Archived Daily Devotionals

Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone. ~G.B. Stern

Scripture:
May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the LORD grant all your requests. Psalm 20:4-5

Far too often we go through life and never tell those who care about us, thank you. We often take for granted the kind words and gestures that are offered to us each and every day. We take for granted the loving things that family and friend do and say on our behalf.

Did you thank your wife or mother today for something they recently did for you? Did you take the time to do something nice for the friend who allowed you to dump all of your problems on their lap? Did you have a kind word for your brother or sister who did something nice for you just because? Or, how about that coworker who picked up your slack when you fell behind? Did you share a holiday meal with someone who spent hours laboring in their kitchen so that those who gathered around the table could partake in all of your favorite dishes?

More often than not, we take for granted those angels around us who are always there who see our needs and just take it upon themselves to do for us and often times, they don’t even have to be asked. So is it with God’s grace and mercy.

God is that friend who is always there to supply all of our needs and so often we forget to say; thank you!

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Lord, we come before the throne of grace to thank You Lord. You blessed me once again, and I forgot to thank You. You blessed me with my home, my children, and so much more, and I forgot to thank You. You delivered me from the evil one and I didn't thank You. Forgive me Lord, for forgetting to let You know how much I appreciate everything You do for me. You know Lord, last week I asked for something that You gave me. Thank You. I asked You to watch over me and my loved ones and You did. Thank You. Lord, last night when I prayed, I asked that You would place Your hedge of protection around me and my loved ones and You did. Thank You. I asked You for prosperity, and You blessed me with my job, I just want to say thank You. Lord, maybe I don't have that job I wanted just yet, but You still fed me last night. Bless You Lord. I might have had to catch the bus this morning, but that's okay, I thank You for giving me bus fare. Lord, my blessings are too many to list right now, but I want You to know that I am grateful for each and every blessing that I have received. Not because I am worthy of Your favor, but because You love me. I thank You for just loving me. Bless Your name Lord. Praise the name of the Lord. I lift up Holy Hands and bow down my head in reverence to You alone. Thank You Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

Remember, Give thanks for a little and you will find a lot. ~ The Hausa of Nigeria

Scripture:
the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of bride and bridegroom, and the voices of those who bring thank offerings to the house of the LORD, saying, "Give thanks to the LORD Almighty, for the LORD is good; his love endures forever." For I will restore the fortunes of the land as they were before,' says the LORD. Jeremiah 33:11 (New International Version)

Every now and then as I reflect upon the things that are or aren’t happening in my life, I begin to feel sorry for myself. Sometimes, I think I should have more, do more or I just want more. I sometimes feel that I am failing in my quest to finding my true destiny. But then, something will happen that will remind to put things back into perspective.

So often these mini revelations that I have, aren’t really that significant at all. It might be seeing a homeless woman on the street and I am reminded that I have a home. It could be hearing how someone loss their child, and then I am reminded that I have two beautiful sons. Or it could simply be seeing someone, all alone, with no one to call friend.

Just this past week, I was depressed because I didn’t feel that I was progressing with my writing. I write everyday but didn’t feel that I had been making any progress as a writer. Then, God started doing what He does best. He reminded me that my writing does matter.

The first reminder came in the form of a message from a dear sister in Christ who told me just how much these messages have meant to her. Then today, I received another message from another friend who said she prints them out to share with her mother each morning. As I started reflecting, these were but two of the many messages that I receive each day from people who find inspiration in the things that I write.

I say all this to say, that even though my dream of publishing my book hasn’t come to fruition, my dream of touching the lives of others through the written word has. I thank God for this forum and this opportunity to share His word and to touch the lives of others.

I give thanks to God for allowing me to find a lot. Each and every one of you!

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Lord, sometimes I forget that my purpose isn’t to please myself, it is to please You. I sometimes forget that the gift that You have given me isn’t to please me, it is to be shared with others so they too can see You working in their lives. Father God, forgive me for my selfish nature. Forgive me for not appreciating what I do have. I have love, grace and mercy. I have the gift of life through my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I have fellowship with my brothers and sisters in Christ who bless me always with their kind words, prayers and thoughts. Lord, I ask that as we begin another week, that each and every one of us will remember, to give thanks for even the smallest of things. That each and every one of us will remember to bless someone else, because you have already blessed each of us. Lord, we give thanks to You on high. We praise and uplift Your Holy Name. Great is Thy faithfulness. Thank You Father. Thank You Jesus. It is in Your name that we submit this prayer. Amen.

Footnote: I wrote this message sometime ago and came across it this evening as I was preparing to do an evening devotional. My praise report is this; God does answer prayers. My debut novel, “Serving Justice” was released in April of 2009 through “Peace in the Storm Publishing and won a literary award in the category of romance. Praise God!

Remember, When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the morning light, for your life and strength. Give thanks for your food, and the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies with yourself. ~ Tecumseh, Shawnee Chief

Scripture:
ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name. Bring an offering and come before him; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness. 1 Chronicles 16:29
Too often it becomes easier for us to see only the bad things that are going on in our lives. We get up each morning and put on the same garments of despair, hurt, anger and resentment that we had on the day before. Instead of seeing the dawning of a new day as another opportunity to begin again, we see only our problems of yesterday.

We would rather dwell on the problems of our past, then rejoice in the blessings of the day. It rarely occurs to us that maybe our inability to rejoice in the blessings that we have already been given, as being a part of the reason we don’t receive our blessings of today.

As a mother, I often compare my relationship to God to my relationship with my children. You see, its hard for me to give them something new, when I feel they don’t appreciate what they already have. I cannot in good conscious give them a new thing if they don’t take care of the old.

So I have to ask, how can God in good conscious bless us with a new thing, when we can’t appreciate what we already have. As I read the above quote, there was one statement that really stood out to me; If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies with yourself.

Don’t you have something to be thankful for?

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Lord, we come once again praising and uplifting the name of Jesus. We lift up Holy hands and bow down before the throne of grace in reverence and honor to You Lord. Father, no matter what this day may bring, I will continue to praise You. Lord, this joy that I have deep down in my soul, the world didn't give it to me. You did. I will not allow anyone to take back what You have given me. Thank You Father, for my gifts. I thank You for waking me up and breathing life into my lungs once again. I thank You for family, friends and loved ones who encourage when the world tells me I can't. I thank You for guiding and directing me especially during those times I seem to stray. Lord, continue to place Your hedge of protection around the saints who are represented here. Strengthen all of my brothers and sisters in Christ who are going through. Manifest and magnify Your Power and Your presence in our lives today. Thank You Lord, Thank You Jesus. Amen.

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

Scripture:
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 1 Peter 3:8
Have you ever paid attention to what a smile can get you? The other day an ex-coworker and I were reminiscing about our old place of employment and how we missed some of the people we used to work with. We discussed how some people were thought to be a bit contrite and some to be cantankerous but we didn't see them that way. You want to know why?

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

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

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

Remember Saints of God, it is your job, your responsibility to show the world God's love. What better way to introduce Jesus to others than with your smile.

Be Blessed

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

Remember, Nothing makes you like other human beings so much as doing things for them. ~ Zora Neale Hurston

Scripture:
Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. Jude 1:22-24

Recently, a friend complimented me on being there for him. He told me that my willingness to help him, even though I really didn’t know him that well, inspired him in his own Christian walk. I was a little taken aback by his words as I was feeling that I hadn’t done as much for him as I had expected I should have.

As we discussed our relationship and the willingness of others to birth a dream, the dream of helping other Christian writers promote their work, the reality of what we were doing really hit home. You see, his initial intent in starting the project was to sell more books. However, what he discovered along the way became the thing that was of most value. What he discovered was that his own self-ambitions were diminished as he pushed others ahead of himself. It is something that each of us can and will discover when we learn to put the needs of others ahead of our own.

I will share something today that most don’t know about me. My secret is this; whenever I become discouraged and want to give up, God always manages to put people in my life that I have to help. What I mean by this is that someone will contact me with a need that I have to address, whether it be prayer, counseling, our just being there to talk. That need forces me to put me aside and put that other persons needs ahead of my own.

By the time I get back to what my situation is, I am usually better prepared to put it in its proper perspective. God is teaching me to be selfless and in doing so, I am being blessed by it. And so it should be with each of us.

The dawning of each day brings with it it’s own set of challenges and blessings. We usually have a choice to make. That choice it to wallow in our own self-pity or reach out and impact the lives of others. When we take our eyes off our own problems and reach out to others, God is right there to carry the weight of it all.

My challenge to you today is to take your hands of your own troubles and help someone else carry theirs.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father God, today I got caught up in my own pity party. Forgive me. I often forget that the things that I see as problems, You see as possibilities. You see the possibility of my elevation and in the process seeing others being uplifted by me. You see the possibility of me winning someone over to Christ. You see the possibility of me becoming more Christ like. Thank You Lord, not for my problems but for my possibilities. Help me Lord always to be mindful that when I am down, all I have to do is look up, because You are always there, waiting on me to reach to You. Lord, may I always remember to lend a hand, be a friend and to put the needs of others before my own. May something that I do or say today, be a blessing to someone else. I pray that the words that I speak would be a reflection of He who resides in my heart, my Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus. Now Lord, we ask for Your continued blessings, Your grace and Your mercy. Touch, bless and anoint our families, friends and brothers and sisters in Christ. We humbly submit our prayers in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.

There is nothing more precious to a parent than a child, and nothing more important to our future than the safety of all our children. ~ President Bill Clinton

Scripture:
When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. ~ Mark 10:14 (New International Version)

Yesterday as I arrived home from work, I heard that a fifteen year-old boy in my neighborhood had been led, naked, out to an abandoned field and shot in the back of the head by his father. Earlier in the day, I heard that a mother was being charged in the death of her five year old daughter whom the mother had sold into prostitution for drugs.

Last week and this week the buzz is all about the movie “Precious,” the story of a fifteen year old girl that was being physically and mentally abused by her mother. Precious was also the victim of rape at the hands of her mother’s boyfriend AND her mother was aware of what was going on.

Saints, I am heartbroken as I sit here and write about these atrocities being perpetrated against these babies. To make the crimes even more horrific is the fact that the pain they suffered were at the hands of their own parents; their very own flesh and blood. But to me the saddest thing of all is there is no public outrage. People hear about these things, say they are a shame or maybe even shed a tear but do absolutely nothing about it.

Have we become so desensitized that we shed one lone tear and keep it moving? I am a single mother of two boys. My youngest is just a year younger then the young man that was murdered and Precious. There were times when they made me so angry I may have felt like killing them or throwing a skillet at their heads, but the love I have for my babies far outweighs any desire I may have to ever cause them harm.

Our children are precious gifts from God. We are failing our children when we don’t take them to the alter and introduce them to God. Satan is after our children and here we are just giving them away.

I look around me at our children today and ask; where has the village gone?

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Jesus Wept.

If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain; If I can ease one life the aching, Or cool one pain, Or help one fainting robin Unto his nest again, I shall not live in vain. ~ Emily Dickinson

Scripture:
His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness. Matthew 25:23 (New International Version)

One of the many jobs that I have held over the years was in the programming/production department of a local television station. There would be times I would be called upon to answer telephone calls from angry viewers when their favorite soap opera or talk show was interrupted with breaking news. There was one very disturbing observation I noticed about many of these calls, these angry callers were often the elderly and I realized that television was frequently their only company.

I was recently reminded of this by a television special that aired here in Detroit about an elderly woman named Marabel Chanin, an 87 year old woman who died alone. The story so captivated the world that it spawned a need to create a news special to discover how something like this could happen. You see, Marabel had never married or had children. Her body lay unclaimed in the Wayne County Morgue for over four months.

As I listened to her story, I discovered that one of the reasons that she had been left alone, was because she had chased away family and friends. I find it heartbreaking to think that anyone could live to be almost 88 years old and have no one to care about them in life or death.

As Christians we have been charged with loving one another. Not just ourselves or our immediate family but all whose path we will cross. I challenge you to do to take a long hard look at yourselves and ask the question; Is my Living in Vain?

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father God, sometimes we get so caught up with our lives and with ourselves that we fail to see the hurting world around us. My prayer to You this night is that I will see all humanity as my brothers and sisters. I choose to bless others as You have blessed me. Create in me a right spirit and help me to realize that it is not all about me. Help me O’Lord to have empathy to those who are in need and to give a portion of what has been given to me so that others can see You working in my life. Magnify the power and the presence of the Holy Spirit and allow it to light my path as I walk in a dark world so that You may be edified in the works that I do, in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/dpp/news/brads_edge/marabel_farewell

The greatest thing in the world is not so much where we are, but in what direction are we moving. ~ Oliver Wendell Holmes

Scripture:
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14 (New International Version)

Recently, I had become discouraged in pursuing my dream. Although I have accomplished many great things, I have also encountered a number of setbacks. Plans that have been made haven’t always worked out the way I had envisioned them. And since, I am only human; I become discouraged sometimes and just feel like giving it all up.

This morning as I was preparing for church, I felt the need to visit my old church home. There was nothing special that prompted this feeling, only the thought that I had not been there in awhile and it would nice to visit.

I immediately felt at home as I was greeted from the onset my old friends whom I did not realize had been missed. As I sat in the congregation feeling like I was home for the holidays, I realized that one of the very reasons I had begun to write was due to the many lessons I had received at the feet of a great leader, Reverend Joseph R. Jordan. It was his guidance in my early Christian walk that inspired me to thirst after the word of God and want to share that same word that gave me so much comfort, with others.

However, I was not to be blessed with his words of encouragement, but rather by a very dear friend who also happens to be a minister. Reverend Robert Davis, Jr. As Reverend Davis delivered the word today, I realized why I had been prompted to visit today and it was because the word that Reverend Davis spoke today was just for me. Or, at least it felt that way.

Reverend Davis’s word for today was from the book of Romans and I was reminded to stay focused on the things that are important and not to lose sight of what we are called to do.
I became a writer because I love sharing the word of God with others. I enjoy knowing that many of the things that I write about inspire and encourage others on their own spiritual journeys. I do what I do, because I have been charged with sharing the Word of God with others and so that they too can be reminded of just how good God is.

So today I challenge each and every one of you to not lose focus on what you are charged to do. Rather, keep your eyes on the prize!

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father, sometimes I forget that I am here to do a work for You. I slip and think that what I do is all about me. I now realize that nothing I do or say is about me. I must always be mindful that it is about my Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus. Forgive me Lord for my arrogance and my self-serving nature. Help me Father God to always be mindful to do what I have been charged to do and that is to touch the lives of others so that they too can get to know You as I do. Thank You Lord for bringing people into my life who remind me of my duties and responsibilities to the body of Christ. Thank You Lord, for trusting and believing in me enough to save me and using me to bless others. Thank You God, most of all for the greatest gift of all, Your Son. It is His name I submit this prayer, Amen.

Remember, when reaching obstacles and hurdles, JUMP! ~ unknown

Scripture:
Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me. In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD , whose word I raise- Psalm 56:1-3

Saints, have you ever been driving along and ran into a roadblock? You were forced to go in another direction and sometimes you got lost? You had no clue where you were or how to get back on the right road?

That's how our spiritual walk is sometimes. Things will happen to block our way. We have certain plans for our lives. We may have decided that things were going to be done a certain way, then something happens to change our plans. We were so set on doing things our way, we weren't prepared to do anything different and become lost and confused.

Well saints, I know how you can get back on the right road. It's a map called the Book of Life. It is the word of God. The bible. It is our spiritual roadmap for this world.

So when you find yourself lost and confused, pull out your map, and find your way home.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Lord, we come as humbly as we can to give You the glory, the honor and the praise. Thank You Lord, for keeping us one more day. Father, we thank You for Your word. Your word, that teaches us, keeps us, renews us and guides us. We come thanking You this morning for the family of God. You have blessed us, O God, with the gift of friendship, the bonding of persons in a circle of love. We thank You for such a blessing: for friends who love us, who share our sorrows, who laugh with us in celebration, who bear our pain, who need us as we need them, who weep as we weep, who hold us when words fail, and who give us the freedom to be ourselves. Bless our friends with health, wholeness, life, and love. Lord, so many of our loved ones have been stricken with cancer. We come asking for an extra portion of Your grace and mercy today. Touch them now Lord Jesus. Strengthen them, comfort them, but most of all heal their bodies and their spirits. We thank You right now for our breakthroughs that are on the way. We thank You right now for our blessings that our on the way. We love You Lord. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish. ~ John Quincy Adams

Scripture:
We have sinned, even as our fathers did; we have done wrong and acted wickedly. When our fathers were in Egypt, they gave no thought to your miracles; they did not remember your many kindnesses, and they rebelled by the sea, the Red Sea. Yet he saved them for his name's sake, to make his mighty power known. Psalm 106:6-8 (New International Version)

When I was a child, I believed in miracles. I believed that anything could happen and it usually did. I saw them all the time. I experienced the perfect day, the joy and laughter of playing with family and friends. I knew the comfort and love that comes from being around those who cared and about and for me. Now, I often wonder; what happened? When did I stop believing that dreams really do come true?

I now realize that they went away when I grew up. My vision became tainted by all the bad things I saw and as the trust I had in those around me become battered and broken. Even today, it amazes me how innocent the world through the eyes of a child can be. The stages of life have a way of tarnishing our vision.

I can only imagine how painful it must have been for our forbearers, Adam and Eve to realize that because of deceit and curiosity, they too had lost that childlike innocence. I’m not sure if they too gave up on believing in miracles as the world around them became tainted by the things they now saw and had to endure.

It wasn’t until I grew older and developed a relationship with Christ Jesus that I began to realize that even though the world around me had changed, there was still hope. Hope in Christ Jesus. Now the only difference was that instead of miracles happening around me every day, I had to learn to be patient and to persevere in my well doing.

The Lord, our Father has told us time and time again, that this is not his world. Satan has made sure of that. However, for those of us who still believe in the power of faith, miracles can and will still happen. If you can believe it, you can receive it. Your Miracle is on the way.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father God, we come before the mercy seat asking today for our miracles and breakthroughs. So often we lose sight of the fact that our hope and desires do not lay in the hands of those around us, but rather our hope lies in Christ Jesus. Help us Lord to see You through the eyes of a child. A child who is totally dependant on their Father to provide all things. Father God, we come seeking Your face and depending on You for those miracles that are needed in our lives. Some have lost faith because they were depending on the wrong things. Material things that man provides and not those Godly things that You have already promised us in Your word. Help me Lord, to always look toward the hills of heaven from which cometh my help. It is on Christ the solid rock I stand. It is on Your word that I stand. It is by faith I will walk and it by grace I will be blessed. Thank You Father, for all things. But I thank You most of all for redemption through Your Son, my Savior, Jesus Christ. It is in His name I pray. Amen.

Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder. ~ George Washington

Scripture:
If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus for merely human reasons, what have I gained? If the dead are not raised, "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die. Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame. 1 Corinthians 15:32-34 (New International Version)

A few weeks ago I was hit with a powerful message that I have had a hard time formulating into written form. Over the course of time, I have watched as many great men and great women fall from grace because of some pretty outrageous choices in their careers. I will pick on no one person in particular, but rather use a powerful statement that I heard one of our fallen leaders. “My position took me places my character couldn’t handle.” Pretty deep statement, isn’t it?

Many of us will often confuse what we do and the positions that we hold with who we are. The more we accomplish and the more powerful we become in our positions, will often corrupt the moral people we were meant to be. The more we grow and glow, the more we tend to attract those people and those things that can and will cause us harm.

We must always be mindful that all success isn’t good success. If we cannot see and do things that edify God and others and not just ourselves, we are condemning ourselves to and ending that will be anything but happy.

The word of God tells us to seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. We must always remember to put God first in all that we do and say. By doing so, we remain humble and focused on doing what is right and not succumbing to the tricks of him who seeks to destroy us.

Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men. ~ John Emerich Edward Dalberg Acton

Remember, there is only one absolute power and He IS God!

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father God, help me always to remain humble as I learn what I do and who I am is only because of who You are. Lord, when I begin to confuse my blessings and favor, with my works, allow the Holy Spirit that abides within me to be magnified so that I may once again walk in tandem with You. Thank You Lord for favor, grace and humility. As in all things and at all times, we continue to bless Your Holy Name. In the name of Jesus, we submit these prayers. Amen.

Remember, if you don't know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else. ~ Yogi Berra

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

I know that many of you are going through difficult times right now. Life has somehow disappointed you and it seems as though you can't catch a break. Relationships and families are in trouble, some are out of work, and others our faced with what seems like insurmountable financial troubles.

There are those of you who are faced with sickness of mind, body, spirit and soul. Others have lost loved ones and there are even some who are disappointed because they can’t find a mate. Some of you are almost ready to give up!

The word of God tells us that no matter what we are going through, He is right there with us. Things may seem bad right now, but as long as God is walking with us, we are never alone.

Our father has said that he would never leave us or forsake us. All you have to do is take yourselves out of the situations and put him in it in your place. Know that he is always with us even when it seems like no one else is coming to your aid.

He will never let us go if we reach out to him.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father, I stretch out my hand to thee and call on the name of Jesus! Have mercy Lord for we are weak and need You right here, right now. Abba, show favor towards Your children this day. Give us the strength and the courage to endure. We need You right now. Touch us right now. Bless us right now. In the magnificent name of Your son, we submit this prayer. Amen.

By faith we understand

Faith is the refusal to panic. ~ David Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Scripture:
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. Hebrews 11:1-3 (New King James Version)

So often we hear the phrase “Just have faith,” but how many of you truly understand just what faith is? Faith is often described as; believing and trusting in the power of the unknown. The dictionary defines faith as the confident belief or trust in the truth or trustworthiness of a person, idea, or thing.

I love to study the word of God and as I looked up the passage in the NKJ version of the bible, it had a title that stated as part of the lesson, by faith we understand. It raises the question, how can we understand something that we cannot truly touch, taste or feel?

In the flesh we are often taught to believe only in the tangible. Our minds often will not process information that does not make sense to us. In many ways we are too literal for our own good.

Now trust, that’s a whole other topic. However, when we talk about faith, we must also talk about trust. Trust is an emotion that I believe each of us is essentially born with. It is not until we learn betrayal that we begin to lose our trust in others.

Understanding is described as the ability grasp the meaning of, or to accept as a fact or truth or regard as plausible without utter certainty.

Faith is the belief and trust in and loyalty to God, the firm belief in something for which there is no proof and/or complete trust.

Now when I put those two definitions together I see; I understand and grasp and accept as fact or truth or regard as plausible without utter certainty in the trust and loyalty of God and I firmly believe that even though there is not proof of His existence, I totally and completely Trust Him.

That my friends, is the basis of faith!

Prayer:
Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. Father, when trouble comes my way, help me to learn to trust and have faith in You. Help me to remember that if I but have mustard seed faith, that I can do all things through Christ Jesus. Lord, sometimes we forget that You are our ever present help in the time of trouble. Thank You Lord, for being there when we need You. Lord, when we begin to falter and start to worry about our problems, help us to remember to be still and pray. When the problems of life seem to overwhelm us, help us to remember You are right there with us. God help us to realize that weeping may endure for a night, and that sometimes it is necessary for trouble to assail us so that we can see You power and Your glory manifested in our lives. Lord, We ask for strength today; the strength to stand and fight the good fight of faith yet another day. Lord, grant us peace today. Your peace that passes all understanding. Lord, fill our hearts with Your love. Your love that is not our selfish definition, but the love of Christ Jesus, that strengthens us. Now Lord, we come together on one accord to pray for one another. For no matter how heavy our cross seems, we recognize that we are blessed beyond our own imaginations. Bless our brothers and sisters in Christ. Bless our loved ones who have not come to know You yet. But most of all, we Bless Your holy name. In Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.

"When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first place." ~ Unknown

Scripture:
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. A righteous man may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken. Psalm 34:18-20
Periodically we will all be faced trials and tribulations. From time to time it will seem as though God doesn't hear or just won't answer our prayers. Then, there are times when we are just plain old tired of fighting against this world.

Recently, I was reminded of a situation that the Prophet Elijah went through. Elijah was a prophet who did great things in the name of God. (See 1 Kings). One day Elijah was sent out to destroy the prophets of Baal. He killed all 450 prophets. When Jezebel heard what he had done she vowed to have him killed as well. Elijah, a great Prophet of the Living God, who had done great things in the name of God, just the day before, became scared and ran away to hide.

This Prophet, one of God's chosen, became scared of one woman. Even though God had manifested himself in Elijah's life and used Elijah to do many things in his name, Elijah ran. Even though Elijah knew God for himself and had seen his power first hand, he felt helpless at the threat of one queen Jezebel.

I use this story because it reminded me that even those who have been on the battlefield for the Lord and have been used by God will become tired. I am reminded of not only Elijah, but of King David and of Job as well. But you know what saints of God? Even in their moments of darkness God was still there. Even when it seemed that there was little or no hope, God was still there. Even when it seemed that they couldn't go on another day, God was still there.

So Saints of God, remember, God is still there! He will never leave us nor forsake us! He hasn't failed us yet!

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.

Understand that the right to choose your own path is a sacred privilege. Use it. Dwell in possibility. ~ Oprah Winfrey

Scripture:
Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge or showed him the path of understanding? Isaiah 40:14 (New International Version)

Our lives consist of a series of choices. Some of those choices, we make, while other choices are made for us. When we are young and unable to make our own decisions, our parents are there to make the right choices for us. However, as we grow in age and knowledge, we can begin to make our own informed choices.

There were times in my youth where I did not always make the right choice, or at the very least I made some pretty stupid choices. For example, I know that there were times in high school; I chose to do the wrong thing in an effort to be accepted by the “in crowd.” Many of my choices would later lead to a series of heartbreaks and disappointments for me later in life. I realize that even as an adult, many of my choices were still bad ones. There is one very important fact that I have come to realize though, it’s never too late to make the right choice.

When we choose good over bad, right over wrong, light over darkness; we are in fact making the right choice. Even when our lives seem to be out of sorts, the choices that we make can still bless us. You see, I prefer to praise God in the midst of my storms instead of singing the blues all of the time. Each morning when I rise, I choose to have a good day no matter how dismal the world around me appears to be. I want to be a writer so I make a conscience decision to work at my craft on a daily basis.

So often we take the privilege of choice for granted. We don’t realize that there are many people in this world who cannot make their own choices. Even in this great country of ours, the right to choose has been taken away for some who did not or could not make the right choice.

The right to choose is still yours to make. Will you make the right one?

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father, so often we feel that our lives are not our own. We believe that our destiny in life is chosen by others. Dear Lord, help us to remember that the choice is always ours. When we find ourselves caught up in wrong situations, help us to see our way out. When others see our failures, help us to realize our victories. Help us always to remember, that the right to choose is ours alone. Even You, give us the right to choose. May the choices and decisions I make in my life, be pleasing to You. May I always remember that many of the choices that I make will impact my life forever. Lord, I choose You. I am blessed, that You have also chosen me. I thank You Lord for loving me enough to choose me to serve You. Glory to God. Hallelujah. Thank You Father for the gift of life, Your Son and my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is in his name that we pray. Amen.

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

Scripture:
As they led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. Luke 23:27

Everyone in this world will have a defining moment in their lives. No one can predict what that defining moment will be. For some, it will be the loss of a job, a life altering illness, loss of a loved one, or in the case of Simon of Cyrene, just being at a certain place at a certain time.

So often, there will be nothing that we have or haven’t done that has created this defining moment, but it will be something that by its very nature will ultimately change the course of our life. More often than not, there will be several significant events in our lifetimes that will mold and shape us along the way. I was reminded of this once again as I was faced with the affects of my body changing as I grow older.

The word of God tells us that each of us has our own cross to bear. The size and the weight of the cross will be different for each of us. Now, I am not referring to a cross in a literal sense, but rather figuratively. The cross is symbolic of our journey through life.

The cross is representative of the trials and tribulations that we will be faced with along the way. Family, finances, health issues, and just plain old living are some of the crosses we carry. Some, we carry very easily while others weigh us down. Some we don’t mind carrying, while others we wish we could just be rid of.

Life’s reality is this; it is what it is.

Our crosses in life are necessary for our spiritual and physical development. And sometimes, our crosses are necessary so that others can see the Spirit of God working in our lives. Whatever the reason for your cross, remember,

Jesus said it best; anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Lord, we come before the throne of grace, to give thanks, honor and praise to the one true God. We come humbling ourselves as we seek refuge in the arms of Your protection. Father God, we come asking for the strength and the courage to bear our cross will all due diligence. Sometimes our cross becomes more than we can bear. Help us always to remember that in those times, You, our strength and our redeemer are always there. Thank You Lord, for strength and comfort. Thank You Lord, for my brothers and sisters in Christ we remind me of Your grace and Your mercy. Thank you Lord, for a word that gives me hope in my time of darkness. I thank You most of all for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is in His most Holy name that we submit this prayer. Amen.