Archived Daily Devotionals

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.

Remember, Wisdom is like a beautiful stained glass window. The more light shines through it The more brilliant the wisdom ~ John Christopher

Scripture:
For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness,"[made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6 (New International Version)

Lately, I have been fascinated with the word Wisdom. Wisdom is a derivative of the word wise. Wise means; Having the ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting; sagacious: a wise leader. As I have grown older, I realize that there have been so many things that have happened in my life that were the result of being foolish or; unwise.

Unlike some of you, I haven’t always been saved and because of that, I have made some pretty dumb decisions in my life. I won’t go into detail but what I will say that because of being uninformed about the word of God, I thought I could live my life any way I wanted to. In the process of “Living My Life” I have said and done things that where harmful to me and to those I loved.

Recently, I shared with a friend how as a teenager, I rebelled against my mother in my attempts to “Be Grown.” I did and said things that I knew she wouldn’t have approved of. In the process, I changed the dynamics of our relationship.

Now I must say, that it took me some time to realize the errors of my ways, but the reality of my actions were that I hurt my mother in the process and caused her unnecessary pain and heartache. It took me years to realize what I had done and it broke my heart when I realized the consequences of my actions.

My mother, who died many years ago forgave me long before her death, but the shame of what I had done will be with me for the rest of my life. It will be a cross that I will bear until my own dying day. Now I know that I have asked for and received forgiveness for my actions, but it doesn’t change the facts of what I had done.

Saints of God, how many of you have said or done things that you knew were wrong in the name of being your own woman/man? How many of you made foolish choices because of your ignorance? How many of you wish that you could somehow change your past so that your presence and your future could be better? It’s not too late.

The gift of wisdom is at hand. It called the Word of God. The Bible. Won’t you accept your gift today?

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father God, I come before the throne of grace as a chastised child. Lord, I ask for forgiveness of my rebellious nature. Father, I come seeking the wisdom that can only be found in Your word. Teach me Lord, to become more Christ-like. Help me Lord to grow in grace and in favor. Teach me thy ways, as I seek the gift of life eternal in Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You Lord, for all things yesterday, today and forever more. Thank You heavenly Father for my mother who had the wisdom and the love to see past my faults, just as You do. Praise be To God. Thank You Jesus. It is in Your name we pray. 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.

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, We can only learn to know ourselves and do what we can -- namely, surrender our will and fulfill God's will in us.” ~ St. Teresa of Avila

Scripture:
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shate and with swelling thereof. Selah. Psalm 46:1-3

How often have you heard the phrase; I am too Blessed to be stressed? I am sure many of you have also used that phrase in response to the question; how are you doing today?

So often we speak the words and don't really believe what we are saying. We may start our day off on a pleasant note, then something happens to upset you. Rather than allowing God to handle the situation, we begin to worry. We worry about our bills, our spouses, our jobs, and the list just goes on and on.

God tells us time and time again, give me your worries, your cares, your concerns, your problems. And leave them with me. I got this! There is a gospel song that I sometimes listen to that is very special to me. It says; "God is the joy and the strength of my life. He removes all pain, misery and strife. He promised to keep me; never to leave, and he never ever comes short of his word." "GOD IS MY ALL AND ALL!"

Saints of God, we must learn to cast all of our burdens onto the Lord. He's Got This!

Be Blessed

Prayer:
When trouble comes, God help me to trust in You. 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 to You. 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 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.

Remember, Fame is a vapor, popularity an accident, riches take wing, and only character endures. ~ Horace Greeley

Scripture:
And now, my daughter, don't be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All my fellow townsmen know that you are a woman of noble character. Ruth 3:11 (New International Version)

As a mother, I always try to set a good example for my children by doing what is right. As a woman, I try to set a good example for all the younger women who may be watching me as they are trying to learn about life. As a writer, I try to maintain my integrity by adhering and deferring to the word of God in my written word. As a Christian, I try to do what’s right because God is always watching.

Too often some people would rather do the wrong thing for what they feel are the right reasons. For example, I recently read an article about a mother who gave her son a gun so that he could “handle his business.” Or how about the women who walk around scantily clad just to attract the attention of the opposite sex. Or, how about the writer who will write an expose` that they know is not true and will ultimately harm those they are writing about, just so that their book will sell. And last but definitely not least, the person who calls himself a Christian to the world, but does things behind closed doors that they know are wrong but because know one can see them, believe it’s okay.

So often we will conform to the things of this world because we want attention; we want to be accepted; or we just want to do whatever we want to do because we can. Too often we are willing to compromise who we are for all the wrong reasons and are unwilling to accept that there are consequences to all of our actions.

Personally, I would rather pass on the riches, the fame and all the hype and simply just want to be remember as a woman of character.

What do you want to be remembered for?

Be Blessed

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

Remember, all you need is deep within you waiting to unfold and reveal itself. All you have to do is be still and take time to seek for what is within, and you will surely find it. ~ -Eileen Caddy

Scripture:
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 (New International Version)

I often talk to people who want to make a change in their lives but are unable to do so. Frequently, it is fear that keeps them from making that change. Fear of stepping outside of their comfort zone, fear of the unknown and even fear of failure.

I have a very good friend who endured years of physical and mental abuse from her husband for fear of being alone. I have a friend who knows that her husband is cheating on her but is afraid to confront him because she fears that he may leave her for good. I have friends who are wonderful writers but are afraid to share their work for fear of rejection. In each of the above mentioned situations, there is so much to gain if these folks would just let go of their fears.

Even as a Christian, I know people that will not openly talk about God for fear of being labeled a Jesus Freak, or heretic. They strongly believe in the word of God but are afraid to express how they truly feel because of what others might say about them. They won’t even bow their heads when eating in public for fear of being caught in a position of worship.

For years there were many things that I too feared. When I found my marriage disintegrating, I too feared being alone. When my children got in trouble, I feared I was being a bad mother. Even when I started writing, I was afraid that others wouldn’t find any value in what I had to say.

Then one day, I realized that the only person, who was holding me back, was me. You see I had to come to the realization for myself that there are only two beings I truly had to be accountable to and they were God and myself. If I truly believed in my heart all of the things that I had been taught and BELIEVED about the word of God, then I had to overcome my fears and step out on faith.

The word of God had already told me that the Holy Spirit indwelled within me. The word of God had already said, that “I can do all things through Christ Jesus.” The word of God said, “He would never leave me nor forsake me.” So my friends, I challenge you to trust God and know that He can do anything but fail and that means that if You trust Him, so will You.

Be blessed


Prayer:
My Lord, My Father, My Savior, you have the name that is above all names. You are Lord forever and there is no one who can challenge your authority and power. You rule for ever and ever, and there is no end to your Kingdom. We come before your throne of grace, and ask that you would look find favor with us. Your word says that you give strength to the weary, so we ask that you would strengthen us. Bless us Lord with your presence, and encourage our hearts. Help us to remember your faithfulness and your love that we might stand in faith against the issues that face us. We bind the schemes of the enemy to tear us down, and we rebuke the spirits that have been assigned to harass us. We ask you Lord to minister fresh strength and joy to our lives. We agree with your word, that says, your plans for us is to give us hope and a future. Let it be so Jesus, according to Your will. we pray in Your mighty name, Amen!

Remember, Compassion is sometimes the fatal capacity for feeling what it is like to live inside somebody else's skin. It is the knowledge that there can never really be any peace and joy for me until there is peace and joy finally for you too. ~ Frederick Buechner

Scripture:
I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men. So he got up and went to his father. "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.” The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Luke 15:19-21

Recently I had a conversation with a very good friend about having compassion for those who for whatever reason have failed in accomplishing something in life. As we talked I tried to explain why I thought it was important for us to remember that there are various reasons that some people fail to achieve what society views as life's significant accomplishments.

Now those things of which I speak may be as simple as graduating high school. As we all know that without an education, we have very little choices in what we might be able to accomplish. It might be that they got strung out on drugs, became an alcoholic, or a teenage mother/father. What ever reasons that a person may have for not accomplishing what we as individuals deem as important, does not mean that they are any less or that we are any more important to God.

The reality of life is this; we have all done things that we have come to regret. Sometimes we can correct our mistakes, and at other times it's too late. Some of our mistakes we will overcome, other mistakes we will live with for the rest of our lives.

How can Jesus show compassion towards us when we make mistakes, if we can't be big enough to show compassion to those who society has labeled failures in life.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father, in the name of Jesus, we come seeking Your grace and Your counsel. Father, we pause to give thanks for keeping us once again. We know that we are here only because of You. We are blessed, not because of who we are but because of who's we are. Thank You Lord, that You loved us that much. Touch us Lord, for we need You right now. Touch, bless, and anoint our brothers and sisters. Father, help each and every one of us to be mindful to put on the whole armor of God, for we are still in the midst of a spiritual battle. Protect us Lord, guide us Lord. Keep us Lord. Father, we come give You our thanks. We come praising and uplift Your Holy Name. We love You Lord. As we ask and pray these things in Christ Jesus. Amen.

What would Martin Luther King, Jr. think about the black community if he were alive today?

What would he think about how we have become apathetic about the “right to vote that he fought so hard and diligently for? Would he shed a tear for each night that he spent in jail so that we could sit at home on Election Day, unconcerned about the politics of the day?

Would he hang his head in shame to know that the beatings that he took and the lives that were lost were all in vain because we do not care enough about the world around us to go out and cast our ballots for what we believe in?

Would his eyes cloud over in anger to know that the things he gave his life for, the betterment of his race, the advancement of the Black Community and equal justice, have all been for naught?

What would Dr. King think about our youth today? The youth that was born of a proud people who respected life, family and most of all God? Would he become overcome with rage to know that mothers, grandmothers, and sisters are only seen as sex objects in songs and videos?

Would he be vexed at the notions that safe sex and not abstinence, is taught in school. That sex outside of marriage is okay as long as you use protection and birth control?

Would he become appalled at the sight of our young men wearing clothes that were born out of a prison culture and young women wearing clothes so revealing that they leave nothing to the imagination?

Would he cringe at the realization that it is no longer the Klu Klux Klan who is killing off our black men but instead our black men who are killing off each other?

What would his thoughts be about the black mother who once protected their young like a lioness protects her cubs who has now has become indifferent about her children to the point that she would allow them to suffer physical, emotional and sexual abuse at the hands of her man just to keep him?

What would he see as he walked through a once thriving black neighborhood that was filled with prosperous black owned businesses? Boarded up, burnt out, and vacated buildings that were once at the very center of our black economy?

Would he look into the faces of our young men and women and see the next great leader who would guide the black community into our next victory? Would he be proud of the men and women whom we have chosen to be our political voices at the city, state and national levels to lead our causes and address our concerns?

What do you imagine he would say after visiting one of our neighborhood churches and seeing the lack of support that the church is giving back to the community? Would he be impressed with today’s mega-churches that have thousands in their congregation yet fails to help that same congregation with some of life’s most necessities like food, clothing, or housing?

Would the man who staged not one but two marches on Washington be impressed with the pastor who drives a Cadillac or maybe even a Rolls Royce while his congregation is forced to stand in the cold in the wee morning hours catching a bus to work each day?

How would Dr. King react to the notion that even though we are now in the twenty-first century not only are we discriminated against outside of our race but even within it? That the color of your skin, the grade of your hair, the job that you have are all factors that we judge one another by?

How would Martin feel as he looked into the eyes of the black father today? Would he see his own reflection? A man who believed in putting God and his family first or would he see a Godless man who shuns his responsibilities, leaving his children wondering when they will see their father again as their mother struggles alone to provide for them?

If he visited one of our schools, would he notice that the pledge of allegiance, our national anthem, and prayer are no longer allowed to be spoken aloud? Would he be horrified to see the next generation of our children fail because we have failed to provide them with an education?

Dr. King once said, “If you will protest courageously, and yet with dignity and Christian love, when the history books are written in future generations, the historians will have to pause and say, "There lived a great people - a black people - who injected new meaning and dignity into the veins of civilization."

Would Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. still think of us as a great people or would he turn his back so that no one could see the tears that he is now sheds as he stands on the mountaintop looking at today’s black man and woman?

I wonder, What would Martin think?

Remember, courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear. ~ Ambrose Redmoon

Scripture:
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6

Saints, have you ever been in a situation and didn't know how you would get out of it? As you looked around at your circumstances you just couldn't understand how did you get here and how would you get out.

I talk to many people about their circumstances. Some are having problems with the marriages. Some are struggling financially, and some just feel like life is overwhelming them and they just don't know what to do.

God's word tells us not to fear our circumstances. That no matter what we come up against, No Matter What the Outcome! He will be with us always. It doesn't matter how you got where you are. Learn to depend on God for your strength, but most of all, for your guidance.

He will never leave you, nor forsake you, but most of all; he will never lead you wrong.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father, I don't know how I got here, but I know that You can lead me home. Lord, I realize that I cannot always see what You have in store for me. I just ask that lead me and guide me as I seek my way home. Lord, we ask that You would continue to cover Your children. Help us Lord, to always seek Your guidance in everything that we do. Father, we ask that You would touch, bless, and anoint those saints reading this prayer right now, our family member, friends, and soldiers who are away fighting for freedom. Bless us now Lord Jesus with the power of the Holy Spirit. We Love You Lord, with all that we are. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Remember, we don't change God's message -- His message changes us.

Scripture:
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Corinthians 1:17-19 (New International Version)

I remember a time when I wasn’t saved, sanctified and Holy-Ghost filled. I used to believe that people who believed in God were stupid and foolish. I mean, how could they believe in something that they could not see?

Yeah, I used to go to church and listen to the Man of God preach about heaven, but I found it hard to believe that there could be a heaven with so much hell on earth. I saw poverty and despair all around me. I saw supposedly “good” people suffering in ways that they didn’t deserve. I watched as a very good “Christian” friend suffered through the pain and agony of a cancer that would one day take her life. Yes, I knew about God but somehow, I found it hard to believe that He knew about me.

Then one Sunday as I sat in church listening to the preacher talk about how God knows and sees our struggles and about how we needed to see beyond our natural and start looking at God through His supernatural eye; I felt something that I had never before experienced; A peace that passes all understanding. My eyes were opened for the very first time.

On that all important day, I began to see and experience the true power of the Holy Spirit as it landed on me and changed the course of my life. I finally got it. I finally understood with my heart what God’s message was all about. It wasn’t about what we see and hear around us, it is about what a relationship with God truly meant.

I finally understood that what I had been going to church for all those years weren’t meant to change the world around me. Rather, it was meant to change my world; A world that places God at its center. The word of God is an instrument that is used to lead us and teach us as we journey through this world. The word of God is a lesson to aid us as we are reconciled to the kingdom of God. The word of God is the key to the kingdom.

Aren’t you glad for His Word?

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father God, we come before the throne of grace to give thanks for Your word. Your word that gives us life eternal through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We thank You for the gift of life: for the breath that sustains life, for the food of this earth that nurtures life, for the love of family and friends without which there would be no life. O Lord, Your compassions never fail and Your mercies are new every morning: We give You thanks for giving each of us relief from pain and hope of health renewed. Continue in us, we pray, the good work You have begun; that we, daily increasing in bodily strength, and rejoicing in Your goodness, may so order our lives and conduct that we may always think and do those things that please You; through Jesus Christ our Lord. We give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever. Amen.

PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR THE VICTIMS IN HAITI. I AM ALSO ASKING FOR SPECIAL PRAYER FOR THE FOLLOWING U.S. MISSIONARIES WHO ARE MISSING:

Leonard, Gabrielle, Gertrude and Renie.

All sin tends to be addictive, and the terminal point of addiction is what is called damnation~W.H. Auden

Scripture:
What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey--whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. Romans 6:15-17

Saints, how many of you have ever gone through an addiction? Exactly, what is addiction? I found a few interesting definitions I want to share with you.

1. Being abnormally tolerant to and dependent on something that is psychologically or physically habit forming. 2. An abnormally strong craving. 3. (Roman Law) a formal award by a court sentence of a thing or a person to another (as of a debtor to his creditor).

Now, personally I found all three definitions to be of great interest. Especially, number 3, but I am getting ahead of myself.

I started smoking when I was about 16. It was the cool thing to do. Now here I am, 35 years later, and I am still smoking. Not because it is the cool thing to do, but because I am physically addicted.

Now some people who have never gone through a physical addiction would say, just quit. But it's not that easy. My body and my emotions start going through some things. Without going through every detail, ultimately my body says, no; don't give it up because we need it in order to feel normal.

Well sin is like smoking. Some sins started out as the cool thing to do. "Everybody else is doing it, it must be okay." Every smoker knows that smoking is bad for you and can lead to serious health problems or even death. There are even warnings on each and every pack of cigarettes.

Unfortunately, there is not a warning on every sin. But there is the bible. The Bible is like the "Surgeon General's Warning"

"Quitting sin now greatly reduces the risk of serious spiritual problems later."

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Lord, I am a sinner. I have not always done what You have said. I ask Father that You would help me to overcome my addiction(s) whatever it may be. Strengthen me Lord, so that I would not give in to the cravings. Calm my spirit and my soul so that I may not use my addiction as an excuse. Help me Lord to realize and recognize that Satan is using my addiction to keep me from You. Lord, I ask that in all that I do and in all that happens, let me never lose hope. Strengthen my faith O'Lord. Let me never think that the things that I do in Your name have been done in vain. Whatever the day may bring, let me trust that You are with me. Whatever path You have chosen for my life, let me follow it without fear. Whatever Satan may bring my way; I shall rebuke it and send it back to him with all authority that has been given to me through my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Father, let me not forget my brothers and sisters whom I pray for and with in all earnestly. Lord, let us not forget Your word which is still the blueprint for us to live more righteously. Lord, I love and praise You. Thank You Lord for my breakthroughs and victories. As I ask and pray these things in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Some people think it's holding on that makes one strong; sometimes it's letting go. ~ Sylvia Robinson

Scripture:
Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. Revelation 3:19-21

A few years ago I received a message from a very good friend of mine that was written by Bishop T.D. Jakes. I have read the message titled "Let it Go", several times. In this very inspiring message, Bishop Jakes talks about letting go of people who are not good for you, past pains and hurts that you may still carry, and a multitude of excess baggage that may be holding you back.

We as believers often times will prevent ourselves from receiving our blessings, our salvation, our deliverance, because we cannot "Let it Go.” We do not go before the mercy seat and ask God to forgive us for our past mistakes; we allow the world to tell us how we feel, how we should think, and what to believe. We allow the sins of our past to continue to be our sins of today.

God has given us the keys to the kingdom. He has given us a plan, a blueprint, a way out of the valley of the shadow of death. He is standing at your door right now. He is letting you know that he is only a prayer away. All you have to do is open up the door and let him in.

Won't you let him in today and let out those things that are preventing your from gaining entrance into his kingdom?

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father God, we come kneeling before the mercy seat, asking that You would forgive us of our sins and transgressions. Father, we know that there is nothing that we could ever do on our own to deserve Your goodness and Your mercy, but we come asking anyhow. Help us to look at our lives through Your eyes. Give us the courage and the strength to let go of those people and those things that may be holding us back from You. Help us to realize that everything that we desire isn't always what You desire for us. Father, we hear You knocking at the doors of our hearts this day. We ask You to magnify Your presence and Your power within us. Help us Lord, to be submissive to Your will and Your word, not only today, but each and everyday. Continue to touch those who have come asking for intercessory prayer. Touch the lives and the families of everyone reading this message today. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Help me celebrate the launch of my new website, http://www.jacquelinedmoore.com, by stopping by and signing my guestbook!

To pray is to change. ~ Richard Foster

Scripture:
Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. James 5:13-15

Saints of God, have any of you really thought about what it means to pray for someone else? I know that each day I send out my prayer requests and ask that you pray for those whose names are listed, but have you ever really thought about what you are being asked to do?

Hopefully, No prayerfully, you do not take a haphazard approach in praying for the well being of others. As saints of God, your brothers and sisters are asking you to go before the throne of grace on their behalf, just like Christ Jesus does for each of us.

There are a multitude of reasons that someone has asked for prayer. Sometimes it is for their loved ones, their family members, and even for themselves. Even I will ask others to pray for me. The word of God teaches in Matthew 18, that if two of us on earth agree about anything we ask for, it will be done for us by our Father in heaven. And where we are gathered together in Jesus' name, there He is in the midst of us.

Sometimes the forces that come against us are too strong for us to stand alone and we need to call in reinforcements. We become too weak to fight the good fight of faith on our own or there is so much confusion around us that our prayers don't seem to be reaching God.

And sometimes we become so lost in the world that we have forgotten how to pray.

So today Saints of God, I am asking that when you go before the throne of grace ask nothing for yourselves, but intercede on behalf of your breathen.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father God, We come before the throne of grace on behalf of our brothers and sisters who have asked that we join together in prayer for their needs. Lord, we don't know the need of each individual but You do. We come asking that You touch the hearts, body and spirits of all whom we are uplifting in prayer. Father God. Some are sick, heal them Lord. Some are struggling financially, grant them a financial blessing. Some are off in a distant country fighting for their homeland, place Your hedge of protection securely around them and bring them home safely. Lord, some are lost and confused in a world filled with drugs and alcohol, deliver them from their addictions. Someone is on the verge of losing a marriage, a house, a job. Have mercy Lord, on Your children. Father, some are just weak and need Your strength, peace, joy and comfort. There are those reading this right now whom we have not placed on our prayer list, but we pray for our fellow saints who have joined together in prayer. Thank You Father for placing Saints of God in my life who pray for me just for the asking. We love You and exalt Your name. In the name of Jesus, we ask these things. Amen.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Be Blessed

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

Remember, Faith is not simply a patience that passively suffers until the storm is past. Rather, it is a spirit that bears things - with resignations, yes, but above all, with blazing, serene hope. ~ Corazon Aquino

Scripture:
But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Today is the third and final faith Challenge. The first faith challenge was to NOT speak our negative situations into existence. The second faith challenge was to speak life into our situations and to thank him for handling our problems. The third and final challenge is to wait. Wait on God to answer our prayers.

So often when we pray for something or for someone, we want that prayer to be manifested right now! When God doesn't answer our prayers right now, we become frustrated and sometimes we even get angry about it. But the word of God says, "But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

You see, there are various reasons as to why God doesn't always answer our prayers in the timely manner that WE think He should. Sometimes, not answering is His answer. Sometimes, what we want isn't always what God wants for us. We need to learn to wait until He answers.

At times, God has to make sure things are in place for us. Sometimes He has to prepare us for our blessing. And then there are those times when our answer is right there in front of us, but because it's not what we expect, we just don't see it. I once heard that we sometimes spend so much time looking at the closed door, we can't see the window that He has opened for us.

Every now and then, God just needs us to rest, be still and know that He is still in control. You see, our lives are not our own. Sometimes God has to let things go a certain way until His time. Sometimes He allows things to happen in our lives, so that He can step in. Sometimes, He doesn't answer until He is sure that we are ready to receive His answer.

Saints, do not be weary in well doing. Be still and know that He is God.

Wait on the Lord. When you are faithful, know this, His blessings are on the way!

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Our Father, Our Lord, Our Savior, we enter into Your courts with praise and thanksgiving in our hearts and on our tongues. I love the Lord, because He heard my cry. Father, Father, we ask that You would forgive us for not being as faithful to You, as You are to us. Lord we come asking that You would be patient with us as we learn to be still and wait on You. Father, as we wait until it's our time and our season, help us to be at peace with whatever our situations may be. Lord, I know that things are not the way I may want them to be, but I come asking that You would strengthen me so that I can stand and fight the good fight of faith one more day. Lord, I thank You for my deliverance. I thank You for my blessings. Lord, I praise You, for You alone are God. You are everything to me. Father, You are my rock, my strength, my redeemer. You are my fortress and my Hightower. You are my Father, my friend, my Savior. You are everything to me. Thank You Lord. We will praise You anyhow. We will bless Your name at all times. We will be still and know that You alone are God. Thank You Lord, for the Blood. The Blood, that cleanses, renews, revitalizes, forgives, heals, and most of all, gives me the right to come before You with all rights and privileges as your son Jesus Christ, it is in His mighty name we pray, Amen.

Remember, Life's challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, they're supposed to help you discover who you are. ~ Bernice Johnson

Scripture:
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14

Yesterday, I issued a faith challenge. The first part of the challenge was to turn our problems over to the Lord and not to speak of our problems again. Once we have turned our problems over to God, we are to let Him handle them.

Today's faith challenge is to begin to thank God for handling those same problems we were worrying about yesterday. Now I am not saying that our problems with suddenly disappear because we said we left it at the altar. But what I am saying is that we have to BELIEVE that Gods got it! Now that's what we call faith.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things, which are seen, were not made of things, which do appear.

Jesus once said, "if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. He told the woman with the issue of blood, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well." And the woman was made well from that hour. And then He told the one Samaritan whom He had healed from leprosy, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well." There are many more examples in the bible of how FAITH was the answer to the problem.

We go to God in prayer so that He will answer when we cry out to Him. We seek Him, so that we will be delivered, be healed, be blessed, be over comers. There is power in the tongue. There is healing in the tongue. There is deliverance, in the tongue.

There is a song that Shirley Caesar sings called "We Praise You Lord". In it she says, "You've been telling God all about your problems, start telling your problems about your God!” So today's faith challenge is to Praise Him, thank Him, stand on His word and His promise.

He's got this one!

Be Blessed

Prayer:
I love the Lord, for He Heard my voice; He heard my cry for mercy. Because He turned His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live. We Praise You Lord, from the rising of the sun, until the going down of the same. We Love You Lord. Lord, I thank You for my victories. I thank You Lord, because the victory is already mine. It was given to me by Your son, Jesus Christ. Lord, I am learning to be still and letting You fight my battles for me. I know Lord, that I can do all things through Christ Jesus, who strengthens me. I know there is power in the Precious name of Jesus. We call on the name of Jesus. We invoke His power and His presence in our lives and in our Hearts today. Bless the name of the Lord. Thank You Lord, my blessings and my breakthroughs today. Thank You Lord, for loving me, despite me. We enter into Your gates with praise and thanksgiving on our tongues and in our Hearts. Thank You Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen.

Remember, a word of encouragement during a failure is worth more than an hour of praise after success. ~ Unknown

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

Periodically, I have an epiphany about God's word. Epiphany means, a sudden manifestation of the meaning or essence of something. Well not long ago as I sat listening to my pastor preach, I had one about my level of faith.

You see, not long ago, my Pastor did a preaching/teaching series on Be Encouraged. He spoke from the book of Exodus, Chapter 14, and verse 14. "The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace." Now how many times have we all heard this message? If we would just learn to be obedient and be still, the Lord, our God, will fight our battles for us. In essence, if we would turn our problems over to God and LEAVE them with God, he will handle it.

Now even though, I know this word from God and have learned so much more, I don't always adhere to it. You see, we go before God in prayer everyday to talk to him and tell him all about our problems. We ask God to help us and then we continue to worry about the same old problems all over again.

We go before the altar of sacrifice, and place our cares and concerns there for God to take them from us and then, when we finish praying, we start worrying about the same old things all over again; taking the same old problems away with us.

The day after I returned home from church, I issued a faith challenge to myself. I went before the altar and pledged to God that I would not speak anything negative about my situation in the coming week. Sounds easy doesn't it? Well, it may not be as easy as it sounds.

I know that saying you are going to do something and then making it happen isn't always easy. In order to leave my troubles and problems with the Lord, I have to commit to not taking them back from him. I can start by not speaking them into existence. This is part one of my faith challenge.

Will you join me today?

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Lord, we come before the throne of grace this day, to thank You for Your word. Lord, You are my rock and my strength. I can do all things through Christ Jesus, who strengthens me. Lord, I come before You this day to place my all on the altar. Lord, we know that You are our Alpha and Omega, our beginning and our end. We know that You can do anything but fail. Lord, we come standing on Your word and Your promise. The promise of everlasting life through Christ Jesus, my redeemer. Father, You have said there is power in the tongue. The power of life and death. We speak life into our situations. We thank You Lord, for keeping us in perfect peace. You speak to the storms in our lives, Peace Be Still. You wipe away our tears and heartaches. Thank You Lord. Father, we surrender all to You today and we will walk away knowing that all things are in Your hands. Thank Lord. We praise, uplift and exalt Your name. Praise be to God, for he is worthy of all honor, praise and glory. Amen.