Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY WEDNESDAY!

I pray all is well with everyone, and you enjoyed this beautiful "hump-day". I'm doing well, and feeling great! I've been making sure that I start my days right, with some inspirational music, positive thoughts and attitudes, which allows me to end my days right as well. We all have those days when we wake up on the "wrong side of the bed", and when that happens, you have to combat those negatives with positives. Take some time to talk to God, read His Word, meditate, or do your own little praise and worship session, while you're getting prepared for your day. Trust me, it works, and has the potential to turn your entire day around. It sounds simple, but it actually isn't. I was just reading an article, that over 70 people were killed in the south today; tornadoes touched down and caused massive damage, and lost of life. We are living in some trying times family, and it's time to pray for our nation, and the people all over the world, who's experienced or is experiencing this type of devastation. I also want you to understand that at any given moment this could happen to you and those you love, so it's time to get your life in order. It's time to stop straddling the fence as to what you believe or don't believe; no more struggling with that question, "am I going to completely surrender to God's will?", it's time to make up your mind! You have to choose God today, because even though we pray for tomorrow, tomorrow may never come. Please don't take another day for granted, being afraid to do the things you want to do, because life is certainly short. Continue to keep the people who's affected by these natural disasters in your prayers. Enjoy the remainder of your day family, and BE blessed!

Today's scriptures are about the perishable nature of the flesh. The irony of these scriptures is that I read them after I wrote the first paragraph, so the Spirit is really leading us into this message today. These words are needed by everyone who reads this today. I was having a conversation with some friends at work, about a seafood restaurant that was closed down for health code violations, and I explained just how perishable seafood really is. In the restaurant business, you have to be very careful when dealing with seafood, because it's very expensive to purchase, and it's only fresh for one or two days. When planning a menu, you really have to take many things into consideration, because with one false move you can lose out on a lot of money, and/or make someone dangerously ill. I liken our flesh to the perishable nature of seafood; we were bought at a high price, yet we our flesh will surely perish. Sure we last far more than a few days, but in Heaven, time doesn't matter. So a lifetime to God for one could be 80 years, and for someone else it could be 20 years. It's said that Jesus died at 33 years of age, and look how much He accomplished in His seemingly short lifetime. In God's eyes, Jesus was here long enough to do what He needed to do, so you see, we are truly perishable. We're here to complete His will, so it's important to make sure that we're doing all that we could to please God, on a daily basis. Praise Him anytime of any day, and not just in church on Sunday morning. Tell someone about Him, when you're on the bus and the opportunity presents itself, or when you're out ministering to the lost. Take every opportunity given to live your life, but most importantly live a life pleasing to God.

Jesus taught us in the Sermon on the Mount: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matt. 6:19-21) I quote this scripture often, because I don't think many of us truly understand it. Life is so short, and before we know it, it's over. I know it sounds drab, but it's the truth. Life is too short to be working yourself to death for earthly riches, or trying to prove something to worldly people. It's too short not to do what you really want to do, or what God has called you to do, because you're afraid of what people may think. It's ridiculous not love who you love, because they may not fit a physical or educational background that you think that they should. Be who God has called you to be, and be it well, because you're working toward your eternal life as well. Nobody can do you but you--so stop trying to do someone else. Most of the celebrities you see on television are doing what they were called to do, but too many of us are trying to live our lives like them, when God never intended that for us. I've learned that life is too short to cut corners, and when God put something in your life, a calling or a passion in your heart, then you have to go for it. Ask for His strength and guidance, and follow that path. Tell someone you love them, and never be reluctant to share that affection, because you may never get a chance to do it. Enjoy every moment, person, and gift God gives you to the fullest. Don't hesitate, because we are perishable, and we may not have as much time as we think.

Have you ever heard the expression, "don't sweat the small stuff"? Well that means don't spend too much time worrying about the little things that are either out of of control, or too small to even worry about. I think most of us spend more time picking out an outfit to wear to church, then trying to actually learn something while we're there. When we live everyday for God, from start to finish, He'll make sure we have everything we need--there's nothing to ever worry about. We don't have to do missionary work, or walk around asking people if they're saved every hour of the day, but we have to live our life for God. Keep Him in mind in everything we do, and show people Christ, by conducting ourselves in a manner where we're His light is always shinning. It's written: Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods. Many, LORD my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare. (Psalm 40:4-5) Just as the Psalmist stated, when we trust in the Lord, He'll bless us abundantly, now and forever more.

Although our flesh is perishable, our Spirits will live forever. However, we only have but so much time in the flesh to complete God's will. With all of the Natural disasters, like the ones we've seen in the past months, there's no time like the present to get your life right with God. First take some time to evaluate your salvation status, because you have no time to wonder if you're really saved or not. Also, if you know that you haven't accept Jesus as Lord, then it's also time to take that step---there's a reason you're reading this today. There is life in Jesus Christ! Take a few minutes to take the God Quiz right now. My favorite verse today is: The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. (Romans 13:12)

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Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY WEDNESDAY!

Today’s scriptures are about the road to redemption. With everything in life there’s a beginning and an end. In most cases, like math—you’re given an equation, and there’s only one answer, but several ways to get it. God has always given us freedom to choose the way that we go in life; however, He has a will for each of us. First and foremost, He’s called us to be a part of His Kingdom, and there’s only one way to get there—redemption by the blood of Jesus. Once we’ve received redemption, we’re working towards our reunion with the Lord. We’re storing up treasures, as well as doing our part to strengthen the Kingdom of God. No matter how you look at it, as children of God, and joint heirs to His Kingdom, we’re each given a path to follow, some may vary, but they all will end up at the same place.

Let’s think of the road of life for a moment. It’s written: In the way of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death. (Prov. 12:28) We know that when we choose Jesus, His blood cleanses us of all inequity, and we’re considered “righteous” in the eyes of God. Nonetheless, this doesn’t excuse us from the consequences of sin, because we still “reap what we sow”. The truth remains that there is no condemnation for the righteous, but we still have try our best live righteously. When we chose the path that leads us to Jesus, we’re redeemed; however, salvation is just the beginning. From that day forward we start on life’s journey, which is referred to as our “faith walk”. Jesus instructed us to: “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matt. 7:13-14)

Life is challenging for every human being, it’s simply the way of the world. The flesh wants what the flesh wants, when it wants it, but through Jesus, we’re no longer a slave to it. That freedom doesn’t stop the temptations of the flesh; it just offers us the option to live above it. Remember, we must choose to live right, but as a wise man recently told me, “If it were easy everyone would be doing it”. Jesus said Himself that difficult is the way which leads to life, but He died so that we can be lead in the right direction; all we have to do is choose Him. There are no longer any road blocks or barriers between us and God, so we can talk to Him any time day or night. We can ask for anything we want or need, in Jesus’ Name, and He’ll answer. We are forgiven of our sins, as soon as we ask, because of the blood of the Lamb of God.

It’s downright foolish not to choose Jesus, and yet we still choose the flesh. When you think of how much Jesus endured for us, and all that He offers us, it just makes sense to enter in that narrow gate. However most people think that easy is better. It’s written: The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting, but diligence is man’s precious possession. In the way of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death. (Prov. 12:27-28) The only way to stay on that road of redemption is to finish what we started. We must be diligence in our faith walk; because that’s the only way we’ll be able to live the type of life that Jesus died to give us. Jesus said all who thirst He will give them living water, so they will never thirst again. He has everything that we could ever need to be good and faithful servants of the Lord; all we have to do is seek it, and we’re guaranteed to find.

Jesus also offers us everything that we could ever need to be free; we must follow the path that He’s laid out for us. The road of life is the same for everyone—we’re born, we live, and we die, and the only thing we have control over is the way we live. We’re placed here for a purpose and Jesus holds the key to that purpose. The key is dangling right in front of you, just reach out and grab it. Salvation and redemption has never been a secret; there are people who will shout the way to Christ from the rooftops if given a chance, but there are way too many who don’t take the first step on that road. Probably because it requires action on their part, but either way you look at it, we’re always held accountable for everything that we do. Jesus has already taken care of the hardest part, now it’s up to you. If you’re ready to step onto that road of redemption take a moment and pray to God, confessing your sins, asking Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, and you’re well on your way. For further information, please take the God Quiz right now! My favorite verse today is: By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (Hebrews 10:10)

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Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY THURSDAY!

Today’s scriptures are about the common sense of living for the One who gives us life. There are so many smart people in the world, but most don’t have much common sense. Then again, all of us have certain areas of our life where we are clueless, especially when it comes to our faith walk. Those of us, who are believers in Christ, have already taken the most important step towards freedom, peace, joy, and happiness, yet we still suffer, fall short, and sow bad seeds. You ever wonder why that is? There are times when I’m about to do something, that I’ll hear the Holy Spirit say, “Don’t do that”, but I do it anyway. When I’m crying because of my punishment, I’d say to myself, “I knew I shouldn’t have done that”, or “something told me not to take that”. What God warned me about was also just “common sense”, but I didn’t use very good judgment. We all go through those times, usually when we’re succumbing to the temptations of, or pleasing the flesh.

It’s “common sense” to believers that you reap what you sow, and if you’re putting negative out, you’ll receive negative back, and vice versa for the positive. It’s obvious that the words of Jesus, our Savior, are words to live by, but we often do the complete opposite of what He instructed us to do. It’s mostly because of ignorance, or a lack of a personal relationship with Him. However, it’s written: If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (James 1:5-8) There you have it! If you lack wisdom ask for it, and make up your mind as to what you want to do every day of your life. God said if you don’t love me than you love evil—there is no in-between.

One of my weaknesses is my indecisiveness. I have a pretty close relationship with God, and He speaks to me from time to time, but I still waver in my decisions. Anyone who knows me will confirm that. My friends at work already know to ask me what I want for lunch a few hours before we eat, because I take forever to decide. I’m like that with most things in my life. I’m a people pleaser, but as I mature in my faith I’m understanding that you can’t please God and man—it’s one or the other—yet I still do it. It’s pretty much common sense that if you can’t make a decision about lunch, then you’ll be stumped with the big decisions in life. Thankfully, I’ve learned from different circumstances, who I am, and what I want. Do you know how many people are lost to themselves?

As followers of Christ we know that we’re supposed to strive to be like Him. He was slow to anger and quick to forgive, loving, caring, compassionate, smart, strong, giving, and much more. We know that the more that we grow in Christ, the better we’ll conductive ourselves. This is taught throughout the bible, and in every sermon we’ve ever heard preached. We understand the balance between reaping and sowing, yet we sow bad things in excess and expect to live a great life. We only pray when we’re in crisis, but expect to be able to easily hear God’s voice when we call out to Him. The truth is, obey God, repent, love Him and each other, and do what’s right, and you’ll have immense inner peace.

Paul ended his letter to the Corinthians: Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. (2 Cor. 13:11-12) Would you say that you’re of good comfort, complete, steady in mind, and/or live in peace? These are some of the things that Jesus died to give us. It’s ours for the taking, and all we have to do is reach out for it. No one can take anything from us, but we give it away.

Only we have power over our own destiny, and if we use that power to serve God life will be good. Not saying that you won’t experience trials, but you’ll survive them unscathed, yet changed for the better. You cannot live a fulfilled life without Christ! The sun and the moon cannot hang from the sky without God—the creator of ALL things—so why don’t you trust Him enough to surrender every aspect of your life to Him? Isn’t it all just “common sense”? If you don’t know Jesus as your personal Savior, or aren’t sure, take a moment to take the God Quiz right now. My favorite verses today are: Pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold; ... but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you. (1 Peter 1:17-20)

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Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY TUESDAY!

Today’s scriptures are about being made the righteousness of God, in Christ. We speak about righteousness regularly, because God requires it of us, but what exactly does it mean? The word righteous is defined: characterized by, proceeding from, or in accordance with accepted standards of morality, justice, or uprightness; virtuous. If we’re made into righteousness, then we’re expected to conduct ourselves righteously, but wait… How are we supposed to do that, if the flesh is weak, and a man in the flesh is prone to sin? The answer to that question is found in the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ. Jesus’ blood cleanses us from all unrighteousness, and it’s because of Him that God sees us as righteous. God created us for Himself, and sin separated us from Him, so He brought us back to Him. It’s written: For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. (Col. 1:19-20)

We see similar stories every day—a parent sacrificing him or herself so that their child could have the best out of life. Most parents sacrifice their freedom, sleep, money, time, and energy for their children, all because they love them. When you have children you trade yourself for them, and you’d very easily lay down your life to protect them. If we, being sinful creatures, can do this for your children, without so much as a second thought, what more will God do for us? When He came to earth in the flesh, He paid with His life, to afford us the fruits of the Spirit—righteousness, peace, joy, happiness, meekness, and self-control. However, He won’t make us follow the paths He’s laid out for us.

When our children grow into adulthood, we must step out of their way, and allow them to grow and mature. As much as we hope that they’ll follow the plans that we’ve laid out for them, they sometimes stray. However, if we’ve instilled morals and values into them, led by example, and gave them a great foundation and sense of discernment, they’ll get back on the right path. I remember hearing a comedian say that every parent wants their child to grow up and be successful, respectful, intelligent, and able to go out and make a good life for themselves, but that doesn’t always happen. He said, “Nobody will look at their newborn baby and say, ‘ah, look at my little crack-head or rapist’, they say ‘ah, look at my little doctor or lawyer’”. As funny as that was, it struck a chord in me, this is such a true statement, because God feels the same way about us.

We were predestined from the beginning of time to accomplish His will. We are so special to Him, that He knew His thoughts of us before we were formed in our mother’s womb. He was aware of the evil to come in the world, so He gave up the life of His own Son, who never sinned, so that we could have life. Jesus didn’t deserve to die the way that He died, because He did nothing but right. He is righteousness, but He took on our sins, so that we wouldn’t have to pay the ultimate price. With this being true, why do so many believers live as if they don’t know God? Why are so many of us walking around defeated, and wallowing in sin and self-pity? If you’re a believer in Christ Jesus, and you battle with the enemy daily and it feels like he’s winning, then I hope this message frees you today. God loves you much greater than any earthly parent could love a child. He looks at you and sees nothing but your heart, because Jesus blood covers our “not so perfect parts”. In God’s eyes you are righteous, so all you have to do is believe it for yourself, and live accordingly.

I hope knowing that you are made righteous through Christ has lifted the weight of trying to be perfect on your own. Righteousness comes by the grace of God, through Christ Jesus. I love how Paul explains it: Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. (Col. 1:21-22) Paul wasn’t a nice man before he met Jesus on that Damascus road, but God choose him to be a great Apostle, and He can do the same for you. No one is all bad, because we were created by the almighty God. If you don’t know Jesus as Lord and Savior, all God sees is the sins you’ve committed, but you can be forgiven and made righteous simply by accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior. Take that step today! Click on the link to take the God Quiz right now! My favorite verses today are: Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour.( Titus 3:5-6)

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Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY MONDAY!

I pray all is well with everyone, and you’re enjoying the beginning of the workweek (for some). I’m doing well, and feeling great, after a wonderful weekend with family and friends. Most people got to enjoy a 3-day weekend in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He was a great Civil Rights Activist, as well as father, Pastor, and Disciple of Christ. He fought for equality among the human race, and was an advocate of peace on earth. Dr. King took on the title “Christian”, with new meaning, and He definitely strived to be like Christ, in so many ways. He helps me be proud to be an American, but most importantly a “Black American”. Dr. King, and others who followed him, helped pave the way for the African-American race, and the freedom we take advantage of. I urge you to take a moment and reflect on your life, and how different things could be if it wasn’t for the unselfishness of Dr. King. This man left a legacy so great, that he will always be remembered. He was called to accomplish this great task by God, and he followed God’s will to the end of his life. If we don’t take anything else from his life, we should take the importance of following the will of God. Our job may not be on as grand of a scale as Dr. King’s, but we matter just as much. Never forget that you were destined for greatness, whether big or small live by these simple rules, love God and love each other. Enjoy the remainder of your day, and be blessed family!

Today’s scriptures are about being saved from the pits of life. Our salvation is so multifaceted, that it’s hard to know exactly what we’re being saved from—well not really hard to know what, but I think we sometimes forget. There are many pits in our life, there are pitfalls, there are days that we feel down and out (referred to as “the pits”), there are pit stops, and then there are the pits of hell. Jesus came to save us from every type of pit that we will every face in life. None of us want to fall into the pits of life, but it’s a reality for us all. The only pit that is optional for us are the Pits of Hell. Hell is a real place, and Satan is real. It’s been said that he was an angel in heaven, but was cast out, for wanting to be more powerful than God. There isn’t a lot written about that in the bible, but there are some scriptures that mention it. Nevertheless, hell is a true and absolute fate for those who don’t believe in Jesus Christ.
Before Christ, salvation was nearly impossible, because we (humans) were required to live righteously on our own, and if we couldn’t, we were required to make the different sacrifices found in the book of Leviticus. I for one am grateful that that era is no longer, because I don’t know what I would do. Jesus came in and laid down His life, to save me from the pits. I no longer have to worry about hell, or the attacks from the enemy, because the blood of the Lamb protects me and keeps me near and dear to the heart of God. This is the same promise, for anyone who believes in Jesus Christ. If you confess to God that you’re a sinner and you need Him, and then ask Jesus to be Lord of your life, then you too can be saved from the pits.
When we trust God with every aspect of our life, we have this continuous light that guides us, which makes it more difficult to fall into the pits. When we trust in man, or in our own ability, it’s as Jesus said: “Can the blind lead the blind? Will they not both fall into the ditch? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.” (Luke 6:39-40) If we follow the instructions of Christ carefully, we’ll be able to live a peaceful life, however, when we stray, and fall into the traps of the enemy, we’ll feel that uneasiness in our heart. I think we’ve all felt like this psalmist, when we make terrible mistakes: I am overwhelmed with troubles and my life draws near to death. I am counted among those who go down to the pit; I am like one without strength. I am set apart with the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave, whom you remember no more, who are cut off from your care. (Psalm 88:3-5) The good news is that when we feel this way, we don’t have to stay in that place. We’ve been delivered by the Love of God! There’s times when we feel like there’s no place to go, be we can always go to the Lord, Hallelujah!
It’s written: My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. (James 1:3-8) James gave us some great advice and instructions, through the anointing of the Holy Spirit. All of these things are the base of knowing how to avoid the pit falls of life. Jesus did the hard part; He gave up His life, so that we can live with God for all eternity. However, all of the days of our life will be a Spiritual challenge. The enemy will never stop trying to bring us down, so we must have patience, and keep faith in God’s promises. If we don’t know how to do that, then all we need to do is ask for wisdom in any area that we feel that we lack. We also need to be confident in who we are in the Lord; never doubt your place in His Kingdom, and the devil will never win.
If you don’t know Jesus as Lord, then you’re lost, and will go to the pits of hell, as well as fall in many pits in life. You’ll feel the way they Psalmist felt on the inside, many times in life, and there’s nothing that can change that. The only hope in your situation is the blood of Jesus Christ, which is offered to everyone, by the grace of God. Don’t spend any more time looking for the answers to life, because they can only be found in Jesus Christ. Pray and ask Him to be Lord of your life, and ask Him to forgive you of your sins, and He will. If you want more information, please take a few minutes to take the God Quiz right now. My favorite verse today is: I waited patiently for the Lord. He brought me up ... out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock. (Psalms 40:1-2)

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Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY MONDAY!

Today’s scriptures are about being perfect in Christ. How many of you know that you’re perfect in the eyes of God? It’s not you in the flesh, but you in the Spirit, by the blood of Jesus Christ. God sees our heart, and not what’s on the outside. He’s concerned about what’s deep within, and if you believe in Jesus then you are made whole, wonderful, and perfect through Him. This is only possible because that’s what He is, and we are one with Him. Jesus is responsible for changing us, and promoting our growth, starting from the inside out. All we have to do is love Him, by seeking His face.

The Apostle Peter gave us all of the answers that we need, to live righteously in the flesh. When I read this, I felt like this is what I’ve been looking for. It simply answers the question, “How do I stay on the narrow path to righteousness?” In the section Confirming One’s Calling and Election (NIV), Peter explains how to stay in line with the will of God. The eye opening verses for me were: For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. (2 Peter 1:5-9)

Though we are perfect through Christ, we still must work toward making our flesh match our Spirit, truly living our life for Christ. As Peter mentioned, we begin our journey by faith. The act of confessing Jesus as Lord and Savior begins the washing and renewing of our soul, by His blood. Then we surround ourselves with goodness. If you’re going on a diet, you must rid your home of all the junk food and stock it with fruits and vegetables; things that will promote a healthy lifestyle. We must do the same thing when it comes to our Spiritual life. Rid your life of the people who are still stuck in the past, and aren’t looking to grow. Take on new friends who are looking for the same things that you are.

Once we surround ourselves with goodness, we must seek knowledge. We must open the Word of God daily, in order to learn about Him. The only way to please someone is by getting to know them. Learn what they expect of and from you, so that you can meet their expectations—the same goes for God. Then we must take what you learn, and use it to help you maintain self-control. That’s a big deal for each and every human being, because the flesh wants what it wants, when it wants it. It’s so hard to just say no; trust me, I still struggle with it every single day. However, self-control is a skill that we each have to master, but it takes knowledge and wisdom to learn how. These are the skills that are instilled in us by Jesus Christ, through the wisdom of God. It’s written: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. (Matt. 5:5) God understands that we want to be righteous, and are doing our best, so He’ll continue to strengthen our ability to maintain self-control.

Perseverance is right up there with patience for me. We each have a set of mental roadblocks that keep us bound, and these two or my biggest. I first started to break down that wall of perseverance when I read Jesus’ Parable of the Sower. I was so convicted when I read it, because I just knew that I was the seed that fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away (Matt 13:5-6). I was the type that was on fire for the Lord when things were going good in my life. As soon as I experience trials, I became the victim. I couldn’t praise God, because life sucked, and I let everyone know it. Then, when the good times came back, I was continued praising the Lord. I had to quickly realize that I must praise God through very circumstance. I’m gradually growing into the seed that’s planted on good crops, and I pray that my work will sow hundredfold [it’s a work in progress].

Perseverance will turn into Godliness, and the next thing you know, people will be able to see Christ through you more and more. Everything will change about you, your walk, your talk, and your demeanor. That Godliness will help you grow a mutual affection for God. You can’t help but praise Him, and talk about Him to anyone who listens. You’ll spend most of your time thinking about Him, and seeking His face, because you’ve realized that you’re filled with His love. Love, the greatest emotion, action, and lifestyle you could ever live. Hallelujah! I love everyone, and everything, at all times. I get angry and upset at times, and people make me mad, but at the end of the day, I’m so filled with the love of God that I cannot hate. Love is a part of my spirit, and I love hard, with no regrets, and few fears. I’m so grateful for that ability.

Peter mentioned that whoever doesn’t have these things are nearsighted and blind, because you haven’t realized that you’ve been cleansed of your past sins. You have yet to discover that you’ve been made perfect through Christ. Now it’s time to start your journey to discovering God’s will, and sowing this truth into other lost children of God. Today is the day where that could all stop and you can go through this transition that Peter wrote about. I can promise you, when you start this journey with Christ, you will never regret it. The first step is faith, so if you haven’t yet trusted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you cannot start on this journey. Take a few moments to take the God Quiz today! My favorite verse today is: Ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. (2 Cor. 6:16)

ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455572&dtype=Scripture

http://www.intouch.org/broadcast/today-on-radio

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

I love you!