Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Today’s scriptures are about how to recognize true blessings. You’ve probably heard the saying, “everything that looks good, isn’t good for you”; this is so true in so many ways. Recognizing true blessings, which come from God, is something that you learn as you mature in your faith walk. It takes really knowing God, and understanding what’s most important to Him. We’ll only grow spiritually by studying the Word of God, spending time with Him, and being in tuned with our Holy Spirit. I can’t quote these scriptures enough: Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1Thes. 5:16-18) When we’re doing all of these things, we’ll be blessed tremendously. At the same time, we’re always going to be tempted and tried—the enemy dangles, and even offers us the “forbidden fruit”, and makes it seem like it’s the most delicious and nutritious fruit that has ever been created. However, we learned valuable lessons from Adam and Eve, as well as the artificial blessings he offered to Jesus, when he tempted Him in the wilderness. If he tried to win the heart of the only begotten Son of God, what stops him from trying to win our heart?

The enemy is very crafty, and uses so many things to lead us into pitfalls. He’s a master of illusion and disguise, and can easily convince the non-believer, or even a Christian with wavering faith, that what he can give us is far better than what God offers. He works in subtle ways, and if we aren’t wise in the ways of the Lord, we’ll fall for his artificial blessings. The Apostle Paul wrote: 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) The enemy preys on the weak, and offers temporary pleasure, through people and things, which will leave us feeling empty inside. He has the world thinking that anything that make us feel good, or fulfils the need of our vanity, are blessings. As believers we are above the world, so the Holy Spirit will always let us know what’s real. Rule of thumb, if it doesn’t feel good, it probably isn’t.

Money is so controversial to people in the Christian faith; how much to give, how much to keep, what to buy, etc. It’s a cause of great division in the church (well it could cause division in any relationship). This verse may be the most misquoted and misunderstood verse in the bible: “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil…” Some people turn this into “money is evil”, which is far from the truth. They not only leave out the key part, “the LOVE of…” they also omit the remainder of this verse, “…for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1 Tim 6:10) Money is one of the devil’s primary tools, used to pull believers away from God. However, God will always bless us with exactly what we need, as well as what we are wise enough to handle—nothing more nothing less. Nevertheless, if we aren’t careful, we’ll find ourselves doing what Paul mentions, in the sometimes forgotten part of, the aforementioned verse. A true blessing from God is for us to be at peace with or without an abundance of money. He wants us to be grateful, as well as faithful with every dime that He blesses us with. He requires us to be faithful tithers, and always willing to give to those in need.

Life is full of ups and downs, but God blesses us in every circumstance. Actually, there’s not a day that goes by that we aren’t blessed. I’m a pretty adventurous person, and there are some things that I’m willing to do, go, or try, that others may not. I know God, and I refuse to allow fear to rule my life. I understand that He created this earth, and will bless me with everything I want and desire while I’m here, because I try my best to live for Him. I understand who I am in Christ, so I know what I’m worth; I’m no longer as susceptible to the things that the enemy tries to pass off as blessings in my life. Most of the time I can spot him from a mile away, but he slithers like a snake, and can sometimes slide by undetected. He knows that patience is one of my biggest challenges, so he tries to offer me the “cliff notes” version of what I originally asked God for, but it’s up to me to recognize the prototype, and never take anything less than what God has promised me. I know that God loves me, so His blessings will never cause me any ill will, or unnecessary pain in my life.

The most important blessing to all mankind is the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Anyone can ask for it, and they will receive it. When we study the Word of God, and learn the ways of Jesus Christ [whom we’re striving to be like], we learn that God is far above the ways of the world. Money, fame, and prestige aren’t the only, or most important, blessings we receive. Salvation, peace, joy, forgiveness, fellowship, love, companionship, children, good health, a warm bed on cold nights, food when you hunger, water when you thirst, etc. are just few—it’s the simple things that matter most. Remember, when you count your blessings you find gratitude, and gratitude leads to repentance, and repentance leads to freedom. If you don’t know Jesus as Lord, please take a few minutes to take the God Quiz right now. My favorite verse today is: The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it. (Proverbs 10:22)

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Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY THURSDAY

Today’s scriptures are about trusting God to provide everything that we need. Majority of stress related illnesses could be resolved if we simply learn how to trust God for everything that we need in life, especially the bare necessities. There isn’t a day that goes by that God isn’t blessing us with something that we need or want. However, majority of the time, we’re too caught up in our own abilities, or lack thereof, that we lose sight of the fact that God has already worked it out for us. I was speaking with one of my best friends on the phone tonight, and she told me that someone close to her told her to always remember that she’s already won. That statement is so simple, yet profound. The day that we choose Jesus as our Lord and Savior, is the day that we won. No one can ever take that victory away from us, but it’s up to us to walk in victory. My friend also told me that it’s my duty to pay it forward, so always remember that you have already WON! All you need to do is as it’s written: Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (Prov. 3:5-6)

I struggled with this for so many years. I knew that Jesus is real, and that God loves me, but somehow that didn’t register in my heart. I grew up with a sense of independence, where I didn’t know how to trust or rely on anyone, especially God. Some people would say I picked up that independent attitude, because of the “Middle Child Syndrome”, which is a commonly known character trait that a child picks up, when their born in between an older and younger sibling. There’s some truth to the psychiatric evaluations on this subject, however for me, this is partially how my independence was formed. As I grew, it made it hard for me to depend on God, because I had assumed that I picked up the ability to make things happen for myself. I believe in hard work, persistence, and putting your best foot forward, in order to accomplish things in life. My motto was, “If I don’t get it done, then who’s going to do it?”, but those are bigger shoes to fill than I thought, because you cannot accomplish anything worth accomplishing without God. I’m referring to the point of being obedient to God, by completing the will that HE has for your life. It may help you complete the goals that you’ve set for yourself, but in the end, if it isn’t done for and with God, then it will eventually become another empty accomplishment.

Life is so exhausting when you attempt go at it alone. It doesn’t have to be that way, because as victors in Christ, and mighty children of God, we have it all and then some. We have the best the of the best, the crème de la crème, and that’s a reason to rejoice in the Lord. It’s written: Yours, O LORD, is the greatness, the power and the glory, the victory and the majesty; for all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O LORD, and You are exalted as head over all. Both riches and honor come from You, and You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; in Your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. “Now therefore, our God, we thank You and praise Your glorious name. (1 Chron. 29:11-13) King David was not only a great warrior and King, but an extraordinary Psalmist, and his complete and utter love and trust for God radiates in His words. We can learn allot from him, because he, being just a man, was in love with God, and tried his best to live everyday of his life for Him. Because of that, he was blessed beyond measure, and this too can and will happen to us, once we learn how to cast our cares upon the Lord, ask, seek, knock, and live with unwavering faith.

A life of freedom depends upon your faith in the one and Only God the Father, and trusting His Son Jesus with your life. If you haven’t confessed Jesus as Lord, then that’s the missing link to total fulfillment and peace. If you don’t trust Jesus, then you don’t trust God; the two are inseparable. If you aren’t sure where you stand in your faith walk, please take a start by putting a little faith and trust in Jesus Christ, and He’ll turn your entire life around. Whether you’re saved or unsaved, freedom is a choice, not a given. Please take a moment to take the God Quiz right now! My favorite verse today is: Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear. (Isaiah 59:1)

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Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY WEDNESDAY!

Today’s scriptures are about the sweet savor in the Name of Jesus Christ. Let’s take a few moments to think about how much Jesus has done for us, and how much He means to all mankind. When I think about how much He loves me, and even at the mention of His Name, I get a warming in my heart, and a smile instantly appears on my face. Oh how precious is the Name of Jesus! It makes me think of the song, Something About the Name of Jesus, by Kirk Franklin. It is the sweetest thing I know, oh how I love the Name of Jesus! The bible describes Jesus as the husband, and us [the church] as His bride, and we will be presented to Him, when the time comes, as a bride is presented to her husband. (Revelation 19:6-10) In any marriage, the husband works hard to gain the wife’s affection, but once He has that affection, she’ll do anything for Him, and will love him in a way that she loves no other human being. When we think of our relationship with Jesus and how much He’s done to prove His love for us, we should think of how beautiful, awesome, special, loving, kind, sweet, tender, merciful, and gracious He truly is.

I always wondered why the bible describes Jesus’ love like a “sweet smelling ointment (or oil)”, and today’s scriptures had me digging deeper to find that answer. Aside from all of the sacrificial uses of aromatic oils from the beginning of time, I thought about what certain scents do to the rest of body. Think about how Jesus makes you feel; it’s very similar. Think about your favorite scent, whether it’s a body oil, incense, cologne, or perfume, and think of how it makes you feel when you smell it. I remember the day I smelled a type of cologne whose scent will forever change my life, and until this day, when I smell it, it touches me deeply. I’m not sure why I’m so affected by it, but when a man walks by with it on, it’ll stop me in my tracks. It’s L’Eau D’Issey Pour Homme, by Issey Miyake. There may be some people that are repulsed by it, or it doesn’t have the same effect on them as it does me. It’s proven that certain aromas relax the mind, and some gives energy and awaken the senses, yet each person reacts to different scents uniquely.

In the beginning stages of your faith walk, you’re getting to know Jesus. Yes, you’ve learned enough about Him to invite Him into your life as your Lord and Savior, but that’s the beginning of your relationship. Just like any relationship, you’re entering into the infatuation stage, and that’s when you feel all giddy inside, and yearns to be close to Him—some people refer to it as the “honeymoon” stage, which will eventually wear out. Developing a deep impenetrable love for Him requires us walk with Him on our life’s journey. It requires us to seek Him out, pray, mediate on His teachings, and try our best to live by His commandments. When you’re doing these things, that’s when your love for Him will deepen, and you’ll start to feel like I feel when I smell Issey Miyake, whenever His Name is mentioned. It’ll stop you in your tracks, and you’ll feel this fullness in your heart, that I can’t begin to explain. Oh how I love the Name Jesus! When I start thinking about the things He’s done for me, and the storms He’s kept me through, I can’t help but praise Him.

There was a time when Jesus was asked: “Lord, how is it that You will manifest Yourself to us, and not to the world?” Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me. (John 14:22-24) Now isn’t this the sweetest thing that you’ve ever heard? I’ll tell you what’s so sweet about it—the fact that He only wants our love, nothing more. He never said after you’ve cleaned up your act, then I’ll come to you. He only said love Me, and My Father and I will make Our home with you. He offers freedom and salvation to everyone who loves Him. I promise you, when you start getting to know who He is, and the amount love He has for you, you’ll easily fall in love, but that comes with time and dedication. You can’t truly love Him if you don’t know Him, and you can’t really know Him without spending time in the Word of God, and talking to Him in prayer.

If you’re reading this right now, chances are you’re looking for something, and that’s the beginning of loving the Lord, because you sought Him out. Why stop there? If you don’t know Jesus as Lord and Savior, then take a few minutes to talk to God right now. Confess that you’re a sinner, and you want some changes in your life, and then ask Jesus to come into your heart. From that point on you’re born again. You’ll start in the honeymoon period, and that’s okay, building a strong relationship requires time to get to know Him. You can start with the Gospel of Matthew, the beginning of the New Testament. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you on this journey, and enjoy the sweetness of the Lord, for the rest of your life. If you you’d like more information, please take the God Quiz now! My favorite verse today is: Christ ... hath loved us, and hath given himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling savour. (Ephesians 5:2)

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Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY TUESDAY!

We’ve been learning over the last few weeks, how important it is to live in a praise state of mind, with a heart full of thanksgiving. When we live in such a way, it frees us up from the murmuring, complaining, double-mindedness, and blatant sin. I challenge you, for one week [if you don’t do this already], before you get up out of bed drop to your knees in prayer. Thank God for the gift of another day, as well as for all of the blessings you’ll receive. Then surround yourself with positive music, friends, have positive thoughts, and even try reading your bible. I was just making a note to myself, that if I can find an extra hour in the day to go to work out my body, I can match that time in working out my Spiritual muscles as well. I was listening to Dr. Stanley this morning and he said, “We need to stop making God the dessert and make Him the main course”. That was one of those “ah ha” moments for me, because I never thought of it that way. Just as we tithe our income, we have to tithe our time—give God our first fruits, and He’ll bring blessings tenfold upon the rest. Today’s black history quote is, “Living a life is like constructing a building: if you start wrong, you'll end wrong.” ~ Maya Angelou. Enjoy the remainder of your day, and be blessed family!

Today’s scriptures are about recognizing and understanding our sinful nature. You’ll find in the Word of God that the thing most important to Him is our love. However, we can’t truly love Him with all of our heart, until we experience the spirit of humility. The word humility is defined “the quality of being modest or respectful”, which is definitely not a bad thing. In God’s eyes when we learn to live with humility, we’re better open to His love. One of the things He hates most is pride, which is the absolute opposite of humility. Pride is one of the reasons why so many Christians go unfulfilled, and stray away from God. If you ask the average Christian if they loved God, their answer would be “Yes I love God with all my heart”, but they’ll turn right around and live like the rest of the world.

Jesus gave up His life because of our sinful nature, so He understands our selfishness and pride. This is the main reason why He’s always waiting for us to humble ourselves and repent. We can’t be redeemed until we ask for redemption. Why do you think the All-knowing, All-powerful God requires us to confess, ask, seek, and knock, and He’s omniscient? He requires this so that we can experience humility, which will in turn help us properly receive. When have faith in Him, and love Him with everything we have, we’ll reap abundantly.

God knows that it’s not one human being on this earth without sin. Since the resurrection of Jesus Christ, sin is no longer the issue in our life, but it’s the failure to repent that’s the issue. It’s not enough to confess our sins and ask for forgiveness, but we must go to God with a sincere heart, with all intentions on not committing that sin again (notice I said “intention”). God knows our heart, and so He knows if we’re genuinely remorseful for sinning against Him, or if we’re just going through the motions. Remember, it’s not about the sin itself, but about humility, repentance, and loving Him with all of our heart (it always comes back to this).

Nobody is perfect, so instead of pointing out the flaws of other people, it’s up to us to look in the mirror. None of us are above the strength that Christ gives us, which is given equally and freely to every believer. God has a will for each of us, and He gives us the tools to complete His will, but it’s up to us to find out how to use them. I somewhat feel like Paul, when he spoke to about the thorn in his flesh. He said: …Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Cor. 12:7-10)

There’s a test around every corner, and when we grow in our Spirit, the tests become more evident. There are so many things that I look back on now, and think wow I was being tested and I failed miserably, but now I’m able to hear the Holy Spirit’s warnings [most of the time], so I follow His guidance to overcome temptation. The only way I received this breakthrough is that I’m constantly acknowledging my weaknesses, yet claiming the strength of Jesus Christ. As soon I pass judgment on others, or think that I’m too “holy” to make such frivolous mistakes, the Holy Spirit has ways to reminds me that I am only human, and to never say never

If you’ve been shying away from accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior, because you somehow think you’re lifestyle is too “worldly”, or that you’re too sinful to be a Christian, I pray that you understand that it’s not just you, but it’s all of us. This is the way that we’re created, and Jesus offers us freedom from the bondage of sin. A

Life without Christ may be fine on surface, but try a life with Him. All God requires is for you to humble yourself and confess your sins, ask for forgiveness, and ask Jesus to be Lord of your life. He doesn’t require you to stop your old habits, or try to change who you are before you do this, because you’re incapable of doing it on your own. He’ll take you just as you are—flaws and all. Join the club, I’m as flawed as the next man, it may not be as many or the same types, but I’m flawed nonetheless. However, I know the promises of God, and He promised to love me no matter what, and when I confessed Jesus as my Lord of my life, He begun a good work in me, and it won’t be complete it until I reach Heaven. He’ll do the same for you! Take a few moments to take the God Quiz right now, and be free! My favorite verses today are: To will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. (Romans 7:18-19)

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