Archived Daily Devotionals

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

Scripture:
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. Romans 15:13 (New International Version)

Have you ever run into people who are always angry at the world around them? They complain about everything; their job, their spouse, their finances? You say it’s a beautiful day and they will say it’s too hot. You like your boss, they hate them. I mean, nothing and no one pleases them. You see them coming and just want to run the other way? Are you one of those people? Are you the type of person who tends NOT to see the good in anything?

I realized a long time ago that it was not up to anyone else to make me happy. The choice is mine. Every day you have a choice: Will it be a good day or a bad one? It really IS up to you. You can't control the external circumstances of your life; the bad news, the interruptions, the unexpected problems, various quandaries, etc., but you can control your response to them.

A few years ago, I had a friend who has been diagnosed with cancer. Now this friend had been told by her doctors that she didn’t have very long to live. Rather than take to heart what the doctors said, her attitude is this; “I don’t care what the doctors say, I choose life.”

You see, my friend has made a choice. Her choice is to fight back and live. My friend has such a beautiful spirit and she has always blessed me with it. Even when faced with her own mortality, she told me about how she uses her time at chemotherapy to testify to others who are there for the same treatment that she is. Rather than speak death and despair into her situation, she gives others hope by being a living testimony. To her, dying is not an option.

Remember, the power for happiness is in our hands, and no one else's.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father, there were times this past week that I became weak. Forgive me. I doubted Your word and Your promises. Forgive me. I allowed satan to deceive me with his lies. Forgive me. I wanted to give up, but You wouldn't let me. Thank You Father for keeping me once again. Lord, I come boldly before Your throne of grace. Your word says that You give strength to the weary, so I ask that You would strengthen those who may be weary. Bless us Lord with Your presence, that our hearts might be encouraged. Help us to remember Your faithfulness and Your love that we might stand in faith against the issues that face us. I bind the schemes of the enemy to tear me down, and I rebuke the spirits that have been assigned to harass me. I ask You Lord to minister fresh strength and joy to me. I agree with Your word, that says, Your plans for me are to give me hope and a future. Father, some of your children are faced with losing a loved one tonight. Cover them lord in the blood of the lamb. I ask that You would bless all of Your saints reading this prayer. Let it be so Lord Jesus, according to Your will. I pray in Your mighty name, 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)

This evening 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.

We all have big changes in our lives that are more or less a second chance. ~ Harrison Ford

Scripture:
And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. Mark 11:25 (New International Version)

Recently, I met a young lady who told me that she was having trouble reconnecting with the church because of how she was being treated. As a young lady in high school, she was raped and as a result, turned into a teenaged alcoholic. During that period in her life, she did things out of hurt and anger in a very public way. As a result, people didn’t think about what had happened to her but rather her new behavior.

She has since stopped drinking and is the shameless actions of the church members almost chased her away. Here she was, in God’s house seeking redemption and members of the church congregation where treating her as if she was a leaper.

Saints of God, this is not the first time I have seen or heard of this type of behavior in God’s house. Some people would rather look at who you were rather than who you are trying to become. Saved, sanctified and renewed by the Holy Spirit. The want to remember what you used to do rather than what you are trying to become; A child of the most High King.

The word of God admonishes us not to judge others. That’s His job. Yet, we do it every day. We like to point fingers and talk about your past rather than reach out a loving hand to help you on your Christian walk. We would rather sit back and wait for you to fail instead of lifting you up.

Remember Saints of God, when you point a finger at someone else, four more are pointing back at you.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. - 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Lord, Lord, forgive us for our wicked tongues. Lord, keep us so that we may not sin against one another with words. Father, we know that there is power in the tongues of Your saints. So today Lord, we Your saints of God will bless not only You, but we will continuously bless our brothers and sisters in Christ. Father, when we are approached with idle gossip about someone, rather than join in on the conversation, help us to lift that person up in praise and spirit. Lord, keep us from being judgmental against one another and to show the love of Jesus Christ in everything that we do and say. We love You Lord. We Bless Your holy name. Cover Your saints today with the blood of salvation. Keep us Lord, so that we may not sin against one another. We ask these and all things in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Don’t focus on what you’re going through; focus on where you’re going to! ~ Unknown

Scripture:
For the Lord your God will go with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you. Deuteronomy 20:4

Recently as I sat church listening to my Pastor speak a word, I was moved by what he had to say. He told the story of how King David had returned from battle and found that his home had been conquered, burnt to the ground and his wives and children taken into captivity. Those who had gone into battle with him were angry with King David because they felt that if they had not been away in battle with him, they would have been at home to protect their own families. David began to experience a spirit of defeat.

At first he got angry and just wanted to give up. But then he went to God and asked if he should go after what had been taken from him and get it back. God’s answer was yes; he would overtake them and get back all that was his.

Just like King David many of us will return home and find that the enemy has taken or destroyed all that we have. It could be in the form of a devastating financial lost, the breakup of our marriages, or even the loss of our relationship with God himself. It is at these times that the devil will move in for the kill. Remember, his job is to kill, steal, and destroy.

It is at these times that we may experience division with our loved ones, a spirit of defeat, discouragement and distraction from what our God given purpose is. It is at these times when it’s okay to get mad and say “I’m mad and I’m not going to take it anymore.” In other words, there comes a time when it’s necessary to fight back.

There will be times in your live when you feel as though you have no control over your lives and that’s okay because it is at times like these when God can show up and show out. So often we will not be the one who has the last word regarding our situations. However, there is one who does and his name is Jehovah Jirah, my provider. Elohim, God of total power, and finally Jehovah Nissi my banner who goes before me. The key is being able to know when you are weak. It is at those times when God will be your strength.

If we would just learn to let go and let God have his way.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father God, I come kneeling at the throne of grace humbly asking that You would hear my prayer. Lord, I realize that there are times in my life when I wanted to do things my way and because of my stiff neck, I failed to surrender my will to Yours and I stumbled and faltered. Lord, I come before the altar of sacrificing admitting that I have not always done things Your way and because of that, I have lost my way and all that You have given to me. Lord, I ask that You would be my strength and my banner, leading me into battle to take back all that the devil has tried to steal from me. You are my strength and my stronghold. I surrender my will to Yours as I let go all of my problems and surrender them to you. For I am weak and I need Your strength to regain my rightful place in the kingdom. Lord, I thank You for my blessings and my breakthroughs. I thank You for not only what You have done but also what You are about to do in my life. I bless Your name Father as I give thanks for the one who intercedes on my behalf, Christ Jesus. It is in His name that I submit this prayer. Amen.

When it is dark enough, you can see the stars. ~ Charles A. Beard

Scripture:
You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16 (New King James Version)

Every day, we see or hear of people who inspire us. Our president inspires us because of his humanity. Our teachers inspire us with their wealth of knowledge. Our church leaders inspire us because of their relationship with God. Our parents inspire us, well because they are our parents.

Then there are those whose abilities in their chosen fields inspire us because they have the ability to excel beyond what we can humanly imagine. I am talking about the Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, Oprah Winfrey and Bill Gates of the world. These seemingly normal looking human beings have not only excelled, but they have done things that far exceed our expectations. These are our superstars. Did you know that you too can be a superstar? All you have to do is do the very best you are capable of.

Personally, I want to be a superstar for Christ. Now, some of you may ask; what is she talking about? Well, to me being a superstar for Christ simply means that I have my goal securely focused in my path. I want to touch lives for Christ. I want to tell everyone I know about my God. I want people to see how Jesus works in my life and strive to have an ever better relationship with Him then they think is possible.

There are people all around us who stand out for one reason or another. Even during what appears to be turning into one of mankind’s darkest hours. It is at times like these that we must allow the light of Christ that burns deep inside of each and every one of us to emanate from within and light up the darkest corners of our world. Each of us must decide that we too can be superstars and let others know that all we have to do during these dark and trying times is turn to the word of God for a ray of hope.

Each of us must allow our stars to shine and illuminate the world around us.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Lord, though the world all around me is lost in darkness and despair, I will seek out the face of my Savior Jesus Christ and it is at those moments I will realize that He is with me even in my darkest hour. Lord, my heart becomes heavy when I look around and see the despair and hopelessness of a sin sick world. Father God, we need You know more than ever. When I become distraught and fear that I won’t be able to take another step, the Power of the Holy Spirit that dwells within me comforts me and lets me know that this too shall pass. Thank You Lord for Jesus, the Light of the world. Father God as we begin again, I thank You for my second chance. Yes Lord, I messed up but You forgave me. Yes Lord, I said and did some things that were not pleasing to You, but You wiped away my sins with Your Blood. Thank You. Now Lord, we ask that You would continue to guide and direct us and when we fear that we may lose our way in this darkened world, all we have to do is look up. For You are with us always, even until the end of time. Thank You. We submit this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, amen.

Remember, Security is not the absence of danger, but the presence of God, no matter what the danger. ~Anonymous

Scripture:
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Selah. Psalm 46:1-3 (New International Version)

What are you afraid of? Many of us fear either the emotional or physical pain something may cause. The problem is these emotions and feeling affect the way we live our lives. We may fear doing certain things because we think we might fail.

Some may be afraid to trust, or love someone because of a past experience. Others may be afraid to trust in their abilities and God given talents; settling for mediocrity. Still others may fear the simple act of interacting with people for fear of rejection. Secretly, we all fear something.

Life is full of unexplored options. Many of us will never reach our full potentials because we allow fear to hold us hostage. We will often fail to choose the road less traveled because we are horrified of the prospect of the unexpected. Our view of the world is often tainted by our fears.

I live in Detroit, Michigan, a city that has often been defined as the murder capital of the world. Many people fear venturing into the city because of this perception. What they fail to realize is that there is danger everywhere. Even in their nice little suburban towns. The key is always being aware of your surroundings and acting accordingly. Because of their fears, they are missing out on a lot of wonderful things that our great city has to offer. The same rule applies no matter where you live.

Understand that fear is an instrument of the devil. He wants us to be afraid. When we express fear, in essence we are saying we don’t trust God. The word of God tells us; Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. It doesn’t say; be scared, hide out don’t live your life. Saint of God, trust in the Lord. Be diligent.

Learn to feed your faith and starve your fears.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father God, there is so much in this world to fear. There is death and destruction all around me and I have been hurt by those that I have loved. Teach me Lord, to feed my faith and starve my fears. Help me Lord, to develop a spirit of discernment. Help me to see the tricks and lies of the evil one who seeks to destroy me. Father, teach me to trust in the gifts that You have given me so that I can become all that You want me to be. Those who know Your name will trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You. Thank You Lord, for protecting me even when I didn’t realize that I was in danger. Continue to hide us Lord, under the wings of Your Salvation. Lord, we thank You, we praise You and we uplift Your Holy Name. Father God, we humbly submit our prayers in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

If you blame others for your failures, do you credit them with your success? ~Unknown

Scripture:
When a king sits on his throne to judge, he winnows out all evil with his eyes. Who can say, "I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin"? Proverbs 20:8-9 (New International Version)

How many of you know how to play the blame game? You know, it’s the one where you blame everybody else for your problems except yourself. Your teenage kids are out of control but you didn’t discipline them when they were younger. You have no friends yet you have never been a friend to someone else. The bills are due but you have no money because you went out to the casino last night. Your spouse is never home because you are always nagging them about never being at home.

We also like to blame other for what we haven’t done in our own lives. I could lose weight if I didn’t always have to cook fried foods all the time. I could have gotten that job instead of her if I had only stayed in school. If I had a job that paid good money I would have to lie, cheat and steal to make ends meet. “Girl, he don’t want me to have his baby. He said I should have used protection.” Well, how about him using protection or better yet, why stop there. Stop having sex outside of marriage!

Too often it is easier for us to blame others for the messes in our lives instead of blaming ourselves. When we step outside of the will of God, bad things are bound to happen. When we point a finger at someone else, we forget that there are four more finger pointing right back at us.

So today, ask yourself; who is really to blame for your mess?

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father God, far too often I want to blame others for my problems and situations. I forget that I play a major part in my own life. Help me lord to make better decisions and choices. Lord, I pray for a spirit of discernment so that I can clearly see when I am heading down the wrong path. Help me to not judge others for my actions or lack of action. Empower me to overcome those destruction behaviors that I sometimes find myself experiencing. Now Lord, as we begin a new week, help me to start anew. May I always be mindful that You see all and that You are only a prayer away. Keep us once again as we struggle through this journey called life. Empower me to take control and give the reigns of my love to the Holy Spirit that dwells within me. Thank You Lord for new revelations every day. I love You Lord and I bless Your Holy Name. Thank You for Your precious Son, Jesus Christ. It is in his name we pray. Amen.

Remember, Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it. ~Michael Jordan

Scripture:
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have. Philippians 1:29-30 (New International Version)

Recently, I had a conversation with a friend who just discovered some life altering news. As we talked about this new revelation, through her tears she asked, Why am I always going through?As I tried to comfort my friend, I tried to explain to her going through something, is just a journey. It is a journey of our souls from one place to the other.

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

Understand that each and everyone will have to go through something. Sometimes it’s because of things that we have done, the choices that we have made, or even just because it's necessary.

Sometimes God allows us to go through some thing for our own good. Maybe it's to protect us. Maybe it's to help us see just how blessed we are. Maybe it's to help us grow. There is one very important thing that I have learned about going through the valley of trials and tribulations and that is, none of us will stay in the valley.

It's just a journey to the other side!

Be Blessed

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

Remember, Everything works out in the end. If it hasn't worked out, it's not the end. ~Unknown

Scripture:
David also said to Solomon his son, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished. 1 Chronicles 28:20 (New International Version)

The one constant that I have learned about life is, that there will always be challenges. Whether it be in relationships, on your job, in your ministry and in your home, there will always be something that isn’t going quite the way you may want it to.

As a mother, I often find that both of my sons can be very challenging. Our relationship has gone through some pretty rocky situations. However, I often find that the things that I worry the most about, somehow seem to work themselves out.

As a friend, I sometimes find myself at odds with those whom I love like sisters. We often disagree about things and then will realize that our disagreements are a natural part of the friendship process. We are each our own individual persons with our own individual way of seeing things. It’s only natural that we will not always see things eye to eye.

As a writer, I sometimes suffer from writers block. I sit down to work on something but just can’t seem to get the right words down on paper. And once I do, the daunting tasks of editing, rewriting and getting my work out there, never seems to end.

As a Christian, I have found that the idealistic utopist existence hasn’t quite manifested itself yet. Some days it’s downright hard being a Christian. It seems that everything that I believe in is ridiculed by the world and I often feel that I am on the Roman Road all by myself.

However, in each of the above situations I have come to realize that it ain’t over yet! My sons are still growing into the fine young men that I know they will be someday. Yes, I will lose some friendships along the way but the ones that endure, will be priceless. As a writer, I keep on writing because as long as I can touch someone’s life through the written word, then I am doing what I am supposed to be doing.

As a Christian, God never said it would be easy. As a matter of fact, He warned me that if I followed Jesus, that I too would have my own cross to carry. He told me that I would be ridiculed and made to feel like an outsider because in reality, I am. His Kingdom is not of this world. So if my goal is to make it into the kingdom then I must accept that I am not a part of this world either. I am set apart from the world and sometimes I will be made to feel alone because of it.

So my brothers and sisters I remind you; in this life there will always be challenges. But it ain’t over Yet!

Be Blessed

Prayer:
For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Lord, I asked that You would hide Your word in my heart each and everyday. I turn to Your word in times of discouragement. I turn to Your word when I need guidance. I turn to Your word to seek the answers to my questions. Thank You Lord, for Your Word. Father, I come asking that my brothers and sisters in Christ would be encouraged this day. When things come against them, give them power through Your word. You have said in Your word, that we can do all things through Christ Jesus. You would never leave us nor forsake us. You are with us even until the end of time. Your grace and mercy are sufficient. Thank You Father. Now Lord, we ask that You would continue to bless us this day. Heal our afflicted, encourage our down heartened. Trust in the Lord with all Your heart and lean not to Your own understanding. In all Your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct Your paths. And my God shall supply all Your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Amen.

Hunger is the handmaid of genius. ~ Mark Twain

Scripture:
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy. Matthew 5:5-7 (New International Version)

Have you ever been hungry and unable to eat? Maybe your cabinets were bare and you didn’t have the money to buy anything. You sat back and thought about ways to get some food. As a young woman living in my first apartment, I would simply go home to my parents and eat with them. Now that my parents are gone, that option no longer exists so I have to come up with other options.

I now have a family of my own and I am responsible for making sure that I provide for them. That’s one of the reasons I have a job. You know, so I can provide food shelter and clothing to those under my care. However, there have been times during my adult when I either didn’t have a job or it just didn’t provide enough for my needs. So I had to come up with new ways to provide for mine.

Hunger is defined as craving or urgent need for food or a specific nutrient. Now for me and mine, food is usually pretty prevalent in our home and we often times have more then we can eat. However, there are times when I may crave something, even when I am not hungry. I may have an urgent desire for something that’s not in my refrigerator and sometimes, I can’t even define what it is I crave. It’s at times like these that I find myself eating, not out of hunger but out of a need to satisfy a craving I can’t quite put my finger on.

This hunger or craving exists in other areas of my life as well. Sometimes, I will have a need for something but can’t quite put my finger on it. In the past when this craving reared its ugly head I would go out into the world seeking and trying different things trying to fulfill a craving I couldn’t identify.

Then I one day, I met Jesus and He satisfied all of my cravings.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father God, often times we look to the world to fulfill an emptiness inside of us we have no name for. We search high and low for that thing that will make us feel whole. We turn to drugs, sex and alcohol for a momentary escape and to satisfy a need if only for a moment. Lord, it was not until I met You on my life’s journey that my worldly cravings were quieted. It was You who made me feel whole, happy and content. It was You who fed me when no one else could. Thank You Lord, for Your Word. Your word that completes me. Your word that nourishes me. Father God, I thank You for finding me and blessing me and my household. May my words and actions be guided by Your word. We bless You Lord, and submit this prayer, in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

You cannot hold on to anything good. You must be continually giving - and getting. You cannot hold on to your seed. You must sow it - and reap anew. You cannot hold on to riches. You must use them and get other riches in return. ~ Robert Collier

Scripture:
Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the LORD or fully declare his praise? Blessed are they who maintain justice, who constantly do what is right. Psalm 106:2-3 (New International Version)

I like to listen to the radio on my way home from work each day. I am constantly clicking through the channels until I find something to listen to that I like. Although I am not a big fan of Michael Baisden, he does a segment that I have totally fallen in love with, paying it forward. For those of you who don’t know what paying it forward means, the definition is; the act of voluntarily helping another without the expectation of payback.

You see, Michael Baisden will tell you that he is not a Christian and that he has a problem with the whole concept of Christianity. Yet, he has taken this totally Christian principal and built a whole radio segment about it. I love it. But enough about him.

The concept of paying it forward is nothing new. As a matter of fact, it is a concept or principal that each and every one of us should be practicing on a daily basis. Personally, I don’t know when or why most of us got away from it. It is something that I show my sons through my actions every chance I get.

How many of you ever do something totally selfless for a stranger? Opportunities are always there. And I don’t want any excuses. We should take the opportunity to do something for someone OTHER than our families or friends whenever we can. It doesn’t have to be monetary. Although, in this economy even the littlest thing you can do to help someone else can help.

Pay for a stranger’s lunch or medicine. Buy a child a book, the gift of knowledge. Send a soldier a much needed care package. The opportunities to bless others through your actions abound.

Remember, the opportunity to show others the love of Christ through your actions are limitless.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father God, I declare and stand on Your word that says I can do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me. I have been commissioned to do great things in the name of the Lord. I claim my gifts today and pledge to use them for the furthering of the kingdom. Lord, I am weak, but You are strong. I can move mountains in your name. Help me to build a mountain of compassion, of friendship and of caring for those who are in need. May I pause today to help someone else besides myself and build roads that lead home to You. Father, help me to discover my inner power so that I can be an angel that helps someone else through this journey called life. May I always remember to share a portion of what has been given to me, even if its just the gift of time. Thank You Father for my blessings. Thank You Lord for Your word that guides me each and every day. I love You Lord, and I submit this prayer in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.