Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY THURSDAY!

Today’s scriptures are about the one and only way to salvation. A life full of peace, joy, and happiness, for the rest of our life, and throughout all eternity lies in one Name. There’s nothing more precious than the Name of Jesus Christ! Moreover, there shouldn’t be anyone more important than God-it’s because of His love that we have the option of Salvation, through Jesus Christ. Christianity, and the key to freedom, really boils down to the love of God, it’s just as simple as that. For me, this makes it sometimes difficult to write about the same subject in many different ways. However, God is so deep, so multifaceted, that there aren’t enough words to describe His love for us [and I have the Holy Spirit to help me along the way].

God gives us things that we can’t get from anywhere else. We can’t wish or work for it, nor sacrifice any amount of animals for it. Salvation, healing, and other miracles are only made possible by His grace. I love the way the Apostle Paul writes about The Blood of Christ. It’s written: The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! (Heb. 9:13-14 NIV) This is a reason to rejoice! Jesus cleanses us so that we can directly serve God. We’ve been afforded everything we need to serve Him in all righteousness. We’re blessed with His Holy Spirit, Who helps us fight against evil, grow in wisdom and spirit, as well as gives us the ability heal the mind and body.

I love the way Paul ends this chapter, it’s written: For Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God's presence. Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. Then Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But now he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. (Heb. 9:24:28 NIV) The one thing that we must be reminded of is that Christ is real. His sacrifice was real, and the fact that He lives today, sitting at the right hand of God, making intercession for us if very real. Jesus went through the fire, and was tormented and killed, so that we won’t have to be tormented because of our sin. The hard part is over, and no one could take His precious gifts from us. Once we ask for salvation, and have faith that it’s done, we’re His forever. The most real thing we’ll ever face in life is the decision to trust Him as Lord and Savior.

It’s easy to pick a career, choose a major in college, pick a mate, or have children; all of the “surface” things we do, that constitutes “living life”. However, to choose God, by trusting Christ as Lord and Savior isn’t the easiest thing to do. He understands that, and that’s why our rewards are so great in Heaven, which spills over while we’re on earth. We must trust Jesus just because we read some stories about Him in a book considered Holy, or was taught about Him, and told stories about His life, by our parents. We must be open to the fact that He is real, and there’s something way deeper than us. We must allow His Spirit to penetrate our heart, and seek the truth for ourselves. Most importantly we must love Him with all our heart and soul, based on events and spiritual connections in our life. These things are easier said than done. If you don’t believe me, take a look around at the turmoil going on. You don’t have to look far, most of the time it’s happening in your household, and sometimes it’s happening on the inside of you. Satan is just as real as Jesus Christ, and he’s fighting to win you over as well. We each have choices, so we must seek wisdom to make the right choice.

The very first choice needs to be Jesus Christ, because He’s the one and only way to life. He’s the only way to be cleansed from the inside out, freed from the penalties of sin, and inherit the Kingdom of God. He’s our lifeline; the only direct connect we have to God. There’s no one like Him, past, present, or to come, so you must take some time to get to know Him. If you haven’t chosen Him, but feel in your heart that you need to, take a few minutes to pray and ask Him to be Lord of your life. Confess to God that you’re a sinner, and that you want to be whole again, and made righteous through the blood of the living Christ. Mark my word, He’ll do just that. He loves you! My favorite verse today is: Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. (2 Cor. 8:9)

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Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY WEDNESDAY!

Today's scriptures are about the healing power of the Blood of Jesus Christ. How many times have you thanked Jesus today? Jesus takes on every bad thing that's inside of us, and purifies it. He's responsible for our life as we know it, and every aspect of our growth. His blood makes us whole, healthy, happy, peaceful, and just overall blessed. God give Him power over all things on this earth, and by His blood we have received power as well. All we need is a little faith, and everything that we ask, in His Name, will be granted, including the healing of any sicknesses, heartache, or pain. When we cast our cares upon Him, and leave them there, He'll work it out for our good. Jesus fulfilled everything that was prophesied about Him, and to this very day He continues to live and heal.

There are many accounts of the adult life of Jesus, written in the Gospels Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The most popular stories about Jesus were the ones about the miracles and wonders He performed. These miraculous acts were all themed around faith. He only healed those who believed that He could, and He loved them deeply. He didn't separate the good and bad people, or weigh His decision on how many sins those people committed, but He saw their heart. He never asked them how they got sick, or never pondered over what could've made them disabled, but He simply healed them; no questions asked. He still intercedes for those of us who love and believe in Him; as if He's here, and we're able to touch the bottom of His robe.

After Jesus' death and resurrection, He appeared to His disciples on the third day, just as He'd promised. He was with them, but disguised Himself so that they wouldn’t recognize who He was. He traveled with them, but it was getting dark and they asked Him to stay and have dinner with them. It's written: When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?" (Luke 24:30-32) Just as in this story Jesus walks with us each day. Even when the story said “He disappeared”, He was still with those men. When we’re sick, or weak in our mind, body, and/or spirit, it seems like we’re all alone, but never fear Jesus is with us each step of the way. Sometimes He’s right in front of us, but disguised as someone else; you can tell by that warm feeling in your heart.

Jesus came to the disciples again, one last time before His ascension into Heaven. It’s written: Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high." (Luke 24:45-49) When Jesus died, He not only afforded Salvation to the otherwise lost, but He also “clothed us with power from on high”. This power is given to each person that believes that He is Christ, and it also gives us the authority to heal and be healed in His Name. Hallelujah!

We find some of God’s promises about our Savior, written by the Prophet Isaiah. It’s written: But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. (Isa. 53:5) Jesus confirmed this prophesy fulfilled when He broke bread with His disciples, shortly before He went to be with His Father in Heaven. Remember, when He broke the bread at the last supper, Jesus said “Take, eat; this is My body broken for you”? (Matt. 26:26) Jesus endured so much just so that we wouldn’t have to. He had mercy on us, and gave us an incredible blessing, which allows us to live in victory. From this day forward, don’t allow the enemy to keep you under any type of bondage. Ask for healing over anything that ails you, in the Name of Jesus, and at the same time claim that healing, and thank Him for it. Each day Praise God for the healing you’ve received and watch your situation get better. Sometimes it’s a process, but continue to believe in Him, because He’ll never forsake you.

It’s amazing how many things there are that could makes us sick, and not just physically, but mentally. Jesus gives us freedom from all types of illnesses-things and/or people that pollute our mind, body and spirit. We must be diligent in seeking Him, and learning His promises, living in the way that He taught us, in order to stay healthy all the way around. Think of how He was killed for us; hung, bled, and died for the sake of our wholeness. Faith is all we need to achieve complete wholeness in Christ. It has nothing to do with our circumstance, but with Who and What’s on the inside of us. If you don’t know where you stand in Christ, take a few moments to take the God Quiz today. My favorite verse today is: Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses. (Matt 8:17)

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Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY TUESDAY!

Today's scriptures are about being in Awe of the Lord. The Bible says that we should "fear" the Lord, and a lot of people can't really grasp that concept. We often wonder why we should fear someone who wants a close personal relationship with us. We also wonder how we could fear the same person we love with all our heart and soul, but it’s very possible. I've likened the fear we should have for God, to the fear we have of our earthly parents, in previous devotionals. I can honestly say that I fear my mom, and not because I think she'll ever hurt me in anyway, but I knew, from a child, that if I stepped out of line she would discipline me. I also feared that if I done something really bad, she'd be disappointed in me, and it would cause me to lose her trust, and I never wanted to see disappointment in her eyes. I’m amazed by her wisdom, and ability to teach me the things that are so important to growth process, and becoming a woman. Even today I seek her approval, and fear doing anything to hurt her.

The reason I choose the word "Awe" instead of fear is because it's a much stronger word. I remember listing to one of my CD’s, Live from Another Level, by Israel and New Breed, and Israel said something to the effect of: in these days kids [and some adults] use the word Awesome so nonchalantly, but the word Awe has a vast meaning, and should only be used when describing God. It's defined: an overwhelming feeling of reverence, admiration, fear, etc., produced by that which is grand, sublime, extremely powerful, or the like. The point Israel was trying to make was that a new style of shoes isn't awesome, nor is a trick on a motor bike, but the power and love of God is truly awesome. When we stand in Awe of Him, we understand that His power is insurmountable. He created the world and everything in it, including us, and He takes special care of His creations. He's made sure that the cycle of life continues to move, without fail, for every living and breathing creature. He has the ocean, winds, and earth under complete control. He even knows each person inside and out, because He's predestined our lives. Now that's Awesome!

What role does He play in your life? Do you stand in Awe of God? I believe that recognizing Him as an awesome part of your life, will no doubt strengthen your relationship. It'll strengthen your hunger and thirst for the knowledge of Him, and will keep you humbled enough to seek Him for all things. I remember being on an airplane flying over a town, from thirty thousand feet in the air, and noticing how tiny the homes were; all I could see was a speck of light coming from them. At that moment I said Lord you are Awesome! I realized how small a human being is in size, but how much we mean to God. How He makes it a point to be attentive in every way, and be open, waiting to have a conversation with us. From this plane, I imagined God's view of us from Heaven, and not just humans, but the entire earth. How He could easily see the snow topped mountains and its beauty, or an eagle spread its wings and swoop down below in magnificent grace. I thought, “Now that's awesome”!

When you experience the love of God, you begin to recognize, as well as understand His awesomeness. I thought of the story of Jacob, when he had this dream, while laying on a rock in a town he later named Bethel. He dreamt that He saw this stairway leading up to Heaven, and God was standing at the top. God promised Jacob that he and his people would inherit the very land He had been laying on. Could you imagine how that would feel, to actually see God, and to have Him personally make a promise to you of this magnitude? Now that is AWESOME! It's written: When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, "Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it." He was afraid and said, "How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven." (Gen 28:16-17)

The scripture mentioned that Jacob was afraid, what do you think that means? If you saw God in clear sight, and He spoke to you, as described in the scripture, would you be afraid? I would be afraid of so many things, at first, but once I realized the enormity of this promise I would rejoice just as Jacob did. As I went on in life, I would be afraid that I wouldn't do God’s gifts justice, nor be able to give Him something back in return. I'd be afraid that I would fall short, and not live up to His expectations. I would fear going a day without appreciating His grace. Most importantly, I would do my best to live each day in Awe of Him.

When God first called me to surrender, I didn't know what to think, I just know, seemingly in a blink of an eye, my life just changed. My interests changed, and my yearning for the Lord became stronger. I all of a sudden wanted more out of life, but way more than I could get from a romantic relationship, money, or a great career, I wanted to do more for God. I loved more, praised more, and prayed more. This was years after I'd accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, which proves that God works at His own pace. If you feel lost and alone, as if He's just not listening, seek Him, and He'll reveal the answers to you. However, you must seek Him with Awe, because He is the Alpha and the Omega. Have faith that He's going to answer your every prayer, and reveal His will for your life.

If you don't know Jesus, then you can't truly get to know God. Jesus is our lifeline, our vine, and without Him we can’t produce fruit. Jesus is more proof of our Awesome God. If you don't know Jesus, or where you stand with God, then take a few moments and take the God Quiz right now. My favorite verse today is: Fear ye not me? saith the Lord: will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand for the bound of the sea by a perpetual decree, that it cannot pass it: and though the waves thereof toss themselves, yet can they not prevail; though they roar, yet can they not pass over it? (Jeremiah 5:22)

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Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY MONDAY!

I pray all is well with everyone, and you enjoyed the beginning of another workweek (for most). I think of how much of a blessing it is to have a job to go to, in to today's economy. I know a lot of the "recession" chatter is down in the news and in the papers, but being jobless and homeless is a very real-reality for a lot of people, all around the country. I think of how many people lost their jobs, homes, medical benefits, and any feeling of security they had. It's so important for us to remember how fortunate we are, because things could always be worst. I have to confess, I've been falling into this sense of "entitlement" lately, just because I am a messenger, or a child of God, and there's no real reason for me to feel that way at all. God wants us to stay humble and know that our every blessing comes from Him. I thank God for the message I received on Sunday morning, about the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, it really opened my eyes. Take some time out today and think of where you would be without God. Thank Him for your blessings because you aren't entitled to them, they're given to you by His grace. God blesses us because He loves us, but none of us are so perfect that we deserve His best, it's by the blood of the only perfect child of God, Jesus Christ, that we have the ability to receive a life in abundance, and we should never forget that. Enjoy the remainder of your day, and be blessed family!

Today's scriptures are about Jesus' presence within us. When we invite Jesus to come into our heart as Lord and Savior, He does just that. His Spirit abides in us, and in return, we're to abide in Him. I read this phrase a lot in the bible, but it took me a while to understand what it meant. Can Jesus really live in our heart, literally? Our heart is our main organ, and without it, and the blood that pumps through it, we cannot survive. The heart is also where we feel love, and the emotions that go with it, which makes it the perfect place for Jesus to dwell. Our Spirit is inside of our body, and the heart is connected to it, and Jesus’ Spirit becomes a part of our Spirit. Through Jesus we inherit the Kingdom of God, and become children of God, and so He will protect and provide for us, as a Father, through the blood of Christ. Whew, that's a mouth full! Try saying that out loud and make some sense of it, keep reading, and I’ll try to break it down.

I think I may write this same thing each and every day, but it's still hard to grasp. It's hard to fathom the fact that Jesus lives inside of us, and He's a part of our life. He's with us twenty-four hours a day, and feel's every emotion we feel. He's here when we're happy, sad, angry, depressed, in love or hate, and He shares in all of it with us. He weeps with us and laughs with us, because He has taken up residency on the inside of us. Why is He there? First we must know Jesus’ purpose and this is how He explains it: "I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me." (John 15:1-4 NIV) We're each planted on this earth for a reason, however, God doesn't make us chose Him or follow His will. He gives us life, and we play a huge role in the overall cycle of life. If you're planted here, but don't produce fruit, or follow His will, then you're cutoff from the vine. However if you accept Jesus as Lord, no matter what state your life is in, you are important, and the vine will feed you everything you need to produce fruit.

Jesus goes onto say: "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." (vs. 4-8) If you think about a grape vine, you see the vine, and then there's individual branches on the vine, that ultimately produces that fruit. However, if the vine is strong and vibrant, but have a few bad branches, those branches will be pruned, to make way for new fruit producing branches. That's the cycle of life. Jesus gave His life to make us fruit producing branches, and all we have to do is love Him, because He's already done His part. If you invited Him into your life as Savior then He's there forever. There's no getting rid of Him. He's going to keep working hard to push us to keep baring good fruit. If we produce bad fruit, it's pruned to allow us to try again.

When we're conscious of His presence in our life, it helps us try harder to keep His commandments. Keeping His commandments allows us to grow in spirit, and gain undisturbed peace within. When we gather together as believers, and pray in His Name, He's present, and we can feel His radiance emanating throughout the room. It's so important to come together as believers and worship, pray, and fellowship together, because all of the branches are always connected on the vine, and we could help promote growth in each other. When we encourage, pray for and with each other, it gives us great power through Christ. I love meeting with a group of believers, because you feel this calming on the inside, as if your spirit is at rest. If you're one of those people who don't think that going to church on Sunday, attending a gospel concert, bible studies, or special Christian events doesn't make a difference in your Faith walk, and overall attitude as a believer, then you're sadly mistaken. I urge you to try your best to find a good church home. Invite the Holy Spirit along, and He'll help you find the right place for you.

If you don't know Jesus as Lord, then you're missing out on a lot. I've been reading a lot about other "religions", and have friends of different "faiths", but when I think about what people are missing in Christ, it makes me sad. I'm not the guru, or the master of theology, but I know what's in my heart. I know God speaks to me and I listen, and it's His Holy Spirit who gives me the wisdom to write these extensive devotionals each day. In the flesh, I'm definitely not qualified to do this, but through His Holy Spirit I am. Can you imagine how much more you could accomplish with the Spirit of Jesus Christ inside of you? If you're confused as to what you believe, but know that something’s missing take a few moments to take the God Quiz today. My favorite verses today are: Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? ... If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. (John 14:22-23)

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