Archived Daily Devotionals

People are like stained glass windows: they sparkle and shine when the sun's out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is light within. ~ Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

Scripture:
Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:15-16 (New International Version)

When things in our lives are going along smoothly, it’s very easy for us to put on a happy face. The bills are paid, the children are doing well, and our spouses are everything that we ever dreamed they could be. We smile, are nice to everyone and all is right with the world.

However, when things aren’t going along as planned, it’s much harder for us to put on a happy front. I mean, how can I smile when the bills are due and I don’t have the money to pay them? How can I be happy when my children are being disobedient and unruly? How can I stop the tears from flowing when my relationship is in trouble?

Now I don’t know about you, but rarely is everything in my life going in the same direction at the same time. In other words, I am faced with some sort of adversity almost on a daily basis. When I wake up in the morning, trust me, I can find something to become upset about. I just choose not too.

You see, I realized sometime ago we make choices in this world that will determine our moods and our mindset for the day. If I get up with an attitude instead of gratitude, and say I am going to have a bad day, then I will. Have a bad day that is.

When I awaken with gratitude in my heart, on my mind and on my tongue, even the negative things in my world won’t keep me down. I choose a spirit of happiness each day and live my life accordingly. Some of my friends even jokingly call me their Job because I continue to praise God even in the midst of my storms.

The quote I used for today essentially says that anyone can be pretty and full of life if the right light is shining in their lives, but what happens when the outer light is no longer present? Do you have the inner light of the Holy Spirit in you that still shines even when the clouds come out?

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Lord, in the name of Jesus, we come before the throne of grace, humbling ourselves before You Lord, giving You all honor, praise and glory. Father God, as we draw closer to the end of another week, we come to give thanks for all that You have done in our lives, but also for the things that You are about to do. Father, Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Your word have I hidden in my heart so that I may not sin against thee. Lord, I come lifting my shield of faith and my sword of the spirit, which is the word of God. I believe that I can do all things through Christ Jesus, who strengthens me. I believe that You are doing a new thing in my life. I believe that my breakthrough, my miracle, my healing is at hand. I believe that I am and can do everything that Your word tells me because You Lord, are God alone and You cannot lie. My shield of faith reminds me that faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. My faith and hope comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. Lord, we know and realize that You are still sovereign and that all things work for the good of those who love You and who have been called according to Your purpose. Thank You Lord, for my faith. Thank You Lord, for my blessings. Thank You Lord, for my Redeemer, Christ Jesus, it is in His name we pray. Amen.

A broken bone can heal, but the wound a word opens can fester forever. ~ Jessamyn West

Scripture:
Leah conceived again and bore Jacob a sixth son. Then Leah said, "God has presented me with a precious gift. This time my husband will treat me with honor, because I have borne him six sons." So she named him Zebulun. Genesis 30:19-21

A few years ago, I received the soundtrack from the motion picture, "Madea’s Family Reunion." There was a song by Rachelle Farrell, entitled, "Wounds in the Way", that so enthralled me that I had to write an article about it. Since hearing this song, I wanted all of the lyrics to it. Well, I think I finally got them all, give or take a few.

In one stanza of the song, the words become both disturbing and enlightening, they say:"If they would have treated a little girl, a little boy when they were still just a baby, with some respect and human dignity, maybe there wouldn’t be so many failed relationships, they might even had a ghost of a chance of just loving each other, body, mind and soul."

It causes me to ponder the question, as parents, what are we doing that will wound our own children?

You see I ask this question because we are constantly seeing the breakdown of the family unit. Even my children and I are one of those statistics being that I am a single parent raising my sons alone. As a matter of fact, the epidemic of the single-parent household in America, is staggering.

The reasons for this phenomenon are numerous and well as diverse, but ultimately, how each parent deals with the situation, does ultimately have an impact on the future of their own children. Our relationships both with the one another as parents and how we deal with others in dating or even re-marriage situations will leave a lasting impression with our children.

Jesus said for us to love one another with the Love of God. Now some of you may not want to hear this, but this includes the mother or father of your children. No matter what the differences are between the parents, we must show our children what love, understanding, compassion, responsibility and relationships are truly grounded in. The Love and forgiveness of our own Savior, Jesus Christ.

So remember, in order for us not to create, perpetrate, and inflict new wounds upon our children, we must learn not to pass along our own wounds to our children.

The wounding, begins and ends with you.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Lord, help me to realize that my actions will ultimately have a lasting affect on my children. Do not allow my heart to be hardened against their mother/father so that my children can see the love of Christ manifested in every situation. Help me to remember that at one time, I did love my spouse/significant other and that I will hold on to those memories for the sake of my child. My child, who is a rare and precious gift from You. Lord, I ask that You would touch the minds and hearts of all parents so that each of us commits to being the responsible parent that You would have us to be. Teach me forgiveness Lord, for things that have happened in the past and even if their mother/father doesn’t live up to their responsibility, I will. For I have the Love of Christ deep down in my heart. Thank You Father, for loving me even when I don’t feel loved by anyone else. Thank You Lord, for keeping me and being my ever present help in the time of trouble. I love You Lord, with all that I am, and I commit this day, to share the love of Christ with my own children, to love and serve the Lord even more than I do. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Remember, We may not be able to give much but we can always give the joy that springs in a heart that is in love with God. ~ Mother Teresa

Scripture:
In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas), who was always doing good and helping the poor. Acts 9:36 (New International Version)

I love to study the women of the bible. One of my favorites is a woman by the name of Dorcas. Dorcas stands out in the bible as a woman of good works and charitable deeds. While the record of her in the Christian Scripture is limited to a few verses in the ninth chapter of Acts, her example has inspired women throughout history to take upon themselves the needs of the poor.

Dorcas lived during the first century AD. She made her home in Joppa and was associated with a little band of Christians, most of whom were poor. Dorcas, herself, appeared to be a wealthy woman, for her charitable deeds were numerous.

Dorcas proved herself to be a real “doer” of the Word of God, not just a mere “hearer”. What is significant about the account of her life is that Dorcas not only thought up ways of relieving the needy, but she also carried out her plans. She knew what she could do and she did it! Among her charitable deeds was making clothes for widows and the needy of her church community with her own hands. She was not only willing to give money to a cause, but she was willing to invest herself in the works of kindness.

My admiration for this woman of God is grounded in her willingness to serve. Now I know that I am not a Dorcas. However, I do have a heart to serve. I am not a woman of means, but I do give what I can, when I can and I give it willingly. I give not only financially, but I give of myself. I am not afraid to reach out to others.

Today I challenge you my sisters and my brothers in Christ to become more like Dorcas and less like the selfish individuals we all can be. Giving doesn’t always have to be about money, it can be more about your times, your knowledge and your resources.

Remember, when you reach out to help others, your problems will miraculously seem not to be that big.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father in the name of Jesus, we who have chosen to fellowship together desire that our prayers avail much. Father we realize that You know what we have need of before we ask and that we are not all growing in the same manner or on the same time schedule, but we are growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I personally thank You Father for placing Angels in my life that help me to fly when I forget I have wings. I thank You Lord for the grace and mercy that You bestow not only on me but to every one of Your Saints. . We pray for all who have come before the throne of Grace, Kneeling before the mercy seat. Father, may we always be mindful to help those who are need. We ask Lord, for the courage and the conviction to reach out and help others who may be in need. Keep us all in Your care and under Your protection once again. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen.

Remember, Religion is not a fractional thing that can be doled out in fixed weekly or daily measures as one among various subjects in the school syllabus. It is the truth of our complete being, the consciousness of our personal relationship with the infinite. ~ Rabinranath Tagore

Scripture:
various - SEE BELOW

Saints, Today I want to tell you about my God. You see, I call him my God because to me, he is my personal God. Now that doesn't mean I can't share Him with you, but to me it means that we have a one on one relationship.You see, my Father is always there for me. When I am in need, he supplies.

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

When I cry, He wipes my tears away. He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove the disgrace of His people from all the earth. The LORD has spoken. Isaiah 25:8

When I am hungry, he feeds me. He rained down manna for the people to eat, he gave them the grain of heaven. Psalm 78:24

When I am tired, He comforts me. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

When I am weak, He gives me strength. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

My list goes on and on. You see, my God supplies everything that I will ever need. He is my strength, my joy, my protector, my sustainer, my comforter, my Father & Mother, my friend.But you know what saints, the most important thing that my God is to me, is my Personal Lord and Savior. Who loved me enough to sacrifice his own son so that you and I could dwell in the house of the Lord forever and ever!

Be Blessed

Prayer:
You are El Shaddia, the God of Abundance. All Sufficient God. The Mighty One. The God who is More Than Enough. You are also Jehovah Nissi. God My Banner, Elohim, God of Total Power. You are The First and the Last, The Alpha and Omega, The Beginning and the End. You are my all and all. Lord, we come before the throne of grace humbling ourselves before You. We bow down in total reverence and submission to You. Lord we adore You. We praise You, but most of all, we thank You. We thank You Lord for one more day. One more chance, one more opportunity to go forth and do a good works in Your name. Lord, we come standing together as one. We join together on one accord, touching and agreeing this day, to intercede on behalf of our brothers and sisters. Lord, we ask that each of us would begin to develop a more personal relationship with You. We ask Lord, that Your power and Your spirit would be magnified in our lives. Lord, may something that we do or say today, lead someone to seek Your face. Touch, bless, anoint, heal, deliver, sustain, cover, and keep those saints whose names are listed below. May You add a blessing to those saints and their families who are reading this prayer. Lord, we love You and praise You. Thank You father for our personal Jesus, in his name we pray. Amen. Praise God. Hallelujah!!

Remember, Treasure your relationships, not your possessions. ~ Anthony J. DeAngelo

Scripture:
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. "The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. Matthew 6:20-22

Recently a friend, sent me a story about a little girl who treasured a strand of dime store pearls. This little girl thought the pearls were wonderful and they where her most prized possession.

Well the story goes on to tell how her father, knowing how much this little girl loved these pearls, asked her if she loved him too. Of course her response was yes. But when he asked if he could have the pearls, the little girl would response, oh no, but you can have one of my other treasures. This went on for awhile, until one day with tears in her eyes, the little girl gave her daddy the cheap pearls.

Her father who loved her very much reached into his pocket and pulled out a real set of pearls that he been waiting to give his daughter when she was ready to give up the cheap ones that she treasured so deeply.

The moral of the story is this; How often do we covet something that only looks good? How often do we hold on to a relationship that only looks good to the world, but we know in our hearts, that it is not all it appears to be? How often do we say we love our heavenly Father, but are unwilling to give up those things in our lives, that are cheap, gaudy, and superficial? How often must He ask us do we love him enough to give up what we treasure the most to follow him?

How long does he have to wait to give you the purest treasure of all? His love.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father God, forgive us for loving things more than You. Forgive us not listening to Your cries. Forgive us Lord for not seeing our own selfishness. Father, help us to develop a discerning spirit that would help us to recognize those things in our lives that You yearn for us to give up. Help us to be still, be quiet, listen for Your voice that tells us how much You love us, when the world around us tries to tell us otherwise. Father, may we always seek You face, Your wisdom, and Your mercy. For we are weak and need Your strength. Thank You Lord, for the new revelations we discover in Your word each day. Continue to touch, bless, and anoint all who come seeking Your word today. Help each of us find that path that You have chosen for us. Order our steps Holy Spirit, so that we may always walks in right relation with You. Keep each and every family that is represented here safe under the wings of Your salvation. As we as these and all things in the name of Your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

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

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

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

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

Now I don’t know what happened to cause this change. Maybe it was having to bury two daughters, one being my mother; and her own mother. All within a few years of each other. Maybe it was losing “Auntie, the woman who had taken my grandmother and great-grandmother in when they had no place else to go. Maybe it was the realization that her grandchildren, whom she cherished had grown up and moved on.

Whatever the reason(s), it was evident that my grandmother had just given up on life, put away her dreams and decided to die. Yes, it took three long years for it to happen, but happen it did.

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

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

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

So Hold On, Be Strong, and Don’t Let Go!

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Lord, we come to You seeking strength, guidance and a little more patience. Father, forgive us when we feel weak in our faith. Forgive us when we seem to give up and give out. Lord, we know that You are not a God of confusion. You have told us that You would never leave us nor forsake us. Thank You Lord for that word. Father, hide us under Your wings of salvation. Cover us in the blood. Keep us nearer God to thee. Lord, we ask that You would continue to bless our brothers and sisters. Those who are saved and those who have yet to get to know You for themselves. Lord, we pray for financial breakthroughs today. So many need so much, have mercy Lord. Breath on us Lord, cover us Lord, Have mercy on us Lord. We love You Father God and we are thankful for what we do have. We praise, uplift and bless Your holy name. As we submit our prayers and petitions in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.

A broken bone can heal, but the wound a word opens can fester forever. ~ Jessamyn West

Scripture:
But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. John 8:6-7

Saint, how many of you gossip? How many of you talk about one another? How many of you pass judgment against someone because they do not belief what you belief? How many of you listen to the gossip of others just because you find it interesting?

Far too often we, and yes I did say we, find ourselves looking at others and judging others by what we believe to be true. Too often we rush to hear what others are talking about because we become curious. Too often, we want to look down on the unsaved because they are not living by the word of God and so we believe we are better than them and have the right to say what we want.

We must remember that it is only by the grace of God that you and I are who we are. It is only by God's grace and mercy that we know his word. It is only because of God that we have what we have.

Don't give satan any glory by tearing your brothers and sister down with your judgments. Don't allow satan to come between you and God through gossip. Remember, don't judge, lest you be judged.

And remember, when you are pointing your finger at someone else, there are four more pointing back at you.

Be Blessed

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

A good memory is one that can remember the day's blessings and forget the day's troubles. ~ Unknown

Scripture:
"And now, O Lord GOD, You are God, and Your words are true, and You have promised this goodness to Your servant. Now therefore, let it please You to bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue before You forever; for You, O Lord GOD, have spoken it, and with Your blessing let the house of Your servant be blessed forever." 2 Samuel 7:28-30

Saints, today I want to talk about remaining faithful to God. So many times during our lives we set off down the road we think God wants us to travel. As we begin our journey, we are faced with all types of obstacles, roadblocks and setbacks.

We start walking down Life’s Highway and run potholes. Some of the potholes are called economic downturn, sickness, disease, wayward husband/child(ren), job lay-offs, backbiters and there are a whole multitude of others. Satan will put up roadblocks called sin, temptation, discouragement, depression and a whole list of negative spirits.

So often we jut want to give up and quit. Well today I am going to use an old friend as an example. You see, when she decided to go back to school a couple of years ago to get her Masters, she thought it was a pretty simple decision to make. Go register for classes, take the classes and graduate. What she has learned along the way is far more than what she had learned from her teachers.

You see, my friend has faced all kinds of discouraging situations. We won't go into all of them, but I know there where times when maybe she just wanted to throw up her hands and say "I QUIT!" But you know what she did instead? She remained faithful to what she was supposed to do. You see, my friend made a vow to remain faithful to God and continue her course. She has run her race and stayed faithful to God.

Now God has rewarded her with what he has promised. His Blessings.

And so it is with all of us Saints of God. Sometimes when we take the road that has been predetermined by God; we will run into all sorts of roadblocks. However, God has already given us the tools and the perseverance to go around, over, above and under all the things that will hinder us.

All you need is your roadmap (the bible) and your tour guide. Jesus.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Thank You Father for blessing us in spite of us. Thank You Lord for keeping us staid on course. Thank You Lord for remaining faithful to us and watching over us even when we don't realize it. Lord, we ask that You help each and every one of us remain faithful to You. We ask that You would give us eyes to see and ears to hear the deception of he who seeks to destroy us. Lord, we just want to thank You. We ask for the continued healing, deliverance, breakthroughs and blessings for all of our saints who are represented here in the body of Christ. We love and adore You Lord. You are Omni present, on time, all knowing and all seeing. You are Jehovah Jira, Jehovah Nissi Jehovah Shalom. Thank You father for being our banner and remaining faithful to us. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

A dream is your creative vision for your life in the future. You must break out of your current comfort zone and become comfortable with the unfamiliar and the unknown. ~ Denis Waitley

Scripture:
through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything. 2 Corinthians 6:8-10 (New International Version)

As a writer, I am often asked; how do I come up with story ideas? My response is by watching the world around me. I’m sure most of you have heard that truth, or real life is sometimes stranger than fiction. Even the most mundane situation can become interesting by asking the question; What if?

What if the world in which we live was colored by the realization that our reality or life as we know it is determined by our thoughts and actions? What if the world as we know it could be changed in an instant by looking at or examining how things could possibly change or be changed by the “what if” factor?

Many of us would like to believe that our destinies have been pre-determined by where we were born, how we were raised and how much education we may or may not have obtained. Many fail to realize that the outcome of our lives can and could be so very different if we decide to make certain life altering choices.

As I thought about today’s message, I was reminded of the Apostle Paul, one of the most notable of early Christian missionaries. Paul's belief in Jesus as the son of God and as the Savior of mankind dramatically changed the course of his life and ours. His conversion from that of Jew hunter to a disciple of Christ happened during a life-changing experience one day on the road to Damascus.

Now many would say that Saul of Tarsus had no choice when it came to his conversion. However, I would like to pose the question; What if? What if Saul hadn’t been on the road that day and hadn’t been stricken with blindness? What if Saul hadn’t been converted? What if Paul has decided to choose another path in life other than that of an Apostle to the Gentiles? Where would you and I be?
What many of us fail it realize it that life is full of choices and there is always a “What if” factor. We make the decision on which road or path we will follow in this life. Just like Saul did that day on the road to Damascus and Just like Jesus the Christ did when he chose to die so that you and I can live.

So today I ask you; What if we didn’t have a Savior who died for our sins?

Prayer:
Father God, so many times in this life, we are faced with hard choices to make. You, have even given us the freedom to choose life over death and all we have to do is accept that Jesus Christ, our intercessor, died so that we could live. We believe in our hearts and confess with our mouths our belief that He died so that we could come before the throne of grace and ask for forgiveness. Thank You Father, for giving us that choice. So many times we allow the world to dictate our choices instead of bringing our worries and problems to You alone. We sometimes don’t see the blessings in our situations because we fail to see that even in our downcast states, we are still been blessed. Forgive us Lord, for taking our blessings for granted. Lord, forgive me for failing to sometimes make the right choice. Father God, continue to bless us, care for us and watch over us. Touch our family and friends who are faced with hard choices today. Help us all to say that we have a choice and today, we choose life. Thank You for the freedom to choose and for Your Son who chose to become a living sacrifice. It is in His name that we submit this prayer. Amen.

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

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

Recently, I had a conversation with a friend who just discovered some life altering news. As we talked about this new revelation, through her tears she asked, Why am I always going through?

As I tried to comfort my friend, I tried to explain to her going through something, is just a journey. It is a journey of our souls from one place to the other.

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

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

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

It's just a journey to the other side!

Be Blessed

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

Remember, the pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails. ~ William Arthur Ward

Scripture:
In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 2 Timothy 3

Personally, I love the word of God. I love to hear the word, for myself. I love to read the word, for myself. And I love reading and hearing the word preached by others. Every now and then, I read or hear about someone teaching something about the word that just isn't true.

Unfortunately, you hear about some who teach that if something bad happens to you, you deserve it. If something goes wrong in your life, you deserve it. If you lose your job, your finances, your spouse and/or anything else, you must have done something wrong.

Sometimes, even we as Christians will say things to make people feel as though they deserve the trials and tribulations that come against them. Not long ago, I heard a story about a preacher who refused to help someone in his own congregation who was faced with financial difficulties. This man of God said "The church didn't get you into your mess, so it's not up to the church to get you out".

Now let me preface this with, this is hearsay, and I would pray that a leader of the church wouldn't actually say something like that to someone who has come to them seeking help. It is our duty; no it is our responsibility to help others, and not just our immediate families.

Saints of God, as Christians, trials and tribulations will come against you. Things will happen to you that sometimes just don't make sense. We can be doing well today and lose it all in the blink of an eye. Just like Job. It is up to each and every one of us to remain faithful and stand on the word of God.

Just like the song says, I've had some good times, and I've had some bad times. But my good times outweigh my bad times.

The Lord has been good to me!

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father, Thank You for Your word. Even though trials and tribulations come against me and sometimes it seems as though I can't hold on any longer, Your word sustains me. Lord, we know and recognize that life will come against You and that there will be both good and bad times, but we know that You are with us even when it seems all hope is gone. Thank You Lord, for keeping me. Father, continue to touch, bless, heal, anoint, deliver, strengthen and comfort Your saints for whom we pray. Continue to cover us under the wings of Your salvation. Thank You Lord. Bless You Lord, as we pray in the name of Jesus, Amen.

Remember, "Victory is sweetest when you've known defeat." ~ Malcolm Forbes

Scripture:
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:57-58

Saints, are you trying to overcoming a feeling of defeat? Are you constantly working towards a goal but are continuously hindered by roadblocks? I know that on a personal level, I am. There are several goals that I have been working towards for a couple of years now but they never quite seem to be within my reach. I do everything that I think I’m supposed to do. I listen to the advice of others. Do my research, pool my resources and still, I am not there yet.

Just yesterday, I had another major setback and wallowed in self-pity for most of the day. After talking with some friends, I felt a little better but my disappointment was still evident.Well-meaning friends constantly remind me that it’s not my time. Words meant to comfort but sometimes sting. There are times we want something so much and after doing your homework and working towards that goal, you realize that once again, you are faced with defeat. Sometimes the disappointment seems too much to bear.

After reading the above scripture, I am reminded that sometimes we will be defeated. However, victory can and will be mines because a victory fought for in the name of my Personal Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, can and will be won.

I will never be defeated because the battle has already been won, by His Blood, I can and will be Victorious!

Be Blessed

Prayer:
I refuse to be discouraged, To be sad, or to cry; I refuse to be downhearted, and here's the reason why . . . I have a God who's mighty, Who's sovereign and supreme; I have a God who loves me, and I am on His team. He is all wise and powerful, Jesus is His name; Though everything is changeable, My God remains the same. Father God we come thanking You for being the same, yesterday, today, and forever more. Lord, help me to be still and allow You to fight my battles. Forgive me for being weak and allowing the devil a place in my thoughts. I rebuke him, in the name of Jesus! Lord, strengthen me and when I want to become weak, help me to remember that You are strong. I know that there are others among us who too may be plagued with sadness and doubts. Touch them, in the name of Jesus. Jesus, wonderful counselor. Jesus, my physician and my way-maker. Jesus, my personal Lord and Savior. Thank You Jesus for interceding on my behalf. Father God, we release our disappointments of today and embrace our victories and blessings that are on the way. We claim these things, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Therein lays your true Destiny!

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father, as I begin a new day in my spiritual life, I ask that You would guide and direct me in all that I do. Help me Father, to be still and listen to what it is that You may be trying to tell me. Lord, I realize that I can’t change many of the things that have happened in my past, but what I can do, is learn to depend upon You for my future. Order my steps Holy Spirit. Guide and direct me down the road that You would have me to travel. Help me to develop a spirit of discernment as I try to make better choices in my life. Father God, we ask that you would bless our friends, our families and our loved ones who have asked for prayer. Bless my sisters who are looking for jobs and my brothers who are trying to provide. Keep them all in perfect peace. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

There's no tragedy in life like the death of a child. Things never get back to the way they were. ~ Dwight David Eisenhower

Scripture:
Now, O women, hear the word of the LORD; open your ears to the words of his mouth. Teach your daughters how to wail; teach one another a lament. Death has climbed in through our windows and has entered our fortresses; it has cut off the children from the streets and the young men from the public squares. Jeremiah 9:20-22 (New International Version)

A few years ago, I watched as three young children and their great-aunt perished in a house fire. It was a tragedy that touched my entire neighborhood. The death of innocence always has a way of doing that. These babies had gone to bed earlier in the evening never realizing that their lives would be snuffed out by flames that could not be extinguished.

The real tragedy in this whole situation was that a mother had to watch as her babies were trapped in a room where they could be seen through a window, but that no one could reach. Fire crews rushed to the scene but were ill prepared for the battle that raged before them. Five houses engulfed by flames and all they had was the equivalent of a water gun to fight the flames of destruction. This was a senseless and horrific tragedy that possibly could have been avoided if the proper help had arrived in time.

This situation reminds us all that death awaits us at any given moment. We too could be trapped in a room where we are seen by all, awaiting help to arrive and rescue us from certain death. However, the difference is that our help is already here. We don’t have to perish in the flames like those children. Jesus is here to rescue us, if we let him.

Jesus sees us as we fight against the flames that threaten to destroy our lives, the fires that threaten to engulf our very existence. He is waiting to break down those things in our lives that have us trapped.

He will be that fourth man in the fire with us if we ask.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father God, I come before the throne of grace with a heavy heart and spirit. My eyes are red and swollen from the tears that have been shed in the name of innocence. Lord, I know that the babies that died during this tragedy are safe in your arms. I weep for those who have been left behind who have yet to call on your name. I weep for those we are caught up in this sin sick world. I weep for those who do not know of Your Love, Your Grace and Your Mercy. I weep for those who do not realize that You are just a prayer away. Lord, I ask that You would comfort the families that lost loved ones as well as those who lost there homes. Keep them all safe in the bosom of Your arms. Let us cry for innocence lost and for those who have yet to ask You to come into their hearts. Now Lord, I thank You for sparing me and my household. Father God, I just want to thank You for fresh grace and mercy. But most of all, I thank You for Your son Jesus Christ. It is His name we pray. Amen.

Remember, the ultimate lesson all of us have to learn is unconditional love, which includes not only others but ourselves as well. ~ Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

Scripture:
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

Recently, a friend and I were talking about the first time we fell in love. We reminisced about how there was no other feeling like it. You couldn't stop thinking about the person you were in love with and you only wanted to be with that one person and no one else.

You trusted that person completely with everything, including your heart. There was nothing that you wouldn't do for that person. How many of you remember the first time you fell in love? Some of may be lucky enough to still be with your first love, but for those of us who aren't, do you remember what if felt like when you lost that love? If felt like your heart would never stop breaking. There was nothing that you or anyone could do or say to make it better.

That's how much God loves us and more! God loves us so much that He can't stop thinking about us. There is nothing that He won't do for us. He wants us to trust him completely. He wants to be with us all the time. God loves us so much that He gave His one and only son so that we wouldn't leave Him.

It breaks God's heart every time one of His children leaves him. But the difference is there is something that we can do and say to make it better. Father, forgive me. I want to come back home to You.

Daddy is waiting there with open arms and He wants to be our first love all over again. Now that's LOVE!

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I know that I've done wrong through my thoughts, my actions, and the things that I've said, sometimes by mistake and at other times, on purpose. I have gone my own way and not put You at the center of my life. I am very sorry and ask that You please forgive me. I thank You that I can ask You this because I truly believe that Your Son, Jesus, died in my place and, through Him, I have access to You. Please help me to follow You more closely every day and live a life which gives glory back to You. Forgive us Lord, our sins and transgressions. Thank You Lord for loving us so much. Father, we want You to be our first love. We want You to welcome us with open arms. Father, today we kneel at the foot of the cross where Your son, our Lord and Savior gave His life so that a miserable and unworthy sinner such as me, could once again kneel before the throne of grace. Thank You. Father, let us always remember how much You loved us. I thank You that Your son stood in the gap for me. I thank You that Your son, loved us so much that He was willing to be beaten and was crucified for me. Just for me Lord. Thank You. May Your tears of grace and mercy rain down upon Your saints this and every day. Thank You Lord. Praise God. In the name of Jesus. Amen.