Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY MONDAY!

I pray all is well with everyone, and you're enjoying the beginning of another workweek (for most). I had a wonderful weekend, I embarked on a new journey in my ministry, and I learned a lot. I describe this step as "jumping into a cold pool". Have you ever been swimming, and you eased in the water, bit by bit? You start off with a toe, then eventually with the whole foot, etc., that way is safe, but it's more painful than just jumping in. I had been dipping my foot in the water, and then taking it out for a long time, so this time I was lead to go for it, and I jumped in. I had that immediate shock at the beginning, but as I got into it, and moved around in the water, it got better, and I felt more comfortable. Is there a cold pool in your life, something that you've been called to do, but you been sitting on the edge, too afraid to get in? Well I urge you to just jump in! You do have to be careful not to jump in with your eyes close, because you might hurt yourself, but pray for God's guidance, and once He gives you the green light, go for it. Take my word for it it's worth it! Enjoy the remainder of your day, and be blessed family!

Today's scriptures are about respecting the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a “person” of the Trinity of God. When we think of God the Father, we think of the Creator of all things, the Almighty, All-powerful, Sovereign God. We know that He loves us, and we pray to, and fellowship with, Him on a daily basis. Then we think about God the Son, and we know the “Christmas story”, that God’s Spirit impregnated the Virgin Mary, and she gave birth to Jesus. He grew up like any other normal child, then as an Adult He traveled into far countries, taught the word of God, performed miraculous wonders, and died for the sin of all mankind. After His death, He was resurrected, and now sits in Heaven, at the right hand of God, making intercession for us. That’s two parts of the Trinity, but what’s the other? The third and final part is the Holy Spirit. He is just as important and relevant as the Father and the Son, yet we don’t respect as we do the others. Yes, there’s still One God, and One Savior Jesus Christ, but there’s also One Holy Spirit, and they all work together.
Yesterday we celebrated Pentecost, which observes the day God’s Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus’ Disciples, after His ascension into Heaven. In the Book of Acts, which is also know as “the Acts of the Holy Spirit”, Luke starts off with a conversation between Jesus and His disciples, after His resurrection, but before His ascension. Jesus said to them: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." (Acts 1:4-5 NIV) Luke goes on to give an account of when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples in the next chapter. It’s written: When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. (Acts 2:1-4) During all of this commotion, people started to surround the house to see what was going on. When they saw them acting so strangely, they thought they were drunk, but Peter stood before the crowd and explained what was happening (Acts 2:14-41). He went through different accounts of this very moment being prophesied throughout history, and how important that day was. It’s written: Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call." (Acts 2:38:39)
Now are you convinced that the Holy Spirit is as important as Jesus Himself? He’s been gifted to us; God loved us enough to give us a part of Him, to live inside of us, and help us face everyday life. The Holy Spirit seals our covenant with God. Jesus made it possible for us to live all eternity in Heaven, and the Holy Spirit makes it possible to live in abundance here on earth. He makes sure we’re following God’s will for our life, yet He also commands respect. He’s a part of God, so we’re required to love Him with all of our heart as well. He’s responsible for telling us, “this is the way walk in it”, and He’s expecting us to listen. He helps us know what to pray for, and how to pray (Romans 8:26). He convicts us of our sins, so that we could quickly repent, and our peace be restored. Through Him we can heal the sick, prophecy, and so much more. I heard one of Dr. Stanley’s teachings on the Holy Spirit, and He pointed out that we sometimes refer to the Holy Spirit as an “it” and not a “Him”, and I was immediately convicted, because I did that. Nonetheless, the Holy Spirit is very much a “person” of the Trinity of God.
We grieve the Holy Spirit when we don’t acknowledge His presence, consult Him on everyday things, nor thank Him for His assistance. If you know you haven’t been in touch with the Holy Spirit as much as you should, ask Him to walk with you today. He’s waiting on you to call on His Name, and He’ll be there. He right in your heart if you’ve confessed Jesus as Lord and Savior, He’s been there all along. If you haven’t confessed Jesus as Lord, then as soon as you take that very important step, you’ll received His Holy Spirit. It may not be as dramatic as the day of Pentecost, but you’ll notice a huge difference. I can testify, because the Holy Spirit brings you this message through me, each and every day, without Him it would not be possible. If you’re not sure of your salvation take the God quiz today! My favorite verses today are: After that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of the inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession. (Ephesians 1:13-14)

ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455341&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nl/newsletter.asp?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943547

I love you!

Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY WEDNESDAY!

I pray all is well with everyone, and you're enjoying another gray hump day. I'm doing well, looking forward to Christmas, because I now understand it’s meaning. I used to be depressed and angry during the Christmas season because it could be a very stressful time. Do you know how many people go into debt to buy presents for their children and family? The world has put this prerequisite on what's supposed to be “the most wonderful time of the year", and made it into a commercial paradise, instead of focusing on the birth of Jesus Christ. As we're in the Advent season, be conscious of Jesus' existence, and what it means in your life. Even if you don't celebrate the season of Advent, don't lose the meaning of Christmas. I don't know where I'd be if it wasn't for Jesus, and I'm so grateful for His life, it's only nationally celebrated one time a year; so don't allow the world to take all the meaning out of it for you. Use this time as an opportunity to teach someone about the love of Jesus Christ, and what He stood for. I implore you to relax, enjoy your family and friends, and eat, drink, and enjoy the fruits of your labor (Eccl. 3:12-13)! Enjoy the rest of your day, and be blessed family!

Today's scriptures are about the gift of the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ. We're in the last month of the year, and have entered into the Advent season as of this Sunday past. I grew up predominantly in Southern Baptist Churches, and we never celebrated the season of Advent (or I don't remember it). I learned about Advent last year at my new Church, whose denomination is Disciples of Christ. Advent is defined: The liturgical period preceding Christmas, observed by many Christians as a season of prayer, fasting, and penitence. We basically celebrate the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and take some time to reflect on what He means to us. I've adopted this practice because I believe that it’ll bring my relationship with Jesus a step closer. It's very new to me, so I'm still trying to learn the traditions. However, it helps me stay aware of Jesus' life, and the awesome role He plays in mine, especially during one of the most stressful times of year. Jesus did more than just atoned for our sins; it's only because of Him that we have received the Holy Spirit. Acts chapter 2 speaks about the coming of the Holy Spirit, and it starts off in verses 1-4 speaking about Pentecost (the anointing of the Holy Spirit). As you could imagine, once the disciples were speaking in different tongues and overcome by the Spirit, people were shocked and stunned, and sought answers. Peter then preached a sermon to the men of Judea in Jerusalem about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and what it entails. He goes into detail about Joel and King David, from the Old Testament, and how prophesied about this very thing. They spoke about the Messiah and the coming of the Holy Spirit many years before Jesus was born. Peter goes on to say: This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses. Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear .“For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself: ' The LORD said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool.' Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” (vs. 32-36). You may be wondering why I'm mentioning Advent and Pentecost, when we're supposed to learning about the gift of the Holy Spirit. Have you ever heard the saying, "If you don't know where you come from, then you won't know where you're going?" We're in the season of celebrating Jesus' birth, and this is so significant because if Jesus wasn't born He couldn't have died, and if He hadn't died for our sins and was resurrected, then we wouldn't have the Holy Spirit. Salvation through Jesus, and the anointing of the Holy Spirit are one in the same; you can't have one without the other. Do you know how to properly use the power of your Holy Spirit? The Holy Spirit is our connection to God and Jesus. We wouldn’t be able to adequately communicate with them, none of our prayers would be answered, nor could we properly read and understand the Word of God without the Holy Spirit. He's our Helper, and will guide us in every step we take. Do you know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior? If your answer is no, then you don't have the Holy Spirit. You're in a battle with no armor, and the only way to put on that amour is the pray and ask Jesus to be Lord of your life. If you have accepted Jesus as your Savior you have all the protection you need, however you must ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit daily. I challenge you to make note of how many times you communicate with the Holy Spirit in a day, and make a conscious effort to communicate with Him more. My favorite verse today is: The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:26)

ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455168&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
http://www.intouch.org/site/apps/nl/newsletter.asp?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943547

I love you!