Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY TUESDAY!

I pray all is well with everyone and you're enjoying your day. I'm doing well in mind and body, but my spirits are a bit down. I'm sad to say that my Grandmother, Deloris Ford, passed away early this morning, at 2:42am. My sister picked me up from the airport, upon my return from Puerto Rico, and we went directly to the hospital. I'm so grateful that I got a chance to see her, hold her, and kiss her one last time, before she left this earth. As most of you know, she's been ill for awhile—she had been diagnosed with Emphysema years ago, and she finally succumbed to this horrible disease, after months of suffering. I know for a fact, that she's at home with the Lord, and she's doing much better than she's done in a few years, but that doesn't stop the pain I'm feeling right now. It eases the pain, but I don't know where to go, how to cope, or what to say. Writing allows me let some of it out. My grandmother and I were extremely close as I grew up, so this lost is very hard for me. She dedicated her life to making sure that the entire family stuck together, so everyone is experiencing much grief. I wasn't going to write a devotional today, but I wanted to keep you updated. I won't be writing again for a few more days, while I find a way to cope. I've been praying, but I think I need to spend some quiet time with the Lord, and just reflect by myself. I thank each of you in advance for your well wishes and prayers, and know that they're much needed, and much appreciated.

God is so good, because I truly was at peace over my holiday weekend. This was the best vacation I've ever taken, and everything was laid out for me, as if I was Royalty. I'm so grateful that God allowed me to have that, which helped me tremendously, because I was at peace when I returned to the city. Being that close to the ocean soothed me, it allowed me to re-center, and just be grateful for all of my many blessings. Everything that has happened in my life thus far has been a gift from God, and so I know Grandma is in good hands right now. She's moved on to start eternity with peace and tranquility, which is all I could ever want for her. If I could say one thing to her right now, all I could say is thank you, and I love you. She's been an inspiration to me, and taught me how to be a proud, strong, black woman. She always embraced me, flaws and all—she always pointed out when I was wrong, as well as encouraged and praised me when I did well, which is so very important the life of a young woman trying to find her way. Oh how I wish I had more time with her to tell her these things, or to tell her how I regret taking the time that she was here for granted. I'm grateful for who she was, and who I am because of her.

Grandma,

You will never be forgotten, and just know that I'll be okay—one day the pain will lessen, and the tears will dry, and I'll bask in the sunshine again. So relax, enjoy being free, and I'll see you again soon.

~Love you're Granddaughter and friend,

Saundra

If I can give you one piece of advice, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, it is to cherish your loved ones. Never take one minute for granted, and know that people are who they are. Appreciate the love that comes from each angle, and be sure to tell the people closest to you that you love them. Never hold grudges, be quick to forgive, and love carelessly, just so you can experience that wonderful gift from God. Please don't spend another minute of your life with regret, because God gives and He takes, that's a part of life. Be thankful for it all; take the bitter with the sweet, because they're all blessings. None of us are promised tomorrow, so enjoy today, and never, for one second, live in unhappiness. I'm sure most of you have gone through the loss of a loved one, and some of you are going through it right now, but keep your head up. There are going to be times where you’re just silent, and can't speak, to God or anyone else. Right now I feel like I can't breathe and I have to remember to take a deep breath, and keep moving. Tomorrow I'm sure I'll feel a little better, and a little more after that. I know, for a believer, death is the beginning of a glorious time with the Lord, and Grandma is happier than she's ever been, but the selfish side of me misses her, and wishes I could have one more Christmas, and New Years, and birthday, and Easter with her. I'm not very good at letting go, but I will get the hang of it sooner than later, because God blesses those who mourn. I'd like to thank you for loving me, and continuing to read my daily e-mails, your support and encouragement means the world to me.

Today's scriptures are about peace—see how on time God is! Even through this I find peace in my heart, because I know God is faithful and true. I know the promises He's made to us, so Grandma is moving into her mansion right now. I have peace in knowing that God is Awesome, wonderful, all-powerful, and all-knowing, and nothing He does is an accident. I have peace because I was blessed with one of the best Grandmother's anyone could ever ask for. I have peace because I know my heart will eventually heal, and life will move on, with glorious memories, and she will still have a hand in everything I do, for the remainder of my life. I have peace in the fact that this will bring my entire family closer, and she will be remembered just the way she was. I find peace in this promise: “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Rev. 21:2) This is where she is, and I'm grateful that she's found rest for her soul.

If you don't know Jesus as Lord, please take a few moments and take the God Quiz right now. You don't have time to waste, because we're in a race to the finish line of life. When it's your time to go, can you honestly say what Paul said: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (2 Tim 4:7)? If you don't feel like you could, then it's time for some real life evaluation. The great news is God is a forgiving God. All you have to do is repent, and ask Jesus to be Lord of your life, and there will be a mansion waiting for you, when you cross the finish line. All glory and honor be to God! My favorite verse today is: Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27)

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I love you!

PS

For archived devotionals, visit my blog at: http://dailydevotionalangelicchef.blogspot.com/

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Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY TUESDAY!

Today’s scriptures are about freedom from fear. Who do you serve, and what do you believe in? I believe the spirit of fear comes from a lack of knowledge about the God we serve. Fear is an unavoidable feeling, but it isn’t something that should have any type of dominion over the life of a believer. Some of us are crippled by fear, and allow it to run our life. Even if you think you’re the meanest, roughest, toughest, or strongest human being in the world, you have, and still do, experience fear. That’s nothing to be ashamed of, but you must allow that fear to fuel you, in order to keep pressing forward, to complete the will of God.

To be afraid is normal, even Jesus was afraid a few times in His life, but He never allowed that feared to slow Him down. He knew He had a job to complete, but better yet, He knew the promises of God. He understood that God would never leave Him, and that everything that happened in His life was for the greater good of His Kingdom. As human beings, we can be more confident in everything we do, if we know we have a support system. We’re comforted by the fact that no matter what, someone has our back, and won’t allow anything bad to happen to us. We have God, the creator of all things, in our corner. There’s no reason to allow fear to stop us from doing what we have to do, to have a life full of abundance.

I have deep fears, which God is helping me overcome, and He has brought me a long way. I’m not ashamed to admit it, but I try not to allow those fears to run my life. I’m sure I’m not the only one who has a fear of rejection, or a fear of being judged by my peers. My biggest fear is the fear of failure, but I’m getting past that more and more everyday. There have been times when I was so afraid to fail, that I wouldn’t even try. This fear lies deep within, and it comes from a history of past failures, which so many of us suffer from. There are many of us that have deep fears, not only because of something that’s happened to us, but because of things that’s happened to a loved one, or a friend. We fear letting people get close to us because we’ve previously been hurt, but the only way to overcome these fears is to trust God with every aspect of our life. The past is what has made us into who we are today, but it doesn’t have to dictate our future.

God is available anytime we call on Him, and He’s given us the Holy Spirit to help us every step of the way. The Holy Spirit helps us discern between right and wrong, helps with our prayer life, as well as helps us stay on the path of righteousness, by convicting us of our sins to the point of repentance. In addition, we have Salvation through the Blood of Christ, who died just so that we wouldn’t have to fear. Before He left this earth He commanded us to: Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matt 28:19-20) Jesus promised to be with us until the end of age, so there’s no need for us to fear anything or anyone, because He lives in our heart, every day of our life.

Through Christ, even our deepest darkest fears can be conquered; all we have to do is move forward with faith and assurance in the fact that we have sweet victory through Him. He’s faced it all, including mental and physical abuse, leading up to His physical death, but He pushed forward because of the God He served. Jesus knew that it wasn’t about Him, nor about His flesh, so He never feared. He walked by God’s promise that He loves those who keep His commandments, so there was no need to fear. I try to live each day only fearing God, because He holds my fate in His hands. I no longer fear the judgment of men, or ridicule from naysayers, because only God can judge me. I walk with my head held high, because as it’s written: No evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; for He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone. (Psalms 91:10-12). God offers to protect us, even down to preventing our foot from hitting against a stone, because that’s how much He loves us. Knowing this, what would we fear? All we have to do is walk with Him in righteousness and truth.

We serve the same God as Jesus, He never changes, and neither does His Word. He loves us unconditionally, and has promised to protect, lead, and guide us throughout this life. There are always going to be surface fears, but we must know, without doubt, that He always has our best interest in mind. When we confess Jesus as Lord we belong to Him, so all we have to do is trust Him to be there for us, and He will. If you don’t know Jesus as Lord, then it’s time for you to take that next step. Confess that you’re a sinner, and invite Jesus to be head of your life. This is a step that you never have to be afraid of. He’ll give you everything you’ve ever needed and more. If you’re ready, or maybe still have some doubts, take a few minutes to take the God Quiz today. My favorite verses today are: Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. (Exodus 14:13-14)

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Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Today’s scriptures are about the Spirit of discernment and knowing people by their fruit. People are who they appear to be, because what comes out of your mouth, and the way you treat people comes from the heart. People do change, but you can always tell their fruit by what comes out of their mouth. If they speak evil and act evil all the time, then in some ways they’re evil. However, if they speak righteousness and truth, and you can see that in their heart, then they are righteous people. We must be careful with everything we do, because we are representing Jesus Christ. People see Him in us, so it’s imperative for us to walk upright. It’s also important for us to be real, because people can see through the façade. If you know you have an anger problem, or an unforgiving spirit then ask God to help you work on that. Be aware of everything you say and do, and if need be, seek Godly counsel, and allow someone to help you work out those feelings of aggression and anger. This is what’s best for you, because God requires us to love one another, and it’s hard to do that with anger and hatred in your heart.

Someone recently told me that if they ever needed help, or someone to talk to they would avoid talking to “church” people, because there’s something about them that exudes impatience, and harshness. When I heard this I immediately started to examine myself, because I am a “church person”, and I pray that I don’t send off that type of vibe. I can understand where this person was coming from in saying that, but you can’t lump all church-going Christians into one group, but it happens often. I am constantly defending my religion, because people constantly say, “Christians are this and Christians are that”, and in some ways their opinions are rightfully gathered. Take for instance all of the controversy with Bishop Eddie Long, the Pastor of a mega church in Atlanta, GA. Because of these accusations, people who aren’t Christian can be easily turned away from Christ, due to the actions (or alleged actions) of one person. This is why it’s so important to be genuine and true in everything you do.

God loves you regardless of who you are, and if you’ve confessed Jesus as Lord, then He’ll begin to create in you a clean heart and a right spirit, but He won’t do it alone. He’ll need you to not only surrender to this process, but also seek righteousness. When it comes to substance abuse, the number one step to getting clean and sober is that you want to change. Nobody can be ready for you, but you have to want it for yourself. You have to be the one to check yourself into treatment. The same goes for living a life in sin, because with that life comes a whole lot of unnecessary strife, confusion, heartache, and pain–you reap what you sow. When you get tired of living a sinful and wicked life, you have to reach out to Jesus first, and actively work to get better. I think a lot of Christians, and people in general, put too much emphasis on the outer appearance, but spend very little time working on the heart. How may diet and/or exercise equipment commercials do you see on television today? The fashion industry may be the largest industry in the world, because people take pride in their appearance, but unfortunately, people don’t invest that type of energy and time on themselves. If we take at least one hour a day, five days a week to work out in the gym, then we should be able to give God the same amount of time. If you spend $100 per month on clothes and shoes, then you should be able to pay your tithes or sow that money into a worthy cause.

The more time we spend building a relationship with God, the greater our spirit of decrement will become. The enemy will use anything and anyone to try to get us to stray from the path of righteousness. You can’t trust everyone–it’s sad but true. I’m a very optimistic person, and want to see the best in everyone, and God has truly helped me with that. At the same time, I’ve witnessed and experienced some traumatic things in my lifetime, so I know the evil that does lie in people. It’s written: Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did. But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man. (John 2:23-25) We each have the potential to be used by the devil, because he comes to steal kill and destroy. That’s why it’s so important to spend time in the presence of righteousness, and to put on the Armor of God, every day. Also know that you do unto others has you would have them do unto you. The things you put out, comes back to you ten fold.

If your heart is filled with anger, hatred, envy, and unforgiveness, there has to be a reason why. Most of the time it’s because of traumatic experiences in your past that you haven’t let go of. God understands that that isn’t a very easy thing to do, so He wants you to seek the answers in Him. If you don’t have a relationship with Him, then take some time to take the God Quiz right now, I promise you won’t regret it! My favorite verses today are: Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. (Matthew 12:33,35)

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Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY MONDAY!

Today’s scriptures are about the participation of Holy Spirit. Where would we be without the Holy Spirit? I can honestly say that I have no clue, and I’m not trying to find out. The Holy Spirit is such a vital part of our life, because we can’t do anything righteously without Him. He’s the Holy Spirit of God, which is given to us when we are “born again”. The book of Acts explains when the Disciples were first baptized with the Holy Spirit. Peter explained it to the people of Jerusalem, he said: Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?” (Acts 11: 16-17) The Holy Spirit lives in every believer, but unfortunately, we don’t use Him to our advantage, and often ignore His small still voice.

I cannot express how important the Holy Spirit is. We wouldn’t make a portion of the mistakes we make, if we listened to the warnings of the Holy Spirit. We could accomplish much more if we follow His instructions. We could be ten times stronger, if we seek His strength. We could be wiser, if we ask Him to show us the ways of God, and actually listen. I can vouch for this, as I’m sure allot of you can. I couldn’t tell you have many times I’ve known the right way to go, and clearly heard the Holy Spirit’s warnings, but chose my flesh over the Spirit. I also recall the times where I’ve been in the dark, and attempted to figure things out on my own. I thought deeply for days, or maybe even months, thinking I can overcome it alone, but all I had to do was ask Him for help. The answers were right in front of me the entire time. God gave us His Holy Spirit, which is a part of Him, so that life could be much more peaceful for the believer.

The Holy Spirit has so many different functions in our life, which is wonderful for us, because we truly have God leading us every step of the way. To constantly communicate with the Holy Spirit, is to communicate and fellowship with God; remember that’s a part of why we’re here. We’re lead by the Holy Spirit, filled with the Holy Spirit, taught by the Holy Spirit, and connected to God through the Holy Spirit. We pray by the Spirit, and He even speaks to God, through us, in our own unique language, which is called “speaking in tongues”. There are times when we’re overwhelmed with emotions, and we forget to pray for the things, or people, that need prayer, so we must consult with the Holy Spirit in prayer. This is as important as asking for things in Jesus’ Name, because the Trinity of God works together, to help us live in abundance.

When we’re filled with the Holy Spirit, we’re filled with a spirit of meekness, humility, thanksgiving, and righteousness, because all of these things come from Christ. It’s written: Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. (Romans 5:1-5 NIV) All failures in life occur when we lose hope in the promises of God. This life is a fight to the end, and the minute we stop fighting, we’re defeated and broken. We have the Holy Spirit so that this will never happen, but we must invite Him to be a part of our everyday life.

If you don’t know Jesus as Lord, then you don’t have the Holy Spirit. Life with an active relationship with the Holy Spirit is much more rewarding, because you begin to actively work toward righteous and keeping God’s commandments. I can remember being in a place where my soul hungered to be right, and do right by God, but I just kept making the same wrong mistakes. To be honest with you, I sometimes still find myself in that place, but I understand now that all I need to do is seek God’s face through the Holy Spirit, and He’ll show me the way. Before I learned that, I lived in anguish. If you are at that point in your life, ask your Holy Spirit to show you the way. When you come to a fork in the road, ask Him which way to go. When you’re confused, ask Him for clarity, and when your heart is heavy ask Him to help you lighten the load. The first step is salvation through Christ, and the Holy Spirit will come. Take a few moments to take the God Quiz right now. My favorite verse today is: When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth. (John 16:13)

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I love you!