Archived Daily Devotionals

The Word of God well understood and religiously obeyed is the shortest route to spiritual perfection. And we must not select a few favorite passages to the exclusion of others. Nothing less than a whole Bible can make a whole Christian. ~ A.W. Tozer

Scripture:
And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. 1 Corinthians 3:1-2

Recently I had a discussion with a friend who is still a fairly new Christian, about his breakup with his longtime girlfriend. You see, every time his girlfriend would become angry with him, she would start quoting scripture to him.

He told me this angered him for two reasons. The first one being, it made him feel less than who he was as a Christian, because he didn't always understand what she was saying to him. And secondly, it made him feel less than the man that God wanted him to be.

This disturbed me for a number of reasons. You see saints; I saw so many of my brothers and sisters in Christ in this young lady. Most of us tend to forget that everyone is not at the same level in their spiritual walk. Just because someone can read the word of God, doesn't mean they understand what is being said. That is why we have church leaders, like our pastors, to help us understand the word of God and how to apply it to our daily lives.

Secondly, this woman was using the word of God as a weapon against someone who was a part of the body of Christ. The word of God should never be used to cause another believer harm. This does nothing to edify or glorify Him. In situations like this, you could cause a new believer in the word, to turn away from God even before they get the chance to know Him.

I am not saying that we shouldn't use the word of God in our daily conversations, but rather, if a person may not seem to understand what that word means, we must take the time to explain it. We must never use the word, to hinder another, but rather to help them grow in faith and grace. We must never turn the word of God into a stumbling block in someone's Christian Walk.

Allow the word of God to lead someone to Christ, not turn them away.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father, bind our tongues so that we may not cause our brothers or sisters harm. Help us Lord, to be careful of what we say, especially when using Your word. Father, I pray that the words out of my mouth would be acceptable to You this day. Help us Lord, to become the light that draws others to You, not turn them away. Father God, we come once again standing in the prayer gap for our loved ones. So many need so much and we cannot begin to know each individual need. But we know You know. Father, we ask that You would magnify Your presence in the lives of every one represented here today. We bind every sickness, every disease, every situation where strife exists, everything that is not of You; in the lives of our brothers and sisters who stand in the need of prayer today. In the name of Jesus, we rebuke the evil one and will give him no glory this day! Thank You lord for Your saving grace. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.

Remember, Sometimes He allows us to suffer the worst of it So that when the best shows up There's no mistaking it. ~ John Christopher

Scripture:
This is what the LORD says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. Isaiah 48:17 (New International Version)

I often talk about making choices. I learned a long time ago that for every choice that we make, there are consequences. The consequences can be either good or bad. Too often when we make a choice based on our own selfish desires, the consequences are rarely ever good.

As the mother of two sons, I would like to believe that I have taught my sons the things they need to know in order to make the right choices. However, I also realize in spite of everything I have attempted to teach them, that they will make some wrong choices. They sometimes still choose to do things their way, no matter what.

Not long ago, my youngest son lost one of his privileges because of a bad choice that he made. He chose not to do his math homework, which resulted in him getting a bad grade. As his mother, it was up to me to show him that his choice was the wrong one. The same thing often happens to us in our adult lives as well. We choose to do something that we know is wrong, and as a result, we too must live with the consequences.

The word of God is life’s teaching tool that equips us so that we can make the right choices. However, it is still left up to us to actually do the right thing. As a parent, I try to direct my children to do what is best for them. Just as the word of God teaches us what is best for us.

Won’t you make the right choice today?

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Lord, Sometimes we act as little children, refusing to grow up in our faith and pouting over things that we cannot understand. Lord, I want to grow in grace and grow in faith. Lord, I am sorry for not being a more mature Christian. I am sorry for not acknowledging how much You do for me. Lord, I just want to thank You. Because just like we forgive our children and get over their temper tantrums, You forgive me and overlook my faults. Thank Lord. Father, I ask that You continue to touch my brothers and sisters in Christ. Grant them the desires of their hearts. Bless them as only You can. Thank You Father, Bless You Father. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

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

Scripture:
For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

Saints, how many of you wear glasses or contacts? I do. If you are anything like me, I have from time to time lost or broken my glasses. When this happens, I have a hard time seeing things clearly.

Today I want to talk to you about putting on your spiritual glasses. You see, sometimes when we look at life we see things as they appear to be. We may see insurmountable mountains. We may see unconquerable circumstances. We may not see a way out of bondage.

Putting on your spiritual glasses is a way of looking at things through the eyes of Jesus. It is a way of allowing God to take over and make a way out of no way. It is a way of seeing things more clearly. Seeing things not in the natural, but in the super-natural.

Putting on your spiritual glasses allows you to let go and let God lead the way. Putting on your spiritual glasses blinds you to the things of this world and it opens up a whole new view for you to see. God’s way. God’s world. Gods plan for you.

Saints, today pick up those glasses, put them on and learn a whole new way of looking at things. Trust in the Lord and know that he will lead you down the right path.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Lord, I once was blind but now I see. We come today as the blind did in the days of old, asking Lord, that You would restore our sight. Help us Lord to find the path that You have chosen for us. Help us Lord, to develop greater faith. Help us Lord, to see the world through the eyes of Jesus. Father, we come surrendering our lives to You. Help us to learn to lean on You. Help us Lord to learn that it’s not always, about what we see but truly, about what You are teaching us. Teach us Lord to lean upon You and to depend upon You and not the things of this world. Father, we ask that You would keep all of Your saints safe and secure this day. Continue to be with our troops during the time of tribulation. Bless us Lord. Keep us Lord. Restore our sight once again. So that we may lift our eyes towards heaven and see Your divine vision for us. Father, we come praising and uplifting Your name once again. As we ask and pray this and all things in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Remember, Kindness has converted more sinners than zeal, eloquence, or learning. ~ Frederick W. Faber

Scripture:
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12 (New International Version)

Recently after picking up my youngest son from our neighborhood Boys and Girls Club, I dropped him off at the local McDonald’s while I ran into a nearby grocery store. My son Joseph had asked for a few dollars to get something to eat to tide him over until I could go home and prepare dinner. When I finished making my purchases and exited from the store, I saw my son standing by my car.

I was a little surprised to see him so soon and asked had he gotten his burger? He response was, “yes, but I gave it to a homeless man who was sitting inside the restaurant. He looked hungry so I gave him my burger.” I was pleasantly shocked.

You see, on several different occasions my son had been with me when people asked us for money. I have always tried to make it a habit to give them something. Usually, I give the money to my son to give to the person asking. He once asked why I gave our money away.

I explained to my son that most homeless people aren’t homeless by choice. Something happened in their lives that created their current condition. I further explained that yes, many of them where on drugs or alcoholics, but that it is not our place to judge them. We don’t know what caused them to turn to drugs or alcohol, and maybe, just maybe by showing them some compassion, it might just give them a little bit of hope to try to change things.

Now some people would call us foolish, stating that they were just going to buy more drugs or alcohol. My position is this, maybe they won’t. How can we expect anyone to change if they don’t see any hope around them?

My baby boy is learning how to be compassionate. He saw a man in need and gave all that he had.

Isn’t that a great lesson for all of our children to learn?

Be Blessed.

Prayer:
I complained I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet. Lord, so often we complain about how difficult our lives are without realizing just how blessed we are. We complain about our jobs, without thinking about the man or woman who wished they had one. We complain about are spouses, but give nary a thought to the man or woman who cries out every night for a mate. We complain about our children, without giving thought to the woman who can never bear her own. Lord, forgive me for my complaints. Thank You Lord, for all of my many blessings. I thank You for my job, my children, my home, my family and my friends. Thank You Father for the roof that has been provided over my head. Thank You Lord, for the food on my table. Thank You Father for all the little things that I so often take for granted. Thank You Lord, for my children, who are a gift from You. Thank You Lord, for the compassion that You show to me, a sinner who was destined for hell. But You saw me and reached out to me. For that I am grateful. I give thanks to You oh great Jehovah, for giving me the eternal gift of life through Your Son, Jesus Christ. It is in His name that we submit this prayer. 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:
to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. Ephesians 1:6-8 (New International Version)

As I sit here, contemplating the follies of my past, I become consciously aware of the power of God’s amazing grace. Grace protected me when I found myself in places that I shouldn’t have been. Grace covered me when I did things that I shouldn’t have done. Grace was with me when I found myself lost in a far country.

I recognize and realize that I have made some pretty bad choices in my life. But if it had not been for the grace of God, where would I be? I could be lost in a world of degradation, humiliation, and complication. I could have been an unwed mother, junkie living for my next fix, or worst of all, the pawn of satan. The various scenarios of where I could be apposed to where I am, are limitless.

You see, no matter how bad we are, where our lives may be headed, the things we have done or said; God’s grace has unlimited reaching power. When you fall down into the very depths of life’s misery, God’s grace has the ability to reach down, right where you have landed and lift you up. No matter how alone you may feel, God’s grace has the ability to cover you in the comfort and warmth that can only be found in the arms of God Himself.

There is something special about God’s grace. May God’s grace find you wherever you may be.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
But for the grace of God, go I. Lord, thank You for Your grace and Your mercy. Thank You Lord, for reaching out and saving a sinner like me. Forgive me Lord, for all the wrong that I have done. Your word tells me that when I have asked for forgiveness, You grant it because You are a God of a second chance. Lord, I thank You for granting me a new beginning with the dawning of each day. May Your loving grace rest, rule and abide within my life each and every day. May goodness, mercy and traveling grace go with each and every one of my brothers and sisters sharing in this prayer. May Your tender mercies continue to rain down upon each of us as we continue to build upon our relationship with You. Thank You Father. Thank You Jesus. It is in Your name that we pray. Amen.

Remember, Without the rich heart, wealth is an ugly beggar. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Scripture:
I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, Ephesians 1:18 (New International Version)

As a member and moderator of a writing group, we often challenge one another with writing prompts. The purpose of the prompts is to stimulate our creative processes and get us to think outside of ourselves. One of my most recent prompts posed the challenge to write about “What does beauty mean to you? Now before you begin, really think about it. Don't just describe it in the physical sense, but look a little deeper.”

As Christians this is a challenge practice daily. Prayerfully without giving it much thought. We learn to look at the world, not with our natural eyes but through the eyes of Christ. As a Christian, we learn to see the heart and spirit of a person rather than his outward appearance. As a Christian, we should be looking at the content of ones character and not the content of his pockets. We should be able to see a beautiful spirit rather than just a beautiful face.

My challenge to you today is to look at the world through the eyes of your heart. Look at the world through the eyes of Christ. What do you see?

Do you see the hope that He has called you to?

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Lord, I once was blind but now I see. We come before you as the blind did in days of old. Asking Lord, that you would restore our sight. Help us Lord to see the world, not with our physical eyes, but through the eyes of Christ. Help us Lord, to develop greater faith. Help us Lord, to see the world through the eyes of Jesus. Father, we come surrendering our lives to you. Help us to learn to lean on you. Help us Lord to learn that its not always, about what we see but truly, about what you are teaching us. Teach us Lord to lean upon you. To depend upon you and not the things of this world. Lord, help us to realize that our circumstances do not define us, You do. You have already told us that You would never leave us nor forsake us. Bless us Lord. Keep us Lord. Restore our sight once again. So that we may lift our eyes towards heaven and see your divine vision for us. Father, we come praising and uplifting your name once again. As we ask and pray this and all things in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Remember, It is not the cards you are dealt but what you do with them that counts. ~ Anonymous

Scripture:
Three times I begged the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak." So I am very happy to brag about how weak I am. Then Christ's power can rest on me. 2 Corinthian 12:8-9

Every now and then we will be faced with severe adversities in our lifetimes and will ask the question; why me? We feel as though we are being punished for something that we may have done wrong. At times, our suffering may seem more than we can bear.

What I have learned is this; trials and tribulations will come against you through no fault of your own. How you deal with these adversities is the true measure of your character. More times than not, we have no control over what we are going through. However, we can control how we respond.

If you have lost your job, your house or your car, know that God is still on your side. If the bill collectors are ringing your phone of the hook, don’t despair. God can make a way out of know way. Maybe the man or woman that you loved is gone. Know that God sometimes needs for us to be alone so that we can develop a relationship with Him first.

Whatever your situation may be, know that God has already said, He would never leave you nor forsake you. He can provide all of your needs. He is Your mother and your father. He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek him.

No matter what cards life deals you; God is still in control.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
God, sometimes the burdens of life tend to get me down. I suffer in the late night hours, crying tears of anguish, beseeching you to take away my burdens. I sometimes forget that even when I had no job, you still provided. I sometimes pray for a mate, not realizing that I must first develop a relationship with you. I want more for my family and don’t realize that we have more than most. Forgive me Lord, for my selfish spirit. Father, I come asking for the patience of Job, the faithfulness of David, and the commitment of Paul. I pray that You would forgive me for feeding my fears instead of my faith. Help me Lord, to be still and listen for Your voice alone. Lord, I ask that You would answer the prayers of my brothers and sisters in Christ. Father, I don’t know all of their needs, but you do. Some have not the strength to endure. Strengthen them Heavenly Father, speak a word into their spirits so that they too would be encouraged. Thank You Father for Your many blessings. Thank You Lord, for the death and resurrection of Your son, Jesus Christ. It is in His name that we pray. Amen.

As a single footstep will not make a path on the earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives.~ Henry David Thoreau

Scripture:
"The Steps of a Good Man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighted in his way-- Psalms 37:22-24

Saints, do you truly listen to the voice of God? What I mean by that is do you hear him when he tells you what to do and how to do it? Do you even recognize when it is his voice speaking to you?

How many times have you been in a situation and asked yourself, what am I going to do about this? How many times have you just spoken a question and the answer just seemed to come to you? How many times have you been lost in a situation and just didn't know how you where going to get out of it? And suddenly, the problem or the situation seemed to remedy itself.

How many of you study the Word of God on a regular basis? How many of you have heard the statement hide the word of God in your heart? Now this last statement may sound a little strange to you, but there is a reason for this line of questioning.

You see, the word of God serves several functions. It is our roadmap to how to live a Holy life. It is our conscience so that we do not sin. It is our strength and comforter in a time of need. The word of God is our sword to fight against the evil one who seeks to destroy us. It is God himself. “In the beginning was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God".

Saints, each and every one of us needs to learn the word of God. His voice will never lead us astray His word will never return unto us void. He word is our light in times darkness.

His will, will never fail us.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father, may we always hide Your word in our hearts. Father, may we learn to listen and hear Your voice. Father God, help us to learn to be obedient to Your word. Your word, which is the same today, yesterday, and forever more. Your Word, that spoke the world into existence. Your Word, that sooths our souls when nothing else can. We come thanking You today for Your word. We come thanking You today, for our hedge of protection. We come giving You our love and adoration for all that You do for us and our loved ones. But most of all we thank You for the greatest gift that could ever be given. The gift of Your son, Jesus Christ. Lord, we just want to say thank You for Your word. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Remember, “Where there is no struggle, there is no strength.” ~ Oprah Winfrey

Scripture:
He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, Mark 6:48-51 (NIV)

Just about everyone that I know is going through, or has gone through some type of storm. Sometimes the storms are of a financial nature. Or they may be storms in their relationships, in their homes, on their jobs, or in their bodies. Sometimes the storms may even be in their relationship with God.

No matter who you are, what you do for a living, your standing in the community, your marital status, you will go through a storm. It is inevitable. Since everyone has to go through the storm, the best thing we can do about it is learn from it. Only you can choose what you will learn from your personal storm.

Storms have the ability to show us what our weaknesses and needs are. Maybe the lesson is humility. Maybe the lesson is learning that we are not all that we think we are. Storms have a way of bringing us closer to God.

Sometimes when we are shaken up and tossed about, then and only then will we reach out for God’s unchanging hand.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Lord, as I am going through my own personal storm, I come to the realization that You see my struggles. You are there even when I can’t see You. You watch over me and are just waiting for me to call to You. Lord, forgive for panicking and becoming afraid when my storms begin to toss me about. Lord, You have said that all I have to do is call on the name of Jesus. He is always there to rescue me from the storms of life. I know that I must go through my storms because it is necessary for me to recognize and worship You. The storms reveal all that is hidden within and around me. Lord, I choose to learn from my storms, no matter what the lesson may be. I accept every storm in my life because without them, I would forget that I need You each and everyday. I understand that the storms are sometimes necessary for me to see what You are doing in my life. As I recall the words to the song, “His Eye in on the Sparrow”, I remember that Your word that tells me “do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?” So I must learn that even in my storms, that I have no worry for You see my struggles. Thank you Lord for reminding me that You would never leave me nor forsake me. I come blessing and uplifting the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus. It is in His precious name that I submit my prayers. Amen.

“I had the blues because I had no shoes until upon the street, I met a man who had no feet.” ~ Denis Waitley

Scripture:
For the LORD shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places; and he will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of the LORD; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody. Isaiah 51:3

Saints, do you sometimes find yourselves filled with the blues? You know your soul is singing "They call it Stormy Monday But Tuesdays Just as Bad", "Everyday, I Sing the Blues", or "Cry Me a River"?

Well I am here to tell you, when you find yourself feeling sorry for yourselves, or feeling sorry about your circumstances, I know a place where the you can find comfort. The word of God. The word of God is not just something that you read on Sunday and then forget about on Monday. The word of God has everything you need to chase away those blues.

When life seems to be getting you down, turn to your favorite scriptures, or your favorite book of the bible, (I personally find the book of Psalms to be very uplifting and encouraging). There is hope for today and tomorrow in the word of God. There is unspeakable joy and encouragement in the word of God.

There is a victory and a breakthrough somewhere in those 66 books that can chase away even the deepest darkest blues. All you have to do is look.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father, in the name of Jesus we come seeking a word to comfort our war torn souls. We come seeking peace and solace in Your word. We come seeking encouragement in Your word. Father, we know that You have said we can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens us. We come asking right now, for a word that can chase away our blues. Touch, bless, and anoint all of Your saints today. May each and every one of us find a word to hide in our hearts. Father, we love You even in our time of distress. We come giving You all praise, honor, and Glory. We ask these things in the name of Your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Remember, If the world seems cold to you, kindle fires to warm it. ~Lucy Larcom

Scripture:
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

Saints of God, how many of you realize that Jesus loves you? Now to be honest, there may be some things about us he doesn't like, but guess what? He still Loves Us! The word of God tells us time and time again how much he loves us. We are his beloved.

He loves us enough to forgive us.
Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." Luke 7:48

He loves us enough to protect us.
My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. John 17:15

He loves us enough to intercede on our behalf.
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. Romans 8:26

He dries our tears.
For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. Revelation 7:17

He wraps his loving arms around us when we need comfort.
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. John 16:7

Now that’s LOVE!

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father, thank You for loving me so much. When I think about all that You have done for me, I know it was nothing but Your love. Father, forgive us for being unruly children from time to time. Forgive us for not always showing Your love to others. Father, we realize that there is nothing that we can do or say to become worthy of Your love, but we ask this day that You would use us, in any way that You see fit, to show others Your love working in our lives. We continue in fervent prayer that You would answer to the needs of those saints whose names are on our prayer list. Continue to manifests Your grace and mercy in their lives as well as ours. We Love You Lord, because You first loved us. Thank You. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Remember, The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire. ~ Marshal Ferdinand Foch

Scripture:
No weapon formed against you shall prosper, And every tongue which rises against you in judgment You shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their righteousness is from Me," Says the LORD. Isaiah 54:17

Saints, I have been talking about being under attack for a large portion of this year. This reason for this is because I myself along with so many of my brothers and sisters is Christ, seem to be overwhelmed with trials and tribulations; one right after another.

There have been times that I have wondered why I along with so many others seem to always be going through something. Does this sound like any of you? Many of my sisters and brothers are unemployed and it seems like it's taking so much longer to find new jobs. Cancer is rampant among those we know. We are losing babies to catastrophic illnesses and even those we believed to be Christians, are committing suicide. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined that being a Christian would be so hard.

But there is a truth about being a Christian I want to share with you. You see, before you got saved and joined the family of God, life didn't seem so hard. That's because satan wasn't worried about you because he already had you. He wanted you to remain comfortable in being and living in sin. Once you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, it made him mad.

You see, as long as you were in the world, he didn't have to worry about you. When he lost you and you became a new creature in Christ Jesus, he has to get you back, so that's one of the reasons that the attacks against us increase. He lies to us, he tries to discourage us in our Christian walk. He wants us to doubt the promises of God. And you know what? Sometimes, every now and then, it seems like he may be winning.

But you know what Saints of God? God has said in his word; NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST US SHALL PROSPER! That it His promise to us. We must learn to lean on our faith, walk by faith, grow in faith, see it and believe it IN FAITH. God cannot lie. He has already told us; he would never leave us nor forsake us, If we remain faithful to him!!

I for one am standing on God's word. I am holding on to his promise! I will not let go of his unchanging hand! What about you?

Be Blessed

Prayer:
The LORD IS my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; HE LEADS me beside the still waters. HE RESTORES my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For YOU ARE WITH ME; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. YOU PREPARE a table before me in the presence of my enemies; YOU ANOINT my head with oil; My cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I WILL DWELL in the house of the LORD, Forever and ever, Amen.

Remember, a candle loses nothing by lighting another candle. ~ Erin Majors

Scripture:
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

I know that most of you who read these messages have already accepted Jesus Christ as your personal savior. Now some of you have been in the body of Christ for a very long time, some are new to the body, and still some; have not quite made up their minds to accept him yet.

So often you hear about being in the body of Christ and have often wondered just what does that mean. Well, there are many different ways to look at the body of Christ. One, is his physical body, the symbolic body, the bead of the Lord's Supper, and the institutional body, the church.

Today, I am talking about the church body. The church is comprised of the Head, the Preacher who is the under-Shepard and the congregation, our Christian brothers and sisters, otherwise known as our church family.

Now, I don't know about you, but I was raised to believe that family is very important. One member is very important to all the rest of the family. I had one brother and three sisters. We couldn't fight one another, but we better not letter anyone else harm another sibling. Our parents didn't care what it took, but we had all better get along.

So often those of us who have been in the body of Christ, or in our church family for a very long time, are judgmental and critical of accepting those who are new to the body. We want to judge people by what we see, what we have heard or even by what we don't know about a person.

The scripture says, if ANYONE is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away. Now that doesn't mean that everyone will become a saint when they become saved, but what it does mean is that the things of the past, are in the past. I am on my way to becoming more Christ like. My journey may take me longer than others, but at least I am on my way.

Woe be to the saint who causes one of God's lost sheep who is trying to find his way home, to turn away from the church. There was a quote I used a few weeks ago that said, Even God won't judge others until they're dead, why should I?

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Blessed be the name of the Lord. Our Father, who sits high and looks low. The great I AM. My Lord, my Savior, My Redeemer. We who are a part of the body of Christ come before You this day asking that You would forgive us for our sins of yesterday. Lord, I ask that if I am being critical of others, that You would help me to see the errors of my ways. "Judge not, lest ye be judged." Help me Father to hide those words in my heart. Lord, I thank You for saving me from the depths of hell. Thank You for loving me so much that You stretched out Your hand to me and welcomed me into the kingdom. Lord, Someone is standing at deaths door this morning. I ask heavenly Father, that You would welcome them into Your kingdom with open arms. Lord, comfort the families of those who will have to release a loved one into Your care. Father, the rain may be falling in someone’s life, it is dark and cold. But we know that eventually, the sun will shine. We are thanking You right now for our sunshine. Continue to touch, bless, anoint, heal, and comfort every saint that is represented here today. Touch those unsaved members of our families as we continue to tell them just how wonderful You are. Thank You Father for blessing me. Thank You Father for keeping me. Thank You Father for saving me. I Love the Lord. He Heard my Cry. His mercy endureth forever. We submit our prayers in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. 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.

Remember, Destiny is no matter of chance. It is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for; it is a thing to be achieved. ~ William Jennings Bryan

Scripture:
To the discerning all of them are right; they are faultless to those who have knowledge. Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Proverbs 8:9-11

Many people would like to believe that they can’t control their own destinies. They believe that destiny is something that just happens. Not so.

Our destinies are based upon many of the choices that we make. That is why it is so important that we make the right choice, because they will eventually determine your destiny.

When it comes to making life altering choices, like whom are we going to marry? What kind of job will I be stuck in? What kinds of friends will I have? Too often we depend upon how we feel rather than what we know.

As I have grown older, I realize that many of the things that have gone wrong in my life were because of bad choices. Too often, I acted upon how I felt about a certain thing as apposed to what I really knew about something. The word of God tells us that if we seek first the kingdom of God, that everything else will come.

Now I realize that sometimes the choices that we have had to make seemed like the best choice at the time, or maybe we felt that we didn’t have a choice in a particular situation, but I realize that far too often I didn’t seek God’s council BEFORE I made my choice.

Saints of God, when it comes to making the right choice about any and everything, we must first stop and listen for a word from God. If something in your spirit is telling you no, or making you hesitate, maybe that’s not what God wants for you. If something is delaying you in your decision, it might not be just a coincidence.

We must all learn to seek God first, be still and listen to what He is trying to tell you.

Therein lays your true Destiny!

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father, as I begin a new day in my spiritual life, I ask that You would guide and direct me in all that I do. Help me Father, to be still and listen to what it is that You may be trying to tell me. Lord, I realize that I can’t change many of the things that have happened in my past, but what I can do, is learn to depend upon You for my future. Order my steps Holy Spirit. Guide and direct me down the road that You would have me to travel. Help me to develop a spirit of discernment as I try to make better choices in my life. Father God, we ask that you would bless our friends, our families and our loved ones who have asked for prayer. Someone that I know is in jeopardy of losing her children. Be with her in the courtroom. The father of a dear friend has sickness in his body and faces surgery. Be with him in the operating room. Bless my sister who is looking for a job and my brother who is trying to provide. Keep them all in perfect peace. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Don't lower your expectations to meet your performance. Raise your level of performance to meet your expectations. Expect the best of yourself, and then do what is necessary to make it a reality. ~Ralph Marston

Scripture:
Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared. Proverbs 3:25-26 (New International Version)

I am a lover of words. I love how words come together to form a thought. I enjoy looking for variations of words and will often times look up similar words to see if they have the same impact. Expect and confidence, are two such words. They ultimately lead you back to the same thing; Reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc., of a person or thing.

When we have expectations or confidence in something, we are saying to the world; so it is said, so it shall it be done. We believe that wherever or whatever our confidence relies on shall come to past. We believe that the object of our expectations shall come to past without question or doubt. The funny thing about expectation or confidence is that we are in control of how we gauge our expectations. In other words, we set the bar for ourselves.

As children we have little or no expectations of the world. As time goes by and we begin to experience difference aspects of life, we begin to develop expectations on just about everything and everybody. Many of the things that we expect are either taught to us or we develop our own criteria for what we expect.

We expect life and people to be a certain way. We expect to obtain certain things, meet certain people or to develop certain talents and relationships. We expect certain things for ourselves and for our families. I have learned one thing in my lifetime if nothing else and that is; our expectations will frequently change.

Today I ask you, what do you expect out of life? Where does your confidence lie? Who do you trust? Where is your faith? Too often we have trust in the wrong things or people. Our confidence is often deposited in the wrong places. Our faith often lost and can’t be found. The above scripture says; “the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.”

When we put our confidence in God everything else will fall into place.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Lord, Jesus, give faith and confidence to the ones who read these words, so that they will want to reach out their hands to their friends and pray that pain, despair, and sickness will be healed. Give them wisdom to know best how to pray, fill their prayers with the faith that heals and their hands with the power that gives life and comfort. Father God, you are my strength and my confidence I will trust in the Lord with all that I am. I will let go and let God be in control this day. I will surrender my all to him alone. Emanuel, Prince of Peace, Lord of Lords. You are known by many names but we know that You are the great I Am. Father God, thank You for keeping us once again. Thank You Lord for watching over us and our loved ones. Thank You Lord for the Blood that was shed so that each of us could enter into Your kingdom. Thank You Father for loving me that much. Lord, we pray Your hedge of protection, we plead the Blood of Jesus, We submit our will to Yours as we let go and give You control over our lives. Bless Your name Lord. Thank You Lord. Hallelujah Lord. Amen.

Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal. ~ Pamela Vault Starr

Scripture:
"He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. 2 Samuel 22:17-18

I used to wonder why some people settle for mediocrity. As I look around me at people in this world, I often wonder what causes a person to lose their hopes and their dreams? I often ponder how and why would someone give up the spark within themselves that pushes them on to do great things.

Personally, I reflect back on the life of my maternal grandmother, Madea. Growing up, my grandmother was the epitome of the strong black woman. She was the center of my family’s world. She worked hard and loved even harder. She fought for the things she believed in, especially her family. Then one day, she just stopped fighting.

Now I don’t know what happened to cause this change. Maybe it was having to bury two daughters, one being my mother; and her own mother. All within a few years of each other. Maybe it was losing “Auntie, the woman who had taken my grandmother and great-grandmother in when they had no place else to go. Maybe it was the realization that her grandchildren, whom she cherished had grown up and moved on. Whatever the reason(s), it was evident that my grandmother had just given up on life, put away her dreams and decided to die. Yes, it took three long years for it to happen, but happen it did.

I often wondered how this strong and powerful woman could just give up her life so easily. Then I grew up and saw first hand how the things that happen to us can throw us for a loop and just make you tired. Tired of fighting, tired of loving, tired of living.

Too often I see people who have lost hope and don’t have anything to hold on to, lose their grip on life and just let go. Too often the things of this world will beat you down, leaving you bruised and confused, unable to stand the blows of the evil one.

For those of you who may be going through something, I come to tell you; hold on and don’t let go. To those of you who are feeling beat down by life, I come to tell you; there is shelter from the rain. For those of you who feel like all hope is gone; I come to let you know that there is still hope for a dying world. There is comfort for your weary soul. It can be found in the loving arms of Jesus.

So Hold On, Be Strong, and Don’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. Those who are saved and those who have yet to get to know You for themselves. Lord, we pray for financial breakthroughs today. So many need so much, have mercy Lord. Breath on us Lord, cover us Lord, Have mercy on us Lord. We love You Father God and we are thankful for what we do have. We praise, uplift and bless Your holy name. As we submit our prayers and petitions in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.

Remember, Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future. ~ Paul Boese

Scripture:
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:9-11

Saints, Is there anyone in your life that you say you hate? Are there people in your life who have wronged you and therefore you can't forgive them? Do you sometimes get angry at those people in your life you profess to love and say mean and hurtful things to them? Do you have a mean spirit?

Now some of you may not believe this, but there are times in my life when I can be mean spirited. And if you are honest with yourselves you too will admit that there has been a time or two in your life when you too have been mean and hurtful to someone you love. In a moment of anger you may have said or done something to someone you say you love.

When someone hurts us our first reaction is to hurt them back; just as much or even more than they hurt us. It doesn't matter who it is. Your significant other, your children, a friend, or even your parents. There is nothing worse than someone you love doing or saying something that they know is going to hurt not just your feelings, but it will hurt your heart and soul.

However, I have good news for you. As you grow in your faith and in your knowledge in Christ you will begin to develop a forgiving spirit, a loving spirit, a spirit that will bridle your tongue and your actions. The more that you grow in the word of God, the more you will become Christ like.

Keep in mind that if someone loves you, you can overlook their moments of anger. If a brother or sister hurts you, don't just turn the other cheek, but put yourself in their place and think about what might have caused their reaction.

Remember that person loves you, so do I, But God loves you best.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father God we start our day with a spirit of love. We will show love and compassion to those around us. Our prayer this day is that we may learn to be more patient with those around us and try to remember that words spoken in anger can be forgiven. Father, help us to develop a more forgiving spirit. A spirit that is not easily riled. Help us to recognize when our loved ones are being used against us by satan in an effort to cause us to stumble. Lord, touch our brothers and sisters who have a mean spirit, casting out that vile and wicked demon in the name of Jesus. Have mercy and show favor to Your saints right now. Touch, bless and anoint Your saints who are reading this message. Father, we don't know the needs of Your children, but we know that You do. As we humble ourselves before You this day, in reverence to You, in honor of You, and because of who You are, we will sings songs of praise to You all day long. When we think about Your blessings, we will stop and say, thank You Lord. In the name of Your son, we humbly submit this prayer and claim our victories. Amen.

It's not so much that we're afraid of change or so in love with the old ways, but it's that place in between that we fear . . . . It's like being between trapezes. It's Linus when his blanket is in the dryer. There's nothing to hold on to. ~ Marilyn Ferguson

Scripture:
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8 (New International Version)

First of all, let me publicly acknowledge that today’s title and message were inspired by my Pastor, Pastor Larry Smith of New ST. Mark Baptist church. As I sat listening to the man of God this morning, I was taught what it means to be in between blessings. In between blessings are periods of time when one thing has ended and you are waiting on something else to begin where difficulties may occur.

The ending might be a job, a marriage, a relationship or simply a season in your life. What Pastor Smith pointed out was that while we are in between, we must hold on to our hope and our faith. He cited several examples in the bible where different people held out hope and held fast to their faith while they waited for their breakthrough or miracle.

Sarah in the book of Genesis who thought she was too old to bear children; the woman in the book of Mark who had the issue of blood. And what about the lame man who was at the pool of Bethesda for 38 years who never gave up hope that one day, if he could just make it into the pool, he too would be healed. The list goes on and on. These are but a few examples of what it means to hold on to hope and to hold on to your faith.

The quote that I used to day is actually an oxymoron in relationship to today’s message. The line that states being in between is like being between trapezes, there is nothing to hold on to. Personally, I beg to differ. Today’s scripture states that no matter where we travel, what we are going through or where we are, God is right there in the midst with us. He will never leave us nor forsake us.

In other words, things may look bad now, but hold on to your faith. Romans 15:13 tells us; “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Hebrews 11:1 reiterates; “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

And most of all remember, On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand. Hold on to His unchanging hand.

Be blessed

Prayer:
I will lift up my eyes to the hills from whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel. Shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore. Lord, we come before the throne of grace thanking You for our miracles. Father we come into covenant agreement and standing in the gap for our brothers and sisters who may be weak. Touch them Lord Jesus. Magnifying Your power and Your presence in their lives. Father, our city and our world is full of stress and strife. Allow Your power and Your spirit to rain down on us this day. Father many of our brothers and sisters may be faced with losing jobs. Have mercy Lord. Lord, and as we have to go through our valleys, to GET to the other side, be by our sides. Keeping us in perfect peace. Lord, use us and allow us to bless someone else this day. We love You Lord. We praise and uplift Your name. We give You all honor, all praise, and all the glory to You alone. Hallelujah, anyhow. Hallelujah in spite of. Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Praise God, Amen.