Archived Daily Devotionals

Remember, there are victories of the soul and spirit. Sometimes, even if you lose, you win. ~ Elie Weisel

Scripture:
For the LORD your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory." Deuteronomy 20:4 (New International Version)

There are times when we feel as though we are fighting a battle that can’t be won. We become punch drunk from all the blows that life sends our way. We arise each and everyday to fight the good fight of faith. At the end of the day, we are delirious from all the hits that we have taken. We often ask ourselves, why. It would be easier to just give up and let the chips fall where they may.

Personally, I have a number of issues in my life that I often become frustrated about. There are certain aspects of my life that I want to change, but no matter how much I try, they don’t seem to be changing. I set certain goals, only for those goals to fall by the wayside. I become angry and depressed when the things I strive for never seem to manifest. I try and I try, praying along the way, all to no avail.

Yet, I refuse to give up. You see, I had an epiphany this morning. Life isn’t always about what I want. It’s more about what God wants for me. The things that I want for myself aren’t necessarily what’s best for me. I can’t always see it at the time, but God sees and knows all.

I found the above quote very interesting for a number of reasons. One, even when it appears that I have lost a battle, what I see isn’t necessarily what God sees. Sometimes we fight so hard to hang to a person or situation that we fail to see just how toxic it can be to us. Sometimes we strive to arrive at a place without realizing that God is not in that place. Sometimes by achieving what we think we want, we may be causing ourselves and the ones we love irrevocable harm.

So my brothers and sisters remember this; even when it appears we have lost the battle, the victory can still be ours.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Lord, sometimes it seems as though I am fighting a never ending battle. Some days are filled with stress and strife. Sometimes, I become weary from the war that wages around me. I realize that sometimes it is I who has caused the war from within. Lord, help me to be strong and resist temptation. Help me to develop patience, perseverance and peace within. Father, as I pause to spend time with You, I ask that you would quiet the conflict that rages within me. When I am faced with trials and tribulations help me to be still and remain calm and turn control over to the Holy Spirit. It's Your spirit Lord, that dwells in me. It that same spirit that can give me rest if I would just succumb to it. It's in that spirit I can find peace, joy and contentment. It's in that Spirit that I can find the answer to the questions that plague me. Father, sometimes it seems as though satan’s entire army has come against me. But Your word tells me that no army can defeat me with the Lord on my side. Thank You Father. I know that as long as I follow You, I am on the right path. I also realize that as long as I follow You, satan will be there trying to discourage me. I rebuke the devil in the name of Jesus. I call upon the name of the Lord, and I will surrender my will to his and allow the Lord to fight my battles. Thank You Father for the power and authority that has been given to me through Christ Jesus. Lord, bless my family, friends and brothers and sisters in Christ. Keep me nearer God to Thee. Glory to God; Praise the name of the Lord. Hallelujah, Thank You Father. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

I do not understand the mystery of grace--only that it meets us where we are, but does not leave us where it found us. ~ Anne Lamott

Scripture:
to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. Ephesians 1:6-8 (New International Version)

As I sit here, contemplating the follies of my past, I become consciously aware of the power of God’s amazing grace. Grace protected me when I found myself in places that I shouldn’t have been. Grace covered me when I did things that I shouldn’t have done. Grace was with me when I found myself lost in a far country.

I recognize and realize that I have made some pretty bad choices in my life. But if it had not been for the grace of God, where would I be? I could be lost in a world of degradation, humiliation, and complication. I could have been an unwed mother, junkie living for my next fix, or worst of all, the pawn of satan. The various scenarios of where I could be apposed to where I am, are limitless.

You see, no matter how bad we are, where our lives may be headed, the things we have done or said; God’s grace has unlimited reaching power. When you fall down into the very depths of life’s misery, God’s grace has the ability to reach down, right where you have landed and lift you up. No matter how alone you may feel, God’s grace has the ability to cover you in the comfort and warmth that can only be found in the arms of God Himself.

There is something special about God’s grace. May God’s grace find you wherever you may be.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
But for the grace of God, go I. Lord, thank You for Your grace and Your mercy. Thank You Lord, for reaching out and saving a sinner like me. Forgive me Lord, for all the wrong that I have done. Your word tells me that when I have asked for forgiveness, You grant it because You are a God of a second chance. Lord, I thank You for granting me a new beginning with the dawning of each day. May Your loving grace rest, rule and abide within my life each and every day. May goodness, mercy and traveling grace go with each and every one of my brothers and sisters sharing in this prayer. May Your tender mercies continue to rain down upon each of us as we continue to build upon our relationship with You. Thank You Father. Thank You Jesus. It is in Your name that we pray. Amen.

Music is what feelings sound like. ~ unknown

Scripture:
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

I love gospel music. Gospel music has a way of putting into words, feelings and situations that you may be going through. Gospel music has a way of putting God's word into songs that minister to our very souls. Gospel music has a way of touching your very heart as though God himself is having a personal conversation with only you.

A few years ago, at the suggestion of a very good friend, I bought a cd collection that featured a number of today’s most popular songs. It's a four cd collection that has a title for each cd. For example, they are "Meditation and Strength", "Praise Party", "Trial and Triumph" and "Restoration and Praise."

Driving to work recently and listening to these awesome God inspired messages in song, there was one song in particular that really touched my spirit. It is called, "I Believe" by Marvin Sapp. Reverend Sapp is an ordained minister out of Grand Rapids, Michigan who used to sing with the group Commissioned. Reverend Sapp is known for interjecting mini sermons into his song performances.

This particular song speaks about the promises of God. It says "I believe in your promises. I believe what you said is true. I believe what you promised me. I believe that you'll come through. As is in his style of singing, he begins to preach.The words that he spoke during this particular song talked about the increased attacks on your life by satan. Reverend Sapp said "the devil is trying to discourage you. He has peeped into your future and sees what God has is store for you."

Saints, how many of you feel that song may be talking about you? I know I had a personal connection with it. Again, my God was ministering to me through music.

The point that I am trying to make is this; when there is a situation going on in your life and you have prayed about it, never be surprised on how God can answer you. Even in song.

During those times when you may not be able to open up your bible and read, there are other ways to receive the word of God. Music is just one.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father, we come giving thanks to You once again for Your word. Your message and direction, delivered in the reading and the hearing of Your word. Your word, delivered in song and praise. Your word, that You pass along from one saint to another. Thank You father for the gift of Your word. Lord, we come thanking You, not for anything one thing, but for life itself. We thank You for watching over us once again. We thank You for providing all of our needs. We thank You for family and fellowship. Lord, we thank You most of all for Your son, Jesus Christ. Now Lord, continue to keep us in perfect peace, full of Your joy, covered in Your grace and mercy and full of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Remember, Whenever you see darkness, there is extraordinary opportunity for the light to burn brighter. ~ Bono

Scripture:
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12 (New International Version)

Have you ever met a person who seem to light up a room as they enter? You can’t quite put your finger on it, but something about them seems to make the world around them a brighter place. For some unexplained reason, just being around them makes you happy. There are certain people I have met that make me feel this way.

Once we begin to engage in conversation, I begin to understand why. The light of Jesus has been lit in their hearts. It really doesn’t matter what the conversation is about, it becomes obvious they are filled with the Holy Spirit by virtue of not what they do or say but by how they make me feel. I feel a sense of comfort.

That is how it’s supposed to be with Christians. You should be able to see one another, not by what they do or say, but by the light that emanates from within. The spirit of Christ that resides within their hearts.

I often pray for that same light to be lit within me. I pray that others can see the spirit of Christ in my spirit. I pray that the Holy Spirit indwells in my heart and that others can see and feel it. And when I am feeling down, I pray that He will reignite the fire, so that others will be drawn to it, not for my edification, but for His.

Does the light of Jesus Christ burn within your Spirit?

Be Blessed.

PRAYER:
My Father, My Lord, My Savior. We who have been reconciled into Your kingdom by the saving grace of Christ Jesus, come before You once again with praises and thanksgiving on our tongues. Lord, we come honoring You for the gift of fresh grace and mercy. Lord, You blessed me and kept me once again and I say thank You. Father, we come before You asking that You would magnify Your power and Your presence in our lives. Lord, we know that we don't always do what is right in Your eyes, but we thank You for forgiveness. We realize and recognize that sometimes we don't always act Christ like. Lord, we come asking that Your light that shines within us would be magnified so that others may see it and seek after it in the same way we did. Lord, we ask that You would continue to bless our loved ones, our family members and our brothers and sisters in Christ. Someone needs a miracle today, so we come claiming a miracle for someone else today, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

How rare and wonderful is that flash of a moment when we realize we have discovered a friend. ~ William Rostler

Scripture:
If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Ecclesiastes 4:10

Saints, what kind of friend are you? Are you the type of friend who is there for someone else? Are you the kind of friend who listens without judging? Are you there when someone needs a shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold, or just someone to keep a sick friend company?

Would you give a friend your last dollar, share your last slice of bread, or offer a place to stay when your friend needs one? Are you the type of friend who would help another even if it is a big inconvenience?

What type of friends do you have in your life? Are they only there for what they can get? Are they there for prestige, to use you? Are they your friend for all the wrong reasons?

I am here to tell you that personally, I have a great group of friends. I don't expect my friends to be there all the time and do everything that I ask. But that doesn't mean we aren't still friends. My friends and I don't always agree about everything, but we know that we can depend on each other when we need to.

However, I know I have a friend who will never leave me nor forsake me. Have you met him yet? If not, you need to.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father, we come kneeling before the throne of grace to give thanks to You for the friends, our angels, that You have placed in our lives. Thank You for allowing me to be a friend to others. But most of all, thank You for the greatest friend of all, Jesus Christ. Lord, continue to heal our sick, comfort those who are struggling and protect us when we stray. Touch Your saints who are going through right now. Satan is still busy and would love to see each of us fail. So many are going through there own personal trials, but we know that You are still the judge who settles all matters for our good. Keep us all in perfect peace, Amen.

Remember, Life is a series of experiences, each one of which makes us bigger, even though sometimes it is hard to realize this. For the world was built to develop character, and we must learn that the setbacks and grieves which we endure help us in our marching onward. ~ Henry Ford

Scripture:
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:3-5 (New International Version)

I often wonder, why does life have to be so hard? It seems as though we are confronted with one trial after another. We are met with challenges almost on a daily basis. I have come to the realization that how we meet our challenges will help define our true character.

There are people that I know who meet their challenges with anger. They are just mad at the world and they show it in every thing that they do and say. These people could be described as mean or evil. Very seldom do they have anything nice to say and they actions are often contrived and undermining. You could label them as bullies.

Then, there are those who go through life acting as if they are invisible. They don’t want anyone to notice them or say anything to them. When confronted with a problem, they just try to fade into the background. They don’t want to be seen or heard and would be content if the rest of the world would just leave them be.

Another group of folks that I notice, are the fence sitters. They don’t really stand for anything. They sit on the fence and just kinda go with which ever way the wind is blowing. They don’t really meet challenges but rather, just kind of go with the crowd.

But my favorite group of people are those who meet their challenges head on. These are the types of people I like to be around. You see, they realize that in order to become better people, they meet their challenges with a spirit of determination and with the resolve that they will the victors. They realize that God has not given them a spirit of fear but rather a spirit of hope.

A hope that can be found in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father God, sometimes it seems that life is full of grief and sorrow. We look around and see only death and destruction. We see our brothers and sisters forsaken by the powers that be. In the midst of riches, we see the poverty. In a country of abundance, many suffer from hunger. We see arrogance instead of humility. But even in the midst of the darkness that surrounds us, we can still see the light. Jesus Christ, the light of the world. Father God, we come before the throne of grace, seeking Your face, Your grace and mercy. Lord, we seek the comfort of Your loving arms. Lord, help us to always remember that this world will one day pass away. You are not of this world and neither are Your saints. Your Son was sent to save a dying world; we come thanking You for saving us. We realize that weeping will endure for a night, but joy will come in the morning. Thank You Father, for that promise. Now Lord, we ask that You would empower us to help a dying world. Magnify Your light that is within us. Strengthen us so that we may look outside of ourselves and reach out to help others. May Your light so shine within us that others may see it and be drawn to You. Comfort our grieving, strengthen or weak, heal our sick, give us new hope where there is none and unspeakable joy. The joy of the Lord. The joy that the world can't give nor can the world take it away. Thank You Lord, for second chance. I know that I didn't get it all right yesterday, but I thank You for another chance today. I love the Lord, he heard my cry. Thank You for wiping away my tears and giving me new hope in Christ Jesus, it is in His name we pray, amen.

Remember, God brings men into deep waters not to drown them, but to cleanse them. ~ Aughey

Scripture:
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. Psalm 121:1

Saints, are you tired and run down? Do you feel like you just can't go any further? Does life keep you running so much that you just can't seem to get any rest? Are you so overwhelmed that you just don't know what to do?

Well, today we have a special offer. All you have to do is get down on your knees, and call the on the Master, Jesus. For the unbelievable cost of just a prayer, You Can Renew Your Strength.

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

If you call right now, you can receive this special offer! Peace, everlasting. Strength to keep on keeping on, and Joy unspeakable.

So pick up the phone right now! Jesus is on the main line. Call him up!

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father, we come once again seeking Your face. We come asking for Your help to make it through yet another day. Father God, we ask that You continue to touch our prayer list. Help us lord to be mindful that You are our strength and that we can do all things through Christ Jesus. The Lord is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him. I call out to the Lord. He is worthy of praise. He saves me from my enemies. The Lord lives! Give praise to my Rock! Give honor to God, the Rock! He is my Savior! Lord, we come once again singing songs of praise. Lord, we honor You because You are who You said You are. You are the rock of my salvation. You are my strength. You are my salvation. You are the one and only true God! Thank You Lord for saving me. Father, Abba, Great Jehovah, You are known by many names, but no matter which name we call on, You will answer. Thank You Lord, for answering prayer. No my Lord, we ask that You would continue to do great things in our lives. The world today is ruled by a spirit of darkness. Lord, we ask that we, Your saints, would become those lights that guide others home to You. Father, may something that we do this day, or something that we say this day, be a blessing unto someone else. May we always hide Your word in our hearts. But more importantly, may we always allow Your word and the Holy Spirit to guide us in all we do and say. Now Lord, Bless us, Keep us, Protect us, Strengthen us. Lord, we could never thank You enough for our blessings. But we say thank You anyhow. We could never express just how much we love You, but we say we love You anyhow. We could never be worthy of Your grace and mercy. But we thank You for giving us those gifts anyhow. Thank You Lord. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Glory to God. Amen.

Remember, Happiness is the delicate balance between what one is and what one has. ~ F.H. Denison

Scripture:
A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. Ecclesiastes 2:24-26 (New International Version)

Some people go through life collecting things. They collect houses, cars, jewelry and a myriad of various objects. They are of the belief that the more things they have the happier they will be.

This is not to say that obtaining certain things in life is wrong or that we should feel guilty about it, but rather realizing that the collecting of things will not necessarily lead them to the road of happiness. Recognizing what is really important; God, family, and friends are more important than things.

Learning to embrace where you are in life, is sometimes more important than embracing the things that fill our lives. Recognizing where you are in your spiritual walk is often more important than the journey. Learning to enjoy who you are is more important than trying to impress others.

Saints of God, having things is not the most important thing in life. Having God and people who love you is far more important than any material thing that you could ever have. Having peace of mind, body and spirit is something that you will be able to keep with you always.

Wisdom, knowledge and happiness will always be more valuable than silver or gold.

Be Blessed

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

Scripture:
For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 41:13

Saints of God, how many of you believe what God says? As I lay in bed early in the morning, I reflected on some of the things that He has said to me.

You know what He told me? He told me I can do all things through Christ Jesus. He told me; Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward. For the LORD your God will bless you just as He promised you. The LORD your God is He who fights for you, as He promised you. He told me; "I will never leave you nor forsake you."

And you know what else? God cannot lie. The LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting, And His truth endures to all generations. His mercy endures forever. God heals, He protects, He strengthens, He hides us, He renews, and He hears our cries. The Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces.

He is a God of comfort. "Comfort, yes, comfort my people!" Says your God. But most of all he is a God of forgiveness. Who loves us so much that He sacrificed His only begotten Son so that you and I could come before the throne of grace.

So my brothers and sisters, today let's stand on the word of God. He hasn't failed us yet!

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for Your word. Thank You father for being faithful, even when we are not. Thank You for keeping us safe and for providing all of our needs and even some of our wants. Thank You Lord, for the sword of the Spirit; You word that never fails us. Your word, that says we can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens us. Your word, that soothes our soul, calms the winds and the rains, keeps me safe and secure when I find myself all alone late in the midnight hour. Thank You Lord for allowing us to come before the throne of grace once again. We Love You Lord, We Praise You Lord. We Bless You Holy Name. Amen.

There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altared. ~Nelson Mandela

Scripture:
The Spirit of the LORD will come upon you in power, and you will prophesy with them; and you will be changed into a different person. 1 Samuel 10:6 (New International Version)

I find myself at an age where I am constantly reviewing my past. I can honestly say, that I have not always known the Lord. I have done and said things that have caused myself and others heartache and pain. But yet in retrospect, I also realize that since accepting Jesus Christ as my personal Savior, I know I have been changed.

You see, since establishing my own personal relationship with the Lord, there are things that I can no longer do, places I can no go and even some people I can no longer associate with. Now this may not hold true for all Christians, but it does for me.

You see, the quality of my life is more important than the things in my life. It’s more important to me to be a good mother, a good friend but most of all, a good Christian. I cannot in good conscience cause other people harm through my action or words. I find that I am more compassionate to the needs of others. I have realized that the world doesn’t revolve around me.

When you develop a relationship with the Master, He becomes just that; the Master and ruler of your life. Even when you think you might want to return to your old way of doing things, you find that there is something within you that speaks to your heart; your conscience.

If you don’t have that something within you, ask yourself, Have I really changed?

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Once far from God and dead in sin No light my heart could see But in God's Word the light I found Now Christ liveth in me. Father God, May I keep growing closer and closer to You. Thank You Lord for blessing me in so many ways. Father, we ask that You would give us perseverance, endurance, and the strength to always seek Your counsel and guidance. Lord, we realize that so often we take Your word for granted. Forgive us Lord, for neglecting Your word. Lord, feed us the words that nourishes not only our bodies but our spirits and our minds as well. Lord, we when pray, help us to think of the needs of others before we think of our own, Help us Lord, to seek Your living water. For without the living water from the fountain that never runs dry, we will wither and die. We give thanks to You Lord, for always listening to us, even when we have neglected You. Thank You Lord, for our brothers and sisters who come before the throne of grace on our behalf. Thank You Lord, that You manifest Your presence in our lives when we least expect it. Bless Your name. Thank You Father. Thank You Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Be Blessed

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

Don’t focus on what you’re going through; focus on where you’re going to! ~ Unknown

Scripture:
For the Lord your God will go with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you. Deuteronomy 20:4

Recently as I sat church listening to my Pastor speak a word, I was moved by what he had to say. He told the story of how King David had returned from battle and found that his home had been conquered, burnt to the ground and his wives and children taken into captivity. Those who had gone into battle with him were angry with King David because they felt that if they had not been away in battle with him, they would have been at home to protect their own families. David began to experience a spirit of defeat.

At first he got angry and just wanted to give up. But then he went to God and asked if he should go after what had been taken from him and get it back. God’s answer was yes; he would overtake them and get back all that was his.

Just like King David many of us will return home and find that the enemy has taken or destroyed all that we have. It could be in the form of a devastating financial lost, the breakup of our marriages, or even the loss of our relationship with God himself. It is at these times that the devil will move in for the kill. Remember, his job is to kill, steal, and destroy.

It is at these times that we may experience division with our loved ones, a spirit of defeat, discouragement and distraction from what our God given purpose is. It is at these times when it’s okay to get mad and say “I’m mad and I’m not going to take it anymore.” In other words, there comes a time when it’s necessary to fight back.

There will be times in your live when you feel as though you have no control over your lives and that’s okay because it is at times like these when God can show up and show out. So often we will not be the one who has the last word regarding our situations. However, there is one who does and his name is Jehovah Jirah, my provider. Elohim, God of total power, and finally Jehovah Nissi my banner who goes before me. The key is being able to know when you are weak. It is at those times when God will be your strength.

If we would just learn to let go and let God have his way.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Father God, I come kneeling at the throne of grace humbly asking that You would hear my prayer. Lord, I realize that there are times in my life when I wanted to do things my way and because of my stiff neck, I failed to surrender my will to Yours and I stumbled and faltered. Lord, I come before the altar of sacrificing admitting that I have not always done things Your way and because of that, I have lost my way and all that You have given to me. Lord, I ask that You would be my strength and my banner, leading me into battle to take back all that the devil has tried to steal from me. You are my strength and my stronghold. I surrender my will to Yours as I let go all of my problems and surrender them to you. For I am weak and I need Your strength to regain my rightful place in the kingdom. Lord, I thank You for my blessings and my breakthroughs. I thank You for not only what You have done but also what You are about to do in my life. I bless Your name Father as I give thanks for the one who intercedes on my behalf, Christ Jesus. It is in His name that I submit this prayer. Amen.

All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another.

Scripture:
"Oh, that You would hide me in the grave, That You would conceal me until Your wrath is past, That You would appoint me a set time, and remember me! If a man dies, shall he live again? All the days of my hard service I will wait, Till my change comes. Job 14:13-14

Saints, as I have grown in my faith and as my circle of Christian friends has grown, so often it seems as though adversity increases. This past year alone has brought many changes into my life and into the lives of friends.

Marriages have faltered, friends have lost jobs, sickness, especially, cancer seems to be running rampant against us. People are losing loved ones and many of us are struggling financially. We come praising God each morning and then, we are faced with days that are full of hell. We struggle to remain faithful. We pray about it, we fast, we do all that we know to do in the body of Christ. Sometimes it does seem that God is mad at us and we just want to go run and hide from him and the world.

Saints, I won't say that God doesn't get angry with us, because He does. He gets angry at us for not being obedient. But you say that you haven't done anything wrong, so why would God be angry with me?

Sometimes it's the little sins that we harbor that we don't even realize are sins so we haven't confessed them, that angers God. Sometimes it's our self-righteous attitudes, how we treat others, how we gossip and tell that little white lie. Sometimes it's because we are so focused on ourselves that we can't do anything to glorify Him.

Saints, take a look around you. Have you been mad at someone for years and haven't spoken? Do you gossip or talk about others behind their backs? Do you pass judgment on how others our living and conducting their lives.

This sounds a little trite, but take a moment and read the ten commandments again. Now think about your life. Now don't tell me, but are you living right? Now if you are not, then maybe it's time for you to start.

He's working on me so that my change can come. Let Him work on you too.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Lord, forgive me for not being all that I should be. Father, I realize that I have done some things in my life that I need to change. I come asking that You would help me make that change. I realize that my tongue is sometimes used to tear someone else down rather than to edifying You. I know that there are things that I am still angry about, forgive me for that anger. I even know that sometimes I get angry with You because You haven't done something I wanted. Forgive me. Lord, I am learning everyday. Be patient with me. Help me to grow in grace and favor. Help me to be more diligent in my service to You. Father, we ask for Your continued blessings for our families. Our immediate families, our online families, our church families, and our brothers and sisters who are a part of the body of Christ. We love the name of the Lord. How excellent is that name. Thank You Lord, for blessing me anew. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.

Remember, be bold and mighty forces will come to your aid. ~Basil King

Scripture:
But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD. Then the LORD sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. Jonah 1: 3-4 (New International Version)

Recently, I asked a friend, “Why am I compelled to do these messages?” Needless to say, my friend couldn’t answer my question but rather said, “I don’t know, but I thank God that you do.”

You see saints, often times it is very painful to write about some of the things that I do. I sometimes feel that it is a great weight that I carry. No matter how much I try to deviate from writing these messages, I often find myself sitting here with a new story to tell. I realize that I have been given a mission by God and as much as may want to rebel, God will not allow it.

So it is with each and every one of us. God has given each of us a mission. It is our responsibility to carry out that mission whether we want to or not. When we try to walk along a path that is not of God, He will allow things to happen to in our lives that will force us back on the right path. You may be in the wrong relationship, pursuing the wrong job, or maybe you have just ignored the word of God and are following the world instead of following Him.

Maybe just like Jonah, you have been given a directive by God but because you don’t want to do it, you try to run away from it. Maybe you are doing things in your life that God finds unacceptable. Or maybe, you have decided that you just don’t want to listen to what God is trying to tell you.

I just want to let you know, that if there is something that God wants you to do, He will wear you down until you do it. If you are not listening to his voice, I urge you to pay close attention because God can and will get your attention, by any means necessary.

Be blessed

Prayer:
Father God, I come before the throne of grace seeking Your face and Your favor. Lord, often times I hear Your voice and tremble. I tremble because I know that I am not doing your will but rather following my own. Forgive me Lord. I pray that You would forgive me for my mistakes of yesterday and I pray that You would find favor with me once again. Lord, I come standing in the gap for my family and friends. I pray for the family who lost a mother and the family who lost a young child. So many need so much. I ask that You would comfort those who are heartbroken, assure those who are at a lost, strengthen those who are weak. Lord, help us to realize just how blessed we are. We may not have all that we want, but you continue to supply all of our needs. Lord, we just want to thank You for all that You have done in our lives and for all that You are about to do. Keep us all in perfect peace and help us to keep our minds and our hearts set on our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In His name we pray. Amen.

Most of the verses written about praise in God's Word were voiced by people faced with crushing heartaches, injustice, treachery, slander, and scores of other difficult situations. ~ Joni Eareckson Tada

Scripture:
I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
Oh, magnify the LORD with me, And let us exalt His name together. Psalm 34:1-3 (New King James Version)

Sometimes the crushing weight of the world is almost too much to bear. We get angry about our situations and often times throw up our hands in despair. But instead of raising fists of anger, why not trying lifting your hands in praise? Believe it or not, it works.

So often we are faced with situations that make us just want to give up and throw in the towel. But what we will eventually realize is that is exactly what satan wants us to do. He wants us to turn away from God instead of turning towards Him.

King David often found himself in the pit of despair, but he managed to write some of the most beautiful God inspired Psalms and continued to sing songs of praise during some of his darkest hours. Job lost everything and still found the strength and the fortitude to sing God’s praises. And Paul who is considered by some as the greatest Christian who ever lived continued to worship and praise God even as he spent many years imprisoned.

What can be learned from each of these individuals is not to hang our heads in hopelessness and despair but rather to lift up Holy hands and turn our faces towards the hills. I will lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore.

When praises go up, Blessings come down.

Be Blessed

Prayer:
Lord, sometimes I try to pray and the words won't come. I toss and turn and feel nothing. My mind is dry, my heart is dull, my soul longs for life. Hear my silent cry, my God, hear me. Breathe on us Lord renewing a right spirit within us. Even in our times of sorrow, we praise Your holy name. Lord, open our eyes and give us a discerning spirit, so that we may recognize the tricks of the evil one. Lord, we come before the throne of grace once again asking that You would forgive us for not depending on You. We come asking that You who are rock and our salvation, would help us to starve our fears and doubts and feed our faith. Lord, I personally ask for forgiveness and direction for myself. I know that sometimes, we take You for granted and in doing so, leave ourselves open to attack. Lord, we stand before You again, putting on the whole armor of God. The belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, wielding our shield of faith and the sword of the spirit, and placing upon our heads, the helmet of salvation. Lord, let us always be diligent against attack from he who seeks to destroy us. Continue to bless our brothers and sisters in Christ. Continue to anoint our leaders. Help us always to be able to call upon the name of the Lord in our times of distress. Thank You Lord, for Your faithfulness. Thank You Lord, for Your covering. Thank You Lord, that You pick us up, when we have been knocked down. We will the name of the Lord at all times, and His praises shall continuously be in our mouths. Praise his name saints of God. Glory Hallelujah, thank You Jesus, in His name we pray, Amen.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Be blessed

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