Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY MONDAY!

Today’s scriptures are about singing unto the Lord. Reading through the Gospels of Christ, I was thinking of how cool Jesus was. If Jesus lived in this generation, we would say He has a certain “swagger” about Him. He was always meek and laid back. He was never too loud and boastful, just wanting to be seen. When He spoke, He spoke wisdom, and always paid homage to our Father in Heaven. Jesus was quick to say things like, “All of this is made possible because of my Father’s love”. When He praised, He praised with purpose, hope, and gratitude. The one thing the enemy doesn’t like is to hear us praising the Lord, because He knows it pleases God. His job is to keep us in bondage, and not believe that God has done anything for us to sing and shout about. Remember, we are peculiar people, and when others look at us they see something different, and we should continue to praise God, in hopes that His joy will spread to everyone around us.

King David may have been one of the most controversial people written about in the bible, because He was highly favored by God, yet never claimed to be perfect. God knew David from birth, and knew everything that he would ever do, but He still made a covenant with him. God promised to take care of David and all of his descendants (2 Sam. 7:12-16), all because David loved God, and wasn’t afraid to tell the world. David never hesitated to sing praises to the Lord. He even stood up to the giant Goliath, to defend the honor of God. He always put his life on the line to defend the Name of God, and He was well pleased with him. David wrote many of the songs in the book of Psalms. When things went well for him he wrote a song, when things went bad for him he wrote a song. When he fell short of honoring God, He wrote a song to express his remorse. David was a true servant of God, and God let everyone know it. Yes David broke some of the Laws of Moses, but God forgave him because He knew his heart. No matter what, David never ceased to praise His Holy Name.

David wrote a Song of Thanksgiving that was recorded in the book of Chronicles. My favorite part of this song is: Sing to the LORD, all the earth; proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples. (1 Chron. 16:23-24) One of my most favorite things to do is sing. For me, singing brings joy to my heart; especially when I’m singing praises to the Lord. There’s nothing like, after a hard day, or in times of pain, to turn on my favorite Gospel song, and start to sing praises to the Lord. I would be driving in my car, or in my home, with the music blasting, for all to hear. The praise and worship portion at my previous church in Portland, OR, became one of my favorite parts of Sunday service. It allowed me to give something back to the Lord, as well as be filled with His joy. There’s a huge difference between being happy with worldly things, and being filled with the Joy of the Lord—David knew that better than anyone.

God is well pleased with His servants, but more so of those who will proclaim His Name to all who will listen. Singing praises to the Lord may not necessarily mean to physically sing, but it also means to proclaim His goodness in your life, with a joyful heart. Joy in our heart helps us radiate the light that Jesus has planted on the inside of each believer. People are drawn to light, so along with being filled with the spirit of joy, we’re also spreading it. Jesus was a man who touched many people just because of Who He was in the Lord. He had such a huge following because He never stopped proclaiming the Love of God. David and all of his descendents were blessed because He never ceased to proclaim the Love of God. If you feel like something is missing in your life, and you aren’t where you want to be Spiritually, then take inventory—how often do you sing praise the Lord? Do it often no matter what’s going on in your life, because God has it all figured out.

God has made a covenant with us (similar to David’s), by offering His only Son as a living sacrifice. Because of Jesus, we all have a chance at a fruitful life; that’s a reason to rejoice! All God requires of us is to believe in His Son Jesus Christ, love Him, love each other, and offer praise and thanksgiving. That doesn’t sound like a lot to ask does it? So the questions remains, what’s holding you back from being fulfilled? Are you doing these things with no hesitation? If I ask you when the last time you sung praises to the Lord was, what would your answer be? If your answer is “you don’t know, or if it’s been way too long”, then take a few moments to take the God Quiz today. Salvation is free by the grace of God, you don’t have a earn it; all you need to do is believe. Please don’t waste any more time wondering “what if”, invite Jesus into your life today! My favorite verse today is: He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord. (Psalms 40:3)

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Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY TUESDAY!

I pray all is well with everyone, and you’re enjoying this cold “terrific Tuesday”. I woke up to a dusting of snow, and 24°F temperatures (burr). I’m so grateful to have a home and a vehicle with heat. It’s amazing the things we take for granted, so I’d like us to pray for those who have not choice but brave the weather 24-hours day. There are so many people who are less fortunate than us, so it’s important to keep those people in our thoughts and prayers, and to do what we can to help. There are many that have extra, and many others who don’t have enough. If you have extra coats, sweaters, blankets, etc., take a few moments to call a shelter or thrift store and donate those items. As children of God, we’re commanded to love each other as we love ourselves. Always remember, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”. Christmas is a season of giving, I think the Apostle Paul said it best: "I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) Enjoy the remainder of your day, and be blessed family!

Today’s scriptures are about praising the Lord. I don’t think we understand how important it is to praise God. He makes sure that we are able to take each breath. He’s responsible for our very existence, and every blessing that we ever will, or have, received. That is a reason to praise Him! You might be wondering what it means to praise God. Dictionary.com defines it as: the offering of grateful homage in words or song, as an act of worship. To praise is to joyfully acknowledge God in the presence of the world, with thanksgiving and a bit of gratefulness in our heart. It’s when we are so filled with His Spirit that we can’t help but dance, sing, and shout praises to Him. We should praise Him everyday of our life, because it’s by His grace that we’re still here to see another day.

There’s nothing wrong with singing “Glory Hallelujah” to the Lord, because that’s another part of following the greatest commandment to “Love the Lord with all of your heart and soul”. Frankly, who doesn’t love to be praised for the good things that we do for others? If you work hard, or go out of your way to show that you love someone, you would want them to tell others how great and wonderful you are–after all that’s a part of why we do it. You probably want to act like you’re modest, because you do things out of the kindness of your heart not for praise (so you say), but there’s nothing wrong with appreciating a loved one for being there when you need them. We’re made in the likeness of God, so He too loves it when we praise Him. He loves we speak about His goodness and mercy to all who would listen. He loves that His love affects us to a point that we are filled with joy and want to sing, dance, and rejoice in His wonder. This allows Him, and everyone else around us, to see that we appreciated Him.

One of my favorite Gospel singers is J. Moss, and I still have one of His classic albums The J. Moss Project on my mp3 player. He has a song on entitled Psalms 150, and anytime I’m feeling down and need a “pick-me-up”, I play that song. Before the end of it, I find myself dancing, shouting, and praising God. God always moves when we least expect Him. When things seem like they just can’t get any worst, He comes with that rainbow after the storm. He sends the right people and opportunities, at the right time.

The Psalmist new the secret to a life filled with abundance, peace, joy, and happiness, it’s written:
Psalm 150

1 Praise the LORD.
Praise God in his sanctuary;

praise him in his mighty heavens.

2 Praise him for his acts of power;

praise him for his surpassing greatness.

3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,

praise him with the harp and lyre,

4 praise him with timbrel and dancing,

praise him with the strings and pipe,

5 praise him with the clash of cymbals,

praise him with resounding cymbals.
6 Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD.

J. Moss ended his chorus “Since I’m breathing I’m gonna praise Him again”. Hallelujah! Just thinking about it makes me want to get out of my seat and dance. God is a wonderful, mighty, awesome, kind, loving, gracious God [and I could go on and on about His goodness]! All He wants us to do is recognize Him for who He is, and what He’s done in our life.

I promise you, praise brings joy. When you feel like hope is at a minimum, you’re getting tired and weary, and you can’t fight any longer praise God. I’ll leave you with some very sound advice by the Apostle Peter, it’s written: In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1:6-9)

Jesus is the root of all praise! He’s the reason we have a second (or fiftieth) chance at righteousness, and a new found freedom in the heart of God. When I think about what He’s done for me—He laid down His life so that I could truly have one—I just want to praise Him. Don’t forget that this life isn’t all of about you, but you won’t be able to see that until you establish a true relationship with Christ. It’s okay if you stumble and fall, or stray, He’s always waiting with open arms, which is another reason to praise Him. He loves you, even if you don’t quite love Him. If you don’t know Jesus, or is unsure of your relationship with Him, go to Him right now, and ask Him to be Lord of your life today. Take a few moments to take the God Quiz right now. My favorite verse today is: By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. (Hebrews 13:15)

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Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY THURSDAY!

Today’s scriptures are about seasons of heaviness. Boy, am I familiar with this subject, I could go on and on about the heavy seasons in my life, but thanks to Jesus, I don’t have to. His life tells it all, and studying about the things He’s endured, makes my humdrum trials look like a walk in the park. Unfortunately, we’ll all experience times of heaviness, trials, temptation, stress and feelings of despair–it’s a part of life. Just as the seasons change from winter, spring, summer, to fall, our life changes from happy to sad, joy to pain, ups and then downs. King Solomon taught us about the different seasons of life, and in the book of Ecclesiastes, he constantly pointed out that “there’s nothing’s new under the sun”. Nevertheless, God will always give us the strength to endure, or as it’s written, He’ll give us “beauty for ashes”. You know the saying, “when one door closes, another one opens”, that’s how God operates in the life of a believer.

God is not always a subtle God; He’ll make sure we experience everything we’re meant to experience, by any means necessary. If we step in His way, He’ll move us to the side, and if we’re not open to change, He’ll open us up to change. Check His track record; read the Holy Bible, and learn about Him. The bible says we should fear Him, because everything is under His control. So ask yourself, do you want to take the direct path to righteousness, or do you want to take the scenic route? Just keep in mind that you serve an almighty and all powerful God, so either way you’ll get to the destination He has for you, because He has the final say.

Let’s not forget that at one time, it was necessary for God to destroy mostly every living creature with a flood, and start all over. At another time He presented salvation to the world, by offering His only begotten Son as the ultimate sacrifice. These things may seem irrational and illogical to us, but according to His predestined will, He did what was necessary, because He loves us. Just as we can’t understand the flood or the sacrifice of an innocent man, we can’t understand why we have to experience seasons of heaviness. I believe Paul explained it best, it’s written: For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. (1 Cor. 13:12) There’s no better way to explain it then this. In the flesh we can’t possible see ourselves the way that God sees us, nor can we see our future the way that He can. He knows our weaknesses, downfalls, vices, and He knows what things will interfere with our growth, and reaching the next level in life.

There are many things that our meager mind can’t comprehend [compared to the Awesome mind of God], even if He laid it all out for us, so it’s best to just thank Him every day of our life. Not just when things are wonderful, and we’re “happy”, but through every season. There’s always something to be thankful for, because we are Children of God. Everything that He puts in our path is a blessing, even if we can’t quite see it as that. The Apostle Paul taught us to “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! ” (Phil. 4:4) Here’s a man who truly suffered for Christ, and while in Roman prisons he rejoiced! Paul was no stranger to seasons of heaviness, and he knew how hard this could be. Nonetheless, he also knew God, and the saving grace of Jesus Christ, and that was something to rejoice about. Paul truly understood, and lived by, what Jesus said: My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and My Father are one.” (John 10:27-29) These are indeed some of the promises that allow us to rejoice always.

Seasons of heaviness are inevitable in the life of every human being, however when we accept Jesus as Lord, He lives inside of us, and gives us insurmountable peace, and an awesome strength, that an unbeliever can’t understand. Without God, your heavy seasons are more severe, and often times last longer than a believer, because we have power in the Name of Jesus Christ. If you’re tired of suffering alone, you don’t have to any longer, salvation is, and has always been, a free gift from God. All you have to do is ask Jesus to be Lord of your life, and believe that He lives; it’s just that simple. Take a few moments to take the God Quiz today! My favorite verses today are: Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous but grievous: nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. (Hebrews 12:11)

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Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY THURSDAY!

I pray all is well with everyone, and you're enjoying another beautifully sunny Friday eve. I thank you for your prayers and support, I know sometimes I ramble but I love to write, and it's therapeutic to share my thoughts with you. I appreciate the time you take to read them, and your continued prayers. If you have any concerns or questions, or just need a prayer, please let me know, because we are in fellowship together. Today's Black History month quote is: "I have learned over the years that when one's mind is made up, this diminishes fear." (~Rosa Parks) Enjoy the rest of the evening, and be blessed family!

Today's scriptures are about the attacks of "The Enemy". It's said that the enemy was an Angel in Heaven, and the director of music. He’s now known as a Fallen Angel, because he wanted to be more powerful than God. (Isa. 14:12) Lucifer was his name when he was still an Angel, but after he was cast out, he was referred to as Satan, the Devil, the Enemy, etc. He’s the reason for the Spiritual warfare we fight everyday. He first introduced sin to the world, as the serpent that tempted Eve in the Garden (Gen. 3:1), and he still reigns on earth today. He has a legion of demons working for him non-stop, tempting us to stray from the will of God. He's powerful, crafty, and smart. He knows God very well, because He used to be one of His top ranking Angels. He knows every word in the Bible and will use it to his advantage. For example, Jesus said: “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly." (Luke 21:34) He’s warning us to always be prepared for His return, and to avoid being drunk, wild, or fearful, but focused on Him. However, the devil would say something to us like, "It's okay to drink as much as you want, because even Jesus turned water in to wine at a wedding" (John 2:1-12), or he'll constantly try to get us to worry, and feed us that line "Life is short party and have fun". He twists the Word of God to manipulate us into thinking, doing, and saying what he wants. This is why it's so important to study the Word and meditate on it daily, and stay in constant connection with the Holy Spirit through prayer. A great rule of thumb for a Christian is, "If it doesn't feel right, then it probably isn't". The enemy loves to play mind games with us, and so Jesus warns 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) When Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, Jesus used the Word of God to defeat him, and like Jesus we can only defeat him with God’s help. The Devil will never completely win the battle, but God does allow us to be tempted for certain reasons, and we learn that in the book of Job. We're constantly being tested because God needs us to be on a certain “faith level”, before we're promoted to a greater "life level". How could we expect Him to bless us with a lot if we cannot handle the little we have? The Bible teaches us that enemy attacks will happen, especially when he thinks we're in the midst of a breakthrough with God. He'll send different demons to trip us up, by any means necessary. He’ll persuade us using a loved one, music, television, food, alcohol, or anything we could think of. The enemy has used all of us at some time in our life. He's constantly working on our weaknesses, until we become strong enough to endure. He wants our life to be a living hell because he knows that God wants us to experience peace, joy, and happiness every day. It’s necessary for us to study our enemy, because at times of war, each side gains as much intelligence on their enemy as possible. Before attacking, they need to know their weak spots, and how to defend against their counterattacks. The Word of God, prayer, and love are the only ways to fight evil. Through Jesus we have the strength to withstand anything the devil will throw at us, but we must put on the Amour of God (Eph 6:11), and most importantly REPENT [or turn away] from sin. Always remember this: You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4) The first step to defeating Satan is joining the army of the Lord through Salvation. Jesus is the only way to God, so ask Him to come into your heart as your Savior, and allow Him to strengthen you. My favorite verses today are: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour; whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. (1 Peter 5:8-9)

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