Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY WEDNESDAY!

Today’s scriptures are about staying faithful throughout trials. We are tempted every day, and some of our temptations turn into trials and tribulation. I always like to reiterate the fact that we have a choice in everything we do. However, sometimes we experience trials that are beyond our control, like the lost of a loved one, being laid off of a job, and let's not forget about everyday accidents. How do we handle the things that are out of our control? All that God asks of us is to stay faithful to Him, and continue to walk in love. The enemy is always lurking in the shadows, in order to lead us astray. There’s no better time to attack, then when we’re weak, and experiencing feelings of helplessness and loneliness?

In every period of trial, we’re looking to lighten our load, in order to alleviate the pain that comes with it. Now I don't know about you, but when I'm stressed I turn to a number of things to help me feel better, and unfortunately for me, God wasn't always my first choice. Over the years I’ve realized that it isn’t entirely my fault, because I am naturally fleshly, and God understands that I’m going to make mistakes. However, we must be careful to lean on God first, for strength, and He’ll make sure that everything else falls into place. We're fighting against a number of things during times of stress and grief. It's written: For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Eph. 6:12)

To the my flesh, there’s nothing better than a glass of wine, a red velvet cupcake, French fries, and shopping to make me feel better during my low moments. For others it may be the over indulgence of alcohol, drugs, and even fornication or adultery, which temporarily makes them feel better. At the same time, we all know that there are consequences with each of these things. God wants us to be happy, and does bless us with things and people that are meant to give us a little relief when we’re down, but we mustn’t use or abuse anything or anyone, at anytime. The evil mind can find a way to take something good, and use it for bad. We all have our vices and weaknesses, but always remember that through our weaknesses, God is strong.

A lot of times our tribulation and tests are allowed so that we can use them as testimonies, to help deliver someone else. In book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon always pointed out that “there’s nothing is new under the sun”; everything that we’ve done, will do, or even think about doing has been done before. It’s important to take the lessons learned by biblical scholars, and even the elderly woman across the street, because she’s been there and done that. Share your testimonies, never be ashamed of the things that you’re going through, you’ll never guess how many people are going, or have gone through similar things, and your praise and deliverance could inspire them to seek God.

It’s written: “All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, because the breath of the LORD blows upon it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.” (Isa. 40:6-8) So just know when you’re reading the bible, and you think that most of it doesn’t apply to you, because of “the times we live in”, think again. I get so tired of hearing people make excuses for their blatant sin. This type of attitude explains why we have so many incurable diseases, record numbers of divorce, teen pregnancy, prisons filled to the max, and religious wars, because of the lack of respect for the Word of God. However, none of these things are new; they’re written about in the Bible.

In times when you’re feeling lonely, sad, hurt, depressed, stressed, overworked, or just downright desperate, turn to God. Pray without ceasing, read about His promises, meditate and stand on them, and allow Him to give you that peace that surpasses all understanding. I promise, when you give it to God first, He’ll take care of it, and bring you out of your troubles, a better and stronger you. I have so many testimonies that I could share, including times when I didn’t go to God when I should’ve, as well as times where I did. I’ve learned that no matter what I’m going through I must stay true to Him. Just know that just because you’re going through something, it doesn’t give you the right to take your anger out on other people, nor does it give you a license to sin—always stay faithful, because you have blessed assurance.

As a child of God, you have a privilege to be able to go to God anytime day or night, and receive comfort and/or healing, in the Name of Jesus. He has freed our heart, mind and spirit from the whiles of the devil. However, if you don’t know Jesus as Lord, than you’re open to all of the evils of the world and you don’t have anyone to help you fight those demons. Remember what Paul said, we’re fighting against something more than other humans, but “the rulers of the darkness of this age”. To be free, you must invite Jesus into your life as Lord and Savior. If you’re saved, but still don’t know how to cope with your trials, you should also take the God Quiz. At the same time, never forget to ask, seek, and knock, and then stand on God’s promises by faith. My favorite verses today are: Now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter. 1:6-7)

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Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY MONDAY!

Jesus is our advocate of sorts, and it's through Him that our prayers are answered. It doesn't matter what we've done in the past, because He's taken care of our sin debt. Jesus is the reason we can go to God freely, at any time, and have our supplications heard. Jesus said: “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it." (John 14:12-14) Now there are a few key things that Jesus said in these verses, which explains the times where it seems like God isn't answering our call. He said, if we believe in Him, the works He does we do also. Jesus' entire life was devoted to God. He worked day and night to spread the gospel, and to prove God as real. All of the things He asked of God would somehow strengthen Him, and the Kingdom. When we pray, we must pray within the law of God, asking for things that would contribute to the our or other's wellbeing, and/or tools required to allow us to better follow His will. God answers our prayers because He loves us, but also so that He can be glorified.

Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments" (John 14:15), therefore we must make a conscious effort to live according to His will. If you know you've been out of His will, and haven't prayed for awhile, then you should expect for there to be somewhat of a disconnect from God. There needs to be a deliberate effort on your part to reconnect with Him. He's always there, but sin separates our bond with Him, so we must confess our sins and repent, in order to have those sins washed away for good. There are consequences for our disobedience, and sometimes we're put on punishment, or given the silent treatment. Better yet, we’re given time to think about what we've done, in order to lead us to repentance. It's not that God doesn't hear us, or refuses to answer us, but He's allowing us time to learn from our mistakes. At the same time, He's working on the answers to our prayers.

God knows what's best for us, and exactly what we could handle, so those are also times that we may not receive an immediate answer from Him. Sometimes we ask for things, that we aren't ready to handle. A good parent wouldn't give a 12 year old child a brand new car, just because he asks for one, especially if he's never driven before. The parent will wait until the child is at the legal age, take the time to teach them how to drive, make sure they earn and appreciate the privilege, and then give them a car feasible for their skill level. That's how our Heavenly Father is to us, He waits to be gracious to us, but being omniscient, He knows what's best for us, exactly when it's best for us. We must get to know God personally, so we'll be able to follow His will. We should always pray with faith, and expect an answer from God, but we should first seek guidance from the Holy Spirit.

Whenever you're in need never hesitate to call out to the Father, especially in time of pain or sorrow. We should always seek comfort in Him first. It's amazing to sit quietly with Him, and just feel His presence. It's awesome to speak in tongues, which is your native language, between Him and you. God will never let us down, even in those times when we don't deserve His favor He gives it, because that's just who He is. Jesus gave His life to bring us close to God, and we can never lose that privilege. Trust Him to be there, and He will.

If you feel lost or alone in this world, and haven't confessed Jesus as Lord, then there's only one way to be fulfilled. The world won't ever fulfill you, and sin leaves you hollow and empty on the inside. Sin is death, and death is cold, dark, and lonely. Jesus is the only way out of sin, and He brings light. All you have to do is confess to God that you're a sinner, be genuine about the fact that you want to change, and that you want light. Ask Jesus to come into you're life as Lord and Savior, and then rejoice! Thank Him for your Salvation, and then seek His will for your life. Please don't put it off any longer; He's waiting to hear from you. He'll never turn his back on a believer. My favorite verses today are: I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. (John 14:18, Matthew 28:20)

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Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY MONDAY!

I pray all is well with everyone, and you're enjoying the beginning of another workweek (for most). I'm doing well, had a wonderful, yet uneventful weekend. I got some much needed work done, but could've always done more. This is going to be a very exciting week for me. I have to go to Court tomorrow to fight a ticket I received for a blown headlight. The officer told me if I can come to court with proof that the light is fixed, then they'll most likely throw out the ticket. Please pray for me, because I need to save all of the money I could. I also spent some time finding transitional programs for my father, because it's very hard to for an ex-offender to get a job, especially in this economy. When the business is up and running fully, we'll be sure to participate in these types of programs, to help those people who's made mistakes in the past, but is rehabilitated and ready to work. I'm getting a little anxious about my Dad's hearing, yet confident in the fact that God answers our prayers, when we have faith, and faith is something I have a lot of. Please keep us in your prayers, and I will do the same, have a wonderful day!

Today's scriptures are about God our Comforter. Being comforted is something that each of us need at one time or another, in our lives. That's why we're a part of the body of Christ. God said when two or more come together, there He is also (Matt. 18:20). Part of the reason He said that is so we can give each other the support we need to get through everyday life. However, God offers us the greatest comfort of all, which can never be received from another human being. We should always take comfort in the fact that He is a Love.. The words Loving and Kindness have been combined and are often used in the New King James Version (NKJV) of the bible to describe God; in fact it could be found about 31 times. Jeremiah wrote in chapter 32:3: The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying:“ Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you. God promised thousands of years ago, that He would give us with everlasting love, and not only that, but lovingkindness, Hallelujah! Have you ever experienced lovingkindness from anyone on this earth? Is there anyone in your life who has never hurt or let you down? The fact that God has chosen us as His children should comfort us, because He will never let us down. He has predestined us for greatness, so He will make sure that we have everything we need to survive the wiles of everyday life. He takes time to comfort and reassure us when we doubt, heal us when we're sick, pick us up when we're down, give us strength through weariness, and bless us with anything that we ask that's within His will. He died for our sins to bring us close to Him, so that we can have the comfort in knowing that He will never leave nor forsake us. It's written in John 15:13: Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. God also gives us comfort through the saving Grace of Jesus Christ, and Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30: Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Through Jesus we have everlasting life! He has promised to give us rest, and help us carry our burdens, and to comfort us throughout our hard times. Jesus Lives! There is nothing or anything that believers will every have to worry about, as longs are we look to the Lord for the answers. Jesus said "He will give you rest", and although life isn't easy, He's always there to give us rest. When our lives are in total disarray, all we need to do is turn to the Lord for comfort. That's what He’s here for, and He’s waiting for us to come to Him. As of today, whenever something is heavy on heart, or you just feel like you've lost your peace, God will give you comfort, all you have to do is ask. Whenever you're down, mourning over a lost, or stressed about a big decision, turn to God and He will give you comfort. These are promises made by Him, and you'll find all the comfort you'll need in His word. If you don't know Jesus as Lord, then that comfort isn't offered to you, until you ask Him to come into your life, it's a simple and easy prayer. All you need to do next is go to Him, and ask, seek, and knock, and He will answer. My favorite verse today is: Thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. (Psalms 86:15)

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