Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY THURSDAY!

Today’s scriptures are about trusting in the Lord’s leadership. I believe trust is a big issue for every human being, just because of our very nature. If we cannot be completely faithful to God, then we surely won’t be completely faithful to each other. Let’s look at the word trust for a moment; it’s defined: reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc., of a person or thing; confidence. It’s a known fact that another person will hurt or fail you at some time in your life, and when that keeps happening, it weakens your ability trust. When we begin to lose our trust in everyone around us, then it’s safe to say that we’ll have trust issues with God as well. However, God proves that He’s trustworthy when He wakes us up each morning—if He’s done that, than you can trust Him to have a hand in everything that you do, and guide you in the right direction. It’s up to you to seek, listen, and follow His instructions, because He has already worked it out for your good.

One of the most wonderful things about that Lord is that He knows our heart, and thought process, because He created us this way. He understands how much faith it takes to even believe in Him, when everything and everyone in this world is trying to prove Him wrong. It’s just amazing how He’s always on time. I remember the really dark moments in my life, when all I could hear Him say to me was, “trust me Saundra, I will never leave you”. During the tribulation that I experienced in my marriage, when I was in Portland, I remember going to the Alter, at my church, for prayer. My heart was so heavy that I felt like I couldn’t take another breath. I spoke with a woman named Marilyn (I’ll never forget her), and I explained to her that my marriage was in trouble, and what God told me through her was to trust Him to lead me in the right direction. Marilyn never told me what to do, or how to handle the things in my marriage. She simply wrote the verses Isa. 30:18-22 and 61:1-4 down on a follow-up card, along with her phone number, and said if I ever need to talk, to feel free to call her day or night. That was nearly four years ago, and I still have that follow-up card in my bible, tucked in the book of Isaiah.

I thank God for the people like Marilyn, who trusts Him to use them as vessels, because I honestly don’t know what I would’ve done, had it not been for the conversation and prayer she had with me. God proved Himself faithful and trustworthy to me at that point. After I ran home, picked up my bible and read those verses, I was filled with so much joy and peace; I couldn’t help but rejoice with the Lord. I decided that day to trust God to do what was best for me and my marriage, and low and behold He did. He helped me understand the different seasons of life, and that this particular season as changing, and that I had to follow Him. He never forces us to choose Him, but He will give us every opportunity to complete the will He has for our life. I realized then that most of my stress, depression, and heartache came from not surrendering to God’s will for my life—I wanted to do what I wanted to do, based upon the world’s views.

I struggle every day with trust. I honestly used to live by the motto “I’ll trust anyone, until they give me a reason not to”. I still live by that in most cases, but my guards are way up, so that I won’t go through unnecessary heartache and pain. I must admit that because of the pain in my past, I find it hard to freely trust as I once did, but I still stay open to everything God has in store for me. I read an article today entitled 10 Tips for a Fearless Life written by a practicing Buddhist, Susan Piver, which deeply penetrated my heart. Susan wrote: "The truth is that 99% of humanity is good. When you are vulnerable, people actually want to protect you." [This came from the third tip, “Ask for help]. From the little I know about Buddhist, they believe in trust, peace, and tranquility, and how to put positive thoughts and energy into the Universe, and you’ll receive positive things back. Some of their beliefs aren’t that different from Christian beliefs; however they’re missing the most important component, Jesus Christ.

Jesus always taught us to love and trust God, and each other. He preached peace, happiness, and having faith that could move mountains. He taught us how to focus on the important things in life, and that’s having a strong personal relationship with God. This can only be achieved by trusting in and talking to Him, as well as meditating on His word. When you accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, you’ve taken the biggest and most important step of all; you trusted Jesus to be Lord of your life. Just because you did that freely, you can now live a stress free life, because God will have your back, for all of eternity. Whatever happens in life, God will be there, all you have to do is follow His lead. If you don’t know Jesus as Lord, I suggest you take the God Quiz right now. My favorite verses today are: Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

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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 TUESDAY!

Today’s scriptures are about the impact of Love. As most of you know by now, love is my favorite subject. No matter how much the enemy tries beat it out of me, God’s love is much stronger and valiant in my heart. As we grow in our Faith walk, God’s love penetrates our heart. Yet we’re still in the world, so we experience the evil of the world as well, which can often times harden our heart. Throughout our faith walk, each day a part of that hardness melts away, and is replaced with the love of God. It’s likened to a fire that burns the impurities off of a raw God nugget, which makes it a valuable commodity once cleansed of its impurities. As an unsaved man, we couldn’t begin to understand the love of God, because we hadn’t yet experienced it for ourselves. However, when we make the conscious decision to accept Jesus as Lord, His Spirit enters our heart, and sparks the flame.

There’s a huge difference between earthly love, and Godly love. God loves unconditionally; can you understand the concept of that? Can you imagine loving someone so much that you forgive them no matter what they do. Jesus taught us in His Sermon on the Mount: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.” (Matt. 5:38-40) Can you imagine doing this? What would happen if someone slaps you, how much strength would it take for you to not only refrain from slapping them back, but to give them the other cheek? You have to be filled with a lot of love [unconditional love even] to sacrifice yourself, lay aside your pride, and let someone slap you and do nothing. However, I get where Jesus was coming from. He’s instructing us to love each other no matter what. There has to be a reason why someone wants to slap you. They’re obviously very angry and hurt over something that transpired in the past, which may not have anything to do with you. When you turn and give them the other cheek, you’re letting them know that no matter what you do, I’m going to love you anyway, because God loves me.

Of course Jesus wants us to relate this to every aspect of our life, because the cure for hate is love. Love is the only thing that could overcome evil. If we solved every problem, or overcame every struggle with love, we win every time. I notice as my spirit matures love comes naturally. I have the ability to quickly forgive, which helps me heal faster. Jesus warned us: “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” (Matt 10:16) With this great amount of love overflowing in me, I’ve quickly learned how to be in tune with my Spirit of discernment, which helps me to make wise decisions. It allows me to see through some people, so I can love them, but love them from a distance. We are still human, and we have our vulnerabilities and weaknesses, which will bring us to breaking points. Worldly people will hate and persecute that which they don’t understand, so it’s by love that we’ll be able to build up a tolerance, and pray for those who spitefully use us, and means us harm. Does that mean that we’re going to hang out with them, and be their BFF? Hardly, but it does mean that we’ll love and forgive them regardless.

I love you, which is why I write daily—I want you to feel what I feel in my heart. I can only love you, because I’m filled with the love of Jesus Christ. Once you’re filled with His love, you’ll be able to recognize true earthly love. Love is at the core of everything that God does for us, and should be in everything that we do for Him. When we’re doing a favor for a friend, taking care of a stranger, being there for our spouse and children, we’re doing it from deep down in our heart, because we love God, and He loves us. I don’t know how many times I’ve been “slapped”, and have had to turn the other cheek, and I can now honestly say that there is no love lost, yet it took some time to get there. I’m so grateful that I’ve reached this point in my life, but it’s still a daily journey. I’m still human, and still get upset and extremely angry sometimes, but I never lose that feeling of love for anyone. It takes a lot of practice and prayer, but it works. It makes your heart lighter, and you’re free to fellowship with God, with no hindrance. When you hate or have an unforgiving heart, you only hurt yourself—bitterness is a way of life that you choose.

If you feel like you’re at a place in life where you’ve never really experienced love, then it’s time to give Jesus a try. Learn about His life, and you’ll learn about what it is to live in love. This will allow you to give and receive it freely as well. The first step to experiencing the love of God first hand is to accept Jesus as Lord. Take a few minutes to take the God Quiz right now. Remember, you can’t live life to the fullest, if you don’t know what you’re living for. My favorite verse today is: Walk in love, as Christ also 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 MONDAY!

Today’s scriptures are about knowing who you are in Christ. There are many Christians stuck in the same type wilderness our ancestors were in, because they don’t know who they were created to be. God created us in His own image, to rule over everything on this earth. Out of all of His creations, He made us wiser and stronger. It’s written: Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” (Gen. 1:26) From the time we were created we had the ability to overcome the world. If we couldn’t do it physically, we could do it mentally. Brothers and sisters, we are most important to God, and to prove that, He’s given Heaven and earth to everyone who believes in Him.

One of my favorite scriptures in the bible is when Jesus said that we have enough power within us to cast a mountain into the sea. (Matt 21:21-22) How powerful is that?! All we have to do is have faith the size of a mustard seed. After reading that, I thought to myself, how great and wonderful is Christ, and how great and wonderful am I, because I’m made in His likeness. His Name is what we stand on, and the authority we have, to live above this world. It’s written: Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil. 2:9-11)

We’ve been placed here to strengthen and uplift each other, not tear each other down. We’re to work hard at making Jesus a reality in the lives of those who don’t know Him, or think that He’s unreal. There are many people who are lost that think that Jesus is “too good to be true”. So it’s time for us to step up and show His love to others. We must always be true with ourselves, in order to be true to others. We need to stop going by the worlds ideas of success and what happiness should be, and define that through our personal walk with Jesus. Don’t sell your soul for a piece of “the life”, because in the end it truly isn’t worth it. We are vessels for God, and He’s using us each day to touch someone, so don’t be quick to judge or condemn anyone God puts in your path, but learn how to be the friend and brother you want others to be to you.

Life moves so quickly that it seems like we’re here today and gone tomorrow. This makes me realize my own mortality, and the certainty of my death, which always causes me to praise God! I’ve spent many days and nights in misery, because I was unhappy with my life, and unsatisfied with the little that I had. I disliked myself because of who I was, and where I’d come from. At one time I wanted to just give up on life, and everything around me. I felt like this because I had failed to realize what’s real, and why I’m here. I failed to realize the truth, and who God created me to be. I lost sight of the real meaning of joy, peace, and happiness—fellowship with God, through Christ. I failed to realize that He loves me, and calls me wife, friend, daughter, and sister, all rolled up in one—now that’s a lot of love. I failed to realize that He wasn’t judging me because of my career, looks, bank statement, credit score, what type of car I drove, the size of my home, the color of my skin, or the neighborhood I grew up in—He loved me for me!

When I realized that it wasn’t about anyone but me, and my personal walk with God, I was able to “let go and let God”. When I came to the point in life where I started to feel the Holy Spirit’s conviction, and actually repent, I’ve had more peace than I could’ve ever imagined. When I started to understand that it’s not my place to judge my fellow brethren, but to always offer my love, support, prayer, as well as food for the soul, I could see the heart of a many through their eyes. I started to understand that everyone has roots—a past—a place that they come from, which causes them to do the things that they do. No one is all bad, because God created all of us, and we each have potential to be extraordinary through Christ. We must put Him on the throne of our life, and reverence Him as Lord, but also love Him as our closet most dear friend. The first step is asking Jesus to come into your life as Lord and Savior, and then you too will have the power to live above the world—that’s where the true peace lies. Once you do this, if you’re “gone tomorrow”, you won’t leave with any regrets. Live life to the fullest, in Christ, each day that you’re given on this earth. If you aren’t sure if you’re save, but want to be, please take a moment to take the God Quiz today, or feel free to contact me at anytime for prayer. My favorite verses today are: Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24)

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