Daily Devotional Day & night

HAPPY WEDNESDAY!

Today's scriptures are about living with a contrite heart. The word Contrite is defined: caused by or showing sincere remorse. This word is used a few times, in several versions of the bible, and in each version, this one word is kept the same. In my opinion, the word contrite and humble goes hand and hand. God wants us to be humbled at all times, knowing that we come from the dust, and we need Him to survive. We must be grateful for each breath we take, because without Him there would be none. When he planted us in our mother's womb, He had a job for us to complete, and it's by His grace that we received life. When we appreciate the life that He gives, and the overall love He has for us, it'll lead us to keeping His commandments. To live with a contrite heart is to recognize our weaknesses and frailties, knowing that without Him we cannot overcome them. We must overcome them in order to surrender and repent, falling into full fellowship with the Lord. After all, to feel remorseful is null and void, if you don't plan to do anything to rectify your situation.

Having a contrite heart makes all the difference between Victory and Defeat. Just as we can't serve the world and God, we cannot have victory in some areas of our life, and defeat in others. Having a contrite heart is the one way to insure that we'll always live in victory, because we’ll do our best to correct the behavior that causes us sin. No man is void from sin, which is why Jesus Christ was born, died, and resurrected. God never expected us to be perfect, but He does expect us to be wise. He expects us to seek answers to everything we face in life, and relaying on Him to provide them. He expects us to recognize His love, sovereignty, and grace, and praise Him for them. He expects us to be one with Him, as He is one with us, but we cannot do any of these things without a contrite heart.

I need you to take a few moments and think about what God has done in your life. Now put aside all of the self-inflicted hurts and pains you've experienced, and just focus on the lessons learned from them. Have you eaten today? How are you reading this message, where you blessed with Internet connection, in some way, shape, or form? I can go on and on pointing out all of the things God has given us, which we overlook each day. Even the small minute details of life, that we take for granted, like being grateful for your fingers and toes, because those play a vital part in your mobility.

God has blessed us with so many things, despite what little we give back to Him. He doesn't have to be gracious to us, because He's God, the creator of ALL things! He's gracious because He loves us, period. It's written: This is what the Lord says: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Could you build me a temple as good as that? Could you build me such a resting place? My hands have made both heaven and earth; they and everything in them are mine. I, the Lord, have spoken! “I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at my word. But those who choose their own ways—delighting in their detestable sins—will not have their offerings accepted... (Isa. 66:1-3 NLT)

A life without peace isn't a life worth living. It seems as though people work their hardest for some type of satisfaction in life, and many die never finding it. Peace isn't in building an empire, becoming financially secure, raising wonderful children, or any other thing we work so hard at achieving. Peace is found in a humbled heart. It's found in knowing that without God we cannot accomplish any of these things. It's about being content with the blessings of each day, and taking time to rejoice in them. Peace is found in knowing that you aren't perfect, but in the Lord you can surely try to be. Peace is found in pleasing God first, giving Him glory and praise daily, thanking Him for your many wonderful blessings. Most importantly, peace is found in a clean and contrite heart; in a heart that knows that you've fallen short of His glory, and leads you to repentance. It's written: Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding... (Prov. 3:13) How could God give you wisdom if you "know it all"? Understanding comes through surrender, and surrender comes with wisdom.

Jesus is the most wise choice you can ever make, however before you can really receive Him, you have to go to Him with a contrite heart. That's the only way to truly repent; to truly say to Him, "Lord I need you, I'm a sinner, and realize that I cannot go on without out". It takes a contrite heart to say "fix me Lord, renew in me a right spirit, and a clean heart". If you're tired of living in sin, and want a more peaceful life, then your heart is contrite. Take a few moments to pray right now, asking Jesus to be Lord of your life, and ask God for the wisdom to grow, in order to follow His will. Have peace in knowing that your Holy Spirit will continue to lead you in the way that you should go, for the remainder of your life. The only question is will you follow? My favorite verse today is: The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. (Psalm 51:17)

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PS

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Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY TUESDAY!

Today's scripture are about our reconciliation by God, through Christ. Jesus said: "I and My Father are one.” (John 10:30), and He meant that literally. We know from the beginning there was God, and with God was the Word, and the Word was Jesus Christ (John 1:1). The Holy Spirit was also there, which made up the Trinity of God. Salvation and truth is given and maintained through this trinity, which is why Jesus commanded: "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matt 25:18-20) Baptism symbolizes dying to our old sinful self, being buried, washed of all sins, and resurrected with Christ, becoming a new person.

No one really knows why God operates the way that He does, or why salvation is necessary. Things as complicated and deep as these will be revealed to us when we get to Heaven. Right now, we know the truth lies in His Word, salvation lies in His blood, and reconciliation is for each believer. God came to earth, in human form, as Jesus Christ, in order to bring us, His own creation, back to Him. We were once separated by sin, but He's taken care of that, once and for all. The moment we accept this Salvation, that's offered to all who believes, we're one with Him. There are some awesome things going on inside of us, which gives us the power to live above the world. We're kings and queens through Christ, and nothing on this earth have total control over us.

This reminds me of the story of Paul and the deadly viper. Paul was on the Island of Malta, on a cold and rainy night, so he built a fire to help him and his men keep warm. It's written: Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, "This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live." But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead, but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god. (Acts 28:3-6) Paul had just escaped death on the sea a day before this, and now he was bitten by a deadly viper, and still didn't die, all He did was shake that snake off, and kept moving as if nothing had happened. Paul knew how to work is faith. He knew that God had a journey for him to complete, and it wasn't yet time for him to die, so by faith, and faith alone, he survived all that was thrown at him. Paul understood his power through Christ, because he had grown to love and worship the Lord, and the Lord only. He had no fear of anything or anyone, because he knew that God had made him a promise, and revealed Himself to him, because he sought Him, and was obedient to His will.

Paul wasn't always a man of this much faith, actually, he persecuted Christians at one time, but God worked in him, and he was reconciled. God took a once sinful and wicked man, and made him a Saint. This was possible because of Paul's complete surrender to the Lord. God still does that today, in the lives of millions of Christians, including me, and most of you reading this message. He lives and breathes through us; similar to the way He did through Paul, Peter, John, Timothy, Andrew, and the many other disciples. He uses us to be Shepherds and "fishers of men" (Matt. 4:16). Paul faced storms and vipers of all types, but he knew the truth, and lived by that, and that alone.

Try to picture your heart in a Spiritual aspect. Not the literal organ, but the Spirit, or the core of your being, which is responsible for your very life. Think of Jesus Christ, and the power He posses; He was beaten and killed, but in the same week used His own power to be resurrected into full glory, and still lives today. Think of the Holy Spirit, and His ability to speak to and through us, planting seeds of growth and prosperity in our very Spirit. Now, think of God - the Creator of the entire Universe, ruler of all things, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. Think of the power He possesses - He made earth, wind, and fire; the sun, clouds, and rain. He who tells the water of the ocean where to stop, so it won't overtake the earth, and most importantly He made man in His own image. Our minds can't begin to fathom the enormity that is the Holy Trinity, and the power He holds.

All of this power, from God our Heavenly Father, is on inside of you and me. He waits to hear from us, and concerns Himself with all aspects our life. He cares when we're happy or sad, joyful, or afraid. He's there when we call upon Him just to talk, or when we're in extreme need. He gives us power when we call on Him, by the Name of Jesus Christ, to move any mountain that's in our path. Yes the same God - the Creator of the earth, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

If you haven't confessed Jesus as Lord and Savior, then you don't have access to this power, not until you say that prayer. You’re of the world, and covered in sin, which if isn’t taken care of, will eventually consume you to death. Salvation is free to anyone who asks, no matter what. Pray and ask Jesus to come into your life as Lord and Savior, if you haven't done it already. If you're not sure where you stand, then take a few moments to take the God Quiz today! My favorite verses today are: It pleased the Father, that in him should all fulness dwell; and, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself. (Colossians 1:19-20)

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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 FRIDAY!

Today's scriptures are about living without boundaries and fears. I've always been a "risk taker", and I believe in trying anything (within reason) once, just to see how it goes. I think outside of the box, and welcome any challenge; it's just in my nature. There was a time in my life where I didn't take many chances, and was afraid of failure, or being judged by others. When I made the decision to surrender my life to Christ, I found that the fear that once controlled me, affected me less and less each day, because I used that energy to focus on the Lord. I have a very analytical mind, so reading the bible, seeing my prayers being answered, and watching God work in my life and in the life of other believers, helped me truly understand His love for me. He loves me unconditionally, so "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me" (Psalm 23:4). We walk amongst evil every day, and God is with us, so there's no need to fear.

There's a difference between fear and caution. God blessed us with a conscience and common sense from birth, to help us make sound decisions, so we each have the ability to to make good judgments. We know the warning signs of danger, and we shouldn't walk the line, or push limits. When we receive Jesus as Lord, we also receive the Holy Spirit, who better directs our paths, so we must follow His lead, and take caution not to test God. It's written: You shall not tempt the LORD your God as you tempted Him in Massah. You shall diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God, His testimonies, and His statutes which He has commanded you. And you shall do what is right and good in the sight of the LORD, that it may be well with you..." (Deut. 6:16-18) Jesus quoted verse 16 to the devil, when he asked Him to throw Himself off of the top of a mountain, in order to prove that He was the Son of God (Matt 4:1-11). He could have flown off of that mountain top if He wanted to, but He didn't have a need to prove anything to anyone, especially the enemy, because He was secure in whom He was in God.


We are much stronger than we think, and through Christ, we can conquer the world. God has given us dominion over everything on this earth, and we've inherited the Kingdom of God. He's made provisions for us, and all we have to do is love Him, and trust Him to take care of us. There's nothing anyone could do or say that will change the will of God, not even the enemy. However fear is a crippling emotion, which prevents us from living life to our fullest. We give whatever we fear dominion over our life, and become a slave to it. It's almost like reverse worship, because we become so overwhelmed and consumed by it, that it becomes a part of our everyday life. Fear is the opposite of faith, because it keeps us in bondage, and we lose site of the fact that God is still in control. God will never give us more than we could bear, and He protects us with each step we take.


Take a few moments and think about your fears? Then, take a few moments to ask yourself why you fear those things. Do you understand how mighty God is? The truth is He's the only One we should ever fear, because as it's written in my favorite verses of today, “He has the power to take your life, and cast your soul into hell". At the same time, when He's respected, revered, and relied upon, He can lift you to heights you never thought you could go. Living a life in fear is the worst life you could possibly live. Be free in knowing that nothing can touch you without God's permission, He loves you, and has your best interest at heart, so He'll always protect you.


Your soul is more important than this temporary flesh, so lay fear down. We all have our time to perish, so don't prevent yourself from living that abundant life you deserve, because you're afraid to die. Don't stop doing the things you love, because you're afraid to be judged or talked about. Don't stop loving the person you love, because you're afraid to get hurt, be open to it, and enjoy it while you can. Nothing is for certain, and life is too short not to cherish each day, so live like there's no tomorrow. Remember God is counting on us to strengthen His kingdom, and there isn't much we could do if we allow fear to consume us. Fear is always going to be a part of life, and there's nothing wrong with that, but in the words of Joyce Meyer, "Do it Afraid", and come out in victory.


If you don't know Jesus as Lord, then I suggest you get to know Him today. Jesus is the only way to face and conquer your fears. He offers true deliverance from the world and everything in it. Also remember we're living to please Him, so the energy we spend on fear, should always be spent on Him. You'll find more clarity on living your life for Christ, by taking the God Quiz, do it right now. My favorite verses today are: Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell: yea, I say unto you, Fear him. (Luke 12:4-5)



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Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY THURSDAY!

I pray all is well with everyone, and you're enjoying this beautiful Friday-eve. I'm doing well, just a little tired, but blessed nonetheless. While catching up with my e-mails today, I came across information about another Woman's Weekend Retreat, hosted by my aunt, Minister Sabrina Roberts. If you'd like more information, check out her website http://faithwalkministry.vpweb.com/. I wasn't able to attend the one she hosted back in June, but heard it was spectacular. I'll be sure to attend this one, because I know it's going to be great. These are strong, wise, women of Faith, and I'm sure we'll learn a lot. Her contact information is under the section that says "Contact Us", on the website. Feel free to contact her if you have any questions. Enjoy the remainder of your day, and be blessed family!

Today I wanted to write about the wisdom of accepting who you are, and it all started from Proverbs 12. Every verse of every Proverb is full of wisdom, and you can get so much from a few words. This chapter began with: Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid. (vs 1) What God sees as discipline is to keep His commandments, and walk according to His Word, but the world often sees it differently. Discipline is necessary to live a successful life, but could often be misconstrued. It's strengthened through trial and error, and can only be mastered by the ability to see correction in the Lord, the ability to accept life as it comes, and be grateful for every aspect. None of us are experts at everything, all the time, but it takes discipline to please God. Only a fool will fight the natural process of growth, because of their own self-proclaimed wisdom; the only true wisdom comes from God.

God created us just the way that He wanted us to be, but people spend so much time telling us to be something other than our self. There is nothing wrong with who you are, how you look, or what you like, because that's a part of your makeup. Some people kill themselves each day trying to correct mistakes, change their appearance, or readjust themselves, because of what society (or the world) tells them they should be. We place so much emphasis on our flaws and failures that we forget to praise God for our triumphs and victories, which far outweigh the bad. Mistakes are made to bring knowledge and wisdom, as well as refinement. When we fall out of step with God's will, the best thing to do is to ask Him how to get back in. He is our only Judge, so we're living to please Him and no one else. Yes we love the people in our lives, and strive to make them happy, but God sits on the throne of our lives; so must work hardest to please Him.

So far this year, I've heard of three suicides from friends who lost neighbors, and loved ones, because the weight the world was on their shoulders (so they thought). It's written: Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad. (vs 25) I know depression very well, and most of you that I've shared my story with know this very well. Anxiety brings a pain so severe that it could bring people to the point of taking their own life. It gets this severe because of the pressures of the world. Everyone is different, and they process things differently, so to try to completely understand why suicide is so prevalent in our society is beyond me. However, I can take a wild guess. Turn on the television and watch commercials. We're always inventing something to make us look better, perform better, make more money, buy better clothes, bigger homes, etc., as if the way God created us, or what He’s blessed us with isn't good enough. The best piece of wisdom I’ve received is to be content with who you are. If you aren't content with you, then it's up to you to change it, that's where the discipline comes in. When you close you close your eyes at night it’s just you, and you must be able to live with yourself. Don't change because the world wants you to change, but be open to the leadership of God. Remember we are peculiar people, and we're meant to be different from the rest. Surround yourself with positive people, who will give you a positive word, and you're heart will be forever glad. God loves you just the way you are, flaws and all.

A friend shared this verse with me earlier today, and I think Paul had the answer to how to be content with being you. It's written: Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:2 NLT) This is the truth, and nothing but the truth. Love who you are and I know that's not easy for everybody, because you've spent so much time hating who you are. If you don't love who you are, learn how to see yourself the way God sees you. He sees you through the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ, and you're blameless and righteous in His sight. If you don't know Jesus Christ then you may never be content within yourself. Take a few moments and take the God Quiz today! My favorite verse in this chapter is: In the way of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death. (vs. 28)

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Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY WEDNESDAY!

Today I’m writing about being imitators of Christ, according to Ephesians 5. Bible.com is having more technical difficulties tonight, so I'll write from the heart. I came across this chapter tonight because I just noticed that the page it's found on, in my bible, is hanging on by a thread. It’s said that the more warn your bible becomes, the wiser you become. It means you've been in it, and handling it frequently, which is required to become an imitator of Christ. As I was reading through this page, in my very warn New King James Version of the Bible, I was thinking about how much this chapter speaks to the average believer.

Paul wrote the words from the experience of being a human being with flaws, as well as being a conqueror through Christ. I love the way he starts off the chapter: Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. (vs. 1-2) How can Paul, a man who's done so much wrong in the past, instruct us to "be imitators of God"? Paul is a perfect example of the grace of God. Even though he once persecuted believers of Christ, he was still redeemed. Just as in Paul’s case, shouldn't we love without prejudice, forgive and let live, and see the good in all people; would you consider that an "imitation of God"?

Paul also tells us: But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. (vs. 3-4) God is the most pure, righteous, and Holy being in all existence, so if we're supposed to imitate Him, shouldn't we follow these simple rules or guidelines Paul gives? God wants us to do our best to live right, serve Him, and respect ourselves and others, so these principles aren't too much to ask for. However, there's no condemnation when it comes to God, so He'll forgive us if we fall short, but sin and good works has its rewards. To consistently practice giving thanks to God, is a sure way to avoid the pitfalls Paul warns us about. As well as, so we can better serve the Lord, and gain strength to endure the constant temptation of the world.

Remember Jesus taught us: “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." (Matt. 6:24) We cannot serve God and the flesh, it isn't possible. Paul teaches us that the way to truly walk in love is to be imitators of God, so we must truly choose who we are serving. We must be willing to work and fight everyday to be close to God, and for our position in Heaven. The wonderful news is, the fight for the Lord is well worth it, because we have the option to put on the Armor of God each day, and yield the sword of His Word.
God understands that we're less than perfect, so don't worry about that. All that matters is now, yesterday is gone, tomorrow isn't promised, all we have is today. We can have a clean slate each day, all that’s required is to confess our sins, and repent, and start writing a new chapter of our life. Paul said it best: For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. (vs. 8-10)

If you know Jesus, you know God; He's all around you, waiting for your fellowship. You can call out His Name, by the blood of the Lamb, and He's there, waiting with an answer. Sin is the only thing that separates you from Him, which cripples your ability to be an "imitator of God", but mercy, grace, and the Salvation offered through Christ, is what joins you forever. If you don't know Jesus, that’s the first step on the road to redemption, which can start right now. Today you can start off with a clean page, and start to write new, wonderful, and glorious chapters of your life. This redemption is only found in the blood of Jesus Christ. If you want more information, take the God Quiz right now. My favorite verses in today's chapter are: See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. (vs 15-17)

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Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY TUESDAY!

I pray all is well with everyone and you're enjoying this terrific Tuesday. I'm doing well, and feeling wonderful after a much needed vacation. I just came back from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and I had an awesome time. I experienced things that I've never experienced before, met people I never thought I'd meet, and conquered a few fears, including my fear of long distance traveling. It's amazing what God can, and has, done in my life, including filling me with love, and bringing people in my life who loves me unconditionally, it's a wonderful thing. I'm trying to get my bearings back, after a very long flight. I came back into the country yesterday, and have been on the move ever since. I wanted to say hello to everyone, and let you know that I still love you, and will resume the full devotional tomorrow. I'm still fighting off a little jet lag and trying to get my timing back in order [after trying to get used to a huge time difference], but God has given me the strength to endure all that comes my way. I'll share pictures as soon as I get a chance to upload and edit my album. Enjoy the remainder of your evening, and be blessed family!

I usually get my reference bible verses from www.bible.com , but the website is down for maintenance, which is perfect, because I wasn't going to do the full devotional tonight (God is good!). I want to share a Psalm with you, which was brought my spirit tonight, and I hope it blesses you as much as it's blessed me. God loves all of us, but those of us who reverence, love, and respect Him are nearest to His heart. He requires only two things from us, to love Him and to love each other. To love Him means to have Faith in Him, to have in Him is to trust Him, to trust Him is to keep His commandments. Those of us, who do our best to complete His will, by putting in the work that goes with Faith, receive His blessings in abundance. To have wisdom is to know what a blessing really is. It's not always good fortune, fame, a fancy house, nice cars, or a nice outer appearance, but it's just good old fashion love. When God loves you everything around you will be blessed, and each of us have received many wonderful blessings, we just have to open our eyes to see them.

I chose to give you this Psalm in the Amplified Version, because I think it exudes the message I'm trying to relay. Just know that love is reciprocated, and you get out of life what you put into it.

Psalm 128

A Song of Ascents.

BLESSED (HAPPY, fortunate, to be envied) is everyone who fears, reveres, and worships the Lord, who walks in His ways and lives according to His commandments.

For you shall eat [the fruit] of the labor of your hands; happy (blessed, fortunate, enviable) shall you be, and it shall be well with you.

Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the innermost parts of your house; your children shall be like olive plants round about your table.

Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who reverently and worshipfully fears the Lord.

May the Lord bless you out of Zion [His sanctuary], and may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life;

Yes, may you see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel!

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http://www.intouch.org/magazine/daily-devotional

I love you!