Archived Daily Devotionals

Be daring, be different, be impractical, be anything that will assert integrity of purpose and imaginative vision against the play-it-safers, the creatures of the commonplace, the slaves of the ordinary. ~ Cecil Beaton

Scripture:
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light 1 Peter 2:9

Recently I began work on a paper for school. Essentially, I asked the question, do we as Christians often use phrases or terms that could be confusing to someone who's not in the word. For example, when we say we are highly favored, we automatically know that we are talking about being highly favored by God.

As I gave this topic a little more thought, I realized it's not only how we speak that makes us seem different but being a Christian is often reflected in the things that we do and say. Another example that came to mind was a few years ago, some of my Christians sisters and I (hello ladies, you know who you are) had gone out to celebrate my birthday. All of us were having a good time laughing and dancing to some old school music. Then the tone of the music changed and a song came on that was offensive to women.

I immediately left the dance floor and realized that each of those ladies had also done the same thing. We laughed about it because none of us had planned or talked about it, but we all felt the same way. We could not as Christian women condone the message in that music.

Christians often do or say things that the rest of the world just can't understand. We read the bible or Christian books because we want to. We listen to gospel music or a recorded sermon in the middle of the week. We praise God even when things around us may not be going right.

The NIV bible interprets the above scripture this way: But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Lord, thank You. Thank for Father for another day. For keeping and watching over us once again last night. Father, today brought confusion and strife into someone’s life. I ask that You would speak to the storms in their live and command the winds of anger and discord to be still. Lord, someone's plans have fallen apart and I ask that You would put them back together again. Someone needs to know that You can still work it out if they let You. Now Lord, as we prepare for the dawning of a new day, we ask that Your hedge of protection be placed securely around us and all of our loved ones until we come together once again, and pray on one accord. Bless Your name Lord. As we uplift and exalt the name of Jesus, Amen.

The purest ore is produced from the hottest furnace, and the brightest thunderbolt is elicited from the darkest storm. ~ Charles Caleb Coltron

Scripture:
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:6-7

Have you ever wondered why sometimes it seems that it's hard being a Christian? We accept Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior and then it seems like the more we love God and try to grow closer to him, life is constantly coming against you?

Well, I know I have. I look at my life, my sister's life and the lives of my saved brothers and sisters and see that each and every one of us is going through some rather difficult times. Situation after situation keeps happening. Jobs are being lost. Cars are being reposed, houses are being lost, marriages are being torn apart and the money just can't seem to stretch far enough.

But then, God gave me a revelation. Stop depending on the world, the people of this world, and the things of this world. Start looking at me instead! How many of you have noticed that the more you go through, the more you start to really study the word of God. You pray more and you look to him more. The more you go through, things and habits that you once had start falling away.

God says I put you in the furnace so that I can refine you like gold. I need to burn off all of those impurities. I know it's hot in there, but you are mine and those who are mine must be the best. Without spot or blemish. Free of sin, clean, A NEW CREATURE!

So I just want each of you to know, that it may get so hot and uncomfortable. Life will get hard and things may not always work the way we want them to, but in the end, we can praise God and rejoice at the new creature that he has created.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Thank You Jesus for my fiery furnace. Thank You Lord, for the impurities that You are removing from me. Father, we just ask that You continue to be with us as we go through. We just ask that You would take our hand and lead us on. Lord, we ask that You would help us to see those things in our lives that we have need to get rid of and give them to You willingly. Continue to bless Your saints. Bless each and every family that is represented here. Thank You father for family and friends. Thank You Lord, for Your word. Thank You Lord, for Your son Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.

How rare and wonderful is that flash of a moment when we realize we have discovered a friend. ~ William Rostler

Scripture:
If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Ecclesiastes 4:10

Saints, what kind of friend are you? Are you the type of friend who is there for someone else? Are you the kind of friend who listens without judging? Are you there when someone needs a shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold, or just someone to keep a sick friend company?

Would you give a friend your last dollar, share your last slice of bread, or offer a place to stay when your friend needs one? Are you the type of friend who would help another even if it is a big inconvenience?

What type of friends do you have in your life? Are they only there for what they can get? Are they there for prestige, to use you? Are they your friend for all the wrong reasons?

I am here to tell you that personally, I have a great group of friends. I don't expect my friends to be there all the time and do everything that I ask. But that doesn't mean we aren't still friends. My friends and I don't always agree about everything, but we know that we can depend on each other when we need to.

However, I know I have a friend who will never leave me nor forsake me. Have you met him yet? If not, you need to.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father, we come kneeling before the throne of grace to give thanks to You for the friends, our angels, that You have placed in our lives. Thank You for allowing me to be a friend to others. But most of all, thank You for the greatest friend of all, Jesus Christ. Lord, continue to heal our sick, comfort those who are struggling and protect us when we stray. Touch Your saints who are going through right now. Satan is still busy and would love to see each of us fail. So many are going through there own personal trials, but we know that You are still the judge who settles all matters for our good. Keep us all in perfect peace, Amen.

When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us. ~Helen Keller

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 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. Father, 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 day, 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 today my 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.

Remember, don’t put a question mark where God puts a period.

Scripture:
This is what the LORD says— he who made you, who formed you in the womb, and who will help you: Do not be afraid, O Jacob, my servant, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen. For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. They will spring up like grass in a meadow, like poplar trees by flowing streams. Isaiah 44:2-4 (New International Version)

Saints, I know that most of you are saved, sanctified and filled with the Holy Spirit. I know that most of you put God first in all that you do and say. I know that most of you don't get upset, flustered or anxious because God is always right next to you helping you to make it through your situation. I know that most of you have no complaints because you have already turned them over to God. Or do you?

Saints of God, each and every one of us has at some point in our lives felt hopelessness, despair, anxiety, scared and all alone. Every one of us has felt that we couldn't handle whatever our situation was at that time. Every one of us has felt so far away from God that we couldn't even remember who it was we were supposed to be calling on.

Periodically, I have to remind myself to stop worrying about a situation. Sometimes I have to remember that when I turn my problems over to God and LEAVE them at the alter, not to turn right around and pick them back up. Sometimes I have to reach deep down inside of myself and remember to call on the name of Jesus. Every now and then, I have to force myself to get down on my knees and pray; even when I don't feel like it. Every now and then I have to ask God to forgive me for not trusting him in the midst of my situation.

Every now and then I have to ask God to forgive me for forgetting about him, especially when I know that he has not forgotten about me.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father, You are the creator of all things. You called forth the planets with a word, and established the stars with the sound of Your voice. You have authority over all the resources of the universe, and You have promised to meet all of our needs. We come before Your throne of provision right now. You know our needs, and the challenges that we are faced with. Lord, we ask that You would release a mighty blessing upon us and demonstrate Your enormous generosity, by providing above and beyond all that they could hope or imagine right now. Guard our hearts from anxiety and fear. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and cause faith to rise up within us. Enable us to stand firm in the midst of uncertainty, and bring forth a mighty victory. Help us to establish another testimony of Your goodness, that those who hear of it might glorify Your name. No weapon formed against us can prosper because not only have You given us our whole armor, we come pleading the blood of Jesus over our situations and into our circumstances. We rebuke satan and ask that You would not only give us a spirit of discernment but that You would help us to see things with our spiritual eyes. Continue to bless each family that is represented here. Prosper all who have come seeking Your face. Grant us fresh grace and mercy, as we pause to give You all praise, honor and glory. We pray in Jesus mighty name, Amen!

Remember, show class, have pride, and display character. If you do, winning takes care of itself. ~ Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant

Scripture:
You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. Psalm 18:35 (New International Version)

Everyday, we are judged by the people we come into contact with. Our family, friends, co-workers, and even total strangers form an opinion about us based upon what they see and what we say. Now, very seldom will people admit it, but it’s true. We too judge others the same way.

Have you ever seen a total stranger and formed an opinion about them without them saying anything? Think not? How many times have you seen a young black man walking down the street wearing saggy pants, with tattoos on his arms and not think he was up to no good? Or, how often have you seen a homeless person, ragged, standing on the corner asking for change and say to yourself, that they were an alcoholic or drug addict?

Believe it or not, there are many of us who have our own vices, dirty little secrets and things we have overcome. People don’t see our skeletons or our past indiscretions because since becoming a part of the body of Christ, we have won the victory through Christ Jesus. But, that still doesn’t give us the right to judge others.

You and I are who we are ONLY because of Who’s we are. We have been given a second chance at life because God sustains us. He has given us the shield of victory and reached down into the muck and mire of our lives to lift us up and make us great. Not because we are worthy, but because He is!

When people look at us, we should be wearing our faith like a banner for the whole world to see.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Our Father, our Lord, Our Savior, we come before You once again to honor You. Lord, we submit our will to Yours. Father, we pray that You would show us new revelations every day in Your word. We ask that You would continue to guide our lives with Your word. Search our hearts Lord. Help us to identify those things in our lives that are not pleasing to You. Cover us Lord, Hide us Lord. Keep us Lord. Father, we come before the alter of sacrificing to leave the things in our lives that we want resolved. We recognize that our problems are too big and too heavy for us to carry alone. We desire breakthroughs for ourselves, our loved one, and most of all, our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Lord, may something that we do or say this day, show just how wonderful You are. We pray that You would magnify the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, not for our own edification, but so that others can see You in our lives. We love You Lord, we praise and uplift Your most holy name. In the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, we submit our prayers. Amen.

Remember, Your future depends on many things, but mostly on you. ~Frank Tyger

Scripture:
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20. (NIV)

Saints, not a day goes by that I don’t hear from someone who is going through a difficult time. Many of them are out of work, involved in difficult relationships, or struggling financially. Some folks are even experiencing all three. We look around and see death and destruction everywhere. It raises the question, why?

I for one seldom watch television or listen to popular radio because of all of the negative messages that we are being bombarded with. However, there is a show produced by HBO, called “The Wire” that caught my attention.

Without getting into a lot of details, it is a continuing series about life in Baltimore Maryland. During the course of the three hours I saw, a corrupt city government, murders being committed, people being robbed, a mother chastising her son for not being diligent in his duties as a drug dealer, a young boy struggling to survive in the midst of a family of drug addicts, homosexuality, and the list goes on.

Now I must state that the problems that I saw are not unique to Baltimore alone, but rather repeated in cities all across this country. Even though I was watching television, I realized that these are very real situations that are being played out on a daily basis.

As I reflect on these things, I came to the conclusion that God is not pleased. He couldn’t be. His children, His beloved have once again turned to the things that are destroying us. We have lost hope and are living lives born out of the desperation just to survive.

Now many of you may ask, “What has that got to do with me? That’s not how I am living. I don’t know anyone like that.” Well saints I ask you, why don’t you?

As Children of God I have to remind you that as Christian Disciples we have been instructed through the “Great Commission” to teach the world what they must know and do to be saved.

Remember, Jesus gave it all, can’t you give just a little bit back?

To Whom must is given, Much is required.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Jesus Wept. Amen.

Remember, "Victory is sweetest when you've known defeat." ~ Malcolm Forbes

Scripture:
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:57-58

Saints, are you trying to overcoming a feeling of defeat? Are you constantly working towards a goal but are continuously hindered by roadblocks? I know that on a personal level, I am. There are several goals that I have been working towards for a couple of years now but they never quite seem to be within my reach. I do everything that I think I’m supposed to do. I listen to the advice of others. Do my research, pool my resources and still, I am not there yet.

Just yesterday, I had another major setback and wallowed in self-pity for most of the day. After talking with some friends, I felt a little better but my disappointment was still evident.Well-meaning friends constantly remind me that it’s not my time. Words meant to comfort but sometimes sting. There are times we want something so much and after doing your homework and working towards that goal, you realize that once again, you are faced with defeat. Sometimes the disappointment seems too much to bear.

After reading the above scripture, I am reminded that sometimes we will be defeated. However, victory can and will be mines because a victory fought for in the name of my Personal Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, can and will be won.

I will never be defeated because the battle has already been won, by His Blood, I can and will be Victorious!

Be Blessed

Prayer:
I refuse to be discouraged, To be sad, or to cry; I refuse to be downhearted, and here's the reason why . . . I have a God who's mighty, Who's sovereign and supreme; I have a God who loves me, and I am on His team. He is all wise and powerful, Jesus is His name; Though everything is changeable, My God remains the same. Father God we come thanking You for being the same, yesterday, today, and forever more. Lord, help me to be still and allow You to fight my battles. Forgive me for being weak and allowing the devil a place in my thoughts. I rebuke him, in the name of Jesus! Lord, strengthen me and when I want to become weak, help me to remember that You are strong. I know that there are others among us who too may be plagued with sadness and doubts. Touch them, in the name of Jesus. Jesus, wonderful counselor. Jesus, my physician and my way-maker. Jesus, my personal Lord and Savior. Thank You Jesus for interceding on my behalf. Father God, we release our disappointments of today and embrace our victories and blessings that are on the way. We claim these things, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

I try to avoid looking forward or backward, and try to keep looking upward. ~ Charlotte Bronte

Scripture:
I lift up my eyes to you, to you whose throne is in heaven. As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he shows us his mercy. Psalm 123:1-2 (New International Version)

We are often faced with situations where we cannot see a way out. We look to family and friends for help, but they too are unable to help. We go to the authorities, the church, and anyone else who might listen. Still, we can’t get out. It is not until we humble ourselves and seek our answers from the only one who can truly help, God.

When we try to find a way out of a hopeless situation, often times we only make that situation worse. We rob Peter to pay Paul. We borrow money we don’t have. Far too often we barter our very souls away.

Right now my family is going through a very difficult time. Our youngest sister is missing and we can’t find her. It seems as though no one wants to help. The authorities are playing a game of passing the buck and we are no closer to finding answers today then we were a month ago. The only thing that keeps us going right now is prayer.

In order for us to keep a semblance of sanity and courage, we must rely on our faith. In order to keep the devil at bay, we pray. In order for us to be able to go on when we arise in the morning we start the day in fellowship with God.

Now I know that some of you may be faced with your own difficult situations. I just want to say to you, be encouraged. No matter how hopeless your situation may be, God is still in control. When life knocks you flat on your back, look up.

Sometimes satan will knock you down, but God can pick you up!

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Therefore I say unto You, What things soever ye desire when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Lord, we come before You believing that You are the one and only true God. Lord, we thank You for remaining faithful to us. Father we give thanks to You alone for loving us and watching over us. Father, help us always to put You first in all we do and say. Teach us Lord, how to remain faithful in spite of our circumstances. Help us Lord to remain prayerful and diligent in our service to You. Thank You Lord for blessing us. Thank You Lord for new grace and mercy. Thank You Lord, for the Blood, the blood that washes away my sins. The blood that protects, heals, and sanctifies. Thank You Lord, for loving a sinner like me. May the prayers of my brothers and sisters be heard by You alone. May You touch the hearts and minds of all who have come before the throne of grace today. May we always give thanks to You first. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

I do not understand the mystery of grace--only that it meets us where we are, but does not leave us where it found us. ~Anne LaMott

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 that’s why you got that raise.

Well my friends, I will not discount how wonderful it is to have all of these things going for you. However, I want you to know, 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.

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 whose name we pray. Praise God, Hallelujah, Amen.

Bad Things do happen; how I respond to them defines my character and the quality of my life. I can be immobilized by the gravity of my loss, or I can choose to rise from the pain and treasure the most precious gift I have - life itself. ~ Walter Anderson

Scripture:
For the LORD your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your forefathers, which he confirmed to them by oath. Deuteronomy 4:31

Saints, Things happen in life that seem overwhelming. It may be a car accident, a robbery, a fire or the loss of a job. Sometimes when these things happen, we have a tendency to want to dwell on the "what could have happened". We could have been killed, we could have been home, we could have been gone. They could have kept me and put me in another job.

Well my brothers and sisters let me tell you what did happen. Yes, you were in a car accident, but you walked away. Yes you was robbed at gunpoint, but you walked away. Yes you loss some furniture and have to make some home repairs, but you are still here to talk about it. Yes, you lost your job, but you still have a roof over your head and food on the table.

When bad things happen, they are defining moments in our lives. How we react to our situations, both good and bad are what defines us all as individuals. Saints, bad things will happen in your life. It's just a part of living. Stuff Happens!

But rather than dwell on your losses, praise God for your victories!

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father, Thank You for my victories. Thank You for allowing us to walk away from situations where we could have died. Thank You Lord, for placing Your hedge of protection around us. Thank You Lord for saving us in situations when we didn't even realize that we were in harms way. Lord, I ask that You would continue to keep each and every saint that is represented here, in perfect peace. Lord, today someone will be faced with a difficult decision. I ask that You would give them a spirit of discernment. Someone will have to let a loved one go. We ask that You would comfort them and allow their loved one to leave in peace. Father, give us the courage to stand on our faith, to let go and let You take control. Lord we love You. We praise and thank You for our victories, both large and small. We ask that You would magnify Your power and Your presence in our lives today and that You would continue to bless each and everyone of our brothers and sisters. In Jesus name, Amen.

Today, give a stranger one of your smiles. It might be the only sunshine he sees all day. ~unknown

Scripture: Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 1 Peter 3:8

Have you ever paid attention to what a smile can get you? The other day an ex-coworker and I were reminiscing about our old place of employment and how we missed some of the people we used to work with. We discussed how some people were thought to be a bit contrite and some to be cantankerous but we didn't see them that way. You want to know why?

We smiled at the so called difficult ones. We asked about their day. We asked if they felt good or not. We talked to them and didn't pass judgment. We accepted them for who they were. We were genuinely concerned.

Sometimes, people who seem to be having a bad day just need a smile and to know that someone else cares about them. Sometimes, they just might be feeling lonely and just need to know that they are not alone. It’s possible that they may feel that the world has treated them so badly that they need to treat everyone else just as bad.

Sometimes they just need to know that there is joy and love in life and the sun does shine in their lives too. Sometimes that smile, hug or just a kind word may be the first smile or hug they have received all week. That act of kindness that you show them may be the first one that anyone has shone them for a very long time.

Remember Saints of God, it is your job, your responsibility to show the world God's love.

What better way to introduce Jesus to others than with your smile.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father I stretch my hand to thee. Father without You life would have no meaning. Lord we come today to pour an abundance of praise upon You. Father guide our hearts, minds and souls today. Let our words and actions be to the glory of You Lord. Father I thank You for continuing to bless me with leaders who have an understanding heart. Lord I thank You for just placing so many praying saints in my life. Lord, continue to let our frowns be smiles to place happiness in someone else's life. Lord we ask that You continue to take control of life situations like bills, stressful jobs, and family troubles. Lord we love You and magnify Your name. We submit our prayers in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

How else but through a broken heart may Lord Christ enter in? Oscar Wilde

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 and I constantly struggle with this.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.

Remember, How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and the strong. Because someday in life you will have been all of those. ~ George Washington Carver

Scripture:
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

Saints, how many of you have been blessed by God? Do you ever have pause to stop and look around and just start thanking God for everything he has done for you? Or are you constantly complaining about what you don't have and what God hasn't done for you?Periodically, we must start reflecting on just how much God has done for us. You may not be totally satisfied with your circumstances, but trust me, no matter how bad things may seem, they could always be a lot worst.

I see the homeless and thank God that I have a home. I see those who have lost their minds and I thank God for keeping me in my right mind. I may not have a husband, but I thank God that I don't have a husband who beats me just because he had a bad day. I may not be rich with earthly possessions, but I am rich with family and friends. I am rich in the things that matter most.

He keeps me each and every day. He protects me and my sons from all hurt harm and danger. Even when I feel that I am failing and maybe I could have done better with my life, he lets me know, daughter, it is well.And do you know what He requires in return? All that He requires is that we remain faithful to him and tell others of His grace and mercy. All that he requires is that we accept Christ Jesus as our personal Savior. All that He requires is that we hold on to His unchanging hand. All that He requires is for us to trust in Him.

That is such a small price to pay when we realize how much GOD has already given us. Ain't that Good News!

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father, we come before You with humble hearts and minds thanking You for all You have done for us. We thank You for the simple things. We that You for the things that we so often take for granted. Lord, forgive me when I complain. Help me to remember always, how much I am blessed. Lord, bless the homeless and keep them warm. Touch the minds of those who have gotten lost in a world we cannot understand. Bless that family that lives in fear and deliver them into an environment that is safe and full of Your love. Bless those whose circumstances seem hopeless. Restore hope, love, joy, peace, and prosperity to those who have been robbed by satan. Father, we ask that food would be provided to those who hunger. That warm clothes would be provided to those who have neither a roof nor a place to call home. Keep our children, our future safe from all hurt, harm, and danger. May we always walk humbly by Your side and give You all thanks, honor, praise, and glory. Lord, we love You. We adore You. We will sing songs of praise all the daylong. In Jesus' name. Amen.

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:
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:3-5 (New International Version)

I often wonder, why does life have to be so hard? It seems as though we are confronted with one trial after another. We are met with challenges almost on a daily basis. I have come to the realization that how we meet our challenges will help define our true character.

There are people that I know who meet their challenges with anger. They are just mad at the world and they show it in every thing that they do and say. These people could be described as mean or evil. Very seldom do they have anything nice to say and they actions are often contrived and undermining. You could label them as bullies.

Then, there are those who go through life acting as if they are invisible. They don’t want anyone to notice them or say anything to them. When confronted with a problem, they just try to fade into the background. They don’t want to be seen or heard and would be content if the rest of the world would just leave them be.

Another group of folks that I notice, are the fence sitters. They don’t really stand for anything. They sit on the fence and just kinda go with which ever way the wind is blowing. They don’t really meet challenges but rather, just kind of go with the crowd.

But my favorite group of people are those who meet their challenges head on. These are the types of people I like to be around. You see, they realize that in order to become better people, they meet their challenges with a spirit of determination and with the resolve that they will the victors. They realize that God has not given them a spirit of fear but rather a spirit of hope.

A hope that can be found in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

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, 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.

It's okay to get angry with God. He can take it. ~ Regina Brett

Scripture:
Why has your heart carried you away, and why do your eyes flash, so that you vent your rage against God and pour out such words from your mouth? Job 15:12-13 (New International Version)

Today I received a series of quotes from a very dear friend. The quote noted above, immediately caught my attention. As I read it, I was immediately convicted. Yes, right now I am angry with God. This isn’t the first time this emotion has surfaced. I have gotten angry with Him about a lot of things.

You see, sometimes life can seem so unfair. We do everything we think God wants us to do and still, bad things happen. In our anger, our first response it to question God. Why? When we don’t get the answers that we want, we become angry. We get mad. We sometimes turn that anger towards God for allowing our suffering. The key to getting over this type of anger is not to hold on to it.

As I have mentioned before, sometimes suffering is a necessary process in order for our faith to grow. We don’t want it, don’t like it and often will fight against it. Sometimes it’s necessary to get not only our attention, but also the attention of others around us. And sometimes it will force us to have “that” conversation with God we may have been neglecting to have.

As a Christian there will be times when you may become angry with God. Abraham did, Job did, Daniel did and even Jesus cried out in anguish as he hung on the cross that fateful day, “about the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Matthew 27:46 (New International Version)

Sometimes is feels as though God has turned His back on us. But know this, even in the midst of suffering, He will never leave us nor forsake us if we would just put our trust in Him.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Merciful Lord of life, I lift up my heart to You in my suffering, and ask for your comforting help. I know that You would withhold the thorns of this life, if I could attain eternal life without them. So, I throw myself on your mercy, resigning myself to this suffering. Grant me the grace to bear it and to offer it in union with your sufferings. No matter what suffering may come my way, let me always trust in You. Amen.