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.

Bad Things do happen; how I respond to them defines my character and the quality of my life. I can be immobilized by the gravity of my loss, or I can choose to rise from the pain and treasure the most precious gift I have - life itself. ~ Walter Anderson

Scripture:
For the LORD your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your forefathers, which he confirmed to them by oath. Deuteronomy 4:31

Saints, Things happen in life that seem overwhelming. It may be a car accident, a robbery, a fire or the loss of a job. Sometimes when these things happen, we have a tendency to want to dwell on the "what could have happened". We could have been killed, we could have been home, we could have been gone. They could have kept me and put me in another job.

Well my brothers and sisters let me tell you what did happen. Yes, you were in a car accident, but you walked away. Yes you was robbed at gunpoint, but you walked away. Yes you loss some furniture and have to make some home repairs, but you are still here to talk about it. Yes, you lost your job, but you still have a roof over your head and food on the table.

When bad things happen, they are defining moments in our lives. How we react to our situations, both good and bad are what defines us all as individuals. Saints, bad things will happen in your life. It's just a part of living. Stuff Happens!

But rather than dwell on your losses, praise God for your victories!

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father, Thank You for my victories. Thank You for allowing us to walk away from situations where we could have died. Thank You Lord, for placing Your hedge of protection around us. Thank You Lord for saving us in situations when we didn't even realize that we were in harms way. Lord, I ask that You would continue to keep each and every saint that is represented here, in perfect peace. Lord, today someone will be faced with a difficult decision. I ask that You would give them a spirit of discernment. Someone will have to let a loved one go. We ask that You would comfort them and allow their loved one to leave in peace. Father, give us the courage to stand on our faith, to let go and let You take control. Lord we love You. We praise and thank You for our victories, both large and small. We ask that You would magnify Your power and Your presence in our lives today and that You would continue to bless each and everyone of our brothers and sisters. In Jesus name, Amen.

It’s so important for people who are hurting to know that the story hasn’t been finished. Things are terrible now, but there’s more to the story. ~ Dr. Richard Goodling

Scripture:
But Christ is faithful as a Son over God's house. And we are His house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast. Hebrews 3:6

Periodically, I go through serious bouts of depression. There have been times when it seems as though my world is crumbling all around me and nothing seems to be going right. People I depended on let me down and are critical of my efforts. Words meant to comfort only rub more salt into my festering wounds. Even my writings which usually bring me great joy and comfort are lifeless and meaningless.

It is at times like this I feel as though my story has come to an end. And then today’s quote reminded me, that it’s not. Things may seem terrible right now, but there is still more of my story to be written.

Sometimes life with throw you a series of curve balls and each time we come up to bat, we strike out. We become angry and frustrated which only seems to exacerbate our situations. Instead of focusing on the ball, or what is going right in our lives, we focus on how many times we have struck out.
We forget to focus on that one thing that can help us see the ball more clearly, the word of God.

When we focus on the promise and the victory that God has already given us through the death and resurrection of His Son, Christ Jesus, we realize there is more to each of our individual stories than meets the human eye. The word of God gives us the courage to step up to the plate, focus on the ball and try again.

Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is a little voice at the end of the day that says “I’ll try again tomorrow.”

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Lord, we lift Your name on high. I will bless the Lord at all times and His praises shall continuously be in my mouth. From every mountain high and every valley low, we will uplift the name of God. We will sing songs of praise all the day long. Though he slay me, I will have hope in Him. Even when my enemies are camped all around, yet I will give Him the glory for my impending victory. Lord we sing songs of praise even when we can't speak. We say Glory, glory hallelujah, praise be to God, even when the tears begin to fall. Even as I lay on my bed of affliction, when friends and family have turned against me, when there seems to be no hope for my situation or circumstances I will shout from the mountain tops; HALLELUJAH, ANYHOW! PRAISE BE TO GOD, GLORY! GLORY! GLORY! BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD! 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, Whenever I feel that I am confused or that my life is in disorder, I remember these words from the book of Proverbs: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart ... In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths."These simple words reaffirm what I know in my heart is true: He is always with me, enfolding me in love and assuring me that all is in divine order. Divine order is His plan for me. Relying on my Higher Power calms my thoughts. I feel secure because I know that He will lead me to the people and events which will contribute to my spiritual growth and fulfillment. All is in divine order because He is the order that supports and surrounds me. ~ unknown

Scripture:
for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Philippians 2:13 (New International Version)

Saints of God, so often we give pause and reflect on the direction our lives are headed in. We seem to be moving right along through life, when something or someone happens to derail us from our chosen course. Well Saints of God, I am here to tell you; “It’s all in Divine Order.”

The job or career that you have chosen hasn’t worked out the way you thought it would. The house you wanted so much to buy was bought by someone else. The man or woman that you thought you were going to marry marries someone else. The dreams and goals that you had in life seem to have fallen by the wayside. I just want to tell you, “It’s all in Divine Order.”

So often the things that we want in life aren’t the things that God wants for us. The path that we ourselves have chosen isn’t necessarily the road that God wants us to travel. Even the person we thought we would spend the rest of our lives with, aren’t inevitably the person we are supposed to be yoked with.

Too often we go through life trying to do everything on our own without seeking a word from God. We set our sights on things that may turn out to be detrimental to our overall well being. We even fall in love with people who we will give our all to, but who themselves aren’t capable of loving us the way God wants them to love us.

I say all this to say, that no matter what obstacles are in your way. It doesn’t matter if your heart has been broken, that you lost your job, or that you are not at the place in your life you think you should be. “It’s all in Divine Order.

Sometimes things have to be the way they are because your plan for your life isn’t God’s plan for your life. Learn to be still, listen for His still small voice, and realize;

That’s it’s All in Divine Order!

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 inline 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Be Blessed

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

Remember, Yearn to understand first and to be understood second. ~ Beca Lewis Allen

Scripture:

For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, Proverbs 2:10-12

As a mother of two boys, I am constantly being asked, why? “Why are you short, why does the rain fall? Why is the sky blue?” I’m sure you get the picture. As my children have aged over the years, the questions have gotten a little more serious. “Why don’t certain people like us? Why did they shoot that man? Why are people so cruel?”

Both of my boys have gained a certain amount of knowledge by asking questions, observing others, attending school, and attending church. A few years ago, my youngest son started asking me some pretty serious questions about God. One question in particular took me by surprise. He asked, “Why did God let His Son die?

At first, I wasn’t quite prepared to answer his question for fear of giving him the wrong answer. Then I realized that he was really old enough to understand the truth about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, for the first time. I explained as best I could that the world had gotten so bad, that God wanted and needed to get rid of sin once and for all.

I told him that in the past, men would sacrifice an animal as a way to atone for their sins. It was man’s way of telling God he was sorry. The problem was, that man was saying he was sorry but not really meaning it. Kinda like he told me he was sorry, without meaning it when I made him say it.

God realized that men had said he was sorry far too often without meaning it and so their sacrifices didn’t hold the same meanings that they were originally meant for. God didn’t let His son die, He allowed Him to be given as a sacrifice so that all men could say they were sorry and mean it.

Why did God let His Son die? To save you and me!

Be Blessed

Prayer:
My forever faithful Father, my Rock, my Strength, my redeemer, Lord, I thank You for allowing Your Son to die, so that my sons can have the gift of eternal life. Thank You Lord, for realizing that I am too weak to do this all by myself. I know that there is nothing that I could ever do or say to gain access to the throne on my own and that it was Your Love for me, Your gift that grants me access. Father God, I thank You for the knowledge that comes with the reading of Your word. I thank You for the death and resurrection of Your only begotten Son. Given with all sincerity and total unselfishness. Thank You Lord, for second change. Continue to cover Your saints in the Blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ, it is in His Name we pray. Amen.

Remember, Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons. ~Ruth Ann Schabacker

Scripture:
I wish that all men were as I am. But each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that. 1 Corinthians 7:7

Saints, has there ever been a time when you became jealous of someone else? Did they have something that you desired? Money, looks, prestige?

Do you ever wish that you had someone else’s talent? Maybe their husband or wife? Do you ever feel jealous because someone else who didn’t work as hard as you got the promotion or acknowledgement?

Sometimes, it will appear that life isn’t fair. We work so hard at our relationships, in our careers and raising our families and more times than not, it seems we just can’t get ahead. We look around at other people in our lives and they seem to be doing so much better than us, with little or no effort.

Well, today I am not going to sugar coat it. Everyone is not created equal. There are specific reasons for it all. Some by our own design and some are according to God’s plan.

God has a desire and a plan for each of our lives. It doesn’t always coincide with what we want, but rather, what God wants for us. God knows what we can handle and what we can’t.

Our gifts, both spiritually and in the natural, are all from Him. They are meted out according to his will. So remember, this, don’t be jealous of what others have accomplished or have gained in this world.

God has a special gift, just for you.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father God, we come before the throne of grace to thank You for what You have given us. Lord, I know there are times when I feel that I deserve more, but I stop and realize that more isn’t always what’s best for me. I am reminded that I have so much because of You. I have the gift of eternal life through Your Son, Jesus Christ. As the seasons change and the nights give way to daybreak, I am reminded just how blessed I truly am. I have a home, food, friends, and most of all, the gift of love. Love of family and friends. I have hope for tomorrow and I have the gift of salvation. I realize that the things of this world are just for a season. I will rejoice in my season, for I know that the harvest is near. Thank You Father, for my gifts. Thank You Lord, for my health, my strength and my life. Thank you most of all for Christ Jesus, it is in His name that we pray. Amen.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Be Blessed

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Be Blessed

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

Here bring your wounded hearts, here tell your anguish; Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal ~ Thomas More

Scripture:
When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” John 5:6-8 (New King James Version)

Earlier this week, I talked about being broken and how some of us do not realize that we are. However once we realize that we have something within us that just isn’t right, it begs the question; Do you want to be made whole?

Today I want to talk about the story of the invalid who was lying by the pool at Bethesda. As Jesus approached the sick man, He asked, “Do you want to be made well?” Jesus asked the question to determine if the man had given up hope for a miracle or if it was still his desire to be healed. Jesus knew that when some people are sick for a long time, they sometimes become so accustomed to the illness that they may no longer care if they are healed or not.

As I read this story, it prompted me to ask myself, “Do I want to be made well?”

Now you may ask am I sick? No my friends. I am not sick in a physical sense, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t have sickness in other areas of my life. I have experienced sickness in my relationships with others, sickness in my finances and even sickness in how I relate to God.

I can relate to that lame man lying by the pool. So close to my miracle or breakthrough for so many years, but not quite able to reach out and touch it. This story made me wonder, “Have I gotten so used to my ailments that I have become accustomed to them, therefore, no longer expecting to be healed?”

Jesus isn’t looking for our excuses. He has already given us the power and the authority to pick up our own beds and walk. So saints of God, stop lying there on your beds of affliction.

Jesus is telling you, PICK UP YOUR BED AND WALK!

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father God, I come before the throne of grace asking that You would forgive me for my unbelief. I have been in the pit of despair for so long that I may have become accustomed to being here. Lord, I don’t want to be here so I ask that You would take my hand and lead me to hallowed ground. Father, my eyes have been opened and now I see. I now ask that You would open my spiritual eyes as well. Help me to move forward with assistance of Your grace and mercy. Thank You Father for new revelations. Thank You Lord, for your Word. I thank You most of all for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, in His name I pray. Amen.

God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way.” ~ Unknown

Scripture:
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7

Saints, as I rode to work this morning, I observed the situation around me. There were accidents on the highways, dirt and debris strewn about because of the falling rain, and people running for cover. I am reminded that rain is a necessary process in the cycle of life. You see, it's springtime and the rain is needed to wash away the debris of winter and prepare the ground for the coming planting season.

Sometimes though, we can get a little too much rain. The rain may come in torrents, washing away those things that are freshly planted or the old foliage whose roots are no longer strong enough to hold it in place.

How strong are your roots? Are you new to the faith and have not yet developed strong enough roots in Christ to hold you in place when the storms of life come along? Or are you so old and set in your spiritual life that you no longer gain the nourishment from the word that keeps your roots healthy enough to stay firmly planted in the rain?

So again Saints, I ask, Can You Stand the Rain?

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Our Father which art in Heaven, Hollowed it be thy name. May those things that You have predestined in our lives come to fruition according to thy will and thy tender mercies. Oh Lord, we are weak, but You are strong. Touch us Lord, strengthening us for the coming storms in our lives. Lord, some of us are in the midst of our storm even as we pray. Magnify Your presence in our lives that we may gain the fortitude to stand, be strong, and hold on even when it's seems that we may be washed away at any given moment. Hide us Lord, under the wings of Your protection when it begins to seem like our roots are not strong enough to withstand even one more drop of rain. May we always know when to seek Your guidance and protection in the midst of our personal storms. Now Lord, help us to remember that the rain and the storms don't last always. But that there is sunshine and joy in the coming morning. Father, continue to touch and bless Your saints this morning. Extending just a little more grace for those who are need this morning. Keep our troops safe and their families wrapped securely in the knowledge that You are with them even in the midst of the desert. Father God we give You praise, adoration, and all of our hearts this day. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

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

Scripture:
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 1 Peter 3:8

Have you ever paid attention to what a smile can get you? The other day an ex-coworker and I were reminiscing about our old place of employment and how we missed some of the people we used to work with. We discussed how some people were thought to be a bit contrite and some to be cantankerous but we didn't see them that way. You want to know why?

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

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

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

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

Be Blessed

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

Remember, Embrace your uniqueness. Time is much too short to be living someone else's life. ~ Kobi Yamada

Scripture:
but my dove, my perfect one, is unique, the only daughter of her mother, the favorite of the one who bore her. The maidens saw her and called her blessed; the queens and concubines praised her. Song of Solomon 6:9 (New International Version)

As I think back to my childhood, I realize that many people thought me to be a bit strange. I was the type of child who would rather spend time with books than with people. Part of my reasoning was that books were my friends. Not so with all people.

My books didn’t judge me but rather offered a safe place of solace from what could be a cold and cruel world. I could find refuge in the pages of my books or travel to far away places that the other children had never heard of. My books could make me laugh, cry, and they even caused me to see the world outside of my own little neighborhood.

Even now, as I find myself in the throws of middle age, some people still think me to be a little strange. My family included. You see, I have moved beyond just reading books to writing them as well. I can often be found sitting in from of my computer into the wee hours of the morning, filling page after page with stories that make me laugh, make me cry, and see the world beyond my little own neighborhood.

And to make matters even worse, most of what I write is about God. Even my oldest son has asked why would I study religion as apposed to getting a degree in something more marketable like business or computer technology. He thinks I am wasting my time on a degree that won’t pay me as much as the others mentioned.

My answer to my son and to others is this; All of my life I have tried to please everyone else. My parents, my friends and even my associates. I had to reach the ripe old age of forty-something before I realized that the only ones I had to please, were God and myself.

So my friends, I embrace my uniqueness. It’s what make me happy. I urge you all to discover your uniqueness and embrace it as I have.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father God, I come before the throne of grace celebrating my uniqueness. Thank You Father for giving me the wisdom to recognize the gifts that You have bestowed upon me. Thank You Lord, for allowing me to celebrate You in the things that I do. Lord, I pray that someone will read this message and see this prayer and realize that there is great rejoicing and celebrating in uplifting the name of Jesus. We are not placed here on this earth to please others, our mission is to please and serve only You. Thank You Father God for that honor. Glory Hallelujah. In the name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.

Remember, It is the still, small voice that the soul heeds, not the deafening blasts of doom. ~ William Dean Howells

Scripture:
Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the LORD.” And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. So it was, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. Suddenly a voice came to him, and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 1 Kings 19:11-13 (New King James Version)

The prophet Elijah had a personal relationship with God. God often spoke to Elijah and commanded him to do great things in His name. In the above passage, Elijah was running from Jezebel, after he had torn down her altars and killed her prophets in the name of the Lord. He then fled to the wilderness and went into hiding, fearing for his life.

Our all knowing God already knew what Elijah was running from, but asked him anyway, what was he doing. It was during this meeting that God, told him to find Elisha who became his servant and would one day, take his place.

The Lord, our God, is capable of many great things. So often when we are seeking him, we look for the “Big” sign. We want him to perform great miracles for us that we, ourselves can see. There are several instances in the bible that tell of him speaking in a booming, loud voice. However, sometimes, He just whispers the answer to our problem.

We must learn not to look for the “Big” sign, but rather to listen for His still small voice.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father, may we always hide Your word in our hearts. Father, may we learn to be still, listen and hear Your still small voice. Father God, help us to learn to be obedient to Your word. Your word, which is the same today, yesterday, and forever word. Your Word, that spoke the world into existence. Your Word, that sooths our souls when nothing else can. We come thanking You today for Your word. We come thanking You today, for Your hedge of protection. We come giving You our love and adoration for all that You do for us and our loved ones. But most of all we thank You for the greatest gift that could ever be given. The gift of Your son, Jesus Christ. Lord, we just want to say thank You for Your word. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

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.

Hem your blessings with thankfulness so they don’t unravel. ~ Unknown

Scripture:
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:30-31 (New International Version)

This week has been one of those weeks. You know the kind I’m speaking of. The kind of week when nothing seems to be going right and it seems as if you are being hit with everything in sight, including the kitchen sink. It seems as though everything that I touch lately, falls apart.

It seems as if I am at odds with everyone, including my loved ones. It’s as if they are purposely trying to get on my nerves and under my skin. I am having trouble focusing on the postive because of all the negatives swirling around. Enough! I just want to jump in the tub and say; Calgon, take me away.

Then three very important things manifested in my life before I sat down to write this message. The first one was an email that was titled, when the day is rough and it contained a link to a Kim Burrell video entitled; “The Lord will Make a Way somehow. The second item was the above quote which simply said’ Hem your blessings with thankfulness so they don’t unravel.” Finally, I had a conversation with a very good friend who also happens to be a minister. He has somewhat of an idea of the many obstacles that have been put in my way this past month. After I filled him in on my evening phone call, he reminded me of a conversation we had just last week.

“Jackie, you have already said you are on the very edge of a huge breakthrough and as a result, satan IS throwing everything at you, including the kitchen sink. Instead of focusing on those things in your life that are going on right now, focus on the blessings and the doors of opportunity that God has opened up for you. You have told me about so many great things that are already taking place in your life as well as some major opportunities that God has already been working out on your behalf. So even in the midst of your failures and fights, he continues to bless you and you are allowing satan to block your view."

I was humbled and convicted because instead of looking at my blessings, I was complaining about my failures. So saints of God I just want to remind you, instead of feeling sorry about the things that are going wrong in your life, remember all of the things that are going right.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Lord, I once was blind but now I see. We come before You as the blind did in 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 its not always, about what we see but truly, about what You are teaching us. Teach us Lord to lean upon You; to depend upon You and not the things of this world. Lord, help us to realize that our circumstances do not define us, You do. You have already told us that You would never leave us nor forsake us. 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 Christ, Amen.