name we pray. Amen

Scripture: "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18-19

Saints, why is it when something is going bad, we start thinking about all the bad that has happened in our past? Why is it that when we get upset with someone, we think about how they made us angry, in the past? Why is it that when we think we are failing, we think about all of the failures of our past? Why is it that we often times remember the pain that old relationships have caused us when dealing with problems in our new relationships? Why is it that we can't forgive ourselves for our past and still beat ourselves up about mistakes that we made a long time ago?

Saints, learn to leave the past where it belongs. In the past. Learn to forgive and move on. Learn to let go and move on. Learn to forgive yourselves for your past sins because God already forgave you the moment that you asked.

In today's word God speaks about letting go and seeing what he is doing in your lives right now! God's word speaks about how he is able to make a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. In other words, he has the power to make a change in your lives no matter how desolate the situation seems to you if you would JUST LET IT GO AND LEAVE IT BEHIND! But most of all, trust in him and look ahead and not behind.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
El Shaddai, you who are All Mighty, all Powerful, my Savior and Lord. Take control of my life. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Make me the kind of person you want me to be. Father, help me to let go of my past and walk into my blessings of today. Lord, help me to let go of my sins of yesterday and embrace the forgiveness that you have in your heart for me. Lord, I am weak. I seek your strength and ask that you would help me to be still and listen to your word so that I may be able to gather a renewed strength and purpose even in the wilderness. Lord, I am like Elijah, in a desert situation but know that my help and my blessings are still being provided by you. Thank you Lord. Lord, help me to let go and let God. Use me today Lord to be a blessing to someone else. Touch me Lord, just to let me know that you are still walking with me. Have mercy Lord, our needs and our afflictions are too many to name, but we know that you know what those needs are and we ask that you would bless us according to your tender mercies. Thank you Father. Thank you Jesus, in his name we pray. Glory Hallelujah, Praise God, Amen.

Scripture: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. John 3:16-18

A few years ago when my youngest son Joseph was seven years old we. went to see and illustrated sermon called "The Whip, The Hammer, and The Cross.” It was the story of Jesus Christ as presented by Greater Grace Temple, a local church here in Detroit. Now I have gone to see several gospel plays, but I must say this was not a play.

The dynamic Bishop Ellis, brought a totally new dimension to the telling of this story by combining a theatrical production and church service! He not only told the story of the reason why Jesus came, to reconcile we sinners to God, but also how jealously and persecution that led to his death. It bought home the realization of what Jesus knowingly and willingly did. so that every sinner would have a chance to enter into the kingdom of Heaven.

He also very pointedly told how so many of us are willing to cast aside his works for popular opinion. He told of how the Jews praised and exalted him one day and called for his crucifixion the next. How on that infamous Psalm’s Sunday, when They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" Blessed is the King of Israel!" Then a few day later condemned him to die on the cross as a blasphemer.

Without going into much more detail, my son Joseph, who has been in church since day one, left the service asking why, and wanting to be baptized! Praise God! (As Baptist, our children have to confess Jesus Christ for themselves. We do not believe in having them Baptized until they accept Jesus Christ as their own personal Savior).

Saints, my son as a mere babe in the word, recognized how much Jesus Loves him. He wants to join the Kingdom of God. What about you? Do you know how much he loves you? Do you realize the price that Jesus paid so that you and I can have a chance to enter into his Kingdom?

Prayer
Our heavenly Father, we come giving thanks that You loved us that much to sacrifice Your only begotten son. We thank You Lord, that You have given us the keys to the kingdom that was bought with the price of the blood of Your precious son. Jesus, we thank You that You loved us enough to go to the cross to save a sinner such as me. Father, if we had ten thousand tongues, we could never offer up enough thanks and praise for what You have done, so that we might be saved. Oh, how precious is the Blood of the Lamb. Lord, in our living, let not the shedding of Your blood have been in vain. Father God, Holy Spirit, Precious Jesus, our love and gratitude to You can never be enough to pay the cost for Your gifts. Thank You Lord. Continue to be with those saints who need You today. Continue to be with our troops who are still far away from the safety of home. Thank You Lord, as we ask these things in the name of Jesus. 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

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 loved us that 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:
He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him. Proverbs 13:24 NIV

Some time ago as I halfheartedly listened to the news, I heard a story that disturbed me greatly. A mother who whipped her son, who was acting up in school, was arrested for 3rd degree child abuse and fired from her job.

It seems, that she hit him several times on his legs with a belt for acting up in school and now she is the criminal. Now, we may not truly know the entire circumstances of what happened, but from what I gather from the story, I didn't see anything excessive.

Personally, I am so tired of hearing about how bad our children are, how they are out of control in the schools, in the homes, and in the streets. You hear stories about how parents, especially mothers, are afraid of their own children. Some teachers, and school administrators will be some of the first to say how they don't want to be bothered with certain children because they cannot teach them because they are so out of control.

Everyone, especially children need to understand that there are consequences for everything that we do. Some good, some bad. God repeatedly tells us how important it is to do what he has commanded us to do. When we become hard headed and decide to do what we want to do instead of what God has commanded us to do, we too must suffer the consequences. I would hate to think of what my life would be like if ever there was someone who tried to chastise my heavenly father for loving me enough to discipline me.

Prayer:
Father, we come this morning to thank You for loving us enough to discipline us. I know that personally, I step outside of You will and do what I want instead of doing what You have commanded me to do. It is during those times of chastisement, that I realize just how much You love me and only what the best for me. Your kingdom, Your inheritance, my place beside Your son in heaven. Father, we know that we don't always do what is right in Your sight, but we come asking that You continue to forgive us and never stop loving us. Lord, we thank You for Your continuing love, Your blessings, and fresh grace with the dawning of each day. Father, we come standing in the gap for one another. Watch over all of Your saints this day. Hiding us all under the wings of Your protection. We thank You lord, as we ask these things in the name of Jesus. And all the saints say, Amen.

Scripture:
Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Deuteronomy 31:6

Saints, last night my youngest son came into my room and said he was scared. I asked, why was he scared. His reply was, “because we are at war.” He was afraid that people were fighting in the streets right here in our neighborhood.

Make no mistake, we are at war. But the war we are engaged in didn't just start yesterday. We have been at war for quite some time. We have been at war since we decided to follow the word of God.

The attacks have increased not because a bomb was launched, but because we are living in perilous times. Our strength and resolve are being tested each and everyday when we get up and commit to serving God again today.

I have noticed that our troops are faltering. They are becoming war weary and dis-heartened. Why, I ask myself. As I reflect on that question, I have to say because we have become tired. Our strength is starting to fade and we are allowing the enemy to enter into our camps.

Saints, today I urge you today to gather new strength. To supplicate yourselves with the Word of God. To join together in fellowship and draw strength from one another. Even if you feel you don't have the strength to pray for yourselves, pray for one another, your brothers and sisters in Christ.

The Lord our God has said, he is with us always, even until the end of time. He will never leave us nor forsake us. Put on you armor today saints and go forth and fight the Good Fight of Faith!

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father, we come this morning weary from the multitude of battles we are fighting. Help us Lord to recognize when we are under attack. Help us to gather strength from one another. The strength to stand on Your word. The strength to stand in the gap for one another. The strength to recognize that even when we falter, You are with us always. Lord, we ask that You place Your hedge of protection around our troops that have been deployed to fight for our country. Keep them save in Your arms. Lord, we thank You for this day and for our trials and tribulations for without them, we would not know just how awesome You are. We love You Lord. We praise and uplift Your most holy name. As we ask these and all things in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Scripture:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3

Saints, How many of you realize that you are broken? We appear to be alright on the outside, but something within us, just isn't right. Now many of you are probably saying, " there is nothing wrong with me".

Well, I hate to tell you this, but we all have some sort of issue. Some struggle with anger, others with envy, and still others struggle with controlling their tongues. I am not accusing anyone of things that I know nothing about, but I just want others to realize that none of us is perfect and that each of us has something that we struggle with almost daily.

I smoke. Now some may not think that this is a big issue, but I know that my addiction to cigarettes is not pleasing to God. I am not keeping his temple clean and holy. I struggle with this constantly.

I ask God each and everyday to search me. My heart, my mind and my spirit. I ask that he would remove those things from me that are not of him. But, I still have to do my part.

What about you?

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Oh yes, fix me, Jesus, fix me. Fix me so that I can walk on a little while longer. Fix me so that I can pray on just a little bit harder. Fix me so that I can sing on just a little bit louder. Fix me so that I can go on despite the pain, the fear, the doubt, and yes, the anger, I ask not that You take this cross from me, only that You give me the strength to continue carrying it onward 'til my dying day. Oh, fix me, Jesus, fix me. Amen.