Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY TUESDAY!

Today’s scriptures are about being followers of Christ. Carrying the title “Christian”, brings so much controversy these days, and I have to admit, there are some good reasons. We have all types of Christians - the money hungry Christians, the backsliders, the bible thumpers, the judgmental Christians, the liberal Christians, and let’s not mention the “mega church” Christian scandals. I believe that people are just that, “people”. We’re all human, and when we lose focus on what’s right, we have the potential to carry any one of the aforementioned titles. I for one am proud to be a Christian, because to be a Christian simply means that I’m a follower of Christ. It means to believe that Christ is the only way to salvation, and that no man can go to the Father except by Him. It also means that you believe that Jesus was a perfect man, who walked this earth preaching the gospel - was killed, resurrected, and now live in Heaven with God, making intercession for us. If you believe all of these things, then you are a Christian (follower of Christ), no matter what title you claim.

The title we carry is nowhere near as important as the life we live. Jesus came so that we could have life more abundantly, and He taught us the way to claim, and live, that life. We can learn valuable life lessons from every Word written, that came out of His mouth, as well as by His actions. He never sacrificed His values, beliefs, or integrity, because of the strong opinions, and sometimes hatred, of the people around Him. He realized how important spreading the gospel was to the life of every human being. Jesus understood that it wasn’t about all Him, but there was a bigger calling on His life. He understood that as a Child of God, His actions would not only affect Him, but every believer that followed Him, for generations to come. He loved God with all of His heart, and loved us He loved Himself, and He went to His grave preaching that.

As Christians, our main focus should be trying to be like Christ from the heart, because Jesus is the only person who truly had life figured out. After all, He was “the Word that became flesh”, so He had a direct connection to Judge and Creator of the law. Jesus was a very humble and meek man, who walked according to the Word of God. He consistently quoted scripture from the biblical scholars, prophets, and men of God, who came before Him. He lived by God’s promises, just as He quoted to the devil, when He was tempted in the wilderness: But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” (Matt 4:4) He understood that we cannot adequately grow without nourishment from God, which can only be found in His Word. Jesus taught every sermon, and based every parable, on the Word of God, to instill in us the importance of following the principles, and Will of God. The only reason that we’re able to have this conversation today is because Jesus followed the principles, as well as God’s Will for His life. He expects the same from us, because He paid a great price to give us that privilege.

Jesus’ greatest lessons that teach us how to live a righteous and bountiful life can be found in the Sermon on the Mount. If you’ve never read these chapters, please take a moment and read them today. I promise they will change your life forever! Ask the Holy Spirit to help you truly “hear” the Word from the Lord, and fashion your life by it. Jesus will never lead us astray. Life is just as simple as He lays it out here: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt 5:3-10) Did you notice that Jesus never said, “blessed are those who are perfect, and without sin”? To sum it up, “Blessed are those who are after God’s own heart”.

Jesus gave His life so that you could have one, because He knows that none of us are perfect. He understands that we’re going to fall short, and He wanted to encourage us to keep pressing towards righteousness anyway. He’ll do His part to make sure that we reach it. Because of His bloodshed, we wear a veil of righteousness, and that’s what God sees when He looks at any believer, regardless of the “status” of our life. However, if you’re not a believer in Christ, then your sins are all that God sees. Take a few moments to take this God Quiz today. Those of us, who are believers, have the precious privilege to repent and be forgiven of our sins, but you don’t – not until you confess Jesus as Lord. My favorite verses today are: For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; ... but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously. (1 Peter 2:21-23)

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Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY THURSDAY!

Today's scriptures are about having self-control. I’ve learned to adopt this concept: “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” (Matt 7:12 NAS) Jesus gave us this command to help us be better individuals. We should see ourselves as a reflection of Christ, because we are created in His image. Jesus was a Man who walked uprightly, and was kind to everyone He encountered, not because He had to, but because He loved everyone, and wanted to show God through His actions. Nothing He did was in vain, and He took pride in knowing that just by being obedient, He was literally saving all mankind from destruction and eternal death. We should take on that same burden, knowing that our actions could easily bring life or death to people. If we’re claiming to be Christians, we’re taking on the responsibilities of Christ. We’re disciples, and not only are we required to love each other, but we’re required to share His love, and teach His commandments. However, how could we adequately teach something if we aren’t practicing it? It’s written: It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace. Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned. (Hebrews 6:4-8 NIV) Wow, Paul laid it all out for us right here, and in an “as a matter of fact” way. What Paul is saying is that it is impossible, once you’ve received the Holy Spirit, and have experienced the love of God, for you to live like a person who isn’t saved. If you do, it’s like crucifying Jesus all over again. Imagine how bad Jesus must feel when He’s in Heaven fighting for you, and you disgrace His Name? It is so important that we practice self-control in our Faith walk, because we are not only adding sins to our soul, but we’re pretty much worthless to the Kingdom of God. God has cleansed us with the blood of His only Son, to sow His love into us, and when we aren’t reaping, then we’re in jeopardy of falling by the wayside. It’s important to seek the Kingdom of God, commit to submitting to His will, and try our best to be obedient. When we’re doing those things, we’re sure to be wonderful representatives of Christ. We must “practice what we preach”, because we can do more harm to people’s Spiritual wellbeing by being dishonest, than anything else. We cannot live by the “do as I say, not as I do” mentally. We must lead by example, and there are so many lost sheep that are in need of leadership. They’re looking to those of us who confess Christ as Lord as their guide. How could I try to convince you to only eat McDonalds, because it’s the healthiest choice, but you only see me eat Burger King? We cannot convince these Spiritually lost and confused people that God is the only way to go, and condemn them for the lifestyles that they lead, if we lead those same lifestyles as well. We may not lead them as often, or as blatant as them, but we still lead them. This goes right back to the “treat people the way you want to be treated” moral value. You expect to be able to trust your teachers, or the people who are supposed to be showing you the love of God, so you must truly live like Christ, so that people will also trust you. Give yourself completely to God, and never look back. If you can do as Jesus commanded the “Rich Man”, and give up all that you have, [meaning the sinful and wicked ways you’ve become accustomed to], and follow Him, you’ll forever be in God’s good graces. As humans we’re comfortable with what we know, and when we’re asked to step out of our comfort zone, and trust something new and foreign, it’s sometimes hard to do. However, God is asking you to do your best to control your flesh, by changing your surroundings, praying without ceasing, and yearning for His Word. This allows your light to shine brighter with each day, and that light will help lead more and more people home to Christ. If you don’t have a relationship with Jesus, or aren’t sure of your Salvation, take Dr. Stanley’s God Quiz today! My favorite verses today are: Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. (I Corinthians 9:25-27 NIV)

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Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY MONDAY!

I pray all is well with everyone, and you're enjoying the beginning of another workweek. I'm doing well, praising God for another day; He's so good to us! I had a wonderful weekend with family and fellowship. Sunday we visited The National Church of God in Oxon Hill, MD, for family and friends day. It was really nice, we enjoyed the music drama, dance and sermon. If you live in the area and are looking for a good Church home, check them out one Sunday. Be sure to keep up with your vitamin, fruits and vegetable intake, and prayer to stay healthy. Have a wonderful day, and be blessed family!

Today's scriptures are about following in the paths laid by Jesus. God has created us to be leaders, but some of us are still followers. Individuals who are leaders still have to learn from those who came before us, and Jesus is the perfect teacher. To be considered a good teacher others must be able to learn from your every step. Jesus led by example, and did everything He taught us to do. He preached about the importance of prayer, meditation, and fasting. He demonstrated His fearlessness on the cross, because He taught that fear wasn’t one of ways of God. He demonstrated His unconditional love for His fellow man by praying for, feeding, and healing His followers. A wise man once said, "Give a man a fish and he'll eat for a day, but teach a man to fish and he'll eat for a lifetime". Jesus was truly that type of teacher. He forced us to think and apply the right principles to our life through the Holy Spirit. We'll find parables like the Prodigal Son, the Rich Man, the lost sheep, the Vinedressers, etc in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, that’s meant to teach on a Spiritual level using everyday scenarios. Although these gospels only cover a short span of Jesus' life, it gives us exactly what we need to live the life of a Righteous leader. Jesus said: “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest." (Luke 10:2) Look around you, there's a lot of work to do, and when we accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior we became His Disciples. Disciple is defined: One who embraces and assists in spreading the teachings of another. The decision to follow Christ is the first step in becoming a righteous leader. Then embracing His teachings, by studying the word, building a sound prayer life, and making meditation a vital part of our life. Finally, we must go out and make disciples of all Nations (Matthew 28:19). The keys to becoming a true Disciple or follower of Jesus, is losing all aspects of self, fear, and discontinue following the teachings of foolish men. Paul wrote: God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? (1 Corinthians 1:9-10,20) As leaders, we're teaching as well as showing one simple truth, the Cross (1 Corinthians 2:1-5). We must spread the good news that Jesus died on the cross and was resurrected on the third day, and He did this to save all mankind. We're also responsible for showing God's life through our own life, fashioning ourselves to Righteousness, because we teach more by our actions then words. We must spread God's love by being open and understanding to all, and doing what we could to help the lost find their way. A good leader knows the ways of Jesus Christ, and tries his or her best to follow Him. If you don't know Jesus as Lord and Savior then you're a slave to the flesh. You can be free of that, and evolve into a leader in His Kingdom by a simple prayer. Ask Jesus to be the Lord of your life, and then follow His lead. My favorite verse today is: Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. (Philippians 4:8)

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Daily Devotional Day & Night

HAPPY FRIDAY!

I pray all is well with everyone, and you're enjoying the end of another workweek. I'm doing well, TGIF! I'm looking forward to the weekend; I hope the weather gets a little better. It's been raining for the last few days, and it's time for some sunshine. It's technically still summer for the next 10 days. Wow, only 10 days left of summer, and it feels like the time has passed me by. The regular football season will started this week, Redskins vs. Giants this Sunday, can't wait, Let's Go Skins! I have to admit, I've grown to love football season (when the Redskins are playing). Considering that my brother plays now, my weekends will be filled with football for the next couple of months. I'm contemplating giving a dinner party for my birthday next weekend. I want do make something special for a select few special people in my life. I haven't decided, but I'll keep you posted. I'd like to take a moment to recognize the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and my heart and prayers goes out to the families. I could only imagine how this may still affect them 9 years later. Have a blessed and wonderful weekend, whatever you do, do it for the Lord!

Today's scriptures are about removing ourselves from the world, while still in it. How can we be in the world but not of it? The best way to learn how to do this is to follow the life of Jesus Christ. Jesus was God, but also a man who lived in the world but not of the world. He didn't sacrifice His beliefs to save His own life, let alone to please man. We have to live here day-by-day, work to earn a living to take care of family and ourselves. We must adhere to the laws of the earth, and raise our children with respect, love and the knowledge of God. It's written in John 16:33 that Jesus said: "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Through Jesus we too have overcome the world, hallelujah! Do you know who you are, and the power you hold? We're not subjected to the mediocrity of a person who isn't saved, because the blood of Jesus covers us. One of my favorite verses is Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. This is one of the most quoted yet less believed scripture in the bible. Our faith in the God in Heaven is what separates us from the world. No matter what goes on in our life, we must always understand that through Christ we can do all things. There's so much negativity and strife going on in the world, that it's easy to get caught up into its way of thinking. God warns us not to follow the instructions of a worldly man, but seek first the Kingdom. When we get to know God, we should share the wisdom He's granted us with the people around us. 1 Peter 4:10-11 says: As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen. Here's our answer, we should take on the mind and heart of Christ, and it's not that hard to do, because once we accept Him as Lord and Savior, He lives inside of us and gives us the Holy Spirit. All He can do is show us the way, but He can’t make us follow. A friend and I were talking yesterday, and he said to me “it's a scientific fact the negative and positive can't mix”. I totally agree, because negative forces run this world, but we’re filled with positive light. We must allow our light to shine without being influenced by the darkness that is here. Jesus constantly said "O ye of little Faith" to His followers, because He couldn’t understand how they could be walking with the Son of God, and see Him perform wonderful miracles, yet still question who He was. We do that to God all the, because we witness His grace in so many ways on a daily basis. People will always test you and question your faith, because we are peculiar people, so stay firm to your beliefs and live for the Lord at all times. Not just when it's convenient for you, but all times. As Pastor Stanley says, "obey God and leave the consequences to Him". Have Faith in God, and pursue all of your dreams and aspirations as if you have superhuman strength, because you do through Christ Jesus. God isn't asking us to be perfect, but He is asking us to try our best to be righteous, and realize that we’re Heirs to His Kingdom. Surround yourself with positive people, participate in positive activities, and find yourself a good Church home. You don't do these things because you have to, but do them because you want to separate yourself from the world. If you don't know Jesus as Lord and Savior then you are of this world, confess and repent of your sins, and ask Jesus to be your Savior right now. Once you do this, you're delivered. My favorite verse today is: Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind. (Romans 12:2)

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