Thursday, April 26, 2007
Do Not Be Afraid
Remember, only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go. ~ T.S. Eliot
Scripture:
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:10 (New International Version)
As a child, I remember having to say the Pledge of Allegiance each morning before the start of class. I remember that God was held in high reverence and people were actually respectful at the mere mention of His name. I remember that the Christmas holiday was a true celebration of his birth, as families traveled long distances to share in the joy of the season, together. We would go to church as a family and drive around, looking for houses that had been decorated in honor of the season.
As time as progressed, life centered around God started changing. Children are forbidden to say the words UNDER GOD, when reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Now, prayer isn’t even allowed in school for fear of offending anyone. Christmas has become a celebration of gifts, not God. And nativity scenes are brought under fire and in many cases removed for fear of being sued.
As I reflect upon many of the things that are currently transpiring in today’s world, I often ask; Lord, what have we done by allowing those who supposedly support free speech, to take our Christian voices away. Why are we so afraid to take a stand for what we believe in, namely, You? Why are we being silenced from doing what we were charged with, spreading the Good News of the Gospel.
So many of us who believe in the one true God have been bullied, badgered and persecuted until we have lost the will and desire to stand up for what we believe in. We are unwilling to pray in public, banished from the school houses and giving honor to God for victories, because of those people out there who don’t believe in what we believe in.
When we will say, ENOUGH? I love the Lord and I am not afraid to say it.
Remember, if you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Almighty God, whose beloved Son willingly endured the agony and shame of the cross for our redemption: Give us courage to take up our cross and follow Him; who lives and reigns for ever and ever. O Lord, grant me to greet the coming day in peace, help me in all things to rely upon Your holy will. In every hour of the day reveal Your will to me. Bless my dealings with all who surround me. Teach me to treat all that comes to throughout the day with peace of soul and with firm conviction that Your will governs all. In all my deeds and words, guide my thoughts and feelings. In unforeseen events, let me not forget that all are sent by You. Teach me to act firmly and wisely, without embittering and embarrassing others. Give me strength to bear the fatigue of the coming day with all that it shall bring. Direct my will, teach me to pray. Lord, You are to be blessed and praised; all good things come from You: You are in our words and in our thoughts, and in all that we do. AMEN!
Scripture:
Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:10 (New International Version)
As a child, I remember having to say the Pledge of Allegiance each morning before the start of class. I remember that God was held in high reverence and people were actually respectful at the mere mention of His name. I remember that the Christmas holiday was a true celebration of his birth, as families traveled long distances to share in the joy of the season, together. We would go to church as a family and drive around, looking for houses that had been decorated in honor of the season.
As time as progressed, life centered around God started changing. Children are forbidden to say the words UNDER GOD, when reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Now, prayer isn’t even allowed in school for fear of offending anyone. Christmas has become a celebration of gifts, not God. And nativity scenes are brought under fire and in many cases removed for fear of being sued.
As I reflect upon many of the things that are currently transpiring in today’s world, I often ask; Lord, what have we done by allowing those who supposedly support free speech, to take our Christian voices away. Why are we so afraid to take a stand for what we believe in, namely, You? Why are we being silenced from doing what we were charged with, spreading the Good News of the Gospel.
So many of us who believe in the one true God have been bullied, badgered and persecuted until we have lost the will and desire to stand up for what we believe in. We are unwilling to pray in public, banished from the school houses and giving honor to God for victories, because of those people out there who don’t believe in what we believe in.
When we will say, ENOUGH? I love the Lord and I am not afraid to say it.
Remember, if you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything.
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Almighty God, whose beloved Son willingly endured the agony and shame of the cross for our redemption: Give us courage to take up our cross and follow Him; who lives and reigns for ever and ever. O Lord, grant me to greet the coming day in peace, help me in all things to rely upon Your holy will. In every hour of the day reveal Your will to me. Bless my dealings with all who surround me. Teach me to treat all that comes to throughout the day with peace of soul and with firm conviction that Your will governs all. In all my deeds and words, guide my thoughts and feelings. In unforeseen events, let me not forget that all are sent by You. Teach me to act firmly and wisely, without embittering and embarrassing others. Give me strength to bear the fatigue of the coming day with all that it shall bring. Direct my will, teach me to pray. Lord, You are to be blessed and praised; all good things come from You: You are in our words and in our thoughts, and in all that we do. AMEN!
Monday, April 23, 2007
Going Through To Get To!
Remember, Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it. ~Michael Jordan
Scripture:
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have. Philippians 1:29-30 (New International Version)
Recently, I had a conversation with a friend who just discovered some life altering news. As we talked about this new revelation, through her tears she asked, Why am I always going through?
As I tried to comfort my friend, I tried to explain to her going through something, is just a journey. It is a journey of our souls from one place to the other.
Today I am here to tell you that even as you are going through, 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.
Understand that each and everyone will have to go through something. Sometimes it’s because of things that we have done, the choices that we have made, or even just because it's necessary. Sometimes God allows us to go through something for our good. Maybe it's to protect us. Maybe it's to help us see just how blessed we are. Maybe it's to help us grow.There is one very important thing that I have learned about going through the valley of trials and tribulations and that is, none of us will stay in the valley.
It's just a journey to the other side!
Be Blessed
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:
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have. Philippians 1:29-30 (New International Version)
Recently, I had a conversation with a friend who just discovered some life altering news. As we talked about this new revelation, through her tears she asked, Why am I always going through?
As I tried to comfort my friend, I tried to explain to her going through something, is just a journey. It is a journey of our souls from one place to the other.
Today I am here to tell you that even as you are going through, 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.
Understand that each and everyone will have to go through something. Sometimes it’s because of things that we have done, the choices that we have made, or even just because it's necessary. Sometimes God allows us to go through something for our good. Maybe it's to protect us. Maybe it's to help us see just how blessed we are. Maybe it's to help us grow.There is one very important thing that I have learned about going through the valley of trials and tribulations and that is, none of us will stay in the valley.
It's just a journey to the other side!
Be Blessed
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.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
The Life Changing Word of God
Remember, we don't change God's message -- His message changes us.
Scripture:
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:17-19 (New International Version)
I remember a time when I wasn’t saved, sanctified and Holy-Ghost filled. I used to believe that people who believed in God were stupid and foolish. I mean, how could they believe in something that they could not see?
Yeah, I used to go to church and listen to the Man of God preach about heaven, but I found it hard to believe that there could be a heaven with so much hell on earth. I saw poverty and despair all around me. I saw supposedly “good” people suffering in ways that they didn’t deserve. I watched as a very good “Christian” friend suffered through the pain and agony of a cancer that would one day take her life. Yes, I knew about God but somehow, I found it hard to believe that he knew about me.
Then one Sunday as I sat in church listening to the preacher talk about how God knows and sees our struggles and about how we needed to see beyond our natural and start looking at God through His supernatural eye; I felt something that I had never before experienced; A peace that passes all understanding. My eyes were opened for the very first time.
On that all important day, I began to see and experience the true power of the Holy Spirit as it landed on me and changed the course of my life. I finally got it. I finally understood with my heart what God’s message was all about. It wasn’t about what we see and hear around us, it is about what a relationship with God truly meant.
I finally understood that what I had been going to church for all those years weren’t meant to change the world around me. Rather, it was meant to change my world; A world that places God at its center. The word of God is an instrument that is used to lead us and teach us as we journey through this world. The word of God is a lesson to aid us as we are reconciled to the kingdom of God. The word of God is the key to the kingdom.
Aren’t you glad for His Word?
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, we come before the throne of grace to give thanks for Your word. Your word that gives us life eternal through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We thank You for the gift of life: for the breath that sustains life, for the food of this earth that nurtures life, for the love of family and friends without which there would be no life. O Lord, Your compassions never fail and Your mercies are new every morning: We give You thanks for giving each of us relief from pain and hope of health renewed. Continue in us, we pray, the good work You have begun; that we, daily increasing in bodily strength, and rejoicing in Your goodness, may so order our lives and conduct that we may always think and do those things that please You; through Jesus Christ our Lord. We give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. Amen.
Scripture:
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:17-19 (New International Version)
I remember a time when I wasn’t saved, sanctified and Holy-Ghost filled. I used to believe that people who believed in God were stupid and foolish. I mean, how could they believe in something that they could not see?
Yeah, I used to go to church and listen to the Man of God preach about heaven, but I found it hard to believe that there could be a heaven with so much hell on earth. I saw poverty and despair all around me. I saw supposedly “good” people suffering in ways that they didn’t deserve. I watched as a very good “Christian” friend suffered through the pain and agony of a cancer that would one day take her life. Yes, I knew about God but somehow, I found it hard to believe that he knew about me.
Then one Sunday as I sat in church listening to the preacher talk about how God knows and sees our struggles and about how we needed to see beyond our natural and start looking at God through His supernatural eye; I felt something that I had never before experienced; A peace that passes all understanding. My eyes were opened for the very first time.
On that all important day, I began to see and experience the true power of the Holy Spirit as it landed on me and changed the course of my life. I finally got it. I finally understood with my heart what God’s message was all about. It wasn’t about what we see and hear around us, it is about what a relationship with God truly meant.
I finally understood that what I had been going to church for all those years weren’t meant to change the world around me. Rather, it was meant to change my world; A world that places God at its center. The word of God is an instrument that is used to lead us and teach us as we journey through this world. The word of God is a lesson to aid us as we are reconciled to the kingdom of God. The word of God is the key to the kingdom.
Aren’t you glad for His Word?
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, we come before the throne of grace to give thanks for Your word. Your word that gives us life eternal through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We thank You for the gift of life: for the breath that sustains life, for the food of this earth that nurtures life, for the love of family and friends without which there would be no life. O Lord, Your compassions never fail and Your mercies are new every morning: We give You thanks for giving each of us relief from pain and hope of health renewed. Continue in us, we pray, the good work You have begun; that we, daily increasing in bodily strength, and rejoicing in Your goodness, may so order our lives and conduct that we may always think and do those things that please You; through Jesus Christ our Lord. We give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. Amen.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Experiencing Life
Remember, Life is a series of experiences, each one of which makes us bigger, even though sometimes it is hard to realize this. For the world was built to develop character, and we must learn that the setbacks and grieves which we endure help us in our marching onward. ~ Henry Ford
Scripture:
Then maidens will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow. Jeremiah 31:13
I often use real life experiences when I write my devotionals. I like to contrast my life and the lives of those around me to the word of God. I do this because I believe that when others can see the manifestation of God in today’s world, they will walk away saying, “I get it!
I would like to believe that in everything we do, there is a lesson to be learned. I know that is usually the case for me. Even our failures and disappointments can be a learning experience if we allow it.
In the bible, Jesus often used parables to tell a story. The reason that he did this was so that those around him would receive what he had to say. Now I am not comparing myself to Jesus, but I too use parables to get my point across. I often get responses to these devotionals from readers telling me just how much my message touched their lives. These messages are truly humbling to me.
You see, I would like to believe that much of what I go through is not in vain and that others can learn from my past mistakes. I would like to believe that some of the things that I write about cause others to evaluate their lives and their relationship with God. I would like to believe that my messages are making a difference in someone else’s life. I would like to believe that others can be comforted and uplifted in my written word.
Remember, your life experiences are but an opportunity for God to step in and show out!
May God richly bless each and every one of you during this Holy Season!
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, sometimes it seems that life is full of grief and sorrow. We look around and see only death and destruction. We see our brothers and sisters forsaken by the powers that be. In the midst of riches, we see the poverty. In a country of abundance, many suffer from hunger. We see arrogance instead of humility. But even in the midst of the darkness that surrounds us, we can still see the light. Jesus Christ, the light of the world. Father God, we come before the throne of grace once again, seeking Your face, Your grace and mercy. Lord, we seek the comfort of Your loving arms. Lord, help us to always remember that this world will one day pass away. You are not of this world and neither are Your saints. Your Son was sent to save a dying world; we come thanking You for saving us. We realize that weeping will endure for a night, but joy will come in the morning. Thank You Father, for that promise. Now Lord, we ask that You would empower us to help a dying world. Magnify Your light that is within us. Strengthen us so that we may look outside of ourselves and reach out to help others. May Your light so shine within us that others may see it and be drawn to You. Comfort our grieving, strengthen or weak, heal our sick, give us new hope where there is none and unspeakable joy. The joy of the Lord. The joy that the world can't give nor can the world take it away. Thank You Lord, for second chance. I know that I didn't get it all right yesterday, but I thank You for another chance today. I love the Lord, he heard my cry. Thank You for wiping away my tears and giving me new hope in Christ Jesus, it is in His name we pray, amen.
Scripture:
Then maidens will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow. Jeremiah 31:13
I often use real life experiences when I write my devotionals. I like to contrast my life and the lives of those around me to the word of God. I do this because I believe that when others can see the manifestation of God in today’s world, they will walk away saying, “I get it!
I would like to believe that in everything we do, there is a lesson to be learned. I know that is usually the case for me. Even our failures and disappointments can be a learning experience if we allow it.
In the bible, Jesus often used parables to tell a story. The reason that he did this was so that those around him would receive what he had to say. Now I am not comparing myself to Jesus, but I too use parables to get my point across. I often get responses to these devotionals from readers telling me just how much my message touched their lives. These messages are truly humbling to me.
You see, I would like to believe that much of what I go through is not in vain and that others can learn from my past mistakes. I would like to believe that some of the things that I write about cause others to evaluate their lives and their relationship with God. I would like to believe that my messages are making a difference in someone else’s life. I would like to believe that others can be comforted and uplifted in my written word.
Remember, your life experiences are but an opportunity for God to step in and show out!
May God richly bless each and every one of you during this Holy Season!
Be Blessed
Prayer:
Father God, sometimes it seems that life is full of grief and sorrow. We look around and see only death and destruction. We see our brothers and sisters forsaken by the powers that be. In the midst of riches, we see the poverty. In a country of abundance, many suffer from hunger. We see arrogance instead of humility. But even in the midst of the darkness that surrounds us, we can still see the light. Jesus Christ, the light of the world. Father God, we come before the throne of grace once again, seeking Your face, Your grace and mercy. Lord, we seek the comfort of Your loving arms. Lord, help us to always remember that this world will one day pass away. You are not of this world and neither are Your saints. Your Son was sent to save a dying world; we come thanking You for saving us. We realize that weeping will endure for a night, but joy will come in the morning. Thank You Father, for that promise. Now Lord, we ask that You would empower us to help a dying world. Magnify Your light that is within us. Strengthen us so that we may look outside of ourselves and reach out to help others. May Your light so shine within us that others may see it and be drawn to You. Comfort our grieving, strengthen or weak, heal our sick, give us new hope where there is none and unspeakable joy. The joy of the Lord. The joy that the world can't give nor can the world take it away. Thank You Lord, for second chance. I know that I didn't get it all right yesterday, but I thank You for another chance today. I love the Lord, he heard my cry. Thank You for wiping away my tears and giving me new hope in Christ Jesus, it is in His name we pray, amen.
