Archived Daily Devotionals

Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle. ~ Plato

Scripture:
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Ephesians 6:11-13

When each of us gets up in the morning, we usually have a certain routine that we follow as we prepare for the day. I for example, get up and head downstairs to turn on my coffee pot. (Got to have my morning java). I then head to the bathroom to do my grooming, grab a cup of coffee, head back upstairs, take my rollers out and get dressed.

Now very seldom does that particular routine change. Being a woman there are certain things that I will put on. I usually have picked out what I am going to wear the night before so I already know what that is as I prepare for my day.

Now you ask, okay, we know that Jackie is a praying sister, so when does she take the time to pray? I pray in my car on my way to work each morning. I pray when I get to my office before I sit down and start my day. I pray before I start writing these messages.

But lately I have found myself forgetting to pray about something that is very important and I realized that maybe, just maybe the enemy realizes it too. As I get dressed each day, I have forgotten to put on my armor.

You see, in the middle ages the soldiers, or knights, as they were called, always prepared themselves for battle. The armor was a way of protecting themselves against attacks from the enemy. As they prepared to go out and fight, they would never ever dream of not putting on certain items. The protective clothing (covering) or armor.

having girded (fortify) your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate (protects your ribcage & heart) of righteousness, and having shod (footwear) your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
"And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword (God's weapon of choice) of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints...."

Saints, even though we know that this is a spiritual battle that the Lord will fight for us, we must still be prepared. We must still arm ourselves with our spiritual weapons because we never know when the enemy might attack us. So Saints of God each morning as you prepare for your day, ALWAYS put on the whole armor, not just a piece here and there, but the whole armor of God.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
I will trust in the Lord with all that I am. I will let go and let God be in control this day. I will surrender my all to him alone. Emanuel, Prince of Peace, Lord of Lords. You are known by many names but we know that You are the great I Am. Father God, thank You for keeping us once again. Thank You Lord for watching over us and our loved ones. Thank You Lord for the Blood that was shed so that each of us could enter into Your kingdom. Father God, we come before the throne of grace prepared to stand and fight against he who seeks to steal, kill and destroy us. We stand before You prepared to stand and fight the good fight of faith another day. Lord, we know that our fight is not that of flesh and blood, but a spiritual battle that You fight on our behalf each and everyday. Thank You Father for loving me that much. Lord, we pray Your for Your hedge of protection, we plead the Blood of Jesus, We submit our will to Yours as we let go and let You be in control. Bless You name Lord. Thank You Lord. Hallelujah Lord. Amen.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Be Blessed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aren’t you thankful for God Grace?

Be Blessed

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

Remember, Adversity is another way to measure the greatness of individuals. I never had a crisis that didn't make me stronger. ~Lou Holtz

Scripture:
Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." Isaiah 30:20-21 (New International Version)

Adversity can be described as a series of unfortunate events. Just when it seems that things are going right in your life, something can happen to change your perspective. It can be something as small as failing a test or something so overwhelming like death that just rocks your world.

Sometimes when we are confronted with adverse situations, we may want to throw up our hands in surrender. At other times, we just say “oh well” and keep on keeping on. And then there will come times, when you want to give up and give in. It is in those times when what we are made of, will surely be tested.

Whether you realize it or not, adversity in your lives is sometimes necessary for your spiritual development. There will be times when it becomes inevitable for us all to truly see just how strong the word of God is embedded in our everyday lives. Or, it may be a necessary process in order for us to move to the next level in our spiritual growth.

It is at those times that we must learn to depend on God even more than we already do. The reality of most individuals is that when things are going well in our lives, we become content with where we are. That is not where God necessarily wants us to be. Being a part of the Body of Christ is being willing to be stretched so that we become more like Him and less like the world.

It is at times like these, that we must learn to stand strong in the face of Adversity.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father God, we come before the throne of grace with praise and thanksgiving on our tongues and in our hearts. We come asking Lord, for peace that passes all understanding. We come asking for strength to stand in the face of adversity. But most of all, we come asking with humbled hearts and minds, that You would hear our prayers and our petitions. Master, we need You to speak to the winds of adversity that are blowing against us, peace be still. We come asking that You hold on to our hands and the storms of life toss us about. We come asking that You would hide us under the wings of Your salvation as the roaring lions draws near in an effort to devour us. Lord, we ask that You would keep all of our families, friends, co-workers and brothers and sisters in perfect peace this and every day. Bless us right now in the name of Jesus. Our prayers are not complete until we let You know just how much we love You. Our prayers on not complete until we sing songs of praise to You alone. Lord, we lift Your name on high, we give You all of our love, all of our praise and sing songs of praise all the day long. Thank You Lord for one more day. Bless You Lord. Hallelujah, Praise God thank You Jesus, in his name we pray, Amen.

The only limits to the possibilities in your life tomorrow are the buts you use today. ~ Les Brown

Scripture:
He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit. Psalm 147:4-6 (New International Version)

A few months ago, I had an eye-opening experience. I went on my very first cruise and I went by myself. Now just about everyone who heard this thought I was crazy and or foolish by going on a trip of this magnitude and no one was accompanying me.

Now to clarify, I did seek a cabin mate but no one was available. At first and even up to the point that I actually boarded the ship, I was scared. I started thinking that everyone had been right and that maybe I was making a mistake. I wouldn’t know anybody onboard and I would be miserable and all alone. However, they couldn’t have been further from the truth.

I was actually cruising with a group called “Cruising for Christ.” I had been invited by Kendra Norman-Bellamy who is a fellow Christian author and the group was primarily made up of fellow Christian artists. There were authors, musicians, comedians, mimes and many more onboard who were a part of the group. When I say I was BLESSED, mere words cannot describe just how much.

Today’s message was birthed on this anointed cruise. Pastor Keith Edmonds, or it could have been his identical twin Brother Karl Edmonds, who both happen to be ministers and mimes, spoke this powerful word into my spirit. They reminded that it is each of us who limits ourselves. We hinder our own progress through lack of faith, obedience and confidence; the same faith and confidence that gives us all authority and power in Christ Jesus.

We limit our journey in this life by talking ourselves out of what we can do and accomplish. We talk ourselves out of God’s blessings by stating that what we see as impossible. We miss out on blessings because they are not packaged the way we think they should look.

Saints of God, the word tells us that all things, not some things, but all things are possible with God!

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father, in the name of Jesus, we come seeking Your grace and Your counsel once again. Lord, help us to remove the limits we have placed on our own lives. Help us to see the plans and designs that You have for each of our lives. When satan tells us we can’t, remind us that Your word says we can do ALL things through Christ Jesus, who strengthens me. Touch us Lord, as we pause and meditate on Your word. 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. 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.

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.

Do not allow a chance to the enemy. Continue to fight until final victory ~ Luigi Longo

Scripture:
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7 (New International Version)

Today I had a conversation with a friend who commented on the fact that he had not heard about the man who survived under a collapsed building in Haiti for twenty-eight days. We both marveled at this man’s resolve to stay alive. With nothing to eat or drink, trapped in darkness; day after day, I wonder what his thoughts may have been. You see, it takes a strong will and strong faith to live in total darkness with nothing to hold on to.

I’m almost sure that his mind and the enemy were playing tricks on him. Imagine nothing around you but death and debris. Nothing to hold onto but your faith; would you have been able to make it? Could you live on nothing to nourish your body but your faith?

In conjunction with his story, I also heard the story of the Georgian Bobsledder who was killed at the winter Olympics. What I found interesting about his story was that he went to the Olympics with no illusions on winning; he just wanted to follow his dream and live his country’s credo of “Fight Well.” Now both of these stories had very different outcomes, but I believe they convey the same message.

There will be times in our lives when we just want to give up. We don’t really believe that we can win this fight called life. There are days when there is nothing but darkness and despair all around us and there is no hope of us winning. What we learn from both of these situations is this; Fight well; help may be on the way. No, you may not have any illusions of winning but it has been ingrained in you to never give up and to fight the good fight of faith.

My heart aches for both of these men but I am full because of the joy that can also be found in their stories. Neither man gave up and both may have believed that they couldn’t win. However, what they both knew is that there is a power that is greater than us all; it is called the “Power of Faith!”

All faith asks us to do is “Fight Well.”

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Our Father which art in Heaven, though the world seems dark and desolate, I fear not because I know You are with me always. When the enemy seeks to destroy me, I will stand on my Faith. A faith that has been bought with a price, the precious blood of the Lamb. Father, I know that sometimes I become saddened by my situation and I fear that I cannot win. I forget that as long as you walk through the Valley of Darkness with me, I am never alone. Your rod and Your staff comfort me and give me the strength to walk on though I often know not where the road may lead. There is so much darkness and despair around us that sometimes we forget to look for the Light. Help us always to remember that when darkness falls, You can and will light our way if we just ask. Father God help us always to remember to guard our minds by putting on the helmet of salvation. The helmet that will protect our thoughts and our minds so that we can stay focused on You and the Word. Thank You Father, for the Word which is the same, today, yesterday and forever more. Thank You Lord for the Light of the world, Your Son Jesus Christ. It is in His name that we submit this prayer. Amen.

Traveling is not just seeing the new; it is also leaving behind. Not just opening doors; also closing them behind you, never to return. But the place you have left forever is always there for you to see whenever you shut your eyes. ~ Jan Myrdal

Scripture:
The LORD said, "I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. Exodus 3:7-8 (New International Version)

The decedents of Moses were a chosen people. They were chosen by God because Moses, whom they descended from, was a faithful follower of God who never questioned whatever it was God wanted him to do. Whatever, whenever and however God wanted it done, Moses was his man.

There are those of us who wish we could be more like Moses. Obedient to the point that we would never question anything God told us to do. However, I know I am not that faithful. I sometimes question what it is God wants me to do. What I do know is that God wants for me is to turn away from sin once and for all. Turning away or leaving sin is a lot harder than we want for it to be.

Personally I know that there are still some things that I do that are not pleasing to God. I still have a sinful nature and periodically, I find myself doing or saying things that I know are contrary to being a Christian. Especially when I find myself tempted by certain situations.

Just like the children of Israel, when the going gets tough, I sometimes think that where I came from has to be easier than where I find myself. I sometimes lack the necessary faith that God wants me to have and will look to my past to make it through to my future.

What I find interesting about the above quote was that it said even when I have left my past and shut the door behind me, all I have to do is close my eyes and I see my past right there in front of me. And so it is with our sins. All we have to do is think about our past sins, and there it is; right in front of my eyes.

So my question for you today is, even though you have left Egypt, is Egypt still in you?

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father, sometimes I think it would be so easy to return to my wicked ways. Satan would have me to believe that my past has to be my present. But Your word tells me that the sins of my past are just that, in my past. Lord, help me always to look forward and not to look backwards. Hold my hand as I continue my journey out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. Crossing the wilderness is a journey; a journey into a land of milk and honey. I know that the road I travel is not an easy one, but it is the same one that Joshua traveled and I have the faith and the will to persevere. Thank you Father for the supplication of Your word that would give me the strength to get there. Thank You Father for the power of the Holy Spirit which resides in my heart so that I know that I am never alone. Thank You Lord for my comforter, Jesus Christ. It is in His most Holy name that we pray. Amen.

Remember, 'Tis one thing to be tempted, another thing to fall.” ~ William Shakespeare

Scripture:
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. Matthew 6:13

Sometime ago, I received a daily devotionals entitled "A word with you". It is written by Ron Hutchcraft. The message was about temptation. He spoke about how temptation is just deception in disguise. He spoke about how we reach out for something based on what it was supposed to give us, only to be disappointed when we found out what was really inside. That deception is in fact, the very nature of sin, and it's why we end up with scars and messes we never knew we would become a part of.

Temptations look promising on the outside. But lead to heartache and hurt on the inside. Sin conceals its ugliness and it destruction until you've already bitten the apple.

Temptations that may look good to you right now may say "pleasure" on the container - do this because it will feel good. Or maybe the package says "love" - do this and you'll get some love. The promise may be "relief" - a chance to escape from some hurt ... or maybe it says "significance" - do this and you'll get ahead, you'll feel important. But in reality, sin takes us further and further away from God. We must always be mindful of temptation.

We must always remember to put on our armor each and every day. We must always remember that satan is like a roaring lion, out to destroy you, your family, and your life. Lift up your shield of faith this morning and shout "Get behind thee satan, you are a liar and a thief and you cannot have anything that belongs to me or my family!"

Good habits result from resisting temptation.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Our Father, which art in heaven, holy, holy, holy is thy name. Father we come this morning asking for an extra portion this day, that we may not be led into temptation. Help us Lord, to be mindful of those things that would destroy us. Father, when we are faced with temptation, strengthen us Lord, that we may turn away from it and seek Your face instead. Father God, we ask and pray for Your strength today. Your word that we hide in our hearts. Keep us lord, forgive us Lord, and protect us Lord. Father we ask that You continue to touch the people in our lives whom we diligently pray for and with. Touch those who may be sick and may have given up hope. Father we know what the doctors have said, we know what the family wants, but we also know that all things are in divine order. We pray Your will in all of our situations today. We love You and Bless Your holy name. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Painful as it may be, a significant emotional event can be the catalyst for choosing a direction that serves us-and those around us - more effectively. Look for the learning. ~ Louisa May Alcott

Scripture:
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 3:13-14 (New International Version)

This is the time of year when it’s not unusual to hear someone complaining about their aches ands pains. This is because in January, people often make resolutions that include losing weight by exercising. The challenge that most people with face is the aches, pains and strains associated with using certain muscle groups that haven’t been used in a very long time. The longer they have been sedentary, the harder it will become to stick with a regular exercise routine.

Now if they are smart and have the resources to do this, some will hire a personal trainer to help them reach their targeted goals. A personal trainer actually serves two purposes. The first one is to show us the correct way to do certain exercises and the second is to keep us motivated and help us push past the pain. You see, most of us are quick to quit when things become too painful.

This analogy also hold true in our everyday life as well. When relationships become too painful, we quit. When a job or task becomes too hard, we give up or quit. When our marriages begin to falter, so often it’s easier to just quit and walk away then to stay and fight. Even when we are faced with accomplishing our goals; just because other have told us “kid, you don’t have what it takes” or “I’m sorry, your book just wasn’t good enough.” Whenever we see that big old scary word DENIED, we are ready to pack up our bags and run to the safety of our own little corners rather then face the pain of rejection.

Today’s word simply states that Paul knew that he hadn’t reached his goal and that the journey sometimes will become painful. However he knew that at the end of his journey, there was a prize there waiting for him. He counted it all joy the pain he had already suffered and therefore he would continue to press on or push past the pain because he already knew, the victory was his!

You too have a personal trainer and his name is Jesus Christ. He can keep you motivated and can help you push past the pain.

Be blessed

PRAYER:
Father, when I look around me and see the beauty of Your creation, I realize that I have truly been blessed. I see the glow of the morning sun rising in the distance, I feel the coolness of the morning breeze, and I listen to the wind, whistling near my ear, and I just want to say thank You. Father, recent events have made me stop and look around at where I am and see from where I have come, but most of all, they allow me to see where I am going. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Lord, I come thanking You for the friends and fellowship that have been formed because of You. I thank You Lord for bringing so many wonderful Christians into my life whose love and support keep me going. They let me know that I am not on this spiritual journey alone and that You are with me always. Father, thank You for my angels who help me to fly when I forget I have wings. Thank You Lord, for all the prayer warriors that You have brought together in the name of Jesus. Glory to God, Hallelujah, Amen.

Remember, Do the best you can where you are, and when that is accomplished, God will open a door for you, and a voice will call "Come up hither into a higher sphere.” ~ Henry Ward Beecher

Scripture:
for they did not believe in God or trust in his deliverance. Yet he gave a command to the skies above and opened the doors of the heavens; he rained down manna for the people to eat, he gave them the grain of heaven. Psalm 78:22-24 (New International Version)

Not long ago, I received an email from a very good friend called “The Spirit of Prophecy Bulletin.” In the bulletin the author spoke about 2010 being “The Year of the Open Door.” The premise of the message was that many great and wonderful things would come to pass for the body of Christ.

The author cited several scriptures that indicated that the year 2010 was a year of completion and blessings for those who have been faithful to the word of God. Now, I am not here to dispute the message that was given, but rather, I was reminded that each and every day can be a day of the “OPEN DOOR.”

So often we forget that even in the midst of our trials and tribulations, God can and will open a door. So often we fail to realize that even in the midst of our unbelief, he continues to bless, in spite of us. Too often we spend so much time standing in front of a closed door that we fail to see the new door he has created for us, the Open Door, waiting there for us to walk through.

Saints of God, yes 2010 is the year of the open door. That door has already been opened for us by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. All we have to do is walk through it.

Be Blessed

May your journey in this year be blessed, and may the Lord, Your God, visit you and lead you upon the path that He has designed for you. Follow the path of life, and you will fulfill your God-given destiny.

Prayer:
Therefore I say unto You, What things soever ye desire when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” Lord, we come before You this day believing that You are the one and only true God. Lord, we thank You for remaining faithful to us. Father we give thanks to You alone for loving us and watching over us. Father, as we begin this year anew, help us always to put You first in all we do and say. Teach us Lord, how to remain faithful in spite of our circumstances. Help us Lord to remain prayerful and diligent in our service to You. Thank You Lord, for blessing us. Thank You Lord, for new grace and mercy. Thank You Lord, for the Blood. The Blood that washes away my sins. The blood that protects, heals, and sanctifies. Thank You Lord, for loving a sinner like me. May the prayers of my brothers and sisters be heard by You alone. May You touch the hearts and minds of all we have come before the throne of grace today. May we always give thanks to You first. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

The purest ore is produced from the hottest furnace, and the brightest thunderbolt is elicited from the darkest storm. ~ Charles Caleb Coltron

Scripture:
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:6-7

Have you ever wondered why sometimes it seems that it's hard being a Christian? We accept Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior and then it seems like the more we love God and try to grow closer to him, life is constantly coming against you?

Well, I know I have. I look at my life and the lives of my saved brothers and sisters and see that each and every one of us is going through some rather difficult times. Situation after situation keeps happening. Jobs are being lost. Cars are being reposed, houses are being lost, marriages are being torn apart and the money just can't seem to stretch far enough.

But then, God gave me a revelation. Stop depending on the world, the people of this world, and the things of this world. Start looking at me instead! How many of you have noticed that the more you go through, the more you start to really study the word of God. You pray more and you look to him more. The more you go through, things and habits that you once had start falling away.

God says I put you in the furnace so that I can refine you like gold. I need to burn off all of those impurities. I know it's hot in there, but you are mine and those who are mine must be the best. Without spot or blemish. Free of sin, clean, A NEW CREATURE!

So I just want each of you to know, that it may get so hot and uncomfortable. Life will get hard and things may not always work the way we want them to, but in the end, we can praise God and rejoice at the new creature that he has created.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Thank You Jesus for my fiery furnace. Thank You Lord, for the impurities that You are removing from me. Father, we just ask that You continue to be with us as we go through. We just ask that You would take our hand and lead us on. Lord, we ask that You would help us to see those things in our lives that we have need to get rid of and give them to You willingly. Continue to bless Your saints. Bless each and every family that is represented here. Thank You father for family and friends. Thank You Lord, for Your word. Thank You Lord, for Your son Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.

Just like the butterfly, I too will awaken in my own time. ~ Ê Deborah Chaskin

Scripture:
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Matthew 6:25-27 (New International Version)

People who really know me say they can always tell when things aren’t going well in my life. You see, I have a tendency to grow quiet and withdraw from the world around me. I don’t talk the same and I wear my heart on my sleeve.

Recently, I suffered an unexpected setback in my life and had begun to worry about how I would make ends meet and continue to provide for my family. It is no secret that Michigan, especially here in Detroit, has been hit extremely hard by the current recession. That coupled with the fact that I am over fifty-years old and dread the idea of having to start all over again.
Although my situation hasn’t changed, my outlook has.

Unfortunately, I have no control over the external but I do control how I deal with it. First I went through several of the stages of grief; Shock, anger, depression, reflection, loneliness and now finally, acceptance and hope. I cannot control the views and opinions of others, but I can control my own views. I made the mistake of putting my trust in man and not in God.

As I compose today’s message I just want others who may be going through something similar to know that no matter what the future brings, God is still in control. Things may happen in your life to knock you off your square, but God can pick you up and place you back where you belong.

And just like the beautiful and majestic butterfly, you too will awaken in your own time.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
God bless those of us who are battling those inner demons of depression, loneliness, unworthiness, and hopelessness. Shine Your warm Heavenly Light down upon all of us, Lord, guide us to find peace, happiness, and contentment in our lives and within ourselves. The Lord is my light and my salvation-whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life-of whom shall I be afraid? When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident. Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. Thank You Father for Your grace and one more experience of Your presence, for Your promise: to be with us, to be our God, and to give salvation. For these and all blessings, we give You thanks, eternal, loving God, through Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.


Butterfly Affirmation
You are like the majestic Black butterfly, full of grace and beauty. Your blackness boldly stands out, acting as the backdrop for the rainbow of colors that define and distinguish you from the rest. Your timeless beauty has carried you across the winds of time, leaving your eternal message written clear across the skies of the lives of others so that all of us can read it and remember when we need it, that a dream conceived in truth will never die.

Positive Affirmation:
Today I am like the beautiful and graceful Black Butterfly. My life-defining message I leave in the sky for all to read will be a reflection of not only my inner beauty but also a message of self-love, courage and the pursuit of my dreams. ~ Jacqueline D. Moore

Inspired by the song Black Butterfly - Denise Williams

Remember, It's not whether you get knocked down, it's whether you get back up. ~ Vince Lombardi

Scripture:
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. Ephesians 6:16

Saints, have you ever been going along with your life and everything is going just right? Then suddenly, you find yourself flat on your back because something so devastating has just happened?

Recently, that very thing just happened to me. Without getting into a lot of detail, I found myself flat on my back and wallowing in self-pity. I stayed there for a couple of days too. You see, I had forgotten that satan will knock you down when you become to comfortable in your Christian walk and forget to put on your daily armor.

So last night, I got up out of the mud, put on my armor and had a little talk with my Father. And you know what he told me? He reminded me that he has not failed me yet. He told me that maybe I had gotten a little cocky and didn't lean on him first. He told me, that what satan means for evil, he will turn to good.

So Saints of God remember that sometimes satan will knock you down, but God can pick you up! Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning! But the most important thing of all to remember is;

THAT I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST JESUS, WHO STRENGHTENS ME!

Be Blessed

Prayer:
I will Trust in the LORD with all mine heart; and lean not unto mine own understanding. In all our ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Lord, we come before the throne of grace once again asking that You would forgive us in our unbelief. We come asking that You who are rock and our salvation, would help us to starve our fears and doubts and feed our faith. Lord, I personally ask for forgiveness and direction for myself. I know that sometimes, we take You for granted and in doing so, leave ourselves open to attack. Lord, we stand before You again, putting on the whole armor of God. The belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, wielding our shield of faith, and the sword of the spirit, and placing upon our heads, the helmet of salvation. Lord, let us always be diligent against attack from he who seeks to destroy us. Continue to bless our brothers and sisters in Christ. Continue to anoint our leaders. Help us always to be able to call upon the name of the Lord in our times of distress. Thank You Lord, for You faithfulness. Thank You Lord, for Your covering. Thank You Lord, that You pick us up, when we have been knocked down. We will the name of the Lord at all times, and his praises shall continuously be in our mouths. Praise his name saints of God. Glory Hallelujah, thank You Jesus, in who’s name we pray, Amen.

Reality is that which, when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away. ~Philip K. Dick

Scripture:
They said to the woman, "We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world. John 4:42 (New International Version)

People will often pose the question, “Is Jesus Real?” Personally, I know there have been times in my life when I actually doubted His existence. I mean, how could God have a son, who died on the cross so that I could be saved? I mean, if Jesus, or God for that matter is real, why are things in my life always going wrong?

If God is so loving and Jesus is so forgiving, why am I faced with death and destruction? Why are children being hurt or even killed? Why did my family breakup, why did I lose my job, why doesn’t he/she love me anymore? Why is life so hard?

Saints of God, things will happen in your life that may cause you to doubt if God really is a loving God. People do such horrible things to one another that will cause us to ponder the question, how can Jesus forgive him/her for what they did?

But now I have a question for you? Are you doing exactly what God wants you to do? By that I mean are we living the life of a Christian? Following His commandments, doing God’s, will, living a sin free life? Most of us will answer yes, I am. But I challenge you to do a reality check of your life.

Often times we will do things in our lives that are contrary to God’s teachings. Because we have decided to live our lives on our own terms, we may actually be living them outside of God’s will. By that I mean; we see our lives through our own imaginations. We see our lives in the way we want them to be and not necessarily the way they truly are.

I won’t get into a lot of details but will only say; only you know in your heart those things that you do, and if how you are living is contrary to the word of God. Only you know your secrets and your sins that dishonor your belief system.

You and only you are the defining factor of your Reality Check.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Lord, help me to see my life through the eyes of Christ and not through my own mind’s eye. Search me Lord, and reveal the things in my life that are not pleasing to you. Father God, forgive me for sometimes blaming others for my own shortcomings. Help me Lord, to be a better person and to learn to do Your will and not my own. Father God, every now and then I need to take inventory of my life and come before the altar of sacrificing to recommit myself to You and Your will. Today is that day. Lord, I ask that You would forgive me and strengthen me so that I may go forth and live a more righteous life. Thank You Father for new revelations and for fresh grace and mercy. Thank You Jesus, for the forgiveness of my sins and for redemption. Thank You God for the Blood of the Lamb, Christ Jesus. It is in His name we submit this prayer. Amen.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Be blessed

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