Archived Daily Devotionals

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!

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.

Remember, Intercessory prayer might be defined as loving our neighbor on our knees. ~ Charles Bent

Scripture:
Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5:16

Not long ago, I received an urgent message from one of my Christian brothers. The message simply said, "Pray for me". There was no specific prayer request, no explanation, and no reason given. Just these three words. "Pray for Me."

Saints of God, how often have your burdens been so heavy that you couldn't even put them into words? How often has life become so overwhelming that you couldn't even tell anyone what was going on or how you felt? How often have you gotten down on your knees to pray and could only cry tears of sorrow and plead for mercy?

I know that I have. You see, so often things in our lives become overwhelming to us. It seems that so much in our lives is going wrong. So often we feel that there is no one we can turn to. Not even God. At least not for ourselves. So we do the next best thing.

We go to our brothers and sisters in Christ and ask them to intercede on our behalf. You see, sometimes we become so distracted with our problems we can't see our way out. We become blinded by our circumstances and can't see our way to the alter. We are so bombarded by our afflictions that we don't know what to do. But even when we can't pray for ourselves, we can call on one another for prayer.

So today, pray for one another. Stand in the gap for your loved ones. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Lord, we come before the throne of grace to intercede for one another. We come asking for blessings and breakthroughs, not for ourselves but for our family members, friends, co-workers, on-line family members and brothers and sisters in Christ. Lord, we don't know the needs of Your children, but You do Lord. We ask that You would lift and bind the spirits of depression, despair, loneliness, anger, resentment, hurt, poverty and all others that are not of You. Lord, we ask that You would bless us and deliver us as only You can. Place Your hedge of protection securely around every person and all families that are represented here today. Allow this season of Your son to be filled with blessings and joy that have been given with the birth of Your son, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.

Remember, Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons. ~Ruth Ann Schabacker

Scripture:
I wish that all men were as I am. But each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that. 1 Corinthians 7:7

Saints, has there ever been a time when you became jealous of someone else? Did they have something that you desired? Money, looks, prestige?

Do you ever wish that you had someone else’s talent? Maybe their husband or wife? Do you ever feel jealous because someone else who didn’t work as hard as you got the promotion or acknowledgement?

Sometimes, it will appear that life isn’t fair. We work so hard at our relationships, in our careers and raising our families and more times than not, it seems we just can’t get ahead. We look around at other people in our lives and they seem to be doing so much better than us, with little or no effort.

Well, today I am not going to sugar coat it. Everyone is not created equal. There are specific reasons for it all. Some by our own design and some are according to God’s plan.

God has a desire and a plan for each of our lives. It doesn’t always coincide with what we want, but rather, what God wants for us. God knows what we can handle and what we can’t.

Our gifts, both spiritually and in the natural, are all from Him. They are meted out according to his will. So remember, this, don’t be jealous of what others have accomplished or have gained in this world.

God has a special gift, just for you.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father God, we come before the throne of grace to thank You for what You have given us. Lord, I know there are times when I feel that I deserve more, but I stop and realize that more isn’t always what’s best for me. I am reminded that I have so much because of You. I have the gift of eternal life through Your Son, Jesus Christ. As the seasons change and the nights become dark and cold, I am reminded just how blessed I truly am. I have a home, food, friends, and most of all, the gift of love. Love of family and friends. I have hope for tomorrow and I have the gift of salvation. I realize that the things of this world are just for a season. I will rejoice in my season, for I know that the harvest is near. Thank You Father, for my gifts. Thank You Lord, for my health, my strength and my life. Thank you most of all for Christ Jesus, it is in His name that we pray. Amen.

Remember, Faith leads us beyond ourselves. It leads us directly to God. ~ Pope John Paul II

Scripture:
But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast. Hebrews 3:6

Saints, have you ever felt overwhelmed with the things that were going on around you? No matter what you seem to do, things keep going wrong? You were doing what you thought were the right things. You prayed about it. You cried about it. You did the best that you knew to do and still, things continued to fall apart?

I for one can honestly say all of the above are true about me. I try to live right. I try to remain faithful to God. I pray. I tithe, I do on to others, etc. And still........ Just this week, I know that things that I thought I had done right still fell apart. Things that I am trying to do still didn't come together as they should have. Earlier this week I was having one of those more than I could handle type of days.

I tried e-mailing my Pastor, calling my Pastor, and even went to the church to see him and still,....... I left him a note asking him, no telling him to call me, which he did. He told me that he had received my death threat (to him) and thought he’d better call. I explained that I didn't mean for my letter to come across like that, but that I was so stressed out and frustrated that I guess my letter did sound a bit harsh.

It was at that point that I realized that I was not being what God wanted me to be. I was not doing what God wanted me to do. What's that you ask? Faithful and patient. I was not holding on to his unchanging hand. I was not waiting on him, being still, and being of good courage.

Saints of God, no matter what we have planned, no matter what type of time table the world has set, no matter what the bill collectors, the landlord, or anyone else has to say, God still has the last word. Things happen or don't happen for a reason. We can't always see those reasons, but God has a plan and a purpose for many of the things that we go through.

Like the song says, "I almost let go. I was right at the edge of a breakthrough, but couldn't see. The devil really had me, but Jesus came and grabbed me, He kept me, so I wouldn't let go."

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Lord, we come to You seeking strength, guidance and a little more patience. Father, forgive us when we feel weak in our faith. Forgive us when we seem to give up and give out. Lord, we know that You are not a God of confusion. You have told us that You would never leave us nor forsake us. Thank You Lord for that word. Father, hide us under Your wings of salvation. Cover us in the blood. Keep us nearer God to thee. Lord, we ask that You would continue to bless our brothers and sisters. Lord, we pray for financial breakthroughs today. Father, I personally come asking that my brothers and sisters who are at the edge of the breakthroughs would just be patient and hold on. Father we know a change is coming. We know that deliverance is on the way. We know that we can do all things through Christ Jesus, who strengthens us. Praise the name of the Lord everybody. Thank You Father for new revelations every day. Thank You for Your word that touches our hearts and our minds. Bless You name Lord. Father, we thank You for all things and at all times. We praise and uplift Your holy name. We lift Your name on high and sing praises to Your name. Thank You Father. Thank You Lord, Thank You Jesus. Amen

Mistakes are a part of being human. Appreciate your mistakes for what they are: precious life lessons that can only be learned the hard way. Unless it's a fatal mistake, which, at least, others can learn from. ~ Al Franken

Scripture:
Do not accuse a man for no reason— when he has done you no harm. Do not envy a violent man or choose any of his ways, for the LORD detests a perverse man but takes the upright into his confidence. Proverbs 3:30-32 (New International Version)

The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines the word mistake as; to blunder in the choice of, to misunderstand the meaning or intention of, to make a wrong judgment of the character or ability of, to identify wrongly, confuse with another, to be wrong.

Often times a mistake is just a poor choice. Each and every one of us has at some point in our lives made a mistake, either by accident or sometimes even by choice. Unfortunately, when we make a bad choice, we can’t really call it an accident because we chose to do the wrong thing.

Recently, three young men made the choice to cause harm to another. Now I don’t know if their actions were in the heat of the moment or whether they truly meant to take another young man’s life, but they did. And now, they must face the consequences of their choice.

Far too often we will make a choice to do something then realize too late, that we made a mistake. Mistakes are sometimes bad choices. Some mistakes can be fixed with “I’m sorry.” Unfortunately, some mistakes you can’t take back.

Each of us must learn not only from our mistakes but also from the mistakes of others. When we learn to hide the word of God in our hearts, we learn to listen to the voice of God and therefore can often avoid making those kinds of mistakes. And prayerfully, even when we make those life altering choices, those mistakes that men cannot forgive, know that God can forgive.

Aren’t you thankful for God Grace?

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father God, we come once again with praises on our tongues and humility in our hearts, seeking Your face, Your grace and Your mercy. Lord, forgive us for doubting You when the things in our lives are not going according to our plans. We realize that everything that we want isn’t necessarily what You want for us. Help us to recognize the bad choices that we have made in our lives, correct them accept them and move on. Help us Father, to find our way. Lord, we pray ask for a spirit of discernment so that we can recognize when our will is not inline with Yours. Help us to remember to always seek you in everything that we do, before we make life altering choices and to be still in the midst of our storms. Thank you Father, for reminding us that You have provided the way out of darkness and into the light. Your Word and Your Son, Jesus Christ. Our Redeemer. It is in His name that we humbly submit our prayers. Amen.

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.

There's no tragedy in life like the death of a child. Things never get back to the way they were. ~ Dwight David Eisenhower

Scripture:
Now, O women, hear the word of the LORD; open your ears to the words of his mouth. Teach your daughters how to wail; teach one another a lament. Death has climbed in through our windows and has entered our fortresses; it has cut off the children from the streets and the young men from the public squares. Jeremiah 9:20-22 (New International Version)

Early this morning I watched as three young children and their great-aunt perished in a fire. It was a tragedy that touched my entire neighborhood. The death of innocence always has a way of doing that. These babies had gone to bed earlier in the evening never realizing that their lives would be snuffed out by flames that could not be extinguished.

The real tragedy in this whole situation is that a mother had to watch as her babies were trapped in a room where they could be seen through a window, but that no one could reach. Fire crews rushed to the scene but were ill prepared for the battle that raged before them. Five houses engulfed by flames and all they had was the equivalent of a water gun to fight the flames of destruction. This was a senseless and horrific tragedy that possibly could have been avoided if the proper help had arrived in time.

This situation reminds us all that death awaits us at any given moment. We too could be trapped in a room where we are seen by all, awaiting help to arrive and rescue us from certain death. However, the difference is that our help is already here. We don’t have to perish in the flames like those children. Jesus is here to rescue us, if we let him.

Jesus sees us as we fight against the flames that threaten to destroy our lives, the fires that threaten to engulf our very existence. He is waiting to break down those things in our lives that have us trapped.

He will be that fourth man in the fire with us if we ask.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father God, I come before the throne of grace with a heavy heart and spirit. My eyes are red and swollen from the tears that have been shed in the name of innocence. Lord, I know that the babies that died today are safe in your arms. I weep for those who have been left behind who have yet to call on your name. I weep for those we are caught up in this sin sick world. I weep for those who do not know of Your Love, Your Grace and Your Mercy. I weep for those who do not realize that You are just a prayer away. Lord, I ask that You would comfort the families that lost loved ones as well as those who lost there homes. Keep them all safe in the bosom of Your arms. Let us cry for innocence lost and for those who have yet to ask You to come into their hearts. Now Lord, I thank You for sparing me and my household. Father God, I just want to thank You for fresh grace and mercy. But most of all, I thank You for Your son Jesus Christ. It is His name we pray. Amen.

Remember, When we lose one blessing, another is often most unexpectedly given in its place. ~ C.S. Lewis

Scripture:
Therefore know that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments; Deuteronomy 7:9

Saints,How many of you have been praying for something to happen and it hasn't happened yet? How many of you are wondering when your breakthrough will come? How many of you are wondering how long will you have to be in the valley?

The one thing that I have learned since becoming a Christian is this, no matter how bad we want something, how much we pray about it, how much we beg and ask God to change something, it's not going to happen unless and until God says it's time.

Sometimes the things that we have to go through are necessary before we can see the manifestation of God's blessings. You see saints, when we have to go through something sometimes that is the only way God can get our attention. Sometimes we have to go through to prepare us for what God has in store for us. Sometimes we have to go through so that God can show up and show out!

No matter what we have to go through always remember, the Lord is still blessing you right now!

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father, sometimes it seems like You don't hear our prayers. But we know Lord, that You hear our cries. Father, forgive us for our impatience. Father, we know that even when we aren't faithful to You, You are still faithful to us. Thank You Lord, that You see beyond our weaknesses and bless us anyhow. Lord, teach us patience. Father I come asking that You would touch, bless heal and anoint our prayer list. Many of our sick and afflicted have been going through for quite sometime. Help us to remain prayerful, even when we can't see You working in our lives. Father, we know our breakthroughs are at hand, because You have already given us the victory through Your son, Jesus Christ, in his name we pray. Amen.

People spend a lifetime searching for happiness; Looking for peace. They chase idle dreams, addictions, religions, even other people, hoping to fill the emptiness that plaques them. The irony is the only place they ever needed to search was within. ~ Unknown

Scripture:
I, the Teacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem. I devoted myself to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under heaven. What a heavy burden God has laid on men! I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind. Ecclesiastes 1:12-14 (New International Version)

The book of Ecclesiastes teaches that us a life not centered on God is purposeless and meaningless. Today’s lesson is about how some people can begin to put too much emphasis on “stuff.”

Sometimes we are so busy chasing after money, success and concern over what other people think about us, that we start looking for satisfaction in all the wrong places. The things that we begin to believe are the most important things in life, are the very things that we begin to chase after.

When we chase after fame, fortune and the opinions of others we are essentially saying that we have total control of our lives and that we don’t trust in the plans that God has for us. This is not to say that obtaining certain things in life is wrong or that we should feel guilty about it, but rather realizing that the collecting of things will not necessarily lead them to the road of happiness. Recognizing what is really important; God, family, and friends are more important than things.

Learning to embrace where you are in life, is sometimes more important than embracing the things that fill our lives. Recognizing where you are in your spiritual walk is often more important than the journey. Learning to enjoy who you are is more important than trying to impress others.

Saints of God, having things is not the most important thing in life. Having God and people who love you is far more important than any material thing that you could ever have. Having peace of mind, body and spirit is something that you will be able to keep with you always.

The most important lesson that any of us could ever learn, is to put God first in everything and He becomes our windbreaker.

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, Amen.

The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain. ~ Dolly Parton

Scripture:
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:29-30 (New International Version)

Last night as I sat listening to songs on my MP3 player, a classic by James Cleveland came on. The song was “Lord Help me To Hold out. For those of you who are not familiar with the song it says; Lord, help me to hold out until my change has come.

As I listened to the lyrics of this song, it dawned on me that so often we think that being a Christian is easy. We think that once we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior that our lives will miraculously get easier. Not true. Being a Christian is anything but easy.

I mean, we are challenged daily to change almost every aspect of our lives. We must give up our sinful ways, deny ourselves and transform ourselves into Christ like beings. These modifications in our lives are a lot harder than most of us could even begin to imagine.

I mean think about it, no more lying, lusting, cheating, fornicating, and coveting. Don’t think you do any of these things? Wrong! Ever want something that belongs to another? How about envying someone else? Ever have sex outside of marriage? Or called in to work sick and you weren’t? You just wanted the day off. Or, see someone of the opposite sex and began to have lustful (tending to arouse sexual desire or interest) thoughts.

As Christians, we must learn to change who we are while in the midst of temptations. We are confronted with the 7 deadly sins on a pretty regular basis. Those sins are;

Pride is excessive belief in one's own abilities that interferes with the individual's recognition of the grace of God. It has been called the sin from which all others arise. Pride is also known as Vanity. Envy is the desire for others' traits, status, abilities, or situation. Gluttony is an inordinate desire to consume more than that which one requires. Lust is an inordinate craving for the pleasures of the body. Anger is manifested in the individual who spurns love and opts instead for fury. It is also known as Wrath. Greed is the desire for material wealth or gain, ignoring the realm of the spiritual. It is also called Avarice or Covetousness. Sloth is the avoidance of physical or spiritual work.

It is for this reason that we must ask God daily to help us to resist or in this case, Hold out until our transformation or CHANGE has come.

Be Blessed

My way may not be easy, You did not say that it would be, When it gets dark, Can't find my way, You told me to put my trust in thee.

Prayer:
Father God, I come before the throne of grace professing my faith and my belief that Jesus Christ died and was raised from the dead. I profess that he is my Lord and Savior. Jesus is my great Intercessor. I believe that God made the great sacrifice of his only begotten Son so that I could be reconciled to His wonderful kingdom. Thank You Lord. Father God, it is because of my faith and beliefs that I can hold on to Your word and Your promises. Jesus said, "that He would never leave me nor forsake me". You said "that You would pour me out a blessing that I would not have room to receive. I believe that You are making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. I will sing a new song because You have done and or are about to do wonderful things in my life. Thank You Jesus. You have said "That former things have passed away and You have declared a new thing! Thank You Lord. You said, "Hold On!. Father, I am hold fast to Your unchanging hand. I am holding fast to Your word. I am developing patience in the midst of it all. Lord, I just want to praise You this day. I just want to thank You Father. I come thanking You not only for what You have done, but also for what You are about to do in my life and in the lives of my family, friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, but most of all; for what You are about to do in the lives of the Body of Christ. We bless Your Name Lord. We lift Your Name on High. Glory Hallelujah, Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Thank You Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in whose name we pray, Amen.

Learning is finding out what you already know. Doing is demonstrating that you know it. Richard Bach

Scripture:
And I will bring the blind by a way they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them. Isaiah 42:16

Saints, As a child, did you ever get lost? One day out shopping our out with family and friends, somehow you became separated from your parents? Parents, has one of your children ever gotten lost?

A few years ago, my youngest son became lost while out with some friends at the Detroit Auto show. I was not there but received a call on my cell phone to let me know that he had gotten lost but was safe.

When I arrived to pick my son up, as the police officer walked him to my car, I noticed that my son was not crying nor was he upset. As a matter of fact, he seemed to be taking the whole thing in stride.

As we rode home and I asked what happened, he told me how he had become separated and what he did. He was in a car and somehow, when the older boys had gotten out of the car they didn't notice that he was no longer with him. Since my son no longer could see his companions or their father, he did what he had been taught to do. He went up to someone who was working there and told them he was lost. They told my son he wasn't lost, the people he had come with were lost, because he knew where he was.

Saints of God, sometimes in our lives we too lose our way and become lost. Or so it seems to us. We too will need help to find our way home to our Father. The key is recognizing that we are lost and need help to find our way home. We recognize that wherever we may be in our journey doesn't look familiar to us. Or somehow we have become separated from those with whom we have made the journey with.

The key is identifying someone, one of God's angels, who can help us find our way home.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father, sometimes as we journey through this life, we become lost. We find that we have somehow become separated from You. We look around us and nothing looks familiar, or we recognize that the things around us are not of You. We don't know how to find our way back to You because we don't know how we got to this place. But Lord, You have told us time and time again, that You are just a prayer away. Thank You Lord, for the power of prayer. Father, help us to recognize those times when we find ourselves in a far country, far away from Your grace and mercy. Help us Lord, to recognize Your angels who will help us to find our way home. Father, we thank You for Your under-Sheppards who You have given charge over us. Because there have been times when we didn't even recognize just how lost we have been, but You have sent them out to bring us back into the fold. Now Lord, we ask that You would continue to touch our brothers and sisters in Christ as well as our unsaved families members and friends. So many need so much. We don't know the need of each individual but we know You do. Bless us Lord in the area of our lives that we have need of. Father God, our hearts are overflowing with Your love. Thank You Lord, for that love. We come before the throne of grace once again, just to give You honor, glory and praise. Bless the name of the Lord. Glory to Your name Lord. Thank You for loving me enough to sacrifice Your only begotten son, Jesus Christ, it is in His name we pray, Amen.

When we lose one blessing, another is often most unexpectedly given in its place. C.S. Lewis

Scripture:
There, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your families shall eat and shall rejoice in everything you have put your hand to, because the LORD your God has blessed you. Deuteronomy 12:7

Saints of God, how many of your realize that you are blessed, even in the midst of your trials and tribulations. How many of you realize that it is only because of his grace and mercy that we are still standing.

So often, we feel as though God doesn't always hear our prayers. Or, doesn't answer our prayers in the time or in the way we want him to. One thing that I have come to realize is that we go through many of the things that we do for our own spiritual development and for his edification.

So remember, even when it seems as though God may not be listening to you or answering you in your time, He is listening. Like the elders say, "He may not come when you want him, but he's always right on time.

He will show up and show out! If you let him.

Be Blessed

PRAYER:
Father God, we come before the throne of grace just to say thank You. Thank You Lord for blessing us in spite of us. Thank You Lord, for Your faithfulness. Thank You Lord, for fresh grace and mercy. Lord, we know that there is nothing that we could ever do to deserve Your favor, but You favor us anyhow. Thank You. Yesterday, we may have sinned and yet, You still forgave us when we asked. Thank You. Yesterday we may have done or said something that was not pleasing to You. But You still overlooked our faults and didn't give up on us. Thank You Lord. Today we ask that You would guide and direct us in all that we do and say. We ask that You would help us to keep You at the forefront of our lives. We Love You because You first loved us. We come humbling ourselves before You and uplifting and exalting Your Holy Name. We thank You for the death and resurrection of Your son, Jesus the Christ, in whose name we pray. Hallelujah, Glory to god. Amen.

Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things only hoped for. ~Epicurus

Scripture:
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. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 1 Peter 2:9-10

Saints of God, do you praise him enough? I mean, do you praise God only when things are going well? Do you even praise him then?

So often in our daily prayers, we tend to only want to ask God for things. Forgive us, help us, bless us. If we praise him, it is usually just a component of our prayers. (the seven parts to prayer: adoration, praise, thanksgiving, confession, oblation, intercession, and petition. The number and order will vary, depending on your church doctrine.)

But the bottom line is this, do you praise him anyhow? Do you praise him in the valley? Do you praise him even when the bills are due and the bill collectors are ringing your phone of the hook? Do you praise him even when you don't feel well, or adversity is on any hand?

Something that I started doing many years ago as a part of my prayer life is dedicate my morning prayer strictly to praise and thanksgiving. I try to keep that first prayer of the day devoted strictly to God alone. I find that if I start my day by blessing him, it blesses me. For the most part, it keeps me from thinking about the negative and focusing on the positive. Now this may not work for everyone, but try it!

God blesses us; now let's bless Him with praise and thanksgiving.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Our Father, our Lord, our rock and our salvation. Great Jehovah, we come giving You all honor, praise and glory. Lord, You who are known by many names, Jehovah-jireh, the Lord will provide, Jehovah-rapha, the Lord who heals, Jehovah-nissi, the Lord our banner, no matter what name we choose, You are still El Elyon, the most high God. Father, we come lifting up Your name. We bless Your name Lord and give thanks to You alone. Father, we thank You for waking us this morning. We thank You for our daily bread. We thank You Lord, for family, friends, and fellowship. We thank You Lord for Your word. Your word, that blesses. Your word that comforts. Your word, that heals. We come lifting up holy hands in total submission to You. We come humbling our selves before You Lord. Holy, Holy, Holy. We worship You Lord. We Praise You Lord. We Bless You Lord. Hallelujah, hallelujah, glory, glory, glory, hallelujah. Amen.

I have always believed that God never gives a cross to bear larger than we can carry. No matter what, he wants us to be happy, not sad. Birds sing after a storm. Why shouldn't we? ~ Rose F. Kennedy

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? 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.

Satan knows that as long as we have God on our side, His Grace is sufficient. We can do all things through Christ Jesus. We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. No weapon formed against us can prosper. The Lord will provide.I don't know about you, but I praise God for my cross because I'd rather carry my cross here on earth as one of his disciples and spend eternity with him, than to be fooled into believing that I can have it all here on earth and then spend eternity in hell with satan.

Be Blessed.

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

I asked God for strength that I might achieve. I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey. I asked for health that I might do greater things. I was given infirmity that I might do better things. I asked for riches that I might be happy. I was given poverty that I might be wise. I asked for power that I might have the praise of men. I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God. I asked for all things that I might enjoy life. I was given life that I might enjoy all things. I got nothing that I asked for, but everything I hoped for. Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered. I am, among all men, most richly blessed. ~ Unknown.

Scripture:
filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:11 (NIV)

Saints of God, so often when things are going wrong in our lives, we don’t want to praise God. All we want to do is tell God all about our troubles. Our prayers tend to become more selfish and self-centered.

We have no problem asking or telling God what we want. However, too often we fail to give God praise or thanks for the things that are going right in our lives. We forget the most important aspect of prayer, Praise and adoration.

The greatest commandment that was given to man tells us to “love the Lord, thy God will all thy heart and will all thy soul and with all thy mind.” Praise and worship is one way to show God just how much we love him and what he means to us.

When we learn to praise God in our bad times, we are opening the door so that He can show up. He becomes our light in darkness. He will give us the strength and the comfort that we need to make it through.

Remember, if you praise Him, He will come.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Lord, sometimes I try to pray and the words won't come. I toss and turn and feel nothing. My mind is dry, my heart is dull, and my soul longs for life. Hear my silent cry, my God, hear me. Breathe on us Lord renewing a right spirit within us. Even in our times of sorrow, we praise Your holy name. Lord, open our eyes and give us a discerning spirit, so that we may recognize the tricks of the evil one. Help us Lord to recognize the things and the people who are important in our lives. Not the material things that we tend to scramble after, but the greatest give ever given to us; Your son, Jesus Christ. Praise God! Keep us Lord. Hide us Lord, under the wings of Your salvation. Have mercy Lord, and help us to remember to put on the whole armor of God this and every day. We love You lord, and we praise Your name. In the name of Jesus, we pray, amen.

Remember, a chip on the shoulder is too heavy a piece of baggage to carry through life. ~ John Hancock

Scripture:
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Matthew 16:24

Saints, how many of you are following Christ? If you are a follower of Christ, are you keeping up? What I mean by that is, are there other things in your life that are preventing you from truly following the word of God.

It has been said that each of us has our OWN cross to carry. But how many of you are trying to carry your cross and a whole lot of other baggage along with it? Do you realize that the excess baggage may be weighing you down?

What many of us often fail to realize is that so often we allow our past hurts, our sins, negative relationships, negative situations, and negative people to climb into the bags that we carry with us each and everyday.

We allow circumstance and situations to become a weight that we put in the bags that we call our lives. We allow fear and doubt to become like a rock around our necks. We allow our lack of faith to become a heavy object that we place in the bags of our lives that we continue to carry.

I believe that Erykah Badu, who wrote the song “Bag Lady”, knew what Jesus meant he said : Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Mathew 11;28

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father, we come to You this day in humble submission. We ask Lord, that You would help us to realize and recognize to put down those things that are weighing us down and preventing us from truly following Your word. Lord, we come this day placing our all on the alter. We come sacrificing ourselves as in the days of old. We have nothing to truly give You, but ourselves. Help us to become a living sacrifice. Allow something that we may do or say this day to encourage someone to seek Your face and Your word. Help us Lord to walk just a little closer to thee. Father, we come thanking You that You have given us this new day with new opportunities to draw nearer to thee. We give You praise, honor, and glory. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship. ~ Louisa May Alcott

Scripture:
For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. Isaiah 41:13

Saints, Are you afraid of anything? Are you afraid that you won't be able to do something, pay something, get something, overcome something? Have you seen something on television that has you scared? Do you know someone who has been robbed, hurt, faced with and unexpected tragedy and you are afraid that it might happen to you too?

Are you afraid to go after your dream? Declare your independence, leave that abusive relationship, or seek the job or career that you really want? Do you even realize that fear may be keeping you from receiving your blessing?

When we fear the unknown, we are saying to God, we don't trust him. When we become immobilized by fear, we are saying to God, we don't believe in his word. When we don't step out on faith, we are saying to God, I don't believe who you are and in the promises that have been given to me by the sacrificing of your son, Jesus Christ.

Learn to overcome your fears, replace your fears with faith. Trust in the Lord with all thy heart and he will move you from fear to faith.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Jesus, You know how scared I am sometimes, even when I hide it from those around me. Please take my fears, Lord. Sometimes they're all I have to give You. Teach me Lord to learn to walk by faith. Replace my insecurities with Your strength. Replace my doubts with Your word. Empower me Lord, through the power and the light of the Holy Spirit. Lord, take my hand and walk with me today. Teach me Lord, to speak to those storms in life that seem to throw me off course. When my fears would begin to overcome me, may Your spirit and Your light shine down on me so that I would learn to walk in Your word and into my blessing. Thank You Father for the comforter that is with me always. The power that comes from the Holy Spirit. Now Lord, I ask Your blessings for my brothers and sisters in Christ who stand in the gap with me for one another. Bless them Lord. Grant them new fresh grace and mercy today. We love You Lord. We praise Your Holy Name. We thank You Lord, who sits on high and looks low and blesses us, despite us. Thank You Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen.

We are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of Nature has placed in our power.. the battle, sir, is not to the strong alone it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. ~ Patrick Henry

Scripture:
The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched and I will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Isaiah 58:11

Saints, Do you ever feel that your life is in constant conflict? Do you sometimes feel like you are in a daily battle? You get prayed up, Holy Ghost filled, and armed with your spiritual weapons only to walk out the door and get hit with satan's heavy artillery?

You try to fight the good fight of faith, but sometimes it just gets too hard. He knocks you down and just keeps dropping bomb after bomb on you. How often have you felt too weak to go on?

Well Saints of God, I want to remind you that first of all; the battle is not yours, it's the Lord's. He is the General of this army. The captain of this ship, the ruler of your world. We must look to him FIRST for direction, strength, and leadership.

Secondly, when your spiritual storehouse is running low, you know where you can go to get more. The throne of Grace.

Our God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we come once again kneeling at the foot of thy throne to honor you. We come thanking you Lord for keeping us yet again. Father, we know that we don't always honor you as we should, but we ask that you would forgive us once more. Lord, we come asking that you would strengthen and us and prepare us for the journey that lies ahead. Father, we don't know what to expect today, but we ask that no matter what we may be faced with that you would magnify your presence in our lives. Father, help us to see the tricks of satan. Help us to see our sins for what they are. Lord, hide us under the wings of your salvation. Keeping us in perfect peace. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Remember, the pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails. ~ William Arthur Ward

Scripture:
In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 2 Timothy 3

Personally, I love the word of God. I love to hear the word, for myself. I love to read the word, for myself. And I love reading and hearing the word preached by others. Every now and then, I read or hear about someone teaching something about the word that just isn't true.

Unfortunately, you hear about some who teach that if something bad happens to you, you deserve it. If something goes wrong in your life, you deserve it. If you lose your job, your finances, your spouse and/or anything else, you must have done something wrong.

Sometimes, even we as Christians will say things to make people feel as though they deserve the trials and tribulations that come against them. Not long ago, I heard a story about a preacher who refused to help someone in his own congregation who was faced with financial difficulties. This man of God said "The church didn't get you into your mess, so it's not up to the church to get you out".

Now let me preface this with, this is hearsay, and I would pray that a leader of the church wouldn't actually say something like that to someone who has come to them seeking help. It is our duty; no it is our responsibility to help others, and not just our immediate families.

Saints of God, as Christians, trials and tribulations will come against you. Things will happen to you that sometimes just don't make sense. We can be doing well today and lose it all in the blink of an eye. Just like Job. It is up to each and every one of us to remain faithful and stand on the word of God.

Just like the song says, I've had some good times, and I've had some bad times. But my good times outweigh my bad times.

The Lord has been good to me!

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father, Thank You for Your word. Even though trials and tribulations come against me and sometimes it seems as though I can't hold on any longer, Your word sustains me. Lord, we know and recognize that life will come against You and that there will be both good and bad times, but we know that You are with us even when it seems all hope is gone. Thank You Lord, for keeping me. Father, continue to touch, bless, heal, anoint, deliver, strengthen and comfort Your saints for whom we pray. Continue to cover us under the wings of Your salvation. Thank You Lord. Bless You Lord, as we pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.

The truth of the matter is that you always know the right thing to do. The hard part is doing it. ~ Gen. Norman Schwarzkoff

Scripture:
because you obey the LORD your God, keeping all his commands that I am giving you today and doing what is right in his eyes. Deuteronomy 13:18 (New International Version)

How many of you ALWAYS do the right thing? Do you always tell the truth? Return money or anything else for that matter that is not yours? Have you ever told a lie? Do you always follow the word of God?

Have you ever judged someone else without knowing them? Ever felt jealous of a friend? Have you ever been in a group when they spoke ill of someone and you never bothered to defend them, even though you knew what was being said was a lie? Or better yet, spread a rumor about someone just so that you could feel as though you belonged?

If you are honest with yourself, you would have answered yes to at least one of the questions above. Yes, I have told a lie. Yes, I have gossiped about others and spread rumors so that I could fit in. And no, I do not always follow the word of God. I am not proud of these self-revelations but at least, I am honest.

Sometimes we will do things that we know are wrong because yes, sometimes it’s hard doing the right thing. We are so busy trying to get ahead or trying to fit in that we oftentimes will forgo doing what is right so that we can have our own way. However, this is not God’s way.

Two things happened this week that caused me to reflect on my own relationship with God. The first event was a question that was posed in one of my online groups. The question was, “How do you stay in tune with God? The second event was a question that was posed to me by another friend, “Why go to church?

To answer both questions was fairly easy. To stay in tune with God, you must fellowship with other Christians and study the word of God, daily. The reason for my answer is simple.

When we stay connected to other right minded Christians AND study the word of God, it’s a lot easier to “Do the Right Thing.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father, You are the Supreme Authority. You are a God of order. I thank You for being the head of my life. Father, we realize that sometimes change is hard. Changing our way of life, even as the world around us changes, isn't always easy. But we realize and recognize that it is for Your edification, that we who have accepted Jesus Christ as our personal savior must change. Old things are past away. You are preparing us for what lies ahead, not behind. We thank You for that change. Lord, help us to recognize when we are judging those around us based on their past. We know that You can and that You do, change the hearts of those who diligently seek You. I know that I am not all that You want me to be, but I pray that I would walk just a little bit closer to You each day. Thank You Father, for Your word and for the fellowship that I share with my brothers and sisters in Christ. We love You Lord and thank You for not only what You have done, but what You are about to do. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Remember, Just as your car runs more smoothly and requires less energy to go faster and farther when the wheels are in perfect alignment, you perform better when your thoughts, feelings, emotions, goals, and values are in balance. ~ Brian Tracy

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!

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father, before we begin another 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 that we thought would always be there for us and with us, that's okay, because Jesus Loves me. Lord I ask that You would touch my brothers and sisters who are reading this message right now. Help us to always be mindful that the victory is already won, in Christ Jesus it is 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.

Here bring your wounded hearts, here tell your anguish; Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal ~ Thomas More

Scripture:
When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” John 5:6-8 (New King James Version)

As I studied the word of God today, I came across the story of the invalid who was lying by the pool at Bethesda. As Jesus approached the sick man, He asked, “Do you want to be made well?” Jesus asked the question to determine if the man had given up hope for a miracle or if it was still his desire to be healed. Jesus knew that when some people are sick for a long time, they sometimes become so accustomed to the illness that they may no longer care if they are healed or not.

As I read this story, it prompted me to ask myself, “Do I want to be made well?”

Now you may ask am I sick? No my friends. I am not sick in a physical sense, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t have sickness in other areas of my life. I have experienced sickness in my relationships with others, sickness in my finances and even sickness in how I relate to God.

I can relate to that lame man lying by the pool. So close to my miracle or breakthrough for so many years, but not quite able to reach out and touch it. This story made me wonder, “Have I gotten so used to my ailments that I have become accustomed to them, therefore, no longer expecting to be healed?”

Jesus isn’t looking for our excuses. He has already given us the power and the authority to pick up our own beds and walk. So saints of God, stop lying there on your beds of affliction.

Jesus is telling you, PICK UP YOUR BED AND WALK!

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father God, I come before the throne of grace asking that You would forgive me for my unbelief. I have been in the pit of despair for so long that I may have become accustomed to being here. Lord, I don’t want to be here so I ask that You would take my hand and lead me to hallowed ground. Father, my eyes have been opened and now I see. I now ask that You would open my spiritual eyes as well. Help me to move forward with assistance of Your grace and mercy. Thank You Father for new revelations. Thank You Lord, for your Word. I thank You most of all for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, in His name I pray. Amen.