Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY TUESDAY!

Today’s scriptures are about offing praise to God, through Christ. To be honest, I don’t think I would’ve made it, if I lived in the times before Christ. I depend on Him for every step that I take, so without Him I would probably be an old wretched soul. He’s saved me from this evil world, and protects me from the weakness of my flesh, and because of that I will offer Him continual praise. I’ve come to a point in life where I know me. I know that we all have choices to make, which is the beauty of free will. I know my weaknesses, and I’m well aware of the choices I make. For the most part I know right from wrong, I will reap what I sow, so I’ve learned not to play the victim in life. Jesus offers freedom from the burden of life’s heartaches and pain, but it doesn’t come to us without trial. He knocks at our door, but it’s up to us to open it. Remember as we learned yesterday, it’s about mutual affection, so our praise is necessary to keep us rooted and grounded in the Lord.

We live in God, by Christ. When I read—for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live—it was an epiphany. Jesus was the Lamb of God, so He made it possible for us to live in God, and God in us. Before Christ, we couldn’t quite become one with God, because He is perfect and holy, and we were fleshly sinners. However, through Jesus, we have the opportunity to commune and fellowship with God. By the blood of the Lamb, the veil of wickedness that has acted as a shield, which separated us from God, has been lifted, and He only sees the righteousness in those who believe in Him. We’re able to fellowship with Him, without any more bloodshed.

Were you ever taught something, but it never really clicked [you get it, but you don’t get it]? Well when it finally click’s you have a “ah-ha” moment. That’s how I felt when I read this today. The Holy Spirit works that way, and I was reminded of that by a friend just a few days ago. He always reveals things to us at the perfect moments and times. It’s like reading the same verse of scripture over and over again, never really fully understanding it, but one day it’s meaning in your life is finally revealed. That’s how it feels when you start to realize who God and Jesus are, and who you are through and in them.

There’s a story in the gospel of John about when Jesus was approached by the Pharisee Nicodemus, who said to Him: “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” (John 3:2) Jesus’ reply was: “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”(John 3:3) Of course this confused Nicodemus, so he asked: “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” (3:4) Jesus answered: “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” (3:5-6). Through Christ our Spiritual life begins—we start as a child, and grow in Spirit and righteousness. Our relationship evolves from God simply being our “Creator”, to Him becoming our Father. He begins to teach us—through Christ, His living Word, and His Holy Spirit—the ways to righteousness.

Paul reminds us: When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. (1 Cor. 13:11) Through Christ we all have the opportunity to grow spiritually, and when we spiritually mature to adults, our connection becomes deeper with God, through Christ. Throughout this process we continue recognize Jesus Christ simultaneously with God, because they’re equally responsible for our Salvation. You cannot praise one without the other. You cannot believe in Jesus without believing in God, the One who sent Him. As well as you cannot believe in God, without believing in Jesus, the One who makes a relationship with God possible. Remember what Jesus said, you will never meet either of them, unless you are born again. Faith in the Son is the only way gain Salvation, and freedom. That’s a reason to PRAISE! Please take a moment to take the God Quiz right now. My favorite verse today is: All men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. (John 5:23)

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Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY TUESDAY!

I pray all is well with everyone, and you’re enjoying this cold “terrific Tuesday”. I woke up to a dusting of snow, and 24°F temperatures (burr). I’m so grateful to have a home and a vehicle with heat. It’s amazing the things we take for granted, so I’d like us to pray for those who have not choice but brave the weather 24-hours day. There are so many people who are less fortunate than us, so it’s important to keep those people in our thoughts and prayers, and to do what we can to help. There are many that have extra, and many others who don’t have enough. If you have extra coats, sweaters, blankets, etc., take a few moments to call a shelter or thrift store and donate those items. As children of God, we’re commanded to love each other as we love ourselves. Always remember, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”. Christmas is a season of giving, I think the Apostle Paul said it best: "I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) Enjoy the remainder of your day, and be blessed family!

Today’s scriptures are about praising the Lord. I don’t think we understand how important it is to praise God. He makes sure that we are able to take each breath. He’s responsible for our very existence, and every blessing that we ever will, or have, received. That is a reason to praise Him! You might be wondering what it means to praise God. Dictionary.com defines it as: the offering of grateful homage in words or song, as an act of worship. To praise is to joyfully acknowledge God in the presence of the world, with thanksgiving and a bit of gratefulness in our heart. It’s when we are so filled with His Spirit that we can’t help but dance, sing, and shout praises to Him. We should praise Him everyday of our life, because it’s by His grace that we’re still here to see another day.

There’s nothing wrong with singing “Glory Hallelujah” to the Lord, because that’s another part of following the greatest commandment to “Love the Lord with all of your heart and soul”. Frankly, who doesn’t love to be praised for the good things that we do for others? If you work hard, or go out of your way to show that you love someone, you would want them to tell others how great and wonderful you are–after all that’s a part of why we do it. You probably want to act like you’re modest, because you do things out of the kindness of your heart not for praise (so you say), but there’s nothing wrong with appreciating a loved one for being there when you need them. We’re made in the likeness of God, so He too loves it when we praise Him. He loves we speak about His goodness and mercy to all who would listen. He loves that His love affects us to a point that we are filled with joy and want to sing, dance, and rejoice in His wonder. This allows Him, and everyone else around us, to see that we appreciated Him.

One of my favorite Gospel singers is J. Moss, and I still have one of His classic albums The J. Moss Project on my mp3 player. He has a song on entitled Psalms 150, and anytime I’m feeling down and need a “pick-me-up”, I play that song. Before the end of it, I find myself dancing, shouting, and praising God. God always moves when we least expect Him. When things seem like they just can’t get any worst, He comes with that rainbow after the storm. He sends the right people and opportunities, at the right time.

The Psalmist new the secret to a life filled with abundance, peace, joy, and happiness, it’s written:
Psalm 150

1 Praise the LORD.
Praise God in his sanctuary;

praise him in his mighty heavens.

2 Praise him for his acts of power;

praise him for his surpassing greatness.

3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,

praise him with the harp and lyre,

4 praise him with timbrel and dancing,

praise him with the strings and pipe,

5 praise him with the clash of cymbals,

praise him with resounding cymbals.
6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD.

J. Moss ended his chorus “Since I’m breathing I’m gonna praise Him again”. Hallelujah! Just thinking about it makes me want to get out of my seat and dance. God is a wonderful, mighty, awesome, kind, loving, gracious God [and I could go on and on about His goodness]! All He wants us to do is recognize Him for who He is, and what He’s done in our life.

I promise you, praise brings joy. When you feel like hope is at a minimum, you’re getting tired and weary, and you can’t fight any longer praise God. I’ll leave you with some very sound advice by the Apostle Peter, it’s written: In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:6-9)

Jesus is the root of all praise! He’s the reason we have a second (or fiftieth) chance at righteousness, and a new found freedom in the heart of God. When I think about what He’s done for me—He laid down His life so that I could truly have one—I just want to praise Him. Don’t forget that this life isn’t all of about you, but you won’t be able to see that until you establish a true relationship with Christ. It’s okay if you stumble and fall, or stray, He’s always waiting with open arms, which is another reason to praise Him. He loves you, even if you don’t quite love Him. If you don’t know Jesus, or is unsure of your relationship with Him, go to Him right now, and ask Him to be Lord of your life today. Take a few moments to take the God Quiz right now. My favorite verse today is: By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. (Hebrews 13:15)

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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 THURSDAY!

Today's scriptures are about praying openly, honestly, and by faith. We were created to fellowship and worship the Lord. The word worship is found in almost 200 verses in the New King James version of the Bible, but what does the word mean? It's defined by Merriam-Webster as: reverence offered a divine being or supernatural power... Now this leads us to finding out what the word "reverence" means; it's defined: honor or respect felt or shown. With this newfound knowledge, isn't it safe to say that prayer is a part of worshipping God? Of course it is, because it's a sign of respect when we acknowledge Him in all things. I was listening to Dr. Stanley’s radio show, entitled "In Jesus' Name" (it can be found in the audio archives on his website), and he said one thing that went off in my head like a light bulb. He asked a simple question, similar to this: "Don't you know that you're praying to the all powerful, all knowing, wonderful Ruler of the Universe?” When he said that, it was like I hit the jackpot in Las Vegas, I heard "ding, ding, ding, ding, ding". It was such an epiphany to me because I never thought of it like that. Don't get me wrong, I know God, and I love Him with all of my heart and soul, but when I'm praying, it's like I'm speaking to my father, or a best friend who loves and cares for me unconditionally. It's almost like if you were best friends with President Obama, and you talk to him everyday, you're not looking at it as if he's "the leader of the free world", but you see him just as your best friend Barack. That's how comfortable I've gotten in my relationship with God, but sometimes I have to step back and remind myself that God is the creator of everything, yet He loves me so much that all the hairs on my head are numbered. Through Jesus Christ I can do all things, because He taught us to make our supplications known to God, with thanksgiving, faith, and In His Name, and it's already done. When we pray, we must pray with a purpose, and with full assurance that our prayers will be heard, and answered. Prayer is a form of worship, so we must do it with passion, and as often as we feel the need, because He's always longing to hear from us. We learn today, from the first verse of scripture, "Pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting." (1 Tim 2:8), so we shouldn't hesitate to go to God for anything, at anytime, or anywhere. Remember, Jesus said: “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven." (Matt 10:32-3) If you're ever feeling an uneasiness in your spirit, take a few minutes and pray to God for clarity, right then and there, and trust Him for an the answer. If you're experiencing pain and heartache, go to Him in pray, right where you're standing. If a friend asks you to pray with them, or for them, take the initiative and pray wherever you are. When something good happens too you, be adamant about thanking God immediately, no matter who's listening. Yet and still, always take out your personal time for worship as well, often and consistently. Worship in your car, at church, or in the comfort of your own home. I remember being in Hawaii, and the Executive Chef, whom I never had a "real" conversation with, commented on my "level of Faith", and I was surprised because I was unconsciously worshipping God at work, and everyone around me took notice. There are times when the devil would put fear and doubt in my mind, but my relationship with the Holy Spirit has become much better than my relationship with the enemy. Just on a side note, if you don't have a relationship with God, then you do have a relationship with the enemy, because he's actively using you for his own purpose. Jesus said: He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters. (Luke 11:23) Prayer is the number one means of communication with God, and the one and only way that He'll be able to grant all of our wants and needs. Sure He knows these things already, but He requires fellowship and worship, which also falls under the ultimate commandment "love the Lord your God with all your heart". Keep in mind the components of prayer are to first acknowledge God (Father God...), then thank Him, make your supplications known, confess your sins and ask for forgiveness, and then end by including Jesus (In the Name of Jesus, Amen). You can do this in any order you’d like, and can tell Him whatever's on your heart, ask for whatever you need, and He'll be there listening, with an open heart, no matter what. Just make sure you always pray in Jesus’ name, because that stamp, sign, seal, and delivers your prayers. If you haven't accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior then that's the first and most important prayer. Follow the format, and ask Jesus to be Lord and Savior of your life; if you need help please let me know, because I love you and want to see you in Heaven. My favorite verse today is: Without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)

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Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY THURSDAY!

Today's scriptures are about the importance of fellowship with fellow believers. I hear people say all the time, "I don't have to go to church to be saved", and I honestly believe that, because it's the truth. Jesus said salvation is open to all who come to Him. You are also building a "personal" relationship with God, however you need to fellowship with other believers in order to survive the wiles of the world. There's something about coming together as one church to praise God, and work together for His Kingdom. The church is built as a sanctuary for all of God's people; it's designed to bring people together in Christ. We serve each other and the community around us, and there are so many resources available. When we go to Church on Sunday morning we're going to give something back to God, through praise and worship, tithing, and serving. Most people go to Church to receive the Word, but it's much more than that. When I lived in Portland, OR I attended New Song Community Church, lead by Pastor Richard Pabasco (check out some of his teachings if you get a chance http://app.razorplanet.com/acct/40233-2325/tmpl/index.php?nid=13719&s=gl&preview=true.) Before he preached his sermons, we would have at least an hour of Praise and Worship, and we’d stand and sing songs of praise, dance, and shout out to the Lord. God loves nothing more than our Praises, because it shows that we love Him, and we confess it with our mouth, out in the open for everyone to hear. I used to conveniently show up to church after the praise and worship session was over, because frankly I enjoyed that extra hour of sleep. I thought that as long as I was receiving the Word of God then I was covered. After a few weeks of that, I somehow felt unfulfilled, like something was missing. I prayed about it, because there was a lot going on in my life, and I felt a little empty and alone. At the time, I'm asking God what's happening, because I go to church every Sunday, I pray regularly, and I try to do my best to be a good person. His answer came to me shortly after that prayer through a radio show by Dr. Charles Stanley. Dr. Stanley said something like: "I know about those of you who conveniently show up late to church, after praise and worship time is over, and think that's okay. Did you know that you're a very selfish person, and you're taking from God without giving anything back?” When I heard that it was almost like the wind was knocked out of me. I felt so convicted because that's exactly what I was doing. Dr. Stanley went on to explain the importance of giving back to God through praise whether, song, dance, shouting, or however you openly express your love to Him. All of that time I was being selfish, and just going to church for my own gain. After I started showing up to church on time, participating in the activities, volunteering my time whenever I could, and fellowshipping on days other than Sunday, there was a huge change in me from the inside. I think of the hard times I faced, and wondered what if those people weren’t then for me? We're all we have, so if we don't look out for each other, than who will? I write these devotionals in hopes that I could touch at least one person on a daily basis, and show them the love of God through my life. I know that I'm not perfect, but who is? Paul said it best in his letter to the Philippians during his first Roman imprisonment, thanking them for their love and help while he was there, so I’ll leave you with this: I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ. And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Phil. 1:3-11) Regular attendance in church does so much to strengthen our relationship with God, look at what it did for Paul, and how strongly he felt about His family in Christ. If you don't know Jesus as Lord and Savior, or are going through a period of doubt or hardship, then if you go to a good church, I'm sure that there's someone there waiting to pray with, or console you. I attend Fairfax Christian Church in Fairfax, VA, so if you're in the area, feel free to come and check it out one Sunday morning. It's small in numbers but powerful in Spirit. My favorite verse today is: Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (Colossians 3:16)

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