Sunday, May 31, 2015
Change
We can’t change the world until we change ourselves.
Scripture:This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Reform your ways and your actions, and I will let you live in this place. Do not trust in deceptive words and say, “This is the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord!” Jeremiah 7 …..New International Version (NIV)
I find the word “change” very fascinating. You see, it is one of those words that holds various meanings and is both a noun and a verb. It can both, be something and lead to something. The word change is a definition and an action.
As a noun it can be translated as the act or instance of making or becoming different and as a verb it means to make or become different. Now at first glance there doesn’t appear to be much difference between the two. However, if you look closely at the descriptions, you will notice there is a very distinct and unique difference between the two. One is a journey to a place and the other is arriving at. And so it is with our Christian walk.
We strive to get to the place where we become more Christ like and the other defines us when we change or actually become more Christ like. We believe that once we arrive at our destination we will become that change we started out be. However, there is a flaw in the design which is the catalyst for each of us taking the trip in the first place.
We actually believe we can make a difference and change others along the way merely by convincing them to see their own journeys through our words alone. How can we convince others of God’s goodness, grace and mercy if they can’t see it manifested in more than just our idle speech? How can others see Christ in action, if we never implement a change in our own actions?
We have to become the change in order for others to see the change.
Be blessed and be a blessing
Prayer:
Father God we come before the throne of grace seeking change. Change in our lives and in the lives of others around us. Lord, as we look at the world around us, so often all we see is darkness. We strive to make our way back to the light but sometimes we get lost and can’t see our way. Magnify Your light within us so that others can see You in each of us. Forgive us when we lose our way and help us to find our way back. We thank you for the opportunity to find our way home before the darkness of night overwhelms and overtakes us. Lord, we thank You for the light of the world, Your Son, Jesus Christ; it is in His name we pray. Amen.
Monday, May 25, 2015
Experiencing Life
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:
Then maidens will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow. Jeremiah 31:13
I would like to believe that in everything we do, there is a lesson to be learned and that is why I like to use real life experiences when I write my devotionals. I like to contrast my life and the lives of those around me to the word of God. I do this because I believe that when others can see the manifestation of God in today’s world, they will walk away saying, “I get it! I know that is usually the case for me. Even our failures and disappointments can be a learning experience if we allow it.
In the bible, Jesus often used parables to tell a story. The reason that he did this was so that those around him would receive what he had to say. Now I am not comparing myself to Jesus, but I too use parables to get my point across. I often get responses to these devotionals from readers telling me just how much my message touched their lives. These messages are truly humbling to me.
You see, I would like to believe that much of what I go through is not in vain and that others can learn from my past mistakes. I would like to believe that some of the things that I write about cause others to evaluate their lives and their relationship with God. I would like to believe that my messages are making a difference in someone else’s life. I would like to believe that others can be comforted and uplifted in my written word.
Remember, your life experiences are but an opportunity for God to step in and show out!
Be blessed and be a blessing
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 once again, 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.
Scripture:
Then maidens will dance and be glad, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into gladness; I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow. Jeremiah 31:13
I would like to believe that in everything we do, there is a lesson to be learned and that is why I like to use real life experiences when I write my devotionals. I like to contrast my life and the lives of those around me to the word of God. I do this because I believe that when others can see the manifestation of God in today’s world, they will walk away saying, “I get it! I know that is usually the case for me. Even our failures and disappointments can be a learning experience if we allow it.
In the bible, Jesus often used parables to tell a story. The reason that he did this was so that those around him would receive what he had to say. Now I am not comparing myself to Jesus, but I too use parables to get my point across. I often get responses to these devotionals from readers telling me just how much my message touched their lives. These messages are truly humbling to me.
You see, I would like to believe that much of what I go through is not in vain and that others can learn from my past mistakes. I would like to believe that some of the things that I write about cause others to evaluate their lives and their relationship with God. I would like to believe that my messages are making a difference in someone else’s life. I would like to believe that others can be comforted and uplifted in my written word.
Remember, your life experiences are but an opportunity for God to step in and show out!
Be blessed and be a blessing
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 once again, 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.
Sunday, May 17, 2015
The Blessings of the Lord
A good memory is one that can remember the day's blessings and forget the day's troubles. ~ Unknown
Scripture:
"And now, O Lord GOD, You are God, and Your words are true, and You have promised this goodness to Your servant. Now therefore, let it please You to bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue before You forever; for You, O Lord GOD, have spoken it, and with Your blessing let the house of Your servant be blessed forever." 2 Samuel 7:28-30
Saints, today I want to talk about remaining faithful to God. So many times during our lives we set off down the road we think God wants us to travel. As we begin our journey, we are faced with all types of obstacles, roadblocks and setbacks.
We start walking down Life’s Highway and run into potholes. Some of the potholes are called economic downturn, sickness, disease, wayward husband/child(ren), job lay-offs, backbiters and there are a whole multitude of others. Satan will put up roadblocks called sin, temptation, discouragement, depression and a whole list of negative spirits.
So often we jut want to give up and quit. Well today I am going to use an old friend as an example. You see, when she decided to go back to school several years ago to get her Masters, she thought it was a pretty simple decision to make. Go register for classes, take the classes and graduate. What she has learned along the way is far more than what she had learned from her teachers.
You see, my friend has faced all kinds of discouraging situations. We won't go into all of them, but I know there where times when maybe she just wanted to throw up her hands and say "I QUIT!" But you know what she did instead? She remained faithful to what she was supposed to do. You see, my friend made a vow to remain faithful to God and continue her course. She has run her race and stayed faithful to God.
Now God has rewarded her with what he has promised. His Blessings.
And so it is with all of us Saints of God. Sometimes when we take the road that has been predetermined by God; we will run into all sorts of roadblocks. However, God has already given us the tools and the perseverance to go around, over, above and under all the things that will hinder us.
All you need is your roadmap (the bible) and your tour guide. Jesus.
Be blessed and be a blessing
Prayer:
Thank You Father for blessing us in spite of us. Thank You Lord for keeping us staid on course. Thank You Lord for remaining faithful to us and watching over us even when we don't realize it. Lord, we ask that You help each and every one of us remain faithful to You. We ask that You would give us eyes to see and ears to hear the deception of he who seeks to destroy us. Lord, we just want to thank You. We ask for the continued healing, deliverance, breakthroughs and blessings for all of Your saints who are represented here in the body of Christ. We love and adore You Lord. You are Omni present, on time, all knowing and all seeing. You are Jehovah Jira, Jehovah Nissi Jehovah Shalom. Thank You Father for being our banner and remaining faithful to us. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen
Scripture:
"And now, O Lord GOD, You are God, and Your words are true, and You have promised this goodness to Your servant. Now therefore, let it please You to bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue before You forever; for You, O Lord GOD, have spoken it, and with Your blessing let the house of Your servant be blessed forever." 2 Samuel 7:28-30
Saints, today I want to talk about remaining faithful to God. So many times during our lives we set off down the road we think God wants us to travel. As we begin our journey, we are faced with all types of obstacles, roadblocks and setbacks.
We start walking down Life’s Highway and run into potholes. Some of the potholes are called economic downturn, sickness, disease, wayward husband/child(ren), job lay-offs, backbiters and there are a whole multitude of others. Satan will put up roadblocks called sin, temptation, discouragement, depression and a whole list of negative spirits.
So often we jut want to give up and quit. Well today I am going to use an old friend as an example. You see, when she decided to go back to school several years ago to get her Masters, she thought it was a pretty simple decision to make. Go register for classes, take the classes and graduate. What she has learned along the way is far more than what she had learned from her teachers.
You see, my friend has faced all kinds of discouraging situations. We won't go into all of them, but I know there where times when maybe she just wanted to throw up her hands and say "I QUIT!" But you know what she did instead? She remained faithful to what she was supposed to do. You see, my friend made a vow to remain faithful to God and continue her course. She has run her race and stayed faithful to God.
Now God has rewarded her with what he has promised. His Blessings.
And so it is with all of us Saints of God. Sometimes when we take the road that has been predetermined by God; we will run into all sorts of roadblocks. However, God has already given us the tools and the perseverance to go around, over, above and under all the things that will hinder us.
All you need is your roadmap (the bible) and your tour guide. Jesus.
Be blessed and be a blessing
Prayer:
Thank You Father for blessing us in spite of us. Thank You Lord for keeping us staid on course. Thank You Lord for remaining faithful to us and watching over us even when we don't realize it. Lord, we ask that You help each and every one of us remain faithful to You. We ask that You would give us eyes to see and ears to hear the deception of he who seeks to destroy us. Lord, we just want to thank You. We ask for the continued healing, deliverance, breakthroughs and blessings for all of Your saints who are represented here in the body of Christ. We love and adore You Lord. You are Omni present, on time, all knowing and all seeing. You are Jehovah Jira, Jehovah Nissi Jehovah Shalom. Thank You Father for being our banner and remaining faithful to us. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen
Sunday, May 03, 2015
Distractions
You will encounter many distractions and many temptations to put your goal aside: The security of a job, a wife who wants kids, whatever. But if you hang in there, always following your vision, I have no doubt you will succeed. ~ Larry Flynt
Scripture:Only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. Acts 20:23-24 (New International Version)
As a writer, I am told by people that I meet; they too want to write a book. I always ask them why don’t they? The answers are usually the same myriad of excuses. “I don’t have time, I don’t know how to get started” and so on and so on.
I know about excuses. I make them all the time too. What I have discovered on this journey called life is that most excuses are simply distractions to keep us from reaching our goals. Most excuses are a way to avoid our destinies.
As I read the words of the great Apostle Paul, I discovered that he was a determined man; not given to easily to distractions. You see, he was on a mission. He knew that his destiny would force him to face obstacles, pain and suffering. However, he was a man who was about his business. Paul was a man on a mission who would not be tempted or distracted to complete the journey that had been placed before him.
When we examine our lives, we should look at our journeys, whatever they may be, with the same eyes of Paul. A man who could see the journey, keep his eyes fixed on the course and finish the course. Do not allow distractions to take you away from the road that you want to travel.
So keep your eyes on the prize and finish your race and hear “Well done, good and faithful servant.
Be blessed and be a blessing
Prayer:
Thank You Father for blessing us in spite of us. Thank You Lord for keeping us staid on course. Thank You Lord for remaining faithful to us and watching over us even when we don't realize it. Lord, we ask that You help each and every one of us remain faithful to You. We ask that You would give us eyes to see and ears to hear the deception of he who seeks to destroy us. Lord, we just want to thank You. We ask for the continued healing, deliverance, breakthroughs and blessings for all of our saints who are represented here in the body of Christ. We love and adore You Lord. You are Omni present, on time, all knowing and all seeing. You are Jehovah Jira, Jehovah Nissi Jehovah Shalom. Thank You father for being our banner and remaining faithful to us. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Scripture:Only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. Acts 20:23-24 (New International Version)
As a writer, I am told by people that I meet; they too want to write a book. I always ask them why don’t they? The answers are usually the same myriad of excuses. “I don’t have time, I don’t know how to get started” and so on and so on.
I know about excuses. I make them all the time too. What I have discovered on this journey called life is that most excuses are simply distractions to keep us from reaching our goals. Most excuses are a way to avoid our destinies.
As I read the words of the great Apostle Paul, I discovered that he was a determined man; not given to easily to distractions. You see, he was on a mission. He knew that his destiny would force him to face obstacles, pain and suffering. However, he was a man who was about his business. Paul was a man on a mission who would not be tempted or distracted to complete the journey that had been placed before him.
When we examine our lives, we should look at our journeys, whatever they may be, with the same eyes of Paul. A man who could see the journey, keep his eyes fixed on the course and finish the course. Do not allow distractions to take you away from the road that you want to travel.
So keep your eyes on the prize and finish your race and hear “Well done, good and faithful servant.
Be blessed and be a blessing
Prayer:
Thank You Father for blessing us in spite of us. Thank You Lord for keeping us staid on course. Thank You Lord for remaining faithful to us and watching over us even when we don't realize it. Lord, we ask that You help each and every one of us remain faithful to You. We ask that You would give us eyes to see and ears to hear the deception of he who seeks to destroy us. Lord, we just want to thank You. We ask for the continued healing, deliverance, breakthroughs and blessings for all of our saints who are represented here in the body of Christ. We love and adore You Lord. You are Omni present, on time, all knowing and all seeing. You are Jehovah Jira, Jehovah Nissi Jehovah Shalom. Thank You father for being our banner and remaining faithful to us. In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
