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 MONDAY!

Today’s scriptures are about prioritizing the laws and will of God. Jesus came to set us free from the penalty of sin, which is death and complete separation from God. However, we’re still obligated to make following God’s will for our life our number one priority. Just because we’ve been redeemed, doesn’t mean that we still don’t have to walk on the path of righteousness, and complete the will set forth for us. Remember our flesh wants what it wants, but our job is to please God first, and He’ll in turn reward us according to His riches and glory. Choosing the Spirit over the flesh, right over wrong, is commonly the hardest thing for us to do, because we were born with a sinful nature, however, through Christ we can accomplish all things. So we must commit to doing whatever it is that God’s has for us to do, because it’s not about us, it’s about the Kingdom as a whole. God said, love Me, and love each other, and that’s all that He requires of us. Granted, there are a lot of things that fall under those two very loaded commandments, but Love comes from the heart, and it’s the easiest thing that we can give.

What comes with our freedom? Do we have the ability to live life any way we see fit, and still inherit the Kingdom of God? That’s question has a few answers. First, once you believe Jesus as Lord, and sincerely repent for your sins, your name has been written in the Lambs Book of Life. You can sin until the cows come home, and still go to heaven, because you’re a believer. At the same time, we will ALL stand judgment one day, and our sins won’t go unpunished. Moreover, we won’t have any type of quality of life here on earth. Being covered in sin is just as bad as a terminal illness—it’ll keep eating away at you, until you have nothing left. You’ll feel hollow inside, and alone, trust me I’ve known the feeling very well. You see when Jesus comes into your life, He takes up residency in your heart, and God begins a good work in you. The Apostle Paul told the Philippians to be “confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ”. (1:6) No matter what happens in this life, Jesus won’t ever give up on us, and will never stop pushing us to be righteous. The Holy Spirit will convict us of our sins, as well as offer continued guidance along the way. However, in every situation you still make the final choice—do you choose righteousness or the flesh?

It’s written: What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. (Rom 6:1-4 NIV) There you have it! It’s not okay to keep sinning against God and saying, “God knows my heart”, “He’ll forgive me whenever I ask”, or “I’ll repent later”. Being a Christian isn’t a joke, it’s a new life that we take on. We must make a conscious decision to live right, and do right by God. We must follow the laws of Moses, because they are guidelines to help us be good people. If we break them, it doesn’t mean condemnation, as it once meant, but it will grieve the Holy Spirit of God. We must decide to live right each and every day, and in every situation, because that’s who we are in Christ. As long as we’re trying our best to do right, He’ll carry us the rest of the way.

With Jesus in our life, all we have to do is put one foot in front of the other, and follow His lead. He laid a good foundation—He was in the flesh, tempted and tried just as we are, yet He overcame every trap set by the enemy, because His focus was on His Father and keeping His commandments. That’s something that we all have to learn, how to realize that we’re no longer under the laws of the flesh, or ruled by darkness, but we’re righteous through Christ. We’ve overcome the world, and live above it. We’re royalty and joint heirs to the Kingdom of God, and we’re free! When you’re armed with the wisdom and knowledge of God, it’s important to walk by it. It’s written: If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them. (James 4:17)

To reiterate, Jesus offers salvation and freedom to all who believe in Him, but it’s a choice. In order to choose Jesus, just confess your sins with a sincere heart, and ask Him to be your Lord and Savior. Once we say that initial prayer, we must choose Jesus everyday and in everything that we do. We must choose to stay on the straight and narrow path Jesus warned us about. We must make an effort to Love God, and love each other. We must make good decisions, but most importantly pray without ceasing—keep that communication open with God. If you’re not sure what you believe right now, please take a moment and take the God Quiz right now. My favorite verses today are: What the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Romans 8:3-4)

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Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY TUESDAY!

Today’s scriptures are about our friendship with God. God is so awesome, that He calls us son and daughters, brothers and sisters, but most importantly, He calls us friends. He’s given us wisdom from above, to help us have a life full of peace, happiness, and joy. Those of us, who believe in Christ, are blessed to be friends of God. It’s said that the best relationships, are even better friendships. Marriages that last are marriages between best friends. It’s also beneficial for a parent to be their child’s best friend. The child should always know who the authority figure is in this relationship, but they should also trust their parents enough to call them friends. If a child has a friendship with a parent, then they’re more likely to share anything with them. Children go through so much growing up, that it’s good to know that the person they rely on to care for them loves them enough to listen whenever they call. Parents will accept their children for who they are, correct them when they do something wrong, praise them when they do something right, and comfort them in times of trouble. This to me is the definition of a great friendship, and you and I have that with God.

I for one am learning that I am a friend of God. One of my favorite gospel songs is by Israel and the New Breed, Friend of God. This song doesn’t have many lyrics, but it’s such a powerful song! The main verse is: Who am I that You are mindful of me
That You hear me when I call, Is it true that You are thinking of me, How You love me, it's amazing. The blood of Jesus has mended that separation between man and God, and it is truly amazing. It’s amazing that God is always thinking of us, and He wants nothing but the best for us. When we fall short of His glory, we grieve His Holy Spirit. However, He’s always waiting for us to repent, and come back into His presences. He even convicts us, to get our attention. He gives us everything that we ask Him for, when we believe Him for it. He comforts us whenever we come to Him. He heals our pain, and puts joy in or heart. There’s nothing too big for God. He’s already given up His life for us; do you think there is anything else He wouldn’t give?

Guilt and fear of rejection are the two main reasons why majority of believers don’t have a close relationship with God. The enemy will have us believe that we’re too broken and shattered to be friends with God. As well as, that we have nothing to offer Him, and that He wants nothing to do with us, because of our lifestyle, or the mistakes we’ve made in life, however we are friends of God. As I grow in my faith walk, when I pray, I find myself talking to God as if He’s my best friend. Sometimes we have conversations, and He’ll answer my questions as we go along, or He’ll correct me simply by saying “Saundra you know better”. He can relate to me on every level, because He created me. He knows me better than I know myself, and if I can’t be honest and open with Him, about everything, then who can I share my innermost self with? After all, He knows my thoughts before I think them. He knows my heart, and the things that make me happy, as well as the things that trouble me. He alone is Lord, and the creator of ALL things, and He calls me, a once broken person, friend—He makes me whole, through Jesus Christ.

It’s written: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. (Jer. 29:11-13) God is love, and you are His creation, made from His love, so never hesitate to trust and love Him with all of your heart. He wants us to reach out to in times of joy, sorrow, peace and strife. He wants to share in our life, which is the reason we were created. His love knows no bounds, and is full of grace and mercy, and that’s what you want in a true friend. Unlike any friend we’ll have on earth, He’ll never let us down, never turn His back on us, and will always help us when we ask. All He asks is that we love Him in return. It’s written: “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). He shares the secrets of His Kingdom, and gives us wisdom freely, to be able to live according to His will. He’ll make known things that were previously hidden, through His Holy Spirit, freely.

A friendship with God starts with a relationship with Jesus Christ. His blood cleanses us from all unrighteousness. When renewed by the blood, we’re made righteous, and that righteousness allows us to be friends of God. This privilege is offered anyone who hears this message, by His grace. If you want to become friends with God, then confess your sins to Him, and ask Jesus to come into your life as Lord. Repent, and be open to receive. It’s just as simple as that. If you do believe Jesus is the Christ, and is saved, you are already a friend of God. He’s waiting to be gracious to you, each day of your life, talk to Him, and repent. If you’re not quite sure of your relationship with God, take a few moments to take the God Quiz right now. My favorite verse today is: Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends. (John 15:15)

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Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY FRIDAY!

It's Mother's day weekend, a time to give thanks to all mothers. Although I'm not officially a mother, I know the plight of moms everywhere. Motherhood is a privilege, given by God, to protect, nurture, guide, and give total care to His children. That deserves to be celebrated! Cherish your mom, or the person who played that role in your life, and thank them, and thank God for them. Some of us are fortunate enough to have several mother figures, but most of us only get one, so cherish her, and tell her you love her this weekend. I'd like to wish each mother (or mother figure), a happy Mother's Day! Enjoy your weekend, and be blessed family.

Today's scriptures are about trusting in the Lord in times of calamity. The world has experienced some vast catastrophes, and I’ve witnessed a few in my adult life. We've had the 9-11 terrorist attack, gulf wars, middle eastern wars, Hurricane Katrina, Tsunamis, devastating earth quakes in Haiti, South America, China, just to name a few, and it seems like it just keeps getting worst. However, when men and women of God come forth, to assure other believers that God allowed these things, because of punishment of sin, there's this great uproar. Let's make sure that we're clear on this, God is the same yesterday, today, and forever more, so everything that's happening now, is no different from the numerous stories found in the Old Testament of the bible. There were great prophets including Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, and Samuel, just to name a few, who gave active accounts of great wars and calamity due to disobedience and spiritual warfare. In my opinion, the entire world, especially our culture, is in a terrible spiritual state. The religions are split greater than ever before, and there are hundreds of false prophets. People are defiling themselves and children. The lands are polluted, and resources are vastly depleting. We've turned into a technology driven world, and things are moving so fast, that we forget to slow down and spend time with God. The enemy is running rampant, which shows in everything around us. In American culture, you turn on the television and see people, who were once role models, blatantly defiling themselves, through explicit songs, movies, and television programs. Marriages are falling apart at the seams, and drugs, alcohol, adultery and fornication is not only glorified, but also promoted. Looking at all of these things, why do you think the earth is deteriorating right under our feet? Jesus said: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and will deceive many. But when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled; for such things must happen, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be earthquakes in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. (Mark 13:5-8) God is a God of righteousness, love, peace, and salvation; however, He's still a God to fear, if we continuously disobey His commandments. Eventually, He'll say enough is enough. All of these "natural disasters" have reasons behind them, but our main concern is not to try and figure out why, and try to avoid the next one, but it's time to get our relationship right with Christ. We cannot walk this earth, day by day, in fear, because that's not what God intended for us. If you know that you've accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, and believe with all your heart that you are saved, then you have nothing else to worry about. The world could be crumbling around you, and all you have to do is pray for deliverance, and God will see you through (Psalms 91 is a great resource to help strengthen you in times of fear). I'm going to leave you with the warning from Jesus, it's written: "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch. Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!' " (Mark 13:32-37 NIV) Wow, Jesus ended with such a powerful word, "watch!” I love that. What will be will be, and you're in charge of your own destiny. God has destroyed this entire earth before, but He vowed not to do it again. However, this time, it's us who are destroying it, little by little, piece by piece. God gave us warning signs, so that we could be free of worry or sin, and endure the brunt of the storms. Most importantly, so that we could inherit our "promised land", when it's all over. Don't stop living your life because of fear, but start living your life for Christ. Just as we heard from the story of Jonah the other day, sometimes it only takes one person to warn others about the destruction ahead, so that they could be redeemed. Don't forget, be ready, or you will be destroyed with all of the others. I don't say that as a threat, but as warning to those of you who are "teetering" with your faith, and are "still deciding" what you want to believe. Take a look around you, and notice, that you don't have as much time as you think you do. Take a few moments and take the God Quiz today. My favorite verse today is: He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting the Lord. (Psalms 112:7)

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Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY THURSDAY!

Today's scriptures are about the strength of redemption through Christ Jesus. Knowing that you're being redeemed is a powerful thing. It takes a lot of pressure off of you, and allows you to have peace and serenity. To know that there's a God in Heaven, who's working within you, to make you strong, and is willing to be strong for you, is alleviating. It took a strong Man to make that walk to Calvary, take stripes for something He didn't do, and to endure being nailed to the cross. I thank God for that Man, we know as Jesus Christ, because without Him I would have no redemption. I can assure you that without Him, I wouldn't have the strength to endure working, scraping, and pulling to survive this life, and the mistakes I've made. The beauty of God’s love is the fact that Jesus endured for everyone else's mistakes. The beauty of salvation is that we're blessed with everlasting strength through Jesus Christ. The flesh is weak and frail, and it easily buckles under the pressures and temptation of life. I can testify that when I didn't have a proper relationship with God, I was very weak. I lived a life that I never wanted to live, and I compromised, because I wasn't strong enough to stand up to the enemy. I done things I never wanted to do, because I didn't have the strength to love myself, and endure the life I'd been given. There are so many people who conform to the evil ways of the world, simply because they aren't strong enough to endure. The good news is that you don't have to endure it on your own. Jesus is our Redeemer, and strength, but He's waiting on us to ask, seek, and choose Him. He's waiting on us to surrender to His calling on our life. God is amazing! There's nothing bad about Him, as the world would have you believe. He's more than fair, loves us unconditionally, and has laid out a life for us meant to make us strong servants. When life starts to get me down I try to sit back and evaluate the things going on. When I get exhausted and feel like I just cannot take another step, I try to gauge what I've been working so hard for. I ask myself if what I'm doing will glorify God. After I do all of that, I always end-up praying to God saying, "Lord I need your help, I can't do this on my own, give me strength", and He always redeems me. I've always admitted to being a dreamer, but those dreams help me aspire to achieve greatness, however I have to learn how to balance my dreams with reality. Reality is that without Christ I'm nothing, and can do nothing. Reality is that I can only go as far as He'll allow me, because I must follow His will for my life. Every day's a different journey, but I have to walk with Him, and when I do, I can cover way more ground, and accomplish so much more. Peter warned us to "submit to God and resist the devil", which is the key to staying strengthened all the days of our life. It's written: Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 5:6-11) No human being is exempt from suffering, that's just the way of an imperfect world. Isn't it great to know that you are redeemed by Christ? Allow Him to be Lord of your life every day, and your strength will continue to be renewed. Take the God Quiz today! My favorite verses today are: He is able ... to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him. (Hebrews 7:25)

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Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY TUESDAY!

I pray all is well with everyone, and you're enjoying another terrific Tuesday. I'm doing well, had a wonderful start to the week, and a fresh start to life. When I woke up to this morning, the word resilience was in my heart, and it’s defined: the power or ability to return to the original form, position, etc., after being bent, compressed, or stretched; elasticity. The word was planted in my Spirit several months ago, when I visited my nephew's Art Exhibit, at his school. Resilience was the theme, and the first time I really took a good look at the word. For some reason it stuck with me, and I can now see why. The world does its best to try and beat you down, and if you don't have God in your life, it will succeed. I attribute my resilience to the almighty Lord. Just thinking about His grace and mercy, fills me with so much love, peace, and joy, that I can't help but share it. I’m always surprised when the world says one thing, but God shows me another. I feel like I've reached a milestone in my life, and a major leap in my growth, I give all the honor and glory to God. It feels so good to shout: I'm going to make it after all! Hallelujah! I'm going to make it after all, thank you Jesus! Have you ever been so deep in pain and heartache that you thought you’d never overcome it, but as soon as you stepped into the light at the end of the tunnel, you felt free? That's how I feel today, and I wanted to share that with you. No matter what you go through, and how life tries to beat you down, there's victory in Christ Jesus. Never rely on another person to give you 100% support, because they're incapable, put that type of trust in God, and watch Him work. I feel so much love in my heart that it's overwhelming, and it comes from that simple revelation. I thank you as well, because you've each had, or will have, an impact on my life, and your prayers make a huge difference. I’m grateful to fellowship with you in such a special way. Strength is a state of mind, and you're only as strong as your level of faith. My Grandmother can use your continued prayers as well; she had a little cough this morning, and it frightened her. Let's pray that the pneumonia will never come back, because she's been doing so well. Enjoy the remainder of your day, and be blessed family!

Today's scriptures are about sowing into God. Giving is always a hard thing for people. Let's face it; most humans are selfish because of the flesh. A wise person once told me that everyone does everything for some type of retribution. I guess that's the “reap what you sow” type of mentality. However, God always commands us to be people of integrity, and to work to uplift His Kingdom. Those who are believers of Christ are considered a part of the Kingdom of God, so He requires each of us to sow into each other. We're to plant seeds through love, ministry, volunteer work, money, and time. God requires our best, when giving offerings, because He always gives us His best. Giving money to the Church, through tithes and offerings is always a touchy subject in the world of "religion", because people have a lot of different views on it. However, what did Jesus say about the rich man? If you're not willing to sell all you have, give it way to the poor, or for the greater good of His Kingdom, then how strong is your faith and love for Him? Guess what? He doesn't ask us for all of that! He only asks us for a small percentage. Think about our churches, which are mostly non-profit organizations. They're built to help all who come, no matter if you're saved or not. A lot is required to run a church. I didn't realize how much, until I became a Deacon at my current church. There are so many things that are required of the church, to even open its doors on Sunday morning, let alone the different ministries offered on a daily basis. The church needs our contributions in order to adequately serve the people of God. The Pastor(s) or leaders of the church, often gives up their life for the church, and he or she needs to compensated for the awesome tasks given. The church needs our time and money. If you aren't an active member of a church, then sow into different charities, or simply help someone who’s in need. Don't have the attitude of giving someone your week-old leftovers, because you don't want them anymore, but cook a fresh meal and take it to a retirement home, or shelter. You never know how you can touch someone's life. Volunteer your time, by visiting someone, or taking a few minutes to call a friend that’s going through tough times. All of these things are showing God to those who may have no other outlet, and you'd be doing just as Jesus commanded of you. The theory of building a healthy relationship with God is putting Him first in everything you do. Do you wake up each morning, thinking, "what can I do for God today" or "how will I make a difference"? Well we all should. Some people think that you have to be rich in order to make a real difference, but that isn't true. Give what you can, and God will provide everything you'll ever need. The more you give, the more you're receive, it just as simple as that. Have you ever wondered why you’re lacking at times? It’s time for self-examination. God blesses us to be a blessing to each other, and that's His commandment, "love your neighbor as you love yourself". It takes more than saying you love someone to fulfill that commandment, but it requires your all. It's written: But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. (James 1:22-25) God is so good, and all He asks is that same passion in return. The first commandment to love Him with all your heart, and those who love His Son, loves Him. Allow Jesus to be Lord of your life first, and pray and ask God to allow you to be a cheerful giver. Give from your heart, and not out of obligation, and so many doors will be opened to you. If want to find out how to establish a true relationship with Jesus, please let me know, and I'll be happy to pray with you. My favorite verse today is: God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints and do minister. (Hebrew 6:10)

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Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY WEDNESDAY!

Today marks the first day of Lent, so are you ready to endure your season of sacrifice, renewal, and evaluation? Growing up, I don't ever remember recognizing the Lent season at my church, so I thought it was more for the Catholic Church, but now that I know what it symbolizes, I'm going to take it more seriously. I wanted to share this quote that I found: Today we begin a 46–day journey (forty days not counting Sundays) to Easter, but the destination is meaningless to those who do not make the trip. (~Dr. Craddock) We have to make it a point to seek ye first the Kingdom of God every day of the year, but it doesn't hurt to participate in something this special, with other members of the church, because there's always strength in numbers. Enjoy the remainder of your day, and be sure to encourage someone. Today's Black History Month Quote is: "Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed." (~Booker T. Washington) Be blessed family!

Today's scriptures are about burnt offering, and the significance of its ashes. Today we're commemorating Ash Wednesday, which is “a day of repentance”, and it marks the beginning of Lent. According to a few Christianity websites, the ashes are produced from old Palm leaf Crosses leftover from last years Palm Sunday. The Palms are blessed, anointed with oil, and in some cases scented with incense, then burned. In most Church ceremonies the ashes (or paste) is used to draw a cross on the believer’s forehead, by the Minister, who recites: Remember (O man) that you are dust, and to dust you shall return" (Gen 3:19), "Repent, and believe the Gospel," or "Turn away from sin, and be faithful to the Gospel." (Mark 1:15) From the beginning of time a blood sacrifice was required to forgive sin (Gen 3:21). God gave Moses the Ten Commandments (the Divine Law), and He also gave Him the laws to be forgiven of sin. Sin could only be forgiven through offerings, and the instructions are found in the book of Leviticus. Chapter four explains the process of "Sin Offering. In a condensed version, a blemish free animal had to be sacrificed on the Alter of the Temple, and after the blood was poured, and the animal or part of the animal was burnt on the Alter. It's written that the animal was then carried out to a clean place and the ashes poured out and burned on wood with fire. The ashes remind us that we're all created from dust. The fire represents the purification of the unclean thing. Could you imagine going through all of that? I thank God for having mercy on us, and paying our sin debt in full. He so loved us that He gave us only begotten Son to die for us. Jesus became our sacrificial Lamb, and wiped away the penalties of sin once and for all. He surrendered because that was what God called Him to do, so He hung, bleed, and died on the cross for our transgressions. Before He went through this horrible ordeal John the Baptist baptized Him in water. After He went under the water and came back up the Heavens opened up and a voice said, "You are My Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Mark 1:9-11). It's written: Immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness. And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan, and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered to Him. (Mark 1:12-13) Jesus had to take some time away from everything and everyone to center Himself with God, so that He could be prepared for what he was going to face. So far we’ve learned the process of sacrifices and why they had to be made. We know that we're born into a weak and sinful flesh, which is nothing but dust. We also know that we each are special, and our Spirit will live on through all eternity. The ashes remind us of our mortality, the fact that this life will end sooner or later, and that there is something bigger than earthly wealth and pleasure. God is righteous and clean, and only deals with clean things, so we have to make sure that we're striving for righteousness daily through Christ. Today we must go to God and repent of our sins, letting Him know that we're weak and we need the saving grace of Jesus Christ. We're to acknowledge our weaknesses, and the things that have a tight hold on us. Everyday we face reproach for Jesus' sakes. We're ridiculed and mocked by unbelievers, and tempted by the devil. When you've decided what or how you're fasting today, remember that it has to be a true sacrifice; something that you seemingly can't do without. Each time you feel like giving into temptation remember the ashes of our "Burnt Offering" Jesus Christ. He sacrificed His entire life for us, so we could sacrifice a few things for Him, for at least forty days. It's said that it only takes twenty-one days to form a new habit, so by Easter Sunday, you should have grown tremendously. Think of life beyond Lent, and how much you need to build a stronger relationship with God. An Imitation of Christ is what we're called to be, but "WE" are the only person who could take that step to get there. Salvation is free to all who believe that Jesus is the "only begotten Son of God", died on the Cross to atone for our sins, was resurrected on the third day, and now sits on a throne in Heaven at the right hand of God. If you believe these things, all you need to do now is confess that you're a sinner, ask Him to come into your heart as Lord and Savior, and accept Him. The next and most necessary step is to be baptized by water, to cleansed and renewed by Faith and obedience. Remember that prayer is a conversation with God. Talk to Him often, and about everything, and He's faithful and just to answer all of your prayers. A strong prayer life is necessary to get through the lent season, and life in general. My favorite verse today is: Rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings: that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. (1 Peter 4:13)

ENJOY! http://www.bible.com/scripture-detail.php?juli=2455245&dtype=Scripture
http://www.intouch.org/site/pp.aspx?c=cnKBIPNuEoG&b=4943197
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I love you!